There is Something Strange: Chapter 14

We snuck into the camp. It really did resemble a prison camp.

Under dim lights, scattered scrap vehicles, burned-out barrels, and ruined buildings came into view.

There were young people wandering around aimlessly. They wore dirty jackets, and their faces bore the marks of sun and exhaustion…

Bottles of beer in their hands, half-extinguished cigarettes in their mouths…

They looked tired but indifferent, as if they had given up on everything and were just trying to exist.

I slowly approached, keeping my voice as calm as possible.

— Hey guys, what's up?

One of them lifted his head with a faintly mocking expression. The skin under his eyes looked bruised, and there was a tired sarcasm in his gaze.

— Do we know you?

— No. But we could.

— My name's Ömer. What's yours?

— What do you want with our names? What's the point?

— You're right, man. You don't have to tell me.

As I looked around, I acted like I didn't know anything. I asked why there were so many vehicles piled up and what was going on here.

Because these kids might be raiders too. I still didn't know who they really were.

There was a moment of silence. Only the distant wind could be heard, rattling bits of metal. Then one of them spoke:

— Where are you coming from?

— Why do you ask?

— Just curious.

— From the north.

— Why'd you come here?

— I was looking for a camp. Saw this place and came over.

Another one jumped in. His voice was thin and raspy, and he kept his eyes on the ground as he spoke:

— There's nothing for you here. Raiders come all the time, stealing water and supplies.

— Why don't you fight back?

— Fight back with what? We've got no weapons, no ammo. Nothing.

His voice cracked with hopelessness. Shoulders slouched, hands in his pockets.

He seemed like he'd already given up.

— First, you have to believe. Then make a plan. There's always a way.

One of the kids angrily threw his cigarette on the ground and stomped on it, the smoke curling around his boot:

— That kind of talk only works in movies, pal. Just get lost, don't piss us off. We're fine like this.

— Don't talk like that before you even try, kid. I'm going to help you.

— How's that gonna work?

— With my crew. But only if you're willing to help too.

— Alright…

— You find me twenty people. When do the raiders usually come?

— Usually in the morning. Sometimes at noon though.

— Then we've got from noon till early morning to prepare.

— You bring your people, I'll gather whoever I can.

— Deal, my friend. By the way, what's your name?

— Right, I didn't say.

Name's Kudret. But everyone calls me "Bear Kudret" — 'cause of my size.

He stepped closer. With his broad shoulders, thick neck, and furrowed brows, he had an intimidating yet trustworthy presence.

— I can tell. You definitely live up to the name, Bear Kudret. Alright, let's see what you've got.

(Kudret smiled. It didn't last long, but it was genuine.)

— Don't worry.

Kudret immediately started organizing. We quickly sent word to Rauf. Süleyman left with him.

They'd bring weapons and supplies:

2 long-barrel rifles, 3 close-range machine guns, 5 pistols…

We'd divide them based on experience. Others would climb up to high spots and throw Molotovs.

The sky was gradually darkening. The cold hinted at the night to come. Everyone would have a role.

— Understood?

— Understood!

— Rauf, you and I will set traps. Just like the old days.

But this time, we'll need more traps.

We have to move the families out of the area.

— Yeah, but how?

— If they see anything, they'll die because of us. The raiders will cut them down!

— Chill out, man! We're not doing it right now.

While we prepare, night will fall. We'll tell them they need to get ready.

We'll take them out one by one.

When the raiders see movement, they'll come into the camp.

When the families start escaping from the back, the raiders will enter.

Then all hell will break loose.

— What kind of mess have we gotten into? We were chilling just fine…

— Rauf, once we wipe them out, we'll have all the time in the world to chill. Now's not the time to whine. Don't get on my nerves.

— Alright alright, don't get mad.

— Then quit talking nonsense.

— Whatever you say...

Everyone was tense and on edge. It was the first time two large gangs were going to clash.

There was silence in the camp, but you could see the same anxiety in everyone's eyes.

The rookies' hands and legs were trembling. This would be their first fight. The fear of death was slowly settling on their faces.

But dying while fighting… that was a noble death.

There was someone next to Kudret.

Only his eyes were visible beneath a black hood.

He was silent. Never said a word. But people spoke about him.

— Kudret, what's this guy's name?

— He doesn't have one. We just call him "Razor."

— Heard he's good with a blade.

— He's more than that. Comes and goes without a sound.

You wouldn't even realize someone's been taken down.

Kudret nodded toward a few people nearby.

— See that guy there? That's Owl Rüştü. Never sleeps. He's our lookout.

The one next to him? "The Scrapper."

— Why Scrapper?

— He used to be a blacksmith. Had his own workshop. Can make anything out of metal.

Made a few blades using scraps and limited tools.

Someone mockingly called him Scrapper — and it stuck.

— Damn!

— Why didn't you tell me all this from the start?

— If someone new suddenly showed up, would you tell them everything?

— What if you were a raider? How would I know...

— Fair. You're right.

— So much talent here, and you were just waiting on us?

— When resources are low, it's hard for people to find the courage.

I paused. Looked into his eyes.

Darkness had fallen. Somewhere in the distance, the sound of an owl echoed.

— Anyway… better late than never. Let's get ready.

— Damn right.

— But be careful. Don't draw attention. If they realize we're preparing, they'll strike.

It's going to be a long night…