The Darkest Dawning

(Chapter 5): The Second Flight

<P class=MsoNormal align=center>Chapter 5:</P>

<P class=MsoNormal align=center><I>The Second Flight</I></P>

<P class=MsoNormal> </P>

<P class=MsoNormal>26th December 2926</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>12:23 am</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>Another two years passed, and Eden was falling apart. After several supposed 'threats' from South Eden Marshall had started building up his army, and Fuhrmann had done the same in response. No-one was entirely sure who exactly had started it, but now a colossal arms race was underway. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal>With a focus on munitions and weaponry, life became increasingly harder for people in the slums. Work shifts had increased to lengths not seen since the beginning of the decade, and conditions were deteriorating fast. Lysandra was unable to see Kaelyn and Borislav as often as she once had, although she still managed to visit them at least once a week. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"Are you alright?" </I>Asked Tom, who appeared to be suffering himself. His hair was greying, and bags under his eyes indicated a lack of sleep. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal>Times had not only been hard for those in the ruins. With all production focusing on arms and munitions, even necessities like food were not the first priority. Tom was fortunate as he was too old to be conscripted, and no women were allowed in the military, not that Lysandra would join if they were. Michael had been conscripted, but he enjoyed serving Marshall. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"I'm just tired" </I>She said, which was pretty much the truth <I>"Those weapon tests are keeping me awake at night" </I></P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"I know" </I>Tom sighed <I>"This entire place is falling apart"</I></P>

<P class=MsoNormal>It was true. With so much focus on the military, even simple maintenance was neglected, to the point where Dawning Square would start to <I>literally</I> fall apart. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"Maybe things will get better when all this war business is over" </I>Suggested Lysandra, clinging to whatever hope she could find. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"If it ever ends" </I>Said Tom darkly <I>"It's no secret that Marshall has been looking into nuclear weapons, Fuhrman as well."</I></P>

<P class=MsoNormal>Lysandra stared at the floor, grim thoughts coursing through her mind. Nuclear devices were still looked upon with horror and repulsion by the residents of Eden, who knew all too well why the city and most of the world lay in ruins. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"If only we could leave. I know that the city's under lockdown, but there has to be some way out of here. Things have gotten so bad we might be better off out there..." </I>She knew little of the world outside of Eden, but it couldn't be any worse than it was here. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"There might be a way" </I>Said Tom, thoughtfully. </P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"What do you mean?"</I></P>

<P class=MsoNormal><I>"Nothing" </I>He replied, quickly <I>"Let's just see how things turn out. Maybe your right, maybe things will get better..." </I></P>

<P class=MsoNormal>He did not seem too certain about that, and Lysandra felt the same. Eden was bleeding, and unless Marshall was removed it would bleed to death. </P>