Furrowing her brows, Lysandra replied with concern, "Why would they do that? What could they possibly want with innocent women?"
Keira's voice trembled slightly as she responded, "I wish I knew, dear. It's terrifying, isn't it? It seems like no one is safe from their grasp. We can only pray for the safety of those poor souls."
Sean chimed in, "Yeah, it's a nightmare out there. I just hope we can all stay safe until this madness ends."
As memories flooded her mind, Lysandra's voice trembled slightly. "Oh my goodness! I remember it now. My father ever mentioned something about a surrogate program. Do you think they could be targeting women for that?"
Keira widened her eyes in bewilderment. "What surrogate program?"
Lysandra hesitated for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. "Have no idea exactly. It's a program my father mentioned once. He said that some powerful individuals forcibly take women for a program where they'd bear children for the elite. It's like they're breeding a new generation of children to ensure the survival of the privileged few. That's why he warned me to be cautious around any suspicious activity related to it."
"That sounds horrifying," Keira retorted with disbelief. "But unfortunately, it wouldn't surprise me if that's what they're up to. The new regime will stop at nothing to maintain their power and control." She shook her head, a look of concern crossing her features. "We need to be careful, dear. We can't let them get their hands on you."
Lysandra nodded with grave expression. "I got it, Mrs. Hutcheson. I'll be more cautious and keep my guard up. We can't let ourselves become victims of their twisted schemes."
There was a silence before Keira broke the silence with a thoughtful question. "Lysandra, dear, may I ask why you chose to come here instead of seeking supplies from other places in the city?" She regarded Lysandra with both curiosity and concern.
"Yeah, Mrs. Hutcheson, it's like this," Lysandra began. "I've been steering clear of the bustling parts of the city. You know, where all the zombies, raiders, bandits, and even the Acheron army are lurking around. It's just too risky. Plus, who's to say how much stuff is left in those areas, given the chaos and all?"
Keira nodded in understanding. "I see, dear. It's a wise choice to avoid those areas, especially with everything going on. Safety should always come first. I'm just glad you made it here safely."
After a few moments of waiting, Teagan finally returned with a bag filled with the items Lysandra needed.
Handing over the bag, he said, "Here you go. These are the only things I could gather. Hopefully, they'll come in handy for you."
"Thanks, Mr. Hutcheson," Lysandra replied, taking the bag from him. "I really appreciate it. These will definitely help."
As Lysandra prepared to take her leave, Teagan and his family ushered her outside, watching her setting off with concern.
"Take care out there, dear," Teagan called after her. "Stay safe and be vigilant."
"Thanks again, Mr. Hutcheson," Lysandra responded, offering a small wave. "I'll make sure to come back if I need anything else."
"Anytime, dear," Keira chimed in. "Don't hesitate to visit us if you need help or just a safe place to rest."
Lysandra nodded gratefully, her heart touched by their kindness. "I won't forget that. Thanks, Mrs. Hutcheson."
With a bittersweet smile and a final wave, she turned on her heel, setting off on the journey back home. Little did they know, it would be their last encounter, a moment frozen in time, unaware of the fateful events that lay ahead.
***
In a different corner of the city outskirt, a group of soldiers gathered for a briefing, their attention focused on the commander standing at the center. It was the Acheron army gearing up for their next mission of the day.
The troops stood in formation, their uniforms dusty and worn from days of relentless patrolling. Some adjusted their uniforms and helmets while others checked their weapons. Despite the fatigue evident in their eyes, they stood tall, ready to carry out their orders with precision and resolve.
"Alright, listen up, everyone," the commander began, his voice cutting through the tense air. "We've got a lot to cover, so pay attention."
Clearing his throat and leaning forward, his voice commanding attention as he continued to address the troops. "Okay, folks, here's the deal," he emphasized, his gaze sweeping over the attentive soldiers. "Today's mission is twofold. First off, we're still on the lookout for any rebel activity. Keep your eyes peeled and weapons ready. We're not taking any chances."
He paused for a brief moment before continuing. "Along with our usual tasks of hunting rebels and rounding up women for the program, we've got a special mission. We need to keep an eye out for any unusual activity among the survivors. There might be some special movements or groups that need our attention. So stay alert out there, and let's get this done."
As the commander finished his briefing, one of the soldiers raised his hand, prompting the commander to acknowledge him. "Sir, what kind of 'special movements' are we looking for exactly? Do we have any specific targets or parameters?"
The commander glanced at the soldier who had asked the question with his stern and calculating expression. "Special movements could be anything out of the ordinary. We're looking for any signs of organized resistance, unusual gatherings, or individuals displaying abilities or skills that could be valuable assets or potential threats to our operations."
"We're not just hunting rebels; we're seeking out potential assets as well. Keep an eye out for anyone displaying skills or talents that could be of use to us. They might prove valuable additions to our ranks. So, keep your eyes peeled and report any suspicious activity immediately."
The soldier nodded, his expression serious as he absorbed the commander's instructions. "Understood, sir," he responded. After a brief pause, he raised his hand tentatively. "Sir, what if we encounter resistance? How should we proceed?"
The commander's face hardened as he responded harshly, "If you encounter resistance, eliminate them immediately. Once you've done it, burn their houses or buildings down. We don't have time to deal with rebels or troublemakers. No questions asked. Make an example out of them."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Remember, this is not just a directive from us. It's an order from the Supreme Lord himself. We must show no mercy to those who oppose us."
"Understood, sir!"
The commander scratched his chin thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the troops before him. "Alright, listen up, everyone. We're splitting into four squads, each heading in four different directions. Our goal is to cover as much ground as possible and flush out any potential threats. Remember, stay vigilant and watch each other's backs. We move out in five minutes. Let's make this quick and efficient!"
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers exchanged determined nods as they prepared to embark on their mission. They swiftly gathered their gear, ready to execute their orders with ruthless efficiency.
As the midday sun beat down upon the scorched earth, the soldiers marched onward towards Embervale City.