Chapter 41: Departure

(The Tower's Hospital, Floor 19 - 9:38am...)

L-K

Okay well, I suppose my plan had an update! And with that in mind, I feel like we should do one more quick recap. The good news? We were able to figure out what was happening to Libby and more importantly, she was still alive. Plus, no signs of turning. So that should be it, right? Next on the To-Do list: get her and Zere's samples to Camden, ignore any sh*t from Rais if I could and... I don't know, maybe figure out how to resolve things with Jade? Hmph, it all sounds simple, doesn't it?

Or it would do, if weren't for my former boss coming back!

I mean—! How do I...? Where do I even start with this? I've told you what Grace was like, okay? My brother and I enjoyed calling her the Academy Award Winner for Best Queen B*tch, because let's face it - she would be a great recipient for that. I hated having to deal with her strict attitude and her rude remarks about my "erratic" behaviour, as well as the way she had been treating everyone here. She just—! All she cared about was that damn file and since I'm looking back on this, I think she made that pretty clear by forcing me to screw over innocent people to find it. And—! And now there was a chance she could start hunting Libby down for the GRE's fake research or...! Whatever sick, twisted plans they had in mind for her, who knows? But in any case...

F*ck. That! I'm not gonna let that happen!

I think it's also safe to say that whilst she was explaining everything, I had already started brainstorming on how I could help her get out of potential situations such as the one I mentioned just now. And even though I knew she was capable of using a firearm, as well as her switchblade; a small voice in the back of my head was telling me that she'd have to start learning how to use better weapons if the GRE were to hunt her down. And you know what? I couldn't disagree, hence why I decided to add that to my To-Do list as well. Okay so, just need to figure out which one would be good to start her off with. Uuh, shotgun maybe? Or would the hunting rifle be better? I don't know.

Argh...! F*ck it. Think about this another time.

"Crane?" A familiar voice greeted my ears, two of which I knew had to address at some point since I woke up. Oh sh*t!

"Henry," I fought to calm my sudden nerves as I turned to face him, whilst Libby was staring at the both of us with a look that clearly stated: 'What the f*ck is happening?' I wish I knew the answer to that, as well. "I'm, uh, I'm glad to see you're still in one piece. What's up?"

Unease flickered in the man's eyes. "Um, nothing really. I just wanted to make sure that Libby and Jade were okay, considering what happened earlier," Yeah! I'm fine too, thanks for asking!

"I'm fine," The 18 year-old tried to reassure him, despite hiding a visible grimace.

"Are you sure?" His brows furrowed worriedly.

"Yeah," She confirmed. "I don't know about Jade since she's still MIA apparently. But, uh," An innocent shrug. "I'm sure she's alright," Hopefully...

"Did you figure out the cause behind what you went through?"

"We did and er, for your information - you're not gonna believe what it is, man," I chimed in, prompting him to raise an eyebrow. But he could ask any more questions, I turned to address the young girl with a concerned: "Libby, you okay telling Henry whilst I make Brecken aware of what we've discussed?"

"Sure,"

"Alright," I smiled. "I'll be around back if you need anything, okay?"

Libby nodded in a shaky manner. "Thank you," Come on Lib, where did that smile of yours' go?! You're gonna be fine! Me, Jade, Rahim, Brecken, Melanie and Henry, we've all got your back!

With that, I left them to it and I practically had to stop myself from shuddering as I ventured back to where Brecken and Lena were. And Crane, you shouldn't be so nervous either. Everything's gonna be fine! Though, now that I remember that? Famous last words. And if you could do me a favour and save the questions for another time? That would be great. I will explain what I mean by that soon. It's just—! It's just too much to think about right now.

Anyway, back to it.

"Hey," I greeted my two friends. "How are you guys holding up?"

"We're good," Brecken offered a small grin.

"We're doing fine," Lena responded in an appreciative manner. "How's Libby?" Scared sh*tless?

"Yeah, she's okay," I reassured her. "Talking to Henry right now," My brows then knitted. "Um, listen, I think there's something you should know,"

"Alright?"

"What is it?" The Tower's leader asked with confusion.

Cue a nervous gulp. Don't panic, Crane. You know she's in safe hands. "Libby's just told me that, uh, someone from the GRE had contacted her earlier a-and...!" Don't panic! "And this person knows that she's immune to the virus. Neither of us know how they found out because it's classified," Which is f*cking stupid! "But I think you guys should be aware of that,"

Hearing this, Brecken clenched his fists with anger. I know, man. I'm p*ssed too. "Okay," A more calmer approach. "Do we know who this person is?"

"Yeah," I answered worriedly. "Er, funnily enough, it's Grace,"

"Her?"

"Yep," I shot back. Please don't ask me questions about what else she might planning, because I'm just as clueless as you are!

Thankfully, a worried Lena stepped in. "Listen, Crane - neither of us know what the GRE are capable of, but I should imagine that you do. Am I right in saying that?"

"Yeah, you are,"

"Okay, so what do you think they'll do?"

"My best guess?" I explained. "They might probably send some mercenaries after Libby, but if it does come down to that - then I'll make sure she knows how to handle them," Cue a small smirk. "Pfft, she'll be a master at the hunting rifle in no time!"

I was relieved to notice that my words had reassured them both, as they were visibly more at ease now. Oh, thank god! But before either of them could respond, static from Brecken's radio unfortunately interrupted. "Sh*t, sorry, hang on," He then switched it on. "Hello?"

"Brecken? Hello, Brecken? Do you copy?" Camden's voice came through the other end. "It's Camden," Huh? Why would he be—? You know what? Never mind.

"Hello, Camden," My friend smiled with relief. "It's good to hear from you. Everything alright?"

"I'm afraid not," The doctor replied in a perturbed manner. "This isn't any of my business, but did Jade tell you that she's coming to my lab?" What?!

"Um, no, she didn't," Brecken answered, exchanging an equally fearful glance with me. "Is she headed your way right now?"

"Yes and she's got Zere's research," Oh f*ck! "She told me that there was a change of plans, but I could tell that she seemed... scared almost? So, I wanted to ask if everything's okay in your neck of the woods?"

Upon hearing our acquaintance's words, I couldn't help but feel a twang of guilt. It's because of me, isn't it? I mean, of course it is. Why else would she take off like tha—?! Nope! Stop beating yourself up, Crane! Just focus on helping Libby. Speaking of my surrogate daughter, I turned my head to glance at the Sickbay's entrance where I had left her ... only to find that she wasn't there anymore. Well, Henry's still hanging around. But I'm assuming Libby's gone back upstairs for Rahim and Melanie? Yeah, that's gotta be it.

"I..." The Tower's leader sighed. "Things could be better, to be honest," Cue a concerned look in my direction. "Rais has been putting us through the wringer and, er, we all have our ways of coping, I suppose,"

"That makes sense," Camden remarked sympathetically. "When should I expect Crane and Libby to arrive? Shortly?"

"I believe so," Brecken responded, mere seconds after noticing me nodding. Right, f*ck this. I'm going after Jade now. Not gonna wait until later.

"Very well, then. I'll keep you updated. Over and out,"

Once their conversation was over, I instantly questioned my friend. "How do you get into Old Town, Brecken?"

"You're planning on going now?"

"Yeah," I confirmed his suspicions. "No point in f*cking about when Jade's out there feeling sick," I then turned to address Henry with a firm: "Hey, Henry?"

"Hm?" He looked in my direction.

"I'm gonna head out to Old Town, you want to come?"

"Sure, I'll get my bag ready," Okay, nice!

After he walked out onto Floor 19's hallway, I turned back to face Brecken with a raised eyebrow. "So?"

Cue another moment where I was thankful for Lena stepping in because judging by the look on his face, my friend clearly wanted to argue with me. But upon seeing her glower at him, he ultimately gave up. "There's this group called the Saviours that smuggles people through. They have a den at Nico's Bar in the Cauldron, near the highway. The contact's name is Cenk,"

"Okay, do you have enough runners to cover airdrops?"

"The airdrops stopped thirty-six hours ago," Lena informed us solemnly. Wait, what?! "There won't be any more,"

"We're out of time, Crane," Brecken added.

"Sh*t," I growled in defeat. "All right, look. I don't know if I can fix any of this?" Cue a determined nod. "But I'm sure as hell gonna try,"

This earnt a pleased smile from the doctor, whilst my friend's eyes softened. "You know? Most men in your situation would crawl into a hole and hide,"

I stifled a chuckle. "Yeah,"

"Hats off to you, mate. And good luck,"

"Absolutely," Lena agreed. "Take care of yourself, alright?"

"Thanks and yeah, I will," I said appreciatively. "We'll see you soon,"

With that, I turned away and walked out into Floor 19's corridors before turning a left for the staircase. As I made my way up to my room on the next floor, I admittedly felt surprised that pure determination had won its' own small bar fight against my nerves. Though if I'm being honest, I think the reason for that was very simple. No, scratch that. Two reasons.

Libby, I'll help you fight those GRE sh*theads one way or another. So, you're gonna be fine. I've got your back, kiddo! And Jade...! I know I f*cked up here, but I hope we can maybe resolve things one day. Truly...