Darkness on a Pale Blue Stone by D. T. Peterson

into the gas station's consumer area. Rain had begun to fall harder and it made a steady noise against the windows and roof. Michael found plastic wrap and tape, went back into the office, and covered the broken window, which was already letting in quite a bit of rain. The rest of the group explored the rest of the station. The owners had not left any food, but a few miscellaneous items still remained.
    "Poker, anyone?" Adam asked. He held up a deck of cards he found on one of the shelves.
    "I'm in," Sean said.
    "Same here," Michael said.
    "I'll try to fix up a light source," Gresson said. His support was welcomed by the group, though it drew their surprise. They were having a difficult time shaking off their first impression of the man.
    The group sat in a circle and began to play a game of Texas Hold 'em. They used paper clips Marie had found in the store as chips. Gresson soon joined and supplied them with a makeshift light. It was a tin can filled with lit paper that had been drenched with lighter fluid. Gresson continued to add more fuel to the fire as the night went on and the small fire was enough for everyone to see their cards long after the sun had set.
     

Chapter 12
     
    Maryland - August 8, 2072
     
    Everyone woke up the next morning with aches. They had little to sleep on besides paper towel rolls serving as makeshift pillows. Gresson hadn't slept much at all. He was certain he had heard something just outside the gas station, but each time he had looked out the window, there was nothing there, at least that he could see. The darkness and rain impaired both his sight and hearing.
    The rain had not stopped and the dark clouds outside cast a gloomy tone over the landscape. There was no way to tell for sure what time it was, but they had probably slept past dawn. Gresson was determined not to waste the rest of the day.
    "We will find clothes in Baltimore," he said. "If we go now, we should get there by the end of the today."
    "Well," Sean said, emerging from the office, "I found these two rain jackets, at least. They were in that locker." He held them up, one yellow and one red. He gave the yellow one to Alice and the red one to Marie.
    "Alright, let's go," Gresson said. He started to walk to the office.
    "Wait, why not just break through the front door? Doesn't matter anymore," Michael suggested.
    "We might as well keep this place in as nice a shape as we can. Who knows if anyone else will need it," Gresson replied.
    "Wow. You are confusing," Sean said.
    "Humanity will not survive this if everyone only thinks for themselves," Gresson said.
    "Yeah, sure. I just mean, you don't seem like the guy the Cases' were talking about. Waving around your gun and shooting people? I'm starting to doubt your story..." Sean said, turning to Alice and Michael.
    "It's not all peace and happiness. If any of us want to survive, we have to realize that not everyone will. That's a lesson all of humanity is soon going to learn the hard way," Gresson said.
    "So.... once again, you are confusing," Sean said.
    "I have no desire to hurt anyone. And, if there are those who need help, perhaps we need to be that help. But if anything or anyone gets in the way of our objective, I have no qualms with firing my gun. If we do not survive, then it's possible that no one does. That is not a threat. It is a fact."
    "Okay... great. Thanks for clearing that up," Sean replied sarcastically.
    They all crawled out of the office window and were soon drenched by the heavy downpour.
    "This way!" Gresson shouted over the rain. They followed him back to the highway and continued their journey.
    The group had limited conversation that day. The rain and occasional thunder made talking difficult. What small talk they had ranged from discussing the poker game the night before to expressing their desire for dry clothes.
    After about an hour of walking, Sean turned to Michael and said, "Hey! How many days has it been now?"
    "What?" Michael asked.
    "How many days!