“Yeah, you should. You attacked me a few days ago while I was guarding your crazy ass,” the guy replied.
“Afraid of getting beaten by a girl?” Dylan taunted.
“More like eaten, zombie chick.”
The atmosphere was rapidly turning sour, and Saul was afraid Dylan would have another episode. He needn’t have worried, however. Sergeant Dean stood up and pointed at the group.
“Listen here, you lot. This lady fought as hard and as well as anyone of you did last night. She placed her life on the line for us, and she saved my life in the process. Show a bit of respect.”
“You heard him,” a strange voice said. All eyes turned toward the newcomer, Lieutenant King. “Show a little respect.”
With a lot of grumbling, the soldiers walked away, and Saul heaved a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Lieutenant.”
“Don’t mention it,” Lieutenant King said, his pale eyes unreadable as he surveyed Dylan. “If I was you, I’d watch my back. Miller is one to hold a grudge, and so is your former guard, Jackson.”
“I’ll do that,” Dylan replied, picking at her messy shirt.
King sauntered away, and a grim silence fell across the table. Finally, Sergeant Dean said, “I apologize for that. They should be grateful for your help, not —”
“Acting like assholes,” Dylan interrupted.
“Exactly.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m leaving soon, anyway,” Dylan said. “I’m going back to Alex and Amy. At least, I know I’m wanted there.”
“You’ll always be welcome by us, Dylan,” Tara said.
“Yeah, come with me. We’ll get you cleaned up at the infirmary, “Ethan said, leading Dylan away by the elbow.
“See you later, Saul. With good news, I hope,” Tara said, her expression strained.
“I won’t be long,” he promised.
Once the others were gone, Saul turned to Sergeant Dean. “Seems like we’ve got a problem.”
“I’ll keep an eye on them,” Sergeant Dean said, pushing away his plate. “I’m done. Let’s go see the major.”
“Can’t wait.”
***
An hour later, Saul and Sergeant Dean stood at attention in front of the major’s desk. Major Reed studied them with a keen gaze, his lips pressed together. Finally, he spoke. “Lieutenant King tells me you fought well last night, Lieutenant Dhlamini, and that you played a decided role in the defeat of the enemy.”
Saul inclined his head. “Thank you, Sir, but it wasn’t only me. We all worked together.”
“Including your friends, Tara Lee and Dylan Young?”
“Yes, Sir. They’re capable fighters, and they’ve faced many a dangerous situation with bravery.”
“Perhaps, but I also hear that Miss Young went berserk on the field. The men are calling her crazy. That, coupled with her previous infractions, makes me wonder if she can be trusted,” the major continued.
“Dylan isn’t crazy, just fierce,” Saul said.
“And her…fierceness has nothing to do with the cure?” the major asked.
“No, Sir. The cure doesn’t cause aggression. Rather, it’s a leftover symptom from the virus itself which makes certain changes in the brain. The sooner a patient takes the cure, the better.”
“She received hers later than you did?”
“Yes.”
“In other words, she has brain damage. Or would it be more accurate to say that she got closer to becoming a zombie than you did, and now has some of their characteristics?”
Saul clenched his fists. “She’s not a zombie, Sir. Nor does she have brain damage.”
“Then what exactly happened out there? I’m assuming you saw her, covered in blood, crazed, screaming like a banshee. Does that sound normal to you?”
“She didn’t hurt any of your men, did she?” Saul pointed out. “Only zombies.”
“That doesn’t mean she isn’t dangerous,” the major said.
“She’s not!” Saul exclaimed. “Why are you asking me this? Why not ask Tara?”
“Because Dr. Lee doesn’t understand the dangers involved. Not like a soldier would, and you are a soldier, right?”
“Yes, I am,” Saul said.
“Then tell me the truth. What’s wrong with Miss Young, and does she pose a security risk?” the major asked.
“As I said before, the virus causes certain changes in the brain. The biggest is heightened aggression. Both Dylan and I suffer from that to a certain degree.”
“Her more than you?” Major Reed pressed.
“Yes, the virus had more time to progress in her case. Even so, it can be controlled,” Saul explained. “I learned, and Dylan will too. She just needs a bit of time.”
“Are you certain of that, Lieutenant?” Major Reed said. “I cannot allow a wildcard on my base. If she poses any danger at all, I need to know now.”
“She does not, Major. I swear it.”
Sergeant Dean cleared his throat. “Sir, if I may?”
Major Reed nodded. “Go ahead.”
“Miss Young is not crazy. She saved my life. The zombie that bit me would’ve killed me if she hadn’t stepped in, and I owe her my life.”
The major studied them for a long moment before giving a curt nod. “Fine, I’ll allow her to stay, but if she causes any problems, she’s out.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Saul said, relieved beyond measure.
“I’m assigning the four of you to a house in the private quarters. We have a number that are standing empty now, but you all need to contribute. Dr. Hayes will continue his work at the infirmary. What about you? Do you wish to join our ranks? I can offer you a position as a First Lieutenant. No need for a demotion.”
Saul inclined his head. “I’m sorry, Sir, but I would like to remain a free man for now. Enlisting in a foreign army isn’t in the cards for me.”
“I see,” Major Reed said with a frown. “In that case, you can join one of our raiding parties. It’s dangerous work, but you’re a trained fighter. Plus, once you’ve proven your worth, you’ll have the freedom to come and go as you please.”
“I accept, Sir, and may I request that Dylan join me? It seems like a job well suited to her temperament,” Saul asked.
Major Reed grunted. “Agreed.”
“What about Dr. Lee?”
“I haven’t decided yet,” Major Reed replied. “I still don’t trust this cure of yours. It seems too good to be true.”
“Just give her a chance, Sir,”
