Living Dead 2.0

by Radovick, Ronda

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  Nicole said, “Yes. I know. So. Where were you from? I mean, before all of this?” Ruby said, “Merrillville. Originally, Chicago. You?” Nicole said, “We were living on the military base. North of here, Lafayette. Scott was stationed there. They called in everyone who was overseas, and put them on the bases, here. They even used recruiting centers to house military families. Originally, we came from New York. They told everyone to stay on base, until assignments were given. Scott was sent out, within three months. People were talking about a new disease epidemic. About, people going crazy. When we realized how restricted that Scott was in his travel, we both knew that some thing was going on. Scott is a surgeon. They were pretty lenient with the Doctors. At least, as far as going off base. After their shift. It was not until they came in, in the middle of the night, and shipped him to Chicago that, I knew that it was really bad.” Ruby said, “How did he get back you and your boy?” Nicole said, “I don't know the details, but they were sent into a herd f those things. Only, they didn't know that, there was a herd. After, almost everyone in their unit was killed, the Superior Officer did not want to let the men go, and check on their families. Jimmy and Scott left. Devon and I were staying in a school, turned community center. Some men came in, killed the few soldiers left, and took over. Scott, and Jimmy found us, and saved us, and Pastor Dom.” Ruby said, “I'm glad they did, Nicole. My Jed, he used to say that there was a reason for everything.” Nicole asked, “Was Jed your husband?” Ruby shook her head up and down. “Yes. He put all of the extra's on the Hummer, so that, we could get out of our neighborhood. Before we knew it, it was overrun. Jed, he went right to work. He said, “Ruby, get our things packed. We are getting out of here.” He worked on it, for a week. Then, one night, he came in and told me, it was ready to go.” Nicole asked, “So, you made it out together, then?” Ruby answered, “Yes. Until a month ago.” she looked away, into the dark. Nicole felt sorry that she had asked, “I am sorry, Ruby. If you ever want to talk. Or, just come over for a cup of, whatever we can scrounge up...” Ruby said, “Thank you, Nicole.” Nicole sighed. She wanted to make the conversation less tense. She had sympathy for the lady. She didn't know, if her and Devon would have made it this far, if her husband had not known where to look for her. Ruby could sense that Nicole felt awkward. “So, when is your next shift? For the lookout?” Nicole said, “I just finished. And, couldn't sleep.” Ruby said, “ Yes. This kind of thing, will keep a person on edge.” Nicole said, “I wish that we knew where Jimmy and Rose are at? And, if they are okay?” Ruby said, “Hopefully, they made it to where they could get inside, somewhere. They were driving a truck. Jessie said that, it looked like they were purposely leading the herd away. If they stayed ahead of that herd.....then maybe, they are waiting it out somewhere.” Nicole said, “Hope so.” It didn't sound like she believed that to Ruby. Ruby agreed, Me too.” Nicole asked, “ Do you like to garden? We are putting up a gren house. Renee has encouraged everyone to grow whatever they want.” Ruby smiled, “ I see the gardens, here. I used to love to grow my own food, flowers, too.” Nicole said, “I know Renee would welcome it.” Ruby said, “ I'll have to get out and find some seeds, when thisall passes over.” Nicole replied, “ I know. Do you need anything from the closet?” Ruby said, “I am fine, thank you. Renee brought me some blankets, and hygiene supplies. It was very kind of her.” Nicole said, “If you need anything, let us know, or go right to the closet. There may be items there that you can use. Well. I need to get some sleep. It was nice talking to you, Ruby.”

  Ruby replied, “You, as well, Nicole. Good-night.” Nicole said, “Good-night, Ruby. See you tomorrow.” The two women parted ways. The next morning, everyone awoke to sounds of gunfire. People, came running out of their abodes

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  The children stood in the windows, while trying to get a look at where the commotion was coming from. Renee ran from her house, gun in hand. She stopped, and looked around. The sound was coming from Wills' place. Chloe, Ben, and Jose ran sleepy-eyed from the house. Ben yelled, “They are trying to get in, again. Hurry! Get our guns!” The two boys ran back into the house. Chloe cried, “Mom! What are we going to do? It sounds like they are inside the gates.” Renee turned to her daughter, “Go to the school, now! Get all of the children, and get them to the safe room! Hurry!” Chloe ran cried, “Ben, and Jose, they are still in the house.” Just then, they came running out. Ben blurted out, “Come on!” He and Jose ran past Chloe and Renee. “You guys should go to the school! Renee yelled to Chloe, “Go on! Do what I told you!” She ran to the school. Renee watched Chloe get to the doors of the school, then ran towards the gunfire. When she arrived at Will's, some of the men were already there. Jack, and Will, were shooting at someone outside the wall. She saw the silhouette of a man's head at the top of the wall, twenty feet to the side of Will, and Jack. She shot him. He fell back off of the wall. She ran towards the stairs. She started up, and another man came over the wall. She shot him. He fell off, on the inside of the wall. “How are they climbing the wall?” She asked . When she made it a little closer, she saw that they were climbing a ladder. They had carried the ladder to the wall. Jack yelled, “Keep your head down, Renee!” Renee yelled, “How many of them are there?”Between gun shots, Will yelled, “Ten, or fifteen. Some scattered when we started shooting. Dumb bastards kept coming, even when, we started shooting them.” The men were retreating. A few of them still shot at the wall. They would run, then shoot. Will, and the others, kept shooting at the rest of those they could see. It looked like, there were five men left. Now, they had run back to the tree line. Then, the gunfire stopped. Kyle yelled out on the radio, “We caught two of them trying to get in on our side. Jessie, Matt, and I, have them here. Going to bring them to one of the containers. Everyone alright?” Scott shot back, “Wait til I get there, Kyle. We need a couple of people to do rounds. Everyone, stay at your post.” Renee said, “ I'll go get a couple of people. We'll do rounds.”

  Kyle and Jessie pushed the two men down onto the ground. Kyle ordered, “ Lay flat!” When the first one complied, Kyle took some rope and hog tied him. The other man protested, “ You're not doing that to me!” Kyle walked around him and kicked him down to the ground, “Yes, I am!” The man was hog tied in seconds. He scoffed, “ They're coming back. This place has what they need.” Kyle replied, “Then, they'll die.” The two men exchanged a look. Kyle spoke into the radio, “Nina.” Nina came on, “Yes. Are you okay?” He replied, “Yes. Can you bring me a pickup truck? The one with the trailer attached.” She hesitated, then said, “Okay. Where are you, exactly?” He said, “ Storage containers.” She said, “Okay.” Kyle turned to Jessie, “ You should probably stay up on the wall. If more come, shoot them. They will kill everyone inside here, if they get in.” Matt said, “ How do you know that? Kyle said, “ Their Buddy told me that they survive, by ambushing people on the road, and by raiding places like this. They don't leave any weak survivors. Only, teenagers and the strong. Every time, I asked about kids, he clammed up. It could be that, they do have children with them, and he felt the need to protect them. Or, they are doing something to them. We can't let these people live. If they get the chance, they are not going to let us live.” Jessie, and Matt exchanged a look. Jessie said, “Did the other guy admit that, they are the same people who ambushed you, and killed Keith?” Kyle said, “Yes. They travel all over the region, looking for an opportunity to trap people. I saw this in the middle east, a thousand times.

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  These people are no good.” The man, sarcastically cut in, “So, you are a military guy, huh? So is the Captain. He'll teach you a lesson. You are a big man, now. But, just wait.”

  Kyle stared at the man. Jessie walked a few feet away from the men. He nodded for Kyle to follow him. When he did, Jessie whispered, “What are you going to do with them?” Kyle said, “I will interrogate them. Maybe, I'll let one go with a message.” Jessie studied Kyle. He knew that their other guy was dead. Kyle was not
playing with these men. Jessie, carefully asked, “Where is their friend?” Kyle said, “He is gone, Jessie. These people, are not good people. And, if they get loose, they'll kill all of us. Including the kids and the older folks. After, they finish with the women, here. This is not a video game. Things are different, now. There is no police, no court, no government to protect the population. I will exract information, and one get's to go back with a message.” Jessie thought about the situation. They had no mercy with Keith. Keith didn't have a chance. He thought about Mary, and their unborn baby. He knew that Kyle was right. “Okay. You are right.” Matt said, “ Maybe, we can talk to them.” Jessie turned to Matt, “Kid. He is right. They killed Keith, in cold blood. And then, kept firing on everyone else. He is right.” Matt didn't respond. Just then, Nina drove up. Renee was in the truck, with her. They both stepped out, and walked towards the men. Renee asked, “What are we going to do with them? We can't keep them here.” Kyle said, “They won't be here long.” Renee and Nina remained silent. They left, without a complaint. They knew that Kyle was going to torture information out of them. They knew that, those men were dangerous. He went outside, and asked Jessie for help. He said, “Jessie. Can you help me roll these two up on the trailer? I need to move them.” Jessie complied. They pulled the two men to the rear of the trailer. Then, they lifted them up, and dropped them one at a time onto the bed of the trailer. One of them grunted from the pain. Kyle said, “Boy. Is this guy is in for a shock.”

  Jimmy woke up, to see Rose standing in front of the window. She had a bottle of water in her hand. It was light out, but he wasn't sure what time it was. He sat up, and just took in her beauty. He had loved Rose from the start. He wanted to get her out of there, safely. Then, deliver her back to her Grandmother. She turned to him. She noticed that, he was staring at her. She smiled, “Good morning. Are you ready to fight zombies, and go find out what the secret stuff is?” He exhaled, “It's a collection of military vehicles, Rose.” She stared at him, in disbelief. “How do you know that?” He said, “I read the manual.” She said, “Can we drive them home?” He said, “ Yes. If they are operable. We don't know what is in there with them.” Now, she looked excited, “If they are okay to drive, we take one or two.” He replied, “It depends on the condition they are in. They may be damaged.” She asked, “ What if, there are tanks?” He answered, “I guess that, there could be.” Rose was in disbelief, “What do you mean?” He went on, “There may not be any heavy duty equipment there.” She responded, “ But, there may be.” He replied, “Yes, there may be something that is sturdy enough to get us out of here. They could be surrounded by those things.” She insisted, “ But, if there are some tanks, or big vehicles, you can drive them...Right?” Jimmy said,“Maybe.” She came over to where he was still sitting with his elbows perched upon his knees. He looked up at her. She sat down in front of him, then positioned herself on her knees. She was almost eye to eye with him. “Come on, Jimmy! We can bust right through that herd, and blast those guys into next week!” He said, “All military vehicles, are not tanks. There may only be Jeeps, and small equipment. Some of the Jeeps, are not very heavy duty.” She said, “So, when are we doing this?” Jimmy sighed. He gave in, “Let's get ready.”

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  He jumped to his feet. When it was time to go, he said, “Come here.” He walked to the cart, containing the things that he had collected. He pulled out two rain coats. He said, “Put this on.” He held up a smaller size rain coat. She said, “Is this a joke? Why?” He picked up two rolls of heat duct tape. “You are putting this on, and I am wrapping you up. They can't bite through this stuff. They can still bite you. And, it will be as painful a dog bite. But, they won't break the skin.” She asked, “Is there enough to cover us?” He said, “Yep. I'll double wrap your arms and legs. They like to grab for those, first.” He gave her a motorcycle helmet. “She took it, “ Really?” He said, “Put it on.” She made a face, and pushed the helmet over her head. She looked up at him, “Where is yours?” He put his raincoat on. I am going to wrap this. She watched, as he went into the bathroom, then stood in front of the mirror. A few minutes later, he walked out of the bathroom with his arms, and throat wrapped all the way around on heat duct tape. He said, “Wait.” She stood there.”Yes.” He took more tape, and wrapped her throat, and neck.” This will hold your helmet in place, and protect you neck area.” He picked up a machete, a hammer, the axe, and the bow gun, and arrows.”Come on. Stay close.” He handed her the hammer, and machete. They headed out into the hallway. He led her through the large storage facility.

  Kyle, and Jessie, brought the two men inside the storage container. Kyle reached up and turned on an extension cord with a light on the end. When the container room lit up, Jessie saw blood all over the floor. He looked shocked. Kyle said, “ Okay. Thanks Jessie. I'll take it from here.” He turned around and said, “Call, if you need help.” As he exited, he saw two car batteries with jumper cables laying next to them. He knew why they were there, and he knew how Kyle had gotten the information from the other man that they had captured. He also knew that, that other man was not alive. He went back to his apartment. After they had some lunch, he heard Aidan call for a meeting over the radio. Mary was due, any day, now. She turned to Jessie, “Do you think that, they will keep coming back?” He knew that she was worried. And, with good reason. Jessie said, “Maybe. But, I think we should all keep doing what we have been doing, and fight. If we stick together, they will eventually run out of people. We thin out their numbers, every time they come here.” Mary replied, “But, they keep coming, Jess. What if some of them make it through the gates? Jessie said, “You keep your gun, and radio on you. Remember, what I told you. You get to the school, and don't hesitate. We have to keep fighting them.” She looked worried. But, she knew that he was right. She asked, “Has anyone heard from Jimmy, and Rose?” He shook his head back and forth. “No.” He grabbed a couple of apples. “I need to get back to the gate. Matt, and Pastor Dom, are covering for me.” He kissed her, and walked out the door. She saw Aidan meet Jessie at the edge of the driveway. It looked like they were talking for a bit. Aidan had a back pack, and black, leather, fingerless-gloves on his hands. He was carrying a semi-automatic rifle. And, he looked serious. Mary went outside to get some air. As she walked towards a picnic table, and sat down, the two men went their separate ways. She looked around. It was nearing the end of the Summer, now. When this all started, it was early Springtime. She looked down at her large, swollen, belly. She rubbed the surface. She was worried about the winter. They had acquired things for the baby. But, what if, they were trapped inside the walls, all Winter? Some of the older women had begun canning, and preparing for the colder months. But, what about other needs. She thought about what Jessie had told her. If they were going to protect their baby, they would have to fight. “We are going to make it. We have to fight.” she said, to herself.

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  She took in, the peaceful view. Will, and Jack, sat at the wall. Things were quiet, again. Jack said, “Will. I am telling you, we need to set some real nasty traps for them. That will allow us to surprise them from another side.” Will agreed, “Yes. Kyle said something like that. But first, we have to make sure we have a chance to get the traps laid out, so they don't trap us.” Aidan climbed the steps, and knocked on the open door. Will said, “Come in, Aidan. Have you heard anything about Jimmy and Rose? Ms. Clea.... She is worried.” Aidan answered, “That is why I am here. I am going to try to look for them.” Jack and Will exchanged a glance. “How can I help?” Will asked. Aidan said, “ Stay here and keep me posted. On everything. Jimmy, and I, we were in the same unit for four years. He'll get back here, if he is alive, and he get's the chance. If he comes back, I need to know.” Jack asked, “Then, why are you going after him?” Aidan said, “We don't know if they are surrounded by the dead, or those guys. He wouldn't leave me out there. Or, any of us. I am not leaving him behind.” Will asked, “Does everyone else know?” Aidan said, “N
ope. And, I would like to keep it that way. I told Scott, and I am going to see Kyle, right now. I am hoping that, he got some information from those guys.” Jack said, “Okay. We'll keep you updated. You do the same. Let us know if you see anything suspicious.”

  “Okay.” Jack, and Will, exchanged a glance, again. Will said, “Aidan. Keep your head down. Be careful.” He nodded, “I will. Thanks.” He paused, and looked down at his feet, for a few seconds. Both men could see that, he knew that he may not get back, alive. He slowly, said, “One thing.....” Will studied him. Jack asked, “What is it?”

  “Nina can't know about this. If I don't get back, will you give this to her?” Aidan held out his hand. He was holding a piece of folded paper. Will took it from his hand. The two men stared at Aidan. Will reluctantly, agreed. “Okay, Aidan..... Just be careful.” Aidan nodded, turned, and left. He went to see Kyle, next. When he approached the container-room, he heard muffled screams. He opened the door, and walked in. Kyle had one man tied to a water boarding set up. The other, strapped to a chair. Kyle turned to Aidan. Aidan asked, “Find out anything?” Kyle said, “They are surviving, by raiding, and killing anyone they see on the road. When they see a vehicle, they follow it. Once, they see where it ends up, they come up on them, by surprise. They have known about us for a month. Ruby was supposed to be their next victim. When she fought back, and took out a couple of their people, they wanted to find her. Some of their guys have been hiding out in the trees. While others, were looking for Ruby. They wanted her vehicle. They have sixty-eight men. And, another small group, down south somewhere. Some are teenagers. A few women, and young girls. And, I am not finished, yet.” Aidan said, “Are they forcing the women to go with them?” Kyle nodded. “And, some of the teenagers. Except one. Their leaders' kid. From what this guy says, Junior, is a chip off the old block.” Aidan asked, “What is their leaders name?” Kyle said, “The Captain.” Aidan continued, “And, Junior?” Kyle nodded towards the young man, with the bad attitude.“Jr's name is, Omar.” They call him, “O”. Like the letter, O. He is a little punk, from what this guy says.” Aidan said, “Like Father, like Son. The Mother didn't make it, I take it?” Kyle said, “I don't think so.” Aidan asked, “You need help with these two?” Kyle said, “No, thanks.” Aidan said, “I am going to go look for them. I will keep you all posted on anything that I see, by radio. I still need you all to keep your eyes open for them, here. In case they make it back on foot. They may have to come in from another side. Can you keep this from Nina?” Kyle studied Aidan. “You and Jimmy, you two go back a long way , huh?”