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A town sat still, all was quiet except for the sounds of burning flames that engulfed entire buildings. No bodies covered the ground, but it was obvious that many people lived there. It was also obvious that many people had been killed there. In the distance stood a structure, so wide and tall that it couldnt have been built by human hands. Little dots hovered around the structure; each one looked as if they were carrying something, something heavy. The objects the dots were carrying were none other than the people who lived in the once thriving town, the very town that now lay in rubble and burning ashes. It is August 3, 2089, over 76 years after the attack in the town. Now, in the period of about seven and a half decades, this scene was present in almost every major city across the world; America being the hub of it all. In the small city of Fremont, a little piece of the land was still owned by America, constantly battling the menace that took over the Earth. People were living right underneath of the invaders noses, and, much like rats, scavenged all they could find. These people were known as the New Colonials though they were not colonizing in any way. In fact, they were losing everything they hold dear. In the New Colonials headquarters, stood a young man, around 58 and skinny, obviously deprived of food. He had a thin brown beard and shaggy hair, much like the rest of the Colonial men. The man began to walk towards a door labeled Commanders Office. The original writing on the door was scratched out to the point it was unreadable. He opened the door.

On the other side was another man in his late forties, was rather tall (around 62 if you want to get technical) and had a very thick, grey beard. He obviously hadnt tanned in years for his skin was pale white, unlike the skin of the young mans which still had a light shade of brown. The man with the grey beard looked up and simply asked, What is it? Were low on food, replied the young man. He looked down at his stomach as if to signal that he was starving. Again? We had box-fulls of Spam a week ago. What happened to that? It takes a lot of food to feed a hundred men and women, and thats not including the children. Ok, then Ill call in a few soldiers and have them scout for food. Thank you, Commander. Hm, yes, now go off and tend to your duties, uh Joshua, sir. My name is Joshua. Right, now go off and tend to your duties, Joshua. Joshua did as he was told and walked back towards his house. Conversations were very short ever since that first attack, most people in power avoid talking at all. They left all the conversation for the lower-classmen. It was 5:00 a.m. so most of the community was still asleep. Joshua was awake only because his job was to cook breakfast and dinner. His colleague, Matthew, did lunch. Joshua opened a door which had the label Joshua M. Wharf and underneath that was Community

Cook. It wasnt a job Joshua was very proud of. He always longed to be a soldier, even though fights were very rare. The citizens werent allowed any firearms unless given permission by the Commander, which only happened on one occasion. The person later had his rights taken away and was banished from the community. It wasnt even until five years ago when the citizens were allowed pocket knives for self-defense against wild animals, which were a big problem. Ever since the invaders landed, all wild animals were pushed from their habitats and had to find shelter, just like people. Problem was, shelter from the invaders was scarce, so humans and animals ended up finding the same places to hide. They couldnt live together, so the animals were killed off. Now just a few strays wander into town and cause a little bit of trouble, only to be shot immediately afterwards. Joshua started up the oven and began to make everyones favorite food: Spam. He plopped loads of the meat that never expires onto the frying pan and they began to sizzle, releasing the delicious smell of frying meat. It was almost as good as bacon, which like almost all luxuries during that time, was rare. About an hour later, people started flooding in the doorways of the mess hall. It was the gymnasium of the once great school known as James Logan High School. Sadly many of the buildings and facilities were destroyed. The gym was just an exception. The first to get their food were always the soldiers, who also happened to be the ones who consumed the most food. Next came in the women and children, who were second priority. Last were the workers, much like Joshua himself, who were considered the lowest in the pyramid. They built the society, but were completely overlooked.

It was a rather ancient culture, but it worked. Obviously at the top were the people like the Commander, and even the president of the New Colonials. That was someone you would never see. Every day Joshua would give his cooked meals to the highest ranked soldier who would then transfer the meal to the Commander who tests the food for poison. The food is then given to the president who spends all his time in his living quarters, apparently working, but he hasnt made a single speech since his election. So I guess you could say it was kind of a democracy, but that was about the only thing people were able to vote on. The rest was decided by the Commander. After breakfast, the children go to school, which was held in the parking lot of the high school. Tents were set up across the campus as living quarters and some were even acting as classrooms when needed. The children basically learn the basics of math, science, and the history of war. P.E. was the biggest thing they needed to learn because it consisted of learning how to shoot a gun, close quarters combat, karate, fighting with blades, and even learning to survive in the wild. You graduated from school when you turn sixteen, and then your job is chosen by the Commander based on your grades and abilities. The good part about the community was that there was no sexism or racism of any kind. Everyone had to learn to get along with each other, or everyone would end up dead. Nobody in the New Colonials, not even the president, knew if there were any other groups of people out there. They assumed they were the only ones left alive. Everyone finished their food, so it was Joshuas turn to eat, and then eventually clean up. Every day Joshua would get help from Sharon, another girl his age, which was twenty-one years old. They both would clean up together, and then go out for a walk.

Sharon was the definition of beautiful, or at least in Joshuas eyes. She had long brown hair, and had no extra fat on her at all. She was an inch taller than he was, but he didnt mind. She had no flaws on her skin, whatsoever. She never really had a job in the New Colonials because she was a foreigner to the group. Around the time when Joshua was born, Sharons father limped into camp with a child in his arms, fast asleep. He was immediately brought to the hospital ward but died an hour after arrival. His last words were, Keep Sharon alive. Sadly, she was looked upon as a foreigner to this day. She wasnt discriminated in any way, but she simply cant vote among the community or talk to any high ranked political figure unless the community was in a state of emergency. Today, on August 3rd, something weird happened on Joshua and Sharons walk; something that would change their lives, and the lives of others permanently.

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Joshua and Sharon took their normal route, which took you through a nice little park that was untouched by the invaders. There were barely any places left on Earth as untouched as this little park, which is located right next to the city library. That is now were the archives of the New Colonials are being kept. It is also where the school kids go on a field trip every once in a while, just for fun. Most of the books that were originally in the library were taken and brought to the high school, which was not too far away. As they approached a small, decorative bridge, Joshua stopped them, and turned around to look at Sharon. Boy, he thought to himself, how did I get so lucky? What is it? Sharon asked sweetly.

Oh, nothing, I just wanted to stop and savor the moment. Joshua climbed up on the bridge and sat down, his legs hanging off the edge. Sharon did the same. You know, Joshua remarked, everyone calls me Joshua. Yeah, thats your name, isnt it? Yeah, but I mean, why doesnt anybody call me Josh. I always thought people took me too seriously. Maybe its because you always look so serious, especially when youre around the soldiers. Josh looked offended, so Sharon added, But, I dont take you too seriously. Josh smiled at this remark. No, you dont. But I think that during this whole invasion, everyones a little paranoid. You think? Sharon was known for being a sarcastic when she talked. Well, what I mean is, we havent advanced at all ever since these things first landed. We know absolutely nothing about them. We dont even have a written record of what they truly look like, and it kind of pisses me off, you know? Well, dont let it get to you, soldier. She did a dead-on impersonation of the Commander. If she hated any man on this planet, it would be the Commander. Not because of his rules and regulations, but because of the way he treats people below him. Hah, I guess I shouldnt let it get to me. Itll just screw up my sanity. Or whats left of it.

Yeah. Hey, we should get going now, if we want to get back in time for lunch. Josh turned around and dismounted the railing he sat on. Sharon followed, and they both walked off the bridge. Suddenly, as they made their way off the small footbridge, a giant meteor crashed in a field not too far away. Smoke rose up off of the landing site, and a shockwave knocked them off their feet. Holy crap, was all Sharon could make out before little dots started coming off of the giant meteor. The meteor was about as tall as the Statue of Liberty, and as wide as two football fields. It came down slow enough to not cause a crater, or kill anyone within a fifteen foot radius around the crash site. The little dots were the scary part, though they werent so little this close up. They seemed to have six legs, just like an insect. They also had what looked like a stinger at the back. They were black with a purple sheen, and had compound eyes. They looked pretty much like a giant wasp, except they had claws attached to its first pair of legs. Are those She couldnt finish her question. Yup, replied Josh, knowing exactly what Sharon was trying to say. Sharon and he were never really in any serious relationship, but at this moment he felt like he wanted to marry her, seeing as this could be the last time they spent together. He knew he had no time for anything as stupid as that, but it just came to him, like a pop-up in his brain. Come on, Josh! Dont be an idiot, get up! Josh realized that the wasps were getting closer and closer, homing in on them. Wait! We cant lead them back to the colony! Sharon didnt reply, but changed course. Instead of running north, Sharon made a U-turn and they headed south, to unknown territory.

They ran for at least three miles before they decided to stop. They must have lost the bugs at least two miles ago, but they kept running as a safety precaution. Now, they had no idea where they were, but Josh knew the place well enough to come up with an estimate. I think were somewhere in Newark, he told Sharon. She had no idea where Newark was, but she was fine with it. She actually didnt want to know. So, now what? She asked. Well, we cant go back to the colony, thats for sure. And going east will just lead us into some mountains. I think what we want to do now is look for civilization. And where exactly can we find that? It was obvious that Sharon didnt like the idea of straying away from the place she called home, but she knew it was the only choice. Well, I knew a few people down in San Jose, so thats always a choice. Uh He looked around and walked about one hundred feet away from Sharon, before coming back. We arent that far from 880, so we could follow it until we reach the city. Then we can wing it from there. Arent we winging it enough already? Also, we dont even know what cities are home to these creatures already. What if what the officials of the New Colonial are right? What if there is no more civilization left? Then I guess we start our own. Josh smiled as Sharon punched him on the shoulder; not meant to hurt him, but just jokingly. We should set up camp, Sharon replied.

Yeah, of course. As they both got up, Josh thought to himself, Nice job of changing the subject. They walked about half a mile, checking houses, seeing which ones look suitable to live in. Eventually, they found a house with its door unlocked, obviously looted, but it was good enough to spend the night it. There were too bedrooms. Sharon took the master bedroom, and Josh got stuck with sleeping in a kids bunk bed. Its obvious who got the best sleep that night. The next morning, Josh got up. He naturally looked at the invisible clock that was next to his bed. He groaned, and then got out of bed. Josh never was much of a morning person, which is why he loathed being the breakfast cook. Since it was he job in the colony, he felt he should cook breakfast for Sharon as well. He limped his way down the staircase and onto the tiled kitchen floor to find that Sharon was already wide awake. Have a nice sleep, buttercup? she asked in a jokingly-arrogant tone. Ive had better. Josh stretched his back. Say, whatre you cooking? Just one of the many luxuries that is rarely found on Earth. He immediately realized that in the air lurked the smell that could be matched by no other smell. It was the king of all meats, and was now considered a delicacy. It was bacon! Juicy, greasy, fattening bacon and it was being cooked in that very kitchen! Oh, the bliss that Josh felt when he knew he was going to eat a real breakfast again. I even found a few eggs in the cupboard. Its amazing how this has sat out for so long, but it still looks as good as ever. Josh came to his senses and almost had a panic attack. Bacon and eggs couldnt sit out that long without going bad. Electricity doesnt work anymore, or at least not here, so it couldnt

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have been sitting in the refrigerator either. There was only one sensible explanation. Sharon, I think somethings not right here. What do you mean? I mean that bacon and eggs dont just sit out for seventy-six years and not go bad. Someones been here, and theyve been here recently. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? It could be either one. Im hoping for good, but truth is, there is a strong possibility that if someone lives here, they might not be so kind to someone living in their home and eating their bacon. Sharon turned off the oven and looked at him for a moment. So, do we just leave? Thats probably our best bet. They both headed for the door. When they opened the door a man was standing there. He was stubby and looked like he hadnt cleaned himself in years. His hair went down past his shoulders, his beard grew as thick as a bush, his fingernails look like they should be on a crooked old witch, his clothes were covered in God knows what, and worst of all was that he smelled. Actually, smelled is simply an understatement. Pardon my French, but he smelled like he took a swim in a pool of crap. By the way he looks, he probably did. So basically, you could say he looked just like the neighborhood that surrounded him: dogawful. Whatre you doin in my house? He had a very thick southern accent, almost to the point where it sounded he like he was faking it.

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Im t-terrible sorry to bother you, s-sir, replied Josh, barely able to speak after he noticed that the man was holding a shotgun in his left hand. His right hand seemed to be gone. We thought this house was a-a-ab- Abandoned? The man finished Joshs sentence. Well, no it aint, and I intend to keep it that way, ya hear! Now, scram! Get lost! Josh was about to follow the mans orders when suddenly Sharon burst out. Wait just one minute! We are down on our luck, practically teenagers, and you have all the supplies to support a whole family. We came from a colony where all we ate was spam, spam, and even more spam. If you were the least bit a gentleman, you would invite us in for breakfast. The man looked confused for a while, not knowing how to respond, but finally, he did. Girlie, I like your style. Unlike this here spineless jellyfish, you actually have the gall to challenge a man with a shotgun and only one hand. Fine, Ill let you and youre little jellyfish boyfriend stay for breakfast, but then you hafta scram, you hear? Yes, sir. Thank you. Then Sharon did what she never thought shed do. She gave the gentleman a kiss in the forehead. Josh looked both enraged and humiliated at the same time. Nobodys ever called him a spineless jellyfish in his life! Now come on in. I can smell that you already cooked up some bacon. This stuffs hard to come by, you know. The man kept babbling about how he used to have it good, and how his wife used to be the best wife you could ever ask for. He even showed us a picture of her, and wow! Its hard to imagine a guy like that getting a girl so pretty as the one he showed them.

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They finally finished breakfast and Josh used the restroom. Afterwards, Sharon decided it was time they hit the road. Before they left, Josh checked the clock, which read 9:00 a.m. Thats a little too late for comfort, Josh thought to himself, but then decided that there was nothing he could do. They headed south on Highway 880.

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It proved amazing how much a stomach full of bacon and eggs could motivate two people on a road as desolate and filled with destruction as the one they were walking along. Trees were withered and destroyed, homes were broken into rubble, and even the ground underneath them had cracks and fissures. The land seemed otherworldly now. Amazingly, one building stood rather intact. It was five miles down the road from the neighborhood they met the rugged looking man. It was a YMCA building! What luck! Inside of the building was a map, in readable condition. Also inside the building were lots of bodies which was odd. Wait, in all the buildings weve past, weve never seen and dead bodies, Sharon pointed out. Why are they here? I truly dont know. Maybe this building collapsed recently. Josh knew that was wrong though, for the bodies looked like they were sitting there for a long time. Sharon didnt seem to mind. She didnt really care. The map was like the Holy Grail to them. It was so much help that they decided to make it the number one priority to keep the map as safe as they could. According to the map, they were only another twelve miles away from San Jose.

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It began to get dark as they noticed a large building stick up over the horizon. Josh looked at Sharon with an expression of happiness on his face that just screamed the phrase, We did it! Sharon just was speechless. She wanted to finish their walk and get to the city as fast as possible, but it was too dark to continue. They both decided to settle in and sleep in the road tonight. I know its not the Ritz, but it sure beats sleeping next to a couple of dead bodies and crumbled pieces of building, Josh told Sharon. She simple smiled at him and turned around to fall asleep. Throughout the day, something was bugging him. Sharon has barely talked to him all day. It didnt seem like she was angry, but it seemed like she was trying to keep something from him. He couldnt control himself, in the middle of the night, he asked, Sharon is something wrong? She turned around and looked at him for a moment. Something was wrong; you could see it in her eyes. Its that man, was all she said. What about him? He couldnt help but sound worried when he spoke. He was worried and there was no hiding it. While you were using the restroom, he tr-She froze. No, no, no. Did he? I should just go back and kick his- No, dont get angry, he didnt. I kicked him where it hurt, and he wasnt too happy about it. She turned and showed him her arm which was covered by her sleeve, which exposed a large bruise. He tried to punch me in the face, but I moved. Thats why I wanted to leave immediately after you came out of the bathroom.

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He didnt know how to respond. It took him five long minutes to finally say, That son of a but he didnt finish because he realized that Sharon had fallen asleep. Though this was terrible, he was glad the man didnt get what he wanted, for his sake. Though Josh was a little more on the cowardly side, he was trained to the point of being a brown belt in karate. Then he had to get a job as a cook.