The Last Survivors

Terran-10

Chapter Ten

Terran

I was seething on the inside. This was a serious situation and here Ashton was, making jokes. Typical. I don't even know why I am surprised anymore. Here we were, in the middle of a possibly life-threatening issue and he can't even be serious.

I reached down to lift the girl up when someone pulled me back. I whirled around, prepared to yell at them when I saw who it was. Another soldier, but aiming a gun towards me.

"Step away from her," he growled. I did as he said and pulled Ashton back as well. I didn't want to leave her at the man's mercy, but I didn't have much of a choice. And call me selfish, but I like living.

I noticed the man in charge still standing near us, holding his pistol loosely in his hand. Suddenly, I remembered that I still had my machete strapped to my waist and hidden beneath my jacket. I hoped Ashton still had his own gun.

The man in charge barked out several orders, "You!" he said, pointing to a soldier, "Grab the girl and put her in room number forty-two. Everyone else! Follow me!" He turned away from us as the soldier came forward and hauled the girl over his shoulder. I wanted to say something, but figured it wouldn't end well for anyone. Especially me.

The rest of the kids fell back in line behind the man and I pushed Ashton to join them. He seemed reluctant as well, but one glare from me kept him silent. Finally.

As we walked down the dim hallway, I got a better glimpse at the doors. And my panic increased. They weren't just doors, but prisons. Cages. Each door had a heavy bolt on it that kept something inside. I swallowed and glanced at Ashton. He had seen them as well. Everyone had.

"Wow. Very homey. Don't you think?" Ashton retorted. I ignored him as usual.

The man halted us in the middle of the hallway and he motioned something to the soldiers standing against the walls on either side. Instantly, they reached into the group and began pulling kids out. I searched the crowd for the girl and found her being carried into one of the rooms. I pushed my way past the panicking kids, trying to get to her. I heard Ashton calling after me but I didn't stop until I was in front of the open door.

Inside, there was a single cot against one wall and a flickering light casting shadows around the dimly lit room. What is it with them and dim rooms? The soldier just finished laying the girl down upon the cot when I felt someone grab my arm and swing me around.

Another soldier. "What do you think you're doing?" he glared down at me.

"I...um..." I stuttered, not honestly knowing the answer to that question. What was I doing?

"Let's go," the soldier ordered, pulling me forcefully away from the door and towards another one. He typed in a passcode and the door clicked open. Quickly, I searched the remaining kids to find Ashton. I couldn't find him and mentally kicked myself. I had left him for a girl! A girl that I don't even know.

The man didn't give me a lot of time to look because as soon as the door was completely opened, he shoved me inside and I heard the lock engage. I glanced around the room to see it was almost identical to the girl's room. Just a small cot filled the small space. There wasn't even a window. How rude.

I shuffled over to the cot and sat down, resting my head in my hands. I was at a loss and didn't know what to do. Not that I had many options anyway. Things were getting worse as the day went on.

There we are! A little bit longer chapter for you all :) And now things are getting even stickier for them! Heheehee...

Terran - Ithildae