September came quickly and before I knew it, I stood inside the train station eagerly waiting to depart for the Boneyard. I suppressed a sigh as I turned back to see my family following me. “Why are you all still here?”
“To see you one last time and say goodbye you dummy!”
“Ben, we’ve already said our farewells. We already hugged and I don’t want to hug you again.”
He ignored me and ruffled my hair. “No! We won’t be seeing each other for a while, so I’ll hug you as much as I want,” Ben then stopped and shot me his signature smirk. “I’ll be busy tinkering with cool tech, and you’ll be spooning with a bunch of pacifists.”
“Those pacifists have done much for our country,” I said holding down feelings of envy. “Just you see. I’ll do something so great that even President Tandi will congratulate me!” I noticed Pappa wince, “Pa? What’s wrong?”
“Well... God bless President Tandi – and all of that but -” A well-placed elbow strike from Mamma put a stop to whatever he wanted to say. Ben and I giggled at the scene. I’m going to miss all this when I’m gone. My lips quirked and I bit my lips. I’m really going to miss them.
“Now, my dear. No politics. I don’t care if she’s limiting the number of brahmins we’re allowed to own. I don’t care about getting richer. I don’t care about getting a bigger house,” She huddled my brother and me, “I’ve got my treasures right here! I don’t need endless wealth.”
Pappa joined the group hug, “That I can agree with.”
‘Hmph!’ A cough got all our attention to a man wearing a brown stetson hat.
Pappa fumbled, again, looking embarrassed. “Ah! Frank! Good to see you.” He introduced everyone and when it came time for me, I simply nodded.
“Frank is a member of the Stockmen’s Association. I’ve hired him to protect you, Leon.”
I gave him a cursory glance and I couldn’t help but point something out, “Is that a scar on your forehead? How’d you get it?”
“You’re not mincin’ your words, eh kid.” He caressed his scar and parted his bangs, “I love your bluntness. Makes talking easier. Well, I got this scar when fightin’ those New Reno basta- raiders. They were rustlin’ cattle. Couldn’t let ‘em get away with it.”
The platform lightly rumbled, and a whistle screeched out of nowhere. From a distance, a plume of smoke was getting bigger and bigger until a train carrying a dozen coaches came into view.
“Well, this is it. Break a leg, my cub!”
“Leon! Remember to eat well!”
“Ba-bye Leon! I’m going to miss you! Next time you’ll see me; I’ll be wearing Enclave power armour!”
I waved to my family one last time before getting on the steel behemoth. I’m really going to miss them. “Bye, Ma! Bye, Pa! Bye, Ben! Watch me! I’ll make you all proud!”
As Frank and I busied ourselves looking for our cabin, I almost froze in pregnant terror as I noticed my sandy boots were making a mess out of the richly padded red carpet. I needed to get used to Mamma not being around to pinch my ear. A most positive outcome to which I wholeheartedly welcome. I managed to compose myself and caught up with Frank.
When we arrived, I saw Frank’s mouth gape wide open, and I couldn’t help snort! “Frank! Why are you making that face? It’s so silly and funny!” There was something humorous about a hardened warrior with a scary scar, looking so bemused.
Frank coughed and used his stetson hat to cover his face. “I thought you ‘ere a smart kid and not a snivelling brat!” He waved his arms around the cabin, “Does this cabin remind you of anything?!” He pointed at the desk on the left side of the room, “That’s the desk Prez Tandi used to formally sign the incorporation of Dayglow into the NCR in 2196!”
I clicked my tongue, “You’re wrong, Frank. Dayglow was a founding state of the NCR in 2189. How could you ‘incorporate’ something that already existed within the NCR?”
“Dayglow was an urban hell hole. Thousands of ferals and remnants of mutants that were still loyal to the Unity plagued the state. Terrorist cells operated by the Children of the Cathedral still operated. All of these factors explain why Dayglow wasn’t fully incorporated. If you still don’t believe me, read an archived article from the California Times!” Frank perfectly articulated without a hint of an accent which intrigued me.
I felt a cold sweat coming from my back. I didn’t like losing an argument, but I felt like I had to take a ‘tactical retreat’ as one of my dreams would say. I shrugged to signal my defeat but for some reason, the cowboy glared at me. Did he take that as an insult?
Frank pulled out a green paper from his pocket and looked triumphant. “This ‘ere is the hundred-dollar bill! Look!” He shoved the piece of paper right into my face. “A picture depicting Tandi giving a speech at Dayglow in 2196. I must say she looked absolutely stunning when she was younger.”
I sighed and humbly accepted defeat. Only my parents, Ben, and a few people I had the privilege to call friends were able to do this. I realised something that needed answering, fast! “Dayglow is an urban sprawl that’s connected to the Boneyard! Don’t tell me the University I’m going to will be full of spooky monsters and zombies!”
“I thought Brian and Liana raised you better,” Frank didn’t beat around the bush and carried on without letting me defend myself. “The train is acceleratin’.” He pointed at the speakers, “Expect an announcement from the conductor -”
“Attention all passengers! Welcome aboard the sleeper train, Bear Force. We’re well-provisioned and can safely take the line directly to New Adytum! We’ll not be stopping in Junktown and the Hub! I hope you enjoy your stay with us!”
Now I was curious. “New Adytum? Not the Boneyard? Why?” I shot Frank a piercing gaze and before I knew it, I felt like I was flying. I wasn’t actually flying; I was tiptoeing as I held my hand in pure excitement. Frank, you shouldn’t have exposed yourself as a well-read erudite.
The hardened warrior, for the first time in a very long time, felt terrified.
It was a three-day journey from Shady Sands to New Adytum and it flew. My respect for Frank grew and grew as he answered my questions with succinct certainty. I may have flayed his patience a little, but I know when not to push. At least I think I do. He hasn’t yelled at me yet.
I learnt a lot from Frank. How the Boneyard was tame in comparison with the lawless anarchy that pervaded the wasteland before the NCR was formed. But it was still a difficult place to live. Despite the good the Followers do and the relief from the Central Government, it seems to not be enough. Well, something to talk to Pappa about. I’m sure he’ll help me solve this.
I was starting to see the skyscrapers appearing from the distance. It was incredible how I could still see it despite a mountain being in the way.
“New Adytum is located south of the Boneyard. This line skirts the Boneyard and avoids it like a woman spurned.” He looked like he sucked on lemons when he said that. “I mean... No, forget what I said. Anyway, those skyscrapers – they're still standing, and we don’t know why. Some call it a miracle.” Frank took a sip from his flask. “It’s more of a damnation really. We don’t know when they’re going to collapse. Hence, why we’re avoiding the Boneyard entirely.”
My heart raced and felt my lips bleeding. Oops. Didn’t mean to bite my lips too hard. But I couldn’t help it! This is not the reason Frank gave three days ago! I felt betrayed! “You said because the Boneyard didn’t have the resources to build a rail line directly!”
“That’s the partial truth. Didn’t want to scare you about collapsing buildings that early in our journey.”
“Then how are we supposed to go to the University?” I asked in genuine interest as I banished thoughts of being crushed.
“There’s a military camp numbering hundreds of soldiers that regularly patrols the highways between Adytum and the Boneyard.” Frank then pulled out a handgun and caressed the contours of the barrel. “This ‘ere is made by the Gun Runners. They have a few factories in the Boneyard. They employ hundreds of scavengers looking for scrap metal. New Adytum is their main logistics hub where they store thousands of weapons. They usually augment the patrols carried out by the NCR. So, we should be safe.”
I think I saw his face start to grimace. “‘Should be safe’? Can you guarantee that?”
“The Boneyard is not a nice place. Raiders addicted to chems, occasional radscorpions and other fun obstacles. It’ll be fun.”
Yes. Why did Pappa want me to go to this place? Was it to make me tougher? He has always complained that I never took to the gun like my brother did. ‘I used to be a crack shot by the time I was eight! Right around your age!’ I remember him boasting. I sighed and shook my head. I should trust Pappa. Trying to calm myself down, I stared at the horizon and slowly but surely the ocean started to replace the scarred urban landscape.
The grey ocean skies devoured the remaining blue skies signalling a storm was on its way. A salty breeze wafted through the cabin windows. I couldn’t help but stare through the window. It was beautiful. Different from the green grass and yellow sand surrounding Shady Sands. I was in a trance that was only broken when Frank gently grabbed my shoulder.
“Hey kid, we’ve arrived. Just in time too. There’s a large caravan full of bodyguards for the Followers along with a squadron of NCR soldiers and Gun Runners.”
I stepped out of the train and was disappointed with what I saw. The buildings surrounding the station looked like sand huts, that you would see in paintings depicting Shady Sands seventy years ago. The only edifice that looked remotely modern was the train station with working electric lights, metal cladding roofs and sleek concrete pillars. A dozen platforms connected with brick bridges, equally full of vendors shouting to advertise their wares.
We passed through trucks and dodged vendors to get to the Followers’ caravans. I looked confused by the caravans. They looked like trains with multiple coaches driven at the front by an eighteen-cylinder engine?
“You must be Leon! Your father told me a lot about you.” A man with spiky hair greeted us, “My name is Adam Farkas, the Chancellor of the University of Boneyard.”
Mamma’s lessons in etiquette kicked in, “A pleasure Mr Farkas, many thanks for coming all the way to meet me here.” I gestured to my stalwart bodyguard, “This here is Frank...” Oh oops. I didn’t know his surname.
“Frank Peterson.” We shook hands and exchanged more boring pleasantries and small talk with other members of the Followers. Mamma was always quick to punish me if I looked dismissive and bored when meeting new people, so I learnt quickly to feign interest. And ‘feign’ I did. No strange looks were directed at me at least.
A guardsman opened the gate and a red beret soldier with a masked face hollered for the patrol squadron to advance. The trail of trucks, mechanised and brahmin-pulled caravans slowly spewed out from the gates of New Adytum. Oh finally! I think Frank said it’ll take a few hours to get to the university.
“I saw you look at our caravans. What’d you think?” Adam asked.
“It looks like a train with multiple coaches pulled by an engine? It’s not a steam engine, since it's not emitting smoke.”
“That’s right. The latest invention of our university. A twelve-hundred horsepower engine fuelled by diesel.”
I already noticed a problem why this invention won’t be popular, thanks to my dreams. “Diesel? Not ethanol-powered like the army trucks up ahead?”
Adam became visibly deflated at that. I was expecting his spikey hair to droop down, as silly as that sounds. I stifled a giggle by pressing on, “You need oil. Lots of it. Then you need to fractionally distillate it to get diesel. This won’t become mainstream, sorry to tell you.”
“Well put. I agree. But we have enough oil to suit the University and the Followers' needs, for now. The Chosen One of Arroyo has ransacked the Enclave Poseidon platform for technological blueprints and has shared it across the Republic!” Adam smiled and for some reason, Frank looked shifty when the Chosen One was mentioned. “With the blueprints, we’re well on our way to building a deep-sea oil extraction platform within five years!”
“Do you have any NCR funding? I’m sure the Central Government is willing to give you enough to fully pay for it. I’m surprised they didn’t take any interest in your engine. To my knowledge, the alcohol-powered ones barely hits two-hundred horsepower.” Frank said.
Adam was insulted and resolutely defended his decision to never accept NCR funding. I get why, he wants the university to be self-sufficient and only accountable to the Followers. From the nods he was getting from other Followers and students, his opinion was unfortunately the norm within Boneyard University. It’ll be an uphill struggle to convince them of the benevolence of the NCR government. A man in combat armour whispered to Adam causing him to excuse himself.
“What is so bad with the NCR?” I asked the other members of the Followers. I couldn’t comprehend how people could dislike a country actively rebuilding from a nuclear apocalypse. The New California Republic was an island of stability, liberty and civilisation surrounded by addicted savages, tribals and raiders.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
“Ever since the NCR defeated the Enclave, instead of demobilising and pursuing peace, they’re doing the exact opposite!” A girl, roughly my age, combed her hair around her ears then scrunched her eyes and blew a raspberry whilst pointing at...?
It was very childish and inappropriate. I was disgusted because some of her spittle landed on my sleeve. Who was she pointing to? I must’ve looked bewildered since the Spitfire of a girl looked at me and answered my question. “Those Gun Runners! The Central and State government keeps giving them contracts. Their factories that could make toys, more trucks and trains and did I mention toys and dolls?” She stared at me and blushed. “I mean! Instead of using their factories to make people's lives better, they’re making service waffles!”
Heh. Very childish. I snorted and corrected her, “Service rifles. Rifles. Not waffles.”
“Whatever! The same thing.”
I sighed and I could feel a headache coming from a mile away. She was an exact replica of my brother, and I didn’t know whether to look forward to this familiarity or curse the endless migraines that would come. I was never this puerile. As I grew older my dreams started to become clearer and less fuzzy. I could see that I was a man, much older than Pappa and Mamma. I shivered as I didn’t like the implications of my dreams affecting my behaviour but squashed the feelings of dread as I quickly focused on the situation at hand.
I could see multiple people eagerly listening to my conversation with the Spitfire. I think they were expecting a reply from me. Oh no. I tried to remember a dream I had when I was publicly speaking to a group of hazy people, and I relaxed immediately. “To have peace, we must prepare for war.”
“What on earth are you talking about kid?” Someone heckled from the peanut gallery.
‘Tsk’. How infuriating. Don’t interrupt me! “There are countless raiders and people that would see the prosperity of NCR with greed in their eyes. Trade caravans will be targeted and looted. Depending on the gender of the merchant, they’ll either be raped or killed on the spot.” I remembered some of the stories that Pappa would say during his time as a bodyguard for the Crimson Caravan before he settled down as a farmer and it wasn’t pretty.
A well-timed crack of gunfire eloquently reinforced my point. “Form a defensive perimeter!” A sergeant commanded.
Frank stayed next to me with his firearm in full display, but the Followers’ bodyguards obeyed the NCR sergeant and rushed to the flanks of the caravan, with extreme professionalism that seemed to shock Frank and several soldiers. The trucks and articulated vehicles spun to make a circle like a snake curling on itself.
I wasn’t worried and instead of cowering down I seized the initiative and pushed my point across. “See those.” I pointed at the bodyguards. “Why do the Followers have bodyguards?!” I yelled in an attempt to drown the gunfire.
“What are you doing kid, get down!”
“What do you mean? The caravans have us completely surrounded. All three-sixty degrees cover. No hills and vantage points from dozens of miles ahead. We’re safe.”
That calmed the students down and I looked at my stalwart defender. “Frank? Why are you looking at me like that?”
He shook his head, “Nothing. I’m starting to believe Brian wasn’t exaggerating or lying about you?”
I don’t get it. Why would Pappa lie about him? My father always speaks the truth.
The Spitfire came out of nowhere, which scared me more than the bullets flying above us, “Those aren’t our bodyguards! Those are members of the Followers of the Apocalypse who provide campus security to the University! They’re pretty good too!” She harrumphed looking pleased that she corrected me. “We bear arms not to attack but to defend!”
“What makes you think the NCR is buying the weapons to attack? Not once has President Tandi attacked anyone unprovoked. All the lands that comprise the NCR voluntarily joined.”
“Well...” The Spitfire was thoroughly stumped and paused. Her cheeks reddened and some tears streaked down her cheeks. I didn’t mean to make her cry! “The NCR are a bunch of meanies! They tried arresting some of our campus security! Our researchers they’ve tried to kidnap, along with their families as well!”
Now that confused me. Why would the NCR arrest and kidnap a bunch of Followers? Aren’t the Followers and the University legally protected under our law? I didn’t want to accuse an already emotionally turbulent adolescent, so I wisely didn’t contradict her. Instead, I tried a different approach to make sure she was telling me the truth. “You said they ‘tried’ to arrest and kidnap? Did they succeed?”
“Of course not! As soon as some military police people tried, they were shooed away by our securitrons and laser rifles!” The Spitfire jumped and celebrated with a few students applauding. “That should show them! They must’ve been so scared that they didn’t turn up for the second time.”
Frank hummed in approval as the gunfire started to die down and fully shifted his attention to the Spitfire. “That sounds so unlike our Armed Forces. I used to serve in the force and occasionally was stationed as a garrison officer or sometimes as military police. From my experience, if anyone has arrest warrants, we’ll pursue them to the end of the earth.”
“Well, they didn’t! Because they were scared!”
I didn’t bother refuting that since I didn’t want to make her cry again and neither did Frank. “What did they do to have arrest warrants?” I asked.
“They were from a place called Nava -.”
“Right! Everyone! Good news! The raiders have been beaten back by our security and the patrol squadron.” Adam squeezed through the gap between the caravans and hurriedly ran to the Spitfire. “Looks like you’ve met my daughter, Julie.” He pointed and introduced Frank and me, “This is Leon Frederik, an undergraduate of our prestigious University and his bodyguard Frank Peterson.”
I stood in silent awkwardness as I processed her name. I probably shouldn’t call her Spitfire again. Probably. “A pleasure, Julie.”
“Nice to meet you, Leon! That was a nice talk between us.”
“What did you two talk about? "Adam asked a little too seriously.
Her eyes sparked then levelled me an accusatory stare, “Leon here is a dummy! He likes the NCR! I tried to explain how they’re just a bunch of bullies that tried to arrest our people!”
Adam sighed and then took her inside one of the coaches of the articulated caravan.
I was growing more confused and suspicious and turned to look at my defender, “I’m not the only one, right? They’re definitely hiding something from us.”
“You got a good head on yer shoulders, kid.” I’ll take that as a compliment and confirmation.
It took no time for the caravans to start going again. Some vehicles required a few revs to warm them up, but they quickly caught up.
I could see clouds of smoke blanketing the horizon and the tops of the ruined pre-war buildings. “See that, kid? Those are demolitions. Buildings are collapsed and any steel is scavenged, and concrete remelted and used to build these roads and some buildings.”
That was interesting. “So, the Boneyard is slowly getting safer and my chances of being crushed by a falling skyscraper are reducing?”
“Absolutely.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner, Frank!?”
“It was funny watching you with a tail tucked behind your legs!”
What an ass. I was too distracted to give Frank a retort because I saw someone with spiky brown hair coming from the gangway of the caravan. As soon as he entered our carriage, I began to barrage him some questions. “Why does your university employ criminals? Are you doing any unethical experiments? Are you committing treason towards our Republic?” I almost emptied my head of possible reasons why the NCR would issue arrest warrants and framed them as questions.
Adam stepped back as he swiped some sweat on his forehead, “Slow down, Leon. Before I answer your questions, allow me to say this. Trust in your father. Brian wanted you here for a reason. He wouldn’t send his son anywhere near a criminal institution.”
I know that! I don’t need him to confirm it. I just like asking questions. I wouldn’t be asking if I feared for my life. I’m not stupid. I crossed my arms and tried to calm down.
“Yer poutin’, kid. It’s pretty adorable for a smart and precocious lad like you.”
Adam laughed and gave Frank a pat on his back. I’ve been betrayed. Then again, he keeps betraying me by withholding facts.
The Chancellor calmed down and cleared his throat as he stood straighter. I don’t know why but he looked bigger and stronger. “The Central Government and our board of Deans with the Follower of Apocalypse had a major disagreement. Those bureaucrats from Shady Sands wanted the Followers and any related universities to be fully incorporated into the Office for Science and Industry.”
“Why didn’t you join it? You’ll get more funding.”
“It’s simple. We wanted our independence. That’s why we’re allowed to induct people of your age without a qualified General Certificate of Education.”
“But that doesn’t explain why they’re issuing arrest warrants against you!”
“I cannot divulge any information regarding those warrants. I don’t want to say anything that may prejudice the trials. And any details may endanger the security and lives of my staff. That I cannot allow.”
I struggled to gulp as his eyes looked like an eagle looking for prey. It was no longer welcoming and friendly. I tried to look for a line for questioning that could help me pry some information. “I understand. But you said something about trials. Spitfire said you’ve scared the military police away.”
“Spitfire?”
Welp. The cat’s out of the bag. How exactly am I going to explain to a man that’s intimidating me, that I’ve been calling his daughter an unflattering nickname? “I meant - Julie! Answer my question.”
He snorted and laughed again. He smiled and for some reason, his ‘aura’ became gentler. “That’s a good name for her. She does have a habit of blowing raspberries towards people she doesn’t like. Anyways to answer your question...” He paused and looked sad. “Arrests were made across the country. Outposts manned by the Followers which didn’t have as many resources as the Boneyard University, were helpless and folded quickly to the police’s demands.
“Many of my colleagues were arrested as a result. I continue to pray for their trials to be fair and just.”
“What was their charge?”
Adam paused and his eyes widened. “You really are a smart kid. I previously didn’t want to say since it could endanger my staff, but the charge is public, and anyone has access to them through the press. So, I'll tell you before you read it yourself.” He cleared his throat, “They’re being charged for treason and espionage.”
Treason and Espionage... Espionage?! My brain was nearly malfunctioning, but I pushed through.
Treason is well defined by the NCR. A most grievous betrayal to the democratically elected government of the Republic. Mamma is a lawyer; she would definitely know more than me. Perhaps I can radio her later. I was confident those Followers would be found innocent of treason. They’re a force for good and they love peace too much to attempt a violent coup against President Tandi and her Congress.
But espionage! There are very few factions in the Wasteland that have the resources to spy on the NCR. And those are either the Brotherhood of Steel or... The Enclave.
I shivered as I gave the four security members a quick weary glance.
“At least try to make it less obvious, Leon!” Adam messed my hair. “You’re just like Julie. Trying to be all sneaky but failing spectacularly. So, what’d you find out?”
It can’t be the Brotherhood. They’re very good allies and have helped the NCR get back on their knees time and time again. A state just south of San Franciso was named ‘Maxson’, to honour the founder of the Brotherhood, Roger Maxson.
I turned to Frank to help support my hunch, “Those campus security guards when we’re being attacked by raiders, what’d you think of them?”
“I think there was a redhead with an unblemished face. Quite cute. Definitely would ask to date her later.”
What an ass. “I mean, did they look like they knew what they were doing? Were they p-r-o-f-e-s-s-i-o-n-a-l?” I spelt it letter by letter, getting sick of his idiocy.
“Geez kid. Lay off. Should’ve asked for more details in the first place. But yes. Looks like the redhead and her friends are well-trained.”
Good, he answered my question. “Spit- Julie also mentioned some researchers were also arrested. The only factions in the Wasteland that have researchers are the Followers, the Brotherhood and the Enclave.” I paused a bit as I scrutinised the Chancellor’s face for any micromovements but was disappointed when there were none. “The Followers have a treaty to share knowledge with the NCR back in 2189 when Boneyard joined the NCR, so espionage is not likely. The Brotherhood are good allies and that leaves the Enclave.”
Adam beamed me a smile and gave me a thumbs up. “Very good, Leon. You’ll make a fine researcher. I knew you already had the answer, but I wanted to see your deduction process.”
I puffed my chest at that then I remembered something from a few years ago. I was hungry so I went to the kitchen and spied an unfamiliar face dining with Pappa and Mamma.
“You should’ve seen the Chosen One from Arroyo, Brian! What a beast! Piercing dozens of power-armoured soldiers as they were made of paper! His accuracy is simply inhuman!” Mamma poured him some apple juice and gave him a plate of sausages. “I must say, this is delicious. Thank you, Liane!” I remember he was boisterous and very loud.
“You’re more than welcome. Our house is your house, Alex.”
“My boys would’ve died in our hundreds in Navarro if it weren’t for him. At the end of the day, we pushed them back to their central bunker. Tandi radioed us commands to ask for their surrender. At first, I wanted an unconditional surrender, but our Chief wanted there to be no more bloodshed. So, I promised them asylum, citizenship and a Presidential pardon, and they obviously accepted.
“Honestly, they got off lightly for being a bunch of genocidal maniacs.”
“What’s going to happen to them now?” Pappa asked.
“Probably joining this new organisation – OSI, I think. I don’t know what it stands for, but it’ll be the scientific arm of the NCR. They’ll be NCR citizens so they should have the freedom to do anything.” Alex grimaced. “They really have gotten lightly.”
The rest of the conversation looped back to camp Navarro and the technological marvels that were taken intact.
“Hey, kid!” I heard Frank’s finger clicking in front of my face. “Sorry, Mr Chancellor – he tends to zone off a lot.”
“That’s quite alright, Mr Peterson,” Adam replied.
“The NCR betrayed the people of Navarro.” I may have said it too loud, as I could feel the scorching gaze from four security guards.
“Indeed, they did. I don’t know why Tandi ordered their arrest, but this is the most shameful event of her presidency.” Adam looked down and clenched his hands.
“Has anyone asked her why?”
“The pure and innocent minds of youth!”
“You mean naive?”
Adam smiled but chose not to reply to Frank, “The Mother of our Nation is too busy to answer a question from me.”
“But you’re a Chancellor of a prestigious university that predates the NCR itself! It’s incredulous for her to ignore you.”
“Whatever decision she has made faced a lot of objections from the OSI and many members of Congress, yet she remained firm and resolute. Strangely, her cabinet didn’t criticise her once. They loyally backed her as if something was pointing a gun at the back of their heads.”
“President Tandi will never do that!”
“I never said it was her and that’s what’s worrying me.” Adam looked at the gangway and waved goodbye, “Anyway, I need to get back to Julie. We should be arriving in an hour.”
Conspiracies upon conspiracies started as whispers eventually engulfed my head like an artillery shot. An hour seemed like a second.
“You’ve been zoned off for an hour. Care to share?”
“I’m going to ask President Tandi why she backtracked and betrayed them.” I pointed at the security, “I promise I’ll find answers for you all!”
“Big words from a small kid. What makes you think you can speak to the President?” One of the former Enclave personnel asked.
“By achieving something so great! I’ve dreamt - I’ll figure something out.”
“Good luck, kid.” They didn’t look convinced. Time to prove them wrong.
The convoy split and the Follower’s truck sped towards the North-West of the Boneyard. I squinted at way sign that read ‘Franklin Canyon Park – University of Boneyard.’ We passed through a fortified gate and the arriving students, including me, were processed by an army of clerks. We had our names, dates of birth, addresses and other companions that needed to stay with me stored in a large notebook. The lady processing my info, was shocked when she saw my date of birth. Though she was quick to forget when she swooned over Frank. What an ass.
We were led to a large lecture hall where more people waited for us. The recent undergraduates were assigned a personal mentor to help us ease into the university culture and to assist us in our studies.
My mentor was in his late teens and sported light blonde hair looking slightly bored. Time to wipe that boredom away! You’ll help me invent something that will get me rewarded by President Tandi herself!
“My name is Leon Frederik, I’m you’re mentee. Well met.” I reached my hand out as he crouched and returned the handshake.
“A pleasure. My name’s Edward Sallow.”