Morning all. Didn’t sleep well. I managed to wrap myself up in the bedsheet. I’d say like a mummy but I felt more like a foil wrapped potato. With similar baking results. Which is why I took a moment to strip the bed and load the laundry as well as start my day with a quick and cold shower. Finally feel less overheated but the shock of the cold shower is wearing off and I very much want the coffee to be ready. Until then, let’s write. Timers set for fifteen minutes and lets see what happens.
Why is it on the mornings when I don’t feel my best I come up with the ideas I like the most? I suppose it is a commentary on writing and the mind, but sometimes it makes me sigh. I do like this idea. And will be spending a chunk of today thinking about the mission ass well as details.
Thursday, July 11th: He pressed the talisman into my hand, making sure the others did not see.
He pressed the talisman into my hand, making sure the others did not see. I didn’t have the same faith in the strange little metal object that he did. I didn’t know what help it would be, but at this point I was willing to take any help I could get. I slipped the small metal object into my pocket with a casual shift as I bent to pick up my bag. I saw approval flash in his eyes as he stepped away.
‘Maybe there is chocolate inside,’ I thought as he stepped aside and I straightened. The pack went onto my back and I was glad I adjusted the straps the night before. I could see others who had not thought to do so struggling with the balance. I thought about offering to help and even took a step forward towards Troy. He frowned and turned away.
I sighed, but said nothing and decided to let the others situate themselves. I waited while everyone found their balance and realized that there would probably be several sore backs and shoulders by the time today’s hike was through.
‘To go along with the sore feet and blisters,’ I thought noticing the number of brand new hiking boots on almost all of the feet of my companions.
I tried to keep a neutral face as our fearless leader got us gathered and into motion. I saw a couple of sideways glances as we marched out of the clearing where we assembled. At this point I wasn’t certain if it was for my comfortably worn in hiking boots and comfortable clothing I didn’t mind sweating in or simply my mere presence.
I found it vaguely amusing that all of those who planned to be a part of this mission were wearing almost exclusively high end and brand new gear. Not a single element had any wear on it, even though they had been preparing for their participation or months. On the other hand, pretty much everything I had was previously worn in the field and from the parameters I was given would serve me well.
‘And I certainly hadn’t been planning to go.’ In fact I spent the last two days scrambling to gather everything I needed and running through all of the available details. Tonight when we stopped I would still have some study to do. I focused on the practical aspects of getting to the site figuring those would dictate my packing. I knew what was expected of me once we arrived but I would go over the details between the start and the arrival. As we had two full weeks in the wilderness before arrival, I figured I had the time.
I was not supposed to be here. The person whose spot I was occupying was in an accident and it turned out their alternates were either ill or ill prepared. I was a last second option. To many of the others I was a poor substitute for their missing compatriot. As I had not wanted to go and deliberately did not apply when asked, leaving my name off any sort of call list, I had been shocked to be informed I would be going.
I was also disturbed by the number of accidents and illnesses hat cropped up in every other available candidate. It made me suspicious and added a layer of paranoia to my packing. I ran a hand over the small lump of talisman feeling strangely comforted by its presence.
Ten til Midnight 