Apocalyptic Rebirth: With a repairman system space, she rises again.-Chapter 606: Back to the Drift lands.

The afternoon sun hung low over Fortress four, casting long, honey-colored shadows across the open training grounds. The base was unusually quiet. It was the kind of quiet that followed after a massive crack down or in this case hunt for beacons.

A lot of residents were inside their homes, hiding like they would be grabbed and searched if they went outside. But, brave children, who had adapted to the apocalypse with childish joy were out playing.

The air was thick with the scent of trampled grass and the metallic tang of the crates stacked on the ground. Sunshine stepped onto the field, her boots crunching softly. She spotted Leah immediately. The woman was sitting in a foldable chair, her posture uncharacteristically soft. In her lap lay Ala, sound asleep. The girl was snoring with a rhythmic intensity that spoke of true, bone-deep exhaustion. Her small hands were stained with dirt and her fingers were curled around Mrs. Long legs.

Sunshine got a chair from her space and settled down next to Leah. She did not say anything at first, just relaxed and enjoyed the sunset. With a wave of her hand, she scattered thousands of snow flakes in the air.

Leah used wind to send them as far as possible, to help the base remain cool. "Does this count as child labor?" She asked, looking at Ala with a smile.

"I hope not." Sunshine muttered, "I feel terrible putting Ala through this?" she whispered, leaning closer so as not to startle the child.

Leah looked up, her expression softening even further. She brushed a stray hair from Ala’s damp forehead. "My daughter worked herself to the bone, Sunshine. She wouldn’t let me help her with the counting and she didn’t stop until the last crate was accounted for. She refused to move until you came in person and moved all the beacons to your house. That is why we are still here."

Sunshine smiled, a genuine, warm expression. She looked at the mounds of beacons_ tiny devices that had caused so much stress. The Watchers had to be seething now that she had thwarted their plans. Hopefully, they would not drop anymore of those dangerous devices going forward. For now, Ala had done a great job.

"It’s okay, Leah. Let her sleep. She’s more than earned the rest. We’ll handle the heavy lifting for these ones at least."

With a sharp whistle and a flick of her wrist, Sunshine summoned Alfred and a few members of a squad who were lingering nearby. "Alfred, get these crates to my vehicle."

As the men began to heave the heavy crates with practiced efficiency from moving heavy loads regularly, a voice rang out from the edge of the field, cutting through the quiet hum of activity." Mrs. Quinn!"

Sunshine turned to see Arwin, Paula, and the rest of their group approaching. They were a sight to behold_ laden with luggage, overstuffed bags, and the weary but satisfied look of travelers ready for a long journey home.

Arwin stepped forward, his expression solemn but deeply grateful. "It is time for us to leave, we’ve overstayed our welcome as it is," Arwin said, his voice carrying a weight of respect. "I wanted to thank you properly for the hospitality. And... for taking such good care of Paula. She’s... well, she looks healthier than when she was back home."

Sunshine waved her hand dismissively, the universal gesture for don’t mention it. She looked over at Paula, who was grinning ear to ear, looking remarkably vibrant compared to the woman who had first arrived on the base in confusion and rage.

"You know," Sunshine teased, "Townsend is going to be absolutely devastated. He’s actually going to have to do real work at the prisons now that his star employee is leaving. He might actually have to break a sweat."

Paula let out a sharp laugh that held joy. "Oh, don’t you worry about him! He won’t miss me one bit, because I’m not actually going back to the Drift Lands! I’ve decided I like it here in Westbrook way too much to leave. The food is better, the beds are softer, and I don’t have to look at my brother’s grumpy face every morning."

Sunshine blinked, genuinely taken aback. The idea of Paula staying hadn’t been on her radar, but as soon as the words were spoken, it felt right. With all the work Paula had been taking care of and how much she was liked, it made sense for her to stay. "Well, I welcome the idea! That’s some of the best news I’ve heard all day, Paula. We can always use more people with your...spirit and ability.’"

Turning back to Arwin and Alena, who were watching the exchange with a mix of amusement and sadness, Sunshine’s practical side took over. "I am not sorry for stealing your sister from you. But, I can’t have you trekking across the cracked scorched earth in vehicles that will fall apart before you leave the city. Moreover, it’s a long drive, and the weather sucks. Take one of our air crafts. It’ll get you back to the Drift Lands in a fraction of the time, and you’ll arrive safely."

"You would do that?" Alena asked, her voice hitching in genuine shock. In this new world, Sunshine’s weapons, cars and aircraft’s were as important as food. Most leaders were stingy, guarding their tech like dragons guarding a hoard of gold. But Sunshine Quinn didn’t seem to play by those rules.

Sunshine nodded simply. "We have plenty that I repaired myself. You can trust that they will get you home safely because they have a shield and invisibility abilities. The sun won’t harm you. I am doing this because I’d rather you get home safe than have to come looking for you in a week."

Paula’s eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas morning. "Wait! If that’s the case, I can go see my parents! I can fly back, say a proper goodbye, grab the rest of my things, and then fly right back here!"

Arwin chuckled, shaking his head at Paula’s boundless energy. He then turned back to Sunshine, his voice dropping to a more business-like tone. "Before we go, ma’am... I have a proposal. We’re going to need to upgrade our defense if we’re going to keep the Drift Lands stable. When I left, the Watchers were dropping superhumans there like leaves. I have no idea what is waiting for me back there. I want you to sell us weapons, iron shirts, anything really."

Sunshine laughed, the sound light and melodic. "Arwin, You don’t even have to ask me for permission. Just go down to the weapon shops in Westbrook. Tell them I sent you, for good discounts. They’re open to everyone, and they’ve got enough firepower to level a small mountain. Buy whatever you can carry. If you lack funds on your person, I will send some of our best pilots with you and they will bring back my money."

Relieved and clearly moved by the lack of red tape, Arwin thanked her one last time. He gave a sharp nod to Eric Rudolf. "This is it I guess."

"Eric, accompany them until they leave." Sunshine ordered.

"Yes ma’am." Eric saluted.

Leah held her breath until they left and then she looked at Sunshine with wide eyes. "Are you insane? What if they don’t pay?"

She shrugged. "They saved your asses at a personal cost and Arwin seems like a trustworthy block. Besides, I need to keep the connection alive so that we can get regular updates on what’s happening in the Drift lands. I am making an investment. So what if loose a few weapons?"

Leah nodded. Of course, Sunshine had other motives. Every move she made had layers!