Ch 26: The Gathering Clouds

The morning came with a biting chill, the kind that hinted at a storm not far off. Kael was already up, tinkering with the crawler's engine as Mira stretched, yawning loudly as she climbed off her makeshift cot near the dying embers of last night's fire.

"You ever sleep?" Mira asked groggily, running a hand through her disheveled hair.

Kael didn't look up from the engine. "Not when there's work to be done."

Mira smirked and shook her head. "You're gonna burn yourself out before the Hounds even get to us."

"Maybe," Kael replied, tightening a bolt. "But at least the crawler will run when we need it."

She wandered over, peering at the mess of wires and components he was working on. "What are you even doing to it now? It already runs like a dream compared to most rigs out here."

"Adding another layer of armor to the engine," Kael explained, his voice matter-of-fact. "If the Hounds catch up to us, they'll aim for the crawler first. Can't afford to lose mobility."

Mira nodded, impressed despite herself. "Smart. But you know they'll bring more than just guns next time, right?"

Kael paused, his hands hovering over a wrench. "I know," he said quietly.

The weight of his words hung in the air. They both understood the kind of force the Consortium's Hounds could muster. The Wraiths had been a test—a preliminary hunt to gauge Kael's capabilities. The real threat would come soon, and it wouldn't be something they could simply outwit or outrun.

Mira leaned against the crawler, watching him work. "I've been thinking about what you said last night," she began.

Kael grunted in acknowledgment but didn't stop tinkering.

"You're right. We can't just keep running. But if we're going to fight, we need more than just the two of us."

Kael glanced at her, his eyes narrowing. "You're suggesting we recruit help?"

"Not just suggesting," Mira said, crossing her arms. "I already have a few people in mind."

Kael set down his wrench and turned to face her fully. "Who?"

Mira's expression grew serious. "There's a group of freelancers who operate out of a place not far from here. They're not exactly trustworthy, but they're skilled—and they hate the Consortium as much as we do. If we can convince them to join us, we might stand a chance."

Kael frowned, clearly skeptical. "Freelancers? You mean mercenaries. They'll only fight for as long as we can pay them."

"Not these ones," Mira countered. "They have a grudge against the Consortium. If we give them a chance to hit back, they'll take it."

Kael considered this for a moment, his mind already calculating the risks and potential benefits. "And you're sure they won't turn on us the moment things get tough?"

"No guarantees," Mira admitted. "But they're our best shot. You said it yourself—we need leverage. They can help us get it."

Kael sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine. But if this goes sideways, it's on you."

Mira grinned. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

By midday, they were on the move again, heading toward the coordinates Mira had provided. The landscape grew harsher with every mile—sharp, jagged cliffs rising on either side of the narrow canyon they were traversing. It was the kind of terrain that offered plenty of opportunities for an ambush, and Kael didn't like it.

"Are you sure about this place?" he asked, his eyes scanning the cliffs above.

"It's the only place they'll meet," Mira replied from her bike, riding alongside the crawler. "Relax. If they wanted to kill us, we'd already be dead."

"Comforting," Kael muttered.

They reached the rendezvous point just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the canyon floor. A small encampment came into view, a cluster of makeshift structures built into the rock face. Several armed figures moved about the camp, their weapons glinting in the fading light.

As they approached, a tall man with a scar running down the side of his face stepped forward, flanked by two others. He rested a hand on the hilt of his blade, eyeing them warily.

"Mira," the man said, his voice rough but calm. "Didn't think I'd see you again."

"Cullen," Mira replied, dismounting her bike. "I need a favor."

Cullen raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Kael. "And who's this?"

"Someone with a score to settle," Mira said. "He's got something the Consortium wants, and they're sending the Hounds after him. We need your help to stop them."

Cullen chuckled, shaking his head. "The Hounds, huh? You always did know how to pick a fight, Mira."

"This isn't just about us," Mira said, stepping closer. "If the Hounds get what they're after, it's game over—for all of us. You hate the Consortium as much as I do. Help us, and we can hit them where it hurts."

Cullen studied her for a long moment before turning his attention back to Kael. "What's your story, scavenger? Why should I risk my people for you?"

Kael met Cullen's gaze without flinching. "Because what the Consortium wants isn't just another piece of tech. It's something they can use to control everything out here. If they get it, none of us will have a future."

Cullen's expression darkened, and he glanced at his men. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. We'll hear you out. But if this turns out to be a waste of time, you won't live to regret it."

Kael nodded, his jaw set. "Fair enough."

As the group entered the camp, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into yet another storm. But for now, they had allies—and that was more than they'd had in a long time.