Eden's Gate

Chapter 6 - Ready for a Fight

My radio crackled to life.

"You're doing a hell of a job, kid. But Eden's Gate isn't just gonna sit around with their thumbs up their butts. We push, they push back harder. John's gonna send out birds to try and spot you from the air, and armed convoys to intercept ya on the road. Keep your head on a swivel." Dutch warned me. "I've been hearing a lot of noise coming from Hope County Jail, up in Faith's region. Looks like they could use a hand. Mind heading over and givin' them a hand?"

"Sure thing, Dutch. I'll head over now. Let them know, helps on the way." I said, jumping into one of the old Peggie trucks, Boomer sat in the passenger seat. Jim and Jake walked over. "I need you two to stay here, help defend the place. If you need me, radio Dutch and he'll send me over." They nodded as I drove off. Heading out of John's region, and into Faith's. I managed to avoid being spotted by Peggies thanks to using one of their vehicles. Once I entered Faith's region, the fuel on the truck ran out. I jumped out, ditching the vehicle as Boomer and I walked through the forests. In the distance, a tall white figure stood proudly on the horizon. I glared at it, recognising the statue of the Father from when we arrived.

I hope I get to destroy that soon. Boomer and I continued to walk, a quad bike passed us. The Peggies saw me and began to fire. I lifted my pistol and returned fire, taking them down quickly. We jumped on the bike and drove towards the jail as fast as we could. As we drove, we freed some captured civilians and took out so Blissed Peggies. Ditching the quad bike, Boomer and I jumped into the truck and continued down the road. Signs were posted by the road.

Join Us In The Bliss. No thanks, I thought. I didn't need my head being messed with. Especially by a crazy cult fanatic. Looked to the side, I saw another cult outpost. Might as well let them know I'm here. I pulled over and walked over to the outpost. The Peggies spotted me, calling for reinforcements as the fired at me. I aimed my rifle and shot the Peggie on top of the petrol station. Switching to my pistol, I shot two more Peggies, killing them in seconds. Boomer charged forwards taking out another Peggie. I ran forward as trucks pulled up. I threw two hand grenades at the truck, exploding the reinforcements. More Peggies charged at me. I shot a propane tank by their feet, sending them flying away. As the last Peggie dropped, I began combing through the truck stop, taking anything useful. I radioed out, letting others know that Lorna's Truck Stop was officially Peggie free. Soon the truck stop was filling with Resistance members, helping me to clear out the destruction and bodies. I stood in front of the truck stop, pride filling me. I took a step forwards before a voice rang out in my head.

"I see you searching, but oh you look lost. When I was younger, I spent years searching. I was a rat in a maze... Always chasing the same wedge of rancid cheese. Father was the first person who helped me realise there was a world beyond the maze. A world that doesn't take, doesn't devour... It's a world that gives, that loves! It's a world that welcomes with open arms! I'm not searching any more. I'm here to share His word. Come see the world beyond the maze, Mother." The voice softly spoke. It's words temping me with a warm veil of calm. I held my head, shaking my head with my eyes closed.

Get out of my head, Faith! I don't want anything to do with Joseph or his delusions! I thought back, trying to clear my head of her voice. I stood up straight, walking into the truck stop. Boomer trailed behind me, whining to me in worry. I gave him a small smile, gently rubbing his head.

"Don't worry, Boomer. I'm ok. I'm not going anywhere, anytime soon." I told him. He licked my face in return, obviously happy.

"Hey, you got time for a quick job?" A man asked from behind me. I turned around and nodded. "Those Peggie bastards stole all our gas. They drained these here reservoirs and filled their tankers. So I need you to steal one and bring it back here. Just got word that there's one parked at the old diner down the road. If we're gonna rebuild, we gotta re-open these pumps! We'll keep the truck stop safe, you bring back that sweet, sweet gas." He stressed.