Chapter Text
"Whatcha doin' boss?" the Ace demands curiously as he encounters Furiosa near the Rig the night before they're due to set out for their supply run.
"Just checking out the Rig … making sure it's ready," she tells him as she stands in the shadows, staring into the darkness.
"There's nothing to worry about with this one - just nipping over to Gas Town and Bullet Farm - a piece of piss!" he says cheerfully.
"Absolutely," she agrees.
"I done the walk around myself already, boss," the Ace announces. "Full tank of guzzoline, checked the tyres, checked the oil ... she's sweet."
"I'd expect nothing less," she replies and it's true. The Ace is her most loyal and dedicated lieutenant. Conscientious, fearless and devoted. He's also deadly, killing without hesitation when commanded - and she's commanded him to kill more times than she can recall ...
He keeps the other boys in line and makes sure the Rig runs smoothly – has done for a long time now. Older than the other boys, he looks out for them, ignoring his own night terrors.
"Are the other boys ready?" she asks him and he nods.
"Course they are boss... been ready for days now ..." He looks excited, trusting. As usual, he believes in her implicitly. He's usually good at reading her, anticipating what she's going to do next. Not tonight, though. He's painfully oblivious to her plans.
As she looks at his face, open and trusting, the bile rises in her throat and she swallows hard.
"Good. Now go get some rest - I'll see you in the morning," she orders him curtly. Always the good soldier, obedient and dutiful to a fault, he leaves her alone in the shadows with her thoughts.
Frowning, she waits for him to leave and continues to stare fixedly at the War Rig that is loaded with fruits, vegetables, water and Mothers' milk. To the side is the spare fuel pod filled with guzzoline that will be hitched to the back of the Rig tomorrow. Her mouth tightens. There's enough food and water for the journey across the Wastelands – if they survive.
She crawls under the Rig and up through the opening to clamber into the inside the tank, examining the large compartment designed to store food. She moves heavy blankets into the corner, thick heavy fabric that will be used to protect the cargo … or disguise illicit passengers.
If she's discovered it will mean punishment for the wives and certain death for her. Furiosa imagines the look of fury on Immortan Joe's face when he discovers that his beloved breeders are gone. A cold smile curves her ripe mouth. Whatever the price - it's worth it.