Red Rock

Chapter 21: Changing of Principles

Chapter 21 Changing of Principles

Daire forced his eyes open. He was still frigid and clammy from the coldest night he had ever experienced, but the world had slowly warmed. He took a step outside and saw the frozen world around him. It had not snowed, but the moisture on the earthly surface had frozen in time in the form of little shiny crystals that shone like little stars peeking through light years away. The trees in the forests were as stiff as steel, refusing to obey any wind that tried to sway their way.

"Oh my god," Daire whispered under his breath at the chilling scenery.

"I didn't know that was you," Cody said, approaching Daire's side. "Lucky you got in when you could."

Daire hadn't seen Cody since he had tried to stop him from leaving the ship. "What happened?"

Cody shrugged. "It got cold, and fast. I've never seen anything like it, must've been forty below."

Daire kicked the rock solid ground with no give and shook his head. "Did anyone get caught outside?"

Cody shrugged again. "I don't know, the last I saw of outside was when I let you into the cabin," he said, looking fearful for the possible casualties

"Well, thank you."

"Anyone would've done the same thing."

Daire nodded, looking off in the distance. Not a single living creature or sound could be seen or heard for miles, only the low whistling of an old wind.

"What cabin do you live in now?" Cody said, changing the conversation. "I haven't seen you around, what do you do?

"I'm the leader."

Cody looked startled at Daire's revelation. "You shittin me?"

"Nope."

Cody smiled then started to laugh. "I knew you should've been in charge of our old group! I knew it! You've done something great with this place, Daire! Let me tell ya!"

Daire recalled that Cody had voted for Jane to be leader of their small group in the second election, contradicting his claims that he had a similar agenda as him. "Unfortunately, most people didn't think so," he said with an appreciative smile.

"Look at this place! They were all stupid not to even elect you as a candidate. I told them again and again, 'What about Daire? Daire would be a great leader!' but no one would listen."

'Liar.'

"This nation is so great. I even signed up for the military!"

"That's wonderful!" Daire amused, wanting to exit the conversation.

"Yeah! I'm ready for anything," Cody said, throwing a jab in the air and laughing. "I'm unstoppable!"

"I'm glad. I have to go now though. I'm going to be needed after this," Daire said, worrying about Jacob and his original crew.

"Ok. Come back sometime, we have to catch up."

Daire broke into a fast walk toward the original cabin, giving one last wave to Cody. He thought that if Cody remembered what had happened between them and Sasha, he wouldn't have been as friendly on that encounter.