“V,” she warned.
His face flushed in shame, and he nodded. “I’m not supposed to talk about him. He’s gone, and he won’t ever come back.”
Kayla nodded sagely, her eyes shimmering from unshed tears. “I miss my mom.”
Veridian frowned. He was quiet for a long time before he said, “I can share mine with you. Mom stood up for you against Daryl. She does that for me all the time.”
Kayla’s brow furrowed in confusion. Skye smiled and brushed Kayla’s dark hair away from her face. Being alone in the world was a difficult thing, especially for a child.
“Veridian’s right,” Skye said gently. “I won’t ever replace the family you lost, but family comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, the one you choose can be just as important as the one you were born into.”
Kayla frowned. “You can choose family?”
Skye reached over to take Kayla and Veridian’s hands in hers. “Trust is a gift. In your life, there are going to be people who want to take advantage of you or hurt you. But there are good people too. The trick is figuring out who’s who before you get burned.”
Kayla cocked her head. “How do you know? Some people pretend to be nice, but they’re really not.”
“You’re right,” Skye agreed, wishing she could spare the children from these hard lessons. “You’re the only one who can decide who you want to trust. You can’t always trust someone’s words, but you can trust their actions. It’s the choices we make that show who we really are.”
Kayla was quiet for a long time. “I heard you talking to Chance. Daryl wanted to send me here by myself, but you wouldn’t let him.”
Skye sighed. “Daryl’s not a bad man, but he’s responsible for a lot of people. He made a decision, and I made one too. You're mine to protect, Kayla. You and Veridian.”
Kayla squared her shoulders, fierce determination shining from her eyes. It was a little disconcerting to see such a thing in a child her age, but Skye knew Kayla would need that steel core to survive. Kayla lifted her head and declared, “I trust you and V.”
Skye squeezed Kayla's hand. She might not be able to undo the harm that had been done to Kayla, but it might be possible to soften it. “If you want it, Veridian and I will be your family. From now on, you can always count on us to look out for you. If you’re ever not sure about someone, you can trust us. No matter what happens, we look out for each other, yeah?”
Kayla nodded. “Yeah.”
Veridian grinned. “Kayla’s gonna be my little sister?”
Kayla scowled. “I'm just as big as you.”
“But I'm older and know more stuff, like how to fix computers,” Veridian said, puffing out his chest a bit.
Kayla frowned. “I can learn that stuff too.”
Skye couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, and you will. Veridian can teach you, and so will I. There’s plenty you can teach both of us too. We all have our strengths. And if you're Veridian’s sister, he's your brother. So be good to each other. You two will always be able to rely upon each other.”
Veridian looked over at Kayla. “You can trust Leo too. He’s going to come get us. Just watch.”
Kayla frowned. “Leo helped save me when the building fell.”
Skye’s heart clenched at the mention of the man she loved. “Yeah. One day, Leo will be camp leader. He’ll look after you too. We both will.” She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned back against the wall again, hoping her words weren’t false hope. If Leo was still alive, he’d make his way here. She had to believe that. But no matter what happened to her or Leo, at least Veridian and Kayla would have each other.
Veridian started coughing again, and Skye frowned. It was getting worse. She offered him the water again, encouraging him to drink. He did and handed the empty canteen back to her. Skye put it down and started rummaging through the bag.
She’d brought the bracelet and coins with her, just in case they needed to make a trade for supplies. Thankfully, she hadn't turned over the items to Daryl. It would be better if she could sell the items directly to a trading camp, since no one here would have the supplies she needed. At the very least, she might be able to buy a ride with one of the coins. She’d need to start making inquiries and find out if Tali could keep an eye on the children for a few hours.
Skye stood and shoved the items into her pocket. “I’m going to get more water. Keep working on the wiring. I’ll be back soon. Keep that knife close to you, V.”
Both children nodded and went back to their task. Skye scooped up the canteen and headed outside into the darkness. It was busy with people lingering around, talking or heading to whereabouts unknown. She didn’t like leaving the children when there were so many people out, but if Veridian's cough was worsening, he needed to stay hydrated.
The well was situated almost in the center of the camp, which made it a popular meeting spot. They called it a well, but it wasn’t exactly that. Large collection tanks had been built to collect rain water and then makeshift pipes had been connected to direct the water over a filter made from small rocks and other sediment. It wasn’t as safe or effective compared to the treatment methods used at Daryl’s camp, but options were limited. They were fortunate to have this system set up. She’d seen places where people were responsible for their own water collection, using whatever resources they could find.
Skye swept her gaze over the area, making a mental note of possible dangers. A few people were paying her close attention, but no one approached. Satisfied, Skye leaned down to fill the canteen. She felt the air change as though the people around her held their breath. Understanding immediately, she capped off the spigot and straightened.
A man close to his mid-twenties, maybe a handful of years older, walked over to her. His clothing was newer and in better condition than most of the others here. He appeared healthy enough and could easily pass for a scavenger. Most people avoided the family camps, especially if they had another option open to them. It was likely he’d clashed with his camp leader and had been evicted from a scavenging camp relatively recently. At least, that was the best possibility.
Pretending to take her time closing the canteen, Skye held his gaze and waited. If she acknowledged him first, it would mean she wanted something, which she did if he had access to a speeder, but he was the one who’d approached her. She needed to play to whatever advantage she could, even if it was only an illusion.
“The name’s Wes.”
She inclined her head. “Skye.”
He gave her a slow smile, perusing her up and down. “I was asking around about you. No one knows much of anything.”
“Nothing to know,” she said with a shrug.
“I doubt that,” he murmured, assessing her with frank interest. “So tell me, Skye, what camp were you working before you ended up here?”
She arched her brow. “Does it matter?”
“Not overmuch. Call it simple curiosity.”
Skye paused, looking him over again. She didn’t recognize him, but there were too many scavenging camps to know every ruin rat. Her admission might work either for or against her, but she was desperate enough to take the chance.
“Up until a few days ago, I was with Daryl Markin’s camp.”
His eyes widened a fraction, and she knew he recognized Daryl’s name. It wasn’t terribly surprising. Daryl ran one of the larger scavenging camps, but it hadn’t always been that way. When she’d found him, Daryl had still been trying to find his way. The credits she’d earned in the trader camp from the previous two years had helped him outfit their camp with gear. From there, they’d been able to establish regular scavenging in higher-risk areas. It had been profitable for everyone involved.
“Impressive. I’ve heard Daryl can be a bit of a bastard.”
She lifted a shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. “Same can be said about most people.” Skye took a step toward him, making it obvious she was assessing him in return. “What about you?”
“I was in a smaller camp that
usually circulates throughout the northeast district. Leader was a feisty woman named Malia.”
Skye smirked. Based on his cocky demeanor and attitude, she didn't have to make a huge leap to figure out why he wasn't still scavenging there. “Shall I guess why you left?”
Wes barked out a laugh. “You’d probably be right. Malia didn’t take too kindly to me after a while, especially when I lost interest in her.”
Lifting the canteen, Skye took a drink. “Never a good idea to fuck the camp leader in any sense.”
“No shit,” he agreed with a grin. “Is that what happened to you?”
“Not even close.” Skye paused, cocking her head and studying him. “I’m still wondering why you’re here though. A scavenger doesn’t usually come back to the family camps without a reason.”
“Ah, guess we’re done dancing around,” Wes said, leaning against the wall. “I’ve worked two different camps. The first disbanded after the building we were using as a base collapsed. We lost most of our people. I met Malia shortly afterward and joined up with her crew. I was there about a year. After Malia and I parted ways, I decided I’d try striking out on my own.”
Skye reached down to top off the canteen again. His story wasn't unusual. It took a special skillset to run a profitable camp. For all Daryl's flaws, he had that talent. But it was still nothing compared to Leo. He not only had the talent but Leo also had the vision to accomplish great things. “So you’re here to recruit?”
“And to find people willing to buy in.”
She screwed the lid shut on the canteen. “Seems like you’re keeping the price low if you’re shopping here. Most of these people don’t know shit about real scavenging.”
“You’re here,” he pointed out with a smirk. “The way I figure it, you were probably tossed out of Daryl’s camp because of those two kids. Don’t know your story, but people around here have been talking. It’s obvious you and those kids haven’t been in a family camp for years. You must have been doing something right.”
Skye frowned, considering her options. There weren’t many, but Wes probably had transportation. If he was trying to put together a crew, he’d need that and much more. “Not sure what people are saying, but I’m not in a position to buy my way in. As you said, I’ve got those two kids. They’re a handful of years away from going into the ruins.”
He studied her for a long time. “Perhaps, but I expect they’ll do well once that happens. If they’ve spent the past several years in a scavenging camp, they’ve picked up more than most people here.”
She arched her brow. “Most people aren’t looking ahead a few years if they can’t survive the next month.”
Wes grinned. “I like to consider myself a visionary.”
“I need to get back,” she said, starting to turn away. Whatever Wes was peddling was something she couldn't afford to buy. No camp leader in their right mind would take on her and two kids. The fact he was still showing interest didn't sit well with her. Wes might not be a bad guy, but she couldn't afford such a gamble. Not yet anyway.
She’d only made it a couple of steps before Wes called her name.
He jogged up to her. “Skye, wait. I get it. You’ve got no reason to trust me. But you throw your lot in with mine and we have a chance.”
Skye slowed her footsteps but continued walking toward the building where the children were waiting. “You’re pitching this awfully hard for someone who knows what sort of baggage I’m carrying. Those kids come first for me. It’s why I’m here.”
“If they come first, you won’t remain here,” he said, his tone sharp.
She paused, turning to glare at him. “Talk. Fast.”
“You’re a scavenger, not just a tech,” he said, taking a step closer to her. “I see it in your movements. You marked me the second I approached, probably before. You've got the instincts. If you’ve been working Daryl’s camp for a while, you’re good. Better than good. My guess is that storm hit Daryl’s camp pretty hard, and he needed to cut someone loose. If you come with two kids, that means you were it. From where I’m standing, you won’t stay down on your luck for long. I need your expertise to start up a new camp.”
Skye blew out a breath. He’d summed up the situation rather nicely. “How many people do you have committed?”
“Two others. One has experience scavenging. She was cut loose after the last storm too. The other, Mack, is young, but he’s eager and hungry to learn. He's done some basic scavenging close to here, but I think he'll do well once we get him in the field.”
“Supplies?”
“Ah,” Wes murmured and rubbed his chin. “Now that’s a bit of a problem. I have a few I’ve stockpiled, but not enough to get established in the more profitable zones. It’ll be night scavenging for a while.”
Skye frowned and started walking again. He kept her pace but remained silent while she considered his offer. Night scavenging was dangerous, but she’d done it before. It was common for a new camp starting out until they were able to trade for enough additional supplies. Some camps never made it beyond that point. Sadly, she didn’t have many options.
She couldn't remain here, but she was still holding out hope for Leo. Every day that passed, her hope dwindled a little further. It was a tempting thought to go search for Leo herself, but she had no idea where to start or even how. He'd most likely tried to seek out the camps closest to the chasm, but there were hundreds of miles to cover. Dammit. She really needed access to a speeder.
With a sigh, she glanced over at Wes. “You staying here, or making the rounds at family camps?”
“Making the rounds, but I could be persuaded to stay.” He waggled his eyebrows and grinned. “Room in your bed for one more?”
Skye snorted. “Yeah, because I need another complication in my life. No, thanks.” She darted another glance at him and added, “Your last offer at sharing someone’s sleeping mat didn’t end too well. You might want to rethink making the same mistake.”
“You have a point, but some mistakes are worth it.”
Despite herself, Skye’s mouth curved upward. Wes was likeable enough, and his offer at starting a new camp was probably the best she was going to get for now. The longer she remained here, the fewer opportunities would come her way.
Stopping outside the building they’d been occupying, Skye said, “I’m not agreeing to join you, but I’ll think about it. Circle back around here tomorrow night and I’ll let you know.”
“Done,” he agreed, but they both knew she’d probably accept.
A scream from inside the building interrupted them, and she dashed inside. A man had his arm around Kayla’s neck, and Veridian was standing in front of him, wielding the knife. Kayla's eyes were wide and terrified, and Veridian didn't appear to be faring much better. His hand trembled, but he possessed a look of fierce determination.
“Let her go!” Veridian yelled, gripping the knife tightly but not budging from his position in front of the bag.
The man holding Kayla snarled. “Back off, boy. I just want the bag.”
Skye narrowed her eyes on Hobb, the man Tali’s son had pointed out as a troublemaker the first day they’d arrived. She’d seen him lurking around camp over the past few days, but he’d kept his distance until now. Hobb must have been waiting for her to leave in order to sneak in here. She didn’t see a weapon in his hand from this angle, but she wasn’t willing to risk it. Even if he was unarmed, it probably wouldn’t require much effort to snap Kayla's neck.
“V, move away from him,” Skye ordered, making an effort to keep her voice calm when all she wanted was to strangle Hobb. If anything happened to Veridian or Kayla, Hobb wouldn't leave this building alive.
“Listen to your mom,” Hobb snapped. “Go stand over there where I can see you.”
Veridian tensed. He glanced over at Skye, and she gave him a curt nod. He frowned but did as instructed.
Skye took a small step toward Hobb. “He won’t interfere. Release the girl and you can have the
bag.”
Hobb hesitated, glancing at Wes who was standing behind her. Skye held up her hand to stop Wes from interfering. “Wes, go away. This isn’t your concern. We’re simply making a friendly trade.”
“Not sure it looks too friendly from where I’m standing,” he muttered from behind her. “You sure about this?”
“Yes,” she said, not taking her eyes off Hobb.
“It's your choice. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” she agreed, listening to Wes's footsteps as he headed outside.
Hobb relaxed slightly. Good. The calmer he was, the more likely she could get the children out of this situation unharmed.
Skye kept her expression neutral. “I’m not looking for trouble. Release my daughter and take the bag.”
“Tell your son to kick over the knife.”
Skye stiffened. The last thing she wanted to do was give Hobb a weapon. “It’s not enough you’re taking our supplies? You want to take our last option for defending ourselves too?”
“Not my problem,” Hobb sneered. “Give me the knife and supplies or I’ll snap the girl’s neck.”
Skye turned to Veridian, hoping he’d understand what she was about to say. “V, I know Chance showed you how to use that knife and it means a lot to you, but you’re gonna need to do what he says. Put it on the ground and kick it over to him.”
Veridian stared at her, and she saw understanding dawn in his eyes. Leo had given him the knife and showed him how to use it. Chance had taught him misdirection, and it was that lesson she wanted him to call upon now.
His hand shook as he bent down, placing the knife on the ground. Skye knew he was terrified, but he managed to keep his composure. Angling back, Veridian kicked it a little too hard so it skidded past Hobb and to the far side of the room.
Hobb cursed, and he shoved Kayla in Skye’s direction. She grabbed Kayla and pulled her aside just as Wes ran back into the building. He tackled Hobb, falling to the ground and wrestling with him as they both tried to reach the knife. Skye pushed Kayla to safety, and in one fluid movement, withdrew the knife Chance had given her.
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