Merrick and Rask walked to the East Gate, taking cups of strong black coffee to give to their mates. Their mates had refused to leave the East Gate and rest, worried about what was happening outside the dome with the plasma trap.
As they approached, Aleigha turned and watched them, a wide smile on her face. "Is that coffee I smell?" she asked, grinning.
Merrick smiled at his mate, then handed her the steaming cup. She took it gratefully and sipped the hot liquid.
Rask walked up to Niki, who wouldn't move her eyes from the barrier and those around it outside of the dome.
Rask set the coffee in front of her and gently took the binoculars, kissing her neck. "You drink your coffee; I will watch for you," he stated, not taking no for an answer. He raised the binoculars and peered through, scanning the area, paying particular attention to the plasma trap and those closest to it.
