Post-Pandemic: A New World

Chapter Seventeen: Willis Tower

The Willis Tower had clearly seen better days. Around it were abandoned military vehicles and a barbed wire fence. There were the rotting remains of dead soldiers in some of the vehicles, their corpses bones beginning to show and their skin easily breakable. Bridge speculated that they must've died after Ivan released the Antidote and saved billions from a horrible death due to the Virus. It was evident that rioters had killed them and not the Virus. Mainly because there were open wounds in the dead soldiers that were likely from pickaxes and hatchets. It was clear that a massacre had taken place there and the soldiers had not survived. There was also a large signpost on the fence that said "Illinois Quarantine Effort Coordination Facility. Do NOT approach UNLESS authorised to. Any unauthorised entry will be met with LETHAL RESPONSE". Feeling angered at seeing it, Bridge got his hatchet for out of his bag and used it to smash the sign to small pieces. It was easy, as it was badly burned, likely due to a Molotov cocktail.

Bridge placed his hatchet back in his bag and he began to lead the Phoenixes inside. Of course not all of them headed in, as John and Louise had stayed behind with five other Phoenixes to guard the R.Vs. When they entered the Willis Tower reception, they saw that it was completely deserted and there was no sign of anyone inside. The receptionist desk was covered in dust and the computer was extremely hot when Bridge laid his and on it. Bridge immediately took his hand off and started blowing on it to cool it down. With a hand that he felt was on fire, Bridge said "The computer's hotter than Isabel's cooking". Phinehas smiled at the memory of his mother and said "I think she would've liked that". Solomon walked over to the computer and saw a long computer wire connected to an output that had been built into the floor. Anna pulled the plug out and said "It must have been left on all of these months. It will take a while to cool down". Looking on the bright side of the situation, Sarah said "Well, at least the building still has power".

That was when Bridge saw something on the wall behind Anna. High above her and with a beeping red light was a functioning security camera! Bridge walked past Anna and over to the camera. They all looked at the camera as well and saw it look right down at Bridge. The camera then aimed over to the elevator next to it and Bridge said "Looks like they know we're here". The Phoenixes all then started walking over to the elevator and Bridge pressed the call button. They had to wait a few moments before the elevator arrived and when it opened, someone stepped out. 

They were a boy about Michelle's age, he was a bit skinny, but looked to be in good health. He was white, like Bridge and had hair that was a nice shade of brown. His eye colour matched his hair and his clothes may have been designer, but had clearly seen better days. The boy stepped out and extended his hand to Bridge as if he were to shake hands with him. Bridge reluctantly did so as he said "Hey, I'm Sebastian. Dad said that you were coming". As Bridge carefully examined Sebastian's face which had an sincere expression of innocence, he asked "Is your last name Mason?" Sebastian nodded slightly and said "Yeah, did my Dad tell you?" Already knowing the answer to that question, Bridge replied "Yes, he said "Mason out" when he turned off the transmission". Sebastian then turned to his left and saw the other Phoenixes. With a tone of excitement at meeting other survivors in his voice, Sebastian said "I heard you guys talking with the Texans on the radio, when you said that you were headed for San Francisco, I just knew that we had to team-". 

Sebastian stopped when he saw Michelle standing next to Phinehas. Michelle was naturally beautiful and had a good figure, despite being in the late stages of pregnancy. Michelle also noticed how Sebastian was exceptionally good looking at his age and their eyes locked for a moment. Quite nervous, Sebastian said "Uh, hi. What's your name?" Finding Sebastian to be quite nice, Michelle said "Oh, I'm Michelle". Sebastian stepped forward and said "It's nice to meet you". Sebastian then noticed her large baby bump and said "Is it the usual way, or are you still a virgin". Faintly feeling her babies heartbeats inside of her, Michelle said honestly "I'm still a virgin". Sebastian wasn't surprised, as he had met quite a few Virgin Mothers already. With a tone of concern in his voice, Sebastian said "You're still pretty young, are you sure that you'll be able to give birth?" Michelle was delighted to know that Sebastian showed such mindfulness, even though they had just met and said "It's twins, so it's gonna be one difficult birth". Sebastian seemed surprised as he said "Twins? That's kind of rare. There's actually a woman in our group whose pregnant. She could offer some support". Michelle smiled slightly as she said "Yeah, that would be nice".