Almost Homeless: This Foreign Universe, #5

By J.S. Sherwood

Five years before all plant life on Earth was destroyed, Dr. Dradin Walcott worked to provide himself glory and immortality—at the expense of all helping him—yet he unwittingly brought about tragedy after tragedy, impacting the future of every living creature on Earth.

Back in Cowley, Tashon and the Gaines family fight to survive on an entirely new Earth. The orbs that dropped from the second wave of planes set Earth's plant life back to growing, but not as it used to be. They must now fight for survival in foreign, jungle-like Wyoming as roaming barbarians become more common, and as the Fakes start playing a larger role in their survival.

EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS a visionary science fiction adventure, with Book 5 of the 9-book series, "This Foreign Universe." Discover new worlds, new civilizations, and new mysteries from the great unknown.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evolved Publishing LLC
• Release date: Dec 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890250124

J.S. Sherwood

Author J.S. Sherwood has a passion for stories that show the existence of peace and beauty even in the darkest of times. He spent many years teaching English at the junior high, high school, and college levels, and now brings that love of great writing to bear in his own books. When he isn’t reading or writing, he’s spending time with his wife, five kids, and two dogs in Arizona. Most likely they’re outside, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine.

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ALMOST HOMELESS

This Foreign Universe – Book 5

Copyright © 2023 J.S. Sherwood

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ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 979-8-89025-012-4

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Editor: Becky Stephens

Cover Artist: Cindy Fan

Interior Designer: Lane Diamond

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

At the end of this novel of approximately 74,428 words, you will find two Special Sneak Previews: 1) ALMOST EARTHLESS by J.S. Sherwood, the next installment (Book 5) in the This Foreign Universe series of Visionary & Metaphysical, Sci-Fi Space Opera adventures, and; 2) TRAMPLING IN THE LAND OF WOE by William LJ Galaini, the award-winning, critically-acclaimed first book in the metaphysical religious fantasy adventure through Purgatory and Hell in the Hellbound series. We think you’ll enjoy these books, too, and provide these previews as a FREE extra service, which you should in no way consider a part of the price you paid for this book. We hope you will both appreciate and enjoy the opportunity. Thank you.

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eBook License Notes:

You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.

Books by J.S. Sherwood

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THIS FOREIGN UNIVERSE

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ARC ONE: THE BATTLES THEY FOUGHT

Book 1: Foreign Land

Book 2: Foreign Planet

Book 3: Foreign Home

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ARC TWO: THE EARTH THEY LEFT BEHIND

Book 4: Almost Pathless

Book 5: Almost Homeless

Book 6: Almost Earthless

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ARC THREE: THE SEEDS THEY PLANTED

Book 7: The Engineer

Book 8: The Explorer

Book 9: The Sage

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www.WorldsByJSherwood.com

What Others Are Saying about This Foreign Universe

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FOREIGN LAND (Book 1):

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"I loved reading Sherwood’s Foreign Land. It is somehow both easily digestible and remarkably deep in its themes and meditations. There is a very nice mixture of characters that feel truly human and alive and more technical and/or futuristic settings and technologies. The foreign planet, where much of the action feels truly alien, creates a truly memorable setting, as does the generation ship where some of the juiciest action takes place. The villains of the plot are believable, aspects of their ideology can be found even in today’s culture. Non-stop action and understandable yet deep prose mixed with unforgettable characters make this book a must buy for any fan of science fiction."

~ Luke Dylan Ramsey (5 STARS)

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"With an intricate and fast-moving plot, author J.S. Sherwood crafts an enthralling sci-fi survival tale that will ignite your imagination and take you on a wild rollercoaster through the cosmos. The premise is authentic and uniquely creative, providing the narrative with a sense of wonder and awe that makes it thoroughly entertaining to read. The characters are well-realized, with back-stories that add an extra layer of depth to their personalities. The world-building was particularly impressive to me, as it seamlessly incorporated some advanced theoretical concepts, which I found utterly captivating. Additionally, the unpredictable plot provides plenty of thrilling moments to keep you on edge. If you enjoy well-written sci-fi stories that push the boundaries of your imagination, check out Foreign Land from the ‘This Foreign Universe’ series."

~ Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews, Pikasho Deka (5 STARS)

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"Foreign Land by J.S. Sherwood is a riveting science-fiction novel with a hint of a dystopian background. This sensational book is a breathtaking page-turner with an enthralling storyline that rivals a Star Trek episode. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The electrifying plot, dramatic backdrops, dynamic scenes, and engaging characters held me spellbound from the first page until the last. Impeccably written, the author has created fantastic and elaborate story worlds with intricate features and bizarre creatures. The unique aspects of the alien and bio-engineered beings of the planet Aethera and the extensive concept of the Ship of Nations are original and thought-provoking, capturing and stirring the imagination. The creatures are not only fascinating but also downright eerie. The beetles are horrifying, and the fourth-dimensional beings are absolutely terrifying. This scintillating novel promises to captivate and entertain science-fiction fans who love intergalactic thrillers."

~ Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews, Susan Sewell (5 STARS)

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"This realistic and entertaining story was so easy to read and enjoy! I was transported right beside Smith and Tashon. I enjoyed their reactions and loved every single part of Foreign Land. J.S. Sherwood set the mood from the beginning and made the story interesting from the get-go. The opening scene was powerful and introduced the two main characters of the story while explaining their situation very realistically (something that you hardly find in science fiction stories). The author’s writing style is descriptive without being boring. The imagery is breathtaking, and the mystery was powerful enough to steal my breath. The threat of new surroundings, the grief of losing loved ones, and the excitement of something new were all handled exceptionally. The author struck the perfect balance between futuristic and realistic. The situations were believable, and the characters were relatable. I would highly recommend Foreign Land to anyone who loves science fiction that is grounded in reality."

~ Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews, Rabia Tanveer (5 STARS)

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"Foreign Land is some of the best science fiction I’ve read in years. It’s full of action, intrigue, heart, and even a dash of the type of horror that can only come from man facing the unknown. The book starts like many other sci-fi stories—on an alien planet after an unfortunate turn of events—but it quickly veers into unique and refreshing. Sherwood’s description of alien beings and future technology are uniquely his own, offering a new world that readers have never quite experienced before. And under all that, as in all good sci-fi, there’s an element of truth and the human condition brought to life through exquisite characters. This is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a good science fiction series to sink into for a good long time (based on the projected series)."

~ JPB (5 STARS)

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I truly enjoyed this excellent work by J. S. Sherwood. I was engrossed from the very beginning, and read it over 3 days, which is quicker than I usually get the chance to do. The world building is done in an exciting, yet believable way, and the characters are described in a way that make them alien, yet able to teach you about the human condition, which is a sign of excellent writing. I am very much looking forward to further works by this excellent author. Great Work!!

~ LIR (5 STARS)

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"...I was hooked from the first chapter because of the mysteries of this planet. Some really beautifully written scenes as well. If you enjoy shows like I Am Mother, or movies like Prometheus, you’re going to love Foreign Land. Excited for the next book!"

~ Denae (5 STARS)

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I don’t usually read sci-fi, but this was recommended to me and I LOVED it. The characters and story line are so well developed. I am already attached and can’t wait to read more when the next book comes out.

~ DJ (5 STARS)

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FOREIGN PLANET (Book 2):

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The second book in the Foreign Universe series is fascinating and thought-provoking... What I enjoy most about this series is the unique vision of the author. The aliens, the world, the conflicts; they all feel different than your stand sci-fi fair, which is a nice change of pace from the typical stuff. The alien species, in particular, are so mindboggingly different from humans that it’s a true pleasure to learn how they tick, talk, and live. It’s impressive how much thought and construction has gone into this world. Can’t wait to see how the series unfolds.

~ JPB (5 STARS)

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...the breathtaking action, evolved character development, and thought-provoking questions about how to set up a new society create a story that is unique and powerfully written. The author has embarked on a series that adds an important and needed voice to science fiction.

~ Shauna Thorstensen (5 STARS)

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This is much better than anything written by Brandon Sanderson. Brandon Sanderson couldn’t write this well if you took him out behind the local middle school and put a gun to his head and a typewriter at his fingertips. In all seriousness, this is a both deep and easy read. Sherwood strides the line between exploring grandiose ideas and set pieces and defining the particularities of the world and the characters of the novel. An amazing novel and an apt continuation of one of my favorite series.

~ Luke Dylan Ramsey (5 STARS)

BONUS CONTENT

We’re pleased to offer you not one, but two Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book.

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In the first preview, you’ll enjoy the first two chapters of J.S. Sherwood’s novel, ALMOST EARTHLESS, the next installment (Book 5) in the This Foreign Universe series of Visionary & Metaphysical, Sci-Fi Space Opera adventures.

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[Cover Image Coming Soon]

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TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL DEVELOPMENTS IN

THIS SERIES, PLEASE STAY TUNED TO OUR WEBSITE HERE:

JAKE SHERWOOD at Evolved Publishing

In the second preview, you’ll enjoy the first three chapters of William LJ Galaini’s TRAMPLING IN THE LAND OF WOE, the award-winning, critically-acclaimed first book in the metaphysical religious fantasy adventure through Purgatory and Hell in the Hellbound series.

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OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

HELLBOUND Series at Evolved Publishing

Table of Contents

Copyright

Books by J.S. Sherwood

What Others Are Saying about This Foreign Universe

BONUS CONTENT

Table of Contents

Dedication

ALMOST HOMELESS

PART ONE

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

PART TWO

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

PART THREE

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Special Sneak Preview : ALMOST EARTHLESS by J.S. Sherwood

Acknowledgements

About the Author

What’s Next?

More from J.S. Sherwood

More from Evolved Publishing

Special Sneak Preview : TRAMPLING IN THE LAND OF WOE by William LJ Galaini

Dedication

For Meaghan,

Always

Forever

PART ONE

The year 2149, approximately five years before the planes dropped their poison on the Earth, deep in a lab in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Chapter 1

Doctor Dradin Walcott spit into the sink and placed his toothbrush in its silver holder. He looked in the mirror, ran a hand through his thick blond hair and then smiled.

You’re going to change the world, he said. And everyone will bask in your glory.

He tucked his button-down shirt into his crisp slacks, then turned from his reflection and walked into his bedroom. The custom bed, larger than a California King, was made up with custom silk sheets and a comforter with art from the renowned Marcus Ling, commissioned by Walcott himself at a ludicrous price. Just another beautiful item to remind Walcott how far he’d come. Rags to riches, as was often said. At least, that’s the story he let everyone believe. No one knew, or needed to know, that he inherited his wealth from his parents who died while he was in college. Less than a year after their death, he’d changed his name, along with the city on his birth certificate. As far as everyone knew, he was thirty-two years old and born in his grandma’s double-wide in Castle Rock, Colorado.

With a grin, he ran his hand along the smooth fabric as he walked to his closet.

House, tell me the latest, he said.

More looting and pillaging in Denver last night after the recent election results, with all political parties claiming the race was rigged. The latest numbers indicate that now over eighty percent of our nation is living below the poverty level. Every major city in America is experiencing violent rioting.

Walcott laughed. Damn glad I’m not in that boat. House, shut up.

He opened his closet door and stared at the shelves stock full of custom leather shoes.

Damn, what color today? He clicked his tongue and shook his head. It might be time for another pair.

Eventually, he settled on a pair of alligator shoes, died red with pig blood. Very illegal. But also beautiful in Walcott’s eyes. Plus, extremely rare. He put them on, wondering if the man who’d made the shoes was still alive. If Walcott remembered right, he’d been dangerously ill the last time they met and unable to afford the treatment.

Probably dead, Walcott muttered. No more shoes from him. A pity, really.

He walked to his front door, a thick metal slab three inches thick. And if that didn’t deter visitors, he had designed and installed plenty of violent defensive tech. No one had actually tried to kill him, but he feared it nonetheless. Death was something he planned on never experiencing.

House, let me out.

The door hissed and slid into the wall, opening to a rough-cut stone tunnel. Walcott walked out, ignoring his house’s hopes that he have a wonderful day. He followed the tunnel the only direction it led: down and to the right. A bald woman in purple robes waited for him at the next door.

She bowed her head. Good morning, Doctor Walcott.

Good morning, my daughter, he said. What’s on for today?

She looked up and smiled. We’re alone. You can call me Janice.

Walcott smiled. Janice had been with him since the beginning, and was the only person he ever called by name. In fact, the only name he bothered remembering. Janice, what’s on for today?

We’ve just received a new shipment of little ones.

Walcott nodded. Ahead of schedule. Good. And the men have their tests ready too?

She shook her head. The shipment wasn’t supposed to be here for another three days. But they are on schedule to be ready in two days.

Walcott sucked in air through pursed lips and clenched his fist. Daughter, are any of the women’s teams ready?

She quickly pulled a small screen from inside her robes and started scrolling. Um. Team forty-one. Doctors Gl—

I don’t need their names. What floor?

One hundred seven, Doctor Walcott. She pressed a button on her screen, and the door slid open from the middle.

Without another word, Walcott stepped into the elevator and pressed the necessary button. The doors closed, and so did his eyes. It would take a couple of minutes for the elevator to descend ninety-three floors. Team forty-one was his newest team, he realized. And the only ones to be ready ahead of schedule. Maybe it would be prudent for him to learn their names. Maybe. He’d have to see how the testing went first.

He whistled softly as the elevator continued its descent, reminding himself to enjoy that moment before he had to face the harsh reality of what he was doing. Because no matter how hard he tried to keep his thoughts focused on the mission, there were still times when doubt crept in. Was what he was reaching for worth the risk? The sacrifice? But the thought of dying always brought his mind back to his goal.

The elevator dinged, then the door opened. Walcott stepped out into a long hallway that stretched hundreds of yards to the left and right. Three-dimensional screens lined the back wall. The middle of the hall was lined with waist-high concrete slabs that angled slightly down toward the screen wall, a mess of thin wires poking out at the highest end. Among the slabs were scattered matching pairs of scientists, all in purple robes. The ones directly in front of him had identical dreadlocks. Walcott hid his disgust at the thought of what filth might be hiding in that hair. It was easy, especially because they weren’t the ones he was looking for.

Where is team forty-one, my sons? Walcott asked.

Both dreadlocked scientists pointed to the right. That way, Doctor, they said in unison.

Walcott nodded and walked down the hallway, silently taking note of each team’s progress. He’d have to conduct site-wide evaluations soon. Some of these scientists needed to get it together or get sent back to the cruel and violent world.

Doctor, two voices excitedly called.

That’s more like it, Walcott thought.

Yes, yes. Walcott walked to the two scientists. One had her hair shaved on the left side and long on the other. Her partner, a slightly thinner woman, wore her hair opposite. Asymmetrical uniform, daughters?

The two looked at each other, then looked at the ground. Yes, Doctor, one said. We’re sorry, but it seems we miscommunicated with each other on which side to shave.

It’s all right. As long as you’re truly ready for the testing like you say, daughters.

They looked up, beaming. We are, one said. We really are.

Show me your designs first, then.

The three stepped to the nearest screen. A black cube with one transparent side protruded from the wall. It housed two miniature people. One was a shirtless, barrel-chested man wearing a kilt, brandishing two curved blades. The other was a slender woman, taller than the man. She wore an ankle length, one-piece jumpsuit and held a shotgun.

Walcott smiled. And what area do you cover?

Denver, Doctor, one said.

The west half, Doctor, said the other.

That’s wonderful. Do you have a plan for these two once they’re there?

Gather supplies, commandeer a vehicle and bring the supplies back here.

Walcott laughed. Brilliant! Let’s hope you’re as ready as you say. I’m assuming your other subjects are from the new shipment?

Yes. We called for them when we heard you were coming down. They should be here any moment.

All right, Walcott called. Daughters and sons, gather around.

The scientists from around the room crowded around, watching expectantly.

Team forty-one is new, but they’re the only ones ready for the new shipment. Walcott raised a hand to stop the protests. It does not matter that the shipment arrived early. If they are successful, all of you better be successful by the original deadline, or you will no longer be a part of this family.

Silence fell. Footsteps echoed down the hall, and the scientists parted to allow three people through. Another bald woman in purple robes, followed by two young boys.

Walcott smiled at them. Hello, little ones. And welcome to the Walcott Home for Earth Improvement. Your home now, too.

One of the boys grabbed Walcott’s hand. You’re the doctor who brought us here?

Walcott squeezed the fragile fingers. I am.

Thank you, the boy said.

You are so welcome, my little one. Has your new mother here explained to you what you’re going to do here?

Play video games, the other boy squealed.

That’s right, little one. But it’s more than just a game, right?

Yes, said the one holding Walcott’s hand. It’s going to help keep all of us alive, and save the world. We’re going to be heroes, right, Doctor?

Walcott gently laughed. Yes, little ones. You’re going to be heroes. And you’re the very first who get to do it.

Yay!

Yay, indeed. Walcott put his hand under the boy’s armpits, lifted him up and set him on the concrete slab. Did your doctor explain what they did to your neck?

The boy nodded excitedly. They put, like, a tiny computer in there that lets me control a super hero in the real world.

That’s right, little one. Walcott picked up the other little one, placing him on the other slab. And you get to pick your usernames. He pointed at the characters in the cube, indicating which boy would be in control of each. What names should we use?

The Kilt.

Walcott nodded. Perfect. He turned to the other child. And you?

TNT, he said.

TNT, little one?

Yeah. She’s tall and thin, and if you’re a bad guy she’ll blow you up.

Scattered laughter.

Walcott smiled. Very good. All right, little ones. Lie down on your stomachs, please.

The two children obeyed. Walcott nodded to team forty-one. The room fell silent as the two scientists stood next to the children. In simultaneous motions, the two scientists pressed the neck of their little one. The skin pulled apart, revealing a port with multiple tiny holes.

Okay, little ones, this might hurt a bit, but then you’ll be heroes, Walcott said.

Their faces hardened, trying to focus away the pain.

The scientists quickly plugged each wire into its corresponding port, connecting the boys to their characters in box screen. They went limp, as if asleep, and the characters in the box disappeared.

Okay, team forty-one, Walcott said. Take it away.

Each scientist pulled out a tablet and went to work. A screen slid out from the foot of the concrete slabs, revealing a first-person view of each character. They stood outside a superstore, looking down at their new bodies. The Kilt tested his newfound skills, tossing the blades up and down in alternating arcs. TNT stared at her shotgun, examining every inch with her fingertips, then cocked it.

And they’re actually at a store in Denver? Walcott asked. This is real?

Yes.

It most certainly is real, Doctor.

Walcott nodded. Give them the mission parameters, daughters.

One of the scientists typed quickly on her tablet. A box with green text popped into the characters’ view. New Mission: Obtain Supplies From Store. You Have No Money. Force May Be Required. Then Bring Supplies To Destination Marked On Your Map.

What’s with the capitalization, daughter? Walcott asked.

The scientist shrugged. Must have accidentally changed a setting.

Walcott said nothing, though that small oversight on her part made him fear team forty-one was not as ready as they portrayed.

One of the little ones spoke. What supplies?

Team forty-one looked to Walcott.

In order of necessity: water, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, protein source, he said. And offer some type of reward for getting all four, daughters, increasing the reward for the amount they bring in.

What type of reward, Doctor?

Hmm. Candy, I think, daughters. Do you agree?

The scientists nodded and typed on their screens. New text boxes popped up, the capitalization already fixed. Quick to remedy a mistake, Walcott thought. That’s a good sign.

On the screens, the characters looked at each other, then back at the superstore. They ran to the entrance and into mass chaos. The store was already being looted, just as the news had reported. People punched and stabbed just to get a bottle of water or a bag of chips. None of them even noticed the two newcomers.

An old woman ran by clutching a bag of crinkly grapes. A teenage boy tripped her. She fell face-first, her nose crunching on the cracked linoleum floor. Her assailant grabbed the grapes and tried to run away, but The Kilt grabbed the boy by the head, palming his scalp. The boy screamed and dropped the grapes, clawing at that hand that squeezed his head.

The Kilt laughed and lifted his victim off the ground, pulled his arm back and threw the boy across the store, sending him crashing into two men shoving avocados into a shopping cart. The shopping cart fell over, sending avocados rolling across the floor. Anyone nearby dove for the now available fruit, running away as the men swung their knives and yelled profanities. Then they turned to the woman and her kilted partner.

The hell you think you’re doing? one of them said, stepping forward, a switchblade in each hand. Those were our avocados, dicks.

Neither The Kilt nor TNT answered.

The other man reached into his jacket pocket, as if grabbing for a gun. But before his hand came back out, TNT cocked and fired her shotgun. The man’s head exploded, sending out a wet cloud of blood and brain matter.

Some of the observing scientists gasped, and a few looked away.

Walcott remained stone-faced, arms crossed over his chest.

The dead man’s partner let out a guttural scream and threw one of his switch blades at The Kilt as he ran at TNT, the other blade at the ready. The Kilt stepped between the two and swung his blade into the man’s neck. It stopped just shy of the halfway point, stuck in the spinal cord. Blood spilled out and the man collapsed, long blade still in his neck. The Kilt grunted, reached down and yanked it out. Then he and TNT picked up the cart and walked down each of the aisles.

You know what I realized? an observing scientist said. There’s no way they’re going to get enough supplies to actually make a difference. There are hundreds of us here.

Walcott whipped around. "This is a test. The first of many. As far as I’m concerned, the