Day 1
Date: January 1st, 2060
Location: Unknown
Lucian was getting sick and tired of being teleported around at the whim of some higher power. But then again, how could he forget how cruel and merciless angels could be? Never mind being inconsiderate!
Pausing Lucian frowned to himself, wondering how the hell did he know those beings so intimately when until today he never met them before… or did he? This was really getting stranger and stranger.
To distract his mind, he sought solace in surveying the new and unfamiliar place he found himself in. All around him lay complete darkness, shrouding him in an impenetrable veil. The rough, jagged texture of the ground beneath him and the cool, damp air drifting in from somewhere were the only sensations he could feel.
Slowly standing up, he was startled by groans close at hand. As his eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, he discerned figures—people stuck in the same predicament as him. They ranged in age, race, and sex, their expressions mirroring his own fear and confusion.
Suddenly, a loud exclamation echoed from outside. Letting curiosity get the better of him, he decided to investigate. Navigating the cavern with trepidation, he groped his way through the passage, barely able to see a few feet ahead. He reached into his pack and retrieved a flashlight, its beam illuminating his path. Despite this, the walls felt suffocating and oppressive, as if they were closing in around him.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally emerged from the cave. The transition was overwhelming, akin to the allegory of the cave as his old world shattered. At that moment, he felt like one of Plato’s prisoners, confronted by the stark and blinding truth of reality. As his eyes adjusted to the light, a surreal and alarming sight unfolded before him, more extraordinary and unsettling than anything he had ever imagined.
image [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/a9c9feb1-e110-4a19-b6ef-00d10633fe50/ddlxesr-8f0d0a09-99df-4b62-93e8-2af67455a9e2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1024,h_576,q_75,strp/the_land_of_the_dead_by_felisglacialis_ddlxesr-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTc2IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvYTljOWZlYjEtZTExMC00YTE5LWI2ZWYtMDBkMTA2MzNmZTUwXC9kZGx4ZXNyLThmMGQwYTA5LTk5ZGYtNGI2Mi05M2U4LTJhZjY3NDU1YTllMi5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTAyNCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.xFbqIrB6fjSlkU3ThlMQHQNvZh38EW1eOc6KHPShhro]
The ground was like pitch tar and oily with dark veins coursing through it. Sharp rocks and hidden crevices littered the uneven terrain, threatening to swallow up anyone careless enough to tread without caution. Gnarled, twisted trees intermittently dotted the terrain, their branches like bony fingers grasping uselessly toward the sky.
The air itself was heavy and stagnant, making it difficult to breathe. He caught the faint whiff of something awful, which nearly made him start to cough and wheeze. Thick, black, impenetrable fog crept its way through the terrain, obscuring any landmarks or features that might be lurking beyond. The all-encompassing silence was deafening, with barely a sound daring to break the hushed stillness.
Overhead, dark purple clouds swirled ominously, heralding an impending storm. In the center of it all was a massive, eerily smiling moon that seemed to fill the entire sky. The creepy smile of the celestial body made Lucian feel as though he was being observed closely.
image [https://pm1.aminoapps.com/5809/8896c4827a1b8dba016e9918128d1e67bce70ddc_hq.jpg]
It was clear that he had stumbled upon a strange and otherworldly place - somewhere beyond the realm of his comprehension.
As more and more people emerged from the cave hushed whispers filled the air mostly asking where they were laced with confusion and fear.
"This sure isn't Kansas anymore." Remarked a man who stood next to him.
Before any of them could put more stock into their situation, or for that matter come to grasp where this was. They heard a blood-curdling screech pierce the air, causing everyone to freeze in place. The tension in the group was palpable as the silence stretched on.
Someone was kind enough to break the silence and ask the obvious. “W-what was that?”
A gruff, older man with biceps as large as his head and a thick white beard spoke up. "We should leave this place. Now."
image [https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7e/42/79/7e4279fb18bb25abe63ef808d2049c0e.jpg]
Not needing to be told the obvious, Lucian scrambled down the small hill they were on with the rest of the group, their feet pounding on the broken, barren landscape.
The sounds of more high-pitched screeches followed them, growing louder with each passing moment as whatever was on their heels was closing in fast. The very thought of whatever ghastly thing making those noises catching up to them spurred everyone onward.
With the day they were having it could be just about anything, and nobody wanted to stick around to find out.
“Is that a light over there?” somebody shouted from amongst the group.
Peering in the direction the person pointed, Lucian had to squint his eyes to make out a faint glow coming from far away in the black fog.
“Good eye,” the same gruff older man said. “Come on everyone, let’s go check it out.” He declared, already establishing himself as the leader of their small merry band
“A-are you sure?” asked a middle-aged man, his face red with the excursion of running.
“Would you rather want to find out what’s chasing us?” a hard-looking young woman in a hoodie asked.
image [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/8294b8e4-8d1f-46bb-a1b7-5842c5b22f9a/dg0p87s-5305bf60-818d-4787-98c9-098caa979034.png/v1/fill/w_894,h_894,q_70,strp/anime_girl_with_long_black_hair_and_wearing_a_hood_by_toumanix_dg0p87s-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NDA5NiIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzgyOTRiOGU0LThkMWYtNDZiYi1hMWI3LTU4NDJjNWIyMmY5YVwvZGcwcDg3cy01MzA1YmY2MC04MThkLTQ3ODctOThjOS0wOThjYWE5NzkwMzQucG5nIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTQwOTYifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.60MUZ-fuJ-4IrIJH5HGQCyXsgctn38gEzNY1io7uVA0]
Coming to a silent consensus at the same time, everyone proceeded towards the light. In the end, what other option did they really have?
They carried on as a group with everyone pushing forward, however, the air quickly grew thicker and more foul with each step, causing some people to start coughing in fits. But no one stopped or hesitated to move forward as they didn’t want to get left behind by the group.
“Oh my God,” someone exclaimed in alarm, drawing Lucian's attention.
Turning to see what had caused the commotion, Lucian was horrified by what he saw. Behind them, a pack of strange, grotesque creatures loomed on top of the rise they had just come down. There were at least 3 to 4 dozen of them, each one a twisted, grotesque canine-looking creature.
Their gray, ashen skin was stretched taut over their muscular frames, and their faces were featureless except for two slits for nostrils and a wide, gaping mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth. The sight was enough to send shivers down anyone's spine.
Then they let out nightmarish screeches and began to descend upon them.
image [https://www.mtgnexus.com/img/gallery/1786-fresh-meat.jpg]
“What in the actual hell!” Lucian swore under his breath as his heart raced in fear and panic.
“RUN!!!” someone shouted. Lucian didn’t need to be told twice as he ran for all he was worth. The monstrous things were closing in fast as they ate up ground much quicker than any of them.
Despite the fear that threatened to overwhelm him, he put that out of his mind and pushed on even harder leading the group with the other forerunners. He focused all his attention on making sure he had even footing on the treacherous terrain while also keeping an eye out for the lights which weren't as stationary as he first thought, somehow it was coming closer and closer.
Then right out of nowhere, a handful of the same creatures appeared right in front of them, cutting them off from their only path forward. Lucian came to a skidding halt along with everyone else and wearily took them in. This wasn’t good not at all. He didn’t need to look back to see that the much larger pack was closing in fast.
The fear among the group was palpable and the creatures picked up on it, growling and advancing towards them as they huddled together in terror.
Lucian knew they would be in even more dire straits if they were surrounded by the creatures. Hardening his resolve, he drew the hunting rifle that he had been lugging around this whole time. Thankful he hadn't discarded it in his haste to flee and now he could finally get some use out of it.
With a steady hand, he took aim at the nearest creature that was ready to pounce. His breathing slowed, and a sense of serenity settled over him as he pulled the trigger, hitting his mark and causing the creature's head to exploded.
Not stopping for a single moment, Lucian continued firing, creating an opening for the others. The older man, who had been leading the group, seized the opportunity and pulled out thick brass knuckles from his belt. He expertly swung at one creature after another, bashing into their bodies and making them retreat.
"GO, GO, GO!" the older man shouted, holding the line. He kicked one creature aside and battered another in the head, and even the hard-eyed looking young woman joined in, using a shiv she drew from her sleeve to repeatedly stab one of the creatures over and over again until it was dead.
Lucian stood his ground expertly picking off any of the beasts that approached the group as they made their escape. He quickly surveyed the situation, seeing the large pack of monsters where almost here, and knew that it was time for him to make himself scarce.
“Come on, let’s go,” he called out as he prepared himself to make a run for it.
“You go on ahead, son,” the older man smiled, giving him a thumbs up. “I'll be right behind you."
From the corner of his eye, Lucian noticed a shadow leap up behind the older man, its mouth unhinged to an abnormal degree. Then before he knew it, he watched as a spray of blood erupted from where the man’s head used to be.
All he could do was stare at the grisly sight as the perpetrator crunched down on the skull with a sickening wet crunch.
Lucian didn't have time to process the horror of what had just happened. He was pushed from behind by someone and forced to move, leaving the headless corpse behind.
Closing his eyes shut, all Lucian could do was run for his life, and from behind him he heard the man’s body being savaged by the hideous creatures.
Up ahead, someone was able to run ahead of the group and towards the light while shouting and waving his hands frantically. “HEY, HEY, HEY!!!”
Lucian wasn’t sure if that was a good idea, who knew what they might draw in, but at this point, he didn’t even care.
In everyone’s mad haste to get away a small, little form was accidentally pushed to the ground with none the wiser. Hearing a cry, Lucian turned around and saw a little girl balling her eyes out on the ground. Simultaneously, he noticed that the monsters were done ripping into the downed older man’s remains and were now hungering for more.
Lucian didn’t know why he suddenly froze up when he was so close to the finish line. Though deep down he knew why as the image of his little sister came to the surface of his mind overlapping with the young girl.
In truth, they didn’t even resemble each other, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling of what if that had been her lying there helpless?
Before he even knew what he was doing, his legs were carrying him in the opposite direction he wanted to be, right towards the danger! Coasting up to the little girl, Lucian shouted for her to get up, and tried to drag her to her feet.
“Come on get up. Hurry!” he urged her. But as Lucian turned to make their escape, he saw that it was already too late! The pack of monsters was already upon them.
Closing his eyes, he knew that it would be futile fighting against the whole horde of creatures. Ultimately, they would be ripped apart into pieces and devoured like tiny morsels.
So much for trying to be the hero, he thought to himself, when in the end he would be just joining the person he was trying to save.
Then Lucian heard the sounds of slamming doors and someone shouting, “GET DOWN!”
Instinctively, doing as told, Lucian used his body to cover the young girl as he heard the sounds of open gunfire fill the air.
The bright flash of muzzle fire illuminated the desolate plain as round after round was fired into the creatures which continued to come on. The screams of their dying death throes echoed across the landscape while he tried to make himself as small as possible, hoping to somehow survive this till the end.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
After what felt like an eternity, Lucian felt a hand pat him on the back. He opened his eyes to see a stranger standing over him. "It's alright now. You can get up," the speaker said, offering a hand to help him up.
Slowly disentangling himself from the little girl, and taking the proffered hand, Lucian faced a man dressed in army fatigues, complete with a gas mask and a strange metallic protective frame covering his body. "Hurry up," the soldier said urgently. "We need to get out of here. There will be more of them here soon."
image [https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71SCCVaS+-L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg]
“Fucking Death Prowlers,” another soldier cursed out loud as he removed his gas mask and lit a cigarette.
“What about that man?” Lucian asked, hoping against hope.
"He's a goner," the first soldier replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "And he won't be coming back in the state he's in." Despite the strange statement, Lucian didn't have time to ponder its meaning as he saw that the other survivors were being loaded into army trucks one by one.
Slowly standing up along with the young girl, Lucian glanced at the dead corpses which was only a couple meters away from him. The slow realization of how close he had come to death sent a chill down his spine.
The soldier, who had just cursed the monsters, patted Lucian on the back. "That was foolish, but also brave. We need more people like you in the army."
Lucian managed a weak smile. "Thank you, I guess." Despite his gratitude, he still felt frazzled from his close run-in with death and all that he went through today.
His mind was racing with questions, and he felt overwhelmed by the surreal events of the day. It was like he was living in some sick twisted nightmare with no end in sight.
Calming down, Lucian decided to put his head on straight. At long last, he had met people who seemed to be familiar with what was going on, and they must have all the answers he was looking for. As if the dam had burst, Lucian broke into with a torrent of unanswered doubts and inquiries.
“Where are we even?”
“Do you know what’s going on?”
“Did we just meet an angel?”
“What were those things?”
“Don’t worry, young man,” the soldier smiled, cutting him off. “Everything will be explained in the new arrival briefing when we get to the Sanctuary.”
As if on cue, sounds of more screeching echoed from the distance. "Come on, let's roll out,” the soldier waved him onward as they hopped into the trucks and drove away.
-
Lucian sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the desolate landscape passing by outside the armored vehicle. All around him stretched an endless expanse of dry, barren terrain, dotted with sporadic dead trees and jagged rock outcroppings—a testament to the harsh bleakness of this new world. Occasionally, he spotted something peculiar far off in the distance, but it was too indistinct to make it out so he let it be for now.
Leaning against him was the young girl he sort of rescued. She had fallen asleep in his arms and refused to let go of him even in her slumber. She was clearly alone, and he couldn't help but wonder how she had survived back on Earth by herself. Then again, he could ask himself the same question.
Lucian longed for the same peace of sleep that the young girl had found, but his mind refused to be quieted. Countless thoughts raced through his head, and he was filled with unease and uncertainty despite the promise of answers awaiting him at this so-called Sanctuary. Absentmindedly tapping his fingers on the edge of his seat, almost as if playing a musical instrument, Lucian caught himself and remembered his father's teachings to never show weakness.
Grabbing hold of his hand to stop his nervous tick, Lucian took a deep breath to calm himself and was pulled out of his reverie by a voice from the front.
“We’re here!”
Turning to look out the window, Lucian gawked in awe at the sight he beheld.
image [https://picfiles.alphacoders.com/622/622168.jpg]
[A/N: This would be the view, but not how the place looks.]
image [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/1a76386f-1d10-401d-a8b8-dbfc10cdd2e9/d6qx6tl-5e37a9d0-1227-44ba-957e-cbf539e0f044.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzFhNzYzODZmLTFkMTAtNDAxZC1hOGI4LWRiZmMxMGNkZDJlOVwvZDZxeDZ0bC01ZTM3YTlkMC0xMjI3LTQ0YmEtOTU3ZS1jYmY1MzllMGYwNDQuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.uPWCJJdFTV1NR219Hm0v-GOHU33m-AKK3R132Ea7kNA]
As the open plain stretched out before them, an incongruous sight loomed in the distance. Rising defiantly from the earth like a colossal sore thumb was a great behemoth of a structure commanding attention. Its sheer size and imposing presence dominated the landscape, casting a long, dark shadow that seemed to stretch endlessly across the horizon. The megastructure sat atop a massive, wide plateau, its dark gray and black coloring making it even more foreboding.
The walls of the structure were constructed from an alien black metal, a material that devoured any trace of light that dared to touch it. These formidable walls rose high into the sky, encircling the whole of the structure creating an impenetrable barrier against the outside world. Strewn along the battlements was an arsenal of imposing advanced weaponry; from cannons standing ready to unleash destruction, rocket launchers poised for swift retaliation, and artillery mortars strategically positioned to rain chaos upon any would-be assailants.
To enhance the tactical advantage, great towers punctuated the expanse of the towering walls, providing an unobstructed view of the surrounding terrain from high above. From these vantage points, sentinels surveyed the land, their watchful gaze penetrating the distance, ensuring the sanctum remained well-guarded against any approaching threats.
What stood out most to Lucian was the huge black dome that enveloped everything. It was a massive feat of engineering well beyond anything he could have imagined humans building. The dome seemed both fragile and impenetrable, made of some sort of obsidian-colored glass that prevented any prying eyes from seeing inside while also acting as a barrier against the toxic air that plagued the outside world.
As he took in the view, it was clear that the structure was a great citadel-like city. The place was like a giant ant mound with its bustling activity visible even from a considerable distance. Soldiers manned the paths leading up to the formidable sanctum, ready to defend against any potential enemy.
At the first checkpoint, they were stopped by armed soldiers who verified their identities before allowing them to continue on their journey. Lucian caught a few words, "New Arrivals... part of the 10th wave!" being spoken, adding to the already surreal experience of reaching the safe haven.
Instead of heading up towards the plateau, they came to the foot of the mesa, where a multitude of tents were set up. The trucks came to a stop in a spacious area situated near the rock face of the plateau, and the survivors were ushered out one by one. As Lucian took in his surroundings, he saw that the area was filled with other survivors—some huddled around fires for warmth and sustenance, others heading in and out of makeshift tents.
It was clear to Lucian as he glanced about that this place was a refugee camp.
image [https://artwork.40k.gallery/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/felix-tisch-forsaken-system-refugee-camp.jpg]
Aid workers approached, offering warm blankets to stave off the chill, rebreather masks to process the toxic air, and directions to food and shelter. They ushered others who required medical attention to a nearby makeshift infirmary and consoled the most weary and grieved souls.
Lucian was grateful for the assistance, as he had only packed enough food and supplies to last him a week or two. Despite his preparations, uncertainty about the future lingered in his mind, so he decided to make the most of the resources available.
With his small companion in tow, Lucian queued up for some food and immediately regretted it. Looking down at the grey sludge on offer, he made no comment, unlike the others who voiced their displeasure, and made his way over to a roaring fire. He had no idea what the food was, nor any desire to test it.
Setting it aside for now, he engaged in small conversations with other survivors and was somewhat glad to discover they all shared the same experience—being whisked away from Earth to this strange new world. Reassuring him that he at least didn’t hallucinate everything up.
Throughout the day, more army vehicles arrived, delivering survivors in bulk. The area soon overflowed with people, thousands of lost souls seeking refuge in the camp. The scene was a chaotic blend of hope and despair, with newcomers looking bewildered and lost while aid workers offered as much help as they could.
As the day wore on, Lucian found himself yawning more and more. He didn’t know what time it was in this strange place, but it was surely past his bedtime, and after all he had been through, he was bone-weary.
The fire in front of him flickered softly, casting a warm, cozy glow that contrasted sharply with the cold reality surrounding him. Lucian’s eyelids grew heavy, and he couldn't help but slowly nod off into slumberland, his mind drifting away into nothingness.
-
With a sudden start, Lucian woke up, his whole body drenched in a cold sweat. He tried his best to shake off the lingering remnants of the nightmare that had plagued him. His subconscious always had a way of conjuring up the most gruesome images, but this time, the dream felt particularly immediate and unsettling.
Glancing around, he realized why he was so disturbed when the stark reality of his situation hit him. Freeing himself from the blanket someone had kindly draped over him and the young girl who clung to his side. Lucian decided to go for a walk to clear his head. Checking his pocket watch, since it was the only thing he had to go off, he saw that it read 5:28 a.m.
The camp was still shrouded in what could only be the pre-dawn twilight of this place since there didn’t seem to be any sun rising or setting, only the eerie smiling moon constantly observing them. There wasn’t much to admire in his walk beside rows and rows of tents and fireplaces. However, he noticed there were far more people than there had been when he fell asleep. Some were setting up desks and unfurling banners, hinting at some impending organization and change.
Returning to his spot, Lucian was glad he got there in time since the young girl was in a panic after she must have woken up and not seen him anywhere. He was able to mollify her with a granola bar which he also munched on one, and washed down with water from his canteen.
As dawn broke for what passed in this place and the camp came to life, people began seeking answers. The initial shock of their predicament was wearing off, replaced by a burning curiosity and a need for answers. The aid workers offered little help beyond promises that explanations were soon forthcoming.
The promise of answers materialized with the appearance of a mysterious figure who stepped onto a platform in the center of the camp. Flanked by two soldiers carrying automatic rifles, the figure commanded immediate attention.
The buzz of conversation quickly died down, and all eyes turned toward the man, curious to hear what he had to say. “May I have your undivided attention,” the man called out, his voice carrying effortlessly through the crowd despite the absence of a microphone.
He was dressed in strict, high-ranking military attire, the meticulously pressed uniform adorned with gleaming medals and insignias. His sharp, stylized glasses reflected his no-nonsense attitude, and his stern expression spoke of years of discipline and command. His every movement was precise and calculated, exuding a sense of purpose and unyielding resolve. And more than that, the man radiated power—an overwhelming presence that seemed ready to burst forth at any moment, like a coiled spring.
“I am Lieutenant Colonel Owen Rowe of the United States Armed Forces. Direct aid to the Governor-General of this Sanctuary.”
image [https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTg8BOCwunZI5SrCfq0jHEpIwRuSnUvavDitMXZECHFBmmFAS-9HJ7pahvUhoLhGab5vVc&usqp=CAU]
Lucian felt a flicker of relief at the mention of old-world governments still being in charge. It was like returning home after a long, terrifying journey, offering a sense of familiarity and normalcy amid all the madness. Yet, the pervasive military presence all around unsettled him, a reminder of the hostile dangers lurking in this new world.
“You are now at the Chicago Sanctuary, one of the 50 Sanctuaries that make up the U.S. territory in this new world. I understand you all have many questions,” the man continued. “I am here to answer them as best I can while ensuring you can settle in without difficulty.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd, subdued by the gravity of their situation and relieved at the safety given by the Sanctuary. Though a few including him raised eyebrows at the revelation of this new U.S. landscape most remained silent, absorbing the information.
“There is much we can go over, but we would be here all day if I went into every major event and small detail of our long, brutal stay here. Thus I shall keep it brief and give you a concise overview,” Rowe declared, his face impassive.
“This new world that we find ourselves in is the First Dimension of many more. This realm is called the Death World. A terrible and deadly extradimensional world filled with countless threats to humanity—namely, the undead! A relentless, ceaseless, and unending tide of creatures hungering for our death and extinction.”
As his words hung in the air, a cacophony of alarm and disbelief erupted from the crowd. Faces contorted with worry and uncertainty, clearly rattled especially with the encounters many had beyond the city’s walls that defied logical explanation. Lucian, however, wore the expression of one whose deepest fears had been confirmed and took it in strides.
“You are all part of the Tenth Wave, the last wave of humans from Earth! Thus forevermore trapped all of mankind here in this hellhole,” Rowe continued, cutting through all the tumult.
“That is why we must stand steadfast and guard against the dark forces gathered against all of humanity. It is why we built these Sanctuaries. These great bastions that are the final strongholds for all of mankind in this vile dimension. For that dream to be realized, everyone must do their part in helping to reach those grand aspirations."
With those resounding words, Lucian felt a sinking dread, sensing that the other shoe was about to drop. His unease was confirmed with the next few words that came out of the officer’s mouth.
“Therefore, it is for that exact reason that the President of the U.S. government has called for a State of Emergency, indefinitely! Every man, woman, and child is required to do their duty in the best interest of the Sanctuaries—hence, you will be assigned jobs that fit your expertise.
Furthermore, with these dire circumstances we face, the Draft has been formally reinstated by the last of the U.S. government incumbents. All able-bodied men and women between the ages of 18 to 40 will be conscripted into the U.S. Military to fight the good fight and help protect all of humanity!”
This time, a tidal wave of outcries erupted in the courtyard, drowning out any semblance of order. Desperate voices merged into an indistinguishable chorus of anger and shock, each person clamoring to be heard. The incensed and appalled expressions on every face said it all. This was an outrage!
Then, very abruptly, all the protests were silenced by the sound of a gunshot that rang out through the yard. All heads pivoted toward the source of the gunfire, where they saw the Colonel standing on stage, holding a pistol aloft.
"Now that I have your attention," Colonel Rowe said, composing himself with a steely resolve. "I want you to understand that this is not the Old World you once knew. We are fighting a war so vast and grand that it is being waged on all fronts. Our foes will not relent until they see the complete and utter destruction of us all. We need soldiers on the front lines to protect the weak and vulnerable, to guard our fortresses and cities, to defend against the enemies of mankind, and to act as both the first and last line of defense!"
Pausing then, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, meeting each pair of eyes with a fierce intensity. "I want to emphasize that you are free to leave anytime you wish. No one will hold you against your will or force you to do something you do not wish. However, I can promise you that you will not survive a single day beyond these walls if you choose to do so. Many dangers lurk beyond the city walls as some of you might have seen, and they hunger for our kind!"
The Colonel's words hung heavy in the air, and for a long time, no one dared to speak or make a move. The weight of his message settled over them like a suffocating blanket.
"Well then, let me once again welcome you all to the Chicago Sanctuary," the man concluded, addressing the crowd that remained rooted in place. "As you settle in, know that we are here to support you in every way we can. Please ensure you follow the camp rules and make sure to register so you can gain entrance into the Sanctuary proper. We will be assigning you work or enlisting you into the military. Beyond that, you are free to make yourselves comfortable and I hope you can get used to this place.”
With that, the Colonel turned sharply on his heel and disappeared down the tunnel that led out of the courtyard, leaving the new arrivals to absorb the gravity of their situation. The crowd remained silent, the enormity of their predicament sinking in as they prepared to take their first steps in this harsh new world.
Lucian stood stock still for a very long time, trying to process everything. This couldn’t be right, he thought. He had believed he had found relative safety at long last, only to have this ultimatum dropped on his head.
To be honest, he wasn’t a coward, but he never had a taste for violence. He had been raised better than that by his mother. Forgetting the violence he carried out when he shot down those monsters which even surprised him how cooly he was able to do it, but he could chalk it up to the heat of the moment.
Regardless, what choice did he have? He doubted he could survive for long with those monsters outside the city walls. More than that, he needed to live so that he could find his family and keep the promise he made to his mother.
With little to no options left before him, Lucian shuffled along with the others and joined the procession to get processed, the weight of his new reality pressing heavily on his shoulders.