text: ** When the Mierans first invaded, the primary targets were the major population centers. Every sprawling metropolis that was once a shining example of human ingenuity is now a depressing reminder of humanity's insignificance. Medium sized cities were thrust into a chaotic position both during and after the war. Refugees from the destroyed cities flocked to the suburbs and smaller cities that formerly existed in the shadow of their homes. Simultaneously, the image of burning skyscrapers caused inhabitants to flee in fear of being the next target. The Mierans launched a few attacks on the new major population centers after the initial strike, but they quickly abandoned their tactics due to the rapid distribution of anti-aircraft guns and fighter planes. The military presence contributed to the expansion of these cities. After the war, the mid-sized cities could broadly be classified into two categories. The cities that had a high military presence became known as the bases even if the military base was only part of the city. Life in a base was heavily regulated and regimented. The people were constantly being monitored, and the soldiers regularly patrolled the cities. They are also known for being the safest places on earth. A large number of scavengers lose their lives for the chance of joining that city. The other mid-level cities are in a state of chaos. The military presence heavily declined in those areas, and a few groups were able to steal enough weapons to attempt to seize control. Most of these attempts failed due to internal conflicts and populations that left to become scavengers. A few support networks were able to form from the groups. Scavengers will often raid the networks and leave quickly. The groups are either unwilling to chase them or believe it is sabotage from a competitor. Stephen, Tim, and Velma are crouching on the side of the road. Their crank radio was able to pick-up a transmission from a supply truck that is headed into a place called Golden Hills. They have spent the last few weeks scouting out the town and finding its weak points. Tonight, that supply truck is making its way towards the city with a truck full of food. They cut down a tree a few miles away from the city to stop the truck. When the truck reaches the tree, it comes to stop. Four people with guns and two people with chainsaws come out of the back. The four guards immediately assume strategic positions on all corners of the truck. The two people with chainsaws immediately start demolishing the tree. A person gets out of the passenger seat and climbs on top of the truck with a flood light in hand. The flood light starts to circle the area. "Damnit, they have training. I was hoping it was one of the more inexperienced groups," Stephen says. "It's okay. That's why we prepared for them," Velma says, "Tim circle around." "Got it," Tim crawls away from the truck and turns to his left. He takes care to avoid the flood light. When he reaches a sufficient distance. He dashes across the road. The guards do not react to the movement. He starts to slow down and feel the ground for the marker they left. When he reaches the location, he pulls out his weapon. At that moment, two cars appear from the city, and eight people get out of the vehicles. "Crap, they called in reinforcements," Stephen says. The chainsaw people move away from the tree when they arrive, and the guards at the back move to the front of the truck. The newcomers ready their weapons at the truck. "Okay, maybe it is a rival group," Stephen says. One of the people at the back starts yelling at the person on top of the truck. Their conversation is barely audible from where Stephen and Velma are crouching. The conversation turns violent, and the groups start to fire on each other. "Shit, Tim is on the other side all alone," Velma says. The firing lasts a few minutes, and all of the people are down. "What should we do now?" Stephen asks. They see a man start to walk through the wreckage holding a gun. Tim jumps and waves them over to the battle site. "Tim, what are you doing? You could've been killed," Stephen says. "Trust me. I was close enough to the site. I knew they were dead," Tim says. "Who were these people?" Velma asks. "This group," Tim points at the truck, "is your standard network that is trying to create a semblance of a society. They were transporting food." "They," he points at the cars, "are a part of a group that calls themselves the Followers of Gabriel. They are a cult that wants to wipe out all they deem impure." "Creepy," Stephen says. "I think we should deliver their supplies," Tim says. "What? They would shoot us on sight. Hi, we sabotaged your transport and got your people killed. Please let us in," Stephen says. "They wouldn't have been here if it wasn't for us, and from the way the network talked, it seems like the cult is winning," Tim says, "I think we should help them." "I cannot believe this. We are scavengers. We only join other wandering groups," Stephen says. "We should help," Velma says. "What the, Velma, you agree with him?" Stephen asks. "Tim is right. They got into this mess because of us. Besides, they made a lot of progress with the tree. We can clear it out," Velma says. "Alright," Stephen says. The three of them clear out the rest of the tree. They agree to have Velma and Stephen be in the truck while Tim takes the car. "Sarah, are you there? Please answer me," the truck radio sparks. Stephen looks at Velma. "Are you gonna answer that?" Stephen asks.