Chapter 11

Hal's POV

"Let me help you. This is a little heavier than the rest," I said to Maggie as I took the cartons of boxes from her and hauled them into the jeep.

"Well, tonight's the night," Maggie said as we continued to pack the stuff into the jeeps. Tonight under the order of dad and Colonel Weaver we will be going on our mission to put an end to Karen and its allies. I am all fire up to blow them off. We have put in hours, days and weeks of preparation for tonight. I stopped what I was doing and went close to Maggie and drew her into an embrace. This is an important mission and a dangerous one. Anything could happen

"Let this be the beginning of better days ahead," I whispered into her ears and gave her a small squeeze.

From the corner of my eyes I saw Ben and Matt walking towards where the group has gathered. Matt looked downcast. I knew what was on his mind and I guessed Ben would have explained to him by now why we are not including him into the mission. I am sure my little brother wants to contribute to the 2nd Mass but dad, Ben and I just wanted to protect him for the time being. Dad who was with Anne beckoned Matt over.

Pope and the Berserkers were at the other corner checking on their weapons and making some sarcastic remarks which I don't care to listen to. I have not entirely forgiven him for the misery he has caused Maggie or the many times he made things difficult for dad or Colonel Weaver or the 2nd Mass but he is part of the 2nd Mass fighting for the same thing as us.

I almost called out to Ben to give us some help when I saw him walking towards Kym, who was standing alone. They looked longingly at each other as Ben approached nearer. I'll leave them both to settle their own issues and I focus my attention back on getting the things into the jeeps.

"We are leaving in five!" Colonel Weaver roared. Matt hugged dad one last time before he walked over to me.

"Hey Matt! Take good care of Anne and Lourdes ok!" I said and ruffled his hair. He nodded and extended him arms to give me a hug. My heart swelled. No matter how confident I am with this mission, there is still this fear that some of us might not be making back to camp. The thought of not seeing Matt or Maggie or anyone in the 2nd Mass gripped me with sadness. But I know it will be worth it.

"Ben!" we heard a loud shout and almost instantly all heads were turned to the voice. We saw Ben, who was walking to our jeeps, stopped and turned around. Kym started running towards him at full speed and pulled him into a tight hug. The most unexpected and amazing thing was, when they both pulled away Kym kissed Ben slightly on the lips. Maggie and I looked at each other and couldn't stop smiling.

I punched Ben softly on the shoulder when he passed by. He looked shy and embarrassed but there was also joy. I looked over at Maggie and she gave him an encouraging smile. Matt gave him a thumb's up while muttering "Finally!" only loud enough for Maggie and I to hear. We three burst out laughing.

When everything was in order, we got into our jeeps and vehicles and drove off.

Kym's POV

I kept staring at the jeeps until they disappeared from my sight. Tonight will be another long night as I wait for their return, especially Ben's. I do not know what to expect but I have learn to accept and deal with whatever circumstances that come my way. This world is not what I want to live in but sadly it is the world I am living in now. I am not optimistic about the future but I know with Ben around, it will be better. Love will see us through all hurdles.

- END-