3 Chapter 3
[September 2, 2383]
[Location: Bunker 030]
Taking in the full magnitude of the situation, I refocused my attention on the computer. As I delved deeper, I remembered to check the current date.
"September 2, 2383... Damn," I exclaimed in astonishment.
Three and a half centuries had passed since everything had come to an end. It was simply incredible, all the time I had spent asleep, all that I had lost in that endless cryogenic slumber.
I wondered what the world outside would be like. Would I be able to breathe without the need for a protective suit? Were there more people out there? One thing was certain: radiation wouldn't just disappear on its own for thousands of years.
I wondered if cows were still cows or if evolution had transformed them into something unrecognizable.
In any case, I had to face the reality of being alone in this new world.
My concern turned into curiosity, but I finally decided to focus on the present. It didn't take long before I found the program that managed the cryogenic bays.
I explored and carefully read the instructions until I figured out how to reseal them properly. It wouldn't be appropriate to let the corpses thaw and enter a state of total decomposition, which could create a new threat in the bunker due to the waste.
I programmed the bays to reopen in 500 years and pressed the key to start the process. It was a quick procedure, and although not without complications, I managed to complete it successfully. Now, at least, I wouldn't have to worry about the harmful effects of thawing corpses in the bunker for a long period of time.
After sealing the cryogenic bays and obtaining the access card from the old scientist, I left his office. I walked through the vast, illuminated hallways, and the echo of my footsteps resonated in my ears. I was completely alone in this vast bunker, and while the solitude felt depressing, the silence had an eerie allure.
I knew that sooner or later, I would have to do something about it. The idea of staying alone for so long seemed daunting, and I needed to find a purpose to move forward in this new world that stretched before me.
I walked to the cafeteria, the place where I had my last meal before entering cryosleep. Everything seemed to be the same, completely untouched but covered in a thick layer of dust. If I intended to stay in this bunker for a long time, I would have to embark on a thorough cleaning at some point.
"This suit is so uncomfortable," I muttered as I adjusted the special cryogenic suit I was still wearing.
My hunger was a priority at that moment, so I decided to endure my discomfort and headed to the kitchen adjacent to the cafeteria.
The feeling of being alone in a kitchen, surrounded by appliances and utensils, was strange and challenging. Despite the dust covering everything, everything seemed to work perfectly, as if the three centuries had not affected the facility in the slightest. Even the water supply seemed to be in perfect working order.
I walked towards a large hermetically sealed door that guarded the food storage room. I used the access card I had taken from the scientist to unlock it, and the door opened automatically.
My eyes widened as I beheld the gigantic food storage room. The sight was akin to being in a massive supermarket, with aisles stretching several meters high and shelves brimming with canned goods, sacks of provisions, and everything one could imagine. It was like being a child in a candy store, except instead of sweets, there was rationed food to sustain a thousand people.
I walked through the aisles, examining the labels on the cans and sacks, amazed by the abundance of supplies. There was even an entire section of frozen foods and frozen meat. It was nearly impossible to describe the sense of relief I felt, knowing that I wouldn't starve in this place. Food was secured, at least for ten lifetimes.
Despite my initial excitement, I decided to take only what was necessary: a military ration. I knew that if I was going to cook, I would first have to clean everything, although I found that task quite unpleasant.
As I walked through the bunker in search of something to do, I nibbled on a piece of those salty crackers that came in the rations. I had already changed my clothes, although at the moment, the only thing in my size was my uniform, as I had no idea where the rest of my clothing might be.
I wondered if the government had bothered to include clothes other than the uniforms, as when they forced us into the bunker, they denied us entry with personal belongings, and I had to throw my bag with clothes and mementos outside. Now I only had the uniform I was wearing and the special cryogenic suit, which didn't exactly offer a variety of clothing options.
As I continued to explore the bunker in search of that valuable server room, I thought about all the possibilities I might find within those hundreds of terabytes of information. Did I want to become a doctor? There would be all the information I needed to learn medicine. Was I interested in weapon manufacturing? There were probably resources to learn how to create or even improve existing ones. The information contained in those servers was invaluable, even if the concept of money had lost its meaning in these uncertain times.
"Where the hell could it be?" I wondered to myself as I continued navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the bunker, searching for that room filled with computers connected to the servers. The idea of learning medicine or even manufacturing some substances to alleviate my pain was becoming increasingly appealing. However, I had to find that room and access the information I needed first.
It was a literal and figurative slap in the face when I finally found the door that led to the "Computer Room." I cursed my own clumsiness for passing by it several times without noticing the sign that clearly stated where it was. "I'm a complete idiot," I scolded myself as I let out a deep sigh.
I quickly entered the room and was met with an impressive sight: a spacious area filled with computers, with cables intertwining and disappearing into holes in the walls. It was a kind of information sanctuary, and I was eager to explore all it had to offer.
----
[November 5th, 2383]
[Location: Bunker 030]
The months passed slowly for me, monotonous and tedious as hell. I explored every corner of the bunker and took inventory every day to keep myself occupied.
I spent time studying new things, playing video games, cleaning, and working out in the gym equipped in the bunker. But despite all these activities, boredom persisted. The absence of company and loneliness hung over me like a dark cloud.
Sometimes, the idea of suicide crossed my mind as a tempting option. But there was also the possibility of venturing into the outside world, although the fear of the unknown paralyzed me. The uncertainty of what awaited me out there was overwhelming. What would the world be like after three and a half centuries? Could I survive in such a hostile landscape? These questions constantly circled my mind, but my fear of facing them kept me trapped in the bunker.
I had finished inventorying the weaponry and military equipment, and I was impressed by the extensive variety of resources available in the bunker. What particularly caught my attention were the military vehicles stored on-site. There was a total of 20 Humvees, each with its respective variants: M1114 UAH, M1151 (EAC), M1165, M1097 Avenger, and M997 Ambulance. They were neatly organized and surprisingly useful.
It was interesting to learn that the military had continued to use these vehicles until shortly before the apocalypse unfolded. Their versatility and utility on the battlefield made them a logical choice. After all, if something isn't broken, why fix it?
In addition to the Humvees, there were also 20 JLTVs (Joint Light Tactical Vehicles) in the warehouse. Originally, these vehicles were intended to replace the Humvee, but instead, they became its faithful companions in the fight against the Chinese.
The available variants of JLTV in the bunker included the JLTV-GP (General Purpose), JLTV-UTL (Utility), JLTV-CCWC (Cargo and Communications), and JLTV-HGC (High Mobility Off-Road). These vehicles proved to be extremely useful, especially in a completely devastated terrain that could be encountered outside the bunker. Their off-road capability and versatility made them valuable assets in a post-apocalyptic world.
In addition to the Humvees and JLTVs, the arsenal included 10 M923 trucks, general cargo trucks with a 5-ton capacity. These trucks were used for transporting both cargo and personnel, making them highly versatile.
In the warehouse, there were also two tanker trucks, which could be essential for transporting water or fuel, ensuring the necessary supply for survival in a devastated world.
As for light and fast mobility, the bunker was equipped with a significant number of Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycles, which had been used by the military for quick transportation. Additionally, there was a significant number of Polaris MRZR vehicles, all-terrain vehicles primarily used for reconnaissance and movement in difficult terrain.
Although armored vehicles and tanks could have been a valuable resource, it was understandable that they were not available due to budget constraints or time limitations. Nevertheless, the bunker was well-stocked in terms of weaponry and defense.
The military arsenal in the bunker included a large quantity of firearms and ammunition that could be used for personal defense and, ultimately, for survival in the outside world. From assault rifles to pistols, grenades, and tactical gear, the arsenal offered a wide variety of weaponry options.
However, as I explored the bunker, it became evident that many of these weapons and ammunition would likely not be necessary and would end up collecting dust on the shelves.
I spent this month learning mechanics, realizing that this skill would be crucial for my survival in the outside world. Although I wasn't certain about what awaited me out there, having the ability to repair and maintain vehicles and equipment could make the difference between life and death.
The mechanical workshop in the warehouse was a true treasure. It was equipped with a wide range of tools and equipment, and the parts were meticulously organized to prevent confusion or loss. Disassembling one of the motorcycles and one of the Humvees had become a sort of therapy for me, a way to keep my mind busy amid overwhelming loneliness.
Sometimes, I would pause to think about how I had ended up in this situation, being the last survivor in a bunker designed to house hundreds of people. Despite the solace I could find in mechanics, uncertainty about the outside world remained a constant burden on my mind. What would the world be like after more than three centuries? Could I survive in that new and dangerous environment? These questions haunted me often, but I knew I couldn't stay locked in the bunker forever.
Assembling the Humvee was a considerable challenge, and my inexperience in mechanics was evident at every step of the process. I often found myself searching for tutorials in the vast bunker database to make sure I was doing things correctly. However, no matter how much I read or how hard I tried, every bump and bruise on my body was a constant reminder that I was alone and dealing with tasks that originally required a complete team of technicians and mechanics.
The computer screen was my only guide, and even though it provided detailed instructions, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task. Every screw, adjustment, and connection required extreme precision, and any mistake could have devastating consequences when I eventually ventured outside the bunker.
As I progressed, I was amazed at how complex the Humvee was and how each part fit perfectly with the others. Despite the challenges and the pain I experienced when accidentally hitting myself with a piece, I felt a profound sense of satisfaction every time I managed to make progress in the reconstruction. It was as if each piece I assembled represented a small triumph over the loneliness and uncertainty I felt.
