Guidestar Combatants

The Next Step and The Next Group, The Next Survival

Reagan and Colin struggled to pull up the heavy grill, the metal scraping against the porch railing as they strained their muscles. Sweat dripped down their faces, the hot summer sun beating down on them. After what felt like hours, they finally managed to hoist it over the railing and onto the porch.

Exhausted, Colin collapsed onto a nearby chair, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. He could feel his muscles trembling and his fingers were numb from the exertion. But there was no time to rest, they had to be on guard at all times. The fight for survival was far from over.

"Do you think there are more of them?" Colin asked, his voice filled with worry and exhaustion.

Reagan glanced at him, his face grim. They both knew that the danger was far from over. The town was eerily quiet, the streets empty and the houses dark. It was as if everyone had disappeared, leaving them alone to face the unknown.

"I think we'll be fighting to survive for a while," Reagan replied, his tone serious. He grabbed a wire brush from the side of the grill and began to clean the grate, his movements methodical and precise.

As Colin watched Reagan work, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his friend. Despite everything they had been through, Reagan remained calm and focused, his determination unwavering.

"The town seems so quiet," Colin said, breaking the tense silence. "Do you think it will be safe to go out and get supplies when the sun comes up?"

Reagan paused for a moment, considering the question. "The sun may be what caused the blackout," he said slowly. "But we can't be sure. We have to be cautious and stay on guard."

Colin nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He had heard on the news that the Russians were behind the attack, using an EMP bomb to disrupt the country's electricity. It was a terrifying thought, knowing that they were facing an enemy they couldn't see or predict.

But Reagan's words brought a new realization to Colin. If the Russians were behind this, then that meant they were at war. And if they were at war, then they were in a state of martial law.

"That's why President Glama declared martial law," Colin said, his voice filled with dread. "We have to be prepared for anything."

Reagan simply stared at him, his expression unreadable. Colin knew that Reagan had always been one to keep his emotions in check, but in that moment, he couldn't help but feel a slight pang of fear. He was grateful when Reagan turned back to the grill, his focus returning to the task at hand.

As the two of them worked, Jamie emerged from the tree house, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She had always been a mystery to Colin, with her piercing blue eyes and fiery spirit. But in that moment, as she joined them on the porch, Colin couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in her presence.

Together, the three of them stood in silence, watching as Reagan lit the grill and began to cook the frozen burger patties. It was a small comfort, knowing that they had food and shelter, but it was enough for now.

Colin excused himself, needing a moment alone to process everything that had happened. He retreated to the tree house, feeling a sense of familiarity as he entered the second bedroom. It was the room that he and Roxy had shared whenever they stayed over at Jamie's. But Roxy was gone now, taken by the chaos and destruction that had consumed their town.

Colin closed the door behind him, shutting out the world for just a moment. He needed to gather his thoughts and emotions before facing the harsh reality once again.

Outside, Reagan and Jamie stood side by side, watching the burgers cook. They didn't need words to understand each other, their bond stronger than ever in the face of adversity.