Prompt for May 15th - May 21st

My story continues from last weeks though it isn't entirely necessary to read the other. Thanks!!





There was an explosion in the number of religious cults leading up to the dropping of the “First” nuclear warhead. The 21st century had failed to bring about solutions to any of the ill’s that had plagued the world for centuries, be it hunger violence or bigotry. The citizens of every country began to look elsewhere for hope and satisfaction. Cults were tailored to fit lifestyles, and looked to make fanaticism fun.

Unfortunately, many nations looked to stamp out dissidence that began to get too threatening, although they occasionally and liberally applied force in an attempt to regain followers through shows of extravagant armament. Eventually the Cult of The Fallen Angel decided that it was time to even the odds. In their eyes, the apocalypse was a necessary evil, and would push man to ascend from Earth and above worldly arguments and ailments. Scientists of the CotFA went as far as to assert that any relevant evolution of mankind would require some outside influence to truly catapult man into the future.

Sgt. O’ Neil never joined a cult, and she was owed her allegiances entirely to the SLF. She was born and raised as a soldier within the facility, and was always skeptical of something she couldn’t see and kill. There were few recruits beneath the old city, and her parents had each been soldiers hired by Alfred Swansong in an effort to ensure security within the facility.

When the cults began anew underground, there was only room for two. The Cult of Second Chances wished to explore a new existence underground. They believed that it was fate that sent them down into the bowels of the earth, and that it was up to them to take the opportunity to explore what life may be had now that true safety could only exist far from the wind and rain. The Followers of the Old Faith were determined to make their way back to the surface to see what remained of humanity. Spiritual successors to the CotFA, the FotOF believed that by returning to the devastation they may yet tend to the Earth, scavenging what they could of the life that remained and returning to their rightful lands. Fighting between the two groups damaged the outer levels of the SLF and drove them into increasingly tight quarters, amplifying both the tension and the desperation.

Sgt’ O’Neil swore allegiance only to her squad, and benefited off killing members of each cults in the way only the most malicious mercenaries can. She did not believe herself to be evil or even that dangerous, simply capable and willing to survive.

Walking through the corridors with Washington, she laughed to herself realizing that he had no idea the sorts of things she had done. It echoed back of the walls of the SLF and made much more noise than she had intended, but she continued to smirk anyway. Walking a few steps ahead Washington was aware that the soldier had laughed but only fleetingly cared.

“Real funny,” Washington sighed over his shoulder.

“Is it much further to your mother’s chamber? I haven’t been this way in years. Never liked it much before, but there’s a certain charm about it now.”

The slimy grate under the boots of the two travelers squeaked as they made their way down the last few cat-walks that linked Engineering with Maintenance. It was not the quickest way, unfortunately flooding had taken hold in Exercise and Entertainment and several thousand gallons of water were pinned back by forged steel, barring the way to all but ghosts. Alex’s chamber was within meters when Washington stopped and turned to face Sgt. O’ Neil, doing his best to appear an equal despite the skilled killer’s intimidating posture.

“I’m not sure this is going to work. But if my mom see’s you before I have a chance to explain why you are here she won’t give us a chance to explain.”

“Well,” Sgt. O’Neil scoffed, “ how do you know that? I remember Alex from years ago. I can’t say she’d have a reason to fear me? Despise me? I can’t be responsible for all the rumors…people talk, Hell, I bet she’d love to confront me, she always seemed the type.”

“You wouldn’t know anything about being confrontational after all.” Washington whistled out a sigh. “You know I want to get out of here as much as you do. I’m asking for a chance to make that happen.”

Sgt. O’Neils lip peels back in a sneer. “Get on with it.”

Washington approached his mother’s chamber with caution. There last fight had been quite animated, and he stormed off leaving things on bad terms. It was the first time they hadn’t come to some kind of agreement, and he felt uncomfortable returning to the scene of incident. He was ready to leave with or without her, but he had hope that she may be swayed.

Washington (knocks) : Hey Ma…. It’s me.

Alex (stirring within) : Tony…. Hello.

Washington: Mom can we talk inside? I’m sorry to surprise you li-

The door to her chambers swung open as he was talking, catching him off guard and causing him a bit of anxiety.

Alex: It’s nice to see you son.

Washington: Mom, listen-

Alex: I think you need to listen. I thought about what you said the other day. “You’ve given up.” You threw it at me like an insult. As if it were easy to give-up. You wouldn’t understand and I see that now. Your life has been simple and small. If you knew what I knew, what everyone my age knew, you may not be so tempted to escape this place. But I realize you couldn’t possibly understand.

Washington: Mom I’m leaving. I came here to say goodbye.

Alex (hurt): I can’t say I’m surprised. You made it clear there’s nothing here for you.

Washington: You know that isn’t true. I came back for you. I want you to come.

Alex: Please, you wouldn’t want your mother around. Your friend standing at the door is proof of that.

Sgt. O Neil had leaned into the room through the door during the conversation. When Alex had left the door open, the soldier assumed that anyone was allowed in, or perhaps even, there was an emergency. Noiseless, she peered in on what would have made a normal person much more uncomfortable.

Sgt O Neil: I’m sure Im not interrupting, after all, the young sir and I are on our way out and I imagine he’d like to be starting soon.

Alex: Hello Heather.

Heather (Sgt O Neil) :Well well, you were always good with names. Hopefully not holding grudges?

Alex: I can’t fault you for who you are. After all, dung beetles never chose to love shit.

Heather (Cackles) : Aren’t you ravenous! I do hope she will be joining us Washy.

Alex (turning to face her son): This isn’t fair. You know I wouldn’t want you to go with her.

Heather (still lurking) : And I don’t think he’d do to well with you lady! But we’re here. Train is one way and you’re on or off, or on then thrown off, whichever. I’m flexible.

Washington (Pleading) I know what I am asking you is hard but it’s as much for you as it is for me. There is nothing worth staying for any more. It’s just us. Why settle? Who will we hurt? What if there is more? Can you honestly say we don’t deserve better? We deserve whatever we can find and make ours and there is nothing down here worth having or clinging too.

Alex (reservedly): You’ve said as much before…. (she sighs) I may have given up hope, but as long as I am with you son, I shall have all the hope I need.
Heather: Don’t you mean all the hope you can stand?
Alex and Washington exchange glances, then the mother looks over scornfully at the soldier. Alex is well aware of Heather’s past. She is also well aware that there is something else in the shadows just beyond Heather shoulder, waiting and watching, listening and trying to comprehend. She could sense the struggle and realized that it could only be Daniel.