Dominic We left early, the sun crested over the treetops as our van pulled out of the compound. Mira had handed me a large thermos of coffee on our way out the door, and was grateful for her foresight. The energy within the group was electric, like children on their way to a class field trip. We had prepared and supplied ourselves, but still had no idea what we were walking into. Lucas drove, as he usually did, going quiet behind the wheel as he focused on the mission ahead. Wyatt in the front seat, navigating and interpreting his partner’s sparse words and gestures. Mira and I were in the middle, two bucket seats side by side. The space between us felt like a chasm, and I wish I could find an excuse to brush her thigh with my hand. Against my initial judgement, we brought Lucian

