WIP Work in Progress

Jackson Ward June 26, 2340

I just got a call today saying Sam has been shot and she is recovering in the infirmary. They didn't give me much information about her condition. When I asked how bad was she all they would tell me is that "she is stable and resting." What the hell am I supposed to do with that? What can I tell her mom? I can't lose my wife...not like this.

I start to panic and slump down onto the floor. Then I think about Wilson. I have to pull myself together. I'm all Wilson has right now and he needs me.

"Hey buddy," I turn to Wilson as he comes waddling into the room.

He collapses in my lap with a big small on his face as drool comes slowly from his mouth. I stare into his eyes. He has his mothers eyes. Big and a chocolate brown. Looking at home calms me. I feel everything will be okay when I look at this kid.

"You hungry?" I ask him. He started patting my chest. "Me too. Lets see what we can find in the kitchen."

I pick him up and we walk into the kitchen.

"Now lets see what we have here to eat." Turns out we don't have much. Guess daddy forgot to go shopping this week.

I make myself a sandwich and grab some smashed peas for Wilson. We sit down at the table, watch some tv and enjoy our dinner. I have been avoiding the news since Sam left. Hearing about what's going on over there will only make me more worried. As I am flipping channels I land on a news station briefly. But the headline I saw made me stop for the first time since the war started.

"Parts of Riviera are on high alert as Ordin soldiers continue to invade and take many citizens captive. The cities of Riverwind, Dragonwood, Porsia, and Jacksonia are all currently under Ordin control. Right now forces are heading toward Eastover. Many citizens are being transported from there homes to holding camps in Ordin. Riviera soldiers continue to fight back in hopes of taking back those cities."

Eastover. Shit. Shit. I run to the bedroom and start trying to pack things for me and Wilson. We have to get out of here before they come. Then I hear a knock at the door. Please...please don't let that be them.

I slowly move to the door. Please...please no...

"Mr. Ward...Mr. Ward are you home," a familiar voice asks. I start to calm down. That's only Mrs. Wilson.

I sigh in relief and open the door. "Good evening, Mrs. Wilson. What can I do for you."

"Did you hear the report?" she asks with a frightened look on her face.

"Yes, ma'am. In fact, I was just working to pack things up. I was hoping to get out before things got bad."

"That's what our plan was as well. I was going door to door to make sure everyone knew what was coming. Kirk and I are heading to his sister's house in Pierre. Riviera soldiers have a pretty stronghold there. We are thinking we should be safe. You and your son can come with us if you like."

"Thank you for the offer. I have family in Sunship and that is where we are heading. It's far enough away from Ordin I figured we should be safe."

"Ok. You two be careful," she said as she stuck her head inside. "Bye Willy," she waved to him. He flashed his signature smile and waved back. She turned back to me, "Take care of yourself."

"You too." She walks away and I turn back to start packing again. I'll call my brother once Wilson and I get on the road.

Once I get done packing some clothes, I run to the kitchen to grab Wilson. Then I hear another knock at the door. Maybe it's Mrs. Wilson stopping by the say goodbye. I grab Wilson and our bag and run to open the door.

I see two men standing in front of me in full uniform holding guns. I look at the patch on their hats and know exactly who they are: Ordin soldiers.

"Good evening sir," said one of the soldiers. Ordin's men are all built like tanks and their thick accents make them even more intimidating.

"Good evening. What can I do for you gentlemen?"

"Your neighborhood is essential to battle. We are transporting everyone to a special area in Ordin...for your protection."

"My protection?"

"Yes. The goal here is not to contribute to civilian casualties. We want you and your little boy to make it through this war. So come with us and we will take you to your new home."

"And if I refuse?"

"Oh you think you have a choice in this matter?" the other soldier chimed in with a smile on his face. "You are coming with us. The only choice you have is whether you want this to go easy or hard."

"What my friend means to say is we strongly encourage you come with us. You don't want anything to happen to your son do you?"

"Are you threatening my boy?"

"Not at all. We just want you to stay alive. We want you to see your boy grow up and we want to ensure he does see a bright future. So come with us,"

I thought about it for a few seconds and decided to stop fighting. Wilson can't lose both parents.

"Fine." I grab our bag of clothes and walk to the enemy truck. I see Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and a few of our other neighbors inside as well. I guess they didn't get the chance to make it out.

I find an empty spot and sit with Wilson in my lap. He starts to get fussy and I pat him on his back to calm him down. We have to survive. I have to see my wife again.