Free Military / Time Travel Romance: The Stranger In Sector 27 - A Post Apocalypse Love Story (Book 1) by Lilly Babineau Page B

Kline, who appeared to be in a state of shock.

“Just...shreds... what… what could have… they…” He stammered. Branton wanted to break down too, but knew he needed to maintain all his strength for the time being. Geoff had been his neighbor growing up, and the three boys were nearly inseparable. And Tommy…

Tommy! The fury that had overcome Branton earlier was back with a vengeance. Medics had come to work on Kline, so Branton stormed over to HQ to find out what the hell Tommy was there for in the first place.

Headquarters was located in Sector 1, and was the most technologically sound place on Earth. The advanced computer system made it possible to track civilians, threats, and military personnel anywhere within Cartopia.

Cartopia was set up into 28 sectors. Any of the sectors past sector 20 were the most uninhabitable. Anyone who had to live there usually ended up dead before long. Those who survived were definitely a force to be reckoned with. The perimeter of Cartopia was surrounded by electrical, stainless steel wire fencing, which could kill even an elephant if it so much as grazed it - if elephants existed anymore, that is. The last elephant was killed more than 100 years ago, but old sayings never die.

Branton swiped his access card at the front gate and entered the transparent elevator system. For its own protection, HQ was completely surrounded by a special bulletproof glass that couldn’t even be cracked by a guided missile.

When the elevator doors opened, Branton was faced with a frenzy of people. Military personnel running around, and scrambling. Everyone and anyone looking for answers as to what the hell happened down in Sector 27. One man saw Branton, and the rest of the room turned to stare in silence. He said nothing. Instead he continued on to Cap’s chambers and completely bypassed his assistant.

“Branton!” Cap turned to him from facing the window. Walking over, Cap held out his hand to shake Branton’s. “I am very sorry to hear about Lt. Scott. I understand Geoff was a personal friend, and I’m sorry for your loss.”

“I’m sure you are. Can you please explain to me why you sent Private Decker to sector 27? Sir, he was inexperienced and you sent him to die!” Branton was furious, but Cap looked puzzled.

“Private Decker had no orders from me to enter that sector.” The surprised look remained on Cap’s face, and Branton recognized it as a pained look, as well. “He didn’t make it?”

Branton was confused. “No, sir, he did not.”

“I see.” Cap sat down in his chair and pressed his hands together. Leaning into his desk, he buzzed his assistant. “Andrina, get me Johan and Hortencia Decker immediately.”

“You had no idea he was with us?” Branton questioned.

“I did not.” Cap answered.

A short while later, the Deckers arrived at the quarters.

“Cap, what is it?” Johan Decker asked, a look of worry on his face.

“Is it Thomas, Cap?” Hortencia Decker asked.

Branton couldn’t bear watching this unfold. He walked out the door just as Cap explained that their son was dead. No matter how far he got from the chambers, there was no way to unhear the cries of agony the Deckers let out in desperation for their son.

Chapter Four: No Memory
    It was about suppertime when Jaxx Branton returned to his living quarters. He made his way to the dining chambers and stood in line with everyone else waiting to be served their meals. When the slop landed on his plate, he thought about it for a moment. How strange this food must be, rice and porridge, to have withstood the tests of time. He received a puny helping of greens and was sent on his way with a tiny cup of water. He sat alone, and tried to think about anything else besides the occurrences of the day. That’s when he remembered the girl.

He radioed into the medic unit. “This is Branton. I need a location for the female patient brought in last night.”

She remained in the same unit she’d been