《Nakoma: Ashes of Angels》 CHAPTER 1) The Tribe ¡°Kill the man who has created life, and he dies a happy man, knowing he sacrificed his life to protect them...but kill the things he has created, then he has nothing left to live for...¡± The day was calm, and the river flowed smoothly. As a feather drifting in the wind, trees in every direction. Only the soothing sound of the river heading downstream. SWOOSH, ¡°ARGHH!¡± As Nakoma let out a grunt missing a fish with her spear. Her attire was very cave man like. She wore the fur of animals and hide shoes. Her hair decorated with braids and hair bands that kept her hair in place. ¡°That''s the third time with that stupid fish! And what are you trying to do Ezhno?¡± She sees her brother kneeling down on the edge of the riverbank with his hands in the water holding a piece of bread. ¡°I''m trying to let the fish come to me. Now shush. I''m trying to concentrate.¡± Nakoma rolled her eyes and threw a rock at him. He flinched and in doing so he dropped his bread. ¡°Nakoma! I needed that, why do you always have to mess with me¡­¡± Nakoma, seeing him adorable when he¡¯s frustrated, kneels beside him. ¡°Listen Ezhno, I know I mess around but that¡¯s what siblings do, plus it will toughen you up, you¡¯ll see.¡± She ruffled his hair and went to the river to retrieve her spear. ¡°C''mon, let¡¯s go back before it gets late.¡± Soon after as they were heading back, they heard a twig snap, Ezhno and Nakoma immediately stopped ¡°What was that?¡± ¡°Shh quiet Ezhno.¡± slowly Nakoma reaches for her bow and Ezhno readying his spear and slowly both of them move forward. They head up a few steps and soon Nakoma halts. She kneeled down Ezhno following her move, ¡°What is it Na-,¡± she raised her finger to her lip, just a few feet behind a bush, was a deer. Nakoma prepares her bow as she draws back pointing at the body of the young deer. She holds her breath trying to keep her aim steady. Within seconds, she lets go, the deer being hit in its upper body letting out a loud screech and immediately runs off. Nakoma chased after the deer yelling to Ezhno, ¡°C¡¯mon we can¡¯t lose it!¡± Both of them running after the deer, Nakoma heard Ezhno say something but couldn¡¯t figure out what he said. All she could make out was, ¡°we can¡¯t¡±, she turned around and yelled ¡°What?¡± Ezhno pointed straight ahead, Nakoma turned and immediately stopped, the trees ended and in view, a beautiful green meadow. In sight was the deer still running, Nakoma just in awe stared ahead. Why she couldn''t go was what was blocking her path. In a row, logs staked into the ground as the tips where sharpened, some metal bars as thick as a human¡¯s body, all of them in a single row from left to right. In between each section wires run through all of the pillars creating a wire like fence. ¡°Nakoma¡­you know we can¡¯t go over there, it''s forbidden,¡± Nakoma still in gaze looking into and beyond the meadow. She slowly comes back from her state of trance. ¡°Yeah, I know¡­ c''mon...let''s go.¡± They soon headed back to their village, when they arrived, they were greeted by their fellow tribe members ¡°Nakoma, Ezhno, c''mon we just started the bonfire!¡± they celebrated and danced till the day was dark. This particular celebration was for Nakoma as she has finally reached the age of adult hood. It was an important culture custom to celebrate one''s rite of passage from youngling to member of the tribe. This tribe celebrated on the ground for they lived up in the trees, tree houses and bridges connecting to each other. Nakoma climbed up to her tree and climbed straight to the top. There was a makeshift floor for her to view the treetops. She took in the view seeing the night sky and the stars that glowed immensely. ¡°Hey Nakoma, is everything alright?¡± It was Hakan, the son of the tribe''s weapons maker. ¡°Oh...hey Hakan, I''m just a bit frustrated,¡± she huddled up, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me Hakan I''ll be down shortly.¡± Hakan knew something was wrong but was afraid to push her feelings. ¡°Look you can tell me if something is wrong, I''m here for you.¡± she sighed ¡°Okay...I... really got close to the discord barrier...¡± Hakan looked shocked, ¡°Did you.. you know¡­?¡± ¡°No I didn''t cross over, but I wanted to...I mean look Hakan, all this view, all of it. There has to be more out there. We can''t be the only ones here!¡± Hakan was confused, he didn''t know how to tackle this kind of situation, ¡°Nakoma the gods put us here to live in peace and be one with the forest, if the gods didn''t create the barrier to keep us safe, then what did they create it for?¡± ¡°I don''t know Hakan, but there¡¯s always an answer...always.¡± Further into the night the bonfire was big and tall as ever, the chief Nadie was the ¡°mother¡± of the tribe, but her real family bloodline was with Nakoma and Ezhno. The tribe gathered in front of the fire to hear what their chief had prepared. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Tonight...is a special night...for which my granddaughter has reached the age of adulthood.¡± The tribe chanted in hoorah, ¡°I am pleased to see my granddaughter become the beautiful woman she has become, it brings joy in my heart, Nakoma will you come up?¡± Nakoma was confused on what she was doing, ¡°Here, my gift to you, it has been passed down our family for generations and my time will soon come to an end and now, you, will wear it.¡± She wraps a bracelet around her wrist, it''s made of strong string and in the center is a small rectangular disk that''s engraved with a marking. It looked unusual to her as it was marked with three lines top and bottom and they both lead to the center of the disk. It almost looks like a type of bug. She was starstruck. She didn''t know what to say, ¡°Thank you, it¡¯s an honor to have this.¡± She kneels down and bows. Then one of the tribe members blew a horn, alerting them that something was caught, something they had never seen. They brought a net that was moving furiously, they threw a rope to a branch and hung the net. ¡°What is it, Makya?¡± Nadie asserted herself, Makya was one of the warriors in their tribe, he was the most fearsome warrior in their tribe, but the look he had was fear. ¡°Nadie, we captured a demon¡­¡± ¡°A demon?!?¡± Nadie shouted, ¡°Yes, madam it came from the discord barrier, the forbidden place¡­¡± Nakoma in disbelief never expected to see a living creature to come from beyond. ¡°CAN SOMEONE CUT ME DOWN, I''M NOT A DEMON!¡± everyone pointed their spears at the dangling net, ¡°It speaks!¡± one of the tribe members yelled out. ¡°Yes, yes I can speak, if you let me go, I can explain myself.¡± Nakoma pleads to Nadie, ¡°Grandmother please, it means no harm, we must see it!¡± ¡°To risk only to be killed by curiosity?¡± ¡°I''m starting to get dizzy, I''m still upside down¡­¡± Nakoma, unable to control herself, reached for her knife and cut the rope in a single swing. The net immediately dropped and soon the creature appeared. They couldn''t believe what they were seeing, it was a human but the clothes he was wearing were different to the tribe, he had jeans with some black boots and a grey jacket. He looked as if he was beaten down, ¡°You''re...you''re human¡­¡± Nakoma said happily, ¡°Well of course I''m human, what the hell did you expect?¡± Nadie walked towards the man; he appeared as if he was still in his mid twenties ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°My name is James, nice to meet you.¡± He reaches for a handshake only to be stared down as he was some kind of monster. ¡°Alright then, I didn''t mean to cause a ruckus or anything I was just passing through,¡± Nakoma approached James, ¡°Where did you come from?¡± ¡°Well I''m from California, the city of Los Angeles.¡± Everyone was stumped on what he said. ¡°That''s south of here?¡± They all looked at each other waiting for the first person to speak. ¡°So you people don''t know what''s out there?¡± ¡°No, we have been here for generations. The gods placed the barrier to keep the danger away from us and gave us land to thrive on.¡± Nadie preached out; James was trying to comprehend the situation. ¡°So let me get this straight, that fence made of wood and junk is the ¡°Barrier¡± and you''ve been in this forest for generations and never left?!?¡± Nadie bowed. He was in disbelief. He slicks his hair back and takes a deep breath, ¡°Okay look, remember how I came from Los Angeles? Well, I''m looking for people to help us out. We tried to find help where I am from, but we had no luck. So, we resorted to looking for outside help. That''s how I ended up here. If you have anyone willing to help us back home, please, I''m begging you.¡± He bowed his head hoping to hear a yes from the chief. Nakoma gazed with excitement, and she yelled out at the top of her lungs, ¡°I CAN GO!¡± The whole tribe turned towards her. ¡°No! Unacceptable!¡± Nadie yelled, ¡°But why can I not go?¡± ¡°It¡¯s dangerous, we have no way of knowing what¡¯s out there!¡± Nakoma refused her answer. She stood beside James, ¡°Grandmother, this is my chance to see the outside world! A chance to see what lies beyond!¡± Nadie scolded Nakoma, ¡°Nakoma that¡¯s enough, you will do as you''re told!¡± ¡°Wait! If I may speak¡­¡± Hakan stepped out of the crowd. ¡°She should be allowed to leave; she is a woman not a kid anymore you said so yourself.¡± Nakoma was starstruck to see Hakan say those words. ¡°Ma''am, if I may say, I would like to go with her. As long as you know a warrior is with her then there is no reason to have any fear of any harm coming toward her. Not as long as I''m protecting her.¡± Makya said. Nadie was shocked to hear this. ¡°You feel this way, Makya?¡± he bowed, ¡°And you Hakan?¡± ¡°It will be an honor to go with them.¡± She stared at the two supporting Nakoma and soon stared back at the foreign man, she exhales in great frustration, "Very well, Nakoma, it may seem that you have a well-fitted group. I know it''s my instinct to protect you, but with a group and this James fellow, I¡¯m certain you will be safe.¡± Nakoma was filled with enthusiasm and rushed towards her for a hug. ¡°So¡­ will they be able to come to Los Angeles?¡± Nadie strolled to James, ¡°You will keep them safe, won¡¯t you?¡± James looked uneasy, but swallowed his fear, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they will be safe I promise you that.¡± Nadie, skittish of the idea of her granddaughter leaving the safety of her tribe to the great beyond, frightens her. ¡°Grandma, can I go with them please, please!¡± Everyone looked at Ezhno as he tugged on her fur cloak begging as well. Nakoma kneels in front of Ezhno, ¡°Look Ezhno, I won¡¯t be back for a while to this los¡­ James, what place are you from?¡± ¡°Los Angeles.¡± ¡°Right, Los Angeles, so I want you to take care around here and help out with the tribe, can you do that for me?¡± Ezhno was disappointed, but he understood what she was doing. The next day, the whole tribe was at the fence of the discord barrier looking anxiously. Nakoma, Hakan, Makya, all alongside James, taking their first step on the other side. James held down the wire with his foot and lifted the other over his head, the three of them in line squeezing through the wire. Nakoma stopped, her breathing was rapid, as if her heart was about to burst out of her chest. Slowly she goes through the fence following James behind her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in and slowly opened her eyes while she exhaled. She couldn¡¯t believe where she was, she couldn¡¯t fathom what she was doing. ¡°You better keep my granddaughter safe!¡± she yelled from the horizon, ¡°Don¡¯t worry ms. Nadie, your granddaughter and the rest will be perfect out of harm''s way I assure you!¡± The group all waved to them a safe farewell to their journey which was the beginning to a dreaded nightmare of reality. CHAPTER 2) Oasis of Ruins Smell of cooked rats, crackling of the bond fire, a quiet perfect night with crickets chirping everywhere. ¡°So....it''s been three days we have been traveling, how much longer is it going to take to get to this Los Angeles place?¡± Makya said impatiently. ¡°Well, from what I remember traveling up north, it took about fifteen almost sixteen days.¡± Hakan shouted, ¡°Sixteen days?? So we still have thirteen more days left to travel??¡± James nodded while chewing the piece of rat. ¡°So Nakoma, I have a question.¡± ¡°What is it, James?¡± ¡°I appreciate the three of you coming to help us, I really do, but why were you the only one willing to go, instead of the others?¡± Nakoma looked flustered, ¡°Well¡­all my life I''ve been raised to believe that the gods are protecting us from evil and giving us land to thrive off of, I still wonder...why are we here, what is my purpose and what lies beyond the discord barrier.¡± The more James and the rest of the group listen to her the more they come to realize why she was willing to go. ¡°Honestly seeing you come over the barrier, I was so happy because it questioned our beliefs.¡± ¡°Well I thank you guys for coming along and hey, you might learn something while we''re over there, c¡¯mon let''s get some shut eye and head out in the morning. Nakoma lies in her makeshift sleeping bag, with only her thoughts. Her mind races as she''s afraid to see, what kind of people where they, is their god a lie, and if so, why were they there in the first place? She looks into the fire pit feeling its heat in the freezing night, before drifting to sleep, her final thoughts, what will happen next. It''s been days since they have been traveling, James looked a bit tired but the three still had stamina, ¡°You alright James?¡± Said Hakan, ¡°Oh yeah don''t worry I''m good, how do you guys... not get tired?¡± The three shrugged in sync. ¡°I mean, you wanted to take through the mountain, you said it''s a faster route¡± ¡°I know I know¡± said annoyed, ¡°It''s the quickest way to get past the city.¡± ¡°The city?¡± Said Makya. Hakan halted, ¡°Do guys hear that?¡± The rest were silent. Faint noises of waves hitting rocks, a seagull squawking above them, ¡°Oh sweet Jesus we¡¯re here!" As James yelled out. Nakoma¡¯s heart raced, they followed James as he reached to the top. There, was a bridge stretching out to the other side of the land mass. ¡°Madam and gentlemen, welcome to San Francisco!¡± Next to this island-like city was a grand ocean. The group¡¯s breath was taken away, the city from far as the eye could see was taken over by nature. What she thought were strange mountains were actually buildings covered in moss and leaves. ¡°James what is that?¡± ¡°That my friend is the city of San Francisco, no one inhabits this place anymore so now nature took over it, beautiful isn''t it.¡± James slides down the hill and the rest follow. They began walking through the enormous bridge, they seemed uneasy as the bridge was rusty and old. Parts of the street were missing but were able to get through. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°My word, this feels so weird, did gods build this place?¡± Hakan said, ¡°Actually no, people did, like me and you¡± the three of them stopped. ¡°Hold on, you mean other people built this?¡± Makya said ¡°So that island is a city built by us?¡± Nakoma said with bewilderment in her voice. They walked through the broken bridge, going around the holes leading to the ocean. The rusty and worn out bridge slowly ended and at the end of the bridge grass grew to their knees, trees everywhere. There were so many trees that they blocked out the sun. ¡°C''mon I know a place where you can be in the middle of all this and still see the view¡± they all followed him to a place called the financial district. Everywhere they''d go buildings crumbled, covered in moss and vines. Even the ones standing were covered in moss all the way to the roof. ¡°Here we are,¡± James said, ¡°W- what is this place...?¡± Said Hakan. ¡°Yes, this place it''s so...breathtaking...¡± said Makya, Nakoma¡¯s eyes scanning everywhere trying to get the details of all the grass, all the buildings in moss, cars fully covered in grass. ¡°What''s that James...?¡± she pointed to a car that was rooted to the ground, ¡°That my friend is what''s called a car.¡± ¡°A car?¡± ¡°Yup, people ride these cars going from place to place faster and I mean way faster than on foot¡± ¡°My word.¡± said Makya. ¡°Come, I''ll show you something neat¡± they followed him inside the pyramid like building, they saw it unusual because it was the only one that wasn''t covered in flora. They climbed flights of stairs until they reached the forty eighth floor. ¡°Madam and gents, I present to you the suite VIP of San Francisco.¡± Through the windows was a hole in the wall lined with a view of all of San Francisco, a city taken over by mother nature. All of them looked out into the city amazed and in awe. ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful.¡± Hakan said, ¡°By the gods this view.¡± ¡°Just a step closer to the truth...¡± whispered Nakoma. James standing at the entrance of the door smiled at them looking out, his smile slowly started to shroud to a blank expression. ¡°Hey guys, let''s go, we still have a long journey ahead of us.¡± Taking in their last moments of the view they start to head back down, Nakoma was the first to step outside, she stopped to see a doe slowly walking up to her, ¡°Makya, Hakan look!¡± they all watched her as the doe was slowly coming to her. She reached out her hand and the doe began to sniff and licked her palm. The doe''s ears perked up and looked to its side, it ran the opposite of their direction. ¡°Did you guys see that!¡± Energetically yelled Nakoma. ¡°Listen you guys there''s uh, something I have to say...¡± ¡°What is it James¡± Hakan said, ¡°I haven''t been honest with you these past few days, I got to know you and all, it''s not right anymore.¡± Nakoma slowly walked towards James. ¡°James what are you talking about?¡± His eyes were tearing up his lips quivering, ¡°I... I lied to you guys¡± ¡°What?!¡± Said Makya, ¡°You lied? So you didn''t need our help at all?" ''''Yes I mean no... ugh, it''s complicated.¡±, Nakoma got closer to James with a serious grim look on her face. ¡°Then what is it James, tell us.¡± ¡°Look the reason I''ve brought you guys along is that-¡± his throat explodes spurting blood on all three of them. His body dropped like a rag doll, his lower jaw and throat were shredded. Nakoma couldn''t hear a thing, their faces in shock, frozen and could not move, their minds trying to process what just happened. ¡°Don''t move!¡± ¡°Hands up!¡± All around them were these figures in police gear in gas masks. The three pointed their weapons at them. ¡°Drop them!¡± They were circled, they knew they were outnumbered, so they dropped their weapons. The armed men rushed in closer and forced them to kneel down. Nakoma looks at the two of them only to see them get hit in the face with the buttstock of the weapon. ¡°No!¡± She reaches out for them trying to crawl as the man has his foot on top of her. She then gets hit with the rifle and becomes unconscious. CHAPTER 3) The Modern Age The smell of gasoline, Nakoma still trying to wake up, begins coughing very heavily. She tries to get up only to be pushed down with a boot. Her back was uncomfortable. She turned to see that the floor was scrunched up, she looked around and saw as she was surrounded inside a box-like structure. She was in the back of a pickup truck and looking down at her was those same figures, a pipe was connected to the floor and was holding a 50 caliber machine gun. Nakoma was sweating furiously, her mind was running with tons of questions. The others begin to come to consciousness, Hakan barely opens his eyes before closing them. Makya tried to get up but was forced down by the same figure. Nakoma notices her wrists were burning as if they were cut. She looks to see they were wrapped extremely tight together as well as the others. She looked up at the sky as her heart stopped, she couldn''t tell if she was seeing right. The sky was cloudy as if it was about to rain but the sun still shines and lit the day. Smog covered the sky slightly choking her lungs. The truck immediately stopped making Nakoma hit the back of her head. ¡°Alright get the hell up.¡± The figures reached in and dragged them one by one. They put them in a single file line with their hands behind their head. Walking up a street all around her were other people looking at them, they stopped to watch Nakoma and the others. They were all filthy, their faces covered in muck and oil, children were running in the streets playing tag, she saw one kid with both his hands amputated. She was horrified, the child only stared at her, not moving an inch. Walking up the street where roadblocks¡ª they were guarding this enormous tower. At the top in big letters spelled, U.S bank, they reached inside the building as everything was white and shiny. They were thrown inside an elevator with two other men in riot gear. The numbers on top of the door were counting up. Nakoma felt a queasy sensation in the pit of her stomach. The floor seemed to be moving¡ª but nothing was happening. They stopped at the forty fifth floor where they pushed Hakan and Makya out, ¡°Hey I''m going I¡¯m going.¡± One stayed behind and took Nakoma to another elevator and pushed the many buttons on the wall. It was eerie-quiet. The doors slide open revealing a hallway with unusual decorations, beneath her feet is a logo that said¡ª 71 above. ¡°Move!¡± As the figure pushed her out the elevator. She walked to the end of the corridor revealing beautiful sets of leather chairs and tables made from wood and the floor in unique wood tile. ¡°Wow¡ªthis is¨C¡± ¡°Beautiful, isn''t it¡± A man sitting on a granite counter, with a bottle of scotch in hand and a cigar in the other. ¡°Don''t be afraid, I''m not going to do anything, guard cut her loose for god''s sake.¡± The figure took a steel blade from his boot and cut the rope almost knocking her off balance. ¡°What''s going on here, what have you done to my friends?¡± She pestered. ¡°Don''t worry they''re alright I assure you¡± He had this energy that seemed so¡ªcharismatic. His hair was perfectly slicked back he had a wool jacket that had two sets of buttons between his chest with dark blue jeans and leather boots. He had a goatee that was perfectly trimmed that matched his face. ¡°Well what about James huh, he¡¯s dead.¡± ¡°Oh right, that James of yours, you see¡ªhe''s a wanted man.¡± Nakoma feeling puzzled, ¡°Wanted? Like he was bad?¡± ¡°Pfft of course, oh before I forget, welcome to Los Angeles.¡± He gets off the counter and backs up into the window. Looking out the window, there were so many buildings almost as high as the building they were in. It was a sea of concrete for miles. ¡°Names Jackson, and you?¡± ¡°Nakoma¡­¡± ¡°Sorry for the scare with my men but you know, guards have to be on the lookout.¡± ¡°Look out for what?¡± ¡°You see I own all of Los Angeles, I try to keep all my people as well fed and secure as possible¡± he takes a sip of scotch from his cup, ¡°Of course, some have it better than others due to their generation of being rich.¡± Nakoma¡¯s head was spinning. This was too much information going on at once. ¡°Listen here Jackson, where are my friends?¡± ¡°Oh they''re getting cleaned up because of the...blood on you.¡± He was right¡ªshe had forgotten all about the blood that spurted on her and felt ashamed. ¡°Look I know you must be scared and judging by your outfit this is all new to you¡ªhow about we get you cleaned up and I''ll show you to dinner at the beretta.¡± Hearing those words¡ªcleaned up¡ªactually made her feel more at ease. She wanted to get the blood off as fast as she could. ¡°Okay but this place doesn''t look like there''s any rivers.¡± He chuckled ¡°We don''t use rivers to clean ourselves here, let my guard show you where you get cleaned up. I''ll meet you at dinner.¡± They began to go to the twentieth floor where the whole place looked like a salon shop. Women were rushing to her. ¡°Girl! you look like a mess!¡± ¡°I know, let''s fix you up.¡± They began to take everything off to wash her. ¡°No!¡± They tried to take off the bracelet, but she refused. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°Oh alright darling if it means that much to you, you can wear it.¡± All the scrubbing in her hair, the smell of shampoo¡ªwhich actually smelled pleasant. The vigorous scrubbing of her body hurt Nakoma as if they were scrubbing her actual skin off. They cleaned her nails from all the dirt that was underneath. Trimmed her hair and comb all the knots out of the tangled mess. They scared her with a blow dryer as hot air began pouring out fast to her face. And finally, to finish her up, placed the finest make up they had on hand. They all stood around her and looked in awe. ¡°Isn''t she beautiful!¡± ¡°She''s suave darling!¡± The guards drove Nakoma to one of the docks, Santa Monica pier. It was a long bridge-like structure that had these lights and weird structures that were going off. She felt uneasy, seeing so many guards at the pier kept reminding her of that horrifying death. She believes they killed them with those weird looking weapons they carry¡ªm4 rifles. At the end of the pier was Jackson. ¡°Hey, Nakoma you made it, I was beginning to think you weren''t coming.¡± ¡°I felt like I didn''t have a choice.¡± ¡°But might I say you really look stunning¡± she was wearing a silk blue strapless dress with a pearl necklace. The dress covered her feet whenever she stood still. ¡°The ladies said I would look nice to this dinner.¡± ¡°And you do! Come, let''s get on board.¡± At the end of the dock was a little walkway leading into a giant cruise ship. Nakoma¡¯s eyes were wide open seeing the massive ship. As they entered, everything was clean, the carpet looked mint condition, the lobby where all the guests were exchanging conversation looked almost like a fantasy. Marble pillars stood next to the windows of the ship. And in the next room, tables filled the room, covered in white tablecloth. They sat at the closest table to them. ¡°Ah you must be that young girl Jackson''s been talking about.¡± An older man with gray hair who looked grouchy and smelled of cigar spoked. ¡°Yes, I expected you to be a bit more...savage, rather a pet.¡± A woman in a pink coat smirked at her¡ª just looked plain rude. ¡°I may be different but that doesn''t mean you have to be so rude about it.¡± They were stunned by what she said, ¡°Just speaking my mind is all darling, no need to get defensive.¡± She didn''t like them. She can tell they were the type of people who only look for themselves and not for others. ¡°C''mon I brought her here so she can see what our life is like.¡± Said Jackson, ¡°Oh alright.¡± Said the stubborn man, ¡°Now Nakoma, tell us, where are you from?¡± ¡°Well I came up north, it was a sixteen day journey.¡± The old man asked her, ¡°Up north? There''s nothing but dense forest?¡± ¡°Savaaage¡± said the woman under her breath. ¡°Damn it, Claudia, show a little respect to Nakoma.¡± Jackson was getting frustrated his face was slightly turning red. ¡°Oh come on she''s definitely a savage¡ª just because you washed her like a pet doesn''t mean she''s civilized.¡± ¡°I said, that''s enough!¡± He stood up and slammed the table hard. Claudia¡¯s expression faded to fear. She was sweating profusely, her eyes locked in placed. ¡°you''ve been getting too comfortable don''t forget I''m still in charge here¡ªunderstand?¡± ¡°...yes Jacks-¡± ¡°UNDERSTAND?¡± ¡°Yes Jackson...¡± He got back into his seat and fixed his bow tie. ¡°I''m really sorry about all this, some people just need to be reminded who''s still in charge here.¡± He scolded looking at Claudia. Claudia kept her mouth shut almost the entire night. Later on into the night Nakoma was full from eating; they brought her food that she didn''t think ever existed. Shrimp cocktails, lobster with breaded fish and side order of lamb chops with some type of sauce on it. ¡°Jackson this was all so good, we never had food like this before.¡± ¡°Courtesy from the finest chefs.¡± A butler appeared at the table, ¡°Sir, they want to know what you want to play for the night ending.¡± ¡°Tell them to play my favorite one.¡± The butler nodded. An intercom static. Ladies and gentlemen enjoy the next few minutes of a classic¡ª Clair de Luna Nakoma turned around to see a figure in a white tux, his face was covered in a white porcelain plague doctor''s mask. In the middle of the room was a stage and a piano in the center. She saw his hands and they were burned badly almost as if they were melted. He sat down and paused. He started to play¡ªit was the most beautiful sound Nakoma has ever heard. She didn''t take her eyes off the musician. She never heard such beautiful sounds, she was so starstruck. ¡°I see you like classical music as well.¡± ¡°Classical music?¡± Jackson chuckled, ¡°It''s so amazing how a simple instrument can make such fine tunes.¡± She watched until the musician finished his act, everyone applauded including her. ¡°That was so beautiful Jackson.¡± ¡°And one of my favorites.¡± ¡°Jackson, can I ask, where are my two friends?¡± He put his utensils down ¡°They''re alright Nakoma, don''t worry they are fine. Since they are men they can be looked down upon here, I wanted to introduce you to them first to sort of...break the ice.¡± She was confused as ever, but she trusted him. She saw how defensive he got when Claudia was being rude¡ªeven then she saw how he wanted her to be free, not tied up. ¡°Will I be able to see them after this?¡± ¡°Of course, when we''re done, we can go back to the tower.¡± Shortly after their dinner they finally reached the tower. At the seventy first floor she could hear voices and saw Hakan and Makya eating at the tables. ¡°Guys!¡± ¡°Namhmb!¡± They still had food in their mouths as they rushed to hug her. ¡°I was worried sick about you guys, and it looks like you got cleaned up too.¡± Both of them were wearing black cargo pants with a brown shirt. Their hair seemed more fixed as well, with Hakan¡¯s ginger hair way straighter and softer than before and Makya¡¯s hair was completely trimmed, the small ponytail he wore was now gone. ¡°Wow your hair it''s¡­¡± ¡°Different, no? I saw it on another and it looked nice, I like it.¡± Hakan¡¯s eyes were wide open, fixated on her. Seeing her in that blue dress made him blush. He speaks but chokes in the process, ¡°You look erm, different.¡± ¡°It looks weird huh.¡± ¡°No! Um¡ªyou look beautiful.¡± She blushed. Jackson comes from behind and pats Hakan on the back. ¡°Well I see you three are liking this place so far.¡± Hakan was the first to speak, ¡°It''s been amazing, the food is great, they gave us what they call a spa.¡± ¡°The ladies said it was a unisex thing, whatever that is.¡± Makya chuckled, ¡°I''m sorry I couldn''t let you guys be on the boat, but you know, they look more favorably on the women first.¡± She then speaks hesitantly, ¡°Is it okay if we can explore this place all day tomorrow?¡± ¡°Of course, just be careful. I know you saw us living the life, but the people of this city are really in poor conditions, so just be careful. Some are¡­aggressive per se. She had a heart ache for a moment, aggressive, are there people willing to hurt just for the sake of it. After seeing that boy with his hands missing, she needed to know more, she needed to find more on what this life is really like. CHAPTER 4) Town of Euphoria ¡°Alright, these two fine gentlemen are going to protect you through your way in the city, in case there so happens to be any trouble.¡± ¡°What about Hakan and Makya?¡± ¡°They wanted to see the Santa Monica pier so I will personally show them the area. Don''t worry, if you feel unsafe just tell them you want to go back, and they''ll bring you straight to the tower.¡± She gave a small smile, and they soon drove off. Still getting used to the new clothes she had, slightly loose work jeans and a tan and black checkered flannel, they seem light unlike her other clothes made from animal fur and leather. She visited the shops where everyone did trade, it filled the streets as everyone on either side were in rows. She saw they were dirty as the conditions were extremely unhygienic. Buy this and buy that, the streets were crowded, but with the two guards beside her they naturally moved out of her way. She stopped to talk to some children and even played tag with them, it didn''t seem the conditions bothered them at all. Even an old man who was missing a leg gave her a freshly made bread to welcome her in his little shop. She was fascinated by some of the buildings that had figures and weird designs on them saying house of wax and the Chinese theater. They drove off from the shopping hub till the streets were empty. ¡°So Nakoma huh, is that your full name or is there more?¡± Said one of the guards, ¡°Oh, my full name is Nakoma Lile¡± ¡°Nakoma Lile? Huh, I like that.¡± She shyly smiled. The guard in the passenger seat turned around, ¡°There''s some places here in the city that have really good food, later today we can¨C¡± The truck violently swept to the right, hitting the side of a building. Nakoma slowly regained her strength to get up. Her head was throbbing from the amount of whiplashed she received. ¡°Kyle no!¡± As the front passenger guard screamed towards him. The driver''s side door was pushed in, crushing the driver''s body. His body was severely disfigured, the steel from the door sliced him in half and was only being held by the door pinning him. ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± He reached for his gun only to be shot multiple times in the chest and head. She was panicking, her blood and sweat ran cold and her heart was beating like never before. The door next to her came off flying and men wearing black bandanas with AK-47¡¯s pulled her out. She was kicking as hard as she could, but they were too strong for her. They put her in this fortified truck with the bumper modified as a battering ram. Tears of frustration were running, she didn''t want to die, not like this. She was thinking the worst, torture, rape? She realized these were the men that Jackson was talking about earlier, hurting people for no reason just for pleasure. ¡°Get off of me! Let me go!¡± They put her in the backseat of the truck, taped her hands together and placed a sack over her head. She heard a gun cocked back and froze. ¡°W-what are you going to do¡­¡± ¡°You''ll see.¡± one of the voices said. The truck was going extremely fast, and she had trouble sitting up right. The truck finally came to a halt and pulled her out of the vehicle. Two of the mysterious assailants held her up and dragged her down some escalators. She can barely see through bag but can slightly make out the scenery. She can hear music and laughter of other people; they didn¡¯t seem bothered to even stop and look. Of course she didn''t know what to think, the people who kidnapped her brought her to a place where Jackson and her friends have no idea where they could find her. The music fades slowly and the sound of close doors can be heard. They pulled her down a set of stairs and made a quick left turn and forced her to kneel. They swiped the bag off of her and her breathing was slow, rows of torn seats and in the center was a man in a tattered leather jacket and a bandana wrapped over his head. He had several women huddled up on him with messy hair and fishnet stockings and some barely wearing any clothing. ¡°Who the fuck is that?¡± ¡°It''s that girl you wanted sir.¡± He slowly gets up ignoring the sluggish women around him. ¡°So... you''re the so-called new girl that arrived with those two guys?¡± ¡°Y..yeah..¡± ¡°Shiiiiit man, you barely got here, and you''re treated like a fucking queen and the rest of us here get treated like dog shit, how the fuck you think that makes me feel hm?¡± He slowly walks down the aisle towards her. ¡°I can''t see how that''s fair, yo ladies, do you see that shit fair?¡± They slowly shook their heads. ¡°No, no no no, you see that pisses me off how someone who doesn''t do shit gets more than what others should.¡± He slowly pulls a bowie knife. ¡°Shit like that doesn''t sit well with me.¡± Her tears come out, but she manages to say her words in a stern tone, ¡°You terrorist scum won''t live long enough¡­¡± ¡°Oh? We''re terrorists now?!? That''s a fucking shocker.¡± ¡°Enough Dwight.¡± She turned around to see a man in a tan trench coat with a full grey beard and grey hair. ¡°She didn''t want to be in this situation with Jackson.¡± Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°Oh yeah? how the hell would you know?¡± ¡°Because my informant told me she was brought here in bindings at the back of a pick up truck. She was unconscious by his guards hitting her.¡± Dwight gave an annoying grunt. The man rested his hand on Nakoma¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Ma¡¯am are you alright?¡± Nakoma still in fear letting out a soft voice, ¡°y-yes..,¡± the elderly man looks at Dwight in disappointment. ¡°God damn it, Dwight! how many times do I have to tell you not to mess around like this?¡± ¡°Probably a few hundred times?¡± he snickered at him. The man lifts Nakoma up and dusts her off, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about this, are you hurt badly?¡± he moves her hair to the side to find a little gash, nothing too bad but enough for the bleeding to slowly progress. ¡°Hmm not too bad, thank god.¡± he then goes to Dwight and smacks him behind the head, ¡°What the fuck?!?¡± ¡°Listen next time you dimwit.¡± Dwight rubs the back of his head, the women in the seats start giggling at him. Feeling annoyed he goes back to his seat amongst the women. ¡°My name is William Graham, you must be Nakoma.¡± ¡°T-that''s right¡­¡± Still holding in her tears just a moment ago, she tries to collect herself to speak normally again. She looks around to see the whole room dirtied, they were in a movie theater. Her face still shows anxiety and her adrenaline still skyrockets. ¡°You must be terribly confused.¡± he takes a piece of cloth and bundles it to make a ball. ¡°Put pressure on the gash.¡± As she applies pressure, he gives her a flask that¡¯s filled with water, she sees it and is hesitant to grab it, ¡°It''s just water, don¡¯t worry.¡± She grabs the flask and begins to chug it, almost choking. ¡°I¡¯m so so sorry about Dwight for going against WHAT HE WAS TOLD!¡± ¡°Hey I heard she was in the city; I had my chance, and I took it.¡± said Dwight. Heard she was in the city? Were they watching her this whole time and she didn¡¯t even notice? ¡°Wait... hang on, you were watching me?¡± William replied, ¡°We got reports of a group of people that came in and were treated very well, that caught our attention to check you all out.¡± ¡°Which I call bullshit on your privilege!¡± Dwight spats out, ¡°Shut it Dwight!¡± William lashes back. ¡°If you had read into the case a bit more you wouldn¡¯t have jumped the gun!¡± he sighs, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my son''s actions.¡± ¡°Son?!?¡± She questioned out loud. This shocked her, William was a Caucasian male roughly in his mid fifties while Dwight was an african-american in his early twenties. ¡°Yes he¡¯s my son, although not biological, I still consider him my dearest son.¡± Nakoma questions William, ¡°So what happens now? Are you going to set me free or something even more harsh?¡± he gives a sigh, ¡°look we can discuss this more in a safe environment, let''s get to my office, it¡¯s across the park.¡± They both walk out of the theater and see tons of people laughing, conversating, dancing to electro and dubstep music. One sign she saw on the windows was old but read, Welcome to city walk! Enjoy our fabulous-, which then ends as the page is ripped. Trying not to fall behind she fastens her pace, there were so many people dancing. The lights and electro music playing loudly, colors keep changing every second. She was getting a bit disoriented by all the flashing colored lights. ¡°William?!?¡± She lost sight of him through the crowd. She bumps into a man wearing the same riot gear Jackson¡¯s guard wears. ¡°Be careful where you walk.¡± said the man as he continues to dance with a woman with short green hair. She smiles nervously and backs away. It seems everyone is too focused with their partners and themselves dancing to the beat. Some seemed to space out into the air while others are dancing in a weird way with their arms in every direction. ¡°You seem upset little lady...,¡± a man who seemed drunk wobbling from side to side seemed interested in her. ¡°I¡¯m trying to find someone, but I lost him.¡± The man blinking with a daze look, lost in what she said, he continues to stare. ¡°Umm are you alright?¡± ¡°Hehehe you should try this." he reaches into his pocket pulling out what looked like an inhaler with a weird looking canister on top. He then sprays a huge amount of it directly in her face, instinctively looking away coughing up the cloudy substance. The smell of vanilla and pepper overwhelmed her. ¡°What the heck!¡± she yells as she is still swatting away the cloudy substance. ¡°Have fun...¡± said the man as he walked into the crowd happily. The smell faded away, but something felt different, the music seemed to echo more, the lights and colors seemed more vivid and bright, everyone¡¯s figures seemed to leave a trail like a wave pattern. Almost everything seemed to glow and surreal, she couldn¡¯t stop staring everywhere as she was lost in every detail of the glowing neon lights and echoing music. Someone noticed she was dazing, and Nakoma saw the woman looking at her as the woman was approaching her. The woman had neon orange glow paint all over her resembling a skeleton, she pulled out another one of the inhaler canisters and sprayed it directly into her face again but this time it felt like a sudden sense of relief and the spray was a purple glow. It felt like she was falling but she was standing still. She can see herself having what seemed to be an astral projection as she was on the floor, but her body slowly follows her falling movement. Within the midst of the crowd, she saw two silhouettes standing together not moving, she felt a sense of confusion as if she knew them, but she couldn¡¯t even see them, she got up still seeing the crazy colors around her and as she got closer. The one to the left walked away slowly and faded. She tried running towards the figures, but she was moving slowly, everything still in slow motion. The figure on the right seemed to be getting closer to her. Reaching out towards her as she reached for its hand. She felt the firm grip of the figure''s hand on her arm. Then a sharp pain came directly with it, her vision blurred and finally settled back seeing the figure¡¯s hand with color wearing tactical gloves. The bass for one of the songs kicked in and the noise seemed louder than before and lights in a faster motion, the drugs were wearing off. She looked up revealing a man with a slicked back hairstyle with a leather jacket and jeans. He lifts a syringe up to show her what he just did, ¡°You look lost, I¡¯m assuming this is your first time here on the account of how you looked when you got fucked up.¡± ¡°Wh-what was that thing.¡± she felt nauseous. He lifts the syringe again, ¡°Oh this, it''s called a stabilizer. It supposed to clear all that shit in your system immediately. It¡¯s super fast and effective, but it has its cons.¡± immediately Nakoma''s stomach turned to a knot and her throat swelled with a bitter taste. She flew to the decorative fountain and vomited into the water. ¡°Yup, that''s one of those cons.¡± Her stomach felt untangled, and a sudden relief came, the others around her just looked at her in disgust and laughed. ¡°Th-thank you mister¡­¡± ¡°Don''t thank me yet, we still got to take you to Graham.¡± CHAPTER 5) Tactical Espionage ¡°Oh thank goodness what happened?!?¡± said William as he rushes towards her aid. Nakoma and the stranger both walked through the doors of a filming studio set. She looked exhausted, her hands a bit frail and clammy as a wave of nausea and a massive headache overwhelmed her. ¡°She accidentally got drugged in that crowd of yours, Will.¡± Nakoma regained her bearings, ¡°I¡¯m good now, I just...need a moment.¡± ¡°Oh christ this is my fault; I need to keep a closer eye on you during this place.¡± She scoffed, then the doors behind her opened widely. ¡°I¡¯m here now, wassup?¡± ¡°Ah Dwight you¡¯re here, good, now we can get down to business. So Nakoma, do you have any idea what''s going on or even what we¡¯re doing?¡± She was nervous, she couldn¡¯t tell if the drugs were still wearing off or if she was scared, either way she was hesitant to give a response. With a slight trembling voice she mutters, ¡°I know that you guys are the terrorists that Jackson told me about.¡± William looked around and to the stranger that helped Nakoma. The stranger spoke next, ¡°So, you really don¡¯t know at all?¡± she shook her head. ¡°Well before we go on, my name is Maxson in case you were wondering.¡± ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Nakoma demanded. ¡°Feisty one ain¡¯t she?¡± ¡°Dwight, that''s enough I don''t want to hear a single word from you today!¡± ¡°Oh c¡¯mon I¡¯m only just-¡± ¡°Enough! especially that stunt you pulled today. I don¡¯t want to hear it.¡± Dwight scoffs and leans back in his chair.¡± William collects himself, ¡°Look I don¡¯t know what Jackson has told you, but we aren''t terrorists despite my son doing that distasteful act towards you I''m willing to repay what he has done but we need your help more than ever.¡± Help? Why her? The last thing she remembers the past hour was her being kidnapped and being drugged, what can she even do to help them. The room was eerie, but everyone looked worried and troubled, especially William. She knows it''s a bad idea, every being in her body is telling her to leave, but she insisted and stayed. ¡°What is it that you need, why am I so important to you?¡± ¡°Jackson is...a force to be reckoned with. He¡¯s not the person you think he is.¡± said William. Maxson speaks out next, ¡°He¡¯s power hungry all the time and a psychopath, lately he''s been mellow, but ever since Dwight stirred the hornet''s nest, they¡¯ve been nonstop searching the area for the past few hours now.¡± he looks dead at Dwight''s eyes irritated. ¡°Oh for fuck sake I thought she was working with him. Fuck... can I get a damn break.¡± he raises his feet onto the table with his arms crossed. ¡°Look, we need to go to one of his guard sights. There''s an informant working for us that claims to have information of some type of secret weapon he had the boys at some lab at Avalon make at Catalina Island. We don¡¯t know where this lab is but it¡¯s somewhere in the island.¡± said William, Maxson spoke out next, ¡°He¡¯s one of my closest buddies I personally know so I''ll be going to see what he has for me,¡± Nakoma huddles up in her seat, she can feel the beating of her heart in her ears, the air slowly going into her lungs feeling every second with tension. ¡°What are the things Jackson has been doing that are...questionable?¡± Everyone at the table looked at each other, then Maxson was the first to speak up, ¡°Jackson...is an evil man, he has oil fields and workers who live in the most horrible conditions. Men, women, and even children working for him. Families work and die at the fields; we got reports of a section called devils pit and that is where the worst of the worst is. Our men and other families who didn¡¯t listen to the rules, or weren''t able to do what they were told, were sent to that site. Which is literally hell, the reports called it.¡± Nakoma sighed, feeling every weight on her, she decides to make the most difficult choice, ¡°I came to this city for a purpose in life to know exactly what my life really meant, I wanted to know if there was more out there then just living in a forest and believing in some god that probably doesn''t even exist. I thought this was the only way to see the real world. If it means to help others along the way then I''m willing to help them, I can''t stand here and do nothing." William gave a big smile, ¡°Very well, we¡¯ll send you back to Jackson, so we have a plan on getting you back.¡± They huddled closer to the table. The tension in the air was surreal. ¡°Nakoma, we need you to get back to the tower and regroup with your friends, meanwhile we¡¯ll make the necessary preparations for the operation, we''re going undercover in these oilfields. What we need from you Nakoma is to gain access to the security site storeroom and gain access to the information we need. We have some men on the inside and help from Maxson, so we can¡¯t make it look too suspicious.¡± explained William. This is a big job and a responsibility, but she has to see it through, she doesn''t know who she can really trust. She questions him immediately, ¡°wait, wait, what about the story when I do get back, what do I say?¡± Maxson was the first to set up the details of the plan. ¡°Just say it was a ploy to scare Jackson, he''ll believe anything that''s against him. We will have to drop you off at the tower, but it''s got be really fast and you could get hurt. We¡¯re going to push you out of the vehicle while it''s moving as if we''re delivering some kind of message, are you up to the task?¡± taking the time to digest this information she glances at everyone. She sighs, but with every gut wrench feeling Nakoma accepts, nodding her head. She knows the danger, she knows the consequences she¡¯s about to face, but will it be the right choice? Nakoma is at a crossroads, but something inside her built up. Something she didn''t understand, but with all the chaos and catching up on literally everything, she needed to stop doubting, she needed to stop being afraid. The only words that came out of her was stern, ¡°When do we start.¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The next morning, her and four others are all getting ready for the drop off. She was reminded of the plan before not to draw any suspicion from anyone, especially from Jackson. The others were wearing their ski masks and bandanas. Silence, the ride was quiet, everyone focused on the task at hand. Nakoma mentally prepares for this moment, her hands bound together, her wrists burning and ripping with each movement of her hands. Maxson kneels in front of her and gives some final advice. ¡°Remember when we toss you out, put both arms up and protect your head okay? No matter what happens, keep your head protected when thrown out.¡± his arms up demonstrating exactly what he means. Nakoma nods, her foot tapping nonstop, every breath heavy and loud in her ears, the sound of the engine roaring down the street, every twist and turn on every corner. She can feel it all, every sense in her body is increasing with every second. Maxson notices her very tense and rapid breathing, he grabs both her hands and gently squeezes them, ¡°Hey, hey, look it''s okay. You''ll get through this, just steady your breathing okay count from five backwards slowly and focus on an item to ground you, okay?¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± her voice slightly shaken up. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. ¡°Five¡±¡­she looks at the charm on her arm. ¡°Four¡±¡­she feels the smooth irregular pattern on the disk emblem with her other hand barely reaching it. ¡°Three¡±¡­ fixated on the symbol of her bracelet, inspecting the lines that make the shape of the insect. ¡°Two¡± ¡­the light gray and dark colors pop out standing out on her skin. ¡°One¡± ¡­ the edges smooth and chipped over wear and tear down generations of her family. She looks back, feeling a bit calmer and more relaxed. ¡°Alright, everyone get ready, masks on, we¡¯re nearing the checkpoint.¡± All the armed men put down their ski masks and bandanas, Maxson stands ready at the door with his m1911 pistol ready. The man sitting next to Nakoma helps her up at the door preparing her to push her out. ¡°Aight girl, you ready to rock?¡± excitingly said the man. ¡°Ready as I''ll ever be.¡± she stammered. Maxson looked at her one last time giving her one last piece of reassurance, ¡°Just stay calm and remember the plan, okay? They won''t suspect anything.¡± She nods quickly, as they put a burlap sack over her head. ¡°GO GO GO!!¡± the driver yelled with immense rage. They slide the door open while still driving past the curb of the entrance to the main building to Jackson¡¯s penthouse. All of the armed men in the van immediately started firing at the guards. They all ducked behind the concrete barriers returning fire on the van. Nakoma was pushed out immediately, covering her head and hitting the asphalt hard, still rolling a bit with the momentum of the vehicle. Her ears were ringing with the sound of bullets raining everywhere. One of the armed guards quickly mounted the bed of the truck, cocking back the .50 caliber machine gun and unloading every round in the box. Nakoma is still on the ground covering her head and ears from the sheer sounds of the weapons. The vehicle was hit multiple times but somehow managed to get away in time. Screeching and drifting around the corner of the block. Guards poured out of the building providing cover in case any more of the shooters came back. Two of the men lifted her up from the ground and removed the burlap sack. ¡°It''s Nakoma!¡± the guard shouted. Nakoma''s forearms were scraped up badly from sliding on the asphalt. They were bleeding quite a bit, but she couldn''t feel anything from all the adrenaline coursing through her. ¡°C¡¯mon miss let''s take you up to the penthouse, you¡¯re safe now.¡± They brought her into the penthouse as both Hakan and Makya were standing in shock and rushed to her aid. ¡°Nakoma! By the gods are you okay? What happened?¡± exclaimed Makya. Hakan and Makya both grabbed her from the guard and lifted her up, keeping her steady on her feet. ¡°What happened Nakoma? Who did this!?¡± as Hakan shouts in a panic. As she regains her balance and winces from the aggressive scrapes and slightly throbbing headache she calmly speaks. Which to the others is a surprise. ¡°I''m¡­ alright, I think¡­ yeah, I''m okay.¡± They both looked at each other in disbelief, she might say that, but her expression gives another answer. Makya spoke up, ¡°Nakoma what happened to you, we were all so worried we thought the worst had happened.¡± Before she could mutter a single word, the elevator doors chimed revealing Jackson speed walking out of the elevator doors, his face all pale and eyes shiny, almost as if he was tearing up but nothing was pouring out. He rushes towards Nakoma and hugs her apologizing. "My god I am so sorry! Are you alright! What did they do, are you hurt anywhere!" "No no I''m... I''m alright. Just very exhausted. I just need a moment to rest please..." Jacksons face was in complete horror but hold in his regret. He takes a deep breath and kneels beside her as she sits on one of the benches of the suite. "I''ll be right back. Rest up for the time being, I need to go make a few preparations after this incident. Don''t worry... this won''t go unpunished I assure you, on my life." He walks out of the suite and the three are now all alone. Makya kneels beside her and questions her diligently, "Nakoma I think it''s time for us to go back home. This place is dangerous, and I have failed to protect you. I failed my promise to the elder, we need to go back home." "I also agree Nakoma. At least we know that there''s more people out in the world. But this is too much, even for us." She looks at Makya and Hakan with such betrayal. She then stood up and walk towards the window looking out into the city. Smog filled the cloudy skies as she can see the streets filled with commotion as guards scram everywhere. "You guys... we can''t just leave..." "Why not? This whole trip has been nothing but one mishap after another." As Hakan spoke with protest. "Agreed. At first we were angry when they captured us, but understandable as they explained the misunderstanding and thought we were enemies. Now the real enemies captured you and scare us by attacking and hurting you in the process. This farce has gone long enough. That James person even tricked us into following him!" Makya voice echoed the lobby as if all the floors could hear is angry shouting. Nakoma on the other hand refused to budge. She turns towards the two and sighs. "Yeah... you may be right..." "Exactly! Now let''s put this all behinds us an-" "But I''m not going back home..." Makya stared at her confused and angry. As Hakan''s head exploded with disbelief and horror, "What?! Why not?!" "Ughhh, guys... when I was taken, they told me something that was... a little worrying. They didn''t harm me, technically. They said that Jackson is the one who is responsible for the way this city is being run." "What are you even talking about!?" "Think about it Hakan. James being murdered in front of us. The unusual greeting and treating us with unusual luxuries. The fact that the people of this city are all in state of filth and malnourishment. Why do you think that is?" "Well... I mean-" "And if they really wanted to hurt me, they wouldn''t dump me back here at the tower. I admit I still don''t know who to trust but... I have a lead we need to look into." Makya spoke with hesitant curiosity. "And what might that be Nakoma..." She clenched her fists tightly and stared back out the window, into the sea of concrete. "We need to go to site black valley." CHAPTER 6) Black Valley "Black valley? What are you even talking about Nakoma?" As Makya stood his ground baffled on Nakoma''s defiance. She turned towards him and sat on the table that was next to him. She pulled out a small map that had the entire southern area of California. "We''re here and to the east of us is a site called black valley site. It''s an oil field reserve." "What in the god''s names is an oil field?" "Apparently oil is what makes the metal cars move. It''s how Jacksons forces move about the entire city. At site black valley, there''s a person with information that Jackson has some type of secret weapon he''s making." Hakan then speaks up with a nervous look in his eyes, "How do you know all of this?" "Because that''s what the people who kidnapped me told me." "Hogwash! You really going to work for those guys! Me and Makya were worried sick! And now you want to work for the people who put you in danger?" "Was it really any different when Jacksons guards killed James and knocked us all out?" "Well... yeah... I mean- they thought we were bad guys..." "So did the people who captured me. They thought we were working with Jackson for a while. Plus, if they really wanted me hurt, they wouldn''t have brought me back here in the first place." Hakan stood there frustrated clenching his fists. Makya then spoke out as he grabbed the map from her. "I am not going to let you get yourself killed over stupid curiosity and selfishness. I admit I was even blinded by the spectacles of this place. This though... this has gone too far; I won''t accept it." "Then come with me then! Both of you! If you''re really worried about me then come help me and we can finish this once and for all." The two looked at each other with great frustration. They see Nakoma''s faced more determined than ever before. She wasn''t backing down from this argument. Makya looked at the map and stared back into Nakoma''s eyes. He let out an exhausted sigh as he placed the map in front of her. "We do this once. This one thing only and we go straight back home. That is not negotiable." Her face slowly brightens up and goes to hug him. He was annoyed and only patted her on the back. "Makya, you can''t be serious! This is too much! We need to go back home!" "I know that Hakan, but I know Nakoma is going to run off before we even have the chance. If she does that, I wouldn''t be able to face the elder if something happens. I rather protect her then to leave her on her own." Hakan grabs at his head and pulls on his hair. His face shown with such fear and disappointment. But Nakoma places her hand on his shoulder and reassures him, "Hakan please, we need to do this. The things I''ve seen out there, we need to do this to find out the truth on who we can trust and help these people." "Yeah...but-" "Please, as my friend, help me. Then we can all go home, safe and sound." Hakan looks deep into her green emerald eyes. He tries to say something but ultimately fails and gives in on her puppy eye looks. "Fine... you win..." "I knew I can count on you guys." She hugs them both as they sighed and hugged her back. The next morning Nakoma sits in a room with Hakan and Makya next to her. The room was white with a mirror on the wall. They sat there in silence. Waiting for whatever they were going to face. The door opens and walking in was a man in a black police uniform with a plate carrier vest. He had a clip board, and a pall point pent resting on his ear. He sat down and grabbed the pen as he quickly tapped the tip of the ball point pen with his tongue. "Good morning Nakoma, my name is sergeant Dobbs. I''m here to do a follow up on the recent events that took place yesterday. I''m going to ask you a few questions, will that be alright?" "Um, yeah... of course." "Perfect, if you want, these two can wait outside. It shouldn''t take long for these questions." "We''re good. We''ll stay right here."The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. As Makya said with a stern and aggressive tone towards the interviewer. Sergeant Dobbs just smiled and agreed to them staying with her. "Then no worries, just wanted to make you guys know everything is safe and reassured now. Now tell me, what happened the moment you were kidnapped?" "I was out with the two guards Jackson assigned me. We were out exploring the city when we were attacked." "How did they attack you?" "They... rammed their car into the side of ours." He scribbles down on his clipboard quickly. "Did you remember the perpetrators appearances?" "No... they all wore masks." "What about when they held you for the night. Did they reveal themselves to you?" "No, they all still wore masks." He scribbles down again. "Did they mention any plans at all about anything?" "No... they didn''t..." sergeant Dobbs stares at her which made her feel nervous. His glare was ice-cold, but still had that soft smile. He then proceeds to write down again... with that unnerving scribbling. "Did they had a reason for bringing you back?" "The only thing I remember hearing... was that they said about them... laughing about pranking Jackson. They asked me who I was to him, and I told them that I was new to this city, so I didn''t know him that well." "Do you remember where they held you? As in remembered what streets or buildings looked familiar?" "No... they put a bag over my head. I couldn''t see anything." "Alriiiiiiiight... that just about does it. We got everything we need so you should be fine to-" "Wait, can I have a request please..." Sergeant Dobbs looks at her quizzically but obliges, "Of course, what do you need?" "Can I stay somewhere safer. I really don''t feel safe back at the tower. Can I sleep somewhere more secluded, safer I mean... please..." He stares at her confused but makes no promises. "I''ll ask around, see if I can pull some strings." He walks out of the room. A few moments passed by, and sergeant Dobbs comes in again. "Well I have good news. Jackson has approved of your change in living quarters." "Really, you mean it?" "Yes, he has authorized for the three of you to stay at Los Alimitos air base. It''s used as training ground of new recruits and top security twenty four seven. How does that sound?" "That sounds really great. Thank you so much..." "We can take you there right now. There''s a troop here ready to take you all down to the base." The door opens and to Nakoma''s shock she realized who walked through the door. She kept her best poker face on, but her eyes were telling a different story. Walking in the room was a man in full black police gear. With his weapon slinged to his side the number of pouches for his ammo. The calm and relaxed demeanor. The person walking in was someone she has already met before, Maxson. "This is captain Orelo, he will be taking you to the base and get you all settled in." "...oh... how very kind of him..." "Pleasure to meet you all. Shall we?" As he pointed towards the door the rest followed him while Nakoma kept an eye on him. Not once did he look at her. They jumped into the humvee and drove off to the training base. After a few minutes they were on the highway with no one but a few cars passing by. "That was a little scary, wasn''t it?" Nakoma slaps him on the back of the head and is furious. Hakan and Makya both looked at her with complete shock. "What in the hells name are you even doing here?!?" "Wait, you know this guy??" As Hakan questioned her. "Yes! He helped me, he was part of the group that took me away." "What?!" Makya shouted as he pulled out a small bone dagger he still had kept on his person. He placed the bone blade against his throat as they were still driving. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn''t slit your throat right now!" "Woah woah, relax I''m not your enemy. I helped her okay; I didn''t hurt her. Plus, if you kill me, we would all die from the crash, and I would not want that, okay?" Makya stared into Maxson''s eyes and backed down. They got off the highway and parked in a above ground parking lot away from peeping eyes. "Here put these on." He opens the trunk and pulls out several uniforms. "Your disguises." They tried them on and to their surprised they all fit them perfectly. He handed them the same m4 rifles. "Just keep your weapon pointed down and finger off the trigger, okay?" They were all nervous but agreed. After a few hours the city landscape was soon replaced with a desert scene. Some buildings sprawled here and there, but it was almost lifeless. The city land scape was slowly being picked off one by one until it was only mountains and desert. Soon the ground was turning grey and soon black scorching marks. Oil towers that had flames spuing out. Buildings with pipes looping side to side giant oil tank trucks were passing by. An old freeway that was built slowly vanished and soon was only dirt roads leading to the site. An old freeway sign that was buried in the ground stood tall as they drove under the arch sign that read, Riverside. They all looked around and saw the vast industrialist of the oil fields. After a brief moment they soon arrived at the site, it was its own mini city. A gate with guards stood at the entrance as he took his hand out demanding the vehicle to stop. He rolled down his window and saluted Maxson as the guard saw his rank. "Afternoon sir, any particular reason why you''re here sir?" "Inspection. We came to see how the site is running. Also inspect the workers, see how they''re holding up." The guard looked in the back seat and saw the three patiently waiting as their faces were covered by gasmasks. "I wasn''t notified about any inspection sir." "This wouldn''t be an inspection if you all knew we were coming. That means you got something to hide then, do you?" "What? N-no of course not sir, I-" He looks back at the three and the gas mask intimidated the guard. "Right, open the gate!" The other guards grabbed the fenced and pushed it open allowing the vehicle to pass through. They parked next to the building closest to the oil fields as pipes and towers loomed everywhere. "Stay close and don''t wander off." They walked down the dirt street as workers filled the area. They gradually moved out of the way as they were intimidated by the guards. People on drills were moving pipes as they switch gears putting a rod deep into the ground. Workers covered in mud and oil eat on their break as the dirt muck covered their food as they still eat it. They enter small building that was a little cleaner than the others around them. Inside was an office style layout with cubicles. At the far end was an accountant writing on a sheet of paper with a graphite stick. He had a mustache and was finely dressed. "Ricky my boy, long time no see. How''s my favorite accountant? " He looks up from his desk and gives a joyous smile, "Maxson, holy shit. I didn''t expect to see you here!" CHAPTER 7) Trouble on The Homefront "My god it''s good to see you buddy! How''s everything been going so far?" "Oh you know, same shit different day." "Isn''t that the truth hahah." The two laugh with a hardy sound. They didn''t care how loud they chuckled since it was only them in the small office space. The man looks over to the three masked individuals as he looks up and down at them. "And I see you''re with a new entourage. Tell me, are they cleared?" "Oh they''re more then cleared. You can take the masks off, he''s okay. This guy is my buddy, Rick. the man I told you about before." The three took their masks off as they were covered in sweat. They all looked as if they ran a marathon. All three took a moment to breath in the air, unfortunately, coughing from the poor quality they were used to back home. Nakoma steps in front of the man as she reaches her hand out for a greeting. "How are you sir, my name is Nakoma. These two are my friends Hakan and Makya." "Well I''m doing well, thank you for asking. So polite, how thoughtful. Usually people wearing those types of uniforms are the "react first ask questions later" type. I''m glad you''re not one of those types." Maxson interjects, "They''re not who you think they are Ricky, they''re not on Jackson side." "Oh really? How are you so sure of that?" "Please sir, were here to help. We heard you have something for us that is crucial for the safety of the people." He stares at Nakoma as he studies her, trying to figure out her motive behind this. He sits on his desk and folds his arms. "Why do all this then? You could be living a cozy life with Jackson but instead, you''re risking your life and your friend''s lives for what, an adventure? A thrill seeker? Just bored of life and want to live on the edge?" "No that is not why I am doing this. The reason is because we were so sheltered from the outside world. I want to know where we came from. I want to learn more of this world and help the people who are in trouble. I don''t want to live in luxury while there are others suffering on the streets. I want to know the truth on who Jackson really is." He looks towards Maxson, and he nods in approval of her. "Well then, I guess that''s good enough for me." He stands up and walks towards a file cabinet. He opens the drawer as he carefully pulls out the entire drawer out. Inside the open drawer was a file hidden away from the rest. He sits down in his chair and hands the papers one by one as he explains them. "These are receipts of large amounts of chemicals being shipped off to Catalina Island. They came from some prewar factory they just recently unearthed from rubble since a collapsed high rise was on top of the building. That place is swarming with guards now. I was just lucky enough to be on the logbook accounting for that section." "Bertholite, sulfur mustard? Phosgene? Sarin? Cyclosarin? Ricky, what the hell am I even reading here?" "That my friend are chemical war agents. You know, toxic gas. The old prewar building was called Montox Research. The study of chemical warfare. They''ve been grabbing supplies from that place like it was going out of style." "No way... you''re kidding...?" "Nope, all of it was true. I even have proof of them already using it." He pulls out several documents with photos of patients on them. It disturbed the whole group, Nakoma''s stomach felt so nauseating. Hakan and Makya were trying not to puke of the photo being shown to them. The first pic was the face of a man with severe skin burns and blisters. Red swollen eyes and puss coming out. Another had excessive saliva mixed with blood and boils all over his body. Another picture had the same results, only this time it was on a child. The note on the documents said, Test subject 7: Adolescent Age: 10 Sex: Male Ethnicity: HispanicIf you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. First stage of contact with chemical C4H8Cl2S, the subject did not notice at first but began to experience excessive itching and coughing. Soon the subject began to lose vison after rubbing his eyes constantly. After severely minutes to constant exposure, small blisters began to form on the exposed areas of skin. After thirty minutes of constant exposure the subject began to asphyxiate clawing at his throat. Subject began to vomit with yellow like puss, possibly from the lungs being filled with fluid. After forty minutes of constant exposure, subject has ceased movement. Massive hives and blisters have formed on the subject''s body, possibly containing the chemical agent for risk of exposure in the event if the subject were to be given medical aid. Subject: DECEASED Dispose with caution: Incineration recommended "What in the actual fuck?!" "I know, with so many chemical agents and the lab document, Jackson is planning something big. We need to act fast Maxson, we''re running out of time." Soon a large commotion was heard outside. People were running towards the center of the site with a large open area. They all looked out the window to see what was going on. A low rumble began bellowing from the sky. It began to get louder and soon a black hawk helicopter came into view. Landing in the center of the site. "Ooooooh fuuuuuuuuck!" Rick yelled as he got closer to the window. "What? What''s wrong?" As Nakoma ask in a scared manner. "That''s freaking Jackson helicopter! Why the fuck is he here!" The group began to sweat and put on their mask just in case. Maxson tucked the files inside his plate carrier as he signals the three of them to follow him. He thanked Rick and prayed for him to be safe. They ran towards the center of the site just as the helicopter landed. The doors swung open and armed men came out of the chopper. Slowly and gracefully came out Jackson as he took a large puff of his cigar and tossed it away to the side. "Hello my fellow workers! How are we all doing this fine day today!" The crowd softly answered as they all shook their head. "I know what you''re all thinking, why the big man came to your little humble abode. Well, I have some disheartening news. One of my personal guests was harmed, they were taken away but thankfully were brought back safely with minor injuries. However we cannot ignore such insolent behavior. This group, these terrorists, have plagued this great city for far too long. I want to make a statement for the record, if you threaten me or my people, I will be the one to find you personally. I am your judge, jury and executioner! Now where is Isaiah?" The crowd was confused and looked around. "Fuuuuck this is bad." "What''s wrong?" As Nakoma''s muffled voice filtered through the mask. "I know who''s Isaiah. He was one of the people that captured you..." She looked at Maxson with great shock and looked back at Jackson. "Isaiah, come on out!" Slowly a teen boy nervously walks from the crowd and stands before Jackson, sweating and grabbing his hat in a submissive stance. "Y-yes sir..." "Where were you two days ago?" "I uh... I don''t know what you mean sir I-" "Are you fucking stupid? I said where were you two days ago?" "I, I was... with my family. I got off work late that day and came home." "Hmph, are you lying to me?" " No! No sir, I would never lie. I swear!" He nods and lets him know he believes him. Jackson turns around to go into the chopper but quickly turns and hits him in the head with a heavy iron wrench. The crowd gasped in horror and the teen cried out as he grabbed his head, bleeding excessively. Jackson grabs him by his shirt collar and drags him through the crowd heading towards one of the machineries. The crowd was horrified but they stepped out of his way. The teen pleaded for his life asking what he had done. Jackson lifted the teen up and brought him to a giant engine turbine that was chugging fast on the oil tower. The hot blazing desert sun mixed with the non stop chugging of the engine made the metal scorching hot. Enough to cook a whole meal on the steel. "Wait please! Don''t do this! I didn''t do anything! I swear!" The boy''s face was tearing up and he was struggling to get away from the engine. Jacksons face was filled with anger and ignore the plea of his. "Isaiah, you are charged with terrorism and the assault of a high ranking VIP." "Please!!! I didn''t do anything!!! I swear to you!!!" Jacksons face was irritated and finally snapped. He smacks the teen''s head against the hot metal of the engine and places his foot against his head forcing him on the machine. The teen screaming with a blood curdling cry as he tried to get away but couldn''t. The sizzling was so loud it was almost as if someone was deep frying food. He tried to push himself off, but his bare hands burned as he tried to get away. His face becoming fused with the machine as he screams into the desert sun. The crowd looked away in sadness. The three of them looked at Jackson with such horror, such distain, just pure incomprehensible image of what they were seeing. Soon the teen''s yells became softer and softer. Until finally, he became silent. The only sound that could be heard was the roaring engine and sizzling of the boy''s face. Jackson lets go of his foot off his head and turn towards the crowd. "Any information of the terrorist organizations will be rewarded handsomely with their food rations tripled and pay increase. The crowed mumble and they all clapped slowly. Nakoma looked in horror as she turned toward Maxson. Maxson closed his eyes as he clenched his fist in anger. And she was furious as the last thing she saw from Jackson was a smug smirk as the crowd was applauding him. CHAPTER 8) Into the Viper Pit All four of them sat in silence as they drove off of site black valley. The rumbling of the engine filled the noise of the vehicle. Hakan and Makya both sat in distraught on what they had just saw. Hakan had it the worst. He stared off into space with his thousand yard stare. Every time Nakoma looked to her side, not once did she see him blink. Makya''s eyes were lost as if they were scanning back and forth as he was thinking to himself. He was fiddling with his small bone knife, feeling the tip of the blade with his thumb. Nakoma looks at Maxson, his gaze fixated on the road. He clenches onto the steering wheel tightly as if it was about to come flying off if he didn''t. "Did you... did you know that person...?" He says nothing. "I''m sorry for asking-" "I did know him. Isaiah was just an innocent kid. He was the driver when they first picked you up, he wasn''t a gunman or anything. Hell, he couldn''t even hold a pistol to save his life. That boy was pure hearted and kind, and yet, still denied that he was even involved with us. To the very end. That takes a lot of courage." "I''m sorry... I didn''t..." "It''s okay, that''s why we fight. Thats the reason why we''re doing all this. You saw with your own two eyes. With that awful spectacle and now this document. You still think Jackson is a good person?" Nakoma looks down and holds her hands together. Felling all the weight of reality setting in on what Jackson has been doing behind the scenes. "How do we help then?" As Makya broke the silence. Nakoma quickly looked at him with a complete shocked expression. "I know I said this was it and we go back home where we came from, but the more I think about it, what if we don''t have a home to go back to if Jackson has his weapon?" Hakan Looks to Nakoma with a determined and angry expression, "We have to stop whatever he''s planning. He may have treated us as guests, but that won''t stop him from turning against us." Nakoma looks in complete disbelief of their new behavior of wanting to save this city. She tries to say something but stops herself and smiles at them. They arrived at the base soon and it was very, VERY guarded. The front gate was fortified with barriers and barbed wire fencing. Watch towers stood high as they stood behind the fence line. A stone sign with tiles on it had the writing "Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos California" written on it. It was old and stained but still readable even from afar. They reached up to the gate as Maxson pulled out an Id for them to see. They studied his photo and looked at the other three. Another guard used a uvsm or under vehicle search mirror. He swept under the vehicle as following his protocol whenever vehicles enter the base. They were in the clear and were allowed passaged. The base had a long airfield. Groups of soldiers running in formation as they were singing some kind of song. Nakoma and her friends were all looking in awe on what the soldiers were doing. Maxson stopped at the entrance of a building. "I have to go do my other duties, in the meantime, go and check in the office. They should handle everything. Stay safe, okay?" "We will and thank you again." Maxson drove off and the three enter the building. It was a lobby area with a front desk. It had ugly yellow lighting, and the paint on the walls was already coming off. Sitting on the front desk was a woman who was chewing on something. The clicking of a typewriter can be heard as she was typing something off from another document. "Ummm... excuse me?" The lady only turned her eyes and quickly back at the paper. "How can I help you?" She sounded so aggravated and annoyed. "We all just transfer to here and we-" She pulls out a small map of the buildings with one circle. "Please head to building C-03 for new arrivals." "Oh but I-" "Move along please, thank you." What a bitch. Nakoma thought to herself. She did what the lady at the desk instructed and followed the map looking at the building numbers. After going one by one they found the building they were looking for. They entered and were greeted by the sound of laughter of people horseplaying or relaxing. Beds in rows while wall lockers stood behind them. The three were confused on were exactly they were. Then one person spots them just standing there. "How''s it going? You three look so lost. You all nervous?" They looked at each other with great confusion. "...Nervous? I don''t think I follow." "THEY''RE NEWBIES! LET THEM FIND OUT THEMSELVES!" As one person screams from the distance on their bunk. "Ah that explains a lot more. So what''s your story? Got drafted? Volunteered for the "good fight" or just want extra food and pay?" "I think there''s a misunderstanding, we are not supposed to be here." As Hakan tried to explain himself. "Ahhh denial. We all go through that. It''s okay, no shame in it." "No you don''t understand we actually here because-" "TEN-HUT!" Soon everyone who was playing around all snapped at attention and fell silent. The three of them looked around in confusion and saw a man in a military dress uniform. His pants were perfectly iron and fitted. His shirt tucked in with ribbons on his chest. He wore a campaign hat that was slightly forward over his head. He stood with a sour look on his face. He mad dogged the three of them as if he was disgusted by their mere presence.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "And just who in the sam hell are you three doing here?" "Um sir we just got transferred here from the tower and-" "I couldn''t give two FUCKS WHERE YOU CAME FROM! YOU''RE HERE NOW IN MY DOMAIN! AND IF YOU THREE ARE HERE THAT MEANS YOU''RE HERE FOR ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY! TRAINING!" "Training..." "Training??" "Training!?!?" "THAT''S RIGHT YOU LITTLE NATS! I''M YOUR SENIOR DRILL INSTRUCTOR! YOU THREE BETTER CATCH UP WITH TRAINING! NO ONE GETS SPECIAL TREATMENT!" They tried to explain that they were not there for training but only for living quarters. Their voices fell on deaf ears however. They received new clothes that matched everyone in uniformity. By the end of the day all were in their new sleeping beds with several others. All three of them agreed to play along and not draw attention to themselves and pray Maxson will come soon. They drift to sleep the best they can in this sudden change of environment. Early morning was here. the sun hasn''t even rose yet and a loud burst of music stared blasting through speakers playing reveille. Nakoma, Hakan and Makya all suddenly jumped out of their beds onto the floor. Makya fell from the top bunk as he face planted to the floor. All the others got out of bed quickly and started to put their uniforms on with great efficiency. They tried their best to follow their speed, but they were just too fast. "GOOOOOODMORNING YOU SCROUNDED FUCKS!" "GOODMORNING SIR!" They all yelled in unison. "TODAY, WE ARE TRAINING YOU IN LIVE FIRE EXCERSIZE DRILLS. YOU WILL BE FACING WITH LIVE AMMO. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANY MORONS DYING OUT THERE! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!" "YES SIR!" "FORM UP LET''S GO LET''S GO! YOU THREE BETTER HURY UP! HURRY UP, HURRY UP! MOVE YOUR FAT ASSES NOOOOW! MY GOD MY AMPUTEE DOG CAN RUN FASTER THAN YOU THREE! YOU''RE HOLDING UP THE GROUP! LET''S GOOOOO!" They quickly got into formation sweating. They have no idea what is going on or how they even got into this situation in the first place. But no one seemed to care. "DOUBLE-TIME...MARCH!" The group all jogged in unison on their way to the mess hall as well as other groups did as well in the dark hour of the morning. They entered into the cafeteria area as the groups got into the chow line one by one. It was Nakoma''s groups turn. They entered the line and extended their arms for the lunch person to put food on their plate. It was a mess, a weird mushy goo that was apparently mashed potatoes. Very dried powdered eggs that were scrambled, and two sad looking pieces of bacon. They ate it without complaint but were wincing from the god awful taste. However, the other recruits were eating fast and happily. They made their way into the training yard where sprinklers were showering them over head creating simulated rain fall. In front of them were several rows of barbed wire with just enough space for them to crawl under. It was super muddy from the sprinklers going on nonstop. "YOU ALL NEED TO CRAWL THROUGH THIS TRAINING COURSE AND OBSTACLES AROUND THE BLOCK! ALL OF YOU NEED TO CRAWL THE ENTIRE TIME I DONT WANT TO SEE YOUR BODY LIFT UP! YOU ALL BETTTER BE KISSING THE GROUND DO YOU GET ME!" "YES SIR!" The first wave went first and instantly crawled like mad men. They dragged themselves under the barbwire and moved through the thick mud. One by one they went until it was Nakoma and her friend''s turn. "READY!... GO!" The three of them dived into the mud as they crawled. Hakan spiting the mud out of his mouth repeatedly. Makya determined as Nakoma followed. After several minutes of crawling, the barbed wire was gone but was replaced with rubble and debris everywhere. Dummy bodies were spread everywhere simulating fallen soldiers. Nakoma pushed through as the mud kept getting thicker. BOOM!!! Nakoma halted and screamed as an explosion went right off spuing mud high into the air. Several explosions of mud flew into the air very close by them. "HURRY UP, HURRY UP, DON''T SLOW DOWN MY LINE YOU PATHETIC PIECES OF SHIT! MOVE YOUR ASSES THROUGH THAT MORTAR FIELD, MOOOVE IT!!!!!" The instructor is a demon. His voice forces them to push on through, even if they were scared. One by one, explosion after explosion they made it through to the next phase. Barb wire was now everywhere. Sticking out of the ground, tangled in debris. Dummy bodies lumped over the barbed wire as if they got shot. Then her ears began to ring loud. A gunner with a dshk machine gun was sitting in a pit shooting off rounds above and around Nakoma. "KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN BITCH! I DONT WANT YOU BRAIN MATTER ALL OVER MY FUCKING TRAINING YARD! KISS THE FUCKING FLOOR NOW!" His yell was somehow louder than the actual gun fire which intimidated her a little. Makya was pushing hard, almost passing Nakoma several times but was block by large debris of barbed wire. Hakan was frozen in fear and couldn''t move with all the gunfire flying over him. "MOVE YOU GINGER FUCK! YOU''RE GONNA HOLD MY LINE UP!" "I... I can''t- I-I-" "I-I-I-I-I, SPEAK ENGLISH YOU SKINNY TWAT! MOVE OR I SHOOT YOU WHERE YOU FUCKING STAND!" Nakoma looks back and forth until she turns around and crawls back towards him. Makya stops and sees what she''s doing. She waves Makya to keep going and he agrees. Nakoma reaches Hakan as bullets and bombs go off all around them. She grabs him by his shirt and pulls him forward. He snaps out of his fear and looks at who was pulling him. "Just hold onto my shirt and follow my lead okay!" He stares at her as he wipes the mud away from his face. "Okay! I trust you!" She then proceeds to crawl again as Hakan holds on tightly to her shirt. The instructor sees this and is curious as he lets this play out. Slowly but surely, they crawl through the war torn training field barely missing a few close calls, or what seemed to look like to them. They finally reach up to Makya as they both crawl together. The area becomes bigger as the majority of the training group has all come to a halt. The area was a lot massive, but the others seemed to have stopped. "What''s going on?! Why did everyone stop?!" As Nakoma shouted. "Land mines!" "What?!" "This area is filled with land mines! Not real ones mind you! Just very high pressurized gas that flings us into the air! We have to start all over if we get sent flying!" She was confused but looked on ahead. Everyone was scared and didn''t know what to do. "Fuck this! I ain''t waiting any longer!" As one recruit goes crawling fast but soon was shot up straight into the air and off the course. Nakoma was startled but looked around. She scanned the area trying to find a clue, but the rain and mud was making it extremely difficult. Until finally she spots a clue. In the mud, a slow but noticeable bubble appeared. She waited, looking in that same spot. Another bubble appeared after five seconds. She turned towards her friends, "Stay close and follow me! Go when I go, stop when I stop!" "Okay..." "Right!" She waited and saw the bubble beginning to form. She quickly crawled around the bubbles, snaking around them until... POP. She stopped and waited for the five seconds. The bubbles began again. One after another she guided her friends through the treacherous minefield. The other recruits saw this and were baffled and in disbelief. They saw her crawling effortlessly that it inspired them all to push forward. Some got lucky, some were blown off course and had to start again. But Nakoma and her friends were in the lead. One last push and they finally reached to the end of the training course. Sore, exhausted, wounded and even filthy, they took a moment to catch their breath as they sat on the dead patch of grass. One by one the other recruits made it as they were panting heavily. "I got to say runts, I am impressed. And I am not easy to impress believe me." The senior drill instructor casually walks up to the three exhausted warriors. He folds his arms as he studies them up and down again. The fact that you went back to help your teammate and also lead them from being last to the head of the group, is the definition of bravery and leadership. You did well today, all three of you did well. ".... uhm... thank you.... ughhh... sir..." Nakoma said as she pants very heavily. The instructor scoffs finding it amusing. "ALRIGHT YOU MAGGOTS! HEAD ONTO THE SHOWERS AND CLEAN YOURSELVES UP! YOU ALL LOOK LIKE PIGS AFTER CRAWLING IN THE MUD. MORE P.T AFTER THIS! OOHRA! CHAPTER 9) With Friends Like These Nakoma sits on the edge of her bed lost in thought. She grabs her wrist and fiddles around with the bracelet she wore. She examines it with great detail as she spins the bracelet in place. Laughter can be heard in the background of the bay area where Hakan and Makya were sitting. The group they came to join unintentionally seemed to be really fond of them. When they had a chance to explained that they were there to actually live and rest instead of training, the group all burst out into laughter. They couldn''t believe they joined the security forces for Jackson by accident. Hakan and Makya were very embarrassed but told them that they actually enjoyed the training so far these past two days. Even if it was a lie, they had to adhere to appearance. Nakoma still fiddling with her ornament, as Hakan and Makya laugh with the others, she felt... distant. She felt the world around her become more and more stranger the deeper she tries to help. With the situation of the gas, the inevitable war coming to Los Angeles. Everything seems to be going way too fast for her. "Hey, you look pretty glum, Is everything alright?" Nakoma looks up from her trance as sees one of the group members standing in front of her. She was very tall and slim and had a deep black hair color. Her skin was tanned with a perfect toasted coloring. Her eyes were brown matching her skin tone. "Mind if I sit down with you?" "No, go ahead." She smiles and sits next to her on the bed. She sits up properly and places her hands on her lap. Her presence gives off as someone who was from noble birth, but her smile said otherwise. Nakoma goes back to fiddling her bracelet. "You really made a first impression when you first joined with us, huh?" The girl chuckled as she gives her a smile again. Nakoma half smiles and embarrassingly agrees. "Us coming here wasn''t my intention, but hey, at least we get to learn how to handle this world a little better." "Handle this world? What do you mean by that?" As she genuinely asks with eager curiosity. "Well... um... how familiar are you about up north, way past California?" "Hmmmmm, I know about San Fransisco, the old city ruins. I also know the capitol of California is out northeast of it, I think." "Me and my friends are not from California; we are farther from it, way far up north." "Wait for real? All in that wilderness? How the heck did you guys ended up way out here?" "Someone tricked us into coming here. Though I think he had good intentions, just all for different reasons." "Well... where are you originally from then?" Nakoma was embarrassed but answers her question. "I''m basically... a tribal person." "A tribal person? As in, a cave man or native American?" Nakoma shrugs, " I guess you could look at it like that. We were all so blown away at what we were all seeing, we just couldn''t believe it. My people are isolationists, we believed our world was the whole world and nothing else." "For real? Didn''t anybody ever get curious and just walked away? There''s no way someone didn''t get curious and just leave your guys... village... town?" Nakoma chuckled and answered her confusion. " A tribe, just a tribe." "Ah, right, apologies hahah." The woman laughed and Nakoma chuckled back to her. "By the way I never did get your name, my name is Nakoma, what about you?" Her eyes blinked in realization and properly introduces herself. "Oh! How crude of me! Haha, my name is Zuri, and it''s wonderful to meet you." She shook hands with Nakoma as she shook back with a firm grip. She hears the commotion going on in the background and sees Makya arm wrestling another person. Makya seems to look happy and enjoying himself, for the time being. Hakan just stood right behind him as he stood awkwardly as they huddle around him having playful banter and conversation. Nakoma sighed and gave a soft smile to them. "You really love your friends don''t you miss Nakoma." Nakoma looks back as Zuri gave her a warm expression. "I do, they wouldn''t be here if it wasn''t for me. They stood up for me and followed to protect me. By the way... what do you think about Jackson?" "Hm? What do you mean?" "I mean as in... what does he mean to you?" "Honestly for me, not much. I just signed up for the extra food rations and pay they give us. Everyone is just trying to survive out here, times are tough sometimes. With everything going on and the terrorist attacks, I want to help support my family and protect the people I care about." She looks at her with awe and is amazed how determined she is. "Aaaaaaand it doesn''t help that I''m very... gluttonous. I LOVE eating food." "Who doesn''t?"Stolen novel; please report. They both giggled and Nakoma''s spirits seemed to be lifted more. "Think fast chucklenuts!" As Zuri looked up to see who said that she was struck in the face with a football. She made a loud short yelp as she fell backwards falling off of Nakoma''s bed. A unison of collective oooooohs filled the air. Nakoma went and kneeled beside her as she laid flat on her back, "Oh my god, are you alright!?" Zuri was dazed but snapped back to reality. She wiped her face with her sleeve and blood was gushing out of her nose. It took a moment to register what had just happened, but she finally responded. Her face turned to anger as she got up and yelled at the attacker. "Damn it, Eric! How many times have I told you not to throw that thing inside the bay!" Eric, the perpetrator, was in a weird frozen pose as if he was just about to leave. He was a scrawny kid with short spiky blonde hair. He had a very mischievous look as he turned around slowly, laughing hesitantly. "Oh, heeeeeeeeeeey... how''s it going Zuri ahahaha..." "Argh! You son of a bitch! I''m going to get you!" She charges at him in full sprint. He screams a high pitch screech as he tries to dodge her through the whole bay area of the dormitory. The group cheers on the chase as he dodges left and right. Barely missing her grasp. After several minutes of cat and mouse, he finally trips and his caught by her. She pins him down as she grabs his arm placing it behind his back and locking his leg so he can''t move. He grunts as he is locked and in her control now. "Say sorry right now!" "Ow! Ow! Okay, okay I''m sorry! Uncle, uncle!!! "Now say, ~I''m a little tea pot, short and stout." "What?! Fuck no-ARH!" "SAY IT!" "ARH! I''m a little... tea pot... short and stout...! "~Here is my handle, here is my spout." "GRAH-! Here is... my handle... and here... IS MY SPOUT!" Zuri begins to smirk but tries not to laugh uncontrollable. Everyone else in the bay was holding in their laughter on how ridiculous he looks saying all that. Until finally they all burst out laughing. "Okay, I forgive you now, pfft- my little tea pot hahahaha!" "Oh ha ha funny soooooo funny..." said Eric as he dusts himself off. TEN-HUT, the whole room stands at attention as everyone fell silent. The drill instructor walks in calm and collected as he studies the room. His eyes squinting at each and every one of them. Nakoma and her friends had got the hang of standing at attention fairly quickly. He walks around the bay as everyone stands still. Not moving a single inch. Not even their eyes were darting around, only fixated forward. The drill instructor was like a hungry animal, scanning for his next meal to chew out. "What in the god damn hell is going on in here!" The room was silent, and no one has said a word. Fearing the wrath of the senior drill instructor. "At ease!" The room became relaxed as they went into parade rest and turned their heads towards the drill instructor. "Today, we''re heading to the range. Form up quickly let''s go let''s go!!!" The instructor seemed more laxed today then his usual screaming, but Nakoma was not complaining at all. They quickly got into formation and marched towards the firing range. There were stalls and a long open field with targets spanning all across the field. A large black gravel mound stood high at the back of the range for the bullets to land. Tons of ammo casing shells littered the floor from .22lr to 7.62. Wherever they walked the clinging of the brass can be heard shuffling around. Other instructors were there waiting patiently for the group to come to a halt. "Alright everyone, you''ll have practice on your marksmanship with your rifles and pistols. I''ll be back once the ammo here is all spent. Happy shooting." "Thank you sir!" As the group all yell in unison. They all picked up their weapons and headed to their posts. Nakoma and her friends all held the weapons how the others looked but had no idea what to do next. "What''s wrong? Why are you all just standing there?" "Um sorry, we have never really used a weapon before, we are new." As Hakan spoke with a nervous tone in his voice. "Are you serious?" "We very much are serious sir." Nakoma spoke up politely. The trainer took his hat off and rubbed the back of his head. He guided them to a stall and showed them the basics of firearms safety. Showed how to properly hold a weapon, and to never aim unless intended to kill. Told them to always have trigger discipline and to keep your finger away from it when not intending to shoot. He showed them the ways to stand on shooting from standing to crouch to finally prone. He also taught them how to safely reload and change magazines. He even showed them how to load the bullets into the magazine, though they won''t have to load since all issue gear comes preloaded. They didn''t care since they weren''t going to actually join Jackson''s army. Nakoma was up first as she put her ear plug protection. She grabs the pistol off the counter and loads in the magazine. It was a Glock g17 gen 5 with a seventeen count mag. She readies herself as she aims the pistol down range. She can hear Hakan and Makya in awe how the weapon shoots. She aims and breathes steady, and fires. She feels the vibration of the pistol and it feels natural to her. "Hit." As the guard said watching the target though his binoculars. She fires again and again, all center of mass shots. They were all dead center on the target''s bullseye. The targets were all medium and close range good for pistol distance. The next was the m4 rifle. She loads in the magazine and readies her weapon. She targets the farthest one for her shot and breathes slowly and squeezes the trigger. "Hit...hit...miss...hit." Three out of four shots were really impressive to her by her standards and was surprised to find her love of guns. The rush of shooting and the feel of holding it felt so natural to her. As if it was a bow and arrow but on drugs for her. She thought about asking if she can keep a weapon for herself but hold that thought off for now. Then a familiar voice greeted her from behind. "Well damn... I didn''t know you switched up quickly." She turned around to see Maxson standing right behind her. "You''re here! What took you so long, where have you even been?" The trainer saw his rank and saluted him. He saluted back and asked the trainer for some privacy with these certain recruits. He agreed and quickly went off to check the other trainees. "Hey it''s hard when you have a double life. Why are you even training with them?" "They mistook us for being new trainees and threw us in the middle of their training. I mean, at least we''re getting some practice for the near future I suspect, right?" He stops and ponders for just a moment. "That is actually not a bad idea. You and your friends getting proper weapons and physical training without us having to interfere. No one will suspect anything. Brilliant Nakoma! Hahah." He gives a mighty chuckle as the three of them all stand and watched him laugh. "Although I am sad for these people... they are actually good folks. I just feel really bad if the day that... you know, comes." "Liberation, you mean?" "Yes..." She looks to the side of the group that all shared and equal bond together. They truly did care when they joined and weren''t as sinister as Jackson was. Zuri looks over and sees Nakoma and waves hello. She waves back giving a smile. "I know in time they will choose the right path, I''m sure of it." "So what happens now? Do we still continue this training or are we finding a different place to sleep now?" "How much training did you get in anyways?" "We did and exercise on crawling through a battlefield and some P.T. And now this gun range as well." "Good god, listen, I went back to William to show my report on what we found. After that fiasco we witness, I think we can do some real change soon." Hakan spoke up next, "Are we really doing this are we actually going to fight back these guys?" Maxson looked down with his arms crossed. "If it comes to that yes. But right now, we''re still keeping a lid on the situation at hand-" "My oh my, are my eyes deceiving me? Is that really who I think that is?" Nakoma''s face ran cold and Maxson''s face was frozen stiff. She turned around and saw, standing before her, was the one person she was not ready to see yet. CHAPTER 10) A New World Order "My oh my, are my eyes deceiving me? Is that really who I think that is?" Nakoma''s face ran cold and Maxson''s face was frozen stiff. She turned around and saw, standing before her, was the one person she was not ready to see yet. Standing, looming over them was Jackson. Hakan and Makya saw this and were taken back of the sudden appearance. Jackson just stared at them, examining their uniforms instead of the civilian clothes he gave them. Maxson stood at attention and saluted Jackson. "At ease soldier, I wanted to see if everything was alright. I did approve for you guys to stay here for you to feel safer than the tower, correct?" "Yes and we really appreciate the kindness you have given us Jackson, we are all grateful." Nakoma bows her head as the others follow her lead as well. Jackson smirks loving what he is seeing, "Awww don''t mentioned it, I hope you''re hungry, because I reserved us a spot in the dining hall for us to eat and catch up. You, captain, what''s your name?" "Oh, sir, It''s Orelo sir." "Orelo! Strong name, I love it! Why don''t you come and dine with us." Nakoma looks back and forth wondering what is going on. "Oh no sir I couldn''t, I wouldn''t want to be intruding in-" "Nonsense, I was the one asking you to join. I hardly call that intruding. Come, come, the food I have planned is to die for. Waaaay better than the dried up kind you had while staying here. Nakoma and her friends all were hesitant but followed anyway. The rest of the group saw the four of them leaving as they were in awe seeing how they knew Jackson. Jackson leaded them to another dining facility on the other side of the base. As they entered the building, they spotted two tables connected together to make one big table. Standing to the side was one figure she never expected to see again. He wore a white tux with a bow tie. He had a plague doctors mask with a top hat. And the noticeable feature on him, was the massive burning scar marks on his hands. As if they were melted off. He stands there without moving a single inch. Only turning his head as he follows them sitting to the table. Nakoma stared at him with so much anxiousness. The masked man only stares back. Staring...staring deep into Nakoma''s soul with those black eyed rims of the lenses. They sat in their chairs and waited for Jackson to finally sit. "Bring it out if it''s ready." As he said to the masked man. He slowly bowed and walk to the other room next to them. They all sat patiently waiting for the man to return. "Soooooooo... anything happened while you were gone? Did you finish what you said you were doing before." Jackson looked to Nakoma and gave a small smile. "I did actually. In fact, I have caught one of your perpetrators." "You have...?" "Indeed, he was really young, but he refused to talk. Sad really, how young these terrorists are willing to hire. It makes me sick." Nakoma looks to her side and sees Maxson on edge. His hand barely raised as it hovers over his pistol. The food finally arrives and smelled delicious. It was all sea food and pastas, and the group ate away in pleasure after the dried up food they had been eating. Nakoma savors her food but looks to her side to see the masked man just hoovering over her. Making her feel very uneasy. He does not move or make the slightest sound, like a ghost. She then notices that the burn marks don''t just end at his hands. Just barely she can see that his neck was also burned as well. The masked man shifts his head slightly and looks directly at Nakoma. She is startled but tries to go back to eating. Something doesn''t feel right here. Something is off. "I really enjoy days like this you know. It gives a sense of peace and tranquility." "It sure does sir." As Maxson said still hovering over his pistol. "You know the old world was a little like this you know. Family gatherings at the dinner table, sharing stories. Telling how their days are so on and so forth. I realize how much that old world needs to be brought back to this day. Every day I always think to myself what can I do to make the lives of this city great. Lower prices on goods? Everyone is equally right no wrongs in everything? No, what the people need is discipline."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Discipline? I''m not sure I understand what you mean sir." "Take a look at yourself, a captain in my work force. You are the defenders of this city, the great protectors of the weak and sick. Against an evil threat to civilized society. We''re not the backwaters of this wasteland, no. But instead, we are fighters, to the end! That is the society I am trying to uphold. We''re in this situation because of what our ancestors did. All for petty squabbles and look where that got us." "Um Jackson. I''m still new but... what happened to the world then?" He took a sip of his drink and leaned back into his chair. "Human greed." "Human greed?" "Yes, greed. The old world before was consumed by it. People wanted more and more on what they have. Thrown things away that was still of value. Threw food out even knowing how spar it is now. Worrying about what clothes instead what supplies to look for next. The old world was a mess. It even affected nations with the lowest resources ever until there was nothing left to support. With how the old world was I will be bringing the value of how the world should have been. The world was baptized of nuclear fire and radiation the whole world plummeted into chaos and despair. Generations have passed and yet... we are still living in the ruins of the old world. I say no, no to all this petty surviving. I want my city my California to thrive in the desert wasteland. For too long I have dealt with many liars, cheaters, backstabbing persons all my life. Besides, don''t you want anyone to help save you, especially with that wound of his?" Nakoma was puzzled on what he said last. BOOM, she jumped out of her seat and turned around. Maxson was grabbing his arm as he slouches over the table. Behind him was the masked man with a pistol right against his head. "Now now, think carefully what you''re going to do next." The three of them stood frozen in fear trying to figure out what happened. "What is going on! Why are you doing this!" "Oh you''re really asking me what I''m doing? Let me introduce you to my friend here. Not only is he a good chef and musician but is also one of my top infiltration officers ever. It''s how I was able to figure out that you betrayed me. Pity, I truly wanted you to see the world I had envisioned. I gave you luxuries only people dare to experience, and you spat in my face." Maxson leans over struggling as the large bullet wound stings. "Once everything is complete, you would have wished you hadn''t betrayed me woman. I''ll have this city under my control again and when I do, I''ll probably think about visiting your place soon. Have an old family reunion. What do you say hmm?" "You''ll leave my family out of this!" "Ooooh there''s that rebellious spark again! Death is too good for you, for all of you. Let''s see how you do well with breathing iron in your lungs." The masked man places hand cuffs on all three of them. Soldiers burst into the room with their weapons pointed at them. Nakoma''s heart was pounding at the situation she was in. She tried to think of a way to get out, but no idea was good enough to escape. They forced them to walk outside with their hands behind their head. Walking out into the yard she sees the group all staring at them wondering what they had done. Zuri looks at her with such disbelief. Then they split Nakoma''s friends up as she went left to a vehicle while the others went right. "No! Let me go! Don''t let them do this! Jackson! Jackson please!" She yells as she is tossed into a van. She turns around to see him staring at her emotionlessly as the doors to the van shut in her face. It''s been a day and not one word has gotten to her and the whereabouts of her friends. She sits in a dark cell waiting for the inevitable of what will happen to her. A rat passes by as it ran by her feet. She was shivering the dark cold cell kept reminding her that she failed badly. Failed the one thing she wanted to protect. Now all that''s left is a broken promise on keeping the people here safe. A door can be heard opening as someone walks through the hallway. "They really did lock you up." That voice, she recognized that voice. She looks up to see Zuri standing in front of her "Zuri... Is that really you...?" "Yeah, it''s me... why... why would you do this?" She looks up seeing Zuri''s face with complete betrayal in her eyes. She was holding back tears trying not to yell at Nakoma. "Tell me why you''re working with the terrorist. Tell me!" She looks away feeling guilty on keeping it a secret. She answers to her softly, "Will you even believe anything I say If I told you? " She takes a deep breath and listens to what she has to say. "Go on, we have all night. Tell me exactly who you are and why should I even think you are not evil." "We are not the bad ones, Jackson is. Have you ever wondered why there were rebellious acts against Jackson? Because he''s a tyrant, sure he looks calm and collected on the surface. But deep down he loves power. I have seen it with my own eyes." "Bullshit." Nakoma shakes her head, "It''s the truth, he''s making some kind of weapon out of gas. Something that cause great amount of pain and suffering. He even tested it out on a child, a freaking child for heaven''s sake! And you really think that we''re the evil ones. So you''re okay with murdering an innocent child is that it?" "What- no of course not I-" "Oh and don''t forget the public execution to another innocent kid as his face was melted onto a machine." Nakoma''s blood was boiling with furry. She stands up and walks towards the cell bar doors. "If you really wanted to protect this city and the people you love. Then don''t follow orders blindly. Think for yourself and what you are actually fighting for." "Nakoma I-" "I''m really sorry I didn''t say anything Zuri, but it was for you and other''s protection that I didn''t want to reveal anything. I don''t want others knowing for them to get hurt like how I am to god Knows where. I truly am sorry Zuri." Zuri doesn''t know what to say she is lost in thought and slowly backs away trying to process what she just learned. She turns her balk on Nakoma "I''m sorry, I really am Nakoma..." The next morning, she is pulled out by the guards as they drag her out to the street. On the side of the road were other people waiting in line about to board the trailer of a semitruck. Nakoma''s fears were answered as they were putting them up and forcing them onto the trailer. Now she waits to see what in store for her. CHAPTER 11) Camp Vorkuta Nakoma is sitting on the floor in the back of a trailer in a semi-truck. Other people are with her as well, other prisoners. Some look as if they are people who had done crimes. Others look as if they had just stolen a harmless bag of food. Another sad reality is that they were also children in chains as well. The trailer was dark and very hard to see. Every twist and turn had people sliding back and forth off the ground. People were crying not knowing their fate on what lies ahead of them. She huddled up scared on where her friends are. The truck comes to a complete stop making everyone slide across the floor. The hissing of the trailer as the brakes are being place. Laughter from the guards can be heard as the doors slowly become unlocked. The door swung open as they bright light fills the trailer. Everyone shields their eyes from how bright it was. "Get out everyone! Move your asses!" The guard with his baton lifts everyone up and pushes them forward towards the door. They all form a single file line as they exited the trailer. The sky was grey filled with smoke and smog. Other trailers parked next to theirs as other prisoners flood out of them as well. They were in the thousands. One person in line decides to make a run for it. One guard yells him to halt as another nonchalantly aims his pistol at him. He fires and the man tumbles to the ground as he made a headshot. The two men cheered as they high fived each other as if they broke some kind of record. She follows the line and sees another guard holding a small child as her mother tries to take back her child. "Please not my baby, not my baby please!" "Shut the fuck up and back in line!" He kicks her in her knee as she tumbles to the floor crawling towards her child. "Mommy!!!" The child screams for her mom as she was placed into a truck and drove away. The mother cried and screamed; her wails fill the smog sky. People around her did not care and continue to follow the line as if they were voided of all life. "I said back in line!!" The man kicks her face like he was kicking a soccer ball. She falls backwards as she lies bleeding in the black tar sand. Her heart was racing and was nervous on imagining what her fate was. The thousand masses of prisoners all looked as though they have accepted their fate. The fence stretched far and wide with gate checkpoints allowing the thousands of prisoners to come in at once. The watch tower looms over them as bodies hung from the rails by their captors. A little arch was above the gate that read "Camp Vorkuta". A small scribbled makeshift sign was also place that read, " Abandon all hope ye who enter here" in a red substance. She gulped in fear. The shuffling of everyone''s feet kicked up so much dust it choked and blinded Nakoma. She passed by the ruined buildings where people were being interrogated and held for information. A loud ungodly war horn sound went off as everyone covered their ears. They stopped as a giant enormous tank track rolled into their view. It was a giant machine, a bagger 293, With its monstrous size towering over them like a walking building. Its crane extended out as it lowered next to them and began to dig. The wheel bucket began to unearth the dirt. The massively loud churning of wheels and gears tear through the air. She can see people aboard the massive tower of steel operating the machine. It was like seeing a beast burrow into the ground, Nakoma was terrified of the raw power they held. And soon more machines of the same design where deep in a large pit excavating for minerals. Thousands upon thousands of workers can be seen walking down the trail leading into the pit. They began to separate the lines into small groups as they forcefully pulled them out of line. They grabbed Nakoma and few others and brought them into a concreate building with no roof above their heads. The guards came in and pulled a small knife out and began to cut open the clothes of them all. She was startled and tried to resist but the guard backhands Nakoma''s face and grabbed her by the face. The guards tore off all their clothes until they were fully naked. They covered themselves confused on what was going on. A man in a latex apron and face shield came out with a very large firehose. He turned the large nozzle and began to spray them with freezing ice cold water. They covered their faces and bodies by instinct as the high pressure wash of the hose pounded them aggressively. Nakoma tried to block the water but was no use. The water pushed the back against the jagged concrete wall. They stop the dowsing of the water and several other prisoners came in with giant towels that were moldy and damp. They grabbed her and the others and forcefully dried them off. After a couple of moments of drying they brought in new clothing. A padded overalls with a wool sweater and sweats. They told them to hurry up and get changed as they did so quickly. Freshly clean with their whole body stinging from the intense pressure they make their way deeper into the mining quarry. With each passing movement into the site the more horrid the conditions have become. "Ready!" She looks to her side and sees a line of people against the wall. "Aim!" She looks in horror as the guards lift their weapons at the line up prisoners. "Fire!" They began to open fire and unload their magazine into the line prisoners. They all stumbled back as the bullets pierce effortlessly into them like butter. One guard reached out his pistol and began to go to each one of the prisoners and began to execute them with headshots. Nakoma is at a loss for words. She needs to find her friends. She needs to get out of this place as fast as she can. Escaping this place will be no easy task. It could also land her being killed like that firing squad she just saw. She reaches the end of the camp as she sees many wood shack buildings all huddle together as a makeshift town. People out in the muddy roads clearing the way for small carts. Some sit on the porches leaning against a wood beam as they look extremely exhausted. One person seemed to have passed away as she laid in the mud unresponsive as people stepped over her. The guards dismissed everyone into their shacks for them to find a place to sleep. Nakoma slowly walks through the town anxiously. She almost trips a few times and goes to the end of the road with a sort of decent looking shack. She enters it and the place is packed. Rows of bunkbeds filled the space. The stench of body odor and sweat was grotesque. A small bathroom was placed in but was overfilled and no one has cleaned it for a while. Everything in this room made her gag and needed to step outside for a bit. The air was still terrible but better than inside. A loud bell rang repeatedly as everyone gathered outside and saw a box truck coming towards them. The truck stopped at the edge as the soldiers got out one by one. They opened the back sliding gate as they set up tables. They brought a large pot and placed it on the table. "Get in line, no shoving. Hurry the hell up."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Everyone withe crude bowls stood in line while Nakoma had none. "I haven''t seen you around here. When did you arrive?" A small teen boy was in front of her as he looked back curiously. "I uhh... just got here..." "I''m sorry to hear that... name is Chip, what about you?" "It''s Nakoma... my name is Nakoma..." "You have a place to sleep at all?" "I do not everything is... terrible." "If you want you can bunk with me. It''ll be a little tight, but it should be better than the ones top side." "Top...side?" "Next!" Chip quickly hurrys and get a bowl of food from the man. Nakoma decides to follow chip and not get any food. They walked around the town until they reached the back end of the very last shack. He looks around back and forth as he kicks the small wood frame of the base. It revealed a low crawl space with a small tunnel going down into the ground. Nakoma entered quickly as chip followed and fixed the wood frame back into place. They both crawled down the small narrow tunnel until they came to a small opening that was just enough to be sleeping comfortably in. Chip turns on a small electrical lamp that hung from the roof of the small pocket cave he had dug out. "You...you made this?" "Yes ma''am, I had to get creative since I probably would die up there ahaha. Want some?" Chip hands Nakoma the bowl of food. She looks into it to see a grey yellow mush of whatever god knows what. She couldn''t tell if there were seeds or just random dirt debris inside it. "I''m okay... thanks for the offer though, I''m not that hungry..." "I get it, first day is always hard to eat anything." Chip does not use any utensils and instead eats it with his bare hands. His hands are filthy covered in mud and oil but still eats it clean off his hand. "So what brought you to this place hm?" "I uh... was working with people who were against Jackson''s authority." "Oh man are you with the freedom fighters! Those guys are awesome! What are they like! Are they super cool and have cool gadgets!" Chip jumps close to her like an eager puppy after hearing she was working with the resistance. She backed up a little and was startled by his enthusiasm. "Sorry! Sorry! I just get excited hearing about them. I heard they took on a multi unit convoy head on and took the food rations they had and gave it all to the needy who were hungry. I also heard that they have mega weapons to fight against the soldiers. Man I wanna see them so badly..." Chip looks into his unidentifiable soup of mush and sulks. Nakoma huddles as she lays down to rest a bit. "How did you end up out here Chip? Chip stops eating and look into his bowl. " I uh... wanted to be a hero like the freedom fighters badly and set a police outpost station on fire... They caught me when I was halfway done burning the place and they sent me here." "How did you even survive this place?" "Creativity! Hahaha... like this tunnel. I couldn''t handle the smell either so in the nights I would always dig away until I was satisfied. Now I have a pad all on my own that doesn''t smell like feces." "You didn''t try to escape?" "There''s nowhere to escape too. We''re in the middle of a desert. By some miracle we do escape, the desert heat will slow us down and then will be facing the wall like the others." Nakoma clenches her fist in anger as she is frustrated and does not know what to do next. "Get some sleep miss. We''ll be working the pit soon; you need all the rest you can get." She thanks him and turns over to her side trying to get some type of sleep as possible. Her mind though was to awake for her to even sleep at all. The next morning, they walked all the way from their shacks to the mining site. It was a long walk and uneven walk too. The path was not even with so many dips and slopes. They finally reached the large pit with all the excavators and miners working hard. She grabbed a pickaxe and followed the crowed with Chip next to her. They were on one of the lower sections of the terrain as the excavators began to dig next to them. She couldn''t hear a thing with that otherworldly monster of a machine working next to them. With each swing she nails the axe hard into the rock. Over and over and over and over nonstop picking. Her arms were getting exhausted as she tries to take a moment to catch her breath. "No slack! Keep mining!" As a guard whacks her on the back with a nightstick. After a while some of the miners began to hum singing an unusual tune to Nakoma as one began to sing. ~Broken chains and shattered dreams~ ~Dust settles in the silent streams~ ~Skies are poisoned black and cold~ ~Days of sorrow tales untold~ ~Wasted lands and empty cries~ ~Radiation burns disguise~ ~Grief and pain on weary backs~ ~Marching forward broken tracks~ ~Dust to dust we roam alone~ ~Echoes haunt our hollow bones~ ~Shadowed faces turn away~ ~Lost within the endless gray~ ~Memories like shattered glass~ ~Haunt us in the night that passed~ ~Winds of ash they whisper lies~ ~Cries of ghosts in haunted skies~ ~No salvation no escape~ ~Destiny¡¯s forsaken shape~ ~Children of the fallout night~ ~Lost beneath the pale moonlight~ ~Hope is fragile cracked and worn~ ~In this land where non reborn~ ~Every step a heavy chain~ ~Drag our feet through ash and rain~ Nakoma was surprised how well the workers were singing, even in the harshest conditions. Even one of the guards who was watching over them was tapping his foot to the beat of the chain gang style music. For hours the mining was consistent, there were no breaks, not even to stop for lunch. Nakoma now regrets on skipping the meal Chip offered to her before. Suddenly, Nakoma felt something strange under feet. She stopped and looked down to see what she was feeling. There was nothing but something was definitely moving. A strange noise came from the giant excavator. The tracks seemed to be going backwards as it was still digging. Nakoma looks and waves the guard. "What is it? The hell you want?" "Um... is that normal?" The guard looks to what she was pointing at, and his annoyed attitude became that of terrified. He goes to his radio and tries to get the people on the excavator to bail out. They didn''t hear his call, and just as he was going to radio in again, the ground shook violently. The giant machine sank into the ground causing the terrain to shift slightly. "Move!!! Everyone move!!! Get out!!!" The guard yelled as he ran back up the trail to get out of the pit. Soon the other prisoners saw this and panic. They all rushed to leave but it was too late. The ground under the giant machine gave away and soon started to slide backwards. All the workers on the giant rig were flung backwards, some even falling off the rails and falling deep into the pit. Nakoma was horrified at what she was seeing and soon join in on the fleeing prisoners. The excavator started falling backwards as its long arm raised high above the air as it was turning to its side. Everyone was screaming running for their lives. A massive alarm system rang the entire camp alerting the danger. The machine was falling too fast, and the long arm struck another excavator. The giant turning wheel latched onto the back of the second machine as it dug deep inside it. It pulled it back as well making the entire hillside crumble from all the uneven weight. The prisoners tried to run away but all fell down the slope, including Nakoma and Chip. The entire hillside came crumbling down with the screams of hundreds of workers and guards. The two giant rigs caught on fire and exploded sending oil and fire raining down. Nakoma gasped for air as she coughs wiping the dirt away from herself. She was halfway buried but very much alive and surprisingly unscathed. She was in the lower levels of the pits and saw the massive black plume of smoke rising high in the air. The prisoners tried to help each other up from the wreckage. "NAKOMA!!!" She looks to her side as she sees Chip sliding down the side of the hill. He rushes towards her an examines her if she had sustained any injuries at all. "Oh no are you alright!? Any broken bones or torn limbs?! Quick how many fingers am I holding up!?" She puts his hand down that was super close to his face. "Calm down chip I''m alright. Hard to say about the others though. She looks as everyone is panicking and looking for their friends. The guards on the top of the hill are shooting down water on top of the rigs trying to calm the blaze, but it barely has any effect on it. Nakoma takes a moment and leans against the side of the hill. Chip looks down at her worried for her, he barely knows her, so why is he being so kind. She doesn''t mind it though. She closes her eyes feeling the heat of the flames shoot into the air as the smell of gasoline and smog fill her lungs as she takes a long deep breath. CHAPTER 12) Dont Talk About Fight Night After the giant incident of the crane accident, the whole camp went into complete lock down. No one was coming in or out of this work camp. Which was a good thing because now the prisoners of this camp can actually rest and catch a break. Nakoma and Chip sat on the bleachers as they enjoyed the break from that grueling labor. "So you really far North With lush forest and jungles!" "Ehhh I wouldn''t say jungles but there is a lot of forests." "Wooooooow, that''s so awesome! I''ve always wanted to see a real life forest!" "San Fransisco has some, you never visited that place before?" He shook his head, "No, my family were never nomads, they loved their cozy apartment, and I didn''t mind it." "Where are your parents anyway?" Chip fell silent as he held his hand together now feeling embarrassed. She understood how he felt. "Oh... I''m sorry." "It''s okay, the past is the past now. I''m more focused on the future! Besides, the world is already grim and dark as it is. No point in sulking in something you have no control for." She smiled and ruffled his hair as he giggled. Her stomach growled loudly as she felt her stomach eating itself inside out. "This sucks I need real food..." "If you really want food that badly we can go to...um ... AHHERM." "To what now?" As she was confused on why he forcefully cough. "To you knoooooow... AHHERM!" She raises her eyebrow at him, " Chip, I still don''t get it, use your words." "Oh for crying out loud, fight night!" "Fight... night...?" "Yeah fight night! The prizes they give is really good food that someone somehow sneaks in. If you win you can get the best meal ever and no one will take it away. Unless of course the guards see you then yeah... maybe those guys will take it. So best eat it in secret haha." Nakoma was now intrigued and wanted to learn more. "So when is this fight night?" "Oh I heard it''s tonight actually! So you came just in time." Later on, in the dead of night, they go to a very big shack at the end of the road. They knock on the door four times with a break in the middle of the knocks. The door opens to reveal a gruffy looking man as he looks down on the two.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. "What do you want?" "Why hello there Mr. criminal, me and my good friend Nakoma would like to enter your show tonight." She looks at Chip with a weird expression on why he was talking weird all of a sudden. The man looks up and down at Nakoma and quickly becomes annoyed, "Are you fucking kidding me? She looks like she''ll barely make it into the first round." "Ah fear not my good man for she... is a true warrior that came far from the north!" He looks at her again and squints at her. "Ehh... why not, I haven''t seen anyone die in a minute. You''ll make a great entertainment breaker." The man opens the door allowing them to come in. He opens a wall panel that reveals a secret stair way to a basement. As they go deeper the sound of cheering can be heard and applause from the crowd. She sees two men fighting each other till almost death. They were bleeding from their entire body and the match was just about to finish. The bell rang and only one of the guys got up while the other was still down trying to breathe. "Winner!!!" The crowd went nuts as the guy screamed in the air pounding his chest. The man leads them to the organizer of this fight. He had short red hair and a skinny face, with two different set of eye colors. The man explained to him they got a new fighter but said she looks too green. "So you want to fight huh? Why though...? This place doesn''t look like your type of style if I''m being honest." "I''m capable, I might surprise you, you know." The man looks intrigued and allows it. He makes sures to grab someone in the same weight class as her. After a moment they finally have another fighter. A tall Russian woman with long blond hair, with scars on her face and body. She looked at Nakoma in a weird disgusted way. "§¿§ä§à §Õ§Ö§Ó§å§ê§Ü§Ñ, §ã §Ü§à§ä§à§â§à§Û §ñ §â§å§Ô§Ñ§ð§ã§î? §´§í §ã§Ö§â§î§Ö§Ù§ß§à?" Nakoma stumbled back confused on what she just heard. She has never heard a language like that before. "Yes I''m serious, now quit your whining and get in that fight you got that?" "§ï§ä§à §é§Ö§â§ä§à§Ó§ã§Ü§Ú §Ô§Ý§å§á§à. §Á §á§â§Ö§Õ§á§à§é§Ú§ä§Ñ§ð §Õ§â§Ñ§ä§î§ã§ñ §ã §ß§Ñ§ã§ä§à§ñ§ë§Ú§Þ §á§â§à§ä§Ú§Ó§ß§Ú§Ü§à§Þ! §¯§Ö §Ü§Ñ§Ü§Ñ§ñ-§ä§à §á§à§ä§Ö§â§ñ§ß§ß§Ñ§ñ §ã§å§é§Ü§Ñ!" "Yeah, yeah whatever you spoiled babushka. Now go fight!" "§é§Ö§â§ä§à§Ó §á§â§Ú§Õ§å§â§à§Ü..." Nakoma and the Russian woman get dress in their fighting gear and are ready to fight. The referee asks each fighter if they''re ready, they both agree. The bell rings and the Russian lady comes in fast and tries to throw several hay makers at her. "§ñ §å§Ò§î§ð §ä§Ö§Ò§ñ, §Þ§Ñ§Ý§Ö§ß§î§Ü§Ú§Û §é§Ý§Ö§ß§à§ã§à§ã!" "I have no idea what you''re saying!" She dodges and weaves all of her punches waiting for an opening to strike. The crowd cheers her on for the Russian woman to beat Nakoma. Finally, an opening has arrived. As the woman takes a step back for a moment Nakoma throws in an upper cut so fast and strong it stunned her for a moment. The crowd went silent for a second trying to process what had happen. She looks at Nakoma and grits her teeth at her. She charges in a full on rage. She swings and miss then gets counterattack by Nakoma. What the people didn''t know about Nakoma was that she was trained in fighting combat growing up her entire life. Even she, can take on the toughest enemies with ease. Now Nakoma was going on the offense. Punch after punch counter after counter, Nakoma was landing strong hits on that woman. Until finally Nakoma lands the greatest punch of all time. As the woman went to swing, Nakoma ducks under her swing and full sends her upper cut punch straight into her jaw. The woman stumbled back and fell hard on the wood floor. The referee came and started to countdown, Nakoma has won. The crowd cheered for an unsuspecting win. "I got to hand it to you kid; you really know how to fight." "I appreciate it sir, now what''s my prize?" "You miss, are the winner of this M.R.E case" "A M.R what-?" Chip gasps as he holds the box, " You''re kidding! Forreal!!" "What special about this box Chip?" "This food is the god of foods here in camp V, it serves hot meals ready to go! You just stick the meal inside a bag, let it heat up and presto! You got yourself a fine meal mmmmm." "That seems really handy." She got dressed and went back outside as they walked calmly in the road back to their little hideout. "I hope there''s chili mac I loooooooove chili mac!" Nakoma giggles seeing Chip super happy with a box full of food for them to enjoy, instead of that maggot looking mush. CHAPTER 13) The Ember of Rebellion "One, two, three!" Chip and Nakoma sat on a bench in a common area with other works of the camp. They were playing a simple game of rock paper scissors. Chip taught the basic rules to Nakoma since she didn''t know the first thing about the game. On three, they put out which move they were playing. Chip throwing scissors, while Nakoma throws rock. Chip rustles his own hair in frustration as he puts on a determined face. "Okay!... one, two, three!" Chip yelled out with a determined tone in his voice. He throws paper, while Nakoma throws scissors. "Grah! How are you beating me?! You barely knew what this game was an hour ago! I won''t lose again!" Nakoma giggles and just pats his head to calm him down. He blushes and just pouts as he crosses his arms. She looked around to see everyone with gloomy faces, sleeping on top of tables, or just keeping to themselves. Their eyes sunken with exhaustion and malnourishment. Some kids slowly scrubbing the floor with a brush trying to keep the mud and dirt off the floor. Even if it made no difference with the amount always being brought back in from the workers. Nakoma sighs as she looks around the whole room. Chip sees this and his curiosity takes over. "What''s up? Is something wrong." She turns towards him with a sadden look, "Why does Jackson have this camp anyways in the first place? Why are we even digging anything at all?" "Well isn''t it obvious? For energy and production, iron and coal." "Coal???" "Yeah, since the world technically ended, power is scarce. He uses coal to power homes, heating, and have clean working water pumped to homes. California is the only place I know that has a working functional city. All the stories I heard from anywhere else are just either scorching deserts, or wasteland ruins of old cities." "But he shouldn''t be this powerful. One man in control of an entire civilization? Wouldn''t the majority of people try to overthrow him by now?" "You would think that, but he has total control of the food supplies that people of California get. He''s also in charge of distributing out money for work. People pay in credit units. Majority of people just barter for items but to earn credit units you have to work for him in the oil fields or those soldiers. It pays little, but it is easier to buy more food instead of the barter system. I heard rumors that the closer you are to his inner circle, the more food and security of living you will receive in return. In this world of starvation and sickness, people will do anything to survive." "Control the thing humans need to live and you''re basically a god to them..." As Nakoma said with a very heavy heart. Chip looks at her in worry, "I get that people here want to live a better life, but with no food for miles on end and the only source of it is here in L.A, they would rather work then to lose that privilege of being fed." Nakoma clenches her fist in frustration as she looks back at the children slowly cleaning the muddy floors. She stands up and walks over to the children and kneels beside them as she puts on a friendly smile. The children ignored her and continued to slowly scrub the floor. "Hey there, I saw that you have been scrubbing for a while. Why not take a break and just relax on the bench with us?" "...can''t... needs to be clean..." "Uhhh... taking a break will help you get it done faster, if you guys can-" "...can''t... needs to be clean... go away... they promised us bread if we clean all the shacks... we don''t want to share any with you..." Nakoma frowned and was heartbroken how lifeless they acted cleaning the floors. She looked at Chip and her face became determined. She hastily walked out of the large shack as she pushed the door wide open. Chip told Nakoma to wait but she didn''t slow her pace down. The mud made Chip almost slip a couple of times before he was able to match her pace. "Nakoma where are you heading off too?" "To go see someone about fixing this whole damn situation I am in. I''m tired of waiting around. We need to do something, and fast." They both walked across the whole entire camp. Passing by soldiers on guard as they watched the two of them walk past by. Workers In a single file line as they shouldered pickaxes and shovels to clear the wreckage of the two large excavators. The whole camp was on standby to get the wreckage under control, for Nakoma was thinking up a plan for the short amount of time she had. Chip and Nakoma finally made their way to the other side of the camp and in a large open area. There were rusty gym weights and bleacher benches with people sitting on them, talking and laughing, or just sleeping in the middle of the day on them. One of the people in the group that where laughing was the lead organizer of that secret fight club. He was leaning on one of the aluminum poles with a cigarette dangling from his lips. He spots Nakoma and gives her a smug chuckle.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. "Well what do you know, It''s my golden goose from the other night." "Hey look we need to- a... a golden goose? What?" "Obviously, you made me a pretty penny for that match I set you up. Everyone was betting on you to lose. A pretty face like yours in an event like mine, people sure thought you were going to eat shit quickly. Shit where are my manners; I didn''t even tell you my name did I? The name''s Brian, and what can the pretty face of my riches want with me now? Care for another fight then?" "What no, I have a question and if possible, a favor." Nakoma was a little annoyed with how foul he was talking to her, as if he was teasing her. "Ooooh, I do like people being in debt to me, go on tell me. What does your heart desire?" "Where do you get your supplies If you are able to get decent food here then you must have some way to bring in other things." " Tsk-tsk-tsk, why would I even tell you that sugartits. If I did that then I have no business to run. I got to have my trade secret in order to survive. If you want to set up a fight, then I am your guy. If not, then find some other way. I''m not going to throw my life on a whim when I got a good thing running now." Her face blistered with anger as she grabbed in by his shirt collar. The other men that were sitting down stood up about to charge at her. However, Brian raised his hand up and stopped them from lashing out. "Listen here you son of a bitch! I have dealt with too many things in the shortest amount of time that I have been here to California. Seen things that I could only imagine in my nightmares. I am sick with the way people are living. I just want to find someone who can give me the tools to help me escape this damn place. Once I am gone, I''ll bring a whole army of reinforcements to free these people. I am not going to let all these people die from the hands of that man Jackson!" Brian scoffs and chuckles, " You don''t get it do you? We''re in the middle of butt fuck nowhere, you know, the god damn desert. Even if you did managed to escape what then? You have miles and miles of sand with no shelter from the blazing sun. You''ll die from heat stroke if you''re lucky you don''t get captured by the guards first." "I don''t care! I will find a way, one way or another! Jackson has my friends somewhere and I''m going to find them and personally see to him he suffers and pay for the crimes he has committed!" Brian looks at her with a disgusted look, "You? You want to be the one that personally brings Jackson down from his iron throne?" Nakoma grips his shirt tighter and doesn''t let go. Brian looks back into her eyes as if he''s having a standoff against her. After an intense staring match, he sighs as he spits out his cigarette. "Fine, fine, you win. I''ll go talk to my supplier, see if I can get you what you need." "Oh no no no no no, we''re coming with you! I want to talk to the person myself! I''m tired of waiting, I want to get this done now." Brian looks at her with distain in his face. He smacks her hand away making her let go of her grip on him. "Tsk, fine, whatever. For a pretty fighter you are one stubborn bitch. Follow me." Chip looks at Nakoma with so much anxiety as she followed Brian. Chip hasn''t seen Nakoma act like this at all, he wonders what finally made her snap. But he kept himself quiet trying not to upset her even more than she is now. Brian led them down to a large factory building way farther on the edge of the camp. It was close to the border as the fence and watchtowers loomed over them. They entered through the rusty double hinged doors and saw conveyor belts of all the materials they had dug up. People were pressing down forges and pouring hot liquid metals into ingot molds. They pass through the factor to a back end corner, a blind spot for the guards where they couldn''t see that part of the section. A large man stood as he was pushing materials down a gravity roller that met with the conveyor belts. Brian whistles to grab the man''s attention. He looks towards Brian with a disgruntle look. "You''re here too early, boss doesn''t like surprise visits." "Yeah I know I know, but listen, this girl wants an audience with the boss. She wants to seek out equipment for a "noble cause". " As Brian said while doing air quotation marks with his fingers. The large man looks at him then to Nakoma and chip. He then questions Brian with a single word. "Offerings?" "Hehe why her obviously, she made a killing in my fight ring the other day. She may not look like much but she''s actually a kickass fighter. Made my winnings quadruple. So I have a steady income for you guys, huh? What do ya say??" The man looks at them quizzically. He looks past them to see if the guards are near, luckily, they were too far for them to look at this direction. The man turns around to a utility locker that had several tools and supplies. With one hand he quickly pushed the wall locker to the side revealing a small broken hole in the concrete wall. "Make it quick..." Brian bowed in agreement and quickly entered the hole. Nakoma and Chip went through and were startled with the scratching of the metal locker closing up behind them. They followed along the long maintenance tunnel and pipes above them. It was dark and damped, the walls were cold to the touch as if water was leaking through them. A faint light can be seen just a few feet in front of them through a small doorway to their right. They soon entered the doorway and were in a large open area of the factory, a boiler room. Lights and wiring hung from the ceiling giving light to the area. Several workers who were acting like bodyguards had guns. The same weapons that the guards of the camps were using. Several other workers were caring crates, moving boxes as they stopped in their tracks seeing the three of them in the doorway. A petite woman sitting on a pile of garbage, surrounded by guards and trash leaned back and studied them. Brian took the lead and spoke first. "Hello everyone, I know I know I''m here way too early. It''s important, Nakoma, I would like you to meet my supplier. I am sorry my lady, but she insisted that she wanted to meet with you." He kneels down and places his hand over his heart as he bows to the woman sitting on the pile of garbage. Her eyes like daggers pierces Nakoma and chip''s eyes. Her eye torn with a badly burn scorch mark. Nakoma looks back at Chip in confusion as this small petite woman was the main supplier for Brian. CHAPTER 14) The Queen of Vorkuta Brian still bowing and kneeling coughs at Nakoma and Chip. Nakoma senses his hint and they both kneel as well. The woman on top of the garbage looks at them with a cold piercing stare. Her eyes squinting at them as she scans them one by one. The massive hidden boiler room was damped and dark. The lights that hung from the ceiling barely lit the whole entire area. Some people at small firepits by them keeping themselves warm from the cold cool air surrounding them. Her scar on her eye was severely deep. Nakoma was amazed that her actual eye was still intact and only the surrounding area was burned. The woman stared at Nakoma with disgust as she noticed that she was staring at her scar. The woman snapped her fingers twice and pointed at Nakoma. Two of the armed men quickly went to her and forcefully picked her up by her arms and dragged her closer to the woman''s pile of garbage. Nakoma thrashed, confused on why they have turned aggressive. Brian stood up trying to explain that she was no threat. But before he could finish his sentence, he was struck in the head with the rifle from another guard behind them. He dropped to the floor grabbing his head in pain. The woman stood up from her bag and casually dropped down to the floor with a single motion. She walked towards Nakoma slowly not breaking eye contact for a single second. The guards kicked the back of her knees, forcing her to kneel on both her knees. She squats down in front of her and grabs her face with just one of her hands. She turns Nakoma''s head slowly, side to side, as she is examining her. She moves her thumb up and down her cheek feeling how smooth it feels in her hand. Chip watches in confusion and in horror as he is unable to do anything. Another guard has his rifle pointed at Chip''s head, forcing him to stay in place. Nakoma is sweating seeing this all happen. Her eyes lock onto the woman''s eyes again. She stares back into Nakoma''s eyes with a soulless look. The darkness in her eyes made her look as if she was dead and being controlled like a puppet. Her stare was as hot as iron digging into a wound. She then spoke and her voice was so elegant and smooth. Her voice captivated Nakoma and was fully attentive to the woman''s words as she spoke. "You know it''s very impolite to stare at someone. Especially in their own home, tell me, do you not have manners from where you came from?" "I- I don''t-" She squeezes her face tighter holding Nakoma''s head in place with a firm grip. Nakoma winces as she can feel her nails digging into her cheeks. "Speak... properly. Or are you delirious?" "I didn''t mean any offense. I wanted to speak to you about- about helping me get some things in the camp. I''m desperate, I need to get out of here fast." "What makes you think I give a damn and would help you out anyways. Besides, I''m a little more upset with this imbecile." She lets Nakoma go and slowly walks toward Brian who was still rubbing his head in agonizing pain. She stands over him, looming, until he finally looks up directly at her. Their eyes made contact and within an instant, kicked him in the face knocking him over to his back. He grabs his mouth as he was bleeding profusely from his lip and nose. She presses her knee onto his stomach and grabs him by the throat. With her other hand, she pulls out a large bowie knife from her waist and places the sharp tip against his groin area. "You... you know how much I hate unexpected things. I thought I told you we always meet at a certain time. Instead, you come during my personal time and bring some random child who doesn''t know a damn thing what''s going on. You know how much of a stickler I am for regulations and procedures. Yet you test me and bring someone here threating our very place." "Hey that''s not true! I only just-" "You shut your mouth little girl! The adults are talking here." As the woman pointed the knife at Nakoma while she was still looking at Brian. But little girl? This woman was a little shorter and skinnier then Nakoma. Yet somehow, she has all this power here and so much influence. Nakoma wonders just how old this woman really is. "I get it, I get it. You like rules... rules keep everyone in check and in order. She just wouldn''t let me go until she wanted to meet with you. She was very adamant about it and wouldn''t take no for an answer. I even tripled my interest for you because she''s a surprisingly skilled fighter. I want to pay you back three times so you can at least hear her out... please...?" Brians cocky and aloof personality was now a little shakier and more cautious. His hands were up showing he was no threat as he was sweating profusely with the blade directly against his groin area. She stares at him as she squints her eyes in disgust. He closes his eyes praying that she doesn''t cut him up. After an intense stare down, she slowly gets up and sheaths her knife back into her waist. "If you''re paying back triple for this, white daisy of yours, I guess I can hear what you have to say." She quickly whistles and immediately, her guards released Nakoma and lowered their guns. She dusted herself and went to Chip to see if he was alright. "Oh yeah no, go ahead and check him first. Not like I just got beaten and kicked in the face for you, no biggie." As Brian said with distain in his voice. Nakoma just scoffs at him like he had it coming. She helps Chip back onto his feet and walks towards the influential woman. "Now tell me, why would I want to help you. What can you possible offer me in return that would make me help you?" "I want supplies like food and water to last me outside in the desert. I need tools so I can escape this hell hole of a camp. In return, I will come back with an army to liberate this place from Jackson''s grip." The woman laughs as she leans back against a wooden crate. "Oooooh, you''re going to be our mighty savior! Our saint from heaven brought by god to free us! Please, you look like a wet noodle the moment any type of fighting breaks out. I can literally tell you''re not from here. Your colored face and energetic vibe tells me you haven''t face a fight in your entire life."The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Hey I have fought before. Like Brian said I have fought-" "I mean an actual fight. Not a damn circus ring, I mean an actual fight. The kind that you risk everything for the sake of surviving. Killing." Nakoma stared at her for a moment lost in her words for what she said to her. "Uh huh, that''s what I thought. You say you need supplies to escape and survive that scorching desert outside and in return, you will come back with an army? What army could you possibly be talking about that would ever want to help you?" "Does the name William mean anything to you?" Now the womans face went from a smug sarcastic look to a more sinister tone. "How do you know that name?" "I was helping him trying to uncover a secret plan Jackson has been making. He''s making some type of weapon, a gas looking kind. I don''t know what the next plan is for William, but if I can at least reach him, I''m sure he will send support and free you all." "Don''t even bother, I''m tired of seeing that dusty old man''s face. We got everything we need right here." Nakoma looks at her in confusion and tries to wrap her head on what she just said. "Hold on, you don''t want to be saved? What about the people here? The workers, the families? Even the children here?" "You sure are slow, aren''t you? I guess I shouldn''t expect much from someone with a silver spoon in their mouth." Nakoma clenches her fist with that disgusting remark of hers. "Tell me, if you were a soldier trying to find a rebel base, would you look in your own home to find someone, even if you knew there was no one there but "you"?" She stared at her in silence. "That''s what I thought. I knew William, sure. I used to work under him a while ago in his "righteous" role to freedom. Me and him never saw eye to eye on things. He called my methods cruel and inhumane. Told me I was no better than how Jackson was. The thing is, I always got the job done and I always got results. That old man never wants to get his hands dirty, so he sends little pawns like me and you to liberate his fight. Eventually I got captured and was sent here, luckily, these dumbasses don''t really check their own homes very well. Little by little, I decided to build my own little rebel force and empire within their very own borders. The last place they would ever look through is their very own soil, right? So tell me, are you willing to kill? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to get that peace and freedom you so wish to desire? If you can prove it to me that you''re willing to put your life on the line for these people, no matter how bad it will get, I might consider helping you out. But only your supplies nothing more. If you did decide to come and liberate this camp after you''re gone, I''ll kill you, and split your fucking guts open and leave your body out for the maggots to eat. Understand?" Nakoma was shaken by her response and just nodded that she understood. The woman stared at her with her piercing gaze as she sinisterly smiles. "Then good, my guys are out there getting me information on a hot tip we overheard. They should be arriving soon...and speak of the devil." They all turned toward a large tunnel that was on the other side of the area from where they were. A truck that was heavily armored with iron sheets on it to protect it from gunfire, came in fast. It parked just a few feet from the tunnel entrance. Armed men stepped out of the armored truck and opened the back passenger seat. They brought in a man wearing a sack over his head and his hands were tightly wrapped behind his back. The mysterious figure was wearing the same military gear of Jacksons forces. The person was panting hard through the bag as the person couldn''t get enough air. One of her own guards took the bag off and revealed a man underneath the bag. "P-please, don''t hurt me! I swear, I didn''t see anything!" "Shut the fuck up!" As one guard said as he pistol whips the soldier in the face. The soldier yelps as he falls to the rusty floor. The men around him chuckle seeing the soldier in pain. The woman slowly walks towards the fallen soldier and helps him up. He is crying and begging for his life desperately. "Please... I have a daughter... oh god... spare me... I don''t want to die... I''m begging you!" Nakoma is now disturbed at what she is seeing but then is baffled by seeing what the woman does next. "Shhhh, shhhh, It''s okay. Look at me, it will be alright, no one will hurt you when you''re with me." The woman comforts the man and puts on a voice as if she was talking to her own child if her child became hurt. She places both hands on his cheeks and wipes his tears away. "It''s okay don''t worry. Everything will be alright, what''s your name?" "A-a-... Anthony..." "Listen Anthony, I just want to know where the warehouse is located. Can you do that for me? You were on the security detail for it. If you tell me the location, we will let you go, and you can see your daughter soon." "I... I will...?" "Yes, you won''t feel any more pain from us. And you can be with your daughter very soon." The man looked at her like if she was an angel sent from heaven. His tears began to recede and shook his head vigorously accepting her terms. "Good choice Anthony, now tell me where it''s located." "It''s... it''s east, in Victorville, it isn''t a warehouse... it''s some sort of hospital. That''s all I know... I swear it''s all I know..." "Are you lying to me Anthony? It will be bad if I found out you lied to me..." "No! I swear to god! I''m telling the truth! Check my back pocket I have an ID for the building to enter! I swear I''m not lying!" The woman nods at her guard as he went to reach into his back pocket. He pulled out an Id that had Anthony''s face with a medical insignia on the badge. The guard nods at the woman confirming he was telling the truth. "Well alright then, looks like you were telling the truth after all Anthony. I swear to you now, no harm will come to you. You can be free and be off to go see your daughter. Let me go unwrap those bindings off of you." Anthony let out the biggest sigh and was slowly tearing up from the ordeal as he was thanking the woman. Nakoma sighed of relief seeing this ordeal is now over. The man lowered his head in defeat as he kept repeating thank you over and over again. Nakoma turned to Chip and gave him a relieved smile as Chip softly smiles back. BANG! The two of them were startled from the loud echo of the gunshot. They turned quickly and saw Anthony fall forward hitting his face into the rusty floor. His eyes wide open in a shocked expression, frozen in place. Nakoma looks to her side and sees the woman standing behind Anthony with a pistol in her hand that was directly aimed behind his head. Her emotionless face staring at the lifeless body that drooped in front of her. Only her eyes turned toward Nakoma as her emotionless expression frighten Nakoma. "Why... why would you do that? He told you what you wanted... why did you kill him!" "I told you, to help the people you want to save, you have to be willing to give everything. That includes your morals..." She stared at the woman in horror. The woman slowly walks to the center of the room and gave a speech to everyone present, "My brothers and sisters! Today, we go on the hunt for the weapon stash in Victorville! Are you ready to kill those soldier scum!!!" The crowd cheered for her. "Are you ready to fight and prove your worth!!!" They yelled in a massive uproar. "Then follow me! Together we can topple this disgusting system from that tyrannical fucker they call Jackson! Are you with me!!!" They yell with enthusiasm. "I SAID, ARE YOU WITH ME!!!" They yelled even more that it shook the room, and they began to chant, it was a thunderous war cry from the underground of camp Vorkuta. And in the midst of their chant, she looks directly at Nakoma with a smug grin on her face, " ALL HAIL REBECCA!!!" " ALL HAIL REBECCA!!!" "ALL HAIL REBECCA!!!" CHAPTER 15) The Montox Research Project Nakoma and Chip look on in horror as everyone cheers for the woman called Rebecca. Rebecca giggles as she looks all around her basking in the cheers for her. Brian stands next to Nakoma as he still holds his face from the blood dripping out of him. Nakoma turns toward Brian as he gave Nakoma a sarcastic smug as if he was saying "I told you so" with just his expression. Chip slowly walks back behind Nakoma as he was frightened by the whole ordeal. Rebecca snapped her fingers twice as she looks toward her guard. The man quickly slings his weapon over his shoulder and drags the dead soldier''s body by his feet. The dead soldier left a trail of blood onto the rusting steel floor of the boiler room. His face still in that ghostly frozen shocked expression as his face was slowly being cut from the sharp metals sticking out of the floor. His eyes seemed to follow Nakoma''s eyes, even though she knew he was dead. The guard reached to a furnace that had a powerful blaze inside as he opens the latch to the furnace. He slowly lifted up the soldier as the massive amounts of blood leaked from his head wound. He sat him up on the edge of the entrance to the furnace until the dead soldier was sitting upright. The blood now slowly starting to form a small puddle just below him. The guard takes a step back as he was charging up for a kick. He then kicks the dead soldier on the chest sending him flying deep into the furnace. The ravaging flames quickly engulfed him as his skin was quickly becoming charred. The guard closed the furnace as its loud hinges and lock echoed the room. Nakoma looks up at the large tube that connected the furnace as it snaked along the ceiling. It connected to the other main lines and exited to a large smokestack. Making the furnace unnoticeable to the rest of the world. Rebecca walks toward Nakoma as everyone surrounds Rebecca, waiting for her next response. "This is a perfect opportunity for you miss pretty face. We''re heading outside the wire now. If you can show me that you at least have the guts to fight for what you believe in, then I''ll give you the supplies you requested for. Are you still willing to accept? Or are too squeamish to fight?" She looks at Rebecca with a cold stare, trying not to be intimidated by this petite woman, "I''ll fight then. I''ll prove to you that I keep my word. I don''t want to see the people of California suffer anymore... I do have a question though..." "And what might that be?" As she folded her arms and gave her a raised eyebrow look. "Why... why did you kill him? He was begging for his life. He gave you what you wanted, so why did you kill him. What even was the purpose for killing him?" She scoffs at Nakoma and is directly face to face to her as she squints at Nakoma. "Because I felt like it. I love killing these soldiers. It doesn''t matter to me if they have families or loved ones. They sided with the wrong people and sealed their fates the moment they donned that uniform. You honestly think I give two shits about these soldiers when they beg for their lives? You seen it yourself in the camp, the firing squads, the beatings, the poor inhumane living spaces they fucking call a shelter. You realize that these soldiers are the elites of Jackson''s army. The ones most loyal to him. Death squads, mass populace control, all in which they kill innocent people. Those innocent people also had families and loved ones. Do they not matter then, is that it?" "That''s not what I meant, I-" "Of course you don''t because you don''t know the fucking reality of how the real world works." She prods Nakoma''s chest hard with her finger. "I will kill and continue to kill anyone aligned to his cause. I don''t care who it is. This is the fight we swore to continue until his downfall. So are you going coming with us or not? If not, then I suggest you shut the fuck up and go back to that little shithole of a shack in camp." Rebecca walks away as she puts her finger in her mouth and whistles loudly. She twirls her finger in a circular motion above her head, signaling everyone to mount up in their vehicles. Everyone quickly rushed as they prepared to leave the camp. Nakoma looked at her with so much frustration it felt like her head was going to explode. She turns to Chip and kneels down in front of him. "Listen, I need you to stay here until I come back, okay?" "What!? You can''t leave me with these people, they''re psychotic!" "It''s better down here then up in the camp; I''ll be back soon okay. What about you Brian, what are you going to do now?" He sits down on the floor and rest as his back leans against a small wooden crate. "I might as well relax down here for a bit. Can''t exactly walk around with a bloody face now, can I?" Nakoma looks at him with a pity look as she reaches her hand out for a handshake. He looks at her very confused as he reaches out as well. "I thank you though... for helping us out. It really means a lot to us." "Yeah, yeah don''t get all sappy over this. Just... do what you got to do and get out of here, okay?" He looks away trying not to look at Nakoma as his face is flushed with embarrassment. She softly smiles as she walks towards the vehicles that Rebecca was about to get in. She looks at Nakoma as she scoffs at her. "So you really are coming with us then. Not afraid to get your hair wet?" "I''m not afraid, I told you I would do anything to help these people and get my friends back." "Sure whatever, just get in the damn truck already." Nakoma opens the door of the back passenger of the truck as two other men sat in the back as well. She hesitantly got in as the two stared at her. It was a tight fit with all the gear and weapons they had. After everyone was prepared and geared up Rebecca stepped inside the front passenger and knocked on the side of her door to signal the driver to take off. The man turned his key as the trucked roared aggressively, vibrating the whole truck. They were in the lead of the convoy as five other vehicles followed behind them. The drove off into the large tunnel system. It was strange and unusual. The tunnel had many pipes and wiring all across the ceiling. There were no lights or any signs of life. The only thing that illuminated the tunnel was the bright lights of their truck. The tunnel system was massive, Nakoma didn''t know how long they were driving. The tunnel seemed to stretch for miles on end. After nearly thirty minutes of driving in total pitch-black darkness, they drove pass a green light that hung from the ceiling. The light was so low and dim that it didn''t even shine the surrounding area. only just enough to just see the green low dimmed light. As soon as they passed the low light the driver pushed a button on a weird remote hanging from his sun visor. Suddenly a horizontal line of bright light appeared right in front of their eyes. Nakoma sat upright to look closer at the appearing light. The line was getting bigger and bigger until it was a fully large square of light. She squinted her eyes as they drove through the bright veil of light. It was a ramp for the vehicles to ride up to the surface. The ramp leads out onto an abandoned factory building that was secretly connected to the other factory back at the camp. The whole place looks as if it was about to fall apart. They drove out through the side of the building that had a large hole and a dirt road that led outside. Nakoma couldn''t believe that there was a secret entrance to the camp. She couldn''t believe how Jackson''s soldiers never knew about this hidden entrance before at all. The last car made it out of the ramp and closed the tunnel system. Its large gears and hydraulics hissed and hummed as the ramp closed behind them. They drove onto the highway as they headed east to Victorville. The highway to Victorville was a little livelier than the road to black valley. There were more abandon cars that were torched and fused to the ground. Tents and makeshifts homes were sprawled randomly across parts of the highway on the sides. Though they did not block the path of their convoy. Rebecca turned to the driver as she gave out her palm, waiting for the man to give her something. The driver reached to his side and pulled out a pistol and several few magazines. Rebecca grabbed them and handed them to Nakoma. "Take these and try not to shoot recklessly. Do you at least know how to fire a gun?" "Yeah I know the basics of it." "Hmpf, let''s see how you can really handle it then when it comes down to it then." Rebecca snapped her fingers and pointed at the radio. The driver lifted the middle glove compartment and pulled out a weird looking usb stick. He places it in the slot for the usb port and turns the dial for the radio up. Rebecca looks out the window as she rests her cheek on her hand. The radio loudly blasts music in the car as some of the speakers were right next to Nakoma''s ear. The music that plays was an old prewar song called "I hate everything about you" by Three Days Grace. Nakoma was fascinated by this type of music. It''s as if the situation around her felt captivated by the song, almost feeling as if the song was playing exactly for her. It was confusing for her. Just then they notice a single armored car in front of them. It was a soldier vehicle for Jackson, it didn''t seem like they spotted them yet even though they were not that far behind them. Rebecca radios one of the cars to deal with the car in front of them. One man yells into the radio as he happily agrees. A buggy car with no doors and two long exhausts behind it sped up with intense speed in front of their vehicle taking the lead. One man climbs out the back of the buggy as he connects a clip to the rails, so he doesn''t fall off. The next thing he pulls out is an RPG-7 and aims at the armored truck. A large plume of smoke launches out the back of the rocket as it hits the side of the truck. The soldiers truck swerves and flips instantaneously. It rolled so fast and so aggressive even one of the soldiers flew out the window and fell out of the highway. The convoy stopped as Rebecca quickly got out of the truck. Nakoma joined as well as the others while some stayed in their cars providing cover for them. A large hole was blown into the side of the vehicle as several men stood inside torn and thrashed inside. Rebecca reached into the hole and took the weapons from them, stripping them of their ammo. A man inside hanging upside down still being held from his seat belt barely mutter the few words he could string up. "...help...me..." Rebecca smiled softly and agreed to his plea. She places her weapon against his temple, the man doesn''t even react. He only slowly blinks at her as his breathing was slow and heavy. She pulls the trigger and blood splatters the interior of the truck. She tucks in her pistol and whistles for everyone to mount up again. Nakoma is now feeling depressed seeing all this happen to helpless people. But she pushes on forward, all for the sake of her friends. After an hour of driving through ruined towns and empty deserts, they finally made it to the city of Victorville. All the buildings around them were small no large than two story buildings. A lot of the buildings were in pretty good condition then the ones that were literally falling apart. Only difference was structural integrity, everything else the buildings were old and filthy and tagged with spray paint with many unique artworks.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. They followed the street signs and looked on a map for the location as the address was on the dead soldiers ID tag. They finally reach their destination keeping a safe distance as Rebecca looked at the building with binoculars. She can see the building in pristine condition as guards with roadblocks filled the parking lot guarding the main entrance. She looks towards the rooftops as there were no soldiers posted on the roof. Only patrols around the building and the barricaded checkpoint at the main entranced of the building. She turns the knob on the radio and a loud static nose can be heard. "Everyone, turn to frequency twelve." Everyone yelled copy as the switch over to a safe secure coms channel. She pulls out a small toughbook laptop device and started typing. It was very thick, and it looked heavy. She then connects the laptop to a small device that looked like a mini satellite dish. She places it on the dashboard as the little led light turned red and blinking. "hey what is that?" As Nakoma leaned forward close to Rebecca to look at the device better. "This, little girl, is a jammer array. Soon as we''re close to the building, all communications for backup and support will be cut off. So we won''t have to deal with any reinforcements messing up our job." Nakoma nodded as if she understood what she even meant. Rebecca turned her radio on again to the frequency as she spoke to her fellow rebels. "Alright men listen up, we believe they are carrying a large stash of weapons inside the complex. We go in, split up into are groups and search the whole place top to bottom I want this whole place stripped apart piece by piece until you find something. If this turns out to be a bust, at least we get to kill some soldiers along the way. Everyone ready!!!" "YES MA''AM" "YES MA''AM" "YES MA''AM "YES MA''AM" "YES MA''AM" "Antonio, it''s time, tip of the spear. You know what to do." "Yes ma''am! With pleasure!" One of the vehicles of their convoy was a large semi-truck that was extremely heavily fortified. It had a large cone shape battering ram able to push away cars or ram into buildings. It was basically a giant fast moving tank that was impenetrable. He drove and took point as he was accelerating putting his foot all the way down. He started to blast music onto the large speakers that were attached to the roof of the semi. It blasted so loud that anyone in a two mile radius could hear it, he even set it up to play it through their coms as well. The song that was playing through was called "Trooper" by Iron Maiden. Everyone drove right behind the semi as the semi was going straight to the entrance of the building. It was hurtling towards the entrance at a hundred miles per hour. The guards at the check point saw this behemoth coming at them as they opened fire on the semi. The rounds they fired off at the beast only bounced off doing no damage at all. The guards noticed this and jumped out of the way. The semi ran through the several small concrete barricades with ease. Before he rammed into the building, he yelled to the top of his lungs into the coms, "FOR REBECCA!!!" Some of the soldiers who were near the front of the entrance did not had time to react and were instantly crushed from the semi. The giant truck busted through the main entrance collapsing the pavilion that was just in front of the building. The semi''s weight and speed made it like a giant iron missile. It went straight through the double glass sliding doors. It crushed the lobby area killing anyone who was in the path. It tore all the way through the building until it came to a complete halt as it crashed into the elevators stopping the behemoth. The guards outside were in shock as they looked at the giant hole it plowed through not paying attention to the other drivers. The other cars spread out running over the distracted soldiers. The faces Nakoma saw inside the car look as if they were hungry, and smiling. They stopped just in front of the destroyed entranced. Rebeccas guards finished off the remaining soldiers that were left outside. Streak marks of blood were smeared across the floor. Body parts of limbs were scattered everywhere. Nakoma even saw the face of a woman that was smushed like a grape on the floor. It made her nauseas, but she kept on pushing through. Rebeccas guards in the semi were surprisingly unhurt with the amount of damaged they cause. Rebecca helped them up on their feet as they thanked her and regained their composure. The group split up as each of them took different floors. Nakoma''s group took the stair way down to the basement level. She can hear the gunfire and bullets all being dispensed from each of the floor. It was pure chaos all around through the coms channel. After walking down several flights of stairs they made their way to the bottom floor. It was a long hallway with clean white walls. It was unusual how clean it was. There wasn''t a single trace of dirt other than the boot prints they were leaving behind. In front of them was a large silver mechanic door with a pin pad and keycard swiper. Rebecca pushed everyone out of the way and pulled the ID of the dead soldier she took from. The pad blinked red until it quickly flashed green. The door unlatched and slid open. They quickly entered the doorway as it suddenly closed behind them. A large amount of smoke came out of the vents super quickly startling them as they aimed their guns at the ceiling. It was a decontamination chamber as it was cleaning them from bacteria from the outside world. Nakoma covered her face as she being blasted from the smoke directly. After a few moments the doors finally opened. Standing just a few feet in front of them was a man in a white lab coat reading on a clipboard. He looked up from his clipboard as he was frozen in shock seeing the armed dirty posse. Nakoma stared at him with confusion as well until Rebecca walked forward and aimed her pistol at the man. The man''s eyes open widely as his mouth open slightly in shock. Rebecca discharged her weapon as it struck the man in his chest. Two other people came out of the room hearing what the noise was. It was two women in the same white lab coat as what the man was wearing. The guard on Rebeccas left came forward and unloaded a few rounds at them. The twitched aggressively as the bullets landed directly on their chest and face. The group walked down the corridors firing on all the scientists in lab coats they saw. Nakoma walks with the group as she holds her pistol in a weaver stance position. She feels terrible as these people aren''t even fighting back. They come to an intersection hallway as a reception desk sits in the corner. A guard with a security outfit tries to pull his firearm out but Nakoma unleashes a few bullets to the chest and one to the head. Rebecca looks towards Nakoma and only nods in approval. Rebecca kicks open a double door that was being held by some scientist as they tumbled back to the floor. She aimed her pistol and delivered them insanely accurate headshots. A man was screaming as he jumped onto Nakoma''s back. Rebecca aimed but couldn''t get a shot. After a moment of struggle Nakoma finally put the man on the floor and unloaded the magazine out of pure fear. The man was wearing a white hazmat suit with a gas mask. Nakoma was breathing heavily in fear as she looked up at Rebecca. All Rebecca gave was a smug smirk. They walked down the hallways and were disgusted at what they were seeing. A giant room of tables with dissection equipment laid out. Human corpses cut open with their intestines out in sample containers. One subject had their whole back exposed open showing their whole spine and shoulder blades. "What the fuck is going on here? I thought we were looking for weapons. This is some sick shit we walked into!" Said a guard as he aimed his weapon at the bodies as if they were about to come to life. Rebecca looks at the bodies with pure horror, she has never seen anything like this before. "I feel like I know what this is for..." As Nakoma said as she slowly walks to a table with a child''s chest cavity perfectly cut open. She looks in horror as her eyes tear up in despair. "What the fuck do you mean you know!?" As Rebecca said with anger in her tone. "Guys... there''s more fucked up shit over here..." As the guard open the door to another hallway with test chambers on either side of the hallways. Inside each of the test chambers were people in white clothing with numbers on their backs. Their face was frozen in an agonizing pose. Their eyes blood red with no hint of white in their eyes. Their eyes were leaking blood as well as their mouth, ears, and a mix of bloody vomit everywhere on the floor. They heard something drop at the end of the hallway as they aimed their weapons. They quickly entered the last room that was down the hall. Inside were three people in hazmat suits and a woman scientist in her lab coat with blue gloves that were covered in blood. "Take them to the tables." As Rebecca said to her guards with anger and hatred in her voice. One of her men punched the scientist woman in the gut with his gun and dragged her by her hair as she cried and screamed. The others with the gas masks were beaten and dragged by their arms in the large area where the dissections were happening. As they all gathered in the large open area, Rebecca aimed her gun at the woman''s stomach at shot at her. She cried in pain as she grabbed her stomach in pure agony. "Tell me! What are you all doing here!" "ARGH! FUCK YOU, YOU CRAZY BITCH YOU SHOT ME!" Rebbeca then shoots her again, this time in her thigh. The woman screams in agony again. "FUCK-FUCK, ALRIGHT I''LL TALK... JUST STOP SHOOTING AT ME. ON THE DESK... MY RESEARCH PAPERS ARE ON IT...!" The guard hands her the papers that were on a small table filled with documentation reports of the tests they were doing. All horrifying how the human body reacts to some biochemical weapon they were using. How the subjects body reacted with the chemicals and how it affected their respiratory system. All sick inhumane testing. The guard also gave Rebecca a small laptop that was on the scientist''s desk. She opened it and found video files on the subjects within the test chamber. Test Subject 56: Male "Let me out of here!!! Let me out!!! Please!!! I didn''t do anything, I swear!!!" *Green gas slowly enters the test chamber * "Oh fuck!!! Oh no!!! Please stop I beg you!!!" *The man begins to cough aggressively immediately* "I- arg! Stop I''m- Im inno- ARG-cent" *The man begins to cough to the point of dry heaving* *The man kneels down on all fours as he begins to projectile vomit blood* *The projectile vomiting continues without slowing down for several minutes* *His eyes began to turn liquid red as it also leaks blood* *The man is scratching his face to the point of self-mutilation trying to breathe* *After several minutes the man ceases movement and perishes to the toxin gas* *Video end* Nakoma, Rebecca and the rest look at the tape in complete horror on what they had just seen. Rebecca aims her gun at them but doesn''t shoot. She ponders a moment and has a better idea for them. She orders the men to lock them in the test chamber with the door slightly ajar. They tossed them in as they begged them not to kill them. Rebecca places one of the chemicals that was on the testing area and spilled it right in front of the door. "Grab all the paper and evidence you can manage do not leave anything behind. After that, burn this whole fucking place to the ground." They nodded and grabbed every file they could. She radios everyone to poor gasoline or anything they can find to set the building ablaze. They agreed without hesitation or questioning. After several minutes of going back and forth and placing evidence back in their vehicles, Rebecca went to the basement level floor again to look at the remaining scientists locked in the chamber. The chemical had spilled into their unit so far it actually filled the area space. The woman was pale from the amount of blood loss she had. She looked at Rebecca as she gritted her teeth in anger. She waved her hand goodbye and smiled at them. "I hope you have fun burning..." She takes a huge puff of her cigarette and flicks it into the test chamber. The room quickly ignites, and everyone screamed in pure pain. They flailed around screaming, banging on the door to be released. The entire laboratory soon became engulfed by the flames. The semi left out of the ruble as the entire building soon became engulfed with flames. They drove off back onto the highway as Nakoma turns around to see the smoke rising in the distance. A large explosion can be seen as a giant fireball forming as a large mushroom cloud forms. Their cars shake violently from the shockwave of the explosion. "Hey little girl, you said you might know what this thing is... what the fuck is this thing...?" Nakoma looks at Rebecca with so much worry, "It''s the gas that I told you about. The terrible weapon that Jackson is working on for some reason." Rebecca looks at all the papers they had collected and reads all the testing data they had recorded on the poor innocent civilians. She looks at the cover page of one of the documents that had an unusual logo on it with the words in bold in the center of the bottom page. MONTOX RESEARCH D.O.D CHAPTER 16) Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death It was a silent car ride back to the hidden tunnel system. No music playing through the radio, not even any lip from Rebecca. Nakoma felt uneasy the whole drive back to the hidden base under the camp. After some time, they made it back home as some people came to greet them from their trip. Rebecca quickly got out of the vehicle and pushed everyone out of the way as she made her way up some stairs into an office looking room that overlooked the entire area. Nakoma frowned seeing her react like that. She understood what she felt. Anyone would react the same way if they saw humans being treated like lab rats. Chip came running to Nakoma as he had a pale look on his face. He seems to relax more after seeing her unharmed. "Oh thank god you''re alright. How did it go? The boss lady looked like she was mad storming off like that." "Yea... about that... we found something pretty gruesome instead of the weapons cache." "Really...? What did you find...?" As Chip hesitantly asked, fearing what the answer was. Nakoma sat on a crate as she slouches over, rubbing her face from mental exhaustion. She looks towards the convoy as they were bringing in boxes of documents from the lab and files in the hospital to the overlooking office. Nakoma sighed and looked at Chip, hesitating to even say it. "We... umm... we found some... human testing..." "Human testing? What does that even mean?" "It means exactly what it means. They were testing a weapon... a gas type, I guess. And were testing it on innocent people. They had tables where they... they were cut open. Like some fish..." Chip stumbled back hearing her utter those words. "W-what? They... they did what...?" Nakoma rubbed her face as she tried to reframe from tearing up remembering their faces on the operating table. Especially the child, the poor child. Chip spaces out as he looked down to the floor trying to fathom what Jacksons forces were even doing. He sat next to Nakoma and patted her on the back trying to comfort her. He saw how hurt she looked, how traumatized she was after seeing those bodies. Chip clenched his fist as his hatred towards Jackson grew even more. Suddenly a whistle was blown as Nakoma turns her head to see who was making that whistle. An armed guard stood on the top of the stairs as he quickly tilted his head to his side, telling her to come to the room where Rebecca rush into. She looked in confusion as she looked towards Chip in equal confusion. She got up with an exhausted groan as she playfully rustles Chip''s hair, assuring him that it will be okay. She walked up the grated stairs as the guard looked at her with an impatient look. She slowly walked up intimidated by his unpleasant staring. He opens the door for her as she walks in not knowing what to expect. The room was a loft style room space with a pastel gothic color scheme. The bed that was suspended in the air had dark black, purple color coating with many stuffed animals. The faces of the cuddly plushies all had angry looking faces which all looked pretty adorable to her. The majority of the faces all had the same style ">:3". The walls were all filled with posters of animations and anime with some posing and some somber looking. She saw that Brian was in the room laying down on the couch that rested underneath the raised bed. He was slowly puffing up a cigarette. He looks at her as he takes a giant puff as he salutes her with just two of his fingers. She looks in the center of the room near the window that was overlooking the boiler room. In a chair, leaning forward while grabbing her head in frustration, sat Rebecca as a cigarette dangles in her lips. Rebecca does not look up; she only points in front of her to the chair right across from her. Nakoma looks at the chair and looks back in confusion. Rebecca still points without saying anything. She takes the hint and sits down cautiously, not knowing what is going through her mind. Rebecca takes a deep puff of her cigarette and blows without removing the stick from her mouth. "Tell me..." "Tell you what... exactly?" "Tell me what you know about this weapon. All of it." Nakoma looked at her with worry as Rebecca still looks down with her hands still grabbing her head. "Not that much really. I only knew about this weapon from some informant who was working undercover. They found an old building that was covered from a collapsed building. It had all the things used to test out certain gases they had. They are shipping them to some place called Catalina Island... I think. That is all I know." "Catalina Island you say...?" "Yeah, that''s what the informant told me anyways. What''s so special about Catalina?" "Catalina Island is Jackson''s own personal private island. It''s the source and location for all the water and food supplies he distributes throughout California. It''s no surprise he''s shipping the ingredients to make this damn weapon. He doesn''t want anyone stealing it." "And I''m assuming it''s not so easy to sneak to it?" "Of course it''s fucking not. You think we would be in these situations if it was that easy? That island is off the coast of L.A, the whole island is heavily fortified. Nothing gets in or out of that island. Goodluck if you were able to sneak through onto the place, they always search people before and after they leave the island." "Wait, how do you know about this information anyways if it''s impossible to get in?" Rebecca takes another big puff and exhales as she gives an annoyed look towards Nakoma, "God I''m amazed how you don''t question things very often. Think little girl, you did a job for a sad old man. A place that always has loud music, flashy fancy bright lights, and so many drugs and alcohol that''s enough to kill a small army. Who do you think owns that little side show attraction hm?" Nakoma thought hard as she was putting the clues all together, refusing to believe. "No... William, William didn''t go to Catalina before... he didn''t?" "Bingo! Yahtzee!" As Rebecca pointed at her with both her hands. "That doesn''t make sense how could he-" "Because he''s one of those rich descendants! He has money from his family generations before, he made that place a luxury place for people to spend their money on. And in return for the place being run, Willam gives a small percentage back to Jackson." Nakoma slouches in her chair as she is in disbelief. Brian on the couch looks at them as if he''s enjoying the little drama he is witnessing. Rebecca looks at him and scoffs. "I see you''re making yourself at home comfortably." He chuckles, " I couldn''t exactly go outside with a bloody face if the guards weren''t the one who made it now can I?" "No I suppose not, I would have just thrown you out the window when I saw you but I''m not in the mood right now." Nakoma looks at them strangely, they were acting as if they had been friends for a lifetime. She looks down and tries to wrestle with the thoughts swirling in her head. "I also got another set of news for you. It seems like your plan to free these people might actually come to light after all." Rebecca tosses a crumbled-up paper ball at Nakoma as she catches it quickly. She unravels the paper ball and tries to flatten it to read the words scribbled on the paper. There was a listen of several names of locations of camps, one of those camps included Vorkuta. "What is this...?" "That is lists of targeted locations to use the bioweapon on. I hate to say it, but we are going to have to move locations soon. If this place is already doomed, I might as well take as many people from this place with me as possible." "So... we''re liberating this place, now?" "Hold your panties in a bunch, I didn''t say now, we still have some time before anything. Right now, our priority is to recruit as many people as possible willing to fight when the time comes. Luckily for us since that excavator landslide incident is still on going, we have a chance to go all around the entire camp and recruit people." Brian chimes in with his thoughts on the opinion. "Goodluck, lots of these people are afraid to fight, the max you can get is like what... a hundred? You got to be a convincing person to win all these people over. They are afraid to die, so you better give a damn good reason for them to fight other than just "you are going to die" bogus." "Once they realize the situation we are in they will fight. With the supplies we have and guns we have horded, they will surely fight." As Rebecca stood up crushing her cigarette under her shoes. I will have my people tonight spread out and get the word out. I want you to do the same girl. Spread the message for everyone to join us, and we all can get out of this mess." Nakoma still in her shocked realization of William, snaps out of it and agrees. Rebecca looks down at her with pity and discomfort. She walks to a counter with a small microphone with a long wire connected to the wall. She pushes the button on the base of the microphone as she taps it with her finger. The area chimes as loud feedback can be heard. Rebecca takes a deep breath as she prepares herself to speak. Everyone around the whole area stopped what they were doing and all gathered looking up at the overhead office room she was in. "Hello, my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. I want to talk to you about the things we have done over the time we have all spent together. We have fought, bleed, and shed tears together in our fight in this war. We stand against the tyranny of that mad man they call a leader. We have lost families and homes to this savage monster and what do we get? We get jack shit; we work and work only for us to die like dogs in the streets. We bend our wills and our freedoms for a small measly meal only to be executed for not working and making their quotas they ask of us. They expect us to work until our bodies break from exhaustion because that is the only way for us to live? No! I say no! I refuse to be a slave to his vision of a so called utopia of his! I refuse to bend my knees to his iron fist! In our recent trip to the surface, we found something truly horrifying. Under Jackson''s orders, he authorized the human testing on civilians. A biochemical weapon, with still unknown properties. We also found out that their testing is on a wider scale of proportion. They plan to target this camp, with how powerful and deadly this gas weapon is, we have no way of knowing if we''ll be safe under here. So I ask of you now my fellow comrades, are you willing to fight for me? Are you willing to die for freedom? Are you willing to put everything on the line to break through of his iron grip?! Show me your resolve! Show me how much you desire your freedom! Show me the lengths you are willing to achieve in the pursuit of peace! Show me your dedication to the cause and how willingly you are to fight for what is right!" Everyone cheered in the entire floor. They screamed cheering her name as if she was some angel sent from heaven for their salvation. They respected her and admired her of how willing she is going in the front lines with her fellow man. She looks out the window for all of them to see they raised their weapons in the air cheering for her. Some of them where in distraught and angry hearing that their home would soon be attacked, proving nowhere is safe as long as Jackson remains in power. They cheered and cheered but Rebecca wasn''t smiling she stared at them with somber eyes. As if she was holding back tears of frustration. She walked towards Nakoma and pointed a finger at her.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "I need you to go now. Get as many people as you can to join us. Depending how many people join our cause, will determine our victory in this fight. We could easily escape through the tunnel system, but I don''t want to risk everything we worked so hard to build. I am counting on you girl." "It''s Nakoma, not girl." "Until I know you are willing to do whatever it takes to save people, then I''ll call you by your proper name, girl." She storms off to get everything ready. Nakoma looks at Brian who seems to not have a care in the world of what is happening. "I''m amazed how you can be so calm in a time like this Brian." "What''s the point of stressing this over? It''s not like I''m going to fight in this battle of yours. I''m a businessman, not a soldier." "So that''s it? You''re leaving when the first sign of trouble shows up?" "You can''t guilt trip me honey. Like I said I''m a businessman, not a soldier. Once this all blows over, I''ll start an underground ring again. Maybe I''ll put it in the heart of L.A, then business would really be booming." She clenches her fists and shouts at him with a hint of sadness in her voice, "You really don''t care at all? What if it was your family the one who had to suffer, would you stand by and just let it happen then?" He stood up from the couch and stretched really wide as he took a puff simultaneously, "Yes, yes I would very let my family die." "Wh-what...?" "Oh my did that actually surprised you? Not everyone has the golden heart you have. You want to know why I wouldn''t give two shits if my family died like you said? Because mine sold me to a slaver so they could get high in their apartment. Think about that, a small scared little boy sold into slavery, miles away off of California into the badlands of the east. Soon as I was old enough, I was able to escape and come back. And you know what I did?" Nakoma stared at him with such a scared look, "I tracked down my family trying to remember what apartment I was in. I finally found them and guess what I found as I entered. The two of them scrawny and feeble from all the shit they always have been taking and to my surprise, they were able to have another child. They begged me forgiveness and pleaded with me and I didn''t listen. Why should I listen to what scum of human beings have to say? So I strangle them one by one. As for my little sibling, I couldn''t bear to see him live like that. I dropped him at an orphanage. I wasn''t going to raise the little brat, but I couldn''t just leave him to die either. So yeah, if you said if I would let my family die in a heartbeat, I would gladly to it without hesitation." He tosses his cigarette butt at her as she takes a step back. "Goodluck on your little crusade, you sure as hell need it more than me." He walks out of the room with a heavy heart after trauma dumping all this information on her. She stands in silence after dealing with a heart ache of a day. She exits the room and sees Chip waiting for her at the foot of the stairs. She pats his head smiling telling him that everything will be okay. After sneaking out the underground boiler room they finally made it back to their area of rest. Instead of hiding back in that small hole of theirs, they decided to go to the main building of their section of the camp. It was a large rotting wooden building. It was already sunset, and the workers are all inside relaxing from the harsh day of clean up removal. Everyone was cramped inside and were all chatting and arguing. "You son of a bitch you stole my loaf! That was my god damn loaf, I was saving that!" "Get your fucking hands off of me, I didn''t touch your shit!" "Fucking liar!" The two grizzled men started to wrestle as one of them of accused the other for stealing a loaf of bread he had earn though hard labor. They tossed and tripped over the table bench that was in the center of the room. Nakoma stared at the entire room as the majority ignored them, as if this was a normal daily part of life. Chip looked at her asking if this was a good Idea. She nodded and took a deep breath as she walked towards the center of the room. She stood on top of the table and yelled at everyone to stop fighting and listen. The men who were wrestling stopped their punches and looked at the center of room. "Please everyone! Stop this fighting! It''s getting us nowhere if we keep acting this way. I know you''re all tired and hungry as am I. But if we keeping having these discords among ourselves, then the enemy have won. I know you desire to be free; I know how much you want the freedom of the outside world. That reality is closer than you might expected." "The fuck are you going on about lady?" "I''m talking about giving you the freedom you all have the rights of having. This camp is soon going to be facing a great hardship. They are planning to use us as test subject for a new weapon they are creating." Everyone begins to mutter and whisper among themselves. "Yeah but they''ll kill us if we fight back!" "And we''ll be dead if we don''t do anything either." The grizzled man look shock as he stepped back in silence, feeling embarrassed about it. "We have found people who are willing to help in the liberation of this camp. Soon you can be free, you can be with your families once again." "How? This whole place is swarming with armed security all around us. We''ll get slaughtered if we try to fight. And even if we do manage to fight and win, they''ll send more reinforcements to secure this place." "We have a handle on that, don''t worry, all of your questions and concerns are all valid and we have taken care of it. All we ask is your support. Every man and woman in this fight counts." "What about the kids that are still here? Are you willing to put their lives at risk?" "There''s a place for them to be safe in all this too. Like I said, we have thought of everything." Everyone mumbles under their breath unsure what they should do, fight or continue to work as a slave. Another man approaches her table. He has a deep scar going across his face, and several dirty wounds on his arms from continuous repeats of beatings. "If we do this, what happens after we are free?" "That is up to you. After you are free, you are free to do whatever it is that was waiting for you. You can start your new life again, or you could continue the fight. And fight for a better future. A future that won''t involve forced labor or ripping families apart from their homes. Not worrying if you''re going to be able to eat for your next meal. The choice is yours, lets us help you take back your freedom. Let us help you be free from this hell." They all looked at her with glossy eyes. They have never seen anyone so passionate about helping them before. They were at a loss for words. The whole common area was silent. No one said a single word as they all looked around at each other, waiting for one person to speak up. Then that same man with the huge scar spoke up again. "I''ll fight for you. If I''m going to die in this place, I rather die fighting. And take out as many of those asshole guards as I can." "I''m with you girl!" "I''ll fight for you as well!" "Same here! I''ll fight!" "Count me in!" "Let''s fuck em'' up!" The whole area began to become rowdy. One by one little by little they all voiced their fight to join Nakoma and take back their freedom. They all cheered to fight by her side and take those soldiers on. Nakoma with slight tears in her eyes looked at all of them. She sighed with relief seeing them all slowly joining and fighting with her. She has never felt more pride now that she has united them. Now all that''s left is find other common area shacks and convinced them to join as well. She asked the man with the huge scar to follow her and told the others to find other shacks to join their cause. They all agreed, and all separated into groups. Throughout the entire night they went from shack to shack convincing every group to join their fight. To her shock there were many people extremely unhappy and longing for freedom. They saw and felt her message from her heart and were inspired by her bravery to stand up against these brutal tyrants. Over the course the course of the few days they slowly brought the children into the underground boiler room without getting caught by the guards. In the dead of night, avoiding the spotlights of the watch towers and patrol routes, they buried some of their weapons on the very loose soil of the blackened dirt. One person even climbed a tall radio tower with cunning skill of sneaking. He placed a medium size radio dish on top of the tower and switched in on. He places some weird clay like puddy to stick to the metal bars so it wouldn''t fall off. After a couple of days, everything was set in place for the next step of their defiance. It was the morning, and everyone was going along their same usual routine. Nothing was out of the ordinary. The same guards yelled and whacked anyone who was going to slow working. Nakoma and chip were in the clean up crew for the crashed excavator in the large pit. She was nervous and her palms were very clammy. She was shaking just a little bit until she heard a voice from the side calm her down. "It''s okay Nakoma, we got your back okay!" "Agreed, no matter what happens, we will fight with you." The scar man and Chip comforted her assuring her it will be okay. "Shut the hell up you lot, get back to work!" A guard said as he hit Nakoma on the back with his baton. For a moment the world felt still for her. It was all quiet and the sound of her breathing could only be heard. Her heartbeat became louder and louder as if that was the only sound in the world that was making that sound. The ground suddenly vibrated. They all turned around and saw a giant explosion and a plume of smoke rising high in the air. The guard was in shock and stared at the rising plume of smoke. He radios in trying to figure out what happen. While the guard was distracted Nakoma reached for a long piece of iron metal from the wreckage. She quickly turned around and smacked the guard straight in the head. He drooped to the floor heavily dazed, but Nakoma was bashing his head repeatedly until he ceased movement. They quickly dug up the ground and retrieved the weapons that were hidden in the dirt. They rushed up the hill to get out of the pit they were in. Everyone was running with pickaxes and guns as they yelled a war cry. The guards were in mass panic and were caught off guard. The sounds of gun fire and screaming can be heard everywhere. Alarms were blaring it was the sound of a nuclear siren playing for the riot that was happening. Nakoma holding an m4, the scar man an ak47, and Chip with a small Makarov pistol all charged in the heat of the battle. The watch towers turned their machine guns and started firing into the crowd of people even hitting their own men. The bullets sprayed everywhere as they tore them to shreds. Nakoma hid behind a mine cart trying to shoot down the machine gunner but couldn''t get a clean shot. Then something whistles above her head and the watch tower explodes into trillions of pieces. She looks back and sees Rebecca out in the open in the middle of gunfire holding an RPG. She quickly tosses it to another person as he reloads the rocket launcher for her. "On your feet girl, we have a prison camp to overtake." She lifts Nakoma on her feet as she charges ahead without her. She follows Rebeccas path as they saw a large building housing all the guards inside. It was the main headquarters for the camps officers and soldiers alike. They were shooting out all of their windows as well as a gunner stationed at the front of the entrance mowing down everyone he sees. Some of the other workers were throwing molotovs at the building trying to set the place on fire but it wasn''t working. A large explosion could be heard from behind as the excavator that wasn''t damaged from the fall exploded into a giant fireball. The machine split into two as the back portion fell into the pit. It was pure chaos all around them. The workers had the advantage of surprise and caught the guards at their weakest. "They''re escaping!!!" As one of Rebeccas loyalists yelled out as several of the armored trucks were driving off. The radar dish that the man placed on the high tower was jamming their communications. They now tried to escape to get at least some reinforcements from the nearest base of theirs. Rebecca giggled as she pulls out a C4 detonator and double clicks the trigger. All the cars the soldiers were escaping all exploded into giant fireballs flying into the air. Now the soldiers truly had nowhere else to go. Nakoma provided covering fire onto the building as one of Rebeccas men gave her the RPG. She slowly walks into the open area not caring of the risk of being shot at. She aims at the gunner at the entrance and launches the rocket directly at the door. It explodes sending the gunner flying into the air as the wall behind him crumbles. "Cover me!" As Rebecca fully sprints towards the building. "Protect lady Rebecca!!!" As her loyalist screamed, and all of her subjects begin shooting at the windows not giving the soldiers a chance to peak out the window. The workers all followed Rebeccas lead as they charge with her screaming with all their adrenaline could give. One of Rebeccas loyalists was carrying a flag with no weapon in the middle of the battlefield. It was pink and had an angry teddy bear on the flag. The same gothic pastel look that was just like her room. Nakoma Charged as she leaped over the minecart and charge with her. Bullets were landing too close to Nakoma''s feet as she zigs zags all around. They made it to the entrance, but they block the middle stair way fortifying it with sandbags and a machine gunner. A poor soul charge in without realizing it and was shredded to pieces like the meat of a Philly steak. The soldiers were desperate as the whole camp has fallen except for the headquarters building. "Smokes out!" "Roger!" "Copy!" "Yes Ma''am!" Her guards yelled out with enthusiasm as the reached behind their waists and pulled out several smoke grenades. The quickly tossed them in just barely avoiding the gunfire of the machine gun. The smokes took a moment but they all quickly burst out in a giant plume of white smoke. After a few moments the whole area was blinded by smoke and couldn''t'' see a thing. A man came at the door with a S.M.A.W rocket launcher and aimed at the area where the machine gunner was located. He fired the rocket, and a plume of dirt rose up in the air as he fires the loud weapon. Screams can be heard as the rocket made an impact destroying part of the wall. Rebecca signal to charge and charged they did. The soldiers were dazed from the shockwave and were trying to regain their footing, but her guards were gunning them down mercilessly. They quickly cleared all the rooms and gun down anyone who was in them. The man with the pink flag ran up the emergency stairwell and climbed up to the roof. He saw piles of sandbags and a dead machine gunner slumped over the bags. He kicked the dead body out of the way and planted the flag into the sandbags with all his strength. He screamed as he picked up the soldier''s weapon and dumped the entire magazine into the air as he yelled a victorious war cry. Everyone around them saw the pink flag waving in the wind as they all aimed their guns in the air and started shooting in victory. Nakoma looked out the shot up balcony of the window as everyone cheered for their victory. Nakoma slides down on her back against the wall not believing she survive this crazy battle. It was only a few hours, but it felt like an eternity for her fighting. CHAPTER 17) The Domino Effect of Kindness Everyone cheers as they all fire their weapons into the air screaming in victory. Bodies on both sides of the battle were laid everywhere in pools of their own blood. They screamed into the air in victory. The sky filled with smoke as the several buildings and machinery caught on fire. Nakoma sits down with her back against the wall as all the rubble and debris surround her. She closed her eyes trying to catch her breath from the insane amount of running and adrenaline coursing in her veins. Chip was also exhausted as he collapses flat onto his back. The clinging sounds of brass can be heard as his body pushed the shells of the bullets away. The man with the scar leans against the railing of the second floor they were on. He also bends down trying to catch his breath as well. He looks at Nakoma and gives a proud nod. She smiles weakly and thanks him. Rebecca walks past as she gives a remark towards them. "Well, I''m surprise you actually kept your word. Even more surprised that you got nearly the entire camp to fight for us. What did you say to them that wanted them to fight?" "I just told them the truth, exactly what they needed to hear. Being hopeful in a world like this is never bad though, don''t you agree?" "Hmm, yeah I suppose so... still doesn''t change the way I feel about Jackson and his army. But all the same, thank you... Nakoma." Nakoma''s eyes widen with a surprised look and smiled. Rebecca just walked away as she rolled her eyes. The scar man looks at Rebecca quizzically as he walks towards Nakoma with a reached out hand. " I should have told you about my name before all this started. I guess it slipped my mind. The name is Nate, it was an honor fighting beside you. I never thought to see the day that we would actually be free from this damn nightmare." He looks down the balcony overlooking the lobby floor of the headquarters. "You really are something you know that Nakoma." "I did what I thought was right. All this torture and grim lifestyle, I couldn''t just stand by and watch people die like that. It is hard knowing that I have to commit... things I''m not proud of doing... or watching." "The price for freedom is never an easy road to walk down on. The fact you still are taking this path shows you are a genuine human being in a world full of hate and suffering. Who knows, maybe you will be the one to lead us in a new age of a utopia." He smiles as he chuckles and taps her on the arm, teasing her. She blushes and folds her arms shying away. "That''s not funny, I don''t think I can handle the task of managing the entirety of California. My goal coming to this place was to find out who I really am as a person and the world for what it really was. I don''t know, maybe I bit off more than I could chew to be honest." Nate scoffs playfully and puts a hand on her shoulder, "You''re a good kid, don''t stop in what you believe in. I know you will make the right calls in the future, I''m sure of it." Nakoma softly smiles and thanks him for his kind words of affirmation. Suddenly a loud commotion can be heard downstairs. They all looked down to see three survivors of the soldiers in Jacksons army. They pushed them forcing them to walk outside. Their hands raised above their head as people threw garbage and other unsanitary muck at them. Nakoma was worried what was happening and went outside to inspect the situation herself. They pushed the three soldiers outside forcing them to kneel on both knees facing the entrance of the building. Rebecca sat on the sandbags that was in front of the building as her legs were crossed over. She stared at them with a disgusted look. "We found them in the basement hiding ma''am." Said one soldier as he hands her his pistol. She stands up and walks towards the three as two of them looked at her with pure rage while one of them was petrified and nearly sobbing. "Well... isn''t this a predicament for you three. How does it feel to be the last ones left alive in a place like this?" The two men stared at her as one of them spat on the ground in front of her. Rebecca did not react at all, but her loyalists did. With a quick strike, her guard hit the face of the solider with his weapon. The young soldier had tears finally bursting from his face as he watched them beat his comrade. Nakoma watched in shock seeing what was going to happen next. Her guards forced the man back up as he was very dazed from the beating. "Have anything left to say? Words to get off your chest? Any regrets?" The man tried his hardest to open his eyes but were swollen from the beating. "Go... to hell... you fucking... cumrag..." Rebecca squinted her eyes at the man in anger. She raises her pistol and places it directly against his forehead. With one quick and swift pull, he drops to the ground. Blood spraying all over the back of the ground around him. She goes to the second man and ask the same question as before. The man says nothing, all he did was stare back deep into her dark unsatisfied eyes. She raises the gun and places in against his forehead. He closes his eyes and waits for her to pull the trigger. With a quick pull he falls backwards as his legs slowly twitch around. The last soldier, a young teen, cries and sobs uncontrollably. "Any last words kid?" "Please don''t...! I wasn''t even a guard...! I just work in supply in this building, I''m new here...! I don''t want to die!" She was about to raise her gun until Nakoma finally stepped in and placed herself in front of Rebecca. "What are you doing? Get out of the way..." "No! This has gone far enough! He''s just a kid, like he said, he''s new and only work in supply. He did nothing to us." "He works for Jackson and works in the harshest labor camp there is. He already done enough to landed himself here in this place. Now move or I''ll just shoot through you!" Nakoma refused and stood with her arms wide open blocking her from the teen boy. The armed guards slowly ready their weapons about to aim at her. While the other half also raised theirs and sided with Nakoma. Aiming their guns at her guards. Rebecca looked at her with an annoyed look while Nakoma stared back with a determined look. After an intense stare down while no one backing down on either side, Rebecca sighed and lowered her weapon to everyone''s surprise. "Whatever, I''m tired anyways. I rather save my bullet for when I really need it." She holsters her weapon as the others lowered theirs as well. She walks away as her loyalists follow her. Some of the other workers followed her as well while the majority sat and rested. She exhaled in pure relief as she turns and kneels in front of the teen boy.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. "Hey are you alri-" "THANK YOU, OH GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH! I LOVE YOU! YOU SAVED ME! I OWE YOU MY LIFE! I''M SO GRATEFUL I...I... I-I..." He lunged at Nakoma as he hugged her tightly. He couldn''t keep his words together as he fell apart. He broke down in tears as he buried his face in her shirt, bawling his eyes out. Nakoma was startled but calmed down, feeling a maternal instinct as she brought him closer to hug him and embrace him. She gently head pats him as he continues to bawl his eyes, out not letting go of her. Later on in the night, everyone from the entirety of the camp gathered in a very large building that was the cafeteria for the soldiers. They all sat on the benches and were laughing and having a good time with each other. They got meals for everyone that was in the supply depot. Feeding them real food instead of that mysterious pig slob they were eating. Some kids were eating and smiling brighter than ever before. Some were a little timid still in the same fear mindset mode as they were before. They were all laughing and messing around, ecstatic about finally being free. Nakoma looks around feeling a sense of pride seeing everyone smiling once again. "How are you holding up?" She turns to see Chip lean against the wall next to her as he places his hands in his hoodie. "Honestly, I really don''t know what to feel. These past few days have been an emotional ride for me. I say, good? Yeah, let''s go with good for now." Chip chuckles after hearing her say that. "What''s going to happen to all these people now?" "Well the way I see it; they look like they will be going back to their families. Some of them might even join with Rebeccas group." "And what about you?" "Me? Well... I need to find my friends. They are out there somewhere, and I need to find them before it''s too late." Chip looks down and blushes as he kicks a rock from his feet. "Listen, if it''s not too much trouble... do you think I could... I don''t know, join you on this crusade of yours?" "You want to join with me? Finding my friends and toppling Jackson''s reign?" "Please, I really have nowhere else to go! After that battle I feel so pumped and could take on the entire world by your side!" Chip became really enthusiastic as he gave the biggest puppy eyes to her in existence. Nakoma was a little thrown off by how eager he was, but she couldn''t say no. The fact that he literally has nowhere to go since the passing of his parents, the "safer" option would be to take him in until things did settle down. With no other option she cautiously agrees. He jumps with joy as he''s excited to fight alongside her. He quickly hops away as he cheers with pure enthusiasm. She smiles at his playfulness and looks at the crowd once more. She notices and doesn''t see the young teen from before. She walks around the whole cafeteria lounge, squeezing by the overjoyed workers and Rebeccas guards in their celebration. She steps outside and sees the teen boy laying down next the wall, slouched very far on his back. A burning fire pit that was surrounded made from the rocks of the rubble stood in front of him keeping him warm in the night. He had a plate of food, but it wasn''t the same fully cooked meals the rest were having. It was the same slop that the workers were used to eating before their revolt. He scooped a piece of the slop and slowly tried to bring it too his mouth. A group of Rebeccas loyalists passed by as they bumped his plate from the ground. "Oh shit, my bad you little turd. Here, allow me." The man scooped up the plate from the ground, now covered in dirt and trash. He snorted for a long time and spat on the teen boy''s food and handed it to him. The group laughed as they walked back into the cafeteria. The teen sighed and gently placed his plate next to him, losing his appetite. He stared at the burning fire pit as he shivered from the cold. She walks up to the teen slowly and cautiously. He looks to see who was standing over him, when he realizes it was the girl who had saved him, he stands up straight, rubbing his eyes quickly. "Oh... hello there. What can I do for you?" "Hello, I just wanted to check to see how you were doing." "I''m doing fine, I appreciate your concern for me. It''s unnecessary though." She sits down next to him relaxing by the fire as well. "Oh it''s no trouble at all. You look like you can use the company out here. Why are you out here though? I''m pretty upset that those guys treated you like that." "It''s okay, I don''t mind. After all, I was their enemy just a day ago. I can see their anger towards me pretty easily. It''s only natural for that type of reaction." Nakoma looks at him with a worry expression. She tries to say something but was caught off by his response again. "I am very thankful for you saving me. You stood up for me when I pleaded for my life when no one else would. I honestly thought I was going to be a dead man for sure. But you came in and saved me. I owe you my life, thank you...from the bottom of my heart." He looked at her and gave her the biggest smile as he had tears streaming down his face. Nakoma''s eyes began to water. He had the most innocent and sweetest face ever. She looked at him once more as he turned away in embarrassment as he wiped his face with his sleeve. "Sorry if I just got all sappy... I was never really good at hiding my emotions. I just get really overwhelmed sometimes." She softly chuckles as he chuckles as well. "How did you even become a soldier in the first place? It doesn''t look like you even wanted to be here in the first place." "Hehe, that''s because I didn''t. I was selected for draft. Out of everyone in my apartment complex, I was chosen to be signed up for the armed forces. If I didn''t sign up, then I would be branded as a terrorist and rebel and be thrown in jail. I had no other option, I actually just arrived here two days ago for the supply depot. I handed out food cans, rations and weapons. I assumed this was just a regular labor camp. I honestly didn''t know about the beatings and... other things." He huddled to himself as he was ashamed to be in this uniform. She scoots closer to comfort him but begins to turn red. "Don''t worry, you didn''t know. I know it wasn''t your fault, but it takes time. These people have been through a lot, but if you show your support and prove to them you''re not like the others, I''m positive they would have a change of heart soon." The teen looks over at her with teary eyes and a big smile on his face. He nods, thanking her again for the kind words once more. "Hold on just a second, I''ll be right back really quickly." "Oh umm... alright then." Nakoma giggles as she quickly jumped up to her feet and quickly went into the cafeteria lounge. He waited patiently as he poked the fire pit with a small metal rod from an unknow piece of equipment. After a brief moment of silence and the crackling of the firepit, Nakoma returns with something as she is hiding behind her back. "Here, try this. It may taste funky, but it''s really delicious." She hands him a small square plastic sealed bag. It had the large words of M.R.E written in big bold letters on the bag. He looked at it with a confused looked. "What is this thing?" "It''s food, here I''ll show you how to cook it. You just open the bag place this smaller bag inside here. Add the water to the pouch let it heat up, and presto! You got some quick homemade food." He opens the small little pouch and inside it was chicken alfredo with fettucine pasta. He gasps as the smell of the food hit his nose with an intense pleasure. He quickly got the spork that was inside the bag and quickly scarfed the food down his gullet. He looks up into the stary night sky with tears in his eyes once more. "So goooood!" He continues to cry as he eats the food, satisfying his hungry tastebuds. Nakoma giggles as she rests her back against the wall looking at the stary night sky as well. The teen boy finishes his meal and praises her again thanking her for the meal he just had. She accepts his thank you and gives him a big smile. Some time has past and they talked of several things about their lives, on how Nakoma came from the far North or how the teen boy was challenged to swim in a trash dirty stream once in a canal. They both laugh and soon the boy''s face became serious but very shy. "Miss Nakoma, may I ask you something?" "Hm? Of course, what do you want to know?" "Well you see... well... I... please let me tag alongside with you!" He turns quickly towards her as he bowed his head hitting the ground hard with his forehead. Nakoma was startled on his reaction like that. "Please! I can''t go back to being a soldier after today, not after the kindness and generosity you have shown me! You have saved me from a brutal fate, I need to repay you! No! I must repay you! Allow me to be by your side! I will fight for you with my life! I will be your guardian for as long as I live! So please, I beg of you!" He clenches his fist as dirt piles up in his hands. Nakoma now has another person begging to join her and swore to protect her. She wants to deny him so he can live a peaceful life, but his tears in his eyes says he won''t be happy until his debt of his life is paid for her. She looks worried but soon smiles softly and lifts his head up wiping his tears away and agrees. His eyes, shining with happiness and hope, smiles big once more. "Thank you! I promise I won''t let you down! I swear on my name, Ellis Hugo, will uphold my life to you! I swear it!" CHAPTER 18) Meanwhile, Across the State Few days prior to the events leading up to the rebellion on camp Vorkuta, on the southern eastern side of California lies the city of Temecula. Mountains and hills surround the area. Homes still in somewhat good condition, while others burned or have rotted away from the passage of time. A large semi-truck hitched with its trailer behind it calmly cruises down the disheveled freeway. Passing by rooted cars and tents from people who have no homes and have made the side of the road or underpasses their temporary home. Inside the trailer were many men and women from all range of ages. Hakan sits on the floor bed, trying his hardest not to slide across the slippery sheet of metal. He tries to sit upright only to be tossed back down again as the semi made its large and long turns. Hakan looked at all the other poor souls stuck in the trailer with him. He sees a little girl clutching tightly to her mother as she embraced her back. An old man as he had a beaded necklace with a cross dangling from his hands, prays to himself with his eyes tightly closed. He tries to look out the trailer through the small rusted hole that was just behind him. It was so hard to see what was passing by, everything was a blur for him. His whole body slightly jumped in the air as the trailer hit an unknow bump. The voices all winced with fear as their bodies jumped as well. The large vehicle made a loud whirring sound before it hissed aggressively as they all slid across the floor from the sudden stop. Voices can be heard as people were commanding others, telling them to hurry and quickly. The doors open and a bright light illuminated the darkness void of the trailer. Everyone raised their hands close to their face trying to block out the sun''s rays entering the trailer. The silhouette of several figures climbed up the trailer and spread out evenly going to the prisoners on either side of the trailer walls. "Hurry up! Get those people out of there, quickly!" "Yes, sir..." The silhouettes said as they lifted up the prisoners and guided them to the doorway. It was Hakan''s turn now, he was surprised that other prisoners were helping him up and off the trailer. At the bottom of the trailer stood a soldier as he helped guided them off safely but with a sense of urgency. They formed two rows of single file lines as they marched sluggishly to their new home. Piles and piles of trash surrounded them. It was as if they were marching through a dumping ground. Hundreds of workers were on top of these huge piles of garbage mounds. They were sorting the trash as a lone guard with a rifle stood watch on each of their mounds. They were pulling out large pieces of cardboard slip sheets or anything made of cardboard. The two rows of lines walked through this trashed area as a massively large factory appeared in their view. It was very rustic looking with several large windows all over. They entered the building seeing so many working machinery parts and loud noises going all around them. A loud machine pushes a soft metal with intense pressure as a man pulls a wire and coils it up as he rolls the entire metal wire. Another machine bangs furiously as it was cutting copper sheets of metal nonstop. All these gadgets and flashy light buttons were the machinery for the making of bullets for all their soldiers. A man opens a hatch as they sprinkle down a roller belt organizing them for the lead and copper mix to make the bullet. Hakan stared as he tried to process as much information as he can before being pushed with the line to their unknow destination. The lines split into two as the first row was separated, heading off to the left side of the factory. Hakan''s group was diverted and headed to the right of the factory. The guards made sure they kept the fast pace of walking and to not slow down. Several people were whacked on the back with a baton as they quickly straightened up. Now they were outside of the factory in a large open area. Fences and watch towers surrounded the fence line as they overlooked in the secured camp. Hakan''s line now split into smaller groups as several guards broke them up and pushed them back against a concreted area with a single wall standing. The ground was wet and soaked from water. Two guards stood while the third place Hakan and two others up against the wall facing them. "Strip, now!" The three of them were confused until one of the guards raised his m4 rifle at them. "I said strip now!" They panicked and soon did what they were told. They undressed until they were fully naked. They covered themselves with their hands feeling extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed. The guard picks up all their clothes and tosses them in a garbage bin. The other guard steps forward with a large powerful hose and begins to spray Hakan and the two other prisoners with a sharp rush of water. They tried to block the water but were pushed back all the way up against the wall. The guard spray them as he was trying to put out a fire. The water put them in shock as it was ice cold. They couldn''t feel their face or their toes and fingers. After the barrage of the freezing water, they were finally spared. The soldier handed them towels to dry off quickly and handed them new sets of clothing. He rushed them as he was extremely impatient. They dried off as best they could and walked away back in line with their new clothes. They pushed them forward in a large crowd of people scared and confused on what will happen to their fate. A small wooden stage was in the center as a man walked towards the center in a well groomed manner. His uniform was free from dirt and his boots seemed to shine in the hot sun. He carried with him a cord free microphone and tapped it with his finger, making a loud muffled sound. "Good evening, everyone. My name is colonel Reyes. I am the facility manager of camp Arroyo." All the talking and whimpering from the newly established prisoners suddenly went silent as the older man in the uniform speaks. "As of today, you are now the new inhabitants of this facility. You will be on a strict schedule all day of everyday. You will follow this schedule and will not deviate from it unless you were told to do so on commanding orders. Everyone will work, no one freeloads on my facility ground. Deviants will be dealt with swiftly with the appropriate punishment befitting them. The harder you work the more incentives and privileges you can earn. You are lucky to be in one of the few work camps that actually gives their prisoners incentives to promote efficient work ethic. Do NOT abuse this privilege that has been given to you. In just a moment, all of you will form up into rows and will be given an assignment as your job. This will be your permanent job unless told otherwise by high ranking officials to switch like myself or the other officers standing before you. Once again, welcome to camp Arroyo. Your new home." Colonel Reyes steps off the stage and quickly hands the microphone to another high rank officer. "Alright everyone get formed up quickly! Form up form up let''s go!" They quickly lined up at the table stations that formed a row as each table had a coordinator and two armed guards stand on either side of them. The coordinator looks at them and inspects the prisoners carefully before assigning them their forever job. "Hmmm, sanitation. Hmmm sanitation. Let''s see... order filler. Ummm, operator. Hmmm... scavenger." Hakan was looking all around nervous as he kept fiddling in place. After some time has passed, he finally made his way to the front as he stood before the coordinator, sweating and scared. The coordinator stared at him told him to lift his arms wide up and turn around in a three sixty direction. He followed his command as he inspected him. He can feel his eyes piercing him coldly. The man writes something quickly down, marking notes on his clipboard. He quickly signs it and tells him his occupation. "Hmm, order filler. Next!" Hakan stood out of the way as guard pointed him to follow where the other order fillers were heading off. A burst of commotion can be heard as someone yells from the crowd. "No! No! I''m innocent! I shouldn''t even be here!" "Stop! Stop where you are right now!" One of the prisoners yelled as he tried to escape. He pushed away people quickly as he can. They fell hard onto the ground as they yelped in pain. The man was close to the fence as he was trying to climb and jump over the wired fence. It wasn''t long before he was tackled aggressively by another armed soldier. They planted his face deep into the muddy ground as they pulled out their batons and proceeded to beat the man into a pulp. Over and over again they began to strike the man as he cowers, covering his face from their harsh beating. After the batons they then proceeded to start kicking the man. Until finally he was weak and couldn''t protect himself. He almost went limp but stop just after. They hauled him away as they dragged him by his feet, leaving a small trail of blood. After that little incident, he continued to follow the group of other order fillers he was now with. They all looked young, as the same age he was, to be precise. They entered the factory building and headed off to the side, past the whirring of all the machines. They all were in a medium size room with nothing inside except a carousel conveyor belt that went in circles in a slow steady speed. A small belt hung from the ceiling as it connected to the other room and glided downwards towards the carousel. It ends just above the carousel as a pile of bullets come rushing down, filling the conveyor belt. All types of bullets came rushing in from the classic 9mm to the 5.56 to the 7.62 calibers. The empty conveyor now shines like a river of gold. The guard steps forward and gives the prisoners their task for their new jobs at camp Arroyo. "Alright everyone listen up and listen good. I''m only going to say this once so pay attention. You are order fillers of camp Arroyo now. That means your job is to place each of the calibers neatly as much as you can in these cardboard box cartridges. Once you fill the box cartridges, you will all placed them in the large wooden crates for shipment. The signs hanging over head will help you remember which cartridges go with which box. On the double now, chop chop!" The guard left as the workers slowly grabbed a couple of the cardboard box cartridges that were inside a bushel laundry cart. They all grabbed armfuls and placed the cartridges right near their feet as they stood in front of the moving conveyor belt. Hakan followed their lead doing as the guard instructed them to do. Hakan stared at the slow moving belt unsure of where to pick first. He looks at the others again as they already began to sort out the bullets. He looks down staring indecisively, until finally he picks up a 9mm bullet. He begins picking the same type of bullet as he stacks them in the box on their side. Once the box was filled, he placed the fully stocked cartridge on the floor and began to fill in the next box. Slowly he filled the cartridges and placed them all inside the crates that had the picture of the bullet type for them to place in. The crate was filled quickly as they sealed it, and the worker pushes it out of the room. After several minutes, the worker comes back with a new empty crate for the replacement. This process was the entire day, with the exception of one lunch break. All day they stood in that room as a stream of bullets shower onto the conveyor belt for them to sort out once again. Hakan was extremely exhausted from standing all day and bend over picking up the shells bit by bit. He was suddenly startled as a loud whistle blew directly above him, signaling the end of the workday. The guard comes in and tells them to follow his lead. They shuffled in a line as they slowly walked behind him. The guard brought them to rows of shacks as people stood outside sitting on the wooden porches. They all looked at them to see who had arrived at the camp. The guard stops and directs them to head into any available space inside the shack. He walks off as the other prisoners just stare at him annoyed. Hakan stands there awkwardly not knowing what to do next. He crosses his arms as the cold wind blew and made him shiver slightly. He saw two men standing near a burning fire barrel as they reached their hands out for warmth. He awkwardly goes up and tries to introduce himself. "Ummm, hello there... I''m Hakan... nice to uh... meet you." They just stare at him not moving a single inch. Hakan becomes a little more embarrassed, "Uhhh... I''m new so uhhh... can you guys help me where I am supposed to go?" They continue to stare as the glanced at each other for a brief moment. "Kid, if you know what''s good for you, you''d best keep to yourself. Otherwise, you''ll find yourself on the end of a shank. You get me?" As the disgruntled man said as he got towards him menacingly. Hakan began to sweat as he excused himself and quickly walked away before the situation became worse. He walks just a few feet away until he hears someone chuckling at him. "I mean that''s one way to start making friends around here hahahaha." He turns around to see a girl leaning against the side of the shack. She had frizzy golden hair and bright blue eyes that seemed to glow in the night. He looks side to side, confused on what to say. "Yes, I''m talking to you dummy. Geez, you''re like a goat in the headlights." She giggles as she walks towards him, "I... I don''t know where to look to sleep. I don''t just want to barge in." "Well you''re gonna! This place isn''t a commodity you know. People really don''t care if you pop in for a quick peak to see if there''s room for you. Everyone''s is too exhausted to care."This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Oh... I see then..." "Don''t give me that gloomy face, tell ya what, you can bunk in my shack. There''s a space open in my bunk. But I get the top bunk, no exceptions!" "Um... alright then?" He stared at her confused as to why she''s so cheery. "My names Hailey by the way, what about you?" She reaches out for a handshake. "Hakan... my name is Hakan." Meanwhile, on the eastern side of California "let go of me!! Unhand me you bastards!! Fight me like real men!!" Makya was struggling to break free from the two armed soldier''s grasps. They were pushing him down a long dark corridor that was illuminated by candlelight. A large cell appeared as they turned the corner of the hallway, they opened it as they struggled to put him inside. The guard punches Makya knocking him off balance as they tossed him in. He tumbles onto the dirty floor trying his best to get back onto his feet. The slammed the cell in his face as they locked it. "By the gods I swear, I hope the gods smite you down with a wrath that even the heavens shake!" The two guards looked at him with very wide eyes, then they looked back at each other with the same reaction. They both burst out laughing with tears of laughter in their eyes. "What the fuck?!" "Who the fuck did we bring in? Thor, God of thunder over here! Bwhahahaha!" They both walked away laughing at the ridiculous phrase he said to them. "Hey! HEY!!! GET BACK HERE! GET BACK HERE YOU COWARDS!!!" Makya grabs onto the bars as he repeatedly shakes them trying to force them to come back and fight him like a real warrior. His anger and frustration roar the entire cell. His voice echos throughout all the walls around him. "Hey pal, can you please keep it down. Some of us are trying to get some sleep around here." Makya turns around quickly as he was startled hearing the voice come from behind him. He looks deeper to the back of the wall as several other people were sitting on the floor or laying on their sides trying to rest. "Oh, I''m sorry, I didn''t realize there were others with me here." "It''s fine, It''s not a big deal. We just want to catch some quick shut eye before they haul us off to our new and "happy" little home." As the mysterious figure who sat on the floor said very calmly. His voice was smooth and well spoken. Makya got closer to try and get a better view of his face. As he got closer, he can see the long hair of his droop down his face as he was resting. He was a tall thin man around in his late twenties. The thin man looks up at him slowly, as if he sensed him somehow. "Oh my, aren''t you a big brute." "Um thank you, I guess." He sits down in front of him as he politely converses with him, apologizing for his outburst a moment ago. "No need to fret, It''s quite alright. Everyone gets jumpy like that once they are sent here. It''s quite a common reaction. The man slides his hair back for him to see Makya better. He stares at him up and down, inspecting his whole entire body. "You''re not from around here, are you?" "Why yes you are right, but how did you-" "It''s the look on your face. Your explosive reaction to them and confused demeanor. Nobody in their right minds would challenge the soldiers of L.A. Yet here you are, standing boldly and proud against them. And saying about the gods to smite them, I thought you were some huge fantasy nerd with a persona acting that way. But it seems like you''re not just acting. Where are you from originally?" "I don''t know exactly where my people are located is called, but I come from far north. Way north where the trees and forest run wild with beauty." "Oh? That sounds like a lovely place to be at. So why come all the way down here?" "To be completely honest with you, it was to protect a girl. A foolish girl who only wanted to know more about her people and the world around her. I made a vow and swore to my chief that I would protect her from any harm that came at her way." The man closes his eyes with a sorrow heart. "But it didn''t go exactly as planned I take it?" Makya clenched his fist and gritted his teeth. "Not one bit. Everything began to crumble when we learned the truth about this... this... whatever place you call California. The more we dug ourselves deeper the more wounds we keep driving ourselves in. I admit, even I was encapsulated with all the new items and trinkets I was exposed here, coming to L.A. And this is the punishment sent by our gods for leaving the safety of our home. That barrier was up for a reason and now I see why..." The strange man was confused on what he was saying, but stayed silent to let Makya''s feelings flood out. Makya rubbed his eyes quickly as for tears not to come bursting out of him. He takes a deep breath and collects himself once more. "Now I don''t even know if she''s alive or dead... because of my failure. Because of my incompetence, my lack of self awareness, that she was captured and now taken to god only knows where." "You are being too hard on yourself friend, my name is Roy, it''s a pleasure to meet with you." Makya sighs and goes to shake his hand, "Makya, my name is Makya. Sorry to release all this anger and self pity on you like this. It felt good to release it somehow." Roy smiles as he softly chuckles to him. "It''s quite alright, I don''t mind it one bit." They both softly chuckled feeling more at ease. Roy rubs his eyes as the wave of exhaustion hit him greatly. "Oh I''m sorry! I kept you up more than I should have." "No need to worry, we still have time to rest before we get shipped out. For now, sleep is taking over my body for tonight. But I would love to hear some of the stories you have of back home more sometime." Makya smiles and agrees. The next day, the few people who were in the room were now sitting on the long bed of a truck. A cage surrounded them as chains bonded them on their wrists. They were all suffering from the huge amounts of exposure from the sun. They were around the area of the Mojave national preserve. Not a single building in site for miles. Only rock and sand were the main viewpoints of the trip. Even some rusted collapsing wire towers scattered from time to time. Makya was curious where they were taking them. The group look absolutely dehydrated from being in the sun for so long. He closed his eyes and hope they were close to their point of interest. The truck finally stopped and woke the prisoners up with a fright. The sun still blazing up in the high sky, not giving them a chance to catch their bearings. He saw was a makeshift camp. The buildings that the soldiers were in were all pop up buildings. Meaning they can tear down the walls of the building quickly and efficiently. The prisoners were all nailing down and hammering nails into what appears to be a railroad track of some kind. The guards suddenly grabbed a hold onto Makya as they strapped his neck with some weird metal iron collar. It had a very slow blinking red light just slightly off to the side of the lock mechanism. They placed this weird collar on all of the prisoners. A guard stepped forward as he shouted with his diaphragm. "Good afternoon workers! You are part of the great California expansion railroad system emplaced by our leader Jackson! You are part of history in the making! Be proud of this endeavor you currently are in, so bravo, all of you!" He claps as some of the prisoners were confused but slowly clapped with him as well. While others are fiddling with their neck collars as it was unbearably uncomfortable. "Ah, yes, as you are all wondering why you have those collars on, it is for security measurements. As we are a mobile unit camp, traditional fences are not the ideal course for containing the workforce here. Here allow me to demonstrate." He points to a small Mojave yucca plant as another guard plants a collar around the long trunk of the plant. He aims a small button remote and clicks. The red light began to flicker extremely fast as it made a loud beeping sound. A final click sound was made as the beeping became a flatline high pitch. The plant explodes into trillions of pieces from the powerful explosion of the collar. Everyone backed up in fear seeing how powerful the explosion was. "As you can see, if you try to harm us in anyway, the remotes will set the collars off. If you try to run away from us, the collars will detect the proximity of the signal and explode automatically. Oh my! Look, here''s a great example now!" In the far distance, a man can be seen running away from the guards as he screams. Dodging everyone and making a sprint into the open vast of the desert. The guard next to the announcer aimed his rifle at the escapee but the announcer denied his shot and let the man escape. The man was making good distance from the work camp but suddenly a giant pink red mist expands everywhere where his head used to be. He ragdolls across the rocks as his body flops downhill. The prisoners looked in horror as they looked back at the announcer. "I hope we all have a great understanding on what not to do in the California expansion railroad system." He gives an unsettling smile as everyone winces in fear of him. Few days have passed, and they all work nonstop from dawn till dusk. Makya was getting the workout of his life as he places the rail line down with the others. They swing their sledgehammers down hard with each of their strikes. The clanging with each of their strikes rings the air with the tang sound of the metal stakes. The guards were very laxed with the prisoners. They knew they couldn''t escape or fight back. It was an immediate death sentence for even the slightest rebellion. A group of guards were playing a game of poker on a makeshift table as they used bottle caps and pull tags from soda cans as their chips. They were a rowdy bunch as one celebrates by winning the large pot on the table. Another guard looks at a hanging mirror as he shaves with a half broken razon. Another rests his feet up on a broken fridge that was dumped by god knows how long as he listens to oldies songs made in the nineteen forties and fifties. It was soothing and relaxing, but it still didn''t help with the strenuous work they were doing. They kept adjusting their collars from the rash they caught on their neck. The hot steel and sweat build up around the collar made some of the worker''s neck infected from how bad the rash had gotten. The days were grueling and hellish. Water was worth more than anything to the prisoners and the soldiers exploited that for them to be more obedient in their jobs. The night finally came as Makya fell to the ground in his sleeping bag right next to Roy. "Hey Roy..." "Yeah... what''s wrong Makya?" "Where are we building this... contraption line too? It feels like we''re building this thing to the middle of nowhere. You have a clue on where we are heading?" "Yeah, the other day I was chatting to a guard, he seemed really nice. He told me that the expansion of California was going to another state next to us." Makya got up with haste as he turns toward Roy. "State? Another state? There''s more out there like California?" He looks at Makya with a confused gesture but remembers he''s still new to the outside world. "Ah, I forgot you''re not from here. I always keep forgetting about that ahaha. Yes, there is another state. It''s out of Jackson rule, so he''s expanding hoping to get a more hold of territories out here. We''re in the bad lands right now. A lawless place for bandits and marauders. The fact we''re building this railway is most likely for people to use safely from those bandits. Assuming they don''t blow up the railway if they do." Makya looks in worry as he stares up into the stary night sky. He now wonders what the other place of that state is like, the freedom without Jackson''s rule. He softly smiles to himself as they both drift off to sleep. Later on, in the night, everyone was sleeping soundly and peaceful. The chirping of the crickets can be heard all around them. The sounds of harsh snoring filling the cool night air. When large amounts of noise suddenly burst through the camp. Makya and Roy both woke up with a terrible fright to see what has happened. Rusty old cars of buggy cars and old Cameros drove through the camp. They had spikes and all these kinds of modifications. People were screaming in fear as the soldiers fought back the unknown invaders. A man can be seen jumping off the car as he lands on top of the soldier. The guard screamed in pain as the man lifted up a modified machete. He bashes his head with it over and over again as the man cackled with insane laughter. Makya and Roy tried to run for cover but were stopped as a car bumped them, forcing them to hit the ground hard. Luckily, they didn''t break any bones or done serious harm, but they were badly bruised. The unknow attackers gathered all the soldiers and prisoners into the center of the camp. The headlights of their modified vehicles shine brightly at them as they waited for their imminent doom. Slow footsteps can be heard under the crunching of the sand beneath his feet. A very large man, wearing junk form various items as armor, walked to the group. He was bald, tall, and very muscular. He had many scars all adorn on his entire body from the many battles he has dealt with. He stares at all of them looking directly into all of their eyes. The scrawny one twitches multiple times as he speaks to the giant brute. "Boss! This is all of them! They''re all here for you in your great NAME!" He stares at the scrawny tweaker as he backs off in respect to his boss. The boss speaks to them, his voice was rough and coarse like sandpaper on skin. His tone of voice was so otherworldly, as if a demon had possessed him. "All of you are now the property of the warboys. You are all slaves from here on out. Welcome to the badlands." Meanwhile, in the heart of Los Angeles The room was dark and damped, the sound of rats can be heard scurrying across the floor. Chains slowly rattled as Maxson is hung from the ceiling. The chains dig deep around his hands as they begin to slowly bleed. The wound around his arm has not closed up and still bleeds down his body. His breathing is slow and heavy. His body shakes from the shock he has taken. The guards only left him his pants as he was bare footed and shirtless. His body was badly bruised as it dangles and turns very slowly from the hanging chains. The metal door unlocks with a loud bang. Two guards walk in as one had their sleeves rolled up, while the other had his m4 at the ready. The guard with the rolled up sleeves pulls up a chair and sits in front of Maxson. He doesn''t say a word to him or the other guard as his eyes barely opened from how exhausted he is from the beatings. "Still not willing to talk aye?" Maxson says nothing as blood slowly drips from his body. The guard scoffs and stands up immediately, standing face to face with him. "Why are you making this harder than it needs to be? Tell me, how did you acquire the project documents?" Again, he continues to say nothing. The guard is feed up and strikes a hard blow to his stomach. He grunts in pure agonizing pain but does not scream. The man punches him again and again, but Maxson refuses to scream. The guard pushes him, making his body turn the other way. He sees the open gun wound and decides to jam his thumb into the open wound. Maxson grunts loudly as a few screams manages to slip out of his mouth. "Tell me where you got the project documents from!" He continues to sift around the open wound, making it larger than it already was. He grunts loudly as he grits his teeth. The guard plucks his thumb out as Maxson breathes heavily from pure exhaustion. This continues to go on for another three hours until the guard decides to call it quits for the day. Maxson was very pale now from all the adrenaline his body has been producing. His body shakes without his response. Muscle spasms continue to soar throughout the entire body. The door opens once again as a nurse pushes a small cart with two bowls of water and many rags. She places the rag into the bowl and proceeds to wipe off the blood from him. She uses the other bowl and wets another rag as she places it against his mouth for him to suck on. His body instantly reacts to the water as he hastily bites down on the rag and sucked up the water. She uses a pair of tweezers as she slowly pulled out the bullet that was lodged in his arm. He winces a bit but is relieved that it was finally out. She sows up the arm and disinfects it properly. After a couple of wipe downs, she bandages the arm in a clean white wrapping. "Don''t be a hero. This is only going to get worse from here on out you know." He doesn''t respond and continues to space out from any conversation. "Please, I''m begging you mister. They will only treat you more and more harshly." He doesn''t respond and continues to ignore. She sighs with sadness and worry as she excuses herself from the room. "If... you had the chance... to save the ones... you love... you will do anything, won''t you?" She stops as she stares at him digesting the words he said to her. "If... you had the power... to help... isn''t it... your obligation... to help the ones suffering..." "I- I don''t understand." "When you look outside... and see the scorched earth... are you satisfied with your way of living... If I die... saving the ones... I care about... then my life... wasn''t in vain..." She stared at him with a confused look as she was trying to understand what he meant. She quickly composed herself and excused herself politely out of the room. He blinks slowly as he smiled at her. He coughs hard as slight blood comes out of his mouth. He sits in the cold damp room, dangling from his chains, alone, once again. CHAPTER 19) The Horror of Sacramento Nakoma walks along the fence line of the camp as she sees everyone packing up and bringing all they can of weapons and food to the cars of Rebecca''s men. They were all getting ready for departure as they are well overdue their stay in this hell hole of a camp. Chip walks just slightly behind her waiting for what she has to say next patiently. As Nakoma looks on at the muddy camp she sees Rebecca, giving orders as she points which items go where. Rebecca sees Nakoma and gives a disgruntled look. She walks over to Nakoma as she crosses her arms. "You are just a walking case of bad luck, aren''t you?" "Excuse me?" "You heard me. We had a nice thing going at this camp. We were so well hidden until you came along and ruined it." Nakoma gives her a stern angry look. "And yet... I guess we would be dead soon if we didn''t catch that luck as well. So thanks... I guess." She looks away in embarrassment, not making eye contact as the thought of thanking her made her feel sick. Nakoma scoffed playfully as she gave a soft smile to Rebecca. Rebecca notices this and turns red. "Can you not, god, why do you always have to be such a... such a... an optimist." She looks off into the distant desert, looking at the vast sea of dirt and sand, "There''s nothing wrong with having hope. When the world is grim and unforgiving like this, hope can change that. If everyone has hope, then the world can soon be able to shine brightly as it once was. I''ve heard the stories of how the old world once was. The people Jackson has control over, and my people who still refuse to accept the outside world, I want all of them to live without struggle and fear. I learn something new every day in this world, and I want to know why my people are living the way they are in a world like this." "Jesus, you can just say you''re welcome. What''s with the sappy sob story?" Nakoma rolls her eyes at her, "Just want you to understand of why I''m doing this. Why I always believe in hope." As the two continued to talk on their disagreements, Ellis quickly jogs towards Nakoma. "Hey, sorry for the wait, I got everything packed up and ready-" He notices Rebecca standing in front of her as his face quickly went pale and nervous. She looks at him with a raised eyebrow as she stares up and down at him. "The fuck are you staring at for?" "Oh, I um... I... uhm..." Rebecca clicks her teeth in annoyance, "Whatever, I got to get back to-" "Incoming! Convoy coming over the horizon!" Rebecca turns toward the watch tower as one of her men was inside keeping watch outside the camp. She quickly rushes towards a shack as she climbs the piles of trash and boxes to reach the rooftop. The guard tosses towards her a pair of binoculars. She looks off into the distance trying to find the convoy. She finally spots it; it was a large semi-truck with several other vehicles driving beside it. It was hauling a trailer with a large logo on the side of it, a logo she recognized very well, Montox Research. She slowly lowers the binoculars as she stares in horror at the horizon. She quickly yells some of her men to change into Jacksons soldier''s uniforms quickly. They all agreed as they made haste. She looks over at Ellis and yells at him. "You! little brat! Go stand at the gate entrance and guard the gate! Don''t let them in at all! If you want to prove you want to be by miss goodie two shoes side, do not let them in!" He is panicking just a little bit as he looks at Nakoma. Nakoma nods telling him it''s okay and to follow her orders. He was hesitant but agreed. After a few minutes has passed they finally arrived at the camp. The loud roar and whirring of the large semi echoed into the air. The hum of the engine and smell of diesel filled Ellis''s ears and nose. The truck quickly shut off, silencing the engine''s roar. Two guards stepped out of the semi and waited for the other vehicles to stop. A van in somewhat clean condition stops in front of the semi. A group wearing all white lab coats with ID badges stepped out. Their badges are clipped to the tip of their collar lab coat. One of the men, an older gentleman, covered his mouth with a piece of cloth and groaned with disgust. "Eugh! God this places reeks like cow shit!" "I know, this place is awful and smells horrendous. Couldn''t we just let some other unit take care of this? Why does it have to be us?" Said another disgruntled scientist. "Because it''s our job. Now quit your whining and lets just finish this so we can get the hell out of here." They all walked to the gate as Ellis puts his hand out and halts them. "Halt! Identify yourselves!" The older gentleman looks at him with a serious baffled look. In disbelief that he was ever asked that. "Out of the way pipsqueak, we have important matters to attend to." "I... understand sir. Unfortunately, I can''t let you pass." "Can''t let me- why the hell not boy!" Rebecca was sitting just behind the fence line, acting as if she was resting from working as she leans into the fence, staring at Ellis to see what he would say to them. "Sir, with all due respect, I don''t know who you are. We had a situation here at the camp and I am under strict orders to not let anyone in or out of this site." "Do you know who I am? I was authorized to be here damn it! What gives you the right to-" Ellis aims the m4 rifle at the man, making him choke on his words mid speaking. "Sir, I understand, but we had an incident. Everyone is on high alert. As far as I know, you could be disguised as the troublemakers who started all this." The scientist''s guards readied their weapons but did not aim, only being cautious to Ellis. The man was in pure shock as he looked at him with anger. Suddenly, a voice comes behind from Ellis. "Settle down son, relax." "Um, yes sir..." It was Nate, dressed in the clothing of Jackson''s soldiers. "Now then, what seems to be the problem here?" "The problem here, mister, is that this incompetent fool doesn''t realize who we are." "Forgive his lack of knowledge, he is a new recruit. Everyone is on edge because of a recent riot that took place just before your arrival." " A riot? You let a riot happened in your facility?"The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "It was from outsiders; they tried to storm and gave everyone hope. But we quickly dealt with the situation, see?" Nate points to the ruined cars that were blown up and shows some of the workers "cleaning" the rubble from the mess. The older man looks on in annoyance. "Forgive me, the man who was in charge died during the riot. I''m the acting head of this facility now." "We are the ones schedule for live testing, do you know about this?" "I do in fact." "Good! Now let us through so we can start the process." "Of course, sir. Just follow me, we have to go through orientation before anything else." The man gave a grimace look as well as the others, but they agreed. Ellis looks at Nate with worry, but Nate calms him down. They walk through the camp seeing the destruction and aftermath of the battle. Other soldiers, Rebeccas soldiers, walk alongside the scientist''s guard making small talk as they wore the same outfit of Jacksons men. The guards waited outside as the science team walked into the ruins of the Headquarters building. They were shocked to see the amount of bullet holes and damage they caused. Nakoma was in the building as she was sweeping the bullet casings that littered the floor. Others were inside as well cleaning up the lobby area. Loud grunting could be heard outside as the science team quickly turned around to see what the commotion was. Gunshots went off and the science team was in shock hearing this. Before they could even ask what was going on, they were all struck on the head forcing them to fall onto the floor. All the people who were cleaning turn against the science team, including Nakoma. "What is the meaning of this! Do you realized what you''re doing!" "Shut up you silvered spoon fed fuck." The older man''s face was whacked hard with a steel pipe as he fell to his back. Rebecca came in unnoticed as she stood over the man''s body as he coward in pain. He felt his face as he saw tremendous amounts of blood and felt several loose and unconnected teeth with his tongue. He whimpers in fear as tears started to fall from the man as he never experience true pain before in his life. He shouts and groans throwing a tantrum at her. She points the bloody pipe at the others with a dark look in her eyes. "Anyone else want a dental treatment, then I suggest you answer my question." They all shook their heads furiously in agreement as they were terrified. "What did you bring in the trailer?" One scared female scientist had the courage to answer her, "It- it''s a new experimental bioweapon. A gas concoction, we were going to test it on this site." "Why this site?" "It was begging to dry up, the resources... Jackson wanted a clean slate on this site. So we were going to test it out on a new formula we created." "New formula, what formula?" "It''s a formula we created in Sacramento before the city wide incident happened." Rebecca looks in confusion as to what she means by that. "What are you talking about...?" "The formula we created is in a lab in Sacramento. We finished and shipped out the supplies to a warehouse before coming here. Something happened and the whole city is in quarantine. We wanted to test the effects on the prisoners here on a mass scale to see what we would be dealing with before retrieving the data to create the formula. The security team said its literal hell on earth from the reports." Rebecca looks on in horror and grits her teeth in anger. "You fuckers don''t know went to stop do you. Strip their clothing off, we need their science clothes. We''re heading to Sacramento boys, lock them up and take them to our next base. We need more information out of them" They all agreed and started to prepare. She looks to Nakoma and sighs once again. "Ughhh, I guess you want to come too and be the hero again huh?" Nakoma folds her arms and sighs. "Would it kill you to be a little nicer? Of course I''m coming with you guys. I want to stop this as well." After some squabbling, they finally agree. Nakoma told Chip to stay behind with the rest of the group until they returned. Telling him to keep an eye out for them in case they do something they are not suppose too. Chip happily agrees to the task and goes without resistance. Ellis never left Nakoma''s side, vowing to stay by her side for protection, no matter what. Five hours of driving later and they finally made it near the city limits of Sacramento. Rebecca, Nakoma and a few others wore the science team''s gear while the rest of the small squadron wore Jacksons uniforms. As they approached the city limits, several smokes can be seen rising from the city. A long concrete wall spanned for miles at the ends of the Sacramento River to the American River. The bridges that connected to the other side were all blown out, making anyone impossible to leave the city. They arrived at the check pointed and were halted by several guards. "Hold on, this city is off limits. No entry." Rebecca rolls down the window and shows the badge to him as her thumb covers the picture of the other scientist. "It''s okay, we''re with the retrieval team. Sent in to pick up the formula batch." "Oh of course my mistake. But I''m sorry to say, you need to leave the vehicles here and walk towards the compound." "Oh? Why do I need to do such a thing?" "The vehicles are too valuable ma''am. With the risk of other survivors and the infected in there, they could break containment and ram the vehicles if they somehow acquired this vehicle. Though it looks like you brought enough firepower for the long march ma''am." "Is there no other way?" "I''m afraid not but take this. Once you have the data slate on the formula head to the rooftop of tower three zero one for an immediate evacuation. It''s going to be hell once you fire that thing and we come to your rescue. It''s literally the gates of hell opened in their ma''am." The guard passes her a red flare gun with several shots. Nakoma looked in worry as to what he meant by the gates of hell. Rebecca ordered her men to mount off and prepare to march. Their whole group waited at the gate entrance waiting for it to open for them. The guards yelled to prepare themselves to open the gate. The gate slowly opened as the concrete scratched the asphalted ground. Rebecca signals them to move as they marched on with battle harden looks on their faces. The gate guards stood at attention and saluted them as they marched into the city. They were immediately stunned but kept on marching. Bodies piled up against the concrete wall as if they were trying to climb over. The streets were filled with dead bodies as they were scattered everywhere. The stench reeked as their bodies were rotting away. An hour has passed as they marched through the streets. Some buildings were on fire as well as cars flipped over. Smoke can still be seen rising on the city skyline. They followed the map where the building was located as they tread on carefully. Not a single person was spotted since their march, but they kept on guard. Nakoma was really feeling anxious, it felt like she was being secretly watch from all directions. Then off in the distance was a lone person standing in the middle of the street. The person''s head was drooped down and was slouched. His breathing was heavy as his body jumped up and down with every breath. The group stopped in their tracks and felt something was off. Nakoma stepped up and yelled at the man from her distance. "Um excuse me! Are you okay?" The man says nothing, not even acknowledging her. "Um... are you alright mister?" The man immediately projectile vomits to the ground as he spews up a black and red type of bile. Nakoma stopped in her tracks as she froze in fear. The man grabbed onto his stomach feeling the bile leave his body. His body twitches violently as he makes weird and unusual dry heaving noises. Rebeccas soldiers aimed their weapon confused on what they are looking at. "Um... mister...?" Nakoma''s voice cracked off in fear as she asked another question to the man. The man swings his whole body violently towards her staring at her. His face covered in blood his eyes blood red as it leaks from his sockets. Nakoma has never felt this type of fear. It''s as if she was staring deep into a demon''s face. The man convulses violently as he shrieks into the air as if he was choking on water, his own blood bile water. The scream was demonic, deep, and resonating. He quickly sprints at Nakoma with a limp to his stride. Nakoma screamed in fear as she quickly stepped back but tripped onto her back in the process. She quickly crawls backwards away from the sprinting looking demon as the deep screams of his gurgles filled the air. Ellis screamed for her as he rushed over and helped her up to her feet. BAM, a shot went off directly into the screaming man''s chest, but it only stunned him a moment. He continued to sprint towards them with his loud gurgling scream. A few shots were placed again, and he continues to still charge, despite the fatal wounds in his chest. Rebeccas face began to worry now as she changed her stance and grabbed the pistol with both her hands and continued to mag dump until finally a bullet landed on the head of the man. He stopped in his tracks and plopped onto the street as slow deep gurgle left on his last breath. Both Nakoma and Ellis watched the man bleed out as a pool of blood began to form. Nakoma tries to regain her composure but is still freaked out by this demonic looking man. "What in the holy gods happened to that man!!!" Rebecca reloads her pistol and looks off into the distance. "I think I have a bad feeling what''s about to happen." Several more screams can be heard until a whole crowd of gurgling screams can be heard. Rebeccas face widen, and her blood ran cold a horde of those demonic looking people come from all directions. Out of the homes and ruins of buildings and around the corner of the streets after hearing the gun shots. "Run!!! Everyone, run!!!" Rebecca yells as she sprinted away as they followed her. Two of her men at the back stood their ground unloading their magazines into the horde of people. Their bodies and faces look rotten as if they were fallen apart, others look normal with their eyes and mouth bleeding out. The two men unloaded their weapons as it barely made a dent into their numbers. One of the infected leaped onto the man as he continued to fire his gun into his body as he bit into his face. The man screamed so loud as he reached out for anyone to save him. Several other of the rotting people quickly piled on top of the man as they began to rip through his clothing. Scratching and gnawing away at the fabric. The other man tried to escape but the infected caught up to him as well as the horde began to rip their bodies apart. Nakoma has never ran so fast in her life. The stench of rotting meat and pure iron filled her nose, but it didn''t stop her as the horde of rotting people chased them deep into the city. CHAPTER 20) When There is No More Room in Hell, The Dead Will Walk the Earth The two men can be heard screaming as they were being ripped apart by the group of undead looking people. Nakoma ran as fast as she can with Rebeccas group as some of them continue to fire as they ran at the same time. This constant run and gun tactic was holding them off for a while, but it failed. The more they shot their weapons the more they attracted other groups of the infected stumbling around the streets of Sacramento. The group did their best trying to outrun them but slowly, one by one, Rebeccas soldiers fell from the infected. Pouncing on them and tearing their flesh apart. One man fell and sacrificed his life as he pulls the pins of several grenades off his vest yelling a war cry as they tear into him opening his guts out. The explosion was huge as several of the undead flew back from the blast and dazing several others. Rebecca looked all around trying to find somewhere safe. They were very close to the city and were at risk of attracting even more of those undead things. Until she found a large clearing of a building. It was tall and had an above and underground parking space. The building was heavily fortified and covered. The entrances were all blocked off by cars placed at the entrances and windows, denying the infected people access to the building. That safe armored building was a large mall shopping center, and it was perfect to hide from these cannibalistic people. "There! In the mall! Go through the parking garage top level! We can sneak our way through the elevators!" "Roger that!" As everyone said in frantic agreement. They made a B-line through the regular parking lot as bodies that were laying on the floor, presumed to be dead, suddenly began to rise as they made so much noise passing by them. Nakoma was running of energy to run but still pushed past her limits as Ellis helped pushed her on. They ran and leaped over some of the cars that were rotting in the parking garage making it an obstacle for them and the infected. It helped tremendously as it slowed the infected down greatly. They plopped and fell hard as they crashed into the cars and struggled just a bit trying to climb over them. This gave them enough time to reach the top level of the parking garage. The windows and doorway that lead into the building on the top floor of the parking lot was also blocked off as well. Several of Rebecca''s soldiers positioned themselves against the cars making a defensive position as the others tried to pry open the elevator door, but it wouldn''t budge. Even Rebecca was helping them trying to pry open the door. Nakoma and Ellis position themselves waiting for those undead to come rushing up the ramp of the lower floor levels. Their inhuman screeching and gurgling can be heard echoing in the garage. Nakoma''s hands were trembling as she aimed her pistol. The other men were breathing rapidly as their bodies quivered in fear. The moment of nothingness filled as they can only hear the screams. Then they finally came in rushing as the infected halted looking at their direction. Their bloody faces dripped as they snarled and twitched exposing their teeth getting ready to charge again. Everyone froze as they were petrified with horror. The moment they charged everyone began to unload their weapons on the infected. It took several hits before they began to fall dead on the floor. "HURRY THE FUCK UP!" "We''re trying ma''am!"Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "WELL TRY FUCKING HARDER!" As Rebecca yelled at them to pull the door apart harder. Nakoma was trying her best to shoot them, but they don''t seem to want to stay down after taking lethal hits that should critically wound people. One infected got passed and creepily crawled on top of the cars and jumped onto a soldier and bit into his neck. "AHHHHH!!! GET THIS FUCKING THING OFF ME!!! HELP ME, FUCK, OH MY GOD!!! Nakoma saw the man being eating by this rotting corpse. Its flesh grey and eyes sunken red as it bleeds profusely from its eyes, almost to a thin skeleton. She quickly rushes to him and places the gun against its temple and unloaded a round into its head. The infected person made a weird screech as it fell off the man and twitch as its body convulses and withered all around before finally plopping dead. She quickly went to the man and saw as he was covering the wound as blood was gushing out. He pointed at the pouch on his vest telling her to wrap his wound. She frantically agreed and put as much pressure trying to stop the bleeding. She put as much gauze as she can into the wound to clog the bleeding and tightly wrapped it to keep it in place. It kind of worked but the blood was ever so slowly bleeding through the wrap. She dragged the wounded man by the back of his vest and placed him close to the elevator door. The door was slightly opening until finally it snapped wide open revealing the long cable that led down to the bottom floor entrance. One man rushed solo down as he grabbed the cable wire and ascended down on top of the elevator. He kicks down the emergency hatch and looks down to inspect. "All clear! None inside! Door is open, send everyone down now!!!" Rebecca nodded and ordered everyone to quickly rush down the cable. One by one they quickly ascended down. The injured man was weak and grey from the blood loss but manages to slowly ascend down the cable wire. Rebecca yelled at everyone to pull molotovs out. They tossed them quickly one by one as they gave covering fire to get them time to light the cloth at the end. They all tossed their molotovs making a fiery wall blocking the elevator entrance. The infected began to screech in pain as they ran all over the direction flaying their arms around as their bodies were engulfed in the flames. It was their chance, and they all ran towards the cable and quickly ascended down. Ellis and Nakoma were the last ones to slide down as they quickly went through the hatch and ran out the elevator door. They both collapsed onto the floor breathing very heavily from how exhausted they were. Rebeccas soldiers quickly closed the elevator door and try to find anything to block the elevator from benches to tables that were nearby as they were close to a food court. Everyone finally barricaded the elevator door and all collapsed from exhaustion. Choking from their skyrocketing fear. Some even puked from all the nerves they were experiencing. Rebecca was trying to calm herself down as she was hyperventilating, trying to catch her breath. She looks over and her eyes widen to see the injured man with the bandage around his neck as his whole shirt was covered in blood from the wound that was bleeding through. She quickly speedwalks towards him as his face was grey from the amount of blood loss. He was breathing heavy and slightly wheezing. "Hello Ma''am... I... Just need... to catch... my breath... is all... bastard... knocked... the wind out... is all-" Before he could even finish his sentence, she unloads a bullet right in his head as he takes his last breath. His eyes open staring down at the floor. Nakoma looked in horror and snapped at her. "What the hell! Why would even you do that! Why would you even-" "IF YOU SEE ANYONE BEING BIT BY ONE OF THOSE FUCKING THINGS OUTSIDE, YOU PUT A BULLET IN THEIR GODDAMN HEAD!!! DON''T FUCKING BRING THEM INSIDE WITH US OR YOU''LL KILL US ALL YOU STUPID BITCH!!! YOU WANT TO BE TURNED INTO ONE OF THOSE THINGS!? THEN DON''T SAVE ANYONE WHO IS BIT, GOT IT!!!" Nakoma looked in horror as she looked out toward the entrance way of the mall as she can see and hear them all screaming around banging on the cars and door trying to get inside. CHAPTER 21) Unexpected Company After Rebecca screams at Nakoma for letting the poor soul in who was bit, she goes down and sits on one of the tables of the food court area they were in. Rebecca puts her head down and pulls on her hair with pure anger and frustration. The other soldiers looked at the dead body of their comrade as they bow their heads in sadness. One soldier pulls a tablecloth off of one the food court tables as he places it over the body covering him up. The blood quickly seeps through the sheets from his neck wound and gunshot wound. They silently prayed for him before going and sitting next to or on the floor near Rebecca. Nakoma continues to stare out the boarded windows of the malls doors as the horde gather in masses from the number of gunshots they were firing. Ellis slowly goes up to Nakoma and places a hand on her shoulder. "Nakoma... it''s alright, there was nothing you could have done." She continues to stare out the boarded entryway until her face slowly curls into an anger state. She snaps out of her trance and walks hastily towards Rebecca''s table and scolding her. "Why!? Tell me why I couldn''t save that poor man! Tell me why I had to shoot him instead of stopping the bleeding! WHY!?" She raised her head up to look at Nakoma with an aggressive distain on her face. "Are you really serious right now? Have you learned nothing or don''t even know what a zombie is?" Nakoma tilts her head with anger and confusion on her face. Rebecca face palms as her hand slowly slides off her face and makes a loud disgruntled noise that lasted for a moment. "Ughhh, of course you haven''t heard about zombies. I forgot you''re a god damn troglodyte that doesn''t know what pop culture even is." "Don''t call me a-" "I''ll call you whatever the hell I want! Rule one of people who look and act like that, if they are ever bit do NOT save them. They are already dead from the bite. Zombies are basically walking corpses. I''m guessing whatever those damn scientist cooked up in this lab here in the city, went south sideways really fucking quickly. Whatever you do, do not get bit ever at all, do you understand?" "But-" "DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" Nakoma clenched her fist in pure frustration but nodded with hesitation. Rebecca exhaled as she leans back in her chair and rubbed her eyes with pure mental exhaustion. The other soldiers checked themselves quickly and each other to see if they were bit at all as well. To their relief, none of them were bit at all. Nakoma walks off and heads towards a small water fountain just a few feet away from the table as it stood in the center of the food court. She looks down in the brown murky water seeing her distorted reflection as a tear broke the waters reflection and rippled across the water. She looks down at her hands as it was covered in the man''s blood with a deep bright red color. She nearly choked up in tears as she quickly dipped her hands in the muddy water scrubbing her hands together as hard as she can to remove the blood from her hands. Ellis looked at her with worry and stood by her side. She slowly lifted her hands out of the water as the brown water was now filled with a dark red color. Her palms now "clean" from any trace of the man on her. Ellis sat on the concrete edge of the fountain as Nakoma still sits on her knees leaning over the fountain. "Why...? Why is this world so... evil?" "Evil?" Ellis said with confused tone in his voice. "Yes, evil... every time I try to do something good or something right, some unknown force just slaps me across the face and tears me limb to limb. People die so fast and so easily. My friends are out there somewhere enduring god knows what. The entire population of California is at risk of this weird sickness these people have been exposed too. The world apparently ended, and they are the remnants of the aftermath. Everything I have experience coming to California has all been one terror after another. I feel like anything I do is doing nothing at all!" She clenches her fists and cries out of frustration. Ellis looks down feeling sorry but tries to comfort her with his words from the heart. "That''s not true at all, without your help I would have been dead by that crazy woman Rebecca. If it wasn''t for you a lot of people would have died back at the labor camp. But you managed to recruit everyone to fight for your freedom. As far as what I have seen, you''re basically a walking good luck charm in my opinion. So don''t say nothing is working because as far as what I have seen and experience from, you could very much change the future of Los Angeles and California."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Nakoma looks at Ellis with teary eyes. Ellis smiles back with a big grin on his face. She sniffles as she quickly wipes the tears off her face with her arm, soaking into the white lab coat disguise. She quickly slaps both her cheeks and shakes off the despair hanging over her head. "Okay, okay...thank you Ellis. That really means a lot to me... I just... want less people to die is all." "And I get that, truly. Some things are just out of our hands at times. As long as you have people to rely on for support, then it feels like you can take on the whole world." They both chuckle easing the tension a bit. Rebecca''s voice echoed the area as she stood on top of the table to get everyone''s attention. "Alright everyone listen up! Do not split up here, we got to clear this mall and see what we can find and maybe hold up in here for the night until outside dies down a bit. Watch each other''s back in here and for the love of god, I say again, do not wander off or split up at all!" The soldiers all yelled in agreement in unison and readied their weapons. Rebecca hops down and yanks off her lab coat as it got in the way as it was really baggy on her and not fitting properly. Ellis helped up Nakoma and followed the group as Ellis readied his weapon protecting Nakoma. They walked down the eerie walkway of the mall slowly watching all around and stepping very carefully. The only thing they can hear inside the mall was their slow footsteps stepping on debris and glass, and the sound of music playing over the intercom of the mall that surprisingly still works for some unknown reason. The song playing on the intercom was called "Linger" played by the Cranberries. The song sounded uplifting but somehow, the situation they were in, made it more creepy and worse. The mall was converted into a hub for traders and merchants as the walkway was filled with abandon stalls and pitched up tents. It was a mess; it looked as if everyone was scrambling to escape this place as the trading hub was trampled. Things knocked over or out of place, hundreds of shoeprints imprinted onto the floor with dirt and muck. But no sign of life anywhere. Some of the men''s hands were shaking as they scan all around them, waiting for something to jump scare them at any moment. Now, ironically, the malls speakers start playing "What a wonderful world" by Louis Armstrong. The music in the mall is not helping them and making them more on edge. Rebecca was in the front leading them as she aims her pistol waiting for something to happen. They walk down until they finally reached into another large open section of the mall with escalators and stairs leading to the second floor. Before they could even step foot onto the open area the tile in front of Rebecca explodes into pieces as shards of tile flew up in the air. The soldier behind her grabbed her quickly before she could even react as he brought her behind cover to safety. A shotgun was fired somewhere from the second floor as a rack from the shotgun can be heard as it loaded another shell. "GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOME! I DON''T NEED JACKSONS MEN ON MY PROPERTY!" As an unknown voice echoed the entire mall. Rebecca shouted back in anger. "You dickwad! We''re not with Jackson!" "Could''ve fooled me! The fuck you call your outfits then, huh?!" Rebecca growled at the unknow voice, but Nakoma chimed in and did the unthinkable, slowly walking towards the open area. "I''m coming out with my hands up! What she said was true! We stole these outfits to get into the city! We''re not with them! I swear to you on my life and honor!" There was silence for a few moments before the unknown voice began to speak again. "Slowly!" Nakoma slowly walked out into the open view with her hands raised high above the air. Rebecca looked at her as if she was insane. Nakoma was finally out in the open and was still unharmed. She looked up to see the mysterious voice as it was a man in his mid twenties, he had a red jacket with a green shirt and spikey white hair. He was aiming his twelve gauge shotgun directly at her as he saw she was telling the truth. He slowly lowered his aim with a very confused look on his face. "Wait... for real? You guys are not with that douchebag?" "Of course not, I fucking hate that guy. We stole these uniforms to get into the city to see what was happening." Rebecca answered the man as she stepped out as well with her men as all their weapons were holstered away. The man chuckled slowly and turned into full blown hysterical laughter. For some reason this ticked Rebecca just slightly. The man leaned his shotgun against the railing as he grabs a long tapestry flag that was hanging off the balcony. He hurdles over the railing and slides down the tapestry quickly reaching the first floor. "Well shit my bad. You really had me going there for a second. I really thought you all were part of his little army hahaha. Here, my treat, sorry for the scare." He goes behind a store counter and reaches for a couple of beer cans and tosses each of the soldiers an ice cold beer. The were perplex but also very ecstatic of drinking some alcohol. He offers to Nakoma and Rebecca but they both declined. The two women sat on a concrete bench that was in a square shape with a fake tree plant in the center of it. Rebecca pulled out a cigarette as she lights it taking a massive inhale before puffing it out. The man sat next to them as he cracked open a cold one for himself and still chuckling to himself. "Man what a relief, I thought I was the only one alive in this damn city of zombies! Good thing I didn''t hit you, that would''ve been bad hahaha!" Rebecca just looks at the man with an annoyed and tiresome look but understood he didn''t mean ill will on them, only Jackson''s men, since she was the same. Nakoma looks at him with worry and confusion on how he is still so cheery being in the center of this undead nightmare. CHAPTER 22) Its Like a Videogame! After some time has passed the mysterious stranger stands up and heads down to the open area of the plaza. Nakoma quickly follows him trying to catch up to his speed. He enters a worn down arcade that still looks to be in working order for the most part. Nakoma tries to get his attention put he ignores her as he happily hums a tune of the radio playing overhead throughout the entire mall. The song that played was an upbeat song called "Video killed the radio star" by The Buggles. "Um excuse me mister I didn''t catch your name... do you mind telling me what it is?" He continues to hum as he slowly puts in a quarter into one of the arcade machines. "It''s Tommy. Sit down, relax a bit. You probably have shit in your pants if you all made it this far hehehe." He said with a mischievous chuckle. The machine lights up as he rapidly pushes the button with his middle finger and quickly moving the joystick on this barely working machine. Pixilated figures move and shoot all around as he was controlling a spaceship as aliens come from above the screen towards his character. "Can you take this serious, please. We''ve ran through hell without seeing another soul and here we find you acting like nothing is wrong. Like everything is normal." "That''s because it is lady. For me at least. No more guards or soldiers. No more unexpected barge ins from the military. I can sleep and do nothing if I wanted too. Granted it does get lonely sometimes, but who hasn''t in this day and age, am I right? haha!" He laughs it off as he continues to play his game. Rebecca finally walks towards Tommy and is more forceful in her questioning. She places her hand in front of the screen blocking his view, but he is unbothered. He only moves his head side to side trying to see where the pixilated alien his heading next. "Listen here pal, what happen to this city? You obviously must have seen the chaos that ensued this place. What the hell happened here?" He makes a disgruntled sound as he still tries to shoot the aliens. "I don''t know." "The fuck you mean you don''t know!?" "I said I don''t know! Jesus, I was asleep the entire time in my home right across the stores, see." He points behind him to see a shuttle bus missing all its wheels and converted as a makeshift home. It was inside a small store and god knows how the hell a shuttle bus made it inside the damn thing. Rebecca and Nakoma look in confusion as they both look back at him in disbelief. Nakoma spoke for the both of them as they were both thinking the same thing. "You live in this place? Even before those things outside ever showed up?" "Well duh, haven''t you seen the ruined and torn down shops when you were walking through this place? This mall was a trading hub for merchants. Same with me, we all sell and lived in this place. It was all regulated and watched over by the military force of Jackson. Always keeping tabs on the people and what they sell. Taking any contraband that was deemed illegal in their eyes. I am a heavy sleeper and when I sleep, I don''t wake up for anything. I make sure to lock my bus up, I guess they didn''t think anyone was inside since the whole bus is covered in armor to keep people from peeking inside. I guess when panic ensued here, they evacuated everyone quickly. I didn''t see any blood, just stuff toppled over and dirty boot prints of everyone running. I didn''t think anything of it, I thought it was some crazy gunman that came in here and everyone ran for their lives." The two of them were in disbelief hearing this absurd story. "That''s when I went outside and saw those zombies. When I first saw those limp and rotting faces, I was..." Nakoma looks in pity, "Terrified..." He turns back around losing the game he was playing. Nakoma''s sorrowful look slowly turned into a scared one as he looks both of the girls with a huge wide eye smile. " I was so... fucking... EXCITED!" They both look at him as if he was insane. He giggles in excitement as if he was a little kid again on Christmas. Before Rebecca could say anything, she sniffs the air noticing a putrid foul smell coming from the arcade room. She looks down and sees a large bucket fill with some sort of brown slop. "Oh my god... don''t tell me what I think that is..." "Ah, you''ve noticed. That''s just my waste bucket." Rebecca almost gags and covers her face. "Oh my fucking god, that''s fucking disgusting!" "What? I take zombie survival tips very seriously. I have watched and play so many hours of zombie theme movies and games. And one of those rules involves bathrooms! Tell me, if you had to go the restroom and suddenly a couple of zombies barge through the door, where are you going to run?"This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Rebecca was about to speak but had now words other than, "Nowhere... because the doors will be blocked." "Because the doors will be blocked by them, exactly. At least with a waste bucket I can easily run away from them. And I''ll also have a noxious weapon thrown at them hahahaha!" He bursts out laughing as he walks towards his little make shift home. Rebeccas men all stare at him with confusion and disgust on how much he is loving all this. Nakoma then grabs Tommy and turns him around to face her. "So what, you like living in this infested city? What about your friends? Your family? They all could possibly be dead! Don''t you care about that?" "Uhhhh newsflash girl, I don''t have anyone. Both parents died when I was young, been on my own since I can remember. Thats why I live and sell shit here. I learned how to make alcohol, so it always sells out." "I''m... I''m sorry I didn''t-" "Don''t sweat it. Not like it matters, like I said, they died a long time ago. C''mere, I want to show you all something. It''s how I stay in shape and get my daily exercise hehehe." Tommy mischievously chuckles to himself as he leads the whole group to a different section of the mall. The quiet and eerie sounds of the empty mall mixed with the cheery jingles of tunes playing overhead still put the whole group uneasy. After a short walk they arrived at another entrance of the mall. This entrance was heavily barricade with so much junk and materials, but the barricade wasn''t blocking the doors. This barricade made a C shape around the entrance of the doors. Almost as if this place was like a little arena. The white tiles were all stained with a red coloring all over the floor. No matter how good the tiles were cleaned, the red stain was still there. The whole group looked in confusion as to what they were seeing. As they look at the entrance, the windows were covered in steel panels. Three large container like boxes were infused to the steel panel walls that connected to the outside. Banging and loud unusual noises can be heard coming from all three of the large steel container units. Nakoma and Rebecca watch in suspense as Tommy leaped over the large high barricaded wall. He picked up a fireman''s axe that was lodged inside the barricade wall and headed straight to the container doors. He reached for the farthest on the right and turned a dial. He went to the second and did the same. He finally went to the far left container and pressed a large button on the side. The door loudly banged and hissed slowly as the door lifted up with its loud metal gears grinding. " Watch and learn why I''m so happy the zombie apocalypse finally happened!" As Tommy yelled with glee in his voice. The door finally opened and loud gurgling and snarling''s can be heard inside. Suddenly two zombies come twitching out and spewing up blackish goo and blood as they scan everywhere. Their dead cold bloody red eyes locked onto Tommy as they both screech in the air. The group aimed their guns instinctively but did not fire. The zombies scream sounded like a high screeching cat mix with a screaming elk. Nakoma was disturbed hearing that eldritch noise coming from a person, or what used to be a person. And the only one smiling from ear to ear was Tommy. The two zombies sprinted awkwardly towards Tommy as he ducks under their swings. He then proceeds to kick the knee of one of the zombies forcing it to kneel. As soon as the zombie was on both its knees, he quickly swung the axe from above striking it directly in its head. It quickly went limp and gone completely quiet. The other zombie quickly turned around charging at Tommy. He quickly yanked the axe out and swung the axe''s pick deep into the chest of the zombie. It spat out blackish red goo from the amount of force he put into the axe, stunning it in the process. He then forced the zombie onto the ground and stomped on its head. Its face shattered into the tile as it''s body twitch and convulsed. As he was stomping, the other door was halfway opening and another undead came out crawling under the door before it can be fully opened. It rushed at Tommy, but he blocked its bite with the handle of the axe. The zombie continued to chew on the axe as if it was flesh. He then guided the zombie and pinned it against a pillar. He proceeded to use the zombies grip and forced its head against the pillar. Over and over and over and over again he kept bashing the undead''s skull into the pillar hard. Blood was beginning to splatter more and more on the pillar. The movements of the zombie became more sluggish and now disoriented. It then released its bite from the grip standing in a concussive state. Tommy then swung the axe back and slashed its head against the pillar. The axe cut clean through the face and into the pillar. The zombie dropped hard twitching. The lower mouth was all that remained from its head as its tongue twitched on its own reaching high in the air as if it was a worm moving on its own. The third door finally opened as another undead stumbles out twitching. It finally sees him and sprints after him. Tommy also sprints at the zombie only to slide on his knees and swing the axe on its leg. It cut right through with ease as it faceplanted onto the floor. It quickly tried to get up but failed only to finally crawl as it slowly turned around making its way to Tommy. Tommy gets up from his knees and yells into the air echoing the entire mall. "WHOOOOOO!!!! FUCK YEAH!!! ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAIN?!?!?!" He opens his arms wide open shouting into the crowd with adrenaline coursing through his veins. The whole floor was a bloody mess. The bodies of the zombies lay motionless and leaking so much blood. The missing leg zombie was slowly crawling towards Tommy, though very slowly since all the blood around it was giving it no grip to move across the floor. Tommy finishes his victory yell and walk towards the undead as it growls and snarls, chomping its teeth in the air at him. Tommy''s smile widens more as he sinisterly walks towards the injured zombie. He then proceeds to swing down his axe on the body of the zombie. It continues to snarl and reach for him not reacting to the deep wounds on its back. Tommy repeatedly swings the axe down onto the body over and over and over again. All while smiling through the entire process. Rebecca''s men felt queasy, and some looked away in disgust. Rebecca herself even had to look away for a moment. Nakoma just stared and was fixated the way he kept chopping and hacking away at the zombie. The loud aggressive snarls and screeches were now silent. and the only sounds were the clinking of the tiles and mush sounds of the corpse. After several minutes the corpse was unrecognizable into a pile of bloody black mush of intestines and body parts. Tommy rests the axe over his shoulder catching his breath. "Oh man what a workout. You all signed up to be here. This is the reality now. Oh c''mon, haven''t you all watch a single zombie movie? You all should be used to this by now. It''s like a video game if you think about it hahaha!" Everyone was silent and refused to speak. They were not at all use to this. Seeing men and women die on the battlefront sure, but this, this is straight from hell. Nakoma tried not to shed a tear as she looked away in disgust as well. It didn''t help that the last undead was no more than a small thirteen year old child that was now a pile of black bloody mush. CHAPTER 23) The New Age of Liquidators The whir and hum of machines echo through the entire factory. People are in constant movement, not pausing for even a moment. All the men and women are working tirelessly through sweat and grit as they keep on pushing through their exhaustion. Meanwhile in the prison site of Arroyo near Temecula, all the workers are at their rounds working like clockwork. In one section of the facility, Hakan is sorting through the pile of bullets that pour in from the conveyor belt. He places the correct cartridges in the exact locations they are supposed to go. After the huge crate is filled with all the cartridges, he hauls it to the end of the building as a man in a forklift takes it from him. The forklift places the loaded ammo into a trailer where it will be shipped off to several locations within the city of Los Angeles. For hours and hours on end he repeats this cycle tediously. The sudden loud whistle blows overhead as the sound was deafening and ear piercing. He always jumped at the whistle but was glad since it was the end of their shift for work. The guard escorted his group back to their shacks as they all slowly disperse once they finally arrived. Hakan dragged his feet across the dirt as he made his way into his shack. He stomped his feet just near the entrance trying to shake off the dirt and grime off of his shoes, though it actually didn''t even matter since all of their shacks were horrendously filthy regardless. Upon entering his shack, he can see people talking and chuckling amongst themselves as they leaned on their worn out beds. Some were playing cards on them, while others simple passed out and slept on them, not even removing their dusty filthy work clothing. Even Hakan himself didn''t even bother to change out of his work clothes, he walked to his bunk bed and simply collapsed in exhaustion. "Welcome back bunk buddy! How was work today?" He turned his head to see Hailey hanging upside down from her top bunk looking over him. He exhales with a tired tone his voice. "Hey Hailey, it''s work, what do you expect?" "I know, just wanted to see how you were holding up in here is all. There are always a few people that crack in this place, good to see you haven''t broken yet hehe." "Well, I''m glad you find this so amusing." He burrows his head into his pillow as a load groan sound expels from his diaphragm. Hailey continues to hang upside still staring at her sulking bunkmate. Hakan slowly turns over now facing with Hailey''s gaze. "I need to find a way out of here. I can''t stay here, I need to know where my friends are." "It''s easier said than done. If there was a way out, I would''ve dipped a loooooong time ago." "I get that, but hasn''t there been any attempts, you know, rumors about anything?" Her eyes looked at him with pity, "Look, everyone is just trying to survive out here and keep their heads down. They want to live, they''re too scared to fight back at all. Honestly, I don''t blame them. If they were managed to escape, what then? They''ll be on the run for the rest of their lives, and they just want to live a quiet decent life in this messed up world." Hakan lays back feeling defeated and sighs again. "Hey cheer up, who knows, maybe you''ll get released out early for good behavior hahaha." She lifts herself up lays back in her own bed on the top bunk. Hakan just stares at the springs and coils above him as he prays to the gods that his friends are doing okay. The next morning was the same as any other day until a guard quickly rushes through the double doors of Hakan''s station.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "Prisoner seven zero seven two seven?" Everyone quickly looked up in their nervous curiosity, especially Hakan, since that was his prison number. "Umm yes...?" "Come with me, you''re being reassigned." "Wait... what? To where-" "Move! Now!" The guard was impatient as he aimed at the door with his baton. Hakan didn''t argue, he quickly followed the guard until they reached the front entrance of camp Arroyo. He was fidgeting in place not knowing what is going to happen. Soon, one by one more people were arriving at the front of the entrance waiting in place just as Hakan was doing. All looking pale and nervous as well. Some of them were old, some were just teens. He then heard a very familiar cheery voice come from behind. "Oh hey bunk buddy! You were chosen too? What are the odds we were chosen together! Must be fate huh? Haha!" She pats him hard on the back as the guard interrupted her to be quiet. Hakan looks around seeing the group all standing and waiting. "I don''t like this. Something doesn''t feel right." "Oh I''m sure we''ll be fine as long as we work and do as we''re told." Hakan looks at her and is frightened by her unusual optimism but chooses to ignore it. After several minutes of anticipation, a white school bus rolls in front of them. Making a high pitch noise as it halts to a complete stop. "Alright everyone, get on, quickly let''s go!" The guard rushed everyone quickly onto the bus and Hakan and Hailey were the first ones to get on board. He quickly stopped as he was startled by the bus driver. He turned his head slowly towards Hakan as he wore a light brown MOPP gear, with a gas mask covering his face. He didn''t say a word to Hakan, but he felt his piercing stare through the dark rim goggles. They sat aboard and after a few minutes they were finally on the move onto the freeway. After an hour they were reaching their destination soon. As Hakan looked out his window, the landscape seemed to change the farther he kept driving down. Where buildings and homes once stood slowly becoming more and more ruble. The bus soon violently shakes from the amount of debris they kept running over. Hailey was giggling thinking this was some fun ride for her, to everyone else, it was sick and frightening. The bus soon halted and another guard in the same brown hazmat suit stood up and passed down everyone a pill. "Alright everyone take this pill. You are now part of the cleanup crew of camp Arroyo. Your job is to remove the debris out of the roads and make a clearing. Understood?" Everyone nodded submissively. The double doors hissed open and forced everyone out. There was another vehicle that was following the bus full of geared soldiers acting as guards in case anyone decided to become a runaway. Hakan looked all around him and was shocked to see what all around him had become. A rusting sign that barely spelled out the words San Diego. The city was in complete ruins and devastation. Unlike how San Fransico was overturned by nature, this city was in complete utter ruins. The streets were halfway cleared from previous cleanup crew''s work. For hours they spent shoveling the ruble and moving giant concrete rocks out of the streets and onto the sidewalks. It was grueling and cruel work. "So tell me, where are you originally from anyways? You look too green to be someone born in the streets of L.A haha." "Umm, I''m from far north. Some people would usually call me a tribal person I suppose-" She gasped and lean closer to Hakan, "Wait for real! You''re an actual tribal person! Like in those old pre-war shows and comic books! Do you used to live in caves! Did you grow up with gorillas and fell in love with a professor''s daughter! Can you sing on vines!" She squeed in excitement as she dropped her shovel and barraged him with questions. He turns around with a weird and flabbergasted look on his face. "What are you even- no. None of those things." "Aww shucks, I really like that movie too. It was a sweet movie." Before he could even say anything back to her, he overhears a loud commotion behind him. A man was seen slumping over onto his shovel as he was coughing aggressively. Hailey also turned as she was shocked what she was seeing also. The man continued to cough until he was spatting out blood. He fell face first into the large pile he was cleaning as he was reaching into the air gasping for air. He kept vomiting up blood and choking on it as well. The guard in the hazmat suit barely did anything to help him. He pulled a large clunky looking box and hoover over the man as he violently vomits blood and coughs. The box began ticking irregularly as he sways over the area around the man. The box continues to tick irregularly, and the hazmat man shook his head in disapproval. Hakan looks all around him in the ruins of this decaying city and realizes that he might be in the middle of a death sentence. CHAPTER 24) A Roman Spectacle The truck engines roared loudly as they drove across the empty desert landscape of the wasteland. Leaving nothing but giant trails of dust behind them. Several disheveled vans followed the unusual armored and rusted conveys ahead of them. Makya and Roy sat across from each other in one of the many vans of their marauder capturers. Makya, despite being in this situation, found it funny. He went from one prisoner to someone else''s prisoner. Roy looked at him with worry as Makya lowered his head and grabbed his own hair, pulling tightly in frustration. On the bright side, at least they removed their explosive collars. The ones panicking the most were Jacksons police soldiers. Their eyes darting everywhere trying to find some way to escape. Others crying as they rocked back and forth in place. For a while they were the ones who felt superior to the prisoners, now they were the ones in chains now. The van jumped and bumped vigorously as they traverse the desert wasteland. Makya was able to look through one of the holes in the side of the van that was rusting out. All he saw was how fast they were traveling and the other vans that followed beside his. A camero drives past them at incredible speed. It was covered in armor as well in a crude manner. It had spikes on the hood with a battering ram. A man can be seen jumping up and down on the back side of the car has he held onto railings that were welded to the car. His maniacal laughter pierced the sound of the loud monstrous engines that filled the desert sky. The convoy suddenly began to decrease their speed. Makya peered out the hole again to see large crude walls. A sign that was faded but still readable with the words "Fort Irwin". They were inside the base and the vehicles stopped immediately making everyone fall and slide across the van floor. The double doors swung open violently and Jacksons guard tried to run immediately. It was futile the moment he tried to sprint as he was tackled to the ground furiously. His face dragged across the sharp rocks on the floor as he pleaded for his life. The man who tackled him kicked him in his face knocking him unconscious. He spat on him before another hauled him away. The brute men began separating the weak looking individuals from the moderate to strong looking ones. Roy and Makya were immediately separated as they both struggled not wanting to be handled. They were place in a small, cramped room until the next morning. The doors unlocked as one man with bad odor and makeshift armor from car parts and metal signs stepped through. "Everyone, get up move it!" As he aimed his rifle at them. They all listen as they slowly walked out the doorway. He instructed them to enter a shipping container as guards waited for them to enter. Makya looked everywhere to find Roy but couldn''t find him. The entered the box as the door closed with a loud metal bang and latch closing. It suddenly began to shake as a forklift was moving their container. The shaking and vibration of the container made them feel uneasy until finally a loud thud shook the whole container. The doors unlatched but were not swung open. Makya was the first to walk towards the door and push on the heavy metal steel. The others cautiously followed him as they took their first steps outside. Makya was in shock as well as the others as they stood inside a track filed surround by a wall made of junk. Cars, ruble, spikes and pikes. Razor wiring woven between the gaps of the piles. Behind the ruble wall was another more secure concrete wall with razor wiring on top as well. People all stood on top of the wall filling all the spots as they yelled and cheered. Makya looked to his side to find three other containers as people slowly emerged from them confused on what is happening. Each container of twenty five people emerged from each of them. A total of one hundred prisoners on the field. Then a loud voice echoed the sky as it startled Makya. "Hello my favorite psychopaths!!! Are you ready for the battle of the slaves!!! The crowd cheered as it echoed into the sky. Their cries of war filling the sky. "That''s what I love to fucking hear!!! Today we got a special batch of slaves for you here tonight coming from the one and only Jackson of L.A." The crowd bellows loudly even more. "From the whole operation we picked up, we even managed to capture some of their soldiers, so you know they have experience!!! We picked the best of the best from their lot; the rest will go on to serve as slaves for us as needed." He looked around to find Roy but was relieved that he wasn''t in this giant makeshift arena. "We have the largest collection of slaves ever collected. A total of ONE HUNDRED!!! This ultimate battle royal will show us who is the ultimate slave warrior of all time!!! As for you slaves, refusal of fighting in the arena is an automatic disqualification. YOU. WILL. BE. KILLED! The winner of this royal will be rewarded as the champion of slaves!!! What does that entail for you poor souls? Well, none other than having the royalty treatment as a champion!!! Three square meals a day with a perfect lodging for you instead of a prison cell!!! Those two rules should be enough incentive for you all to fight. Without further ado, LET THE BLOODBATH BEGIN!!! A large, long air horn blared the sky signaling the battle royal to begin. All one hundred slaves looked around confused and in disbelief. The field was scattered with trash, debris, obstacles and spikes placed in some piles and in different spots. They notice many melee weapons scattered far from each other all over the arena. One man was panicking and tried to run and climb on top of the barrier wall. The spectators were all cheering for him to make it to the top, taunting him. He was close to making it but was short lived. As soon as he stepped on the last pile, the spectator aimed at his head with a five hundred smith and wesson. He pulled the trigger right between the eyebrows and blew the poor souls'' brain out. The man tumbled down the pile like a ragdoll and tangled himself in the barbed wire. He laid their motionless as blood poured out like a faucet. Everyone was frightened, some women even screamed at the sight. The man''s face was unrecognizable. The only part of his face that even looked human was his lower jaw that was barely hanging on. All while the men on top of the barrier were laughing and cheering at the sight of his lifeless body. Makya slowly looked to the others as they did as well. A few seconds of silence among them as they stood still, frozen in fear on what must be done to survive. They all began to sprint in every direction like roaches trying to find the nearest weapon. Makya felt pain and regret, but in order to see Nakoma, in order to see Hakan, he must do what needed to be done. He prays to the gods for forgiveness as he rushes as well. The crowd cheers even louder as the battle commences.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. A man tries to reach for a tire iron welded with blades but was immediately tackled by another man. The tackler pushed him to the floor as the other tried to push him off. The tackler grabbed the bladed iron and swung deep into his head. He yelled as tears poured down his face as he kept repeatedly bashing his head crying. Two women were rolling around in the dirt as they kept pulling their hair until finally one was able to reach around and strangle the other. Makya broke a piece of pike from the ruble as it was a familiar weapon to him like his spear. After some time, the announcer filled the arena with heavy metal music. The audience loved it as they begged for more blood to be spilled. The field was in chaos as people were running around trying to chase others with no weapons as others were locked in battle with each other. And Makya was no exception. He waited for others to charge at him as he dodged and weaved every slice, every blunt object thrown at him. His movements were flawless and was able to thrust the pike into the stomach whenever there was an opening for him. Being a warrior from his tribe is helping him stay alive as others are panicking and fighting sloppily. "LOOK AT THAT FOLKS, HALF OF THE SLAVES HAVE ALREADY FALLEN!!! Get a load of this man!!! Look at him go with that metal pole!!! It''s as if he was born to be a fighter!!! Keep an eye on this one and place your bets if you dare!!!" Makya''s heart was being torn as he killed every person that challenged him. He kept apologizing after every kill and asked for forgiveness. Nearly an hour has passed, and the numbers are dwindling fast. A man was seen choking a woman with a barb wire as his hands bleed from the spikes cutting into his hands. A woman stabbing a teenager with a bowie knife as she was sobbing profusely and drenched in blood. The music filled the arena with heavy fast rifts giving every one of the slaves pure raw adrenaline. It was now down to five people, and they were all exhausted. Bodies laid everywhere. Intestines spilled opened onto the dirt. Heads bashed open like watermelons. Torsos stabbed hundreds of times. The announcer spoke again loudly over the intercoms. "Holy fucking shit!!! Only five left folks, and they seemed to be at their limit!!! How about we give them some more motivation!!! HERE HE COMES, THE ONE, THE ONLY, IROOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!! JUGGERNAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!!!!!! The crowd all sang in unison yelling the name juggernaut over and over again. The crowd moved out of the way as a man walks down with a loud thud with each step. A welded face mask with a painted blood skull across it. The gears whirred and hissed as he walked with murderous intent. He wore a modified and armored version of a Raython exoskeleton suit. The crowd cheered as he strutted towards the arena. The marauders sprayed alcohol all over him cheering him on. The Iron Juggernaut ignored all the praised and continued toward the barbed wire fence. Without stopping, he immediately crouched and jumped high into the air landing on one of the vehicles. The suit crushed the car with its weight and momentum. The five of them all stared in horror seeing the metal monster. He slowly started walking towards the five of them, taking his sweet time. Two of them men charge at juggernaut with a spear and the other a machete. Before they even had a chance to swing or pierce him, they both were in his grasp. They were choking and tried desperately to swing at him but couldn''t even make a dent in his armor. The juggernaut stared at the two struggling as he finally had enough of their tantrum. He clashed the two heads he was holding together as if he was smashing two beer cans together. Their heads where nothing but mere mush. A woman rushed at him with an axe as he ran towards her as well. He raised his fist and punched a hole through her stomach. She fell to the floor as he pulled his metal fist out. Her intestine spilled out as she was still alive trying to put the slippery mess back in, but he wasn''t finished yet. He grabbed her by her feet and chest crushing the bones with his hydraulic grip. She screamed in pain as he raised her above his head her blood and intestines spilled all over him. The hydraulics hissed loudly as he slowly began to separate her. She yelled in unimaginable pain until her face was frozen in shock and could only mouth her screaming as no more sound can be heard. The juggernaut yelled with an angry war cry as he quickly ripped her apart shooting blood everywhere. He tossed her two halves in different directions as he continued to yell in the air, still covered in guts and blood. The crowd yelled for more. Now there were two, Makya and a worn male stranger. The man looked in pure horror and despair after witnessing the woman''s death. He couldn''t help but urinate himself and dropped his weapon. He quickly ran away from the opposite direction and tried to climb the barbed wire pile. He was quickly stopped as a rifle shot him in his lower back. He tumbled down to the floor still alive in agonizing pain. Makya stood his ground as the iron juggernaut walked towards him. Blood dripped all over his body as he walked and caught Makya off guard as he kicked a car that was in his way. The car skidded with immense speed as Makya quickly jumped out of the way. The wounded man saw the car hurdling towards him as he screamed. The car slammed into him squishing the man against the wall. The force was strong it shook the concrete wall, making the spectators stumble for a moment. Makya quickly rolled back up only to be startled as the juggernaut was already standing over him. He grabbed him by the throat and slowly lifted him up. The crowd chanted loudly over and over again, KILL HIM, KILL HIM, KILL HIM. He can feel his metalic hand slowly squeeze tighter. The air was slowly escaping him feeling the life slowly leave him. The metal monster laughs slowly, it was rough and sinister. Makya, all he could think about was Nakoma and Hakan. For just a brief moment he loosens his grip on his pike weapon and opened his eye. He saw the hydraulic on the arm he was being choked with and gave one final resistance. He thrusted the pike weapon at the hydraulic and it hissed loudly. The juggernaut dropped him as his arm lost his control grip. Makya coughed as he quickly took his pike and thrusted into the side of the man. He yelled in pain and quickly swatted him away. The force was powerful as he hit Makya in the head. Makya was sent soaring in the air and landed hard on one of the vehicles. He can feel glass and metal shards cut into his back. He slowly rolled off landing hard onto the floor. He can see the iron juggernaut kneel down trying to take the pike out of his side. It was difficult to see him, Makya''s eye popped a blood vessel, and his head was bleeding into his eye as well. He looked around and saw a baseball bat with nails sticking out. He grabbed it and painfully tried to stand up. The man was still busy trying to take the pike out as the exosuit was making it difficult to reach. Makya quickly ran to him and jumped onto his back. The juggernaut quickly got up and tried to reach for him but couldn''t. He pushed himself against the bard wire. Slammed himself against an old, rusted bus but Makya refused to let go. After struggling so much he was able to remove the mask of the juggernaut. The crowd was absolutely going insane on the fight they were witnessing. The juggernaut''s face was rough and bearded, he was missing an eye as a large gash was going across it. He still kept twirling to get him off. Makya managed to grab the barrel of the bat and smash his head with it. The Juggernaut was stunned and collapsed to his knees. Makya quickly got off and swung the bat up against his face. The Juggernaut fell onto his back coughing up blood. Makya stood over and began to smash his head repeatedly over and over again, until there was nothing left. "I DON''T FUCKING BELIEVE IT!!! SAY IT AIN''T SO!!! THE JUGGERNAUT WAS DEFEATED!!! THE WINNER OF THE BATTLE OF THE SLAVES!!! OUR NEEEEEEEEEW CHAMPIOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!" The crowd went ballistic, some cheered and others were angry. There were even some disappointed faces as they lost a bet. Makya yelled into the air with anger against his captives with his fist held high. The crowd cheered and roared with their bloodlust quenched. CHAPTER 25) Onward to MONTOX An hour has passed since the demonstration of that small makeshift arena Tommy has built himself against those undead, and still, everyone is shaken up from the relentless gore they witnessed. Even a young kid was aggressively vicious just as the infected adults were. They all returned to the small home Tommy has built himself. Some soldiers stand by themselves pondering. Others stayed in their little clicks of their unit. Rebecca sat on one of the air hockey tables in the arcade room across from Tommy''s place. She leans forward with a cigarette in her mouth as she has her hand resting on her forehead. Nakoma leans against the doorway of the arcade as Ellis stands next to Nakoma, acting as her personal guard. Nakoma looks to Tommy''s place as he sits on an old stitched up bean bag chair playing on an old game console. Few other soldiers from Rebeccas crew stand or sit watching him play his game out of boredom. The game was very ironic since you play games to escape reality, but the game Tommy was playing was a zombie game. A four person cooperative shooter that made you survive against hordes of zombies trying to go from point A to point B. To no one''s surprise, his weapon choice in game was an axe. The others watched in amusement as he sliced and bashed his way through the relentless hordes of zombies. Nakoma had enough of hearing the screams of the videogame zombies and went up to him to ask a question. "Excuse me, Tommy, do you have a moment?" "Hmph? Sure, what''s up?", He says without looking away from the television screen. "Do you have any extra set of clothes so I can change out of these ones?" "No I don''t. There was a clothes store around the corner here some guy was selling. You could find something there if there is still anything." Nakoma made a disgruntled moan before walking away, " Ugh, okay, thanks." "Happy to help.", As he said still refusing to look away from his video game. Nakoma and Ellis both went to the clothing shop that was supposedly just around the corner of this section of the mall. They spotted it as soon as they turned around the corner. It was inside a small department store that was also a pre-war clothing store. It had a very punk style aesthetic to the place. To her luck, all the clothes were left behind though some were on the floor during the mass panic. She carefully looked through all the ones still on the tables and racks before even touching the ones on the floor. She was halfway through when a pair of clothing caught her eye. It was a very familiar brown pattern that she remembered wearing just before all this crazy mess she got entangled in. She quickly grabbed it and grabbed the pair of boots that looked comfortable enough then those old dress shoes of the disguise she was wearing. She quickly walked out and headed to the nearest restroom. Before she could walk in, she turned around and ask Ellis a quick favor. "Ellis? Would you mind standing guard at the doorway while I change out of this really quickly." "I would be happy too. Don''t worry you''re safe, I promise." He smiled and stood in the middle of the doorway as Nakoma entered the restroom. That remark Tommy made about restrooms having only one exit stuck with her and made her feel a bit anxious. She set the pair of new clothes on top of the ceramic sink as she began to remove her clothing piece by piece. Before removing her pants, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the bracelet that was given to her before leaving her home. She looks at the small emblem black disk as she rubbed her finger across it, feeling its texture. She looked up trying to stop herself from shedding tears. She looked at the sink and slowly reach down to turn the knob. To her surprise, the water was working still. She bends over and cupped her hands together under the running water as she gently washes her face. She stands up finishing her wash as her hands slowly glide down from her face. The icy cold water dripped down as she stared into the mirror looking back at herself. She stares for what felt like an eternity. It''s as if she almost doesn''t recognize who she was seeing in the mirror. A total complete stranger. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. She comes out of the restroom feeling slightly refreshed. Ellis looks at her and gives her a comforting smile. She smiles back and thanks him for guarding. They slowly walk back to where everyone else was. Nakoma found a trash bin on the way back and tossed her disguised away. They arrived back and it seems nothing has changed; they all were in the same place as they were before. Nakoma sighed in exhaustion as she leaned against the wall now trying to figure out their next plan. Suddenly a loud bang echoed through the entire mall. Everyone jumped up from where they were standing and readied their weapons all except Tommy who was still playing away on his game. Rebecca had her pistol ready as was fed up with how calm he was and rushed towards Tommy in an angry huff. "Why the fuck are you still sitting down? Did you not hear that?" "Relax kid, I know what it is. Don''t get your bun in a knot." "I am not a fucking kid asshole!" He ignores her anger as he hops off his bean bag couch and racks the shotgun that was sitting beside him. He walks out towards the sound as the rest followed behind him. The echo of mall music softly playing above them as no more noise can be heard. After a while they began to hear gurgling and dry heaving in the distance. Demonic sounds of growling and coughing can be heard as they readied their weapons while Tommy still has his shotgun over his shoulder. They are in another part of the mall entrance as a lone infected stands there, twitching in place. Everyone has their guns ready but still shaken, even Rebecca had a slight shake as she aimed her weapon. Tommy scoffed as he bumps his shotgun off his shoulder as it landed into his hand. He aims at the infected person from the hip. He whistles loudly to get the infected persons attention. The whistle echoes loudly as the undead figure twitches and straightens up. He snapped his head to the sound of the whistle as he turned around slowly. His lower left jaw was missing as a piece of his tongue just freely dangles, only being held by a few small bands of connective tissue. His left arm missing as only a chunk of his forearm dangles from a tendon. It''s eyes blood shot red nearly bursting out of his head as an oozing yellow puss seeps out from the corners of its eyes. All of them were struck with fear down to their core all except for Tommy who was enjoying every minute of this. The infected kept hyperventilating until it finally yelled its demonic gurgling screeched into the air and began to sprint at them. They all were frightened in place seeing the disfigured face charge toward them until they were snapped out of it by the ungodly loud sound of the shotgun being fired from the hip into the infected persons chest. The infected was flown backwards as it slid across the cracked tiles. Tommy chuckled sinisterly as he watched the corpse flew back. It than began to twitch and screech as it propped itself back up and charged again. Another loud blast from the shotgun was fired off as it hit it on the left side of its stomach. It stumbled back as it grabbed it with its only intact right arm. It buried its hand deep into the wound confused on what hit it. The rotting face snapped its head back up as it yelled loudly at them. Almost as if all the damned souls of hell were exiting out of its body. Tommy raised his shotgun and aimed properly at the infected and pulled the trigger one final time. The mall echoed again as the screeching infected was finally silenced. Its head exploded into nothing but goop as it fell backwards. Tommy yelled with enthusiasm as he racked another shell. "Oh! Fuck! Did you see that! Fuckers head exploded like a damn melon! Holy shit that was awesome HAHAHAA!" He tossed his shotgun to one of Rebeccas soldiers as he quickly caught it. Tommy squatted down and stared, admiring the damaged he did to this infected person. He quickly jumped up and began to drag the disfigured corpse. "What the hell are you doing?" As Nakoma scolded at him. "Isn''t it obvious? I got to get rid of this thing. So I''m throwing this fuckers body off the roof hahahaha! Wanna watch this bastards body explode on the concrete?" They all looked at him in disgust. Even Nakoma and Ellis were sickened by it. The smell was even worse as they got close to them. Tommy chuckled at their green weak stomachs. "You''ll get used to it, don''t go puking on me now hehehe." Rebecca was now at her limits and snapped at him. "That''s it, I can''t take this anymore. I''m not spending another minute in this godforsaken mall waiting to die. Everyone get ready, were leaving to the Montox site. NOW!" CHAPTER 26) Making Way Through Hell "That''s it, I can''t take this anymore. I''m not spending another minute in this godforsaken mall waiting to die. Everyone get ready, were leaving to the Montox site. NOW!" Rebecca storms off as the others shake their head in disgust after seeing Tommy drag the dead infected person down the open floor. He drops the body as he puts his hands on his hips and gave a smug expression. "Leaving so soon? Well good luck out there then. It''s not like you''re going to last more than five seconds out there anyways, but good luck anyways." Rebecca stops and slowly turns around with a raised eyebrow, "What do you mean by that?" "What? you thought you would wait a couple of hours in this place hoping that those zombies outside would lose interest and walk off? You have no idea how persistent these fucking things are. If you don''t believe me, then just look outside on the rooftop. You''ll see what I mean." He nonchalantly walks away from the group as he softly yanks the shotgun away from one of Rebeccas men who was holding his shotgun. Nakoma and Ellis both looked at Rebecca waiting for her response. Rebecca rolled her eyes and signal the others to follow her lead. They were disgruntled, not by her order, but the fact they had to see another horrendous thing that Tommy has to show them. They all walked around the mutilated corpse as the smell was putrid. It smelled of sulfur, rotting fish, and human feces. It made even the harden soldier of Rebecca''s entourage gag from the foul smell. Tommy leads them to a maintenance hallway that led upstairs to the rooftop. It was a quiet walk all the way up the stairs, but Nakoma was the first to break the silence. "Tommy? That person- or... zombie... you took out. Has that been happening a lot?" He looked back still walking up without missing a step. "Oh for sure. These bastards have been pretty sneaky lately. They keeping popping up out of nowhere. Most likely some vent around the building. These bastards are like rats, soon as they get a smell, they are relentless." "Doesn''t that bother you? Not even a little bit?" "Why would it? It''s not like they are that sneaky. Sure, they somehow manage to find their way inside. When they do get inside, they make a whole lotta noise. So it''s pretty much easy to deal with them." Rebecca squints her eyes at him and scoffs. "Jesus you''re a fucking lunatic for not caring at least a tiny bit." "Why should I? This is the most fun I ever had in years! Hahaha!" The whole group finally reached the rooftop and were relieved to breath in the cold night air. The city lights were still on, while another building illuminated the area not by its lights, but by the massive fire bellowing inside its tower. The were so focused on the unusual ways on why the city lights still remained on that they nearly missed the horror that occurred here. several of infected bodies were sprawled everywhere. Some had gunshots, others had mutilated corpses from a specific person''s handiwork. There were even full blown skeletons with barely any meat on their bones left. Only a few parts of scalp hair and tendons hanged from what''s left of the corpses. Tommy rested his shotgun on his shoulder as he casually strolls through the mangled massacre. "Yeah... these poor bastards got locked up here with several of those zombie bastards. It was not a pretty end for them." Saying as he playfully kicked the skull across the floor. Bloody handprints smeared all across the vents and doors leading downstairs. It was a scene straight out of a horror film. Tommy rests his foot on the ledge of the rooftop and lowers his shotgun. He loudly whistles, signaling the others to take a look. The others slowly walked to the ledge and were horrified what the saw. The whole parking lot was filled to the brim with infected. It was a literal sea of undead walking corpses. The air was filled with the growls and moans of the infected. They walked aimlessly in circles, twitching and snapping in the air. Nakoma kneeled down trying to process what she is seeing with her own eyes. She looks over to the side and sees the body of a woman leaning over the ledge as blood slowly drips down her arm. Her face caved in with repeated bashes to the face with a sharp weapon. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "I say it''s pretty much clear for you guys to go on ahead. Go, before your window closes. Now''s your chance to escape this place." Tommy said with a giant smug across his face. Rebecca gritted her teeth and snapped back at him. "Jesus fucking Christ you''re more annoying then Nakoma. Alright then, pretty boy, what would you recommend we should be doing?" He smiled sinisterly and slowly giggled. "Oh I have a plan. A waaaaaaay better plan. But I want something in return though." Rebecca grunted for a good moment, " What... do... you... want... then...?" " Just give me a place to stay with tons of alcohol and games to relax and I''ll help you get out of this place. And, to sweeten the deal, I''ll even help you fight against Jackson. Whatcha think?" He stuck his hand out for a handshake, waiting for a response from her. Nakoma looks back and forth anticipating the answer on what comes next. Rebecca paused as she looked at the hand of this psychopath. She makes an annoyed face but agrees to the terms. He yells in excitement and leans into Rebecca and calmly speaks with that giant dopey grin on his face. "Follow me, hehehehehe..." He leads them back downstairs back to his home area. He reveals to them hidden tires underneath the floor in the back of the store the shuttle was in. Pieces of reinforce metal and bars all in a single hole in the floor. Nakoma looked down in confusion and slowly looked at Tommy. "What even is all this?" "That my naive little girl, is our ticket out of here. Watch and learn." For several hours Tommy and Rebecca''s men helped lift the shuttle as they installed the tires. Tommy wears a face shield as he welds and adds more iron reinforcement onto the shuttle. He reinforces an old iron sign that hung from an old store and adds it as a battering ram to the front of the shuttle. The once sad looking shack home that Tommy was sleeping in was now transformed into an iron behemoth. He quickly siphoned some gas from sprawled out generators across the mall that were inside the stores of the merchants. He slowly got into the seat and turned the key. The engine stalled for a moment until the engine roar loudly like a monster''s roar. He smacked the wheel and yelled in victory. He leans over on his seat and looks at the whole group. "Everyone ready to leave?" Few of the group smiled and quickly hopped on. Rebecca, Nakoma and Ellis were the last ones to go. Hesitant on what they were about to experience. Loudspeakers were inside the shuttle facing outwards and some facing inside their shuttle. Nakoma looked nervous as she stands behind Tommy. There were no seats inside, only a hammock that Tommy slept in. Everyone standing and holding onto the railing that hung above them. Tommy giggles as he places a track inside the radio and turns the volume up all the way up. The speakers chimed and static until a fast guitar began to play. A heavy metal song began to play as Tommy ready himself. "Pucker your assholes everyone! It''s about to go full metal!" Everyone braces themselves as the song "B.Y.O.B" plays extremely loud through the speakers. The wheels spun as they burn rubber leaving a smoke trail behind. He quickly drives around the corners until a long stretch of pathway is in their view. The doorway all the way on the other end as he floors it with an evil smile on his face. Everyone else inside, even Rebecca was slightly scared. The shuttle zoomed down the corridor of the mall with intense speed as the double doors came closer and closer. A small ramp built before hand was placed as Tommy leaned forward getting ready to ram the doors. Everyone saw what he was doing and braced for impact. Like a missile, He shot out of the doors with no sign of resistance or slowing down. The doors exploded as the shuttle flew out into the parking lot filled with the sea of infected. The infected quickly snapped their heads to the direction of the exploding doors. They were quickly smushed as the shuttle plowed through them. Slicing them and running over the dead. The speakers echoed loudly as the words repeated over and over again, Where the fuck are you?! Where the fuck are you?! Why don''t presidents fight the war?! Why do they always send the poor?! Why don''t presidents fight the war?! Why do they always send the poor?! Why do they always send the poor?! Why do they always send the poor?! Why do they always send the poor?! All they could hear inside the shuttle was that loud metal song and the maniacal laughter of Tommy as he yells and cheers running over the dead with his shuttle. CHAPTER 27) The End is Nigh The shuttle was like a bat out of hell. Ripping and tearing through the undead infected like paper. Tommy kept yelling in excitement like a child on a roller coaster. Nakoma held onto the bar that hung on the ceiling, trying not to fall through the twist and turns throughout the city streets. Some of the other guards were trying not to vomit from the overwhelming smell that was filling the shuttle. The rotting corpses of the infected filled the air with such a pungent stench. The only one that didn''t seem to be affected was Tommy. The song "Cigaro" played over the loudspeakers as Tommy kept hitting every infected person he saw on the street. Rebecca struggles toward the driver''s seat to see what street they were on. Straight ahead, she saw the street sign for where the building was located. "There! Right there! Turn left on X street!" "Roger that cap!" As tommy made a quick hand salute and continued to speed up. Moments before the turn, he threw the steering wheel and pressed the brakes hard, drifting the whole shuttle. Everyone inside fell hard as loud grunts and painful yelps could be heard. Nakoma''s head hit the walls of the shuttle, nearly cutting her forehead from the rusted sheets of metal. The shuttle violently jumped up and down as Tommy when over the sidewalk and continue to drive on it. Everyone slid across the sheeted floor as Tommy immediately hit the emergency brakes. Rebecca flew forward hitting her gut hard on the shuttle dashboard. "AH! You fucking dick! Why the fuck did you stop all of a sudden?!" "We''re here. Buuuuuuuuuut slight problem." "What is it now?" Rebecca looked out of the slits of the barricaded window. The building where the weapon was developed was standing tall and grand as ever. Its lights still on, shining brightly in the dark, like a beacon in the darkness. The entrance however was blocked and piled up with cars. A Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter laid in ruins as it crashed landed and barely hung on the pavilion near the front entrance. Cars and the road were all in shambles from this recent looking crash sight. Rebecca clicked her teeth in annoyance and force her men to quickly get up. "C''mon! We''ll just have to climb the damn thing and enter through the window. Hurry everyone! On your feet, let''s move let''s move!" Everyone gathers themselves quickly and busts the backdoor of the shuttle wide open. Gunfire immediately began as soon as Rebecca''s men stepped out. Taking out the infected as they came in droves, one after another. Their demonic screeching and gurgling sounds kept getting closer as the ran towards the destroyed helicopter. Nakoma was the last to get out as Ellis stood by and helped her out of the shuttle. "C''mon! I suggest you move your ass if you don''t want to be eaten! Hurry!" As Rebecca yelled behind her towards Nakoma. Nakoma hurried as Ellis followed behind. A high pitch wailing can be heard as a bloody woman came sprinting at Nakoma as her bloody red eyes were popped and wide open. Nakoma quickly aimed her pistol and fired one shot to the head. The infected woman yelped as she fumbled in her steps and quickly rolled hard on the asphalt. Nakoma didn''t had time to process, whatever infected person she saw sprinting towards her, she quickly aims and pulls. The others have already begun to quickly climb the helicopter as the others gave covering fire to the ones still climbing. Rebecca stood her ground and waited for her men to climb up. She quickly aims firing from one target to the next. The infected kept getting closer, too close for comfort. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Tommy was laughing as he was back to back with Rebecca. He was smiling with glee as he racked his 12 gauge shotgun. The shells were loaded with 660 grain hallow slug with stabilizing fins. A cone filled with an explosive compound and capped with a .22 blank in its center. An infected sprinted at Tommy as he took aim at its head and fired. The shotgun kicked back violently as sparks can be seen flying out of the barrel. The infected that was chasing him seized up and fell back as its entire head exploded. Spewing blood and brain matter all over behind the infected. Tommy laughed as he kept firing on the infected, tearing them apart limb by limb. Nakoma awkwardly climbed up the tilted helicopter as she kept tripping on its surface. They all finally made it up all except for Tommy and Rebecca. "Lady Rebecca! We''re all up here now! Quickly!" As one of her guards shouted as he was hip firing into the growing crowd of infected. She walked backwards slowly as she continued to fire her pistol into the crowd. She quickly spun around and began to hastily climb the propeller blade onto the body. Her men reached out quickly but Nakoma was the first to grab hold of her hand and pulled her up. Rebecca was panting, trying to catch her breath from the rushed climb. "...thanks..." "No... worries..." As Nakoma said, catching her breath as well. The other men yelled at Tommy to hurry and climb instead of killing more of the infected. Tommy shot off one last shell before tossing his gun up at one of the guards. He quickly got up and ran up the body of the helicopter. That was until something wrapped around his leg and yanked him away. His chin hit the steel as he withered in pain. He was pulled away quickly as something was dragging him. He yelled in confusion as he looked down at his leg. Something bloody and pink that was squishy and slimy wrapped around his ankle until it finally released him. He looked over to see something crawling on all fours slowly, working its way and hovering over him. Tommy''s demeanor shifted; his uncaring laughter now was replaced with existential horror. The infected person was a woman with a bowl cut hairstyle and grey hair. Its mouth was unhinged as the cheeks were visibly torn and ripped apart. The infected person looked down at him, slowly hissing with its demonic gurgling. Its tongue looked as if it was torn out of its mouth. Tommy was now suddenly frightened. The tongue lowered as it caressed all over his face. feeling him with its tongue. Tommy was disgusted and tried to look away from its licking, groaning in disgust. Its tongue retracted back to its disfigured state. It stared at Tommy almost as if it was smiling at his despair. The infected began to pant heavy and fast as it gripped tighter to his jacket. Tommys blood went white as this monster began to salivate. It yelled its loud demonic banshee wail as it opened its mouth inhumanly wide. Tommy screamed in fear, but just as this infected was about to bite, its entire head exploded as its body seized up and fell backwards. Tommy looked up and saw that Nakoma had jumped down and took his shotgun. She was standing just a few feet away from it to make sure the thing was dead. "C''mon! Inside hurry!" She yelled as she lifted him up with incredible speed. He was dazed but quickly followed. They both finally reached the top of the pavilion as they both fell down in exhaustion. "Fuck me... the fuck was that thing?!" Tommy turned toward Nakoma hoping for an answer. She looked at him and only shook her head, unsure of it as well. They stood there in silence trying to process what they had just scene. Finally, Rebecca was the one who broke the silence and reached her hand out towards Tommy. "Get up. We need to move now. Are you bit?" Tommy was lifted up and blinking in confusion still. "N-no, no I''m... I''m okay. I''m okay..." "Good... let''s get inside quickly." "Sure...sure... man, thank god they can''t climb slope surfaces..." He nervously laughs as he looks down on the pavilion. The horde finally caught up as they all reached into the air, screaming and growling. But the new sound of that banshee screech was still ringing loudly in their heads.