Page 3 of Silent Dust
Bear nodded, grateful for the steady bond holding the team together.
2 - BEAR
As they movedthrough the marketplace, Bear couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. The vibrant colors and sounds of the bazaar felt almost surreal against the gravity of their mission. He kept his eyes peeled, aware that danger could lurk behind any corner.
“Nova, what’s your status?” Bear called into the comms as they made their way toward the outskirts of town.
“Got a spot with a clear view of the building, looks like an old abandoned warehouse,” Nova reported quietly. “No movement, but I’ll stay alert for anything suspicious.”
“Good,” Bear replied, feeling reassured. “We’ll rendezvous with you shortly. Stay sharp.”
“Always,” Nova responded, her confidence resonating through the comms.
They moved swiftly through the darkening streets, the chaotic cityscape giving way to quieter, rundown neighborhoods. Bear paused, scanning the shadows. “Nova, any sign of trouble?”
“Nothing on my end,” she answered. “But there’s a blind spot to the west of the site. I’m sending Blast to check it out. If that kid’s been talking, we won’t be alone for long.”
Bear nodded and signaled the team to take cover behind a crumbling wall near the warehouse. “Blast, west side clear?”
From the shadows, Blast’s voice came low and urgent. “Not clear. Two militia guys hanging out near the west alley, watching the street.”
Bear’s eyes narrowed. “Keep low and keep eyes on them. Moose, you’re with me. We’ll approach from the east.”
“Got it,” Moose said, his usual lightness replaced by focus.
Bear turned to Link and Dog crouched beside him. Link’s fingers twitched nervously near his comms gear, eyes sharp but still absorbing the gravity of the moment.
Dog gave Link a firm look. “Keep your head in the game, kid. Watch my back, and I’ll watch yours. This is how you learn.”
Link nodded, swallowing hard but grateful for Dog’s presence. “Got it, Dog. I’m ready.”
Bear felt a surge of confidence in the team’s balance—experience and tech, youth and grit. “Stay alert. We move on my mark.”
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the bustling marketplace, Bear felt the weight of their mission pressing down on him. The vibrant colors of the stalls with all the bright fruits, handwoven textiles, and the chatter of vendors, faded into the background as he focused on the task ahead. He glanced toward the abandoned warehouse: its rickety door hung slightly ajar, hinges rusted and creaking in the wind.
“Dog, you’re with me. Link, cover our six,” Bear instructed, his voice steady despite the tension coiling in his gut.
They moved away from the marketplace, the sounds of commerce giving way to the rustling of leaves and distant bird calls. The path narrowed, winding through dense underbrush that seemed to close in around them. The air was thick with damp earth and a faint hint of smoke from a nearby fire.
Bear paused to survey the area. The warehouse was flanked by a cluster of trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. A rusted chain-link fence surrounded the property, sagging in places with gaps that spoke of years of neglect. The sun cast an orange glow over the scene, illuminating dust motes that danced in the air, giving the place an eerie, almost haunting quality.
“Stay alert,” Bear said quietly, scanning the perimeter. “We don’t know what we’re walking into.”
Dog nodded, his expression serious as he took a position slightly behind Bear, ready to react at a moment’s notice. A few steps back, Link kept his eyes sharp, scanning for threats while simultaneously monitoring the comms equipment strapped to his back.
The building loomed ahead; a dilapidated structure with peeling paint and broken windows, barely standing among crumbling neighbors. It felt like a ghost of its former self, but Bear knew better than to underestimate it. He signaled the team, and they moved in unison, each falling into their roles with practiced ease.
Approaching the entrance, Bear scanned the perimeter once more, wary of any surprises. The last thing they needed was an ambush in this desolate place.
He motioned to Dog to head right, and they exchanged a quick chin lift, eyes sharp as they scanned the shadows for movement. Bear reached for the door—its surface rough and splintered—and pushed it open slowly, the hinges groaning in protest.
Inside, dim light filtered through broken windows, casting long shadows across the floor. Bear stepped in, senses heightened, the stale air heavy with mildew and decay. He moved left as Dog turned right.
“Clear right!” Dog called out steadily from behind a stack of old crates. Bear nodded, focus unwavering.
Navigating through the maze of debris, Bear’s eyes searched for anything out of the ordinary. “All clear!” he confirmed, relief washing over him, though he remained alert.
The shack was more spacious than they’d expected, offering enough room to eat, sleep, and plan without feeling cramped.
