Naya's pov
The next day Lucian arrived and stood at the front of our attendance. When I walked out with Keisha, the little girl greeted him and he responded with a warm smile before I sent her off. I was still upset and a bit suspicious about his earlier actions and the community at didn't seem to mind
"I understand that you were much more surprised yesterday," he started, what could be the secret behind them offering me a warm smile, his eyes were clear as day.
Recalling my decision to seek his help and to not look suspicious about it, he might know something but they were also secrets that I held within that couldn't be shared, at least not yet.
I offered a smile in return, "yes I'm sorry about that, It was just a bit surprising, that's all," responding calmly but my heart sped up from lying.
He hummed, "I could tell, I'm really sorry you had to see that, not many people get to, we just provide and they live comfortably," he stated as we gazed upon the community.
Each person went about their day and just like he said, happy and comfortable. Why wouldn't they be? even provided with the basic needs although I still didn't approve of their approach, how else were they to survive in this new world.
"I just wanted to come and check up on you," I smiled once again and nodded my head confirming that I was perfectly fine, on the surface.
We said good day and separated. I still contemplated whether or not to involve him in my quest on investigating the ascendant authority.
I groaned and watched as he continued to move farther and farther away from me until he disappeared out of sight, halting any thoughts of calling him back.
I signed as I would have to go a day without answers to my question. But realizing I hadn't taken my time to see the community, this base difference from the last experience I had, this was a perfect opportunity to do so.
Walking around and letting my gaze wander my hand crossed behind me as I observed how they went about their day, Oblivious to the reason behind their comfortability.
That would be at the expense of other lives out there.
After taking my time around, I realized that the base wasn't that large. In fact, it was already a small faction. I estimated at least 80 to 100 people that included women and children.
During my search I noticed a tent which was a bit farther away from the others and once again my curiosity got the better of me as I slowly skidded towards it, hiding away from the public's view and leaning against the tarp.
"There is a meeting tonight, gather the others and we will converge here, and also, tell to get dressed,"
They conversed further after that and I recognized Lucian's voice. My heart pumped in my chest as I knew eavesdropping would probably get me caught and they might not trust me if that were to happen
There was no point with me lingering any longer. That was after I got hold of the time for the meetings to be taking place. I hurried back to my tent and waited for nightfall, pretending as though I hadn't heard a thing. In anticipation of finding out something about this base, I couldn't help myself.
Night time approached rather slowly but I observed during this time, strange movements in the base, some men and some women involved.
They whispered amongst themselves, probably spreading the message to one another and I felt that something was about to go down tonight.
The time had finally arrived after tucking Keisha to bed. I decided to make my way back to the tent, mindful of my steps as I stealthily maneuver and approach the tent, I was just in time as they began the meeting.
The gruff voice from earlier sounded out "our supplies are slowly depleting and we cannot take in more refugees," he stated in a matter of fact tone.
"It won't happen again," Lucian responded and I guess they were referring to us.
"That is beside the point, now we need more supplies to sustain us as at any point in time we run out of resources and we need to replenish them."
Did this mean they would be bullying others to get what they wanted?
"Which is why we will be infiltrating the ascendant's authority base again, and this time we're going to do it right," he continued.
My eyes widened at the name of the organization and my heartbeat increased, this was not what I expected to happen that night, "I already mapped out the plan and we are going to execute it but no room for mistakes if we want to survive,"
A lady's voice sounded out, "there's also another issue we need to tackle. We spotted a few individuals loitering outside the base. At first we thought it was a coincidence but it happened three times this week,"
There was a moment of silence before the first speaker responded, "That is beside the case for tonight. Why haven't you informed me of this the minute they were spotted?" he questioned.
The man signed anyway and said, "later, this is what we're going to do. I'm going to split up into groups and we would go in on all three sides. . .
If they were infiltrating the military base authorities I needed to be a part of it but how was I supposed to when I wasn't even meant to be here, their conversation wasn't meant to be overheard.
I shouldn't be here for much longer, taking quiet steps back and deciding to head to my tent. On turning back around, I yelped in shock, jerking back as I had stumbled into someone's chest.
When I glanced up, Lucian was staring down at me and his usual smile was wiped off his face. His eyes were narrowed. "What the hell do you think you're doing here?"
I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. My heartbeat increased after being caught. He had been so silent as he sneaked up behind me, I barely noticed when he had gotten this close.
When had he exited the tent?
The others exited the tent and now I was surrounded by a number of them. One of the men stepped forward who I hadn't seen before and had an angry expression on his face.
"She's the one, isn't she ?"
Dread filled me as his gaze pinned me in my spot.