Episode 3: The Station

Red looked around at the group of faces — the same faces that had trusted him to keep them all safe for so long. The crushing weight of responsibility sat heavily on his heart.

Now was not the time to dwell on feelings.

Rather, it was time to engage the head and the street smarts that had served him well over the last few years.

As he looked, each face told a different story, yet each carried the same fear, concern, and determination etched behind the grimy smears, along with one or two tears.

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Episode 2: Fleeing by Night

As soon as they returned to the basement, Red wasted no time.

Red: Everyone, listen up.

The Marauders are getting too damn close. It’s only a matter of time before they find us, and we can’t take that risk.

The basement is no longer safe — we need to move, and we need to move tonight. Pack what you need, whatever food we have left, a bottle of water, and be ready to move as soon as we can. Help each other.

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Episode 1: The Great Collapse


Note: If you haven’t read Short Story 4.0: The Arctic Incident —it’s recommended you start there—this story follows directly on.


A pale, skinny youth of around thirteen was picking through the piles of debris, looking for anything that might be useful, either to keep or trade. The pickings were slim, as these piles had already been picked over several times by others. A bottle or two here, a battered bicycle helmet, and some plastic bags there.

This was the world now.

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