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The burning sun hung low in the sky, clinging onto the last hours of day. Its rays bathed the landscape in hues of red and orange, the heat distorting the scenery just enough to conceal the figures crouched in the brush. The two men in question were resting; hiding from the worst of the swelter in the shade of lush, amazonian flora. They spoke in hushed voices, each holding a flask. The smell of what was in them, as luck would have it, was masked by the sharp scent of blooming flowers.
One of the men shifted, lounging back to rest against a towering açai tree. Unlike his companion he was all bulk, the flask engulfed in his palm as he downed a swig. He savored the taste, watching as the other soldier mirrored him; taking a thoughtful sip from his own canteen.
"This yer last mission, then?" He asked, the thickening of his distinct, Scottish accent giving away the nervousness he felt, "yer really gonna retire and go off tae teach those COLA kids?"
The other man nodded wordlessly, weary but piercing eyes tracing the eagle flying across his forearm, soaring out from beneath his rolled up sleeves.
"I made a promise. God alive, Jem. When I was introduced to the project… Some of them aren't even teenagers yet, but the things they can do… I don't think I'll ever get used to it." He took another sip of his drink, trying to find the words. "From what I saw, the kids themselves are scared. They need someone to protect them… and I intend for that person to be me."
Jem shook his head, grey eyes squinting as he stared intently at the sunset. He stayed silent for a moment, and Owen watched the sunlight dance across his features. Finally, with a sharp exhale, he seemed to set his mind.
"Well, I cannae think of a better person for the job."
Owen offered him a strained smile, turning to watch the horizon, too, with a sigh.
"I can only hope you're right."