Epilogue


    Epilogue


    ***


    I couldnt help the smug grin as Gomorrah drove the Fury around the Black Bear Mining Corporations headquarters, then found a spot to land.


    There were people in the spot Gomorrah chose. A few soldiers sitting on crates and chatting. At least until they saw the car coming down, and started to drag things out of Gomorrahs way.


    The jobs not done, Gomorrah said as she pulled on some lever-thing in the middle of the dash with a satisfying clunk. I think that put the car in park or something. I needed to take a bit and learn how to drive one day.


    This is the boring part, Cause Player said from where he was squeezed in the backseat. He opened the door and contorted his way out.


    What bit? I asked.


    Where we ask the corporation some difficult questions about why their maps didnt match up exactly, and where we debrief the army about what to expect, Gomorrah said.


    I felt my grin fading a little. Can I take the third option? I asked.


    We also need to do a quick patrol of the town, but I think Cause Players already trying to be the one to do that, Gomorrah added.


    Cant we just go home and rejoice in our huge winnings?


    Come on, out of the car, you whiner.


    I laughed as I stepped out of the Fury then stood up and stretched. The day was turning to evening pretty quickly. I wasnt sure how much time wed spent underground, but I was pretty happy that we werent under there anymore. Open air felt great.


    Do you want to take care of the army, or the corp? Gomorrah asked.


    I turned to her in time to see her move to the back of the Fury and pop open the trunk. She practically threw my surviving mecha cat out, then my Whisper and my climbing gear. You okay? I asked.


    I need to go, she said as she slid into her car.


    Uh, in a hurry? I guessed while leaning into the passenger side of the Fury.


    She was already flicking switches on the dash. Yes.


    This isnt just some way of getting out of doing work, is it? I asked.


    She looked at me, expressionless mask locked in place and staring at me for a few long seconds. No, Cat, this isnt that. I need to go, somethings come up. I... I dont think I need help, alright?


    Alright, I said. But if you do need help, Im here, okay? Youve helped me plenty; the least I can do is return the favour.


    Yeah... thanks.


    I backed up as Fury lifted off, aimed up, then shot into the sky with enough force that I had to take a step back or be bowled over by all the wind.


    Something was definitely up.


    I wanted to get back home, maybe relax with Lucy as a reward for a job well done, but I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach that things wouldnt be that simple.


    Also, shed just left me stranded in Black Bear.


    Crap, Im actually going to have to work.


    The End!