A Post Nuclear Story

[Kipi]

This is going to be story situated in post nuclear Europe. It's also one-man story, so please do not post anything here. If you want to comment or have ideas, PM me, and if I see it's necessary, I will later make a discussion thread. I will also keep updating the story when I have time, so don't expect fast development.
The story begins from Finland, so do not be suprised if you do not recognize places.

So, the story begins...

21.11.2167, southern Finland, near ruins of old city Turku

It was cold. Joni's self-made meter showed that it was -29 degrees of Celsius. 100 years back that temperature would have been extremely rare. But not anymore. Not after the nuclear war.

Joni was freezing. He knew he must find shelter soon, but where? There were no places where he would be safe from the cold and wind. Of course, just few kilometres to south there would be ruins of Turku, and there would surely find good shelter, even some food. But the question was that could he survive till reaching it? He was already able to feel the numbness in his toes.

Since there was no other option, Joni started to walk to south, hoping that he would reach the ruins soon enough.

Finally, he saw the first ruined buildings of the city. It was late evening and he must hurry to find a place to spend night. He reached the first building. It was not in shape that would help him, since it's roof was missing, as some parts of the walls. But the building just behind it looked promising: tall building with and it seemed to have in surprisingly good shape. When he reached it, he noticed that it was in very good shape, and that it was mostly rebuild.

Quickly Joni opened the door, and stepped inside. The warmth felt so good. The place was well restored, since the cold didn't get inside. Such buildings were rare outside rebuild villages or cities.

The building consisted four rooms, and upper floor, which was unreachable due the fact that stairs were collapsed. There were some furniture in one room, and Joni decided to use those in making of fire.

It didn't take long till fire was burning happily in barrel Joni had found. Feeling comfort due the warmth and food he had also succeed finding, he started to sleep lying in old couch.

22.11.2167, southern Finland, in ruins of Turku

Joni woke up. At first he wasn't able to remember where he was, but after few seconds everything was clear again. The fire has ceased burning hours ago, but the place was still warm. With quick research he noted that everything was like when he started sleeping. He hadn't suspected anything else, but it was better to be sure, since there were those who would kill anybody just to get some items for trading.

After eating the remains of his evening meal, Joni stepped outside. It was clear morning, no wind, and the temperature was only -10. So it would be very good day for some exploring.

Right then he noticed footprints in the snow. Those weren't there evening, so someone had walked this way short time ago. The trail was leading towards the old centrum of the city. After short thinking Joni decided to go and see where those footprints were going. He was also hoping to find someone friendly who would be willing to trade with him, especially food, since he was short of food. Placing his modified pistol to belt he started to follow the trail...

[Kipi]

22.11.2167, Somewhere in southern Italy

It was really hot day. Luis was sitting outside of his small house, fixing the pistol he had found yesterday. It was those kinds of pistols that common people and raiders carried with them, it used 9mm ammo which Luis had plenty. Finally he had weapon to protect himself.

Suddenly, Luis heard someone coming. He raised his head to see two men walk towards him. No guns present, so it could be possible that these two were just some trespassers. Other was very long, wearing black jeans and black leather jacket, while the other one was a bit shorter, wearing also black jeans but instead of black jacket he worn white shirt. The one with white shirt was walking a bit behind the first one.

-"Are you the owner of this house?" asked the man wearing jacket.
-"Yes, I am. And what business do you have here?" Luis answered.
-"Good, because it's now our" the man answered.
At the same moment Luis noticed that the second man had raised pistol, and currently aiming to him. Calmly, Luis turned his gaze again to the first man.
-"And what makes you think so?" he asked.
-"Well, there are two of us, and only you. You are being aimed, neither of us is. So, it's quite obvious that we can have what we want, isn't it." the man replied.
Just after he had finished his reply, a voice of shooting came from behind the men. The man wearing shirt shouted for pain, and fell down dead. The first man turned to see what happened, and Luis didn't hesitate to use this as an advantage. He raised the pistol he had been fixing, quickly got bullets from his pocket, loaded the pistol, and shot the man.

Luis lifted his head, and looked to the direction where the first shot had come. He saw a man walking down a small hill, coming towards Luis.

After a few moments the long man had reached him.
-"Thank you for saving my life, stranger. I wouldn't have been able to deal both of them alone." Luis said.
-"That was nothing. I have actually been after these two for a while. They are wanted for murder they committed few months ago in a city east from here." the man replied. "So, are you okay?"
-"Yes, I'm okay, thanks to you. I'm sorry that I can not give anything to you, I'm so poor."
-"That's okay, the satisfaction of killing these two was reward enough to me."
-"Can I at least have your name?"
-"You surely know it already, it's just that you haven't seen my face before. I'm the Hunter" the man replied. After saying this, he turned around, and started walking away to north.

Long after the man had left, Luis was still standing there, shocked. "I was saved by the Hunter!" Finally, he returned to the world, looked down the pistol, which was working perfectly now, and went inside to have some food.

[Kipi]

22.11.2167, Ruins of Paris, France
-"How long has it been now?" Jacque asked
-"What do you mean?" Chad asked in return
-"I mean how long has it been now from The War?"
-"Hmm... maybe 90 years, maybe a bit more or less. Why do you ask?" Chad asked and made confused look to his friend, Jacque.
Jacque, who was very long and muscular, was preparing meal from the corpse of wild dog he had hunted earlier. He made a strange look to his friend Chad, who was shorter but even more muscular.
-"Was just thinking. Is it not strange that nothing has been rebuilt? You see, there are lots of survivors, we have met quite many and heard stories from even more, but still nothing has been rebuild. There has not been even trying to it." Chad replied
-"Now, as you mentioned it, yes it is a bit strange. What I've heard there was lots of plans what to do after war if one ever starts. Plans for rebuilding and such. And where are those plans now?"
-"I don't know, and I think no-one else does."
After replying, Jacque gave to Chad a plate full of meat of dog. They ate in silence, neither spoke.

After the meal, Chad turned to his friend.
-"How did the war begun, anyway?"
-"Not sure. There have been thousands of different stories. Someone told that it was the USA, other that it was the Russian. Third story claims that it was actually some group of terrorists which launched all those nuclear bombs and different countries blamed each other."
-"That's quite hard to imagine. Where would such group get so many nuclear missiles and how were they even being able to keep it secret?"
-"I do not know answer to that, and in fact I do not believe that theory myself." Jacque looked his friend. "But it's sure that no-one has ever admitted starting the war. One day, it just was going. No-one knew why or what had happened. Most of the targets of nuclear missiles didn't even get warning."
Both turned their gaze to fire that was burning in fireplace, while the evening turned dark

[Kipi]

23.11.2167, Somewhere in southern Italy

Hunter was lying at the top of hill behind huge rock. His full attention was focused on camp next to the hill. The camp was built on ruins of small town, some buildings were repaired so that those could be used for living.
The camp was base of raiders, quite big group of people who has been causing chaos last 5 years in surrounding areas. But the raiders weren't the true reason why the Hunter was there.

Hunter's mind wandered again to his final conversation with his father. This was just one hour before his father was executed.
-"My son, I want to make final request before I'm gone"
-"What's it?"
-"When the time comes, you must leave this town and find the truth."
-"Why I can't stay here?"
-"It's not safe for you to stay here longer than necessary. They will finally do same to you what they are going to do to me"
-"But why would anyone want to kill me? And why do they want to execute you?"
-"It's because of the truth. They don't want that it comes to everybody's attention. I know only parts of it, and they think I'm a threat."
-"What's that kind of truth that it must be kept secret?"
-"I don't dare to tell it to you, since the knowledge of it before you are far away could risk your life. And that's something I don't want."
-"But could you even tell me a small hint what I should search?"
-"Okay, but remember to keep this secret. I say only four words: truth of what happened."
-"What do you mean by that?"
-"You will find it out when you are old enough. Just remember to find it, and reveal it to as many as possible. But do not speak of it before you have very good evidence, since no-one is going to believe you without it."
Just then, few guards came, and started to drag Hunter's father away. This was the last time he saw his father.

The Hunter had been 14 then. Now, 10 years later, he had finally understood what his father had meant. The truth of the war. The truth of what really happened. The truth who really was responsible of the great destruction. And Hunter believed that at least a bit of it lied in tunnels and military complex just under the camp which he was watching. Few months ago he had heard that there were some kind of army's headquarter somewhere under the ruins of that town. Headquarter, where some secrets were held.

Again his mind started to wander, this time to the events which lead his escaping from the town. It had been only two years after his father's execution. One evening ten armed guards had raided their house, arresting both him and his mother. It seemed like they believed that he or his mother knew something. His mother had been taken away, and the guards were going to take him also, when he had managed free himself and run to the dark. It had been last time he had seen his mother, and he had heard rumours that she had been executed like his father right the following day.

Three days Hunter had ran, without eating, without sleeping, only thinking to get as far away as possible. Finally, he had ended to small farm, and the owner had offered to give him shelter if Hunter helps him in work. Gladly Hunter had accepted this offer, and several months went. One day, the owner had sent him to hunt some wild animals for a food, and when he returned, the farm was burning, and the owner was crucified on the tree nearby. It was done by group of raiders. When standing and watching the corpse of man who had helped him, Hunter had decided that besides the quest his father had gave to him, he would dedicate his life to hunt down criminals, who didn't deserve anything else than death. At that moment he also took name Hunter, since he wanted to cut any bonds to his past, and especially to keep his true identity secret.

Finally, the Hunter forced his mind to the present, and to the camp. The camp was huge, surrounded by wall which was practically old buildings with the gaps filled. The camp was somewhat shapeless, the wall was running from building so that there were as few gaps to be filled as possible. The buildings were either partially rebuild or used as bases of towers, which likely served a purpose as guard towers. The wall wasn't high, only five or so meters, but Hunter wasn't able to see any place where he could just climb to get inside. So, the gate was the only option. The gate was actually a gap between two buildings, which was left unfilled. Probably there was something inside which could be used to block it, but at least it wasn't used right now.

The gate was guarded at least by three raiders, but there could be more in places where he wasn't able to see. The guards seemed quite sharp, as they all stood there, turning their heads to different directions, guns ready for shooting. With his binoculars Hunter was able to determine that each one of them was carrying hunting riffles.

Hunter checked his equipment. He was carrying his sniper riffle, four grenades, enough bullets to his riffle and his 9mm pistol and six clips to it, each one containing 25 bullets. He decided that that should be enough, since he could always use the weapons of raiders, if his owns weren't enough. He knew that he could find some automatic riffles inside, as more grenades. He had also heard that there was one raider who was using some kind of energy weapon, but Hunter didn't count on this rumour, since energy weapons were very rare and hard to use. The only possibility was that if someone inside that camp was able to use such weapon, that person surely was at least minor leader of the raiders.

Hunter decided to make straight attack towards the gate, using grenade to kill those three guards he was seeing and the switching to his pistol. After getting inside, he must find a cover as soon as possible, since the resistance was likely going to be heavy.

He started to crawl towards the gate, keeping the guards in his vision all the time. His advantage was small piece of ruins and his suit, which was made of unknown material to him but which colour matched very closely to colour of sand. Slowly he reached the guards, until he was about ten meters from them, hiding behind small section of old wall. Quickly Hunter threw one grenade, and after 2 and half seconds he heard promisefull sound of explosion and painful screaming. Quickly he rose to crouch, so that he was able to see behind his cover, pistol ready to fire anyone coming towards or any of the guards who may have survived from the explosion. To his satisfaction he saw that each one of the three guards were dead, hands or legs missing. Quickly he ran to the gate, hided to behind some old machine just inside the camp. He saw five raiders running towards the gate, and it seemed that none of them had noticed him yet. Right after the fifth one had got past Hunter's hiding place, he started to shoot them with his pistol. Within a seconds each one was dead, as he had took them by surprise. Seems like no-one had excepted that he was already inside.

[Kipi]

24.11.2167, Hunter's hideout, somewhere in souther Italy

It was the following day after Hunter's attack to raiders' camp. The actual fight had taken few hours, and during that time he had succeeded in killing every single raider inside that camp. He had also found an entrance inside one building, which had lead him down and down, until he had finally arrived in old military-stylish tunnel-system. It had been the very headquarter he had been hoping to find.

Now Hunter was analyzing the material he had found inside that headquarter. He had been able to take with him several books which seemed to be diaries of some kind, about twenty cds full of all kind of data and huge piles of paper, documents and reports.

After few hours, he had managed to read through half of the diaries. There was one which he was reading very carefully. It was made by some kind of officer, the rank was undeterminable, but there were lots of mentions of the war and especially the early stages of it. Especially one chapter took his attention...

"12.12.2074
Now it's official...
President told in live that our country is in war... as someone didn't know that already. He blames Russians... but we here know that's not true... Russian experienced same fate as we did...

Telling the truth has been forbidden by high-rank officers... they fear that normal people hear it. Rumours tell that the order had come directly from president... seems like he tries to save his miserable hide...


13.12.2074
They are really serious... today five persons were shot because they were believed to be planning to tell the truth to people...

No-one dares to talk here... everyone is scared that they are next... even writing this is risky, who knows if someone is watching me even right now...

But the truth must survive, people must get to know it. It must be done somehow... but how? Currently there is no way to do that... hopeful I wind a way, or someone else does...

The truth must survive..."

So, something had really happened. Something that even president was ready to give permission to kill to protect the secret. Hunter was disappointed that the diary didn't give any more hints what "the truth" was. The rest of the references to it were only words like "The truth must survive" or "People must get to know it". Nothing else. Other diaries didn't refer it even that much. It seemed like the truth was really something no-one dared to talk about. But what would have been that terrifying?

The cds didn't help him much either. There were some data of how many had died when first nuclear missiles had hit the country, and some predicts of how many were going to die if there were new missiles. There were also some estimates how much rebuilding would cost, but as the war lasted longer and longer, those calculations became even vaguer, until those were described only words like "uncountable". One cd also contained some detailed plans how the country would be rebuild.

One thing froze Hunter totally: One of the plans of how to rebuild was planned by his father's grandfather. That specific plan was part of the bugger scaling plan of how to rebuild country after enormous nuclear war. The plan was quite general and it didn't include much details, only lots of "if" and "then". But what made him nervous was that the plan was made only few weeks before the day when according to the diary president had finally told that the country was on war. Stunned by fact Hunter shut down his cranky computer, which had by miracle survived over many decades? Could it have been that authorities had been expecting war? And if yes, did they even expect nuclear war? So many questions and no answers... at least not yet.

[Kipi]

24.11.2167, Southern Finland, In ruins of city of Turku

Joni woke up. He felt pain coming from the back of his head, as from his legs and arms. Everything was foggy, and he felt dizzy. It took few minutes before he was able to concentrate enough to clear his mind and his vision. He tried to move his hands and legs, but noticed that he was bound to wall. The place was unfamiliar to him, but it didn't look like any of those ruins of buildings. In fact, it looked more like military building or something similar, and it was in very good condition.

As the surrounding didn't give him any hints where he was, Joni begun to remember what had happened. He had been tracking down that person who had left those footprints next to his cover. The footprints had taken him to the very centrum of the city, or to ruins of it. He had never visited it, and what he saw had shocked him: there were dozens of craters, apparently caused by bombs, in very small area, most of the buildings were more or less destroyed, only walls standing. There had been at least few so huge explosions that few cars had flown against some buildings, now leaning against walls or partially inside the building. There were tanks blocking roads, and by the looks of them those had been there decades, probably since the war.

The tracks were leading inside the ruins of old shopping centre, and Joni had followed them there. What he had seen inside had terrified him even more than the outside: The second floor had survived, so basically the ground floor had been very well covered. And thus, the preserving snow hadn't got inside. Now the place was full of more or less decayed corpses of human and different animals, like wolves and dogs. But even though the ground floor had survived from bombs coming from air, it was clear that there had been fighting and even explosions inside too. Some stairs had collapsed, and one could see bones of humans under the destruction. There were also shells of bullets laying everywhere, and few machineguns as well, looking like those were abandoned as soon as those had stopped working or ran out of bullets. While studying one such gun, someone had apparently sneaked behind him and hit him behind, since everything had gone black.

Now, Joni was bound, and thus apparently a prisoner. But prisoner of who? Slavers! The idea struck him very hard. He had heard that there were small group of raiders who had started to capture other, usually more or less helpless persons. And now, he feared that he had fallen to a victim of them. The fate of victims was unknown to everybody. Some rumours told that most were sold other countries, to work. But there were no evidences of that. The only sure thing was that if one got captured by slavers, that person was never seen again.

While pondering his fate Joni heard door opening. He lifted his head and saw four heavily armed men enter the room, each one wearing leather armour. One stepped right front of him, and started to speak.

-"So, this is our newest capture?" The slaver studied Joni very carefully, apparently trying to determine how much Joni could work without getting tired.
-"You can feel yourself lucky. We have already sold you, to slaver organization in southern Italy"

So, it was true. At least some were sold to other countries.

-"The transportation is leaving today. During the trip, you will be kept safe and well eaten, since the buyers want to have healthy slave. Looks like they have some very physical work reserved to you." The slaver made evil grin, turned around, and walked away. Three other slavers followed him, and so Joni was alone again.

After few hours several slavers entered the room. Quickly they removed the ropes, and led Joni through several tunnels and rooms until they got to the stairs, which led up and finally outside. Outside there was truck waiting, and silently Joni was forced to enter it. And so his journey to southern Italy began, which took over 2 weeks before they reached the destination...

[Kipi]

25.11.2167, Hunter's hideout, somewhere in souther Italy
The memory of Hunter noticing the signerature in one of the rebuild-plans didn't leave him alone. He hadn't been able to sleep last night because of it. Had his grandfather knew something? If yes, then what? Had his father been aware of this fact? Aware of what his father had been doing? Hunter tried to remember. He tried to remember every conversation he had had with his father, or every conversation Hunter had heard his father had having.

Hunter had never personally met his grandfather. His grandfather had died few years before Hunter had born. Or that was what his father had told to him. He wasn't sure anymore. He hadn't been sure of anything in long time. Hunter remembered his father mentioning at some points that his grandfather had worked for government. But had his father really known in what way? Maybe, since his father had been executed because of his knowledge. Had his father heard something from his grandfather? That seemed as the only reasonable option, since where else could his father have heard something? Especially since no-one dared to speak of it because everybody was scared for their lives. If someone was going to tell even small parts of it to somebody, the person must be trusted. And thus the only option was that Hunter's father had heard something from Hunter's grandfather.

Hunter turned on his computer. Maybe if he tried to search with the name of his grandfather? Maybe something comes up, something that he hadn't thought as important at first, but which could clear at least something to him in new perspective? Within minutes Hunter found dozens of documents, either signed by his grandfather or there was at least mention of him. There were estimates of the cost of rebuilding, estimates of how many were going to die and more plans how to rebuild the country. Mostly documents were just referring the works of Hunter's grandfather, but some estimates of costs were signed by him. Hunter's grandfather was obviously much respected person in government and his work was very respected. This lead to new thing. Surely he was also able to get even very secret information. And thus, he was surely at least somewhat familiar with the truth.

Hunter started to remember again. Had his father mentioned how his grandfather had died? He was vaguely able remember that his father had mentioned execution at least once. Could it have been that his grandfather had experienced same fate as so many others who knew the truth? The fate of execution as traitor or potential threat? That was very possible. In fact, Hunter was even ready to count on it. Suddenly Hunter remembered that his he had also a file in his computer which contained data of how many people inside the government had died during the war. Within seconds he had opened it and was now carefully studying it. Based in the file, the war had lasted 4 years. First year 20% of the employees had died. Second year the number was higher, 37.5%. At the end of third year 85% of those who had been working for government at the beginning of the war had died. There were no details how people had died, but it wasn't hard to imagine that at least some were brutally executed. Prove to this was what his father had told to Hunter and the diary he had read yesterday. The questions were, how many were actually executed and was his grandfather among those?

Hunter realized that the quest his father had given to him had become very personal; it was now like personal revenge. It was very clear that his family has greatly suffered because of cowardice of the government. And Hunter was meant to reveal the truth. The truth that obviously was very painful and terrible, since so many generations was suffering because of it. So many generations had to fear for their life just because some cowards in government weren't willing to reveal what really happened, but were ready to even murder to keep the secret. And if the truth wouldn't be revealed, how long this suffering would last? How many generations were sentenced to fear for their lives just because their grand grandparents had known something? But was Hunter himself ready for this task? At the beginning it had only felt as his father final request. But now, Hunter realized, the fate of many rested on his shoulders. By revealing the truth he could save many, but was he able to do it? And where could he start? Of course, he had already got at least somewhat forward on his quest, but how much it would take to get to the finish? And what waited him if and when he gets there? The truth of why his parents were executed? The truth why his grandfather possible was executed? The truth people were so scared to talk about that they decided to not talk at all? Hunter started to feel dizzy when realizing all this...

[Kipi]

25.11.2167, Ruins of Paris, France
-"Chad! Come here! You must see this" Jacque shouted, running towards his friend Chad.
It was around midday and Chad and Jacque were exploring the ruins of the city of Paris in hope to find something to trade with other travellers. They were inside some old government building.
-"What now?" Jacque answered, turning to Chad.
-"I think I found out something interesting from that room over there" Chad answered pointing a door which was leading to the room Chad had just came from.
Jacque begun to follow Chad towards the room.
-"What have you found out then?"
-"Inside that room there are stairs down. There was floor made to cover it, but it seems that the floor is for some reason broken, and the stairs are visible now."
-"Was there any sign that someone else has entered it recently?"
-"No, since it's still partially covered, and thus no enterable until the rest of the floor is removed."

It was like Chad had said. There was somewhat big hole in floor, and through that hole both Chad and Jacque were able to see the stairs leading down. The hole wasn't big enough to man get through it, also like Chad had said. There was crowbar lying in corner, and without spending much time to think Jacque had taken it and started to make the hole bigger. Finally, after about twenty minutes, the hole was big enough so that Jacque was able to start descending. There was switch on the wall which probably was meant to turn some lights on, but since there was no source of electricity anymore, nothing happened.

Holding a torch on his left hand Jacque started to go down, Chad following him right behind. The stairs were very long, and it took several minutes before they had reached the bottom. Down there they found a big door, which had been locked but the lock had rusted so badly that it had fallen off some time ago. Using the light of the torch Jacque studied the door. It was made from metal, and there was writing in French saying that there was property of army and unauthorized passers were arrested immediately.
So, they had found some old military bunker. And military meant that there could be something very valuable inside, like guns or other technical items.

Jacque opened the door. Behind it they found long hallway, leading straight. There were few doors along the way, and as they ventured deeper the bunker, they found out more and more rooms. Most of them were just dormitories where soldiers or officers had been sleeping during war, but finally they got to the door which had text on it: "Storage area. No unauthorised entry!" The door wasn't locked, but when Jacque tried to open it he noticed that it had jammed during years. After several tries Chad succeeded in forcing it open, and behind it was new hallway. But what they saw in hallway was very shocking. There were bodies lying around. There was furniture piled to form several shooting covers. In those covers, there were bodies of soldiers, died either to bullets or grenades. It was like the soldiers had been defending the storage is against massive assault. But it seemed like the defence had hold. There were no bodies behind the last defence cover, and there would have been if the defence wouldn't have stood.

Slowly Chad and Jacque worked their way through the remains of fight, studying every body and item they saw. The bodies were already cleaned from useful items, probably by their survived brothers in arm. Also the weapons which were left were broken, and thus invaluable.

After reaching the final cover, they had found only two full clips of 9mm ammo. Everything else had been worthless. They continued forward, silently wondering what had happened. It was sure that there was or had been something very valuable inside the storage area. Something so important that the rest of the bunker had been abandoned just to get enough soldiers to defend the storage.

Suddenly Jacque stopped and turned to Chad.
-"Chad, do you know what I just realized?"
-"What?"
-"Those bodies, those weren't old. Only a year old or newer"
-"And what makes you believe that?"
Jacque returned to one corpse, Chad following him
-"Don't you notice it? If these were older, these would also be more decayed. But no, these looks like they have died only some time ago."
-"And what would that mean?"
-"It means that the floor that was build to cover the stairs was also new. And why would have anyone build it? To hide this place! And that means that whatever was here during this assault, it's quite sure that it's still here somewhere."
-"But it's also possible that not everybody left this place, right?"
-"Well, it's possible, but where are they then?"
-"I don't know. Hopefully we find some answers when we continue our exploration"

Suddenly, a voice came behind them, from the direction where the hallway was leading.
-"No need to that. I think I can clear up many things to you"
Shocked and surprised Chad and Jacque turned to see a man standing in front of them. The man was wearing worn clothes of soldier; his helmet was full of marks of bullets. The man was standing there, studying them carefully.
-"If you two follow me, I can give you any information I know. I haven't talked to anyone since this happened" the man said rising his hand to point the remains of the battle.
-"Who are you, anyway? And how can we trust you?" Chad asked.
-"Can one of you give me reasons why you can't trust me? And about my name, I have forgotten it long time ago. Here I was second soldier in third team. But if you two follow me, I can tell you more. This isn't good place for stories."
And after saying that, the man turned around, and started to walk forward. Chad and Jacque started to follow the strange with confused look...

After several minutes walking in the maze of rooms and hallways, they finally arrived to small room. Inside the room there was one bed, small table and few chairs, and several lockers. After they had entered the room, the stranger closed the door and locked it.
-"It will be safer if the door is locked. I'm actually quite surprised that you survived that long in the hallways"
-"What do you mean by that?" Chad asked.
The stranger turned to Chad
-"There are things there. That's what we have been fighting against last years."
-"What kind of creature would be able to withstand bullets and kill so many?"
-"Firstly, not a creature, but creatures. There were thousands of those. And secondly, no-one knew what those are. But I believe that those are some kind of mutated lizards. They are almost the height of normal man, really fast and their claws can separate head from body with one slash."
-"And you believe that there are still such creatures?"
-"Why wouldn't? And besides, I have seen few, not so long ago, maybe few days. They almost got me while I was making quick visit to kitchen."
-"So, why haven't you left already if it's so dangerous down here?"
-"Firstly, I never imagined I would be able to get past those creatures. And now there is no change in nearly future, since those creatures surely have smelled you already. And that will make them coming after you. I bet the hallway is already full of those. Secondly, I'm not leaving my post."
-"Your post?"
-"It was left to my job to guard what's down there as long as I can."
-"And what's so important that you are still here, alone?"
-"A missile. Nuclear missile, if we are precise."
Both Jacque and Chad stared the stranger in disbelieve.
It took almost a minute before neither was able to speak again, so surprised and shocked they were.
-"Nuclear missile? What is it doing here? And why haven't anybody known of it's existence?"
-"Yes, nuclear missile. It has been stored here right after the war begun, to be used if things get too ugly. But it seems that the officers here didn't have guts to use it when such time finally came. Now, it's lying here, ready to be used. And the fact that no-one knows of it just proves that we have done good job to keep it secret. What do you think would have happened if the people had known what was stored just some meters beneath their feet? Do you really believe that the reaction would have been good? And, if everybody would have known, the information would surely have reached the enemy also."
-"I admit that you are right on that." Chad answered quietly. "But why weren't it used?"
-"As I already said, it seems like the one whose decision it was didn't have the guts to use it. But that's only speculations, since there is no real evidence of that. The only thing known is that the missile was never used."
Jacque begun to back towards the door.
-"I think we should leave this place now, Chad"
Stranger made sad look to him
-"I'm sorry, but as I already stated, it's quite impossible right now, thanks to those creatures. And besides, we are safe here; the missile is stored in a room which was made to survive from the explosion of the missile." He turned again to Chad. "Of course, the calculations claims so, but it has never actually tested. But fear not, there haven’t been any problems with the missile ever, so why should we have now?"

[Kipi]

29.11.2167, Somewhere in Southern Italy

For several days Hunter had studied small town very intensively from his temporary hiding place atop of small hill. The trees were giving him shelter from the eyes of the town folk and guards. And, for some strange reason these people didn’t come near that hill in any circumstances, which was strange to Hunter. Of course, this suited to him very well, since there wasn’t any risk that any unwanted person would find his hideout by accident.

The town kept confusing Hunter, because last time he had been visiting this area, that town didn’t exist. Of course, it had been almost year now, but still the town was surprisingly big for being only almost year old. It was built in small clearance, which had been empty for as long as Hunter was able to remember. the town consisted of high wall surrounding the whole town, forming square. There were towers in each corner, as well as on both sides of the gate, which was facing to south. Inside these walls there were numerous buildings, small and big, mostly built from wood and stone, like walls. There was one very big building, at the centre of the town, three stories high and built totally from stone, or at least as much as Hunter was able to see from his hide. The streets were buzzing from people.

This town could be like any other town born to destruction of the war, but there had been few things that had waken up Hunter’s attention: Firstly, the own was heavily guarded, much better than any other civilian town or even city Hunter had seen during his travels. Secondly, the weaponry was very advanced, including even few laser pistols and riffles. Thirdly, there seemed to be something strange in the very big building, which probably was the base of the rules of the town: no-one ever entered it nor came out, and it was guarded by some very powerful automatic guns installed all around the building and in the roof even. Hunter had also seen at least few AA-guns on the roof, and this made him wonder what was inside that building when it was so well protected.

Being careful had also proven to be wise decision, since there had been few other travellers, who were slain at the first sight by guards standing at the gate. That had also proven that there was something inside, something so important that the guards were ordered to kill without questioning travellers.

Since this morning the town had been exceptionally full of life, hundreds of armed men and women going in and out the town, and there had been several caravans entering the town. Now, while remembering those earlier visitors slain down, it was obvious that these caravans were expected, and by the behaviour of guards, there were some high-ranking persons in these caravans. So something big was going to happen and probably very soon. But what that would be Hunter had no idea. And that made him especially nervous. New town risen from nowhere in too short time, heavily guarded, and full of armed people with weapons of high technology didn’t bode good. So it was no wonder that Hunter was very nervous as well as anxious to get to know what this town was hiding inside. And he had noticed that staying where he was did not reveal anything new on that matter, so closer inspection was needed. But the real question was how to enter the town? Surrounded by walls, only one heavily guarded gate and almost like an army inside did mean that entering unnoticed would be extremely difficult. Since the gate was absolutely out of question, the only mean to enter was to get over the walls.

Slowly Hunter begun to move closer and closer, all the time sure that no-one would be able to see him. Finally, after an hour or so, he had managed to reach the eastern wall unseen. He thought even that as a miracle, since the guards in the towers were very alert, which had been proved during last few days. When Hunter was at the base of wall, in such place where guards weren’t able to see from towers, he begun to ready his climbing rope attached to hook. This rope was the only way to get over the wall since the wall was so well made that there weren’t single cap or crack to place foot or hand. Now, the only thing to do was to throw the hook over the wall and hope that there weren’t anyone near at the other side of the wall. He succeeded in this in first attempt, and after few minutes he was on top of the wall. Guards hadn’t noticed him yet, which was very good and lucky also. Quickly he dropped the rope to other side and the silently dropped down. Luckily the street was empty, and thus he was inside the town without getting caught. Quickly he hide the rope, since there was no reason to carry it because it would only be in his way it things get ugly. Quick scan around revealed that he was on street leading to west, ending on the wall behind him and to clearance in west. From his hideout Hunter had found out that this clearance was likely the centre of the town. There were few buildings in each side of the street, door leading to each. The building he was most interested in was at the end of that street, in the clearance ahead, even though he wasn’t able to see it yet.

After few steps Hunter heard some voice coming from behind one of the doors on his left side. Very quickly he dived behind pile of garbage, which was high enough to hide him. After few seconds three men came out from one of the building, talking to each other. They were quite muscular, wearing metal armours and helmets and carrying very powerful machineguns. Even though they talked all the time, something in their behaviour revealed to Hunter that these men were very alert, ready to kill him even from smallest clue of his existence. From his hide Hunter was able to hear their discussion, mostly rambling about their schedules of duty and their leader. Just before they were out of his hearing range one of them mentioned something about their leader being strange, locking him to the building in the centre and never coming out except for eating. This revealed to Hunter that there must be other ways to enter that building, since he had not seen anyone enter or exit that building during the time he had been studying the town. So, now he had to find that other entrance, which would be easier to be said than done.

[Kipi]

30.11.2167, Somewhere in Southern Italy

It over midnight, when hunter dared to move again. During last several hours his only option had been to stay hidden behind large pile of junk, where he would be able to observe the situation while staying unnoticed. The activity inside the town had forced him to do this, as there were too many soldiers and officers around to be safe.

Now, finally the town seemed more quiet, though still there were lost of guards going everywhere. Hunter was ready to make his next move.

There had been benefits in hiding all this time. From his hiding place Hunter had been able to hear several discussions, some of them didn't interest him at all, but some had revealed additional information about the town, the leader and what was happening here. First of all the town was new, as he had suspected. I had existed only several months, as it was build to be temporary base for the army which was no inhabiting it. And this army was only a part of bigger army.

Hunter was still unsure what this big army was up to, as he had gathered that there were several other armies like this one camping around somewhere. But what he had found out was that what ever the plans were, it didn't mean good to the local people. As one of the officers had said to someone, "the resistance in local peole must be crushed!"

Also, the secret of the big building at the center has also revealed. What Hunter had gathered, it contained several weapons factory, at least one producing some totally new weapon which "would be unstopable". And the leader of the town was the one who had assigned to take care that the production was completed in schedule and the copies of weapon delivered to other armies. And there had been some problems in the production, which explained the strange behaviour of the leader.

Hunter had instantly understood that the production of this new weapon must be stopped, and he was only one able to do it in time. If the production was allowed to continue, there locals would have no chances against this army. Even without the weapon the army was dangerous, and locals would still need help from other cities from north. Rome would probably come to help, as well as few other smaller towns. But even with this alliance there would be no chances if the production is completed and the weapons delivered.

Now, the big problem to Hunter was to how to enter the factory. Front door was out, as it was heavily guarded all the time. Not even many of the high ranking officers were allowed to enter. And there had been no hints about where the other entrance would be. Probably inside one of the surrounding buildings, but searching them in secret would take too much time, and would be very risky as well. And time was against Hunter, as there were only few days left before the production would be ready.