Thread: Ruin And Rebirth (Mech Pilot and darkangel76)

Cordy tugged at her jacket as she followed Rick and the others to the old beat up Jeep Wrangler they'd be driving up to Mission Valley. It wasn't a far drive from where they were, but it would still take a little while. The jeep they had was old and worn and been through hell and back again. It was a wonder the thing was still running sometimes. But it was the only vehicle they had that was able to carry the numbers they that would be going along with the supplies they wanted to trade and receive all while still running decently and relatively efficientlyall things considered, of courseon the gas that was still available in their area. They did 'gas salvage runs' every so often either on foot or via one of their smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. But those were trips done by one or two of their most experienced scouts. This, however, wasn't such a trip. This was one they'd done several times over. But it was her first time going and she couldn't be happier about it. Rick, on the other hand... it was plain as day he still wasn't thrilled about the idea. How long will it take to get there? Cordy asked as she brushed some of her blonde hair away from her face. She reached up for Rick's hand so that she could step into the Jeep. Probably about 30 minutes, give or take, Rick answered as he easily hoisted Cordy into the vehicle. Three others were going with themGordon, Harry and Ellen. Harry was as big as a tank. Cordy often wondered what on Earth the guy ate to make him get so big. Luckily, he was friendly not to mention on their side. She'd hate to see him get angry. Gordon and Ellen were siblings, both very athletic and heavy on the attitude. Gordon was the tamer of the two, Ellen having a temper that, at times, made Cordy wince a bit when she saw it flare. Fortunately, she'd never been a target. She was also just as sarcastic as Rick. Not much room on here, Ellen said with a laugh as Cordy got in the jeep. Might want to sit on Rick's lap. Cordy blushed a bit, but brushed off the joke and found herself a seat in the back. Harry was driving while Ellen sat shotgun. Rick just smirked and smacked Ellen in the back of the head. Bitch! he grumbled. Watch who's calling who a bitch, bitch, Ellen retorted as she turned around, her fist at the ready. Gordon remained silent, but Cordy could see that his muscles were already tensing in case his sister needed him. Suddenly, Cordy felt very out of place. She so desperately wanted to help her people, to fit in, in some way. And she knew this was something they did every few weeks like clockwork. She trusted Rick completely and knew that the others going were good people, hard workers and, like Rick, knew they'd have her back, would look out for her. Soon, they were off, heading north up 'the 163' and would be veering eastward toward Mission Valley. The potable water they needed was guarded and monopolized by the people up there, so they'd have to barter and trade. They made sure to bring supplies with them. Luckily, being near Coronado, they'd been fortunate to come across some old stores of orange seeds and thankfully they'd still been good. They'd managed to plant several and have them grow and bear fruita wonderful item for trade given its versatile uses for food as well as medicines. They had more than enough to spare and were able to replenish their supply, so it was the perfect trade for water. Once they reached their destination, Cordy wondered how things would go. She'd never been outside her little town before, so she was excited to be elsewhere and to see fresh faces. Stay close to me and don't speak. Got it? Rick commanded, his eyes staring directly into Cordy's as they got up and out of the jeep. Cordy arched a brow and pouted. Why? she asked, her voice laced with disappointment. You've been here several times. I mean... Just do it. No questions, Rick spoke again. You heard the man, Ellen interjected. Best listen, sweetheart. She gave Cordy a smile and followed Rick, Gordon and Harry as they began walking toward the town with the water. Cordy was both curious and worried. Why would it matter if she spoke? She didn't quite get it or understand. It made no sense to her. They had a decent rapport with this town, been there several times over. They traded routinelyoranges for water. That was the deal and had been for a long, long time. Nervously, she ran slender fingers through blonde tresses, her mind reeling over why Rick was being so damned demanding. It seemed... off. As Cordy followed everyone, bringing up the rear of the group and trying to catch up to Rick, she could hear him shouting out. Hey! Anyone home? he called out. Need some water. Got some oranges to trade. All too soon, others began to emerge. As they did, Cordy was by Rick's side. She looked up at him, but he did not look back. Instead, his eyes remained forward, his gaze fixed on the leader of the rabble approaching them all. Water, eh? We got some water, the man said. He was dirty, scruffy. Odd, Cordy thought given they had water. Same old shit, Ellen muttered under her breath so that only her group could hear it. Gordon and Harry both chuckled softly causing Cordy to turn her head and look at them both. And what's this? Got someone new with you, huh? the man asked. Hrmm... He walked closer toward Cordy. Finally, Rick put up his hand, a knife held firmly in its grasp. Cordy gasped loudly, her blue eyes going wide immediately at the sight of the knife before her. Without thinking, she took a step back. The man just laughed. Skittish, eh? Hrmm... like that. He paused a moment, his eyes looking at Rick before he fixed them back on Cordy. So, girly. A pretty little thing like you? How old might you be? Eighteen, Cordy answered him just as Rick explicitly said, Don't answer him. Eighteen, huh? Nice. Nice. Again, the man paused, his eyes finding Rick's once more. I tell you what. How about this time instead of oranges, you give us here that girl and then we give you the water. Wha...? Cordy sputtered, her face going white. Gordon and Harry each grabbed their weapons while Ellen began grumbling obscenities under her breath. Rick just shook his head. No fucking dice. I thought you might say that, the man stated as he suddenly rammed a knife into Rick's abdomen. Cordy let out a blood curdling scream, her first reaction to freeze on the spot. Dont just stand there, run you idiot! Ellen shouted at her. At that, Ellen, Gordon and Harry lunged after the man who'd just stabbed Rick. But his men were soon upon them to counter. Not hesitating another moment, Cordy just turned to run. Her heart was pounding, her mind spinning. What had happened? Why? She didn't know and she didn't have time to think about it. She had to run, to keep going... she had to get away. Or else everything her friends had just done to save her would have been in vain. Why? Why?