The End Of Life

Mark nodded hearing his words and Kevin continued, "We should probably go and check up on the old man once we have the chance. The past few years, he was living in the mountains, if I remember." 

"Yes, we should. I'm not particularly worried about the old man, knowing his strength he won't die even though he is quite old, he is one tough guy." 

Kevin nodded, and they went back out. The living room remained in silence, everyone in their own thoughts until they finally heard another knock on the door. Kevin, who was nearest to the door, stood up and made his way. Looking through the hole, he opened the door after noticing it was the same soldier. 

"Dinner is being served. Please come down if you are hungry," and once again left as soon as he said his piece. 

The rest stood up hearing him and made their way out. Reaching the ground floor, they noticed the various civilians and soldiers eating dinner but there was also a clear distinction between the two. No group consisted of both parties. 

Mark raised an eyebrow seeing this and understood the words of the soldier earlier that day. 

'So, the military isn't the only ruling party in this camp unlike back at Stargaze city. It also seems like us getting the communication technology is not liked by others. This is going to bring us problems. Damn, this is more than what I signed up for.' Thinking all this, he could only sigh.

They silently stood in line, waiting for their chance. Mark was observing both sides and the rest of the team were simply talking about random stuff. Observing the civilian group, he noticed a few gazes filled with vicious intentions, especially a fat man, looking at them as if they were prey. 

Mark could only smirk seeing his intentions as clear as day. Moving up the line, it was finally their turn. Taking the plate with a bowl of soup and some rice with fried veggies to the side, they went to the side. 

The group quietly completed their dinner as they were about to return to their room, the group was stopped by Colonel Dan. 

"They would hand over the machine early morning. A soldier would come to inform you guys when it's ready. I have a suggestion for you guys. Try to move out of the city as soon as possible. You might have noticed it already, not everyone is willing to give you the machine. So you might face some problems." 

Looking around he continued, "So, be careful. We can not give you guys any protection because of a shortage of men on our side."

Moving back, he smiled and wished, "Hope you guys have a good sleep." Walking away. 

All of them looked among themselves, looking grim. 

"Mark-" as Kevin was about to break the silence, Mark said, "No need to think too much about what would happen tomorrow. Let's go up and rest for now." Moving up the stairs. The rest followed behind him, but all of them had their own thoughts about what they could expect. 

The night passed in complete silence as they took turns to guard once again. After hearing the warning from Dan. All of their thoughts on the journey tomorrow.

The sun eventually rose as they all got ready, and sat in the living room, waiting for a soldier to come and inform them. And the knock they all were waiting for was heard as they stood up. 

Mark opened the door and a different soldier appeared Infront of him. 

"The General is calling for you guys."

Mark turned towards the rest, and all of them made their way out. Silently following the soldier, they went to the first block. Mark looked at their jeep and paused. 

Turning to the side he said, "Kevin, go and have a look at the vehicle. See if they tampered with anything. We can never be too careful." 

Kevin gave a simple nod before moving away from the group. The rest followed the soldier upstairs and eventually stopped Infront of a door. 

The soldier knocked, announcing their arrival to the general. The soldier made his way in, asking the rest to wait outside. 

After a few seconds, he came back outside and said, "The General is calling you guys." Moving aside. 

They finally entered the room and noticed two people inside. One was an old man, and the other was young. The General is sitting behind the desk, looking at them with his head in his hands while the other was standing right behind him. 

"Welcome, I read the letter Donald gave you guys. My name is General Kroc. We did finish the revival of communication technology as he expected, but it's not complete. Because of this present situation around us, we could not bring back all the facilities like we had a few weeks back. Tell him that we can only connect this to the capital city's military facilities." 

Mark nodded, and the General waved his hand as the young man beside him went to the cabinet and retrieved a box. He kept it in front of the general and went back to his place. 

The General tapped the box and said, "This right here is very valuable in the present day and age. Donald properly knows this too. So, as you are giving this to him, give this letter to him too. Tell him that Kroc said, 'You owe me a lot for this.' Go ahead and take it." Taking out an envelope from his drawer in the side and pushing it towards them at the end. 

Mark didn't reply to his remarks and took the box from before passing it on to Suzie. Kroc looked at Bark behind him and said, "Tell them the quickest way out of the city. After all, we can at least do this. Whether you can take this out and bring it to the hands of Donald depends on you." Looking at Mark.