Ferals

Chapter 1 200 years ago March 14, 2035 “Mr. President, it’s time.” The Secretary of Defense declares. “May God forgive us, and have mercy on all those left behind.” The President’s voice cracks as he reaches with shaking hands to enter the nuclear codes into the computer. “This is it gentlemen, “ he says turning to look the two men standing with him in the eyes, “ On my count, three….two…one.” They each turn the key stationed in front of them. The earth around them trembles as miles above them on the surface, hidden doors open in the sandy desert floor and hundreds of nuclear war heads launch into the atmosphere. Around the world, other weaponized countries do the same. “Now, the only thing left to do is pray.” The President states, a single tear rolls down his face. *** The Great War waged for ten years, all major cities were targeted and razed to the ground, scorched earth was all that remained in their stead. EMP blasts knocked out the power grid over all major countries, sending civilization back to the dark ages. The leaders of the free world retreated to their underground bunkers, and left the survivors to deal with the aftermath on their own. The plan was relatively simple. End the War, remain in bunkers until the fallout has cleared. According to the models ten to fifteen years will pass and the world will be inhabitable again. However, things rarely go as planned. The scientist and analysts did not foresee the natural disasters, the tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes that would follow the detonation of so many bombs. They did not predict that many so called secret bio-chemical laboratories would be hit, releasing DNA altering viruses and bacteria into the air and water supplies. Nor did they anticipate the changes to the ozone layer, transforming weather patterns and exposing the earth and all its remaining inhabitants to increased solar and electromagnetic radiation. After fifteen years passed they attempted a return to the surface. It was then they realized then how wrong things had gone. They retreated back into their bunkers and gave the residents there the news that their stay will be extended indefinitely. One hundred twenty years later, with failing filtration systems and severe decline of resources, the new generations had no choice but to leave the safety of the bunkers and face the consequences of their forefathers choices. They expected to be in alone in an uninhabited world, what they discovered shocked and amazed them. And true to human nature, instilled fear into their hearts, for we are programmed to fear what we do not understand. Unimaginably there had been survivors of the Great War. Exposed to radiation, chemicals, bio hazards, DNA alternating viruses, a new, and mutated race of people that are, bigger, stronger, faster, and wilder evolved. The newly emerged underground dwellers built walls around their bunkers, and started their new way of life, building a new Kingdom. As time passed and their population grew, as well as their need for more resources, they expanded out into the wilderness, building more walls to surround and protect them from the barbaric savages lurking in the badlands. They called these wild savage men, The Ferals.