The Wasteland Chapters 21-25

Chapter 21

Phil laughs as he looks at the map Terry has.” Good things we came when we did.”

“Why that?” Terry asks.

“The route you guys were traveling would have lead you right into a minefield” Phil says showing in a spot on the map.

“Minefield?” Terry asks confused.

“Not the type of minefield that explodes. There are parts of the country that have high levels of radiation. It’s the reason for the mutants.” Eric said from the driver’s seat.

“That area has the highest amount of radiation, at least from what we have encountered.” Phil said taking a drink from a bottle.

“How do you know what parts have radiation?” Asked Alice.

“Well when you live out in this area long enough you see things you wish you never would have seen.” Eric said tuning the heat to the SUV on.

“We had a friend Tony, he went out on a run to get a few supplies. When he finally came back he was already starting to become one of those fuckers. Tony’s eyes were bleeding and he had puss coming out from his mouth. The process to become a mutant is fucked up.” Phil said taking another drink.

“Sorry about your friend.” Said Alice.

“Don’t be, the guy was an asshole.” Eric said laughing.

The sun starts to set, they can see the building in Vegas. The casinos that once filled Vegas are barely there anymore. Most of them are falling apart, others are completely collapsed. Terry can’t believe that this place used to be filled with life where people came to have a good time. He has seen old photos in one of the buildings in the community of what Vegas used to look like. He wishes that the Vegas he is looking at right now looked like it does on the old photo. The SUV then pulls into an open area outside of the city. There are tents pitched, people are sitting around a campfire and others are sitting at tables eating.

“Well here it is.” Eric says parking the SUV and turning the engine off.

“Surprised you don’t use any of the buildings in the city.” Terry said looking around the small camp.

“It’s just a lot more peaceful out here. It was too crowded in the city.” Phil says as they get out of the SUV. A boy around of the age of seventeen walks over to Phil.

“Bob, can you get these two a tent? Do you guys want separate tents? They are pretty small.” Eric says rolling and lighting another cigarette.

“Yeah two tents would be good.” Terry said. Bob walks away to get the tents.

“Well, feel free to walk around and get some food. There are no rules here, so have fun but try not to piss anyone off.” Phil and Eric then walk away.

Later that night. Terry is sitting a way from most of the people at the camp but is staying near the light of the fire. He is smoking a cigarette. Terry looks up at the sky and is amazed by how many stars he can see. The sky is practically filled with them. He was able to see starts while in the community but it doesn’t compare to this. Times like this almost makes him forget the angry he feel for Mayor Jordan. Terry has thought about just living out in the Wasteland but he knows that he has to avenge his father’s death. Eric then walks over. He is holding a bottle of wine. He falls to the ground, slowly sits up and offers the bottle to Terry. Terry refuses.

“Come on man! Have some fun!” He says putting the bottle in front of Terry’s face.

“Sorry but I don’t drink.” Said Terry.

“Fine more for me.” He says taking a drink from the bottle. “So what is the deal with you and the girl? Is she like your daughter?”

“No, just a friend that I am helping.” Said Terry.

“That cool man.” Eric places some cocaine and then snorts it. He offers some to Terry but he refuses it as well. “Terry I have been completely honest with you. There is a bigger reason to why Phil and I are out here. We killed someone. Now this was an accident. We were drunk and had no control of what we were doing. All three of was were playing a card game, things got intense and we got into a fight. Once of the fight was over we found out that he was dead and we both were convicted of murder. Our punishment was death or survive a year our here. Hell our year has been up for about two years now but Phil and I haven’t wanted to go back to LA. We love it out here, we love the fight for survival every day and we love the fact that we get to create our own rules. Our here man, we are free.” He takes another drink and snorts more cocaine. 

“I am out here for the same thing.” Terry said lighting a cigarette.

“You killed someone as well?” He asked.

“Well not exactly. I was falsely accused of murdering my father.” Terry tells him.

“Wow that sucks man. So how much longer do you have?” Eric asked.

“About seven more months.” Said Terry.

“You going back?” Asked Eric.

“Yeah, I am going to back to fucking kill the two motherfuckers who killed my father.” Terry said starting to feel the anger he has for them again.

“That’s cool man.” Eric then falls asleep and then starts to snore.

Alice then walks over and sits down next to Terry. Her hair has been braided.” I need to remember how to do this. I like my hair better this way.” She says playing with her hair. Terry looks at her hair.

“It looks nice. Who did it?” He asks.

“Phil’s girlfriend Jessica. I think I should be able to do it next time, it didn’t look too hard.” She said. Alice looks at the sky and see the stairs.

“I’ve never see this many stars before! It amazing!” She says.

“Same here.” Terry then points to the Big Dipper. “See those stars over there? My dad said that is called the Big Dipper. There are many more like that but they take a different shape, they are called constellations. I’ve only see the Big Dipper though.” Alice looks at the Big Dipper and smiles.

“I think I can looks at that all night!” Alice said still looking at the stars.

Terry feels that there may be another reason to why Alice want to go to LA and before they reach their destination he has to know why. “Alice I think it’s time you tell me the real reason to why you want to go to LA.” Terry said lighting another cigarette.

Alice looks at him confused, “I already told you.”

“Yeah and I been thinking that what you told me was bullshit. You said that you are obsessed with movies and wanted to go and find older movies. Yet not once have you talk about movies hell you haven’t even mentioned your favorite movie. So it’s time to cut the shit and tell me the truth. You mentioned that you had tried to leave a few times because of your father but why LA? The New York community is a lot closer. Why not go there.” Asked Terry.

“Terry I’ve been telling you the truth!” She tells him.

“Bullshit. Alice I can understand that before you may not have trusted me and didn’t want to tell me the real reason but you can trust me now.” Said Terry.

Alice sighs,” Okay I lied. Truth is I never even saw a movie before, I read about them in a book. I just used that as a cover for my real reason. I believe that my mom is alive and living in LA.” She said.

Really? How do you know this?” Terry asked.

“My dad told me that my mom had died shortly after I was born. He told me this one time when he was drink. All he said was she was alive and living in LA. That is why I had tried to run away before. I am sorry I didn’t tell you before but I thought you wouldn’t understand.” Alice tells him.

“Alice that would have been a more believable story. I lost my mom as well. She died while giving birth to me.” He said.

There is then gunfire, followed by screaming. Eric sits up and looks around. “What the fuck is going on?!”  There is then a huge explosion, Terry can see people running and getting shot. He runs to his tent and grabs his gear. Tents are starting to catch fire. As he runs past Eric he hands him one of the AKs.

“Come one! You got people to protect! Alice stay here and hide!” Terry says to Eric.

Eric and Terry start to run to the gun fire. A group of men wearing mask that look like demons are firing at anyone they see. One of them throws a grenade. Father Isaac and Elijah push themselves in front of the group. Father Isaac sniffs the air.

“I can smell them Elijah. Go and find Terry and that little bitch. Don’t hurt them too much I need them to be strong.” Father Isaac said. Elijah beings to walk deeper into the camp.

Terry flips a table over he and Eric use it as cover. “Who the fuck are these people?!” Eric yells over the gunfire.

“Followers of a fucking psychopath! He was hired by the one who killed my father to kill me.” Terry says firing at one of the followers.

A women screams for help. Terry looks over and sees that she is trying to fight off one of Father Isaac’s men. Terry tries to go over to her but someone starts to fire at him. “Shit!” He yells.

The women continues to scream for help. Terry aims his gun and fires at the man. The women gets up. BANG! She is then shot at multiple times, “Fuck!” He yells as he watches her die.

Alice is still hiding in the tent, she is holding a gun. She flinches every time there is a gunshot. A shadow then appears in front of the tent.” Terry is that you?” She asks.

A knife then rips into the tent. Alice screams. Elijah pulls her from the tent. She smiles when he see that it is her. “No one here to protect you now you fucking bitch!” He says laughing. Alice hits him but he acts like he didn’t feel a thing.

Terry pops out of cover and manages to shoot one of their attackers. The bullet goes through his head. Phil then runs over to them.

“This is fucked up man! Our people are being massacred! What the fuck are we going to do?! Phil ask loading his gun.

“I don’t know! Just kill as many as you can!” Eric says shooting at one of the followers.

“Everyone stop now!” Father Isaac yelled. The gun fire stops. Father Isaac’s men then kneel. “Terry it’s time for you to come out now! We have someone you know!” He says smiling.

Terry stands up and sees that Father Isaac is holding Alice by the throat. “There you are!’ Father Isaac said.

“Let her go!” Terry orders.

“Lay down your gun and I may think about it.” He says glaring at him. Terry throws the gun down. Father Isaac then tosses Alice to the ground.

“Now are you going to give yourself up like a good boy?” He asks laughing.

“Fuck you! We’re ending this here!” Terry yelled.

“Why haven’t you learned yet? You can’t kill me, I am immortal!” He yelled.

“The fuck you can’t! Phil then stands up and fires at Father Isaac. The bullet hits him in the chest. Father Isaac laughs. Elijah then shots Phil in the arm. Phil then falls to the ground screaming.

“Leave this to me! Terry yells.

Terry is walks to Father Isaac, he is close enough to see his eyes reflecting the fire that surround them. A knife then appears in Father Isaac’s hand, he ties to cut Terry. Terry manages to dodge the knife attack. Terry pulls his katana out and tries to cut Father Isaac. Father Isaac lets the katana hit him in the arm, before Terry can pull it out of Father Isaac’s arm he grabs the katana and throws it on the ground. Father Isaac manages to cut Terry in the gut, Terry places his hand on the cut. He tries to gut Terry again but he grabs Father Isaac’s arm, there is then a crack. Terry breaks his arm.

Father Isaac knees Terry in the stomach, and punches Terry a few times in the face. Father Isaac’s knife stabs Terry in the stomach. The knife didn’t go too deep. Father Isaac pushes Terry on the ground and then steps on him.

“This has been fun Terry, but it time for this to end. If anyone tries to stop me kill them!” He yells to his followers. He then picks up Terry’s Katana.

“Killing you with your own weapon will be a great way to end our war!”  Father Isaac bends down next to Terry and places the katana on his throat. Father Isaac starts to smile.

Suddenly two mutants appear behind Father Isaac, they grab him. There is then gunfire. Terry quickly gets up and grabs the katana. The camp is now overrun with the mutants. Terry sees Father Isaac getting mauled by the mutants. Terry grabs Alice and runs back to the table.

“Eric I need to borrow the SUV!” Terry yells.

“What?! Why?!” He yells as he cuts the head off of a mutant.

“These fuckers just want us. We leave and they will follow!” Terry said.

Eric then tosses him the eyes. They being to run towards the SUV. Before they can get into the car, Terry is stopped by Elijah. Elijah stabs Terry in the back with a knife. He throws Terry against the car, and starts to choke him. Alice tries to stop him but Elijah slaps her in the face.

“As a servant to Father Isaac, I have been given the power to sacrifice you!” The knife is placed on Terry’s throat. BANG! Blood splatters on Terry’s face. Terry falls to the ground. He see Alice with a gun.

“Good job Alice. Let’s get the fuck out of here!” They get in the car. Terry turns the engine on and starts to drive. Father Isaac’s men stop firing and head off in the direction Terry went in. Mutants chase after them.



Terry speeds away from the camp and looks in the driver side mirror. He can see two cars following them. “Fuck why won’t they leave us alone!”  Terry yells getting frustrated. They being to fire at the SUV. Terry rolls the window down.

“Alice take the wheel! Just keep the wheel straight!” Terry yells while he leans out the window and begins to fire at the two cars. He manages to hit one of cars but they continue to chase and fire at them. The SUV back window is then broken by bullets. Terry pulls the trigger on the AK-47, he manages to hit on of the cars, the bullet goes through the windshield and hits the drive in the eye, causing the car to crash into a tree. The other car continues to pursue them. 

A bullet hit the back right wheel of the SUV, the tire pops. Alice tries to keep the car under control but it’s no use. The car spins out of control and stops on the side of the road. The car chasseing them stops in front of them and the passenger side door opens. Father Isaac slowly walks toward the SUV with a gun aimed at Terry’s head. His face is bloody and has many claw marks.  He opens the door and pulls Terry out by the throat and slams him on the door of the car, pressing the gun against his head.

“Why won’t you staying fucking dead?!” Terry asked.

“Let’s have a little history lesson of our encounters. First you stabbed me in the throat, then that little bitch shot me in the head, you broke my arm which is already fixed, and I was mauled by those beasts. I will only die when Satan allows it!” Father Isaac said showing him his wounds.

“I’ll find a way to kill you!” Terry yelled.

Father Isaac laughs evilly,” Do you think you will get away this time? You won’t, I am ending this here.” He presses the gun harder against Terry’s head. “You know I was actually going to let you live when we first met? I was going to let you be one of my followers, even higher than Elijah.

“What makes you think I would have joined you?” Terry asked laughing.

“You would have joined because deep down inside you are a killer, like me.” Father Isaac said.

“I am nothing like you!” Terry said.

“You’ve killed while being out here.” He tells him.

“I’ve done what I had to do to survive.” Said Terry.

Father Isaac laugh, “If you did regain your life in the community you would become bored knowing you won’t have to kill and eventually you would kill someone who is innocent. Trust me I know more about you than you do. You enjoy killing. Why do you think you choose to live out here?”

“I choose this so I could kill Jordan when my time is up!” Terry yelled.

“See? You are a cold blooded killer.” He said smiling.

“Keep telling yourself that.” Terry said.

“Well Terry this conversation is getting boring and I have people to kill back at that camp. This is when our story ends. Good bye Terry.” He said as he starts to pull the trigger. Terry closes his eyes waiting for him to pull the trigger.

BANG! Terry opens his eyes and see a bullet in Father Isaac’s eye. Terry grabs Father Isaac’s gun and kill his followers before they can react. Terry looks to see that Alice was the one who shoot him. “That’s the second time I’ve saved your fucking ass!” Alice said laughing.

Terry sits up. “Grab your stuff we’re going to take his car.” They gather stuff and opens the door Father Isaac’s car. The smell of a dead body hits them as the door opens. Terry looks into the car and sees two bodies with their heads cut off. Terry pushes them out of the car. They get in the car and Terry begins to drive.



                                       Chapter 22

Terry opens the door to a dark abounded house. They with their gun drawn enter the house, lightening fills the room with a quick glimpse of light. They slowly move through the house checking to make sure that they are alone. Heavy rain taps against the pane of the window. “Think Father Isaac is finally dead?” Alice asks wiping dirt off of a couch.

“Hopefully, but it’s doubtful. Look at all what we have done to him and he still comes back.” Said Terry. Terry place his backpack on the ground next to the couch, he finds a few candles and lights them. The living room is still dark but the candles provide some light.

“Should have shoot him a few more times in the head.” Alice said.

“What’s the point if he is just going to come back? It’s a waste of ammo” Terry said checking to see how much ammunition they have.

“I guess you’re right. Think Eric and Phil will be okay?” Alice asked worried about everyone back at the camp.

“I am sure they will be okay. If Father Isaac did manage to survive he’ll be looking for us. Plus we killed the last of his followers, he won’t try and kill them alone.” Terry said.

Terry finds a black touchscreen cellphone sitting on the edge of a stand next to the couch. He picks it up on presses the power button, the phone powers up. Back at the community Terry had a cellphone, he got it when he became Mayor Jordan’s bodyguard. Only a few people had phones at the communities, due to the limited amount of power. The cellphone manages to fully turn on, it has half a bar of power. Terry sees a message notification at the top of the screen. He open the text message and reads the last conversation be a wife and her husband.

Wendy: Did you hear about what happened in Manhattan?! Sirens just started going off here!

Mike: Take the kids down to the basement and tell them I love them.

Wendy: Tell me you’re going to make it here!

Wendy: Mike please answer me!

The phone then dies. Terry sets the phone on the stand and thinks about how many others had conversations like this; before the other bombs dropped. A total of seven nukes were sent to kill that day, three of them hit the US one right off the cost of the Gulf of Mexico.

“What’s that?” Alice asks pointing at the phone?

“It’s a cellphone.” Said Terry.

“What is used for?” She asked.

“It’s used to talk to people over a long distance. Almost like a letter but you can hear the person’s voice. You can also send words to them as well.” He said sitting on the couch.

“That sounds awesome!” Says excitedly. “Can I have it?” She asked.

“Sure.” He said handing it to him. “Won’t really be able to do anything with it though, it’s dead and not too many people have one today.”

“That sucks! It’s still really cool though.” She said looking at it.

“Why don’t you try and get some sleep?” I’ll the first watch.” Terry said handing her the sleeping bag. She takes it from, unrolls it, climbs in and closes her eyes.

                   

                                       Chapter 23

“Wake up Terry!” Terry opens his eye and see Father Isaac pointing a gun at him smiling. In his other hand is a bloody knife, Alice lays on the ground her throat slit. BANG! Terry jumps awake and is immediately hit by the smell of cooked eggs.

“Bad dream?” Alice asks as she hands him half broken plate with some eggs on it and a fork.

“Yeah.” He says as he starts to eat the eggs. “Where did you get the eggs?” Asked Terry.

“Found a bird’s nest outside in a tree.” She said.

“What have I told you about going outside alone?” He finishes off the rest of the eggs.

“It was just right out the door and for only about a minute or two.” She said.

“Doesn’t matter for how long or how close it was to the house. With the weather getting warmer we’re bound to run into more mutants. Plus Father Isaac could have seen you.” Terry says as he starts to pack up the sleeping bag.

“Won’t happen again.” Said Alice.

Terry picks up his backpack, “Let’s go. We have a long road ahead of today.” They head out of the house and get in Father Isaac’s car. For the first time in months the sun is brightly shining and the heat is slowly beginning to melt the snow.



                                       Chapter 24

After five long and tiring months Terry and Alice have finally made it LA. The first thing Terry thinks about when they pull up to the large metal gate that blocks the entrance is finding Alice’s mom quickly and then leaving. He doesn’t want to stay too long and he wants to leave without Alice knowing. He knows if she finds out when he leaving she’ll try and go with him but he doesn’t want to put her in anymore danger. She did make a promise that if she found what she was looking for in LA that she would come back with him to help him kill Major Jordan but that was before he found out that what she was looking for was her mom.

Terry honks his horn, remembering that was a way of letting the guards posted inside that you were friendly. The gate opens and a man in police uniform carrying an assault rifle walks outside. As the police officer walks towards the car, Terry rolls the window down.

“Welcome to the Los Angeles community. While staying here please stay out of the restricted areas, they will be marked with a white sign. If you need to know about any other rules of the community visit the community town hall.” The office said.

Terry slowly drives the car past the gate, he sees the gate closing as he drives. Terry can’t believe how different the LA community looks compared to the New York community. LA seemed to be cleaner with less people sleeping the streets, less officers patrolling the streets. Probably the biggest thing Terry notices that is different is that the buildings here are a lot smaller, he can see a few tall buildings in the distance but they are nothing compared to the massive buildings he saw every day in New York. From what Terry has seen he wishes that he could actually stay here. It looks and even feels like it would be a better place to live to me. Though after he deals with Mayor Jordan he knows that it will become a better place to live.

Terry parks the car in a parking spot outside a building that appears to be some type of restaurant. Although he had some eggs this morning, it has been a long day and food that isn’t from a can is all he can think of right now. Alice is sleeping with her head against the window. Terry taps her gently on the arm to wake her. “Are we there?” She asked yawning and rubbing her eyes.

“Yeah we’re here.” He said opening the car door.

“Remember you have to find me on of things I found back at the market.” She reminded him.

Terry laughs,” Let’s first focus on finding your mom.”

“How are we going to find her? This place is huge!’ She said looking observing the area.

“Not sure but I think I have an idea. First let’s get something to eat.” Terry said as they walk toward the building. He can already make out the delicious smell of a freshly cooked squirrel as approach the building.

Terry and Alice are seated in a table in the back corner of the building. There a few other people in the building but for the most part it is empty and eerily quiet. The only real sound from a few soft voices and generator outside. Terry has ordered a small cooked squirrel and a pot of coffee while Alice has just gotten a small salad and a glass of water.

As Terry takes his first bite of the squirrel he starts to remember all the times he and his dad had dinner together. How his father would come home from work and Terry would already have dinner ready for them. Even if Terry knew his father was going to be working late he would always wait for his dad to come home before having his dinner. Everyday dinner was something Terry had looked forward to them most, it was really the only time he and his father were able to talk. Terry even continued to have dinner with when he started to live of his home.

“So, how do you think we will find my mom?” Alice asked.

‘Not sure. Did your dad ever tell you her name?” He asks.

“I can’t remember.” She said.

“Well this just made things a little harder. Let me think for a second.” Terry said pouring another cup of coffee, and then takes a sip.

“What about a last name?” He asked.

She think for a few seconds,” I think I remember him saying Smith but I am not sure.”

“Well it’s a start. Each community has a main building where they keep a list of everyone who lives there permanently. That would be the best place to look. Finish eating so we can go.” Said Terry.























                                       Chapter 25

The approach a brown desk inside a building that looks like it was some type of warehouse. Terry does worry that they won’t find her mom or they find out that she is dead. The trip would be a complete waste if they can’t find her and it would be a lot harder for Terry to leave Alice behind.

Besides the desk is a women wearing a red dress, she is looking at a clipboard. “I am looking for someone. Can you tell me if there is anyone with the last name Smith?” Terry asks.

She continues to look at the clipboard,” Why do you need to find this person.”

“Personal reasons.” Said Terry.

“Well if you’re not going to tell me why then I am afraid I can’t tell you.” She said.

“I don’t think it’s any of your business to why I need to find this person.” Terry said Terry to control his temper.

“Actually it is. My name is Sally and I am the mayor of this community. So, I’ll ask again why do you need to find this person?” She asked raising her voice a little.

Points at Alice,” For the past few months I’ve been helping her get her. She believes that her mom may be her. She originally lived in the DC community.”

Sally looks at Alice,” What’s your name?”

“Alice.” She said.

“Was your father’s name Bobby?” Sally asked setting the clipboard on the desk.

“Let’s go to my office.” She said leading them to her office which is behind the desk.

They enter her office, Terry and Alice sit in two seats in front of her desk, and Sally sits behind her desk. “You’re my mom right?” Alice askes 

“I am.” Said Sally.

“Why did you do it?” She asked.

“Do what? Asked Sally looking confused.

“You fucking know what! Why did you fucking leave me?!” Alice yelled.

“Alice, getting pregnant was the last thing I wanted.” Sally tells her.

“Fuck you!” she yelled standing up.

“Alice, clam down and let her explain.” Terry said as Alice sits back down in the chair.

“I get why you are angry. Look I was only in the DC community because I was going over trade plans.  One night I met your father and he was the best thing to very happen to me. I came back to DC a few times just so I could see him. Eventually I became pregnant with you. After giving birth I realized that I couldn’t see him or you anymore. So one night I left you with me and have never gone back.” Sally explained.

“Why couldn’t you just take me with you?” Allice asked trying to keep herself from crying.

“I had a husband already.  If I would have brought you with me my husband would have found out that I was having an affair and would have probably killed me.” Sally explained.

“Why not stay then?” Askes Alice.

“I had a responsibility to this community, I couldn’t just abandon everyone who lived here. Look leaving you was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and I have regretted it ever since. I am sorry.”

Alice finally starts to cry and Sally walks over to her and hugs her. “Everything that happened doesn’t matter anymore. What matters now is that you are here and we can start over.” Sally said.

Sally then walks back to her desk and writes something on a piece of paper and then hands it to Terry,” That is my house address. I need to finish a few things here and I’ll meet you guys go over there.” 

“We’re going to walk around a little before heading there.” Terry said standing up.

“Okay but try and be there by eight that’s when the curfew starts.” Sally said.

Terry and Alice are walk through a store that filled with random items. Terry is keeping his promise of helping her find a skateboard.  As Terry is looking on the selves he beings to feel regret about leaving her without telling her. He knows it is the best thing to do but he also feels that after everything they have been through that telling her would be the right thing to do.

“Alice you know I am going to be leaving soon?” Terry asked her. She stops looking through a bin and looks at him.

“We just got her. We can stay for a few days.” Alice said.

“You’re not coming with me.” He tells her.

“But I told you that I would help you.” She reminds him.

“I know but that was before I knew you were looking for your mom.” He said.

“I am going with you!” Alice yelled. People in the store being to look at her.

“We’ll talk about this later.” Terry then finds a skateboard. “Here I found it.”

“I don’t want the fucking thing anymore!” Alice said pushing it away and storms out of the store. Terry picks it up and starts to follow her.