A Gun Against Humanity

Chapter 1: The Past Connects the Dots

I was stood in line, along with the other girls, awaiting the morning inspection. They were usually swift and on time with the examinations, but for some reason, they were running late this time. We weren't happy about this, we had more important things to attend to, especially since searches were vital, and they needed as many men on the front as they could gather. 

The door to the halls opened with a soft creak, as Gary made his way into the room, dressed as presentable as always- clean clothes, clean shoes. He eyed the row of young women from left to right, taking a breath in before grinning cheerfully. 

'Good morning ladies. Sorry we're late.' he said, before quickly turning around on his heels. He grabbed the testers and handed each one of us a probe. 

I unwrapped the sterile contents and placed the padded end underneath my tongue. Thirty seconds later, the saliva gathered in the flacon turned a bright green colour, giving me the clear for the checkup. I sighed relieved. Although the chances of getting contaminated were slim, it does happen overnight. The best of us found out the hard way. 

'Everyone green? Good. Enjoy your breakfast, training starts at hours 900.' Gary instructed, tossing the used probes into a bag and making his way out. His assistant followed behind, dictating today's schedule as they drifted off to the main offices. Sarah was a lovely girl, slim and tall, however, unfit to physical demand. Her place is in the offices, there is no doubt. 

Training went by quickly, it's the same routine every day, give or take- you know, to shake things up so we don't bore ourselves to death. I quickly wrap things up and shower before lunch, as I promised Will to go hunting with him in the afternoon. The clothing range was limited. I was a cadet after all. Even during leisure times, my outfit mostly featured back clothing, leather boots and a 4-inch blade dagger that I secure against my hip underneath my clothing- just in case; the world may be ending, but men will be men. 

I agreed to meet Will by the rear entrance after lunch. I showed up five minutes early, only to notice him already waiting for me. It happened every time, I never managed to arrive before Will, regardless of when or where we met. 

'What's up, buttercup?' He laughed as he noticed me approaching. His smile was big and inviting, and I found myself following along. Will has been my closest friend since all of this mess started; he always knew what to say, always knew how to reassure me. I was just so grateful for him.

'Sergeant Bradley.' I salute before breaking out into laughter. I could never do it properly. 'So what are we shooting for dinner?' I joked further, awaiting his response.

'Mole.' He smiled, knowing just how much I hate mole meat. I squirmed at his suggestion, putting on a dissatisfied demeanour. 

'No,' I begin, 'This won't do it for me, Will. Is a mole all that you're able to aim for?' I tease, waiting for a comeback. I'm well prepared for that. 

'Big words coming from someone who can't even shoot a gun.' He laughed again. 

'And this is why you have to teach me!' I snap back. 'Come on, you've promised for a long time now.' I plead with him. What better opportunity to learn than hunting?

'There's time for that, you're only 16, no need to rush into violence yet.' He grinned at my request. 

'I see you love to play dad more and more lately, huh?' I say, taking the bow and spare arrows on the floor, swinging it over my shoulder. 'Come on, those moles don't know what's about to hit them.' 

His eyebrows furrowed into a frown, but he dismissed it quickly, then nods as he makes his way out while I follow beside him. 

The weather was great today- not too hot, only about 30 degrees celsius. Due to pollution of the past years temperatures have been constantly high, making the heat almost impossible to stand. However, we're currently in February, still a few months away before the bunker lockdown. Every summer, we would confine our communities underground to avoid the scalding sun. Due to UV intensity, exposure to the sun during hot months would almost guarantee erythema- even carcinogenesis in some cases. Needless to say, it was not safe on the surface even between the security of our walls, as the heat would find a way to penetrate inside.