Chapter 7

A Fathers message

The world seemed to fade and become muffled to her. She couldn't make her limbs obey her commands. Her mind was screaming at her to get to cover and return fire but her heart was also demanding that she attempt to get her father.

Before she could take any action she felt herself being picked up and carried. She looked up to see Vapor's familiar visor. Cassy was about to voice her objection when he cut her off, "Your injury will slow you down and I'm not about to break my promise to your father."

They emerged from the ruins to see stars filling the sky above them. Mark saw Vapor and Ranger glance at each other before take up positions at the rear of the group. He glanced at his HUD displaying the evac point 2 clicks away. His armor felt heavy on his shoulders and he couldn't get the image of Ryker going over the edge of the bridge out of his mind. He shook his head angrily. They were still in enemy territory and could still loose the engineers.

They managed to evade any patrols and quickly arrived at the evac point. Vapor set Cassy against a rock while he went to keep watch till their ride arrived. Mark took a moment to check on the engineers before looking for his sister. He saw her sitting against a rock examining the wound on her leg.

She gently touched the edges of the wound but drew her hand back with a venomous hiss. She heard someone kneel in front of her and looked up to see her brother. He pulled out the medical kit that he always had and began dressing her wound. They sat there quietly till he finished. He was about to get up but Cassy pulled him into a hug. He didn't fight it but rather returned it. "We will get him back sis." He told her quietly.

" He's not dead Mark, I just know he's not. " She replied

The sound of the dropship made them break apart. Keith walked over and helped her to her feet. " We have questions that need answers. " He stated. She gave a sigh and nodded.

"Later when we are back in the ship. I'll tell you everything." She said with a defeated tone.

The ride seemed to last only a few mins before she was whisked away to the infirmary. The doctors quickly stitched her up and the team but Vapor had taken more damage than he let on and required surgery for a broken shoulder and a collapsed lung.

She went back to her quarters to shower and that was when she finally let the tears fall. She cried and cursed as she processed the last 24 hours. She ran the battle over and over in her head, trying to find a way that it all could have ended differently. She cried harder knowing that she lost her family again!

A beeping noise pulled her from her despair that threatened to drown her. She got out of the shower and quickly slipped some clothes on and found the source of the noise coming from the terminal at her desk. She tapped on the icon flashing on its surface. A video popped up showing Ryker without his helmet. Her breath caught in her throat. He cleared his throat before speaking.

" Cassy, I thought that I should leave you this message before we depart on this mission. " He paused. " I wanted to let you know that I am so lucky to be the proud father of such amazing children. I think back to the day when I found you and your brother and wonder if I would have done anything differently... I wouldn't change anything. You have brought a joy to my life that I thought was gone forever. I have lost too many of my brothers and sisters and I thought I was never going to be able to feel that feeling again. You are my joy and my greatest treasure. I have watched you and your brother excel beyond others in your training and I want you to know that I am very proud. " He coughed. She smiled knowing that he hated talking for too long. " Keep fighting and remember that you're a warrior, warriors don't give up and they don't back down. They press forward and fight for those who can't. " He looked into the camera for a moment as if he was looking at her and not the lens. He then let out a sigh and put his hand to his lips before pretending to blow her a kiss.

Without thinking she raised her hand pretending to catch it and placed it on her heart as tears streaked her face. The video ended and she finally let out a breath that she didn't realize she was holding.

The computer dimmed and the ship's AI appeared on the desk. "He asked me to show you and your brother this if something were to happen to him." He said quietly. He looked up at her. " I am very sorry. "

She blinked and wiped away her tears. " He's not dead. I know he's not. " She said with a fire in her tone as she turned to leave her quarters. She paused and turned back to the AI.

" contact my team and have them meet me outside of the Eagles gate. "

Ronas smiled knowing what door she was speaking about. He sent the message before disappearing from the desk.