Vyral

Chapter 0: Part 11 - Only one way to go

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Expedition day
Colony Gate / 8:30 am
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Most of 'Scout Team B' is in front of the Colony gate. Mind and spirit ready, their bodies shuffle through the weight of the backpacks strapped to their outfits, filled with basic supplies. They'll be collecting samples from the Contamination Zone, a life-threatening mission where taking a large amount of provisions isn't advised, since it severely hinders their movements. The other equipment they carry are pressurized hunting rifles with a handful of magazines, containing three bullets each, and a personal military knife for close-quarters combat. They're not effective at managing several targets, focusing on powerfully neutralizing a single threat instead. Their rudimentary mechanism consists of releasing the pressurized air within the chamber to make every shot pack a punch. The gun and magazines must be re-pressurized and reloaded manually, which can't be done quickly. Despite being the Colony's strongest firepower, it's useless if unloaded.

A last resort.

Mell, Amina and Zach remain absent. The reason for the mammoth's lack of punctuality is unclear, but Mell and Amina should have been here by now. Could they be having a difficult time picking themselves back up, considering the recent events?

To the group's surprise, blondie arrives by herself. Head sunk lower than usual.

Rory: "Good morning blondie! What's with the long face?"
Amina: "Good morning Rory.. everyone.. and it's nothing. I'm ready for the mission." - She quietly states.
Kayden: "You sure you're okay?"
Amina: "Yeah. Air's just heavy.. That's all.."
Rory: "Blimey.. If you ever need to talk, just say the word mate."
Amina: "Thank you Rory.. I mean.. We're going to a new Zone, so I think you understand how I'm feeling anyway... Still... I appreciate your care." - She smiles, shy. The mentioned offers a hug, which she dives into upon being embraced, backing away shortly after.
Kayden: Where'd you run off to yesterday? We looked all over for you."
Amina: "I just stayed home and slept all day."
Rory: "Well, that certainly explains it."
Kayden: "Was Mell there?"
Amina: "Not that I remember, no... She left in the morning but I don't know where to..." - She retorts while twiddling her thumbs. "She didn't even bother telling me..."
Kayden: "That's odd. What about today? You seen her at all?"
Amina: "No... I don't think she came home last night. I don't know where she is and I- I guess I'm just worried... I couldn't be with her before the most important mission we've had in a while... It just scares me.. Y'know?"
Reyna: "That's okay, Amina. C'mere." - She wraps her arms around the girl. "Don't mind his animalistic interrogation."
Kayden: "Animalistic!?"
Reyna: "I understand where you're coming from. And trust me, you're not in trouble, okay?" - She ignores, embracing the girl and reassuring her. "I'm sure everything is okay with her, we know she's a strong girl."
Amina: "She is... Thank you Reyna..." - She tightly hugs back. Something else is going on, but Reyna doesn't push it.

That's when the Gatekeeper steps outside of his booth to explain to the team that they can verify their identity with the current number of members. He dips a wooden stamp, featuring a detailed carving of the Colony Insignia, in a container with blue paint, to start the verification procedure. Each member takes turns stamping the blank square next to their names, followed by the Gatekeeper's "Approved" stamp over it.
This works as an official signature demanded by Jhans from the moment she erected the Protective Forces Department. Since it is widely recognized as the Department that protects the Colony, it has been divided into two crucial Regiments, The Scouts and The Goliaths.