"Don't sneak up behind me..." I say walking around him and placing the small box on the table. "Sorry, I thought you knew I was behind you. Do you need help packing stuff?" I shake my head as I grab a few more boxes from the shelves.
"No, but once I get everything packed I'll need you to take all this stuff to the City. I have a van in the garage you can take." I say as I place two laptops in another box. "What is all this?" Remi asks looking into the boxes. I smile and say "My toys."
I walk out and quickly pack my clothes and other things. Once done I pull up the security system for the house. Remi makes short work of loading everything in the van as I begin locking the house down. I make sure that the automatic watering and feeding systems are up and running so the animals and plants are well taken care of.
I'll come back every few days to make sure everything is okay though. The security shutters begin shutting out all the lights as they begin closing. Remi says "Everything is packed and ready to go. Are you ready to go?" I look up to him and say "I'm not going with you. I need to check a few things before I go."
"Eh? Why don't I come with you? I don't feel like it's safe for you to be out and about by yourself..." I wave my hand as I say "I'm fine. I made adjustments to my suit and I have Chip so there's nothing to worry about. Just make it to the City and let the others know that I'm okay and will be there ASAP."
Remi looks like he wants to argue but he nods his head and says "Just promise me you'll be careful." I give him a small smile and say "Always" Remi leaves taking all the equipment with him. With him taking everything there for me it's one less thing I have to worry about.
I pull up the computers once again and graph out the closest internet and cell phone tower. Once confirmed I send the location to Chip's internal system. "Chip are you ready to go?" I ask filling up my black backpack with food and water.
I don't plan on being out for long but you never know... Always be prepared for the unexpected. I toss the bag over my shoulder and look at Chip. "Do you think this is wise?" Chip asks in a bored tone. I give him a dry look as I say "You know me Chip... You know I have to do this."
Chip sighs and says "I just had to ask. Let's get going if we wait any longer, we won't make it back before the sun sets." I nod in agreement as we make our way out. As I shut the door, I change the lock on the door making it impossible for anyone other than Chip and I to come in.
The house is now in full lockdown mode making me feel a little better about leaving it. I look over to the wooded area and see that more and more trees have turned black. I frown and try my best to shake off the unease I was feeling.
"If we take the path through these woods we will cut our travel time by half..." Chip says from my side as we both stare at the woods. I tighten my fist because I know he's right. I didn't realize how much of a chicken I was until this...
I sigh as I strap the bookbag on tighter. "Chip, stay away from the blackened ground and the black goo stuff... I don't know what it is and I don't know what it'll do to you." I walk over to the bike as Chip says "Got it, I'll run ahead of you just a bit to make sure things are clear. I will communicate with you through the earrings."
I nod and crank up the bike. Chip Gives me one last look before taking off towards the woods. I take a deep breath to steady myself and take off after him. Was this the wisest decision? I couldn't really tell you but I did know we were pressed for time so this was the only option at the moment.