Chapter 3: higher ground

Startled by the sensation of something crawling on my left arm, I jolted awake, my heart pounding in my chest. To my dismay, I discovered a spider had found its way into my temporary shelter. I couldn't help but feel a surge of intense dislike towards these creatures, whether they be the infamous camel spiders from the deserts of the Middle East or the vibrant and exotic spiders of the South American rainforests. Spiders simply had a way of creeping me out.

Without hesitation, I swiftly dealt with the intruder, squashing it to ensure its demise. It certainly wasn't the most pleasant way to wake up, but I acknowledged that I had invaded their territory, making it a somewhat expected encounter. The surge of adrenaline from this unexpected wake-up call served as a stark reminder to be cautious and vigilant in this unfamiliar environment.

Pushing the spider encounter aside, I decided it was time to leave the shelter. One spider often leads to the presence of more, and I had no desire to deal with any more unwanted arachnid visitors. Additionally, a glance at the sky revealed that the sun had already climbed high, indicating that the day was well underway. It was a gentle nudge from reality, reminding me to get on with my day and make the most of the time I had.

I glanced at the timer that remained in the corner of my vision, a constant reminder of the impending evaluation and introduction. To my relief ( I really hoped I didn’t hallucinate last night), it was still visible, steadily counting down the remaining time. The display showed 11:37, indicating that I had managed to get a decent amount of sleep amidst the chaos and uncertainties that surrounded me.

Reflecting on the events that had unfolded, I couldn't help but acknowledge the unusual circumstances that led to my current situation. The combination of existential crisis, fueled by alcohol and cocaine, had surely played a part in the tumultuous journey I found myself on. Good excuse, right? However, despite the unconventional path that had brought me here, I couldn't deny the value of a restful sleep in preparing me for the challenges that lay ahead.

With a mix of irony and resignation, I accepted that even amidst chaos and uncertainty, life had a way of granting moments of respite and rejuvenation. It was a reminder that, no matter the circumstances, the need for rest and self-care remained essential for survival.

Taking a deep breath, I focused on the ticking timer and the dwindling hours that separated me from the anticipated evaluation and introduction. It was time to gather my shit and focus.

I acknowledged the limited time I had until the evaluation and introduction would commence. Eleven hours was a substantial window to work with, providing an opportunity to ascend to higher ground and gain a vantage point to survey my surroundings.

I’m not a big fan of star wars but they did get the “I have the higher ground” thing right, tactical advantage is not a bad thing to have. Moreover, I kinda wanted to see if shit really hit the fan in the town. If they started burning shit up I might be able to spot the smoke from a good vantage point.

Before departing, I finished the remaining water in my bottle, recognizing the importance of staying hydrated in the face of the unknown challenges that lay ahead. Dehydration is real motherfucker, its better to overdrink then not drinking at all. Taking care of my immediate needs, I found a suitable spot and relieved myself, providing a small contribution of nourishment and fertilization to a nearby tree.

Once those tasks were completed, I retraced my steps back to the creek. Refilling my water bottle, I ensured that I would have enough to sustain me during my exploration and subsequent journey. With water secured, I felt a renewed sense of determination as I prepared to ascend to higher ground. The elevated vantage point would grant me a clearer view of the surrounding area, allowing me to assess any potential threats, identify resources, and make informed decisions about my next steps and I really wanted to see airplane traffic. It’s a good indication to what’s going on and if things are out of order in the big picture? Remember 9/11? No planes in the sky.

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After a challenging ascent that took approximately an hour, I finally managed to climb out of the valley. As expected, the climb proved to be more arduous than descending. Catching my breath, I found myself standing on the ridge, surveying the vast expanse of the land stretched out before me.

Considering my options, I made the decision to travel back in the general direction of the town, albeit from a different vantage point. Instead of venturing along the valley floor or on the main roads where potential dangers and crowds were likely to be concentrated, I chose to stick to the side of the ridge at about two-thirds of its height.

Remaining slightly below the ridge's crest provided me with a certain level of concealment and reduced visibility from afar. Standing on the ridge's peak would undoubtedly make me stand out like a sore thumb, attracting unnecessary attention. By staying slightly lower, I hoped to maintain a degree of camouflage and minimize the chances of encountering potential threats.

With a determined stride, I set off along the side of the ridge, moving cautiously and keeping my senses sharp. I moved slowly, I set my goal to get to a good vantage point over the town by sundown. That will give me enough time to evaluate what the fuck is going on in town from afar and if it looks safe I might even go back to civilization to resupply and get some of my shit from home.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally reached a spot that provided a promising outlook over the town. Taking a moment to catch my breath, I surveyed the scene below. From this elevated position, I could see the familiar streets and buildings, now cast in the fading light of dusk.

Checking the timer once again, I noted that it displayed 3:17, indicating that I still had some time before the evaluation and introduction were scheduled to take place. This presented me with an opportunity to gather essential supplies from the town, should the circumstances allow it.

However, as I peered down at the streets below from my vantage point on the ridge, it became apparent that something significant was unfolding. Instead of witnessing chaos and destruction, I observed a steady stream of people moving through the streets. Cars were being loaded with various belongings, indicating a mass exodus rather than an outright catastrophe.

As I reflected on the situation unfolding before me, a sense of relief washed over me. My experiences as a Marine, traveling the world and engaging in combat, had shaped my perspective on human behavior. Uncertainty and instability often led to civil unrest and chaos. However, the scene I witnessed in the town below seemed to defy my expectations.

In this instance, the people seemed to be responding to the unknown with a sense of organization and preparedness. Rather than succumbing to panic and disorder, they were making calculated decisions and taking steps to secure their safety and well-being. It was a reassuring sight, and it reminded me that in times of crisis, humans have an innate ability to adapt and come together, that or I have seen only the bad parts of humanity so far.

Perhaps my previous assumption that people would resort to violence and conflict was a result of my own experiences, where I was often the agent of uncertainty and disruption. It served as a reminder that my perspective was skewed by my unique background and that the actions of others may differ from my expectations.

Perched in my vantage point on the ridge, I made the decision to hold my ground and observe the town from a safe distance. Despite the sense of relief I felt seeing the organized exodus rather than chaos, my instincts as a Marine and my natural inclination towards caution urged me to remain vigilant. I’m one paranoid fuck, I know.

The countdown on the timer continued its relentless march towards zero, serving as a constant reminder of the impending unknown. I knew that once the clock hit zero, there was a possibility that the situation could change drastically. It was a gamble, but I believed it was better to maintain a position of relative safety and observe the developments from afar rather than rushing into an uncertain environment.

Sitting down on the ridge, I positioned myself for an extended wait. The passing minutes felt like an eternity as I watched the town below, my senses attuned to any signs of disruption or significant changes. The anticipation and tension in the air were palpable, but I remained focused, ready to react to any sudden shifts in the situation.

As the countdown ticked closer to zero, a mix of apprehension and curiosity coursed through my veins. I knew that once the timer reached its conclusion, the evaluation and introduction mentioned in the message would likely occur. What awaited me beyond that point was still a mystery, but I was prepared for the unexpected.

With my heart pounding and my senses heightened, I braced myself for the moment when the timer would hit zero, ready to face whatever lay ahead.