Like Clockwork (For Stuffy)

Anya disappeared in the forest and Eli glanced over his shoulder before taking the basket from Aspen.

"Come on. Let's go."

 

He glanced over his shoulder at her.

"Anya? She's the leader of one of the more... prominent, friendlier tribes in the area. Not the size of the Pillagers, but..." He shrugged slightly. "I don't know how she manages to keep them hidden."

 

"Not impressed?" Eli asked, starting to jog.

 

"She's keeping her tribe safe. You can understand that."

 

(Zoop?)

 

That night, after dinner, when everyone was in their den, August's head popped in hers.

"Aspen?"

 

"Hi," he said quietly, his eyes thoughtful. "Look... I was thinking. What's to stop us from building a Star down here?"

 

He rubbed the side of his neck thoughtfully.

"A permanent Star. A... what's the word? A protected neighborhood. There are friendly tribes, Aspen, and combined, we outnumber the Pillagers."

 

"Is that what it's called? Yes. A town."

 

"A protected town. One that's reinforced by machinery."