On the way

We made our way into the dispatch bay, where an exciting change awaited the camper. A new radar dish perched proudly on top, hinting at Gustav's ambitious plans to transform it into a self-sufficient ride.

As I opened the camper door, I couldn't help but notice the alteration. The interior seemed mostly the same, except for an empty desk positioned beside the comfort room. A spark of curiosity flickered within me, wondering if this vacant space might soon be utilized as a sophisticated holographic computer system.

With enthusiasm, Russ hopped inside, demonstrating his mechanical expertise. "Looks like we're in need of a vehicle that can venture solo, away from the mothership," Gustav explained with unwavering determination.

Sam, brimming with pride, eagerly joined us in the camper. Her eyes sparkled with joy. "Hey big brother, I learned how to work the radars," she chirped happily.

Settling into my place behind the wheel, I couldn't help but be impressed by her quick development. "That's awesome, Sam. Did Gustav teach you how?" I inquired, motivating her to learn more.

"Yup! And big sister Sandra helped too," Sam replied, her grin widening with pride.

With Gustav deftly cutting off our external communication, the moment had come to swing open the dispatch door.

As the door inched open, a cacophony of grinding metal and beeping sounds, complemented by flashy red lights, filled the air. It was showtime.

I ignited the camper's engine, expecting the familiar rumble, but to my surprise, it remained eerily silent. Undeterred, I gently pressed the gas pedal, and the camper glided out of the mothership, venturing into the desolate wasteland that lay before us.

Time seemed to blur as hours passed, the landscape morphing into a haunting urban maze. Crumbling buildings and shattered houses bore witness to Marawi City's once-glorious existence, now reduced to ruins by the devastating events of the Rapture.

"How are you holding up there, Sam?" I asked, my gaze fixed on the road ahead.

"I'm okay, big bro. I've been reading some of the books Gustav gave me," Sam replied, her voice brimming with determination.

The radio crackled with a voice, "You're nearing the base. Park the vehicle behind the tree line."

I eased up on the accelerator, gradually slowing the camper down before deftly steering it towards the tree line. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their branches bare, casting long shadows over the barren ground. The surrounding area seemed devoid of any signs of life, as if all vitality had been drained from it.

Standing up from the driver's seat, I turned to Sam. "Are you ready, Sam?"

Sam set her book aside, determination shining in her eyes as she stood up. "Ready!"

She carefully strapped on a gun case that was almost as big as she was, taking her responsibilities seriously. "Lead the way, big bro," she said, her small frame carrying a resolute spirit beyond her years.

Stepping out of the camper, Sam appeared unfazed by the weight of the gun case on her back. Her small frame seemed determined to bear the burden, her eyes gleaming with a sense of purpose. "Sam, what kind of gun did Gustav give you?" I inquired, curious about the weapon in her possession.

"It's a sniper rifle, an anti-material one," Sam answered confidently, her fingers lightly tracing the gun's case.

I couldn't help but wonder if Sam could handle such a high-caliber firearm. Its sheer power and recoil would likely push her back.

"Alright, let's proceed," I said, trying to keep any hesitation from my voice as I made my way into the tree line.

The land was parched, the trees lifeless, and there were no signs of any animals. Something ominous seemed to be unfolding in this desolate place. Although we were too far from the mothership to establish communication with Gustav, I hoped he could still receive our messages, keeping us connected in this hazardous mission.

We reached the edge of the tree line and found ourselves on a hill overlooking the base. The flesh base sprawled across the landscape, its walls appearing just as I had imagined. They resembled chunks of flesh melded together to form a wall, reminiscent of ground beef.

She unzipped the gun case, revealing a Barret M82 rifle. The weapon looked massive compared to her small frame. I couldn't help but wonder if Gustav had taught her enough to handle such firepower.

Sam carefully placed the gun on the ground, using its stand. She lay down next to it, mimicking a soldier's posture, and said, "Let me check the scope... Hey, big bro, there's a gate over there!"

"I see it. Now, can I trust Russ to watch over you?" I inquired, gripping my M16 tightly.

Sam nodded, her face filled with confidence. "Don't worry about me, big bro. Russ will protect me. But who's going to protect you?"

I smiled reassuringly at her. "I'll be fine. Just make sure you take your shots carefully."

"Okay, I got it!" Sam said eagerly, ready to take on her role.

"Take care," I said, stepping away from her spot. Russ remained by her side, a loyal companion.