31 Decision and Mount Barker (1/2)

”You know I'm only nine years old right?” Lachlan asked.

”Well this is new information to me, but it doesn't matter, in this new world only the strong survive and sure I suppose I'm strong, but you completely annihilated me,” Jaylen explained.

”No, I don't want to join the military yet,” Lachlan said.

His reply cause Jaylen to gasp. He needs this boy to join the military, with him the military could expand on a few operations. But not only that, as he was the one to find him and bring him in, his superiors will praise him.

”And why now?” Jaylen questioned.

”Because I still have things I need to do,” Lachlan explained.

”What things?” Jaylen asked.

”Well the whole reason we're in this situation in the first place is because we want to head to the Adelaide Hills and reunite with our family. There is also the fact I'm still nine, I haven't experienced a lot of things and I certainly don't want the military to take away my freedom”.

”Woah now, the military isn't going to take away your freedom, well not yours anyway,” Jaylen explained.

”What do you mean by that?” Lachlan asked.

”Well yes, you are still nine years old and we don't want to stunt any growth by taking away your freedom. However, we just ask that you join the military on special missions, whether it be scouting new land or rescuing important individuals,” Jaylen said.

”Alright, can I still go to school?” Lachlan asked.

”Well, kind of,” Jaylen stated in an unsure tone.

”What do you mean kind of? Do I get to or not?” Lachlan asked in a harsh tone.

”Well, schools have been shut down, as right now human have to focus more on survival first. But the government is looking to open military schools, that focuses more on combat training than any theory work”.

”Okay, when will I be able to attend?”

”Not sure, as we haven't secured the whole city yet, we don't have the necessary room for such training. Sure we have a few combat areas in the base but those are for soldiers, the government wants the schools to have a safer environment for training and learning. So we're looking at maybe a month before the schools open, maybe even a few months”.

”Alright, well until then I guess I'll go up to Adelaide Hills,” Lachlan said.

”Oh before that take this,” Jaylen handed Lachlan a small piece a metal that had some engraving on it. Jaylen grabbed onto Lachlan's shoulders, ”This is a military insignia, keep it with you, it'll be useful when proving you're friendly to the soldiers in the hills”.

Lachlan nodded before accepting the insignia and putting it in his pockets. Jaylen was a bit confused as to why Lachlan would put it in his pockets, usually you place them on your clothes. He decided to point towards his own insignia on his collar.

Seeing the insignia Lachlan quickly realised his mistake and placed it on his own collar.

Jaylen nodded before walking off, heading towards his tent.

Lachlan looked towards everyone and gave a thumbs up, gesturing that they're all good.

The group quickly ran back to the tent to pack up before running to towards the field. Lachlan summoned the Rocs again, they did it in the field because this was the only safe place with a lot of room to do it.

”Alright, so we'll go outside the wall, pick up and car and fly to Mount Barker. Is that clear?” Alfredo said.

Everyone nodded, everyone but Lachlan.

”I don't believe we have to go with that plan anymore,” Lachlan said.

”What do you mean by that, we need at least two of the birds to protect us while we travel there,” Alfredo said.

”That's what we originally needed, but it seems the Rocs have gotten used to their new strength and are able to travel at much faster speeds,” Lachlan explained.