How The Mandem Escaped

Southampton Ocean Cruise Terminal

Southampton was on the horizon. George was incredibly fatigued from driving and he knew soon he would need a break. After all, everybody else was sleeping. Not only that, but his right leg throbbed from earlier. The whole trip he had also been fighting with a guilty conscience. Was running really the right thing? After all, there was really very little chance of the plan working. He began to slowly drift off, but bit his tongue to keep himself awake. No amount of cheap energy drinks could power him through the last hour of the journey.

"Charlie?" He said, yawning.

"Yeahhhhhh" he replied slowly, stretching his arms out and being careful not to whack Eddy who was sleeping next to him.

"I'm too tired now mate. David was saying earlier about him being able to drive, just give him a shout and see if he'll cover for the last hour or so while I try get a bit of sleep?

"Yeah yeah." He replied. But as he moved the arm rest moved back down, it became very evident why David had resided to the boot of the car...Eddy awoke and looked through the small hole.

"You fucking idiot!" Eddy shouted.

Silence had taken over in the car and an air of bitterness hung in the air. There were merely twenty minutes left of their journey, but David's ridiculous decision to bring Lily along had left a sour taste in their mouths. Suddenly the car's radio crackled into life. Three EAS tones bleeped through the speaker as the cars radio adjusted to the correct channel. It caught everyone's attention. There was a pause of static before the robotic voice kicked in. It was the home office and MOD...

"THIS IS NOT A DRILL. IMPACT TIME IS NOW ESTIMATED TO BE ONE HOUR. THIS IS THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE; PLEASE REPORT TO YOUR NEAREST FALLOUT SHELTER. FALLOUT IS DEADLY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL"

The message continued on repeat.

"We're not going to facking make it!" Osborne shouted to Parker as he awoke. Shivers went down the back of his spine as he shook his head in disbelief. It was actually happening! If they didn't make it they would die a horrific death and if they didn't? The rest of their lives would be miserable... But with the biggest shipping lanes in the world on the horizon, he hadn't quite given up hope. A huge sign read 'Ocean Cruise Terminal'...

George pulled into the deserted dock, driving incredibly slowly whilst the other occupants scanned for signs of life. The sense of urgency was desperate, the mass destruction was inbound. Soon it became apparent that there was no way to escape. They were all doomed unless they could find a shelter.

"They must have left earlier." Eddy said.

"There must be someone!" Charlie replied.

"We could maybe make it to another harbour place if you floored it...?" George said as he cocked an eyebrow at his companion.

Parker remained silent, still scanning the area for signs of life. He shook his head slowly. The group got out of the car and walked around looking again. Outside it had begun to rain it made everyone present shiver with cold. There were boats around, but they looked incredibly locked down and would probably take hours to figure out. They all slowly walked back to the car and stepped in.

"Come on mate, let's go find somewhere to get inside. We'll make it." George said placing his hand on Parker's shoulder. He inhaled, about to admit defeat, when a thought occurred to him.