Supernova

Chapter One

Peter

I move to the mouth of my cave and glance back out at the horizon. The smoke from earlier is still there, spiraling up into the sky and forming a big black cloud. It tugs at my curiosity just a bit, but I shove the feelings aside and move away, sinking down onto a rock and staring blankly at my home.

I live out in the middle of nowhere—I like it that way. No people. No soldiers. Nothing I can ruin but myself.

The cave is cramped and narrow. I can walk from one side to the other in eight or nine steps, and if I stretch my arms out fully they almost brush the walls. There used to be sand on the floor of the cave, but after three days of living in it I swept it all out. Now there's only hard rock and the occasional puddle if it happens to rain—a rare occurrence, since I'm out in the desert.

My things are scattered around the cave. It's not much, just what I need and whatever else I can carry. There's a blanket for cold nights, a tin cooking set, a fire starter, an extra pair of socks, a jacket. Tucked away in my knapsack is an old, bent family photo, but I don't look at that—ever.

My stomach growls. I have food, but my supply is running low. I'm trying to make it last as long as possible before I have to go get more. That means going to town, which is a day away—half a day if I can hitchhike—and it makes me uncomfortable. I always avoid town at all costs.

I glance longingly at my food bag, then shake my head. I'll be fine. I can wait until dinner.

I wonder if it was like this when They were here, I think, staring lazily at the wall. I wonder if everyone lived in caves and scavenged for food as I do. When They were here, society was basic and old-fashioned. After They left—well, after we beat them in the Revolution seventy-five years ago—our culture evolved. We are smarter, stronger, better. Our world is more sophisticated.

I snort with laughter. Says the guy who's living in a cave. Sophisticated, indeed.

My eyes wander back outside to the horizon. There's still smoke. How long is it going to be there? What even is it? Out in the desert, where I am, there are all kinds of strange things. But I've never seen anything like this.

Almost of its own accord, by hand moves for my jacket. Curiosity has gotten the better of me.

I think back to all the times my curiosity has gotten me in trouble. I'm in this cave for a reason. Curiosity is never a good thing. Just keep your head down. Don't ask questions. Do, don't think.

I can argue with myself as much as I want, but I know the smoke is going to keep nagging at me. Besides, I tell myself, walking is good for people. Exercise. Sunshine.

Whoop-de-do.

I step outside and face the horizon.

Jason

The bathroom light is the same as the bathroom itself—white, bright, clean. I switch it on and stare at myself in the mirror.

I'm rather handsome if I do say so myself. Combed blonde hair. A smooth, clean-shaven face. I'm strong, and a good height. My dark navy uniform brings out my blue eyes. The only thing is the tired look in my eyes—I've been up since four in the morning, doing my weekly early-morning training with my unit. It's awful, but it's a fact of soldier life. I give myself a small smile.

My eyes move away from the mirror, and I turn on the faucet. Water flows out of the tap. I rinse my hands, then bend down and splash some on my face. The cold impact sends jolts of electricity to my brain, and I immediately feel more awake.