by J. Walker
My heart leapt with joy and fell with despair, all within seconds. There was no way we could make it out west. Without service centers and gas stations, it would be a dangerous voyage, especially with children. Being unfamiliar with the areas we would have to travel through would leave us at a disadvantage as well.
I was at a loss for words.
Derek watched my expression change from happiness to hopelessness and was quick to try to alleviate my concerns. “You’d be better off to stay put. We’ll do what we can to help your group while we’re here. I’m assuming worse case scenarios here. I honestly don’t know what’s out there right now. All I know is what I was told by my C.O. I’ve got to try, we’ve got to try. My family’s out that way.”
“How did you get back to the states? I know you were in China.” I inquired as we sat down on a bale of hay to talk.
The barn was warm and comfortable, the sounds from below were muted and soothing.
“By the time we were picked up, there was just me and Jason left out of a six man team. The others had been killed or turned or both. We stopped in Japan and flew to D.C. from there. That’s when I was finally able to contact Gina and she’d already gone back to her parents place in Alaska with the kids. Once we were in D.C., we had meetings with anyone and everyone, including the President. We barely had a moment’s rest before the shit hit fan.”
He went on to describe the events that brought him this way. The outbreak hit the U.S. capitol quite hard, it was a complete loss. Every street was relinquished to the ever growing hordes of zombies. All essential government personnel were evacuated immediately. Civilians were told to remain in their homes. Soon the military was in full swing on city streets trying to contain the uprising of the infected. Eventually their ranks were all but decimated and it was every man for himself.
He’d managed to keep a small group together. Their ranks would swell and fall again with every road they crossed and every city they travelled through. The military units were given orders to retreat and regroup at strategic locations across the Rockies, if they could get there. Some units were simply staying in place, wherever they could find safety and were either met with gunfire from civilian militias or they were welcomed into civilian organized safe zones.
There were plenty of both groups scattered across the small expanse of the two countries his group had crossed. There were many survivalists and doomsday preppers in both nations prior to the outbreak. Most of these individuals had come together in a communal effort and were retaking ground lost to the infected by sheer force and determination.
Some of these groups were taking advantage of the other, less prepared groups of survivors, while others gladly embraced those less fortunate. There was a profusion of profiteering by the avaricious and exploitative groups. They were promising safe refuge for the ill-prepared and frightened survivors but the cost of their safety was high. Women and children were the most vulnerable groups falling prey to these individuals.
I shuddered involuntarily at this revelation and hoped that we could stay under the radar of the faction that had taken up residence in the area. Remembering that Derek had said they’d taken control of territory southeast of the 401, we simply needed to steer clear of that area and remain in our own ‘territory’ to the northwest. We would keep any scavenging activity limited to the nearby towns and farms in order to replenish our stocks. Hopefully all of this, plus our current inventories, would keep us safe until the governments decided to march east.
That could be years from now.
I sighed ruefully. “I don’t know what to do, Derek.”
“You just do what you’ve been doing. You’ve got a good set up. The best I’ve seen and I’m glad that I was able to help. Just stay away from southeast. Those people are dangerous.”
“You don’t say. I thought we’d go over with a welcome wagon and an apple pie.” I replied sarcastically.
He replied with laughter. “Apple pie? Where?”
I stood up and stretched, a yawn escaping my lips. “Oh man, I’m so sorry Derek! Didn’t get much sleep last night and I woke up at the crack of dawn.”
I was enjoying his company but his proximity was far too distracting.
He stood as well and towered over me by at least a foot, I craned my neck to look at him.
“No worries, Emily. But I’ll be honest, I slept like a rock last night!” He said with that engaging smile of his.
I laughed but the sense of desolation and abandonment was taking a strong hold in my heart. My mind raced with thoughts of how long we would have to survive out here. Dealing with the plague of undead detailed its own misery. Now thrust into the equation were heartless bands of guerilla factions taking advantage of desperate survivors.
The combination of dealing with these external threats for the next few years was a daunting thought. We already faced a substantial challenge of simply having enough food, medicine and supplies. It was a monumental burden to simply keep the compound running in a fashion that would continue to support our small numbers.
However, a journey west would be fraught with just as much, if not more misery. The perils of traveling on an open road were far greater than remaining in place. On the road, we would be exposed to the elements and we would be limited on supplies of every kind. When our supplies and gas ran out, we would be stranded. The risk of scavenging unknown towns could result in needless injury or death. We would have to wait it out. It was the only safe option. We would deal with any threats as they arose. I considered the idea of having a group meeting to discuss all possible dangers and develop a few solutions.
Chapter Seventeen
Derek and his group remained with us until the beginning of February. Keeping to the northwest we were able to undertake quite a few necessary excursions into the surrounding towns and villages. We scavenged from farms, homes and various businesses, as well as more rigs that had been abandoned on the highway.
Our inventories of everything from non-perishable food items and medical supplies to clothing and maintenance items for the compounds upkeep grew with each passing day. We stripped the entire area clean of everything we could get our hands on. There were at least ten large tractor trailers brought to the compound for storing our massive hauls.
In addition to restocking our supplies, we were able to secure a few larger vehicles with snow plows attached. It helped us get through the snow covered roads on our scavenging missions. I worried about the tracks we were leaving behind that would lead possible unfriendlies to our front door. More often than not, strong winds would cause the snow to drift, disguising our tracks or more snow would fall covering them completely.
Fully engulfed in the winter season, the zombie threat was at a standstill. They were frozen in their tracks. We continued to put down any that we came across and were sure to dispose of the corpses as well. It would barely put a dent in their numbers but it gave us a sense of triumph over their unending and tireless crusade.
The greenhouses worked surprisingly well. We reserved one greenhouse for growing cool weather vegetables and another that was heated for growing vegetables typical to warmer conditions. The yields were not as plentiful as they were in the summer months but everyone was able to have at least one fresh vegetable every day. The smallest blessings such as these were somehow the greatest ones of all.
The days were short and cold. The nights were long and even colder. The windmills kept things running but our electricity was rationed during the day so that we could have heat at night. Occasionally a bright, sunny day would arrive and the solar cells would give us additional power for warm showers and more space heaters. The old cast iron woodstoves and the fireplaces kept the deep chill away but we were always cold. Eventually we grew accustomed to living in perpetually cool conditions.
Shortly after Derek and his crew arrived, Bree confirmed her pregnancy. Jenna discovered a box of pregnancy tests on one of the trucks and we urged Bree to take one. Sam and Bree were cautiously excited but w
anted to keep the news from everyone else until the typical three months had passed.
However, one week before our subdued celebration of Christmas, she miscarried. Our moods passed from one of restrained joy to grieving a life that had not been given the opportunity to flourish.
“You can always try again.” I said to her quietly one day while she rested. “That’s the fun part. Trying.”
She managed a weak smile, her eyes swollen from crying. “Thanks, Em.”
“You know I love you bestie.” I said softly as I reached across the bed to hold her tightly.
“I know you do.” She wept quietly and I held her for as long as she needed me to.
A pregnancy could face many complications in the even the best of conditions. Amy and Gemma had been consulting textbooks and manuals ever since the news was revealed to them. They worked together closely, developing an action plan that Amy could rely upon when the time came for delivery.
The most intimidating thought for Bree was the idea of giving birth without an epidural. The very thought was unsettling for any woman, at any time. Since both her previous pregnancies has been without complication and her deliveries incident free, they had assured her that everything should be just fine.
It was a small blessing in disguise, however tragic and heartbreaking it was to lose an unborn child. I didn’t think our small group was ready for such a tremendous occasion to take place. My heart ached for their loss but the truth was, unforeseen complications could arise at any given moment. We might have risked Bree’s life along with that of her child if anything happened that we weren’t prepared for. There wasn’t a single soul in the compound, not even Gemma, who had any experience in childbirth.
Derek and his company were a wealth of much needed knowledge and sheer physical strength. The walls around the compound had been fortified with boulders and large rocks that we discovered at a large local landscapers. We also found more scaffolding and it covered almost the entire perimeter. It wouldn’t matter where anyone was on duty, there was a clear view of all the surrounding areas.
They also taught everyone, including the oldest children and the four teenagers, the basics of urban combat and self-defense. We were trained on how to safely and effectively clear any dwellings. We were sharpening our skills with the weapons as well and learning basic wilderness survival skills. These abilities were invaluable to our long term survival.
During this time, Derek and I formed a strong bond. We were both leading an assembly of individuals who had survived something no one thought could ever happen. It was a responsibility that neither one of us took lightly. We both shouldered a heavy burden and often found ourselves exchanging ideas or words of support.
Every night we sat on the enclosed back porch of the large, old Victorian house, talking and exchanging ideas. I enjoyed his company and although I was very attracted to him, I maintained a respectful distance. It would be difficult enough when the time came for the group to leave without anyone developing an emotional attachment.
In all our trips to the outlands, the world beyond the walls, we hadn’t discovered another group of survivors, hostile or friendly. We had seen evidence that survivors had passed through various homes and businesses but there was no way of telling how long ago they’d passed through. No one had taken up refuge in any of the places we’d cleared out either. The towns, the villages were truly empty and it was an unsettling, lonely feeling.
At the start of the outbreak, we had been overwhelmed by the sudden societal collapse and the demanding chores of maintaining the compound. We’d spent endless days and nights waiting for friends and loved ones to arrive. Eventually we fell into steady routines, adapting to the changes taking place and acclimating ourselves to this new world. We accepted our losses and dealt with our grief in our own quiet ways.
In the face of everything we survived and witnessed, it was the innocuous little things that sought to destroy us. It was the uninhabited streets with their neat little signs that were starting to fade. The unkempt homes with their framed photographs of happier times, the vacant schools with empty desks that waited for students that would never return. It was this sorrowful nothingness that seemed like it would defeat us. It was an emptiness full of quietly pleading ghosts that echoed the void in our own hearts and souls.
The knowledge that Derek and his company would soon be leaving for the Rockies created an atmosphere of gloomy souls. The hollow feeling grew with each passing day and no matter how hard we tried to deny its existence, it was there, waiting.
Derek and I sat up late one night, having our usual nightly conversation. “Derek, I know you’ll be leaving soon and I want you to know how much we appreciate everything you and your group have done for us.”
I hesitated to ask for more favors but there were a few ideas running through my head. They were formidable tasks and we would definitely need their help to facilitate them.
“Sure, Em, anything. All you have to do is ask.”
Again he flashed me a smile that never ceased to set my body on fire.
“I was thinking. You know those towns we scavved?” I asked him, using the term he created for ‘scavenge’.
“Yeah, I remember. They’re nice and close but we pretty much cleaned them out of everything, including the zombies.”
“I was thinking.” Again I hesitated, hating to ask for more help.
“And.” He asked again, laughing. “Come on.”
“Do you think it might be a good idea to create a few ‘safe houses’ in the areas we cleared? A place where we could go to if we were to run into trouble? Supplied with enough food and water for at least a week. First aid kits. Things like that. But fortified. If we found spots that are already fenced in. We could reinforce the fence or whatever. Secure doors and windows on the main floor. That kind of thing. What do you think?”
He was thoughtful for a moment and finally he replied. “Actually, I think it’s a great idea. Don’t know why I didn’t think of something like that myself.”
We were quiet for a few minutes, each of us lost in our planning. It would be another massive project. With the areas already cleared, we shouldn’t face any major obstacles. Having already accomplished so much, with the right amount of people, this could be wrapped up in the space of a week or two.
Derek broke the silence. “Have you given any thought to the campground in the conservation area behind your property? It could come in handy if you come across another friendly group that needs a safe place. You’ll run out of space here before long. It looks like it has some good land around it, water supply, outbuildings for storage and animals.”
I was quite familiar with the area he was discussing. In the conservation area behind us, there were two rows of small but comfortable all-season cottages. I had considered this option a few times but the lack of a secure perimeter forced the thought from my mind every time.
“Yeah, I thought about doing that before you guys showed up.”
“Then let’s do it. We’ll get some crews together and we’ll get it done. With everyone pitching in, it shouldn’t take long. A week, maybe two.” He paused and sighed. “After that, we’ve got to move on. It’s safe to travel without worrying about the zombies right now. I’m just worried about the unfriendlies.”
“You’ll make it. You made it this far. And all the way from D.C. You’ll get there, Derek, you’ll find your wife, your kids. This time next year you’ll be looking forward to Groundhog’s Day.”
He stared at me for a long time, lost in his thoughts. “I hope so, Emily, I really do.”
He stood to leave but paused at the door for a moment. Finally he turned to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.
“You’re going to survive this. It won’t be easy but you will. Don’t give up.”
“I won’t.” I replied solemnly, my heart already heavy with the knowledge that it wouldn’t be long before we were completely alone again.
He reached over and folded me into his arms. I
t was a wonderfully warm sensation that stirred my emotions. Resting my head on his shoulder, I wanted to live in that moment forever. It simply felt so good to be held by someone again and just let everything slip away. Let go of the obligations, the fatigue and the grief, if only for a briefest of moments.
“I better go.” He said and releasing me slowly, he slipped quietly out the door.
“Yes, you probably should.” I whispered to the darkness.
I rested my forehead against the cold pane of glass and heaved a sigh of regret and longing.
Within the next two days everyone set out to fulfill the overwhelming task of preparing the safe houses. We formed four groups of five that would include both his people and mine. The groups would be gone for duration of time it would take to complete the preparations. A handful remained at the compound to ready the cottages in the conservation area behind us. Derek had his best people out there with Sam, Mike, Josh and Jenna. Everyone else stayed behind to help us with the cottages and the daily chores of the sprawling compound.
The vehicles were loaded with the supplies the four groups would need for the week, along with the goods intended for the safe houses. Everyone gathered around the outer gate to send them off. It would be a week fraught with excitement and anxiety but it was especially difficult for Bree and Sam.
They were still recovering from their recent loss and I had argued with them both that Sam should stay behind while I left with the group. They were both adamant that Sam should go with his crew. They bid each other tearful farewells and I secretly buried my guilt alongside my grief for Marcus.
Within a week and a half the securing of the cottages was complete. We installed solar panels and a few smaller windmills for power. We also connected a slightly less advanced water purification system. Using more tractor trailers from the highway along with some ingenuity, we created a secure perimeter around the entire area.
