Stranded in the Apocalypse (Part 8): Come with Me

 See Part 1: https://asinine-tg-captions.blogspot.com/2026/05/stranded-in-apocalypse-part-1.html

 See Part 2: https://asinine-tg-captions.blogspot.com/2026/05/stranded-in-apocalypse-part-2.html

 See Part 3: https://asinine-tg-captions.blogspot.com/2026/05/stranded-in-apocalypse-part-3.html

 See Part 4: https://asinine-tg-captions.blogspot.com/2026/05/stranded-in-apocalypse-part-4.html

 See Part 5: https://asinine-tg-captions.blogspot.com/2026/05/stranded-in-apocalypse-part-5.html

 See Part 6: https://asinine-tg-captions.blogspot.com/2026/05/stranded-in-apocalypse-part-6.html

 See Part 7: https://asinine-tg-captions.blogspot.com/2026/05/stranded-in-apocalypse-part-7.html

Cameron was seeing red. His life, his freedom, and his honor as a woman had been threatened several times in just the last 24 hours. He was putting a stop to that once and for all. Armed with a long, rusty nail, he marched through the camp towards Mother Regina. Before he could even get close though, his hand was grabbed by none other than Gabriel. "There are other ways to get revenge, you know. If you want to make a mess, try one that doesn't endanger your own life."

Taking a deep breath, Cameron looked to see who was watching them. Nobody seemed to be paying attention. "Like what?"

"Come with me. I've been thinking about what you said, and you're right. I shouldn't be part of this. Let's run away from here."

He liked the sound of that. It would probably be easier to escape than to commit murder and get away with it. Plus, if he was going to run away with any man, it would be Gabriel. "Where would be go?"

"Right after the grid collapsed, I built a small shelter a few hundred miles east of here. It's not much, but it's a starting point."

Workers from the colony were dismantling the barbarian camp for scrap and other resources. Cameron and Gabriel found Mother Regina giving orders to different teams. As she turned and saw them approaching, her face turned immediately bitter.

Gabriel gave the quick goodbye speech. "We thank you for your food and shelter, but we will be leaving now. Both of us." Disappointment and disbelief was written all over her face. She clearly did not enjoy the feeling of losing authority. But before they could walk away, she tried to have the last word.

"We all have own dreams and desires, but you pledged to uphol..."

"We can make this a whole lot uglier you know," Cameron butted in. "Just let us go." In fact, he was already planning on making the situation uglier. He just enjoyed throwing it in her face.

"You don't have to live like this," Cameron shouted to the gathering crowd. "Don't believe Mother Regina's lies. She has made you believe there is only one way to live in safety. But you don't have to be reduced to soldiers and sex slaves. There is another way!" Many people looked on as if they wanted to believe him, but were too afraid to act. Others only looked on with anger.

"It's true," Gabriel added. "And if you don't believe her, maybe you'll believe me. Mother Regina borrowed weapons and intelligence to destroy our enemy, but that bill will come due. And if you aren't careful, you'll soon find yourself fighting a new enemy every time you defeat an old one. All while she conveniently stays in power."

The camp was quiet that night. People had a lot to think about. As Cameron gathered his things from his bunk, he heard whispers passing by outside. Curious, he decided to follow these people and see what they were up to. He lurked a few hundred feet behind while staying hidden under cover of darkness. They were on their way straight to Gabriel's tent. They were probably going to kill him! Before Cameron could call out, they stopped. They almost appeared to forget why they were out there. As they walked back the way they came, Cameron snuck into his tent. It was no use. Gabriel was already gone.