Once again, my best-laid plans ended up getting tossed and forgotten. While my original plans had me revisiting the world of Transformation, I failed to flesh out that larger storyline. As a result, it’s been re-ordered in my ever-growing list of projects. However, in the meantime, I needed a second Wattpad story for publication, so I turned to my backlog of work. The other Wattpad entry I planned on writing was for Discovery, which left me with a single option to delve into Mounting Tensions. Despite having an alternate path to run, I was fortunate to have a rough seed available as a starting ground.
At this point in the series, I wanted to capture the last pilot’s unease with the escalating tensions around the planet. Armed with the seed I wrote so long ago, I dove into the story and crafted something I hope you enjoy. Sometimes the calmest conversations hide the most dangerous truths. In the corner of Darvin’s favorite restaurant, he’s chewing over more than just his lunch. He’s attempting to discover the opening for his last pilot as Liam tightens his grasp around the planet. The escape window is shrinking, and for Mara Ritter, the pilot, there’s more to fear than a failed mission.
What unfolds between them isn’t just about the logistics. It’s a tense, character-driven dance between trust, control, and the somber dread of being discovered.
Read on as Darvin tries to assuage Mara’s unease about her upcoming flight. Will his words quell her mounting fears? Or will Darvin have to find a new pilot to complete the last flight?
Darvin chewed slowly in the restaurant’s back corner. When he finished his mouthful, he set the sandwich down on the wrapper and sipped his drink. He fixed his gaze on the distant wall, letting his mind churn over the logistics of the last departure. He knew that Liam and his men were increasing the planet’s security, but he needed to find one more hole large enough for his last pilot to slip through.
While he toiled at the puzzle, he didn’t notice the soft footfalls until Mara Ritter dropped into the seat opposite him with a scowl and her arms wrapped tight across her chest, coiled like springs ready to snap. “While this place is lovely, don’t they mind you monopolizing their booth?”
He blinked as stiff laughter tumbled out. The corners of his lips curled into a tight smile as he took another sip. “The owner is a friend of mine. How are you doing, Ritter? Though I wasn’t expecting any company.”
“At this point, you’re the only person I can talk about my upcoming flight with,” she said, her voice softening with each syllable. She nudged his sandwich closer to him as she shook her head. “We need to talk about my trip to Minores.”
His jaw tightened as his gaze flicked about the establishment. He thumped his cup down and bit into his sandwich. When he finished, he tapped his chest as he licked his lips. “It’s scheduled to leave in two days, with a final preflight check in a day. So far, everything is looking clear. Why are you so worried now?”
“From a physical standpoint, everything is okay.”
.
.
.
To continue reading the story, click here to head over to Wattpad.