Chapter Text
Anastasia interrupts from her spot next to Taylor on the bed, her tone measured yet firm. "Taylor, while we understand your point of view, we don't believe we did anything wrong. We could spend hours going back and forth over this topic, but it won't change the reality of our situation. Why not shelf this discussion for now and focus on more productive things?"
She pauses, then continues. "There are a few missions from the Traders that we need to consider. Plus, we also need to get essentials such as food and clothing for you."
Taylor looks up at Anastasia with a mix of emotions, eventually giving a begrudging nod.
"Good," Anastasia says, her gaze softening slightly. "Let's prioritize these tasks and make sure you're well-prepared for the challenges ahead."
Evelyn steps back slightly, her posture relaxing just a bit now that the situation appears more under control. Bree remains by Taylor's side, ready to provide any further comfort or support needed. The team's resolute presence exudes a sense of readiness and determination, reinforcing their commitment to Taylor's well-being.
Anastasia nods back, acknowledging Taylor's reluctant agreement. "Very well," she says, turning her focus towards the missions at hand. "We have received three missions from Traders known as Prapor, Therapist, and Skier. Each one serves a different purpose and comes with specific objectives."
She pauses momentarily subtly stifling her laughter at reading the mission briefing and ensuring Taylor's attention is focused. "Prapor's mission involves gathering specific information about a weapons stash from a hostile area which he's given the location to us for. We will also need to eliminate 10 targets near the stashes area, he isn't particularly concerned with their affiliations only that they are combatants that could hinder his own men." Noticing Taylor's darkening expression as she finishes reading the mission briefing out to the girl.
"Therapist," Anastasia continues, "requires us to find and search the local FEMA branch office and find documents regarding the emergency evacuation locations and any warehouses that might store crisis medical supplies and extract with the information."
Her tone turns slightly more somber as she addresses the last mission. "Skier's task is to acquire a black SUV for one of his men to use for whatever their purposes are, he wasn't particularly keen on elaborating on such information, it also doesn't have much to do with us either why he wants it." As she finishes she studies Taylor's face taking note of the obvious frown of displeasure the girl is sporting now after hearing all three of the missions given to them.
Anastasia maintains her calm demeanor, looking at Taylor. "Do you have a preference for the order in which we complete these missions?"
Taylor's response is immediate and filled with frustration. "They all sound illegal! I don't want to be a criminal."
Anastasia sighs softly, understanding Taylor's distress but remaining resolute. "I understand your concerns, Taylor. Unfortunately, this is the reality we're facing for now. We can work on minimizing the risks to innocent bystanders for your peace of mind, but we need to secure resources and information for your safety and there really is no alternative since this is all the missions we've been given as of now."
Evelyn remains silent in the doorway, arms crossed as she listens to the conversation. Bree occasionally glances over at Taylor, her expression displaying concern.
Anastasia, ever pragmatic, shifts the topic slightly to a more immediate need with a soft sigh. "Well, we still need to get you some essentials. What kind of clothing would you like us to get? We can likely sell some of the excess medical supplies to the Therapist for money to buy what you need," she explains gently. "Fine, I can go and pick out my own clothing," Taylor responds tersely. She crosses her arms, glaring slightly at Anastasia. "What about checking in on my father?"
Anastasia's expression remains calm and composed. "I can have two of Evelyn's squad swing by your house to check on your father," she says. "We can also have them check at his workplace in the event that he's not home." Anastasia taps her finger on her knee thoughtfully before adding, "If you wish to go yourself, then you will be carried by me, as you're not yet in a condition to walk long distances."
Her voice is gentle but firm, leaving no room for argument as she continues. "Additionally, we'll need two more of the squad to come along for your protection during the journey." The squad members exchanging subtle glances among themselves.
Evelyn's eyes flicker with approval at Anastasia's words, nodding her head before walking out to inform the others of their roles, while Bree exits the room to start organizing the medical supplies that can be sold to Therapist as well as replacing used items from her IFAK so that it is ready to be used again. The tension hangs in the air, but the team remains focused on their objective.
"All right, Liz," Anastasia says, her voice carrying a composed authority. "Load one of the M9A3s for me along with a couple of spare magazines."
Liz nods and strides over to the weapon cases beside the bed. She opens one, extracts an M9A3 pistol, and begins loading it with practiced efficiency. She follows it up by loading two spare magazines and placing them neatly on the bed.
Meanwhile, Anastasia shrugs off her olive military hooded jacket and turns her attention to Taylor. "Let's get you sorted for heading out," she says gently. Carefully, she helps Taylor into the jacket, guiding her arms into the sleeves before zipping it up to cover her exposed torso.
After ensuring that Taylor is comfortably bundled up, Anastasia unbuckles her own pistol holster and sets it on the bed. Anastasia then places the loaded M9A3 into the back of her waistband, ensuring it's secure and somewhat concealed under her turtleneck sweater. She then takes the spare magazines and slips them into the pockets of the jacket now worn by Taylor, making sure they're easily accessible but discreet.
Kneeling down in front of the bed, Anastasia looks up at Taylor with a focused, yet gentle expression. "Are you ready to go out?" she asks softly, her gaze steady and reassuring.
Taylor quietly and awkwardly shuffles off the bed and drapes herself over Anastasia's back, wrapping her arms around Anastasia's neck. Her legs rest against either side of Anastasia's body, the proximity bringing a slight flush to her face.
Anastasia grips onto Taylor's thighs securely, supporting her with ease. "Let me know if you're uncomfortable or in any pain," she says gently as she stands up smoothly, ensuring Taylor is well-positioned and stable.
She gestures with her head to Liz, signaling her to follow. Liz nods curtly and heads out of the bedroom first. Anastasia adjusts Taylor slightly, making sure her grip is firm and steady yet comfortable for the young girl heading out of the room, Anastasia moves with a practiced grace, mindful of her passenger. As Anastasia and Taylor enter the living area, they see Evelyn speaking to the rest of the squad. "Casey, Tori, you'll be checking on Taylor's father. Bree and I'll be going with Taylor and Anastasia. Maya and Liz, you'll stay here to keep watch over our supplies and equipment."
The squad members begin removing their tactical rigs, caps, body armor, headsets, and rifles, placing them neatly against the walls or on the worn furniture. Casey unbuckles her gear with precision, stacking her rifle across an old table while Tori does the same, her movements quick and efficient.
Bree undoes the straps of her body armor, setting it aside carefully before slipping out of her tactical rig and headset. She places her rifle among the others, ensuring it's within reach should they need it upon their return.
Evelyn folds her cap and places it next to her dismantled tactical rig, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly as they all settle into their roles for the upcoming tasks. She turns to address everyone again, her voice firm. "We won't have any radio contact due to not having our headsets with us. You'll only be able to take your pistols and knives, but keep them hidden from plain view." Taylor notices Maya and Liz standing by, their equipment still on as they prepare to stay behind and guard their base of operations.
Evelyn waves her hand towards a pile of medical supplies that have been neatly taken off the counter by Bree. She looks at Anastasia and nods in their direction. "Those are the supplies we don't need and can be sold," she explains. "Most of them are the stolen opioids we took to throw off the investigations."
Anastasia takes a moment to inspect the supplies, her eyes scanning over the items carefully. "Understood," she says, giving a slight nod of acknowledgement as they vanish into motes of blue particles revealing several stacks of cash of about $6500 motioning with her head for Evelyn to take it with her.
Casey and Tori secure their pistols and knives in hidden pockets or waistband slots, ensuring they're ready yet unobtrusive. They exchange a look of mutual understanding before standing by the door, awaiting the signal to move out.
Meanwhile, Bree finalizes the packing of essential items for Taylor, double-checking everything to ensure nothing important is missed. She moves with an efficient grace born from years of field experience, her concern for Taylor evident in each action.
Taylor's eyes widen in amazement at the sight of the stacks of bills. Never having seen such a large sum of money all in one place before, her astonishment is palpable. Anastasia and Evelyn notice her expression, exchanging amused glances.
A chuckle escapes Anastasia's lips. "It's hardly a drop in the ocean with the amount we'll be managing in the future," she comments, her tone casual yet confident.
Evelyn follows up with a similar chuckle, acknowledging the innocence in Taylor's reaction. She moves over to the cash stacks, skillfully distributing the hundred-dollar bills into the various pockets of her cargo pants. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it," she adds with a smirk as she secures the money. Embarrassment radiates from Taylor, visibly uncomfortable having her wide-eyed look noticed by the others. She glances away, trying to hide her face in the back of Anastasia's neck.
Evelyn straightens up, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Alright, let's get moving," she commands with her authoritative tone. "Casey, Tori, head out and check on Taylor's father. Bree, Anastasia, and I will take Taylor and start on our tasks. Maya, Liz, you stay here and secure the place."
Casey and Tori nod, securing their hidden pistols and knives one last time before heading towards the door. Bree ensures she has everything she needs for any immediate medical assistance while Evelyn does a final check on her cargo pants pockets filled with cash.
Anastasia adjusts her grip on Taylor, making sure she's firmly secured and comfortable. With everyone in place, the group exits the room and heads down the stairs, their movements synchronized and purposeful.
Upon reaching the ground floor, the group splits up and heads their separate ways. Casey and Tori head towards the southern docks area to find Taylor's father, while Anastasia with Taylor on her back, Bree, and Evelyn move in the opposite direction.
Maya and Liz stay behind, settling into their positions to protect the apartment while the rest of the team is away, ensuring their makeshift base remains safe and secure.
