11

The bunker they were now hiding in was a formidable structure, designed with both security and practicality in mind. Built deep underground, it was constructed to withstand significant external threats and provide a safe haven for its occupants. The walls were reinforced with heavy concrete, capable of enduring shocks and blasts from above.

The entrance to the bunker was concealed and accessible through a series of interconnected tunnels. These tunnels crisscrossed beneath the surface, forming a labyrinthine network that could confuse any unwelcome visitors. Each tunnel was equipped with motion sensors and surveillance cameras to ensure the safety and security of those within the bunker.

Inside the bunker, the atmosphere was utilitarian yet somewhat comforting. The rooms were sparsely furnished, with bunks and minimal personal items, but the communal areas were designed to foster a sense of unity and cooperation. Kitchens, storage rooms, and sanitation facilities were strategically placed to maximize efficiency and minimize any inconvenience.

When the group first entered the bunker, they navigated through the tunnel system, ensuring that all access points were secure and operational. They had enough supplies stored to last for several months, although they hoped that their stay would be much shorter. The children, initially bewildered and frightened, were now starting to adapt to their new environment, finding solace in the company of their peers and with the drills, this place was now seen as another home.

As they moved about the bunker, the interconnected tunnels provided a sense of space and a means to quickly move from one section to another. The layout allowed them to segregate living areas, ensuring that the children had a dedicated space and that the adults could organize their activities without disturbing the younger ones.

Their current arrangement was both a strategic defense mechanism and a temporary refuge, allowing them to regroup and plan their next steps while remaining hidden from any potential threats. The versatility and strength of the bunker and its tunnels gave them a fighting chance to survive and eventually reclaim their place above ground.

If only they could convince them all to stay there where it was safe but right now, it seemed like they did not quite believe the danger.

.

.

"So, what DO you know!" someone shouted, and Ianto put his hands up to silence them.

Since arriving at their bunker there had been some chaos, the kids clinging to them and the adults were demanding answers like it was somehow their fault they were stuck down there. More than one pushed past them into the tunnel system to get topside despite Ianto begging them to take a moment but Jack was right, let them go. Less to have to care for long term.

"What we know so far is that they came, it was not a reaping and I don't think it was a sowing either." Jack replied, the voices rising again as he sighed and tried to control the volume levels.

"Look, the kids are scared and we are all handling frayed nerves. Let's take a moment. Please" Ianto begged "We are safe here. I don't know if we will be safe up there just yet."

"When they arrived, they wanted some of the kids. Apparently, the Powers that Be handed some over, like they always do, even if they did scramble to find any at short notice. Then three hours later they started sounding a low pulse from the vessels. The result was like… well." Jack stopped speaking as he swallowed thickly, then added "Those gifted were affected immediately. Those who were level three or higher died instantly."

Jack stopped talking as the place erupted with horror, then Ianto spoke up so they would settle down "Those level four and lower were affected like some sort of immediate brain injury. Some acted like small children, others became violent."

"The Powers that Be think that the pulse killed the Gifted part of their brains. Powerful Gifted died all together but those with only a small gift, part of the brain died but not all of it, resulting in some sort of brain damage." Jack explained "Some started screaming with pain, some ran like wild animals and others simply started attacking people."

"Over the last couple of hours topside, those that did not die instantly are being killed or locked up" Gwen added. "That includes people who seem normal, might not even be Gifted."

"Oh my god" someone gasped with horror.

"We have enough supplies to last down here months, we will not have to last that long. Maybe a couple of days at least" Ianto stopped taking as he let them digest, then continued to speak again "we have no idea who is looking for us, who might have motive to wipe us out as well. Right now, those of us in the bunkers are the last of out kind. A mere 30 percent thereabouts worldwide. We are now an endangered species and those hate groups we have always had to deal with? Have declared open season on us as any Gifted not dead will be classed as divergent."

"We can't stay here forever!" a mother clutched her child at her with fear "They usually only take 24 hours before leaving!"

"I think it's pretty dammed clear that all bets are off! I think it will only be a couple of days, long enough to give those arseholes time to get out of our solar system. Then the problem is the arseholes that live here" Owen cut in "Anyone with a grudge can shoot one of us and say we were divergent. How would we defend ourselves?"

"We must be strategic about this. I'll tell everyone that I was camping with some friends and missed the entire catastrophe. I'll mention a family at the campsite who tragically died, saying it was awful, and I didn't know what to do, so we moved to another spot and hid until it seemed safe. By sharing the truth of our horror, fear, and grief over the loss of so many, we can protect ourselves. I'll be vague, and if anyone pushes for details, I'll become visibly upset, describing the poor man's agonizing screams and the little boy's horrific death. I'll emphasize how it was unbearable to think about, especially with my own son being almost the same age."

People nodded as they got it, and Ianto looked around the bunker with satisfaction.

At least they were listening.

"Right now, we are all tired, the kids are on the tail end of a sugar rush which means a sugar crash is due, so I suggest we sort out sleeping arrangements for the next few days and take some time to let things settle in" Jack clapped his hands.

With nods, people moved for their children and tried to make the best of it.

Ianto gathered the two children who were his responsibility and moved for one of the little side rooms that would fit six. He found himself paling as Jack entered behind him with Alice "Hey. She wanted to be with another girl and Gwen's Anwen is so…. Well. Mica and Alice got long so well in the play area. Owen and Toshiko have their own group."

Ianto nodded knowing this was more than just the two girls wanting to be together.

And he would not admit it any more than Jack would.

Even as they grinned politely at one another and settled for bottom bunks either side of the door.