Page 22 of Whispers and Warriors (After #2)
TWENTY-TWO
Chris cradled Ranger close to his chest as he climbed the metal stairs, the dog’s warm weight a comfort amidst the clang of heavy boots on steel. The pup didn’t so much as squirm, but Chris held firm. He’d be damned if he left Ranger below, even knowing the ship was secure and they were in the middle of the ocean. The little fur ball had wormed his way into all their hearts, though Chris would never say it aloud.
As he stepped onto the deck, salt spray stinging his eyes, Chris scanned the throng of survivors looking for Bash and Emma. She’d rushed off after him the second Chris went inside and he’d been on edge. She swore it was safe here, and part of living for the next few months was going to be alone time.
Alone time that I will despise with every fiber of my being. Alone time is for when we’re safe and sound.
But Chris couldn’t deny her anything, and he doubted anything could happen in the narrow hall with Bash steps ahead of her. Plus, he couldn’t go into the restroom with her. Just like on base, he had to realize and accept that she needed to be her own person, even if the idea of her being unprotected terrified him.
There.
Bash stood like a sentinel beside Emma, his broad form shielding her from errant elbows. Chris pushed through the crowd, signaling for Liam, Alex and William to follow.
Emma spotted him first, hazel eyes brightening. “There you are!”
“Took you long enough,” Bash grunted. But his gaze softened as it fell on Ranger.
“Wasn’t about to leave this little monster behind.” Chris set the pup down and smirked as Ranger immediately went to sit on Emma’s feet. What seemed like decades ago, he’d read a book or an article or something that said dogs lay at a person’s feet when they wanted to protect that person. Fitting Ranger was there.
“How are the assignment handouts going?” He didn’t need to add in that it was in case something went wrong.
It was time for a change in attitude. Mind over matter to hopefully improve everything from here on out. But that didn’t stop him from thinking the thoughts.
Emma sighed. “Slow. They’re doing it one by one instead of in groups based on where people are working.”
Chris bit back a scoff. Tedious and inefficient. If the captain weren’t saving their collective asses, he’d march over there and reorganize this for her. It didn’t matter how many runs she’d made. She wasted time and kept everyone out on the deck. What if the rare plane or helicopter did still exist and flew overhead? What if other ships had their telescopes trained on the water?
And there went positive thinking.
He wouldn’t speak to the captain unless his concerns grew out of control, but damn if the urge wasn’t strong.
“Hey.” Liam’s hand landed heavy on his shoulder. “Let it go, man. We’re all tired and hungry. No need to make waves.”
Chris met his friend’s steady gaze and felt the tension bleed from his frame. Liam was right, as usual. Antagonizing their hosts would only risk the tentative safety they’d found so he’d keep his opinion to himself. For Emma’s sake, if nothing else.
“Yeah, alright.” He blew out a breath. “Guess we hurry up and wait, then.”
Emma reached out to scratch Ranger behind the ears, her delicate fingers brushing Chris’s chest. Even that small touch ignited sparks across his skin. What he wouldn’t give to pull her into his arms, bury his face in her hair like last night.
“Chris? You still with us?” Amusement tinged Bash’s voice.
Heat crawled up Chris’s neck. “What? Yeah, I’m good.” He straightened, searching for a distraction.
The line seemed to go forever, but he appreciated at least that they didn’t just call names out and reveal identities if people didn’t want them revealed.
Chris stepped forward as the crew member with the tablet approached. The woman, her dark hair pulled back in a tight bun, glanced up at him. “Name and skill set?”
“Chris. Security and tactical.”
“Bash, what he said, but better.”
Chris wanted to roll his eyes but kept his gaze steady.
She nodded, tapping on the screen. “Kitchen security duty for you two.” She pointed to Bash. “And the dog stays behind.”
Emma reached for Ranger’s leash, her fingers grazing Chris’s as she took it from him. “I’ve got him. He can keep me company.”
The crew member frowned. “Actually, we need you helping with childcare. And you two,” she pointed at Alex and Liam, “will be assigned separately. One to navigation, the other to engineering.”
Chris’s jaw tightened. “That’s not going to work for us. Our female stays with at least two of us at all times. Non-negotiable and already accepted by Captain Novak.”
The woman’s eyes widened, darting between them. “I... I don’t think we can accommodate that. Space is limited, and we need to maximize efficiency.”
“Then make it work.” Chris crossed his arms, his tone brooking no argument. “We’re here to help, but not at the expense of our own safety protocols.”
Bash stepped up beside him, a silent wall of support. The crew member swallowed, her fingers hovering over the tablet. “I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime, you two head to the galley. I’ll escort the others to their assignments and sort this out with the captain.”
Chris nodded, holding her gaze until she looked away. He only didn’t follow because Liam’s promise still hung between them. He wouldn’t let anything get between him and Emma.
As the woman led the others off, he turned to Bash. “Let’s go. The sooner we get this shift over with, the sooner we can regroup.”
They followed another crew member through the narrow corridors, the metal walls pressing in on them. Chris’s mind raced, strategies and contingencies tumbling through his thoughts. He needed to make sure Emma was safe, that their group remained cohesive. Splitting up, even temporarily, felt like a risk he wasn’t willing to take even if he’d agreed to it on no sleep yesterday.
They entered through the galley, the door swinging open, unveiling a bustling kitchen alive with activity. Dozens of crew members moved in a well-practiced, choreographed dance, each step precise and purposeful. They stirred steaming pots that bubbled with savory aromas that reminded Chris of Thanksgiving, chopped vibrant vegetables with swift, rhythmic motions, and artfully plated meals with the finesse of seasoned chefs. The clatter of dishes echoed through the space, a harmonious accompaniment to the sizzle and pop of frying food, which added a lively, crackling soundtrack. All of this was underscored by the steady hum of conversation, a comforting murmur that wove through the kitchen like a familiar melody.
“Right, you two are security detail.” Their escort had to shout to be heard over the noise. “Make sure no one unauthorized comes in, and keep an eye out for any potential issues. The last thing we need is a fight breaking out over rations.”
Chris nodded, surveying the room. It wasn’t the kind of security he was used to, but he could see the importance. On a ship like this, with limited resources and high tensions, even a small disruption could escalate quickly.
Bash leaned in, his voice low. “Guess we’re glorified hall monitors now. Never thought I’d miss the days of perimeter patrols and supply runs.”
“Tell me about it.” Chris’s stomach growled, reminding him that they’d slept through breakfast. The scent of cooking food proved both tantalizing and torturous. “At least we’ll be first in line for lunch. I’m starving.”
“You and me both.” Bash clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s do a sweep of the room and then the actual mess hall. I want to know every exit and potential weak point.”
As they moved through the galley, Chris couldn’t shake the feeling of unease creeping up his spine. There was nothing off here, nothing wrong. Just his worry. Being separated from Emma and the others felt wrong, like an exposed nerve. He trusted Bash with his life, but there was safety in numbers.
They would do their duty, play their part in keeping the ship running smoothly. But Chris silently vowed that as soon as their shift ended, he would find Emma and the others. Together, they would figure out a way to stay close, to watch each other’s backs.
Adrift on a ship full of strangers, their bond was the only thing keeping them anchored. And Chris would fight like hell to protect it.
Chris scanned the galley, his keen eyes taking in every detail of the very crowded kitchen. The clatter of pots and the sizzle of frying food created a cacophony that set his nerves on edge. He longed for the quiet of their camp, the familiar routine of standing watch while the others slept. Hell, even the dangerous supply run or scavenger camp break up. It was too loud in here.
Bash moved beside him, his posture tense and alert. “I don’t like this,” he muttered, his voice barely audible above the din. “Too many variables, too many unknowns.”
Chris nodded, his jaw clenched. “We need to stay sharp. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”
As they patrolled the perimeter of the galley, Chris’s thoughts drifted to Emma. She was strong, resilient, but the weight of their survival rested heavily on his shoulders. He had sworn to protect her, to keep her safe, and being separated from her now felt like a betrayal of that promise.
“Stop it,” Bash said, his tone sharp. “I know that look. You’re worrying about her.”
Chris sighed, running a hand over his face. “I can’t help it. She’s everything to me, to all of us. If anything happens to her...”
“Nothing will happen to her.” Bash’s voice was firm, unyielding. “Alex and Liam are with her. They’ll keep her safe.”
Chris knew Bash was right, but the knot in his stomach refused to uncoil. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to go to her, to hold her close and never let go. “Shit, I never even made sure William got to his position safe.”
“Oh trust me, Captain has plans for him, he’s helping her leadership team.”
“Good, but fuck. He’s been restless lately and I couldn’t think of how to help him. Seems she did.”
The clamor in the mess hall grew as the lunch hour approached, a cacophony of voices and the clatter of dishes. Chris and Bash took their positions at the entrance, their eyes vigilant and their stances firm. As the first wave of crew members filed in, a pang of hunger twisted his stomach, the savory scents wafting from the kitchen a tantalizing reminder of the meal to come.
“Smells good,” Bash muttered, his gaze never leaving the growing line of people. “Been a while since we had a proper meal.”
Chris nodded, his mind drifting to the countless canned goods and ration packs they had subsisted on for so long. “I almost forgot what real food tastes like,” he admitted, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
As the last of the crew filtered in, Chris and Bash exchanged a look, a silent acknowledgment of their shared duty. They guided the stragglers to their seats, their presence a reassuring constant amidst the bustling chaos of the galley.
He spotted Emma with Alex and Liam but Ranger was nowhere in sight. Had he not been working, he would’ve found out what was going on, but he had a job to do and he wasn’t going to fuck around just because he was a leader.
When the room finally settled, Chris allowed himself a moment to breathe, to take in the scene before him. The laughter and chatter that filled the air felt like a balm to his weary soul, a reminder of the humanity they fought so hard to protect.
“Security, please come through the line in groups of two. First to patrol, first to eat.”
Chris’s stomach growled, and he was beyond thankful they’d somehow gotten there first. He’d expected to see Emma and the others, but food was brought to navigation.
“Come on,” Bash said, nodding toward an empty table. “Let’s grab a bite before it’s all gone.”
Chris followed his friend, his steps heavy with exhaustion but lightened by the promise of a hot meal. As they sat down, surrounded by the other security personnel and the galley staff, Chris couldn’t shake the camaraderie, a feeling of belonging he had not experienced in far too long, even if he was twitchy as hell.
A tray slid toward him with mashed potatoes, what looked like turkey and steamed broccoli before he grabbed a drink before they both moved out and grabbed a table to themselves.
The food was simple but hearty, a far cry from the bland rations they had grown accustomed to. Bash’s plate was filled with a steaming bowl of beef stew, rich with tender chunks of meat, potatoes, and carrots, all swimming in a savory, aromatic broth. A crusty piece of bread accompanied the meal, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious stew. He was surprised there were two options, but thankful for it because it meant there was diversity in the rations.
As Chris savored each bite, he couldn’t help but think of Emma and the others, hoping they too were enjoying a moment of respite amidst the chaos.
“This is how it should be,” he said softly, his gaze meeting Bash’s across the table. “Good food, good company. A chance to breathe.”
Bash nodded, his expression uncharacteristically soft. “We’ll make it happen, Chris. For all of us. For her.”
Chris felt a warmth bloom in his chest, a flicker of hope that refused to be extinguished. They had fought too hard, sacrificed too much, to let this chance slip away. With his brothers by his side and Emma as their guiding star, he knew they would find a way to make this moment of peace their new normal, no matter the cost.
Bash’s brow furrowed as he leaned closer to Chris, his voice low and thoughtful. “We need a backup plan for when we reach the safe haven. We can’t assume everything will be smooth sailing once we get there.”
Chris nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. “You’re right. We have to be prepared for anything.” He glanced around the galley, ensuring no one was within earshot before continuing. “We’ll need to secure a safe location, stockpile resources, and establish a perimeter.”
“And we’ll need to make sure Emma knows where it is, too,” Bash added, his green eyes intense. “Shit could happen to us.”
A small smile tugged at Chris’s lips. “You know, since meeting Emma, I’ve been letting you guys make a lot of suggestions.”
Bash chuckled, a rare sound in these trying times. “That’s because we’re a team, and she’s the heart of it. We all have a stake in keeping her safe.”
Chris sobered, the weight of their shared responsibility settling on his shoulders once more. “We’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, to protect all of us. We’ve come too far to lose each other now.”