The world seemed to shift into slow motion as I turned my attention towards the unruly mob. I cocked my weapon and began to return fire, but I intentionally sent my bullets soaring over the heads of the attackers. Their heads ducked and bodies flattened against the ground in response, causing a temporary lapse in the gunfire.
"Get in the truck, guys!" I shouted over the chaos, nodding towards the vehicle loaded with our hard-earned loot. Cody was quick to react, yanking open the driver's side door and scrambling inside. Kaya and Cassidy followed suit, the fear in their eyes replaced by determination.
While I provided cover, they clambered into the truck, the vehicle rocking slightly from their hurried movements. Cody cranked the ignition, and with a roar, the engine sprung to life. I could feel the vibrations from the truck under my feet, adding to the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Keeping my eyes on the mob, I backpedaled towards the truck, releasing another volley of warning shots. The sight of me – the sole figure standing against a mob – seemed to unnerve them further, causing a momentary pause in the mob's advancement.
Seizing the opportunity, I spun on my heel and dashed for the truck. My heart pounded in my chest as I dove into the open back seat. Just as I slammed the door shut, Cody gunned the engine, and the truck lurched forward.
I collapsed back into the seat, my breathing ragged from exertion and adrenaline. Outside the window, the town was a picture of chaos, but we were moving away from it, leaving the mayhem in our rearview mirror. I exchanged a quick look with Kaya and Cassidy in the backseat.
"We need to get Hazuki and Yan-Hua to safety!" I yelled.
"The hell I'm risking my neck for two strangers!" Cody grumbled, his hands clenched on the steering wheel, knuckles turning white as the headlights illuminated the path ahead.
"There's no way we're leaving them behind," I shot back. My heart pounded in my chest as the gravity of the situation hit me. I could feel the worry eating at the edges of my sanity, but I pushed it down, focusing on the road ahead.
"But it's suicide!" Cody countered. The truck rumbled under us, an echo of the chaos outside.
"I don't care," I snapped. "We're a team. We stick together."
Cody snorted, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "What makes you think they're still alive?"
"They're tough. They can handle themselves," Kaya chimed in. The stoic note in her voice was reassuring.
"Yeah, but for how long?" Cody replied, the worry in his voice undeniable. "They don't have the guns or the combat experience we have."
I bit my lip, weighing our options. Then an idea struck me. I turned to Cody, locking my gaze with his in the rearview mirror. "How about a deal, Cody?" I offered.
He raised an eyebrow, looking curious despite himself. "I'm listening."
"I'll do two scavenging hunts for you, free of charge."
Cody's eyes widened. He knew as well as I did the value of what I was offering. Those trips could rake in a considerable amount of resources.
"You'd risk your life for them?" He asked, disbelief etched in his features.
"Yes," I replied without hesitation. "They're my team, Cody. My family."
"Alright, alright, hold your horses, Chang," Cody said, shifting gears. "I see your desperation, but you have to see mine too. You know as well as I do how risky this whole operation is, not to mention I am risking my life for just for a couple of strangers."
Cody then sighed, his gaze still fixed on the road ahead. "Three," he said. "Three scavenging hunts, no charge. That's my final offer."
His words hung in the air like a challenge, and I could feel the weight of his stare in my direction. There was a moment of silence before I finally answered. "Three it is, then," I agreed, extending my hand towards him.
Cody glanced in my direction before reaching out to grasp my hand. His grip was firm, almost as if he was trying to measure my determination. "Deal," he affirmed, and we shook on it.
"Alright, let's do this!" Cassidy interjected, her voice cutting through the tense silence that had followed our agreement. "For Hazuki and Yan-Hua!"
"For Hazuki and Yan-Hua," Kaya echoed. There was a determined glint in her eyes that told me she was ready for whatever we might encounter.
"The day care will be our first stop, as it is closer." Cody said.
Our resolve renewed, Cody slammed his foot onto the gas pedal. The truck roared to life and we sped off in the direction of the daycare, bracing ourselves for whatever was to come next.
Q: How would you respond if you were caught in the middle of a riot?