RATH - Inception by Jeff Olah Read Free Book Online

hand.
     
    .      .      .
     
    The shoddy framework of the home revealed itself as every wall shook against the thunderous roar moving over the area. Overcome with curiosity and releasing its prey, the Andro peered out the rear window of the home as the District was thrown under the shadow of the low flying transport drone. Rath shook free and as if spring loaded, his right arm blasted away from the cupboard, cutting a wide arc to its target. 
     
    The beast’s eyes fluttered back into its head the instant Rath drove the narrow end of the wooden spoon six inches into its temple. The exit of blood, rapid and distinct, filled the kitchen floor as the two hundred fifty pound Bull fell to its side, driving the weapon farther into its skull.
     
    Stepping over the motionless body, Rath took a quick glance out the side windows of the home, noticing the commotion in the street. He moved through the kitchen, out the door, and into the rear yard.
     
    Scarcely clinging to life, the only Andro to enter the yard that hadn’t been completely eliminated inched toward them. Its labored breathing and broken cough appeared to get worse by the second, indicating at least a few shattered ribs and the real possibility of a collapsed lung. Moving in quickly, Rath raised his weapon and dispatched a single head shot, relieving his adversary of consciousness.
     
    Chloe was his first order of business. He ran to her, lifted her chin, and said, “We have to go—right now.”
     
    No response.
     
    The massive airship continued its slow movement through the area, casting its ominous shadow over the already washed out landscape. Rath tracked its progress as he hurried to the bunker, retrieved Chloe’s pack, and hurried back to her. From his vantage, he could see that the remaining Andros were filtering out into the street. They were as much transfixed on the intentions of the drone as he was and had yet to notice their missing comrades.
     
    Offering his hand, Rath helped Chloe to her feet and pointed to the rear wall. “We have to get out of here. We have to go south.”
     
    She looked up at him, although only half acknowledging his words, forced a hesitant grin, and slid her bag onto her right shoulder.
     
    Moving quickly toward the six foot wall that outlined District Two, Rath continued to monitor the yard as he gathered his pack and the two hand-held weapons. He helped Chloe to the top and handed her both bags. Clearing the wall, he helped her down the opposite side and both covered their ears as the massive transport drone climbed into the sky.
     
    The treeline and the river beyond sat just over four-hundred yards away. Although the pair was hidden from the horde of Andros that inhabited District Two, they were far from safe. He knew that as soon as the lifeless Andros were discovered, the footrace would begin. Their chance at life was directly proportionate to the lead time they were afforded.
     
    Before proceeding, he knelt next to Chloe. “We need to run. I don’t want you to stop until I tell you… no matter what. Can you do that?”
     
    She nodded.

10
 
    Little more than three minutes and they’d made it to the treeline without incident. The slight rise in elevation between District Two and their destination proved more taxing than he’d anticipated and although her strides were much smaller, Chloe managed to keep pace. He was less impressed by this than the fact that although he was sucking wind, the little girl six feet away appeared to have already recovered.
     
    Hands interlaced behind his head, Rath asked, “You do a lot of running?”
     
    Again her timid smirk told him much more than her silence could have. He was sure the confidence she’d shown earlier was nothing more than a coping mechanism. She told him multiple times that she wasn’t afraid and although she appeared to have almost convinced herself of this, he realized it would have been nearly impossible. Hell, he even felt the cold chill of