Beneath the Surface

Into the Unknown

PSA: What you're about to read is entirely fictional. The characters, events, and plot twists are figments of creative imagination and bear no connection to real-life people or happenings.

"Let me out!" Mary insisted.

"No!" Emily says firmly. 

"Mark, David, let me out," Mary says, turning to them.

"Okay, on one condition," David says.

"What's that?" Mary asks.

"You don't tell anyone about this bunker, and we do it at sundown, just in case anyone is watching," David informs.

"Fine," Mary says.

"David, you can't just let her go," Emily says.

"She's an adult, Emily. I don't wish to tell an adult what she can and can't do. My job is to protect my family," David informs Emily.

"You know you can't come back when you go, right?" Emily asks Mary

Mary just walks away, her determined footsteps echoing through the bunker's corridor. The decision to step out into the unknown hangs heavy in the air, leaving a sense of uncertainty in the hearts of those left behind.

"I know it's tempting to go outside, to see what's happening," Emily continued, her tone a mix of concern and sincerity. "But we can't forget what we've been through. Those people were trying to harm us. We can't just trust them, not yet."

Emma, the youngest of the three, looked up with wide eyes. "But Aunt Emily, I want to see the sun again. I want to play outside."

"I know, sweetie," Emily replied, kneeling down to Emma eye level. "We all want that, but we need to be sure it's safe. Your safety comes first."

Sam, exchanged a glance with his younger siblings.

"Aunt Emily, what do you think we should do?" Isaac asks

"We're going to wait and watch," Emily explained. "Your mom has made her choice, but we need to be cautious. If things seem safe after some time, we can consider going out. But for now, we stay here, together."

"I'm going to check on mom" Sam adds

As Sam headed towards the corridor where Mary had disappeared, the tension in the bunker lingered.

"Mom, are you sure about this? Going out there without knowing what's really happening?" he asked.

Mary hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the closed door leading to the bunker. "Sam, we can't stay in here forever. We need to take a chance, see for ourselves. Your aunt and the others can stay if they want, but I need to know."

"I get it, Mom. But what if it's still dangerous? What if something happens?" Sam expressed his concern.

Mary placed a hand on Sam's shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "I'll be cautious. David made a condition, and I agreed. We won't make noise, and we'll do it under the cover of darkness. Just be careful and watch your siblings. I'll be back as soon as I can."

As the hours passed, the bunker became a place of anticipation, the unknown future outside contrasting with the familiar safety of their underground refuge.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the bunker into darkness. The soft glow of artificial lights illuminated the common area as the family waited, uncertain of what the night would bring and whether Mary would return unharmed from the outside world.

Mark and David, utilizing the security system controls, disabled the safety mechanisms that secured the bunker's exit. The door, concealed beneath the cabin floor, shifted once again, revealing the entrance to the outside world. As the heavy door creaked open, the family members left inside watched with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

Mary turned to her children, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and affection. She kissed each of them on the forehead and gathered them close. "I'll be back soon. You all stay safe. Stick together, listen to Aunt Emily, and don't do anything reckless. I love you."

With those words, Mary stepped out into the unknown, leaving the safety of the bunker behind. The door closed behind her, and the heavy mechanisms reengaged, securing the entrance once more.

The atmosphere in the bunker became charged with uncertainty as they listened for any sound from the outside. Mark and David, experienced in security measures, quickly went to work, rearming the bunker to ensure its safety.

David pulled up a new screen on his computer, and Sarah, intrigued, asked, "What's that?"

"I planted a bug on Mary. I don't want the drone getting too close," David explained. The room fell into a brief silence as everyone processed the information.

"Why would you do that?" Emily questioned, her brows furrowed with concern.

"I'm sorry Emaily but we need to make sure she's safe and that nothing unexpected is happening out there," David replied, his eyes focused on the screen displaying Mary's location.

"It's a smart precaution," Mark chimed in. "We can't be too careful, especially considering what we've been through."

The family members gathered around the screen, watching the data feed from the bug.

After a few minutes of walking, Mary was approached by an Echelon van. Workers inside the van offered to bring her to the city, where she could access food and undergo a health check.

"Where exactly in the city are you headed?" Mary inquired, trying to gauge the situation.

"Oh, just the central area. That's where most people are gathering. It's safer there, and you can get all the support you need," the other worker explained with a friendly smile.

Mary, after a moment's consideration, decided to accept the offer from the Echelon van. The workers inside the vehicle welcomed her in, and as she settled into the seat, the door slid closed. The van accelerated, heading toward the city where people were said to be gathering.

During the ride, Mary observed the transformed landscape through the windows. The city, once familiar, now bore the marks of recent upheavals. The Echelon workers engaged her in conversation, assuring her that the city's central area was a safe haven where survivors were coming together for support and resources.

Upon reaching the central area, Mary saw a gathering of survivors near a designated safe zone. Echelon personnel were organizing the distribution of supplies, and medical teams were attending to individuals. The van came to a stop, and the workers turned to Mary.

"You're here. You can get checked out, receive supplies, and find others who've been through similar experiences," one of the workers explained.

Mary nodded, grateful for the assistance but still vigilant.

Inside the designated safe zone, Mary was directed toward a tent where Echelon workers were conducting health checks and decontamination procedures. One worker guided her to a private space, ensuring a level of confidentiality. As Mary entered the tent, she noticed a faint hiss, and suddenly, a fine mist enveloped her as she was sprayed down with an unknown gas.