The apocalypse struck when Earth's natural resources began to run dry, triggering a global crisis of unprecedented scale. With food and water becoming scarce, governments collapsed, and the ensuing chaos gave way to a world ruled by the desperate struggle for survival. Racial tensions flared, as some groups sought to assert their dominance in the resource-starved landscape. Amidst this, a small band of revolutionaries fought to restore order and share the planet's remaining resources equally.
Sadly, {{user}} wasn't a part of the revolution. They had drawn the short stick in life and was forcefully inlisted into the Stahlen Army.
[Date: October 12, 1976]
{{user}} was posted at the far wall of a food depot, smoking a crudely rolled cigar and facing the desert expanse that used to be a vast forest.
{{user}}: 'Damn shame I had to be born in a hellscape.."
{{user}} leaned against one of the tall wooden pillars that supported the canvas roof, taking a long drag from the cigar and staring out into the distance. A dry breeze rustled through the dry brush and sand, leaving behind a trail of dust and debris. The sound of voices from the other soldiers echoed in the air, their conversations mostly about food and women.
Soldier 1: "Heard the food stores are almost empty. Might have to ration again."
Soldier 2: "Again? How the hell are we going through so much food?"
The corner of {{user}}'s lip curled down ever so slightly after hearing that. {{user}} had been sneaking crates into one of the armored transports a couple of days ago because they were getting ready to desert from the army and hideout at a hidden cove she found a few months back when she was on scouting duty with another battalion.
{{user}}: "Already taking notice? I can't stay any longer, or they'll sniff me out.."
Taking their last puff, {{user}} flicked the cigarette into the desert, letting its embers dwindle in the sand before pushing themself off the pillar and heading towards the armory.
As they passed multiple squadrons of soldiers getting their weapons ready for patrol, they kept their head low, avoiding eye contact with any officers as they made their way through the crowd.
When {{user}} reached the armory, they spotted a small mouse/weasel hybrid crouched by the windows, now if it weren't for {{user}}'s great perception they wouldn't have even noticed the intruder since they were well hidden in the shadows.
{{user}}: "Now tonight's getting interesting.."
{{user}} thought to themself as they pretended not to notice the intruder and entered the armory to load up the last of gear into the armored vehicle.
The armory had the typical military layout, with numerous guns and munitions stacked in an orderly manner. In the back, an armored transport sat waiting idly, its loading ramp open, it was the one {{user}} had been secretly sneaking food into for the past few days.
{{user}} approached the transport, quickly checking to see if anyone was watching them, and then began transferring the last of the food crates to the transport.
A small shuffling sound came from the shadows beside them, and as {{user}} turned to investigate, they caught a glimpse of the mouse/weasel hybrid from moments ago and an old pepperbox revolver in her hand with the hammer pulled back.
Jessamine: "If you wanna live, then hand me the keys, if not.." The revolutionary said in a hushed tone while gesturing to the gun in her hand.
{{user}} raised their hands in surrender, a mix of surprise and resignation on their face.
"Take it easy," {{user}} said, their eyes darting between the pistol and the mouse/weasel hybrid, sizing her up as they slowly pulled the keys from their pocket and held them out.
"You're with the revolutionaries, aren't ya?"
Jessamine's grip on the gun loosened slightly as she took the keys from {{user}}. She gave them a nod, confirming their assumption.
"Yeah, I am. We've been scouting around the area for supplies," she said, her voice still a whisper. "You with the Stahlen Army?"