U-238

RULES OF THE WASTES

"The first rule if you plan on going out into the wasteland is wear a gas mask. You won't go five minutes without one." said Oleg, my close friend. We were standing near the airlock that led into the tunnels to the surface. He handed me a gas mask and a filter that he had grabbed from a small locker mounted to the wall. This would be the first time I'd be going to the surface my whole life. I was born in the old metro tunnels under Moscow, and twenty years later, I'd finally be able to see the city for myself. "Second rule, check your time often. One filter will only last you about an hour up there." Oleg then handed me an old analog watch. The face of it would be cracked and dirty, and the leather straps were barely there. I put the watch on my wrist and fastened it. I then slipped the gas mask on, which had an old musty smell to it, with a hint of decay... chances are the last guy that wore it didn't make it back. "Oh, and don't forget extra filters too." Oleg handed me a small bag with two fresh filters for the mask. "Now, finally, always have protection." He reached over to an old bolt-action rifle that was leaning against the locker. The barrel was taped down to the hand guard, and a light film of rust covered the barrel and bolt. He pulled out a couple magazines for it and handed them to me. I put them into a pocket on the vest I was wearing, and he then handed me the rifle. "Thank you, Oleg." I said, "If I don't return, tell Mada that I love her very much..." I looked him in the eyes and he stared back at me with a slight sadness in his. "Will do... goodbye, old friend." said Oleg. He walked off, and the airlock made a loud metallic thud noise, followed by a grinding and deafening screeching. The door slowly rose upward, revealing a dark tunnel with the end being caved in, as light poked through the opening in the ceiling. Water dripped from the tall ceiling, coming together to make a beautiful sort of white noise. I stepped forward into the tunnel, the dirt squishing under my boots. I heard another metallic thud, and the grinding and screeching returned. There was a final boom of the airlock door closing. I was alone.