Chapter 10 - Resources

He guides me to a large metal door, and I push it open to reveal a large room full of shelves, each one stocked with boxes of rations meant to survive years. I slowly walk inside and stare at it, dumbfounded. He floats beside me, taking on a smug expression. “Impressive, isn’t it? Well… This was supposed to last hundreds of people… But I guess you have it all to yourself! This could last you well past your entire life! I mean… Well… Nevermind! Just, go on and take a look. Grab whatever you need. I’ll be here if you need something!” It seems like he was about to ask something as well, but he quickly stopped himself.

“Let’s see…” I venture further into the room and gaze upon a set of boxes, and open them up. They’re full of food, each individually packaged and labelled. He really wasn’t joking. Considering the space I have left in my bag… This could last me a few months, maybe even longer if I ration it properly. Maybe even long enough to find help… after all, there still has to be people out there, right? It’s definitely risky… but I can’t give up just yet. Maybe the AI has answers..?

“Hey, um… Ell1s? What do you know about the nuclear war? I don’t exactly know much, since it came without warning, and uh…” I don’t finish my sentence. Memories of that inescapable bright light cross my mind, the pain that followed, and… Her.

I pause for a moment, trying to recollect my thoughts until he suddenly interrupts again. “Well… to be honest… not much. I’m pretty much confined to this facility. My only true purpose is to assist humans like you, after all.” He pauses and his form glitches, turning into a blurry mess of shapes. “So… I’ve spent my time here alone. By myself.”

His expression turns cheerful again, returning back to normal. “BUT! That’s all I know! Sorry! Pretty tragic, huh? Aha….” I give him a subtle nod and turn back to the supplies in front of me. I guess I’m back to square one after all…

May as well get back to packing.

As I shove as many resources as I can into my worn-down bag, his holographic form seems to be glitching more often, strange flashes of green light appearing and disappearing. I swear his expression keeps changing, too. Something feels off. I should finish packing and get out of here soon.