DeadZone

Chapter Ten: Time Bomb

Kent ran from the reserve and headed for The Watchtower.

"If there truly is a new variant of Remnant, we could be in danger. Especially with the oncoming horde that's essentially escorting them." Thought Kent.

Once he finally reached the front gates of The Watchtower in record time, he banged on the gate aggressively. A guard climbed up onto the catwalk to speak to him.

"What is it?" Asked the guard.

"I need to speak to Arthur and Jaden, now." Said Kent.

"I'm sorry. But they're in an important discussion right now." Said the guard.

"Yeah, I know that! That's why I'm here!" Exclaimed Kent.

"Oh, I apologize. Please, come in." Said the guard.

The guard climbed down and pulled the gates open. Kent then ran right in.

"They're up on the top of the main watchtower." Said the guard.

"Thanks." Replied Kent.

Kent walked to the main watchtower and climbed the flight of stairs leading to the top. When he finally reached the top, he opened the door to the room and waltzed right in.

"Kent, what are you doing here?" Asked Arthur.

"I've come to talk about the situation." Said Kent.

"Well, we have that under control." Said Jaden.

"I don't know about that. I've seen an alternate variant of a Remnant before, and I could let you know if the new variants that are in the horde are the same one I've seen." Explained Kent.

"And also, what are we going to do about it when it's near our communities?" Asked Kent.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Said Jaden.

"Oh okay, so basically you're going to finally do something when the horde is at our fucking doorsteps? Great idea, you sure are a great fucking leader, yeah?" Replied Kent.

"Kent, back off." Said Arthur.

"That horde is a time bomb, every second we waste here is worsening the situation!" Exclaimed Kent.

"Kent." Said Arthur.

"Well I'm sorry mister, but we helped you save your girlfriend from The Shadows and put our asses on the line doing so. Don't act like we're complete assholes!" Exclaimed Jaden.

"Yeah, I'm thankful for that. But stop being an idiot and do something about that horde!" Exclaimed Kent.

"Kent, I said stop!" Exclaimed Arthur.

Jaden and Kent both stopped arguing.

"Kent, I get your concerns, and I'm glad your looking out for us, But this is our decision." Said Arthur.

"I know, but I want some sort of say in this." Said Kent.

"I get it. But I don't know what to tell you." Said
Arthur.

"Fine then." Said Kent.

"I'll just leave this to the both of you." Said Kent.

Kent turned around and opened the door. He then made his way down the stairs and out the front gates. Kent then headed back to the reserve and met back up with Kathleen.

"So, how did it go?" Asked Kathleen.

"Miserable." Replied Kent.

"Why?" Asked Kathleen.

"Arthur's actually being practical but Jaden doesn't give a shit. I asked her, what do we do when the horde reaches either of our communities? She replied with, We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Explained Kent.

"That's... That's tough." Replied Kathleen.

"Definitely is." Said Kent.

"Hey, did you get that deer prepped?" Asked Kent.

"Yeah. It's currently roasting on the fire." Replied Kathleen.

"Alright. Good to hear." Replied Kent.
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Back at The Watchtower...

"Look, Jaden. Running away from your problems only make them worse. We need to do something about this." Said Arthur.

"I know! But I don't know what to do!" Exclaimed Jaden.

"That's what we need to figure out. This horde is a serious problem. And doing nothing will put us all in danger. Jaden, we're risking everything we've built here, not to mention everyone's lives." Said Arthur.

Jaden looked to the ground and contemplated her decision.
After a few seconds, she took a deep breath and looked back up at Arthur.

"How long do we have?" Asked Jaden.

"Maybe a few days, why? Don't tell me your postponing this." Said Arthur.

"How much building materials do our communities have?" Asked Jaden.

"If you're thinking about either moving or building a barricade around The Watchtower and The Reserve, it's impossible with our current supply of resources and equipment." Said Arthur.

"Well, it's worth a shot! I hate to admit this but Kent is right about what he said. That horde is a time bomb waiting to go off. And anything is worth a try right now." Said Jaden.

"For one, you're being a hypocrite. Second of all, it's physically impossible for us to build a strong enough barrier around us within this short of a time frame and with our lack of resources." Replied Arthur.

"Okay then, what about getting help from other communities? They're probably discussing the exact same issue right about now." Suggested Jaden.

"Jaden, literally every other community is either desperate for resources or wants to kill us. You know this!" Exclaimed Arthur.

"..." Jaden was silent. She was all out of ideas until one last thing crossed her mind.

"When's the next supply drop?" Asked Jaden.

"Only god knows when the next one's scheduled! The last one was a week ago and was pretty much robbed from us by The Marauders, remember?" Asked Arthur.

"How about we do to The Marauders what we did to The Shadows?" Asked Jaden.

"Jaden. Are you fucking crazy?" Asked Arthur.

"The Marauder's base of operations is military grade. Hell, they even made theirs inside an abandoned Zed Company compound!" Exclaimed Arthur.

"Yeah, but-" said Jaden.

"Even if we were stupid enough to attempt to raid their compound, we don't have enough fighters from either of our groups." Explained Arthur.

"That's just great then, because I'm all outta ideas here!" Yelled Jaden.

"Who's fault is that?" Asked Arthur.

"If you're saying that I'm a terrible leader, you are horribly wrong." Said Jaden.

"I taught you how to lead The Reserve. And honestly, it was a waste of time doing so!" Exclaimed Jaden.

"Y'know. Maybe it was a mistake becoming allies with you." Said Jaden.

"I couldn't give two shits Jaden. I'm done with this, I'll find a way to do this on my own." Said Arthur.

"Yeah, good luck with that! And just so you know, the next time you or Kent needs help, I won't be there to save your asses." Said Jaden.

Arthur turned around and aggressively yanked the door open, then slammed it. He then walked down the stairs and hauled the front gates open himself.

Jaden then stood there in the watchtower, when one thought popped into her mind.

"I don't care if they will kill me on the slightest glance of me. I'm going to get there help, wether Arthur likes them or not. And I know for certain they will help me, because I have an offer for them they can't refuse."