The new world

It was hard for Patrick to drive slowly. He knew that they were likely safe inside the ORV, but he watched the tree line closely for movement. He hoped to see other people as well as they made their way back to the farm.

The absence of people was depressing. It was hard to say how many people were left after the explosion. There had been more than 7,000 people living on Idyll, but almost all of them were in Lakeside. Now, the remains of humanity were scattered on the fringes and with communications not functioning, it was impossible to tell the people who were left where to go.

"How are things looking back there?" Patrick called to Divya, who was in the back of the vehicle with the unconscious woman. The kids were riding in the trailer behind them, the reason he had to drive slowly.

Divya was checking the woman's pulse.

"I think she will live, but it's not certain. The restorative is helpful in situations like this, but it can't work miracles," she said.

Patrick accelerated a little. The road here was pretty flat and he felt he could risk a little speed.

They stopped again in the mining camp and picked up two people who had been south of the mine doing surveys when the detonation happened. They had walked 15 kilometers to the camp after their expected pickup vehicle never came to get them.

Patrick had them get into the cart with the children.

The ride back to the farm was slow and depressing. Divya tried to reassure the children, but the grim reality of the situation made her words fall flat.

They pulled into the farm 30 minutes later and found a growing group of refugees clustered around the administration building. A handful of worker robots were busy constructing shelters and assembling tents.

Everyone looked stunned. Patrick was struck by how quiet it was. Few people were speaking as they went about their tasks. What a mess.

"It's a new world," Patrick said.

Divya found a few people to help her move the woman to the administration building, which was doubling as a clinic. Patrick was left with the children.

"Alright kids," he said. "We should find you a place to stay."