Limitless Power

I. A Birthday Unlike Any Other

Happy thirtieth, Laura! Sandy squealed as I answered the door. She gave me a
short-lived hug, oh my god, you're all sweaty, gross! I closed the front door behind her
as she walked into my living room and plopped on the couch.
I just got back from my run. I'm about to hop in the shower. I didn't need to
invite her to make herself comfortable. At least this morning she rang the bell and didn't
just barge in.
I don't know how you do it. I swear you don't look like you've aged since high
school.
A healthy life style works wonders, Sandy, you should come running with me. I
said.
Oh whatever, just go get ready, she replied as she waved her hand at me, and
then proceeded to dive into her world of social media using her Lens. We both had the
latest model that was worn over just one eye, and we rarely took them off. They synced
up perfectly with the phone and with leaving one eye free to see the rest of the world, we
never needed to be disconnected.
I jogged up stairs and into my bedroom to get ready for the day. After stripping
down I headed into the bathroom to shower. I admired myself in the mirror for a minute,
dwelling on what Sandy had said. I took my own Lens off and set it onto the sink, and
then leaned in close to check my face for wrinkles, or other signs of aging. Turning
thirty was something so many people seemed to dread, but I was thankful for my
youthful look. I smiled and hopped into the shower.
As I was washing my hair Sandy burst through the door and almost gave me a
heart attack, Laura, oh my god, you're never gonna believe this... she sounded
agitated, especially so when she finished, my Lens just, LOST CONNECTION. Like, I
thought that only happened in places like Antarctica.
Sandy! I said as I pulled the shower curtain back just enough to glare at her,
Can this wait? I pretended to look angry, but we both knew I wasn't.
What, like I've never seen you in the shower before? She returned my playful
snappiness, and left me in peace. She was right though, connection problems were a
thing of the past with the way infrastructure was set up now days. Oh it's back now!
She said from the bedroom. I chose not to respond to her. It would just encourage her
false sense of urgency because her Lens had an error for five minutes.
Then my own Lens began to ring at me. I had it set up with a custom setting to ID
calls using the voice of my Husband, Kyle, You have an incoming call from an
unknown number. It was a generic phrase, but it was still my Kyle's voice which made

me feel joy. He is a private military contractor, and his work has him away for months at
a time. Little things like hearing his voice brought me comfort.
Ignore call, I said as I rinsed my hair and wrapped a towel around myself. I
stepped out of the shower and put my Lens back on. I had a voice mail icon visible that I
decided could wait until I was clothed. I knew my phone would be ringing a lot with
friends wishing me a Happy Birthday. I walked out of the bathroom and Sandy was
laying back on my bed looking up at the ceiling, using her Lens as a window to the
world. She had her hands in her lap gripping her phone, with thumbs moving a mile a
minute.
When she heard me come out of the bathroom she sat up and faced me, I picked
something out for you, she said with a smile. She had draped a dress with flowers over
the back of my desk chair.
I think I'm just going to wear some Jeans and a shirt, I said ignoring the dress
and going into my drawers to put on the outfit I decided.
Oh come on that dress looks cute, she argued.
I know, but you look cute enough for the both of us today. You picked a red
Sundress that matches your hair perfectly, how can I compete with that? I said
sarcastically, as I put on jeans and a plain white t-shirt. Sandy was just about to argue
with me again when my Lens chimed in with an interruption.
My phone rang again, but this time the ring tone said, It's me babe! Kyle was
only able to call me once or twice a month, and I got so excited to hear from him. I
thought it was so sweet that he arranged to call me on my Birthday.
Kyle! I said thrilled to hear from him when I answered the call. He cut me off in
an unexpected way.
Laura listen to me, you need to go down into the panic room right now, he
shouted in a serious tone.
Kyle, what's wrong? I said concerned. Sandy could see the fear in my face, and
hear it in my voice. She stood up and looked at me. My Lens audio only went into my
ear, so she couldn't hear Kyle talking.
Laura, it's all going wrong, I don't know how but we think... he was cut off by
another voice shouting in the back ground.
Captain Bradley, we need to leave now! I recognized the voice as Sandy's
boyfriend Tim.
Laura, go to the panic room like I showed you. You remember how to use it
right? Kyle said. He was trying to be calm with me, but I heard so much background
noise, and I'm pretty sure he was running.
Yes, I remember, but I don't understand. I was confused and scared. Before I
had time to ask any more questions I heard a barrage of plasma weapons going off on
Kyles end. KYLE! I screamed in terror.
I'm OK Laura. Go into the panic room right now. I'll come home and get you.
How long do I have to be down there, Sandy is here with me? I was talking with
a whimper as I began to cry. Sandy had sat down on the bed and put her hands over her

mouth in shock. She watched me talk with wide eyes and her own fear.
Do not set the chamber for more than ten years, that's the longest the body can
safely stay in Cryo sleep. I have to go Laura. I will come get you. I love you.
I love- before I could finish the call was disconnected.
Sandy stood up and confronted me, Laura, oh my god. What the fuck is going
on?! I just stared at her for a moment. It was only a couple seconds, but it seemed
longer in my mind as I gathered my thoughts. I took a deep breath, blinked hard to stop
the flow of tears, and knew what I had to do.
Sandy, we need to go down to the panic room. Come on, I said as I lead her
down the stairs.
Laura, what's going on, is Tim alright? Is Kyle alright? Why do you have a panic
room? She was asking me questions I didn't fully know the answers to. Sandy could get
even more emotional than I was though, so I decided to keep my answers simple.
Kyle and Tim are fine. I don't know the rest, but Kyle told me to go to the panic
room and he was serious about it. We got to the bottom of the stairs and I opened the
closet that was used for storage under our stairwell. I pulled back a small rug which was
used to conceal the trap door to our panic room. I entered to code which was a simple 43-2-1. The hatch released and I climbed down the ladder.
The space in the tunnel was tight as we climbed down about twenty feet. The
panic room itself had a single light in it, which cast an eerie blue glow on the steel walls.
The small room was built simple to serve its purpose. It had two Cryo Sleep chambers
set side by side, with a computer hooked up next to them. I hunched over the computer
to activate the Cryo chambers. There was a note displayed on a text document left open.
Laura,
If you're reading this, something has gone terribly wrong. I'm sorry I am not there with
you right now. Everything is going to be OK Laura, I promise. I'll come wake you up
and things will be fine.
I Love you so much,
Kyle
Laura, this is just too much for me. I can't believe all this.
Sandy, we need to get undressed. Being frozen in a Cryo sleeping chamber
required a person to be completely naked. I turned back around to the computer and
activated the Cryo chambers. Both of the doors slid open with a quiet whisper as
pressure was released. The entire mood of the situation made the sound seem much
more intimidating than it was.
Laura I'm so scared. It was the first time I think I had heard her speak in a non
cheerful way.
Me too, but we'll be safe here, and Kyle and Tim will come get us out, now
undress. I stripped off my own clothing in a hurry, Sandy did the same. I stood with my

hands over my chest, and I looked at the Cryo tube, then at Sandy. She stood in an
awkward uncomfortable way trying to cover herself. This is it I said, trying not to cry.
Sandy sprang forward and hugged me. Does it Hurt?
I don't know. I said as I let go of her. The last thing I did was take my Lens off,
and drop it into the pile of clothing we had made on the floor. Sandy did the same with
hers. We both turned and stepped into the Cryo chambers. The tubes detected when a
person entered, and the doors closed on their own. When the doors came together there
was only a small window allowing you to see out of the chamber, with the tubes side by
side I was not able to see Sandy's tube to my left, I thought to myself what a horrible
design. I'm having Kyle redo this room as soon as possible. With that last thought of
Kyle, the chamber begin speaking instructions.
Please stand with your feet shoulders length apart, and your arms at your sides
without touching your body, prep for phase 1... The chamber began to make a loud
humming noise. It was October 4th, 2026. Happy Birthday to me was my last thought as
I felt tears running down my face. Then I felt nothing at all.

II. Monday Mornings

I would have thought it was all a dream if I wasn't freezing and gasping for air.
The science behind cryo sleeping chambers was complex. The basic concept was that
you were frozen instantly, preserving your body in time, so you wouldn't need to eat or
suffer from atrophy. The first chambers were used by astronauts, then people got the
idea to use them in bomb shelters and panic rooms like the one I was in. The freezing
part was quick, easy, and painless. The waking up part was none of those things.
First the chamber melted all the ice around my body until only a very thin layer
existed. Then several vital points warmed in order to ensure the brain, heart, and lungs
began to function as one, reviving circulatory system without damaging it. As I began to
regain consciousness, I felt terrified being frozen in place. Not to mention the fact that
every inch of my skin being covered in ice was extremely uncomfortable. When the
chamber detected my brain activity, it pulsed enough heat inside to melt the layer of ice
instantly, but then blasted cold temperature again, to not damage my skin with burns.
This pulse of extremes continued rapidly for a short period of time, which seemed like
forever, until finally just settling at a very warm temperature so I could warm up. I felt
sick and wanted to vomit. I started to cough up the fluid which made it's way down my
throat, and partially into my stomach and lungs.
I was able to hear two men talking outside the chambers. My first thought was
that Kyle and Tim had come to get us, but I soon realized that the voices were not theirs.

I peered through the small window to see who was there. I saw two men dressed in
military armor wielding plasma rifles. I didn't feel safe or comfortable with their
presence, and I folded my arms around my chest to cover myself.
One of them leaned close to the window and looked at me through the glass. The
helmets they wore covered their head and face entirely, leaving just dark orbs in the
place eyes would be for me to stare into.
This one is pretty too, we got ourselves a couple of jackpots. Seeing him eying
me through the window disgusted me.
The other man pulled him back away from the window and confronted him, Hey,
you know we don't touch the brunette, orders are orders you greedy bastard. The redhead
is more than enough.
Aw come on man, who's gonna know?
You really wanna piss off the higher ups at The Compound. You got a death wish
or something? Listen, you lay a hand on this one and I shoot you myself. The man said
pointing at me. I was confused at what was going on, and I definitely did not recognize
the voices of the men who were outside.
I tried to talk, to inquire what was going on, but only wet coughs came out as I
spit out the fluid I had ingested during the freezing process.
Alright get her out first. The man in charge said as he pointed this time at
Sandy's chamber. The small panic room was filled with bright flashes of plasma rifle
fire. I was thankful that the sound plasma weapons made was much quieter than
traditional gun fire, otherwise I would have gone deaf in there when the man was done
shooting.
I watched as he pulled down a half circle cut out of Sandy's door, then he pulled
sandy herself out from her chamber. Sandy was coughing and spitting up fluid herself,
but the man didn't seem to care much for her condition. He hooked a medical computer
up to her arm quickly, pressed a few buttons and stated She's clean.
The man in charge then handed him a small type of injection syringe which
resembled the epi-pens people used for allergies. He injected Sandy with it, and then
covered her with a dirty brown blanket. Alright take her up, I'll get this one out.
Sandy's coughing had ceased, and she was able to start speaking, Who are you?
She looked at my chamber and cried out, Laura... Laura... what's going on? I tried to
answer her, but my coughing hadn't stopped and all that came out was more fluid.
Up you go strawberry. The man ordered, as he gave Sandy a nudge. Sandy
climbed up the ladder as directed, and the lower ranking of the two soldiers followed
her. The remaining solider pointed his plasma rifle at my cryo chamber, and even
though I had witnessed the way they opened Sandy's tube, I still had an initial feeling of
fear in thinking I was about to be shot. The room was again filled with flashes and
sounds of plasma fire, and I was relieved to be unharmed. The man pulled my door
away, removed me from the chamber, and hooked the same medical device up to my
arm as they had Sandy.
What's going on, who are you? I managed to say through coughs. I was able to

breath easier and the majority of fluid had left my lungs now. The man didn't answer me
right away, he just worked the medical device in front of him. Although I couldn't see his
face or eyes, I was able to see the movement of his head when he looked up from the
medical device at me. He then leaned back to look up the tunnel of the ladder, then he
looked back at me.
Listen, I don't know who you are, or why you're so important to The Compound,
but if anyone asks you, I gave you this vaccination, understand me?
Do I need to have it though? I asked, looking into the hollow black holes of his
helmet where eyes should be. I had no idea what it was, but getting vaccinated for some
reason seemed like it might be important.
It's already in your blood, you're good to go. If anyone asks you though, I gave it
to you down here. Got it? He emphasized the end of his statement, stressing the
importance of me receiving the vaccine from him.
Alright. He started to put another dirty blanket he had around my shoulders,
Wait, can I just get dressed? I protested, and pointed at the pile of clothing on the
floor. The man shook his head in agreement, and I quickly put on my clothes, both mine
and Sandy's Lens were not there though. I grabbed Sandy's sundress for her as well to
bring up. Just as I had finished putting on my shoes, I heard Sandy scream out in terror. I
rushed to the ladder to climb up to her aid. Before I could even get my foot on the
second rung, the man grabbed me by the waist and pulled me back down.
There's nothing you want to see up there sweetheart, trust me. The man said.
His lack of concern was disheartening.

III. Without Consent

I instinctively tried to fight my way up the ladder once more to help my friend, the
man was more forceful with me this time, and he pushed me to the floor. Stop it! He
ordered. I sat on the cold floor, and began to cry.
The man was right, I didn't want to see what was going on up there. I tried to
cover my ears also. Sandy's high pitched shrieks of pain and terror were muffled while
they raped her. I felt guilty for not being able to help. For just sitting there. My feelings
of terror outweighed those of guilt and disgust, preventing any further attempts to help
her.
Sandy's shrieks stopped, and I felt relieved that it was finally over. I wasn't sure
how many men she was forced to endure, but I determined that there was at least three
of them whom had their way with her.
Come on. The solider with me said, as he griped my arm and lifted me to my
feet. I was scared to go up there. Part of my fear was in thinking I was to be next in

suffering the same way Sandy did. More than that though, my guilt had returned, and I
didn't want to face Sandy. I climbed up the ladder slowly.
As I got to the top there was a new and uninviting face to meet me. A dirty man
with an unkempt beard and bad dental hygiene smiled at me. He extended a hand out to
help me, but I didn't take it. I climbed past him, the thought knowing he had just had his
way with my friend caused me to feel sick.
I saw Sandy laying on the floor in my living room. She had a makeshift gag tied
into her mouth to muffle her speech. I rushed to her side and knelt down to provide her
whatever comfort I could. Her face was stained with tears and she looked up at me with
a gaze that pleaded for help. It was as if I could hear her thoughts, her eyes said the
words, this isn't real it's a bad dream, in place of her speech. I gave her the dress which I
carried up from below which she put on to cover herself in a hurry.
I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I was suddenly filled with rage. Don't touch
me! I shouted as I slapped the hand away from me. I looked around the room and saw I
was surrounded by six armed men, only the two who I had seen in the basement were
dressed in full military outfits that included the metal helmets and torso armor pieces.
The others had less professional gear, but were still well armed. Leave us alone. Fuck
all of you! The same man who greeted me at the ladder rose his hand and leaned
forward to strike me. Before he could the solider in charge grabbed him and pushed him
against the wall.
We don't touch this one. That's the orders. His words were firm and his point
was made. There was no rebuttal from the man who tried to hit me.
She's making a lot of noise though, we gotta shut her up. Another one of the
men stated, We're close enough to the city that a Feral could hear her, or a Phantom.
Gag her, bind her, and blind her. Ordered the solider in charge who saved me
from an assault.
I must have used up all my courage already, because I put up no resistance as they
tied my hands behind my back, put a blindfold over me, and gagged my mouth. I was
too scared to fight back.
Someone gripped my arm and led me out the front door of my house. When the
man holding my arm spoke I recognized the voice of the commanding solider again, but
the blindfold prevented me from seeing anything around me. Take Strawberry back to
the camp, we'll radio for The Compound to come pick us up with this one. I heard the
opening and closing of car doors, then heard as the car drove away. I then heard a one
sided conversation being had by the commander holding my arm. We need a pickup...
Yea we are on location with the girl... Affirmative, Laura... Affirmative she is clean of
any Fail Safe infections, vaccine was administered... Copy that, standing by
Well how long are they gonna be? Said one of the soldiers. It was another voice
I didn't recognize, from one of the soldiers that hadn't spoken yet. He had an urgency in
his speech. She made a lot of noise man.
We'll be fine, just keep your eyes open. They're sending an air pickup The
commander said.

Yea, but how long? This shit is dangerous out here, we could... The mans
statement was cut off.
Everyone inside, now! The commanding officer dragged me back into the house
in a hurry. I lost my footing and fell onto the floor. He didn't pick me up. With my hands
bound, I awkwardly made my way to my knees. I didn't try and stand up completely, I
was scared and heard the men moving around me in a panic. Compound we are under
Attack, I repeat we are... he was interrupted and I heard a loud crash as something
knocked the man over. I heard the sound of Plasma rifle fire around me, I was paralyzed
with fear. The Plasma fire stopped, and I felt a warm liquid spray across my face.
I heard the sound of two men struggling with each other next to me. I heard metal
sliding across metal, then a loud shout of pain from a man who I thought was the
commander. The fight was concluded with a loud snapping noise, then silence.
I was terrified, I sucked air in and out through my nostrils in panicked breaths. I
couldn't see or hear anything, but I had that sense that I was not alone and someone was
still alive in the room with me.
You're safe now, said a new deep voice of a man. I felt hands on my wrist as I
was untied. Then my blindfold was removed, and finally my gag. I turned my head to
see my rescuer. He was a black man who's aged face told me he was at least fifty. His
size and physique did not match that of an elderly man though. He must have weighed
three hundred pounds, and been well over six feet tall. He wasn't obese, he was top
heavy like someone who does 100 pushups as a warm up to the rest of their workout.
The outfit he was in was dirty, used, and weathered. He wore a hooded brown cloak but
the hood was down, and it covered the large bulged of a bag on his back. In all he
looked nomadic. Everything he needed for life he was wearing, including weapons,
which I could see he knew how to use based upon the recent events. Are you Laura
Meadows? He asked me.
I was speechless and scared. I wiped my face, seeing the red fluid on my hands
which I knew was blood. I felt dirty.
Laura Meadows, is that you? He asked me again. Meadows was my maiden
name. I had been Laura Bradley ever since I married Kyle. I decided not to complicate
things though.
Yes. I didn't know what to expect from this new stranger. As I looked around the
room I saw the bodies of the soldiers who had once held me captive. Being around the
death made me feel uncomfortable, it wasn't something I was used to.
We have to go now. Stay quiet and follow me. He said as he helped me to my
feet.
Wait, what about Sandy, she is my friend. Where is she? I worked out that she
had been taken in the car. But this man saved me, maybe he could save her too.
You're friend Sandy is gone Laura. I'm sorry.
What do you mean gone? They didn't kill her. They just... I stopped myself. I
didn't want to think about what they had done to her.
Laura... he paused and made eye contact with me, She's gone. I'm sorry that we

can't help her. Come on now, we have to go. He turned around and walked out the door.
Who are you?
He stopped and looked over his shoulder to answer. My name is Ronnie. No
more questions right now, We have to go. We have to go fast.

IV. A New World

I followed Ronnie out the front door of my house. The first thing I noticed was the
body of another one of the soldiers laying in my yard. Even though there was other dead
men in my home, it still came as a shock to me. It looked out of place there, and I hadn't
expected it.
Ronnie went South down the street. I wasn't sure, but for some reason I thought
they drove Sandy North. I paused for a moment, thinking about protesting our goals and
where we were headed. I chose not to because I was told not to.
It was a clear day out, and my house was near the cost just north of New Los
Angeles. New L.A. was a completely modern city built from the ground up, North of the
old city. The first thing I noticed as we headed south was that I couldn't see the city
skyline. The day was clear enough, the buildings were gone.
We walked for a long time in silence. Ronnie told me not to ask any more
questions, and I respected his request. Inside though my mind was racing a mile a
minute. The neighborhood was abandon and in poor shape. Many of the homes had
visible broken windows, and kicked in doors. I wanted to know how this had all
happened. Then another question was immediately raised in my mind. How long had I
been in Cryo sleep for? I still didn't ask. We walked on in silence. The sun told me it was
still the middle of the day. The weather wasn't uncomfortable, under different
circumstances it would be a nice day for a walk. I was still starting to feel tired and weak
from the distance we had traveled though. We were about five miles from my house
when I saw the first evidence of a conflict.
A fighter jet had crashed through a home, and most of the debris had settled in the
street. The Jet was still very much intact after it's crash, but the cockpit was open and
the pilot gone. It had a red flag with golden stars in the upper left corner of it.
China started the war. Ronnie finally spoke.
Yea, but who won? I honestly didn't know what to think. I thought we were
untouchable in the United States. The world seemed so peaceful. While walking through
barren streets and looking at an empty horizon of where tall city buildings used to stand,
I didn't know what to expect for an answer.

Nobody won, Look around, you see anybody else? No. You don't. Almost
everyone in the world is infected with the virus, or just dead.
What Virus? Everyone? How long was I frozen?
The Fail Safe Virus. Chemical warfare... He trailed off, I could tell he was lost
in an unpleasant memory.
Ronnie, how long? I asked again.
It's been six years, Laura.
So after six years of war China just unleashed some super virus?
No. He paused, still lost in his own thoughts. After a week of fighting against
the world, The US unleashed the Virus. On everyone. The only people who weren't
affected are people who got the F.S. Vaccine.
Ronnie's words left me speechless. How could this happen? Why did this happen?
So when you say the entire world, you mean it's just like this everywhere?
No, not like this. There is a lot of areas in the world that were completely wiped
out by nuclear warfare. The Fail Safe Virus was how The United States decided to just
stop the war, without destroying the world. Leaving only a small amount of people left.
I had trouble accepting what Ronnie said. The idea of it all was quite depressing. I
began to think about the people I knew and loved. The odds of them making it through
this tragedy had dropped significantly. I again thought about Sandy, the one person who
had been spared it all with me, just to wake up to a more horrible fate. I then
remembered the men testing our blood, and giving us the injections. Which brought up
my next question, My friend Sandy...
Laura, she's infected too. Ronnie cut me off. It's in the air, as soon as you two
came out of cryo sleep she...
No, those men. They gave her a vaccine I said cutting him off this time. But...
they didn't give it to me. Wait... why didn't I need it? I already had the vaccine. I made
a quick connection. I didn't know who Ronnie was, or why he saved me. He knew who I
was though clearly, and he thought Sandy was doomed to the fate of the virus. So he
also knew that I already had the vaccine. Before I could finish thinking Ronnie
interrupted my thoughts.
Those men had Vaccines? He was shocked. He stopped walking and turned to
face me.
Yes, but Ronnie, why didn't I need one? He didn't answer me. He paced back
and fourth. Ronnie, who are you? Who am I to you?
So they didn't know you were vaccinated? Of course they didn't. He was talking
to himself, then he looked at me, and concluded his rhetorical speech, So one of them
still has a vaccine.
Ronnie! Tell me who you are! I shouted at him. I was angry, frustrated,
confused, and scared, all at once.
He gave me a stern look when I yelled. I wanted to shrink away. He didn't need to
say anything out loud, his eyes told me to be quiet. Before anything else could be said, I
was scolded by an unexpected new comer.

You really ought to keep her quiet, my man. The man spoke as he walked up to
us. Three others rounded the block from down the street. You might attract some scary
people. He held his hands up and wiggled his fingers in a playful way to seem
menacing. The man himself was dressed in dirty business suit, complete with a vest and
tie. The other three with him were in dirty clothing, but armed with rifles none the less.
Slavers. Ronnie said under his breath. I hadn't noticed him draw his gun, but he
had it out, pointing it at the men approaching us. They want to buy you, and what I
mean by that is they want to kill me and just take you.
My eyes darted back and fourth between Ronnie pointing his gun at the men, and
them with rifles trained on us walking closer. Well... uh... should we run? I whispered.
I was scared. I wanted to run, but my actions were more child like. I withdrew slowly
and positioned myself behind Ronnie as if he was an invincible shield.
No, we'll be fine. I wish his confidence rubbed off on me, but it didn't, I was
still terrified. He showed no signs of fear.
Oh put it away, my man. We can't talk business at gun point, my man. The men
were now about twenty feet from us. The business one doing the talking walked up to
face Ronnie, a cheesy grin never left his face. One of the guards moved around behind
us, and the other two stayed at a small distance behind their leader just off his center.
One moved on his left, the other on his right. To my surprise Ronnie put his gun away as
requested. That's better, my man. Now, about this pretty little thing. The man tilted his
head and eyed me standing behind Ronnie.
She isn't for sale. You and your party should just move along. Ronnie's tone was
casual, as if to match the way he was being talked too.
Ohhh. the man showed an exaggerated frown when Ronnie asked him to leave,
Now, my man, I wouldn't be very good at what I do if I just moved along every time
someone asked me too. Especially if I come across something this pretty that isn't a LoBo. I didn't know what a Lo-Bo was, but I was glad not to be one, I think.
What's a slaver doing this close to Phantom territory anyways? Ronnie looked
at the man with his own grin.
Oh, my man, do you really believe the orphans stories? That there is some kind
of super mutation of the virus. Come on now. Ronnie looked strait into the mans eyes,
as he ranted. My man, the most dangerous thing out here is the compound, and we're on
good terms with them. Other than that we worry about the ferals, but they don't come
out much during the day unless provoked. I been at this at long time my man, a long
long time.
Ronnie nodded his head at the man still grinning and looking him in the eyes,
You trying to convince me or yourself?
Now listen here... Ronnie's confidence seemed to be displeasing to the slaver as
he shook a finger at him I'll leave you dead in the street, my man. You give me the girl
and go back the way you came, and you'll be a lucky one. You give me any trouble, and
these guys here will put you down so fast that you'll wish you... you'll wish you didn't
give us trouble! The man tried to look intimidating to Ronnie. Ronnie didn't seem to be

affected.
Is that so. There was a tense mood in the air for a moment before Ronnie
continued, You know the stories about the Phantoms, maybe you should have listened
to the Orphans, because they already got both the guards you had covering this little
meeting from the roof tops. As soon as Ronnie finished his statement the mans
confident cocky look vanished, and was replaced with fear.
I heard the sound as the man behind us let out gargled noise of pain. I barely
looked back in time to see him collapse into a pool of his own blood. When I turned to
face the remaining three men in front of us I expected to be greeted with plasma rifle
fire. Ronnie had already gripped the smooth talking slave trader by the throat and had
lifted him off the ground. He was incredibly fast, something I did not expect for a man
his size. I was frozen in fear, Ronnie did nothing to defend against the other two guards.
The world seemed to move in slow motion as they lifted their guns to take aim at us.
Before I could react, I refocused on another man who had appeared behind the
remaining guards, not more than twenty feet away from them. He was dressed
completely in black and held a gun in each hand which was aimed at the slavers guards
who were readying their weapons. There was no sound of gunfire, no muzzle flash, but
before the guards could raise their rifles to their shoulders, both of their heads burst into
a red mess.
Everything had happened in just a few seconds. My heart pounded so hard in my
chest that I could hear it. The world began to speed up again when Ronnie spoke to the
slaver he was choking, Well now, my man, he mocked the dying slaver, who was
chocking in his grasp, I guess you aren't as good at this as you thought you were. I
heard a snap and the slaver went limp. Ronnie didn't just drop his body, but he tossed it
aside with ease.
I tried to swallow the lump in my throat. Four well armed men who I thought had
an advantage over us were just killed with ease by Ronnie and his friend. The man in
black walked over to us. He had a set of tactical goggles on his head, and a mask which
covered the bottom half of his face. I could see now that he was in a tight short sleeved
shirt, with black elbow pads and gloves on. He did not look nomadic or dirty the way
everyone else I had seen looked. Everything he wore seemed like it had a combat
purpose, and it was relatively clean. Even his watch was high tech. He was armed with
four pistols! Holsters hung under his arms and on his hips, with the under arm ones
empty as he still had the weapons in his hands. I saw the hilt of a blade over his
shoulder, and another shorter blade on the rear of his waist. The pockets on his vest and
pants were not baggy in their appearance, but seemed as if they were made of an elastic
material which hugged against his body keeping their contents snugly in place.
He holstered his weapons under his arms as he approached. He held out a closed
fist to Ronnie, Ronnie bumped it with a smile on his face. They both looked in a
direction farther down the street at another person dressed in the same black outfit as the
new comer who was running in to meet us.
As the third got closer to us, I realized it was the figure of a woman. The first

feminine sign was a black pony tail which swayed back and forth behind her as she ran.
She only had one pistol on her hip opposed to the first man's four, but she carried a long
rifle weapon which looked like nothing I had seen before. When the woman joined us in
the street, she stood up strait and gave a salute.
Who are you people?! I blurted out. I didn't know what to think. I understood
this new world was a very dangerous place, with evil people in it. Although the three
standing before me now didn't seem to have any intentions of harming me, I was still
frightened by the power they had to end life so easily.
The woman turned her back to me and her head seemed to move on a swivel. I
ruled out that I wouldn't be getting answers form her and that she wasn't the one in
charge. The man faced me and lifted his goggles and lowered his mask.
Hi Laura, a familiar voice said to me, looking at me with familiar eyes. His
name was Domorian. He was my ex boyfriend of ten...well... sixteen years ago.

V. Answers
Domorian and I met in Vegas when I was 20. He had a bit more scruff on his face
then I had seen him usually keep, but other than that he was just as handsome as I
remembered.
He was supposed to be just a wild one night stand. When we woke up together
after our night, and actually talked, we found out we both lived in New Los Angeles, and
kept in touch. One thing lead to another and before I knew it I found myself falling in
love with him.
Things seemed to be going great between us, and the last night that I spent with
him was amazing. He went all out on a very extravagant date. I thought he was going to
purpose actually, but instead I woke up the next morning to a hand written note that just
said, I'm sorry, but things aren't going to work out. I was crushed and confused. I tried
to call him of course, but his number was disconnected. I tried to just go to his place, but
he had moved! He literally vanished. I looked for him for months, and never found him.
It took seven years for me to move on. Seven years until Kyle came into my life.
Seeing him again brought on mixed emotions, the first of which was an obvious
rage. I raised my arm back to slap him with full force, something that had been 16 years
coming to him. Although before my hand got halfway to his face my wrist hit the barrel
of the woman's rifle standing next to him. She both blocked my attack, and now had me
at gunpoint. My rage turned to fear very quickly.
Easy Jess Domorians voice was firm and controlling. The woman lowered her
rifle and although I couldn't see her face, I could feel her stare on me. I didn't even
notice she had turned around to face me, her movements were swift, was she really that
quick, or had I just not been paying attention? I refocused on Domorian.
How... why? I couldn't form words, I started breathing heavily.
Laura, first off, I'm sorry he looked at me with those same piercing green eyes. I

saw the same man that had left me, not just left but disappeared, 16 years ago. When I
say same man, literally, he hadn't aged at all.
Dom, we gotta talk Ronnie cut in, Guys had FS vaccines back there
How do you know? Domorian's reply was calm, but he clearly acknowledged
the importance of Ronnie's statement.
Laura told me they had two. Gave one to her friend, kept the other one because
she already had it
How did I have it already?! I interjected, but was shot down by Jess.
Don't interrupt It was the first time she had spoken to me, and although she
seemed like she had a nice lady like voice, the tone she took with her statement was
harsh and commanding. The men continued to speak and did not acknowledge my
inquiry.
Go check the bodies, if you're lucky it's on one of them. We'll talk about getting
the girl later. Domorian was talking fast and directly, after he finished talking he held
out his fist again for another bump with Ronnie.
Two weeks unless something comes up. Take care. Ronnie bumped Domorian's
fist and headed back in the direction him and I had come from.
Jess, get Laura home. Be nice, and answer her questions best you can.
Domorian said as he gave her a friendly grin.
Jess lifted her own goggles and pulled down her mask. She was a very pretty
woman, but the scowl she was making at Domorian wasn't an attractive look. You're
gonna go alone? she accused.
You know Ronnie can't go near the compound.
Well then I should go with you!
Jess, you have your order. Domorian raised his face mask, and lowered his
goggles. Take the satellite with you, that's also an order. I'll see you tomorrow.
Domorian nodded a final time, turned away, and ran off the street cutting through the
yards of the neighborhood houses.
Laura, come with me Jess said as she walked in the direction of an abandon
truck on the side of the road. I'm sorry I pointed a gun at you, but trying to hit Dom
while I'm standing there isn't something I could let pass, no matter how much I may
approve. She touched some buttons on a wrist computer and the trucks doors unlocked
and the engine turned on. I wasn't surprised that she had skeleton key hacks. It was
illegal for anyone who wasn't a police officer to have such things installed on there
phones or wrist PC's before. We both got into the truck, and Jess began to drive us to
wherever home was.
Where is Domorian going, is he going to save Sandy? It was the first thing I
thought to ask. I had so many questions still, the short history lesson from Ronnie wasn't
exactly all telling. Seeing Domorian just brought up new questions.
He is going to try, but he probably wont actually get her back. He will make sure
she is OK though
What do you mean he wont get her back?

The people who have Sandy are hard to deal with. Dom is clever though, if he
doesn't come home with her, he'll see to it that she is well cared for.
How do you know? My tone was more accusatory than inquisitive.
I have no reason to lie to you Laura. If I was going to do that I would have
simply told you he wasn't going to get her. She must have picked up on my accusation.
I'm sorry. I just don't understand
The major power in the area now is a group called The Compound. They're
mostly made up of remaining US soldiers. The group that found you and Sandy were
freelancers, not direct members of The Compound. They were supposed to sell you to
The Compound, but now that we have you, they will likely collect Sandy.
Are the people at this compound bad people? I asked her plainly, as if this was
casual conversation. I was so lost and confused inside, I didn't know what to say or
think.
The Compound and us don't exactly see eye to eye.
OK. I sat silently for a moment. Trying to process everything in my head. Why
did Domorian and the rest of you come for me?
When Dom saw that your houses panic room had been accessed, we came to get
you.
But how did he even know where I was? Why not sooner?
You should ask him. Jess didn't seem to want to discuss this much, but I gave
her credit for giving me fair answers. I was actually surprised at how nice she was being
to me after the first impression I got from her on the street.
So how do you know Domorian? I was having trouble taking everything in.
Asking how two people met seemed as close to relatively normal topic as I could get.
Dom and I used to work together before the war. Ronnie too. It's how we all
ended up together after.
Judging from what I have seen, I'm guessing you all weren't in marketing?
That's what Domorian told me he did for a living. I may have been a little sheltered, but
after getting married to Kyle I understood a few things about people in the military. Jess,
Ronnie, and of course Domorian, all fit the profile of professionally trained people.
Jess laughed slightly before answering, He told you marketing? That is a good
one. Gave him some freedom to move around and travel a bit huh?
Yea... I said with a sigh. It happened so long ago, but I still didn't like the fact
that I was lied too.
Don't hold a grudge against him. In case you didn't notice, a bit more has
happened than you and your boyfriend breaking up. She paused for a second. I said
nothing.
Do you know me? Did you know we were together? Did he leave me for you? I
said.
God your selfish. No, Dom did not leave you for me. Dom, and Ronnie, saw the
end of the world coming before anyone else, and that is a very literal statement. The
reason he left you was so he could try to stop it from happening. People like you see a

broken world and can't help but ask how it happened. Dom is forced to look at it and see
what he failed to stop. It's not an easy thing for him to live with. Jess said.
I'm sorry. I mumbled, feeling like a terrible person all at once. We sat in silence
for a couple minutes, it was awkward and I wanted to break the tension, So how long
have you known Dom?
About twenty years. We met at work.
Were you in cryo sleep too? I asked. As I looked at Jess, contemplating whether
or not Domorian had a romantic relationship with her. I couldn't believe she was almost
forty. I mean, you seem so young.
It's the Vaccine. None of us are scientists, so we don't completely understand the
virus, or the vaccine. What we have observed though, is that the virus doesn't affect
children before they completely mature. So what we assume is that the vaccine does
something to the body that keeps you in a sort of permanent state of youth. Dom did
some research and found it has something to do with stem cells, but it was pretty
complex and he didn't understand it fully. None of us did either when we read through
it.
So wait, everyone will just stay young... forever? After everything I had been
exposed to, this was the first thing that was starting to make sense.
Ideally, yes. You don't reverse in aging or anything, obviously. I bet Ronnie
wishes it worked that way. She said with grin. At least the mood was lightening up
again. After you are given the vaccine, your body just stops aging. We've also noticed
that we tend to heal a lot faster. It's not an instant recovery or anything, but broken bones
usually heal in about a week, instead of a couple months.
Wow! How come I never noticed this? I was shocked about the last part.
Well, I'm sure you noticed that you haven't been aging. I nodded, I guess that
was true. And how many bones have you broken, how hurt have you really been?
None. I was realizing just how sheltered I was. No wonder Domorian left me
when he went off to try and save the world. The thought started to make me sad again. I
wanted to think about something else, so I looked out the window in search of some
serenity. It occurred to me I had been so caught up in conversation I didn't really realize
where we were driving too. We had headed inland, and were now heading South.
Where are we going?
We live in a facility On the South east end of the city, about a mile into the Gap.
The Gap Jess was referring to was the space between New L.A. and the original city of
L.A. It was about 20 miles of relatively open space and fairly nice country side. I looked
out over the horizon to see it still looked pretty nice. The sun was going down as the day
was coming to an end, but it was still plenty well lit enough. I guess an area like the gap
didn't really have a lot of fighting going on. Very few people lived there, it was farmland
and such.
So you, Domorian, and Ronnie, just have a home base out here in the gap? I
asked. I didn't know of anything out in the gap.
Ronnie doesn't live with us. He can't. You probably noticed all the gear that Dom

and I wear, and Ronnie doesn't, right? Well, that's because Ronnie had all of this
implanted into his body. He was one of the first cleaners. His generation had all of their
technology implanted into their body. Because of that, new technology can track
Ronnie.
A Cleaner, is that what you guys called yourselves? I interrupted her. Even
though Jess was being very nice about answering my questions, she sometimes forgot
how little I knew.
Well we didn't give ourselves that name. Mr. Ryan did.
Wait... as in... the James Ryan?
Yes, James Ryan, all hail. The way she spoke hinted she did not like the man.
Everyone loved President Ryan. He did so many amazing things for our country. Before
I could ask her more about it, she started back on track with talking about Ronnie.
Because of all the technology built into Ronnies body, The Compound is able to locate
him with triangular searches. They don't know where he is ALL the time, but they can
find him on a pretty regular basis, so he never comes to our home.
So The Compound is an enemy of yours?
Dom isn't an enemy of theirs, Ronnie is though. They think Dom is a mercenary
trying to collect the bounty on Ronnie. Ronnie was declared an enemy of the nation, and
the soliders still hold that grudge. They just think Dom is the only one brave enough to
hunt the bounty on him, and he is the only one who Ronnie hasn't killed. This lets Dom
come and go from The Compound and trade information or supplies there.
That makes sense, I guess. I did understood mostly, the literal meaning of it all
made sense in my head. I knew that I didn't have the full story though. So it's just
Domorian and you then?
Oh that would be simple.

VI. Home
We drove to the top of a hill to an observatory dome. Jess touched her wrist
computer a few times, and the dome rolled partway open. It was mostly empty inside, an
area of about 100 square feet where a telescope should have been. I saw some cots and
things laid out near the edge of the dome. Jess drove the truck near the center, touched
her wrist computer again and the dome closed over us. As soon as it was closed the
lights came on, and we began to move down. The center circular surface area was an
elevator. I don't know how far down we went, but it seemed very deep. If I had to guess
I would say about 600 feet, I was bad with guessing things though. What is this place?

I said out loud.

Dom had this built to be the new home base for the cleaners. At least that was the
lie that was told in order to get the funding and man power behind it.
When the elevator finally stopped, we were deep under the hill, in a room which
looked like a giant garage or warehouse, with several other vehicles parked around us. A
few of the vehicles were vary new, there was even a hover craft military ship, and a tank.
In addition to those, there was probably a dozen older vehicles just like the truck we
came in on. Jess drove the truck off the elevator and parked it in an area with the other
commandeered vehicles. As we got out of the truck the lift began to go back up, which
was a site to behold as the roof of the garage we were in was about 60 feet high. The
elevator was right in the middle of the garage which was rectangular in shape, but the
cylindrical lift in the center gave the room a very modern feel. Everything seemed rather
new and clean except for the vehicles that were brought in from the outside.
I saw several doors on each wall of the room we were in except for one. From the
closest set of double doors, which was about 30 feet away, emerged three women who
came to greet us, and behind them were two small boys. The boys, full of energy passed
the women at a running pace and ran into Jesss arms as she knelt down to hug them. I
looked down at them smiling, but they started bombarding Jess with questions about
what she had been doing. There eyes bounced back and fourth between looking at me,
and listening to Jess talk as she explained a quick version of Ronnie saving me before
they found us on the street. I lost track of the story when the women made their way to
us.
Hello Laura, I'm Alison, everyone calls me Ali the first woman said with a
friendly smile as she held her hand out to shake mine. I willing shook her hand as she
continued her introductions. This is my sister Ashley, and this is Ronnie's daughter
Helen. The boys are Dom's and mine, Achilles and Hector. The two boys stood up
strait, almost at a military attention without the salute. I was a bit caught off guard to
learn about Domorian's children, but I put the thoughts away quickly.
Nice to meet all of you I said as I shook hands with them each. Alison and
Ashley looked very similar, both were tall, slender, young looking women. They had
auburn hair, and their facial features gave away that they were sisters, although they
were still easy enough to tell apart. The biggest difference was that Alison's hair was cut
short to her shoulders and Ashley's was long like Jess's, and she wore it in a Pony tail
also. Ashley also spent more time in the sun than Alison, and was noticeably more tan.
Helen was the shortest of the three, and had a mixed color to her skin. I knew she was
Ronnie's daughter, but her mom must have been white judging by her complexion. She
had short black hair, and was very fit. Not to say that anyone was out of shape, but her
muscle tone was completely firm. Helen was just wearing denim shorts and a tank top,
and her thighs and arms were very well defined. She was a strong girl. The boys were
both just over four feet tall, and unlike their mother and aunt, they were not easy to tell
apart. They both had buzz cut heads, but the little hair they did have was brown like
their mothers. The only noticeable difference between them was that one had a swollen

black eye.
How did you do that? I asked the boy with the black eye, I'm not sure if it was
Achilles or Hector.
He looked up at Helen and squinted with his good eye and said in a fake angry
voice. She cheated and started before I was ready
Death doesn't wait for you to be ready, Hector she said back quickly. The boy
laughed and pushed her in the stomach with both hands. When he turned to face her and
I viewed more of his profile than him strait on I noticed he had a gun holstered on his
leg. Then I realized, everyone had a gun holstered on their leg except for Helen, who had
a rifle hanging form a sling off her back. Everyone was being friendly, and for a moment
I almost felt like I was meeting a family at a picnic, but the weapons reminded me of the
world I was in all over again. It was still a little shocking to see the ten year old boys
with guns though. I didn't say anything about it. I already understood.
I did notice the way Alison was looking at Jess with some concern after our
introduction though, Jess broke the silence. Laura wasn't alone. There was another girl
with her who was taken. Dom went to The Compound to figure out the whole situation
OK. She said as she took in a deep breath and nodded her head, as if to reassure
herself not to worry.
So, Laura, it's almost time for dinner. We have a room set aside for you with
fresh clothes. You can eat later if you're not hungry now. How do you feel? Ali said.
I'm alright, I guess I would like to change, but I could eat I hadn't really thought
about how I was feeling. I was tired, but hungry also now that food was mentioned. I
wasn't sure what type of clothing I had available. Alison, Ashley, and the boys were in
jeans and a T-shirt with tennis shoes. Aside from Jess in her tactical suit, everyone was
in normal clothes, with the added gun holster.
Come on, I'll show you our home. Alison said with a smile, as she lead us all
towards the doors they came out of.
We entered a large dining hall. It was about a quarter of the size the hanger was,
but the roof was lowered to a normal height. In the center of the room was the cooking
area, setup with a large stove, grill, an oven, and counter top. The island was surrounded
by an outer counter that almost completely surrounded it, except for a space to enter the
cooking area. It was set up to be used as a buffet style room. I was putting pieces
together in my mind. This was supposed to be a dining hall for a barracks. The room was
metal, and set up for function, but with all the space they made it look and feel like a
suburban home. Near the center just away from the buffet/cooking area was a large
wooden dining table with chairs set around it. Throughout the room was other furniture
that had been added as a second thought, and not placed in an organized fashion. In one
corner there was a small rug with a Television and Sofa in front of it. There were many
single doors along surrounding the other three walls that were not adjacent to the garage.
I followed Alison as she made her way to the left of where we entered. We stopped at the
2nd to last door from the corner.
These two rooms are yours. This one here is already arranged for you to sleep in,

but you can sleep in whichever you chose if you want to be in that one, she pointed at
the door furthest in the corner that is totally fine also.
What do I need two rooms for? I asked in a thankful voice, trying to be modest,
but I was curious.
Well, this way you have a bedroom, and a room to relax in, or store things in.
whatever you decide, it's YOUR space. she said with a smile.
Wow, thank you. I don't know what to say. I blushed a little as we walked in.
The room was larger than I expected it to be, a lot larger. Against the wall to the right
was a king sized bed, which was already made up with a comforter. Opposite of the door
was an open door which I could see was a sizable walk in closet that was almost as big
as the room itself. To the left was another door which lead to the bathroom. Next to that
door was a desk with a computer sitting on it.
The bathroom connects the rooms. Like I said though, both rooms are yours so
you're not sharing a bathroom with anyone. I'm gonna go finish up dinner, if you need
anything just come get me, otherwise make yourself at home and come out whenever
your ready.
Thank you again I said. She smiled, nodded, and walked back into the dining
hall.
I looked around my new room. It felt nice, there were two night stands on each
side of the bed with lamps. The desk and the computer matched the rest of the furniture.
The only things that put me off were the steel walls I was surrounded by. I understood
where I was, but I felt safe in what was obviously a very dangerous world. I walked into
my new closet which was fully stocked. It had everything, I could think of. The first
thing I noticed was all the shoes. There were tennis shoes, sandals, dress heels, and
combat boots. I did a quick count and there was 15 different pairs of shoes. Each my
size. A very pretty black evening dress caught my eye, I grabbed it and held it up, it
looked like it would fit me. I started day dreaming for a minute, for that moment, I was
happy. It didn't last though, as my day dream took me to wearing that dress out on the
town, with Sandy, and I was quickly reminded of Sandy's fate. I hung the dress back up,
and looked for some more relaxed clothing. I found myself a pair of jeans, and a black
comfortable t-shirt. I set the clothing aside and headed into the bathroom.
It had two sinks, and two shower stalls. The only thing that was meant to be
shared between the rooms was one large bathtub. One of the sinks was fully setup with a
toothbrush, deodorant, even a full makeup kit. The other sink had nothing around it, and
that made me feel a bit lonely.
I looked at myself in the mirror. I was dirty, and sweaty, my hair was a mess. The
most horrid thing was that my shirt had blood on it, which reminded me of what I had
been through. I took a deep breath and felt myself about to cry. I leaned forward with my
hands on the counter around the sink. I clenched my eyes tightly holding back the tears.
I don't know why I was trying so hard not to cry. Something inside me was just telling
me that I shouldn't. I managed to overcome it, and hold back my tears. At that moment I
made up my mind to move forward, or backwards. I'm not really sure how to describe it.

I thought of when Ronnie asked if I was Laura Meadows, and I didn't correct him in the
slightest by saying I got married and changed my name to Bradley. Laura Bradley was
completely dependent upon her husband Kyle. Laura Meadows made it through a hard
seven years of life alone. I had to be Ms. Meadows again for now. With a final deep
breath I decided I'd clean up for dinner.

VII. One Big Family

I walked out of my room into the dining hall to join the others. The table had
twelve chairs around it, but it was only set for eight people, with everyone sitting on one
end. No one was sitting at the head table setting. To the left of that seat was also empty.
The next three seats were taken up by Hector, Helen, and Achilles. Helen sat between
the boys. The way the table was placed in the room had the three of them facing me as I
came out of my room and walked towards them. Siting with their backs to me were
Ashley and Jess. Ashley sat just to the right of the head table seat, and Jess sat next to
her. Next to Jess was an open plate setting as well. Jess quickly turned around when the
boys looked up and saw me. She stood up from her seat, and walked over to me. She had
changed into some more relaxed clothing as well. The most relaxed of everyone. She
wore a blue tank top, with black yoga pants, and tennis shoes. She was also not armed. I
thought it was ironic that out of everyone in the room she was the only one without a
gun right now. Her hair was damp like mine, which was a tell that she had just finished
cleaning up as well.
I hope you're hungry, come on and have a seat. I walked with her and sat down
at the place setting to the right of hers, which had me directly across from Helen, with
black eyed Hector across to my left and Achilles across to my right.
Ashley leaned forward so she could see past Jess and greeted me, How are you?
Can I get you something to drink? She said quietly, but with a friendly smile.
Some water would be nice I replied. She smiled and got up form her seat to go
get me a glass of water.
Jess leaned over and whispered in my ear, Ashley is pretty shy. It might take a
while for her to warm up to you. As you were coming out she asked me if it was OK to
ask you about getting the drink.
No secrets! Hector blurted out from across the table.
Jess smiled and replied, I was just telling her not to let her guard down or she
might get a black eye like someone I know. Jess stuck out her tongue in a childish way
as she teased him. The boy smiled and laughed, but had nothing to say in return.

Ashley returned and set my glass of water down in front of me, I thanked her and
she smiled at me and nodded. I decided not to press conversation with her too much
after what Jess had said about her shyness.
Alison was behind the counter cooking still, when she noticed me at the table she
smiled and said, We're almost ready just relax.
The boys and Helen sat across from me, playing some sort of silly slapping game,
which involved them putting their hands over or under Helen's hands, and them taking
turns trying to hit the other. It seemed like sometimes they would look at each other and
try and team up on Helen, she usually got the best of them from what I could gather
though.
I looked at the empty place settings, and did the math. Alison was going to be
sitting next to Hector most likely, and the head of the table was set for Domorian. He
must have come back while I was in the shower.
Where is Domorian? I asked Jess.
He isn't back yet, she noticed me looking at his empty seat, the table is always
set for everyone here. Well, we added your seat tonight, but we'll have it set for you
form now on she said. He probably wont be back until tomorrow. It's dangerous to
travel at night. Well, when we are well equipped there isn't much to worry about. Before
Dom enters the compound though he stashes a lot of his gear to give them an impression
that he doesn't have too much power. They never see him all dressed up, he looks more
like Ronnie when he visits them. Only he doesnt have built in implants like Ronnie
does. So he'll stay at The Compound tonight, he'll be safe there, and then go back to
where he stashed his gear when it's light out, then come home.
Wow, that is pretty thought out. And I thought you said it wasn't safe there?
It's not safe for YOU there. Dom will be just fine. Don't worry about it, this isn't
his first time. He never tells us exactly when he is coming back. And if he didn't come
home tomorrow I still wouldn't worry. It might even be the day after, he'll be fine. I just
expect he'll try and get home early tomorrow since you're here.
You all just don't worry about him out there alone? I made eye contact with her,
and then looked over at Alison, hinting to Jess who I was really asking about.
We all worry a little. I do probably the least of all because I know what Dom is
capable of, and I have confidence in his abilities.
I started to wonder if I was worried about him. It had been so long since I thought
about my feelings for Domorian, and I didn't really feel worried about him before.
Apparently I didn't really know what he was doing before though either. I was realizing I
had no idea what he was capable of, aside form what I saw in the street earlier in the
day. I wasn't worried about Domorian, although after what I had seen and been told
about the world, I should have been.
As I concluded my thoughts Alison came out from behind the buffet counters
holding a plate of cooked meat. She sat it down in the middle of the table, It's Venison.
Ashley does a lot of hunting for fresher food. As she sat down at the table, the boys got
up to go retrieve other plates and bowls of side dishes. No one told them to, they just

did. Their behavior was rather impressive. They returned with a bowl of mashed
potatoes, and another bowl of mixed vegetables. Everything smelled and looked
delicious. Everyone began serving themselves without anyone needing to say go. The
food on the table seemed to be the only permission needed. Before the boys even
returned with the sides, Helen, Ashley, and Jess had each put a piece of Venison on their
plate. So I started serving myself at will as well.
What exactly is the situation like with getting food? I mean, this all looks
amazing. I sort of assumed that things might be a little more scarce or difficult to come
by. I talked between bites of food, I didn't realize how hungry I was, but I stayed civil,
and ate at a regular pace. The food was delicious.
Well we're very lucky here. Alison said with a smile. We have a very large
supply of frozen and canned foods, that's where the vegetables came from. Hunting meat
is easy enough to do as well in the area we live in. The Fail Safe poison, or virus,
whatever it is... didn't wipe out all life. So with the absence of people, for now, resources
are easier to come by for those of us that are capable.
Aren't you worried one day you'll run out of canned and frozen foods? I asked
again. I was still surprised at how well things seemed to be. The world outside seemed
so hopeless.
Well, eventually, but the boys will have children of their own by that time.
Hopefully the world is a bit more back on track after so many years.
Helen cut into the conversation, Dom and I have already dug out some space for
a garden. He says he doesn't want to plant anything just yet though because he is worried
it might give away our position if we have crops growing.
For now, we are doing just fine. Our food is the least of our worries Alison
concluded.
What is your biggest worry? I couldn't help but ask.
Helen jumped in again with the answer, I am.
Why is that?
I don't have the F.S. vaccine. Every day I get older I'm a day closer to losing my
mind. I had my 17th Birthday last month, so it's only a matter of time. She shrugged her
shoulders. It was a scary thought, but she seemed to be in OK spirits about it all.
Suddenly it made sense why Ronnie was so intent on getting a hold of one. It was so
important to him when I told him one of the men had it.
I looked over at Jess, she was there for the conversation when Ronnie told Dom
he was going back to look for it. Jess kept eating her meal but said nothing about it. I
followed her lead, and also didn't mention it directly, Well I'm sure your dad will find
one for you.
She shook her head with doubt, It's OK. He's been looking for six years, I wont
be getting my hopes to high. Really, it's alright. The Orphans deal with this everyday
The Orphans? I asked. I knew what the definition of an orphan was, but I could
tell this was more than just a general term.
After the Fail Safe was released, and the affected adults lost it, the children were

all left to fend for themselves. Over time they banded together, and their faction is called
The Orphans. Her explanation made sense, but I was still caught off guard by it.
Wait, so there is a bunch of children out there just living their life like they are
part of the book Lord Of The Flies? I was a bit in disbelief, but after all, what was their
alternative.
Alison spoke, The Orphans do what they have to Laura. They have managed to
do quite well actually. But Helen is right, they face the constant struggle of watching
themselves fully mature, and become susceptible to Fail Safe. Alison lowered her eyes
at the end of her statement in sorrow. She seemed like such a nice woman who
genuinely cared about things. As she spoke of the children growing old enough to feel
the affects, it weighed on her mind.
As we finished up eating, the boys began to clear the table of the dirty dishes,
again without being told. It also occurred to me aside from the occasional whisper into
Helen's ear, or polite request to pass a condiment, they didn't speak during the meal.
Alison stood up with a smile and said, Well, let me show you the rest of our
home.
Yes, let's do it I tried to sound enthusiastic about it. It's not that I wasn't, I just
didn't know what to expect. Everyone was being so nice, I wanted to return the
cheerfulness, so I tried to sound a bit more excited than I really was.
I followed Alison back to the garage area. When we exited the double doors from
the dining/living quarters we headed to our left. We stayed close to the wall as we
walked, until we came to a lone standing door with a small window to see inside.
This is our infirmary. I'm glad we don't really use it much. Alison said in a
cheerful tone. We didn't go into the room, I peeked inside the window as we walked
past. The room was about the same size as my bedroom, with a medical chair for the
patient to sit in placed in the center. On the right side of the chair was a small bed for
one person to lie down in, and then sitting to the left of the chair was a stool on wheels.
The room was lined with cabinets, and there was a sink in the right corner opposite of
the door. Everything the a doctor needs Alison said.
We turned at an angle to take a more direct path to another set of double doors
which was on the wall which ran perpendicular to the left of the living quarters. So
where we eat and sleep is called the Resting Wing, this side here is called the War
wing. Alison opened the double doors and we walked into a long hallways, which was
a locker room. There was about 15 feet of width between the lockers, as they lined the
wall going all the way down to the end. The lockers were very big and wide, about 6 feet
across each.
As we walked through towards a door on the far end, I noticed and recognized the
names written above the lockers. Everyone had one, even the boys. About halfway
through the rooms the names stopped and the lockers were blank. Before the blank ones
though, I saw my own name written, it happened to be next to Achilles' locker on the left
side of the room. I stopped in front of the locker with my name on it. I reached out and
touched it with my fingers, like a teenager who is given their first car. Alison stopped

walking and turned to face me.

This is mine? I said in a soft whisper.
Yes, Laura, that's yours. Dom always said you'd be here one day. He had every
confidence in that.
Still facing the locker, I turned my head to the right to meet eyes with Alison.
Why did Domorian set all this up for me? Why did he wait for me?. I felt a different
kind of emotion building inside me. Up until this point I had felt like a lost dog whom
had been rescued by strangers. As I stood there looking at a locker that was set aside for
me, I started to feel different. These people weren't strangers, they were my new family.
Even though I had just met them, I was already a part of them. Alison was a very
intuitive woman, and she recognized the moment I was having.
Laura, even though you don't know any of us, we all know you. She broke eye
contact with me and looked at my locker with a smile. The boys would ask about you
all the time. 'When is Laura coming home?' they'd say some mornings. Like they had
already met you. The way Dom talks about you, I feel like I have you at a huge
disadvantage already knowing so much. She spoke softly and sweetly. She looked at
me with such endearment. Dom waited for you, because he loves you. He always has.
And he always knew he'd bring you home one day.
Alison, I... I didn't know what to say. The words she just said to me should have
been challenging. She just told me the father of her children, loved me. She wasn't
speaking to me with any kind of hostility though. I was confused. Ali, you don't have to
worry about Dom and I. I said to her sincerely.
I guess now is as good of a time as any to discuss this. She said.
Ok... I was a little confused. I wasn't expecting her to be so open about the
topic, or for there to be more to discuss. I was really hoping for the subject to be open
and closed pretty quickly. I wanted to set her mind at ease, and just be done with it.
So... she began, and then she took a deep breath and continued, ...you've met
everyone that lives here. And the gender ratio is painfully obvious when you don't count
the twins. She started blushing, I'm sorry, talking about this out loud is just
embarrassing for me. I just need to say it. We all share Dom.
What?! I was shocked. When you say share... what do you mean? I knew
exactly what she meant. You mean the rest of the world is out there killing each other
over women and Domorian has his own little collection here? I spoke quickly and
loudly. I wasn't really angry or upset. Just somewhat appalled.
It wasn't really planned out this way. I listened quietly as she attempted to
explain this taboo. It started with Ash and I only. She was so lonely within the first six
months of living down here. Her and I discussed it, and I realized I was comfortable
with it, so things just sort of happened.
Uhg. I said with disgust.
It's not like all at the same time... she said.
What, so the three of you just take turns?! I waited for the answer with my jaw
on the floor.

Oh no, It's mostly just Ash and I. Jess and Dom have a more unique relationship.
You'll see how they get along on a day to day, but Jess and Dom are only Romantic with
each other once a year on Jess' birthday
So do you, Ash, and Dom all share a room? I felt like a gossiping school girl.
All the rooms are set up like yours where two rooms are connected to share one
bathroom. Dom and I have our own room, but ours is connected to Ash's, and we have
sort of an open door policy. She gave a closed lips smile and a shoulder shrug.
Wow... I just... wow. I didn't know what to say or think.
None of this was Dom's idea. I gave her a questioning look about her last
statement, she continued to defend him. Really, he even put up some slight resistance,
but that didn't last long obviously. And after Ash and I had our needs met, we figured it
was only right to give Jess permission to pursue it as well. I really don't know how they
came together to be honest. She was completely and genuinely comfortable with it all.
Well, she was nervous and embarrassed to talk about it, but she really didn't seem to
object to it. So anyways, to summarize Laura, she reached forward and held my hands
up with hers and finished with, when in Rome, you know.
Oh! No! I pulled my hands from hers. Not in a disrespectful way, but the
thought of it all just grossed me out. She smiled, and started heading back down the
hallway. I followed her out of the locker room.
You take as long as you need, Dear. she said.

VIII. Boys of The Time

We exited the locker room and continued our grand tour. Not far down along the
same wall of the locker room was another set of double doors.
This is the Operations Room. She didn't open the door to lead us in but there
was a small window allowing me to see what was inside. Aside from the floor, the entire
room, including a large central table, had a black glossy surface. I gathered that it was all
used to project images or holograms, and be interacted with using surface touch screen
technology. Jess and Dom spend time in here doing... well... whatever it is they need to
do. I work the room in emergency's.
My gawking inside the dark room was interrupted by the sound of the boys
entering the hanger from the dinning hall. Both the boys and Helen were making there
way to the opposite wall, a side we hadn't visited yet, where the final set of doors in the
facility were. The fourth wall, which was across from the Resting wing was the only
side which had no doors on it.
It's time for the post meal sparring. Alison said, The boys love it, especially at
this age. With Dom as their father, the current state of the world is more a playground to
them than the tragedy we see it as. I could see her feelings on it were conflicted. The
laughter coming from the boys and Helen as they made there way across the hanger
brought their mother joy. What they were laughing about though, put sorrow in the heart

of a person who wasn't born in a post war apocalypse. Dom started training them so
early, and they were only four when it all happened. They still don't understand how
abnormal this all is. They are the first generation who accepts this as their way of life.
We walked over to meet them at the final set of doors, which isn't a short walk in
the massive hanger. Helen and the boys arrived at the doors first and I could hear her
speaking to them.
Alright you two, make yourselves ready and hand them over. The boys stood
side by side facing Helen at attention for a very short moment. They looked at Helen,
and then began to disarm themselves of the weapons they had.
We don't allow the boys to carry their weapons in the training room, Alison
explained to me as we approached, safety is always a priority.
Well that's good. I was surprised they had guns at their age. I agreed.
Dom let the boys start to carry their guns around with them at all times when
they were eight. They had their first real firefight at seven. Dom took them out actually
looking for trouble, but trouble they could handle. He wanted to make sure they would
be comfortable with it.
I considered protesting in some way, but instead I was just speechless. The boys
were killing people at seven years old. What kind of psychological effects would this
have on them. We arrived at the doors with Helen and the boys and my train of thought
was broken by Helens voice.
This is the Training Wing. It's pretty self explanatory what we do here. She
opened the doors and the boys ran inside. In the center of the room was a sand pit which
was about twice the size of a boxing ring. The boys made there way to the center of it
and started doing stretches. Next to the pit was a table and stand with a large assortment
of different training weapons. Mostly wooden sticks, but there were guns too. I assumed
they were practice guns and not real based on the environment we were in. There were
various weights and other workout machines huddled in the far left corner. In the right
corner was a single door. There was a long window which ran the full length of the room
we were in to show the gun range which was set up on the other side. I walked over to
the window and placed my head against the glass to see the length of it. On the side with
the door was a staging area with tables, and other make shift targets. When I turned to
look the other way, I couldn't actually see the end, it was long enough to go along the
outside of the hanger, which explained why there was no doors on that wall.
What's the fight today? Hector blurted out. I turned around to see the two boys
facing Helen in the sand pit.
Yea, what is it today? Do we get to beat you up again? Achilles said.
Today it's just you two. You each get a medium length, lethal, melee weapon.
Helen answered. After she told the boys what they'd be doing they hurried over to the
bench and both grabbed a wooden stick which was shaped like a gladius sword. They
stood on opposite ends of the sand pit and twirled them around. Both boys held the
wooden swords in their right hand.
Helen walked over to us and shouted, Go over her shoulder as she stepped out

of the pit.
Hector, who I knew still only by his blackened eye, let out a loud battle cry as he
ran across the pit. Achilles stood in place with his knees slightly bent, and braced
himself for his brother attack. Hector held his sword firmly with his right hand across his
chest, with the bladed end over his left shoulder. As he approached Achilles he planted,
and spun to his right, putting the full force of his momentum into a swing. Achilles
ducked the strike of Hectors blade, and then thrust his own sword forward. Hector was
able to maneuver his body to the side, but was clearly off balance. Achilles attempted to
turn his blade with it's sharp angle at Hector, to slice at his mid section. Hector fell
backwards on the sand to avoid the cut. From his back he kicked up at Achilles sword
arm to clear the blade away from himself. After the kick Hector somersaulted backwards
and was back on his feet.
Hector is doing much better, Alison said.
He tries to take advantage of his brothers predictability, sometimes it works out,
sometimes it doesn't. Helen answered.
The boys circled each other, thrusting and swinging, the sound of wood taps
echoed throughout the room as they parried each other. Aside from Hectors bold start,
neither was putting themselves at more risk than the other, and I would have guessed
that they could do this all night.
The stalemate of fencing changed when Hector threw his sword at Achilles. In
order to prevent it from hitting him Achilles turned his shoulders to force his own sword
arm across his body more quickly, deflecting the thrown attack. Hector stepped around
to his brothers weak side after his shoulders were turned, and punched Achilles square in
the face. Achilles' response was to slap Hector in the stomach with his sword, and cut
back. As soon as the wooden sword hit Hector both boys stopped and stepped away from
each other.
Achilles clenched his eyes tightly, and his face contorted in pain. He closed his
eyes tightly as they welled with tears. He shook his head back and fourth quickly and
blinked quickly to regain his focus.
How's your nose bro. Hector teased.
Better than your belly would be if this was real. When Achilles spoke you could
hear the struggle. The sword slap was clearly not a very painful blow, compared to the
punch in the face.
Helen said, He's right Hector, you shouldn't have thrown your only weapon at a
trained opponent..
I know, I know, I know. He always beats me unless I do something different! I
thought he woun't 'xpect it. The boy said.
Again. Hector retrieved his sword and the boys went to their opposite sides.
Tell me when you're ready. Hector twirled his sword in his hand and looked at Helen,
obviously he was not the one who needed a moment.
Achilles shook his head back and fourth again, rubbed his nose a bit with his free
hand and then smiled. I'm stabbing you in the balls this time. Ready!

Both boys yelled, and both charged to the center this time.

IX. Reunion
I thought it would be hard to sleep, but it wasn't. I didn't realize how exhausted I
really was until my head hit the pillow. I didn't even get undressed, I had just plopped
onto the bed and was out.
I was awaken by the loud hum of the garage elevator moving down. Since I was
already dressed, I sprung up and headed out of my room. When I entered the dining area,
I saw everyone gathering up by the front door.
You're not waiting for me are you? I asked.
No, we just prepare whenever the elevator is moving down by arming up. Helen
replied.
Oh.
It's probably just Dom, it's not like we have ever had a problem. We have strict
security rules in place though, just in case.
I noticed they all had their weapons with them again. After Helen's explanation, I
sort of felt out of place not having a gun. When I thought about it in a more literal sense,
the thought crossed my mind that I was breaking some kind of rule by not having any
weapon. Is it... still... ok if I go out there? I asked.
Alison smiled, Yes, it's fine. You can learn these things as you go Laura. Try not
to think about it to much for right now. Helen can sometimes be too direct, she doesn't
mean to imply anything.
I really don't. Sorry if you felt that way. Helen confirmed.
I joined them at the door as we waited for the elevator to come all the way down.
It wasn't long until we were able to see Domorian on the lift. The boys opened the doors
and rushed out to meet him, with the rest of us walking at a casual pace behind them. As
the two got close, Domorian put up his fists and got into a fighting stance, but he was
laughing and playful about it. The boys reacted in the same way, and then soon all three
relaxed and the boys started bombarding him with questions about his outing. He
answered their rapid fire questions with smiles until us four joined caught up to where
they were standing.
Alright that's enough, he hushed the boys up to focus his attention on us. Alison
greeted him first with a loving hug and a kiss on the cheek. Helen gave him a high five,
Ashley a smile, and finally Jess gave a formal salute. He looked at me last.
Hello Dom. I said. I didn't know how I should feel.
Hey Laura, how was your trip back? Uneventful I hope? He was talking to me
but his eyes darted over at Jess, who nodded her head to confirm we returned safely

without any incidents.

It was good, your family here is very welcoming.
Good, I'm glad to hear you're getting along nicely already.
I didn't know what else to say. I had a million more questions for him. Some
personal, some general. Standing in front of everyone there though didn't seem like the
time or place to interrogate him about the years between our last meeting.
I'm gonna gear down, he addressed to everyone, Laura come with me. We
both started walking in the direction of the locker room together. Everyone else made
their way back to the resting wing.
Dom... I tried to speak, the words just didn't come to me. My thoughts were
attempting to come out of my mouth, the way too many people try and get through a
door, and just got stuck.
Laura look, I don't really know where to begin, as we walked Dom began to
take off his gloves, and undo his elbow pads, When we met I was already working as a
cleaner with Ronnie, Jess and a couple dozen others.
Yea... what is that exactly?
We got the name because our job was to protect the Presidents interests and
'clean up' any potential mess that could create instability.
I thought everyone loved President Ryan. After his success at Nowtronics, and
then creating the Clean Energy Act, the world was perfect... well... I thought it was.
Well things weren't perfect. And as cleaners we got to see how big the mess
really was. Ronnie was the first to go rouge when he learned about the Fail Safe plan.
We stopped at the doors of the locker room. Dom looked at me sincerely, That's why I
left Laura. I had to try and stop all of this. He broke his gaze on me and entered the
locker room, I followed him in. He opened his locker, which was the first one on the
right, and began putting the majority of his weapons and amour into it piece by piece.
Why didn't you just tell me, Dom?
Yea... 'hey babe, I'm not in marketing. I'm James Ryan's secret agent. News flash,
he's a bad guy, I gotta go save the world'. he mocked, Come on Laura, I know you.
How would that have gone over?
We would have worked through it. I would have understood. I knew he was
mostly right.
It's not about you understanding. I never doubted your commitment, Laura. I had
to protect you. I didn't know how this was going to unfold, he paused for a moment and
took a deep breath, Trust me, with how it all went down. You would have died if you
were still close to me. I couldn't have protected you.
So just abandoning me was a better solution then?
It seemed like the right choice at the time. His tone was softer as mine
escalated.
And if you had ALL this set up for me already. Why didn't you come for me
sooner?
We did! Dom looked at me sternly. The day of the Attack I called YOU before

I called Ali. YOU Laura. You didn't answer. I left you a message with instructions. When
I didn't hear back I went to your house, and you were already in Cryo. Would you have
wanted me to wake you up so you could live through the war that ended the world?
My building anger began to retreat once again, I'm sorry. We stood in silence
together.
Sandy will be fine. You'll get to see her again. Dom changed the subject with
some news he knew would bring me to a better mind set.
Really? Is she at The Compound? Can you bring her here?
Yea she's there, but we wont be able to bring her here. After you're ready, I'll take
you there.
After I'm ready?
Dom had finished stripping most of his gear and now just wore his two side
pistols. He motioned with a head nod and we walked back into the garage. Together, in
our silence we could hear the shouts and wood smacking echoes from the Training Wing
across the hanger. You'll train under Helen with the boys. When you can handle
yourself well enough, you can do whatever you'd like. Until then though, you stay here.
Can't you just take me to The Compound to see her?
The Compound thinks I'm a nomad who just hunts bounties. I can't just show up
with you and expect to walk out with you easily. It would create too complex of a
situation for all of us.
I hadn't noticed Ashley walking towards us until she was pretty close. I was
gonna head out for a bit.
Yea go ahead. He answered her statement as if it was a question.
She was wearing cargo pants and a tank top. She had the same high tech watch
Dom and Jess had, Which linked up to a more military type lens piece. She was armed
with a pistol on her hip and a bow with a quiver full of arrows. She smiled, touched the
wrist watch and the large elevator began to move down. When it started moving Helen
came out from the Training Wing, and Alison with Jess from Resting Wing.
Dom waved at them and Ashley called out, It's just me, I called it down. Alison
and Jess went back inside right away. Helen waited until the elevator was at a level for
her to see the top surface, and then she went back into the Training Wing.
Be safe out there and we'll see you for dinner.
Always she smiled. See you later too, Laura.
I smiled back at her, See you later. And then she ran over to the lift, stood on it,
pressed her wrist watch again and it lifted her up.
She goes out alone? Doesn't she need a car or something? I asked.
Everyone goes out alone except the boys, which is funny in a way because they
can handle themselves better then both Ash and Ali. Ali never goes out alone either I
guess, but she is allowed to. Ash'll be fine though, and she likes to just get out there, so
she usually doesn't take a car. Hey if we're lucky she'll hunt something good to eat.
What if she runs into trouble? I was worried for her, and was confused why
Dom wasn't with what little of the world I'd seen.

I told you she'll be fine. She's a smart girl and knows how to handle herself. If
she needs to, she'll call us for help. No one goes out unless they get permission from Jess
or I, and either of us are here to come assist if needed.
Got it. So after I'm ready, I looked over at the sounds of the exercises taking
place, I'll be allowed to come and go as well?
It's not going to happen overnight Laura, but yes. He put his left arm around me
and gave me a friendly hug. It's good to have you here with us. Now come on, let's get
you started.

X. Breaking Routine
I stopped counting after six months. I was glad to be past the worst of the regular
muscle pains. I thought I was in pretty good shape before I started training, but Helen
was teaching me some harsh realities. Instead of rolling out of bed as I usually did, I
painfully sat up, and swung my legs around to put my feet on the floor. Yesterday was
my first full contact sparring day, and it ended after Helen gave me a good kick to my
ribs. Now with every breath I felt a sharp pain in the right side of my chest.
The sound of the garage lift moving put me in a hurry though and I had to get on
my feet. I grabbed my gun belt, latched it around myself and quickly made my way out.
Good morning Laura. Alison stood alone waiting for me by the doors.
Morning, Ali I said.
I don't like fighting Helen either, and when I do, I stay mostly defensive. She
tilted her head in a caring way as she watched me grip my side. We walked out into the
Hallway together.
Jess and Dom were standing over by the Operations Room door, they spent most
of their time in there together. I had grown pretty distant from both of them, and we
rarely talked aside from at the dinner table. Jess and Dom rarely trained, and when they
did, they did it with just the two of them, and on rare occasion Helen joined.
Ash was heading out again. Helen and the boys were over in the Training Wing
and Helen waved me over.
I'll see you later Ali, sorry I missed breakfast. I missed breakfast most days.
Dom required me to do so much, overseen by Helen, everyday. There was no scheduled
requirement to be up at the crack of dawn to start though, and sense I was exhausted
after every session, I slept in and got up when I damn well pleased.
Ali smiled and gave a motherly pat on the shoulder and went back into the
Resting Wing. I made my way over to Helen, doing the best I could to move naturally, by
my ribs burned.
Her eyes watched me, judging my condition. I began to undo my gun belt, to hand

it to her as usual.
Leave it on, she said, Today will be a range day.
Alright. What a fucking relief. Helen pushed me hard every day. She was an
excellent trainer, but sometimes I hated her for it. I knew it was for my own good, and I
did the best I could to not take it personal. I could not honestly say though it made me
fond of her. My relationship with her was very different than hers was with the boys.
The three of them learned together. I simply learned from her.
We made our way inside. Achilles and Hector both smiled at me and gave a short
wave, and then continued their own exercises. Out of everyone, I related to both of them
the best. Being their peer in the training room made me feel close to them. The age gap
would be apparent at times, mostly when relaxing. Fortunately for the sake of our
friendship, we didn't relax much. Both of the boys were better fighters than I, but just do
to size I had surpassed them in overall strength mostly. Last week I managed to win a
fist fight against Achilles, then Hector beat me immediately after. I was tired though.
Helen and I got out to the range where she had targets set up already at a close
distance. This isn't as much about accuracy as it is speed today, still though, a missed
shot does nothing. You're hurt, but sometimes you will get hurt in a fight and still need
to react. I want you to draw and shoot as quickly as possible, over and over. Practice
your movements while in pain.
I did as told, Helen didn't comment. Hearing nothing from her meant I was doing
it well enough to not be corrected. It was satisfying to myself to still be able to hit
something between the eyes with pain, even if it was only five yards away. I didn't spend
as much time on the gun range as I thought I would have needed too. It came more
naturally and Helen recognized that it would be better for me to work in other areas
more. The rail guns we used were very easy to handle, and incredibly accurate. Plasma
weapons had the advantage of not running out of ammunition, but they did a lot less
damage to the body than a ballistic weapon. I continued to shoot for about an hour, and
although my ribs still hurt, I began to take on a numbness. I only really felt the sting
when I would stop to take a break.
I had been on the range for about an hour when the alarm began to sound. The
lights all faded to a shade of Yellow, which showed the type of alarm it was. Since Ash
was the only one out and about, it had to be here calling for emergency help. Helen
didn't need to tell me what to do. I followed her out, the boys just in front of us, as we
ran for the locker room.
Dom began issuing his commands as soon as I entered the locker room. I was the
last to get there. The boys, Jess, and I, will go get her. Helen you're up top making sure
we don't get followed home. Ali, you and Laura get to the Op's room and watch from the
sky. Even though I wasn't going outside, I still continued to put on my gear, as did Ali.
During an emergency alarm, everyone was to be ready for anything. When I finally got
my Lens on, I was linked into the chatter, including Ash's crys for help.
There is a lot of them, and the only way to lose them is underground. She was
clearly distressed, but there were no sounds of gunfire at the time.

Ash we're coming, if you go underground we lose satellite coverage and...

Dom. I can't stay up here. They are close already, please hurry, Dom. Please!
We're coming Ash, keep moving. Dom continued to console Ashley while I
followed Ali into the operations room.
The room was already alive, and the holographic menu was floating above the
table. Ali reached out to take control of the satellites functions, and she zoomed in on the
spot where Ash was located. There was a hovercraft stalking above her, which I knew
was from The Compound.
I'm EMP'ing the area DOM, it's her only Chance. Alison said. Before Dom
could agree or deny Alison activated the pulse. The hover craft crash landed too close
for comfort from Ashley, as she continued to run.
Could they have survived the crash? I asked, they had to be in bad shape even if
they did. Why was Ash still running, she could fight off a few wounded men.
Doesn't matter Alison said pointing at another wall. She had pulled up another
view, and was tracking at least three more ships flying in from the compound.
Alison! Dom interrupted us, clearly frustrated, You fried Ashley's comm's and
locator.
Good thing she is only a ten minute drive away then, Alison's response was a bit
calmer, Dom said nothing. And I still have a visual from the satellite.
I could hear the elevator moving upward, and my eyes darted between the center
hologram tracking Ashley, and the one on the wall with the three other ships closing in.
Who's going to get there first, I asked.
Alison did not answer me, instead she pulled up another screen on a side wall, it
was a map with the locations of everyone involved. Ashley was on the edge of the city,
between us and the compound. Although our home was a lot closer to her, the location
blip of the Compound ships was moving much faster than us. I tried to guess who would
get there first and I wasnt able to.
Ashley stopped running and settled in near a subway station. She had heard Dom
tell her to stay above ground, but knew that if she was found again that would be her
only chance to escape.
As the dots closed in, the race outcome became clear, Dom, you're not gonna
make it. Alison said. She's at the... 25th street stop
Got it. Dom and the others turned west, away from Ashley, and I was able to
piece together they planned to try and meet her somewhere else in the subway.
The Compounds other hover craft first visited the crash site, which wasn't far from
where Ashley was hiding. Alison magnified the satellite's zoom and we were able to see
Ashley's fearful face. The Military hover craft that the compound used had advanced
tracking capabilities that would locate her even if Ash hid under a car. So when they
began to fly in her direction, sh didn't wait for them to pass over head, and she went into
the Subway tunnles.
The subway was a dangerous place for anyone. It was where the Brain Dead
Giants lived. They were strong, and often twice the size of uninfected humans. Despite

their name, they were still intelligent. Smart enough to realize that in open city streets
they could still be shot and killed, but in tight subway tunnels, they had an advantage. So
they would ambush small groups when they could, but made their home safe
underground. The extreme danger was common knowledge. Which is why we were
surprised when the compound troops finished their surface sweep and landed to follow
Ashley in.
Why are they following her? I said.
I don't know, Alison was just as confused and frustrated as I was. Dom, they
are following her inside. You'd better hurry.
Alison pulled up a 3D map of the subway tunnels, and placed it below the city, to
give us a detailed blueprint. Viewing the tunnels in the map, I was able to see how much
of the underground was linked together. It wasn't just the Subway; parking garages,
sewer systems, and underground highways were all linked together with maintenance
and emergency exit tunnels. It was like an urban ant farm I never knew existed. On the
wall she pulled up the view of everyone's Lens' camera feed. Jess' showed she was
outside, watching their own hovercraft parked at the subway entrance from a safe
vantage point. I could see that they had entered from the 45th street stop. Dom and the
boys were underground, and if you didn't know any better the subway looked mostly
untouched. Everything still had power and worked.
...Hear me? Hello? Dom? Ashley's systems had finally come back online. Her
location was marked in the tunnels, and her Lens cam came up on the wall. She was
hidden inside a bathroom stall with her feet up on the toilet.
Ash, we can hear you. We entered into the North of you. We're coming to you
now. Is it dark or light where you are? Dom answered.
The lights are on here.
Good, don't go into the dark, that's a sure sign to run into Giants, try and stay
put.
Ok... Her voice got very quiet, I can hear them coming...
Alison turned the audio feed from Ashley's Lens cam on in the Operations room
only. The heavy footsteps in the bathroom Ash was hiding in brought me chills. The
sound of swinging stall doors being pushed open one by one was too much for Alison.
She covered her mouth and I could see the tears coming from her face. The boots of a
solider were finally seen underneath the stall Ash was hiding in.
Before the door could be pushed open, Ash fired her pistol several time through it.
She kicked open the door and leaped from the stall. There was another of compounds
solider facing her down and they exchanged fire. Alison screamed out in terror and to
her knees. I quickly went to console her on the floor as she cried.
Ashley's camera feed was motionless, and she cried out in pain over the com link.
The bathroom flooded with more Compound soldiers, and then the lights went out. Not
just on Ashley's feed though, Dom's and the boys also went dark.
Giants know we're here. Dom said. His feed and the boys lit up with the green
night vision glow. Ashley's feed showed flashlights being waved around the bathroom,

and we could hear the soldiers shouting chaotically at each other. Alison, cut off
Ashley's link. Dom said.
Alison was still on her knees sobbing, and took no actions.
Jess spoke now, Ali if you don't turn it off we all have to go quiet. Alison still
didn't move.
I stood up, and took Alisons place to handle the operations. I cut off Ash
completely, and turned off her feed.
It's done. Ashley is off Link I said.
Laura, can you work the room? Dom asked.
Um...Yea... mostly... What do I need to do?
Nothing yet. Just stand by. I cut off Alison's communication as well in order to
make it easier for everyone. She was distraught, sobbing on the floor, and I had no idea
what to do for her. Dom and the boys moved much slower through the subway tunnels
now, being very careful. Repeated whispers from all three of them using the words,
Clear and, move were said intermittently.
When Achilles commanded a, Hold, time seemed to stand still. He saw someone
less than 50 feet away, was peeking out from one of the maintenance tunnels, but all I
could see was the huge eyes, which looked even more eerie because of the night vision.
Laura, look at the map, how far behind us is the next maintenance Tunnel? Dom
whispered.
Not far, maybe about 30 feet or so, and there is another right next to it on the
other side, like...
And above us?
Yea... there is some there too... I'm not sure where the entrance hatches are...
We're trapped. Dom cut me off, and began talking to the boys. Hector watch
the rear, but one shot and keep moving, call if we need to hold. Achilles, on your
engagement, we move. Full speed, focused forward fire, I'll get what you miss. On you.
No sooner did Dom finish speaking did Achilles fire. The head exploded and then
all three of their camera feeds began to shake as they ran. Dom was right, they poured
out of the tunnels around them. Achilles kept shooting at the doorway in front, and two
more fell there. The bodies were so massive that they blocked the door, which slowed
the others down, forcing them to push over the pile first.
On Hectors screen, he fired a volley down the tunnel behind him at the giants that
were in pursuit. It took several hits to bring one down, and even though they fell, more
came. Having the advantage of gun fire kept them at bay, but then one jumped down on
top of them from the roof. It landed right in front of Achilles, and tossed the boy against
the wall, and both his audio and video link were lost.
Dom filled the giant with bullets and it died in front of him. Without Achilles
looking forward more closed in around them. I was able to see Achilles was up and
moving when Dom looked over at him. It was too late for them to regain control of the
tunnel though, and Achilles was forced to retreat through the access tunnel where he
killed the first one.

Dom and Hector went into a Tunnel on the opposite side, shooting there way
through. Once in the maintenance tunnel, they were able to control the narrow corridor
with the door from the main tunnel as a choke point. The massive giants could barely fit
into the smaller tunnels. Their bodies quickly formed a barrier in front of the door.
Where's Achilles Laura? Domorian attempted to sound calm but the stress in his
voice was obvious, and overheard by Alison on the floor.
What happened? Alison stood up in a hurry, No! No, no no no... When she
saw Achilles screen was offline her hysteria intensified. Where is he? Her eyes darted
around the different screens and she moved me aside to access the displays herself, as
she frantically searched through different options. Finding nothing she turned her own
headset back on, Dom, find my son. You find him. You find him.
Dom did not reply to her directly, Jess, you have our last known position. Break
cover and start checking man hole covers. Do whatever you have to do.
On it. She replied, and for the first time in all the chaos Jess began to move.
The sound of Alison's quick breaths echoed throughout the operations room. Her tears
had ceased, and she now watched the events in front of her wide eyed and shaking.
Dom and Hector ran at a steady pace in search of an exit. They finally found a
roof hatch which allowed them access to the surface through a manhole cover.
We're out, Jess, what's your status, should we meet you or head back to the ride?
Dom asked.
Dom, Jess paused and sighed, There is no sign of him. I don't hear anything,
there are no readings, he could be anywhere under there. Her words pulled life out of
Alison, and she sunk to the floor again and began crying in the fetal position.
I knelt down beside her and put my hand on her shoulder, Ali, I'm so sorry. She
did not respond to me. I didn't know what else to do or say.
The silence of the room was finally broken by Helen on the com link, Uhm...
there are a lot of Compound aircraft heading here.
In all the panic neither I or Alison had been monitoring the satellite maps around
us. Why would we, everything was happening on the edge of the city. Sure enough
though, watching through Helen's feed there were more hover craft type ships then I had
time to count. The satellites map was flooded with blips of ships moving in our
direction. How did they know to come here? I was so confused. I thought we were
safe.
They have Ash. Helen said.
She wouldn't... Why would she? How could she!
It doesn't matter. Dom interrupted us. Just... fuck... lay down arms and let them
take you.
What?! Helen was furious.
Helen if you shoot at them you'll lose. Laura, go up to the surface with Helen.
Leave Alison down stairs. Hopefully they don't dig too deep into things.
Dom this can't be the way? Helen protested.
Helen, I'm going to need you looking after Laura and Ash, they probably wont go

down after Alison if they don't know she is there.

How do they know we are here at all? Why are they here? I said as I made my
way into the hanger, and lowered the elevator for myself.
Well, Laura... Dom took a long time to answer me, Things are about to get a
lot more complicated.
Well that much is obvious. We are about to become prisoner to these rapists!
Why would Ash tell them where we are?!
Because they are looking for you Laura. They probably thought Ash was you
when they went after her. That's why they also probably wont look much further if they
find you.
What the fuck Dom?
Sorry Laura. You see, the person in charge of all those rapists is your husband.

XI. Theft of Ignorance

I knelt down and put a hand on Alison's shoulder. She sobbed to herself and didn't
look at me, and I felt guilty leaving her alone. I didn't have time to console her, and I
was thankful for the loud hum of the elevator lift lowering which drowned out her
sobbing.
As I rode the lift up, I began to see how obvious the situation was, and I hated
myself for not realizing it. The people who came to get me out of Cryo freeze must have
had a reason to come find me. The only reason I was important, was because of who I
was important to, in this case, Kyle. How could I have been so stupid. How could
Domorian have been so selfish. I was speechless and lost in my own thoughts when the
lift reached the top. Helen approached me with rage in her eyes.
For you Laura. All of this... for you! She pointed at me, accusing me like I
planned it all. Between the anger of learning the truth, and my built up animosity to
Helen, I was not in an apologetic mood.
I didn't chose this! I pushed her with all my might. I caught her off guard and
she fell backwards onto her butt. As soon as she touched down I prepared to defend
myself, but it was futile. She rose quickly, and then struck me into my sore ribs. I fell to
my knees in pain, and she slapped me across the face. I was still wearing my gun, and

the thought of drawing it crossed my mind. As soon as it did though, I realized what I
was doing. Attacking Helen in the first place was stupid, and I was ashamed of myself
for contemplating about taking it to a whole other level with my gun. Instead I mustered
my strength and stood up to face her. She stared at me with flaring nostrils and rage, but
she did not continue her assault.
Our conflict was interrupted when the Compound forces arrived. They barged into
the side door of the observatory. This was my first time back on the surface since I had
arrived. The ground floor of the observatory was made up to look like people lived in it,
without hinting that there was any way to get below. If Ash didn't tell them much, there
would be no reason for them to search further and go underground at all.
As the troops encircled us, Helen decided to vent her rage on them. She kicked
and fought against them, and managed to knock down two. She wasn't armed, as Dom
had told her not to be. Her out bust was short lived as one of them shot her with a non
lethal stun. She screamed out in agony as she fell to the floor, her body twitched as the
electric current flowed through her. I knew she would be ok, and the fight between us
which just occurred left me with no symphony for her.
Laura? Laura! Kyle walked in behind the first group of soldiers. Oh my god
Laura. He rushed to me and embraced me. I whimpered in pain from my ribs. He
stopped hugging me out of concern, Are you hurt? What's wrong?
Kyle... I took a deep breath and could feel my eyes welling up with tears, I
don't...
It's ok. You'll be ok. Where are you hurt? He said looking me over with concern.
I'm ok, it's just my ribs. It's fine.
Laura, these past months I thought I lost you. I missed you so much. For years I
waited.
Why, Kyle? Why did you wait? Why did you leave me there?
This world, he put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes, it's
ugly. I had to make sure I could keep you safe. I had to be sure...
And Sandy? I interrupted, Where is she? Do you have any idea what
happened? I felt vulnerable and was about to cry. When I thought of Sandy though, I
turned my sadness into anger, and my anger focused into strength. Don't touch me. I
said as I shook his hands off my shoulders and stepped back.
A solider spoke, We came this deep into phantom territory for this?
Quiet corporal. Kyle snapped.
Phantoms are a myth, Helen said as she made her way back to her feet.
Tell that to our dead patrols, the solider said.
Maybe your patrols are just careless.
Bitch I'll show you careless, the solider said as he began to advance towards her.
Kyle stepped in front of the solider, Enough! Everyone mount up and let's go
home. He made a point to make eye contact with as many men as possible, reinforcing
his command. Come on Laura, he held out his hand. I looked at Helen, who had two
men standing behind her nudging her forward, and it was obvious there wasn't a choice.

I walked forward willingly, but did not take his hand.

We exited the observatory and got on board one of the military Hover craft.
Ashley was on board with a guard. Her hands were bound behind her forcing her to lean
unnaturally forward in her seat. A bandage was dressed around a fresh wound on her
right leg. She looked up at us as we got on board with a tear stained face, and trembling
lips, but said nothing and then looked back at the floor.
When our scout saw her, I thought she was you, Kyle said, And I wanted to
make sure there was no losing you this time. Then when we caught her and found out
she wasn't you...
You shot her. I said.
Laura, she killed two men.
You chased her into the subway!
Kyle took a deep breath and didn't argue with me any further. We sat in silence for
the remainder of the ride in the hovercraft back to the compound. Kyle looked up at me
several times, giving me a kind smile each time he caught my eyes. I felt no desire to
smile back. Helen sat with a scowl on her face, with her eyes darting around, sizing
everything up. Ashley continued to stare at the floor, hiding her face. She wiped her
tears on her shoulders unable to use her hands. Her sniffles hung in the air being the only
noise other than the engines that broke the silence.
We landed at The Compound, and the hatch doors opened for us to walk down the
ramp onto the landing pad. The pad was elevated above the rest of the facility, which
was formerly a military base with a large metal perimeter wall around it. Outside the
wall surrounding the base, were tents and tarps of people who had formed a makeshift
settlement.
Laura, Ashley called out to me. I turned away from looking out at the settlement
to see her and Helen were being ushered away by guards.
Hey! They come with us! I demanded to Kyle.
Laura, they'll be fine. I need to talk to you in private. Kyle said. He had both his
hands raised slightly with open palms, trying to keep me calm.
They. Come. With. US! Kyle hadn't disarmed me, and I had a firm grip on my
weapon.
Okay. He agreed.
Sir...? One of the Soldiers walking behind Helen said.
Return to your duties, everyone. Some of the men dismissed themselves
immediately, others lingered, Now. Kyle reinforced. The remaining soldiers then
moved off the landing platform themselves. Kyle walked over to Helen and Ashley, and
unbound their hands. Come on. He said as he lead us off the platform.
We walked through the dusty camp, past groups of soldiers mingling with each
other. Kyle seemed to move at a fast hurried pace, Helen helped Ashley as she struggled
to keep up with her injury. I'm not sure what I expected The Compound to be like, but I
didn't expect a bunch of Soldiers to be standing around hanging out. Aside from one
group that formed a circle for others to spar in while they shouted and cheered, everyone

else was just relaxing. They all stopped to stare at us as we walked past, and I could feel
every set of eyes on me. The walk was short, and only took a couple minutes until we
entered a small building. The building must have formerly been an office based on the
layout, with the first room being a reception area, and the larger room being the main
office. The first room now had been converted into a kitchen and dining area, and the
back room into a bedroom.
Helen pulled out a chair and sat Ashley down. Kyle paced a back and fourth, took
a deep breath and said, This isn't exactly what I had in mind.
What the hell is all this? I asked.
Laura, I'm barely in charge here. Did you see those guys out there? It took me
years to get them back into uniforms. As far as actually listening to orders, there's only a
handful I can count on to do it without me staring at them.
So what happens now?
I don't know. You're friends... well, they're here now. Kyle motioned to Ashley
and Helen.
What does that mean? Helen said.
One of the rules here is that no man can claim more than one woman.
Claim? I asked, So you just claim women like pieces of property?
Trust me. It's better that way, Kyle explained, If a woman belongs to someone,
no one else is allowed to touch her. And all women are claimed as soon as then come
inside the wall. Until you three, which is going to start problems within an hour, I can
guarantee that.
Then we'll leave. Helen said, Problem solved, thanks for flying us 20 miles
away from home, asshole.
It's not that simple, come on. You have to see that. When we found her...
Her name is Ashley. And that's Helen. I said, I was tired of Kyle just referring to
them as commodities.
When they found Ashley, Kyle said as he looked at her sitting at the table. Then
he focused back on me, I thought it was you. Last time I sent someone to get you, I lost
you. So this time I wanted no mistakes, and I brought every man I could. The problem
is... doing that was like asking for a major favor from these men. And you know what
they are going to expect as a payment in return...
Us. Helen said, referring to herself and Ashley.
Yea... Kyle said with a long sigh, So now you see the problem. The room
went silent. To ask what was going to happen next would have been pointless. As Kyle
stood with his hands on his hips pacing the room, we all knew that he didn't have an
answer. He tilted his head slightly as he took a closer look at Helen and narrowed his
eyes, How old are you?
Not old enough to be claimed. Helen replied.
So not old enough to have needed a vaccine either?
No... Helen looked down at the floor solemnly.
Well we have plenty here now. So we can solve that by the end of the day

Helen looked up with wide eyes of disbelief Before she could say anything there
was a knock on the door. Kyle walked over and opened the door to meet a solider who
saluted him and said, Sir, the bounty hunter is here.
Not now... Kyle began to say before the solider cut him off.
Says he caught Ronnie. Alive. The solider said.
Does he have proof? Kyle asked.
The solider handed Kyle an image tablet, Kyle's looked at whatever was on the
tablet and whispered, Son of bitch, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Assemble a meeting team. Kyle ordered. The solider gave another salute and left as
Kyle closed the door. What a day... he said as he looked at the three of us.
Look if you're busy, we can go over this whole who gets to own us another time,
Helen said sarcastically.
Listen, you don't get it. The guy this bounty hunter caught, is the guy who did
this to the world. Ronnie is a traitor, and he is the reason that the war started.
Bullshit! One man, really? Helen said, she was getting upset and her voice was
raised. Just give me a vaccine and then you can deal with this super traitor!
It's complicated, Kyle said, Listen. I've been hunting this guy since the day the
first shots were fired.
Guess you aren't very good at it then. Helen challenged.
Listen! You three have to come with me. Kyle looked at me, I can't let you out
of my sight right now.

XII. How Deals Are Made

We all exited the building together. Helen helped Ashley, I offered but Ashley
waved me off. She was able to move alright with her one leg and an arm around Helen's
shoulder.
We met with six other men, one of them being the solider who came to the door.
Sir, you're bringing the women to the deal? The solider asked.
Hunter is going to want payment isn't he? Kyle said with a firm confidence. The
solider shook his head with a grin, accepting the answer. Our grouped walked through
the dust pit of the camp until we came to the large metal gate to the outside settlement.
The gate was at least forty feet tall, running the full height of the wall, and just a little
thinner than it was tall.
Open it up! Kyle shouted to a man posted in a tower on the wall. At his
command the heave metal doors began to slide open. On the other side was a barbican
area, as wide as the gate, and twice as long. The barbican was cleared out in the center,
but had several tables lining it's edges. There were guards on the walls above able to
look down into it, to observe the activities. In the middle of the opening there were two
men; One of Kyles soldiers, and a very familiar looking bounty hunter, Dom. The two of

them were laughing, and seemed to be enjoying there conversation when we walked
towards them.
Just let me do the talking, and for the love of god, please don't interrupt. Just try
and trust me. Kyle said, pleading with Helen on his request of silence. We then
proceeded to walk out and meet with Dom.
It's a damn good day, aint it. Dom said happily as he met with Kyle and held
out his hand to shake his.
It would seem so, Kyle said as he gripped Dom's hand. Dom was not wearing
his state of the art standard gear, but instead was dressed in dirty clothing, cargo pants
and an old military surplus vest. He had one pistol on his hip, and a plasma rifle hanging
from a backpack.
Don't tell me you made my choice for me, Dom said as he looked over at the
three of us standing about 10 feet behind Kyle. For fucks sake man, that one can barely
stand.
Hunter, come on man, you know how it works, Kyle tried to reason with Dom,
as soon as a woman comes in here they get claimed. I told you that we'd get you
something new and fresh, and these three fell into my lap.
How about you give me all three then!
You're kidding right? You don't even have Ronnie here.
You saw the photo. I took that an hour ago. You know of any other post war
photos that has your prize caged up and beaten half to death?
So where is he, why not bring him here?
I trapped him man, and I can't move him alone. So we all go get him, and then...
Where? Kyle cut Dom off in the middle of his sales pitch.
I caught him in Phantom territory. Bunch of your ships flying around a bit ago
must've have really spooked him, and he ran right into one of my traps I had set.
Hunter, How do you know he wont get out of your trap? Kyle taunted Dom, still
unaware of our relationship, or apparently who Dom really was all together.
Kyle, I'm the best man. Dom held out his hands with pride and confidence. He
aint going nowhere until we go get 'im.
Nowhere for sure? You know there are other dangers out there in Phantom
territory?
Look man. You know plenty of guys think Ronnie is your Phantom. Now that I
got him it's a whole lot safer.
What about the Giants, and the ferals...
Kyle, man, it's broad daylight still. Giants are in the Subway, why are we talking
about shit we both know.
Yea, but when night comes something will come out, might even get your prize.
Look, Ronnie aint going nowhere. And if we go get him right now we don't even
have to worry about it, all this shit doesn't matter. How about you give me the broken
girl and one other, and we call it even since you didn't let me pick my own.
There was a pause in the conversation as Kyle turned over his offer. This could

work out almost perfectly. Dom can take Ashley and Helen out of here right now, and
then I'll figure out what to do with myself later. Maybe not perfect, but the most
definitely the best option.
I never liked you, Hunter, Kyle said. Before there was time for any other
reaction, Dom had a plasma hole in his chest. One of the guards had fired at him, as if he
was commanded to at that moment.
No! Helen yelled out. Ashley screamed in terror. I looked at Dom, and tried to
make eye contact, but he didn't look at me. His mouth open and closed like a fish out of
water, trying to get air, then it stopped and his jaw hung slack. His swayed, took a single
step back, and then fell backwards. I felt my legs turn to jello, and my knees hit the
ground the same time Dom's lifeless body did. I looked over at Kyle, who looked over
the three of us in confusion. He still had no idea of our connection. He also didn't seem
to care about Dom's execution, and was not concerned with the guard who fire. He knew
it was going to happen.
Why? I tried to say. I mouthed the word but I wasn't able to actually speak. Kyle
looked over at Dom, then back at us, still trying to put the pieces together of why we
grieved.
I was pushed over completely by the force of the explosion, and my ears went
deaf with the sound of a high pitched ring. The wall of the Barbican to our left erupted
open, and smoke filled the air around us as debris littered the ground. My vision was
blurry and doubled but I heard gunfire, and several figures came in through the new gap
in the wall. I tried to focus, I shook my head back and fourth. My vision started coming
back before my hearing. I recognized Ronnies large frame right away, and it was safe to
assume that Hector was the short one. Helen helped me to my feet, but she was already
mostly carrying Ash, so as soon as I was standing she gave me a shove to get moving on
my own. I had an urge to go check on Dom, but Ronnie was already doing that. I looked
at Kyle who was busy trying to pick himself up out of the dirt as well. Helen pushed me
again, and I made a moved towards the gap in the wall.
When I left the barbican I was in a maze of tightly packed tents and shoddily
made shacks which and sprung up around outside of The Compounds walls. The settlers
were all running away from the fight, and I decided that attempting to get lost in that
crowd was the best option. I looked over at Helen, she nodded me forward to confirm
following the crowd was the way to go.
I heard other explosions echoing from within the compound as we ran through the
shanty town. My pace started to quicken as the blast effects of the explosion began to
wear off. I found myself mixing with the random settlers, and I quickly turned around to
ensure I did not get separated from Helen and Ashley. Once they caught up to me I put
an arm around Ashley, and Helen and I all but carried her in haste to get as far away as
quickly as possible.
Where are we going? I had to shout to make sure Helen could hear me. The
chaos of the crowd was loud with panic now.
Anywhere but here! She shouted back and we kept moving forward.

What about the others? Your Dad, and Hector?

They'll catch up!
We hurried forward, but we didn't get far before running into someone who was
clearly not a resident of the shanty town. Jess removed the cowl which she used to
conceal herself, in order to put us at ease, because she was holding her weapon and
approaching us quickly. Come on! she shouted, and we followed her without question.
Jess's chose direction was not following the rest of the crowd, but I had confidence she
knew where she was going. She led us to a large makeshift hut, which seemed to be put
together a bit better than most of the others. The sheet metal wasn't sloppily laying over
itself, but welded on most corners, and it's door had a heavy chain lock to prevent it
from being swung open. Jess had the key, quickly undid the lock and flung the door
open. Inside was a buggy with room to seat four.
Ronnie and Hector are already on their way back home. Jess wasn't talking
directly to us, she was on her lens. At that moment I realized I still had mine in my vest.
I put it on, and was wired in to the communications, it wasn't pleasant sounds.
What are we going to do now... what are we going to do...? Alison cried through
the comm link. First Achilles, and now Dom. I stayed quiet, but felt my own sadness
swelling inside of me.
Inside the hut with the buggy was a foot locker full of weapons. Helen and Ash
armed themselves and then we all got into the buggy. Helen and I sat behind her. Jess
took the driver seat and Ash joined me in the back. No sooner were we strapped in did
Jess punch it. The hut didn't have a door big enough for the buggy, it was built around it.
So the only way to drive out was to plow out, and tearing through the thin walls.
The shanty town itself didn't have any kind of streets either, but the buggy was
able to fit through most of the narrow walkways. As we turned and drove though, we ran
over countless tables and stalls when the path got too thin, but quickly reached the edge
of the shanty town. She turned in the direction towards the observatory, and we sped
away. I looked over at the compound which had thick clouds of smoke rising from
different areas all around it.
We're clear, Ronnie's said through the comm link, Hector and I are clear. Just
the two of them. Even though I had seen it happen, it set in all over again for me. Dom
was not coming home with us.

XIII. Between Goals and Despair

Ronnie was standing outside the dome when we arrived. Jess didn't open the large
good, we parked the buggy outside. Inside we could hear shouts of anger from Hector. It
was then I noticed Ronnie had Hectors gun belt slung over his shoulder. He's not taking
it well, Ronnie said, and we walked inside.

Hector was on his hands and knees, pounding his fists against the metal floor, It's
not fair! It's not fair! They cheated! They lied! It's not Fair! Liars! He continued his rant
and took no notice of our arrival. I looked over at Helen, expecting her to play drill
Sargent and bring him under control, she made no effort.
Coming down, Jess said as she activated the lift and the elevator took us all
down into the bunker. Ronnie embraced Helen as we rode down, and the tears streaming
down her face showed a vulnerable side in her that I had not seen. I think that in the
presence of her father she felt safe enough to be softer, and let her guard down.
Jess stood with her back to the rest of us, and said nothing. Ashley sat down and
cried, but her whimpers were not able to be heard over the sound of Hectors tantrum. As
the elevator reached the bottom floor Alison rushed over to her son knelt down and
hugged him. They wept together, with the boy still repeating how unfair it was. Jess
helped Alison up, and they both made their way to the resting wing.
Baby, I can't stay here, Ronnie said to Helen.
Can any of us? she replied back.
When I leave I'll make it look like you all came back to gather supplies from the
fake camp up top, and then left. If you stay down below, they wont be able to find you.
And the damage we caused should keep them all busy for at least a few hours. But they
are going to start tracking my location as soon as they can.
Dad, we have to go back there.
Baby, no. There is nothing we can do about Dom, he...
It's not about Dom. They have vaccines there. Said they had plenty.
What? Ronnie was surprised, How? He must've been lying.
Dad, he had no reason to lie. He wasn't baiting me with it, it seemed true. I don't
know how, but I believed him when he said they had it.
Ronnie took a deep breath. He towered over his daughter as he looked down at
her, I'll get you some then Baby. Leave it to me.
No, Dad! You need help. I'm not stupid. Even with the damage done, you can't
get into The Compound alone.
I have to try, Baby. There is no one left to help us.
Yes there is. The Orphans will want Vaccines. Helen made a good point. I didn't
know much about The Orphans, other than they were a bunch of children who banded
together in the old city of L.A.
Baby they are just children, Ronnie said.
Hector is just a child. And I'd choose him over a compound solider any day!
Helen argued. Ronnie shook his head with uncertainty. Come on Dad, this is the only
way now. And I'm running out of time! Plus, we always knew we'd have to deal with
The Compound one day. After this, I don't want to wait around any longer! Dom was
your best friend! How can you just allow them to...
Enough!' Ronnie said in a booming voice, and Helen stopped her rant. The
mention of Dom clearly struck a nerve.
I think Helen is right, I said breaking the silence. I don't want to just do

nothing.
Laura, you don't know what you're talking about. Ronnie said.
I know I don't, but Helen does. And I trust her. And we can't just stay in this cave
forever. And I... I couldn't speak any more. I felt myself choking for air as tears
overcame me. I had forgotten about my ribs until I found myself taking quick labored
breaths, and the sting returned.
Go lay down Laura, Ronnie said.
No! I don't want to go lay down. I want to do something! While we still can!
Helen is right, The Compound is weak right now. The men barely follow the leader.
After whatever you guys blew up there, Kyle is going to have trouble keeping them in
order. We are safe for now, but they will rebuild. We can't let them! My fists were
clenched tight as I shouted my thoughts on the matter. It caused Hector to stop ranting,
and Alison's crying diminished into sniffles. I felt their eyes on me, as I argued with
Ronnie. We have to do something Ronnie. The Compound will find us sooner or later.
Ok, Ronnie said, and I could see I had won him over. Clean yourself up, get
Jess, and we'll come up with a plan.
Wait! Alison interrupted, I wont have any part of this, and neither will Hector!
Mom but... He whined.
No. I will not lose another son. You will not take him back there. He's just a boy!
This is not a game. He shouldn't have to live in this world. Alison stood up and made a
point to look each of us in the eyes with a gaze of passion only an angry mother could
have.
Ok Ali, Hector will stay here with you. Ronnie said and smiled at her. He made
no attempt to argue with her. Laura, go check on Jess and Ash. Helen, you start getting
whatever gear you need ready to go to the old city. We'll talk over dinner.
I accepted Ronnie's answer and made my way to the resting wing to find Jess and
Ash. I took deep breaths to keep my composer, holding my side in pain. Meeting Kyle
should have been a happy moment. Everything that had just happened though had easily
made this the worst day of my life. I now understood why Dom deceived me. The men
at The Compound had no respect for life. Kyle may have tried to hold things together,
but the way he allowed Dom to be killed without a second thought showed his true
colors. Those men were not good people, and I hated them all.
I knocked on Jess's door, and she answered with a firm What?
I need to talk to you. I said.
Fine, she answered, and I walked inside. Her weapons and gear littered
throughout the room as if she just tore it off as quickly as possible. She sat on the edge
of her bed wearing nothing but her pants and black shirt. When she looked up at me, I
could see the streaks, caused by the tears, running through the dirt on her face. Her eyes
were still swollen from crying, but she had stopped for now.
I'm so sorry Jess, I said and I choked back my own tears.
It's not your fault. I told Dom it wouldn't end well. That's why we were all there,
ready for war to get you out. No one expected it to go down like that though, She shook

her head and bit her bottom lip. I could tell she was about to lose it again, so I wanted to
get my point across quickly.
We are going to go back. Helen thinks we should go to the old city and get help
from the Orphans to attack The Compound.
Why? Why would the Orphans even care? Jess shook her head no in
disagreement.
The Compound has Vaccines. A lot. Kyle told us, and he was going to give some
to Helen, but we didn't get around to it. They are weak right now, and...
Fine. Whatever, Jess cut me off and waved her hand for me to leave, Just... tell
me whatever you guys come up with. She closed her eyes and squinted tightly, and then
began to cry more. I left the room and closed the door to leave her alone.
The others had come in from the main hanger, but Ronnie was not with them.
Alison held Hectors hand headed into Ashley's room. Helen shook her head no, telling
me not to follow them.
She doesn't want Ashley involved either. Helen said quietly. And Ashley's leg
needs to heal up. So it's for the best she stays here anyways.
Where's your dad? I asked.
He is going to keep moving around, like he always does, but... she took a deep
breath, He is going to harass them a bit more than usual to keep them busy enough for
us to travel south unnoticed. We'll leave first thing in the morning. So get some rest.
She gave me a final head nod and headed to her own room.
I headed to my own room, and I hadn't felt so alone since before all of this started.
I normally kept my gear in my locker, but it didn't seem like anyone took the time to
store their things properly. I stripped off everything and went into my bathroom to clean
up. I looked myself over in the mirror, and noticed new bruises and scrapes caused from
the day. Most of it probably happened when the explosion went off, and in the new
silence I could still hear the ringing in my ears.
I went to the shower and turned it on to clean myself up. The vision of Dom being
shot and stumbling to a fall started playing over and over again in my head. I sat down
and just let the water flow over me as I hugged my legs to my chest. I leaned my
forehead against my knees and closed my eyes. I wish none of this happened. I had
grown so accustomed to not worrying about Dom, or even Ash when she went out.
Everyone seemed to have such a grasp on the world, and was able to handle themselves.
If they couldn't take on the threats that were out there, how was I supposed to? Hector
was right, none of this was fair.

XIV. The Gap

I woke up to a knocking on my door, Laura we got to get going as soon as
possible. Put on something comfortable and pack an away bag. Helen said.

Okay, how long do I have. I answered to let her know I had awaken.
As long as you need, but don't go back to sleep or waste time.
Okay, I sat up and swung my feet out of bed. I rubbed my eyes which stung and
still felt swollen. I had a restful and dreamless night, once I finally got to sleep. I took a
deep breath and my ribs felt a bit better, but still sore. I stood up and walked into the
bathroom to wash my face. If Helen didn't wake me up telling me to pack for a trip, I
might have had a moment to debate on whether or not I had had a horrible nightmare.
After I washed up I went into my room and got dressed in some comfortable cargo
pants, and a green tank tank top. Over the top I'd wear a tactical vest, and pack a jacket
in case I needed it later. Helen taught me how to pack my away bag, which was basically
a variety of clothing, and survival gear, that I would depend on for an indefinite amount
of time. It wasn't light, or tactical, it was for traveling purposes. The bag I packed it in
was designed with that in mind and strapped around me to make a long haul as
comfortable as possible. It was a special military bag though, which had a quick release
mechanism on the chest. With a flick of the wrist, all the straps would disconnect and
drop the travel gear, in order to react to a surprise crisis without lugging around the
weight. I also strapped a Plasma rifle onto the side of the pack. We used ballistic
weapons most of the time, but for an extended journey, Plasma had the advantage of not
needing ammunition. Once I finished packing, I finished getting dressed; laced up my
boots, put my kevlar tactical vest on, strapped my gun to my hip, and linked my wrist
computer up as I placed my lens over my ear. I grabbed the bag and headed into the
dining hall.
Jess and Helen were both making final preparations packing food rations for the
trip. I looked over at the closed doors of Ashley and Alison's rooms, thinking if Alison
was going to see us off she'd be cooking breakfast. Either Helen or Jess had already
finished doing so, and I saw a plate of food waiting for me. I walked over and sat down
to eat, So what's the overall plan exactly? I asked.
I'll drive us to through the gap until we reach the edge of the city. Jess began to
explain, Old L.A. streets are covered in rubble and getting a set of wheels through there
just isn't feasible. I'll drop you two off and head back here, and monitor you from the...
Wait, you're dropping us both off? I interrupted.
Training's over Laura, and it's just us three and Ronnie right now, Jess said as
she paused her task of packing to look at me. Her eyes told me not to ask questions, and
I'd better come to realize the situation right now. Helen has had contact with one of the
Orphan camps before, and the two of you will go make contact with them. If all goes
well you'll travel back with, hopefully an army of them, on foot. If they aren't willing to
help, I'll come back and pick you both up. Jess concluded.
Alright. I said, How long do you think it will take to talk to the Orphans,
Helen?
Helen answered me, They have several camps, and most of them have their own
leader. They look out for each other most of the time. To get all of them to agree on
something like this though is going to be tough, and we'll have to move around the city

for a couple of days.

Anything else I should be ready for? I asked.
Old L.A. has a lot more refugees, and a lot more forms of mutations. The guns of
the Compound cleared out the area we live in pretty good. And our reputation as
Phantoms kept the most people away from out home. Remember those slave traders you
bumped into the day you woke up? Well, there is a lot more of them operating down in
old L.A. the buy up some of the girls and bring them to The Compound for sale. Which
is why we wont be taking the Highway South. Jess explained.
A Hovercraft then?
That might draw Compound attention. I know a route off road that'll get us
there.
I shook my head and finished up my breakfast. I didn't think my first task would
be something like this. I also thought Dom would be the one in charge though, and that
he would teach me the ways of the world. I stood up and took cleaned my dishes,
something Ali usually did for us during meals. The three of us gathered up our gear,
rations included and headed into the hanger without discussing anything further.
Jess lead us to an advanced military half-track vehicle. It had space for our gear,
and two mounted weapons. There was a large Plasma Cannon mounted on the top rear
which rotated a complete 360 degrees, and a smaller one above the driver which covered
the forward arch. The weapons could be controlled manually if needed, but all were
designed to be operated remotely from within the vehicle. Helen and I both linked the
weapon systems up to our Len's computers, and were ready to go as Jess drove us onto
the lift. I felt my heart pumping as we rose to the surface, and I wondered how much
trouble we were expecting to run into along the way. Ronnie was supposed to be
distracting The Compound forces, but I was afraid to ask how well that was going. How
could they know anyways, we all had the same information as far as I knew.
The dome opened up for us, and Jess hit the throttle. The advanced suspensions
systems made riding in the vehicle incredibly smooth. We headed almost directly south,
cutting over countryside with ease. I looked over to see Jess was topping out around 45
miles per hour on the flat spaces.
If we don't hit any surprises, the route we're taking should take about an hour.
Jess said. I could tell she was talking at me, Helen took no interest and must have
already known.
Are you expecting a surprise? I asked.
Always, Laura. And you should be too. Jess answered. Play around with the
gun a bit and shoot some things. Take the front mounted one and aim off to the right.
Oh, ok! I understood the idea of the weapon system, but I hadn't actually used
it. I brought up the visual display on me Lens which was linked to a camera on the gun
itself. I used my arm computer to control the turret and I aimed it to the right. There
wasn't anything I could really pinpoint as a target, so I just pointed at passing ground
about 50 feet from us and fired away. The Plasma turret let out a volley of shots at a high
speed, leaving a burning trail of flame. The rate of fire was so fast that it almost seemed

like a solid beam. The stuttering sound of fire was more telling of the breaks between
each shot fired. I enjoyed letting loose with the weapon. The weapon system had a
temperature gauge which would allow me to maintain fire for about ten seconds before I
got an overheat warning. I could override the warning if needed, but I risked damaging
the weapon in doing so. The cooling system worked well enough for me to just fire
bursts anyways, so there was no reason to override it. I finally saw a large rock to aim at.
I turned the gun towards it and let the plasma fly. The rock was completely obliterated
by the weapon in no time. It gave me a feeling of power, but then it made me wonder if
our own armor had any chance against such a weapon if it was used against us.
After I got my fill of shooting off the weapon I sat back and relaxed for the rest of
the ride. The surprise that Jess was expecting, and cautioned me to be ready for as well
never came. I had trouble not thinking about the direness of our situation and how our
home had fallen apart, and when I caught sight of the edge of the city it was relief to
know the ride would be over soon.
You two see anything? Jess asked.
Helen answered before me, Negative from me.
I looked around, zoomed in with the camera for a better view, and all I saw was
rubble. A lot of fighting had happened in the old city, and there were burnt husks of
vehicles all over the now visible streets. Negative from me also. I answered, and
continued to watch until we drove right up to the edge of the first road we'd seen in
miles.
Jess turned the vehicle around and parked it for us to get out. See you guys in a
few days. She said. She looked at me and smiled, nodding her head in confidence. I
smiled back, gathered up my gear and got out of the half-track. Before I was finished
strapping my bags around my shoulders, Jess was driving away from Helen and I.
It's gonna be a long week, Helen said.