ENDURANCE BEYOUND APOCALYPSE

Days 51-69

Days 51-69 were marked by a significant shift in our strategy. The decision was made to journey south from Los Angeles, tracing the 5 Freeway all the way to San Diego. Despite my initial apprehension about the presence of crucial military installations in that region, witnessing a plane heading in the same direction lifted our spirits. The stark reality was that we were left with limited options as a substantial portion of LA County had been devastated by a nuclear strike, and the surrounding terrain was inhospitable. While heading north towards smaller communities was a conceivable alternative, we concluded that our best course of action was to reach a location the government would likely prioritize securing – and that meant San Diego.

Descending from the Hollywood Hills proved arduous, taking twice as long as our ascent due to the perilous route. However, this setback allowed us the opportunity to scavenge abandoned houses for essential supplies. Our fortune improved when we stumbled upon new camping gear in one residence, replacing our worn-out equipment. The cumbersome task of carrying all our possessions limited our speed and mobility.

Days 57-62 presented challenges in reaching the 5 Freeway, necessitating a route through Burbank. As we passed the remnants of Universal Studios and the Warner Brothers film lots near the impact site near Bob Hope Airport, the contrast to their former bustling state just over two months prior was stark. Despite the grim reality of passing human remains daily, the group's camaraderie, bolstered by Lucky's uplifting presence, remained surprisingly positive. Observing the growing closeness between Annie and Lilith eased my concerns about potential tensions within the group.

On Day 63, Annie expressed concern about a potential follower. Vigilantly scouting our surroundings during our travels, she noticed a recurring plume of smoke a few miles behind us, suspecting it was no coincidence. Although the 5 Freeway was a logical route to safety, I remained skeptical, as we hadn't encountered any direct threats. Annie reluctantly agreed, and I now regret not heeding her warning.

Days 64-68 marked our departure from LA County, with a notable decrease in destruction. Encountering two planes sparked excitement, signaling the survival of the United States. Travel outside the main blast zones quickened, aided by bicycles acquired from a sporting goods store. The bikes facilitated carrying additional supplies, and Lucky thoroughly enjoyed keeping pace with our group. Progress was steady, and our estimated arrival in San Diego within a week or two seemed plausible.

On Day 69, our journey faced a distressing setback when Lilith was taken during the night. Despite immediate efforts to locate her, we were unsuccessful. Annie, displaying her exceptional tracking skills, identified signs of at least three people, with a fourth likely being dragged away. While emotions ran high, my military experience urged caution against a potential ambush. Eventually, Annie and Alexis agreed to delay our pursuit until darkness provided cover. Following the trail discreetly, I discovered that Lilith's captors had horses, complicating our pursuit. Regretfully, my insistence on waiting cost us valuable time, but at least we had tracks to guide us forward.

Day 70-89

Between Day 70 and Day 89, the relentless pursuit of the kidnappers consumed a day and a half as we meticulously followed their tracks. Eventually, we cornered them in a surviving strip mall just outside of LA, in the City of Industry. It seemed our prolonged pursuit had caught them off guard, evident by the absence of any posted guards or prepared defenses. Now, the critical task lay ahead – finding and rescuing Lilith, hoping she remained alive.

Annie and I, deemed the most qualified for a rescue mission, patiently waited until nightfall before stealthily approaching the perimeter of their makeshift compound. The area showed signs of hasty fortification with incomplete barricades, but no sentries were in sight. Laughter and screams emanated from one of the buildings, only to be abruptly silenced by a choking gurgle. Our apprehension intensified as we investigated the source of the disturbance, peering through a broken window.

Inside, a group of five individuals huddled around a fire, with a sixth figure gruesomely chopping up a human body. Relief washed over us as we identified Lilith chained against a distant wall – the victim of this macabre scene was not her. Formulating a plan, Annie and I, fueled by anger and sharpshooting skills, waited until the cannibals began their meal. Executing a coordinated attack from opposite sides, we swiftly eliminated three of them, with Annie securing a precise shot on another attempting to draw a pistol.

In the aftermath, I pursued the lone survivor, determined to prevent any remnants of this malevolent group from terrorizing others. Meanwhile, Annie hastened to rescue Lilith, anticipating additional threats. Tragically, the survivor fatally wounded Ben, who had rushed to aid us upon hearing the gunfire. Enraged, I swiftly dealt with the assailant.

Days 72-76 unfolded without further pursuit from other cannibals, yet the pain of losing Ben lingered. Concerns about contaminated soil prevented a proper burial, so we erected a makeshift cairn for him. Annie, devastated by the loss, found solace in Lilith's return, even as our world plunged deeper into cruelty.

Days 77-82 brought unexpected challenges on the road to San Diego. The freeway, cluttered with vehicles displaced by nuclear blasts, made the journey arduous. Spotting distant travelers, Alexis sought contact, but Annie and I adamantly refused, unwilling to take any additional risks.

Approaching San Diego on Days 83-89, the once soothing sound of ocean waves juxtaposed with debris-strewn beaches, remnants of a coastal city obliterated by nuclear devastation. The skies, perpetually darkened in LA, offered occasional glimpses of blue, yet debris-laden clouds dominated. The enormity of the destruction weighed heavily on our minds, raising unsettling questions about the true extent of the debris that now shrouded the sky.

Day 90-100

As San Diego loomed closer, a growing sense of unease gripped us all.Between Day 90 and Day 100, our group encountered yet another aircraft, this time unmistakably a fighter jet. Originating from the ocean, it initially appeared to be heading toward San Diego before altering its course northward and eventually curving back out to sea. With the aid of powerful binoculars scavenged during our travels, Lilith asserted that she could vaguely discern the outline of an aircraft carrier on the distant horizon. We had no choice but to trust her keen vision, as she had proven to be the most observant among us. Lilith had swiftly learned to wield the two rifles in our possession, showcasing remarkable marksmanship. Her determination to never feel helpless again was evident.

In the subsequent days (Days 91-96), our progress slowed due to debris and a severe storm, an unusual occurrence for Southern California in the summer. Notably, the temperature had been gradually decreasing over the past three months, despite it being mid-July. Contemplating setting up rain catches for water replenishment, we abandoned the idea after realizing the rain was contaminated, likely from lingering debris in the atmosphere. The relentless rain persisted for two days, leaving behind foul-smelling puddles. Fortunately, we found abandoned convenience stores stocked with drinking water.

Days 97-99 brought a growing sense of unease. Despite heavy cloud cover, the lights from San Diego, visible at night, had mysteriously disappeared for two days. Alexis speculated about an EMP blast from the Los Angeles attacks, a theory I wanted to embrace, yet an unsettling feeling persisted. Even Lucky, usually cheerful, displayed increasing worry, likely sensing the group's tension.

By Day 100, the grim reality became undeniable – San Diego had suffered a nuclear attack alongside Los Angeles, explaining the absence of lights or traffic. The skeletal remains of the iconic San Diego skyline were visible in the distance. Devastated, our group set up camp early, grappling with the realization that safety was elusive. As we contemplated our next move, a blinding white flash and a subsequent roar confirmed another nuclear strike, this time targeting a carrier battle group off the coast of Southern California. The war, far from over, continued as nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles launched from the American heartland retaliated against the assailants.

Contrary to expectations, World War III unfolded over weeks and months, with retaliatory strikes devastating major cities one after another. The extent of the destruction remained uncertain, leaving us to ponder how far the war had spread and where its ominous trajectory would cease. The relentless conflict raised existential questions – what remained and what hope lingered in a world torn apart by nuclear warfare.