Primordial earth, p.120
Primordial Earth, page 120
“Yes, I’m sure. She’s been the mayor for three terms, and while she’s done a lot of good, the power is going to her head,” Imogen said. “It’s time for someone else to have a turn.”
“Alright then,” Tomi said, reaching out to shake her hand. “Welcome to the team.”
“Not that I’m not happy for you, but what about our supplies?” Seth said. “We risked our lives for a final shipment to Prime city, and we can’t go back empty-handed.”
“You can take the second Humvee with the fifty caliber gun. It will keep you safe on your journey, and it’s worth a lot. I’ll even toss in some extra guns and ammunition,” Lieutenant Cummings said.
“It’s a start,” Seth said.
“I will also try to convince the next Mayor to honor your deal and send a shipment of goods your way.”
“Don’t worry,” Imogen said with a grin. “We’ve got your backs.”
“At the very least, we could negotiate a favorable trade agreement for you,” Tomi offered.
Seth glanced at Rogue. “A trade deal would be far more beneficial than a single shipment, but we’d need an ambassador to represent us here.”
“We could do it,” Jessica said. “Bear and I can wait until the new Mayor is in power, negotiate a deal, and return to Prime with their offer.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Rogue said. “They can watch out for Imogen and make sure she’s settled in as well.”
“That gives me time to pack up my stuff,” Jessica agreed.
“Then it’s decided. You three will accompany me to Vancouver,” Tomi said with a brisk tone.
“That’s right, and together we’ll make history,” Jessica said. She glanced at Imogen. “In a good way, my sweet.”
“I know,” Imogen said. “My mother won’t be happy, but it’s for the best. Hopefully, she’ll see that in time.”
“Either way, I’ll be there every step of the way,” Jessica added.
Rogue blew out a deep breath and turned to Seth. “I guess it’s just you and me, my love.”
“I guess so,” he replied.
“I’ll make the arrangements for your departure,” Lieutenant Cummings said. “It was an honor to know you.”
“Er… same here,” Rogue said, shaking his hand.
After shaking Seth’s hand as well, he marched toward the back of the convoy.
Rogue looked at Jessica, Bear, and Imogen. “I’m gonna miss you guys.”
“It’s not for long. A few months, at most,” Jessica said. “Pinkie swear.”
Bear grunted. “We’ll come home. Don’t worry.”
“Who knows? Maybe I’ll come with them,” Imogen said with a cheeky grin.
Rogue reached out and pulled the girl into a hug. “You’re always welcome.”
She moved on to Jessica and Bear, hugging each in turn. Now that it was time to say goodbye, she didn’t want to do it. “I hate this. Farewells are hard.”
“It’s not farewell,” Jessica said. “More like a, see you later?”
“I like that,” Rogue said, blinking back the tears. “See you later.”
Moments later, Lieutenant Cummings returned and held out the keys to the Humvee. “She’s loaded up, fully fueled, and ready to go.”
“Thanks,” Seth said, taking the keys. “Good luck with your err… takeover? Coupe?”
“Let’s call it a venture,” Tomi said with a twinkle in his eyes.
“A venture, it is,” Seth said. He waved the keys at Rogue. “Ready to go, love?”
“I’m ready,” Rogue said, though she wasn’t ready all. Still, she had no choice. It was time to go home.
She gathered her things from the truck, said her final goodbyes, and climbed into the Humvee. Seth got in next to her and started the engine. The rest of the convoy pulled away and they followed until they reached a turn-off.
Seth idled in place while the rest peeled off toward Vancouver, heading straight for its imposing walls. “There they go.”
“There they go indeed,” Rogue said, her heart clenching in her chest. Already, she missed her friends. With a sigh, she looked away. “Take us home, my love.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said and pulled away. Within minutes, Vancouver was nothing more than a distant memory.
The days passed without incident as they made their way back to Prime. It was almost as if the heavens made them invisible, or karma felt they were due a little luck, for nothing awful befell them. They never even had occasion to use the fifty caliber.
They traveled during the day, and slept inside their vehicle at night, wrapped in each others arms. Rogue’s wounds healed, both those of the flesh and the mind.
Two weeks later, Humvee topped out on a rise, and Prime lay sprawled out before them. Rogue looked at Seth with stars in her eyes. “We made it. We’re home.”
Epilogue I - Kat
Kat wove through the crowd with one hand hovering protectively over her stomach. Not that she truly needed it. Callum loomed at her side like a giant, scowling at anyone who dared to come close.
She didn’t mind. It was nice to know he was there, always caring and attentive. It made the long days pass quickly. Days spent in enforced inactivity while she waited for the babe to be born. She was on strict orders from Dr. Bloomberg not to over-exert herself. A tedious sentence in her eyes.
But today was different. Today the entire city celebrated the wedding of Patti Fry and Lee Alexander, a likable couple with no enemies. It was the kind of celebration guaranteed to bring the whole town out in joyous festivity, and she’d ensured that it looked the part.
Banners, balloons, flowers, streamers, and more decorated the city square. Market stalls sold delicious treats meant to tempt the senses, and a music band played on the center stage. Girls ran around handing out flower garlands and roses from the hotel’s gardens, and boys offered tokens to free pony and camel rides.
“Ye did well, lass,” Callum said with an approving nod. “Tis even better than I expected.”
“Did you ever doubt me?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Never, my sweet. How could I when ye’re such an accomplished woman,” he said with a wink.
“I’m glad you realize how lucky you are,” she said, leaning into his side.
“Lucky indeed.”
“Come on. We have to hurry. The ceremony will start soon,” Kat said.
They sat down in their seats, those reserved for close family and friends. They didn’t have to wait long. The entire city of Prime was out in force, and Patti did not keep them hanging.
A small instrumental band played the wedding march, and Lee took his place next to the priest. He looked every bit the part of the nervous bridegroom, tugging at his collar as if it were trying to strangle him. A couple of flower girls skipped past, throwing petals in the air, followed by a trio of bridesmaids in sunshine yellow.
Finally, Patti appeared looking regal in a dress made from pale yellow silk. The color complimented her auburn hair, and her green eyes sparkled. She walked down the aisle with the citizens cheering her on. Young and old, it didn’t matter. They were all there to witness the ceremony.
They exchanged vows, followed by the rings, and all of Prime held its collective breath as the priest announced the words they’d all been waiting for. “I now declare you husband and wife.”
A wild cheer rang around the square, drowning out the band and the church bells. People broke into song and dance, and Kat struggled to hold back the tears.
“Are ye crying, lass?” Callum asked with a hint of amusement.
“Yes, I am, and so what? Doesn’t she look beautiful?”
“That she does, lass, and it’s an auspicious occasion for us all,” he said.
“Yes, it is. Look how happy the people are,” Kat said, waving a hand at the masses.
“They’ll be even happier when the free booze arrives,” Callum said with a snort.
“Don’t be such a cynic. It was a lovely ceremony,” Kat said, slapping him on the shoulder.
Callum laughed. “I’m just teasing ye, lass.”
Kat grinned, and she reached out to clasp his hand. “Care to dance?”
“Can ye? Being the size of a whale and all?”
Kat gasped, pretending to be outraged. “I’ll outdance the lot of you.”
“Alright, but remember what the doctor said,” Callum admonished.
“Oh, come on. Just one dance,” Kat pleaded.
Callum gave in. “For you, lass, I’d do anything in the world.”
Secure in the warmth of his love, Kat gave in to the moment. As Callum swung her around the dance floor, she tossed her head back and imagined she could fly, and in a way, she could. All because of him.
Epilogue II - Sandi
The cart rattled over the rough track, a single horse drawing it toward their destination: The Zoo. Sandi sat in the seat next to Paul, a rifle held across her knees. A blanket around her legs kept her warm, and her body was encased in layers of wool and cotton.
The cart in front of them carried Olivia and Jamie and three more wagons loaded with building supplies brought up the rear. Armed guards circled the convoy while scouts ranged ahead, looking for danger.
“How much further is it?” Sandi asked.
“We’re almost there,” Paul said, flashing her a smile.
Sandi sighed with relief. She didn’t feel like her usual self and regretted coming on this journey. Her back ached horribly, and her ass had gone numb from sitting on the hard seat. Yawning, she leaned against Paul’s shoulder and closed her eyes. Why am I so tired all of the time? It’s not like me.
Paul noticed the state she was in and said, “Go ahead. I’ll wake you when we get there.”
“Thanks,” she said and dozed off within seconds.
What felt like hours later, a hand shook her shoulder. “Wake up, sweetie. We’re here.”
“Huh?” Sandi mumbled, blinking into the light.
“We’re here,” Paul repeated.
Sandi sat up straight and rubbed her eyes. Then she looked around and gasped. The world that met her gaze was both achingly familiar and utterly alien at the same time. “It looks the same, and yet, it doesn’t.”
“I know what you mean,” Paul said.
The clearing was identical to the one from her memories: A wide-open field of knee-high grass hemmed in on all sides by the primordial forest. A rocky outcrop ran along one side, topped by a guard tower, abandoned and derelict.
The ground sloped upward as they neared the middle, granting a clear view all around. There sat the remains of the old Portland Zoo, a place that became a refuge to the survivors of the Shift more than two decades before.
It was also Sandi’s home, or it used to be until General Sikes burned it to the ground. Now, little remained but scorched beams, blackened walls, and overgrown roads. Even the wells were useless. The pumps were broken, and the water was full of mud and algae. It did not resemble the place she remembered. Instead, it looked strange and unfamiliar.
“It’s so sad,” Sandi whispered, clinging to Paul. “We used to love it here, and now it’s all gone.”
“I know,” Paul said, his tone bleak.
Together, they climbed down from the cart and walked closer to the ruins. Olivia and Jamie joined them, and they stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the border of their old domain. A broken kingdom.
But there was still hope.
Ric wasted no time and got to work the moment they arrived. He barked out orders left and right, assigning guards to the old towers for security. With scouts ranging the area, a handful of workers set up camp while others revived sections of the old wall and repaired the broken defenses. Mules and camels dragged burnt stumps aside and pulled over damaged houses while dredges cleared the wells.
Dozens of tents cropped up like mushrooms on a rotten log. They circled a central clearing equipped with a bonfire and supply wagon. The resident cook began preparations for dinner, and the handlers built a corral for the animals. Within minutes, the area teemed with new life and the promise of a better future.
“It’s amazing,” Sandi said, gazing at the scene with wonder.
“That it is,” Paul agreed.
“It’s like I’m watching a miracle unfold,” Jamie said with a hitch in her throat. “I wish Brittany was here to see this.”
“I’m sure she is,” Sandi assured Jamie. “She lives on in all of us.”
“I know, but I still miss her,” Jamie said, wiping a tear from her cheek. “Every day.”
“We all do,” Sandi said, a knot forming in her throat. “If I close my eyes, I can almost see us kids running amok in the Zoo. It was such a magical place for a child to grow up in. Full of exiting creatures, strange beasts, and whimsical adventures.”
“Well, here we are, standing on the brink of a new dawn,” Jamie said. “Hopefully, your children will be lucky enough to have the same experiences you did.”
“That would be wonderful,” Sandi said, flashing a look at Paul.
“Is that what you want, sweetheart? To stay here?” he asked.
“I think so, but what about you?” she asked.
“I feel the same. Things have changed, and I feel we’re ready to take on our responsibilities now.”
“What about the Watch? Bruce and Callum?”
“They don’t need me. The Zoo does,” Paul said.
“I feel bad for dropping Kat,” Sandi admitted. “But, you’re right. The Zoo needs us more than they do. Our future is here.”
He reached out to squeeze her hand. “Together, we can make it work.”
“Yes, we can.”
“So, you’re staying?” Jamie asked.
Sandi nodded. “We’re staying.”
“Oh, Ric will be so pleased to have you both on the council. Young blood. That’s exactly what we need,” Jamie cried. “I’ll tell him the happy news.” Before anyone could say a word, she rushed off in search of Ric.
“Well, that’s that,” Sandi said with a wry smile. “There’s no going back now!”
“It seems not,” Paul said with a low laugh.
“You’re making the right decision, I’m sure of it,” Olivia said. “Especially now that you’re pregnant.”
“Pregnant? I’m pregnant?” Sandi cried.
“Oh, my. I’m so sorry,” Olivia cried, clapping a hand over her mouth. “I thought you knew!”
“You’re pregnant?” Paul yelled.
“How should I know?” Sandi yelled back.
“How don’t you know?” Paul asked.
“I’m a woman, not a psychic,” Sandi said. “I thought I was coming down with something. A bug, maybe.” She looked down at her belly, still flat and taut underneath the thick jacket. “Can it be?”
“I knew it from the moment I first saw you,” Olivia said. “You have that special glow about you.”
“I can’t believe it,” Sandi said in an attempt to absorb the news. “I’m going to be a mom.”
“Mom? That means I’m going to be a dad,” Paul said with a look of wonder.
“It usually works that way,” Olivia said in a wry tone of voice.
“It’s amazing,” Paul said, the shock clearing from his face. He grabbed Sandi and lifted her into the air, swinging her around and around until she squealed with delight.
“Okay, okay, that’s enough,” she cried. “Watch out, or I’ll puke all over you.”
Paul immediately set her down. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. What if I hurt the baby?”
Olivia laughed. “She’s pregnant, not made of glass, Paul. The baby will be fine, and so will you.”
“I still can’t believe it,” Sandi said, breathless with joy. She looked up at Paul. “Are you ready for this? Are you ready for a life as a husband, father, and leader of this community?”
“I am,” he said, smiling down at her. “Are you?”
“Yes, I think I’m finally ready.” A sudden thought occurred to her, and she frowned. “But what if we fail? What if we let everyone down.”
“Listen closely, my dear,” Olivia said. “You’re not perfect. Neither of you are perfect. You will make mistakes, and you will let people down. But as long as you try your best and it comes from the heart, you’ll do just fine.”
“Thank you, Olivia,” Sandi said, leaning against Paul. “I’ll remember that. We both will.”
“It’s my pleasure, dear. I’ll always be here for you when you need me. Like I’ll be there for Rogue when she comes home one day, and she will.”
“Of course, she will,” Sandi said, reaching out to take Olivia’s hand. “So let’s give her something spectacular to return to. A real home.”
Olivia returned her smile. “Let’s do that.”
As one, they turned back to the scene of ordered chaos that was the old Zoo, soon to become the new and improved Zoo. A new home for them all.
Epilogue III
Rogue ran her hands through her hair. It was cut into a short bob with choppy ends, and the color shone deep red against her pale skin. A hairband kept stray strands out of her face. It matched her outfit, a soft lavender dress paired with leather sandals. The items were a gift from her mother, and she wore them with pride. After all, it was a special occasion, and she wanted to look her best.
With a spring in her step, Rogue left the room and entered the kitchen. It was abuzz with activity, and several smiling faces greeted her entrance: Olivia, Jamie, Sandi, Aret, Kat, and Patti Fry.
“Look who’s up at last,” Olivia said. “Did you sleep well, daughter?”
“Like the dead. Sorry I’m late, but the excitement made it hard to sleep last night. I drifted off somewhere around midnight and found it impossible to get up this morning,” Rogue replied.
“I know what you mean,” Sandi said, her golden-brown hair tied into a loose bun. It complemented her long, white dress gathered under the bust with a belt.
“You look lovely,” Rogue said, flashing her a smile.
“Thank you,” Sandi said. “Though it’s hard to feel pretty when you’re the size of a T-rex.”
Rogue laughed and grabbed an apron from a hook on the wall. “How can I help?”
