“Rule three: Never remove your armor. I don’t care how heavy you think it is. I don’t care how hot you are or that it’s messing up your hair. The armor stays on until we’re back at F Camp,” Mark said.
Chloe held up a finger and firmly pointed it at each hunter. “Rule four: Never separate. We’re one team. We do not search different buildings and fossick for supplies. We’re here to kill ZBs . . . nothing else.”
The moment overwhelmed Sam. “Hell yeah we are!”
Calli apparently decided to tap into her inner woo girl to complement Sam’s affirmation. “Woo!”
Chloe beamed another smile to Sam and Calli. “I see you’ve already learned rule five: stay excited and have fun.”
Sam led his friends in another cheer.
Mark patted his hands downward to quiet the hunters. “Alright, now follow us and we’ll get dressed up for the hunt.”
Kellen held a timid hand in the air. “Excuse me, do you mind if we say a prayer first?”
Sam rolled his eyes. If zombies decimating Australia hadn’t proved God either didn’t exist or didn’t care, then what would?
Chloe appeased the request, possibly even appreciated it. “Sure, mate.”
Kellen closed his eyes and folded his hands. “Dear Lord, please give us the strength to end the suffering of your children whose souls are trapped in their decaying prisons. Let us be true in doing your work. Amen.”
Sam begrudgingly said “Amen” with the rest of his friends.
“Really?” Sam asked.
Before Kellen could reply, Ash defended him, “Hey, leave him alone. If Captain Money Bags want to end their suffering, then I’ll help him. He can say all the prayers he wants.”
Kellen smiled at his supporter. “Thanks, Ash.”
Mark took a moment to look at each of the hunters. Sam got the impression he was confirming all delays were finally out of their systems.
“Well now, please follow us,” he said.
other works by
phillip murrell
THE BYSTANDERS SERIES
Bystanders (available now)
Bystanders II: Trophy Hunters (available now)
Bystanders III: Sleepers and Scouts (available now)
Bystanders IV: Our Contest (available now)
Zombie Walkabout (Coming late 2019)
Get updates @bystanderssaga
a note from the author
All my life, I’ve been a fan of stories. I got so much enjoyment out of reading/watching someone else’s work, I decided to start writing my own. I’ve already tackled gritty superheroes and fantasies. I have so much more to write. My next book will be a comedy that happens to have zombies. Grab your best friends and head to Australia for a vacation you’ll never forget. My time in the military compels me to write a military sci-fi story. That will be out in 2020.
I hope you enjoy the stories I’ve already written and look forward to those yet to come. I love writing them for people exactly like you.
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