Aquatica: Earth Reborn Chapter 10: The Panic

Disclaimer: Reader discretion is advised – This book may contain scenes of violence and content unsuitable for readers under 18 years old. Additionally, please note that this work is purely fictional and not based on any real people or events.

Jake looked at Sarah, his expression somber and determined. “We need to get out of here, this is too risky. We are sitting ducks out here.”

Sarah sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. “I wish this was all just a bad dream.”

Jake softened, trying to ease her tension. “Remember during our medical training days? When we had some free time, we’d use the 3D printers to make small architectural models of the city? It reminded us of land, of a time when things were simpler.”

A faint smile touched Sarah’s lips as she recalled the memory. “Yeah, I remember. Those models were like a piece of the world we had lost. Sometimes, I wish my father and sister were still alive. I miss them so much. The calm family fishing trips together. My dad would teach us how to catch fish, and my sister would sing songs… I can still hear her voice sometimes.”

Jake listened, his heart heavy with his own memories. Sarah then asked, “Those experiments down there… Do you think we are on the right side?”

Jake took a deep breath, his eyes distant. “My brother is the whole reason I joined the Marines. He was obsessed with fighting for the motherland. It hard to fight for something called motherland without the word land in it.

When everything went bad, the military was called in for support, and soon chaos and anarchy took over. My brother’s unit was ambushed by the Cleansers. They were burnt alive and classified as traitors to humanity by the general.

My brother gave his life saving humanity. When I found out, all I wanted to do was continue the fight. Then I found a reason – the possibility of a cure for those left behind.

But Remedium wasn’t what I expected. As a military medic officer, I just follow orders. I don’t know how many samples of Remedium are out there, but either way, it’s not my call. I have to get it to HQ. I need to find some station where I can signal that we have the Remedium. Without this cure, we’re just casualties. This is our only entry into HQ”

Sarah interrupted, reaching out to hold him emotionally. She looked into his eyes, her voice gentle yet firm. “Jake, either way, I’m starting to believe that we cannot give up on humans. There has to be something for us. This cannot be it.”

Jake met her gaze, feeling a flicker of hope in her words. “Maybe you’re right, Sarah. Maybe there’s still something worth fighting for, beyond just survival.”

They stood there, the weight of their pasts and the uncertainty of their future hanging in the air, but united in their resolve to find a way forward together.

As Sarah and Jake’s faces drew closer, the world around them seemed to dissolve into a tranquil silence. The distant murmurs of the ocean waves and the creaking of the old oil rig faded away.

In that moment, the weight of their burdens lifted, leaving only the warmth of their connection. Jake leaned in, his lips brushing against Sarah’s in a tender kiss. For a brief, blissful moment, all their troubles disappeared, replaced by the simple, profound comfort of being together.

Their kiss was interrupted by a streak of light slowly traversing the dark sky. Sarah pulled back slightly, her eyes still half-closed, whispering, “Shooting star?”

Jake looked up, his brow furrowing. “Too slow to be that, too fast to be a comet. I think that was a ship. Are there people still out there? It feels like we’re abandoned.”

Sarah nodded, her hand still resting on his cheek. “I think you’re right about us moving. We need to pack all we can.”

Jake agreed, his gaze returning to hers as the light in the sky fades. “I don’t think anyone is coming now. I’ll call everyone. Let’s meet at the mess.”

A few minutes later, everyone was gathered in the mess hall. Jake addressed them, his tone serious. “I don’t feel it’s safe here anymore. We don’t have the weapons or the manpower to protect this fortress.”

Voices rose in disagreement. Rachel, Dorty, Carl, and Imani voiced their support for staying. “What do we have out there?” Rachel argued. “Here we have power, water, food, and a place that’s secure.”

Jake, Sarah, Maria, and Sam countered, insisting it wasn’t safe with the Cleansers now knowing their location. “They can be here anytime,” Sam added.

Harold and Danny remained neutral, their expressions thoughtful.

Jake, his patience wearing thin, shouted, “Enough!” The room fell silent, everyone turning to face him. “It’s too risky to stay here. We have to stick together and leave. The Cleansers know where we are, and we don’t have the means to defend ourselves if they come back. Which they will”

He looked around the room, taking a deep breath. “All who think we should leave, raise your hand.” He lifted his hand, setting an example. Sarah followed, then Maria, Sam, and eventually Danny and Harold. Imani and Carl hesitated, but then Carl raised his hand too.

Rita looked at him, shocked. “Carl, you too?”

Carl nodded, his voice firm but gentle. “Jake makes sense. I just want you and Carl Jr. to be safe.”

Rachel turned to Imani, her eyes pleading. “What about you?”

Imani’s eyes were sad but resolute. “I have to know if my family is still alive. If I die here, my soul will never be at rest.”

The room was heavy with tension, the decision hanging in the air. Despite the arguments and fears, a sense of unity began to form.

Jake took command, his voice firm and decisive. “Alright then, we have an agreement. Everyone, get to work. Sam, Danny, you guys stock up on both boats.

Everyone, take only essentials: fuel tanks, blankets, batteries, water, food. Sarah, Rachel, and I will gather all the medical tools, oxygen tanks, and equipment we can carry from the lab. Maria, you and Imani, see if you can bring at least two solar panels onboard. We could use them. Let’s get busy, people, before it’s dawn.”

The group dispersed, urgency driving their movements as they began packing and preparing for departure. Hours passed in a blur of activity. Both boats were filled with extra barrels of fuel, as well as the necessary supplies for their journey.

Rita was busy packing whatever they could carry when Carl approached her. Where’s Jr?” he asked.

Rita glanced up, concern in her eyes. “He’s on deck. I don’t think he likes the idea of moving. talk to him.”

Carl went on the upper deck and found his son, staring out at the rising sun sea. He tried to break the ice with a lighthearted comment. “Hey, kiddo. It’s a sunny weather day, perfect for a boat trip, don’t you think?”

Carl Jr. turned to him, worry etched on his young face. Carl knelt down, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Listen, son. I know this is scary. But I promise, I’ll protect you. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

He handed Carl Jr. a laminated piece of paper. “This is my secret family sauce recipe. I want you to keep it safe. Our family will be alright, I love you, son, and I want—”

Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed across the deck. Carl staggered, blood spraying across Carl Jr.’s face as a bullet tore through Carl’s chest.

Carl Jr. screamed, the sound piercing the morning light. Chaos erupted as the others on deck realized what had happened. Jake, hearing the scream, rushed out, his eyes widening at the sight of Carl collapsing. He turned, scanning the waters for the shooter. To Be Contd