Chapter 2 part 2 Gummies for Gummy
Rescue Convoy Roadrunner, Task Force Alpha
En route to Point Hotel, Chernobog
ETA 30 Minutes.
The tense vibes in the convoy continued with only the noise of the convoy radios and engines of the transports carrying the survivors out of the sector. The soldiers kept alert of any activities. Machine gunners with MCRs and M249s cautiously execute overwatch on the building tops and the windows for any movement. Guns pointed high to doors, windows and rooftops for possible ambushes that may awaits them during the extraction phase of the mission. Vanguards and Rangers also remain on alert through out the journey with their guns ready for engagements.
They are heading to the rally point prepared for further evacuation process. The live stream really riled them up with their capabilities shown as if they are in documentaries. One thing for sure the enemy now knows their objectives. The possibility of another attack increased tenfold with the bad guys knows the good guys movements in their own turf. Sensors and even jammers were activated to make sure there are no IEDs waiting for them along the road.
Their presence shown live had made a field day for all factions in the world. Regardless of intents, the remains of the battle would be investigated by intelligence communities that already infiltrated Chernobog. Badger had made clear of the exposure.
The survivors kept their silence not knowing what would happen next. Some looked at the window watching the passing views of the buildings that they had passed through in the past. The sullen and abandoned scene made some silently wept for the reality that hit them.
The horrors of past weeks scarred them for what the Reunion did to them inside the school. The pains and sufferings thrown at them by their tormentors changed their world view of the current state of the Empire. Before, this place was one of the best educational and research institutions of Ursus Empire. One may say those institutes made the city's inhabitants benefits more of the products produced by the industries that stayed in the mobile city. The aesthetic structures of Imperial rule really shown the beauty of the city.
Now, all of the accomplishments went down when Reunion struck the seat of power of Chernobog and let Catastrophe hit the city with its full might. Those who survived the initial assaults literally turned to next nightmares as the inhabitants massacred and forced out of the city as refugees. Those who stuck in the city suffered more as the infected bared down their fangs for past transgressions.
The school survivors called in help from the Guards or any security personnel, but neither aid came for them, instead the Reunion intercepted the transmission and captured them, tormenting them for weeks until another unexpected help came.
Rada looked around the shuttle bus she had entered with remaining volunteers after the explosions hit the Reunion. Her head turned to her new interest. The soldiers stood vigilantly for any activities near the convoy she and others were currently in. The equipment used are advanced for her as she rarely seen guns other than in TVs and video games. Its comforting for her safety by them but something equally bothered her.
Why? Why now? Why they were not there when Catastrophe hit them. Where were they when they needed help the most?
She held back her questions for her supposed saviors, tears threatened to spill through her red eyes. There were more questions but Rada must be tough. She is an Ursus. A proud Ursus. She must smile for her friends, she must smile for their and her sake. That is the only way she thought that she could made it from the terrors happened before her eyes.
Bodies. Blood. Tears. Cuts. Hunger. Pain. Anger.
Horrendous images flashed in her conflicted mind. The scars were fresh and would not let go easily from her, regardless of anything she made to get away from them. The smile she wore now become the shield for her pain. The smile become the mask for her sorrow. She must held strong.
She is strong. Rada is strong.
A soldier walked towards her. Her body stiffened, preparing for the worst. The bitter impulse of what really happened in the school after the fall. She squinted her eyes to hide the tears and smiled at the soldier. He stand at the side of her seat and gone through his chest pocket. Rummaging through one of many pouches on his armor searching for something.
Rada was confused of his actions and tilted her head a bit. The gesture were comical for her of his actions. His hand even went through the pockets and pouches and suddenly he stopped. His right hand grabbed something and pulled it out with a fistful grab.
He then brought his right fist at front of her, content to give her what he currently held on.
Confused of his action, she raised her right hand and show the palm to him, ready to receive what he was going to give her.
He opened his fist and unexpected item fell on her receiving palm.
Gummy bears. Red, blue and yellow colored goods freshly wrapped with clear plastic.
Dumbfounded, she looked back at the soldier. He nodded with his gesture for her to eat them. Wearily, Rada looked down on the candies given and slowly unwrapped one and pop it into her mouth.
Sweet. Sweet and Chewy.
When was the last she had eaten candies?
Home. Yes. That was it. Home…Safe.
Then she realized, tears flowing on her cheeks. She is crying? She rubbed her eyes to stop the flow. Why she is crying? Its just candy. Something crossed her mind again.
Candy. Food. Candy is food.
Food is good. Food is good for Rada. With food, she can enjoy playing with her friends.
Food makes her happy. So, why she is crying?
Her eyes bursts again in tears, she clamps down her mouth sobbing with her feelings shown to the world. Even with the overwhelming sweet flavour of the candy, she still could taste the saltiness of her tears. It was one of things she took for granted before the fall.
The pain she endured, things she had committed for her own survival and her friends. She will never took for granted of food after this. Its just too overbearing for her to forget what happened to them and innocence taken from them.
Rada tried her best to regain her composure. The soldier silently stands next to her like a sentinel, concerned yet vigilant to his surroundings. The moment of weakness really drained her will to react accordingly to her needs. She wiped her tears and sober up. Her world may be shattered but she still has the strength to bounce back. For her and her friends. They are alive and well thanks to them.
She wanted to repay back the soldier's gift but she currently had nothing on her other than a makeshift vault door shield and cooking pan she bought up for self defense. Instead, she did the very thing she always did. The gift she knows so well.
She smiled back at him.