UNITY

Chapter 8

So, this was what they meant when they said I should find them as soon as I can.

When I got out of my car, they made me leave the keys on the ignition and forced me to my knees, patting me down as they stripped me of my possessions.

I mean, I would've let them, had they asked nicely enough.

Onyx said that this was standard operation, and that every person who got in was required to surrender their belongings as they are now the property of Freeport.

That's the first red flag for me.

But at least they're willing to return some of my personal items to me once they accept me into their settlement.

But what would happen if they turn me away?

Should I just massacre them all?

Nah, I can't do it. Yet.

I don't know, it depends on my mood. And their decisions.

For the sake of the reputation of the twins, I'll put up with this unnecessary groping for now.

But fuck, since when have I cared about the reputation of mine much less of others? Damn brain.

Clark Freeport was once a big city, with an airport, military base, and an air base exclusively.

We're now at Clark Freeport Park, a land that expanded for miles with military houses, kind of like a small town of sorts. It surrounding the track, a circular field where, before the apocalypse, was the ideal spot for jogging and doing outdoor activities with families.

Now, the military houses looked overrun as the track was the only one that was barricaded to ensure safety for its citizens.

The woman who was patting me down looked to be a part of the military, with a face so stoic I'm afraid that if she showed emotion, her face will crack like a porcelain doll.

They took my beetle from me as well as the stored food and water I had stored inside it, no doubt adding it to their stockpile of resources.

That has got to count for something!

Right off the bat, I had already contributed to this fucking community, and I hadn't even entered it yet.

All I'm worried about is getting into this settlement, alright, maybe about the twins also, but damn. I hate being this worried. Maybe I could convince those two to leave?

My dog, Tootsie, they also dragged her somewhere into one of the tents, and I had to grit my teeth when I heard Tootsie's whines for help.

Sorry bud, I also got my hands tied here.

"She's clear."

Contrary to what I thought, her face softened when she smiled at me.

"I'm Jackson, what's your name?"

"Unity."

"Alright, Unity. You'll have to go through-"

Her false kindness doesn't sit well with me and I continue to grit my teeth as I asked, "What are they doing with Tootsie?"

She was taken aback, not really expecting me to talk back instead of being "kind" to her like she was with me. But nevertheless, she answered.

"Oh, you mean your dog? They're just putting a microchip in it-"

"Her."

If they're putting a chip in my dog, it shouldn't hurt like this. My Tootsie has been injected plenty of times by the vet and not once did she whimper nor cried. She was like me, brave and fearless. Maybe a bit reckless at times.