“We’re doing everything we can to destroy as many undead as possible. Our men have been making the ultimate sacrifice – each and every one of them has worked tirelessly until the symptoms have gotten too debilitating. At that point, they have chosen death over reanimation.”
Matheson’s face betrayed some emotion at that. His eyes wandered to the ground in front of him for a second, before rising up to the expectant faces around him.
“I’m sorry folks. We’ve done what we could. Believe it or not, this group is in much better shape than most people in the entire country. You have a safe, defendable location, lots of supplies, and enough food and water to last months. I just hope its enough.”
With that Matheson stepped off the stage and made his way to the lunchroom door. Ern stopped him to thank him for his service and shake his hand. There was a flurry of activity as soon as the Captain had left the room.
Garcia, Brown and Collins made a beeline for Emily.
“Let’s go, Jack” His dad got up to join Emily’s group. Several others similarly made their way to Emily’s group to listen in.
Garcia was the first to speak. “Hill, I need to know: Do you have any symptoms of this syndrome?”
Emily thought for a moment. “Nope. Nothing. I’m knackered, but my gut is feeling fine.”
Garcia, Brown and Collins exchanged a knowing glance.
Garcia continued. “You need to stay here, Hill.”
“What?! That’s nonsense. You heard the orders.”
“Naw. Those orders aren’t for you. You’re not regular army. You’re just a volunteer.” This was from Collins.
“That’s rubbish. I did a full tour for the English army.”
“Well, we don’t want you coming with us.” Collins retorted. There was no malice in his voice or expression, despite the harshness of his words.
“This is bollocks!” Emily started getting angry. Jack watched his father step in at that point.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I think I see what is happening here.” He turned to face Emily. “They’re not the best with words. But what I think that these gentlemen are trying to protect you, Emily.”
Emily was at a loss for words and was sputtering. She obviously still disagreed with the whole thing though.
Brown, who had not uttered more than three words all day, chose that moment to speak up. He walked right up to Emily – right into her personal space.
“He’s right. You heard the C.O. We’re toast. All three of us have symptoms. You don’t. Probably because you weren’t in the army. We all agree that you should stay, and survive, with these people.”
Jack studied the soldier.
Private Brown. Funny, he looks just fine. Better than Collins, anyway.
Garcia jumped in before Emily could respond. “Hill, you’ve got to stay. These people are going to need you. Also, you’re not the only one we’re leaving behind. Moyers got banged up pretty good. He’s broke dick.”
Jack had no idea what that meant, but assumed it meant he was not able to fight.
“He’s National Guard – not regular army either. I asked him earlier if he was sick, and he’s not. So, we’re leaving him behind.”
He paused for a second and looked down at his feet, before continuing.
“Besides, he’s gonna need some time after what happened with Peters...”
Emily nodded, finally starting to buy the argument. “Does he know that he is staying behind?”
“Not yet.”
Just then a Sergeant walked up.
“Can I get some volunteers. There’s some material outside and we need to get that stuff brought in here.”
The nurse spoke up first. “I can help.” Jack’s dad joined in. “Me too. Jack –” He motioned for Jack to follow as well. Brown made a move to come along as well, but Craig raised his hand to the soldiers. “You guys rest for a bit. You’ve earned it.” The three civilians followed the soldiers out of the lunchroom.
THEY MADE THEIR WAY down the hall and back out of the front door of the school, making introductions as they went along. The nurse’s name was Michelle, but she said to call her Shelley. She was probably in her mid-twenties. Jack couldn’t make out what her heritage was. Oriental? She had the slightest slant to her eyes and her skin was a hue of gold that Jack knew had not come from tanning. She seemed nice though. Soft spoken. Her large, dark eyes clearly showed her emotions. It reminded Jack of those Japanese comic books and cartoons.
It took them two trips to bring everything inside. They were instructed to place the boxes on an already half-full pallet in the gym.
Jack was impressed with the amount of stuff in the gym and he immediately started wondering what was in all the boxes, but they didn’t hang around, instead making their way back to the lunchroom.
As they walked back in, they noticed that most of the group had gathered around Garcia, Collins and Brown. There was a palpable fear in the group. Jack could feel it and see it in the way they clustered around the soldiers.
The injured soldier: Moyers, had been attended to, and was standing slightly back of the group. His face was bandaged, and his arm was in a sling. He looked a bit calmer and Jack suspected he had some painkillers in his system.
Jack walked up to him. “Hey, are you ok?” He asked the soldier.
Moyers flinched before gathering himself. He looked at Jack with serious eyes that slowly softened as he saw the sincere look on the boy’s face.
“Uh, yeah. I’ll be fine. Thanks.”
“I’m Jack.” Jack offered his hand. “Bill.” He shook the boy’s hand with his left hand.
“You’re staying with us?” Jack let the question hang as Bill once again flinched as if he took a physical blow.
“Y– Yes. I don’t have the syndrome.” He frowned slightly. “Not sure why. But I guess they figure...” Jack just nodded.
Just then one of Matheson’s men walked up.
“We are Oscar Mike in five.” He announced. Then turned around and left the room so that they could say
