Day 1

  Date: January 1st, 2060

  Location: Unknown

  Lucian sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the desolate landscape passing by outside the armored vehicle. All around him stretched an endless expanse of dry, barren terrain, dotted with sporadic dead trees and jagged rock outcroppings—a testament to the harsh bleakness of this new world. Occasionally, he spotted something peculiar far off in the distance, but it was too indistinct to make it out so he let it be for now.

  Leaning against him was the young girl he sort of rescued. She had fallen asleep in his arms and refused to let go of him even in her slumber. She was clearly alone, and he couldn't help but wonder how she had survived back on Earth by herself. Then again, he could ask himself the same question.

  Lucian longed for the same peace of sleep that the young girl had found, but his mind refused to be quieted. Countless thoughts raced through his head, and he was filled with unease and uncertainty despite the promise of answers awaiting him at this so-called Sanctuary. Absentmindedly tapping his fingers on the edge of his seat, almost as if playing a musical instrument, Lucian caught himself and remembered his father's teachings to never show weakness.

  Grabbing hold of his hand to stop his nervous tick, Lucian took a deep breath to calm himself and was pulled out of his reverie by a voice from the front.

  “We’re here!”

  Turning to look out the window, Lucian gawked in awe at the sight he beheld.

  [A/N: This would be the view, but not how the place looks.]

  As the open plain stretched out before them, an incongruous sight loomed in the distance. Rising defiantly from the earth like a colossal sore thumb was a great behemoth of a structure commanding attention. Its sheer size and imposing presence dominated the landscape, casting a long, dark shadow that seemed to stretch endlessly across the horizon. The megastructure sat atop a massive, wide plateau, its dark gray and black coloring making it even more foreboding.

  The walls of the structure were constructed from an alien black metal, a material that devoured any trace of light that dared to touch it. These formidable walls rose high into the sky, encircling the whole of the structure creating an impenetrable barrier against the outside world. Strewn along the battlements was an arsenal of imposing advanced weaponry; from cannons standing ready to unleash destruction, rocket launchers poised for swift retaliation, and artillery mortars strategically positioned to rain chaos upon any would-be assailants.

  To enhance the tactical advantage, great towers punctuated the expanse of the towering walls, providing an unobstructed view of the surrounding terrain from high above. From these vantage points, sentinels surveyed the land, their watchful gaze penetrating the distance, ensuring the sanctum remained well-guarded against any approaching threats.

  What stood out most to Lucian was the huge black dome that enveloped everything. It was a massive feat of engineering well beyond anything he could have imagined humans building. The dome seemed both fragile and impenetrable, made of some sort of obsidian-colored glass that prevented any prying eyes from seeing inside while also acting as a barrier against the toxic air that plagued the outside world.

  As he took in the view, it was clear that the structure was a great citadel-like city. The place was like a giant ant mound with its bustling activity visible even from a considerable distance. Soldiers manned the paths leading up to the formidable sanctum, ready to defend against any potential enemy.

  At the first checkpoint, they were stopped by armed soldiers who verified their identities before allowing them to continue on their journey. Lucian caught a few words, "New Arrivals... part of the 10th wave!" being spoken, adding to the already surreal experience of reaching the safe haven.

  Instead of heading up towards the plateau, they came to the foot of the mesa, where a multitude of tents were set up. The trucks came to a stop in a spacious area situated near the rock face of the plateau, and the survivors were ushered out one by one. As Lucian took in his surroundings, he saw that the area was filled with other survivors—some huddled around fires for warmth and sustenance, others heading in and out of makeshift tents.

  It was clear to Lucian as he glanced about that this place was a refugee camp.

  Aid workers approached, offering warm blankets to stave off the chill, rebreather masks to process the toxic air, and directions to food and shelter. They ushered others who required medical attention to a nearby makeshift infirmary and consoled the most weary and grieved souls.

  Lucian was grateful for the assistance, as he had only packed enough food and supplies to last him a week or two. Despite his preparations, uncertainty about the future lingered in his mind, so he decided to make the most of the resources available.

  With his small companion in tow, Lucian queued up for some food and immediately regretted it. Looking down at the grey sludge on offer, he made no comment, unlike the others who voiced their displeasure, and made his way over to a roaring fire. He had no idea what the food was, nor any desire to test it.

  Setting it aside for now, he engaged in small conversations with other survivors and was somewhat glad to discover they all shared the same experience—being whisked away from Earth to this strange new world. Reassuring him that he at least didn’t hallucinate everything up.

  Throughout the day, more army vehicles arrived, delivering survivors in bulk. The area soon overflowed with people, thousands of lost souls seeking refuge in the camp. The scene was a chaotic blend of hope and despair, with newcomers looking bewildered and lost while aid workers offered as much help as they could.

  As the day wore on, Lucian found himself yawning more and more. He didn’t know what time it was in this strange place, but it was surely past his bedtime, and after all he had been through, he was bone-weary.

  The fire in front of him flickered softly, casting a warm, cozy glow that contrasted sharply with the cold reality surrounding him. Lucian’s eyelids grew heavy, and he couldn't help but slowly nod off into slumberland, his mind drifting away into nothingness.

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  -

  With a sudden start, Lucian woke up, his whole body drenched in a cold sweat. He tried his best to shake off the lingering remnants of the nightmare that had plagued him. His subconscious always had a way of conjuring up the most gruesome images, but this time, the dream felt particularly immediate and unsettling.

  Glancing around, he realized why he was so disturbed when the stark reality of his situation hit him. Freeing himself from the blanket someone had kindly draped over him and the young girl who clung to his side. Lucian decided to go for a walk to clear his head. Checking his pocket watch, since it was the only thing he had to go off, he saw that it read 5:28 a.m.

  The camp was still shrouded in what could only be the pre-dawn twilight of this place since there didn’t seem to be any sun rising or setting, only the eerie smiling moon constantly observing them. There wasn’t much to admire in his walk beside rows and rows of tents and fireplaces. However, he noticed there were far more people than there had been when he fell asleep. Some were setting up desks and unfurling banners, hinting at some impending organization and change.

  Returning to his spot, Lucian was glad he got there in time since the young girl was in a panic after she must have woken up and not seen him anywhere. He was able to mollify her with a granola bar which he also munched on one, and washed down with water from his canteen.

  As dawn broke for what passed in this place and the camp came to life, people began seeking answers. The initial shock of their predicament was wearing off, replaced by a burning curiosity and a need for answers. The aid workers offered little help beyond promises that explanations were soon forthcoming.

  The promise of answers materialized with the appearance of a mysterious figure who stepped onto a platform in the center of the camp. Flanked by two soldiers carrying automatic rifles, the figure commanded immediate attention.

  The buzz of conversation quickly died down, and all eyes turned toward the man, curious to hear what he had to say. “May I have your undivided attention,” the man called out, his voice carrying effortlessly through the crowd despite the absence of a microphone.

  He was dressed in strict, high-ranking military attire, the meticulously pressed uniform adorned with gleaming medals and insignias. His sharp, stylized glasses reflected his no-nonsense attitude, and his stern expression spoke of years of discipline and command. His every movement was precise and calculated, exuding a sense of purpose and unyielding resolve. And more than that, the man radiated power—an overwhelming presence that seemed ready to burst forth at any moment, like a coiled spring.

  “I am Lieutenant Colonel Owen Rowe of the United States Armed Forces. Direct aid to the Governor-General of this Sanctuary.”

  Lucian felt a flicker of relief at the mention of old-world governments still being in charge. It was like returning home after a long, terrifying journey, offering a sense of familiarity and normalcy amid all the madness. Yet, the pervasive military presence all around unsettled him, a reminder of the hostile dangers lurking in this new world.

  “You are now at the Chicago Sanctuary, one of the 50 Sanctuaries that make up the U.S. territory in this new world. I understand you all have many questions,” the man continued. “I am here to answer them as best I can while ensuring you can settle in without difficulty.”

  A murmur rippled through the crowd, subdued by the gravity of their situation and relieved at the safety given by the Sanctuary. Though a few including him raised eyebrows at the revelation of this new U.S. landscape most remained silent, absorbing the information.

  “There is much we can go over, but we would be here all day if I went into every major event and small detail of our long, brutal stay here. Thus I shall keep it brief and give you a concise overview,” Rowe declared, his face impassive.

  “This new world that we find ourselves in is the First Dimension of many more. This realm is called the Death World. A terrible and deadly extradimensional world filled with countless threats to humanity—namely, the undead! A relentless, ceaseless, and unending tide of creatures hungering for our death and extinction.”

  As his words hung in the air, a cacophony of alarm and disbelief erupted from the crowd. Faces contorted with worry and uncertainty, clearly rattled especially with the encounters many had beyond the city’s walls that defied logical explanation. Lucian, however, wore the expression of one whose deepest fears had been confirmed and took it in strides.

  “You are all part of the Tenth Wave, the last wave of humans from Earth! Thus forevermore trapped all of mankind here in this hellhole,” Rowe continued, cutting through all the tumult.

  “That is why we must stand steadfast and guard against the dark forces gathered against all of humanity. It is why we built these Sanctuaries. These great bastions that are the final strongholds for all of mankind in this vile dimension. For that dream to be realized, everyone must do their part in helping to reach those grand aspirations."

  With those resounding words, Lucian felt a sinking dread, sensing that the other shoe was about to drop. His unease was confirmed with the next few words that came out of the officer’s mouth.

  “Therefore, it is for that exact reason that the President of the U.S. government has called for a State of Emergency, indefinitely! Every man, woman, and child is required to do their duty in the best interest of the Sanctuaries—hence, you will be assigned jobs that fit your expertise.

  Furthermore, with these dire circumstances we face, the Draft has been formally reinstated by the last of the U.S. government incumbents. All able-bodied men and women between the ages of 18 to 40 will be conscripted into the U.S. Military to fight the good fight and help protect all of humanity!”

  This time, a tidal wave of outcries erupted in the courtyard, drowning out any semblance of order. Desperate voices merged into an indistinguishable chorus of anger and shock, each person clamoring to be heard. The incensed and appalled expressions on every face said it all. This was an outrage!

  Then, very abruptly, all the protests were silenced by the sound of a gunshot that rang out through the yard. All heads pivoted toward the source of the gunfire, where they saw the Colonel standing on stage, holding a pistol aloft.

  "Now that I have your attention," Colonel Rowe said, composing himself with a steely resolve. "I want you to understand that this is not the Old World you once knew. We are fighting a war so vast and grand that it is being waged on all fronts. Our foes will not relent until they see the complete and utter destruction of us all. We need soldiers on the front lines to protect the weak and vulnerable, to guard our fortresses and cities, to defend against the enemies of mankind, and to act as both the first and last line of defense!"

  Pausing then, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, meeting each pair of eyes with a fierce intensity. "I want to emphasize that you are free to leave anytime you wish. No one will hold you against your will or force you to do something you do not wish. However, I can promise you that you will not survive a single day beyond these walls if you choose to do so. Many dangers lurk beyond the city walls as some of you might have seen, and they hunger for our kind!"

  The Colonel's words hung heavy in the air, and for a long time, no one dared to speak or make a move. The weight of his message settled over them like a suffocating blanket.

  "Well then, let me once again welcome you all to the Chicago Sanctuary," the man concluded, addressing the crowd that remained rooted in place. "As you settle in, know that we are here to support you in every way we can. Please ensure you follow the camp rules and make sure to register so you can gain entrance into the Sanctuary proper. We will be assigning you work or enlisting you into the military. Beyond that, you are free to make yourselves comfortable and I hope you can get used to this place.”

  With that, the Colonel turned sharply on his heel and disappeared down the tunnel that led out of the courtyard, leaving the new arrivals to absorb the gravity of their situation. The crowd remained silent, the enormity of their predicament sinking in as they prepared to take their first steps in this harsh new world.

  Lucian stood stock still for a very long time, trying to process everything. This couldn’t be right, he thought. He had believed he had found relative safety at long last, only to have this ultimatum dropped on his head.

  To be honest, he wasn’t a coward, but he never had a taste for violence. He had been raised better than that by his mother. Forgetting the violence he carried out when he shot down those monsters which even surprised him how cooly he was able to do it, but he could chalk it up to the heat of the moment.

  Regardless, what choice did he have? He doubted he could survive for long with those monsters outside the city walls. More than that, he needed to live so that he could find his family and keep the promise he made to his mother.

  With little to no options left before him, Lucian shuffled along with the others and joined the procession to get processed, the weight of his new reality pressing heavily on his shoulders.

  Two roads lie before you. Will you join the workforce, where the daily grind of slaving away awaits, or will you step into the ranks of the military, where life’s risks are ever-present?