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“There is only one person who could’ve done this.”
“But he went silent years ago.”
“Well everyone needs a big comeback.”
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“The town of London is in wreckage and no one can tell us why or how this happened. There are multiple Europe Division Guards on the scene, including Head Chief of The Investigation Bureau Lila Fields.” The quality of the speech coming from Phoebe’s radio was scratchy, but the words were audible.
“Another town ruined.” She stated handing her grandmother a bowl of soggy grits.
“Times have changed.” The old woman stated taking a bite. Phoebe nodded. “The federation has taken over everything.” She took a bowl herself and sat down next to her elderly accompaniment.
“If they hadn’t made all homes 6 individuals without disease a law, grandpa could still see you.” Phoebe said with a slight hint of annoyance in her voice.
Her grandmother looked down. “I haven’t seen him since the illness.”
“The casualties were all infected. More than 90% of the world is now with Krypton’s Disease, and it looks like we are closing into a slow and painful non-existence.” The radio screeched as Phoebe shut it off. “I never thought I’d live to see the apocalypse.” Phoebe sat back down and rubbed her eyes.
“I haven’t slept in days. The constant construction is too much.” She stated. “It’s been 4 years since the city was destroyed and it’s still being constructed on. It seems like a lost cause.” Her grandmother nodded in agreement.
“I wish it would all just……stop.”
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“If he’s returned we are in huge trouble.” Chief Fields said. “I ask if you could lend me a few men to search for him.” She stood below a large panel of men and women enthroned in robes. Her brunette hair pulled into a tight bun.
“The required man power it would take to find him would be astronomical and we don’t know for sure if it even is him.” A man said. “But if it is him we need to act fast.” A woman chimed in.
“Let’s take a vote.” The man at the head decided. They voted in favor of sending men, and won by only 2 votes.
“We have all the necessary manpower to send out a full troop to each Division.” She told her second hand man. He nodded. “We will find him, and I will finally get to ring his little neck.” She said clenching her fist.
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“I have to go to work now Mama.” Phoebe said giving her grandmother a kiss. She put a worn satchel over her shoulder and ran out the door.
The walk to her clinic was pretty short, but the road was uneven and rocky. Since cars had been banned because of gases, everyone walked. You would see people walking day and night. Phoebe’s feet were blistered and bruised, because she couldn’t afford new shoes, and her sandals were torn and beaten.
“Good morning Janice.” She said as she opened the doors to the small and dusty clinic. “Good morning Phoebe. How is your grandmother?” Janice asked from behind a wall of papers.
“She’s doing alright.” She replied taking her place behind the small desk. “Grant was discharged yesterday.” Phoebe informed.
“They couldn’t stop it?” Janice asked with a disappointed tone. Phoebe shook her head. “It had already made it to the bloodstream.” Phoebe looked at the dirty, chipped picture frame of her father that sat on her desk. She rubbed it so she could make out his blurry face.
“Good morning doctor.” Janice said as the young doctor walked into the clinic.
“Good morning girls.” He said. Phoebe nodded and smiled at her.
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