Lesson of the story, Loyalty doesn't always get you rewarded, sometimes it gets you killed

The War has ravaged Earth for two generations. Young Walter Marlow and his family struggle to survive, in a world of desperation and death. When Walter and his loved ones are captured by the enemy, everything turns upside down. Loyalty, friendship, and faith are tried to the utmost, and he will come to discover what is truly valuable, amid the turmoil of revolution, and the birth of a new society. Diesel robots, water raids, sadistic Pruessian officers, fanatical boxing, and mysterious cats abound.This short story is a prelude and introduction to the retrofuture universe upcoming in my decopunk novel, "Ruby Descent". Note: This story contains violence and dark situations, in an apocalyptic setting.