Chapter 77: Punishment

May

This rescue mission was turning into a first class catastrophe. Getting chewed out by the Commander was nothing compared to seeing the hurt and anger in Lena's eyes once she came out of her drug-induced fog. I had really made a mess of everything.

Jack clamped a meaty hand on my shoulder as we marched back toward the transport trucks, his version of reassurance I guessed. Probably the closest I would get to comfort after single-handedly botching this extraction.

Freya and Lena were already loaded into the back of one armored vehicle, hands zip-tied. A whole squadron of rebel troops surrounded the transports, heavily armed and stone-faced. Looked like the Commander was taking zero chances with his high-profile new "guests."

I lingered by the truck, peering in worriedly at where Lena and Freya sat pressed together on the bare bench, refusing to even glance my way. "Hey, I know you're mad, but it'll be okay," I offered lamely, trying to catch their eyes. "Hunter's not as scary as he