I woke up to find myself alone in the tent. I didn't know what time it was, or why no one had bothered to wake me up yet.

Quickly, I pulled on my jacket and boots, which lay next to my mat. When I got outside, I realized why no one else was around me.

I must have slept in so long that I hadn't heard the speakers announce an emergency meeting. Judging by the people leaking out of the big tent where most of our meetings were held, it must have been something important. The people on the outside seemed to be trying to get closer to hear what was going on.

I pushed inside the tent, trying to see past people to the center circle where Claire stood along with Sean, to my surprise. He wasn't exactly Claire's right hand man, so I knew this meeting must have had something to do with our mission from the night before.

I guess nearly getting shot was a bigger deal than I'd thought.

Now that I was close enough, I could hear Claire speaking.

"Last night, one of our teams was assaulted with bullets from an unidentified shooter. As you know, the city is our main source of resources. We cannot lose it. I've considered this issue, and we've agreed that the best course of action is to return to the city to find out the reason for our attack. If the city has been compromised, we will quickly work on either relocating, or finding another place to get what we need."

What she was saying made sense, but I also didn't understand how exactly we'd be "finding out" if the city was compromised. Was she expecting us to just waltz down the streets, hoping someone would shoot at us or give us answers?

"With that said, we will need some volunteers for this mission. It could be dangerous, but as you know, we're quite used to danger. See me for more information. Meeting adjourned."

The second she uttered those last words, everyone started to move, some moving towards her to volunteer, others proceeding out the door. I followed the latter. I'd had enough gunfire for the week.

But just as my feet crossed back into the sunny desert, I felt someone grab my arm. I stopped, and nearly was run over by the crowd of people pushing to get outside and finish whatever task they'd been working on. The hand pulled me to the side of the door. I was shocked to find it belonged to Sean.

His face was emotionless, so I had trouble reading what he wanted.

"Look, C...you mind if I just call you C? It's much easier than whatever your mom named you. Anyway, you were great on the mission last night. Somehow, you managed to save at least part of our supplies when you could have just as easily run away. I appreciate that. Because of it, Claire and I agreed that you would be a good fit for this new mission."

The most shocking part of what he said was the fact that Claire recognized my existence. Other than that one conversation I'd had about my mission, I hadn't thought she'd really known much of me at all. Much less, thought highly enough of my actions to suggest I take part in this mission.

Personally, I really wasn't up to going out and nearly dying again. I'd had enough near death experiences to last me a lifetime. But at the same time...I guess there was a difference between volunteering and being personally requested. I felt like if I declined, whatever reputation I'd just created would be ruined immediately.

I wasn't sure if I would regret this decision, but it felt like the one my gut was telling me to take. "Okay. I'm in."

_____________________

That night, I stood outside of a large tan SUV, a maroon bag pulled over my shoulder. I'd gotten it from the part of the supply room that anyone could take from. It consisted of random objects that weren't specifically needed by the encampment. Even though I knew bringing a bag on a mission was an easy way to lose it, I thought I might as well. I wasn't sure how long we'd be out for, or if I'd end up getting lost. All I had in it were a few granola bars, a small water bottle, and an extra brown scarf, in case it got too cold. It wasn't that cold right now.

I'd been expecting us to use a truck since that had been the go-to mode of transportation for every other mission. Therefore, I was a little surprised by the SUV's. But Sean had quickly explained to us, a group of about ten or so people, that our goal was to be inconspicuous. Claire knew a guy who lived and worked in the city. He was our informant. Our mission plan was simple: sneak into the city in two plain-looking cars, reach the informant, and ask him everything we wanted to know.

Our group itself was a mix of different people. Natalie, Max, and Sean were there from the mission last night. Then, I saw January, who hadn't informed me she was coming, but I was glad she was, Kyan, and three other volunteers that I didn't recognize.

The people nearest the two cars began piling in, and I bee-lined for the tan SUV that January had just stepped into. This mission would be easier if I had someone I trusted nearby. I grabbed her elbow as I got in the car. I don't think she'd seen me waiting outside. She looked up and had a surprised look on her face. I could tell she was also glad, though, to have another friend on the trip.

"I didn't realize you volunteered," I said, smiling at her.

"Yeah, well. I guess I just needed to get back out and actually do something," she replied. The rest of our car was filled with Natalie, one of the volunteers who's name I didn't get, and Sean at the wheel.

It felt weird, sitting in an SUV, ready to embark on a journey to the city. It almost felt normal again. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been in a car like this.

"We ready, folks?" Sean called to us from his seat in the front. Nobody responded, but he wasn't expecting anyone to. He hit the gas, and I felt my body lurch as we turned in the direction of the city.

I looked back at the encampment, and hoped it wouldn't be the last time I saw it.