“Not much,” I replied. “We just recently got news broadcast up here. As soon as we turned it on, about a week and a half ago, the damage had already been done. They said there was a worldwide nuclear attack. They talked a little bit about the aftermath. That’s it. They didn’t really talk about what led up to it on the news. It seemed like the news reporters were either told to stay quiet about what was left or they didn’t know.”
“Oh my god... I’m so sorry,” replied the foreman. “Whatever questions you guys have, I will try to answer. I’m so sorry for my insensitivity.”
“Okay, what started it all?” I asked.
“That’s a loaded question.” He shook his head. “I’m sure you heard there were four nuclear blasts. North Korea launched a nuclear attack on the US. They finally created a missile that would make it to the West Coast. They wiped out Los Angeles. The US retaliated by sending a nuke over to North Korea. That’s when Russia got involved. Russia was angry that the US had retaliated with nuclear force, and unleashed a new type of nuclear warhead that was larger and more potent than anything we had ever seen. They targeted Washington, D.C. Completely annihilated everything within a thirty-mile radius around it. Instantly melted buildings to the ground, people turned to dust. It was insane,” he said. “The US launched a nuke towards Moscow once they knew that Russia had already launched. Damn idiots wiped each other out. Then North Korea sent another nuke to L.A. just for the hell of it. Wiped out any kind of assistance people were trying to offer. Real kick to the gut.”
I stared down at my shoes again, trying not to cry. “What’s left?” I asked.
“Not much, honestly. The fallout is dangerous and covers a huge area. Especially Russia’s bomb. Everyone had to evacuate, which caused really tight spaces, which caused a lot of violence. The fallout not only contaminated the existing crops, livestock, and waterways, but they are saying we can’t grow anything in those areas for years to come. Even if we could grow any kind of food somewhere else, it wouldn’t be enough. Not only that, but even if it was enough, everything would die soon anyway due to the nuclear winter that’s coming.”
Smith began to bawl. We all cried. I closed my eyes, trying to cope with everything we’d just learned. It was different hearing it in person than on T.V. It felt more real.
“So, Earth is done?” asked Garrett.
“Yeah, for a while, at least.”
“Do you think we’ll be able to get everyone off of Earth and to Circadia? In time, I mean,” asked Jane.
“No,” he said. “There is no possible way that we are going to get everyone off of Earth in the time we need to, nor do we have the resources to do so. People were beginning to realize that just before we left, and it was creating a panic, rightfully so. There will be millions on Earth that will die.”
The group stopped walking. I felt sick to my stomach, and vomiting ensued. Non-stop emesis overcame me. Jane patted my back and held my hair. I continued to listen, though.
“How will they choose?” asked Spencer. “How the hell will they choose who has to stay? How will they choose who lives and who dies?” His anger was evident.
“Does it matter?” the foreman replied defensively. “No way is going to be the right way to choose, is it? It doesn’t matter how they choose, they just have to be sure to do it.” His cold reply left me with shivers. Surely not everyone on the planet agrees with him.
The questions stopped after that, and we continued walking. I’m not sure if the questions ceased because there were no more questions, or the fact that we didn’t want to know anymore.
Chapter Thirteen
When we made it back to camp, it was clear other groups had experienced the same heartbreak. It was a strange feeling. All of the original group was mourning extreme loss, while the new group had already moved on from the loss and were excited to be on Circadia and start anew. The motivations of the two different sides were unmatched, which created a bit of tension.
The next day, the newcomers suggested that we get to work and begin the journey. We had already begun the adventure and needed a day of rest. To channel their energy, Ronald set them to building more huts for themselves. They began to work diligently, while we all consoled each other and slept.
The next morning, my body ached. I had cried so much throughout the night that my attempts to stifle the noise caused my muscles to burn. My eyes were puffy and inflamed from being rubbed for hours. Crawling out of my hut, I noticed that the newcomers were already up and dressed, ready for the day.
Idris was also up, and I was thankful for that. We needed a leader right now, and he was the perfect man for the job. Idris was always on top of things, always considerate but firm, and after seeing his face, I looked forward to the day ahead.
As others emerged from their huts, Idris called for everyone to gather ‘round, newcomers and residents alike. He climbed atop a box so that his voice would carry farther and everyone could see him clearly. Our group was too large now to just have a conversation.
“Good morning, and welcome.” His voice echoed through the field. “This is a strange time for Circadia. Some of you are dealing with loss. Some of you are starting a new beginning. We have to work together to make those two emotions work together, and do it well. We have all experienced loss, just at different times. Now we all need to have the same goal—that of creating a new world and saving as many lives back home as possible. Don’t think about what you can’t
