Rauf and I started thinking the next day. How would we form the group, and how would we manage it? Everything seems easy from the outside, but when it comes to execution, people get stuck.
Of course, we have to start somewhere. First, we'll leave signs around the area. These signs need to be coded. But then, how will people understand them?
We'll make them simple but effective. We'll do it using graffiti in the places we scout, leaving marks and notes. But what if a raider understands them?
And how do we reach everyone all at once?
This is a dangerous path. Both their lives and ours would be at risk.
The best option is for me to scout and try to find other survivors.
Rauf objected:
"Are you crazy?!"
"Why?"
"How will you do this alone?"
"I'm used to it. Besides, I have a gun now—I can protect myself."
"Those killers move around like an army."
"I won't go too far. There are still apartments we haven't checked. I'll start there first."
I started from the top floor—completely empty. I rummaged through some cabinets, took a few supplies, and left.
Then I went down to the next floor. Two apartments were empty, and in the other two, people had been murdered.
So, they were empty as well.
As I continued searching the floors, I heard a sound. A dog barking. I followed the sound to an apartment, and the barking grew louder. I kicked the door—it didn't even budge, and my foot hurt.
I shot at the lock and kicked it again—still wouldn't open. I fired another shot. This time, I heard something—probably the lock breaking. One more kick, and the door finally opened.
As I entered, the dog led me to its owner. The boy was trying to hang himself but had failed.
I rushed over and cut the rope.
A young boy...
He fell to the ground, barely breathing.
"Are you out of your mind, kid?"
"Why did you come? I want to die!"
"That's not your decision to make! Besides, you can't even do it properly."
"I was dying until you ruined it."
"And then what?!"
The boy, in a trembling and angry voice, said:
"They slaughtered my family and kidnapped my brother. What am I supposed to do now?"
"If you want to save your brother, live, kid! If you want him to die too, then go ahead and die—it's your choice! Join my group. We will save your brother—I promise you!"
"Okay..."
"Good! What's your name?"
"Süleyman."
"I'm Ömer. Nice to meet you, brother. Let's go."
The kid had a point... It's a tough situation. You wouldn't understand unless you lived through it, but you have to try to empathize.
We went to the main apartment, which was like our headquarters. Süleyman ate, rested, and later told us everything in detail. It was clear that the images wouldn't leave his mind.
It's a difficult situation, but he has to stay alive for his brother. They need each other. Hopefully, we'll find him.
"To find out where they are, we need to capture a raider alive."
"First, we need a plan."
Rauf interrupted and asked:
"With just the three of us?"
"We stole guns with just two people—are you forgetting that? And this is what worries you?"
"No, but isn't this a bit sudden?"
"We don't have much time, Rauf. Are you in or not?"
"Of course, I'm in, but..."
"But what?"
"...Never mind."
"Do you have a gun, Süleyman?"
"There's an old pistol at home from my grandfather, but I don't know if it has ammo. I've never used it."
We went to Süleyman's apartment and retrieved the gun from the place he mentioned. The safe was locked, so we had to break it open.
"We need to teach you how to shoot. Otherwise, it'll be difficult."
"Alright, man. But now?"
"No, get some rest today. Tomorrow, we'll go to an open area and you'll learn there."
As for the plan…
We will intercept them on a route they frequently use. We'll pretend we're stranded and ask for help.
One person will do the acting—begging for assistance. The other two will hide. When they get out of the vehicle, we will strike.
We'll capture one of them alive and make him talk. We'll also take their vehicle.
"Who agress with the plan ?
- Süleyman?
-Dosen't matter to me.
-Rauf ?
-İf we have to get it right the first time, then fine...
-So, you're saying yes ?
Alright then. Get some rest, guys. Tomorrow will be a tough day.