Chapter 2

The tower is slightly drafty. The three windows inside are all open letting in the sea breeze. In the middle of the room sits four separate desks, each one with a radio on it. Wires hang from the radios and out through the ceiling. The others sit around, each one in front of the radios.

“Any contact yet?” Damian asks.

“No, nothing but static. Just like there was years ago,” Connor gripes.

“We’ll give it another hour,” Joshua says tuning one of the radios.

“I don’t see why,” Connor says tossing the microphone onto the desk, “we have to accept the fact that everyone else is dead.”

“We must keep up hope,” Joshua says continuing to turn the knobs tenderly.

“And then what?” Connor starts, getting angrier as he speaks. “Then we send people back to the main land? Take a chance that we could lose even more lives?”

“Look Connor,” Joshua starts, “you have every right to be cautious…”

“You’re damn right I do,” Connor spits, holding up the stump of an arm he has left, “unless you forgot, I lost my arm going on one of your… human scavenger hunts.”

“They are not scavenger hunts, they are a necessary part of human survival,” Joshua says knocking his chair back.

“Then maybe next time you should be the one putting your life on the line,” Connor says.

Joshua’s lips quiver at the thought. Everyone in the room can clearly tell that Connor has struck a nerve.

“Hello? Hello?” a voice calls through the static.

The tension that filled the tower has seemed to spill out the windows as the small group gathers around the radio.

“Hello? Can you hear me?” Damian says picking up the microphone.

“Hello?” the voice calls back, “This is Lieutenant Tori Graves, former USA marines.” The voice fades out again, the static getting louder.

“Lieutenant come in,” Damian says slamming his hand on top of the radio, “I’m losing you.”

“I can barely hear you,” She calls again, “you’re breaking up.”

“Lieutenant, this is Joshua Rigor, leader of the resistance,” he says taking the microphone from Damian’s hand, “what is your location?”

“I’m in a small bunker under Ellington Field in Houston, Texas,” the voice calls out. “Please help. I have a dozen people down here with me and we are running out of supplies…”

Joshua sits back, his hands pursed together as he leans them next to his face, his thumbs gently caressing either side of his nose.

“You can’t honestly be considering this,” Natalie says, her back leaning against the wall.

“Of course I am,” Joshua says getting to his feet. “They are humans in need of our help.”

“If we send people out there, they will die,” Connor argues.

“If we don’t, then they will,” Joshua confronts.

“But these people are our own. We’ve been like a family,” Natalie reminds.

“We are not a family,” Joshua says gritting his teeth, “we are a society. And sometimes we have to make tough decisions. Decisions that might sound foolish, or even send some of our own to die. But sometimes it’s what needs to be done because it’s for the good of mankind.”

“What do you think?” Natalie asks turning to Damian, “You’ve been awfully quiet during all this.”

Damian looks down at the floor, his eyes rising to the radio before advancing to his friends. “This isn’t an easy choice. All I know is I’d be dead right now if Connor, Kennedy and Penelope hadn’t found me.”

“Yes, but we found you by accident,” Connor growls, “we didn’t go out of our way, risking our neck for you.”

“No,” Damian says, “but I remember us going out of our way for Natalie.”

“And two hundred people died that day,” Connor reminds.

“But I was grateful for the chance to survive,” Natalie says.

“Those people deserve the same chance,” Damian persuades.

“Fine,” Connor says, “but the lives of our own are on your heads.”

Connor storms out of the tower slamming the door so hard that the sturdy structure shakes slightly. The other three glance at each other before Natalie walks out, chasing after her distraught husband.

“You made the right choice,” Joshua says to Damian as he stairs blankly at the door.

“I don’t know about that,” Damian says with a sigh.

Slowly he makes his way out the tower door, turning before exiting completely. He watches as Joshua goes back to work fiddling with the radio dials. He shakes his head and makes his way down the stairs. He finds Connor and Natalie standing at the bottom, fighting. He can’t make out the words but he can see each of their limbs flailing wildly.

“How’d it go?” Penelope asks behind him, startling him a bit.

“We made contact with survivors,” Damian answers turning and facing her, “we are sending a group to rescue them soon.”

“Actually I was talking about Hope,” Penelope smirks.

“Oh, sorry,” Damian sighs before going back to watching his friends fight.

“Well?” Penelope asks turning him back around.

“She’s fine,” Damian says snapping back to reality.

“Did you find out what was wrong?”

“Yeah,” He sighs again, “she told me that I was too distant. That I shut out the world sometimes.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. We both know she was right. I do have a tendency to ignore those around me. But I’m going to work on it. In fact I’ve already started. I helped her think of a job that she’d be good at,” He smiles.

“Oh? And what would that be?” Penelope asks pulling him in closer.

“A writer.”

“Oh, just like her father I presume?”

“Hopefully better,” He says leaning in for a kiss.

“Gather everyone,” Joshua says climbing down from the tower, “they are to gather in the center in one hour. Leave four in post just in case, I’ll fill them in later.”

“Sir?” Damian asks pulling away from Penelope, leaving her to sigh disappointedly.

“Not now,” Joshua says waving him off, “you’ll find out with everyone else.”

Damian glances back at Penelope, they both have a look of fear glossed inside their eyes. They both share a quick nod before Penelope takes off. Damian looks back over at Connor. Natalie is gone, leaving him alone in a fit of rage. Damian walks over to his fuming friend who is now cursing into the sky.

“Hey, you all right?” Damian asks.

“Of course I’m not,” Connor yells, “I can’t believe you’d even consider supporting Joshua’s crazy notions of sending anyone back to that hell infested land we fought so hard to escape. Or did you forget what we lost? What about Matthew, or Jeremy…or Kennedy?”

Damian clenches his jaw shut tightly, his hands forming into tight fists, “Of course I didn’t forget. Actually I think about them often, maybe more then I should. But it’s also because of them that I believe we should at least try to help as many people as we can.”

“And what happens if they die? Or our own people die? Is that a better option?” Connor asks still furious.

“If we don’t try then they’re already dead,” Damian urges.

Connor’s face drops slightly, the rage starting to retreat from his eyes, “well that might be, but you can be damn sure that I will not be a part of it.”

“That’s fine,” Damian says, “but I want you to remember something. A little after we first met you told me to be a leader because the others trusted me. Now I didn’t believe it at first. I never thought that I could make those hard choices, because it hurts making choices that could get people I care about killed. But I sucked it up and did it, mostly because I knew you had my back. Now I’m asking you to have my back again, because you were a strength that helped lift me.”

Connor turns his back on his emotional friend. “The difference now is you’re not the one in charge. You’re just taking orders, just like the rest of us.”

“Meeting in an hour at the center,” he calls out as Connor walks away.

Connor stops dead in his tracks and turns his head slightly, just getting Damian in his peripherals. “Yeah about that, you can tell Joshua I won’t be there.”

Connor continues to leave as a soft wind blowing from behind ruffles Damian’s hair and he lets out a sigh of defeat. Damian walks solemnly around the island, informing the others in a monotone manner before making it back to his home. Hope is sitting downstairs, her legs folded up underneath her as she sips on an old, chipped mug. Fanny sits beside Hope. Both are smiling as Damian walks over to them. Fanny’s smile fades first when she notices his intense face.

“What’s wrong?” Fanny asks sitting forward.

“Nothing,” He says grimly.

“You’re lying,” Fanny says softly; her words almost floating into his ears.

“What happened with those people?” Hope asks unfolding her legs.

“You’ll find out later,” Damian says sitting down beside her, “Joshua wants us all to gather in the center in fifteen.”

“That can’t be good can it?” Hope asks.

“I can’t even remember the last time everyone was summoned together,” Fanny says with a blank face.

“I do,” Damian smiles, “it was sixteen years ago to the day. I can almost remember the exact speech he made too. Ironically it was about hope, and how the will of the human race will fight on.”

“You know what,” Hope says, “Joshua sounds like a broken record. After all these years and he’s still going on about the will of the human race.”

“Well my dear,” Joshua says walking up behind them. “Perhaps if you could have been in my shoes all these many years. If you could have seen what I’ve seen, been where I’ve been, fought like I fought, then maybe you’d understand why I’m so passionate about everything that’s happening.”

“And maybe if you understood what it was like for me,” Hope says standing up, facing Joshua, “all my life I was told that I was something special, like a savior of the human race. Do you know what kind of pressure that is?”

“I assure you, I meant nothing hurtful,” Joshua says backing down a bit, “but you did mean a lot to everyone, like a shining beacon that connected us all together.”

“Stop that,” Hope says, her voice getting angrier.

“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Joshua says with a grin.

Damian gets up, standing between them trying to keep the peace. “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your speech?”

“I thought I’d get here and talk to Hope,” Joshua explains brushing the event away, “I felt bad that we cut her celebration short, so I thought I’d come apologize and talk about a career choice. So, what have you chosen?”

Damian slides out of the way, giving the two a clear line of sight to each other.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Hope says with a growl.

“I see,” Joshua says with a semi-disappointed sigh, “well then, I guess we’ll have to discuss it later, won’t we?”

“I guess so,” Hope says before she turns her back and walks toward the stairs to her bedroom.

“I was so hoping for more from her,” Joshua says shaking his head.

“Sir, with all due respect, she is still my daughter, and I would ask you not to talk like that about her,” Damian says defensively.

“My apologies,” Joshua says throwing his hands up in submission, “I didn’t mean any disrespect. I just meant I was hopeful that she would follow the mold, like her father.”

Damian lowers his eyes, a sense of shame circulating inside him. “We can’t all be loyal followers.”

“I guess not,” Joshua says looking down at his watch, “but my apologies, I must go. Almost time to address the public.”

“Sir, one last thing,” Damian says stopping him in his tracks, “Connor won’t be at the assembly. He strongly opposes the trip back to the mainland.”

“What a shame,” Joshua says shaking his head, “he used to be one of the good ones, like you.” He turns back around and places his hand on his shoulder, “that’s why I want you up there as I speak to everyone, you and your family showing support.”

“Sir we’d be honored,” Damian says forcing a smile.

“Good,” Joshua says turning back around, “then I’ll see the three of you soon.”

“Four, sir,” Damian corrects, “Fanny may not be mine biologically, but in our eyes she’s as much my daughter as Hope.”

“The four of you then,” Joshua replies.

They watch him walk out of the house. Fanny gets to her feet and stands beside Damian.

“He creeps me out some days,” She mutters.

“Me too,” Damian agrees.

“Then why put up with his bullshit?” Fanny asks.

“Because he took us in, gave us a place to live,” He explains. “He gave us purpose.”

Fanny shakes her head upset with his words. “Fear is not a way to inspire purpose. He’s just a bully acting out his aggression.”

“Maybe so,” Damian laments, “but the deal is, this is still his island and his rules.”

“Then maybe it’s time someone else makes the rules,” Fanny suggests, “either way, for what it’s worth, thank you.”

“For what?”

“For what you said about me being like a daughter to you,” She leans in and gives him a soft kiss on the cheek, “it meant the world to me.”

“I meant every word,” He smiles as he pulls her in for a hug. “Now could you do your old man a favor? Could you go upstairs and convince Hope to join us at the assembly?”

“I’ll try,” Fanny remarks, “but you know how stubborn she is.”

“Oh I know. It runs in the family,” he laughs.

Fanny heads off up the stairs and knocks on Hope’s door. Silence. She opens the door and finds Hope sprawled out on the floor, pen in hand, her face buried in her little pink book.

The choices, the decisions that they want me to make, it’s not something I can make lightly. The things I do today will affect my entire life. My father did give me good advice, the option to write, to entertain, and to tell the story that would amuse the masses. But what good is just the will to write if you don’t have a muse, the inspiration that drives the imagination. Imagination, it’s a funny thought, in and of its self. My whole life I was taught to suppress my imagination, that the real world was far too scary to ever let your guard down. It’s too hard to wrap my head around.

“Hey!” Fanny calls out, pulling her out of her own thoughts.

“Oh, hey,” Hope says closing her book, “sorry I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Yeah, you also didn’t hear me calling your name several times either,” Fanny says kneeling down beside her.

Hope sits up and smiles at Fanny, “I’m sorry, I must have just gotten lost in my writing.”

“You sure that’s it?” Fanny asks.

“Yeah,” She lies.

“Why didn’t you tell Joshua you wanted to write?”

“I don’t know.”

“Hope?”

“I don’t know, OK!?” Hope screams jumping to her feet. “Maybe, maybe I just didn’t like his attitude. You ever think of that?”

“Or maybe it’s because you were too scared to speak your mind.”

“How dare you,” Hope says angrily.

“How dare I what? Speak the truth? I know you, Hope, better then you’ll ever care to admit. I know your thoughts and actions before you do.”

“Yeah, then what am I thinking now?”

“You want me to shut up and leave,” Fanny says raising her eyebrows.

Hope’s eyes scan Fanny up and down before she lets out a staggered breath, “alright, you got that one.”

“And I know you know me well enough to know that I won’t do that,” Fanny nods, “besides we have to get ready for Joshua’s speech. He’s asked us to stand beside him while he addresses everyone.” Hope looks down at the ground before turning away from her friend, “I know it sounds like such an honor doesn’t it.”

“I just don’t understand why my father keeps dealing with his shit,” Hope says before punching a hole into her bedroom wall.

“He doesn’t feel like he has a choice,” Fanny says with a hollow voice, “he gives in because he thinks he’s protecting us.”

“Did he tell you that?”

“Yes.”

“He’s sacrificed a lot for us hasn’t he?” Hope says looking at the hole she created and feeling a sinking feeling in her stomach.

“For all of us,” Fanny agrees, “and he never asks for anything in return. That’s what a real leader does for people.”

“Yeah I guess,” Hope says, “well he may not ask for anything but he deserves better.”

“Perhaps, but for now all we can do is stand beside him and protect him the way that he protects us,” Fanny says with a twinkle in her eye. “So let’s get down there and stand beside him.”

Hope nods hesitantly before following Fanny down the stairs. An old grandfather clock against the far sidewall chimes as the pair notices the silence coming from the rest of the house.

“They must be at the assembly already,” Hope reasons.

The pair exit outside and see the crowd forming around the center. Words buzzing about as the masses try to figure out why they’ve been summoned together. ‘Maybe there has been another birth,’ they over hear one woman say. “Can’t be, they haven’t given a damn about births since that Hope child was born.” Hope hears the reply and feels like she has just been sucker punched in the gut. They finally make their way to the front of the crowd. Joshua is standing in front of a small podium, Damian and Penelope are standing to his right side and Natalie is standing uncomfortably to his left. Fanny lets go of Hope’s hand and nods toward Natalie. Hope smiles, understanding her intention even though she is lacking in words. Fanny stands beside Natalie, nudging her softly, forcing her to smile. Hope stands between both of her parents and takes each of their hands in hers as they all await Joshua’s speech.

“My fellow survivors,” His crisp voice rings out through the crowd, silencing the murmurs, “today is a glorious day for our proud society. For we are a community built on hope and survival, because we know what the rest of humanity forgot on that faithful night. We know that life is not just handed to us, that it must be earned, savored and most of all wanted!” The crowd cheers as he takes a slight pause, “Now my friends we have a chance to go out and show the world how well we have adapted and how we can help others, just like us, survive and become strong! We have made communication with a small base back on the main land. They have requested help, our help, because their time is running out. Now there are some that think it would be foolish to leave our little slice of paradise for some, would be survivors, but I say it is our duty and our job as survivalist, and even greater then, as people. For who are we to say who should live and who should die? Are our lives more important than theirs?”

“NO!” the crowd chants back.

“I’m curious,” Connor calls out from the back of the crowd, “will you be leading the rescue mission?” the crowd parts ways as he walks down the newly formed aisle.

“No I’m afraid my duty is here leading this group of survivalists,” Joshua answers. Damian twitches, ready to jump in front of the pair. Penelope stops him and glares into his eyes.

“Only a coward speaks of survival and then hides and lets others do his dirty work,” Connor taunts.

“Is that an offer? Would you care to lead this mission in search of the survivors?” Joshua asks forcing the crowd to glare in Connor’s direction.

“No sir,” Connor says with a frazzled look, “I’ve done my part, gave for our survival. Watched as others died. Can you say the same?”

The crowd turns their attention back to Joshua, anticipating his next words, “NO. Honestly I never have. I admit that I have always been more of a behind the scenes type. But let’s face it, with my guidance and leadership I have sent others out to rescue the rest of you while keeping peace and order within our great society!” The crowd cheers again, pulling Connor back and closing the gap around him. “Now I need six volunteers who are ready, the boat to the mainland sails in the morning. I’m not going to lie, there are dangers involved but when you return you will be treated as the heroes you are and get the honors that you deserve!.”

“I’m in,” A voice from the crowd calls out before being followed by several more.

“I appreciate the willingness of those who have volunteered, but I will need one more to make sure this mission is a success,” Joshua calls.

Hope pulls her hands free of her parents and stands proud and tall, “I want in too.”

Chapter 3

“Sir, I can’t allow this,” Damian says after the audience has disbanded. The volunteers, including Hope, have gone back to their homes packing for their adventure.

“What are you talking about?” Joshua asks confused, “up in the tower you backed me up.”

“Well I’m starting to have doubts,” Damian says, his voice trying to remain cool and collected.

“What is this honestly about?” Joshua asks, “Is it about doubts? Or about Hope volunteering.”

“I can’t allow this, she is too young,” Damian says angrily.

“There is nothing I can do. The rules are clear, she is of age, an adult and able to make her own choices,” Joshua reminds.

“She is still a child, my child and she doesn’t deserve to endure that kind of nightmarish hell,” Damian grits his teeth.

“Rules are rules,” Joshua says again stressing the point, “she is sixteen and a full grown adult. If searching for survivors is her choice for a job then you must accept it.”

“I agree that she should have a job, but this isn’t what she is suited for,” Damian argues again, “I agree that she is old enough to work, but she isn’t old enough for war.”

“War is a funny thing. It doesn’t discriminate age, it just does,” Joshua adds.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Needlessly,” Damian sighs. He grabs his hair and tugs hard knowing he is fighting a losing battle, “then let me go instead of her. I already have experience, both leading a team and fighting those undead sons of bit-“

“No, you already did your time, and you already have a job that needs you to be alive,” Joshua says cutting him off, “besides what kind of man would I be if I let my second in command go?”

“Better than the man who lets innocent children die,” Damian growls.

“I have to wonder,” Joshua says starting to get mad, “how righteous would you be if it wasn’t your daughter, but some other child offering their life for our civilization?”

Damian turns his head knowing that Joshua is probably right.

“Then I’ll go,” Fanny says stepping out from behind the semi-closed doors.

“Fanny no!” Damian yells.

“It makes perfect sense,” Fanny says with a mumbled sigh, “I already lived through the hell of fighting zombies, I can take orders and I can keep an eye on Hope.”

“I’m afraid you had the chance to volunteer,” Joshua says nodding his head.

“But sir,” Fanny pleads.

“I’m sorry the answer is no,” Joshua repeats.

Damian can’t control himself any longer, his hand squeezed tightly into a fist as he swings his arm as hard as he can hitting Joshua square in the jaw, knocking him to the ground.

“I think you’ve been overruled,” Damian says panting heavily before turning his attention to Fanny. “Are you sure you’re willing to deal with everything we fought so hard to escape?”

“To protect my family?” Fanny smirks, “I’d walk into Hell for any of you.”

“Going back there is Hell,” Damian gulps.

“You are both out of your mind,” Joshua says getting back to his feet, his hand massaging his jaw.

“I don’t think you’re one to talk right now,” Damian says taking a step toward him forcing him to step back.

“I’m still in charge here and believe me, you just made a huge mistake,” Joshua says backing toward the door, “good luck Fanny. You’ll need it.”

They both stand still, watching as Joshua slinks away from them.

“You’d better go pack,” Damian says breaking the silence, “I have to go talk to my other daughter.”

He forces a smile before heading up the staircase, his feet shaking with each step he takes. He stands in front of Hopes door, his hand trembling as he raises it ready to knock. He hesitates as thoughts of her throughout her childhood race through his head. The thoughts continue to flood his memories as he thinks of all the milestones he missed being Joshua’s number two. Her first steps, her first words, her first day of school almost everything important. A tear rolls out from his eye and down his cheek, splashing on the hardwood floor near his feet. The door opens without prompt with Hope on the other side. She is now dressed in dark blue jeans with a flannel shirt draped over a white tank top. Her black bra straps stand out as Damian’s eyes draw up to her hair. She has it pulled back into a tight ponytail that sticks out the back end of a dark blue baseball cap, a faded red letter “B” on the front. She has a backpack in one hand and a silver handgun in the other.

“Oh dad,” Hope gasps, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were there.”

“Its ok,” Damian chokes out.

“Did you need something?” Hope asks.

“Actually yeah, can you come with me for a moment?”

“Dad I’m kind of busy you know,” Hope chuckles.

“I know. I just,” His eyes drop, “please.”

Hope drops the bag and follows her father down the hall. They come to a second door at the end, Damian pushes it open and flips on the light revealing his room. The shades are drawn and the room is dark with the exception of the single dull bulb on the ceiling. Hope takes a seat on the bed while Damian opens his closet door and starts to dig around. He emerges from inside after a few moments, a familiar item in his hand.

“This was mine,” He says holding the old red sword in his hand, retracting the blade from the sheath, “back when the virus started to spread, after meeting up with your mother and Connor, I found this at an old flea market. This was my biggest asset when it came to staying alive, I want you to take it with you, so that you could have a little of me with you.”

She takes the handle of the sword gingerly, a shocked look on her face. “Dad, I…”

“I know, it’s kind of an unconventional birthday gift but I just figured given the circumstances,” He sighs.

She turns the blade away from him as she wraps her arms around him, tears falling out of both their eyes.

“Thank you,” She says muffled, “I promise to take care of it.”

“Just promise to take care of yourself,” He says holding on to her shoulders.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she comes back to you,” Fanny says standing in the doorway, a bag in her hands.

“You packed fast,” Damian says

“I’ve kept a bag ready ever since we got here,” Fanny replies, “helped me feel semi-safe.” She walks over to the pair and notices the sword. She runs her hand over the cold steel, “Haven’t seen this in a while.”

“Yeah, it’s my gift to Hope,” Damian replies.

“Wait, you mean you’re coming too?” Hope says slightly excited.

“Someone needs to keep an eye on you,” Fanny winks.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” Hope says handing the sword back to Damian, “I’m an adult now.”

“It wasn’t my idea,” Damian says pushing the sword away.

“You mean, you?” Hope says turning her attention to Fanny, “but why?”

“Why not?” Fanny responds, “You’re not the only one who can make rash decisions you know.”

“It wasn’t a rash decision, it was my decision,” Hope cries.

“Well this is mine,” Fanny says grabbing her bag and storming out of the room.

Damian and Hope stand in silence as they listen to Fanny stomping her way down the hallway and down the stairs.

“You didn’t have to treat her like that you know,” Damian scolds.

“But, this is my life,” Hope argues.

“Damn it you’re my daughter and I love you, but how dense can you really be?” Damian yells, “I tried the same thing. I tried to have Joshua forbid you from going, offering myself instead. Do you know why?”

“Because you love me?” Hope says frightened.

“Enough that we would risk our whole lives for you,” Damian says breathing heavily, “What happened anyway? I thought you were going to tell Joshua you wanted to write.”

“I wanted more,” Hope admits, her voice barely audible. “There is nothing here for me to write about. Nothing here to spark my muse.”

Damian looks at her unsure of how he should feel before shaking his head and turning his back on her. He walks out of the room without saying a word. Hope stands alone in her parent’s room, the sword in her hand, feels like it weighs a ton. The lone bulb in the room shorts out leaving her alone in the darkness. Hope slides the blade of her new sword back into the scabbard before walking out and closing the door behind her. She walks solemnly down the hall back to her bedroom to her waiting bag.

“Guess it feels like the whole world is against you doesn’t it?” Joshua says rising from her bed.

“What do you want?” Hope says harshly, “Here to tell me I’m too young to volunteer? That this is no longer my decision?”

“Oh no my dear, quite the contrary,” He says with a sly grin as he walks over to her, “I’m here to make sure the others haven’t poisoned your mind. I heard what they told you, how they tried to convince you against going. That’s so wrong of them, you’re a grown woman now,” he places his hands on her shoulders starts to rub them softly, “you know you remind me of my wife, God rest her soul.”

“Thanks?” She says uncomfortably, her body shivering slightly.

“When you get back they are going to call you a hero, each one of you. Risking your lives for others,” He pulls her body close to his, “is greatest thing anyone could ever do for anyone else.”

Hope tries to pull herself away but she can’t escape Joshua’s strong grip, “Sir, you’re making me uncomfortable.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t realize. I was just lost in the moment,” his hands still clenching tightly on her shoulders.

“Sir, you’re still doing it,” She repeats, “please let go of me.”

“Or what?” he moves his hands down her arms catching her off guard, forcing her to drop the sword.

“Or I’ll make you let go,” Hope says breathing heavily.

“Try,” Josh says taunting her, laughing as he keeps his grip. She fights to free herself, his grip getting tighter with every struggle. “Is there is nothing you can do to stop me. I am in charge.”

A sharp blow strikes him on the back of the head, dropping him to the ground. The striking force takes Hope by surprise knocking her down as well. She squirms away from Joshua’s semi-conscious body and sees Fanny standing over them.

“Need a hand?”

“What are you doing here?” Hope asks taking her hand hesitantly.

“I’ve told you your whole life, I’ll always protect you,” Fanny says pulling her in for a hug.

“You don’t understand,” Joshua says pulling himself back to his feet.

“I understand that if you touch her again I will kill you,” Fanny says holding up a silver handgun.

“Now tell me how good that would look, the two of you, standing over my body; the smoking barrel found still in your hand?” Joshua nods his head in disapproval, “And I thought you girls were smarter than that.”

“I’d rather take my chances explaining everything to the people,” Fanny says cocking the hammer back.

“Alright, alright,” Joshua says raising his hands in defense, “what if I leave and we all pretend nothing ever happened? I mean pretty soon you’ll both be off for the main land right, that sounds better than a trial doesn’t it?”

Hope and Fanny glance at each other slightly, each nodding as if they know what the other is thinking.

“Fine,” Hope says lowering Fanny’s arm, “but try anything again and I won’t be able to stop her.”

“Deal,” Joshua says extending one hand out while using the other to rub his battered head.

Hope and Fanny just stare at his hand, both unwilling to touch it. He pulls it away slowly, and disgustedly glares at the pair. He powers past them heading out the door, muttering incoherently as he proceeds down the stairs.

Hope looks over at Fanny, a smile forms as she opens her mouth, her words come out dry and forced. “Thanks.” She clears her throat as she looks down at her old, faded boots. “Thanks for coming back for me.”

“I’m always going to be there for you,” Fanny says uncocking the gun and putting it back in her pocket. “Just like I know you’ll always be there for me.”

“It’s what we do. Family sticks together,” Hope says hugging her friend.

“Oh there you are girls,” Penelope says popping her head past the bedroom door, “it’s almost time.”

“We’ll be right there mom,” Hope says, “Just need to make sure we have everything packed.”

“Speaking of which,” Fanny says peeling herself away. “I should really double check my bag.”

“Are you trying to leave us alone?” Hope asks whispering in her ear.

“Yeah. You might not get another chance to say things you want to say, so now’s the time,” Fanny whispers back before rushing out the door.

“Are you ready?” Penelope asks again.

“Almost,” Hope replies.

Penelope’s bottom lip quivers slightly. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

“Mom, please don’t do this, not now.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to stop you…I’m just going to miss you,” Penelope takes Hope’s free hand and pats the top lovingly.

“I’ll be back soon enough,” Hope smiles.

“I hope so,” Penelope says tightening her grip, “I hope so.”

“How bad can it be? I’ve heard the stories, I’ve learnt about it in class. I know what I’m up against.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Penelope says with a shiver.

“What do you mean?” Hope asks with an inquisitive look on her face. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“A lot,” Penelope says in a dark, serious tone. “Some of the stories we told you as a child were, modified. We all agreed when you were born that you didn’t have to endure the Hell we all dealt with.”

“You lied to me?” Hope says, her heart shocked and crushed by her mother’s omission.

“It was for your own good. We lied to protect your innocence!”

“It was still a lie!” Hope says soft and slow, “What don’t I know?”

“For starters you don’t know how to deal with pain of death,” Penelope replies just as harshly.

“I’ve seen people die before,” Hope argues.

“Yes, but how many of them died by your hand?”

“Well none, but…”

“Exactly. Do you have the heart to put a bullet in someone on your team? Or Fanny?”

“It probably won’t come to that,” Hope replies.

“But what if it does?” Penelope says her voice becoming more cautious, “We had to learn as we went. When you were about ten you asked us why we didn’t sleep much. We told you that we did but we just did it in shifts.”

“That wasn’t the truth was it?”

“No, the truth is not many of us can sleep more than three hours before we wake up screaming.”

“But that was all in the past,” Hope says, “things that needed to be done.”

“Yes because we couldn’t avoid it, you can,” Penelope sighs, “like I said I’m not going to stop you, you’re a grown woman now. I just wanted to make sure you were properly informed.”

“Well thank you, I think,” Hope says reaching for the sword as it lay on the ground.

“Your father’s sword?” Penelope asks.

“Yeah, he gave it to me,” Hope says, hugging it close to her person.

“That sword saw a lot of action. Trust your instincts with it,” Penelope says waving her out the door with a forced smile on her face.

“You do know it’s a sword and not alive right?” Hope says with a chuckle as she passes by her mother.

“Now you’re a smart ass too, huh?” Penelope says laughing back at her.

The pair head down the stairs and out the front door. The sky is bright blue, the orange hue of sun reflects off the blue ocean waves. This is being the only noticeable difference between the sky and water. A small crowd has gathered around the island’s docks. There are only half a dozen boats tied up. Damian, Natalie and Joshua each notice Hope at the same time and wave for her to join them in front of a mid-sized boat. The boat is painted white with red trim along the sides. The back is adorned with chipped and worn red letters that spell out the boat’s name, “THE OMEGA.”

“That doesn’t seem ominous at all does it?” Penelope asks walking up to Damian.

“Yeah, but this is the best boat we have,” Damian admits. “Natalie and Connor can both confirm that.”

“Oh I believe that, but it doesn’t help my nerves,” Penelope says with a shudder.

“Attention,” Joshua calls out from in front of the boat, “could I have all that have volunteered gather on the boat for debriefing? Please say your goodbyes now because no one else is allowed on the boat.”

“Sir?” Damian asks speaking up.

“No one else,” Joshua repeats.

One by one the volunteers hug their loved ones and trudge onto the old vessel.

“Where’s Fanny?” Hope asks looking around, “Where’s Fanny?”

“Relax,” Fanny says running to join up with them, “I thought you didn’t need me anyway.”

“Guess I didn’t know what I really wanted,” Hope admits.

The two say goodbye to the crowd. Fanny looks around as she steps onto the boat and sees Connor’s familiar face from a distance, a sly smile as he offers a nod. Fanny taps Hope on the shoulder and points her in his direction as they wave goodbye. He joins his friends as they disappear into the cabin of the boat. The others are sitting around a small circular table except for Joshua and a young man. He can’t be more than twenty-five. His baby face makes him look even younger but his eyes give away his true age. Dark circles help accent his ice blue eyes, his hair ratty and unkempt. He has on light tan camouflage pants and a white shirt that is partially covered by a dark coat. He stands perfectly still as he waits for the others to take their seat and Joshua to start talking.

“Before I begin I’d like to thank each of you once again for volunteering,” Joshua starts, “especially Fanny who was a last minute addition to this rescue party. First, I’d like to introduce everyone to your mission leader and the captain of this boat, Mr. Greggory Rappore.”

“Thank you, sir,” Greggory says stepping forward.

“Yes, very good,” Joshua says backing him off, “now, this is a basic rescue mission. From what I understand there is roughly a dozen people trapped at an army base in Houston, Texas. Gather them, and as many supplies as you can, and bring them back. Simple enough right?”

“Yes, sir,” the group calls out.

“Now I’ll leave you all in the capable hands of Captain Rappore. I wish you all a safe journey and God speed.”

Joshua steps down and nods his head to the crew before shaking Greg’s hand one last time. They watch as he leaves the cabin.

“All right everyone, lets shove off,” Greggory calls out causing the group to scatter around leaving him alone with Fanny and Hope. “Well?”

“Well what?” Hope asks.

“Aren’t you going to get to work?” he asks cynically.

“What are my orders, Captain?” Hope says as she sarcastically salutes him.

“Don’t think I don’t know about you, both of you,” He says looking at Hope and Fanny. “I don’t care who your friends or family are back at the island. On this boat and on the main land, I’m in charge, and I’m not your friend.”

“Give it time,” Fanny winks, “we’re very loveable people.”

“Stop with the jokes and find something to do,” Greg says, “and that’s an order”

The pair slink out of the cabin each taking a separate stations of the boat and learning from the other volunteers. The day continues to progress, the boat inching closer to the land as each second passes. The sun starts to set as land begins to come into view.

“Captain we are approaching land,” an older male calls out.

“Land? Already?” Fanny questions, “We can’t be near Texas yet.”

“We aren’t,” Greg replies.

“Then why are we headed for land?” Fanny asks.

“Look my orders were to get us to Louisiana and have us walk the rest of the way,” Greg answers reluctantly, “something about not having enough fuel.”

“Wait you expect us to walk?” Fanny asks as she starts to breathe heavily, “Do you know what happens when people walk through that cursed land?”

“No, to be honest I’ve never really dealt with it. My family was one of the first to be rescued after the virus spread,” Greg replies with a somewhat worried look.

“I’ll tell you what happens,” Fanny says getting up into his face, “When people stay too long on land, they tend to die.”

Chapter 4

“That’s Just insanity,” Greg says blowing her off.

“I’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE,” Fanny says loudly and slowly, “I might have only been thirteen at the time, but believe me I remember it all too clearly.”

“If it was so horrible the first time, then why come back?”

“I have my reasons for what I do.”

He watches as his head turns slightly pointing in Hope’s direction.

“I understand,” Greg responds, “but why didn’t you just convince her not to come? This is a volunteer mission after all.”

“Hope’s a stubborn girl,” Fanny admits.

“Well then let’s hope that stubbornness just keeps her alive. Because I don’t intend on dying today, or any day soon.”

“Captain, we’ll arrive at port in twenty minutes,” A short, pudgy man says poking his head around the corner.

“Thank you Chester,” Greg says with a nod, “inform the others that our first priority after we dock is to find shelter.”

“Yes, sir,” Chester says with an improved salute.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Fanny says wrapping her arms around her stomach.

“Don’t worry,” Greg smirks, “I’ll protect you.” He throws his arm over her shoulders.

She peels his arm off and backs away from his sleazy advance, “At the end of the day, I’ll be the one protecting you.”

She turns and walks away from him, letting out a ragged sigh as she tries to calm her nerves. She searches the ship for Hope, finding her with another young woman. They are looking over the side of the ship at an endless amount of ocean that is in front of them. The woman seems to be in her early to mid-thirties with curly red hair that covers the collar of her light colored flannel shirt. The two share a laugh as Fanny taps her friend on the shoulder, spinning her around.

“Fanny!” She exclaims when she notices her friend, “Have you met Sarah?”

“Yeah. We’ve seen each other around a few times,” Fanny says.

“How have you been?” Sarah asks with a phony smile.

“I was better before I got on this boat.”

“What’s wrong?” Hope asks picking up on her worried vibe.

“A lot,” Fanny remarks, “can I talk to you in private?”

“Yeah,” Hope nods before excusing herself from Sarah’s company, waiting to speak until they are out of earshot. “What’s wrong?”

“Has anyone clued you in on what’s happening?” Fanny asks trying to avoid arousing any fear.

“No. I’ve spent most of my time with Sarah learning what to do,” Hope replies.

“That’s another thing, why does everyone on this boat have a job but us?”

“Sarah said she got her assignment from Joshua. Maybe we didn’t get one because of, you know, the incident back in my room.”

“Yeah, maybe. But here is another fact we aren’t landing in Texas. This boat is headed for Louisiana.”

“But we were both in the cabin when Joshua flat out told us that we were going to Texas,” Hope argues.

“Well Greggory just informed me that his orders were to sail to Louisiana, and then walk to the survivors.”

“That can’t be, that’s suicide,” Hope says in a panic.

“I know. But unfortunately there is nothing we can do but ride this out and try to survive,” Fanny says trying to comfort her.

“But we can’t survive that long. Nobody has been on the main land that long since…since,” Hope’s eyes widen with fear and terror.

“Yeah, nobody’s survived the main land since your parents,” Fanny nods, “but that’s also a good thing. Because we both know you have their will to survive. So if we just stick together we should be fine.”

“But what if something happens and we can’t survive?” Hope’s eyes start to water up, her voice crackling as she talks.

“Then we die together,” Fanny says trying to sound brave, “but not before taking out as many of those shits as we can.”

A loud bell rings on the top of the boat startling the two young girls, sending them rushing back to the cabin of the boat where they find Greggory sitting in a seat, his feet lifted as he chugs water from a canteen.

“What’s going on?” Hope asks.

“We are landing,” Greg says. “The bell lets the crew know that we have hit land.”

“It also lets anything that wants to kill us know our position,” Fanny says slamming her hand down on the table.

Greg sits up, his face slightly visible with a disturbance. He signals to one of his men to stop the chiming of the bell before getting onto his feet and glaring into Fanny’s eyes.

“Get your stuff, we head out in five,” Greggory says trying to intimidate them.

“It’s already getting dark,” Fanny says, “do you have any idea where we can make camp?”

“Honestly? No,” Greg answers. “But I’m sure we’ll find a safe house shortly after docking.”

“Well that’s just great,” Fanny says knocking him back into his seat. “I don’t know if you think this is some kind of game or something, but this is life or death. We have to plan our moves accordingly or we will die. Is that what you want?”

The rest of the volunteers have entered the cabin and watch as Fanny verbally tongue lashes Greggory causing his face to turn red with anger as he rises back to his feet and stares Fanny back.

“Look I may not know everything about this mission but this is what I do know, I was put in charge and I give the orders. UNDERSTAND!”

“Tell me Mr. Rappore, do you know how to kill one of those…things? You have to cut off its head, only way to make sure the virus is truly dead.” She whips out a handgun and raises it to his head. “You on the other hand, you are easier to get rid of.”

“Put the gun down,” Sarah calls as the others aim their guns at her.

“Kill me,” Fanny responds, “if we follow the orders of this moron then we are already dead.”

“Fanny, please don’t do this,” Hope begs.

“I can’t go out there,” Fanny stammers. “I thought I could, but it’s just too much.”

“Please put the gun down and talk to me.”

“We aren’t going to survive,” Fanny cries, “none of us.”

“We can if we stick together,” Hope coaxes, “but first I need you to put the gun down.”

Fanny nods wildly as she bends down and drops the gun before curling up into a ball and bursting out in tears. Hope goes to comfort her friend but is pushed away by the others. Two of the men push Fanny onto her stomach as they tie her hands behind her back.

“Stop it, you’re hurting her!” Hope cries as Greg holds her back.

“It has to be done,” Greg replies. “She is a threat and a menace and must be stopped.”

“What should we do with her sir?” Chester asks.

“Nothing changes, she still comes with us,” Greg states, “but we leave her tied up and on a short leash. I have a feeling she might become very useful.”

“Yes sir,” Chester says with a crooked smile. “Let’s go, move it.”

Chester struggles to move Fanny as she pulls back, getting right up into Greg’s face, and “if anything happens to Hope, you are going to die a very slow, painful death…at my hand.”

“And this one sir?” Sarah asks of Hope.

“She has done nothing wrong,” Greg says dusting himself off, “let’s just keep an eye on her. We wouldn’t want to provoke the crazy one.”

The others look at each other as Greg waves Hope out the door and follows close behind. One by one the others join them outside. The fresh air feels good on their skin, cooling them all off after such a heated confrontation. They each pull out portable, hand cranked flashlights from random pockets.

“Now before we set foot on land let me remind each of you of the importance of this mission,” Greg says near the boats outer railing. “This mission brings more to those survivors then just survival, it brings them hope. It gives us all confidence that tomorrow will be better and we will not live in fear the rest of our lives!”

His speech warrants a few slow claps from the volunteers before a pair of hands wrap around his torso in the cover of darkness, pulling him backward. The others shine their lights on their captain and see a creature fighting to pull him off the boat and onto the docks. Its eyes are milky white, and its skin looks like it has started to melt off of its body. The volunteers fire randomly at the creature trying their hardest not to hit Greg.

“You have to cut off the head!” Fanny screams as she tries to free herself.

Hope slides her sword out of its scabbard and rushes toward the attacker. The decaying monster drops the half dead body of Greggory and reaches wildly for Hope’s arms. Hope swings the blade of her sword at the attacker but the blade gets stuck in the Zombie’s neck. Fanny begins to rub the restraints around her wrists frantically against the edge of the boat, wanting badly to help her friend. The Zombie slaps its arm wildly knocking Hope to the ground, a gash forms on her forehead, blood spills out slowly. Chester rushes over next, trying to free the sword from the brute. He gets his fingers around the handle, but not much more as the monster sinks it’s teeth into his arm causing him to scream out in pain. The creature pulls him in closer it’s sharp teeth ripping out Chester’s jugular. Soon the screaming stops leaving an eerie silence as the wind whistles. A soft snap is heard before the others hear Fanny growling in anger as she yanks the blade of the sword out of the creature’s neck, her arm getting badly scratched in the process.

“Don’t be stupid.” Sarah yells. “You have the sword, get out of there.”

“No,” Fanny says, “I’m done running.”

She forces her arms upward, the sword feeling ten times heavier than before. She lets out a loud scream as she slices with all of her might, not stopping until the creature’s head rolls past her feet, its body dropping dead on the dock. Fanny drops the sword on the deck of the boat as she pants heavily. The others stand in shock as she pulls her gun out once again and aims it at Greggory’s mangled body.

“Do it,” He says.

“You know you deserve to suffer,” Fanny replies, anger burning in her eyes, “but lucky for you I’m feeling mercy.” The sound of the gun causes the others to jump in fear.

“You killed him?” Sarah asks still in shock.

“He was dead anyway. We’re miles away from any kind of medical assistance. He would have bled to death. My way might seem cruel, but it was, IS, the only way,” Fanny explains. “I expect everyone to have the same mind set.”

“What do we do now?” Sarah asks.

“We wake Hope up, check on her wounds and then we find a safe house and try to survive until sunrise,” Fanny says putting her gun away and kneeling down beside her unconscious friend.

“Why sunrise?” A male figure asks stepping forward.

“Because in the dark, they have the advantage,” Fanny says wiping the blood off of Hope’s face.

“Why did they send us to this God forsaken place?” Sarah asks starting to panic.

“And why aren’t you still freaking out?” the male asks again.

Fanny gets back to her feet and looks around at the nervous faces looking to her for guidance, “Because we don’t have the luxury of being scared anymore.”

“Can you save us?” Sarah asks.

“I don’t know. But I can show you what I learned. That may be the only way we survive through this. Now please help me move Hope into the cabin, we need to assess our next move.”

“Can’t we just go home?” the male asks.

“You’re John right?” Fanny asks getting a nod in response, “We had a few classes together when I first got here. What happened to you?”

“I turned sixteen shortly after you arrived. They declared me a legal adult and made me choose a career. I picked sentry. It seemed like a noble job at first but I ended up getting the third shift which was basically hell. I stayed up all night, almost all alone, except for my partner Chud.”

“Chud?” Fanny asks interrupting him.

“It was a nickname,” John replies, “I think his real name was Thad, or something. Either way my job had me feeling like a prisoner. So I volunteered, thought maybe I’d get some respect.”

“That’s a noble reason, John.” Fanny lies trying to make him feel better. The group lifts Hope off the deck and carries her inside the cabin before they lock the door. “But the reason we can’t go home is just as noble. Like it or not we all volunteered for this rescue mission, and there are still people out there that need to be rescued.”

“Your reason sounds a lot like mine,” Sarah says stroking John’s arm, “when I turned sixteen I wanted to be a chef, but instead I got stuck with the morning prep. Every day I would have to be up by two to prep food for everyone. I was told I wouldn’t be able to get off prep until another position opened up. I figured by volunteering I’d find a new passion, actually be able to do some good.”

“All right, so we have a guard, a want to be cook, and me, a teacher. Oh and we can’t forget Hope who’s still unchosen,” Fanny says sarcastically, “What about you?” Fanny asks the last remaining volunteer. A shy older woman who backs away slightly as Fanny calls her out. “What do you do?”

“I used to work in the library, Joshua’s personal library. Actually I was on the island before the virus spread. Granted that was back when I was a different person,” She answers.

“What’s your name?” Sarah asks.

“It’s Karen.”

“Well Karen, it’s nice to have you,” Fanny says holding out her hand, “nice to officially meet all of you. It’s funny, I know there aren’t a lot of us on the island and I never would have thought I’d be surrounded by people I never really… SON OF A BITCH!”

“What?” John asks.

“Joshua knew that we didn’t have a chance of returning. That’s why he sent us here,” Fanny says before she punches the cabin wall.

“But how did he know that we would all volunteer?” Karen asks.

“That I don’t know yet. But soon enough.”

Hope starts to groan and wriggle around as her eyes slowly flutter awake. “What happened?” her voice is barely audible as she tries to sit up.

“You got knocked out,” Fanny says kneeling beside her.

“What happened with the Zombie?”

“It’s dead,” Fanny brushes her fingers though her hair checking for any additional bumps.

“Are we going home now?”

“No. I don’t like it, but we have a job to do,” Fanny says getting back to her feet, “so I need you to wake up, because we move out in ten.”

“I have such a headache,” Hope complains.

“I know,” Fanny says almost unsympathetically. “But you chose to come here so I’m going to need you to deal with it.” She walks towards a window and looks out at the night sky, keeping her face hidden from the others as she takes in a hard swallow. “I never wanted to lead,” she thinks to herself, “I never even wanted to come back to this God forsaken land. But now I have to be the one to draw strength and courage. If they are going to look to me then I must do my best for them.”

“Don’t you think you were kind of hard on her?” Karen says pulling Fanny out of her thoughts.

“This isn’t the place to take it easy,” Fanny says trying not to look her way. “Now please, make sure we have all our equipment. Once we step off this boat, there is no turning back.”

“Yes ma’am,” Karen replies before leaving her side.

Tension builds as the time dwindles down. Each person grabs everything they can before getting ready to leave. Fanny waves to the others to follow her as she reopens the cabin door. The breeze once again cools off their warm faces as they follow Fanny’s footsteps.

“Close the door to the cabin,” Fanny orders, “Find a way to lock it. I don’t want to find any surprises when we get back.”

John shuts the door as tight as possible before taking a length of rope off the deck wrapping it around the handle and tying it tightly to the railing.

“There, now if anything gets through it, we’ll know,” He winks.

“Good, now everyone keep your lights off and stay quiet, we don’t know how many of those things are out there,” Fanny says leading them off the boat one by one.

John takes the lead, his gun drawn and ready to fire, Karen close to him, her gun is drawn as well, but her hands are shaking noticeably under the silver glow of the moon. Sarah and Hope each step off watching each other’s backs. Hope has her father’s sword drawn and is ready to attack, while Sarah grips a shotgun tightly in both hands. Fanny is the last to get off the boat. She has no weapon drawn but checks to make sure that the boat is securely fastened to the dock. She turns her head quickly checking her surroundings after thinking she heard a noise.

“Did anyone else hear that?” She asks.

“I didn’t hear anything,” John responds.

“Let’s not take any chances. We move out swiftly, and we stick together,” Fanny says pulling out a machete. “Remember, the best way to stop them is to remove the head.”

“Then what good are these guns?” Karen asks.

“They buy us time, especially when we are overpowered. Also they’re good to have when you know there is no escape. That way you don’t have to suffer,” Fanny responds passing by the stunned group.

Hope rushes to keep up with her disgruntled friend. “Are you ok? I’ve never seen you act like this.”

“I’m fine,” Fanny lies, “I guess I just forgot what real fear feels like.”

“I know you came to protect me, but don’t forget that I’m here for you as well,” Hope says grabbing her by the arm and stopping her in her tracks.

“I appreciate it, I really do,” Fanny starts freeing her arm, “but can we continue this after we find a safe house?”

“Yeah,” Hope says slightly crushed watching as the others trudge by her leaving her to the end of the pack. “I guess.”

The night air begins to get crisper. The winds begin to pick up as a fog blows in around them. They pass by several houses, each destroyed either through the mayhem or natural neglect. The moon is almost directly above them when they come across a small brick building. The sign that hangs above the door hangs crookedly the name “Jim’s Convenience” is almost hidden behind the black spray paintings. Words like “Repent”, and “The end has come”, litter the front. The windows look solid with the exception of a few cracks running through the glass. The team circles the building cautiously not finding any impending circumstances. They forcibly enter the small building. John and Karen turn on their flashlights as they search the interior. The store is dark and dusty. The shelves disheveled, items thrown eschewed on the floor. A horrible smell coming from near the back coolers burns their nostrils. Empty to mostly empty bottles line the shelves in the coolers but they are afraid to open the glass doors.

“John, Karen and I will search the back. Hope and Sarah search for any supplies that we might be able to use,” Fanny orders.

“Do we really need three people to search such a small building?” John asks.

“Better safe than sorry,” Fanny says pulling out her gun.

One by one they slink into the back, guns drawn and ready for anything. Hope and Sarah start to search the remaining items in the store.

“Can I ask you a question?” Sarah says after the others leave them alone.

“Sure,” Hope says sorting through a stack of newspapers.

“You and Fanny are really close aren’t you?”

“Like sisters.”

“Do you think she’ll really be able to get us out of here alive?”

“To be honest I don’t know what’s she’s capable of. Out here it’s almost like she’s an entirely different person.”