Julian took a seat beside Reginald while the girls were in the kitchen area.
"You are very capable to be able to obtain this many good things", said Reginald with an impressed expression.
Julian smiled, "Thank you, but this is only because I had long prepared to live off-grid. If I didn't go through faking my own death and continued to live normally, I would have been just as unprepared as anyone else".
Reginald didn't reply but understood what Julian was saying. Still, it didn't take away from how nice this apartnt was.
He thought that he was living really well with his family now that he had all of the new furniture they brought back recently. However, seeing Rayne and Julian's place made his own feel very empty and cold.
"Dad, they even have electricity! Isn't it nice and warm with the space heaters?", said Ella from across the room.
Reginald smiled at his silly daughter and shook his head. "We won't get electricity until it's very important. We're still low on contribution points, and I want to save them for the very cold winter months".
Rayne turned to Ella and her mother, "Oh! I have a few extra blankets and pillows. Please take so back with you".
Ella jumped to hug Rayne, "Ah Rayne, you're my lucky star!! I'm so lucky to have a friend as generous as you are!".
The rest of the room burst out in laughter, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.
"Now, now. Everyone take a seat at the table. Dinner is ready!", announced Rayne, bringing over the rest of the food.
Everyone quickly filled their plates with food, silently eating.
After dinner, Ella leaned back in her chair, "This has got to be one of the best als I've ever had!".
Rayne giggled, "You're just saying that because you've only had biscuits and dried food recently".
Reginald turned to Rayne, "Thank you for treating us to this al. I haven't felt this full in so long".
Rayne smiled, "No problem, I hope for many more dinners in the future", then she put on a more serious expression.
"I want to ask you for a favor. Julian and I need to go to the north side of the country tomorrow to look for soone. Would you help us keep an eye on this place? You're more than welco to use anything here".
Before Reginald had a chance to answer Ella shot up from her seat, "YES! Leave it to !".
Rayne's place had electricity and Ella had been dying to use the precious flat iron she's managed to sneak into her belongings from the initial move out of the city. Not to ntion the laptop full of TV shows and movies that Rayne ntioned to her earlier.
Ella's mother shook her head, "Well there's your answer. We will most definitely help you look after this place. How long do you plan on being gone?".
Julian thought for a mont, "It really depends on how long it will take us to find the person we are looking for. The city is far away so we would need a few days alone for travel. I'm estimating at least a week, most likely two".
Reginald nodded agreeing with Julian's estimates, "Be safe while you're out. Don't trust people so easily, things are different now". The scene of his leader harming his team was still fresh in his mind, and he couldn't help but give another reminder.
After dinner, Rayne gave Ella a spare key she copied from her system to their apartnt. "Feel free to hang out here while we're gone, and use whatever you like, food included!", said Rayne.
Ella smiled, "Be safe on your trip. I'll co looking for you if you take too long!". She was worried for Rayne but seeing how capable she and Julian were, she felt that they should be able to handle themselves well.
---
The next morning Rayne woke up early with Julian and got dressed to begin their journey north.
They skipped breakfast since it was too early and they weren't hungry yet, making their way to Raynes SUV.
The surroundings were quiet although many people were awake. Rayne noticed many more makeshift fire barrels scattered around the tent communities with people standing huddled around them.
When they finally made it to the parking lot Rayne and Julian spotted a few people dressed in all black walking from car to car, peeking through the windows.
"Hey I suggest you get lost", yelled Julian trying to scare these people away. The threat worked and the small group of people scattered in different directions.
Julian frowned noticing their actions. He clearly saw that they were holding bags and items.
"Oh no, look at the car!", exclaid Rayne as they approached her SUV. The windows were smashed but not broken.
She walked over and noticed the many cracked veins in the glass that were clearly made by soone trying to smash the window with a brick or a rock.
Julian walked over and frowned, he felt like letting those people off was too light of a punishnt.
"Look, all of these cars have their windows completely smashed", he said pointing to several cars in the vicinity.
"Looks like more and more of the shady characters are erging, people are getting desperate since the colder weather is kicking in", said Rayne.
Thankfully it was only the side windows that were cracked, and the main windshield was still intact. "We just need to drive this car out of here and I can swap it out", she said. She couldn't imagine how upset she would've been to see this if she didn't have her system.
"Let drive first, we can swap later", suggested Julian.
Rayne agreed to his request and they both hopped into the SUV. It was still very dark out so most people stayed off the roads, making the drive out of the governnt base quick.
Julian drove for another 15 minutes before finding a small abandoned gas station that had a car wash bay. He drove into the bay and got out, "You can swap out the car here, there shouldn't be anyone here".
Rayne was grateful for the thought he put into finding a secluded area for her and swapped out the vehicle.
Soon the SUV was replaced with a brand new shiny one with the added bonus of a full tank of gas (since it was full when Rayne stored it).
"There, brand new! No need to even check the tire pressure", joked Rayne.
After swapping out the car they got back inside and continued their drive north.
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