"Alright, you have all been separated into groups depending on what you will be doing to help the efforts. The local authorities have kindly lent us some of their supervisory staff so we can cover more ground. Care package creators will go with Supervisor Coleman. Shelter assistants will go with Supervisor Andrews. The survivor intakers will go with me."

My friends and I stood to the side and watched as all the other students separated into their groups. Instructor Evans gave his group some basic instructions before sending them on their way to their living quarters. He made his way toward us with a vaguely sour look.

"Okay, I want to be very clear that I do not approve of the assignment I have given you four and I especially do not like leaving you in the care of this…" He glared at Anak. "...individual. I had to twist a few arms to get the supervisors to agree to let you go out to ground zero. If any of you get hurt, it will come down on me. Which of you is going to be team lead?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't that be Anak?"

Instructor Evans shook his head. "No, he is your supervisor. As this is meant to fill your community service hours, you as students have to lead yourselves. Volunteers?"

I glanced at my friends and raised my hand. "I can lead this ragtag band of misfits."

Evans made a note on his tablet. "Very good. Everyone's life is now in your hands, Xamber. Make your way to the transit center at the address in your data tablets. The transport will bring you to the border of ground zero so they can get you set up for whatever project they want you handling. If you have problems, contact my personal number."

We made our way to the transit center and were quickly ushered onto a transport vehicle that looked like it had seen better days. We were the only ones in the vehicle besides the driver who was separated from us by the cabin door. Kolyver took a window seat as usual and I sat next to them. Maera sat in the pair of seats behind us, pushing up the armrest so she could lounge on them both. Ryka and Anak sat together across the aisle from Kolyver and I. Anak wrapped an arm around Ryka and our new friend leaned on him with closed eyes.

At first, I didn't notice how intensely Anak was staring at me, but I felt his eyes. Every time I looked his way, though, he wasn't looking at me at all. I shook my head, deciding I was just sleep deprived from not getting much rest on the train.

"Doesn't look like your nap helped much."

I looked up at Kol in a small daze. "Hm? Oh, yeah, I guess I just don't sleep well in moving vehicles."

Kolyver pulled me into their lap and wrapped their over-sized jacket around us both. "The tablet said this ride is two hours. I'll keep you steady while we move so you can rest."

I laughed and rested my head on Kol's shoulder. "You aren't going to let me argue, are you?"

Kol shook their head as they settled in their seat, covering my face with their jacket. "Sh, sleep, birdie."

I rolled my half-lidded eyes. "You've never even seen a live bird. How do you know covering one puts it to sleep?" I didn't get an answer before dozing off against my companion's warm chest.

"Xam, we're here."

I sleepily blinked when my friend spoke, looking out the window at the transportation center as we came to a stop. Kolyver got me up and led me out of the vehicle as I tried to finish waking up. 

We were met by a stern faced individual in a coordinator uniform. "You are my student volunteers and their supervisor? Good. I'm glad the transport was able to get you here in a timely manner. Delays have become commonplace since the incident. I am Coordinator Galvin. You will be reporting to me at the beginning and end of each day. Who is your team lead?"

I raised my hand. "That would be me."

"Name?"

"Xamber."

Coordinator Galvin took a note down on their tablet. "Excellent. And what is your name, Supervisor?"

It took Anak a moment to realize the coordinator was talking to him. "Ah, yes, my name is Anak."

Galvin nodded and took down another note. "Excellent. You two will be one ones bringing your reports to me. We will be providing a reporting tablet that you must have on your person at all times. They have tracking chips to ensure you can be found in case of emergency. Please do not misplace them. Our resources are spread thin enough without having to replace our tablets. Now, follow me to your living quarters."

As the automatic doors opened, we were greeted by the acrid smell of some distant fire. I was hit hard by the stench, closing my eyes tightly as my nightmare swam into my vision. 

Kol put a steadying arm around me. "You okay, Xam?"

Galvin looked over their shoulder with a frown. "My apologies. I've grown used to the smell and forgot to mention it. Do you have breathing problems, Xamber?"

I shook my head and reopened my eyes, thankful the buildings around us weren’t ablaze. "No, sorry, I'm okay. Just wasn't expecting it to be so strong."

Galvin sighed as we continued on our way. "With so many of the fires originating in our air systems, there are very few places free from the smell of smoke. This may not be comforting, but you will also grow used to it by the time you leave."