Chapter 127 — Recommendations
S.C. 1511 — Early February
Gray Terminal → Hidden Path Near Foosha
The afternoon sun hung low over the horizon as Arlen trudged along the dirt path behind Foosha.
A burlap sack hung from his shoulder—filled with old rope, dry leaves, and rusted metal scraps he planned to recycle later.
Ren had told him to meet here, away from the village, away from prying eyes.
Arlen was early.
He waited silently, tapping his foot, occasionally glancing around.
When Ren finally emerged from the bushes with Zemo trotting behind him, Arlen bowed his head almost automatically.
"Boss," he whispered.
Ren always winced at that.
But he didn't correct Arlen today.
There were more important things.
"You said you wanted to speak?" Ren asked, brushing dust off his sleeve.
Arlen nodded quickly.
"Yes. I… I wanted to talk about more help."
---
Arlen's Hesitation
Arlen gripped the strap of his sack tightly.
"Ren… I've been thinking. There are two boys in the Terminal like me. Good ones. Not thieves. Not troublemakers."
He hesitated, swallowing hard.
"I think… they could help you. If you want more workers."
Ren blinked slowly.
More workers.
He knew this moment would come eventually—
but he hadn't expected Arlen to be the one to bring it up.
Zemo sniffed Arlen's ankle, assessing the tremble in his legs.
Ren stepped closer.
"Why now?" he asked calmly.
Arlen lowered his head.
"Because people are starving, Ren."
His voice cracked softly.
"I'm lucky you let me work. I eat every day now. I sleep safely. I… I can breathe."
Ren's chest tightened.
Arlen continued:
"But the others… they have nothing.
No food.
No shelter.
No chance."
---
Two Names
Arlen knelt, drawing lines in the dirt.
"The first is Lira. She's fourteen. She can sew anything—bags, nets, clothes. She works hard. Really hard."
Ren nodded.
Sewing meant repairs.
Repairs meant long-term sustainability.
"And the second?" Ren asked.
Arlen hesitated longer this time.
"Bram… He's twelve. Strong. Quiet. He won't steal. He listens. He… he's trustworthy."
Ren watched Arlen's hand shake as he traced Bram's name.
Zemo placed a paw on the boy's knee, calming him.
Ren crouched down, voice quiet.
"You want them to have a chance?"
Arlen nodded fiercely.
"I want them to live."
---
Ren's Internal Calculations
Inside Ren's mind, thoughts moved like gears:
Three workers total.
Still small.
Still quiet.
Chamber Two was half-ready.
Food production had begun.
Water system stable.
Tools were sufficient for light work.
But…
More people meant more mouths.
More mouths meant more food.
More food meant risks.
Yet—
The island base was growing.
The crops were stable.
Salt income was steady.
And…
He didn't want Arlen alone.
A child shouldn't work in isolation.
Zemo made a soft whuff, nudging Ren's hand.
Ren smiled slightly.
"You think it's time too, huh?"
Zemo barked.
Arlen stared between them, confused but hopeful.
---
The Evaluation Plan
Ren finally spoke.
"Bring them one at a time."
Arlen's breath hitched.
"Really?!"
Ren raised a finger.
"But—
They must follow the same tests you did."
Arlen nodded vigorously.
Ren listed them slowly:
"Honesty."
"No stealing."
"No lying."
"No speaking about the island."
"No approaching Foosha Village."
"And no refusing orders during work."
Arlen placed a hand over his chest.
"They'll do it. I promise."
Ren shook his head gently.
"No promises. Only proof."
Arlen bowed low.
"Yes… yes, I understand."
---
A Quiet Moment
The wind rustled the bushes.
Seagulls cried faintly from the sea.
Ren placed a hand on Arlen's shoulder.
"You did good today."
Arlen straightened, eyes glistening slightly.
"No… Ren. You did good.
You saved me. I want… I want to pay it forward."
Ren's throat tightened.
Zemo pawed at Arlen, tail wagging.
Ren nodded.
"We'll meet Lira first. Same place. Dawn tomorrow?"
Arlen saluted awkwardly with both hands.
"Yes! I'll bring her. She won't disappoint!"
He ran off, almost tripping, but laughing as he caught his balance.
Zemo barked after him.
Ren watched him disappear around the bend.
He whispered:
"…We're really building something now."
Zemo pressed against his legs, warm and proud.
Ren stroked the fox's fur.
"Tomorrow… the first real test of recruitment begins."
The path felt longer, heavier, but hopeful.
The hidden base was no longer a secret hideout.
It was becoming a refuge.
---
End of Chapter 127