Transition

[Max Griffiths]

*I run for miles. I lose track of time, but when I get to the border between Zones 4 and 5 I head for the nearest outcropping of rock and sink down into the shade. As soon as I stop moving I start shaking, my legs weak. I haven't been able to see properly for about an hour. My drac mask is stuffed into one of my jacket pockets, my nearly-drained gun and knife in their holsters. I have no food, water, or medical supplies, and half my back feels like it's on fire. I don't know where I'm going. And Red's back in the city, alone now, and I have no way to get to her.*

*I stay where I am as the sun sets. I think I'll have to try to find a safehouse tomorrow. It'll be strange to find one for a reason other than a raid.*

[Max Griffiths]

*The next morning it takes me a bit longer than usual to stand. I'm stiff and sore, and the blood that soaked through the back of my jacket has dried. At least I wasn't woken up at gunpoint, which is saying something. I start to put my mask on automatically, but stop myself. This is going to take some getting used to.*

*I start walking, ignoring the pain. I have no time for pain. I can see clearly again, which is good, but I think I may have a fever - it's hard to tell when the temperature's already at 90 and climbing fast. I'm not worried. It's just something else to take into consideration.*

[Max Griffiths]

*After a surprisingly short time, I see the outlines of buildings through the heat haze. The closest one appears to be an old theater of some kind, judging by the huge three-dimensional display board above the double doors. It seems like the type of place killjoys would go, and I vaguely recall hearing about a theater being raided sometime last year. In any case, it's better shelter than a rock, so I turn my steps in that direction.*

(Moving to "A Cat Stuck In A Tree" pg 7)