Noah’s heart soared. He knew that voice. They’d been on the same squad, many years ago when Noah first arrived. They’d spent many nights together back then, his companionship ebbing the stabbing pains of Noah’s grief. “Brian?”
“Who— Noah?”
Noah pulled off his helmet. Beside him, Habib did the same.
“What are you doing? Command hasn’t—”
“Listen. We’re not here to cause trouble. We’re just here to pick up two women and a child, then we’ll be on our way.”
“You mean the three civvies we just caught trespassing?”
Noah grimaced. “That would be them, yes.”
Brian lowered his rifle. “What the actual fuck is going on? Is the rest of Squad E in the van? Where are you going?”
“Top secret mission,” said Habib. “Need to know basis.”
“You’re not particularly convincing right now. Tell me why I shouldn’t shoot every last one of you for deserting in a time of crisis?”
Noah stepped towards him. “Because almost everyone in London is about to die. And then there will only be a handful of populated cities left in the entire world. And we might have the key to stopping the RONS virus in the back of our van.”
Brian staggered back, lowering his rifle.
“You know I wouldn’t lie to you, Brian.”
Shaking his head, Brian threw his arms in the air. “Jesus, Noah. What do you need?”
“Your three prisoners. Any spare food you have. We’re about to sail past Denmark. And any of these medical supplies.” Noah passed Brian the list Meredith made.
Brian laughed, a manic, hollow sound. “And what do I tell Command?”
“If there’s a Command left to tell, tell them you helped save the world.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Brian ordered them to wait there, and went back through the shutter.
The wait was agonising. Was Brian about to come back with the women, or the rest of the soldiers that were stationed at the gate?
The shutter began to rise again.
“Habib?”
A woman ran towards Habib, a toddler on her hip. She embraced him with such ferocity, Noah looked away.
Brian, carrying a large sack, stood with a wild-eyed Zaya. He tossed the sack onto the ground.
“Good luck, my friends. I hope you’re right. If I have helped save the world, give me a mention in the footnotes.”
Noah nodded at him and held his arm out to Zaya. “Zeke’s in the van.”
Behind him, the van door slid open and someone crunched into the heavy snow.
“Zeke!” Zaya shrieked.
Noah turned just in time to see her throw herself at him.
After a last wave to Brian, Noah ushered them all into the van.
“Onwards till dawn,” Vitt said.
