Expedition Westward

  ***

  “We’d better go,” Winston said.

  Star nodded.

  Winston led her to the back seat, then got into the front passenger spot directly in front of her. When they were situated, he reached back to hold Star’s hand.

  He wanted to say something bold and comforting, but could not utter a word. Despite all efforts to insulate himself psychologically, the shock of Iri’s destruction pressed him in a giant vise. Just when he thought he could bear it no longer, a huge explosion rocked the night from up in the mountains.

  Everyone flinched, even Ripper. An evil radiance illuminated the high slopes, like a torch held aloft by the human devil himself.

  “What happened?” Star cried.

  “I don’t know,” Winston said. “Maybe somebody blew up the gas reserve.”

  “Those poor people,” Star said. “I mean the ones without the guns. They didn’t want to be there any more than we did.”

  “Yeah, tough break,” Bert said.

  “Just drive,” Winston said. “When I want your opinion, I’ll give it to you, okay?”

  Bert started the vehicle’s engine and flicked on the headlights. They began driving toward the main road. More explosions, gunfire.