WorldFall: Echoes of Extinction

Sacrificial Lambs

“It's our turn.” A finger tapped Neemo lightly, startling him off the buttons of the oversized uniform. He turned to see the boy he had whacked during the revolt.

“Oh it's you.” The boy said with a light smile.

Neemo stepped on the platform, the boys and three other scavengers followed. His drowsy eyes fell on the five cadets before them. Up close, the divisions among the cadets became clearer. 

The cadets had divided themselves into two unofficial factions. The first two radiated confidence and looked down on the remaining eight. The other three were withdrawn and stood behind the first group but it didn't stop them from at looking at Neemo's group with disgust.

“Vanguard Platoon. Squad B7.” An 'Arrow 2’ Soldier said, gesturing at metal tray that held 5 wooden 'B7’ tags and 5 metal 'B7’ tags.

“I am Chev, Level 5 Cadet and i would be the leader of this Squad.” One of the boys in front puffed out his chest slightly.

Neemo and his gang nodded silently, they didn't really give a damn about the military leadership system however the group behind seemed to care, as a low voice could be heard.

“You can't just appoint yourself leader. If we are going by level. She outranks you.” He flicked his eyes to a girl with three ponytails, “She is after all, a level 7.”

Chev paused, he ran his thumb over the metal tag as he clipped it to his uniform. “Nancy would you love to head the Squadron.”

Nancy raised her head, her eyes were somewhat crystaline. “Nah, I'm good.”

Chev covered the short distance between the boy and him in one stride and leaned against his ear, “Next time. You had better mind your business Jay.”

With the threat delivered he bumped his shoulder into Jay’s and left the platform.

“Looks like the Stronghold isn't all just peace and love.” The boy whispered into behind Neemo as they followed the cadets to a corner of the field in the name of 'team bonding and familiarization.’

Neemo chuckled at the statement before replying, “It's best, with the little enmity between them they won't be too free to pick on us.”

“Comforting to know we'll die without having to endure much bullying.” The boy said lowly but Neemo didn't reply. His attention was on another female line that went into the building facilities.

With the females not going on missions, the chances of Alice surviving was higher, for now he had to think of how to somehow survive this death conscription.

“All Squad assemble.” Captain Maroove spoke deeply into an attached microphone that transferred his voice to the multiple speakers placed in strategic corners of the field.

"Apex FOB exists for one reason: the retaking of Bleckam Ruined City. Your first assignment is to clear the surrounding area of beasts and secure a route for the construction team. Deployment begins in one hour.” With that the Captain left the platform simultaneously words filled Neemo's eyes.

[Mission: Operation Bleckam Periphery]

[Description: Crystal Stronghold has discovered something of interest within Bleckam Ruined City. Regardless of the cost, it has decided to forge a path forward. You have been drafted into the sacrificial lambs on this path forward.]

[Requirement: Survive]

[Rewards; Base Reward: 400 Exp, Lv 3 Random Skill. Additional rewards would be calculated based on completion success]

[Failure: Death, Alice's Death]

__Third Mission on the shelf__. He thought sarcastically as his stomach tumbled at the failure conditions. The mission description amazed him as he stood rooted to the spot.

The Stronghold had always known about the Ruined City for a while and there was something on the path that could kill them.

_ Great. Just great._

“Scavenger Boy. Let's get prepared.” Chev barked at him.

Neemo marched behind them into one of the building facilities and his mouth watered. The building spanned inward for lengths, it was empty except for pillars at intervals and, vehicles. All sorts of military vehicles lined up neatly for miles like a cascade of brown and green machinery.

“Garage.” He read out unconsciously.

Heads turned simultaneously, their mouths parted slightly in surprise.

“How do you know that is what it's called?” The boy asked behind him.

Neemo pointed at the tag resting on the intersecting pillar resting above the door.

“You can read?” Nancy asked in bewilderment.

Neemo stared at her as if contemplating then he spoke, “Is reading an exclusive skill to some humans.”

It was Nancy's turn to be quiet, “It certainly isn't. I just…I didn't expect the Radlands to have an Educational System.”

“We don't stay in Radlands. Our settlement is a couple of miles from the Radlands.” Neemo tried to explain. The group had already moved toeards the checkpoint leaving the duo behind.

“Isn't every area outside the Stronghold Walls the Radlands.” She asked, genuinely baffled.

Seeing the mentality the cadets from the Stronghold had, Neemo gave up on explaining to her and decided to feast his eyes on the beautiful rows of machinery.

“What's your name.” Neemo saw Chev raise a finger at the boy he had whacked, he had seen the boy whisper earlier.

“Blake.” The boy replied timidly.

“The name is too good for you.” Chev said under his breath, “Bleergh, Reader boy carry our equipments and follow me.”.

Chev saluted a soldier and collected two electronic keys. He read the ID numbers on it and the cadet scanned the Offroad trucks section for the corresponding number.

The cadets wordlessly distributed and loaded their weapons.

“Erm…its not complete.” Neemo voiced out at the baton and pistol they distributed to the scavengers. 

Chev secured the walkie talkie on his chest and stared into Neemo’s eyes.

“...It remains the bullets.” He said slowly, then turned to help one of the scavengers secure the equipment boxes with the green military bungee cords. He turned to see Chev was no longer staring but glaring.

“The metal things that fly and go bang.” He clarified.

“Of course i know what magazine is you dimwit.” The veins on Chev's head popped. “You are not getting a mag.”

_We are going into a territory where death lurks about and we aren't even giving weapons to defend ourselves_.

He opened his mouth to protest but closed it when he saw Nancy shake her head.

Chev scorned at him, then his face distorted at a realization.

Sitting Arrangements.

Never in his life or career as a soldier did he want to sit in a truck with a scavenger speak less of multiple and he could tell the same applied to others.

“I'd drive the second truck.” Nancy said as if reading his mind. However that didn't settle the matter as the rule was 5 occupants per truck.

_One of them would have to sit with us in the backseat_. Neemo thought, amused at that tbey were bothered by such trivial matter when they were about to go on a death mission.