All I seem to do is run lately. I must be fit, because I seem to be able to run faster and further than I did first day out of the vault.
Steve is no slouch, but I can hear him panting and puffing behind me. We appear long clear of those creatures, but I cannot ignore the voice in the back of my mind asking what if those things find their way to the camp. Sure, there are plenty of people to fight back, and lots of weapons, but with hundreds of thousands of flesh eating spiders, roaches, ants and other insects I've never seen before, it's likely the camp will be overrun sooner or later.
Finally we reach the camp's edge. In some ways a wasted journey, but in others I have to be philosophical, I have likely made a contact who is useful, and most importantly, in my debt. I saved his life.
As we approach the main gates, Melissa comes running out and runs straight to Steve, hugging him tightly.
'Thank you, thank you so much for helping us.' She says, struggling to hold back tears.
'What happened, why didn't you come back?' She demands of him, as she abruptly changes her attitude, from grateful to mock anger.
Steve looks at me sheepishly, then back to her. He seems embarrassed, probably by how quickly and easily I found a solution.
'He was trapped by an infestation, it was just pure luck we were able to escape.' I reply quickly. He looks at me, a brief smile and then back to her. I can see he is grateful for sparing his blushes; no need for further torment for either of them.
'Thank you anyway.' She says, looking again at me, and I can see the relief on their faces.
'No information about the vault I guess though.' I say, trying to hide my sarcasm. I'm just too soft.
Melissa gives me a perplexed look. 'What do you mean, hasn't he told you what he knows about it?' She asks.
I shake my head. 'No, Steve doesn't know anything about them, says to me.'
Melissa looks at him square in the eye. Clearly it wasn't a ruse, she really did think he knew. Perhaps he does, but he's not saying anything.
'Sorry gal, I don't really know anything about them.'
Melissa looks at me apologetically, without speaking. It doesn't matter, there's nothing she can say anyway, and it's fine, I might have done the same thing in similar circumstances.
'We need to talk.' I say to Steve, sounding deliberately serious. His expression changes also, I can see he knows what I mean.
'We need to gather others, they need to know what is out there, help us do something about it.' He says. I nod in agreement.
'What about, that infestation, didn't you call it?' Melissa asked. No answer was needed.
Steve turns and looks towards two of the guards. 'Just who is in charge of this place, anyway?' He asks.
One of the guards grins, exposing a distinct lack of teeth. He is wearing leather gear, well worn and tatty, but good at keeping the weather extremes out, if not bullets.
'Old Ma Guiness.' The guard says, before spitting to the ground towards his side.
'Yeah right.' Steve says, turning to me. 'She is a wiley old one, doesn't say much but always seems to be around.We should go talk to her.'
'I don't think we should waste time, no telling how long before those things trace us back here.' I say loudly, so everyone can hear.
'What things?' One of the guards asks.
'You might see soon, so we'd best prepare.' I reply, leading the way back into camp.
Steve walks ahead of me, showing the way to the old woman's shack.
It is well fortified, wooden, well built and nice canopy over the sides. She is standing outside, near to a well lit fire, with a black pan boiling something atop.
'Gentlemen, and lady, I was expecting you.' She says clearly, smiling eagerly.
'Really?' Steve asks.
The woman nods easily. 'Trouble brewing I reckon.' She says laughing a little. She has a glint in her eye, wise beyond her years. She may be the person I have been seeking all along...
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