Wes rapped his knuckles against the exterior door of Walker House. Eva stood to his right, her left arm held gently by his right hand. Quite a difference in grip from Mitchell. The big oaf waited on the walkway, his weapon needlessly at eye level, as though there was an active threat. Eva understood the need for vigilance, but it was pretty obvious no imminent danger was present. For Mitchell to grasp the rifle in such a manner – as though he were part of a special ops team infiltrating an enemy installation – made him appear uneasy, perhaps trigger-happy. Eva could sense that he was eager as hell to shoot something.

Or someone.

Walker House was beautiful. Whoever had built these shelters had dumped tons of cash into them. They seemed to have wanted the best in life, even while hunkered down, waiting out Armageddon and this one was the nicest. The window of the silo's exterior steel door had been fitted with stained glass. The first floor living room looked like a model home, with hardwood floors, posh furniture, and a state-of-the-art entertainment center.

Laird, Kay's husband, answered the door. To Eva, he seemed to exhibit an air of superiority, like he was better than everyone. He had probably owned a home three times the size of the bunker before it all went bad and felt like he deserved more, even in the current state of things.

"Wes."

"Hi, Laird."

Laird's eyes drifted over to Eva. "Eva," he muttered condescendingly.

Eva nodded ever so slightly and stepped past him into the bunker. She had to squeeze by as he refused to step aside. Judging by his toned arms and sculpted shoulders, it was evident that he must've been a work-out fiend. Maybe still was. Eva imagined him admiring himself while he flexed in front of his bathroom mirror.

"Prick," said Eva, under her breath.

"Excuse me?" said Laird.

"You're excused," said Eva.

She heard Wes change the subject by asking Laird if he was still able to exercise in the bunker. Laird took the bait and spewed out his latest workout regimen. She would thank Wes later.

The living room had been painted a warm tone of gray, with white trim. Framed pieces of black and white art adorned the circular wall. The Walkers' two children, Lance and Audrey, were reading at the far side of the room. They stared disapprovingly as Eva entered.

Brats.

Lacy was sitting near the pretend window. She had her cell phone with her, as usual. Eva thought the inoperable device made her seem aloof at times, and she worried it might give Grant and Isaac more cause to rehabilitate her.

Isaac was Community's elder, as he was called. He was the only person who Grant reported to. Isaac had final word on all matters.

Gus, lying by Lacy's side, raised his head and began to wag as Eva neared. He trotted over to her.

"Hey, boy. Hey, Gus." Eva stroked the soft fur on the dog's head.

Lacy didn't turn but called from her seat. "Hey, Eva."

Eva went to the window and leaned against the sill, her back to the digitally-printed twilight. Gus followed. "What's new?"

Lacy smiled. "Nothing here...same old thing. I just sit around all day." She looked behind her and then toward the all-season room. She lowered her voice. "Wish they'd trust me enough to let me help out once in a while. But you know how they are..."

"I know, alright. Just came from Main House."

"Oh, boy! Bet that was a real treat. Did Grant give you a stern talking to?"

Gus plopped his haunch down next to Eva's feet and eased himself to the floor with a long sigh. "Sure did. Didn't change my mind, though."

"He loves disciplining people. I think he enjoys having something to hold against someone...or at least against you. And what better than crossing the perimeter. He's probably hoping you'll do it again, so he can ceremoniously cast you out."

Eva stared blankly at the Persian carpet beneath her feet. Her eyes traced the lines in the intricate patterns. "He won't have anything to hold against me for long."

Laird strolled into the family room from the stairwell. Even his gait somehow suggested that he held himself above all others. He even walked like a pompous ass. Kay entered from the kitchen and the two engaged in a whispered conversation with occasional glances toward Eva.

Leaning closer, Lacy's voice dropped to a near-whisper. "How far did you get?"

"Less than a quarter mile."

"I don't understand. What is it you're doing out there? Why do you keep coming back?"

“I have unfinished business here.”

Eva had previously revealed to Lacy her intention to flee Community once the time was right. Ordinarily, Eva made it a habit to trust no one, but Lacy had made it clear that she was leaving as well, and that when Eva was ready, she would go with her. Now, however, for the first time, Eva noted the rounded bump on Lacy's right temple and wasn't so sure that trust could be relied upon anymore.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

The Walkers finished consulting and Laird exited room. Kay approached and handed Lacy a steaming cup of tea on a saucer. "There you go, Lacy. Powdered cream and two sugars. Just how you like it."

Lacy accepted the saucer. "Yes, it is. Thank you, Kay."

Then, almost as an afterthought, and likely a deliberate tactic of attempting to appear unconcerned, Kay turned to Eva. "Hello, Eva. It's nice to have you back. Are you hungry?"

"Thanks, Kay. And no, I'm fine." Eva had stolen some protein bars before leaving the perimeter but was still a little hungry. Still, she resisted Kay's half-hearted motherly plea.

"Eva..." Kay cocked her head. Eva felt like knocking that haughty body language straight out of her. "I realize that you are very independent, but it is unwise to forego eating."

"I've already eaten," snapped Eva.

"Eva, I make a record of distributed rations at every meal. I know that you haven't eaten anything yet today."

Not too good at counting the protein bar supply, huh?

Lacy quietly sipped her tea, her eyes pinned on Eva, awaiting her response. She probably thought this was better drama than a midday soap opera.

"I hunted and ate my kill...outside the perimeter," said Eva, matter-of-factly, while she stroked Gus. The dog flopped onto his side.

Kay stared at Eva, as if to gauge the truthfulness of her answer. After a moment, she closed her eyes in frustration. Hunting was a major violation. Nothing was to be eaten outside of the perimeter. Not canned food or rogue vegetables growing anywhere and especially not game that hadn't been properly inspected.

"Eva, I hope that isn't true. You do realize that such an action would be in violation of Community's rules...."

"Yes, Kay. I do," replied Eva, disdain plainly evident in her tone.

Kay's eyes attempted to conceal what Eva recognized as a freshly stoked fire. Behind her cool blue orbs, her brain was broiling. "Reverend Grant will have to be notified!" She spun on her heels and practically stomped out of the room. When she reached the all-season room, she and Laird conversed.

"I assume that was BS?" asked Lacy.

"Sure was," said Eva.

"Well, that may have just earned you a day in quarantine."

Eva smirked. "Perfect."

*********

Coinciding with the actual time of day, the digital window displayed a pale moon emerging from behind dark, distant hills. The portal revealed there was still a dusky orange hue near the horizon, but night had almost fallen. A multitude of stars dotted the blackness of space and Eva stared at them; her mind lost in the simulated depths of the cosmos.

Lacy had fallen asleep in her chair and Gus was passed out at her feet. As Eva shifted on the couch, the dog raised his head, stared and blinked, then laid back down and sighed. Eva’s eyes traced the contours of Gus’s ribs, simultaneously running her fingers along her own. This was no way to live, even in the current state of things. She not only worried about the dog’s survival, but everyone in Community; food supplies had to be dwindling. When Eva had first arrived, there had been a “supply run,” where a group had been sent to scavenge outlying homes and towns for any consumables. She had a hunch that one was needed soon, and she intended that day to be the day for her escape.

But she needed to get her ass moving.

Kay stepped into the room, accompanied by Wes. “Eva.”

Eva rose from the couch. She couldn’t resist glancing at her rifle, leaning against the wall. It was of no use to her, however, as Grant had taken her ammo. He allowed her to carry the weapon as a reminder that if she got her head right, and obeyed Community’s laws, she’d be given the ammo and therefore, her weapon privilege back.

“Eva, you need to be taken to quarantine as a precaution.”

“Not to actually be quarantined,” interrupted Wes, “but to get a shot…in case you came into contact out there. Outside the perimeter.”

Kay seemed displeased that he had spoken. If her looks could kill, Wes would be a goner. Eva guessed the bitch had wanted it to seem that she would actually be quarantined.

Eva smirked. “Lucky me.” She placed her wrists together and offered them to be bound.

Wes shook his head. “Oh, you don’t need to be tied. It’s okay.”

Kay snapped at him. “You will absolutely tie her wrists! She is to be considered a risk until studied for symptoms.”

“Oh, right,” stuttered Wes. “Of course.”

Quarantine was a squat, semicircular building, known as a Quonset Hut. When the airbase had been in use, this place had served as the medical facility and therefore, had been deemed Community’s Med Hut. The equipment and machinery had been rendered obsolete long ago and been replaced. The building was a good staging area for anyone who might become ill, as it sat a good fifty yards or so from the silos. It was also used as a place of quarantine, in the case that a nomad was captured. Here, they could be kept and observed for any signs of infection.

Eva had been placed here when she first entered Community. She stayed for five days before being released to Walker House.

“Thanks for the Laird thing earlier,” said Eva.

Wes walked beside her while Mitchell watched from afar. He stood farther south, talking with Laird.

The two jerkoffs.

“The Laird thing?”

“Yeah. I muttered something to him, and you changed the subject by asking him about his workout strategy. Good thinking.”

Wes laughed. “Oh yeah…he likes himself a little bit.”

“A little bit? He’s always checking himself out, staring at his biceps.”

“Yeah,” Wes agreed. “His guns are pretty big, though.”

“Not as big as his ego.”

“Oh!” Wes nearly doubled over. “True.”

At the Med Hut door, Wes banged his fist against the glass pane. After a few seconds, Charles McGinley answered. He was a stout man, with a dark moustache and hair on the sides and back of his scalp, but bald on top. He was in his mid-thirties, about thirty pounds overweight and the closest thing Community had to a doctor. Eva had learned that he had been an ambulance driver, which somehow qualified him to run the medical operations.

“Wes. Eva,” he said blandly.

“Hey Charles,” replied Wes, “Eva’s here to-”

“I know why she’s here, Wes. Thanks.” He stepped aside and waved his arm for Eva to enter.

Wes waved. “Uh, okay. See you two later.”

“See ya,” said Eva.

Charles closed the door and locked it. He and Eva entered the next room where there were two chairs. On the opposite side of the room was a wall-mounted camera. Before she could take a seat, he halted her by gently grabbing her arm. “Before we’re in view of the camera…did you bring me anything?”

“Yes. Left pant leg.”

Charles shoved his large hand up Eva’s pants. “Don’t worry, I’m not a pervert.”

“I know,” she replied. “You’ve behaved yourself every other time I brought you something. Besides, if you’d done anything weird, I’d have kneed you in the face.”

Charles removed four protein bars taped to her leg. “Protein bars again?”

“Uh, are you new here? What’re you expecting - filet mignon?”

Charles sighed, then led her to the chairs. “Sit.”

Eva did as he said. Charles went to a desk and flipped a switch beneath it. “There, the camera’s disabled.” He looked at his watch. “You have exactly five minutes. Beyond that and-”

“I know, I know…then you can’t account for the camera failure.”

Charles opened a bar and took a huge bite. “Well, you know where he is. He’s thinks he’s riding the bike again.”

Eva stepped through a heavy-gauge plastic curtain hanging in the doorway to the next room. The Quarantine Room. There sat a five-by-five cell with steel bars running from floor to ceiling. It had been built to house nomads. Inside, although alone, but gesturing with his hands, as if in deep conversation with some invisible being, was Alex Dash.