Remember the plan. If we are attacked, or a lot of the dead get in, get to the school. Okay?”
Olive shook her head up and down. “Okay. See you later.” She turned, and left. Scott said, “Good-bye, Olive.” Scott spoke into the radio, “Nicole. Why don't you come home?”
Meg listened to them tell their story, about how their group merged the three properties for safety. She asked, “Do you mean, there are other kids, too?” She looked over at the children. Izzy asked, “Do they have toys there?” Rose said, “Yes. There are kids, of all ages. Children, just like you, Izzy.” The little girl asked, “Are the monsters there?” Rose felt a pang of sadness for the girl. She continued, “We have walls. They are outside the walls. We are safe inside the walls. You, your brother, and sister could come and live there. If you want to.” Izzy said, “Meg's our cousin. But I want to go there. Can we, Meg? Please?” Meg said, “We'll see, Izzy.” Rose, now looked back at Meg. “The Raiders, they keep attacking us. But, they cannot get over our walls. We need what is inside the storage area. Even if, it's only a few trucks. So that, we can get back to the group.” Jimmy asked, “Meg, how did you kids end up in here?” She drew in a deep breath. “Dad managed this place. He taught me to come here, if there was ever an emergency. He said, to get here, and stay inside. Because, the building is so big and strong. Then, he would come meet me here. He left me a key card, and set of keys. He kept his own stash here. I also, have the keys for all of the doors. We have been living off of the supplies that he put there for us. When this all started, I was babysitting the kids, while my Aunt and Uncle were out. We woke up in the morning, hearing people screaming. I looked out the window, and saw people attacking the neighbors. They were biting them. They were eating them. We could hear gun shots. My phone was not working, but the night before, my Dad had sent me a text message. He wrote; Get to the storage area. Don't let anyone see you. Don't stop. Even for police, or soldiers. I'll meet you there. I love you, Dad. He must have sent it the night before, after I went to sleep. We made it. But, Dad, and my Aunt, and Uncle never got here.” Rose cut in,“ So, you and the children have been inside here, since this whole thing started?” Meg said, “Well, I go out sometimes. But, the kids, they get real scared. So, I don't do it a lot. I go down to the store, and get canned food, snacks, or socks and things.” Rose asked, “Have you killed any of those things?” Meg said, “Not, at first. Then, I shot a couple. You have to shoot them in the head. That's what they said on the net, before...it all changed.” Jimmy said, “You saw video's? On the net?” Meg said, “Yes. My friends were passing video's around. They were killing them, by stabbing them through the eyes or temple. Or, you had to shoot them in the head. I remembered it.” Jimmy asked, “Where did you get the gun?” Meg answered, “My Dad had the shotgun at the house. When we got here, I found this one...” She held up a handgun. “...in my Dad's things. He left instructions.” Rose and Jimmy looked at each other. Rose asked, “Would you like to bring the children to stay at our place? There is an old school, a playground, all surrounded by walls. Can't promise that things are as good as they were before. But, we have and orchard, and gardens. We try to look out for each other. You could leave a note for your Dad. Just in case, he comes here looking for you.”
Meg was staring down at the floor, with her elbows propped on top of her knees, now.
It was obvious that, she was thinking about the proposal. “Okay. But, my cousins, and my guns stay with me. No matter what happens.” Jimmy said, “Of course. We'll make sure of it.” Rose, and Meg talked some more, while Jimmy went back to the storage area. This time, thanks to Meg, he had the keys to open that door. When he made it inside the large warehouse, he could not believe his eyes.
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He looked at at several rows of tanks, and various armored vehicles. “Thank you, Jesus!” Jimmy, in his glory, laughed out loud. The warehouse was large, and well lit, through the windows placed near the top of the two story walls. He felt like a kid in a candy store. He went from vehicle, to vehicle. He moved through the rows, delighted at everything that he found. He spoke into the radio, “Rose. You should come down here. We have work to do.”
Back at the Orchard, the others were preparing for attack. They had called a meeting at the school. Charlie had linked the old intercom system, with radio receiver. With the flick of a switch, they could speak to people in every room of the school, or over the radios from the school. Scott spoke over the intercom, “Okay, People. If attacked, and the enemy comes over the walls, get to our escape room. If they take this place, Plan A will be to meet at the Willow tree on the other side of the ridge. If that spot is not safe, secondary spot is Rachel's farm. Anyone who makes it to either of these spots, and cannot stay, leave some kind of message, as to, which way you travel. We will look for you, as soon as, the coast is clear. Remember, try to get to high ground. Use you flares, and radio's when you feel it's safe. Only if, you know that the Raiders are not around. For now, listen to the radio's. Someone on watch may need some food, or water. Don't let the children go to far, in case you have to grab them, and get to the school. Women, the escape room is stocked with food and water, bathrooms, running water, and showers. And, more importantly, weapons and ammo. We only meet there, if the walls are breached. If you have to get to the school or escape room, you need to watch the camera's. It will allow you to monitor who, and what, is out side the door. Protect the kids, and older folks inside. Okay, everyone stay alert. Do not go outside the walls. No matter what. God bless.”
At the Raiders camp, the Captain, and the rest of his men looked at the few dead that were left. Most of the dead Raiders, were gone. Having wandered away in their new, dead-stupor, they were all over the place. A man stood in front of the Captain, “We are looking for him, Captain. We'll find him.” The Captain replied, “Make it fast. I want to know who these people are.” The man said, “Captain Amir. We need to find our guys, first. Some of them may still be out there.” The Captain snapped back, “You need to find my son! The men know how to get back to us.” The man looked down at his feet, “Yes, Captain. We will go back out. The people at that Orchard, well, they are pretty well protected. We think it was them, but we are not sure....” He pointed to the blood on the ground. “They are going to continue to fight. We can't get over their walls.” The Captain looked at the man, “All walls have weak spots. Find where theirs is.” The man answered, “I'll send some scouts back out there to find what they can.” He turned and walked away. The Captain scanned the bloody spots all over the camp. Inwardly, he was seething. “I will kill them all.”
Renee stood on top of wall, overlooking the end of her private road. She had a bad feeling, in pit of her stomach. She knew that things were different, now. She knew that there was no organized governmental body, to come and save them. She had to protect her daughter, the boys, and the other children that were living there. She had to make sure that, the home that they now knew, was protected. She wanted to make sure that Chloe, Ben, Jose, and other children were not only safe, but felt safe. The others had lost so much more, than herself and Chloe. She could not shake the feeling of dread, and despair looming over her. She knew that the Raiders would attack, again.
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She turned to Nina, “Nina.” She answered, “Yeah, Renee.” Renee asked, “Do you think that, we'll get through this?” She studied Renee, before answering. “I hope so.” Renee inhaled. Nina continued, “We are all on edge. They can't get over these walls.” She looked at Nina, “Nina. Things are different, now.” Nina tried to comfort Renee, “We'll be okay. We just need to stay behind the gates.” Renee said, “Maybe.” Nina asked, “Has anyone heard from Aidan? Or, Jimmy and Rose?” Renee said, “No. I am sorry, Nina.” Now, Nina looked worried. The Pastor walked up the steps. He said, “I'm here to relieve you, Nina. Mrs S. needs your help with some things at the house.” Nina said, “Alright. I'll come back later, Renee” Renee said, “You should probably get some rest, first. Thanks, Nina.” Nina said, “Su
re.” After she left, Renee asked Pastor Dom, “Pastor. Can I talk to you?” The Pastor replied, “You look worried.” Renee inhaled, “Pastor. I am worried. I am afraid that the Raiders will get inside these walls.” Pastor Dom answered, “I don't think that they will. Not if, we keep guarding these walls.” He pointed towards the gate. Renee continued, “Pastor. If anything happens to me, will you make sure that Chloe and the boys are protected here? That their home is protected? And that, they are taken care of?” Pastor Dom answered, “Renee, don't talk like that. We're in Gods' hands. We have to be strong. We have to stay focused.” Renee said, “I am staying focused. If we run out of supplies, we have to go out there, and get ambushed, again.” Pastor Dom was trying to give Renee some hope that, they could ward off the Raiders. “Renee. The men are planning some things. If we are getting the right information, the Raiders only have around thirty more people. Major Scott, and the guys, they are experienced in military combat. And, they know how to deal with people like the Raiders. Please, have some faith. Leave this in Gods hands.” Renee asked, “Did the boys tell you that?” The Pastor replied, “Yes. They are scared. Forced to join that group. They were out there on their own. They want to get away from the Raiders. They said that, the leader is a ruthless man. And, so is his son. Scott and Kyle have a plan to lure them into a trap. We will get through this.” Renee turned back to the outer view. She sighed, and said, “Okay. But, promise me....” She reached into the pocket in her jeans. She pulled out several papers. She handed them to the Pastor. He asked, “What's this?” She said, “It's my Last Will, and Testament. Will you honor it? Will you make sure that, Chloe and the boys are okay? Just in case? I just have a bad feeling.” The Pastor looked down at her. He had empathy for her. He knew that, God gave us all intuition. He hoped that hers was wrong. He said, “Okay, Renee. I owe you that. Whatever you want, I will honor it. And of course, if anything happens to you, we will make sure the kids are okay. But, it won't. God has brought us this far, for a reason. Have faith. Would you like to pray? If you are concerned about your life. What comes after, is between you, and Jesus. It's important that, you talk to him, give your life to him. Can we pray?” Renee said, “I don't know what to pray for? The end to this hell, maybe? What comes after is that...” She pointed outside the wall. She looked away from the Pastor. He placed his hand on her shoulder, “Then.....Can I pray for you? Because, what you see out there is a bunch of soul-less monsters. They are just shells. They are not the people, they once were.” She glanced over at him. She rolled her eyes, and said, “Okay, Pastor Dom. Sure.” He bowed his head, “Heavenly Father. Please, speak to Renee. Please protect our group, and our home. Please, lead and guide us. Father, reveal to Renee, what you will do for her and her family, if she only has faith in you and your son, Jesus Christ. Please help her understand that you did not do this, but that, you can bring her through this. Please give her clarity and protection. And, Thank you, Lord, for causing Ben to come to Christ yesterday. In Jesus name, Amen.”
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Renee didn't say anything. She didn't know that, Ben had been talking to Pastor Dom about God, either. She just, listened. Pastor Dom said, “Okay, then. Why don't you take a break, and I'll keep watch?” She scanned the field, no sign of any one. “Okay, Pastor. Call on the radio, when you need relief. Thanks.” He said, “No problem. Go rest.” Renee walked back to her house. As she made it to the back door, she had realized that the sense of impending dread that she had been feeling, was gone. She went inside, and headed for the shower. Sam approached Scott. He spoke first, “Scott. Can I talk to you?” Scott was curious, because Sam was usually so withdrawn. Scott said, “Sure. What's on your mind, Sam?” Sam said, “I want to help.” Scott said, “Well, you have been. By the way, I like what you did with the watering system.” Sam continued, “Thank you. But, that is what I am talking about. Before all of this....” He gestured outwardly. “I can help out on watches, more. You guys need to rest sometime.”
Scott said, “That would be excellent.” Sam said, “ And, something else....” Scott waited for him to continue. “I never thanked you, for saving us. I didn't trust you, and your group. I misjudged you. Thank you.” Scott said, “No thanks are needed, Sam. Americans are supposed to take care of each other. You should come to our next meeting. Share your ideas with the group.” Sam said, “Sure.” Scott asked, “Do you mind if I ask about your wife?” Sam said, “ No,” Scott asked, “Was it before, or after?” Sam said, “After. She was coming in, from the car. One of those things got her. Bit her in the arm. The neighbor came over, and pulled it off of her. By the time I arrived home, the kids were locked in the house, crying. The police were outside. They had shot it dead. It took a week for her to die. The doctor gave her some antibiotics. She still got sick. The day before she died, she was admitted to the hospital. No one showed up for work. The roads were blocked, military was all over the place. Then, the next thing I know, people were wandering around the neighborhood, attacking each other. Only, they weren't people. They were flesh eating zombies. And, my kids were terrified. Our group, we were all neighbors. I lost it, when Lacy died. I just, shut down. Jack and Hazel, they came to check on us. Abigail, she took care of my kids. My mind was gone. Then, Jack sat me down. He reminded me that, my kids needed me. We started working together to protect ourselves. Jack and I, we'd kept watch. When we realized that, government was not going to save us, we loaded up our vehicles, and got out of Dodge. We were chase by people. Then, we found that plant, and hid out there. Jack and I, would go out and scout for food, and necessities. We stayed there, just hidden. Until, you guys found us.” Scott listened to the man speak. He understood why Sam was so withdrawn. He said, “I'm glad you made it through. We'll make it. We are making it.”
Charlie approached him. “Will. We need to talk.” Will asked, What is it, Charlie?”
“I counted thirty-one dead walking around outside our walls. And, one of the living.” Will asked, “Where at?” Charlie replied, “Outside the north corner of the Orchard.” Will continued, “You think it's them driving the dead back here?” Charlie said,” Maybe. The guy was running around in the trees, behind the zombie mob.” Will asked, “How long ago?” Charlie answered, “Just a few minutes ago. I called out on the radio. Don't know who heard me. I need to get back to the camera room. Can you alert everyone?” Will said, “Sure thing. We''ll do some looking. Thanks, Charlie. Stay at those Camera's.” Charlie said, “I will.I gotta get back. Chloe and Ben are filling in for me.” Will said, “ Keep us posted by radio. Some of may not hear you. But, some will. I'll touch base with you in a while.”
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Charlie said, “ Okay. I'll let you know if you see anything else.” He walked away.
Renee had been listening on her end of the radio, when Charlie announced that they had living dead, and a living outside the wall. She was already at the Orchard.
Back at the storage facility, Jimmy waited for Rose to meet him. She slipped into the large warehouse, and stared at all of the large military vehicles. She said, “Wow! I can't believe that, this is just a storage place. Can you get any of them running?” He said, “ Yep.” She said, “Which one do you want to take? We need room for the children.” He said, “We are taking more than one. And, I am keeping the key to this place. I found a boat load of arms. We will be able to defend the Orchard, now. And, there are MRE's in here, too.” She asked, “You mean, food?” He proudly shook his head, “Yep. You and the children, will take that manned supply truck, right over there. I...will take the take the tank.” Rose made a face, “ A tank? Really? ” He smiled, “Yep. I have to clear the way, if the herd gets in front of us. A tank is the only rig sturdy enough for that. I'll pave the way, make a path, and you follow. If we are attacked, the vehicles are bullet proof and manned. But, for now, we need to load up that supply rig.” They worked for a couple of hours loading up MRE's, and weapons. They went back to get the children. They led the children to where the vehicles were. They carried the childr
ens' things in a couple of bags, while Meg led them by hand. As they were heading outside, they exited one building, then crossed the pavement. Then, they saw the herd coming from the other side of the storage area. Jimmy ordered, “Get to the door! Don't panic.” They kids were already crying. They were half way across, when the herd saw them. Little Izzy screamed, “Meg! Meg, look! The monsters!” The two children started clinging to Meg. The boy yelled, “Hurry! We have to run!” Meg yelled, “Come on! Brian, Izzy hold on to me!” She started to run with the children. Rose took Brian's other hand to help Meg guide the children to the door. Jimmy stayed behind them, as they ran. Rose and Meg made it to the door with the children, just in time to escape the horde of zombies. They rushed inside. Jimmy was still outside the door, behind them. The children were screaming, and crying. Rose tried the door open for Jimmy. She yelled, “Jimmy! Come on! Hurry!” The zombies in front of the herd rushed Jimmy, he kicked one down. Then, another grabbed him. It snapped it's yellow teeth at him. He threw the zombie man down onto the ground, and jumped inside the door. He slammed the door shut. “Whew! That was close!” The children were still crying, while clinging to Meg. Izzy had her head buried in Megs' side. Brain looked terrified. The boy was looking around the corridor for more dead. He held on to his cousin's hand. “We need to hurry, Meg. I thought we were getting in a truck. Where is the truck? Meg? Where is the truck?” Rose felt sorry for the children. She thought of her niece and nephew. She wanted to comfort them. She bent down, “Kids. I know that you are afraid. I am, too. But, we have to keep moving. The truck is behind that door.” She pointed to the door. “Once we get out of here, we can go to a place that has walls. Walls, that keep the monsters out.” Jimmy said, “It will be okay, Brian. We are getting out of here.” He opened the door. They walked into the large warehouse. Jimmy said, “Okay. Rose, you and the kids get in the truck. I had to bypass the electric controls, so that I can open the door manually. Get your truck started, when I pull the door open. As soon as I pull it up, I have to run to the tank. I have to drive in front of you, because as soon as that door comes up, the herd will swarm in. You have guns inside, and the vehicle is manned, so you can shoot from inside if you have to. Let me get in front of you. Then, do not stop.” Rose said, “Jimmy, you run for that tank, as soon as the door goes up. Don't try to fight any of them.”
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