The sun was finally showing as dusk was approaching. Seeing the ruined streets and asphalt wet with black residue from all the rain wasn't the worst sight to see. After all, we're still alive and making progress.
"Now that my sensors are normal I must say using tires is quite the weird feeling."
"What does it feel like to you?" In the rear view mirror I saw Luna's head searching for the voice she heard.
"It feels like I'm a part of the earth below. I can feel vibrations all around us."
"That's good, maybe you'll come in handy if we're ever being chased." Her searching turned to general confusion now written all over her face.
"Luna you haven't met him but meet Kayle, our A.I. that'll help us out once we're up there."
"You even have an A.I.!" That look of genuine excitement was burning into the back of my head as she spoke those words.
"They don't have me, it's a simple alignment of desires to help each other."
"Ahem." Mia made a random coughing noise in my ear.
"Are you ok?" Luna asked Mia obviously unaware it was a fake cough.
"More than others." She returned coldly.
"You don't have to worry about her. She's just tormenting Kayle again." Gabe interjected.
"Oh I see." The excitement started draining from her face.
"I don't know Kayle, I might have to have you drive like this all the time if it saves me the trouble." I was trying to lighten the tension.
"I'm a high class intelligence made for the best quality of space crafts. I shouldn't be put in a decaying old van."
"But you're honestly really good at driving, probably the best here."
"Then I guess I should consider it if I'm clearly the best."
"Ughh I'm going to be sick." The sarcasm rolled off Mia's tongue thick.
"I hate to ruin the mood of my greatness but there are several vehicles approaching quickly."
"Headed towards us?"
"It appears that way, yes."
"Gotta be fucking raiders."
Rolling the windows of the van down a little I could hear the sounds of engines slowly catching up from behind.
"No way around it they're on bikes let's see how we'll get out of this one." Faking my confidence as usual. Three motorcycles circled us and stopped after we stopped on this decrepit old highway just before we got home too.
"Well if it isn't my favorite space cowboys." The man got off his bike and began walking over after he did the other two follow suit.
"Do I know you?" Stepping out of the car, Gabe did as well.
"Probably not but I know of you. We've been waiting for you to leave again. We have some questions for you." I could feel my annoyance coming up as I tried to pretend like this was normal.
"Ok shoot."
"Straight to the point, I like it. See you killed one of ours the other night so it seems you own some reparations for that, it's only right."
"So your friend died trying to attack us and you want us to pay you? Did I catch that right?"
"I don't know the nuances. All I know is our friend, our brother died by your hand."
"Not going to happen, just go away." Gabe spoke softly while clicking his gun ready to fire.
The other two immediately lifted their guns and pointed at Gabe.
"No need for anyone to die. We'll take payment in the form of poppers or that girl." His gaze turned from Gabe to Mia.
"Say that again, and I'll turn you into fertilizer like your friend." Mia glared into him. I'll have to remember to ask about that later.
"Haha you're funny girl, I do like that!"
Gabe fired on one of the men after he said that. The guy fell to the floor clutching his chest now spilling blood mixing with the wet road causing swirls of red and black on the old asphalt.
"Fucking kill him!"
Shots began ringing out from every direction as I jumped back into the van and held Luna down who hadn't moved. I became so thankful this van was bullet proof. Gabe outside mayhem. Each bullet that rang out sounded like thunder in my ears and each bullet that hit that van caused a small scared squeak from Luna.
Gabe hit the other man who accompanied the leader. The man fell over his motorcycle and began twitching as well.
I couldn't find Mia in the chaos. Did he catch her in the mix up?
"Luna, stay here and hide, it'll be okay I promise." Fucking hopefully it'll be okay.
"Ok, I'll stay here." she mumbled so quietly I barely heard her.
Looking up I saw a girl move with perfect balance beside the broken highway barrier, behind the leader locked in his duel with Gabe. Without thinking I ran out to make sure she'll be okay. She leapt at the man with a knife in her hand, tackled him to the ground and pressed the blade to his neck.
"Ughhh what are you a demon?" I saw blood trickle from where the blade was pressed.
"Nope, just an enthusiastic hobbyist." She ended him quickly there. I've seen hundreds die before but this one hit a little different. As she got up and dusted herself off it looked like she hadn't been affected by it at all. She's never killed before, how is she so calm?
"Good job brother, your aim is getting better." She walked back into the van, as she passed me I saw faint spots of red splattered across her face.
"Mia are you ok?!"
"Yes, I'm certainly far better off than him." Pointing at the lifeless body she left.
"You just ended a life and you feel nothing like nothing at all?" I have to figure out how this girl ticks.
"I feel relieved that none of my family got hurt. Including you and that little mouse shivering in the van. She's the one you should be checking on." She hopped back into the van and just started waiting for me.
I looked over to Gabe who was already cleaning his guns. Did I help raise psychopaths? Mia is right though I need to help Luna she's not used to this I'm sure.
Walking to the back of the van I opened it surprisingly easily. The lever usually gives me trouble. "Luna are you ok?"
"Um yes I think so. Sorry I'm not used to being this close to the fighting."
"Well don't worry I'd never let anything happen to you!" Gabe turned to her, giving one of the biggest smiles I've seen him have. Looking closely I saw his fingers shaking too. He must be putting on a front to make her feel better, maybe there's hope for you yet when it comes to girls.
"Okay are we all set to head out then?"
I turned and everyone nodded yes so Kayle began driving back to our house. Putting in our code to the familiar creaking gates was usually annoying but also so very comforting after a fight.
"Welcome Luna to home sweet home." Looking at our small garden on the way in reminded me of something.
"Uh, Mia you were kidding about that fertilizer thing earlier right?" Checking her face in the mirror she didn't respond, she just smiled.