ie'

" a soft voice whispered, sti

mps illuminating her luxurious bedroom. The soft light cast a comforti

inhabitants from the dangers beyond. From the watch towers, manned by alert guards, that stood at regular intervals. Artillery, snipers and machine g

s clomping on the stone. Below, maintenance workers and s

with vines and weeds, stood as skeletal reminders of the world's downfall. The sun cast a pa

t about their daily lives, some heading to work, others to the market.

nity had retreated behind these walled cities which are called free cities. Her home, the free

e world. According to her father, who was a high ranking general in her city's army, the council that now governed her home had tried

e pecking order in the cities. The elite or members of the military or other skilled workers took top priority,

cities provided should be distributed equally to all citizens and a number of rebellions bro

oyal only to the council, squashed the rebellions. As well as the secret police, who mo

ad killed what little humanity had remained. Turning from the window, Katie's eyes fell upo

ds quickly moved to assist Katie, she sensed their quiet apprehension.

y some empathy. The maid's expressions remained

ing onto the maids'. For a moment, they simply looked

exchanged a nervous glance before responding, "Yes, ma'am. Everything is in order." Katie's unease dee

n card and her backpack for school before walking out th

nd other workers going about their day. As she neared her father's offic

th the insignia of the free city on their left shoulder. Both of them held assault riffles at the ready while a plasma

quad operatives could eliminate them all without even breaking a sweat. They were that skilled but also feared. As the

oftly behind her. The room was dimly lit, with only a

ther-bound blotter dominated the room, while two high-backed chairs upholstered in worn leather stood guard.

at beside a finely crafted, wooden cigar box. The humidor's

t at the city. His stance was rigid, his shoulders squared, accentua

ties X4 forces and a decorated war hero. He's saved this city more times than he can count. Be it from the undea

h strong, handsome features and short gray

dn't turn around after his daughter spoke. He only continued to look out

assed away from an infection a few months ago. Katie felt a familiar pang of

ressing better than most of his other students" She said. The general nodded. " And your studies?" He asked.

d turned to leave. But before she did. " Katie wait", she he

don't love you, but the truth is I'm hard on you because I need to be to toughen you up, I won't be here to

he continues looking out the window, ending their heart-to-

g a handkerchief. He coughed into it once he was finished, he looked down at the blood staining it. Wipi

ace gently as he continued to smoke. Blowing o

l be ready for that day" he smiled sadly before he kissed his wife's picture before pla