Stranded in the Apocalypse (Part 2): Finding a Job
It had taken weeks to find the camp. It was sheer luck that he encountered a scout and learned about a survivor's colony. Now he was cautiously approaching its leader, a tall, stern woman who didn't appear to have much of a sense of humor. "I formally request sanctuary," he said. She made no response. She just looked down at him with pursed lips and an unimpressed expression. Cameron continued. "Oh come on. You're a woman, too. You know what's happening out there. I want to survive in this world just like you did. Take me in. Please!" He knew she wouldn't appreciate some random girl waltzing into her camp and making demands, but he was desperate beyond belief. After a minute of silence, she finally said something.
"If you came here expecting to be rescued, you will be disappointed. Most of the women your age are serving as breeding vessels." Cameron gulped. He was rethinking his entire journey here.
"I... I can work. I will work hard. I will do anything. Just not that. Please!"
"Very well. I'll have one of my lieutenants set you up with a work schedule." She signaled to someone standing behind him. "Follow Gabriel here to your bunk. You will start working immediately. Or I will have you reassigned." Cameron, wide-eyed in shock, said nothing and nodded in gratitude. As he turned to follow the young man with dark hair, the woman added, "Oh, and you will address me as Mother Regina from now on."
Cameron didn't even have time to clean up his face. From before the sun came up to after it went down, he worked the kitchens, cleaned the mess halls, and did loads of laundry for the other survivors. He still had cuts and bruises from the weeks he had spent foraging alone in the woods. He didn't even have a bra. Having guaranteed food and shelter was certainly better than before, and he was glad not to be on some pregnancy waiting list, but he still wished he wasn't given such grueling tasks, especially those stereotypically given to housewives.
Toward the end of his shift, a three men came in for a late dinner. Cameron served them their orders and continued wiping down the tables. He faintly overheard their conversation. "Man, check out the fresh meat. You see her tits? That is some breeding material right there. I bet you both I can bed blondie before either of you."
"Shut up!" Cameron turned around and shouted at the man who was talking. He didn't care about making a scene. He was not going to let even one such comment go unanswered. This would stop right now, less it be allowed to continue and escalate into something worse.
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