Deathlands - Mitheral and Lenaara

[Mitheral]

Eve of Skydark


Braxton had already researched all the emergency shelters, hospitals, police, border patrol routes - everything he needed to stay off the grid - and everything he needed in an emergency. He had picked the Carlsbad area for its proximity to Mexico in case he needed to cross a border.


He had no time to waste. Things were spiraling out of control according to his sources. The news offered only a pale shadow of what was to come if the nations didn’t find a common ground and end the posturing. The current problems were even worse than the mess when Ukraine had been invaded by Russia. Russia hadn’t stopped there. And they were using national security as their excuse. The US was upping the ante. Both sides had mobilized, escalating a precarious situation. China had mobilized as well as had Iran. all it was going to take was the drop of a hat - any hat.


Most of the world was oblivious to the true level of the threat. But the USA was posting forces at its borders in response to the possibilities if invasions. What now interested James Braxton was the USMC mobile medical unit stationed on an exercise near Carlsbad, NM. He knew the real reason they had been stationed there - the top secret facility noone was supposed to know about in the caverns. Some were detached from the Los Alamos Demolition Facility - specialists in nuclear radiation treatments. The rad poisoning part was merely a happy coincidence. What he needed was a battlefield surgeon - someone who could remove bullets.


He hacked in and tracked ALL the medical personnel via their smart cars. These days the interstate system required all cars to have autopilots. Of course many side roads and more rural areas lacked the upgrades to use them. But Federal law had mandated their use by 2025. His, of course, was disabled. He selected an experienced combat surgeon with high marks and came up with Ellenia Orlova. His gut twisted for some reason, but he cast the pain aside. He didn’t have time for a shrink. And he was sure that was all it was.


He tracked the doctor to a grocery store and parked along side. Then he waited as calmly as possible. He timed his exit and moved around to the sliding side door which not by coincidence was next to her driver door. He made himself look busy until she walked by, excused himself and jabbed the atropine of sedative into her butt as she walked by. From there he spun and caught her, depositing her into his van, setting the groceries aside, and sliding the door shut. He wasted little time in pulling away.


+++++++++


By the time Elle woke up the van was well out of town on backroads, rolling at a good clip. Braxton had taken the time to stop and secure her, making use of zip ties to bind hands and feet professionally. He hadn’t bothered to tape her mouth shut though.


“Good. You’re awake. I need a doctor. No, I can’t go to a hospital. I have no intention of hurting you. But I have no time to waste.”


@Lenaara

 

[Lenaara]

When she woke up all she could feel was ringing in her ears and a massive headache. Vision was a blur, her surroundings no more than just random spots of colour. The woman moved, trying to pull her hand up to her face, but the movement was no more than an awkward jerk of her body. With tied hands she could do very little to help the headache.


What the hell.


“What?” was all she could muster up after hearing the man. Her mouth and lips were dry, so the word was a rasp whisper.


Ellenia shifted to sit up in a more comfortable position. The vision was getting sharper, blinking did not help whatsoever. Being bound, on top of that, did not help either.


Dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, sharp pain on her thigh. Sedative.


“This is not the best way to ask for a doctor,” Ellenia managed to choke out, voice still raw.


Any normal person would have freaked out, began screaming perhaps by this time; begin trashing all around in the van. This woman, however, did not. With her vision coming back she was able to look around, glance at the man who had sedated her god knows how long ago, and look at herself to see whether or not she was still in one piece. In her mind, though, Ellenia’s thoughts were in chaos, and her heartbeat was so fast and hard that she thought her heart would tear through her chest and escape. Maybe it was caused by the sedative as well.


“What do you want from me?”


As she spoke, the woman looked at the man, assessing his appearance. The memory of him passing her was all a blur, the only thing she could remember vividly was the smell of antiseptics and gun oil, the later smell making her stomach twist. He was obviously armed, but with little intention to harm her. At least for now.

 

[Mitheral]

James had expected that question. He had spent the last hour debating how he would respond. Now he realized there was only one way to do so.


“I have a teenaged girl with gunshot wounds. She’s unconscious, but I put her in one of those fancy new autodocs. Not sure if you have even seen one yet. They have only made it to elite military units like Special Forces. They’re meant to replace you. All they can really do is diagnose and advise, and keep someone alive. Really it is more of a robotic paramedic.”


He debated whether to discuss who had shot his daughter and himself. He had been both lucky and wearing body armor. But the woman might object to who he had been forced to kill. As bad as things had gotten this might become a one way trip for her. He fought a wave of nausea, but passed quickly.


The ground suddenly dropped out from under the car and they were driving downward at a steep angle in a dark tunnel. This part of the trip didn’t last very long. Unfortunately this was a panel van - no windows to stare out. But judging from his rough the road had been they were probably well off the beaten track. Even if she escaped Elle might not make it to civilization. She might even be in Mexico.


“We’re almost there.” He stopped the van and shut it off. He ignored Elle for a moment while he walked around to the sliding door. Beyond him Elle could see a Humvee 3 - a military one, not a civilian Hummer. He reached in to grab her ankle and drag her out with one hand. Then she was flopped over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. It was more than a little undignified.


That was when she spotted the mini UAV’s - not one but 4. And they were most definitely armed. They lit up briefly as if to welcome Braxton home. He shifted Amanda so they could see her. “We have company. She going to fix up Natalya. For the next hour this is the Red Line. She is not authorized to cross it without my permission.” The UAV’s made cybernetic noises, then went dark again.


He walked a short ways past the drones. “They have guided bullets. Expensive, but great for antipersonnel ops.” He set her down, Pulled out his survival knife and cut the bonds. “You could run, but you wouldn’t make it very far.” He paused. “Natalya’s 13. She hates my guts. Her mother is dead. I’m all she has left. I am going to ask you not to let a 13 year old girl die.” He slipped the M120 Mod 4 sniper rifle from his back and handed it to Amanda. “You can shoot me now, wait an hour, then take the van and drive right out of here. Or you can shoot me and save my daughter. But if you take her to a hospital, both you and she will die. Your own people will do the killing. The less you know the better. You tell anyone you saw me or her, you’ll die - probably after an interrogation.”


He gestured to an elevator door. They were covered by a blast door. This was a bomb shelter. "Sick Bay is that way. Your choice."

 

[Lenaara]

Ellenia waited for a moment before taking the sniper rifle. What the man was doing in her books was falling into the category of insane, reckless, and idiotic.


Then, she lifted the rifle, positioning it with ease, like it was a movement perfected over time, and aimed it at the man before her. Ellenia sat in a half crouch, as the rifle was given to her when she was standing up after the bonds were removed.


“How should I know you won’t kill me after I take care of the girl?” she asked, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.


After a moment of pause, Ellenia slowly stood up, the rifle still aiming at the man, but then turned down to aim at the floor. With swift movements, she took out the bullets, and threw the compartment to the left, past the “Red Line”, and the rifle to the right.


“I’m not shooting anyone,” she said, taking a step back, and then turning around to walk towards the blast door. “However, before I do anything you better tell me what the fuck is happening. I’m not going to take care after a person who may or may not be related to a spy, terrorist, slaver, or whoever the hell you are, without a goddamn good excuse.”

 

[Mitheral]

Braxton winced. “Ellenia Orlova, do you have any idea how much that weapon costs - and how hard it is to come by?” He calmly turned and walked across the Red Line to retrieve the weapon. “I am going to pick it up now because I may not get the chance later.” He inspected it almost a little angry. Then he walked over and retrieved the magazine. “Please don’t do that again.”


“I am a mercenary. I used to contract to the US Government. Now I work private security for a man with a very high security clearance rating who has come under … scrutiny. He was paying me to look into a matter regarding the death of his son. The rest is too insane. You simply wouldn’t believe me and I have no interest in arguing with you. March now, fix my daughter up. If you are wondering if I have it in me to kill you, my daughter hates me because she thinks I killed her mother. She’s right. I did.”


James looked hard at Elle. “If you aren’t going to help I have no use -- “ he stopped abruptly. He hace went grim, then ashen. When he spoke again his voice was gruffer than before. “Come on. There may not be time. I need to check something. Pray I am wrong. If I am not the President may be dead - along with the rest of DC. I --”

 

[Lenaara]

“Of course I do,” Ellenia said in a calm voice, “I used that rifle myself. However, I have no intention of shooting you with it.”


He knew her name. Knew where she would be. Also knew that she was a doctor. Well, the man apparently did his homework. And, apparently, he killed his wife. The thought sent a chill down Ellenia’s spine.


Her hair, that hung lose around her shoulders, was then pulled back by her hands, and she began braiding it over her shoulder while still walking towards the blast door. With lips pressed into a tight line she stopped and turned around.


“What the hell are you talking about? President? DC? Is this some kind of a joke? I’ve met some insane people in my day but – actually, never mind. If there really is an injured kid behind this door then I will play as a good little doctor, however if there isn’t one then you really have too much free time on your hands to play this kidnapping out.”


If this was a joke, or an act, then it was a very well played one. The rifle was real, she could guess by the weight and it’s appearance. US Marines used it before, as a replacement for M39 and Mk11; she used it before. The man looked bruised, the sedative was more than real. However, what he was saying was something out of a movie script out of Hollywood.


“Show me to your daughter.”

 

[Mitheral]

The elevator shaft with the vanadium alloy doors and mag steel anti nuke blast cover doors were real too. They had the same thing at the Los Alamos facility. As soon as the doors shut the floor tried to drop out from under her feet.


It was a long way down.


When they opened James led the way. He wasted no time. The entry was a sort of common area. He took the right corridor. It was a short walk to the sick bay. There, exactly as he claimed, was a teenaged girl in a state of the art auto paramedic. There was a blinking light that wasn’t good at all. The girl had been getting a transfusion and the blood supply was low. She’d already received drugs to stimulate rapid production of blood as well.


James hadn’t been lying about the girl’s injuries. He had apparently removed several bullets - the sort of work a commando might know how to do - intended to make it safe to move her off the battlefield. But he had found a few fragments in spots he realized were beyond his skill. And if he had tried to move her she would have died. She’d have never made it to a hospital.


The incredible thing was that the girl’s body was already healing. An average person probably wouldn’t have noticed, but to the trained eyes of a physician it was clear that she was healing at an accelerated rate. And there were reading she didn’t recognize at first. It took her several long seconds to recognize that it was a stem cell count. The count was off the charts - for an infant. THAT was why the girl healed so fast.


James was already rolling up his sleeve. “She gets that from her mother. Russian experiment. Take however much of my blood you need.” He was staring at Natalya with eyes only a father could have. Then his eyes went vacant and he turned away to look at the wall where flatscreens were mounted. He gestured with his free arm and they turned themselves on and began bringing up data charts. His face went ashen.


Another wave of his hand brought up a 3D map of the planet that rotated. The whole planet was lit up with launch trails.


“Doctor - Elle,” he adjusted his tone to one as calming as he could imagine. His voice was haunted. “Don’t look. Just concentrate on your work. We don’t have a lot of time.” His voice raised. “Cancel emergency notifications in Sick Bay.”

 

[Lenaara]

Despite her hatred towards her medical profession Ellenia looked at the data on the screen with interest in her eyes. It was nothing like she had ever seen, and it made her papers and research look no more than a child play.


“Don’t call me Elle.” Ellenia snapped, perhaps sounding too cold in this situation, “and I’m not a Doctor.”


The sick bay looked too real to be a part of an act. Ellenia’s common sense was yelling at her that this was all an act, a sick joke set up by god knows who, but subconsciously she understood that this was real. And that made her feel slightly less sane. Not every day you get kidnapped by a man, who demands you to take care of his full of bullets daughter in a bomb shelter.


“Sit down so I can take your blood,” she asked, turning around to go look through the sick bay for the necessary equipment.


It took her a moment to press the needle against the man’s skin, her rough fingers not used to such actions any longer. She was used to holding guns now, fighting other marines, not holding a scalpel under bright white light and cutting open people on an operation table.


“What are those countdowns?” Ellenia asked, feeling that if this is an act then she may as well play along, “go ahead and tell me the story, can’t be more insane than what I am experiencing now.”

 

[Mitheral]

Braxton had finally had it. Orlova was being obstinate. “You really want it straight? Fine.” His tone became a little patronizing. “Washington DC was just destroyed by a suitcase nuke. I say that because I was warned of the possibility in advance. I have three storage facilities in the DC area that have comms relays. They all went dead at the same time. I had a dozen locations in the DC area checked and got a Not in Service message. In fact the whole area is blacked out. Public media stations like the news in that area all went dead. The National Emergency Broadcast System activated telling everyone to get to shelters.


“I had monitors watching 300 different missile silo across the US and around the world. They all activated. That is World War Three out there. By the way, you were supposed to be a sacrifice. Your Russian heritage gave you a black mark. Your job was to keep the peace until the bombs hit - then die.”


He paused for a moment to let his words sink in. “I didn’t realize it was all that imminent. I was just warned about a few likely scenarios. The loss of Moscow or DC without an accompanying launch was the first sign. How he knew, I don’t know. Now I would like to get my daughter fixed up and into a cryotube before the nukes start impacting. This shelter will weather the storm that is coming. But it is going to be several decades before the environment starts to recover.


“I built this place before the incident that forced me to kill my wife. That means three tubes. I didn’t plan it this way, I was going to let you go and offer you a spot if you wanted it. Now … now there’s nowhere left to go. Whatever world awaits … it won’t be anything like this one. A part of me almost doesn’t want to save my daughter. But that isn’t our choice to make.


“If you don’t believe me, is there anyone you want to call? By now they probably don’t realize what is happening if they are lucky. An ICBM has a speed in excess of 15,000 mph. It is a little over 4500 miles from DC to Moscow. That’s under 20 minutes. I’d say you have a few minutes left as you wasted all this time arguing with me after I mentioned DC the first time. I tried to get you to hurry. And I did say there wasn’t time to explain.”


He handed her a cell phone. “Feel free. We have a little more time here. This is an inland target.”

 

[Lenaara]

“No,” Ellenia ran her hands through her hair, some shorter bangs left the loose braid and fell at the sides of her face, “that person is in DC.”


Was in DC, if what this man was saying was true. However, she did not want to use the cell phone. Using it would prove of what he was saying is true. Using it would mean she was playing along to his little insanity story, it would mean she believed it all to be real. It felt real, she was just in denial.


Ellenia’s thoughts were a whirlwind of chaos. To distract herself from the thinking she began setting up the equipment, just basic one, near the auto paramedic where the girl was. After it was all set up, Ellenia detached the blood pack from James, and attached it to the centrifuge to separate the blood components for future transfusion. Then, after doing the necessary preparations, she had began working on the girl’s injuries.


It was hard at first, getting used to using the medical equipment again. It has been some time, Ellenia’s fingers not as gentle any longer, arms not as light, touch not as smooth. Even so, she tended to the girl. The girl’s – Natalya was here name, she remembered, - healing was both an advantage and a disadvantage, as the flesh began to harden around the areas where the bullets were so cruelly removed by her father.


“Did you get shot too?” Ellenia asked, taking a slight step back and rolled her neck.

 

[Mitheral]

“Graze and a through and through, plus a stab. My body armor took most of the shots. The rest is superficial, just bruises and the like. Most is already healing. Natalya is a universal donor. And the stem cells in her blood accelerate healing to unprecedented levels. But I was warned not to use it too much or rejection factors will kick in. I used some of the stock supply we had to get me going long enough to find you. It was a calculated risk. But now you understand why I didn’t take the time to ask.”


The displays from some of the screens started to go blank. Then they all went blank. The ground shuddered.


James grabbed a needle and some of the drug that accelerated blood production. “It’s for me. This may not be good by the time we awaken. We should get ourselves into cryosleep as soon as we can. The life support we have is ALL we have until it is safe to open the doors.”

 

[Lenaara]

Cryosleep. It sounded strange and unbelievable.


“I cleaned her wounds and stitched whatever had to be stitched up. I’d use the red blood cell transfusion, but if we don’t have time it’s pointless. You can carry her to the tube.”


Ellenia let the covered by a thin layer of blood scalpel fall onto the metal tray beside her, followed by the rubber gloves. Then, she turned around and walked towards a nearby chair. She sat, almost fell, on the chair, her hands running through her hair, elbows rested on her knees.


“For how long?” Ellenia asked, voice too low to be heard by James, but then raising the voice added, “the cryosleep, for how long?”

 

[Mitheral]

Awakening


(OOC: The material worn is similar in texture to spandex, very sheer, but offering some modesty.)


Braxton's first sensation was that of feeling like he was suddenly being jolted awake. It was adrenaline, probably injected to help his body recover from the hibernation. The very fact he felt anything at all was a miracle. Slowly he became dimly aware of people around him, mostly by their voices or the occasional curious looks through the viewport.


The face of a weathered and tanned young man of perhaps 18 years with a jet black mane filled his view, having pulled the smaller younger looking man back. Dark eyes stared at him, almost cold in their appraisal of James.


Mook rolled his eyes a little as he watched Talon staring in at the freezie. "Talon, he's been frozen. His muscles will probably be messed up. We'll be lucky if he can stand."


Devon heard a young woman's voice cut through the others. Elissa Denim was looking in at Ellenia Orlova. "The woman's coming around. She’s in decent condition. I think they are going to make if we can get them awake at all. The man has multiple injuries. I’m going to need to work on him. Go easy on him. I saw a dozen gunshot injuries. One went clean through. One was a graze. I’d say he was wearing body armor. He has 3 cracked ribs - self taped and not the best job in the world. Looks like he aggravated the injuries. He’s lucky he didn’t puncture a lung." She shifted over to Natalya’s cryotube. “The girl looks like she just underwent surgery. Gunshot wounds. Several of them. I wish we could stop this - at least in her case. I’m not really sure about her.”


Talon grunted. "Good. Maybe we should lash them down?" The last freezies they had encountered had been near death and unstable.


The woman's voice came back immediately. "No, maybe the woman. She looks scared. But let’s avoid restraint unless we have to.”


Mook nodded. “And they might mistake that as hostility.”


Talon didn’t stop watching Braxton. “And? What if they are crazies?”


“Bridges Talon, bridges,” Mook replied. “And don’t try to open those cases.” Talon had been looking at the large cases under the cryogenic units. They were heavy, probably hardened steel and had what he knew to be biometric security – something he knew to be triple rare.


Talon’s face glowered. He didn’t like taking orders, though if he was going to take them from anyone, it would be Mook. The younger man had earned that much respect. He stepped back away from Braxton, satisfied the man wasn’t armed. He guessed that if the man had any weapons they were in the cases Mook didn’t want him touching. Judging from the condition of this ‘bunker’ any gear might be in pristine condition.


Braxton finally had a chance to get a good look at the people who had awakened him. Truth to tell he hadn’t expected anyone at all to be present except Ellenia and Natalya. The cryogenic tubes should have been triggered automatically after 50 years or when the sensors read conditions that could be survived on a long term basis. And the entry had been armored and secured. Of that Braxton had no doubt. Of course, the security could have been bypassed. In the back of his mind it dawned on Braxton that such an attempt might have triggered the thawing process. And if it had been a military site, it might have triggered defensive systems. But then Dr Carver had never been the military minded sort.


It was hard to tell who the actual leader of the group was. They were all in their late teens. But the brains of the group seemed to be Mook, a boyishly handsome young man of medium frame about 5’7” with light brown hair. It was the kid’s eyes that set him apart. They were blue, with metallic green almost phosphorescent flecks with that hint of intelligence. He wore BDU pants, a black shirt, black combat boots, and a brown cloak. He had a fencing rapier strapped on his side, a Beretta Model 92F 9mm pistol holstered on his side.


The other young man that had been called Talon looked more like a barbarian. He was larger and probably stronger than Braxton, standing a good 6’9” and powerfully built. His eyes were dark and brooding. He wore BDU’s and combat boots. He wore a katana on his back, as well as a combat knife much like Braxton’s. Like everyone else in the group he wore a pistol, his choice being a .357 magnum.


Elissa Denim was the woman who had been talking was a sapphire eyed, long haired brunette that looked like she could have been a flower child if not for the BDU’s she wore and the grey cloak. She had a face that was simply too kind for what was probably a harsh world above. The fact that she wore a pair of fencing rapiers and multiple knives did nothing to detract from this image. Even the Dirty Harry 44 magnum revolver with its blued finish barely softened her visage.


The last woman was the startling one. She was tall, about 5’10, had a coppertone tan, hair that looked like copper, and brilliant emerald eyes. She wore what looked like doeskin leather top and bottoms that concealed as little skin as possible. Her weapon of choice was a compound bow that appeared handmade, but designed for stealth. She also wore a 92F 9mm pistol, and a survival knife. This was Sly.


++++++++++++++++++++


Elissa turned her attention to Ellenia, lowering her voice to a pitch intended to calm. “You’re okay. My name is Elissa Denim. You have been in cryogenic suspension for a long time. It will take time for your muscles to adjust.”


Talon scowled even as he grabbed Mook firmly by the shoulder and refused to let the smaller man approach Braxton. He was clearly annoyed. “Tell me these won’t be crazies. That last one …” He let his voice trail off.


Mook spoke. “That was different. Everyone in that freezie center was terminally ill, probably in the last stages. Some had brain tumors, stuff like that. These are different. This was a private bunker. This place could have gone hundreds of years without discovery. And it is still in amazing condition. Whoever this Dr Carver was took steps to prevent decay of the equipment itself. And those cases look airtight and armored. I would be willing to bet that the same steps will have been taken to preserve whatever is in those.”


Sly finally spoke. “Do you think these two know how to open them or what is inside? Oh wait, one of them might … probably.”


Mook nodded. “Double sec locked. We better hope so. I’d rather not have to blow them.”


Talon nodded. He still kept a wary eye on Braxton. He had guessed the man was naked in the freezie unit. The other freezies had been naked but for a thin sheet of cotton or some similar material. He had been half right. The man and woman were dressed in some sort of thin material, presumably for modesty. The bunker appeared to have been set up as living quarters for a man, wife and the daughter.


From what they knew of the reclusive Dr Carver he had lost a son to war. The son had left behind a daughter, one Dr. Sarah Carver. And according to Mook she had been some sort of archeologist. That was to say that she was very knowledgeable about time long before Pre-Skydark – by hundreds or thousands of years. That made her interesting.


Talon guessed the man was a Sec man or perhaps a personal friend of the family. The man had been in excellent shape, possibly military. If he wasn’t a problem then that would be a good thing. The man would be able to carry his own weight. If he was knowledgeable about redoubts, then that would be even better.

 

[Lenaara]

Ellenia felt weak, strength coming back slowly to her body, and it felt stiff to move, even just her arms. The panic attack, at first, was not caused by the people staring at her through the viewport but rather by the confines of the cryogenic tube. It felt like a coffin. Hell, it felt like one where she just entered it on that insane day.


The panic subsided shortly, replaced by a cold expression that regarded the group before her with assertive eyes. They were a strange bunch, to say the least.

 

[Mitheral]

It was not at all like waking up from a deep sleep. Braxton felt like someone had throttled him and then punched him in the gut. He groaned and tried to shift over onto his right side but found his muscles felt lethargic. He grunted, attempting to sit up but that wasn't going to happen right away. His first thoughts ran towards the girl. He could hear her but couldn't see her as yet. He glared at the intruders but he wasn't in any position at the moment to put up a fight. "Who the hell are you?" He managed to croak though his throat felt like the Mojave Desert.


The question elicited a disappointed “crap!” from Sly, who glared at Elissa and a chuckle from Mook. Sly looked at Elissa, “You cheated,” she muttered.


Elissa shook her head. “House odds. Blame your boyfriend for tipping the tables. If I had HIM towering over me, what do you suppose my first question would be? How long would be the last of my concerns.”


Sly thought about that, then slapped talon with the back of her hand. “Thanks a lot!”


Braxton eyed the four of them. They were all dressed like in some sort of disaster movie. What was with the cloaks? "Leave them alone." He grumbled at them. He knew the things that must have been going through her mind. Anyone she had ever known... all gone. He had overheard what these people were saying. Insanity and death... At least he knew than the units had worked because they were alive.


Mook shifted over to look at Braxton closer, but Talon held up a hand in warning. Mook gritted his teeth slightly, but nodded. "I am Mook. That man who looks like he's ready to eat a horse is Talon. Elissa is our medic and is with your wife. And the lady with the bow is Sly. Do you have a name?"


"At least he's lucid," Elissa observed. "Illyana, you're going to be fine." Elissa frowned. "We need to get them moving. Just a hunch, but I am afraid of lethargy shutting them down into the Long Sleep." She moved over to Braxton's unit quickly. "Sir, we are going to need to slap you - both of you. The pain will help your blood circulation move faster. Do you understand? Sly, I may need some help with Illyana."


Why they were getting her name wrong - or had even an inkling what her name was Ellenia didn’t know.


Braxton chuckled with the situation he found himself in and he simply nodded in response. His eyes reflected the intensity of the big man called Talon. These people didn't look military but they were all wearing plenty of firepower. What was the current situation in the area that required all of that? He supposed that he would learn what was up soon enough. Also, despite his apparent lack of clothing he didn't seem the least embarrassed even with the two ladies staring at him. He didn't even mind the big galoot giving him the evil eye. He needed more information. Why the hell didn't the medic just give them some epinephrine?


He realized that he probably wouldn't have had much of a chance against fully armed individuals that outnumbered them 2 to 1... Best cooperate for the time being. There would be a chance later to make tracks if he deemed that prudent. He did not like the look in that man Talon's face.


Getting a closer look when they leaned in he could tell that these were just kids... young but they seemed to know what they were doing. Finally he spoke up as he observed the one named Elissa, she had pretty eyes. "Take it easy on the girl," he insisted.


It was Talon who stepped up to slap Braxton. And it didn't seem as though it was anything personal. Rather the longer things went smoothly, the more he relaxed. He and Sly seemed to be bodyguards while Mook and Elissa were the civilians. He did, however, think to hand his easily grabbed weapons over to Elissa - not Mook. And he had Mook back off. There seemed to be unspoken communication among them. Braxton had the distinct impression they'd shoot if he tried anything.


The slapping did the job. Although weak and unsteady on his feet Braxton was able to stand on his own. Elissa insisted on Talon rushing Braxton to help him out of the unit and over to Elle.


"If you can't handle this, I will. Otherwise she may slip into a coma. Hard, firm slaps. You don't have to go and dislocate jaws. - just enough to cause some pain." Elissa was firm, but calm. Talon backed off to let Braxton try to help Elle.


Braxton had mixed feelings about slapping Ellenia. The woman, no doubt, hated him. He had ripped her out of her world taking away any chance to joining anyone she loved in death. He understood survivor’s guilt better than anyone. Well, if she was going to hate anyone, better him then these new people. They seemed interested in helping.


After several slaps Ellenia began to blink as though finally regaining some sense. And she started instinctively putting her hands up to fend Braxton off.


That was precisely when Elissa said to stop. "Good, she's responding enough to protect herself. I think she's going to be okay." Elissa touched the woman and seemed to study her. "Yeah ... she's getting stronger. They were both in excellent condition. No rad sickness. No illnesses at all in fact. In a week or so, their muscles should be back in shape. If we can find food, we should try to stay here long enough for them to get back into shape a little."


The mere mention of food set Braxton’s stomach in a series of audible noises. He frowned and patted his firm six pack abdomen. There would be time enough for that later he told himself. He had to determine just how long the two of them had been in Cryo. Briefly he considered going for one of their guns or even opening a case and grabbing his own. It seemed unwise considering his and her condition. They were in no shape to kick these people out, the calculations didn't add up.


It wasn't as though they were hostile, except the big guy, they seemed to be trying to assist the both of them. Braxton sighed, "James Braxton, former USMC." he said watching the reactions of the others while he assisted Ellenia as best he could. She seemed okay if a little slow to action. Then again he didn't quite feel himself either. He hadn’t served that long. But it was a minor point. He mainly wanted his former military status emphasized.

 

[Lenaara]

Once up on her feet, Ellenia stretched, slowly and carefully, her lean muscles too stiff for quick movements yet. Muscles were clearly visible through the thin fabric of the clothing, and it was obvious that she was uncomfortable in it. Just like Braxton she was not embarrassed to be standing in front of these strangers in this poor excuse of clothing. It was too tight, too unnecessary, a complete opposite from the clothes that Ellenia was wearing on that day when she was kidnapped by Braxton. Her old clothes were baggy; they resembled a military uniform more than actual casual clothing.


It was obvious that Ellenia was military - athletic figure and perfect military posture was giving it away.


They called her Illyana, a Russian name. I built this place before the incident that forced me to kill my wife. That means three tubes. Right, his wife.


“How are you feeling? I didn’t have the time to look at your injuries, sorry.” Elllenia’s voice was different when she spoke to Braxton, it was calming, not a hint of hatred in it, and she looked at him with genuine concern in her eyes. However, her expression and voice changed completely when she turned to look at medic of the group.


“You,” she looked up Elissa, “You seem to know what you’re doing, help me take care of the girl.” Ellenia’s voice was rude and cold, turquoise eyes regarded Elissa with a cold stare. It seemed like she viewed the group before her as no more children with fancy weaponry.

 

[Mitheral]

Elissa nodded, “we just need to get her awake.” She glanced over at Mook. “If slapping doesn’t work, I will resort to Plan B.”


Mook started to object. He knew exactly what Elissa had in mind. “Elissa …”


“Not your call Mook - not this time.” She gave him an angry look.


“Elissa …” Sly and Talon echoed Mook’s objection.


“All of you, OUT!” Elissa ordered. “Except you ma’am,” she nodded to Elle. “They mean well, but they get overprotective of me. I am going to be very, very specific about the wounds I repair. The longer you wait, the more I have to repair.”


Mook sighed. Well, now the freezies knew Elissa was a Healer. He could see he was going to have to lecture them about announcing their skills too freely. Mook shook his head firmly. “We’ll stay out of the way, but we aren’t leaving. That’s final.” He nodded to Sly and talon and they all moved to one wall - out of the way.


Of course, Ellenia’s idea of working on Natalya was to get her into the diagnostic bed. Portable EMR, CSE, Xray. And this was a top of the line model. Elissa tried to be patient, but as soon as she saw the imaging come up her eyes bugged out.


“That’s … incredible….” Elissa sounded awestruck.


Talon had found a new toy to “play with” and try to figure out what it did. It was, very simply a box with a pair of paddle attached to the box by wires. He tried to get Mook’s attention. “What is it? Some sort of weapon?”


“I told you not to touch anything!” Mook studied it for a moment. Then his eyes widened in alarm. “Talon, do not move. Whatever you do do not touch the flat side of those paddles to anything. Elissa told me about one of these once. Her mother taught her about them. I think it is called a defibrillator.”


Talon looked blankly at Mook, as did Sly. He tried a couple times unsuccessfully to say the word.


Mook sighed. “Very carefully let me take those away from you. I’ll put it away. It isn’t on.” He took the paddles and set them aside carefully. “One jolt could stop your heart. That make a charge of electricity - like an eel - but even stronger. They can restart a heart. But you have to know exactly how to use it. Guys, from now on, Sick Bay’s off limits unless you are with Ilyana.”


For some reason the kids had assumed Ellenia was Ilyana, Braxton’s wife.


Elissa sighed and mumbled an apology to Ellenia. “Ilyana, I am going to do something. When her body starts to respond - wake up, you will need to slap her. And, you may need to slap me as well. Unlikely, but it is possible as I am going to sync my biorhythm with hers.” She sat down and grabbed Natalya’s hand.


Elissa’s breathing suddenly slowed to a crawl. Almost at the same time, Natalya’s readings jumped. Before Elle’s eyes the worst wounds vanished off the screen along with the surrounding bleeding. Elissa went rigid as her face contorted with pain and went pale.


“Slap her. I can’t do it,” Elissa moaned weakly. “I’m okay. I just need some rest. Mook, I know you guys don’t like me doing this, but you are all worried about them being crazies. Losing their daughter could have been the one thing to push them over that edge. This was a calculated risk. We already planned on downtime so they could get into shape. Mrs Braxton, I am very sorry about my friends’ behavior.”

 

[Lenaara]

When Ellenia had first begun tending to Braxton’s child on the day of the kidnapping the readings on the screens were showing impossible data. Now, the data made even Ellenia loose her composure and glare at the screen with wide eyes. It was impossible.


How many years have passed? A dozen? No. That is too little of a time for any human mutations to take effect, and she did not believe in magic enough to convince herself that Elissa was some sort of a psychic, like the ones on the TV shows when back when.


Back in her student days Ellenia would have given up anything in order to get Elissa’s blood sample. Now she only wanted to put a bullet between the girl’s eyes to get rid of the freak of nature.


The slap she gave Natalya was hard, and she did not even think twice whether or not she should use less strength. Even with weak muscles the slap was almost on par to the ones she gave to the injured soldiers, in order to keep them awake, in Iraq when they were bleeding out on her. Not at all motherly.


“I’m not Ilyana,” Ellenia stood up straight, eyeing Elissa, “My name is Ellenia Orlova, I am – was – Gunnery Sergeant of US Marine Corps. And at the moment the only thing that may push me over the edge is what you had just performed on that guy’s kid. Who the hell are you?” her voice was rude, full of anger and frustration.

 

[Mitheral]

“Elissa! Don’t answer that. You already told her your name. That was enough. Braxton, how about we take this into the common area. Sgt Orlova, I outrank you. I’m an officer. I have 4 years military service with advanced degrees in several disciplines - archaeology, geology, metallurgy, engineering. People grow up a lot faster than in your time. “


Braxton nodded. "I'm just glad the cryo worked..." In truth he hadn't suspected to survive. I had no idea cryogenic suspension was so advanced.”


Mook nodded. “Cryogenic suspension was carried on in secret under a program known as Project Persephone.” Mook nodded as if thinking and coming to a decision. He glanced at Talon and made sure he caught the larger man's eye. "Okay, several things. First, there is another freezing unit here, but it doesn't seem to serve the same purpose as your personal unit there. The power doesn't seem to have failed here. In fact, this place is in excellent condition. Best air we have tasted in a redoubt. But before we go and start messing with stuff, how about we look around and get you dressed? I am going to hazard a guess that those sec locked cases over there have your gear. You said Marine. I am going to guess there will be weapons there?"


Fact was, that is exactly what was there. Braxton’s clothing and vest would be vacuum sealed with some sort of freshness packets inside them. The Doc had gone to great lengths to preserve things, planning for the worst. The freezer unit was probably food stores, keeping food stored in sections much as they had been cryogenically preserved. That mean fresh meat, milk, everything ... to be unfrozen likely a week at a time so it would last. They had already been in operation when he had got here.


Braxton blinked at the younger man, "Only Ms, Orlova and I can unlock and open the cases." He said gesturing at the controls next to the cyro unit. He gave them a suspicious look. He glanced at Elle. They were going to need food pretty soon anyway... There was clothing in that drawer over there as well. Hers on one side his on the other. Not that it matter whether he was clothed or not but if they were going to go somewhere eventually he'd need coverings.


"How the hell did you get down here anyway?" He asked wondering if they had blown the door. It would have taken quite a blast to unhinge the outer door. Damn thing was thick. His eyes narrowed as his training and naturally cautious nature kicked in....


Mook held up a hand. "That is going to take awhile to explain. But we’ll have plenty of time here while you recover. I know you want that question - the how long one - answered. Now if you have weapons and clothing in those cases, you are going to need them. Things have changed a lot."


Braxton couldn't resist. "How long?"


Mook sighed. "I guess the question is unavoidable. Sit down. It may be more of a shock then you are prepared for.” He paused and waited. “This is 2147. You may find it hard to guess the season. However, the Skydark destroyed what used to be California. Some fault .. San Andreas. I read about it somewhere. Skydark also unleashed a lot of mutations - more than I think anyone ever thought there could be. And most are downright lethal. Stickies and Scalies are the worst. They eat norms. Some mutants aren't bad at all, even friendly."


Braxton had to admit all what Old Man Carver had done - all the work he had put in - it was paying off. To be alive after so long? He almost couldn't fathom the years. People had survived through the nuclear winter? He had to shake his head at that. The military simulations hadn't gone so well. He smiled but it was a forlorn one. There were people he would miss and places that would never be the same.


He guessed that whatever was left of the U.S government or military structure wasn't much. The major cities must have been ash as well as all the installations and bases across the states. He remembered the computer sims; it had looked grim. It seemed more had survived than those simulations had postulated. He wasn't sure if he was encouraged about that or not. If these were mostly mutants... what was there to look forward to?


He wasn't certain what exactly to say to that. "Shit," he said softly looking at the smooth metal surface of the floor beneath him.


"Yeah," Mook said. "But life goes on. I've seen a few old vids and some magazines. I guess you will find life a lot harsher than you are accustomed to. You won't know the rules. Something as simple as approaching a Ville will get you chilled fast if you say the wrong thing. Some barons don't take well to Outlanders hunting on their land. And it isn't as though they post it. But we do know where there are a couple of friendly baronies - if they are still there."


"Elissa and I grew up in the Barony of Horn. We attended the Academy there. Sly is a huntress and guide. Yes, she is a human mutant - as are Elissa and I, but nothing like those Stickies I mentioned. We left Horn because of a military coup and a change in politics that made all mutants second class citizens forced to live in poverty and perform whatever labor was commanded - unless they wanted to be banished or beaten. Talon ... was a gladiator." Mook seemed to become a little close lipped on that subject, eyeing Talon.


Talon looked over at Mook. "It's okay. Anyone else ... I kinda want to hear about what it was like. All we ever found before were those old letters." Talon didn’t admit it, but he had found those depressing as they had been suicide letters or journals detailing the last days or hours of life of people dying of rad sickness.


Mook nodded. "I wouldn't go volunteering information like this to just anyone."


Braxton had a question. "Slavery? In ancient Rome gladiators were usually slaves."


Mook looked at Talon a little worried his friend might take offense. “Yeah, one the three main kinds of trade. Jack ... basically what you would call money. Sometimes it is made by barons and only good in their villes and they won’t recognize jack from other villes. Ammo is sometimes used as jack. Then there is Jolt - a sort of drug. And finally slaves."


"Of course you can usually barter stuff for jack - like an old blaster in decent condition will pull a lot of jack. Some villes will feed and house you when you get there, but expect you to work or do something to pay for the costs. That gets tricky for outlanders."


Mook frowned. "How we got in was complicated and simple. We came in the back way."


Now this was where Braxton only half an idea what Mook meant. Doc Carver had said there would be three ways out. The elevator and emergency ladder were two. There was a secret security door that Doc had said only to be used in an extreme emergency. It was now cracked open. Braxton had shown Elle that door, but had only repeated the same caution that it was a last resort.

 

[Lenaara]

Natalya was still in cryotube, injuries healed by Elissa. At least Ellenia could distract herself in work. Her fingers pressed firmly against the side of the child’s neck checking for pulse. Well, at least the kid was alive. Slowly, Ellenia raised her hand in air ready to give the child another slap, the final one before resorting to the medication preserved in the bunker, if there was any. However, the slap was stopped midway by Mook’s words about his rank.


Ellenia couldn’t stop a smile forming on her lips, and then she chuckled. Despite Mook sounding serious at the time to Ellenia it seemed like a joke.


“Is there a point to you telling me of your degrees? You just leant to wipe the snot off your face, never mind undergoing a professional education. I am not going to take orders from an eighteen year old boy who apparently outranks me in a society equal to Dark Ages.” Ellenia narrowed her eyes ever so slightly at Mook.


It was apparent that she did not like him, did not like the situation she was in. Braxton seemed to have accumulated to the situation rather quick, and it annoyed her. How could he be so calm? They spent a century in a tube frozen to be woken up by teenagers who see this situation as normal. But this situation wasn’t normal. It was borderline insane.


“Braxton,” Ellenia nodded in the direction of the common room, “follow me, we need to talk. Without these children gathered around us.”


Not bothering to even look at the group of teenagers Ellenia left the Sick Bay, stopping at the far end of the common room. It seemed like she wanted to be as far away from the Sick Bay as possible – who knows what those children can do, enhanced hearing may also be on their list of abilities.


She rested her back against a nearby wall, one arm wrapping around her abdomen, the other raised to her face fingers pressing against the sides of her nose. Slowly, Ellenia took a deep breath.


“What do you want to do? You seem to be having quite a chat with them,” her voice was calmer now, eyes were warmer, “or am I the only one who thinks this situation to be completely abnormal?”

 

[Mitheral]

Braxton didn’t respond right away. Instead he gestured silently down the corridor. At the end of the corridor was a thick door. This door lacked a keypad. It wasn’t a secured room. But it wasn’t one of the rooms they had visited prior to entering coldsleep. As it turned out, the room beyond was an indoor range. He gestured politely for her to enter, then followed and shut the door.


Once inside he jerked a thumb back. “You wanted privacy. This room has soundproofing. Not perfect, but much better than where we were. Now then, I’m not sure where to begin. Don’t take this the wrong way, but suck it up Marine.” His tone was bland to take the sting out of his words.


“I think this is about as normal as it will ever be again in our lifetimes. In fact, I think those kids may be closer to normal than anything else we’ll meet - normal for us I mean. Imagine someone from 1920 suddenly jumping to 2037. They would never have heard of TV or computers. They see someone talking to themselves - on a bluetooth. Cars drive themselves - at 75 mph. Man has landed on the Moon, has a permanent base in orbit. The culture is like something out of a nightmare as drug turf wars take place in the streets with kids carrying automatic weapons.


“Do I think any of what we are seeing now is abnormal? No. I expected things to be very different. Sure the healing thing was a surprise. So what? I am grateful these people want to use what they can do to help us. It could easily have been much worse.


“The kid is an officer? That isn’t unheard of. In the mid 19th century a 13-14 year old could get married and start a family. Boys would sneak into military service at young ages. Mook strikes me as extremely well educated under the circumstances. His people respect him. I plan to do the same.


“Fact is, is is WE who are the children here. They mentioned mutations by name with a familiarity that we do not possess. I have done insurgence work and worked with kids younger than Mook. I discover that treating them with respect was the best way to get things done.


“None of this is why I wanted to speak to you back here though. I … am going to need to go on a suicide watch soon.” He sighed wearily. “I can’t put it off forever. I know I said my work in the past was classified. Well, now all that security business seems pointless. So anything you want to know, you have only to ask. I won’t lie - even about the bad stuff. I may not answer your questions in front of the kids in in the middle of a firefight. But when there is a good time I will answer you.


“Now my early life was rather misspent. I didn’t enter military service voluntarily. It was the military or prison. I ended up in the Marines - in a combat role. There they found I had a knack for certain things - weapon systems and vehicles. In the early 2020’s the military was experimenting with making a new breed of soldier using implants and mental conditioning - not brainwashing. They were advanced biofeedback techniques. There were a lot of failures. The program was supposed to be shut down, but was continued off books.


“I became something you might have heard of - a Deathwalker.” He removed his shirt to reveal the tattoo - which looked like Ghostrider on bike with the UN symbol emblazoned around him.


Deathwalkers were essentially a suicide corp sent on one way missions into hot zones. They weren’t provided with extraction plans. It was up to them to fight or die, complete their objective and make their own extraction plan if they survived.


“Part of the process of creating a Deathwalker was the development of a humanity switch. We could shut off our fears or revulsion. We became efficient killers. The downside was that when the switch was flipped back on, we suffered all of our emotions heightened. We lost almost as many to suicide or madness early on. I flipped my switch when my daughter was shot. I still haven’t flipped it back on.”

 

[Lenaara]

“I do not plan to respect that child simply because the new military system had given him an Officer rank. He is still a child, as educated as he is in such circumstances, and I am sceptical of putting my fate in the hands of a teenager who still has raging hormones. Even so,” Ellenia crossed her arms over her chest, “if you plan of following him I will do the same.”


Ellenia took a deep breath, her hand running through her hair. With closed eyes she stood still for a moment, breathing out slowly. When she began talking her voice was calmer and slower.


“Usually I would have said that what you’re saying is bullshit. But considering the circumstances and the group of mutated children in the other room I will believe you. God I need a drink,” she opened her eyes, looking up at Braxton.


“Anyway. Don’t flip it back on, your humanity switch. Those children grew up in a harsh environment; I doubt they will be hesitant to kill us if the situation calls for it. Actually, I’m surprised we’re still alive. There are supplies and weaponry in this bunker and the two of us are too weak to put up much of a fight. I will avoid hostility, but I swear if that child throws his Officer rank in my face one more time even my patience will come to an end.


“Wait until things calm down, until we get more strength. Your daughter is still in cryo, you’re still injured, let me take care of you both. Then flip it back on. At least that way if they think of us as hostile and crazy we will have a chance to defend ourselves.”


Ellenia pressed against the spot where James’ ribs were broken. “You make a lousy field medic,” she said frowning.

 

[Mitheral]

Braxton barely flinched, probably a side effect of the whole Deathwalker package. But it was clear he was tender. “At least you didn’t ask if that hurts.” His lips curled upwards ever so slightly. So he wasn’t emotionally a machine, just subdued. “The sooner I flip the better, but not before I explain to Mook and his group so they don’t jump to the wrong conclusions.


“You know, you brought up the rank thing first. And you treated them with disrespect - especially Elissa. Mook was rather patient with you. His point was that you were ordering HIS team around like they were lackeys. And I think he’s sweet on Elissa. Except for the incident with Elissa his team was restrained and following orders. They trust him. A group doesn’t get that way without that trust being earned.


“Here is what I am suggesting. Try respect. In combat against the unusual in particular - like giant mutated scorpions or some such - follow his lead. I suspect that when there is time to ask, he will ask for opinions. At least if he is a good leader he will. When we move cross country, I suspect we should accept any warnings from his people. I am fairly certain they have far sharper senses than ours.”


He stopped and sighed. “Okay, enough patronizing. Just … thank you in advance for trying. Just remember, I am even older than you. If I can hack it, you can. Anyways, we should head out there. If Natalya wakes up she is likely to tear them all apart. Don’t try to fight her. She has her mother’s speed and strength - scaled down a bit. If you think Mook is bad, wait until you deal with a 13 year old. She will test your limits. That’s just another reason I think Mook and his friends could be useful. Natalya shouldn’t as much of a problem if she doesn’t think she can play us all off against one another.”


 
When Braxton opened the door again he nearly ran into Sly with her fist raised to pound on the door. She looked a little angry. “She’s awake! Come talk some sense into her before Talon puts her down hard. She nearly broke Elissa’s arm!”


Braxton exchanged the briefest of glances toward Elle and rolled his eyes. He had expected something like this. It was precisely why he wanted to be there when she awoke. He broke into a jog following Sly. By the time they got there they could hear chatter going on.


Mook was grumbling. “I have her. I have her. Put it away Talon! I’m not made of glass. She does pack a wallop. Braxton wasn’t kidding. Elissa, you okay? Talon?”


Elissa chuckled. “Just wounded pride. My fault. I should have been watching her closer.”


Talon growled. “I’m fine so long as you are all alright.”


And that was when Braxton and the rest arrived. Mook had Natalya flat on her face and was holding her while Elissa bound her hands and feet. Natalya was trembling. One of Elissa’s rapier’s was run through the trigger guard of her 44 mag revolver and laying on the floor several feet away behind Talon. There was a faint clouds of smoke where the weapon had been fired. There were no signs of blood. That was purely a miracle. Natalya hadn’t torned her stitches. It was a little comical that one precocious 13 year old had very nearly disabled Mook and his entire team.


“Braxton, you want to take over here? Just so you know, she started it,” Mook explained. “No serious harm done - except a little pride here and there.”


Braxton nodded. “I have no doubt. Natalya, stand down.”


Natalya’s head flipped over so she could look at her father. “Who are these douchebags?!” Then she eyes locked on Ellenia. “Who’s she?”


“SHE … would be the woman who saved your life.” He didn’t add any suggestions as to what that meant. “Her name is Gunnery Sergeant Ellenia Orlova. She would probably appreciate it if you didn’t tear out your stitches.”


Natalya went quiet and stopped struggling. Her mouth clamped shut.


Mook cautiously stepped back along with Elissa. His arm rubbed a little against his ribs.

 

[Lenaara]

Ellenia ran her hands through her hair, muttering “Now I have to take care of five children”.


Mook, Elissa, Talon, and Sly were raised in harsh environment, forcing them to be able to defend themselves since early age perhaps. Ellenia guessed that even basic self defence was sufficient in their case. Even so, Natalya managed to almost wound one and make others step in to hold her down.


The child had fight in her, she reacted the same way Ellenia would have in similar circumstances. For a briefest of moments Ellenia felt more respect for the girl than for any other person in the room.


Ellenia headed over towards the child and, with her knees bent ever so slightly, offered Natalya her hand to help her get up. If the child tried to attack then Ellenia’s military training would kick in, taking over her reflexes, making her avoid or parry the attack.


“Calm down, Natasha,” the name Ellenia used to call Natalya was a less formal version of her name, pronounced without a single hint of accent behind it. “I will just take a look at those stitches, if they are fine you can go ahead and beat the crap out of anyone in this room.”

 

[Mitheral]

Ellenia managed to get a reluctant grin out of Natalya. She glared at Mook,but didn’t try anything. Mook didn’t seem upset in the slightest. If anything he seemed pleased.


"How about we all grab some food, and then I’ll field some questions? Don't suppose you have any food stores? If not we can go hunting."


"He means I go hunting." Sly finally spoke.


Mook chuckled, "Only if we actually want to eat." That brought a round of laughter.


Braxton turned his attention to the other cyro unit, "No need. Frozen food stores – segregated as weekly supplies for two. Doc described a process like this once and said it shouldn't have any freezer burn..." He talked as he opened the thing using his code. There was a hiss as the pressure and cold escaped the enclosed unit. "Something about packing and the cold storage process." He reached in and picked up a small bundle. He read the label off of it, "Broccoli." This caused his mind to wonder if any vegetables had survived the years, or if anything could grow in the irradiated soil. Perhaps there was something like the green veggie? He lifted up another package, this one a little larger, "Hamburger." He handed both to Ellenia and moved over to retrieve their clothing.


Mook and his friends were patient while Braxton, Ellenia and Natalya got dressed. After getting dressed Braxton hesitated before opening his weapon and ammunition crates. He had a feeling these people would want some sort of remittance for freeing them from the bunker or some such payment. He eyed their weapons. "You have extra ammunition for those?" He found it likely they didn't have much.


Mook grinned. "It wouldn't hurt to fill a few pockets, especially if you have any of the rarer calibers. 44 mag for Elissa's pistol would be good. Some villes can make ammo, but a lot of times it is undergrained."


"If you have them, I'd bring a hand weapon and something that can fire at a long range. Sometimes killing one or two at a long range discourages pursuit. The less we have to chill the better."


As it turned out there was a vault room also accessed by personal codes and biometrics that essentially an arsenal. In it were CASES of ammunition. There were even a couple of CBR suits with O2 tanks and Geiger counters. And there were small shirt worn rad counters that were solar charged. But the real kicker was that Doc had stored a small military arsenal - far more than they could carry, including an M60 LMG belt fed, M16A5’s with M206 undercarriage grenade launchers, Uzi’s, MAC-10’s, portable missile launchers, and a variety of shotguns and ammos. The weapons storage - room - looked like something a mercenary would have had at home. There were even reloaders, black powder, detonators and hundreds of kilograms of plastique bricks.


(OOC: Note, the actual weapons would be future variants, but you get the idea.)


Mook's eyes bugged out. "Some?" His voice nearly squeaked. "Crap."


It was Braxton's turn to grin, "Not the best stuff but some of the more reliable arms that Carver could get his hands on." He laughed, "I requested my favorites and he managed to get most of those." He nodded as he outfitted himself with a Designated Marksmen rifle. It used a 7.62 round in a modified 35 round magazine and was rated for 600-800 meters. This one had a night vision scope mounted on the rail. The barrel was equipped with a muzzle break and sound suppressor. The rifle was semi-automatic with burst fire or single mode. He patted the gun like it was an old friend or lover. "She's an oldie but a goodie." He winked at Mook. The M120 he offered to Ellenia. “Or you can pick what you like.” His expression indicated he meant Ellenia alone with that offer.


He slipped his blade into his harness around his right thigh after checking to see that it hadn't rusted or tarnished. After leaning his rifle up against the nearest wall he picked up his modified 9 mm Glock. He took the time to load each bullet into the magazine checking each expertly. He glanced at the others, "You're welcome to take any extra ammo you need." It was really more than they might ever use... at least in normal circumstances. He began loading extra mags and supplies into his backpack.


Mook and his friends stood bye politely. They eyed the weaponry appreciatively, but made no requests. It was becoming very apparent they weren’t thieves by nature. They considered everything in the bunker to belong to Braxton and Ellenia.


Braxton handed over a 10 gauge shotgun to let Mook take a look at it, "Good stopping power." He gestured at some of the equipment still in box, "Got some M16's over there with grenade launcher attachments."


Mook had already been eyeing the M16A5 with M206 undercarriages. "Man, I have never seen one of those in person. Saw them in an article in the Archives. Hey, Sly ... bows in here. I think those are Thunderbolts."


Sly turned her nose up. "Those are crossbows. I like my bow. Don't weigh yourself down."


Talon had been eying Ellenia. But a look from Sly seemed to keep him from getting any bright ideas. It wasn't until she was about done that the reason for his interest became apparent. He approached her. "Good choice. But make sure you’ve cut off any loops and such. They can catch of shrubs and bushes and give away your position. Otherwise, good." Talon seemed to be getting more comfortable about both of the freeziers. Natalya he approached and pulled his katana off his back for her to inspect. He pulled it back. “If it is alright with your father.”


Braxton was a little surprised, but he nodded. Natalya seemed to have calmed down.


The reason for the cloaks became obvious as they filled a few pockets with various items. Mook spotted a small can of lighter fluid and asked if Braxton minded. He also asked about the plastique. They were running low.


Mook explained that they usually molded small quantities into their clothing and shoes. A sec check usually missed plastique even when blasters were taken. And having to surrender blasters was not uncommon in some villes.


(FYI Blasters refer to guns, not the Star Wars energy weapons.)