I took my leave of the coffee shop after Rachel's disappearance, heading home first. The car drive was quiet. I didn't really feel like listening to the radio or my iPod. My mind was elsewhere. As it was, it took all my concentration just to not drive like someone half asleep.
When I got home I tossed my bag on the couch and wandered to the storage closet. My home was a small studio style apartment with a pleasant enough location. I didn't mind being on the outer part of town as it made it easier to get to my small Yeerk pool; something that I crafted when the Yeerk-human war had still been going. I had it hidden way outside of town where no one would likely ever find it.
From the top of my closet, I drew a large dusty box down and took it to the table. Opening it, I drew out the one thing of it's contents that I had been looking for.
My old Dracon Beam was dusty, but still appeared to be in good condition. I wished I could test it before I would need it, but I really didn't have time. People were waiting on me. I sighed and made sure the safety was on and that it was set for a stun level. I, then, dug out the case for it, slipped it in and attacked it to my belt. Like a holster, but shaped differently. It felt odd and brought back some uneasy memories. I pushed them aside and check the box for any of the other old equipment I had. Nothing else of use for now.
Putting it back, I looked around the room, going over some last minute thoughts. I checked to make sure the door was locked then threw my purse in my room. Just me and my weapon. All I needed. I closed my eyes and did as Rachel had told me; disappearing.
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When I reopened my eyes, I stood in an apartment that was not my own. I looked around to see three others here. Rachel, of course, waited with two others that she did not recognize. I nodded at her and relaxed a notch.
"I'm here," I told her calmly, waiting for some indication as to what I was doing next.
