“Because we ran into other survivors who have seen them,” Nick said. “These people were driven from their home by this undead scourge, and they’re here to tell us what they saw.” With a wave of his hand, he introduced two people. “This is Big Joe and Wanda. They each belong to a different group, but they both came into contact with the horde. Please, listen to what they have to say.”
Big Joe went first, relaying his first sight of the horde. “While I can’t say exactly how many there are, I estimate that they number in the thousands.”
“I agree. It took three days for all of them to pass through our city. Three days that we spent stuck up on a roof,” Wanda said. “We managed to circle them and met up with Joe’s group, but the zombies aren’t far behind us.”
Big Joe nodded. “A few days, at most.”
A ripple of fear ran through the air, and Nick raised his hand. “Please, everyone. This is not the time to panic.”
“We can’t fight thousands of infected. They’ll run right over us,” Mandy objected.
“We don’t have a choice unless you want to abandon this place and everything we’ve worked for,” Nick said.
“But thousands? Do we have enough guns and ammunition? People?” she replied, her cheeks pale.
“That’s why we’re here, Mandy. To come up with a plan to save us all,” Nick said. “I, for one, don’t plan to run. Where would we go anyway? Where would be safe from this scourge?”
Silence fell.
“So, what do we do?” Mandy asked at last.
“First, we need to address our supplies. We’ve had an influx of survivors running from the horde, and more are surely coming. They seek our help and protection.”
“Yes, but can we feed them all?” Mandy asked. “We’re running low as it is.”
“Each of them has their own supplies to contribute, plus we desperately need more hands,” Nick said. “I say we welcome them with open arms.”
“Alright, but we’ll still need extra food,” Mandy said. “And we’re running low on other stuff too.”
Nick nodded. “I know. I propose the following: Saul, can you organize volunteer raiding parties to gather as much food, water, fuel, and medicine as possible within the next two days?”
Saul nodded. “I can, but they’ll have to strike out further than usual. We’ve tapped everything nearby.”
“Just make sure they’re back inside the base by day three. I can’t risk anyone being caught outside by the infected.”
“Got it,” Saul replied.
“Andrew, the community listens to you. Can you ask everyone who has anything extra to spare to donate it to our collective supplies?” Nick continued.
“I can speak to them,” Andrew confirmed. “But I don’t know how effective it will be.”
“Just try. Every little bit helps,” Nick said. “Also inform them that we will all need to ration our food and water strictly from now on. Electricity too.”
“May I suggest we continue with the school lessons for now? It will keep the children occupied. Plus, I can provide aftercare for those whose parents will be involved with the preparations,” Andrew said.
“That seems wise,” Nick said. “You could recruit a few of the older teenagers to help you in that regard.”
“I’ll see to it,” Andrew confirmed.
“Mandy, I also propose that you cut all rations by a third and reduce the hours during which the thrift shop is open.”
“People won’t be happy with reduced rations, Sir,” Mandy said.
“I know, but needs must, and it’s only temporary,” Nick said with a sigh.
“Alright, Sir. I’ll see to it,” Mandy said. “What about the warehouses?”
“Make sure all our incoming supplies are stored and cataloged as soon as possible,” Nick said. “We need everything to be inside and locked away before the horde arrives. Who knows how long we’ll need to get by on what we have?”
Dylan leaned over and said in a low voice. “She’ll need extra help, Nick.”
“Andrew, can you recruit extra volunteers from among the civilian population? We need all the hands we can get: general workers, builders, medical personnel, caretakers, raiders, and fighters. Anyone able and willing to assist in some regard needs to step forward.”
“I’ll put out the call,” Andrew said.
“That does not include the very old, young, frail, and sick, of course. Mothers with babies and young children are also exempt, but everybody else needs to pitch in,” Nick said with a stern look. “We can’t afford any slackers. We are facing the fight of our lives here, make no mistake.”
“Understood,” Andrew said with a grave nod. “I’ll make sure the people understand the gravity of the situation.”
“Good. Have them report to whichever station best suits their skills as soon as possible. We have zero time to waste,” Nick continued.
“Yes, Sir,” Andrew replied.
“Is everyone up to speed so far? Any questions?” Nick asked.
“Just one. What about our defenses? Do we have a plan? One that doesn’t involve all of us being eaten alive by the undead?” Grissom asked.
Dylan threw Grissom an annoyed look, not thrilled with his manner. Trust him to try and humiliate Nick in front of everybody. He’s just pissed off because, after all these months, Nick still hasn’t allowed him back into the ranks.
Nick remained calm in the face of Grissom’s interrogation, however. He even took the time to crack open his energy drink and take a few swallows. After putting the can down, he smiled. “In answer to your question: Yes, we have a plan. A very detailed plan.”
“Who came up with this plan?” Grissom asked.
“Several military experts came together in its creation, and I’m sure even you could find no fault with it,” Nick said.
“Let’s see it then,” Grissom answered, folding his arms across his chest.
Dylan rolled her eyes and shifted closer to Nick, offering her silent support. He threw her a quick nod before turning back to the room.
“First of all, we’re setting up several observation posts to warn us when the horde arrives. Our best option is not to
