War is what got humanity into such a complex situation. Nuclear threats, and cowards that refused to accept their fate. Grey wasn’t even sure when the first generation had been rehoused within the slums of the underground, but he knew he was unlucky enough to be stuck there.

Pollution from the communes above the slums was the largest factor of their way of life. Masks, ponchos, and cloaks were all vital components of self preservation Grey had accepted years ago. As the elderly succumbed to disease and sickness, Grey knew he was one of the only people willing to try and guard their chance at life.

So to have some stranger who looked far too put together to be from the slums somehow appear put Grey on alert immediately. Probably insane, given the way the stranger was collecting pollutants like a scavenger.

It was obscene. Nobody had ever offered any kind of help to the slums in Grey’s entire life and here was a stranger examining the very substances that caused such devastation. Grey nudged the stranger with his leg and tried his best to look intimidating as he stared.