“Sir, we have more infected inbound. We have to dust off, now!”
I’m pulled from the floor by the soldiers. A number of the men fall back and leave the area.
Bill motions toward the hallway, then gives me a warm smile. “Get going, James. You got your family and friends back. I think I’m going to hang around here for a bit and watch the fireworks. Take care of yourself, kid.”
The remainder of the soldiers retreat from the conference room and bolt down the hallway. Commander Reynolds and Captain Peterson pull me out into the hallway.
I give Bill one last look before we flee down the corridor. He gives me the peace sign, and that warm smile of his.
We rush down the hallway in a mad dash, and make for the side entrance we originally came through. We hook a left, and fly down the sidewalk to the parking lot.
The thrumming of blades battering the air fills my ears. We pass through the gate and rush out into the parking lot. Two Black Hawk helicopters are stationed a stone throw away from each other. Cindy and Cassie wave at me from the closest bird near the fence where the armored vehicles are parked.
Captain Peterson splits off from Commander Reynolds and me and sprints toward the other chopper. We load up into the aircraft, and take our seats.
The chopper takes off and is airborne within a blink. I glance out of the open door and watch as scores of infected rush into the parking lot.
Commander Reynolds secures the door to my left, then sits back down in the seat across from me. Cindy sits by my side with Cassie on the other side of her. My sister wraps her tiny arms around my waist. She squeezes so tight that it’s hard to breath. I revel in her touch. It makes me think of home.
Duke sits on the floor at my feet. He’s not as active as he normally is. I can only imagine how exhausted he must be.
Two jets fly past us, rattling the Black Hawk as I peer out of the window.
“Where are we going?” Cassie asks the commander.
“An aircraft carrier that’s off the coast,” he answers.
I cradle Cindy in my arms, and kiss the top of her head. I’m still not sure what happened with those chasers not attacking her, but I know that no matter what, she is the key to saving us all.
Author Notes
Written February 14th, 2020
What a ride we’ve been on with James and Duke. A harrowing trek through a dead state that has been filled with many twists and painful loses. I must admit that I got choked up a time or two writing throughout the series. An emotional rollercoaster that took me all over the place. I hope Dead State did the same for you as well.
For now, James and Dukes story has come to an end. A well fought battle that had tested both physically and emotionally. They survived ravenous zombies and sinister villains throughout and prevailed. They found Cindy and are now reunited.
One thing that I enjoyed the most of writing this series was the inclusion of Duke. This was a first for me and I loved having him in the story.
I like dogs but didn’t have many growing up. Most of my friends did and I enjoyed playing with them. Everything from small dogs to giant Great Danes. They were so full of life and loved to play.
My son and I have been discussing and looking at getting a dog. We’re not sure yet what kind we want. He has mentioned a German Shepard or even a Pit Bull. As long as the dog is friendly and loving, then I really don’t care what kind we get.
I have found a few that we feel in love with at some shelters and foster homes, but they didn’t work out for various reasons. One Pit Bull we found, Sarah, caught our eye. When I called to see about visiting with her, the foster parents didn’t want to let her go and decided to adopt her themselves. It bummed me and my son out, but we are happy for them, and Sarah. We’re still on the hunt and we’ll eventually find our forever dog.
Anyways, that’s enough of me rambling on. Thanks again for following along with James and Duke on their journey. I’ll be back soon with my next project titled Survive the Fall.
Until then, take care, and watch your six…
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Dead State Series
Catalyst (Prequel)
Fallout
Survival Road
Executioner
Immune
Evolved
The Huntress Bane Series
The Huntress Bane (Short Story)
Tainted Hunter
Crimson Thirst
Afflicted Series
Genesis
Patient Zero
RipTide
Dead Reckoning
Afflicted Series Boxset (Books 0-1)
Afflicted Series Boxset (Books 2-3)
Ballistic Mech Series
Division
Inferno
Extinction
Payback
Also by Derek Shupert
Sentry Squad
Survive the End
About the Author
Derek Shupert is an emerging Science Fiction Author known for his captivating dystopian storylines and post-apocalyptic-laden plots. With various books and anthologies underway, he is also the author of the Afflicted series and Sentry Squad.
Outside of the fantastical world of sci-fi, Derek serves as the Assistant Vice President at Woodforest National Bank. During his free time, he enjoys reading, exercising, and watching apocalyptic movies and TV shows like Mad Max and The Walking Dead. Above all, he is a family man who cherishes nothing more than quality time spent with his loved ones.
To find out more about Derek Shupert and his forthcoming publications, visit his official website at www.derekshupert.com.
Dead State (Book 5): Evolved Page 17