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Region: The Fallout Wasteland

LodgedFromMessages
The Kingdom of Griezelland

Neighbours

*knock knock*, Catherine opened the door. "Good morning", her neighbour said briskly, "my husband has had a bit too much food, and I was wondering if you wanted to eat with us". She knew that Daniel was not often at home, and it was a good opportunity to get to know each other. Unlike Daniel, Catherine seemed more open. "Sure", Catherine said half awake.

A few dozen minutes later, Catherine arrived at her neighbours' table. Their door was open as usual. The food was laid out on a small table where everyone could help themselves, in oriental style. Catherine looked at the small family who were finishing preparing tea. "Hello tongzhi Owen", said her neighbour's husband, "Sit wherever you like". Catherine wasn't sure where to sit and finally sat down at the table at random. "Do you drink tea ?" asked the female neighbour. "Tea ?" replied Catherine who had only drunk water or nuka cola so far. "Yes, here, have a taste", said the neighbour as she served and handed over a cup. Catherine tasted and then grimaced a little, "bitter". The couple laughed, "Some people add something sweet to reduce the bitterness", said the smiling female neighbour, "Unfortunately, I don't have anything on hand to do that", she finished a little disappointed.

Once everyone was at the table, they started to eat. This was very different from Catherine's usual routine, where it was more individual. Here people shared, the dishes were in the centre, accessible, so that everyone could help themselves throughout the meal. They talked for a long time about everything and anything, like about their youth and language, before the husband left, and then they continued to get along well... until distant gunfire and explosions were heard. They parted, both worried, especially as a contingent of policemen arrived in the village some times later. Catherine hoped that her brother came home.

--

Daniel spent most of his days and sometimes nights outside the village, which was still growing. Currently, he was traveling alone to the northwest, and was prospecting.
Juanxiu was facing a big problem for her, that of marriage meetings. It was customary for parents to be involved in their child's love life. If not, the party would be involved, because of its family planning policies, and it was the last thing that people wanted.

On its side, MacArthur City launched a massive assault on the Mall to restore order, and also launched raids to weaken the surrounding "red" settlements. They were using an aircraft in combat for the first time.
The Chinese sent in ghost scouts after the report of a heavy conflict, more intensive than the Mall fight that was previously heard in the village. They prepared the armed police and mobilised some builders to establish temporary defences, not knowing yet what was happening but preparing for the worst while waiting for the report of the scouts.

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