Children of the Apocalypse: Mega Boxed Set

by Baileigh Higgins

  Joseph and Lucas were stripping the buildings, taking everything of value and loading it. Sadly, they’d have to abandon the excavator. The goats and wildlife would be set free too, let out through a gap in the fence when the time came.

  Phillip and Abraham were gathering up the crops, saving seeds and cuttings from the plants while Dave did likewise in the orchard and vegetable plots. Jonathan and Dr. Lange were packing up the infirmary and their research, while Hannah was outfitting Tallulah to act as an ambulance of sorts.

  Most people had recovered from their injuries on the night of the fire except Erica who had a concussion, and Max who’s leg would need time to heal. Still, Breytenbach thought it would be a good idea to have a mobile medical unit secure from the undead and nothing was safer than Tallulah.

  Every few seconds a muffled whap sounded above his head, a shot fired from either Liezel or Kirstin’s rifles. The fire had drawn every infected for miles around, and the camp was effectively under siege. The sound had now become part of everyday life. It was white noise, always there in the background just like the occasional shots coming from the outer fence.

  The two women rarely left the watchtower anymore except to eat and sleep, and their stellar aim provided much-needed support to Lisa and her team. Though their numbers had swelled with the addition of all remaining hands, they were hard-pressed to keep the undead from filling the moat and plowing over the fence.

  He finally found Max at the outer gate, patrolling for zombies who’d fallen into the moat alongside Martin, Jed, and Josh. They no longer bothered to remove the corpses, leaving them where they lay, and the stink was incredible.

  “How are we holding up, Max?” Breytenbach asked, noting his pale face.

  “Not well. For every one we kill, three more show up. We won’t last long, at this rate. How are the plans for the evacuation coming along?”

  “The day after tomorrow. Is that soon enough?” Breytenbach asked.

  “I don’t know, Captain. We’re all exhausted. Can’t you speed it up?” Max said, moving forward to spear yet another zombie clawing at the earthen walls.

  “Not really. I’ve done all I can for now. I will send over more people to help with the defenses once they’ve finished their tasks. We just need to last two more nights,” Breytenbach said, eyeing the trickle of shambling figures that stumbled across the open field toward them.

  “If you say so, Captain,” Max said.

  At that moment, Breytenbach spotted a thick plume of dust rising above the horizon. “What’s that?”

  “I don’t know,” Max said shading his eyes.

  As they gathered together to watch, a silver sedan burst through the treeline and zig-zagged toward them, bouncing over tussocks of grass. It swung to a stop kicking up rocks and earth. The driver jumped out and ran toward them, heading for the barrier that blocked the only entrance.

  Several zombies honed in on him, converging from all directions. Two rifle shots sounded, and two infected fell with bullets in their skulls. Max added his fire to the fray, dropping two more with his sidearm. This gave the stranger enough of a lead to reach the barrier.

  “Michael!” Breytenbach cried, recognizing the man at once. “It’s him.”

  Without waiting for assistance, Michael clambered across the steel and wood contraption, putting it between himself and the infected who scratched at it with futile longing. A few impaled themselves on the spikes and hung like rag dolls, moaning all the time.

  Max helped him down, and Michael paused in front of them, sweating and out of breath. “Fuck, that was close. What’s going on here? Where did all the zombies come from?”

  “It’s a long story, and I’ll fill you in later,” Breytenbach said. “If you’re here to stay, that is.”

  “I am. For now.”

  Breytenbach studied him with shrewd eyes.“Something tells me you have news.”

  “I do, and it’s not the good kind.”

  “What is it?”

  “Hiran. He’s coming for you.”

  “Hiran?”

  “Yes, and this time, he plans on wiping out each and every person here, and he’s got the means to do it.”

  Breytenbach sucked in a breath. “That throws a spanner in the works.”

  Max nodded. “It does.”

  “Tell us what you know, Michael, and leave nothing out,” Breytenbach said.

  For the next few minutes, all was quiet as Michael told the tale of following Hiran and his trail of destruction all the way to Naval Hill. He told them of the refuge and what happened to it once George wormed his way inside. He relayed the conversation he’d overheard, and his decision to return and warn the camp of the impending attack.

  Breytenbach absorbed it all, forming a vivid picture in his mind of their new enemy, one far more dangerous than Ke Tau had ever been. “You’ve come back just in time, Michael. We’re on the verge of evacuating, and our route would have taken us right through Bloemfontein and straight into a trap.”

  “Thank God, I came back then. Why are you evacuating?” Michael asked with a frown.

  Breytenbach allowed Max to get Michael up to speed while he mulled over the problem in his mind. How to sneak dozens of women and children past Hiran without him knowing they were there. Once in St. Francis, they’d be safe, but until they reached it, they were vulnerable. “I think it’s time to take the fight to the enemy.”

  “What do you mean, Captain?” Max asked.

  “I mean, we get our people loaded up and on their way to St. Francis where they’ll be safe while a separate group attacks Naval Hill.”

  “A distraction,” Max said.

  “Yes. It’s the only way to ensure our people’s safety. We cannot risk them falling into Hiran’s hands.”

  “Why not bypass Bloemfontein altogether?” Max asked.

  “Because we don’t know what awaits us there. It’s unknown territory while we know exactly what to expect on the route Martin took. It’s safe and passable. We know it is.”

  “Except for Hiran,” Max pointed out.

  “If we catch him by surprise, we can take him down before he knows what hit him. We’ve got Michael here who already knows the layout, and we’ll have the advantage.”

  “It’s risky,” Max said.

  “Nothing comes without risk,” Breytenbach replied.

  “Besides, Hiran must die. A monster like that can’t be allowed to roam free,” Michael said. “Even if I have to go alone, I’m going back.”

  Max considered this before he nodded. “All right. The plan is solid, and the benefits outweigh the rest. Let’s do it.”

  “Excellent,” Breytenbach said. “I’ll get on it straight away, and work out the details. This time, we’ll see justice done and our families safe.”

  “Amen to that,” Max agreed.

  As Breytenbach walked away, he had the feeling that the puzzle pieces were coming together. The chicken killer, the fire, the infected growing hardier with time, and the camp’s failing defenses; it had all pointed them in one direction. St. Francis. All they needed to do was get there safely. And if we can stamp on that cockroach Hiran on our way there, so much the better.

  Later that night, Breytenbach was regretting his decision to call a meeting and announce their evacuation and attack plans. He sighed and briefly closed his eyes, wishing he could whisk away the buzz of angry voices with a flick of his wrist.

  “Why don’t we just avoid Bloemfontein altogether?” Julianne insisted for the hundredth time.

  “Because we don’t know the terrain around it,” Max answered, the purple shadows under his eyes even more pronounced than usual. “We could walk into a horde of zombies, a trap, a hostile community, a blocked freeway…anything.”

  “I know, but attacking Hiran? Are you all crazy?” Julianne’s cheeks were stained with angry blood, her fingers curled into fists.

  “It’s not crazy,” Breytenbach replied in his most placating tone of voice. “We’ll have the element of surprise
.”

  He might as well have saved his breath because she stabbed the air in front of his face with a pointed finger. “And you! Don’t even start with me. You know what Jonathan said, and despite that, you still want to lead the attack yourself?”

  “I have to,” Breytenbach said. “Max is injured. He can’t fight with that leg. Nor can Martin. We need him to get us into St. Francis. I’m the most experienced one here. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

  “Promises are just words, Christo,” she replied, standing up so suddenly her chair toppled over with a crash. “I’m out of here.”

  Without further ado, she stormed out, leaving a red-faced Breytenbach to face the rest on his own. “Guess it’s the couch for me,” he said with a weak chuckle.

  “Maybe she’s right, Captain,” Max said. “Ronnie can take your place, I’m sure. So could Michael.”

  “We need all hands on deck, Max. This is the best way,” Breytenbach insisted, though deep down he knew they were right. He just wouldn’t admit it out loud. I need this. I need to protect my family.

  “I have to raise objections to Aiden going as well,” Dr. Lange interjected.

  “How so?” Max asked.

  “Well, besides Nadia, he’s the only one here who’s survived the virus. I need him to create a vaccine.”

  “Surely you’ve drawn his blood already?” Breytenbach said.

  “I have, yes, which he’s graciously submitted to, but what if I need more?”

  “It’s his decision, Doctor, and he’s volunteered to fight already. Besides, he’s not a human pincushion!” Dee said, sending the unfortunate scientist an angry glare. Aiden whispered in her ear, and she sat back with a huff, not willing to be mollified. “He’s got Nadia, doesn’t he?”

  “Unlike Nadia who’s a carrier, Aiden is unique. His blood doesn’t act as host to the virus like hers does. He’s actually immune. His blood kills the virus. He survived it. Don’t you know how extraordinary that is?” Dr. Lange said, leaning forward in his chair, eyes gleaming. “He is the key to the vaccine!”

  “I’m sorry, Dr. Lange, but I’m going,” Aiden said.

  “So am I,” Dee added.

  Dr. Lange slumped, hands covering his eyes. “God help us if something happens to you. You could be the key to our survival, and you want to toss it away?”

  Aiden hesitated. “The Captain needs fighters, Doctor, and Dee and I are among the best. We’re doing this for our friends and family.”

  “You’re set on this course of action?”

  “I am.”

  “But―”

  “I’ll keep an eye on him for you, Doctor,” Kirstin volunteered. “We all will.”

  “Kirstin!” Max said. “You’re going?”

  “Of course. They need me, Max.”

  A muted argument broke out between the two, augmented by more whispered comments flashing to and fro between the rest. Breytenbach let his head fall back, trying to ignore the creeping headache forming in his temples.

  A hand tugged at his arm, and he looked over into Jonathan’s earnest face. “Captain, can I speak to you in private?”

  Breytenbach sighed, wondering what more could go wrong. “Fine.”

  He got up and followed the young doctor into a corner. “What is it?”

  “Your blood work came up mostly normal,” Jonathan said. “But I must urge you to abandon this plan of yours to lead the attack. Whether you like it or not, your heart is not what it was after your illness, and your other symptoms point to irreversible nerve damage, not to mention your high blood pressure.”

  “But if I drink my medication, I’ll be fine, right? Both my heart and my blood pressure can be kept under control with the pills, can’t they?”

  Jonathan hesitated. “In theory, yes, but much can go wrong. Both conditions could worsen, and then I hope for sake you’re close to help and not out fighting a young man’s battles.”

  Breytenbach shook his head. “I hear you, Doc, but I’ve got to go. I can’t sit around like a useless piece of shit while my family needs me.”

  Jonathan raised his chin. “Exactly. They need you, and now you’re abandoning them. I hope it is worth the thrill in the end.”

  Breytenbach readied a retort, his anger rising to meet the sarcasm in Jonathan’s voice, but the doctor ignored him, turning on his heels to exit the room. He was left feeling pissed off as he stared at Jonathan’s back.

  He surveyed the room filled with arguing people and raised his voice until it boomed over the rest. “Okay, that’s it. Enough debate. The day after tomorrow the evacuation begins. I will lead a diversionary force on Hiran’s stronghold while the rest go through the town and wait for us at a designated rest stop. Any objections?”

  He eyed the collected people, daring anyone to say a word.

  Nobody spoke.

  “The plan is good. The element of surprise is on our side, and we have Michael to guide us. If we do this right, we shouldn’t sustain any losses. Kirstin and Aiden, I can’t tell you what to do. It’s up to you to decide whether to join my team or not, but make up your minds quickly.”

  “I am in,” Kirstin replied, and this time, Max remained silent.

  “So am I,” Aiden replied. “I will, however, give Dr. Lange more blood before I go.”

  Dr. Lange shook his head. “I suppose I have no claim over you. I cannot stop you.”

  “That’s right,” Aiden replied.

  “Welcome to the team,” Breytenbach said. “Now remember. We’re all in this together. Fighting among each other won’t get us anywhere. We are all responsible for ourselves, and if we work together, we can do this. Agreed?”

  Solemn nods did the rounds.

  “Right,” Breytenbach said. “Everybody sorted? Can we behave like civilized people now and go in peace?”

  Murmurs of assent rose.

  “Great. See you all later,” Breytenbach said, preparing to leave.

  Max brushed past him, still walking off-kilter due to his injury and said, “Nice speech. Good luck getting it past my mother, though.”

  “I know,” Breytenbach replied with grim despair. Julianne would never fall for it, and he dreaded the coming confrontation. “Guess I’m off to face the music.”

  “Good luck,” Max replied.

  Breytenbach strode out into the cold evening air and paused, taking in a deep breath. The others drifted off to attend to their posts and relieve those before them while a few lucky ones got to grab some sleep.

  He crossed the grounds toward his home, knowing Julianne would be there, fuming. Along the way, he nodded at Mike who’d been appointed inside the camp to safeguard against any further sabotage. It was the best they could do until the culprit was found.

  As he spotted the cottage they shared, he slowed, anxiety flooding his veins. “Well, this is it, but I’d rather face a herd of angry elephants than that little lady.”

  As if she’d heard him, the door opened, revealing a taut and stressed-looking Julianne silhouetted in the light. “Are you coming in or not?”

  With a big swallow, he nodded. “Of course.”

  She disappeared inside, and he followed with wary caution. Let’s get this over with, shall we?

  The room was warm and silent, and he spotted the sleeping figures of Meghan and Sam almost immediately. Julianne handed him a cup of tea before sitting down on a chair and waving at the chair opposite her. “Sit.”

  He obeyed, sipping the warm sweet tea gratefully.

  Julianne’s blue eyes pierced his. “Is the plan going ahead?”

  “Yes.”

  “With you as leader?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry.”

  She closed her eyes. “Just tell me why.”

  “I…”

  “And don’t lie to me. No platitudes.”

  “I need this, Julianne. I’m going crazy watching everyone else risk their lives for me. For you.”

  “Your heart,” she objected with a pained look.

  “It’s a risk
I have to take.”

  “Why you? You’ve risked so much already, done so much for us. Isn’t it enough?”

  “No. It’s not.”

  Julianne dropped her face into her hands. “When will it be enough, Christo?”

  “I…I don’t know. It’s hard for me, Julianne. I’m a soldier. Always will be.”

  She raised her gaze to his. “I don’t know if I can live with that.”

  “I know, but…give me this last chance. Please. Let me do what I can one more time. After that…I’ll give it up,” he pleaded.

  She sighed, staring at him for a few seconds. “One last time. If you can’t give it up then…”

  “I know.”

  Chapter 18 - Michelle

  Michelle glanced at the digital display of her watch, noting the time.

  Four in the morning.

  Time to go.

  She stood up from her spot on the couch and smoothed a hand over her clothing. Everything was in place. Both she and the children had bathed, eaten, and played games the night before until ready for bed.

  At three, she’d awoken to the soft beep of her alarm. Within the hour, she was dressed and ready to go, their belongings packed while the children still slept. They didn’t have much. According to Breytenbach’s orders, each person was allowed one pack or bag of medium size. All other belongings and supplies had to be surrendered the night before and loaded onto the supply trucks.

  As quietly as she could, she lifted the bundled up figure of Jenny from her bed and carried her outside through the front door of their cottage. The child stirred and uttered a brief moan before settling down again, and Michelle sped up the pace. They needed to hurry, and time was of the essence.

  Torches lit the grounds, and people rushed around, carrying out their final tasks and inspections. It was bitterly cold, and within seconds her fingertips were frozen, and her breath fogged out of her mouth in puffs of white cloud.

  In the parking lot, other people were already loading their personal belongings into their designated vehicles. Whispered instructions were passed along, and Breytenbach waved around a clipboard as he and Julianne oversaw the evacuation.