Apocalypse Redemption

Chapter 9: Redemption

Using the time that they had, Alex took the truck further back to the crash site of one of the armoured trucks with mounted machine guns, and asked for the people in the back to carry the gun into the trailer in the back of the truck. It took the entire group of eight to lift it onto the truck (they allowed Claire to cope with her loss for the brief time they had).

This was their next plan, they had all the fire power they could ask for in the front of the truck, but now their trailer held a deadly weapon that could eliminate targets, making the less than twenty minute drive to the city limits of San Francisco a piece of cake.

When Claire had mustered her strength to stand up, she carried the body to her car, placed it in the trunk, planted a kiss on his bloodied cheek, and shut the trunk. Wiping the tear from her eye, she entered her car, ready to continue on the road, and get redemption for her friend's death.

Before they began driving, Alex opened his window and looked out at Claire.  "It'll be fine.  We're going to make it to San Francisco.  We stopped one of the nukes from getting there.  Your friend died saving you, and we're going to fulfill his desire."  Alex gave Claire a sentimental smile as she wiped more tears away and managed a smile.

They let the words reflect, then began making their way towards San Francisco.  The looming Transamerica Building, InterWorks complex, and Salesforce Tower lined the skyline of the distant city.  But the city had pillars of smoke that helped to block and distort the beautiful view of the skyline.

The road ahead had no sign of Bandits, and the group was able to breathe easy for the short duration until reaching downtown.

Alex looked theough his panel to catch a glimpse at the group in the trailer. Chad and Brittany were back in their corner, holding hands and telling each other how much they love each other. Darwin was stationed with the mounted machine gun, clutching the map with one hand, and keeping a close watch on the gun. George had set himself up and was resting his eyes for the fight that lay ahead. Angela and Samantha were sitting beside each other, talking about something that Alex couldn't make out.

Him and Kathy were both silent, thinking about what was about to happen when they entered the city. Alex would occasionally look over at Claire, and he usually saw a stern expression on her face, like she was in a staring contest with the person she despised the most.

Alex looked at the smashed radio in the cabin of the truck, and began to despise himself for getting frustrated at times when it wasn't necessary. "I'm sorry for going crazy back there." Alex told Kathy with a sad tone.

"It's fine." She responded. "We're all under a lot of pressure. But we'll be fine once we enter the city limits." They passed by an exit that led to Bernal Heights Park. "See, we're almost there!" She perked up.

Alex smiled. It was good to smile. It felt like forever since he was sincerely happy.

Darwin rushed up to the panel. "I say that we get off here, and get onto this road." He pointed to the map. "This road is far away from the financial district, and leads directly to the wharf. I'm unsure of where the ferry is, but this should give us a good idea of where it is once we get to the docks."

"Great!" Alex said. "I'm glad to hear it!"

He rolled down his window and signaled for Claire to do the same. He explained the plan to her, and she agreed. When they reached the exit that was predetermined, they followed the ramp that led off the barren highway. The streets below were full of frantic citizens, but no bandits were in sight.

The truck started to head down the desired street that would go all the way to the docks. Immediatly as Alex made the turn, he knew something was wrong.

A rocket came flying out of a windowsill of a building on the left side of the street. It didn't strike the vehicle, but rather the ground to the right of it. The explosion caused the truck to lift up into the air, and turn on it's side. With a tremendous thud, it crashed down to Earth.

Alex was dazed, but was still fully aware of his surroundings. He looked back through what was left of the panel and saw that the group members were already running out, unharmed.

Kathy jumped out first, and Alex climbed after her. She had grabbed the gun beforehand, so Alex didn't need to worry.

When he climbed out, he screamed for his group to follow him into a destroyed building that could offer a small shelter for a short time. Claire made it inside last, and Alex slammed the door to the smoldering building. He walked over to Claire and put his hand on her shoulder.

"You want redemption?" He asked. He was met with a nod. He signaled for Kathy to throw their gun to him. "Then let's go get it!"