"It's coming."
The sun's ever-needed light bled through dank, dusty, smog-filled atmosphere of what used to be Sancho City. A small old man rode on his son's back, trying desperately to stay conscious as they ascended to a surface of rubble and crushed hopes. They finally reached a familiar pattern of large chunks of debris, and the young man was using the rest of his strength to push them out of the way.
"It's coming. Do you hear it, Jason?"
"…no. I don't hear anything," Jason said as they trudged forward The Sunlight beamed through the darkness in one ray, then two…with one final push, the path was cleared and both of the men were never so happy to be blinded.
All around them, men, women, and children were making similar journeys to the surface. People the young man, Jason, hadn't seen in over a decade. They had agreed long ago it was safer for them to all live close, but separately. They avoided contact so as not to let their guard down, knowing all the while that each family was still safe in their own little underground world. This was one of the most common tactics of staying in small groups, out of sight, and away from…them.
It was through cracks in the wreckage riffraff that Jason saw these faces, though the blinding hope that shot through each crevice like a laser beam or a blast of energy. He shuddered at the comparison. Only when Jason finally reached the surface did he let his father down and realize that the old man's breath had become scarce.
"Dad? Dad, please don't do this. You're so close," he begged. The old man's eyes opened a little more in the shade his son could give him. His breath was so shallow, but he was ready.
"Can you hear it, Jason?…I hear it…" he gasped.
"Dad, please. I can't do this without you. Help is almost here."
"It is here, Jason. Can't you hear it? It's so loud. You have to go with them, Jason. Don't be afraid, just go. Everything will change, and I won't slow you down.
"It's so loud, Jason…"
"Please," Jason whispered, "please don't go, Dad. I…I…we're so close! Just hold on."
"No, Jason. It's here now. Surely you can hear it!"
"Dad, there is nothing there! Stop talking, just save your energy. You can make it."
"Son, we already have." Jason suddenly saw dust start blowing his way. A dull humming was far in the distance. A muffled voice followed, coming closer and closer. His eyes widened, and he looked at his father. The old man smiled.
"You hear it, don't you, Jason?" he asked, chuckling.
"Dad, what is this? What's coming? What do you hear?"
"I hear life. After all of these years, there is finally something worth hearing. Smile, Jason. We both made it through this hell. And now, I can rest. Go live, son, go live…"
Tears streamed down Jason's face as his father faded away. He stood up and turned to face the light. Howling wind, cheering children, and cries of joy and pain started to blend together with the roar of the approaching engine. The transport jet finally landed less than half a kilometer away, with one message blaring:
"Attention Citizens: The Androids have been defeated. Repeat: the Androids have been destroyed. Nationwide Medical Attention and Transport is underway. Please find a transport near you to receive aid or locate loved ones. Remain calm and help those trapped, injured, or in need of assistance. Attention Citizens…