Page 47 of Last Resort

The drones took flight.

“Well, Team Alpha, today, you are working as just that. A team. The other teams agreed that it wasn’t fair to have such a lack of balance, so this should fix it.”

“You are to head up this path until you reach the waterfall, get into the safety gear, and climb. Today, your team is becoming the benchmark for time.” Estrya winked. “When you get to the top of the waterfall, there will be instructions for the next leg of the challenges. I am sorry, Team Alpha. This is going to be a very long day.”

Estrya talked about the cameras for a moment. Crossbody packs of food were given to them, and then their gracious and scaled host said, “Right. Run.”

Poppy took a dozen steps before Breen scooped her up and ran with her. His eyes gleamed, and he said, “No complaints?”

“Nope. Let me know if you want a snack.”

Myro laughed, and they ran to the cliff face, rigged up, and were on the way up with them simply pulling her up with them.

She felt surprisingly good when they were standing on the edge of the world and looking around. The flat plateau was stunning, with the water emerging from far below and running next to their feet. Myro grabbed the box. “Got it. Look to the east, find the unused path between islands, and walk into the land of butterflies.”

Poppy walked to the edge and smiled. “That’s going to be fun.”

Myro grinned. “You come down with me.”

She walked up to him as he arranged the cable for safety. He pulled her against him and clipped them together at the safety harness.

“That isn’t suggestive at all,” Poppy muttered.

Myro grinned and said, “Hold tight.”

Breen launched next to them, going fast. Poppy plastered herself against him. “If you break me, he’s not going to forgive you.”

Myro looked at her and smiled sweetly. “Neither would I, Poppy.”

He jumped back, and they descended fast. She watched stone and green and water pass and slowed time around them for a moment. They landed gently on the ground, and Myro kissed her forehead. “There we are, safe and sound.”

She grimaced. “Unhook me; this lacks dignity.”

Breen lifted her and took the strain off the clasp, and then they were shimmying out of the harnesses and running with her in Breen’s arms. She looked at him. “Why are you the one carrying me?”

“That’s my thing. Strength and stamina with dexterity. I do a lot of game testing.”

“What is Myro’s thing?”

“You can ask him.” He grinned and ran up next to Myro. “She has a question. Catch.”

Myro’s arms came out as Poppy flew through the air, and he caught her. “What’s the question, Poppy?”

“Uh, Breen mentioned his alpha specialties, but he said I had to ask you about yours. So, I am asking. What’s your thing?”

He laughed and nearly stumbled while running full out. “Please redefine your question.”

“Well, while you aren’t having any issues with carrying me, the grip says it isn’t as easy for you as it is for him. So, what is your alpha-based specialty?”

“Game design and management. I can think through things faster than the average alpha.”

“So, your position at Tiberia is...”

“What I do for a living.”

“You are infuriating.”

He laughed. “I know.”

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