Page 18 of Dark Island: Rescue
"Fates forbid." He put a hand over his heart. "If I could convince Kian, I would have liked to relocate the entire population of the village here, but he doesn't like the idea of being so close to Navuh."
Kian shook his head at his cousin. "This is a military installation, and as such it has strategic advantages. As a civilian outpost, however, it leaves a lot to be desired. No restaurants, no shopping malls, and no next-day deliveries. Can you really see yourself and your family living like that?"
"Well, when you put it that way." Kalugal wrapped an arm around Jacki's shoulders. "I wouldn't want to deprive my wife of all that."
The landing was smooth despite the relatively short runway. As the jet taxied to a stop, Kian saw a large van waiting for them, with Boshev, one of Kalugal's men, leaning against the vehicle, waving a hand in greeting.
As Kian descended the jet's stairs with Allegra in his arms, he was immediately enveloped in the tropical heat and humidity, even though it was still morning. Squinting, he pulled out his protective sunglasses and put them on.
"Welcome to lovely Safe Harbor," Boshev greeted them.
"How are things progressing?" Kalugal clasped the guy's hand.
"On schedule, mostly. We had a delay with some equipment shipments, but Wellgorst sorted it out." Boshev's eyes swept over their group—fourteen immortals plus one very excited toddler and one worried-looking baby. "The van seats twelve. We'll need to make two trips unless some don't mind standing."
"We'll manage," Kian said. "Syssi can sit in my lap and Anandur can hold Allegra." He looked at Kalugal. "Are you okay doing the same?"
"Of course." Kalugal motioned for Shamash to take Darius, who went willingly into his nanny’s arms. Or was it manny? Kian had heard Amanda use that term in reference to Onidu.
After they had all squeezed in, with Allegra delighted to sit on Anandur's lap and Syssi holding on to Kian, Boshev started the engine and pulled away from the airstrip. "I'll give you the tour on the way to your lodging. Everything is still a work in progress, but we've made significant strides in the past month."
The road from the airstrip was paved but narrow, winding through dense vegetation that had been cut back just enough to allow vehicle passage. Kian noticed several cameras mounted on poles—part of the security network that was in the process of being installed.
"On your right are the training grounds," Boshev announced as they emerged from the tree line.
The cleared area was massive, perhaps ten acres of flattened earth with various structures in different stages of completion. Obstacle courses, climbing walls, and a framework for urban combat scenarios.
"How long until it's operational?" Kian asked.
"About two weeks for the basic facilities. The advanced tactical environments will take another month." Boshev pointed to a concrete structure on the far side. "That's where we'll store the exoskeletons. It will be climate-controlled and have biometric locks."
Jade studied the layout. "What about live fire exercises?"
"A range is being constructed on the north side of theisland, away from the living quarters. Natural backstop from the cliffs."
They continued on, passing rows of long, low buildings that Boshev identified as the barracks. "Each dormitory can house fifty people comfortably, twenty-five if we want to give them more room to breathe. We're starting with the four buildings we've already renovated, and we'll expand as needed."
"The workers aren't staying in those, are they?" Jacki asked.
"No, ma'am. Construction crews have temporary quarters near the harbor. These are dedicated to our future trainees."
The command center came next—a two-story concrete building that had served as the mining operation's administrative hub. Workers swarmed over it, installing new windows, running cables, and painting the exterior a neutral gray.
"Dandor and Wellgorst have been living in there for the past week," Boshev said with a chuckle. "They claim that they have no time to spare and need to sleep where they work, but I think they just like playing with their new toys."
"Speaking of which," Kalugal said, "how's the surveillance network coming along?"
"It's on schedule. Ruvon's been directing them remotely. Every feed will go through encrypted channels back to the village for backup recording. We'll have full coverage of the island within ten days."
The mess hall was their next landmark—another repurposed building that looked significantlybetter than the others. Fresh paint, new windows, and the smell of something spicy wafting from within.
"We secured kitchen staff from India and the Philippines," Boshev said. "The food is on the spicy side, but quite good."
"Thank goodness," Drova muttered. "I was worried we'd have to cook ourselves."
Kra-ell drank blood, preferably straight from an animal's vein. Had that been Drova's attempt at a joke?
Her mother lifted a brow. "Did you mean that Phinas would have to cook?"
