Martin took a seat at the head of the table flanked by his right-hand man Thys. A woman called Ada sat opposite him at the other end. She was the head of security, and the defense of the town lay squarely in her capable hands. Tall with iron-gray hair, her fierce gaze cut like a knife, and few people were dumb enough to challenge her.
Marie, who was in charge of the stores, took the seat next to Nadia while two men of roughly Logan’s age poured themselves a cup of coffee each. Neither were familiar, but Logan recognized the wary caution with which they moved and surmised they were raiders. Last, but not least, came the resident doctor Mrs. Barnard, and the old but still spry Adam, who was in charge of the small fleet of Chokka boats that kept the community fed.
Martin waited a few minutes until everyone had settled down before clearing his throat. An expectant hush replaced the cheerful chatter of before, and Logan shifted in his seat in readiness.
“Morning, ladies and gents,” Martin said after rustling a stack of papers in a manner designed to look official. “Let’s begin, shall we?”
Murmured greetings hummed through the air.
The meeting opened with a discussion on the supplies available to the town. This was followed by a lengthy debate on the state of the medical facilities, and the season’s haul of fish and seafood.
Halfway through, Logan spotted Nadia’s eyes glazing over. This was followed by a stifled yawn. She perfectly mirrored his feelings, and he found himself hiding a grin behind his hand.
Martin’s sharp gaze fell on the duo, and he cleared his throat. “Now, as some of you might know, we’re gathered here to discuss the possibility of sending out an expeditionary force to the Free State. Logan here has informed me that there’s a sizable group of survivors there, and he desires us to make contact.”
All eyes turned on Logan, and he straightened up in his seat with an embarrassed cough. “That’s correct.”
An excited buzz rose around the table, interrupted when Ada asked, “How many people are there, and how big is their camp?”
Logan shrugged. “I’d guess around forty, but it’s been awhile, and that might have changed. The camp itself is big enough to support more and is well-fortified.”
Ada’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not a whole lot to go on. How do you know they’re still there?”
“I know,” Logan replied. “Call it instinct.”
“You’re very sure of yourself,” Ada said. A strong hint of disapproval colored her tone, echoed by the tightening of her severe features.
“With reason,” Logan replied. He met her stare with a fixed gaze, not backing down an inch. “I know them. I know what they’re capable of doing. They’re a tough crowd, and nothing short of a meteor could wipe them out.”
Ada snorted and shot a sharp glance toward Nadia. “You’re willing to risk her life on an off chance like that?”
Logan stiffened, but before he could answer, Nadia jumped in. “I can take care of myself, lady. I did so for several months while I lived on my own, and I can make my own damn decisions.”
Shocked silence reigned for a few seconds before Ada barked out a short laugh. “Well said, young miss. Are you sure you don’t want to join the Watch? I could use people like you.”
“Thanks, but I’ve got other plans.” Nadia sat back with a defiant look on her face which prompted a smile from Logan. There’s the real Nadia. I’ve missed her.
“Suppose this camp of yours is still there, why should we risk the lives of our people to journey there?” Thys asked, taking over from Ada. He spread his hands wide on the table. “It’s a long way, filled with dangers.”
Logan looked at Thys for a moment while weighing his answer. Short and slender, with sandy hair and wiry strength, Thys was a tough opponent. He had years of experience in the local government to back him up, and the force of will to overcome any obstacle. If he opposed this expedition, it was unlikely anyone could sway the decision even if they tried.
“When I left my camp, I roamed far and wide. I traveled the length and breadth of South Africa, just the Landie and me. Is it dangerous? Sure, I had plenty of close calls. But if you stick to the back roads and the small towns, it can be done.” Logan allowed his eyes travel around the table, resting on each person before moving on. “I was searching for something.”
“Something?” Thys asked with the quirk of an eyebrow.
“Yes, but that doesn’t concern you. While I won’t go into detail of what I was looking for, I will tell you what I didn’t find.”
“What’s that?”
“Survivors.”
Thick silence enveloped the table, broken only when a skeptical Thys asked, “You found no survivors? None? I find that hard to believe.”
“Oh, I found a few. Loners like myself, moving from place to place. Hell, I even found a few groups clinging to existence by the skin of their teeth. They never numbered more than a handful, and I’m willing to bet most of them are dead by now.”
“There have to be others. People like us. It stands to reason we’re not the only ones.”
“Probably. I’ve seen evidence of larger groups in the cities. Those I avoided for obvious reasons. Not only are the undead more abundant there, but the people are not all friendly. You’d be shocked at some of the things I’ve seen.”
“What’s your point exactly?” Thys asked.
“My point is, with so few survivors left, especially good ones, can we afford to sit back and do nothing?” Logan asked. “Here we have a camp, forty strong and well-fortified. Why not make contact? Why not establish some co-operation? Together, we are strong. Separate, I don’t give much for any of our chances in the long run.”
The two men Logan had pegged as raiders earlier, now surprised him by agreeing. The older of the two said, “He speaks the truth, Thys. We go out there almost every day looking for supplies. We hardly ever see anyone, and when we do, they’re not all good people. It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and if this other group could join us or even just work with us, we’d be that much better off.”
His younger companion nodded. “I say we go. It can’t hurt to have allies.”
“You make a good point. Both of you,” Thys said before he turned to Martin. “What do you think?”
Martin nodded. “They’re right. Which is why I’ve decided to let Logan have his wish.”
“Already?” Thys asked, surprise evident on his face. “We’re not discussing this?”
Martin shook his head. “No, in this regard my mind is quite made up. I was simply waiting for the right opportunity.”
“Then what was the point of this meeting?” Ada asked.
“So that you can hear what he has to say and understand why I must go.”
“You?” Ada sputtered. “You can’t go.”
“Certainly not,” Thys agreed with a vehement shake of the head. “We need you.”
“You don’t need me, Thys. Neither do you, Ada. You are both perfectly capable of taking over in my absence.”
“But what about Kimberley?” Marie asked, speaking for the first time.
“She will be quite safe with you, my dear. I know you’ll look after her like she’s your own.”
“Of course, but she’ll be distraught.”
“She’ll understand,” Martin replied. “Besides, I have every intention of coming back. This is my home.”
“This is quite unorthodox,” Dr. Barnard said. “Why do you need to go? Why not send someone else in your place?”
“Because I know Max. He’s my friend, but more than that, he’s the reason I’m here,” Martin replied. “He’s the reason we’re all here. If it weren’t for him, I’d have died in the streets of some distant town with my fellow soldiers, fighting a losing battle against an enemy we didn’t understand. I owe him, and so do you.”
Dr. Barnard gave a slow nod. “In that case, I have no option but to support your decision.”
“Who will go with you?” Adam asked. “I cannot spare anyone from the b
oats.”
“Neither can I,” Ada added. “We are spread too thinly as it is.”
“I understand,” Martin said. “I don’t intend leaving you shorthanded.”
“I’ll go,” the younger raider said. “Dirk here can spare me for a while.”
“Josh,” Dirk protested. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Thanks, Josh,” Martin replied. “That brings our party up to four.”
“Four is not enough for a journey of this magnitude,” Ada said. “I’ll spread the word that you’re looking for more people.”
“Volunteers only, Ada,” Martin said.
“Understood.” She gave a stiff nod. “When do you wish to leave?”
Martin looked at Logan before replying. “Tomorrow at dawn.”
“So soon?”
“Yes.”
“I will take my leave then,” Ada said. “There is much to arrange before then. I will see to it that your party is fully equipped.”
“Thank you, Ada.”
The older woman left the room, followed soon after by the rest as the meeting wound down to a natural end. Each member had a task to perform before the morrow, and finally, it was just Logan and Nadia left at the table.
“Is it just me, or is this all happening a little too fast?” Nadia asked.
“Too fast? We’ve been waiting for this for a month.”
“I know, but…”
“Don’t you want to go?” Logan asked.
“I do. It’s just…we’re leaving tomorrow morning, and I feel like it’s not enough time to say goodbye.”
“I’m not complaining. The sooner, the better.” Logan scooped up another apple and an orange, casually juggling the fruit as he walked out of the room.
Nadia trailed behind him, her face uncertain. “We’re doing the right thing, aren’t we, Logan?”
“What do you mean?”
“Leaving this place, and more, taking their leader with us. They’ll be okay, won’t they? Kimberley…”
Logan paused and eyed her with somber patience. “These people don’t need Martin. They’re strong enough without him, and it’s time they realized it. As for Kim, she’ll see her father again.”
“I hope so,” Nadia replied as they stepped out into the sunshine.
“We each have to make our own choices. Martin, Josh, me, and especially you.”
“Me?” Nadia looked up at him with surprise.
“Yes, you,” Logan replied. “You need to decide what you want, Nadia. What’s right for you. Not what I think is right for you, or what anyone else thinks is right for you.”
“But I’ve already decided to go with you,” she protested.
“No, you haven’t. You’ve let circumstances choose for you.” Logan pinned her to the spot with a sharp look. “You’re taking the easy way out, and that isn’t like you.”
“Not true. I know what I want!”
“Do you? Because I’m still waiting for the real Nadia to show up and tell me to bugger off because she can make up her own damn mind. That Nadia never needed permission from anybody.”
With those parting words, Logan strode away and left Nadia stuttering and white-faced. Much as he wanted her to, no, needed her to go with him, it was her own decision to make, and not one he was willing to make for her. I just hope she chooses well.
Chapter 3 - Michael
Michael shifted the rusted AK-47 from his left arm to his right in a bid to soothe the ache in his back. It didn’t help much. Sixteen hours of continuous guard duty on an empty stomach had eaten away at his energy reserves. Every muscle burned with exhaustion, yet he had no choice but to stand there like a puppet, eyes roving for any signs of enemy movement. Whether it be living or dead, it didn’t matter. Ke Tau’s orders.
It was maybe an hour before dawn, and he licked his dry lips with a parched tongue. He stood alone at the furthest end of the perimeter, also known as the dead zone by the other guards. Here, he was surrounded by staked and chained zombies, a lone figure of living breathing flesh among a sea of corpses. Their constant groaning and rasping wore on his nerves, but at least it kept him awake.
A shuffling figure caught his eye, and he twisted his head to look back at the old hotel. It was the old woman, Rebecca. The one who’d first made contact with Ronnie. She carried a bucket and balanced a parcel on her ancient head. With torturous steps, she went a slow circuit around all the guards before heading toward him.
His stomach growled at the thought of breakfast, but his thirst was far worse and fought for dominance among his needs. With impatience, he watched the old woman wind her way through the captured dead to bring him his meal. At last, she reached him and ducked her head as she placed her burdens on the ground.
Michael glanced over the woman’s head at the other guards surrounding the compound. None had ventured near, just as none had accompanied the old lady while she walked. Perhaps, this was his opportunity to speak to her, an opportunity he had so far lacked.
“I’ve brought you food, Sir,” she said in a quavery voice.
“Why not sooner?” he asked. “I saw you last night, doling out supper to the rest. Why not for me?”
She shot him a knowing glance before dropping her gaze once more. “Because Ke Tau did not wish it.“
“How so? Have I angered him in some way?”
“I do not know, forgive me, Sir.”
“I think you know more than you let on, old one.”
Her eyes rolled upward, exposing more of the whites, and she cowered before him. “Please, Sir. I know nothing.”
“Relax, old woman. I will not harm you.” He pointed at her burdens. “Water. Do you have water?”
She shook her head. “No, Sir. Ke Tau said no water for you.”
“Then what do you have?”
“Mageu and bread.” She opened the bucket before her and scooped up a cup of the fermented liquid. This she proffered along with a hunk of dry bread from the bundle on her head.
Michael wrinkled his nose as he took the food from her, his insides twisting. The mere thought of forcing down a chunk of tasteless dough when he was this thirsty, was distasteful. Nor did the sour mageu smell appetizing. His body needed water. Water and protein. “Is it fresh?”
“Yes, Sir. I made the bread myself today, and the mageu is from yesterday.”
He nodded and raised the cup to his lips. In one gulp, he drained the liquid, the consistency much like thick porridge. His stomach rebelled, but he forced it down. While it might not be water, it would relieve his thirst and provide some energy. “Another, please.”
“I’m not allowed, but…” With furtive movements, she scooped up another cup which he downed as quickly as the first.
“Thank you,” he said.
She threw him a surprised look, apparently unused to gratitude.
“Tell me why Ke Tau is treating me this way,” he insisted. “You must know.”
She hesitated before replying. “It is simply his way. You are new here, and he does not trust you.”
“I’ve been here for a month, and I do whatever he bids me.”
“It is not enough. He wants to know who you are. He will try to break you first.”
Michael digested this knowledge in silence, before saying, “Thank you again, old one.”
She ducked her head and gathered up her stuff. He glanced at the guards and noted that none were paying attention. “Before you go, we need to speak. I was sent here by someone you know.”
She gasped and scuttled back. “What do you mean?”
“You spoke to a man a while ago. A man who asked for your help.”
She shook her head. “I…I don’t remember.”
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here to help you.”
She shook her head so hard he was afraid it would fall off her neck. “No, I know nothing, spoke to no one.”
“This man promised you revenge for your son. Don’t you want that anymore?” he asked, pleased to note
the way she stilled.
Her face turned blank, and an unnamed emotion swelled beneath the surface. “Revenge?”
“Yes, but first we need your help.”
“How can I help? I’m just an old woman,” she said, casting a fearful look around.
“You can talk to the others, those who feel like you do,” he replied with his eyes fixed on the nearest guards. “Tell them to be ready. Tell them that when the day comes, they must join us in our fight.”
“I…I will try.”
One of the guards turned toward Michael and stared at them, his eyes narrowed. Michael threw her a look and said, “They notice. We must act the part.”
She glanced toward the guard and hunched down like a crone. “They mustn’t know.”
With casual contempt, Michael tossed the empty cup at the old woman and shouted, “Now get away. Back to your hole, old woman.”
The guard laughed and nodded his approval.
Like a crab, she scurried around and prepared to go. He turned his back on her and looked into the distance before asking one final question. “Rebecca.”
She paused for the briefest of moments.
“How can I get Ke Tau to trust me?”
“Trust you?” She cackled underneath her breath. “If you want Ke Tau to trust you, then you must be like him. You must become him.”
With that cryptic remark, the old woman left, and the hours passed slowly. One after the other until exhaustion dragged at his lids, and sleep beckoned with the sweet promise of relief. His thirst, temporarily sated by the mageu, returned with a vengeance as soon as the sun rose. He dared not sit down for too long lest he fell asleep, a sin that carried dire consequences in Ke Tau’s eyes.
One by one the other guards were relieved, but never him. He alone remained standing at his post, hour after hour. Behind his back, the other men made bets on how long he’d last. This he knew but cared not. Instead, his mind wandered back over the past month. While Ke Tau had seemed to accept his story of him wanting vengeance against the camp because they destroyed all his hopes for a vaccine, the leader had not entrusted him with anything worthwhile.
Children of the Apocalypse: Mega Boxed Set Page 55