Ruins of Fate

by Jamie A. Waters

  She arched her brow. “Where are we going? We need to get those supplies.”

  Leo didn’t answer right away. He led her into one of the abandoned rooms of the building. “We’re going to need to convert this room into Daryl’s new office.”

  Skye swept her gaze over the room. It was the same as any other, except full of debris. They could push most of it to the side for the time being to create a usable space for Daryl and some of their storage items.

  She brushed her hair away from her face. “You want to do this now? Or just move the supplies in here?”

  Leo turned toward her and put the light on the ground beside them. Gesturing to her hand, he said, “I want to know how you’re feeling.”

  She frowned. “It hurts, but I’m glad I didn’t use the last of the pain medication. Niko’s going to be in for a rough time when it wears off.” She lifted her injured hand and wrinkled her nose. “This is nothing compared to that.”

  “There’s a good chance Niko won’t make it,” Leo admitted quietly. “I’ve seen injuries like his before. If we can’t get additional medical supplies from OmniLab, we may have to end his suffering. I don’t think any of us want to watch him slowly die in pain.”

  Skye squeezed her eyes shut. She’d seen injuries like his too. The potential for complications and not healing properly was enormous. None of them could make that decision for Niko though. “I need to take Veridian out of camp if it comes to that. He won’t understand.”

  Leo cupped her cheek with his hand, and she immediately leaned into his touch. He ran his thumb across her cheek and whispered, “If I hadn’t stopped you from going back into Daryl’s office…” He paused. “I don’t want to think about what could have happened.”

  Opening her eyes, she saw the raw pain in his expression. Realizing his need for reassurance was as great as hers, Skye took a step closer to him and placed her hands against his chest. Leo’s heart beat steadily beneath her fingertips, and she swallowed. It could have just as easily been him.

  “You were standing right where Niko was just seconds earlier.” The thought made her feel lightheaded, and she gripped his shirt tighter. A lump formed in her throat, and she hastily blinked back the tears threatening to escape. “I can’t lose you, Leo.”

  “Baby,” he whispered, searching her expression, “if you need to cry, go ahead.”

  She nodded, understanding immediately why Leo had brought her in here. It would be hard enough for Veridian to cope without witnessing his mother falling apart too.

  Skye let the tears fall, and Leo pulled her close, burying his face in her hair. Leaning against him, she wrapped her arms around him and listened to the reassuring sound of his heart beating. Leo held her for a long time, rubbing his hand up and down her back. They stayed like that for a long time, silently conveying everything that mattered. They were both alive, and with any luck, they’d continue to remain that way.

  Taking a steadying breath, Skye forced herself to push aside her fears and focus on what needed to be done. The longer they stayed in here, the less time they had to move their supplies before more were ruined by the storm. Lifting her head to look up into Leo’s eyes, she said, “Thank you.”

  He gave her a small smile and cupped her cheek. “You don’t ever have to thank me.”

  “I do,” she said, running her hands over his chest again. “You always seem to know what I need.”

  “It’s no more than what you’d do for me, Skye.”

  She nodded, lowering her gaze to study his shirt. It was damp under her fingertips, both from the rain and his exertion. “When the sun comes up, we can power up the med scanner to find out the extent of the damage to Niko’s legs. The pain medication won’t last more than six hours though.”

  Leo was silent for a long time. He trailed the back of his fingers down her cheek, and she knew he was thinking and weighing all the possibilities in his mind. “There’s one more dose of pain medication before we’re completely out. We can give him a blood thinner too. We have a few things we can trade for additional medical supplies, but not enough.”

  She frowned. “We still have a bunch of people in the ruins. Maybe they were able to scavenge some items before the storm hit.”

  “We’ll hope, but we can’t count on it,” Leo said quietly, his expression turning grim. “If you’re ready, let’s go see what we can salvage from Daryl’s office. As soon as the storm lets up, we’ll have a better idea about what we have to trade.”

  Skye nodded, and he picked up the portable light. It was going to be a long night, and even longer until the storm finally abated. But as long as Leo was by her side, they’d get through it together.

  Chapter Four

  Leo glanced down at the crate he was inventorying, comparing the contents with the information on his tablet. Despite their efforts, the majority of their excess supplies had been destroyed. They’d managed to salvage some items, but there were fewer remaining supplies than expected.

  It had been two days since Skye had almost fallen off the roof and Niko had been injured. Some of their people were still holed up in the ruins. The worst of the storm had finally passed earlier that morning. Once it was safe enough to travel, their people would be heading back. The scavenging teams had a few emergency rations with them, but only enough for a day or two. With any luck, they’d just be tired and hungry, but there was no way to know until they arrived.

  Hopefully, Skye’s actions on the roof had prevented severe injuries. They’d been fortunate enough to get out an emergency signal, but it hadn’t done her any good. She was still favoring her hand a little too much. The longer Skye’s hand took to heal, the more likely the wound sealer would fail and increase the chances of infection.

  Leo would continue to watch it, but he needed to consider some other options before it got to that point. That didn’t even take into account the medical supplies Niko needed to recover from his injuries. His agonizing cries could be heard throughout the camp when he was not unconscious. If they didn’t get more medical supplies soon, it was unlikely Niko would survive the week.

  Trying to keep Veridian away from Niko, Skye instructed Veridian on how to purify the water they’d been collecting from the storm. At least they didn’t have to worry about water for a while, even if nothing else good had come from the heavy rains. Skye and Veridian worked together to ladle purified water into hydrating packs and then sealed them. It was simple enough work and Veridian was eager to help his mother.

  Leo sighed and tried to ignore his growing headache. One good score in the ruins would remove a lot of pressure. They needed to get back to scavenging as soon as possible.

  Skye laughed at something Veridian said, and Leo lifted his head to observe the two of them. Her blue eyes twinkled in the artificial light of the workroom, and he couldn’t help but smile in response. Skye lit up the entire room when she laughed, and it brought some light into all their lives. Everyone within the camp had been charmed by her on some level, and she added some much-needed levity to their existence.

  As though sensing his gaze on her, she glanced over at him and her eyes warmed. The sight was enough to make him debate whether or not to put aside the inventory and join them. It was difficult keeping his distance from her, but it was necessary to keep camp gossip to a minimum. Everyone knew he was sleeping with her, but as the camp leader’s second-in-command, perceptions of favoritism could easily work against Skye. Leo wasn’t willing to risk it.

  Daryl already had reservations about Skye’s continued worth to their camp given her son had come with her. Most people with children lived in family camps in some of the outlying areas. Skye had managed to buy a position when she was pregnant with Veridian, but after so many years, Daryl’s goodwill had disappeared. Despite their best efforts to scavenge enough artifacts to trade, Veridian was still another mouth to feed and their resources were few. It would be better once the boy was older and able to contribute more, but that would take time.

  Skye brushed
her blond hair away from her face, her smile fading at the sight of someone standing behind him. Leo tensed, knowing it was one of a handful of people who would make those charming dimples of hers disappear.

  “Leo,” Daryl said. “I need a word with you.”

  Leo held Skye’s gaze for a moment before she turned away to help Veridian fill another hydrating pack. With a sigh, Leo put his tablet on the top of the supply crate. He followed their camp leader down the corridor and into the room they’d temporarily set up as an office. It was private, which didn’t bode well.

  Daryl turned to face him, his expression grim. He was only a dozen years Leo’s senior, but the deep lines on his face made him appear a great deal older. “Niko’s not doing any better. Alanza doesn’t think he’s going to pull through.”

  Leo nodded. “She told me this morning. We used the last of our pain medication on him yesterday. He’s got multiple compound fractures. If we can’t get a bone mold to correct it, he won’t heal properly.”

  “We don’t have enough in tradable goods to afford that,” Daryl said with a sigh. “I’ve also got some concerns about Skye. When she doesn’t think anyone’s watching, it’s obvious her hand pains her. She could barely grip a screwdriver earlier. Chance said it’s pretty bad, but she brushes it off when he’s asked. Has she told you anything?”

  Dammit.

  Leo tried to keep his expression neutral. He’d been expecting this discussion but had hoped she’d be doing a bit better by now. The metabolic booster must have lost its effectiveness. Sometimes, the OmniLab traders gave them older equipment that was at the end of its life expectancy.

  It wouldn’t help Skye or Veridian if he handled Daryl’s inquiry poorly. Daryl wasn’t an evil man, but based on Leo’s initial inventory of the camp’s dwindling supplies, their situation was becoming dire. They’d likely have to make some difficult decisions soon. With Niko and Skye injured, that meant both their positions within the camp were in jeopardy.

  “Skye took a huge risk on that roof, Daryl. We managed to get a warning out to everyone about the storm so they could find shelter. Thanks to her, we still have an operating camp.”

  Daryl crossed his arms over his chest. “You didn’t answer my question. How much damage did she do?”

  Leo sighed. “It’s a deep wound, but she still has mobility in her fingers. We won’t know more for a while.”

  Daryl rubbed his temples as though trying to ward off a headache. “You know I like her, Leo. That’s not what this is about. Hell, if I could pick and choose people to stay based on personal preference, it wouldn’t be an issue. She’s a good worker and always willing to do whatever is necessary to get shit done. But if she can’t work, I can’t keep her and Veridian here.”

  Trying to keep his temper in check, Leo didn’t respond right away. If Daryl kept pushing him on this, they were going to have a serious problem between them. “What are you suggesting? We toss her and the kid out because she got hurt trying to save our people? Fuck that, Daryl. You want a mutiny on your hands? Keep walking down that path.”

  Daryl frowned, anger flaring briefly in his eyes. “Don’t threaten me, Leo. We’re likely going to lose Niko, and he’s a damn good scavenger. I need people who can work. If Skye’s injury takes weeks or months to heal, we can’t afford to support her and Veridian for all that time. She can come back eventually if she wants, but you need to be objective about her. This is why I don’t tolerate emotional shit in my camp.”

  Leo stiffened. “I’m keeping an eye on the injury. But keep in mind, we don’t know what shape our people will be in when they return. If any of them are hurt too badly, you’re going to need Skye to help get things done. In the meantime, she’ll work. That woman will sacrifice anything and everything to keep this camp functional. Even with her injury, she’s been hauling crates and working right alongside the rest of us. I’ve scheduled her to go back into the ruins tomorrow. I’ll be with her.”

  The camp leader nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “All right. We’ll give it a few more days. But if she can’t produce…” His voice trailed off, and he sighed. “I know what I’m asking isn’t easy, Leo, but you’re my second-in-command for a reason. I need you to try to put aside your feelings for her and consider what’s in the best interest of our camp.”

  Leo’s jaw clenched, but he inclined his head.

  Daryl walked over to the crate he’d been using as a makeshift desk and picked up a tablet. “This last storm was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. If this was an indicator about what the rest of the season has in store for us, we’re in serious trouble. We have at least another month of these storms and only two or three more days of supplies left. When you’re finished with the inventory, let me know. We’re going to need to run an assessment of everyone’s productivity scores. We may not have a choice about making some hard decisions.”

  Leo gave him a curt nod. “I’ll do what needs to be done.”

  Without saying another word, Leo turned and left the room. He managed to keep his temper under control, but just barely. He’d meant what he said about doing what needed to be done—he’d do whatever the hell was necessary to keep Skye there. Those family camps weren’t safe for someone like her or for a kid like Veridian. He didn’t want to think about what could happen to them in a place like that. Skye was beautiful and too damn sweet for her own good. And Veridian… hell, the boy had a sensitive soul. Neither one of them were suited to that sort of life. Going back there might destroy the precious spark inside both of them.

  Leo clenched his fists in frustration. If Skye hadn’t been so protective of their campmates, she wouldn’t be in this position now. It had been an easy enough assignment: get on the roof, check the equipment, and get the hell off. But she always cared too much about everyone, even to the point she’d sacrifice herself for them. It was noble, but they couldn’t afford nobility. He needed her to stay safe. Or as safe as possible, given the precariousness of their lives.

  Heading back into the workroom, Leo approached Skye and Veridian. She lifted her head, searching his expression, and frowned. Brushing her uninjured hand over Veridian’s hair, she said, “V, why don’t you keep working here? I need to talk to Leo. Just make sure to test the contamination levels on each hydrating pack before you seal them. If any of them aren’t within the parameters I showed you, put them off to the side for me.”

  Veridian looked up at Leo with brown eyes that were far too perceptive. “Daryl’s mad again, isn’t he? Is he going to make us leave?”

  Before Leo could respond, Skye crouched down beside Veridian and tilted his chin to meet his eyes. “Does it matter where we are?”

  Veridian frowned. “I don’t want to go.”

  “Location isn’t important, V,” she reminded him, her voice gentle. She traced a heart over his chest and added, “What matters are the people we care about. We’re survivors, and we’ll do whatever is necessary to keep surviving. Remember that.”

  When Veridian nodded, Skye smiled. “Good. Now, how about you finish working on these hydrating packs for me? I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “Okay.”

  “Thanks, little man.” She kissed his cheek before standing.

  Leo frowned. Sometimes, he worried Skye protected the boy too much. Veridian would eventually need a bit of hardening if he was going to survive what life handed him in the future. Unfortunately, those lessons would likely come sooner than any of them hoped.

  Not trusting himself to speak before he got Skye alone, Leo led her back into the empty room where they slept. Rudimentary sleeping mats had been sandwiched together on the floor. He usually slept beside her and Veridian, and Skye frequently curled up against him at night. Holding her and listening to the soft sounds of her breathing while he fell asleep was more peaceful than anything he’d ever experienced. The sight of their sleeping mats beside one another only reinforced his need to do whatever was necessary to keep her with him.

  Leo turned back around to l
ook into Skye’s worried eyes, wanting to reassure her but knowing he needed to be honest.

  “Well, damn,” she murmured, taking a step toward him. “Your expression is about as unpleasant as that storm. How bad is it? Was Veridian right? Does Daryl want us to leave?”

  Leo sighed and shook his head. “Not yet. Our supply levels are lower than we expected. Daryl’s concerned about Niko and your hand. Chance was running his mouth again and told him your injury was bad.”

  Skye gave him a small smile. “Did you expect any different? Chance is the best source of gossip this side of the Omni Towers.”

  He blew out a breath. “Yeah, and I intend to have words with him about keeping his mouth shut. He doesn’t need to be causing more problems around here. Daryl’s about to snap. I think we all are.”

  She tilted her head and took a step closer to him. “You can’t give Chance too hard of a time. It’s been tough around here the past few days. We’re all going a bit stir-crazy wondering what’s happening with everyone still in the ruins, but it’ll get better soon enough. Now, how bad is the situation with Daryl?”

  “I’ll take care of Daryl. I don’t want you to worry about it,” Leo said, realizing he was trying to reassure her just like she’d done with Veridian.

  Skye frowned, her eyes becoming suspicious. “You’d better not be thinking about putting your position in jeopardy by covering for me, Leo. The risk on that roof was mine to take. I want your word that you won’t sacrifice your future for me.”

  “No,” he said, refusing to make any such promise. As far as he was concerned, she was his future. At least, the only future he wanted. “I told Daryl you were going back into the ruins with me tomorrow.”

  Skye blinked up at him with those gorgeous blue eyes of hers. “Not that I’m objecting to some alone time with you, but even if we go to the ruins, some of those areas are going to be flooded or weakened. We’ll need to take extra supplies with us just in case, but the camp only has enough food for another few days.” She frowned and shook her head. “This storm messed up everything. We haven’t managed to scavenge anything in the past three days.”