I tell her that attacking this soon means they haven't built back the walls or created more drones. The compound will be shorthanded, especially since they are unaware of the Integers' intentions.
I explain that we need to go all out to destroy the Flyz that are intended to be the transport for the Genesys to get to their respective bunkers. If they can't leave the compound, then Dr. Anfang can't set off the Ragnarok.
“We should get rid of Rene,” Brianna mumbles out loud, interrupting my explanation.
“Dr. Anfang?” I ask, and she nods. “I thought that there were others that can set off the Ragnarok if he dies?”
“There are,” she says. “But every time I see him, he seems more and more anxious to get the sequence started. He wants to be alive when it happens. He wants to see his life's work completed. The closer he gets to death, natural or otherwise, the more trigger happy he becomes.”
I see her point. Even if the next person in line might be as trigger happy, it's a risk worth taking. “I'll take care of it.”
“Also, I'm pretty sure there is a mole in the Mutineers,” she adds.
That's not good. If anyone finds out about these plans, we will lose the element of surprise. “Any idea who it might be?”
“I'm working on it.” Her eyes dart back and forth as she mentally recalls the faces of the Mutineers, searching for the mole.
Throughout the night, we go over the plan multiple times so she can relay it to Petros with accuracy. We talk about the types of munitions to take to Petros and speculate on who the mole might be.
When we both can't stop yawning, we realize that we should get some rest, especially since I need to have a lot of energy for the game and the attack.
Our last few hours spent together must have eased her paranoia, because she walks me out to the back of the compound. The early-morning sun greets us and reminds my eyes of how tired they are.
“I'll give you a signal when the game starts, and I will try to make the game last as long as I can to buy you as much time as possible,” I reassure her.
“Let's hope your plan works. It might be the last chance we get to stop this.” She turns back toward the door.
After a couple of seconds, I head in the opposite direction to go back to the barracks. When I arrive, I see a few of the Integers chatting outside. They quiet down as I approach. I realize that they might all respect me and see me as a leader, but they don't see me as a friend. I'm not available enough to befriend them. Perhaps when this is over, I'll have the time.
“Are any of you not playing in the Breekbal game?” I ask.
“Yeah.” Two of them raise their hands. “Yup.”
“Good.” I stifle a yawn. “13 mentioned to you guys that I would need you to do something during the game.”
They nod.
I continue. “You will take two other Integers and go to the back of the compound, where you will meet with a scientist named Brianna. Her hair is very red. You will be helping her with a mission and protecting her. She will tell you what needs to be done.”
“What's going on?” 13 joins the group.
“I told these two what their mission is during the Breekbal game.” I put my hand on 13's shoulder and walk past him.
“Perfect,” he responds.
“I need to rest. Wake me up before the game.” I turn into the building and walk into my room, shutting the door behind me.
When I fall onto my bed, my eyes shut, and absolute darkness greets me. My brain tries to dream, throwing images of KJ at me, but my exhaustion wins, and the darkness persists.
My eyes open to the sound of the banging on the door, but my eyelids shut to alleviate the burning screams my eyes yell in need of more sleep. My body seconds the sentiment. I have not rested enough. That time will have to come later.
“80.” I hear 13's voice come through the door. “It's game time.”
“I'll meet you all there,” I mumble as loud as I can. The lack of any more knocks lets me know that he and the other Integers have left for the Breekbal field.
My legs shake beneath me when I stand. I am not in the right place mentally, physically, or emotionally to compete. I just want to fall back down on the bed and sleep for days. Too many people depend on me, however, so I know I can't.
Needing adrenaline to fight this darkness, I take a deep breath and let out the loudest scream I can. My muscles flex all over my body, waking my limbs and heart up. The lids over my eyes stretch to their extreme and expel the burn. When the last of my air has escaped my lungs, I take another deep breath, driving oxygen to my mind, and slamming it to attention. The hair on my skin stands on end, sending shivers of adrenaline to every corner of my body. I'm ready.
I throw my door open and run toward the field. Spectators have already gathered. Most are scientists, but there are also some drones off to the side. Among the mass congregated on the closest sideline, I see Brianna speaking to a couple of other scientists.
When I reach the huddle of Integers, they all quiet down and look up at me, anxious for whatever wise words will come out of my mouth. I look over at 13.
He smiles at me and motions toward the group. “They're all yours, Captain.”
I look at the group. Some are anxious, but most are ready for blood. I look across the field and see the Genesys approaching the
