The Last Bastion of the Living (The Last Bastion #1)(72)

“They’re clearing the valley. Once the topsoil is removed and we begin farming again, the food crisis will be over,” Dwayne said, his voice tight with emotion. The report had left him with a terrible empty feeling inside.

“If they fail, or take too long in securing the valley, food rationing will begin within the next two months. This is so we can stockpile what remains of our food resources in Section A.”

“The fallback position.” Dwayne knew all about Section A. It had been created specifically to sustain a small group of people for up to two years if the city was breached. It was heavily fortified with a water reclamation system and solar panels to provide energy. “Only four thousand people can survive in there.”

Commandant Pierce tossed the report onto the stack of clear sheets resting on the side of her desk. “Though the president and the SWD are certain their top secret mission will be successful, the Constabulary has been ordered to prepare for the death of the city. In four months, if there is no successful push back of the Scrags in the valley, the healthiest of our population from ages eighteen to twenty-four will be moved to an area of the city that is being prepared now. The rations being set aside for them will keep them alive for possibly two years.”

Dwayne’s mouth and throat felt painfully dry. “I see.”

“I’ve been trying to keep this from you, but I realize that eventually your sources will begin leaking this information. Most likely not only to you, but to the media. We could have a dire situation on our hands sooner than we think.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Dwayne asked, his voice harsh with emotion.

“A small contingent of Constabulary soldiers and government officials will also be allowed into Section A. The list has already been made.” Commandant Pierce drew in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled. “I often play the political game with aplomb, but sometimes that works against me. I offended someone in a high position. Though my name was originally on the list, my daughter’s was not. She’s only fourteen. I asked for her to be added. I was told that this was not possible. That it would mean removing a much healthier citizen with a better chance of survival, or robbing the survivors of experienced leadership.” Her dark eyes met Dwayne’s, her defiance clear in them. “All three of your children are on the list. And now you are, too.”

“You removed yourself,” Dwayne said in awe.

“I’d rather die with my daughter than survive without her. Once the evacuation begins to Section A, the city will spiral into chaos. There will be riots and bloodshed. I won’t leave Lucy behind to endure that alone. I already informed the president of my decision. You’re now officially in charge of preparing the evacuation to Section A and anticipating all security measures for the city.”

“This may all be unnecessary if the valley is cleared,” Dwayne reminded her. He was touched by her stance, shaken by her words, and afraid for the city, but he had faith in Maria. Even in the face of such calamitous news, he believed Maria and the men and women in her squad could save them.

Commandant Pierce’s face regained its stone-like impassiveness. “These words stay between us. The mission has just begun and already there is reason for concern. I am beginning to wonder if the plan was viable to begin with.”

Trying to maintain a professional demeanor, Dwayne shifted in his chair, trying not to ask her the many questions filling his mind. He already suspected why she was having misgivings, but maybe there were more happenings to which he was not privy.

“Of course, I cannot go into any detail other than to say that the task I have sanctioned you with is of the utmost priority. Though I hope the SWD will be successful in its endeavor to save us, my faith rests with the Constabulary and with you.”

“If the SWD fails, Section A will only give us two more years of life.”

“Two years where maybe you and the powers that be will be able to find a way to save the remainder of humanity.” The commandant lifted her shoulders in a diffident shrug.

Dwayne recognized that she was trying to maintain her composure. He had known that there had to be a reason for the president being so forward about the mission to clear the valley, but he had never imagined it was to keep the focus away from the dwindling food supplies.

“I will do my very best,” he said finally.

She pushed a pad across the desk toward him. “Your orders. The parameters of your assignment are clearly defined. You will report to me and I will report to the president and his council.”

“Understood,” Dwayne said, the heaviness in his chest worrisome and painful.

“As far as you need be concerned, the mission to clear the valley is not a salient component to your mission. In other words, prepare for the worst. Dismissed.”

It took another two hours for him to read through all the details of his orders, and another thirty minutes to walk home in utter darkness. The curfew had passed and the city was dark. He was stopped by security patrols a few times, but a quick flash of his wristlet was all that was needed for him to continue on his journey.

When he finally secured the door to his flat behind him, he checked his wristlet. It was almost time for Maria to call. He couldn’t wait to hear her voice, or see her face.

That night, Maria didn’t call, nor respond when he called her.

And she wouldn’t for the next two months.