chp 3b

The sky turned dark suddenly. Raymond had not expected the storm to move in so quickly. Not so long ago, it had just been a dark line on the horizon.

Rain had not fallen yet but the wind had picked up. Dr Tony was sitting at the front of their armoured transport, beside the driver, another reserve personnel. The rapid fire gun controller sat behind them. Only the bottom half of his body could be seen as the upper half disappeared into the gun turret mounted on the vehicle. Seated in the back were Raymond, Clement and Shaun. There were boxes of ammunition, energy packs for the laser weapons, and food. Still there was space left for two other personnel. Raymond assumed they would be assigned a medic. He wondered if they would be so lucky to get the twins.

“Attention all citizens. This is your President Glau Summers speaking. By now, you should have returned to your homes and made sure your homes are secure. Those of you who have volunteered with our militia should have joined up with your units.

Oasis City has not seen a storm of this magnitude since the horrible incident 1000 years ago. Today, the storm has returned. The scouts we sent out have not. The observation posts outside the protective ring of the mountains have not reported in and all communication with them is lost.
We must assume that the worst is upon us. The blight from a thousand years ago has returned. We must now fight for our lives. There is no quarter to be given for none will be given to us. There is no need for honour in dealing with an enemy devoid of any decency.

To survive is not enough. We must win!”

A loud cheering broke out from among the ranks and at that moment, two people climbed into the back of the transport. Raymond was instantly alert as he recognized a familiar scent of perfume. Clement was instantly awake with a deep intake of air. Shaun checked his rifle and when he looked up, locked eyes with Shirley. She smiled and settled into her seat, her medical bag with attached foldable stretcher on the floor, held between her legs. Next to her was an older man who carried a smaller backpack and a rifle. He slammed his palm on the body of the transport twice before sitting down and buckling up.
As Shirley did the same, so the three boys hurriedly followed suit.

The door of the transport swung shut as its engines roared to life. Once closed, the door shut out the sound of the engines again. And conversation could begin.