There was a long silence and Tessa wondered if she failed, but Minnie stepped forward with her chicken Peck roosted on her shoulder. “Tessa’s always been good to me. She helped me more than anyone when I lost my family. She made sure I was protected. Tessa has always had a gentle heart, and I don’t expect that’s changed. If she wanted to destroy us, she would have done so already.”
After Minnie broke the ice, several simultaneous conversations erupted within the group. Some in Tessa’s favor, and others in opposition. She did her best to convince those in opposition, but fear was a difficult hurdle to overcome. Rebelling against H.I.V.E was terrifying, and they had a right to be scared. H.I.V.E held great power, and when they brought a fist down, they brought it down hard. H.I.V.E liked to make examples out of the people to keep the masses frightened and in line. It was how they maintained control.
Tessa persuaded a few, but the ones who refused kept their distance. At least she convinced the ones who didn’t want to take part in keeping their mouths shut. It was in their best interests not to bring the wrath of H.I.V.E down on the whole community. The presence of H.I.V.E in town didn’t bode well for anyone, no matter what side you were on.
Tessa was pleased with the number of families that agreed to help. Many volunteered to smuggle supplies to the rebel cause. Tessa promised she would take care of all the details of transportation, but she would like to bring a small initial haul home. Tessa knew their supplies at the base were dismal and wanted to bring some spoils back to share.
By the end of the day, the number of folks willing to help impressed Tessa. They were ready to assist the resistance. H.I.V.E had ruled for so long with an iron fist that people grew tired of their tyranny. The people prepared for a new tomorrow and wanted a world where everyone got an equal chance at survival.
Tessa took a few minutes to thank Minnie, who vouched for her. “You’re a good friend Minnie. Thank you for your kind words.”
Minnie smiled, “It was the truth that everyone thought, but no one was brave enough to say. Tessa, you’ve helped every single person in this town when they were in a tough spot. We should step up and lend a hand. You’ve never asked for anything in return. I wanted people to realize there’s a debt to be paid here that they should proudly pay.”
“It’s a risk everyone is taking.” Tessa wanted to make sure everyone understood that if H.I.V.E ever found out, there would be dire consequences.
“I think everyone knows the risks involved. I’ve weighed my risk, and I consider it’s riskier to do nothing. If we continue to stick our heads in the sand, nothing will ever get better. The writing is on the wall, and everyone can read it. Earth is dying, and we have no idea how much time we have left. Our future isn’t here on Earth, and so we need another plan.”
Tessa pulled Minnie in for a hug, “I hope that you get the chance to leave this place. Humanity needs a person like you. Our future needs your sage advice.”
Minnie hugged her back, and when she released and looked in Tessa’s eyes, “And you need to be a part of that. Evos and humans have been fighting for so long I don’t even think we know why anymore. You bridge that gap. You need to escape this place too to maintain peace and balance.”
“I’ll do what I can, but fair is fair, and my name goes into the draft the same as everyone else.”
“And that is what has always defined you, Tessa. You have integrity, and you were born to be a leader.”
13
Tessa considered her trip home a success even though not every family in Stillwater jumped at the opportunity to join her cause. She respected their decisions if that they weren’t comfortable defying H.I.V.E. She didn’t need to know their reasons. Only each individual family could decide what was best for them.
Tessa looked forward to returning to base with the good news. She would need to work on the logistics and send trucks to acquire supplies. The sooner, the better. If she secured a steady stream of supplies, then Tessa could grow her base and support all those that joined.
Sam picked Tessa up in a chopper and they loaded some supplies on board. She managed to score some fresh food and grain to bring back to Chicago and share. Sam seemed pleased to visit his family. They were proud of their son and agreed to help their cause.
Sam didn’t say much about the base on their return flight, but he mentioned that the base would surprise her, and he was right. Tessa arrived at headquarters to find the population more than doubled. The terminals filled up with makeshift homes divided and organized. The airport’s restaurants and shops now replaced with supply stations and trade brokers. Sam later explained that with the influx of people and the gangs’ assistance, they could complete more and more raids, and the supply levels increased daily. There was still a ways away before they were stable with no worries, but it was a step in the right direction.
Sam also briefed
