RESURGENCE

CHAPTER 32

DAWN

June 17, 2034

A few bright stars still twinkled in the light-blue sky as the sun appeared on the horizon. Michelle could tell that it was going to be a dry, hot day. Soldiers and rescued civilians were bustling through the camp—some heading for breakfast, others rushing to duty.

The doctor opened up the jar he was holding and took out a few pills. 

“Here’s the drug,” said the doctor.

The general and Michelle stepped forward and took a pill each, while Stuart and Nick watched without much interest.

“Thanks, but we’re alright,” said Nick.

“Just in case if you feel the need to take one of these,” said the doctor as he handed two pills to Nick.

“Thanks, doctor,” said Nick as he took the pills and put one in his pocket and handed the other to Stuart.

“Okay, guys, for everybody’s safety, no one is carrying any weapon inside that zone. Now, let’s get on with it,” said the general. “Kids, you go in the back. Doctor, you jump in the front with me.”

They all got in the Humvee, and the general programmed the jeep to go to the Hamilton Life Center. Both, Stuart and Nick closed their eyes and rested as the jeep slowly went past the security check-post.

Once inside the zone, Michelle saw a bot rescuing a man under the influence of the demonic spell. The bot used a stun gun to snap the man out of his trance. She looked away as the man’s body twitched with shock. I don’t feel crazy, she thought, the doctor’s drug works.

A sense of relief filled her mind and she looked over at Stuart to find him staring out of the window with a serious expression on his face. He sensed her looking at him and turned to face her.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“I’m good,” she said.

Wait a minute, he thought. A crazy bitch can’t get any crazier. He smiled at her.

She smiled back, while Nick snored.

###

Thirty minutes later, the Humvee pulled into the parking lot of Hamilton Life Center. Michelle shook Nick by the shoulder.

“We’re here, time to wake up,” she said.

“I’m up,” said Nick as he rubbed his eyes.

“How do you feel?” asked the doctor.

“Sane but tired. I could’ve used a bit more sleep.”

“How’s everybody else feeling?” asked the doctor.

“Good,” said the general.

“Good,” said Michelle.

“Let’s get on with it then,” said Stuart.

They all got out of the jeep. 

Sleeping in the jeep had made Nick extremely stiff. He was stretching his back, doing a forward bend, when Stuart said, “The first thing we need to do is, go in and check if there’s a radiation-emitting device. Michelle, you lead the way.”

They all walked towards the center at a brisk pace. Once inside the building, Michelle guided them past the reception and down the hall.

Upon turning left at the end of the hallway, they stood a few feet away from the procedure room.