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functioning medical unit again. You have no idea how hard and frustrating it is to be a doctor and not be able to help people properly when all you have is make shift medicine and rags to work with. Coming in here is like waking up from a medical nightmare!”
    I turn and look into the room and see it with new eyes. I feel a wash of shame as I think of all the people this room could have helped instead of staying dark and empty. I shake my head and push the shame away. There’s no changing the past. We just need to make the best of what we have today. I look at Ethan again and square my shoulders.
    “AIRIA, the computers name is AIRIA. She controls all the functions in here and will keep everything running. Would you say you and Lance will be taking control and organising your group?”
    Ethan glances back over his shoulder to where the group is still milling about in the far end of the cavern before looking back and answering me.
    “Well, we have since we left the hotel so probably.”
    “Ok, I’m going to give you, Lance and Rex a yellow authorization. That means you can ask AIRIA questions and for help and she will talk to you. You will be able to control the locks on the storage room doors as well but you won’t be able to open the door between the barracks and my living area. If you need to get out the exterior doors you can open them too. If you really need help she can’t provide, you can have AIRIA send me a message, but I’d rather your group keeps to itself.” I rub at one of the worst burns on my forehead before continuing. “Rex knows where most everything is but I’ve locked the armory down completely. I’m not comfortable letting your group have the weapons stored in here.”
    As I’m talking, Ethan is nodding as he walks further into the infirmary and starts opening cabinet doors. I’m ready to just take off when he turns with a tube in his hand and beckons me forward. I look at him warily but he just laughs.
    “It’s just some burn cream. It’ll help sooth those welts and help them heal.” When I still just stand there his smile turns sad. “When was the last time someone took care of you, Skylar?”
    His tone is so sympathetic that I feel tears spring up but quickly blink them away. It’s my job to take care of Ben and that’s all that matters. I shake my head at him.
    “Yeah, um, thanks but I have my own medical supplies. You should get your own people looked after. I’ve got to get back to my brother so, um, good luck.”
    I spin away and out the door before he has a chance to say anything else and make for the offices. It’s hard for me to keep my resolve strong when Ethan, Lance and Rex are all being so nice. I know in my heart that most of these people would be kind to Ben and me but it’s just the possibility that one of them won’t that means it’s not a chance I’m willing to take. I took a chance before and it almost got us killed. I’m almost at the doors to the office when a small voice stops me in my tracks and I squeeze my eyes shut in frustration before turning around.
    “Skylar?”
    I look into his sweet green eyes and see how happy he is to see me and want to cry but instead just say,
    “Hi, Matty. You doing ok?”
    The kid is just too cute when his grin broadens, causing his dimples to be on full display and I have no choice but to catch him when he throws himself at me for a hug. I have to keep reminding myself that Ben’s safety comes before his happiness because I know what’s coming next.
    “Can I come with you to see Ben? Or can he come over here so he can meet the rest of my family?”
    My mouth goes dry and my throat closes as I try and think of a way to explain to this little angel why that will never happen again. He’s looking up at me with all the trust I can’t give back when I’m saved from answering.
    “Matty-man! Rex is looking for you. Scamper pest, big bro’s getting worried!”
    Matty nods at Marsh but throws his small arms around me one