Chapter 21 December 20th, 2037

It’s been a little over two months since we were last able to stop for more than a few hours. South Carolina and Alabama were what Jeremy described as a ‘hot zone’. A strong southern breeze the day the Virus hit has seemed to help cultivate the South with more Zombies then we normally come across. We have been tested more time than we ever have. Jeremy has learned quickly to defend himself, or at least how to get out of our way as we fought. Eric has been useful, especially when it comes to fighting. His military training far succeeds what Connor was trained to do. Unfortunately, he has also been something of a loose cannon, rushing into the next fight sometimes before his last fight is even over. He almost got Fanny killed with his reckless behavior. Kennedy has started to talk to me again, mostly little things, but it’s a start. We made it to the bunker a few days ago, part of me has been slightly worried that we missed the resistance because of our late arrival, but Eric assures me that they haven’t been there yet. The dust and dirt built up in the bunker seems to help his assessment. The bunker is smaller than then last few that we had come across. With only about a half a dozen rooms, most housing food and water leaving us with two livable rooms. The main room sports a brown microfiber couch and a few tables. A small ham radio sits on the larger table. The second is the bedroom, with two bunk beds on either side of the room. A small lamp sits on an end table between the two beds. Dust and dirt have built up around all the furniture in the bunker, the amount shows that this place has been abandoned for quite a long time.

“This place is a piece of shit,” Eric scoffs wiping his finger across the dirt on an empty table.

“I suppose you’d rather be back outside with the Zombies?” Natalie mocks.

Eric growls at Natalie’s remark before walking away.

“Perhaps we should get some rest,” Kennedy speaks up trying to quell their conflict.

“Should we do shifts or do you think we have the luxury of just passing out?” Connor asks.

“There are no luxuries,” Eric reminds.

“Agreed,” I say, “Fanny, Eric, Matthew, and Jeremy why don’t you get some sleep soon. We’ll shift switch in five hours.” I look down at my watch, just slightly after one.

“So the rest of us are just on watch?” Natalie asks, “Aren’t we safe in this bunker?”

“Yes. At least we should be,” I reply, “but still if the resistance comes, I’d like to have people awake to greet them.”

The others agree with me. We wish the others a good sleep, even though none of us could possibly sleep well. The few of us who have remained up have begun drifting off in the main room. Connor is resting his back firmly against the wall in front of me, his head bent backward the top square against the wall. I can see his eyes fluttering as he fights to stay awake. Natalie is sitting beside him, the rhythmic sound of her running a sharpening stone up and down her machete echoes throughout the room. Kennedy is studying a medical book Jeremy gave her before leaving the D.C. bunker. She has been on the same page for a lot longer than normal with her head slinked down over the book. Penelope is resting with me on the couch. She is sprawled out lengthwise, her head resting on my lap allowing me to stroke her deep red hair. I have my journal resting on the arm of the couch but I have very little will to write.

“I can barely keep my eyes open,” Connor yawns.

“That’s ok, I think Kennedy and Penelope are both asleep,” I respond.

There is a silence, Natalie removes the stone from the blade and the room is peaceful.

“I can’t remember the last time it was this quiet,” Connor says groggily.

“Me either,” I smile.

“I don’t like it when it’s quiet,” Natalie says checking her blade at eye level, “That’s when all the weird shit happens.”

“Oh come on, we are in a safe house,” I laugh.

The walls begin to shake, the floor rumbles under our feet. Penelope and Kennedy both open their eyes in horror.

“What’s going on?” Penelope asks

“It’s fine, were just having an earthquake,” Connor says.

“In Florida?” I question.

“Do you have a better idea?” Connor asks.

The others rush into the room before I can answer. They each look distraught.

“Please tell me that isn’t what I think it was,” Matthew groans.

“Do you think General Kissner would know that we are here?” I ask Eric.

“With your recent activities, it’s possible,” Eric replies.

“Not to mention they probably hacked into the security cameras,” Jeremy states, “they were probably tracking us through each state.”

“That or we have a traitor in our midst,” Matthew suggests.

“What are you saying?” Eric growls.

“I’m saying we know nothing about you except you are military, and the military is knocking on our door,” Matthew argues.

“Hey, I have just as much to lose as you,” Eric hisses, grabbing Matthew by the scruff of his shirt and pulling him close.

“Yeah and more to gain if you turn on us,” Matthew spits.

“Calm down both of you,” Fanny cries.

“Fanny’s right, both of you are acting like children,” Natalie scoffs.

“Worse than children,” Kennedy corrects, “The child is acting more like an adult than you.”

“Hey?” Fanny cries.

“I didn’t mean it that way,” Kennedy apologizes.

“ENOUGH!” I yell getting everyone’s attention. “Each one of you has to stop this. We are not here to fight each other, we are here to fight President Quinn and Kissner. But if we can’t all work together then we might as well just put our guns to our head and pull the trigger. Because we are dead otherwise.”

“Damian’s right,” Connor agrees, “We have to look at the big picture here. A couple of months ago none of us knew any of the others, but fate brought us together and team work is our biggest asset, if we can get over our insecurities.”

“But we don’t know anything about Eric,” Matthew argues.

“No, but then again what do we know about you?” I ask.

Matthew glares at me, “you want to know what I am. I am a Shepard of the lord, guided by his light and protected by his grace.”

Eric puts his gun up to Matthew’s temple and cocks the hammer back, “Let’s just see how protected you are.”

“My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence,” Matthew prays

A pounding sound is heard coming from the opening.

“You are one lucky son of a bitch,” Eric says uncocking the gun.

“Could it be the resistance?” Penelope asks.

“Are we ever that lucky?” Kennedy scoffs.

“Come in Miami base, this is General Kissner of the U.S. Army. Open the door willingly or we will enter by force,” The Ham radio screeches through the static.

“Well, that pretty much answers that question,” Natalie chuckles.

“General Kissner, this is Master Sargent Eric Summers,” Eric says though the microphone, “request to open the door is denied.”

“What are you doing?” Connor asks knocking the microphone out of his hand.

“What?” Eric snips back, “they already know we’re in here.”

“He’s right, we make a stand here and now,” I say.

“In this sardine can?” Kennedy squeals.

“Would you rather we take this fight outside?” Natalie asks.

“We need a battle plan, fast,” Penelope sighs.

We argue amongst ourselves momentarily trying to optimize our chance for survival. We barely agree on a plan when the pounding begins on the door again. We each ready our weapons as the pounding sounds continues. I grip my sword tightly in my right hand, my left hand griping my handgun. The door swings open from the brute force coming from outside, time seems to slow to a halt as my eyes turn from my group back to the invaders at the door. One by one soldiers rush into the bunker backing us cramming us against the walls.

“Put down your weapons,” a soldier in front of us orders.

“I demand to speak to General Kissner,” I retort.

“Yes I figured as much,” a voice comes from behind the other soldiers.

The soldiers start to part, the white-haired General makes his way to the front standing in front of us. He slides his black gloves off his hands. His head never looking up as if he doesn’t consider us a threat.

“I must say, the lot of you impress me,” He says in a deep hypnotizing voice, “now correct me if I’m wrong, because you were flying under my radar until D.C. but it was your group that blew up the New York bunker, was it not?”

“We were there, if that’s what you mean,” I respond.

“I thought as much,” he smirks, “you’ve really become a thorn in my side. Blowing up U.S. property, killing a soldier, kidnapping a scientist, and breaking into a restricted military base.”

“With all due respect general,” Connor breaks in, “yes we blew up the bunker, but it was something that needed to be done. Jeremy was not kidnapped, he joined us willingly. And yes, Mason was shot dead by one of us, but he had tried to kill us first.”

“Yes I know, I ordered him too,” Kissner admits, “and don’t worry about hiding LT. Daily’s killer. I saw the whole thing, and I know it was the raven haired female in the back.”

“Don’t worry General, I saved a bullet for you too,” Natalie winks.

“Such big talk from such a little girl,” General Kissner growls, “especially when there are at least twenty trained soldiers pointing guns at you, with plenty more outside.”

“What do you want from us?” I ask.

“Well originally I had every intention of coming down here and killing each of you, with the exception of Doctor Fairfield that is. I was hoping to bring him back and have him resume his research,” Kissner answers, “but after reviewing each of your records during my trip down here, I have had a change of heart. I want you all to join me. Together we could remake this world into our own.”

“All while being led by President Quinn I assume?” Eric barks.

“He has his role to play in all this, just like each of us. But in this new world we will need a greater resistance, led by me and my men,” Kisser glorifies.

“We will need time to discuss this,” I say.

I can feel the eyes upon me as soon as the words spilled out of my mouth. Kissner’s lips curl into an evil smile before he lets out a soft, deep laugh.

“You have twenty four hours,” The general says, “After that you either join us, or prepare to fight us.” He waves his hand in the air and the troops begin to pile out of the bunker one by one leaving just him in front of the dented metal door, “oh and I apologize about the door, but I am a very inpatient man.”

He closes the door the best he can. I press up against it as hard as I can until it slides into the frame. I turn back around and find everyone else glaring at me.

“Why did you do that?” Natalie asks.

“What?” I question.

“You gave him the impression that we were willing to join him,” Kennedy yelled.

“No, I bought us time to come up with a plan,” I say walking past them to my bag. I slide my sword back into its scabbard and place it against the wall. I dig through my bag as the others join me.

“What kind of a plan?” Eric asks.

“I don’t know, but I do know that we were severally outnumbered, in cramp quarters. We needed time,” I reason. I pull my journal out of my bag and walk past the group to the first supply room I could find. I place my book down on the pile in the room and slowly shut the door.

“What are you doing?” Penelope asks.

“Well survival is our first objection here. Not just ourselves, but the human race,” I start.

“And?” Matthew shrugs.

“And this journal has the truth in it. The government conspiracy. President Quinn, General Kissner, and everything Jeremy taught us about the Omega Virus. We have twenty-four hours before they bust down that door…again. And plan or not we have two real options, fight or run. If we fight, there is a chance we will lose and if we run…” I pause, “the point is eventually the resistance will come here to restock. Hopefully, if we aren’t around to warn them, they will stumble across my journal and learn the truth.”

“That’s a noble thought,” Penelope smiles taking my hand.

“Yes, very noble,” Natalie scorns, “but we need a way out of here.”

“I think we should stand and fight,” Connor says.

“I agree,” Eric chimes in. The rest of the group nods in agreement behind him.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I smile, proud of my team.

“Should we call up General Windbag and tell him?” Natalie asks.

“No,” I say shaking my head, “I think we deserve this one last night together.”

Chapter 22 December 21st, 2037

It’s a little after midnight as I write this. My possible final journal entry as my team and I prepare to fight General Kissner and his army. I hope that this journal is found in time, that the world can be saved. I’m not scared like I usually am in these situations, but I am scared about the safety of my team. I can only hope that the outcome is in our favor.

“What are you doing?” Penelope’s voice calls out behind me. Her voice gives me a slight sense of calm that I didn’t realize I was missing.

“Just adding one last page to the journal,” I reply, “I mean…”

“I know what you mean,” She smiles, “if it means anything, I’m scared too. We all are.”

“That’s part of my problem, I’m not scared,” I sigh, “I’m more scared about the group. About you.”

“I appreciate you being worried about me, but we’ve been through worse,” Penelope says pressing against me.

“Worse than facing the Army?” I ask.

“All right, maybe this is the worst thing we’ve ever had to face. But we are going to face it together,” She leans in closer to me, her lips kiss my neck, slowly working their way to my lips.

We spend the next few hours alone, in the supply closet, entangled in each other’s arms. Our clothes thrown across the room, retrieving each article of clothing is almost like a scavenger hunt. After finding all of our clothing we join the others in the main room. We all fit snuggly in the room, but none of us seem to mind much. Everyone is silent, with faces painted on most of them.

“Waiting sucks,” Fanny says, her legs curled into her body, her face buried in her knees.

“Yeah, can’t we just challenge Kissner now and get it over with?” Natalie asks.

“Yeah, I’m all for enjoying our last twenty four hours and all, but not when there is nothing to do,” Connor adds.

I look down at my watch, “we have about three hours left before Kissner, give me five more minutes.”

I get up off the ground and grab my bag out of the bedroom. I reach inside and place an item on one of the tables.

“What’s that?” Penelope asks.

“Something I’ve been holding onto for a while,” I smile.

A smoothing, sound comes out of the speakers I found some time ago. The sound of violins booms from the speakers, sparking the interest of the rest of the group. The slow beat starts to pick up. Time passes by quickly as we allow ourselves to live it up for the few hours we had left. I check my watch, our time is up.

“Our twenty four hours are up,” I inform the others. They nod, no one saying a word. “I would just like to say, if this is our last night together, then I am honored to have spent it with all of you.”

“We will have more,” Connor assures me.

I smile at him, hoping he is right. The Ham radio squeals, and voice tries to come through but the static over powers it. Eric fiddles with a few of the dials trying his best to remove the static.

“I repeat, your twenty four hours are up and I await your decision. A paradise with me, or death.” Kissner’s voice rings out loudly as the static disappears.

Eric hands me the microphone. I take in one last breath before turning the microphone on, “General Kissner, this is Damian. We respectfully decline your offer. But we would like to ask that you go fuck yourself. Thank you, and have a nice day.”

“That was bold,” Natalie says patting me on the back.

“Thanks. Everyone remember their parts?” I say. A loud ‘yes’ rumbles from everyone in the group. “Good, then let’s go kick some ass.”

We all scramble, the music still going on behind us. I watch as they each scuttle out a loose panel in the floor. Eric stays behind with me as the last of them flee the bunker.

“Go with them,” He orders.

“That’s not the plan,” I say.

“No, but I figure this is better. They need you more than me,” Eric states.

“I can’t leave you here to die,” I argue. A loud pounding shocks the metal door.

“You’re not leaving me, I’m kicking you out. That door won’t hold as long as it did yesterday, so please go,” he begs.

I stand tall and salute Eric, “Remember, don’t let them open the door to the supply room. It’s the only thing that will protect the journal.”

He nods at me before ushering for me to go. A second thud bangs on the door as I slid into the cramp hole. I slowly wiggle myself down to the tunnel under the bunker. I can hear another muffled thud followed by thunderous stomps as the troops storm the inside of the bunker. I pick up my pace, working my way to a brief sprint before hearing numerous explosions come from the bunker. Small bursts of fire can be seen above me, I can feel the heat engulf me as I continue to rush through the underground. It takes me a few moments to catch up with the others. Looks of shock and amazement wash on their faces as they see me. Penelope rushes to my side and wraps her arms around me.

“I thought you were dead,” she sobs.

“I told you I wouldn’t leave you,” I whisper to her.

“What happened to Eric?” Jeremy asks.

I walk over and join the rest of the group, “Eric sacrificed himself for me.”

“So what do we do now?” Fanny asks.

“Nothing has changed,” I say in a loud, booming voice, “we keep going, and surprise Kissner from behind.”

We manage to find the back entrance, coming out on a ledge below a cliff overlooking the ocean. We fight our way back up the ledge and onto the cliff. Smoke can be seen billowing from where the bunker was located.

“The smell of the smoke is going to attract Zombies,” Jeremy gulps.

“I’m counting on it,” I smirk.

We split up, hoping to surround General Kissner and any remaining forces he had left. Our time is precious, so we make the best use of it. We climb a hill overlooking the General’s base camp. We wait in silence, watching as the general curses out his remaining troops.

“I count half a dozen, including Kissner,” Connor calls out.

“Who’s that with him?” Kennedy asks as a man steps out of an all-terrain vehicle

“Quinn,” Jeremy says.

“Wait, so if Quinn is here, then who really is in charge?” Jeremy ask.

“Does it matter?” I ask, “Take them both out.”

There is a soft rumble coming from the ground. Hissing and groaning is heard from the distance.

“They’re coming,” Jeremy says.

“Fanny remember what I told you. Go find a place and hide,” I say to her.

“Where am I supposed to go?” she asks.

“I don’t know. But remember wherever you go keep your eyes open and keep your blade ready,” I say to her.

“Alright,” she sighs.

We watch her tiny legs carry her away from us. We wait until she is out of sight before rushing up on Kissner and Quinn. Guns fire, and bullets fly. Quinn rushes back for the all-terrain vehicle looking for safety. I manage to get to the President before he is able to get away.

“Don’t do this,” Quinn says.

“I think you missed the memo Mr. President, but you’re not giving orders anymore,” I bark ramming my gun into the back of his head.

“This is my world and you would do well to listen to me,” President Quinn says getting to his knees.

“KISSNER!” I yell, cocking the hammer of my gun. The blade of my sword reflects the light of the fading sun.

General Kissner pushes his way through a pile of dead bodies. He has several burn marks on his face. He fires his gun several times in my direction. I fire back, making sure to keep Quinn down with my sword.

“Let go of the President,” Kissner demands.

“Not until you tell your men to stand down,” I bark back.

“Son, I can think of a dozen ways to end this. Each one ends with your death,” he grins.

“Then I die,” I huff, “but I’m taking Quinn’s life with me.”

General Kissner doesn’t say a word, his wrinkled lips curl into a crooked smile as he backs away. He raises his gun in the air in a sign of surrender. Kennedy and Jeremy surround him from either side, their guns pointed at the defeated General.

“Good show,” Kissner says, “I’m glad to see you’re willing to do whatever it takes to win. You would have made an excellent soldier.”

“Not to win. To survive,” I correct him.

“Winning is survival!” Kissner spits, “That’s why I did what I had to do to get here.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask, pushing the barrel of my gun harder into Quinn’s head.

“Everything that has happened in the last eighteen months has been under my influence. I’m the one who talked North Korea into taking Doctor Ming, showing them how to use him to attack D.C. Then I talked Quinn into retaliating with a nuclear strike, effectively ridding us of the enemy. I was so close to having my vision of a perfect world, but then you all came and ruined my plans,” Kisser yells grabbing Kennedy by the throat.

He fires his gun at Jeremy, and the bullet drives through his head with little force. His eyes roll upward as a bead of blood spills down from the hole making its way down his nose and spilling to the ground. He drops to his knees dead. Kissner laughs as he grips Kennedy’s throat with his free hand, his gun pressed firmly against her head.

“It seems as if we are at a standoff,” Kissner says.

“It seems so,” I snarl.

“Now, call off the others or I kill her,” he yells.

I gaze at Kennedy who is now drenched in tears as Kissner tightens his grip on her, “Everyone, stand down.”

“Good boy,” The General smirks.

“I’ve done what you asked, now let her go,” I implore.

“No. You see with her in my grip, I have something you want, and that means you can’t shoot me,” Kissner says, “You value her life to much to take that chance, don’t you?”

“Shoot him,” Kennedy mouths.

My hand trembles slightly. He’s right, I can’t take a chance that would kill her. “How about a trade instead? Quinn for the girl.”

“Intriguing,” the General says. “You would give up the one thing you have over me just to keep her alive?”

“Yes,” I reply, I can feel my blood boiling.

“Very well then. Send the President over first,” he grins.

“No release the girl first,” I say, kicking the President face first into the ground.

General Kissner laughs, “You have a lot of heart and pride. But it is that very pride that is going to get her killed.”

I sigh before lowering my gun, “deal.” I usher Quinn along with my foot. He crawls halfway over before getting back to his feet. “Now release Kennedy.”

He smiles his crooked smile at me, almost as if he is testing me. “I really would like to, but you’re not really in a position to be giving me orders.”

I am grabbed from behind, the smell from the rotting Zombie behind me infiltrates my nose. It bears its teeth down on my shoulder hard, I can feel the blood pouring all down my arm. I loose feeling in my arm, dropping the gun to the ground. I drop to my knees as the Zombie continues to munch on me. My eyes concentrate on Kissner, watching as I struggle to free myself.

“Don’t worry, you won’t die alone,” He laughs, shooting his gun into Kennedy’s gut. He tosses her down to the ground, still laughing as he leaves.

I struggle as hard as I can. Kennedy tries to drag herself toward me, her right arm covering the bullet wound in her gut. Suddenly I feel the Zombie’s arms loosen, its teeth become just a minor inconvenience before becoming a memory. I try to turn my head to see who saved me, but my neck hurts to bad to move. Finally my savior walks around, getting in my line of sight.

“You’re going to be ok,” Penelope says dropping to her knees in front of me.

“I don’t know,” I struggle to say, my voice fighting to make a sound. “Kennedy.” I point.

Penelope turns around and sees Kennedy’s body, now lying face down in the ground. She rushes over to check on Kennedy and I fight to get myself back onto my feet. I use my sword as a make shift cane and work my way over to the two girls.

“How is she?” I manage to ask as Penelope rolls Kennedy over onto her back.

“She is bleeding out and I don’t know any way to stop it,” Penelope replies.

“You can’t,” Kennedy coughs, “the bullet is too deep. I’m going to die,” she sobs.

“No, it wasn’t supposed to be like this,” I apologize, taking her hand.

“I know, but it did. I’m just glad I have the chance to tell you I forgive you,” she says coughing up blood, “and all I want is one favor.”

“Anything,” I say.

“Take care of each other,” she asks, placing my hand on Penelope’. I nod at her, trying not to cry. She forces a smile at us before gasping her last breath.

Penelope cries and I hold both of their hands tightly with both of mine. A stray tear rolls down my cheek as I rise back to my feet, a sudden rush of adrenaline and rage filling my body as I walk away from Kennedy’s body. A stray Zombie rushes at me and I slice its throat, causing it to squeal as I kick it to the ground and finish removing its head.

“Damian!” Penelope yells, “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to kill Kissner and Quinn,” I reply, no emotion in my voice as I talk and a thin veil of redness pulling into my vision.

“But your shoulder, your still bleeding,” Penelope yells.

“I feel fine,” I shout back.

Penelope stops in her tracks, “What about your promise. The one you just made to Kennedy. The one to protect me.”

I stop and turn back around looking at her, “I am keeping my promise.”

I continue on, hacking and slashing anything undead as I fight to find Kissner and Quinn. I see Connor and Natalie fighting a few Zombies close to the edge of the cliff. They each have a few cuts and bruises on their arms and faces. Matthew’s half eaten body is on the ground around them.

“Looking for me hero?” Kissner calls out as I start over to help my friends.

“Kissner,” I growl in a deep voice.

I change direction, following the sound of his voice. I find Kissner just behind a small hill, Quinn standing beside him, and Fanny in his grasp.

“I figured I could use some security while I wait for my ride,” The general says with a grin.

The scenario enrages me more as I stare at Fanny in the same position as Kennedy. “Come on General, she’s just a girl. Let her go,” I say coming out of my rage slightly.

“No. She stays with me until I’m ready to leave. If you keep your distance, she stays safe,” Kissner says with a chuckle.

“I can’t trust you,” I reply, “you already killed one of my friends. I need a sign of good faith. You keep the girl, give me back Quinn.”

“Fine, take him,” Kissner barks, “I don’t need him anymore any way.”

“What are you doing you fool. You need me. I AM THE PRESIDENT,” Quinn yells.

“But in my world, I am a God. With everything made in my image,” Kissner yells.

“You traitor!” Quinn shouts slowly reaching for his gun.

Kissner shoots first killing Quinn. “You are no longer welcome in my world.”

“You’re insane,” Fanny cries,

“Possibly, but the great ones usually are,” Kissner says fighting his grip on Fanny. I can’t take my eyes off the General, but I can see movement behind him. Shadows sneak quietly as I grin. “Something I said?” He asks confused.

“Yeah. Just thinking of Karma,” I continue to grin. The shadow comes into the light, the face of a ravenous Zombie behind him, “it really is a bitch isn’t it?”

Its rotted teeth bite deep in the General’s neck, his arms flailing wildly as he tries to free himself. Fanny takes advantage of the situation running over to me. I hold her close as we watch the Zombie feed on the General. Connor, Natalie, and Penelope join us, enjoying the show with us.

“Should we help him?” Connor asks.

I nod, a devilish smile still on my face, “Yes, let’s finish this.”

Connor lifts his gun and releases a bullet into Kissner’s head, killing him and ending his pain. The world becomes slightly cloudy around me as the Zombie rushes us, upset that we took its dinner away. I feel the warmth of my blood running down my body, I gasp for air as my eyes roll to the back of my head, blacked out.

Chapter 23 December 31st, 2037

My head hurts as my eyes flutter in the light, the brightness burning when opened fully.

“Where am I?” I cry.

“You’re here, your safe with us,” Penelope says taking my hand.

“What happened?” I ask.

“You blacked out,” Penelope answers, “eleven days ago.”

“How? What?” I stutter.

“The bite on your shoulder, you lost a lot of blood. None of us knew how to save you. We thought you were dead,” Penelope pauses, “You were dead.”

“But then how, how am I alive now?” I ask.

“The resistance showed up almost right after you blacked out. They were on their way to us already but saw the smoke from the bunker explosion and knew something was wrong. They wiped out the remaining Zombies and their medic did some work on you. I don’t know what he did, but he saved you and I didn’t question it,” Penelope smiles.

“What about the others? Are they Ok?” I ask.

“Yeah they’re here, somewhere. I know they’ll be glad that you are awake and doing better,” She tightens her grip on my hand. “I did manage to keep your sword safe for you.”

“I’m hoping I won’t need it anymore,” I try to laugh but it hurts.

“I figured you had it so long it was worth keeping,” She winks, “but I also managed to save this for you.” She places my journal on my lap, I can’t help but smile.

A soft beeping sound goes off around me, causing me to jump slightly. “What is that?” I ask.

“It’s the bunker clock,” she explains, “it just turned midnight. Happy new year.”

“Happy new year,” I smile back at her. “Let’s make it count.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” She says leaning in, kissing me softly.

January 1st, 2038

It’s the dawning of a new age for most of us. The resistance has welcomed us to join their group providing we all take up jobs, pulling our weight within the community. Natalie and Connor have joined the resistance, continuing to journey to the main land fighting Zombies as they gather supplies. Fanny has been enrolled in the community’s version of a school. She is looking forward to making new friends. Penelope has volunteered to become a nurse at the hospital. I have been granted amnesty from finding a place in the community until I am healed.

February 11th, 2038

The doctors have finally cleared me, allowing me to find a job. The leader of the resistance, Joshua, has been to see me a few times since our arrival, asking the story of our survival. I have read to him from my journal, telling him of our journey and what we have overcome. He as offered me a place in the records hall, a vital part of the community, detailing the past for all those to know what the human race has overcome. Penelope and I have been living together with Fanny, acting as her Del facto family since Connor and Natalie are often off on their missions. We have made a point of getting together for dinner whenever they come back knowing that our friendship has kept us alive this long.

March 21st, 2038

I have been the record keeper for over a month, working behind the scene with Joshua to keep things running smoothly inside our protected walls. Penelope has also informed me that she is pregnant, and we are expecting our child in early December. The last mission to the mainland wasn’t as successful as we would have liked, Connor returned with his left arm missing. They were jumped by marauders in New Orleans. We lost many good men and women that day.

December 31st, 2038

Joshua has given his blessing to include my book into the hall of records, and this will be my final entry as this will become public soon. After a year here we have each flourished, finding it easy to love and trust others again. Natalie and Connor got married last month in a small ceremony. Fanny has started seeing a boy, Lucas, from her school. Penelope had given birth this morning to our new baby girl. With everything we have been through together we decided to name her Hope.

SIXTEEN YEARS LATER

HOPE

Chapter 1

It’s been years since the world has been safe. And for those like me, growing up knowing how to protect myself was a necessity. Hunting, cooking, anything to help me survive, all drilled into my head since birth. Hell I was taught how to handle a gun before I was even able to walk. You see years ago a virus mutated and brought about the end of the world, as it was known. I was born here on this island, one of the first since Armageddon. My parents have long told me of how the world used to be, before those creatures rose up and attacked. They told me about how they would leave the house without fear of death. How they would go out and have fun. Sometimes I just wish that I could go out, feel the breeze blowing through my hair, then lay on a hill with the hot summer sun warming my face. I guess that’s just a fool’s dream though.

“Hope!” a male voice calls from behind a closed door.

“Yeah?” She calls back, closing the small pink book.

The door opens and a man stands in the doorway. He is in his late forties, the sides of his hair gray with dark brown on top. His face is sad and wrinkled, a tired look in his eyes. It’s Damian one of the few survivors. “Hey honey are you ready for tonight?”

“Almost,” she says getting onto her feet. “I just need a few more minutes.”

“Alright. I’ll be downstairs waiting,” Damian says forcing a smile.

“Ok,” She says walking him back to the door her hand waiting on the doorknob as she readies to close it.

“And happy birthday,” he says as he backs out of her room. Hope closes the door behind him, her back resting against it as she lets out a deep sigh.

She walks over to a small mirror resting on an old wooden bureau. She picks up the mirror carefully with both hands and examines herself. She looks to be pretty young, around sixteenish. Her hair is long, flowing down toward her lower back. The sandy blonde color compliments her soft brown eyes. She has on a faded blue t-shirt that is at least two sizes too big. The lower part of the shirt flows over the torn jeans that fit tightly around her legs and waist. Black army boots wrap up around her legs, the laces bound around the leather multiple times. She brushes the few stray hairs that run down the front of her face before placing the mirror back on the bureau. She closes her eyes and lets out a deep sigh. She regains her composure and grabs her pink book off her bed, folding it and placing it in her pocket before she walks out of the room. The hallway outside her bedroom is dimly lit with just the few stray beams of sunlight shining in through the windows. She walks slowly down the hall, stopping at a random picture hanging crookedly on the wall. She gazes at the old picture, Damian and Woman beside him and a small group of survivors behind them.

“I remember the day that photo was taken,” a soft-spoken female voice calls out from the stairway behind her, “that was the first happy day I can remember from this Hell stricken world.”

Hope turns around, a smile growing slowly on her face since she heard the voice, “Fanny!” she says excitedly embracing her tightly almost knocking them both down the stairs, “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”

“I wouldn’t miss the big day of my favorite little muffin,” Fanny replies with a wink. Fanny is roughly twenty-eight with bright hazel eyes that almost seem to reflect Hope’s face back to her. She has shoulder length blonde hair that rests softly on the worn out pink sweater that she fills out perfectly. Her gray jeans with worn down spots and tears, stays on, thanks to a black belt.

“Fanny, I’m sixteen today,” Hope says pushing away, a look of contempt on her face.

“I know,” Fanny says with a huff. “It’s just so hard thinking of you all grown up.”

“It’s not so hard for my father,” She huffs. “He’s been reminding me of this for the last month.”

“Don’t be too hard on him,” Fanny says her hand resting on her young friend’s shoulder, “he has a lot to deal with you know.”

“Now you’re going to lecture me?” Hope whines.

“No I’m not going to lecture you,” Fanny reassures, “trust me, there are plenty of people who are willing to do that. I just want to be that friend who gives you gentle reminders.”

“Thanks,” Hope replies with a smirk.

“Now come on, we don’t want to be late right?” Fanny says tugging her arm.

“Well seeing as how they can’t start without me, there is no way I could be late,” Hope laughs.

Fanny gives her an unimpressed look as she urges her down the flight of stairs. She turns back taking in one last look at the picture before following Hope down the stairs. The first floor of the house is full of a lot of hustle and bustle with several different people standing around talking to each other. Each one stops what they are doing to wish Hope a ‘happy birthday’. She smiles back halfheartedly nodding or just mouthing ‘thanks’. The two girls make it through the crowd into the quiet retreat of the dining room. In the center of the room there is a long rectangular wooden table with twelve high back chairs around it. Most of the seats are filled with familiar faces. Fanny takes a seat close to where they stood while Hope stands in place with an uneasy look on her face.

“Please, have a seat,” Damian says near the head of the table.

Hope walks slowly around the table, butterflies fluttering heavily in her stomach. She pulls out the seat to the left of Damian. Her mother and Penelope are on her right. Penelope looks to be a few years younger than Damian, her skin pale white with cuts and bruises across her face. She has on a gray sweatshirt, her brittle hands lowering the hood as her daughter flashes her a smile.

“Happy birthday baby,” Penelope says holding her hands.

“Thanks momma,” Hope says with a teary eyed smile.

A large male stands at the other end of the table, clearing his throat and gaining the attention of the others. He has snow white hair that is starting to thin in the middle. His face is clearly defined by the wrinkles that give away his advanced age. Despite his age he still commands a sense of importance inside the room.

“I’d like to start by wishing Hope a very happy birthday,” the man says. “This is a proud day for our little community. While she may not have been the first to reach our legal age of sixteen on this island, she is the first to arrive at that age after being born here. As leader of this small society, I, Joshua Rigor, would like to take a moment of silence to reflect on this day.”

A hush falls over the small crowd. Hope rolls her eyes and lets out a sigh. Penelope slaps her arm softly, her eyes still closed. Hope closes her eyes reluctantly, waiting for Joshua to speak again.

“Thank you,” he says. He clears his throat before he speaks again, “now Hope, I assume you have been debriefed as to what is going to happen today?”

Hope is caught off guard, unaware that she was going to be singled out. “Uh, yes sir,” she begins catching herself, “my parents have informed me.”

“And what exactly have you been told?” Joshua asks with a sly grin. “Enlighten me.”

Hope forces herself to contain her resentment toward Joshua. “I was told that on the day of my sixteenth birthday, today, I would become what our society deems legal age. With that I would have to choose a career that best suits my abilities. I would also be expected to fulfill my job and earn my keep. If I am not able to fulfill my duties, barring medical or conditional reasons, then I shall be disowned by the members of this island, an outcast.”

Joshua looks at the small family, his eyes stopping at Damian’s before he offers a slight nod. “I’m glad to see you understand our ways.”

Damian and Penelope smile and nod as they listen to their leader.

“And we thank you for taking us in and making us a part of your family,” Damian speaks up, raising his glass to his older friend.

“It’s the least we could do.” Joshua replies raising his glass back. “The least we could do for what could possibly be the last of the human race. But here we are. We may only have a small island, but we are thriving. And while it is true that the first few years were tough, and scary at times, we proved that we were not ready to back down, not ready to give up. We as a race will find a way to thrive, to work our way back to the top, to be the dominate ones once again!” He slowly makes his way around the table, stopping behind Hope’s chair, his hands massaging her shoulders. “This right here, is what we strive for. Hope. Literal hope. Proof that we will continue on because we are survivors.”

“Amen,” Penelope speaks.

“Now child, tell us,” Joshua says walking back to his seat, “what career path have you chosen?”

Hope takes a staggered breathe before rising slowly to her feet, “well, I, uh…” she stammers unsure how to answer.

“Sir, I have news,” a small man shouts bursting through the door stopping only to catch his breath.

“Stan!” Joshua says getting to his feet and rushing over to the man, “what’s happened?”

“The radio,” Stan says between gasps.

“What about the radio?” Connor asks getting to his feet. Connor stands in front of his seat, his left arm missing, and his dark, wrinkled skin is all marked up.

“Communication came in,” Stan says after taking in a deep breath, “from the main land.”

“What?” Fanny gasps.

“That’s impossible,” Damian adds.

“No one has made contact with us in years,” Joshua says.

“Could it be possible?” Natalie asks. Natalie looks to have barely aged over the last few years. Her black hair still shines, her face free of wrinkles.

“I’m not sure,” Joshua says taking his seat once more. “I mean, there is still a chance that somebody survived. Impossible as it may seem, we do have a duty to our fellow humans to at least try.”

“That’s suicide,” Penelope says rising up out of her seat.

Damian looks at her and nods, lowering her back into her seat. “She’s right. As much as it pains me to say, I don’t think it’s worth it unless we have definitive proof.”

Joshua looks down at the table, thoughts of what to do racing through his head, “We try to make contact. If we get a response then we know that the crusade will be worth our time.” He rises to his feet, “Hope, I’m sorry to ruin your big day.”

“Its ok,” she responds, “I understand.”

“Thank you,” Joshua says with a smile, “Damian, Connor, if you wouldn’t mind joining me?”

“But sir it’s my daughter’s birthday,” Damian says in protest.

“Its ok dad,” Hope says with a forced smile, “go, save the human race. I’ll be in my room.”

“But Hope, what about your dinner?” Penelope calls out.

“I’m not hungry,” she calls out as she walks out of the room.

“Want me to check on her?” Fanny asks after a moment of silence.

“Please,” Penelope replies with a sigh, “you seem to be the only one she’ll listen to.”

Fanny smiles as she gets up out of her seat. She backs away out the door and back through the crowd of people. She catches a glimpse of Hope quickly making her way up the stairs quickly. Fanny pushes her way through the crowd before finally making it to the stairs. She walks down the hallway and knocks lightly on Hope’s door.

“Go away,” Hope calls.

“It’s me, Fanny.”

“I don’t want to talk,” Hope calls back.

“Are you sure? You seemed pretty upset downstairs,” Fanny asks.

Silence comes from the room before the door slowly creeks open, Hope’s puffy red eyes peering through the crack. “I’m fine.”

“You’re lying,” Fanny says. A sly grin on her face as she pushes the door open, “talk to me. Is it because of your father? Because if it is…”

“It’s not him,” Hope says interrupting her friend.

“Then what is it?” Fanny interrogates.

“It’s everything Ok!” Hope yells. “I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life. And everyone keeps pressuring me, telling me that being born was an honor. Well, I didn’t ask for this ‘honor’.”

Fanny pushes her way into Hope’s room and closes the door behind her. “I get that. I really do. I can see the pressure they keep placing on you. It can’t be healthy.”

“I know and now I have to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life or I’ll be exiled from the island,” Hope exclaims as she drops to her bed. “How did you decide that you wanted to be a teacher?”

“I don’t know honestly. I mean when I got here there was only about four or five of us that were underage. Actually I was one of the youngest, me and Lucas,” Fanny says, her face losing all expression and color.

“You’ve never talked about Lucas before,” Hope says sitting up, “is he cute?”

“Yeah he was. Actually I started seeing a lot of him and we got close. But one day he got really sick. I still remember visiting him that last time. He was in bed and he took my hand and told me he loved me. He even gave me this.” Fanny pulls a necklace out of her pocket and shows it to Hope. “He said it was the last thing he had from his mother and he wanted me to have it. He died later that night. I never stop thinking of him.”

“I’m so sorry,” Hope says handing the necklace back, “but what does that have to do with being a teacher?”

“After Lucas’ death I felt a void, like part of me was missing. So I started looking for ways to ease that pain. Eventually I started to stay late with Mr. Rains, the man who was my teacher. He let me help him, plan classes and be his aide. Eventually I found that helped ease the pain I felt from losing Lucas. That’s what I wanted. It’s what I needed.” Fanny squeezes the necklace tightly in her hand.

“So teaching was like a passion that you needed,” Hope examines.

“Everything in life is passion that you need. If you never find that passion then what’s the point in anything?” Fanny says with a smile, putting the necklace back in her pocket. “So tell me what your passion is.”

Hope blushes slightly, “It’s kind of weird.”

“If it means something to you then it can never be weird.”

“Well I like to write,” Hope responds getting up from her bed and walking over to her desk, grabbing her pink notebook and handing it over to Fanny. She flips through the pages, skimming through the words. “This is amazing. Have you told your parents about this?”

“No they wouldn’t care,” Hope says taking the book back.

“Your father never told you?” Fanny asks with amazement.

“Told me what?”

“He liked to write too. He kept a journal of our journey. It’s in the library,” Fanny explains. “He even told me once that before the world ended, he wrote in his free time. That it was his passion.”

“I never knew that,” Hope says with a sad look on her face, “I guess he never thought it was important enough to tell me.”

“Actually,” Damian says from the doorway, “After you were born I never thought that writing was important.”

“Dad!”

“Sorry for listening in, but I was worried about you,” Damian says. “Hope, you have to know that I love you. And I’m sorry if I ever pressured you, or kept you out of my life. I didn’t do it on purpose. I guess after spending a year of your life trying to survive, it’s hard to open up. I guess I never noticed how much you act like me.”

“I don’t know what I want to do with my life,” Hope blurts out.

“I see,” he says pulling out the desk chair, “but writing is a passion for you?”

“Yes,” Hope nods.

“Then do that,” Damian says, “express that to Joshua.”

“But what good is writing?” Hope asks.

“Writing is good for everyone involved. For the writer it’s a means for escape, a way to express ones deepest desires. For the reader it’s a chance to let go, to visit a world that one could never imagine,” Damian smiles.

“Now that’s passion,” Fanny says.

“That’s all it takes to make it in this world,” Damian says getting back to his feet. “I hope I was able to help.”

Damian runs his hand across her head before leaning in and giving it a kiss. Hope grabs his hand and rubs it across her face.

“Sir,” Stan calls out from the hallway, “they’re waiting for you in the tower.”

“Leave,” Damian says.

“B…b…but sir,” Stan stutters.

“I am with my daughter,” Damian yells, “the others will do fine without me.”

“No,” Hope says tugging on his arm, “go with him. I’m better now, I promise.”

“Are you sure?” Damian asks still unsure.

“Yeah,” Hope smiles, “besides, I’ve got a lot to think about.”