What Remains (Book 3): Epidemic

by Barrett, Tyler

  With a smirk, Zack smiled at Kenji, “I’m sure we will quickly become good friends. Just ignore King; he likes to give everyone a hard time.”

  The last man approached, “Welcome to the team! I’m Jackson. I’m happy you're joining us. I’ve heard the stories from Muller about your time in Japan. He told us how amazing you are with that katana and…” Jackson trailed off once he realized that Muller was giving him a distasteful look, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up. Anyways, glad you’re here!”

  Muller led Kenji toward the gun racks, “Sorry about Jackson. He should’ve kept his mouth shut, but they wanted to know who was joining us for training.”

  Kenji nodded, “I understand, I'm sure they were just curious.”

  Muller stopped before the rifles on the rack, waving his arm, “Here’s all the rifles, grab whatever you feel comfortable using. I'll grab you a sling for it, be right back.”

  Kenji stood before various rifles, nine of which he didn’t know much about besides that he preferred his katana above them all. He grabbed one in front of him, surprised at how cold the steel was. The rifle was in pristine condition; someone had meticulously cleaned every part of the rifle, making sure not even a speck of gunpowder remained. Kenji gripped it, putting it against his shoulder, finding he enjoyed its weight and sturdiness.

  Muller returned with the rifle sling, handing it to Kenji, “That’s a good choice, standard M4, can’t go wrong with that rifle. Just set it over there on the table, since you haven’t had firearms training yet, we’ll secure it until we get to the range. I’ll grab you a drop leg holster and sidearm.”

  Muller helped Kenji attach the sling and drop leg holster, making sure they were snug, before grabbing two cases, one long and rectangular, the other, small and square.

  “Kenji, can you grab those two crates right there?” Muller asked, nodding at two ammo crates.

  Kenji grabbed both crates, finding them heavier than he thought they would be, and followed Muller. They left the hanger, turning the corner going to the left, where a line of Humvees was parked. Muller opened the back-passenger door, sliding in the two cases.

  “Just, set those in the floorboard,” Muller said, moving out of the way.

  Muller jogged around to the other side of the vehicle, jumping into the driver’s seat. Kenji closed the back door, moving to the front passenger’s door, taking his seat.

  “Ready for your firearms training?” Muller asked, starting up the Humvee.

  Chapter 7

  The first few days of Kenji’s training had been covering the basics of how to handle a firearm, muzzle discipline, and the various parts and their names. Muller had been the one to cover all of this with Kenji, making sure he understood everything clearly. They discussed the caliber size of the different ammunitions, how some were interchangeable, but many guns were tied to specific round sizes and makes.

  Kenji had asked about what each part’s purpose was on the rifle, with Muller giving detailed information. The M4 rifle Kenji had grabbed was fairly light weight, had two firing options, semi-auto, or burst fire of three rounds at a time. Heavy emphasis was put on making sure that while Kenji had no intent to fire his weapon, to make sure that the muzzle wasn’t pointed at anything, he didn’t want to shoot. Next, they covered trigger discipline, hovering nearby the trigger, but not directly on it, so it was easy to flip the safety off to engage.

  Muller had shown Kenji where the receiver was located, as well how to eject a magazine, and put a new one in, and to make sure the weapon’s firing pin was charged. After that, they discussed, with Muller demonstrating how to take the weapon apart for cleaning or storage. After walking him through how to put it back together, Kenji felt he had a decent understanding of how the weapon worked, and they moved on to his sidearm.

  The Beretta M9 felt good in Kenji’s hand, having a heft to it, but small and light enough to be quick with. They covered the same things with the handgun, including how to field strip the weapon if needed. Overall, Kenji felt more comfortable around the firearms once he understood how they worked, their parts, and had proper training. After this lesson, they took a break to eat lunch before continuing to firing the weapons.

  In the next six days, making the first week of Kenji’s training, he was taken to the shooting range to hone his skill with firing his rifle and sidearm. He was terrible the first day, missing almost all of his shots, only getting a few to connect. However, over the few days after that, he buckled down, focusing on making sure each shot hit its mark. He was able to make an improvement, but nothing to be satisfied with.

  On his last day, he was able to make about two-thirds of his shots hit their target, and both himself and Muller were happy with the progress. That night Kenji was told to get a good night’s sleep, because the next day was the beginning of his conditioning training.

  Kenji was woken by King in his room, who let him get dressed, before steering him outside to a nearby obstacle course that had been set up. He spent the day running the course over and over, timed each trial. After countless runs, Kenji was finally able to run the course in under three minutes, which was the goal King had set.

  The next day Kenji followed King again, finding another training course, however this time, different. Jackson had joined them, and the three of them went through various squad formations and assault styles. It was hard for Kenji to remember all the names for the different formations, but he tried to retain as much information as possible. He thought his brain was at overload, until the next day began, starting with training on different hand signals, for silent communication, and was able to remember most of them.

  The next two days after that began martial combat techniques, which Kenji found to be extremely helpful knowledge, wishing he had known it during his time in Japan. King showed him several ways to break grapples from assailants, chiefly focusing on breaking grip, since the infected were slow and stupid, yet incredibly strong.

  The last day of Kenji’s second week of training was a test of all the formations and hand signals he had been taught. He was surprised at how many he remembered, getting enough right to receive King’s approval.

  The start of Kenji’s third week of training Muller waited in the common area, with a smile Kenji didn’t like. After being led to another Humvee, they left the base, leaving Kenji concerned about their destination. Several hours later, Muller pulled off the main road, heading deep into the wilderness. The Humvee easily made its way through the brush and rocky terrain, until they came across a small clearing.

  Muller stopped the Humvee, “The next week is survival training. I have a bag with simple tools, a knife, a flashlight, three days of food and water. I’ll be back here to this spot in a week to pick you up. There is an emergency satellite radio if you need help, but only use it for dire emergencies.”

  “What? You want me to survive a week in the wilderness with only three days of supplies?” Kenji asked, shocked.

  “Yes, think about it. If you ever go on a mission and get stranded, you’ll have to do the same. It's easy to survive in an urban setting, shelter, food, water, all easy to find. In the wilderness, you’ll have to think on your feet, reach down and get in touch with your primal human instincts,” Muller replied.

  Kenji climbed out of the vehicle, grabbing the bag that Muller had brought for him. Opening it, he found exactly what Muller said would be in there, except one thing extra, a compass.

  “I decided to be extra nice to you, and let you have a compass,” Muller said with a mischievous smile.

  “Thanks…” Kenji said, unsure if he meant it or not.

  “Hey, it’s more than I was given for my training. I was left deep in a forest, closest civilization, over five hundred miles away. All I had was my combat knife,” Muller said.

  “I guess I should be thankful then,” Kenji said, donning the backpack.

  Kenji watched as Muller climbed back into the beast of a vehicle and turned around, leaving him alone in the wilderness. He q
uickly took in his surroundings. The area was hilly, and he could see mountains to his east and north, trees filled most of the area, but here and there small clearings dotting the foliage.

  Scanning his nearby surroundings, Kenji looked for anywhere that could be used as a shelter, knowing that if he didn’t find somewhere to sleep and stay out of the elements, the rest didn’t matter. Knowing he had to remember where the clearing he stood in was located in a week, he pulled out the knife and began to carve an X into all the trees along the edge. Kenji figured he would just head north toward the more mountainous area, hoping to find a cave to claim as his own.

  His trek through the forested area was a pleasant one, the sounds of nature, and crisp air brought him some sense of content. Kenji knew he had to focus, though, pushing away the urge to find a nice quiet spot to sit down and enjoy the freedom.

  A single thought crossed his mind for a moment. To think I’m probably the only person around in any distance. I’m the only person around…

  Kenji stopped walking, closing his eyes, taking a deep breath of air. The sounds of nature filled his sense, birds chirping, the sound of bugs buzzing by, and the gentle sway of the canopy in the breeze. Taking one last breath, Kenji opened his eyes, blinking in the sunlight.

  It’s odd having no one around me, no people. Only myself for company. If there wasn’t anything important I needed to return for, I don’t think I would go back. I would live off the grid, keep to myself, but I can’t.

  Kenji began walking once more, slowly, making sure to keep his feet planted on firm ground, as he headed up the hills. Several hours later, Kenji happened upon a cave along the crest of a hill, with a small clearing at the bottom. The cave itself wasn’t overly large, only wide enough Kenji to stick his arms out and touch each side of the cave, and deep enough to stay out of the elements.

  Setting his pack inside the cave, Kenji decided he would need some firewood and a stone to make fire with. Searching the clearing below the cave, finding loose sticks, he created a pile inside the cave. After searching the other side of the hill, which was rocky, he looked for a flintstone.

  As the sun began to set, Kenji quickly made his way back to the cave and began to start a fire. A few tries later, the cave was filled with the warm glow of a small fire. Kenji had brought some more wood, hoping it was enough to last until the next morning. He dug through his backpack, dumping the food onto the floor. He grabbed a pouch, deciding that he needed to eat something tonight, and would eat the rest for dinner the next day.

  Finishing his meal, Kenji used his backpack as a pillow, moving closer to the fire as the night air became cooler. He added a few more sticks, adding the thicker ones, hoping it wouldn’t go out. He lay there for what seemed like hours, before falling asleep.

  The next morning the sun shone directly into the cave, waking Kenji up. Blinking heavily, he noticed that the fire had indeed gone out, and he made note that he would need much more wood for the fire. Kenji spent the entire day collecting as much wood as he could, taking up a fifth of the cave with the wood. Another night, and another fire, Kenji quietly ate the rest of the meal from the day before.

  Kenji woke to the noise of rain, crashing through the trees with a roar. It rained for two days straight, which made the cave cold and slightly damp. However, Kenji was lucky that the rain couldn’t fill the cave. He worried about his firewood stockpile throughout the two days, deciding to only make a fire during the night when it got noticeably colder.

  During the daytime, with nothing better to do, Kenji practiced hand signals and the workout regimen King had given him. He pretended that he had a squad of soldiers with him, and he began to silently motion to the invisible soldiers. Feeling good about his knowledge, it was his sole focus throughout the rainy days. Kenji figured it was best to not waste his time, and at least make it useful somehow.

  On the fourth day, the sun filled the sky, bringing Kenji much welcomed heat. However, it was much hotter than he thought it would be, and after the recent rain the day before, the cave became humid. Spending most of his day outside of the cave, watching the wildlife, he decided to try some berries he had watched a pair of rabbits eating.

  Exploring the surrounding area of his cave, he took in the natural beauty of hills around him. Kenji had also found a small pond, which he used to take a bath and swim in during the heat of the day. After taking half the day to relax, Kenji slept in the cave, waking up the next day before the sun came up.

  Only one more night in the wilderness, and then I can go back and begin my job. I wonder who I’ll be training. Surely, it's more soldiers to build the organization’s forces.

  Resting in the cave for most of the day, Kenji was enjoying his time alone, far away from the prying eyes of society. It gave him the chance to recharge himself, and only worry about the simple need to survive, nothing else. Kenji was tired of one thing; eating the MRE food that Muller had given him.

  As much as Kenji loved the idea behind spending time to himself with no one else around, there had been a few times he caught himself listening to the silence. It was as if he was in a sphere of silence, and he couldn’t help but remember the single thing filled the air; the noise, and groan that could only mean the Infected were nearby. Thankfully the moans of the undead never filled Kenji’s ears like they had before. He had to tell himself countless times that no one was around, only the creatures that filled the forest.

  Kenji enjoyed these noises as he walked back toward the clearing Muller had left him at. Feeling the X’s, he carved into the side of trees along his path, Kenji followed his trail. Thankful he had decided to make a trail for himself to follow, he stepped into the clearing, noting the circle of Xs around him. Kenji set his backpack down, sitting against a tree, knowing he had more time to kill before Muller arrived.

  Three hours later, Kenji stood up, hearing the rumble of the heavy-duty engine of the Humvee. Muller stopped the vehicle right next to Kenji.

  “Hey, it looks like you survived on your own just fine. I got worried when I heard about all the rain the area got,” Muller said, rolling his window down, “Hop in.”

  Kenji got into the passenger seat, setting the backpack down in-between his legs, “So, did I pass all of your training?”

  “Yes, you did! I never doubted you. But now, well, is the part where you get to shine. Dr. Victoria will give you more details later,” Muller started rolling down the rest of the windows, “First, let’s get you back so you can have a shower.”

  Kenji lifted up his arm, taking a quick sniff of his armpit, “I think that’s a good idea.”

  Chapter 8

  Kenji let the warm water flow over his body, revealing how grime covered he really was. Watching as the brown water swirled around the drain, he stretched his sore muscles. Knowing that Muller was probably waiting for him, he hurriedly washed his body, allowing himself to spend a few minutes just enjoying the hot shower before turning the water off.

  He felt a chill run down his spine as he pulled back the shower curtain, and the cold air rushed at him. Kenji grabbed the towel he left hanging on the rack, drying himself off, before wrapping it around his waist. Stopping a moment to look at himself in the mirror, he noted that he hadn’t shaved in nearly two weeks, having been too busy to do so. A nearly full beard filled his face, and Kenji realized that he hadn’t even noticed it before just now, whereas before, he obsessed over it.

  Huh, maybe I am moving on. I couldn’t go more than two days before shaving earlier. I’m going to see Dr. Victoria though, I probably should, need to look professional.

  Ten minutes later, he was cleanshaven, rubbing his smooth skin. Kenji stared at his reflection, realizing how much he looked normal.

  I look like I did before… Throw on a suit, and I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

  After getting dressed, a simple black t-shirt, and khaki pants that had been provided to him a few weeks ago, it was what most of the live-in staff member wore, Kenji opened the door. Muller was s
tanding a few doors down, leaning against the wall, typing away on his phone.

  Muller Looked up at Kenji, when his door opened, “Man, you look so different. Sometimes, I still see that survivor back in Japan. Night and day. Anyways, are you ready to go see her?”

  “Yes, let's go,” Kenji said with a quick nod.

  After crossing the quad and entering the Admin building, they arrived at the top floor once more. Kenji entered the main room, which looked the same as the first time he had entered it but noticed many of the desks had more paperwork on them. The communication center looked just as chaotic as before, but he didn’t have time to inspect it. Kenji followed Muller into Dr. Victoria’s office, closing the door behind them.

  Her office was much brighter than the last time he had been inside it; the blinds to the windows were drawn back, giving a perfect view of the hangers and tarmac in the distance. Dr. Victoria sat behind her desk, reading a report, ignoring the two men as they entered. Kenji took this time to glance around, noticing that the tops of the cabinets had neat stacks of papers reaching the dangerous territory of where if any more were added, it would all come crashing down.

  “Have a seat, I only need a moment more,” Dr. Victoria said, glancing up from her report.

  Kenji sat down, enjoying how comfortable the chair was, while he waited, he looked over at Muller, who gave him a small smile.

  “Alright, sorry about that. Kenji! I’m glad to hear you did excellent at your training. I’ve heard nothing but good things. Do you feel ready to start the next step, or do you need a day to relax? I understand you just got back from your survivalist training,” Dr. Victoria stated cheerily.

  “I’m ready to move on, I got enough time to relax during my survival training,” Kenji said, with a smile.

  “Good, good,” Dr. Victoria said, leaning back in her chair, “That’s a big relief for me. I’m drowning in paperwork, and the U.N. wants us to push forward with the next step of our organization’s plan, which you are an integral part of.”