The Extinction Series | Book 4 | Primordial Earth 4

by Higgins, Baileigh

She ran out before anyone could stop her and fled down the tunnel. Her swift strides carried her back to the infirmary, where she sought out the nearest nurse. “Sorry to bother, but would it be possible to visit a patient?”

  “Which one?” the nurse asked.

  “The one that came in earlier with the stab wound. He’s from Prime,” Rogue said.

  “Oh, that one. Sorry, no visitors are allowed,” the nurse said with a shake of her head.

  “Not even for a few seconds?” Rogue pleaded.

  “The doctor would skin me alive,” the nurse said.

  She was young, with an open, friendly face, and Rogue tried a different tactic. “Can you at least tell me if he’s alright? He saved my life, and I’m worried about him.”

  “He’s doing okay for the moment,” the nurse said, dropping her voice to a low whisper. “His wound was serious, but the doctor managed to remove the blade and stop the bleeding. Unless it gets infected, he should be fine.”

  “Thanks,” Rogue said. “If he wakes up, could you give him a message?”

  “That depends on the message,” the nurse said.

  “Tell him he mustn’t worry, and he should focus on getting better. I’m here, and I’ve got his back,” Rogue said.

  The nurse shrugged. “That sounds harmless enough. I’ll tell him if I see him.”

  “Thanks again,” Rogue said, backing away. “It means a lot to me.”

  After visiting the infirmary, she searched for the stables. Along the way, she took the opportunity to study her new home. It was an exercise in ingenuity. A mixture of ancient and modern features formed the tunnels.

  As Sandi had explained to her before, generators provided electricity to the complex network. It wasn’t enough to run machinery or appliances, but enough to power the bulbs overhead and the fans inside the air vents. They had light, and they had oxygen.

  As for the rest, the Exiles proved to be pretty inventive. A central supply hub provided rations and goods to the citizens. Each home had a rocket stove used to heat or cook food and refillable water containers.

  There was little plumbing, but a few former shops had been turned into water collection points, and there were communal bathrooms. Apparently, the Shanghai Tunnels had been quite the tourist attraction once, and amenities were added to cater to visitors. Among them were pubs, restaurants, and restrooms, all repurposed into an underground living space.

  The Exiles pumped water from the river into large tanks up top. These flowed down into the plumbing, though drinking water had to be boiled first. Another problem was the number of people. The pumps could not run all day and often broke down, a hazard of the times. That meant strict rationing was the order of the day.

  Even so, they had food and water, homes, and basic medical care. They manufactured their own cloth and made their own clothes, soap, candles, and paper. The kids went to school, and everyone had a job. A cart collected rubbish each day, and most of it was recycled and reused.

  Rogue found it quite astonishing. It seemed people could create almost anything out of nothing, even in the harshest of circumstances. It beat Prime City hands down and showed her what could be accomplished if given a chance.

  After wandering through the place for over an hour, she located her destination. A long rectangular room with a built-in skylight formed the stables, and stalls lined the walls. They were filled with an odd assortment of animals, which caused her much delight: Horses, cows, goats, camels, and alpacas.

  As impressive as the animals were, however, she was there to visit Violet. In a very short time, she’d come to recognize a sweet and gentle soul in the mare, and the horse was now Rogue’s responsibility.

  When she spotted the animal’s blueish-white coat, she ran over with a happy cry. “There you are, Violet.” The horse nickered and tossed her head, the picture of health and vitality.

  “How do you like your new home? I’m sure it beats sleeping outside, huh? What with all the T-rexes and raptors and stuff.” Violet snorted and stamped her feet, which Rogue took as complete agreement. She rubbed the mare’s nose, marveling at its velvety texture.

  “Do you mind if I join you, girl?” Rogue asked before slipping into the stall.

  She ran her hands over the horse’s flanks before leaning against her. Violet’s rhythmic breathing and warmth were both comforting and relaxing. Within seconds, the tension fled from Rogue’s shoulders, and she was able to think more clearly.

  “I really messed things up this time, girl. I did what I usually do and ran off without thinking about the consequences. Everyone was worried about me, and they had no idea where I was or if I was even okay,” Rogue murmured against Violet’s side. “Now they’re all mad at me, and I can’t blame them. Especially Seth.”

  Violet reached back and nuzzled Rogue with her nose, almost as if to comfort her. “I didn’t mean to do it. I just… I act without thinking sometimes. It’s what I’m used to. All these years, it’s just been me. Okay, me and Moran, but she was busy a lot of the time. Mostly I looked after myself, and I didn’t have to bother telling anyone else what I was doing or—”

  “Well, that’ll have to change,” a low voice said, causing Rogue to jump.

  “Holy crap, who’s there?” she cried, whirling around. Violet snorted in alarm and backed away from the stranger. Her sudden move sent Rogue crashing into the side of the stall, but her fall was broken by a carpet of hay.

  “It’s me, Seth. Are you okay?” The stall door opened, and Seth offered her his hand. “I didn’t mean to scare you or the horse.” He pulled her up and maneuvered her out of the stall before closing the door.

  “I’m okay. She didn’t hurt me, and her name is Viol—” A sudden sneeze caught her off guard, followed by another and another. “Oh… man… I hate dust.” Another sneeze. “And hay.” More sneezing.

  “But you wanted a horse,” Seth said in a dry tone of voice.

  “I didn’t want her, but I got her, and now I kinda do want her,” Rogue blubbered through swollen eyes as he led her away from the stables. She turned around and yelled, “Bye, Violet. See ya tomorr—” Another colossal sneeze.

  Seth managed to find her a piece of cloth, and she blew her nose before eyeing him with trepidation. “Anyway, what were you saying? Before?”

  “I was saying you’ll have to change because you’re not alone anymore. You have me now, and I’m not planning on going anywhere,” Seth said.

  “You’re not?”

  “No, even though I was furious at you,” Seth admitted.

  “I know, and I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re back and still alive,” he said, drawing her into a bear hug. “But next time you run off like that, you’d better hope I don’t find you first.”

  “You came looking?”

  “Of course, I did. I searched all night and all of the next day. I was even planning a trip back to the Zoo when you showed up out of the blue.”

  “I don’t deserve you,” Rogue said with a sigh.

  “Maybe not, but you’ve got me anyway,” Seth said, drawing away. “Now, are you ready to go back and face the music?”

  Rogue pulled a face. “I’d rather get trampled by a herd of stampeding long necks.”

  “You know Olivia and Moran are not done with you yet,” Seth said. “They seemed pretty mad that you ran off again. Even if it was just to visit your new pet.”

  “I know,” Rogue said, allowing him to lead her back to her new home. This time, she didn’t as much, though, because this time, she wasn’t alone.

  Chapter 12

  Rogue returned to her new quarters, dragging her feet. She didn’t relish another harangue from the two harpies, even with Seth by her side. Much to her delight, the small space was crowded with people, and her arrival went unremarked. Moran, Bruce, Steven, and Bear were there, along with Ric, Jamie, Brittany, and Olivia. My family, both new and old.

  “Jamie, it’s good to see you,” Rogue said after greeting everyone
else.

  “Rogue, I’m glad to see you’re okay,” Jamie replied. “I heard all about your adventures.”

  “Let’s not talk about that right now,” Rogue said with a hurried look at Moran and Olivia.

  Jamie laughed. “Alright, I get it, and good luck with the Mama Bears.”

  “Thanks.”

  Brittany yanked at her arm and pulled her aside. In a fierce whisper, she said, “Well? What happened? I was worried sick.”

  “I promise to tell you everything, just don’t be mad at me,” Rogue said with a pleading look.

  “I’m not mad. I’m jealous. You always get to go on these exciting adventures while I’m stuck at home,” Brittany said with a pout.

  “Er, I wouldn’t call it an adventure, really,” Rogue said, waving her broken hand in front of Brittany’s face.

  “Yes, don’t encourage her,” Seth said with a stern look at Brittany. “I’m trying to wean her off her reckless behavior.”

  Brittany smirked. “Good luck with that.”

  Ric cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Listen, people, I’ve got some news.”

  “What is it?” Olivia asked, her expression worried.

  “Our scouts have returned, and it’s confirmed,” Ric said. “The Zoo is gone. Burnt to the ground.”

  Loud gasps did the rounds among the Exiles, although most already suspected it. Still, it was a shock to the system. The Zoo had been their home for years. Rogue leaned against Seth, saddened beyond words.

  “What about Sikes?” Moran asked, her eyes glittering.

  “He went back to Prime along with his entire army,” Ric said.

  “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Olivia said.

  “It is,” Ric confirmed.

  “Don’t be so sure about that,” Moran cautioned. “Sikes is not the kind of man who gives up. He’ll come back to finish the job.”

  “I don’t think so. Our scouts followed them, and it’s as we thought. They’ve returned to Prime City,” Ric said. “The difference is, the city’s not allowing them entrance.”

  “What?” Moran exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “Why, that’s wonderful news. The people have finally turned against the general.”

  “Do you think it could be us?” Bruce asked. “The Rebel Faction?”

  “But what about Douglas?” Steven asked. “Did they get rid of him too?”

  “Or the general did,” Bear said in his rumbling voice.

  “I don’t know,” Moran said. “We haven’t had any news from Prime since we left.”

  “Maybe it’s time to go back,” Bruce said. “If it is the Rebel Faction, they’ll need you to lead them.”

  “Especially with Sikes camped outside the walls,” Steven pointed out. “That man is a horror. He’ll never give up, and he’ll stop at nothing to retake the city.”

  “You’re right. The people will need our help,” Moran said. “We must return as soon as possible.”

  “It’s about time,” Bruce said with an approving nod.

  “What about the Exiles?” Moran asked, looking at Ric.

  Ric frowned. “What about us?”

  “Will you join us? With Prime turning against Sikes, it’s the perfect time to strike,” Moran said.

  “We cannot. With the Zoo gone, we need this time to regroup and rebuild,” Ric said with a shake of his head.

  “In here? You can’t be serious.”

  “Do I look like I’m joking?” Ric asked.

  “If we can’t defeat the general, he’ll return, and you’ll be back to square one,” Moran said.

  “Perhaps, but we must look to our own,” Ric said, his expression stony. “We’ve lost too much, and we can’t risk another defeat.”

  “Come with us,” Moran pleaded. “Between you and Prime, Sikes doesn’t stand a chance.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “I do,” Moran insisted. “And I promise that in return for your help, Prime will do everything it can to help you rebuild.”

  “I stand with Ric,” Jamie interjected. “The rest of the council will as well. You said it yourself earlier. You’ve had no news from Prime since you left. You don’t know who’s in charge or what’s going on.”

  “She’s right. You are in no position to make sweeping promises,” Ric said. “For all we know, you’re still wanted criminals.”

  “But—” Moran protested.

  “No, my mind is made up. You’re welcome to stay, of course. Or you can leave. Your choice,” Ric said.

  “I see,” Moran said. “That’s your final say? You won’t reconsider?”

  “No, I won’t,” Ric said.

  “Neither will I,” Jamie added.

  “If you decide to leave, I will provide you with supplies and a boat. You should make good time if you go by water,” Ric said. “That’s the best I can offer.”

  “In that case, I accept,” Moran said, her expression stark. “It seems we have no choice.”

  “We’re going with you,” Bruce said. Steven and Bear nodded, stepping closer to Moran. The foursome formed a unit, tough and capable—a team.

  Ric nodded. “I’ll see to the arrangements. When do you leave?”

  “As soon as we can pack,” Moran said. “The sooner, the better.”

  “I’m going with you,” Rogue said, speaking up for the first time.

  “Lillian, no! You’re injured,” Olivia protested.

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m going,” Rogue said, lifting her chin.

  “I’ll go with her, Olivia. Never fear, I’ll look after your daughter,” Seth said.

  Olivia nodded, but her lips wobbled. “Thank you, Seth.”

  Rogue turned to Ric. “I have just one favor to ask. Two favors, actually.”

  “What are they?”

  “Look after my horse, Violet, and don’t make any decisions regarding Joe until I get back. He’s a good guy, and he saved my life.”

  “Alright, I’ll see to it,” Ric said.

  “Thanks,” Rogue said, taking Seth’s hand in her own. “Ready to go on an adventure?”

  “Of course. I knew you wouldn’t stay behind,” he replied. “This time, we’ll face whatever comes our way together.”

  “Together,” she agreed, and the decision to return to Prime City was made.

  It was time to go home.

  Chapter 13 - General Sikes

  General Sikes stood in the middle of his war tent, going over his strategy. It was a simple affair, little more than a canopy with side flaps. A stiff breeze blew through the encampment, and the canvas strained against the knotted ropes that held it in place. Dark clouds loomed on the horizon, and distant thunder rumbled through the air.

  The tent served as his headquarters, the hub around which the siege of Prime City revolved. A scarred wooden table with chairs and a couple of lanterns were the only pieces of furniture. The spartan look served a purpose. It showed the soldiers and officers that he was willing to give up his everyday luxuries in favor of war.

  It was a front, of course. An illusion. His personal quarters were far more lavish, and he retired in comfort each night. Even so, he was no Senator Douglas, and he maintained his physical routines with the same harsh rigor as before. I’m not letting myself go like that fat imbecile did.

  Around the table stood a group of engineers and carpenters. Each engineer carried a set of plans, blueprints for the medieval war machines he wanted to be built. He studied them in minute detail, his brow furrowed with concentration.

  “This one, and this one,” he said with a sharp nod. “Not that one. Or that one. What in God’s name is this? A joke?” he asked, crumpling up the offending papers and tossing them aside. “Let’s see. That might work, and that one too. Not this one.” He sighed and rubbed his brow. “Is that all of it?”

  “Yes, Sir,” the engineers chorused.

  “Right, can you make this?” Sikes asked, handing the blueprints over to the group of waiting carpenters. “And will it work?”
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  One by one, they studied the plans, mumbling among themselves. Finally, the most senior member spoke. “We can make this, but I’d suggest a few modifications.”

  “Modifications?” Sikes said.

  The man nodded. “With our limited supplies and narrow time frame, we suggest keeping it simple.”

  “Meaning what exactly?” General Sikes asked, growing impatient. “And who are you?”

  “I’m… er… Andrew Pike, Sir,” the carpenter replied, wringing his hands. “And what I mean is, stick to the easy stuff.”

  “Such as?”

  “The catapults, ladders, and grappling hooks are simple enough. Not the siege towers. Also, leave out the wheels on the catapults and assemble them on the spot. Your target is static, after all.”

  General Sikes thought it over for a few seconds. “And you can produce enough of these?”

  Pike nodded. “With sufficient manpower, we can.”

  “How soon?” Sikes demanded.

  “A couple of days, at most,” Pike replied.

  Sikes waved a hand at Captain Phelps. “Make sure they have whatever they need. I don’t care what it takes, just make it happen.”

  Phelps nodded, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. “Yes, Sir. I’ll see to it right away.”

  “How are the defenses coming along?” Sikes asked, waving the rest away. They filed out of the tent, leaving Sikes and Phelps alone.

  “Completed, Sir.”

  “Good work,” Sikes said, and for once, he meant it.

  Any good news was welcome under the circumstances. He rolled back his shoulders, easing the tense muscles of his back. A few days had passed since he placed Prime City under siege, and the stress was taking its toll. Constant storms had turned the camp into a sea of mud. The latrines overflowed with raw sewage, and the wind carried the sickly stench far and wide.

  Food supplies were running low, and he’d been forced to cut the rations in half. That affected morale and fights were breaking out all over. Thievery was common, and he’d had to make an example of a few of the men. Their heads decorated a row of sharpened staves not far from the supply wagons—a warning to all.