Tyra walked over to the shed leaning her rifle against it. “You both can pull up something to sit on while I get a fire going. Once all that is done you can hear something you will not find in any book or taught at any school even any still exist.” Tyra disappeared from view. Both Lyric and Alexandria looked around the area choosing something to sit on bringing it to the center where a small fire pit had been placed.

A few sounds came from the shed including a grunt of discomfort then Tyra emerged with some wood under her arm and a bag over her shoulder. Walking over to the pit she placed the wood on the ground setting the pieces up like a tower. She put some dry needles and leaves underneath sparking some rocks and blowing gently underneath. The embers engulfed the dry kindlin setting the wood a blaze which reflected in her eyes as she looked up.

“I see they are still trying to make weapons out of the female children. It is funny how that works.” She glanced at Lyric and then at Alexandria. “Someone who can go invisible that hasn’t been seen since the start of the virus. However shifting into animals that one is brand new. Where did you two come from?” Tyra asked pulling up a chair to the fire pit.

They both stayed quiet for a moment. That wasn’t a fun topic to discuss but they might be able to get some information from Tyra but answering her questions. The fire crackled sending embers dancing into the air. Lyric let out a soft giggle watching them float up into the sky.

“Well I will go first. I have been out on my own for a while now. I don’t know the exact date. I was in a walled city not far from ground zero of the outbreak. I escaped during a fire which killed most of the other girls.” Lyric watched the fire after finishing her introduction. She closed her eyes for a moment to remember the friends she had lost.

Tyra nodded not saying anything just yet as she turned to Alexandria. She let out an exasperated sigh since all she wanted to do was leave her time at the facility behind. Of course Lyric seemed to be alright telling her story. If she was going to be a captain that meant doing the difficult things. This person could be a new member of their crew especially with a skill like sniping. It was time to suck it up to tell the story one more time.

“I just recently escaped from a facility which is maybe a weeks journey from where we are now. I shifted into a hedgehog during an experiment they were performing. I killed a few researchers and one guard. I joined up with Lyric here a few days after that.” She blew out air after finishing her introduction looking towards Tyra for a reaction.

Taking a deep breath as the fire cracked spitting embers into the sky Tyra looked at both the ladies once more. They both had some intense drama in their lives and now they are forming a crew to explore this new world. Turning first to Lyric she spoke, “A fire is never a good thing no matter what it destroys in the process. You seem to have held onto your laughter which is a very good thing.”

Lyric nodded letting out another giggle. Even though this woman had almost took her head off with a single shot this was a good time at least for now. Tyra turned to Alexandria cracking her neck a bit. “Being a leader is a tough job but don’t let the weight of it push you down. You took a small animal and used it to get away from your situation. It takes a strong will to be able to pull something like that off.”

Alexandria wasn’t used to praise like this but the good thing was it had a lesson built right in. Of course she had to respond because being quiet wasn’t any fun. “Thanks for the words of encouragement and the life lessons. How did you find yourself on this island?” She hoped that question wasn’t too forward. Of course she would never apologize for asking it. It was only fair since they told her where they came from.

Tyra let out a soft chuckle. It had been a long time since she had a conversation with a person. Usually she would shot first and ask questions later if they survived. These ladies in front of her were different since they were able to take care of themselves. “As I said before I would be the first generation of what you are now. I have been on this island since the start of everything. Of course it looked much different back then.”

Both Lyric and Alexandria exchanged glances as Alexandria tried to do the math in her head. “That means you would have to be a few hundred years old. Do you really think we are that dense?” It was a good question since no one should still be alive from that time. Of course there is the possibility her ability gives extended life.

Tyra put up a hand letting out another chuckle. “I can’t recall how old I am at the moment. However with all the supplies I have and the live virus running around in me it is rather hard to kill me with natural causes.” Both Lyric and Alexandria’s mouths dropped open from that comment. There were not many people walking around with the live virus inside them. Since everything was giving a vaccine to counter act the virus when they are born. Of course there are moments when it doesn’t work. You never hear about those however.

A burst of laughter erupted from Tyra at the looks on their faces. She needed to remember how much they didn’t know. This might be the time for her to get back into the game. Killing from this island wasn’t fun anymore. Lyric and Alexandria were the first challenge she has encountered in about a hundred years or so. After killing someone trying to get to her island or when they arrived getting their things was easy. What had transpired today wasn’t easy at all. These two were the real deal at least they had the makings of a threat.

“You both have giving me a good work out and some interesting information. It seems to me the only thing your missing besides a better ship is more crewmates.” Lyric let out a huff at Tyra’s comment about the ship. Of course she was one hundred percent correct. They did need a better ship. Alexandria was also intrigued by what seemed to be an offer to join them.

“Well needing a better ship is a fucking understatement. No offense Lyric but you need to get over that. Great ship for you but not for a full crew.” Lyric nodded in agreement shrugging her shoulders. “I also hear you offering your services as a crew member or am I hearing that wrong?” Alexandria was getting the hang of this if only small bits at a time. She wanted to move things forward but the knowledge they could gain would take time to absorb. The best way to do that would be for Tyra to join them.

Offering a spot on a crew was something Tyra had not heard in a long time. When everything first started there were groups like this just trying to cut the world up right after everything went to hell. Of course most of those groups died off fighting each other. The world was new again since everyone was either hiding behind walls or fighting over nothing in groups that didn’t know honor if it slapped them in the face. This was a different type of honor then the usual kind you read about in stories. She never really joined up with anyone because this place always had everything she needed.

Alexandria titled her head to the side watching Tyra who seemed to be lost deep in thought. She waved her hand in the air trying to get her attention. Tyra noticed and shook off the thoughts for the moment. “I wouldn’t say I was offering my services just like that. However I do believe with your abilities we could have a great time together. That is entirely up to you since you are the captain.”

She was right Alexandria was the captain. Of course Tyra had the option to deny the offer which Alexandria didn’t think was going to happen. Having Tyra on the crew would be a huge advantage especially from long range after that display of her skill. She needed to know a bit more about her to start that first level of trust. “There is a chance an offer is on the table to join the crew. I would however like to know a bit more about your abilities since you know about ours first hand.”

Tyra could see the fairness in that statement. She would have asked the same being in their shoes. Of course staying on the island meant everything she did was on her terms. Of course something told her Alexandria wouldn’t have the guts to make her do something. The amount of respect Tyra could see in Alexandria’s eyes when they looked at each other was a bit unnerving. “That is a very fair trade. I am guessing Lyric might have a clue as to one of my abilities.” Lyric nodded but didn’t speak since it would be better from the horses mouth then her speculation. “All of my senses are turned up to the max. I can see a great distance along with being able to hear through some materials if I focus hard enough. The live virus inside me doesn’t allow me to die. So I am a few hundred years old but if I die then the virus can’t survive without a host.”

Lyric let out sigh of relief. “So that is why you know I was here but couldn’t find me. Even someone who thinks they are quietly walking is making some type of noise.” Tyra smiled touching her finger to her nose. “That is a smart lady right there. That is another reason I live alone on this island. All the sensations of a crowded place can be a bit overwhelming.” Both ladies nodded in agreement.

There was even more of a reason now to have her join the crew. Of course she needed to make sure that things were comfortable. Alexandria could be a bitch at times but this woman was a legend so the proper respect needed to be given to her. “That is much more then the two of us had to go through so far. You have made our stories look like children’s books compared to yours. I haven’t even heard the full bit and I already respect everything about you.” Tyra threw her hands up scoffing at Alexandria’s comments.

“Don’t praise me that much it will all go to my head. I don’t need that kind of ego boost at my age. It could be the thing that finally kills me.” A chuckle escaped her lips knowing full well that couldn’t happen. “If your offer to join is still on the table I will accept it on a few conditions.” Alexandria almost jumped out of her seat with excitement. Of course the word conditions brought her right back down to reality. “What do you want?”

Tyra was also glad to see Alexandria was straight forward and too the point with a bit of sass. That was one thing most of the people she killed didn’t have. They either sprouted some nonsense about being avenged or begged for their lives after bit talk about taking her down.

“I want the crows nest of the ship to be my room. The higher up I am the easier it is to not feel crowded by all the sensations around me.” Alexandria nodded even though she knew V was going to be upset about that. “The other conditions is if I die on the journey I want to be brought back to this spot and laid to rest here. None of that buried at sea crap.” Lyric let out a soft giggle since that was a bit uncharacteristic of a pirate.

Taking in a breath of air Tyra held up her hand. “There is one more thing. I want once the crew is fully formed to completely destroy a certain walled city. If that condition isn’t met I will have to start taking apart what you built piece by piece.” She narrowed her eyes at Alexandria a mischievous smirk crossing her face.

Alexandria scoffed at the comment. “There are no issues with attacking a walled city. How come you want to destroy this place?” Tyra shook her head. “That will be something you will find out when the crew is finished. If you accept all the conditions then I believe we are in business. I can also point you to a place not far from here that we may be able to acquire a better ship.”

Lyric stuck out her tongue at the better ship comment followed by a cheerful giggle. Alexandria stood up extending her hand to Tyra. She stood as they met right above the fire pit shaking hands sealing the deal. “Alright lets pack up what supplies you want to bring and head towards this place for a better ship.”