In the year 2110, on a hot, late August afternoon, three earthquakes measuring nine-point-fives on the Richter scale shook the coasts of California, Japan and Greece, killing millions. Tsunamis were next, flooding into cities with ease, with millions more becoming homeless overnight. The nuclear power plants along the coasts were destroyed, along with a dozen Research and Development labs that couldn't keep the things they'd created inside any longer. Radioactive, manmade diseases, viruses and bacteria were now being spread via air, water and even some animals that proved resistant during the testing phase.
With no other choice, the Government began to close off entire cities, preventing anyone from getting in or out.
By October, twenty-seven million had died and almost thirty-six million were homeless and without power. Those who were infected were dropping quickly with other cities reporting infected individuals on an hourly basis.
By Christmas, things had deteriorated to the point most people were afraid to leave their homes without carrying some kind of protection. Army surplus stores had been looted; bullets were being found everywhere.
The first few years were filled with real fear. World leaders had to work together for the first time in a long time to save their people from things they couldn't see. Things that couldn't be easily contained once created.
Lawlessness and chaos ensued next; a world like that of the Wild West born to children of privilege had begun. Settling differences with weaponry, stealing and struggling to survive from day to day was commonplace.
The population had dwindled from eleven billion to less than two billion in the first three years of the events, which was referred to was our Doomsday by those unlucky enough to live through it.
Now, nearly five-hundred years since the earthquakes, as the world slowly rebuilds itself once more, a single nation has formed in what was once Africa. It had been largely untouched in the central area, giving the survivors a place to call home as humanity did its best to regroup.
For twenty-seven year old Emeric Kaison, this was the only life he'd ever known. As one of the only Doctors in the area, he was considered one of the most important people in the city. He represented his community and did his best to be available to those who needed him, but recently had been feeling the urge to move.
Explore.
Nothing crazy, mind you. Maybe a trip to the shore at dawn to see the creatures that called it home now in full glory. To see exactly why exploring too far past the shallows was considered suicide.
Ships were resurrected and the world of fishing was reborn, with new dangers today's fisherman would never have to worry about. Farmers did their best, as well, with new produce being created to help keep people as healthy as they could.
In a board meeting in the Capital Building on a cool, late May morning, it was decided the population of the continent was starting to become too much and new settlements must be procured.
Like Europe in the fourteen and fifteen hundreds, a large ship had been built to send six different groups consisting of a Doctor, a Scientist, Engineer, two enforcers and Historian to act as a guide or informant to keep them safe.
Doctor Kaison found himself in Group Three just two weeks later, now boarding a ship with everything he owned on his back to live and work with five other people he'd never even met before.
At five-eleven and one-ninety, he was tall and in pretty good shape, thanks to the lack of junk food and active lifestyle he kept. His light brown hair was longer and slicked back, giving his large emerald eyes an unobstructed view of the world around him. He had high cheekbones and a wide smile that was rarely seen in his line of work, but made women swoon when it was aimed at them.
He'd share his personal quarters with one of the Enforcers and the Historian, while the other three were in the cabin across the small hallway.
On a cool, mid-June morning, he sat in the mess hall along with everyone else to get the introduction.
"I'm Captain Soren Beckett," the older man began, his voice gravelly, worn from years of service in a Military less than thirty years old. "We expect a voyage lasting nineteen days provided everything goes to plan and weather continues to be stable. Waters seem to be calm, clouds are minimal or nonthreatening. My men will make sure the ship stays running. Your assignments are to get to know one another in your group so you are ready to leave after intake. Any questions?"
The Doctor raised his hand. "What can we expect in what's left of the States?"
"We have no idea. Communications with them have been silent for the last century. If you can find another guide while you're there, one you can trust, add them to your team."
After the meeting, the Doctor returned to his quarters, his stomach in knots as he waited for the massive ship to set sail.
The first Enforcer, twenty-seven year old Merrick Everett, walked in a few minutes later, seemingly as nervous as the Doctor was.
At six-eight and three-ten, he was a wall of a man, with one of the most intimidating presences the Doctor had ever seen. He had large, piercing heliotrope eyes, rugged features and short dark hair with full beard that had beads made of gold he'd earned as a sign of his rank in his circle of work keeping the city safe.
"Are you the Doc?" he asked, taking a seat on the bottom bunk. "Probably safest I take this one, yeah?"
The Doctor nodded wearily as he watched the giant sit down on his bed.
"I'm Merrick," he added, smiling at the other man.
"Emeric," the Doctor obliged as the Guide walked into the room.
She was twenty-six year old Blythe Hady, one of the smartest people on the planet and expert on Doomsday. With two Doctorates; one in Ancient History, the other in Modern History, she was the most accomplished Guide in any group.
At five-nine and one-thirty, she was tall, but not as toned as others who had a more active lifestyle. She read books and studied hard, advising lawmakers and World Leaders on what to do to avoid more chaos in the future. Her bright, sky blue eyes, flawless pale skin and delicate features made her gorgeous, with long, blond hair she kept braided.
The Doctor was smitten and the giant told himself the Guide would always just be a friend.
Nothing more.
He could see why the Doctor couldn't look away; she dressed as nicely as he did and smelled like fresh air.
"Hello," she smiled, setting her things on the foldout bed. "I'm Blythe Hady. Your Guide."
"I'm Emeric and this is Merrick," the Doctor introduced.
"Doctor and Enforcer?" she guessed.
They nodded as the other three walked into the room.
The other Enforcer, twenty-seven year old Harbin Noble, was a master of martial arts, while Merrick was a brawler who could take on larger groups. His bright, honeyed eyes, slightly tanned skin and deep black hair he kept tied back gave him an intimidating presence of his own.
Their Engineer, Alden Katran, and their Scientist, Karasi, were twenty-seven year old fraternal twins who were both at the very top of their careers, as well. Both were tall and fit, had fiery red hair that was shorter and styled, held soft green eyes and an intelligence envied by many.
"Hey," Harbin nodded at them, taking a seat next to Merrick. "I'm Harbin."
"So...what was it like for the States before Doomsday?" Emeric asked Blythe.
"In the early two-thousands, the nation was deeply divided on every major political issue. With the election of a cruel and powerful man, came daylight assassinations of the rich. A few single acts of violence sparked a brand new wave of rebellion that led to another civil war that would last a decade. Neighbor against neighbor, friends against friends.
"Traditional borders fell and new cities and States were formed. Territories now belong to two different groups; the red and the blue. Territories in the red are run by people who are guided by very restrictive religious beliefs they force on everyone who lives there. Those in the blue are families and closer in the community to one another.
"Of course...this was nearly three centuries ago. Things were chaotic then. We lost communication on their end. They don't have any leaders that we know of. No real law, either."
"Now tell us what you're afraid to," Merrick said knowingly.
She looked at him. "This is a nation that chose to celebrate the Athlete and the Musician and the Artist over Teachers, Engineers and Scientists. A nation where the educated and those who choose to educate others were paid less than a living wage and those who could hit or kick a ball well were looked at as Gods. It is also a nation of materialism and consumerism. Envy and things to be coveted were a part of daily life, creating violent crime and overcrowded jails."
"So they're possible savages," Harbin finished.
"I don't know," Blythe admitted. "But I did help with the route. Where we land, I mean. And if I'm right, it'll put us in what was once Georgia. The weather should hold for a few more months as we get settled."
The next three weeks were spent in close quarters as storms rocked the large ship a few miles to the South, where they'd anchor in what was once American Beach.
Old palm trees could be seen next to buildings rotting away in the distance as their group got into the smaller, motorized boat to make it to shore.
They had already made History; no one had set foot here in over a century.
With supplies in hand, the six went Northwest, keeping to the roads for as long as possible.
"Stop," Blythe said softly, looking up from her paper map. "Straight ahead is a swamp. One that was preserved by law. I don't know what's in there, but I think it's best if we go around."
They did their best to stay quiet in case the area was empty for a reason, following the road around a bend where rows of what used to be individual homes dotted the area now.
"Sun is setting," Harbin said lowly, looking around. "We should pick a house and make camp."
Merrick had to agree as the six of them walked into what was left of a single-story Ranch-style home, marveling at the artifacts they found.
While Harbin secured the first floor, Merrick went to the basement, where as soon as he turned on the overhead light, the barrel of my modified HK33 was jammed in his mouth.
My glowing metallic powdered pink eyes narrowed at him as we stood there, barely bathed in soft yellow light.
He was...human?
And white?
I took my weapon from him and holstered it on my right hip, but didn't break eye contact with the giant.
"I'm Merrick," he told me. "I'm from the Nova Dawn."
I stepped back, staring at him in horror.
"What's the matter?" he asked as I started for the stairs. "Wait! Don't go! We need your help!" he called, following after me.
I stopped in front of the rest of the group, who slowly got to their feet as I walked in the living room.
"Whoa," Emeric said softly, staring at me in awe.
At six-even and one-forty, I'm tall, athletic and very fit, with a subtle powdered blue complexion thanks to the complex materials in the air. My features were delicate, my hair long, thick, black and went to the middle of my back in braids.
"Who are you?" Blythe asked me.
I stepped back, but bumped into Merrick, who blocked the only exit.
"Who are you?" the giant asked.
I sighed in defeat. "I'm not going with you over there," I warned.
They were lost.
"We're here to find a place to build new settlements," Emeric told me.
"And a Guide," Merrick added, still behind me.
"Settlements?" I echoed. "Are things so bad out there you have to come back here? You ruin things already?"
"We thought maybe things have calmed down here," Blythe spoke up.
I shook my head. "I've been here a long time. Since before Doomsday," I revealed, stunning them.
To Blythe, I was a God.
"Radiation has made you crazy," Emeric said calmly.
"Fuck off," I warned him, my eyes narrowing. "I was born on October thirty-first, two-thousand eighty-five. Before the earthquakes, I was in the Military. A Soldier. I was sent to the first Ground Zero to help survivors. I don't know how I'm still here."
"Are we safe here?" Merrick asked me.
"You're not safe anywhere here," I told them. "Go back to your boat and go home."
"There aren't any cities left?" he asked. "Or an area we can safely build a settlement?"
"Nowhere you'd make on your own."
"How far is it?" Harbin asked.
"About two-thousand miles from here. The only safe place is up. Your real danger is going to come from the sky."
"Why are you here?" Blythe wondered.
"Because I had to eat."
"I'm starving," she admitted.
"We don't eat the same things," I told her. "You eat...what? Food?"
They nodded.
"I eat radiation. It's like eating an apple. I can take it from things so it's safe for you to eat or drink. But I don't need to," I explained, noticing the Doctor was shivering.
Using my abilities, I shot a blast of energy into the ground where a pile of rags and sticks I'd built earlier for a fire rested, lighting it for some warmth.
They jumped back, hiding behind the giants.
"...what?" I asked carefully. "You don't have any abilities?"
"You can do other things?" Emeric asked me.
"I can create and control energy, communicate with animals, am immune to temperature, can heal rapidly; the closer to a radiation pocket, the faster I can. I can glide, my senses are enhanced and I'm stronger than you two combined. I've also done a ton of jobs in my very long life. And if there was a place to truly settle...I'd have found it by now.
"You're talking about creating cities from scratch. Just like they tried to do in the late seventeen-hundreds. They had ideals and thought truly of the people who elected them. If you don't get it right this time...you might as well give it to the animals."
"...then we'd need your help," Merrick told me. "You know this world better than any of us. Where would you put a city?"
"No," I chuckled at him.
He was lost.
"I'm not putting my heart and soul into something only to have it taken from me by your Government claiming rights because they want it. Forget it, pilgrims. Find another Native American."
"Do you have a second choice?" Merrick wondered.
"...yes," I nodded. "But it's far."
"How far?"
"Twelve-hundred miles," I answered. "But, it's clean and relatively safe."
"You'll be our Guide?" Blythe asked hopefully. "I'm Blythe, by the way. I'm the other Guide, but I've only read about this place in books."
I sighed in defeat. "I'm Harlow."
"That's Harbin, Merrick, Emeric, Alden and Karasi," she added.
"What do you do in the Nova Dawn?" I asked them.
"Harbin and I are essentially Police Officers," Merrick began. "We patrol the streets and keep people safe. Emeric is a Doctor, Blythe is our Historian, Alden is our Engineer and his Sister, Karasi, is our Scientist."
"Are you equipped to travel for such a long distance?" I asked them.
"Only the first thousand miles," Emeric told me. "And we'd need a direct path from the boat to the new city. The safest and least filled with radiation."
"It's best to keep moving at night. Sleep during the day. You have to pay attention to everything. Especially wind direction," I warned.
"How come?" Blythe asked.
"If it's coming from the east or west, it's been through radiation. If it's from north or south, it's usually safer," I explained.
"What did you do in the Military?" Merrick wondered.
"I had just made Sergeant and was working in a Military Hospital as an RN. The plan was to go to Medical School after the Military on their dime. But after the earthquakes...the outbreaks...I knew nothing was ever going to be the same again," I said sadly. "I was in the second earthquake. I felt life end. I was in the pharmacy. In the literal next room were the chemicals for the lab on the sixth floor. A floor collapsed onto me. I laid there for nearly two months before I woke to a world in absolute chaos. Took me another week to realize my heart no longer beat. I went back in for everyone I heard. Until...there was no one left to speak."
"Have you been alone this whole time?" he asked.
"Most people are," I revealed. "Having a family is a luxury. There are some small settlements around, but nowhere has a population larger than two hundred."
"Can we get some rest tonight?" Emeric asked me. "And something to eat."
"I can check my traps," I told him. "Wait here."
"You don't need help?" Merrick asked me.
"Nope," I said casually, walking into the darkness.
"Wow," he said softly, watching me go.
"Seriously?" Emeric asked him.
"She's amazing," he smiled.
I'd return almost a half hour later with a large animal they'd never seen before.
"What is that?" Emeric asked me.
"Dinner."
"What animal is that?" he clarified.
"It's a deer. It's small, but it'll feed you. I can show you how to gut it."
"How come you have traps if you don't need to eat?" Blythe wondered.
"Other things still need to feed. And I find if you have something to offer other than yourself, most tend to be grateful," I explained, taking a sharpened knife from my pocket.
She wrote it down, doing her best to take notes as soon as possible.
"You also need to find something shiny. Foil preferably," I added, slicing into the animal. "You have until sunrise."
"...why?" Alden asked carefully.
"Because it's going to cover your head to distract the birds who will rain down from the sky to crack your skulls open for your sweet brain juices," I said simply, tossing the deer's heart onto the ground.
"So foil," Karasi nodded, heading into a different house to find something.
Harbin and Merrick watched me closely, impressed with my survival skills and knowledge of everything here.
"So why are you over here?" I asked, using my abilities to light a fire. "Are things so bad over there already you need to come here? You use your resources to the point they're nearly gone? Political unrest? Violent crime?"
"...no," Emeric realized. "No, we got it right when we had to start from scratch. Crime exists, of course. But violence is down over seventy-five percent. Nearly everyone is educated."
"And there's no force, either," Blythe added. "For people already here, I mean. We aren't going to force them to adhere to our laws if they're outside jurisdiction unless it's to one of our citizens. Same with land. If we can find ownership, rightful ownership, we'll pay what it's worth."
"And who will lead your cities?" I asked them. "Someone completely oblivious to how life here actually works? You are woefully unprepared."
"We're winging it because we have to," Harbin told me. "The last time we had any communication with The States, it was chaotic and very uncertain."
"Hey, I held them off the best I could," I warned. "I still can't get past their defenses."
"Whose?" Emeric asked, feeling ill.
"The Premier and his Organization," I answered. "They control all of DC and most of New England. If you came in any further North, you would've been shot down. As it stands now, they have maybe five hours before they get word they're there and it might get messy," I warned. "I barely escaped with my life the first time. And I don't have anyone who wants control of DC that badly."
"Are they bad?" Harbin asked.
"Think...inner city street gang with access to drugs, weaponry and lack of any adult supervision. You get close..."
"Do they...explore?" Merrick wondered.
"They can. But most only venture out to make trades. No one has money anymore. Barter is king. And it's different now. Value is based on usefulness. A bottle of water is worth more than a diamond ring."
"Are they going to let us...coexist?" Emeric asked.
"Not peacefully, no."
"What's their end goal here?"
I laughed outright. "End goal? This is the land of now. Their 'goal' is to be in charge. In control of everything and everyone. You want to coexist, you have to destroy them. Because after four centuries of going unopposed...you can't change minds."
"How many are there?"
"It's not how many there are," I told them. "It's not even the amount of weaponry they have. It's the mindset of the people holding them. And those people are made up of the children of the people who were left behind when the migration over to Africa was being made. People who had even a parking ticket were denied. Money went first. Influence. People who had money because of the people now being left behind. They were lied to by everyone. Not only their heroes, but their Government. Anger skyrocketed. Crime soared. More death. Killing themselves and proving those with money right all along."
"So they aren't bored teenagers looking for something stupid to do to fill the time," Merrick finished.
"Nope."
"I still think trust can be earned back if we show how much we've changed for the better," Emeric spoke up.
I chuckled. "Right. Because they're going to love seeing how much better you did without us. How right you were. You come back now, all perfect, and you better bring weapons of your own."
"Why didn't you go?" Merrick asked me.
"First, I was unconscious for the first month. Second, as a personal of the Military, I was forbidden. Third, I didn't want to. It was my duty to help those left here. And that's the only reason I wasn't killed by the Organization when they found me in their territories. They don't hate me, but they are...aware I exist and am being watched. That means you are, too. Whether or not you see that as an advantage is up to you," I answered, turning the meat on some metal sticks over the heat as it cooked.
"Why were you there?" Merrick asked me.
"I was trying to keep communication going with the New Dawn. Helping them with things."
"...what were you helping with?" Emeric asked, almost sneering.
"You know what? Guide yourselves. Enjoy dinner and catching another one of these again," I growled, wiping the blade of the knife on the deer's fur before putting it back into my pocket.
"Emeric, what the hell?" Harbin sighed. "Sit over there and shut up until you can change your tone."
"It's because of me you were able to make that damn ship that got you here in the first place!" I said angrily. "I read the books over the intercom I found on my own. I ventured into those places and risked my own life for your people. The start of medicine, of complex engineering. Of your Sciences. I'm not a savage. I have a brain that works. Just a heart that doesn't."
"Please, don't go," Merrick begged.
"Then he needs to shut up," I warned, my eyes glowing in anger.
Harbin covered the Doctor's mouth with his hand and nodded at me as the others came back with foil.
"Was he being an ass again?" Alden asked Merrick.
He nodded.
"To the Guide?"
"Yep."
Alden shook his head at him as he ripped off some meat for the Doctor, who was probably starving.
"I even found some salt packets for you," he teased, knowing the Doctor well.
Merrick had misread the Doctor's original glances at Blythe. Yes, he was smitten, but it was a respect, not a love.
"Want some?" Karasi asked Harbin, handing over a large hunk. "I found hot sauce."
"Thanks," he smiled. "Did you happen to find foil?"
"For both of us and Merrick," she confirmed.
He gave her a fist bump, wanting to do more. But, after what I told them about families and even couples, they were all very weary.
I waited patiently for them to finish their meal, standing atop the roof as I surveyed the area.
"Move it inside," I warned as screeching could be heard overhead. "He doesn't trust people."
"Who?" Merrick asked, obeying anyway.
"Koda," I smiled as a massive vampire bat landed in front of me, his glowing red eyes aimed at mine, his large fangs gleaming in the moonlight. "Hey, Buddy. You get the berries I left you?"
The animal nuzzled into me, the smell of the berries evident.
"Good," I chuckled as he pulled away. "Enjoy the rest of your night."
After he flew away, the other six were in awe as I took a seat on the roof and stared up at the moon, lost in thought.
"Everyone done eating?" I asked, still focused on the sky.
"I think so," Blythe answered as I jumped down.
"And we're done with the...talking to me for the next few hundred miles?" I asked Emeric, who nodded.
Merrick chuckled at him. "Smart."
We'd make our way along the A1A, reaching what was once a small airport; making good time.
As the sun began to rise, an exhausted group of people stood at the entrance of the airport to wait for me to find them someplace safe to sleep for the day.
I'd take them to the attached hotel, finding three empty rooms for them to figure out.
"Do you need to sleep, too?" Merrick asked, taking a seat on one of the large beds.
He was barely awake, unaware he had even laid down and his eyes were closed.
He wouldn't even be able to hear my response, which was that I needed to eat before I slept.
"You should be safe here," I told them in the hallway. "I won't be far. I'll try to do some hunting for you while you're out."
None of them were awake as I stepped into the desolate area once more, the start of a new day bringing with it new opportunities I hadn't expected to ever have again.
While I basked in the early morning sunshine, having found a large radiation pocket about six miles from where they slept, I was approached by three baby members of the Organization, their weapons still on their hips.
"Harlow," they acknowledged.
I looked up at them. "Gentlemen. What brings you so far south?"
"Invaders," one sneered.
I got to my feet. "What are you talking about?"
"A ship came into shore yesterday morning. Groups of people came ashore."
"From Maine?" I asked, pretending to be lost. "They were way off course."
"From the New Dawn!" the other corrected.
My eyes widened. "You're sure?"
They nodded.
"What did you do?"
"We've been waiting for this moment! They came back to try to tell us how to live our lives. How they were going to save us from ourselves!"
I waited, letting them vent.
"So we showed them who was in charge. They're all gone now. Some escaped back on the boat, but not a whole lot."
These were not the people to ask if it would've been so bad to have them here. They wouldn't understand.
"You don't agree," one of them realized.
"We have never agreed on politics," I reminded them. "I would've done it differently. But I'm not one to tell others how to live."
"You of all people should be even more pissed than the rest of us!" one said angrily.
"Why? I did my job. I was never meant to...be like them. A survivor. Winner. I know my place. But you should get out of here. The radiation is pretty bad."
"Our boss wants to talk to you about what to do about the idiots on the boat."
I laughed outright. "What? Why do they care what I have to say?"
"Because you're the only person on the planet who was alive before Doomsday and they want to know what your punishment for them should be."
"Honestly? I'd let them come back and see firsthand what their cowardice has done and how much they need to do to make it up to the rest of us. If you want to truly survive...if you want your people to make it...it can't be based on violence alone."
"You don't want to kill them?"
I shook my head. "Sorry. You've got the wrong undead monster."
They let me walk away, confused and a little in awe of how forgiving I was.
Once I was sure I was alone, I went to a nearby department store and found more appropriate, less obvious clothing that would help them blend in better.
Merrick was the first to wake just after six in the evening, finding me in the lobby with a book I had found in the front desk.
"Did you sleep?" he asked tiredly.
"I sleep eight hours every seven days," I said quietly.
"What's wrong?"
I looked at him. "How...well did you know the others on the ship?"
"...why?"
"Because they've been rounded up and taken to the Capital. I'm to help render their punishment."
"For arriving?" he asked in disbelief.
"You don't understand," I fired back. "You're the Pilgrims and the Native Americans have hindsight. This is your second chance. You better hope they have a good business plan here. And that they're not like your Doctor who can't seem to control his facial expressions."
"...do we wait here?" he asked me.
"I don't know yet," I admitted. "It would require going into the Lion's Den, which is what they call the White House now. They can not like my recommendations and kill all of us or listen and then do whatever the hell they want. But, if I hide you...shit. You're going to have to come with me," I sighed.
"And if we don't go at all?" he wondered.
"It's a huge sign of disrespect and we'd be hunted down like animals."
"Do we walk?"
"It's not like they're going to send a limo," I said dryly, making him chuckle as the rest of them walked into the lobby.
"What's going on?" Blythe asked him.
"Sit down," I said lowly.
They obliged.
"I have to go to DC," I began. "Earlier today, I was approached by three members of the Organization while I had breakfast. They have rounded up your friends. The people on the boat who didn't escape are now being held in DC for punishment. I've been asked to help."
"You're going to abandon us to go help punish our friends whose only crime was stepping foot on land?" Emeric asked, furious.
"Harbin?" I sighed.
He covered the Doctor's mouth once more.
"If you'd let me finish, I am taking you with me. It's a gamble. But they don't like to be kept in the dark. Or waiting. Now. You can either wait here, which I really don't recommend, or come with me. Which...again...gamble."
"What are you going to have them do to our friends?" Blythe asked quietly.
"I'm going to listen to their ideas and then tell the Organization if it's okay. If it is, it's up to them what happens. Not me. I have no say over what they do. I can voice my opinion; that's it," I warned.
"I'm with you," Alden told me. "You've kept us alive so far."
"It's been less than a day," I reminded him.
"Still," he grinned.
"We're all with you," Merrick spoke up, looking at Emeric. "Right?"
"Right," he said quickly. "Sorry. All of this is new to me."
"Why did you sign up?"
"I didn't," he told me. "I was drafted because of my age and education. The fact I was single. Never mind I'm completely out of my element and have never even been camping."
"That has to change," I told them. "The Government thinking they know what's best for everyone. A universal net of caring and leadership. No. Absolutely not."
"So I'm sorry if I'm mean or...I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"You can't act like this around them," I warned. "One sneer, one eye roll and it's over. Think before you speak. Be very, very aware of you. If I have to sedate you, I will."
Merrick chuckled, his stomach rumbling.
"Eat. I made venison omelets," I added, showing them the plates of food.
They ate hungrily, none of them questioning the type of eggs they were eating; the trust was growing.
Even the Doctor ate every last bite.
We'd check the garages and parking lot for a usable vehicle, eventually finding an MTVR, or Military transport vehicle with a full tank.
"This will get us halfway," I told them, finding the keys above the visor. "If we can find some more gas, it'll get us where we need."
"On it," Harbin told me, taking Alden and Emeric with him.
"Can you find any food or ammunition? I have some, but we might need more," I asked the other three, who nodded and did as I asked.
I put their things aboard, as well, making sure everyone was settled before starting our way toward uncertainty.
On the road, they got a firsthand look at just how much the States had been given back to animals. Buildings were being eaten away, animals were larger and unafraid of our presence.
"Where are the people?" Blythe asked me from the passenger seat.
"Ninety percent of them are where we're heading now. The others are like me. Solitary, for the most part."
"Why are you helping us?"
"Just because the Military here doesn't exist, doesn't mean I stop doing my job."
She smiled warmly at me. "I'm glad you're helping us."
"I'm working on it."
After traveling for more than a hundred miles, I pulled off the highway to cool the engine in the parking lot of what was once a large grocery store.
"Can we explore in there?" Karasi asked me.
"Why are you asking me?"
"Is it safe?" she clarified.
"Take a weapon and go find out if you want to know," I shrugged. "Just watch out for lizards. Mosquitoes you can ride. Flies that are capable of knocking you to the ground with its' body."
"So I'll stay here?" she guessed.
"Smart," I nodded.
"I'm curious now," Harbin admitted, hopping off the vehicle.
"Go ahead. You want me to rescue you or are you going to double down on your brand of idiocy?" I wondered.
"I don't need rescued from bugs," he sighed, taking his pistol from its holster. "You coming Merrick?"
"I do want to be rescued," he told me, following his friend into the store.
I shook my head at them.
"Are they going to be okay?" Blythe asked me.
"I forgot to warn them about the snakes," I sighed. "Not venomous. Just...huge."
"How huge?" Emeric asked carefully.
"Prehistoric."
They looked at me in horror.
"I'm going, I'm going," I said lowly, taking my own weapon with me. "Stay here."
I went into the store, glad the boys hadn't gotten too far.
"That's a huge snake," Merrick pointed at the twenty foot animal on the ground.
"That's a worm," I corrected. "Our snakes hunt and eat those. Care to go now?"
"Yep," he nodded, taking Harbin with him.
"Go to the truck. I'm going to get that bottled water," I told them. "In order to do that, I need you out there."
"Why?" Harbin asked, a little hurt.
"Because this requires gas. It'll knock them out and I can get what we need. Go. Please."
This time they listened, letting me do what I needed to do if it meant they got some more supplies.
"She's stealing diamonds for us," Blythe mused, her adoration obvious.
I walked out with two cases of forty-eight bottles of water a few minutes later, unscathed.
Back on the road, we'd make it another hundred miles before needing to stop once more to eat and use the restroom.
The town was in what was once South Carolina, and marked the halfway point of the trip.
"People," Harbin noticed, looking at a couple walking hand in hand.
I drew my weapon, getting between them and the approaching strangers.
"Damn it, Harlow," the man sighed in annoyance. "What are you doing with them?"
"How about you don't worry about what I'm doing and instead carry on. Everyone lives."
"Why would we do that?" the woman asked, putting a blade to my throat.
"Don't be stupid."
She jammed it into my chest, making Merrick roar in anger, knocking the woman back with a single hit to the face.
I groaned and took the heavily serrated blade from my chest and tossed it to the ground, more annoyed than hurt.
"I'm fine, Merrick," I winced, turning back to the couple. "Get her away from me," I told the man, who opened fire at me.
Alden and Karasi did the same to them both, killing them where they stood.
Merrick knelt next to where I lay, expecting me to be dead.
"...is she...?" Blythe asked, unable to finish the sentence.
I looked at Merrick, wincing once more as I sat up.
"How are you not dead?" he asked, helping me to my feet.
I stumbled into him, too dizzy to stand.
"Whoa," he said lowly, steadying me.
"...can you drive?" I mumbled, unaware I was now in his arms.
"I can," Harbin spoke up, taking the keys from me. "Keep going north?"
"Until...until sunset," I said tiredly. "Find building. Shelter."
"Alright," he nodded.
My ear hit the giant's chest and I was out, but healing from being hit fourteen times.
I'd sleep on his lap, breathing in his scent as I listened to his heartbeat; the first human contact I'd had in over two centuries.
"You like her," Blythe teased him.
"How do you not?" he fired back.
"I can't believe she's still here," she admitted, staring at me. "Like the last bit of a world that used to be. I want to preserve what she believes in, you know? Using words instead of violence first. Trying to spread knowledge over everything else."
"I'd live in that world," Merrick smiled, looking down at me.