I’d wanted to test them, to see how they functioned as discrete units, and possibly to highlight difficulties.

The more I saw, the less sure I was that these guys were equipped to handle even a friendly contest. There were so many messy parts to this. Above all else, the ones with the power seemed least suited to wield it.

“Believe in us,” Sveta said, her voice soft.

I wanted to. I really did.

“I think,” I said, and I said it to Tristan, “you should take this opportunity to explain your game plan.”

Glare 3.3

“You want a game plan?” Tristan said. “Do you mean for here or for the big picture?”

I was thinking big picture, I thought, I have doubts right now and a plan would help.

Without voicing that, I said, “Here, but I’m open to hearing about either. If you have something in mind.”

“I want to wait on the big picture stuff so we can include Rain into the discussion. He and I chat regularly, and he’s heard some, but Ashley and I were talking while we waited for you and there’s bits to discuss. Comfort levels.”

“Okay,” I said. “We’ll focus on this for now.”

“I’m in charge, then?” Tristan asked.

“If Sveta is okay with it, you can give it a shot.”

“I’m okay with it,” Sveta said.

He made a small amused sound, his face obscured by his helmet, his hands busy adjusting the fit of his armor as he paced. “There was a time I thought I might end up being in charge of Reach. Things fell through before then. I don’t know if my current mindset works for it, but let’s give this a try.”

I had my own bag, which I’d brought with me. My computer, masks, and the flags, one red and one blue. I fished out the flags, holding both in one hand, and put on one of the masks.

“Victoria, you and I are on defense, then,” he said. “Ashley is going to go hard offense, that’s who she is, and I don’t see Chris holding back. Sveta, you’re going on the attack. You loop around, go the long way if you have to. You might have to dodge Kenzie, but I think you can manage that okay. It’s only her hook thing and flash gun.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Sveta said.

“Alright,” I said.

“I think the benefit here is that we all have some experience,” he said.

“Kind of,” Sveta said.

“They’re young. Ashley too, in a weird way. They’re led by Ashley and we know how she thinks. I can put my confidence in you, Sveta, if you’re going for their flag.”

“I hope I deserve it.”