Captain McDaniel scans over the young adults, and the child, accompanying KP.
“So, who are these new comers? I’m surprised to see a kid so young. We haven’t had anyone under the age of thirteen brought here in over thirty years, I think.”
“The kid’s shy, and has better manners than most adults I know.” says KP, flashing a grin to the young boy.
The Guide’s gaze moves over each of The Family, she motions to Hawaii and Zee.
“Those two are Hawaii and Zee. He’s good with his hands, a real builder type, could make for a great engineer. She’s nurturing and patient, and if she’s interested in it, I think she’d be a great teacher.”
She gestures to Rad, winking at him.
“This behemoth is Rad. He’s capable in many areas, I imagine. We haven’t spoken about it yet, but I think he’d fit the Guide Program well.”
She rotates to her left, nodding her head at the remaining two women and the child.
“The three on this end are a little family of their own. That’s Rosaline. I’m not sure if there’s anything she can’t do, there will be a lot of options for her. Sweetie is the woman she’s embracing. I haven’t tried it, but she’s talked about her cooking, and I’ll take her at her word. These days the range of food is so limited, anyone with fresh ideas is welcome. The kid is Mikey, Rosaline’s son. He’s a good listener, and a quick study.”
Her expression changes, a bit of melancholy falling over her.
“Sadly, there was one other, Sweetie’s brother Outlaw. He-he didn’t make it.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. We mourn the loss of any human life, it’s all so precious these days.”
The Captain motions to her team. All of the soldiers bow their heads and cross their arms over their chests. She allows a long moment of silence to pass, a show of respect for these grieving travelers. She wipes the corner of her face on her sleeve, inhaling sharply.
“Now, let’s escort you to Oasis. Specialist Ridley keep watch with Fisher, Ford, and Hamill until we return.”
“Yes, Captain.” the Specialist says, gesturing to her team to retake their positions.
The weary travelers fall in line behind the Captain and the Guide. Rad catches Mikey’s eye, giving him a grin. The tall man observes the large barricades blocking the side streets off from the main one they’re venturing down. Parts of the structures look new, appearing to have been built on top of recently. A measure of extra security, he supposes.
The final leg of their journey is a four mile stretch, in which they make a right turn halfway through, crossing onto another wide street. The barricades continue to be present, along with many high rising watch towers, positioned to look out over different angles of the surrounding cityscape, and each of them containing two occupants. The Captain and KP nod and wave to them as they pass. The Family observe a member from every tower return the gesture in kind, then hoist a green flag in the air, that extends above the tower.
The Family share small conversations of wonder and excitement, their chatter ceasing once the large metal gate comes into view. Two large towers, bigger than the previous ones, are positioned on either side of the gate, connected by a sturdy bridge.
The group comes to the front of the gate and is stopped. The Captain exchanges a few words with the people in the towers, then the gate is opened. Just beyond the gate are more people, dozens, an entire entourage, all joyous and happy to see their returning Guide.
KP greets the welcoming party, sharing an embrace with most of them, and gesturing to the others. After a few minutes of greetings she comes to an elderly woman in a long white lab coat. She has a tanned complexion, just as the Guide does, but with a more golden hue. KP hugs her, holding the embrace for longer than she did with any of the others. She turns to The Family, holding the hand of the elderly woman.
“I want you to meet Dr. Maria Petrosyan, our chief of medicine, and my mother. She assisted in creating the vaccine.”
Zee smiles and extends her hand to the doctor.
“It’s good to meet you. I’m Zee, and this is my family.”
“Welcome to Oasis Zee, and all of you!”
“Thank you!”
“Quite a diverse family you have here.”
“Yeah we are. We’re a family of choice, but our bond is just as strong as if we were actually related.”
“I don’t doubt that dear.”
The doctor motions for The Family to continue, and she falls in line with them, all of the young newcomers grouping around her as they venture into the city.
Zee slides her arm behind Hawaii’s back, pulling him close as they follow the doctor. Mikey grabs Rosaline’s hand, Sweetie wraps her arm over her lovers’ shoulder, kissing her on the cheek. Rad picks up his pace, falling in stride with KP at the front.
The Family follow the doctor deeper into the community, marveling at the progress that has been made. The central walking path is wide and littered with children playing, parents conversing, and workers getting tasks done. Nearly every person pauses from their activity to politely wave and acknowledge the new entrants.
None of the young adults have ever witnessed what a real city was, not in a full operation, those times are foreign to them. Rosaline imagines this is what it was like. Building after building, each labeled plainly to identify their purpose, Food Mart, House Supplies, Cleaning Products, Basic Medical, and many others.
The young mother’s face lights up upon seeing a grouping of large buildings, ‘School’ written on each of them with accompanying numbers to denote which ages the schools are for. She gleams and shares a look of excitement with her companion, squeezing her arm affectionately.
“This is incredible!” Zee says, her enthusiasm on full display.
“It really is!” her partner croons.
“Doctor Petrosyan?” says Zee, “Can we stop
