Ch. 7

“Exactly. It was hard to beat in cruelty what was going on in the world back then. Many people saw the wars coming and warned about them, but the masses couldn't believe it. In many countries there were highly educated and enlightened people, but they were vain and did not think it possible that there would actually be a war in their civilized midst. They thought they were safe ... And eventually most of them lost their lives when it escalated and suddenly the atomic bombs went off. Meanwhile, the privileged in the empire stood behind the safe walls and watched the spectacle calmly. The radiation left by the bombs is still so high in many places today that human life is hardly possible there. Most of the rivers are polluted, and those that have recovered over time have gradually been rendered unusable by the debris of the Empire. While the people behind the walls live in safety and with all kinds of privileges, the population in the surrounding area has been catapulted back into the Stone Age. Only with time could a reasonably normal life develop again out here. People can't stay in one place, I've already told you that. The settlements were an incredible step forward, education and awareness taking took place outside the walls, so they had to go. You don't need anyone in the surrounding area who could be dangerous at some point. "

"Then how can it be that such camps exist?" I asked, pointing around me. “Don't the people in the Empire know about it? Or the Hunter? "

“Nothing specific. Thanks to our contacts, we are always informed about what is going on behind the walls. As soon as a mission starts that could be dangerous to us, we withdraw and hide until the air is clear again. "

"Clever," I muttered, nodding approvingly.

Lex smiled, but then turned serious again. “The world can get better, Riley. We can do it better. "

“By starting new wars? Is that really the solution? "

He didn't answer immediately, got up and came to me. “There will be losses, that's right. But what other choice do we have, Riley? It's not real life out here. What perspectives and options will open up to us if nothing changes? Hm?"

I looked down and swallowed. He wasn't wrong ...

“Illnesses, poverty, death. If for a better life I have to sacrifice those who are responsible for making it barely bearable out here, then I'll be happy to accept it! ”Lex continued, putting a hand on my shoulder. “I want justice. And I don't get it just like that. What do you want? What do you expect from your life, Riley? "

"No idea …"

“Then set goals. Set yourself high goals, even if they still seem unattainable to you. You don't want to wander around and hide at night anymore, do you? You want a safe home, food, clean drinking water, education. Interrupt me if I'm wrong. "

I shook my head. "You are not wrong."

"Good," he went on with a smile, before his expression turned serious again. "Maybe you want retribution too?"

I tensed up and looked sideways, straight into his gray eyes. "Revenge?"

"Or so. Those responsible for the death of your mother and sister, as well as your friends and acquaintances, could receive their just punishment for their actions. Would that be wrong? " 

My hands automatically clenched into fists. "No."

"No. It would only be fair. Think carefully about what I said. ”He squeezed my shoulder again, then stood up. “In the morning I want you to come with me. To Taleon One. Unless you're not ready for it yet ...? "

His insistent gaze literally pierced me and I had an incredible effort to withstand him. But I succeeded. "I'm ready. I would like to help."

Shortly afterwards, I returned to my father's tent and sat on the bed. My head was full of what I had learned from Lex. It almost burst, so many thoughts were floating around in it. I had to sort and process them. What I had learned was just terrible! But tomorrow's visit was in the foreground, and I had to concentrate on this. After talking to Lex it was even harder than before. Retribution, vengeance ... I wanted it! But how should I practice them on One? How should I manage to punish him for what he'd done? Could i do that? Just the thought of seeing him possibly badly injured in a few hours made my stomach ache. So violent that I couldn't fall asleep despite the fatigue. 

Accordingly, I was finished when my father got me out of bed the next morning. As I showered, I gathered myself as best I could, going over and internalizing my plans for responding to One. I could only hope that it would work and that no one noticed anything I didn't want to reveal.