Chapter 30 Companions till Death

Two weeks had passed and I couldn't wait any longer.
Dr. Peterson was very brilliant at fixing the shattered bones on my arm and hand. Aside from the amazing medical technology they have in this bunker, he's the best and most well-known doctor here and I can't believe that the first day I went here in this bunker, he was the doctor who was assigned to check on me.
The machine he used was extraordinary. I wonder who was the great inventor of all the equipment here in this bunker. I remembered that Zone four has the most advanced technology in the whole of Arcania when it comes to the medical field and it's a good thing because Dr. Peterson told me that the injury this bad will take years to heal. With the use of their machines, the bones inside have regenerated their form and made it look as if nothing disastrous had happened to it.
Those equipment are the treasure of this place. That is why the local military has been recruiting soldiers to defend this bunker from the rebels. They have to assume that there will be a surprise attack one day and these pieces of equipment are the most prized possession of this place they must have to defend. It would be a nightmare if the rebels had taken it and used it for their own purpose to fight against Arcania.
I understand their hatred towards the New Arcanian Republic. Fifty years ago, this land had closed all its borders from the rest of the world. It is to preserve its resources and prevent the overuse and abuse of its supplies of energy. NAR also thought about the imminent destruction of lands that were starting to grow into agricultural areas, due to the increasing number of people in certain places.
The threat of overpopulation has scared the NAR by the sudden escalation of migration that will surely deplete all the natural resources of this country. We are all aware that NAR was trying its best to reserve all its assets for the next fifty years and it had to turn its back away from the rest of the world. Because no matter how bad it looks, it's still concerned about its own people.
And now, a new organization of rebels called Scarlet Tundra rose from the southern states of Arcania, a collection of people that wants to take revenge for the selfishness of NAR, who refused to hear the cries of hunger of the rest of the world. We, the citizens, are suffering the consequence of their stupid and fake convalescence when we all know that it's only for the interest of the rich people that dominates mostly the decision of the Arcanian Officials.
"How's your hand? Can you move it?" Dr. Peterson murmured as he checked the movement of my eyes with a small flashlight. His face was too close to me. I wonder if he always does that on purpose because every time he tends on me, there was never a moment that he wouldn't lean so close to my face it made me feel nervous.
"It's good. I think I can handle a gun well again. Thank you." I said to him not looking in his eyes. "Please give me permission that I can go now to Zone twenty-eight." I pleaded to him desperately.
Within two weeks of my therapy and bone restructuring, I made myself content by just video calling my dad and Carl using the Ambassador's communication pad that connected to the server of all bunkers in Arcania. Timothy always makes sure that my request will be granted and he and the Ambassador let me use the Office so I and my family could have a moment to talk.
The incident was never talked about again and after it, more than a dozen of women made testimonials about Cdr. Leo's brutal initiation to all women soldiers. They all confessed that there was no sexual harassment happened but just like he did to me, all of them said he brought them into that same room and forced them to fight him.
I don't know if I'll feel bad that I killed a man but I had no regret about it at all. Jayson's right. That monster should be killed.
"Hmm..."
I narrowed my eyes on him after he checked my eyes and stood. I sat upright and pulled my legs down on the edge of the bed. My legs were too short so my toes didn't touch the cold floor.
"Don't hmmm me. I need to go there and save my dad and brother. The Ambassador won't allow me to go until you give me your permission to go."
"Don't be too stubborn, Ms. Fontaine. You still need at least a week to completely heal your arm."
"But I can't wait any longer! I feel fine! I can move my fingers without struggling and use a gun!" I complained to him helplessly. I jumped from the bed and landed on the floor. He saw and he coughed a laugh, covered his mouth with his hand, and then cleared his throat.
I looked at him sharply, feeling insulted. "I know I'm short. You don't have to laugh about it." I retorted.
"I didn't laugh. You're cute that's all." He reasoned out smiling at me. His face was so gentle and his eyes were always smiling. I wonder how he could smile in times like this but I guess maybe there is nothing for him to worry about. It's understandable since he"s living a good life here. He"s safe, has his own Upper-Class suite, eats wonderful foods... What could a man ask for?
"Seriously. I need to go." I stared up at him seriously in the eyes.
His smile faded and he sighed as he closed his eyes, looking defeated.
"Fine... But hey! I forbid you to use a gun. Your arms won't handle the force yet, do you understand?" he warned me before I could even say yay".
"I'll try my best not to," I promised and smiled at him. Finally! After a long wait!
"It's embarrassing to admit but I think I'll miss you, Ms. Fontaine. You're always my regular patient here and I hope you take care in your journey because I will not be there again to fix your injuries." Dr. Peterson kindly said. "Bring your family back here and I will be very glad to see you again, whole and alive."
"Thank you, Dr.—"
"It's James. My name is James Peterson." He offered his hand to me for a handshake and I took it. He"s a really kind man and I'm happy I met him here.
"Thank you so much for everything." I gratefully said and went out of the infirmary.
While I walked towards the suite to contact Timothy about it, I saw soldiers that were lined up and marching towards the end of the residential corridor. They were all young! Just about Jayson and I"s age and they all were heading somewhere. Is there any trouble that happened outside the bunker? Is Scarlet Tundra already here to destroy this place?
I jogged towards our suite. What's the number again? My worried brain made it hard for me to think. Ah! Two five three seven! When I entered the door, I was so surprised to see all of them wearing casual clothes, their rucksacks on their back as if they were all prepared to go somewhere.
"Hey, where are you going?" I asked, smiling, but really confused. Mona was checking something in her bag while Li was sitting on the couch looking bored and sleepy.
"Hi. We've been waiting for you, Harriet. Go and change clothes now. You can't wear that tracksuit outside. The people would know you're from a bunker." Jayson beamed at me, both his hands were on the strap of his rucksack. He seemed excited wherever he was going.
"I-I don't understand. Where are you three going?"
"We're going with you, Harriet. Dr. Peterson had already given his permission and called the ambassador right away. Timothy is currently arranging a team to assist you. We all agreed to go with you and save your family." Jayson explained.
"But it's too dangerous out there!" I said vexed. I couldn't explain what I feel right now. I feel like crying. Not because I'm upset that they're too stubborn about it but because I am so grateful... too grateful to have them.
I admit there were nights that I couldn't fall asleep, imagining the journey I will face alone. But now, I am gazing at them, all were ready to face this scary adventure with me, risking their lives just to know I'll come back here safe.
I don't deserve friends like them...
"You know you might die out there, right?" I warned them, wiping my tears off with the back of my hand. "I'll kill you if you'll get yourself killed by those Creepers."
"You can't possibly kill us again if we're dead." Li laughed nervously. It was obvious he was forcing himself to smile, thinking that there'll be truly a huge possibility that they'll be killed. "It's not that I am being heroic or pretending like a good friend here but I am also curious about the technology the Zone twenty-eight would have. I heard they were having a problem with their air filter so I am hoping one of my designs would help them." He explained more just to make me think that what he"s doing was about his own interest.
But I know Li. Although he has a rough personality, I believe he also cares.
"Thank you guys, you all are the best!" I exclaimed and jumped at Li to give him a big hug and to annoy him. Jayson's laugh echoed in the room. All four of us embraced each other as if it's a silent prayer for The Almighty to keep us safe from any harm that would come our way...