- Joined
- Dec 9, 2021
- Messages
- 140
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- #1
Upon the arrival of City 8 transports, a headcount had been conducted. There was a miscount among the rank leaders, as one specific unit never made it onto the train. That unit, was JURY-37. First enacted as Civil Protection in Industrial 24. His file was marked AWOL. He was ordered to be killed had he ever shown his face to the Union again. This story explains the life of this unit after he abandoned the union to live off the land...
The sun was beginning its descent over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the vast expanse of the outlands. Deven Sladers, previously known as JURY-37 leaned against a tree. He took a long drag from his cigarette, savoring the taste of freedom. It had been six months since he had disembarked from the troop transport bound for City 8, choosing instead to seek solace in the wilderness.
Deven, a former Combine soldier, had grown tired of the oppressive regime he served. The constant surveillance, the dehumanizing orders, and the brutal enforcement of the Union's will had drained his spirit. The decision to leave had not been easy, but as the transport sped toward City 8, he knew he could not continue living that way.
The MCP mistreated him, his outranking peers failed to train him, the rank leaders belittled him. They drained Deven's bank account of all the money he had earned serving, all his Sterilized Credits, not for reasons of treason, but for trying to go above and beyond and taking his duty seriously. After the MCP showed their true face, and it became apparent that there would be no progressive gains to be made, he began to plot his separation from the union, playing along with the rules until the right opportunity arose. Deven was sure his father was killed in the midst of his service, as the last time he redeemed the ability to speak with him, something just seemed off. It didn't sound like his Dad, all the questions and answers were vague. It wasn't him. He never got confirmation of his fathers death. It was only a matter of time before all this weight fell onto the trigger of a gun. Whether that be to one of his commanding officers, an MCP agent, or himself. Deven made a mistake joining Civil Protection.
His escape had been risky. He had slipped away in bustle and shuffle of everyone else preparing to get on the train, disappearing into the dense forest before anyone noticed. The first few weeks had been a struggle for survival, but Deven was determined. He was no stranger to living off the land, the skills he had gathered in his life finally came to a head, helping him lead to a much simpler life. He hunted wildlife for food, fashioned makeshift shelters, and adapted to the harsh conditions of the outlands. Slowly, he began to carve out a life for himself.
One crisp morning, while tracking a deer, he stumbled upon a small cabin nestled in a secluded clearing. The scent of cooking food wafted through the air, drawing him closer. Cautiously, he approached, peering through a window. Inside, a woman was busy at the stove, her movements graceful and precise. Her body glistened with sweat, adding an almost charming shine to her dark skin. She was humming softly, unaware of his presence.
Deven hesitated, unsure if he should reveal himself. But something about her drew him in. He knocked on the door, and she opened it with a curious smile. Her name was Amina, a former resistance fighter who had fled the cities years ago. She too had found peace in the outlands, living a simple yet fulfilling life.
Over time, Deven and Amina grew close. Deven was the man that Amina finally needed, taking care of some of the brutish task that required a real man's touch. Together they learned how to find joy in the small things, and how to embrace his humanity once more. Amina was a skilled chef, and had many other redeemable talents. He did the hunting, she took care of the home. Amina previously had other romantic interest, but it was told that he died on a scavenging run, and the body had never been found. One day he left and never returned. One man's loss is another man's treasure. Amina had fallen under Deven's immaculate charm and southern draw. The two had meant to be together.
Life in the outlands was not without its challenges. The constant threat of being discovered loomed over him, and he knew that if he were ever captured, the Union would show no mercy. But for the first time in his life, Deven felt truly free. He spent his days hunting, exploring, and sharing moments of quiet contentment with Amina. They would sit by the fire at night, watching the stars and dreaming of a future unburdened by fear.
Deven often thought about his former comrades, the ones who had followed orders and continued to serve the Union. There is a lot of fond memories of his comrades, as the people he served with were subjected to the same harsh living conditions that he was. He wondered if they ever questioned their loyalty, if they longed for something more. He knew that he could never go back to that, that his decision to leave had sealed his fate. But he had no regrets.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Deven turned to Amina and smiled. "I never knew through all the horror and filth I had to crawl through, that I was on my way here to meet you." he said, his voice filled with wonder. She reached out, taking his hand in hers. "Sometimes, it's the unexpected choices that lead us to where we truly belong," she replied.
As they sat together, the warmth of the fire and the promise of a new day enveloping them, Deven knew that he had found something precious. He had found love, freedom, and a sense of purpose. And though the future was uncertain, he faced it with hope and determination, grateful for the path he had chosen.
Deven and Amina continue to live their simple life off the grid, a much better alternative to the disgusting and inhumane living conditions the union has to offer.
