Saul wiped the sweat from his brow, more tired than he was prepared to admit. “A hot shower would be nice round about now.”
Sergeant Dean nodded. “Let me show you the way to the communal bathrooms. I’m sure I can scrounge up a fresh uniform for you. After that, you can join us in the cafeteria. We might as well eat before we brave the dragon’s den.”
“You mean the major?”
“That’s the one. I’ll try to convince him to use me as a guinea pig for the cure. If it works, he might change his mind about you guys.”
“Enough to clear out the lab?” Saul asked.
“The lab?” Sergeant Dean’s eyebrows raised. “That’s crazy talk. There must be over a hundred zombies in there!”
“Nevertheless, we need that facility. It’s the only way Tara can produce more of the cure. Imagine if there was enough for all of you,” Saul said. “Nobody else would have to die from a bite ever again.”
Sergeant Dean mulled it over. “It’s an attractive proposition, and it would give us an edge against the infected.”
“So, you’ll speak for us?”
“I’ll give it my best shot, but I can’t make any promises,” Sergeant Dean answered.
“That’s all I ask,” Saul said. “Now, how about that shower?”
Sergeant Dean laughed. “Follow me.”
After a quick shower and a shave, Saul followed Sergeant Dean to the cafeteria, where he found Dylan, Tara, and Ethan. They were seated at one of the many long tables that graced the floor, half of them occupied by a mixture of soldiers and civilians.
After collecting a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee from the serving counter, he sat down with his friends. “Hey, guys. This is Sergeant —”
“Dean, right?” Dylan interrupted. “I saved your ass, didn’t I?”
“Dylan!” Tara said in a shocked whisper.
Sergeant Dean grinned. “It’s okay. She did save my ass.”
“I thought I did, but I wasn’t sure. Everything’s a bit blurry, you know?” Dylan replied, wiggling her fingers in front of her face.
“Well, you did, and I owe you one.”
“No problem. You’d do the same, I’m sure,” Dylan said, taking a sip of coffee.
“What’s next?” Tara asked. “I’d say we proved ourselves last night. Surely, the major will listen to us now.”
“I wouldn’t count on it. He’s a stubborn one,” Sergeant Dean said. “Lucky for you, I got bitten during the fight. If I can convince him to let me try the cure, and it actually works…”
“He might be more eager to clear the lab,” Tara finished, her eyes shining with excitement. “Let’s go see him right now.”
“Hold your horses, Doctor. Let me speak to him first,” Sergeant Dean said. “Saul can accompany me. As a fellow soldier, the major might be more lenient.”
Tara rolled her eyes. “This is why I hate bureaucracy. All the red tape. It’s the reason the world’s in this mess, right now.”
“Why don’t you wait at the infirmary?” Saul asked. “If the major agrees, Sergeant Dean can meet you there.”
“Good idea,” Tara said.
Dylan yawned. “I’m gonna hit the sack, though I’ve no idea where. I’m not going back to my cell.”
“Could you sort that out with the major as well, please?” Tara asked. “We need a proper place to stay.”
“Will do,” Saul said, taking a big sip of his soup.
“Much as I’ve enjoyed your company, I must go,” Ethan said, pushing back his chair. “The infirmary is bursting at the seams, and they need me.”
“So soon?” Dylan asked. “That sucks.”
“I know, but there’s a shortage of medical staff, so we all have to work overtime,” Ethan replied. “The other doctors too.”
“We could help you? Dylan and I?” Tara offered. “Besides, I want to see if anyone else has been bitten.”
Dylan groaned. “Really? I was hoping to get some sleep.”
“Come on. Don’t be lazy,” Tara said. “You can sleep when you’re dead.”
“That would be funnier if I didn’t almost become a zombie a few weeks ago,” Dylan said, getting up as well.
Before anyone could reply, a passing soldier hit Dylan in the back and sent her sprawling across the table. Saul’s half-empty bowl of soup ended up splattered on her shirt, and coffee drenched her hair.
“Hey,” she cried, struggling to extricate herself from the mess. “Watch where you’re going.”
The soldier smirked at her and remarked to his friends. “Oh, look. Clumsy me. Luckily, it’s only the zombie chick.”
“Zombie chick? Who the fuck is your zombie chick?” Dylan said with a growl as she whirled around to face him.
“Oh, come on. Don’t play the innocent. We all know you’re crazy,” the soldier said.
His friends chuckled, and Dylan honed in on one of them. “I know you!”
“Yeah, you should. You attacked me a few days ago while I was guarding your crazy ass,” the guy replied.
“Afraid of getting beaten by a girl?” Dylan taunted.
“More like eaten, zombie chick.”
The atmosphere was rapidly turning sour, and Saul was afraid Dylan would have another episode. He needn’t have worried, however. Sergeant Dean stood up and pointed at the group.
“Listen here, you lot. This lady fought as hard and as well as anyone of you did last night. She placed her life on the line for us, and she saved my life in the process. Show a bit of respect.”
“You heard him,” a strange voice said. All eyes turned toward the newcomer, Lieutenant King. “Show a little respect.”
With a lot of grumbling, the soldiers walked away, and Saul heaved a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Lieutenant.”
“Don’t mention it,” Lieutenant King said, his pale eyes unreadable as he surveyed Dylan. “If I was you, I’d watch my back. Miller is one to hold a grudge, and so is your former guard, Jackson.”
“I’ll do that,” Dylan replied, picking at her messy shirt.
King sauntered away, and a grim silence fell across the table. Finally, Sergeant Dean said, “I apologize for that. They should be grateful for your help, not —”
“Acting like assholes,” Dylan interrupted.
“Exactly.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m leaving soon, anyway,” Dylan said. “I’m going back to Alex and Amy. At least, I know I’m wanted there.”
“You’ll always be welcome by us, Dylan,” Tara said.
“Yeah, come with me. We’ll get you cleaned up at the infirmary, “Ethan said, leading Dylan away by the elbow.
“See you later, Saul. With good news, I hope,” Tara said, her expression strained.
“I won’t be long,” he promised.
Once the others were gone, Saul turned to Sergeant Dean. “Seems like we’ve got a problem.”
“I’ll keep an eye on them,” Sergeant Dean said, pushing away his plate. “I’m done. Let’s go see the major.”
“Can’t wait.”
***
An hour later, Saul and Sergeant Dean stood at attention in front of the major’s desk. Major Reed studied them with a keen gaze, his lips pressed together. Finally, he spoke. “Lieutenant King tells me you fought well last night, Lieutenant Dhlamini, and that you played a decided role in the defeat of the enemy.”
Saul inclined his head. “Thank you, Sir, but it wasn’t only me. We all worked together.”
“Including your friends, Tara Lee and Dylan Young?”
“Yes, Sir. They’re capable fighters, and they’ve faced many a dangerous situation with bravery.”
“Perhaps, but I also hear that Miss Young went berserk on the field. The men are calling her crazy. That, coupled with her previous infractions, makes me wonder if she can be trusted,” the major continued.
“Dylan isn’t crazy, just fierce,” Saul said.
“And her…fierceness has nothing to do with the cure?” the major asked.
�
��No, Sir. The cure doesn’t cause aggression. Rather, it’s a leftover symptom from the virus itself which makes certain changes in the brain. The sooner a patient takes the cure, the better.”
“She received hers later than you did?”
“Yes.”
“In other words, she has brain damage. Or would it be more accurate to say that she got closer to becoming a zombie than you did, and now has some of their characteristics?”
Saul clenched his fists. “She’s not a zombie, Sir. Nor does she have brain damage.”
“Then what exactly happened out there? I’m assuming you saw her, covered in blood, crazed, screaming like a banshee. Does that sound normal to you?”
“She didn’t hurt any of your men, did she?” Saul pointed out. “Only zombies.”
“That doesn’t mean she isn’t dangerous,” the major said.
“She’s not!” Saul exclaimed. “Why are you asking me this? Why not ask Tara?”
“Because Dr. Lee doesn’t understand the dangers involved. Not like a soldier would, and you are a soldier, right?”
“Yes, I am,” Saul said.
“Then tell me the truth. What’s wrong with Miss Young, and does she pose a security risk?” the major asked.
“As I said before, the virus causes certain changes in the brain. The biggest is heightened aggression. Both Dylan and I suffer from that to a certain degree.”
“Her more than you?” Major Reed pressed.
“Yes, the virus had more time to progress in her case. Even so, it can be controlled,” Saul explained. “I learned, and Dylan will too. She just needs a bit of time.”
“Are you certain of that, Lieutenant?” Major Reed said. “I cannot allow a wildcard on my base. If she poses any danger at all, I need to know now.”
“She does not, Major. I swear it.”
Sergeant Dean cleared his throat. “Sir, if I may?”
Major Reed nodded. “Go ahead.”
“Miss Young is not crazy. She saved my life. The zombie that bit me would’ve killed me if she hadn’t stepped in, and I owe her my life.”
The major studied them for a long moment before giving a curt nod. “Fine, I’ll allow her to stay, but if she causes any problems, she’s out.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Saul said, relieved beyond measure.
“I’m assigning the four of you to a house in the private quarters. We have a number that are standing empty now, but you all need to contribute. Dr. Hayes will continue his work at the infirmary. What about you? Do you wish to join our ranks? I can offer you a position as a First Lieutenant. No need for a demotion.”
Saul inclined his head. “I’m sorry, Sir, but I would like to remain a free man for now. Enlisting in a foreign army isn’t in the cards for me.”
“I see,” Major Reed said with a frown. “In that case, you can join one of our raiding parties. It’s dangerous work, but you’re a trained fighter. Plus, once you’ve proven your worth, you’ll have the freedom to come and go as you please.”
“I accept, Sir, and may I request that Dylan join me? It seems like a job well suited to her temperament,” Saul asked.
Major Reed grunted. “Agreed.”
“What about Dr. Lee?”
“I haven’t decided yet,” Major Reed replied. “I still don’t trust this cure of yours. It seems too good to be true.”
“Just give her a chance, Sir,” Saul pleaded. “Sergeant Dean’s been bitten, and without that medication, he’ll die.”
“I’m aware of Sergeant Dean’s condition. If he agrees, I’ll allow him to take this so-called cure. He’ll be confined until I am certain that the treatment is effective. If that happens, I’ll consider clearing out the laboratory so that Dr. Lee may continue her research.”
Saul sagged with relief but quickly drew himself up again. “Thank you, Sir. In the meantime, may I suggest that she act as a consultant to your defense teams?”
“A consultant?” Major Reed asked. “What for?”
“Dr. Lee has extensive knowledge of the infected. More than anyone else on this planet. She was there from the very beginning, at the source. If anyone knows how we are to survive them, she does.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I think we have the situation in hand,” Major Reed said, seeming ready to dismiss them.
“Do you? Really?” Saul asked. “Let me be frank, Major. Fort Knox had a fighting force three times the size of yours, and their defenses were superior by far. Yet, they are all dead today. You don’t know what you’re up against, but Tara does.”
“Can she make such a big difference, Lieutenant?” the major asked.
“I promise you; she can. Dr. Lee is both brilliant and knowledgeable. Let her help you, or none of us will survive this apocalypse.”
Major Reed stood up from his desk. “Alright. Tell Dr. Lee she’s to report to me at zero seven hundred hours tomorrow. We’ll see what magic tricks she has up her sleeve. As for you, sergeant. Report to the infirmary asap. The cure is waiting for you. Dismissed.”
Sergeant Dean and Saul saluted and marched out of the office with barely contained grins. When the door shut behind them, Sergeant Dean blew out a deep breath. “Thank God. For a moment there, I thought I was a goner. You’re sure this will work?”
“I’m sure,” Saul said, pulling up his sleeve. On his lower bicep, a knot of scar tissue shone in the light. “I got infected, and Tara saved me.”
Sergeant Dean smiled with relief. “It seems I owe my life to you lot.”
“Don’t thank me yet. The episodes are nothing to laugh about,” Saul warned.
“Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. Is it bad?”
Saul shrugged. “Bad enough, but you’re getting the cure sooner than Dylan or I did. Maybe, you’re lucky.”
“Let’s hope so,” the sergeant agreed.
Together, they walked outside and headed toward the infirmary. As the cold air hit his face, Saul reflected that he’d won a major victory that day. They all had. Let’s hope our streak of good fortune continues.
Chapter 4 - Alex
Alex walked down the hallway toward Amy’s room, his steps light and energetic. After a full night’s sleep, a hot shower, and a solid breakfast, he felt good. Not even the smell of antiseptic could sour his mood, a scent he usually despised. He hated hospitals as well, but the community of Radcliff had done a lot to turn this one into a home.
While much of the place remained intact for its original purposes, such as the emergency wing, operating rooms, and the pediatric, ob-gyn, and intensive care departments, the rest was repurposed as civilian housing. Wards became dormitories, and the cafeteria a common area where everyone took their meals. The gift shop was turned into a kindergarten and the coffee shop into a school for the kids. More than that, curtains fluttered at the windows, ferns bloomed in vases, and throw cushions brightened up the wooden benches. It was a home, not just a place to live in until the zombies went away.
In the gardens outside, neat rows of winter vegetables grew alongside transplanted fruit trees. Chickens lay eggs inside coops built for the purpose, and there were even a couple of potbellied pigs and goats wandering around.
When he first arrived, the inhabitants accepted him into their ranks without protest. After his first successful supply run, they welcomed him with open arms, and he was only too happy to help out. He was due to join another much-needed supply run that morning but wanted to say goodbye to Amy first.
His boots squeaked on the clean floor as he turned the corner, and he was surprised to find Amy up and about. “Shouldn’t you be in bed? Resting?”
Amy tossed him a look of impatience. “I’m not an invalid, Alex. It’s about time that I started moving around. Dr. Williams says it will speed up my recovery.”
“Are you sure? You’re not making this up, are you?” Alex asked with a frown. “I know you’re in a hurry to leave, but you’re still weak.”
“Weak, schmeak,” Amy scoffed, waving him off as she tied the laces on her sne
akers. “You can ask Dr. Williams yourself if you don’t believe me.”
“Where is he?”
“Right behind you, Mr. Donahue,” Dr. Williams answered from behind Alex. “And your sister is correct. The sooner she starts exercising, the better.”
“But —”
“No buts, Mr. Donahue,” Dr. Williams interrupted. “Amy is young and strong. She has shown remarkable resilience thus far, and her recovery is almost complete.”
Alex wanted to say ‘but’ again until he thought better of it. Instead, he managed to bury his reservations, and said, “As long as you don’t overdo it, Sis, I guess it’s fine.”
He watched as Dr. Williams took Amy’s blood pressure and temperature, marking her numbers down on a chart. Afterward, the doctor gave an approving nod. “Everything looks good. The infection is gone, and her wounds have healed without any undue scarring.”
“When can I leave?” Amy asked, her eyes bright and eager.
“A couple of days should do it. Once I’m satisfied that you’re strong enough to walk around and defend yourself, you can join the general population.”
Dr. Williams took his leave, and she turned on Alex. “Did you hear that? A couple of days!”
“I heard,” Alex said, “but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to travel yet.”
“Why not?” Amy said with a groan of exasperation. “We need to get to Dylan. What if she goes to the safe house while we’re gone? She’ll be out of her mind with worry.”
“I can’t take the chance that something might happen to you on the road, Sis,” Alex said. “I promised to keep you safe.”
“Oh, come on,” Amy protested. “Stop coddling me. I’m not a child anymore!”
Alex threw his hands in the air. “Fine. I’ll give you two days to prove to me you’re fit enough for the road. Deal?”
“Deal,” Amy said before surveying his clothes and weapons with narrowed eyes. “Where are you off to?”
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