Eat, drink, train, repeat. That was now the story of his life. Each time cycle seemed the same as the last. For good measure, he would watch videos of other Wheelchair Wars videos in his spare time. He knew that his life and those of the rest of his warriors depended on it. It was impossible to know who their next opponents would be, so there was always more research that could be done.

There was a growing distance between himself and Audrey. She no longer accompanied him to review battles. He was unsure why, but it seemed she didn’t want to spend time alone with him anymore.

It saddened him. He had enjoyed the intimacy and the feeling that he could be special to someone. At times, his Da seemed to sense something was up.

“Why don’t you just go and talk to her?”

But he never responded.

Their squad had been given two new replacements to keep them at their original strength. There was Derek, whose only disability appeared to be his short stature. He didn’t use the wheelchair apart from fighting. Some of the others threatened to drive over him when they saw he was out of his wheelchair as if he was insulting them. The other was Caoimhne, who had no feelings below her waist. She had long, curly black hair and was quite attractive. She recoiled at some of the fighting though, which wasn’t a good sign for her long-term survival.

They were inexperienced but eager to learn. They readily accepted his leadership, never questioning what he wanted them to do. He just hoped that they could survive the next battle.

Timothy hadn’t realized how stratospheric this victory would be. His Dad told him that it had been beamed throughout the planet.

“Everybody, even at the highest layers now knows your name.”

It took over a time cycle for him to get back to the base. Huge crowds lined every tunnel. Some reached out in their rags and tried to touch him as if he had magical power.

Pregnant mothers roared out that they wanted their babies to have his twisted limbs and to be just like him. It was something that he had never expected to hear.

He was exhausted on his return but there was no time for rest. Once again, his father undressed him and left him naked on the bed. He still wasn’t sure what to make of what was happening.

This time a different woman entered his room. He suddenly felt strange, she was beautiful and unlike anything that he had seen before. She was black; naturally, not from the pollution that pervaded the city. Her dark eyes and sublime smile immediately seduced him.

“Don’t worry I will look after you champ.”

And she did. It was an experience unlike any other.

But this time, the celebrations were still not over. He was woken and dressed by his father, then brought out where all the team was assembled. They were given a drink called whiskey. The taste was strange, but they drank a few cups each. He began to feel strange. Happy, then sad. He thought about the two team members that had died on the mountain – Ciaran and Mairead. He could see tears rolling down Audrey’s face and went to be by her side.

“You okay?

“Not really, I’m going to miss Mairead. I keep thinking of her falling down that stupid mountain.”

“You still have me?”

“But for how long?”

With that, she left the group to be on her own.

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Timothy and Audrey were in his room reviewing their next challenge. It would be against a team from dreaded Beta, who were notorious for goading the family of their victims and it would involve not only leaving their layer of the city, but the city altogether. This was beyond either of their wildest dreams or rather nightmares. The atmosphere was toxic and the planet surface was almost devoid of all life. One cut on their protective suit leading to a painful end.

Both teams would commence at the top of the feared Mount Mangerton that was littered with the skulls of the dead. It was a steep mountain, with jagged cliffs and at times they would be practically falling down the slopes on their ski wheelchairs. The first five members to cross the line win. Or in the quite likely outcome that many from either team do not survive, then it goes to four, three, two and then one. No survivors can make a great spectacle for the masses.

“What do you think Audrey?”

“Well, we are Omega, we will find a way.”

She wasn’t as fearsome when she sat in an ordinary wheelchair. Timothy mind was drifting now.

“I truly hope you are right. I think there are some opportunities to get an advantage here at these squeeze point, I’m just not sure yet.”

Placing her hand on his.

“You’ll find them.”

Her touch was warm and gentle. It sent a pulse through his body. She removed it all to quickly.

The journey from the amphitheater back to the Omega, which consisisted of traversing a labyrinth of tunnels of tunnels and chambers. The people emerged from their huts in their rags to cheer and there were roars of “Omega, Omega.”

They had all been watching the event on their wall-screen and they liked what they.

“You are a hero to the people,” his father whispered, his face beaming with joy and immense pride.

The other warriors were also there as they entered the compound. Those, who could clapped.

Then came the voice over the loudspeaker.

“Victory to the Omega. Glory to the Omega. Celebrations will commence within the hour. Timothy went back to his room.

“We’ll get you ready son.”

But Timothy grew confused when his father took off his clothes and put him into bed.

“What about the celebrations?”

“Son, this is for the celebration. As a warrior, certain things are expected of you. If you are successful, you’re seed must spread.”

Then his father left, and a woman entered. Her face was badly scarred on one side and most of her teeth were missing. She looked around his father’s age

“My name is Yeona. There is no reason to be nervous. Concentrate on my pretty side.”

With that, she entered the bed beside him.