by Jason Perry
underneath the seat.
“I’m going to get you to safety. Just hang on.”
Determined, Lora drove the tank to the metal, fortress-looking building. The door lifted up and she drove it inside. The door lowered, securely locking. Guards swarmed the area. Lora parked the tank at the vehicle base. She opened the door. Chris climbed out, first.
A guard hollered, sharply “What’s that little kid doing with you?!”
“Relax. He’s not infected.”
“Are you sure about that, LORA?!”
“Just stand guard.”
“You’re a fucking female! You can’t tell me what to do, bitch!”
Lora walked up to the guard and stood in his face, confidently. A serious, stern look overtook her current expression.
“Is that so?”
“I don’t have to answer to you.”
“You forget who saved you…”
“Whatever, bitch! Move along!”
The Captain, overhearing the commotion, stormed up to the guard. He drew his weapon and shot him, between his eyes, killing him, instantly.
The Captain warned, strictly “I do not tolerate that kind of behaviour! Do I make myself clear?!”
“Yes, Sir.” the other guards complied, in understanding.
“Clean up this mess and get the Hell out of my sight.”
The guards nodded their head, before carrying the guard’s dead body to the Observatory Room. Chris stuck his head out from behind the tank.
“Captain?”
“I see you’ve brought someone with you…”
Lora whispered “He would’ve died if he was left behind.” so Chris couldn’t hear her conversation with the Captain.
“Where’s Roland?”
Lora paused and became silent. She could feel the Captain’s eyes locked onto her.
Lora let out “He--” before abruptly stopping herself from speaking.
“I need to know, comrade.”
“He was killed.”
“Was it by one of those infected?”
“It was by some burned up woman.”
The Captain stood quietly, knowing exactly who Lora was talking about.
“Where’s the boy?”
“I’ll find him, Sir.”
“Bring him to me when you do.”
Lora walked to the vehicle base and searched for Chris.
“Chris, are you in here?”
Chris whispered “Over here, Lora.” waving his hand, trying to get her to notice him.
“There you are.” She said, spotting him, and walking over to him.
“I’m scared.”
“It’s okay, Chris. The Captain wants me to bring you to him.”
“Okay.”
Chris stepped out from behind the tank and grabbed Lora’s hand. She walked with him to the Captain.
“I’ve found him, Sir.”
“Are you hurt?”
Chris replied, shyly “No. I’m not hurt.” looking at his feet.
“What’s your name?” the Captain wondered.
“Chris.”
The Captain stood silently, as the boy in front of him, looked exactly like his younger sibling.
“Captain… Is everything alright?” Lora worried.
“It’s… It’s nothing, comrade.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. Now, take Chris and get him something to eat, and some new clothes.”
“Yes, Sir.” Lora complied.
She grabbed Chris’s hand and walked with him to the cafeteria. The Captain watched them, as they disappeared out of sight. He headed to his office and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Walking to the chair, he sat down, and looked out of the window. The door opened and someone walked inside. The Captain spun around in the chair and faced the person.
“Maleena, is something wrong?”
“Not at all. I just wanted to know how you’re holding up.”
“I’m holding up quite alright.”
The alarms suddenly sounded. Red lights flashed and the metal door to the vehicle base lifted up. The door swung open and a person barged inside.
“Captain, there’s been a security breach!”
“Who’s the intruder?!”
“Some burned up woman! And she’s going after the boy!”
“What do you say, Captain?” Maleena questioned, already knowing the answer.
Jumping out of the chair, Jake replied “Not if I can help it!” before storming out of the office...
