The entire walk to the Holy Site had been made in silence. The Grand Zealot didn’t seem to be much of a talker, which was unfortunate- Atticus rather liked the strange softness of the other man’s voice, though it seemed to contrast with the deathly serious demeanor that Richter possessed.
Both of them walked in time with the other, seeming to keep an eye on their surrounds while also monitoring their company. Atticus had not been at the Nucleus long, and the majority of his time was spent with the Sisters he had escorted to the island. His efforts to socialize with the men and women at the Nucleus was moderate. Perhaps Richter was simply remaining cautious.
Abruptly, he noted Richter slowing his steps, and Atticus mirrored his movements until the two of them were entirely still. When Richter lifted his arm and pointed, Atticus cautiously directed his gaze across the area. Standing amidst a shrine of Atom, several Trappers stood around, some crouched as they tinkered with wires or ropes.
Laying traps near their shrines?
“Six…” Atticus counted out loud, leaning so Richter could hear his whispers through the thick metal that covered his face. “…Seven…”
Lifting his gun, Atticus counted the number of Trappers once again through the scope of his rifle, just to make certain he hadn’t missed any before….
“Want me to take out the four on the left?”
Seven. Richter himself had only noted the first six. Much as he’d like to blame the weight of this blasphemy for the distraction, he could already tell the other man had a greater knack for spotting threats– Certainly a suitable guide for the Children he’d brought to Atom’s Island.
Terse nod showed the Grand Zealot’s agreement– not only with the plan of attack but also with Brother Starling’s assessment of the gravity of the offense:
No question that execution was in order,
only of which way he might deal his part of it...
Atom’s holy weapon of Judgement called to him from where it hung at his back, its own weight a fine match for the sins of these heathens...
Still, it would require a greater closeness than he was ready to risk without knowing how well Starling would handle his own lot–
He readied his radium rifle instead, murmuring in turn, “I’ll get closer. You take the first shot... ”
Quick despite his size, Richter moved in but no closer than necessary– Atom knew the trappers had fine enough ears themselves. A small glance and nod over his shoulder and he waited for Starling’s move...
