Trevor kicks over an empty mop bucket. Frustration was beginning to take a toll on the three friends who had known each other since grade school. The world hasn’t been the same since the bombs went off. The mercury released did something strange to those who inhaled those fumes.
Now you, Trevor, and Nick are stranded at a run-down gas station off highway 50 somewhere in Nevada. The air seems denser than normal. And signs of life in the area are sparse.
“What are we supposed to do?” asks Nick.
Nick looks over to you. At this moment, you hate that you’ve always been the “leader” of the group. This is where you die. But you can’t tell them that. Can you?
“Well, Nick? Any ideas?” Trevor asks.
[[Tell Trevor and Nick that it’s hopeless]]
[[Give words of encouragement]]
(set: $gun to false)
You look down at the damaged tile floor. The silence in the air provides Trevor and Nick an answer before you even begin to speak.
“I’m grateful for your friendship all these years, boys. You’re my family. My brothers. I wish I had answers for you. But I’m not the great leader you think I am. There’s no way out of this. There’s no one coming. There’s nothing we can do,” you say.
“I love you, guys,” says Trevor.”
You and your friends share a group hug. Sirens begin to blare from the emergency domes to be heard across the US.
[[Listen closely]]
“Things may seem hopeless right now. But we all know the only way to go is up now,” you say.
“Up? There’s no up, “says Trevor.
“I have to agree. There’s nothing we can do, bro.”
You look at your friends. The sadness in their voices causes you to slip into your own second of depression. But no…
“Boys, we are not going to die in this gas station. Something is going to happen. Someone is going to come for us. We just have to keep a positive mind and WANT to live. I know something is going to come through for us. We have food, water, and our friendship. We’ll be fine. I promise,” you say.
Sirens begin to blare from the emergency domes to be heard across the US.
[[Listen closely]]
//THIS IS AN EMERGENCY BROADCAST. STANDBY FOR PRESIDENT JAMES WAFER… //
“I wonder what’s going on’” says Trevor.
“You mean other than the fact that there’s literal zombies walking around out there?” asks Nick.
“They aren’t zombies, “you say.
“Yeah. They’re crazies,” says Trevor.
“They’re people... That were unfortunate enough to be too close to the action. Be thankful it wasn’t us,” you say.
//''“This is President Wafer. If there is any life left out there, we are extending our hand. There are twelve seats left aboard the Epsilion ship. Please be advised that these seats are first come, first serve, and no spots can be saved. The Epsilion ship will take off from our base at Battle Mountain, Nevada in exactly 48 hours. The date and time as of now is March 3rd of the year 3000, 8:30 pm. We will leave March 5th at eight- thirty whether we have filled those seats or not. Stay safe and we hope to see you soon. ''//
The boys look at you.
“Well?” they ask.
[[Tell the boys it’s time for a road trip]]
You smile to your friends and point out the stack of mail you sorted through when you first arrived.
“Check the address,” you say.
“We’re in Nevada!”
“Boys, it’s time to get out of here,” you say.
The boys begin collecting things for their long journey ahead in two large ruck sacks.
“Are we ready?” you ask.
“Battle Mountain is like one hundred miles from here. There’s no way we can carry all of this,” says Trevor.
“So, we’ll just leave a bag behind and switch out carrying. We’ll be flying off on that ship before we need it anyways,” says Nick.
“Which bag do we leave, Phil?”
[[Bag 1: toiletries, tobacco, Swiss army knife, drinks, canned goods, medicine tablets]]
[[Bag 2: food, socks, t-shirts, tobacco, handgun, and ammo]]
You grab a state map from behind the counter.
"Alright, boys. Lets move."
[[Leave the gas station]]You grab a state map from behind the counter.
"Alright, boys. Let's move."
[[Leave the gas station]]
(set: $gun to true)Five hours down, and so many ahead. With it getting dark, you and the boys decide to set up camp for an hour to make sure you have sufficient energy for the long journey ahead.
[[Build a fire]]
[[Just rest]]As you are looking over the map, a growling can be heard in the distance. It seems entirely too close.
"It might be one of those crazies," says Trevor.
"Did we bring the hand gun?" Nick asks.
You search the bag.
"Well, do we have it?" asks Nick.
(if:$gun is false) [ [[No]] ]\
(else:) [ [[Yes]] ]\
Nick and Trevor play paper, rock, scissors as you look over the map.
"Looks like we are near Mount Callaghan. At this pace, we'll be able to make it to Battle Mountain with time to spare," you say.
You take an hour of rest to laugh and re-energize before getting back on the road.
[["It's time to pack it up."]] You fire two warning shots into the air. It becomes quiet.
"I think we scared it off," says Trevor.
"Thank god," Nick says.
"Maybe we should put this fire out, boys. We might be drawing attention," you say.
[["It's time to pack it up."]]
The growling becomes louder. You and the boys stand and frantically look out into the dark desert. You hold the swiss army knife open with your arm stretched forward, ready to take on anything that may be preying on you.
Trevor screams out for help. You whip your head around to find him being attacked by one of the crazies. You dive over to Trevor, piercing the crazy in the eye with the knife. The crazy runs away screaming as you stand over Trevor's semi-lifeless body.
[["We have to leave him."]]You, Nick, and Trevor proceed down the slope of the hill you found rest on. The darkness paired with the noises you heard in the dark are weighing on you and your friends steps. You are walking slower than before. Carefully making your way through the desert. You need something to calm your nerves.
You grab the tobacco products from the bag.
[[Anyone want a drag of this?"]]Trevor winces in pain as he holds his hands over a chunk of missing flesh on his leg. You’ve heard the crazies could be volatile when starving, but you’ve never seen it in person, nor this gruesome. You pull Nick aside.
“We aren’t going to make it to the ship in time if we take him,” you say.
“I’ll be right behind you guys. Just keep moving,” Trevor says in a shaky tone.
“See? Even he knows it. Let’s not make it harder than it has to be,” you say.
Nick turns to Trevor and pats him on the shoulder.
“Let’s go, kid.”
You give Trevor a bottled beverage.
[[“You better keep up, dude.”]]
You and Nick proceed to walk down the slope of the hill you rested on. Trevor’s groans of pain become further and further away. You walk silently for miles.
Mourning the loss of a dear friend.
“Such a shame,” says Nick.
Soon enough, music is heard coming from the east.
[[Let’s go check it out.]]
[[“Don’t mind the music. It must be trouble."]]
(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[//Save My Spot//
by
Catherine E. Patrick]
[[Start]]You and Nick creep closer to the camper to investigate. Inside, a young couple about your age, dances around to the rock music blaring from the speakers.
"Let's get a closer look. Maybe they have some supplies we could bum," you say.
"Exactly what I was thinking, bro," says Nick.
You look around the side of the camper to make sure no one else is around.
"It's just these two. A guy and a girl versus us? We should win that, right?" asks Nick.
[["It's best we do this quietly."]]
[["I'll cause a distraction."]]You and Nick creep past the blaring rock music playing just beyond a hill. You spot a camper with the house lights on.
"Dude, let's see if they have food!" says Nick.
"We have food," you say as you hold up a can of corn.
Nick rolls his eyes.
"All of the good food was in the other bag. Along with the gun that probably would've saved Trevor. We're going to see if they have food," says Nick.
Nick stomps off toward the camper.
"Come back! You don't know who those people are! What if they're trying to get a spot on the Epsilion?" you ask.
Nick ignores you and continues heading toward the camper.
[["Wait up!"]]"I'm good, man," says Trevor.
You light the cigarette and take a puff. You hand it to Nick who declines. Moments later, your mind begins to wonder to the Epsilion ship. You picture eating the finest meals and washing it down with something other than a warm, caffeinated sports drink. Suddenly you hear music.
“Do you boys hear that?” you ask.
“Sounds like someone’s having a party,” says Trevor.
“And where there’s a party, there’s food!” you scream.
“I don’t think we should be crashing any parties out here,” says Nick.
[[“We’ll be fine. It’s a party!”]]
You grab Nick by the arm and turn him towards you.
"I've already lost a friend, a brother today. You don't know who or what is in that trailer and we don’t have what’s needed to protect ourselves from any danger. We need to keep moving."
Nick let's out a deep sigh.
"You're right. Of course, you're right. But I'm starving and this cream corn isn’t cutting it anymore. I need some meat,” Nick replies.
“And we’ll get some when we claim our spots on the ship,” you say.
[["Let's keep moving."]] You and Nick sneak around the back of the camper and peek into the window. The music continues to fill the camper as the couple laughed and danced merrily. Nick jabs you in the ribs.
“Do you see what I see?” he asks.
On the small table in front of the window, two half eaten plates of food sat teasing you and Nick. Your stomach begins to roll at the thought of the nasty creamed corn in your rucksack.
“How are we supposed to get it?” asks Nick.
[["I'll cause a distraction."]]
You and Nick continue on to Lander County toward Battle Mountain. You rest for a moment and take turns sipping from an energy drink and share a can of cream corn.
"I'll be glad when we can finally get a full hot meal," says Nick.
"Soon, brother."
[[Pack it up]]The rock hits the base of the door. The music comes to a stop. You tuck yourself behind the back of the camper and watch from the distance. The door slowly opens outwardly, and a young man pokes his head out. He looks to the left and right before standing straight up on the first step. He cranks his shotgun loudly.
“Who’s out here?” he asks.
You tuck yourself closer to the camper and signal for Nick to make his move. Nick slides the window open and scoops the morsels of food onto a dry t-shirt from the duffle. He wraps the food and slides the window back closed. A young woman comes to the door.
“Baby, come back inside. It’s probably just one of those crazies’” she says.
The door closes and after a moment, the music resumes. You take a deep breath as Nick approaches you with cold meatloaf and bread.
“This is all I could grab,” he says.
“You did great,” you say.
[[“Let’s enjoy our meal away from this camper.”]]
You run toward the camper. Nick and Trevor pull you by the arms.
"He's going crazy, dude," says Trevor.
"He's not turning into one of them! He's just exhausted and delusional," says Nick.
"Maybe it's that crap tobacco," says Trevor.
Nick pulls the tobacco from the bag and smells it.
"This does not smell like tobacco," he says.
Nick tosses the products on the ground and smacks you hard across the face. You shake you head and apologize.
[["We need some real food, boys."]]
[[Let's get out of here."]]You look around the camper for anything that could help. You find a nice sized rock sitting just beside the back passenger wheel.
“I’m going to toss this at the door. When they come to check it out, slide the window open,” you say to Nick.
“Got it.”
[[Throw the rock.]]You and Nick travel for another two hours before stopping to share some food. Nick places a portion of meatloaf onto two slices of bread. He tears it in half before offering you some.
“We should try to make this food stretch. Half now half later?” says Nick.
You accept the morsel and savor every bite of it. Even though it's cold, it’s been the best meal you’ve had since this whole thing started months ago.
[[Pack it up]]
You and the boys creep closer to the camper to investigate. Inside, a young couple about your age, dances around to the rock music blaring from the speakers.
"Let's get a closer look. Maybe they have some supplies we could bum," you say.
"Exactly what I was thinking, bro," says Nick.
You look around the side of the camper to make sure no one else is around. Trevor peeks inside a window.
"It's just a guy and a girl. Going up against them would be easy money, right?" asks Trevor.
“Yeah. We could just take the whole camper and drive straight to that ship, “says Nick.
[[You look in the window]]You and the boys walk for another two hours before taking another rest. You share a can of cream corn as you sit in silence.
"We have to try to make this food stretch," you say.
You finish your meals and suddenly hear a rattling in the air. You look around in the darkness for the sound.
"Dude, are there snakes out here?" asks Nick.
“It’s possible. We are out in the desert,” you reply.
The rattling gets closer. The moonlight bounces off a rattlesnake’s eyes as it moves toward you.
[[“Run!”]]
[[“Boys, be very still.”]]
You and Trevor take off in the same direction as Nick tries to sprint past the snake. In a split second, the rattlesnake jumps up and clings its fangs into Nick’s ankle. He screams out in pain. You and Trevor look back to see him stomping and fighting the snake. He breaks free and runs to you.
“Nick are you okay?” asks Trevor.
“I’ll be fine, boys. We need to get out of here. There’s no telling how many more of those devils are out here, Nick says.
“We have to get the poison out of there,” Trevor says pointing at Nick’s ankle.
You and Trevor help Nick take a seat. His ankle is the size of a golf ball. You locate the two puncture wounds and volunteer to help. You suck the venom from his ankle and spit it at the ground beneath you. Trevor takes a pair of calf length socks out of the bag and wraps Nick’s ankle.
[["We need to keep moving."]]You all freeze in place. The snake continues to rattle his tail in a predatory manner. He slithers past Trevor and creeps up on Nick.
“Nick, stay still,” you whisper.
The rattlesnake moves over Nicks foot. He freaks out and tries to kick it off. The snake clamps down on Nick’s ankle. He screams out in pain. You and Trevor look over to find Nick stomping and fighting the snake off. He runs over to you.
“Nick are you okay?” asks Trevor.
“I’ll be fine, boys. We need to get out of here. There’s no telling how many more of those devils are out here, Nick says.
“We have to get the poison out of there,” Trevor says pointing at Nick’s ankle.
You and Trevor help Nick take a seat. His ankle is the size of a golf ball. You locate the two puncture wounds and volunteer to help. You suck the venom from his ankle and spit it at the ground beneath you. Trevor takes a pair of calf length socks out of the bag and wraps Nick’s ankle.
[["We need to keep moving."]]You pull Trevor aside.
“We aren’t going to make it to the ship in time if we take him,” you say.
“I’ll be right behind you guys. Just keep moving,” Nick says in a shaky tone.
“See? Even he knows it. Let’s not make it harder than it has to be,” you say.
"We can't just leave him here like this," whispers Trevor.
"If you carry the bag, I'll help him. We promised to stay together."
"I still think he's going to slow us down," you say.
Trevor gives you a sad look.
[["Leave him."]]
[["Fine. Carry him."]]
Trevor pulls Nick's arm over his shoulder and helps him stand. They follow behind you at a snails pace as you push forward. Hours go by and you check the map.
"Come on guys. We dont have much further to go. Just a few more hours," you say.
"We need to take a rest, boss," says Trevor.
You look back at the boys. Trevor looks exhausted and Nick is wincing in pain. You are only five hours away from Battle Mountain, but it feels like lightyears with all the weight you carry.
“Alright, boys. Let’s take a rest. We are only a few hours away from the ship. We’re so close.”
Trevor helps Nick take a seat. He approaches you.
“How much time do we have to rest?” he asks.
You look down at your watch.
“We are about five hours away. The ship takes off in nine. We can rest for another hour and a half at most. But I really feel we need to keep moving,” you say.
“We have more than enough time,” Trevor shouts happily.
“But this desert is so unpredictable. No more than an hour and a half. I’m serious,” you say.
[[Take a rest]]
“We aren’t going to make it to the ship in time if we take him,” you say.
“I’m right behind you guys. Just keep moving,” Nick says in a shaky tone.
“See? Even he knows it. Let’s not make it harder than it has to be,” you say.
Trevor drops his head and sadness. He walks over to Nick.
"Let's go man. You better keep up."
You and Trevor continue on your way. Nick's pained cries become more distant with each step you take until eventually, you don't hear him at all. You check your map. Only seven hours until the Epsilion takes off and you're only three hours away.
[[Move toward the ship]]A couple dances around the smoke filled trailer as R&B music plays.
"How should we do this?" asks Trevor.
"It's two against three. I smell an easy meal," says Nick.
"We need to be smart about this. There's no telling what weapons or security they may have," you say.
Nick scoffs.
"We have a gun! And there's only two of them. One of which is a woman!" he shouts.
"Shhhhhh," says Trevor.
"Yeah, bro. Calm down before you get us all killed," you say.
"No. Listen," says Trevor.
You and the boys put a pin in the conversation. Your eyes grow wide as you realize the music has stopped.
[["They know we're here."]]
You've taken a break and now it's time to head back out. Trevor helps Nick up as you pack you and the boys belongings back into the duffle.
"Come on, guys. The seats are first come, first served!" you shout.
As the sun is going down, you become more consious of the time. You realize there is no way you will make it to the ship in time. Taking a break only made Nick weaker, and Trevor is obviously exhausted from carrying half of another man’s weight. Your feet are drag with each step and your mouth is as dry as the desert around you.
"We have to move, boys," you try to shout.
Trevor and Nick continue to trail behind as you push forward to Battle Mountain. Trevor calls out.
"Nick needs a break, bro," he says.
You look at your watch. Waiting for them could potentially lead to all three of you missing the Epsilion.
[[Wait for them]]
[[Keep going]]
The door slowly opens outwardly, and a young man pokes his head out. He looks to the left and right before standing straight up on the first step. He cranks his shotgun loudly.
“Who’s out here?” he asks.
He exits the camper with with heavy boots, seemingly shaking the ground with each step.
"I said, who's out here?" he yells.
The woman apprears in the doorway.
"Baby, just come on back inside," she says.
"I heard voices," he replies.
"You're going crazy just like the rest of them. You didn't hear voices. You probably heard snakes or something. Now come back inside."
The man turns and makes his way back into the camper. You ook over to the boys.
"On my signal, make a run for it," you whisper.
"1....2....3!"
[[Run]]The camper door bursts open.
“I told you I heard voices!” the man shouts.
He raised his shotgun and took aim.
“Keep going, boys,” you shout.
A round fires off. You continue to run. You look to your left. Trevor is right behind you. You look to your right.
“Nick?” you shout.
You and Trevor turn to see Nick lying face down on the ground. He struggles to keep moving, crawling on his belly like a snake. The camper door slowly shuts and hearty laughter and music are heard in the distance. Trevor stops in his tracks.
“We have to keep going, Trev,” you say.
[[Push forward]]
You and Trevor travel for another two hours. Only seven hours left until the Epsilion takes off, and you're only three hours away from the base.
[[Move toward the ship]]
You’re so close you can almost taste your favorite meal of chicken and mashed potatoes. You can hear a low rumbling in the desert ahead.
“Trevor, do you hear it?” you ask.
You pick check your map and look around.
“We’re almost there!” you shout.
Trevor looks up from the desert floor. His lips are dry and chapped and his feet seem to be sliding along the dust.
“I can’t believe we made it,” he says.
He looks back down. Tears begin to drop to the ground.
You stop in your tracks. You walk over to Trevor and put a hand on his shoulder. He falls into your arms and you both begin to sob.
“We are going to give Nick a proper memorial,” you say.
Trevor nods his head. You put both hands on his shoulders.
“First, we have to make it to the ship.”
You and Trevor walk for another hour. Bright flashing lights give away the location of the ship.
[[Finally]]
You hear a low rumbling coming from just up ahead. You look back at Trevor and Nick before looking at the time.
“They’re leaving in fifteen minutes, guys. We’re so close. We have to get there!” you shout.
“Well drop the bag and come help me!” shouts Trevor.
You drop the duffle and use the little energy you have to run back to them. You throw Nick’s other arm over your shoulder.
“Lift your legs, Nick. We’re going to have to run,” you say.
Nick winces in pain as he scrunches up to lift his legs. You and Trevor run as fast as you can. The weight of the journey begins to outweigh the reward. You feel yourself slowing down. Trevor too.
“We aren’t going to make it,” Trevor says.
“Especially if you keep trying to save me,” says Nick.
You look over at Nick. He looks defeated.
“You boys have to go,” he says.
Trevor hangs his head in sadness. This was not how this was supposed to go.
[[We’ll save your spot.”]]
“You’re seriously leaving?” shouts Trevor.
You do not look back as you run toward the ship. Survival mode kicks in and all you can think about is a hot meal, shower, and good night’s sleep. You approach the ship within minutes with barely any breath or strength. The woman at the door greets you with a smile and informs you that there were only three seats left. You turn and look back into the distance of the dark desert. You hang your head in shame.
You reach your cabin and plop down on the twin sized bed. Tears flow from your face as the Epsilion ship prepares for liftoff.
End of Game….
[[Back to Start->Start]]
You and Trevor see the figure of woman in white holding a clipboard. She stands in the doorway of the Epsilion ship. She almost looks robotic from the distance.
"The door is still open. They must still have seats left!"
You and Trevor run to the ship.
[[Welcome to The Epsilion]]
You and Nick continue your journey. You hear a low rumbling in the distance.
“You hear that? We’re nearly there, bro,” you say.
You and Nick sprint to toward the ship. You see the figure of woman in white holding a clipboard. She stands in the doorway of the Epsilion ship. She almost looks robotic from the distance.
"The door is still open. They must still have seats left!"
You and Nick use the last bit of energy to run to the door.
[[Approach the Epsilion]]
The woman greets you with a smile as you and Trevor approach the door.
"Well congratulations, gentlemen. And welcome to the Epsilion. It seems you’ve made it just in time. We will be taking off in the next hour,” she says.
She takes down your names and ages and asks a few other routine questions.
“So, it’ll just be you two then?” she asks.
You feel a twinge of pain in your stomach.
“Yeah. Just the two of us,” you say with a broken voice.
The woman looks down at her clipboard. Her smile fades.
“Oh. I see,” she says.
“I’m so sorry for whatever you had to endure out there. You'll be sharing a cabin if that's okay.”
She gives you and Trevor lanyards with your room numbers.
“Let us know if we can do anything for you,” she says.
[[Enter the ship]]
You and Trevor reach your cabin and plop down on the twin sized beds. Between the beds is a nightstand with pens and pads, a light, some bottles of water, and snacks. Across the room sits a sofa chair for one. You take a slip of paper and write Nick’s name.
“What are you doing?” asks Trevor with a mouthful of chips.
You walk over to the sofa chair and place the paper on the chair.
“I’m saving his spot.”
End of Game....
[[Back to Start->Start]]You and Trevor run as fast as your tired bodies will allow. Each exhale of breath hurts your chest in the dry desert. You’re so close you can almost taste your favorite meal of chicken and mashed potatoes. The low rumbling ahead becomes louder, and you can see the opening of the ship’s door.
“We’re almost there,” you say weakly.
Your sprint has become a slow trot and you feel your body giving up on you.
“Push, Trevor! We’re right there!” you say.
You look over to see Trevor is no longer next to you. You turn to see him hunched over and puking onto the desert floor.
“I can’t do it, boss,” says Trevor.
You slowly make your way back to Trevor and put his arm around your shoulder.
“We have to at least try,” you say.
[[Keep running]]
You and Trevor slowly jog to the ship. The distance between you and the door only seems as long as a football field. You’re so close, yet so far away. Just as you feel a glimpse of hope, you notice the doors are slowly beginning to shut. Your eyes widen with fear and sadness. You look over to Trevor, who’s no longer running.
“We missed it,” Trevor says.
He hangs his head in shame and begins to cry.
“I can’t believe we missed it.”
You walk over to Trevor and put a hand on his shoulder.
“We still got each other,” you say.
[["Let’s go get Nick.”]]
You and Trevor make your way back to where you left Nick. His eyes widen when he sees you coming.
“What the hell? Please tell me you didn’t come back for me,” Nick says.
You and Trevor force a chuckle. You help Nick up and throw his arms over your shoulders.
“We couldn’t leave you if we tried,” cracked Trevor.
“So, what do we do now?” asks Nick.
You look at the boys and chuckle.
“I guess it’s back to the gas station to reup on supplies.”
End of Game....
[[Back to Start->Start]]
The woman greets you with a smile as you and Nick approach the door.
"Well congratulations, gentlemen. And welcome to the Epsilion. It seems you’ve made it just in time. We will be taking off in the next hour,” she says.
She takes down your names and ages and asks a few other routine questions.
“So, it’ll just be you two then?” she asks.
You feel a twinge of pain in your stomach.
“Yeah. Just the two of us,” you say with a broken voice.
The woman looks down at her clipboard. Her smile fades.
“Oh. I see,” she says.
“I’m so sorry for whatever you had to endure out there. You'll be sharing a cabin if that's okay.”
She gives you and Nick lanyards with your room numbers.
“Let us know if we can do anything for you,” she says.
[[“Welcome Aboard.”]]
You and Nick reach your cabin and plop down on the twin sized beds. Between the beds is a nightstand with pens and pads, a light, some bottles of water, and snacks. Across the room sits a sofa chair for one. You take a slip of paper and write Trevor’s name.
“What are you doing?” asks Nick with a mouthful of chips.
You walk over to the sofa chair and place the paper on the chair.
“I’m saving his spot.”
End of Game....
[[Back to Start->Start]]