tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857072803592044342024-03-14T04:14:32.141-04:00Daijahv Presents: Short stories and Dark talesDaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.comBlogger238125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-87406697296866741152019-10-10T20:25:00.002-04:002020-08-28T08:47:20.558-04:00Day 10: Emergency Meeting<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
David felt the tension boiling in his gut. He knew he had
mere moments to get to the truck before the horde set upon him and with a
blockade of eight festering corpses in front of him, his options were limited.
Suddenly, he saw Cristian turn the wheel of his vehicle toward him. He was
preparing to run them over. Diving out of the way, he listened at the sound of decayed
carcasses bursting upon impact with the front grill of the truck.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knocking up against a stack of pallets, he rushed to his feet
as he heard more zombies closing in. “Get in!” Liz shouted. “Hurry!”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jumping into the passenger seat, he heard the door slam shut
as Cristian maneuvered the vehicle into a U-turn, starting toward home. “That
was a close one,” David replied. When they reached the main street, they noticed
a number of fires burning around them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cristian’s driving slowed a bit when his attention was
momentarily distracted by the sky to the east. In the distance, over the tall
line of buildings, dark columns of rising smoke was visible. It appeared that quite
a bit of the city was burning. “These guys are everywhere,” Liz said. “We need
to get out of here. Fast!”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A single car with its hood up was the only thing visible
ahead on the street and Cristian drove closer slowly. Moving to a corner
occupied by the fire station and a convenience store, he came to a stop.
“What’s that?” he asked, waiting for the others to see what had caught his
attention. A large military vehicle was blocking the main road. The engine
revved. And a few moments later, three members of the BioCore Militia exited
the truck.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go,” David said in a low tone, staring at the men as they
readied their weapons.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are they…they wouldn’t,” Cristian said. One of the men took
aim at the group. “Holy shit.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go!” David yelled.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slamming his foot on the gas, Cristian raced down an
opposite street, heading east away from the prison. Taking as many back streets
as he could, he made a few turns and started north, ensuring they weren’t
followed or driving down any barricaded roads. “Did we lose them?” he asked,
not daring to look behind him again.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, we’re good,” Liz replied as Cristian turned down the
road toward home.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dominic gently placed Elise on a cot in the infirmary and
watched a moment as Natalie tended to her wound. “How bad is it?” she asked once
the blood had been cleaned up.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Actually,” Natalie replied. “You’re gonna need some
stitches but you should heal just fine. I’ll grab you some antibiotics and pain
meds from the back once we’re done here.” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A beeping alarm alerted them that the others had returned
and Matthew met the group at the door. “Is everyone alright?” he asked, hoping
they too had not met with unexpected injuries or trouble.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’re all fine,” Liz replied, “But we need to talk. All of
us.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Agreed.” Matthew called an emergency meeting. After
everything that had happened in the last three days, there was much to discuss.
“We need to figure out exactly what is going on,” he said. “There are too many
accidents for any of this to be coincidence.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Exactly,” David chimed in. “Someone has to be orchestrating
these run-ins with all the zombies. We are always extra careful and vigilant
when we go out, yet the last four time we’ve all met with hordes of these
creatures who seemingly appear out of nowhere.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not to mention the fact that they run now,” Cristian
stated. “It makes for extremely dangerous situations.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We found a couple of BioCore’s guys while we were out. They
may be able to give us Intel on the company and what they have planned for survivors,”
Troy said. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“One thing interesting about that, they were held in a room
with a couple of zombies and neither were attacked.” Dominic added. “I don’t
know if they’ve figured out some way to repel zombies but I’ve never seen
anything like it.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Could it have something to do with the black ooze coming
from them?” Portia asked. “My last kill, the zombie spewed this slime that I’d
never seen before.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Anything is possible,” Josh replied. “We just need to be
careful. Since learning that a person can turn whether or not they’d been
bitten or scratched, everything has an added layer of danger.” The group nodded
and the room fell in silence for a moment. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s something else I think you should know,” Matthew
said. “James and Nicole found a girl hiding in their truck. And after a lengthy
and insightful conversation Sumiko revealed to us that she has been bitten on
numerous occasions and survived without infection.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?” Liz gasped. “How is that possible?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The only explanation I’ve been able to come up with is
she’s immune. But more importantly what that means is she’s the key to a
possible cure.” He replied, standing more erect at the front of the room.
“There may be an end to this apocalypse once and for all.”</div>
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-09-proceed-with-caution.html">Previous </a>-- Continue---->DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-19263548380287667522019-10-09T23:09:00.003-04:002020-08-28T17:16:30.165-04:00Day 09: Proceed with Caution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxDV9yxGW2w/X0ly2HrWHeI/AAAAAAABbV0/xi5Odw1RzksiGzzJsHqFqAo_ZqBkHxO_gCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxDV9yxGW2w/X0ly2HrWHeI/AAAAAAABbV0/xi5Odw1RzksiGzzJsHqFqAo_ZqBkHxO_gCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3a2d8OBa8c/X0ly2ZYQFcI/AAAAAAABbV4/hhbQu_R2Glsiah61F2d683ga5jnQ_E-egCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3a2d8OBa8c/X0ly2ZYQFcI/AAAAAAABbV4/hhbQu_R2Glsiah61F2d683ga5jnQ_E-egCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-02.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">“We need to do the humane thing and shoot her already!” Josh
replied. Sumiko had been placed in one of the cages in Cell Block C awaiting
the group’s determination about her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait,” Nicole yelled. “She hasn’t shown any signs of
infection and the bite appears to be days if not weeks old.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And? Last I checked, you didn’t have a medical degree and
we all know this virus affects everyone differently,” Josh continued. “We can’t
take the chance she’ll infect any of us here.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think we should wait,” James chimed in. “Nicole is right.
The girl hasn’t shown any signs she’s sick. For all we know it could have been
a dog bite or something.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just then, the front door opened and the group was joined by
Natalie, Portia, JC and Matthew who was carrying an unconscious Aisha. “What
happened to Aisha?” Jeremiah asked, rushing forward. </div><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AL_pT-lQ9No/X0ly69jG7iI/AAAAAAABbWs/TdZUzUhzPBUY053aLbBIO_PVgTzTE5fAQCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AL_pT-lQ9No/X0ly69jG7iI/AAAAAAABbWs/TdZUzUhzPBUY053aLbBIO_PVgTzTE5fAQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23K4A_RTV4I/X0ly2XXNi2I/AAAAAAABbWw/xK9T0VeVtOgnP-tZ0n_c6yxGqnHSKi8yACPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23K4A_RTV4I/X0ly2XXNi2I/AAAAAAABbWw/xK9T0VeVtOgnP-tZ0n_c6yxGqnHSKi8yACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We had an accident,” Portia replied solemnly without
looking up. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well is she ok?” he continued, watching as Matthew carried
her off toward the infirmary with Natalie in tow.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t know yet, Miah. Natalie is going to look her over
and we’ll know more from there. Don’t worry ok? She’s a tough girl. She’ll be
fine,” JC replied, hoping to calm the young man. “What’s going on here?” he
asked, noticing the tension in the air. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We found someone in our truck,” Katrina said, as she
hobbled over to a chair. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What do you mean you found someone in the truck? Are they
here? Are they hostile?” Matthew asked, hearing the tail end of the
conversation. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t really know. She’s a young girl. Maybe 17.
Japanese. Says she became stranded here and separated from her parents when the
outbreak occurred,” Nicole said, filling the others in on what they’d learned
so far. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eznBkM6uu10/X0ly7rmGrbI/AAAAAAABbWs/hHjzJsKcXIYJ79SphPIO7NOsZLPBghfRACPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-06.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eznBkM6uu10/X0ly7rmGrbI/AAAAAAABbWs/hHjzJsKcXIYJ79SphPIO7NOsZLPBghfRACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZzkBe-lWLw/X0ly7jl5dYI/AAAAAAABbWk/lji404qWY_IPIidWhYF2UVfx4C8OUZJOwCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-05.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZzkBe-lWLw/X0ly7jl5dYI/AAAAAAABbWk/lji404qWY_IPIidWhYF2UVfx4C8OUZJOwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s also been bitten,” Josh added.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What? Where is she?” Matthew asked. “Why hasn’t she been taken
care of? We can’t let her infect anyone else.” Josh threw his hands up in
agreement.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“See that’s the thing,” Nicole started. “Her bit is old and
she’s not sick. We didn’t want to just take her out without hearing her side of
the story. We should figure out what happened first. If she really was bitten
then why wasn’t she turned? How is she different than anyone else?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It doesn’t matter,” Josh again said. “She’s dangerous and
the longer we stand here arguing about it, the greater the risk of her getting
out and harming us becomes. We don’t know her or where she came from and we
don’t need to know. The facts remain. She’s bitten. She dies.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” Matthew said. “Nicole is right. We need more
information.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What? This is crazy!” Josh exclaimed.</div><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHSJIH8Erx0/X0ly_AdlY0I/AAAAAAABbWg/b78HqVn1XdYjRcdFfU1Uqf-A8kxr4i-MgCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-07.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHSJIH8Erx0/X0ly_AdlY0I/AAAAAAABbWg/b78HqVn1XdYjRcdFfU1Uqf-A8kxr4i-MgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-07.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What if there’s a cure or something, Josh? A way to protect
ourselves against whatever has infected everyone else? This girl might be the
key to stopping it all or maybe shedding some light on how we can keep
ourselves safe. We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to explore that
possibility.” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine,” Josh sighed and shook his head. There was no winning
the argument and continuing to state his opinion was futile. “You guys do what
you want but when you get infected by the Trojan horse, don’t come crying to
me.” He stalked off in the direction of his room, leaving the others to handle
the fate of their new friend.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where is she?” Matthew asked. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Cellblock C,” James replied.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“JC, can you and Theresa go and give Natalie a hand in the
infirmary, please? James, Katrina, Nicole Sophia, and I will go and have a chat
with…”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sumiko,” Theresa said. </div><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbFyXhMjQK0/X0lzAi05v_I/AAAAAAABbWo/tPtjV1wHIBgFeplEv1PKMNun8ZlwrtEzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-08.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbFyXhMjQK0/X0lzAi05v_I/AAAAAAABbWo/tPtjV1wHIBgFeplEv1PKMNun8ZlwrtEzgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-08.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Right.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sumiko sighed as she was once again tied down to a chair in
the center of the day room. “Why don’t we start with your full name?” Matthew
began.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fujikawa Sumiko,” Sumiko responded.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And where did you come from? Why did you jump into our
truck” he continued.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was here on vacation with my parents. I’d just been
accepted to Oxford and as a gift, my parents brought me to America to visit the
sites on my traveler’s list; places I’d always wanted to see. But something
happened. While we were in New York, one of the passengers on our ferry became
ill and bit someone.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I saw that video!” Nicole said. “Before it was taken down
from YouTube!”</div><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5XWorju1rw/X0lzCtdtSUI/AAAAAAABbWs/apnWgA7SSuIicvyG74i8LjcU4ncplY6xQCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5XWorju1rw/X0lzCtdtSUI/AAAAAAABbWs/apnWgA7SSuIicvyG74i8LjcU4ncplY6xQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-11.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx4eJ_AJ3bE/X0lzANCQKfI/AAAAAAABbWk/rbp1Nbctw_gyK0jSoPHEU80alO530EVRQCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-09.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx4eJ_AJ3bE/X0lzANCQKfI/AAAAAAABbWk/rbp1Nbctw_gyK0jSoPHEU80alO530EVRQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-09.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We were taken back to the shore and examined by a physician
before being released. Our trip was cut short and we started home with a
layover here but…the infection had already spread and the airport was quickly
overrun. Everything was chaos. After my parents and I became separated, I found
myself alone. I didn’t know anyone here or where I could go for help. I’ve been
by myself ever since. Doing whatever I could to survive.” Sumiko said. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How long ago were you bitten?” Matthew asked, motioning
toward the scar on her lower arm.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d gone into a convenience store to try and find some
water but, there were three of those dead things in there. I was able to bring
down two of them but the third caught me by surprise and before I could hit
him, he grabbed my arm and bit me. I managed to escape and get back to my
hiding place and care for it,” Sumiko explained. “That was two weeks ago.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuTYtlTMxvQ/X0lzC7DgCkI/AAAAAAABbWw/RG52-SZPb7Imxp__LFUC1ruoLKbyYCYKQCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/Screenshot-12.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuTYtlTMxvQ/X0lzC7DgCkI/AAAAAAABbWw/RG52-SZPb7Imxp__LFUC1ruoLKbyYCYKQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot-12.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you telling us you were bitten two weeks ago and not
turned?” Matthew asked in surprise. “Have you shown any signs of illness? Been
sick at all or have some weird symptoms?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” she replied. “It was just a bite that’s healed over
time.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How is that possible?” Katrina chimed in.<br />
<br />
“I don’t know,” Sumiko said. “This one was two weeks ago,
however, the first time I was bitten was on the ferry in New York…three years
ago.”</div>
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-08-new-information.html">Previous </a>-- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-10-emergency-meeting.html">Continue</a>---->DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-63414330692732551132019-10-08T21:38:00.000-04:002019-10-09T23:09:47.307-04:00Day 08: New Information<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOYLAmapmAg/XZynanew_TI/AAAAAAABL8Y/OYriOA0AIMMnjsTzvrnXad8nj1HnmuoLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOYLAmapmAg/XZynanew_TI/AAAAAAABL8Y/OYriOA0AIMMnjsTzvrnXad8nj1HnmuoLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw-8I9xPWAs/XZynamWhk5I/AAAAAAABL8U/MRxfW9UJOoEEk8IMjA6BMt3JFpxSFrg2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw-8I9xPWAs/XZynamWhk5I/AAAAAAABL8U/MRxfW9UJOoEEk8IMjA6BMt3JFpxSFrg2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-02.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
“What the fuck is this?” Troy asked, finally shutting the
door. “Who are those men?”<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They work as part of a militia,” Pete said. “They broke
into the store and were rifling through my stuff. I waited until they split up
and one-by-one I attacked them and got them subdued.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You took them down by yourself?” Dominic asked. Pete nodded.
“Were there any others? They don’t usually move without groups.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As far as I know it was only those two. I-I didn’t want you
to see. I was hoping the zombies would take care of them.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah they don’t appear too interested in your hostages but
I know someone who might be,” Troy replied. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you thinking?” Dominic asked.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRdtmwyWgmY/XZynZ1wpkCI/AAAAAAABL8Q/yifwCvzXE-scsIbdenbGia7C7c_7q2Z4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRdtmwyWgmY/XZynZ1wpkCI/AAAAAAABL8Q/yifwCvzXE-scsIbdenbGia7C7c_7q2Z4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We take them with us. And, if we’re lucky, we can get some
Intel about where they are operating and just maybe get ahead of BioCore. But,
first thing’s first.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Opening the door once more, Troy took a stance and prepared
himself for the two approaching zombies. One of them looked businesslike dressed
in what was once a nice, expensive suit. The other was a girl with long coffee-brown
hair, wearing loose-fitted jeans and an ironic t-shirt proclaiming her a
“zombie snack.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man looked beaten and bit up as though he was used as a
chew toy for rabid dogs, but the girl only had a large gash across her stomach,
allowing some of her insides to be seen. With no other visible injuries or bite
marks, Troy wondered how the girl became a member of the walking dead. Putting
it to the back of his mind, his eyes fell on a nearby fire extinguisher and a
plan slowly came together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waiting until the two wobbled closer, he pulled the trigger,
causing a violent blast of white powder to buffet each in the face while the
air around them filled with a cloud of CO<sub>2</sub>. The female zombie stopped
short, apparently confused by the stimuli. The other one bumped into her back, knocking
her forward, causing her to tripping over a shelf and land right at Troy’s
feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIhUvXhqvaI/XZynibmEgdI/AAAAAAABL8c/-_h9g-zy574hWg-Q_4tNDKMevIF6QZqzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIhUvXhqvaI/XZynibmEgdI/AAAAAAABL8c/-_h9g-zy574hWg-Q_4tNDKMevIF6QZqzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not wasting the advantage, he slammed his tire iron down on
the zombie’s head with all his might. A gruesome spray of wet gore splattered
across his shins as the creature’s head popped like a melon. The businessman
zombie was on him fast, but he had to step over the remains of the other and
stumbled. Forcing himself to ignore the revulsion, he swung his weapon over his
head and smashed the monster solidly in the head. There was a loud crack and it
reeled back in a spray of blackish blood. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still on its feet, he didn’t want to give it a chance to
recover and used both hands to clobber it again. This time the side of its
skull caved in with a wet crunch and it fell to join the first.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two men sat on the cold tile staring over at Troy. He
paused a moment to really take a look at them. They were completely covered in
tactical gear and both looked physically fit. It made him wonder just how Pete,
someone slight in stature, was able to subdue them alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do we need both of them?” Jeremiah asked as he walked up
behind him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes,” Troy replied “Who knows if we could get either to
talk and who’s to say they know the same thing? If we’re going to get through
this, we need as much information as we can.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLKW9kCMo14/XZynjboZxII/AAAAAAABL8g/UWp0nUETbq4zIotwjp5Perw9tDToI_xsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLKW9kCMo14/XZynjboZxII/AAAAAAABL8g/UWp0nUETbq4zIotwjp5Perw9tDToI_xsACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSujAZQjZII/XZynkYYtRbI/AAAAAAABL8k/Z1c9FGGKFNUTdl2IfMA4De7Sz8UVPF4ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSujAZQjZII/XZynkYYtRbI/AAAAAAABL8k/Z1c9FGGKFNUTdl2IfMA4De7Sz8UVPF4ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s that on their shirt?” Jeremiah asked, noticing a
flashing red light just above their left breast.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Shit! DOM!” Troy shouted and waited to find his friend
standing in the door. “They have trackers. I’m sure they are required to check
in every so often which means if we don’t get out of here now, we might not
make it out alive.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeremiah moved forward and snatched at the red indicator
light, ripping the tracking device off both men before smashing them under
heel. “This just got riskier. What if they have a hidden one too and we lead
them right to our hideout?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Strip ‘em,” Elise mumbled as she leaned against the wall.
“We can take them back in their underwear if need be.” She began to stagger and
Dominic quickly lifted her in his arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
“Fine. We need to get them up and outside now. Let’s get
home before something else goes wrong,” Dominic said, carrying Elise to their
vehicle.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-07-decisions.html">Previous </a>-- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-09-proceed-with-caution.html">Continue</a>----><br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkJh_x3AcbM/XZynm1cuIiI/AAAAAAABL8o/001yJq49HiETTDcuB-vJAdP3fEIER3oUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Shirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkJh_x3AcbM/XZynm1cuIiI/AAAAAAABL8o/001yJq49HiETTDcuB-vJAdP3fEIER3oUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Shirt.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
*Author’s note: Want to proudly promote your love of feeding
the undead? Grab a copy of the <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/file/c9d77d37e12wrxi/ZSnackYAF.sims3pack/file">Zombie Snack T-Shirt </a>and show those monstrous
hordes who they should munch on first! (For YA Females only)*DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-71740071019946657802019-10-07T21:16:00.002-04:002019-10-08T21:40:23.301-04:00Day 07: Decisions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvUzUTALS8s/XZydlD2wBiI/AAAAAAABL7Q/xwPhu2v7eBsbMtmpM7jYLyVoTExErV46QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvUzUTALS8s/XZydlD2wBiI/AAAAAAABL7Q/xwPhu2v7eBsbMtmpM7jYLyVoTExErV46QCEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They have this building surrounded.” Cristian announced
once David and Liz rejoined them in the lobby.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What? How? We were being careful,” Liz replied, taking a
peek out of the windows to confirm what she’d heard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My guess: it’s the same thing that happened when we went to
the fire station and corner clinic. Someone is doing this,” Cristian replied.
“There is no other explanation.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who would cause a horde of zombies to come after us? Why?”
she continued, trying to figure out how they would get out of this mass of
undead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Have you not been paying attention? The world is a
different place these days. Any number of survivor factions could be after us
to loot our stash. It’s a competition for survival. If you don’t beat the
others to the last remaining can of peaches then prepare for war.”<br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4R3M3mZ06k/XZydlfvjncI/AAAAAAABL7c/on2TRTphCFImXpX0KUhAO1HTDalqs1_3gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4R3M3mZ06k/XZydlfvjncI/AAAAAAABL7c/on2TRTphCFImXpX0KUhAO1HTDalqs1_3gCEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-02.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEbB9Z-HY3g/XZydlXaO2zI/AAAAAAABL7U/qZ3cIW5pnHg-y0jXyXfnoZFRlGYAMFd0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEbB9Z-HY3g/XZydlXaO2zI/AAAAAAABL7U/qZ3cIW5pnHg-y0jXyXfnoZFRlGYAMFd0QCEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
“Cristian’s right,” David finally spoke. “I was going to
bring it up at the next meeting but I’ve had my suspicions about that as well.
It doesn’t make sense that every time one of our groups heads out, we’re met
with an unexpected horde. Something is leading them to us.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nina whimpered thinking about having to go up against not
only the dead but the living as well. Liz pulled her closer against her side.
“Well there’s nothing we can do about it right now,” she said. “We need to
focus on getting out of here first.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They move so fast now. They run! They’re not as sluggish as
they used to be. Something is changing these things and it’s making survival
more difficult! We can’t outrun them forever,” Cristian said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about a distraction?” Nina suggested. “We can make a
lot of noise on one side and get them to go there and run out to the truck on
the other.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That could absolutely work,” David agreed. “Good thinking!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now the question is: who’s going to be the bait while the
others get to the trucks?” Cristian asked.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z37hP5ZBf9s/XZydnPl_16I/AAAAAAABL7Y/imDPu3QNlgUkhJSt_I74Fwy2Eps_860_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z37hP5ZBf9s/XZydnPl_16I/AAAAAAABL7Y/imDPu3QNlgUkhJSt_I74Fwy2Eps_860_ACEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll do it,” David said, tossing the truck keys to
Cristian. “You just better get to me in time.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Will do.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone got into position to move. David grabbed a large, two
by four from a pile of discarded wood and started banging it along the windows
and walls as he ran toward the opposite side of the building. It didn’t take
long for the horde to hear him and slowly, they began meandering down the
street, clawing at the walls as they followed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s go.” Liz, Nina, Lucky and Cristian rushed quickly to
their truck as David rounded the other side. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
David made it outside through a side exit and slipped
between the back bumpers of a few stopped vehicles as he waited for the others.
Cautiously, he peered out onto a vehicle-choked street, crawling with hundreds
of undead. The great thing about the gridlock was that he could wait until the
zombies were far enough away and make a break for it toward the main road, crouching
low and using the vehicles for cover.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIt-k7FZNBs/XZydq9T1swI/AAAAAAABL7Y/X0-rXzZaihAthkpzuucaWYVdsS-irJgzgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIt-k7FZNBs/XZydq9T1swI/AAAAAAABL7Y/X0-rXzZaihAthkpzuucaWYVdsS-irJgzgCEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking around, he saw a back alley, heading south toward
the front of the theater. He guessed he’d be able to follow it back to where
they’d parked. As he ducked down between cars and made his way to the alley, he
saw that the sky to the distant east was filled with rising columns of dark
smoke and a reddish-orange glow. Many buildings on the east side of the city were
burning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Immediately, his mind raced with the thought of the BCM
being the cause behind their recent brush with the undead. It would have been
child’s play for a roving band of militants to organize a feat of this sort. Pushing
the thought to the back of his mind for now, David made it into the alleyway without
alerting the throngs of monsters and slowly made his way forward, darting
between loading docks and dumpsters, and hiding behind abandoned delivery
trucks and piles of old pallets whenever the creatures got too close.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At length, he arrived in the back alley of the block with
the theater on it. Carefully, making his way through the narrow lane, he spotted
the backside of a building with heavy bars across the lower windows and what
must have once been a solid steel door up a short block of steps. Now, however,
the door hung open—riddled with shotgun blasts and bullet holes. Dead bodies
lay on the sidewalk in front of the business and others burned in a nearby
dumpster.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbRQDt0od2U/XZydrKtotEI/AAAAAAABL7c/8aqeuRjkwvIrTCVE9I91Y2vwXP7jQdWOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbRQDt0od2U/XZydrKtotEI/AAAAAAABL7c/8aqeuRjkwvIrTCVE9I91Y2vwXP7jQdWOwCEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aH_ZAUd-DA/XZydriKO6MI/AAAAAAABL7c/69PRFgUog0wAaQWxyh1IOeJ7l_OqV_97QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aH_ZAUd-DA/XZydriKO6MI/AAAAAAABL7c/69PRFgUog0wAaQWxyh1IOeJ7l_OqV_97QCEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Pinching his nose, he choked back the desire to hurl as the
stench of decaying bodies hit his senses. From the corner of his eye, he
spotted his ride and waved them forward. And just as he was about to rush out
into the street to meet them, he saw it. A flash at first before the person
stood more erect and came into view.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The BioCore Militia was here! Their eyes met simultaneously
and David felt his heart skip a beat. Surrounded by zombies, he didn’t want to
risk firing his weapon and drawing the entire horde on him. The militant,
however, didn’t seem to have that issue and they both knew it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beads of sweat gathered on his brow as David drew in a deep
breath. He needed to make a run for it before the man alerted the fiendish mob.
Everything happened in a matter of moments. He started running and heard a shot
fire behind him. Hundreds of slavering, rotting bodies turned. He had only
seconds to make it out of the alley alive.</div>
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-06-splintered.html">Previous</a> -- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-08-new-information.html">Continue</a>---->DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-64362363148098166012019-10-06T21:44:00.003-04:002020-08-26T08:53:53.408-04:00Day 06: Splintered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dagjfUxP9Is/XZqWJTKFf9I/AAAAAAABL3s/LdpWY4-uQZ8CiqPkV9XRBkrrenJxZuNyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dagjfUxP9Is/XZqWJTKFf9I/AAAAAAABL3s/LdpWY4-uQZ8CiqPkV9XRBkrrenJxZuNyACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have to go back!” Aisha declared as Portia checked her
rearview. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hold on,” Portia said, performing a quick U-turn and
gunning it back toward the alley.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew pushed at the mob of undead, swinging and slashing
with his knife, he severed fingers, ears and even a nose. The blade met true
with a few skulls but he hesitated to really reach into the group for fear of
being scratched or worse, bitten. Deciding it best to run for cover and wait
for help to arrive, he turned up the alley and ran, gaining much needed
distance between himself and the horde behind him. The sound of their ravenous
moaning fell into sync with the beating of his own heart as his feet pounded
the pavement. Turning down another corner of the alley he was abruptly faced by
a dead-end as the pack of rancid zombies grew steadily closer behind him.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XymX7eetifA/XZqWJVGlE4I/AAAAAAABL3w/vZQusMJnWk0ksfOm5FfhOi-t-ElI1aDywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XymX7eetifA/XZqWJVGlE4I/AAAAAAABL3w/vZQusMJnWk0ksfOm5FfhOi-t-ElI1aDywCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-02.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
His only choice would be to try and get underground once
more. But without his gear, flashlight and weapon, he didn’t favor that choice.
Before he put much more thought into it, he heard the sound of an engine roar
and hazarded a peek around the corner. Portia zoomed the large SUV down the
alley toward the group of walking corpses, slamming them into the front bumper,
smashing some against walls and ripping others apart beneath her tires.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grinding over brittle bones and soggy flesh, the wheels hit
a slick and the vehicle spun out. Portia overcorrected and the rear of the
truck fishtailed into a dumpster causing it to roll. Matthew rushed back into
the corner as the large automobile came careening toward him, rolling a few
more times before coming to rest against the back brick wall of the passageway.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Portia? Aisha?” Matthew called as he ran toward the
overturned vehicle hoping its two occupants were alive and uninjured. Reaching
into the broken out driver’s side window, he found Portia’s hand and checked
for a pulse. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2WZrSiKyLQ/XZqWJNbKY3I/AAAAAAABL3o/mbCm8nvHiicdZpVGwc-OoQFa7bMOgcvtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2WZrSiKyLQ/XZqWJNbKY3I/AAAAAAABL3o/mbCm8nvHiicdZpVGwc-OoQFa7bMOgcvtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYNehwS2k4I/XZqWLQ3fxDI/AAAAAAABL30/EXgEGxrcQRgP5fTF8699qHa7T0NBDfmTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYNehwS2k4I/XZqWLQ3fxDI/AAAAAAABL30/EXgEGxrcQRgP5fTF8699qHa7T0NBDfmTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
“Matt?”<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m here, Portia. Can you move?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think so. How’s Aisha?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moving to the back window, he looked inside but all he found
was blood. It covered the seat, the window, the floor and the roof. Aisha had been
thrown free of the truck. In a haste, he rounded the other side and found her
lying face up near the chain-link fence. “Aisha?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Afraid of moving her, he checked her as well for a pulse.
Her hand closed around his the moment they made contact. Her weak squeeze
flooded him with terror, overshadowing everything. Her eyes opened but, her
body didn’t move. Aisha’s eyes pleaded. “You’re ok. I’ll get you out of here,”
Matthew said, trying to reassure her.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYaUCTviFwc/XZqWLga7zGI/AAAAAAABL34/T1gwjE0_2LQ15y4yhRhkdpRnYEldBWb1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYaUCTviFwc/XZqWLga7zGI/AAAAAAABL34/T1gwjE0_2LQ15y4yhRhkdpRnYEldBWb1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, Portia tried to pull herself free of the upside-down
vehicle. The truck shifted and debris rained down on her. The smell of gasoline
made it to her nose before she was able to even get the seatbelt undone and
survival instinct kicked in. The latch stuck and the belt would not release. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With her free hand she gripped a piece of broken glass and
worked on cutting herself loose. Portia fell fast from her seat, the impact
shooting the air from her lungs. Agony seared a path across her back. She
rolled, bumping up against something unforgiving as she struggled out of the
busted window.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scrambling to her feet, she moved over toward Matt and
Aisha, stopping in her tracks as she noticed the teen still had not moved from
where she’d landed. “Matt? Is she…?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s gonna be alright. We just need to get her home.” Matt
looked over his shoulder as he heard the other SUV returning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i8N5Dwb608/XZqWMuGZnEI/AAAAAAABL38/-phIJUhRWWYvkZeqQwg-ZhO9lKGktyQEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i8N5Dwb608/XZqWMuGZnEI/AAAAAAABL38/-phIJUhRWWYvkZeqQwg-ZhO9lKGktyQEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Natalie didn’t wait for the vehicle to come to a complete
stop before she hopped out and rushed toward the scene. JC quickly followed.
“Oh my god,” Natalie exclaimed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“JC, help me get her into the backseat.” Together, they
worked on resting the teen in the truck. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is all my fault. What if she’s seriously hurt?” Portia
whined.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We won’t know until we get her home so let’s move, ok?”
Natalie said, pulling Portia toward the truck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group piled into the vehicle, everyone fearing the worst
as they started for home. Sitting in the seat behind Aisha, Portia tried to
remain positive and hoped Aisha’s lack of movement wasn’t the result of a
spinal cord injury.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-05-stowaway.html">Previous </a>-- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-07-decisions.html">Continue</a>---->DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-78036173170201035262019-10-05T21:00:00.000-04:002019-10-06T21:45:49.948-04:00Day 05: Stowaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofxXjwhfc5k/XZf074nZYiI/AAAAAAABLog/KSU8pRCuyUQloRAXuDlZ1KN_cltIAcNqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofxXjwhfc5k/XZf074nZYiI/AAAAAAABLog/KSU8pRCuyUQloRAXuDlZ1KN_cltIAcNqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuUC2kXKPSs/XZf07hZQK5I/AAAAAAABLok/SpEFlhqA3OY3AnkifHD8pcagR7VUqN-eACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuUC2kXKPSs/XZf07hZQK5I/AAAAAAABLok/SpEFlhqA3OY3AnkifHD8pcagR7VUqN-eACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-02.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blood splattered her skin and soaked her clothing. A gash ripped
through her thigh. James fired. Josh fired and Katrina jumped for cover. A
severed arm fell to the ground beside her. Its rotted fingers twitched as if
trying to hold on to what little life remained. Nicole grabbed Katrina and
pulled her to her feet as more zombies broke through the tree line behind them.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Together, they made a break toward the vehicles as Sophia
and Josh laid down cover fire. “Where are they coming from?” Sophia shouted
over the shooting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know but, we can’t stay here much longer. James,
get over here!” Josh called as he rounded the front of his vehicle preparing
for a getaway.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The groups piled into their trucks and sped from the area.
“Are we whole?” James asked, looking over at Nicole. She was staring out of her
window looking back at the others.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xro7v11wMyo/XZf06ZbCQII/AAAAAAABLoc/guicC7RE5jUrfJ2UYgp8YB2ZtrW5MF-WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xro7v11wMyo/XZf06ZbCQII/AAAAAAABLoc/guicC7RE5jUrfJ2UYgp8YB2ZtrW5MF-WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, we’re whole. I still think we should have retrieved
our stolen gear,” she groaned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And if something would have happened to us? We were already
jumped before we even set foot inside the building. It was too dangerous. I
made the call. We’ll get reinforcements and go back. End of discussion.” James
sighed. He hated sounding like anyone’s dad but sometimes it couldn’t be
helped. He was the oldest in the group by almost twenty years and if using his
“dad voice” meant he could get Nicole to listen to reason, it was worth a shot.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The drive back to the prison was quiet. They hadn’t
accomplished what they’d set out to do and in fact wasted a ton of ammo just to
get clear of the area. The others wouldn’t be happy. James hopped out to open
the gate before driving his SUV in and parking in the front of the building.
They had some stuff at least to unload but it wasn’t the large stash of ammo
that was promised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja8g2Btn3Qg/XZf08j3dSwI/AAAAAAABLoo/7XlY3VyrYpEtnQ8VD4-bflOKCznmRbb2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja8g2Btn3Qg/XZf08j3dSwI/AAAAAAABLoo/7XlY3VyrYpEtnQ8VD4-bflOKCznmRbb2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As James rounded the back of the vehicle, something caught
his attention. His hand instantly moved to the gun on his hip and he motioned
for Nicole to be quiet. Josh had already driven the others around back to
another parking spot and James knew he hadn’t returned that fast. Kneeling down,
he slowly reached up and undid the latch of the trunk. When he sprang open he
jumped back in surprise. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There, nestled between the bedrolls and crate of hand
grenades was a sleeping teenage girl. Her face was dirty and her clothes were
stained in dried blood. He didn’t know when she had crawled inside their
vehicle or where she could have come from but, he wasn’t taking any chances.
Reaching over, he grabbed a roll of duct tape to bind her but the action shook
the crate beside her and the girl suddenly sprang up. The moment her eyes met
with James’ she lashed out with a knife in her hand. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
James reacted fast. Jumping away from the knife as it slashed
through the air, barely missing his neck. Grabbing the girl’s wrist, he twisted
it sharply making her scream and the knife fell from her hand to the ground. Twisting
harder again, he jerked the girl from the truck to the ground as well and held
her there until Nicole came around to help. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GF3R1VZPGc/XZf0_9BJWzI/AAAAAAABLos/h9_mRwvAp9cOkun5cjOHkf4CYi_yjRHwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GF3R1VZPGc/XZf0_9BJWzI/AAAAAAABLos/h9_mRwvAp9cOkun5cjOHkf4CYi_yjRHwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UufQrD1Fhc/XZf1A4BeIsI/AAAAAAABLow/CFg1V7yy-GYq6At4t5FsJ1jFEQJh1xHOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UufQrD1Fhc/XZf1A4BeIsI/AAAAAAABLow/CFg1V7yy-GYq6At4t5FsJ1jFEQJh1xHOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s get her inside.” With her hands sufficiently bound
with rope, the two stepped back to inspect the stranger. The girl wheezed
harshly, trying to catch her breath as she too took in her environments. She
was sitting in a chair in the middle of Cell Block D surrounded by seven people
she didn’t know and hadn’t offered up any explanation as to how she ended up
inside their truck. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who is she?” Theresa asked, and immediately the girl’s eyes
moved to her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t know. She’s not talking,” Nicole answered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Does she even speak English?” Sophia asked. It wasn’t
something anyone had considered until now but they were each starting to
question that fact. She moved closer to where the teen sat and spoke softly.
“My name is Sophia. What’s yours?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fujikawa Sumiko,” she replied in a thick Japanese accent.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where did you come from?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi6mU1BgDCU/XZf1BJYl2uI/AAAAAAABLo0/zilTpKORfiQrHyXKt8J7QSFUUo2P2hz0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oi6mU1BgDCU/XZf1BJYl2uI/AAAAAAABLo0/zilTpKORfiQrHyXKt8J7QSFUUo2P2hz0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kyoto. On vacation with family.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh. Kon’nichiwa, Sumiko,” Sophia smiled. (Hello)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You speak Japanese?” Sumiko asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Three words,” she laughed. “Kon’nichiwa, Hai and Sayōnara.”
Sumiko laughed. “Do you speak English?” (Hello, yes, goodbye)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sumiko nodded. “Did you get separated from your group?”
Sophia continued. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. No group. Alone.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alone? How long have you been on your own?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Since outbreak.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’ve been alone this entire time?”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hai.” (Yes)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUNpQ1TS9Js/XZf1CwdzOTI/AAAAAAABLo4/kMq4WJWyW6ER0YqqBgom9z7W04WwK2-lACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUNpQ1TS9Js/XZf1CwdzOTI/AAAAAAABLo4/kMq4WJWyW6ER0YqqBgom9z7W04WwK2-lACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s lying,” Josh said. “There’s no way a teenager from a
foreign country survived a zombie apocalypse for three years by herself. Where
has she been hiding this whole time? How did she get in our trucks? She’s a spy
for someone I don’t trust her.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Josh is right,” Billy agreed. “Something feels off with her
story.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hid,” Sumiko replied. “I hid from the dead people.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where did you hide?” Josh pressed. “Can you show us? Take
us there?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sorry,” Sumiko said, lowering her head. “I don’t know the
area that well.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzdHmECJeJg/XZf1D-0jZ0I/AAAAAAABLo8/VhdGkeQDOfALLUw8e-tYDAPaf7A3tcxRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzdHmECJeJg/XZf1D-0jZ0I/AAAAAAABLo8/VhdGkeQDOfALLUw8e-tYDAPaf7A3tcxRACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-09.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine. Until you can figure that out you’re going in a cell.
We can’t risk you running free until we know more about you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Josh!” Katrina gasped at her cousin’s overly paranoid
behavior. “What’s gotten into you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m just trying to keep us all alive,” he said, taking a
step forward he grabbed Sumiko by the arm, unintentionally rolling her sleeve
slightly up. Instantly, he dropped his hold and stepped back. “Her arm,” Josh
said. “Look at her arm!”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moving closer, Sophia gently lifted the sleeve of Sumiko’s
sweater and jumped away. “There’s a bite!” she exclaimed. “Sumiko’s been
bitten.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-04-lawless.html">Previous </a>-- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-06-splintered.html">Continue</a>---->DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-63253615750951093222019-10-04T21:00:00.001-04:002019-10-05T21:00:22.954-04:00Day 04: Lawless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbaO8TBFvqc/XZTzpqj-BVI/AAAAAAABLgo/1cChSa23n4U8qPq0omCre_GREb2OSkEUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbaO8TBFvqc/XZTzpqj-BVI/AAAAAAABLgo/1cChSa23n4U8qPq0omCre_GREb2OSkEUACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRCQIIPBT4I/XZTzpgY6mqI/AAAAAAABLgg/_Fle6SN2yVQpzTpnfrNDs4UJsNEUqYz0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRCQIIPBT4I/XZTzpgY6mqI/AAAAAAABLgg/_Fle6SN2yVQpzTpnfrNDs4UJsNEUqYz0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-02.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Elise drifted through darkness, floating weightlessly in an
inky black void. Slowly she realized she must have passed out for some reason
and was not quite awake. Muddled voices could be heard as her eyes blinked
behind closed lids and she shook her head as she came to.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first thing she noticed was a sharp stabbing pain in her
head. Reaching up, she felt her hair matted in blood and grimaced as she ran her
fingers over the jagged edges of what must certainly be a serious head wound. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition, her left arm, shoulder, and side were numb.
Moving them slightly, she winced at small twinges of pain here and there, but was
relieved to see that they were not broken though it did seem that she had been
thrown down on that side recently and with significant force.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IvMlWg6BKo/XZTzpjox3vI/AAAAAAABLgk/p3Nhwu-Gz9o1WvStPH5Q_7Z4ngACBumvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IvMlWg6BKo/XZTzpjox3vI/AAAAAAABLgk/p3Nhwu-Gz9o1WvStPH5Q_7Z4ngACBumvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQI2-SeE3kU/XZTztMZOWbI/AAAAAAABLgs/ctmmxRgEKboAsJiz8bMzzZ8K4Xy4-11RACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQI2-SeE3kU/XZTztMZOWbI/AAAAAAABLgs/ctmmxRgEKboAsJiz8bMzzZ8K4Xy4-11RACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sitting herself up against a wall, her eyes slowly opened
and she took in her surroundings. The floor was hard wood with a thick layer of
dust on top and from what she could feel, there was quite a bit of shattered
safety glass laying around her. In the air she smelled a mix of smoke and
ozone, like when an electrical outlet shorts. That and the heavy stink of
blood, possibly her own, and something reminiscent of burning hair. All in all,
it made it somewhat difficult to breathe, as if she was not quite getting
enough oxygen with each breath.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How is she?” said a voice to her right. Elise turned her
head, a little too fast, to see who and instantly regretted it as she felt the
throbbing renew with a vengeance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Elise, can you hear me? Hey?” Fingers snapped in her face
and she tried to concentrate on them as she listened to the familiar voice.
“Come on, girl, you with me?” Dominic’s face came into focus and he smiled when
he noticed recognition. “Good. At least we know you’re all there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We can’t stay here much longer. We need to go.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Relax, man! You almost knocked her head off. Give her a
minute ok?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asbsin1dGKk/XZTzuF9I9fI/AAAAAAABLgw/0lrokep_LqMYacOEsw4aiDSyiXJ66TijgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asbsin1dGKk/XZTzuF9I9fI/AAAAAAABLgw/0lrokep_LqMYacOEsw4aiDSyiXJ66TijgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Look, I said I was sorry about that. You’ve seen what it’s
like out there. I didn’t know if you were friendly or not, alright?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Here, this might help,” Jeremiah said, handing Dominic a
wet rag. “That looks bad. We need to get her home.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The door to the shop opened and all eyes moved to the person
charging in. “They’re heading this way,” Troy said, shutting the door and
ducking behind one of the shelves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s what I’m saying. We need to get out of here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pete, will you shut up?” Dominic growled. “I already told
you we’re not moving until I know Elise is fine, but you’re free to leave
whenever you want.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Besides, that incoming horde is too close. We’re better off
inside. We should be safe from them as long as we stay quiet,” Troy added,
giving the newcomer a pointed look.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OVy0ulhwHI/XZTzuLwntEI/AAAAAAABLg0/E2avqohDPBc6VzCa22wZ6oekkhGA2TBGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OVy0ulhwHI/XZTzuLwntEI/AAAAAAABLg0/E2avqohDPBc6VzCa22wZ6oekkhGA2TBGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHKEqjRpCX4/XZTzwNFVKaI/AAAAAAABLg4/I2NqcIiYoxoaSQrInDK90dvwODsAIvrqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHKEqjRpCX4/XZTzwNFVKaI/AAAAAAABLg4/I2NqcIiYoxoaSQrInDK90dvwODsAIvrqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine. Let’s wait for them to pass.” Pete moved away from
the windows and took a seat on the floor beside Troy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What happened?” Elise asked, finally coming to enough to
take a look at the room. Dominic was squatting in front of her, tending to her
wounds while a concerned Jeremiah and Troy looked on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pete there hit you with a tire iron when you walked in the
door. Your head is busted open but, I think you should be fine. We will need to
have Natalie take a look at it once we get back though,” Dominic replied,
filling her in on the situation. “Can you stand? How do you feel?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Like I was hit in the head with a tire iron,” Elise
responded with a grin. “Who’s Pete?” He waved his hand and whispered a greeting
as she looked over at him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
“Can you stand?” Dominic repeated, offering his hand to test
her balance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJNCG5GHRE0/XZTzyNN7qGI/AAAAAAABLg8/e_a_WHw_wAYfcyEY6h1N6IpsWOm61H23QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJNCG5GHRE0/XZTzyNN7qGI/AAAAAAABLg8/e_a_WHw_wAYfcyEY6h1N6IpsWOm61H23QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s getting dark, we need to get home before the raiders
come,” she said, once she was on her feet. “Where’s my stuff?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have it,” Jeremiah replied, and tapped the bag beside
him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sound of wailing grew closer and their attention fell on
the number of zombies closing in on their location. “They’re coming here!” Pete
exclaimed, seeing the pack of putrid people veer off the road and move into the
store’s parking lot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hide!” Dominic hissed. Everyone ducked behind what little
cover the barren shelves could offer. Troy and Elise lowered themselves beside
a checkout counter while Pete sought refuge near the frozen foods fridge in the
back of the store. Across from him, Dominic and Jeremiah hid beside an empty
display case. Pete watched as Dominic revealed a large carving knife from his
boot and twirled it in his hand in anticipation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are we going to do now? Fight them all?” Pete asked,
reaching for the closest weapon he could find: a broken mop handle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XClj-a2iPi4/XZTzzbZ3XXI/AAAAAAABLhE/rqIjrDL7cYcoZ-gYGQwxeTpm-T8BF4JxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XClj-a2iPi4/XZTzzbZ3XXI/AAAAAAABLhE/rqIjrDL7cYcoZ-gYGQwxeTpm-T8BF4JxACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dom,” Troy called from across the store, “There’s another
way out of here. Grab your stuff and let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moving as stealthily as possible, Dominic, Jeremiah and Pete
made it over to the checkout counter. “There’s a back door leading from the
storage room here,” Troy said. “We can slip out and get around to the cars from
there.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait! You don’t want to go out that way,” Pete said,
grabbing Troy by the arm as he attempted to open the back door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why? The front is blocked by a horde. This is our only
means of exit.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just trust me. We are better off fighting the mob out
front.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Qmi1m6iUQ/XZTz1nlUSkI/AAAAAAABLhI/2pQxvIiksxQdqotydedLP3a-n18oH90dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Qmi1m6iUQ/XZTz1nlUSkI/AAAAAAABLhI/2pQxvIiksxQdqotydedLP3a-n18oH90dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
“What could possibly be worse than an army of undead?”
Dominic asked, looking skeptical at Pete’s reasoning. He nodded at Troy who
pushed the handle on the fire exit and was instantly greeted by three mangled corpses,
arms stretched and shuffling toward him. They hissed and growled loudly, clumsily
trotting on their wounded legs. But the zombies weren’t what caught Troy’s
attention. Just as he was about to slam the door on the bloodied undead, he
spotted it in the corner. Hidden from view, bound by rope and gagged with duct
tape were two men, still alive, and staring right at him.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-03-not-alone.html">Previous </a>-- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-05-stowaway.html">Continue</a>---->DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-70184240593550344822019-10-03T21:14:00.000-04:002019-10-04T21:00:54.589-04:00Day 03: Not Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVyhIj5yo5A/XY0Jd_6ckGI/AAAAAAABLMU/un_e45yjY5Ea52qkAAugFeMnD25pZ8U9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVyhIj5yo5A/XY0Jd_6ckGI/AAAAAAABLMU/un_e45yjY5Ea52qkAAugFeMnD25pZ8U9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Keep moving,” David said, “We have to make it back before
night.” Nina and Lucky followed close behind him as he rushed through the dark
theater with Liz and Cristian pulling up the rear. Another night out in search
of supplies yielded a small case of bottled water, a few bags of popcorn, soda
syrup, and some bags of stale nacho chips. Still, it was a much better haul
than the week before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As they made it through to the next hallway, Liz stopped and
turned her attention to the utility closet. “Shh,” she said causing the others
to halt in their tracks and listen. “Do you hear that?” Gesturing toward the
closed door, she silently made her way forward. David moved in behind her while
Cristian stayed put beside Nina.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Liz tried the handle but, it was locked. Keeping her voice low,
she knocked lightly and whispered “Hello. Is someone in there?” The group listened
and could hear a frantic whimpering coming from inside.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezscKNLO1u4/XY0Jd46_L4I/AAAAAAABLMY/LEcxUP1sfm81qYhB-5OQ2PFUleblDuGDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezscKNLO1u4/XY0Jd46_L4I/AAAAAAABLMY/LEcxUP1sfm81qYhB-5OQ2PFUleblDuGDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey,” David joined in, keeping his voice just as low and
calm as Liz. “We’re not going to hurt you and none of us have been bitten. If you
come out, we can take you some place safe.” He reassured the person inside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes! Oh god, yes please help me! Help! Please!” A woman
screamed from the other side of the door. Her hysterical cries grew louder and
the group was stunned by all the noise the panic-stricken woman was making. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Be quiet!” Liz hissed, afraid her boisterous yelling would
attract zombies.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The door to the utility room opened and there sat a
disheveled woman on her hands and knees, crying her eyes out. It was obvious
she had recently been in a fight. Her clothing was dirty, torn and saturated in
blood. On the floor beside her was a backpack Liz assumed carried her
essentials and a fire axe, also covered in blood. Still, the woman appeared to
be in shock and completely terrified. Reaching up, she grabbed hold of Liz’s arm
and continued screaming for help.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
And just as the group feared, her cries were overheard by
the mass of undead the group had earlier outrun. “Uh, guys,” Cristian said,
watching the door to Theater 12 begin to shake as the mob pushed to get at the
weeping woman. Liz and David turned as they heard a cacophony of howling wails
and agitated moans echoing from the short hallway they’d just exited. “There’s gotta
be over a dozen of them in there from the sound of it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two more theater doors began to throb as they, too, were
rammed by the unseen pack. The building had to be filled with hundreds of flesh-starved
zombies. Zombies that were now heading for the sound of the woman’s screams;
heading toward them. “Shit; this is bad!” Nina’s eyes instantly fell on
Cristian and he apologized for the foul language. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Liz pulled her hand free of the woman as the group decided
their next course of action. If they didn’t act fast, they’d be overrun by the
zombies when they began pouring into the area through the busted doors at the
end of the hallway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FESbR1AsLE4/XY0Ji7iA5eI/AAAAAAABLMk/HbG1uxekarkw25kZ7pmCLADz3vqXu1QRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FESbR1AsLE4/XY0Ji7iA5eI/AAAAAAABLMk/HbG1uxekarkw25kZ7pmCLADz3vqXu1QRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No! Don’t leave me! Please don’t leave me here!” The woman
shrieked hysterically, wrapping her arms around one of Liz’s legs and bawled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stop with all that noise! You’re going to get us killed!”
she said, struggling to push the woman away. Finally, after wrenching herself
free, Liz and David directed their attention toward the doors that were on the
verge of bursting open and flooding them with more zombies than they were
equipped to handle. “We need to do something,” Liz said, checking the amount of
ammunition in her weapon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There is no way we can take on what’s in there. We don’t
have enough ammo between us and no idea how many more are hiding in this
building,” Cristian replied. “We need to get out of here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about her?” Nina asked, pointing to the woman who was
still sitting on the floor, sobbing into her hands. “We can’t leave her. She’ll
get eaten alive.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
David sighed and grabbed the woman under her arms, lifting
her to her feet. “Can you run?” she nodded her head. “Get your stuff, we need
to move. Now. Hopefully, we’ll be safe from the zombies long enough to make our
way out of here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VN3QlfkWmd0/XY0Jlef1qMI/AAAAAAABLMs/PqOvdCwBYfQg4kYab7hfgeYSPVvutBsaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VN3QlfkWmd0/XY0Jlef1qMI/AAAAAAABLMs/PqOvdCwBYfQg4kYab7hfgeYSPVvutBsaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjwQ676dumA/XY0JnwcSOsI/AAAAAAABLMw/e-kC0Z8-rz8aqHeuS0aFBB1P5AN8mX-RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjwQ676dumA/XY0JnwcSOsI/AAAAAAABLMw/e-kC0Z8-rz8aqHeuS0aFBB1P5AN8mX-RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Together, the group rushed through the corridor. If they could
just get through to the other side of the building, they’d be able to make a
break for their vehicles. The woman tried to keep up but, her body was too
weak; wracked from the constant crying. She repeatedly slipped and stumbled just
in the short jog from the atrium to the lobby and was really making the run
difficult. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group made it about halfway up the empty theater hallway
when the howling crowd of ferocious undead scrambled into the area. Dozens of
eyes fell on the group and the throng of monsters rushed forward with a hungry
lust. “MOVE IT!” David shouted, seeing the blood-crazed zombies charging behind
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They made it to the reinforced security exit and removed the
metal bar used to keep it closed, pulling it open. Almost to safety, Nina,
Lucky and Cristian ran in first followed by Liz. David was still struggling to
drag the woman at his side, the chomping and snarls growing ever louder behind
him. He nearly had her in the stairwell, when she suddenly let out a blood
curdling scream. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pP8B-ThObh0/XY0Jn-BlokI/AAAAAAABLM0/eU4Qs6-aOfUJH8my98Y34Xt_1oBPYx-qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pP8B-ThObh0/XY0Jn-BlokI/AAAAAAABLM0/eU4Qs6-aOfUJH8my98Y34Xt_1oBPYx-qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-09.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PM6h53HIyg/XY0Jo7RiZZI/AAAAAAABLM4/sxjodi1vCQ0CJcSCYW85pIvQevfbbb1wwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PM6h53HIyg/XY0Jo7RiZZI/AAAAAAABLM4/sxjodi1vCQ0CJcSCYW85pIvQevfbbb1wwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
David lost his grip as the woman was pulled back into the passage,
the force of the mob nearly jerking him with her. The undead grabbed her legs
and were savagely tearing into her with their teeth. Other zombies, meanwhile, were
trying to climb over her to get through the door and into the exit stairwell for
the rest.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
David desperately looked around, needing to break away and
join the others but his options were limited. In order to make it out of alive,
he needed to clear the zombies from the doorway so he could pull it shut.
Grabbing hold of either side of the frame, he swung his legs up into the chest
of the nearest zombie and shoved it away with both feet. It tumbled backwards,
knocking over a number of the other zombies in its wake.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jejQ5X3Ko7A/XY0JsAQIN2I/AAAAAAABLNA/xxKbf3ByuIIdTysmH4uriQM9Pb0dNY74QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jejQ5X3Ko7A/XY0JsAQIN2I/AAAAAAABLNA/xxKbf3ByuIIdTysmH4uriQM9Pb0dNY74QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V56AbRKJGk/XY0JrXhqJxI/AAAAAAABLM8/CXr2axeR4rwWBFCO_5RNl3fZq--DclLdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V56AbRKJGk/XY0JrXhqJxI/AAAAAAABLM8/CXr2axeR4rwWBFCO_5RNl3fZq--DclLdACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quickly, he snatched the handle and tried to pull it closed
but, at the very last second, a pair of bloody hands gripped the edge of the
door and tugged back. The sobbing woman they’d met was frantically clawing at
the door trying to pull herself free. “Help me!” she gurgled through a ripped
out throat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Realizing if he opened the door even a tiny bit at this
point would let the fiends pour in after him and the others, David made a hasty
and gut-wrenching decision. Turning his face away, he gave a fast, hard yank,
slamming the woman’s fingers in the door with a horrifying crunching sound. The
woman squealed in agony and let go allowing him to pull it the rest of the way
shut.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MFeJtpAlYs/XY0JscS9quI/AAAAAAABLNE/51Q8KLVwbio__mydBuMfi8zLLXYlrwEYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MFeJtpAlYs/XY0JscS9quI/AAAAAAABLNE/51Q8KLVwbio__mydBuMfi8zLLXYlrwEYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-13.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sparing a peek through the narrow window in the security
door, he could see the woman being torn apart and the crowd of beasts feasting
on her steaming, red entrails. David felt a knot form in his chest as though a
piece of his humanity just died and momentarily slumped against the wall to
catch his breath.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was about to sink into the depths of despair, when he
looked up and saw Liz holding out her hand to help him stand. “Let’s go.” With
more and more zombies pouring into the short hallway after them, it was only a
matter of time before they got the door down and flooded into the stairwell.<br />
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-02-scavenging.html">Previous </a>-- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-04-lawless.html">Continue</a>----></div>
DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-3793323087477765352019-10-02T20:36:00.000-04:002019-10-04T21:45:01.411-04:00Day 02: Scavenging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykaRpjFTdao/XYuHZGoWMgI/AAAAAAABLKY/gSHYe4pW_esMkWQ_DSvnfcgXTQArp6zlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykaRpjFTdao/XYuHZGoWMgI/AAAAAAABLKY/gSHYe4pW_esMkWQ_DSvnfcgXTQArp6zlACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Almost out,” Matthew announced as he, JC, Natalie, Aisha
and Portia trudged down the murky tunnels beneath the city. In recent days, the
group had discovered that the sewers were devoid of undead…well, <i>mostly</i>. And with them running the length
of the entire town, they made for easy navigation on scavenging runs. They
smelled about as foul as one would expect but, a decent shower once home
cleared away the fetid stench and soiled clothing.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking down the dark tunnel Matthew could see a smoky
silhouette of shadow in a vaguely human-like shape. He appeared stooped over
some object in the distance unaware he and JC were approaching. With very
little light entering into the compact space, it was difficult to make out
much.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yi70DQFdTHk/XYuHZH1Dr7I/AAAAAAABLKc/tCJ5mFqPb-46i_A2hY6HEdhOP-Ai2fG9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yi70DQFdTHk/XYuHZH1Dr7I/AAAAAAABLKc/tCJ5mFqPb-46i_A2hY6HEdhOP-Ai2fG9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regardless, the man turned and looked directly at them and
it was then that they saw the gore splattered over his clothes. The zombie set
upon them in a flash, reaching and clawing at Matthew’s face while JC pulled to
get him off. In a panic, he heaved his fist forward, knocking both the man and
JC to the ground. Instantly, the monster turned its sights on JC, wrapping him
up as it opened its jaws wide, preparing to take a bite. “GET THIS FUCKER OFF
OF ME!” JC shouted, pushing at the man’s neck to keep its maw far back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
The creature let out a long, shrill shriek and its motions
became even more frenzied. JC squirmed on his back as the man began overpowering
him in the darkness, holding him down; trying to sink its teeth into him. Matthew
rushed toward them, with his Bowie in hand, and rammed the 12-inch blade
through the top of the zombie’s skull. The screaming instantly stopped as blood
trickled down its face and JC threw him off to stand.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZeBhN_SqGA/XYuHbw5dbAI/AAAAAAABLKg/1d3P5NYB28YZ2fXtRy53Zh5tdxd-n7EoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZeBhN_SqGA/XYuHbw5dbAI/AAAAAAABLKg/1d3P5NYB28YZ2fXtRy53Zh5tdxd-n7EoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh my god, that was close,” Natalie said as she Aisha and
Portia caught up to the two. “Are you ok? Did it scratch you?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew stepped closer, inspecting JC to ensure he was clear
before shaking his head toward her. “Where did you three get off to? I told you
to stick close.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We found a storage closet with some interesting supplies,”
Aisha answered, showing him the full bag at her side. “Portia was able to pick
the lock and get us inside.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And my father said I’d never amount to much with a life of
crime,” Portia winked at Aisha with a grin before slinging her bag over her
shoulder. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Guys, as fun as this little chat is, I think we should
probably head out now. All that shouting had to have alerted others in the
area,” JC said. “It sounded more like a hunting call than a cry for distress
and I don’t plan on being around when its friends respond to that signal.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“JC’s right,” Matthew agreed, grabbing Natalie and Aisha’s
bags before leading the way out of the passage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWorbqVx6pc/XYuHdLB0iQI/AAAAAAABLKk/p1E0Dm7KTJon-DMT96XPSGxVLcjJ0fKsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWorbqVx6pc/XYuHdLB0iQI/AAAAAAABLKk/p1E0Dm7KTJon-DMT96XPSGxVLcjJ0fKsACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carefully, the group entered the main shaft, stopping just
below the ladder leading topside and listened for the telltale moaning of a
gathered horde. When they heard nothing, they continued on, heading for their
trucks. Natalie watched the sunlight creep in through slits in the manhole
cover and paused momentarily feeling her emotions take over. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The past two years had been a rollercoaster ride and she had
her share of ups and downs. Sometimes feeling overwhelming gratitude for having
survived as long as she had through the apocalypse but other times, she’d be
overcome with indescribable grief, sorrow and fear over everything she had lost.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glancing at the street around her, she kept watch as Aisha
and Portia packed their individual vehicles with supplies and JC and Matthew
replaced the manhole covers. It was a dangerous thing being outside for too long
these days. And even though she didn’t see any zombies in their immediate
vicinity, she still felt incredibly exposed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUrEij6EgBA/XYuHdH_frbI/AAAAAAABLKo/IjxEJGdHSokEygf_MlY1HvSzcGS8Ce0YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUrEij6EgBA/XYuHdH_frbI/AAAAAAABLKo/IjxEJGdHSokEygf_MlY1HvSzcGS8Ce0YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sound of the walking dead was much clearer out in the
open, and each zombie seemed to have a distinct, sorrowful cry. No other sounds
were audible. The great technology of modern life had been ground down to dismal,
inhuman suffering.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The scary thing was she had become used to that fact. As the
girls finished loading the vehicles, a loud, feral screech erupted somewhere
from the north…really close by. “What the fuck was that?” Portia asked, peeking
her head around the back of her truck. It sounded nothing like the monsters to
which they had grown accustomed. Fear edged along her spine as she joined
Natalie near the front bumper. “We need to get out of here. Now. You guys about
done?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Almost there,” Matthew groaned, still straining to move the
last cover in place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Natalie felt Aisha’s hand slip around her arm. “I really hope
we don’t find out what just made that noise.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
But her fear was met with the sudden appearance of three
ravenous zombies slowly meandering near the park entrance. “Aisha, get in the
car,” Natalie said, focusing her attention at the new threat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBuXj2svGy0/XYuHfFBoF2I/AAAAAAABLKs/SGtbEBcvNKUyAg72n-gpgD7jzb2h7TxmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBuXj2svGy0/XYuHfFBoF2I/AAAAAAABLKs/SGtbEBcvNKUyAg72n-gpgD7jzb2h7TxmACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qX_xRUz2RGE/XYuHg94aeJI/AAAAAAABLK0/spA3zOPQ4bcoQuN15gTAa5bSKaWFd4tkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qX_xRUz2RGE/XYuHg94aeJI/AAAAAAABLK0/spA3zOPQ4bcoQuN15gTAa5bSKaWFd4tkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking a step back, Aisha stopped dead in her tracks as she
turned blindly into a festering corpse. Its skin was melted from its facing,
dripping down its chin like cheese and sauce on a hot pizza. Its mouth opened
to reveal a set of rotted, gnashing teeth that bit and chomped as it reached
its bony fingers toward her. Aisha screamed and the group’s eyes all met her
with trepidation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Get in the trucks!” Portia yelled, rushing over to Aisha
with an axe in hand. Natalie didn’t have to turn to know that they had now
attracted the attention of a number of zombies from across the street. Portia
raised her weapon overhead and brought it down swiftly into the monster’s
forehead, splitting it in half. Blood splattered her shirt and neck and she
jumped back as a black slime oozed from the creature’s wound. “That’s new,” she
commented, and moved to follow Aisha, jumping into the front seat of the SUV.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As she had guessed, upon hearing Aisha’s scream and seeing
the combat ensue a crowd of rotting bodies was now dragging their feet toward
them. The first two made it over quickly but several more were shambling as
fast as their putrefied legs could carry them. The bloodiest of the duo stumbled
onward to give chase and she hurried into the passenger side of the other truck. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTQW8ON4JqA/XYuHgv7FcYI/AAAAAAABLKw/XPqWSDbM7DE8TdCKC5_hiHGmY_F23EgpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTQW8ON4JqA/XYuHgv7FcYI/AAAAAAABLKw/XPqWSDbM7DE8TdCKC5_hiHGmY_F23EgpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-09.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LeKf5fEY34/XYuHh8ERQoI/AAAAAAABLK4/UT9WZ5ZEfsEw5G4vwnAykkc7nYi0MtDJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LeKf5fEY34/XYuHh8ERQoI/AAAAAAABLK4/UT9WZ5ZEfsEw5G4vwnAykkc7nYi0MtDJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot-10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Matt, move it!” JC shouted as he hopped into the driver’s
seat beside Natalie. Cranking the engine, he prepared to mow down the other
three zombies in front of him as he waited for Matthew to join them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew dragged the final lid into place and made a mad dash
forward as JC pulled out of the alleyway. Gripping the passenger side door of
Portia’s truck, he scrambled to get inside. The vehicle lurched forward and he
fell onto the pavement. “MATT!” Aisha shouted as he worked to get to his feet.
The last thing she saw as the vehicle exited the alleyway was a mass of arms
grabbing him and jerking him out of sight.</div>
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-01-whole-new-world.html">Previous</a> -- Continue---->DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-18949479142535168562019-10-01T20:57:00.000-04:002019-10-04T21:44:42.169-04:00Day 01: Whole New World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3n6TJQt7ww4/XX52GHLFoQI/AAAAAAABKt0/o-x__2PeuJgQA4Y7dZBf4OlgXPKIRQ-JwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3n6TJQt7ww4/XX52GHLFoQI/AAAAAAABKt0/o-x__2PeuJgQA4Y7dZBf4OlgXPKIRQ-JwCEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><u><br /></u></i>
<i><u>Two years later…</u></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James studied the tracks the thief had left: short,
widely-spaced prints pressed deep into the damp earth; he was getting closer.
Reaching down to his side, he unbuttoned his sheath, preparing himself for what
lurked around the corner. With a nod towards Nicole, she broke off and started
around the other side of the building. As he waited for her to get into
position, his eyes fell on a separate set of prints. These were different; deep
toe-to-heel impressions. This person was running. The thief had a partner. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before James could warn Nicole, a bright beam of light
flooded the dark parking lot. His hand shot up to his face to shield his eyes
and he felt the blow before he ever saw the man coming. He heard his knife
scrape across the pavement as he fell to the ground with a heavy thud. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was hard to believe it had been two years since things
fell apart, it seemed more like a lifetime ago. Two years ago, he’d been
nothing more than a military consultant, working part time in order to spend
the rest of his day doing what he loved most: hunting. One thing he was
grateful for, his time in the service had prepared him for combat. And it was
these skills that aided his continued survival against a new type of enemy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wrapping his legs around the man’s trunk, he rolled him to
his back and delivered a string of solid strikes to his face. The man groaned.
The hard bone of his jaw snapped. James continued pummeling the man beneath him
until the sound of a weapon cocking paused his fist mid-air. “Get off ‘em,” a
deep, raspy voice spoke just over his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first, he hesitated. He was fast. Faster than most. He
measured odds on him being able to draw and fire his sidearm before the other
man got a shot off. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
“James…” Nicole’s voice made him turn. Quickly, he stood,
taking in the sight of Nicole standing with the newcomer’s gun at her head.
“I’m sorry.”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t. It’s not your fault. Everything is gonna be ok.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“HUSH!” the man growled and tugged Nicole harder against his
chest. “Or else you’ll get to see what a hollow point bullet does to flesh up
close and personal. Toss your weapons.” James threw his gun into the grass.
“That it?” James lifted his shirt and did a quick spin to show the man he was
no longer armed. “Good. You alright there, Charlie?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m fine, Rick.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then get your ass up and grab his gun.” Charlie grunted as
he rolled, his bloodied nose dripped like a faucet onto his shirt as he moved. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
James held Nicole’s gaze and gestured with his head.
Following his signal, she dove forward. In one swift motion, James dropped hard
to the ground, freed the backup from his ankle holster and fired. The round hit
Nicole’s captor in his right eye. Nicole didn’t have time to second guess as
she collected Rick’s gun and took aim at Charlie. “Wait, please,” he begged.
Nicole shot, aiming for center mass and Charlie fell dead at James’ feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need to leave,” James said, recognizing the urgency of
their situation. “My backup didn’t have a silencer and…” Before he could finish
his thought, the sound of a roaming horde could be heard near the rear of the
building.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about our stuff?” Nicole asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’ll come back later. Besides, we don’t know what to
expect inside. There could be a whole group of men in there.” Grabbing Nicole
by the wrist, James tugged her forward. “Let’s move.” Kneeling to collect his
dropped weapon, the two hurried back toward the direction they came to rejoin
the others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The glowing sun rose on the horizon, sending streams of
gold, orange and pink along the skyline. Katrina sat with her legs hugged
against her chest on the passenger’s seat, waiting for signs of James or
Nicole. “Did you hear that?” Josh asked, sitting straighter in his seat.
Katrina turned down the radio and Sophia leaned in from the back and listened
closely.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shaking their heads no, both girls waited again to see if
they could hear what had caught Josh’s attention. Sophia’s mind raced over all
the horrifying things she’d seen and done over the last twenty-four hours. Everything
had changed in the blink of an eye and the world was no longer the same place.
Fathers turned on sons. Friends killed over bottled water and all while
fighting and running from a very real and very deadly threat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djAdw9o9u9k/XX52MMPhcaI/AAAAAAABKuE/hG7aAvsDTngs3FzlYvktNMFBK70UiOUwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djAdw9o9u9k/XX52MMPhcaI/AAAAAAABKuE/hG7aAvsDTngs3FzlYvktNMFBK70UiOUwQCEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a moment, she allowed herself to admire the sunrise,
taking in the mix of colors hoping it wouldn’t be the last one she ever laid
eyes on. It was breathtaking, even more in the winter setting with fresh
snowfall. She closed her eyes a moment as she felt the first ray of sunlight
touch her face and almost felt at peace. “There it is again,” Josh said,
interrupting Sophia’s period of serenity. The deserted highway stretched in
both directions. The part of the road that wasn’t clogged by abandoned and
wrecked vehicles was littered with the rotting dead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t hear anything,” Sophia replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Me either,” Katrina added, again listening with great
concentration. “Maybe you’re hearing things.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, something’s out there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Maybe it’s James and Nicole?” Katrina said, noticing how
tense her cousin had become.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t think it was. It sounded different.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you sure it wasn’t just the wind? It seems really quiet
out there,” Sophia responded, looking out her window in anticipation.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know what I heard,” Josh huffed and sat back in his seat.
“Where are they anyway? They should have been back by now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Katrina noticed movement out of the corner of her eye and,
for a moment, her breathing stopped as she hoped it was not more of them.
Slowly, she turned her gaze out the passenger window and sighed with relief to
see Nicole enter the clearing followed closely by James. “There they are,” she
said. But the moment was shattered when she noticed the large group of undead
looming just behind them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rolling down her window, she frantically waved her arms at
her approaching friends, trying to get their attention as quietly as possible.
But their sights were set on something else just out of Katrina’s view. Opening
her door, she started to run toward them when Josh called out to her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“KATRINA, BEHIND YOU! LOOK OUT!”<br />
<br />
<----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/09/prologue-no-escape.html">Previous </a>-- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-02-scavenging.html">Continue</a>----></div>
DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-42713374237298545032019-09-30T17:37:00.002-04:002023-04-16T14:20:41.556-04:00Prologue: No Escape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVLRBO_JAbY/XXJVwrWL7YI/AAAAAAABKjo/FATQBnw2TWQGaTXc0SJ_A33R9oYzKmFhQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVLRBO_JAbY/XXJVwrWL7YI/AAAAAAABKjo/FATQBnw2TWQGaTXc0SJ_A33R9oYzKmFhQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pick it up, Theresa. We have to keep moving,” Billy said as
he lifted his backpack higher on his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I need a break, please,” Theresa huffed and nearly
collapsed against the brick wall of the alley. “We’ve been running for three
blocks. We had to have lost them by now.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Billy turned to look at his sister. Her face was flushed and
sweat poured down her forehead. If he didn’t agree to let her catch her breath,
he’d be forced to carry her until they found a decent place to hide. “Fine.
Three minutes, then we need to go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Theresa took a seat on a stack of pallets, Billy paced
around the area, keeping watch. He couldn’t relax, not with the horde so close.
But they weren’t the only impending danger. “Do you have any water left?” she
asked, tossing her bottle into the dumpster behind her.<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Billy handed over a half-empty bottle and watched as his
sister finished the last of their drinking water. “Ready?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That was not three minutes yet,” she sighed, stretching her
legs out in front of her as she took in a deep breath. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Reese, we need to go,” Billy replied, turning his back to
the alley entrance as he nearly pleaded for his sister to get up. “Or I can
just leave you here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alright, just…wait ok?” It had been a while since she was
able to sit and enjoy the outdoors. Peace was a foreign concept even with the
safety she felt around her brother. Reluctantly, Theresa stood up from the
pallets and gathered her things. She knew her brother was right. If they didn’t
find a place before night, they would not make it to morning. “Behind you!” It
was nearly a whisper, barely audible. Billy turned to look and retrieved an axe
from his bag. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The creature was shuffling along just a few paces ahead of him. Its right arm was dislocated and hanging at its side. Its ankle was twisted; the skin discolored and bloody like the rest of its visible flesh. It was hunting, like so many of its kind did; looking for living bodies to feast on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stay back,” he said and waited for Theresa to clear the area. The zombie moved closer. Billy raised his arm and took a swing, connecting with a solid strike to its head. It fell to the ground, moaning in anguish. Lifting the axe, he brought it down over and over again. On the third blow, its skull cracked, on the fourth, the head split open with a sickening squelch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You ok?” Theresa nodded her head. “Now we really need to go.” Grabbing her by the arm, he pulled her out of the alley behind him. Looking around, Billy checked for any sign of life before heading into the direction from where the zombie came. They were still in need of shelter, a good escape from the streets before nightfall. As they walked, they checked some of the abandoned business fronts to see if they were unlocked. </div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ahead of them were several small fires burning in garbage
cans and dumpsters, burning the dead. Quickly, they ducked into the doorway of
an apartment building. Since the initial outbreak, everything had changed.
Zombies were no longer the only entities threatening human existence and a
recently lit fire was cause for concern. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a sign of the BioCore Militia or BCM for short. The
BCM was a group of ex-militants decked out in tactical gear and armed with military-grade
weapons. They had been hired by the pharmaceutical company to clean up the
cities by killing the undead to eradicate the plague. That might have been a
good thing if they didn’t kill the living as well.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’d had their share of encounters with the group and weren’t
in a rush for an encore. The last was about two weeks ago when they saw them on
a zombie killing spree. Thinking they were safe, Theresa was about to approach
them when another girl beat her to it. Falling to the ground in relief, she
begged them for help but her pleas were ignored. The BCM had other plans for
her. The bullet in her head was the only mercy they offered. Her screams haunted
them to this day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As they prepared to head away from the area, movement caught
Billy’s eye. It was a man, lying face down in the middle of the street. He appeared
to be dead but Billy noticed signs of life; his chest rose and fell with
shallow breathing. Fresh blood poured from a wound on his side. Judging by the
amount of blood, he hadn’t been there long. “Let’s go,” Theresa said, watching
the wheels spinning in Billy’s head. “It’s too late for him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We don’t know that. Look,” he pointed at the man and sure
enough, the fingers on his right hand moved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah? And what if he was bitten? He could turn into one of
them any minute.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re right,” he sighed. There was a chance of him being
infected but there was also a possibility of saving him and maybe creating
another ally in their battle for survival.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Billy watched a moment longer before finally making up his
mind. Taking a hesitant step into the street, he stopped suddenly as a realization
hit him. <i>What if this was a trap? </i>They’d
seen and done quite a bit since the world exploded, including setting their own
traps when out scavenging for supplies. Was this someone else’s plan of ambush? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
He stepped back beside Theresa as he once again considered
his options. “There’s no point. He’s going to die,” Theresa tried again, this
time tugging on her older brother’s arm in an attempt to get him moving again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man jerked once more and Billy’s mind was made; he moved
quickly from the sidewalk toward him. Rolling him over, Billy checked his
injuries. His upper body as well as the ground beneath him was covered in blood
but, something was off. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then it happened. The movement was so fast that if he’d have
blinked, he would have missed it. The man pulled a knife from his boot and
slashed at his throat, forcing him to jump back. In the next instance, a bullet
whizzed by his head, barely missing him before burying itself in the street
near his leg. “BILLY!” Theresa cried out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turning on his heels, he snatched his sister’s hand and together
they ran as fast as they could down the street, ducking under cars and other
obstacles for cover. Moments later they could hear the heavy pounding footsteps
of someone chasing after them. Theresa felt a pull in her side and her hand
moved to it. Now was not the time to nurse a cramp. Hastening their pace, they turned
into an alleyway, searching for an open building or anything that could save
their lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as they were about to reach the end of the alley,
Theresa spotted a fire escape ladder. “There!” They jumped for it, climbing as
quickly as possible with Billy pulling up the rear. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“SHIT!” Billy grumbled as he lost his grip on his axe and
watched it tumble over the railing and down to the ground. Theresa stopped to
check that her brother was ok and felt him push against her rear. “Keep going!”</div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heavy boots plodded up the metal steps below them but neither dared look to see how many were shadowing. At best guess at least four and, without his axe, they were defenseless against them. The steps were getting closer. Their pursuers were gaining on them. They needed to get some distance now or risk losing everything…and Billy wouldn’t let them take his sister. He couldn’t.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An open window caught his attention. Pushing Theresa faster,
he directed her through it and slammed it shut behind him. Ignoring the lock, they
clambered to their feet and tumbled through the empty apartment, hoping they
didn’t run into any zombies as neither had a weapon.</div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
They found their way into the hall and quickly turned to the left, searching for a way back to the street. As they darted around the next corner, a hand reached out and grabbed Theresa, pinning her against the wall. It was the man that had lured her brother earlier. Theresa screamed and kicked her knee into his groin, causing him to double over in pain. Billy spun around, grabbing at the man’s knife and quickly stabbed the blade down to the hilt into his temple. The man fell to the ground in a slump.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Reese?” For a moment, Theresa sat there staring at his body, eyes wide and unable to move. A crashing in the apartment brought her back to the present and she hurriedly sprinted after her brother down the hallway.</div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The siblings rushed down a new set of stairs, taking them
two at a time. By the time they reached the first floor landing, the pain in
Theresa’s side had increased and she paused to take a breath. Her heart pounded
violently and her lungs burned from the strain of running so hard. “I need a
minute.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not now. We gotta keep going. We need to get away from
these guys,” Billy urged. Opening the front door, he rushed out into the
streets, dragging his sister behind him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Where to now?” she asked, finding them right back where
they’d started. They took off down another side alley but it wasn’t long before
they heard the telltale sounds of the BCM. The door opened behind them and three
militants stepped onto the street. They had guns strapped to their backs but
they wanted to take their time and make this last. They were all holding a
weapon of some kind; each deadlier than the last. This was how they
derived their pleasure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait. Please.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
“We’ll wait…but only long enough to decide who goes first
with her,” the one in the front grinned and took a step forward.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly, a barrage of bullets rocked the trio of soldiers,
splitting their chests open and exploding the sides of their skulls. Billy
threw himself over his sister as one bullet after another erupted in the narrow
backstreet. One–by-one he heard their bodies hit the pavement. And after what
felt like hours, the shooting stopped. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Billy ventured a peek over his shoulder and stood in wide-eyed
amazement. A truck, decked out for zombie hunting, was parked just a few yards
away and near it, their salvation. “Hi, I’m Matt. A group of us are holed up at
the prison. Come with me if you want to live.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><----<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-31-what-now.html">Previous </a>-- <a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/10/day-01-whole-new-world.html">Continue</a>----></span></div>
DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-379306464553467172016-10-31T22:34:00.000-04:002019-09-30T17:38:27.996-04:00Day 31: What Now?<b>Group:</b> Natalie, David, Amélia, Mike, Edward, Nicole, Josh, Matthew, Liz, Nina, Lucky, Eddie, Elise, Dominic, Mathew, Ryan, Troy, Aisha, Jeremiah, Katrina, Jake, JC<br />
<b>Location: </b>BioCore Safe Zone<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5JfY8GHT8I/XL4p_mG19jI/AAAAAAABEOA/bAvjWA-a0V4p7saX5eUvDgwCrMIc6R71gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U5JfY8GHT8I/XL4p_mG19jI/AAAAAAABEOA/bAvjWA-a0V4p7saX5eUvDgwCrMIc6R71gCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They’re walking into their deaths. We need to stop them!”
Elise exclaimed, but Natalie was already running forward. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“MATT!” she shouted, frantically waving her arms as she
called his name, “MATT!!” It wasn’t his name that made him freeze, it was the
sound of her voice. A voice he thought he’d never hear again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew glanced towards the cluster of trees. She appeared
through the forest, arms outstretched and a smile on her face. Tossing Dominic
his weapon, he rushed forward. They met halfway, his arms instantly enclosing
her in a warm hug as she bounded into him. “I can’t believe it’s you,” he
whispered against her ear before their lips met. He could feel the moisture on
her cheeks as her hands slipped around his neck.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I knew you’d find me,” she replied, feeling his tongue
slide into her mouth. She whimpered as he deepened the kiss and pushed herself
more into his arms. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The others walked forward. JC and Josh kept their eyes out
on the perimeter for any movement while the rest of the group sorted through
their weapons. Dominic handed Matthew his rifle and nodded at Natalie.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elise, Eddie and Amélia stepped from out of the bushes. Eddie
dropped their captive to the ground at his feet as David appeared beside him.
His eyes moved from the large group of unfamiliar faces to Natalie and Matthew.
He couldn’t help the jealous pangs that hit him full throttle in the pit of his
stomach as he moved closer. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but our friend has an
idea about how we can get inside.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait, were you going in there?” Matthew asked. He was
unable to keep his hands off of Natalie. She smiled up at him as he playfully
squeezed her side.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We were thinking about it,” Elise replied, eyeing Natalie
as she carefully chose her words. Matthew wouldn’t have liked hearing their
reckless plan of entry. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s a service entry; unguarded,” David said, swallowing
his feelings as he watched the couple get reacquainted. “We can use that to get
inside.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Twenty-two,” Mathew said, carefully placing a black duffel
bag to the ground in front of him. “That’s the number of explosives we have in
total.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not bad,” Jake replied. “That oughta do some damage.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah well the problem with that is, we only have five
detonators.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So what does that mean?” Nicole asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It means we’re going to have to be smart about how we use
them. Set the charges close together in order to run them from one trigger.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait a second, what are we talking about here?” Eddie
asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ryan glanced at Matthew and back to Eddie with a sigh. “It
was decided our best course of action was to end the threat of these assholes.
We’re going to blow up BioCore’s ‘safe zone’ and murder every last one of the
sons of bitches trying to take us out.”<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was silence for a moment as everyone let Ryan’s words sink
in. Dominic looked over their faces, searching for one in particular. Finally
stopping on Natalie’s, she lowered her head, unable to look him in the eyes.
Her mournful expression was revealing but he ignored the sense of dread
squirming in his belly and asked. “Roni?” She shook her head no. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Dominic’s hands curled into fists as he thought about what
she meant. He hardly felt the sharp points of his fingernails digging into his
palms. Everything he had done to keep himself alive; the people he’d killed,
all the running and fighting, the reason he’d done it all, was gone. It wasn’t
just the sense of loss that made his eyes water. His bottom lip quivered and he
turned away before he let them see his pain. Veronica was gone. Her body was
rotting somewhere out there with the rest of the decaying masses. He’d never
see her smiling face again.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hL8jg28y5Y/XL4qEym1SkI/AAAAAAABERI/IAgDaMwqNGkcqpU7I7UF58j9QmoEa0gyACEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hL8jg28y5Y/XL4qEym1SkI/AAAAAAABERI/IAgDaMwqNGkcqpU7I7UF58j9QmoEa0gyACEwYBhgL/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Guys, we’re burning daylight,” Troy said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s right,” Katrina added. “We need to come up with a
plan.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
“This is all the information I was able to gather,” David
said, sharing the paperwork and rough sketches he’d made of the facility. “We
can get around the place using the stairs. Staff elevators require a passkey which,
we don’t have. There are usually three men on each door.” Everyone looked over
the information, assessing the best routes to take. It seemed doable, but
Elise, Natalie and David saw firsthand what they were up against.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ5OAi48HXg/XL4qJHLWpQI/AAAAAAABEOY/vdRdHuystP0K8X3kmKmf3d68SSt9siRQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ5OAi48HXg/XL4qJHLWpQI/AAAAAAABEOY/vdRdHuystP0K8X3kmKmf3d68SSt9siRQwCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alright, we’ll move in groups of three. Liz and Mike, you
hang back with Nina, Jeremiah and Aisha,” Matthew instructed. Ryan and JC
worked through the weapons cache, distributing ammo and explosives. “The
rest of us keep focused. It’s the only way we’re getting out of there alive.
We’ll have 4 charges each. Make sure to set them in places for maximum
destruction. Stay together. Let’s give BioCore a taste of their own medicine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efg66ARrdow/XL4qJqxQUyI/AAAAAAABEOc/VOnlMasQ7j4xSQr3Yx1b670DPC9pYFtGgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efg66ARrdow/XL4qJqxQUyI/AAAAAAABEOc/VOnlMasQ7j4xSQr3Yx1b670DPC9pYFtGgCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-09.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group split into sets of three, each tasking an
individual with a specific job before they started for the gates. The burning,
orange sun ducked behind the mountain. Darkness was their shield. Eddie pushed
the bound man before them. He stumbled down a hidden flight of stairs, leading
the group towards a basement. A set of concrete doors was obscured by a bush in
an obvious attempt to camouflage the entrance. The man stopped just inches in
front of the gate and checked the proximity of the others just over his
shoulder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Troy caught his hesitation and yelled for everyone to stop.
At the same time the man launched himself forward, throwing his body into a
trip wire. The doors caved in, an alarm was sounded and everyone ducked as
gunshots erupted around the facility. Troy rushed down the stairs, aimed his
weapon at the grinning man and fired.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group stepped over his body as they hurried inside the
building. “So much for the element of surprise,” Dominic grumbled as he, Nicole
and Eddie headed right down the east corridor. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh, Mathew and Amélia moved along the west while Edward,
JC and Ryan took the south following after Troy. Katrina, Elise and Jake headed
up to the second floor and Matthew, Natalie and David moved north down the main
hall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLM9FWXCxD4/XL4qLFkTZjI/AAAAAAABEOg/76VoLkdtJNU0PYUeqS8GSq1JAL6aS5k9gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLM9FWXCxD4/XL4qLFkTZjI/AAAAAAABEOg/76VoLkdtJNU0PYUeqS8GSq1JAL6aS5k9gCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s move the trucks back,” Liz said, hopping behind the
wheel of the pickup. Mike slid into the driver’s seat of the transport and
followed her towards the end of the block. Backing up into a vacant lot, they
hid the vehicles out of view of the road. “We should be good here.” She kept
watch of the road and Jeremiah moved around the other side to keep an eye out.
Aisha and Nina remained close to the vehicle, with Lucky by her side.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mike began coughing. He stumbled into the side of the truck as it grew. Unable to breathe, he pulled at the collar of his shirt, loosening
the fabric a little more.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UnfoLDd5Q2E/XL4qNDk7ojI/AAAAAAABEOo/c3cZFgpPV34O_Mm14SCHeWtqKyoWqrFvACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UnfoLDd5Q2E/XL4qNDk7ojI/AAAAAAABEOo/c3cZFgpPV34O_Mm14SCHeWtqKyoWqrFvACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you ok?” Liz asked, noticing Mike’s pallid appearance. She
slid her finger over the trigger guard of her gun, recognizing that she might
have to use her weapon…soon. He was shivering and clutching at his abdomen. The
whites of his eyes were red and irritated and there was a small speck of blood
on the corner of his mouth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
“I’m fine,” he grunted and moved to the back of the truck away
from the others. Leaning against the back bumper, he slowly slid to the ground,
holding his stomach tighter as blood pumped through his hands. Everything
became a haze as he slowly slipped into unconsciousness.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjBChHU9nxg/XL4qM6wXxcI/AAAAAAABEOk/Xb2N3WWmlCcVFXbiM2zVfZebKZYUnakgACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjBChHU9nxg/XL4qM6wXxcI/AAAAAAABEOk/Xb2N3WWmlCcVFXbiM2zVfZebKZYUnakgACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The building felt like a freezer; probably normal
temperatures considering it was a medical laboratory but for Natalie, it was
unbearable. The chilly conditions served to increase the ache she felt in her
kneecap. The slow in her step caused her to fall behind the others. Matthew
turned with a concerned expression, watching her struggling to keep up. “You’re
limping,” he said, pulling her against him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She hurt herself out in the woods,” David replied. He
swallowed hard when Matthew looked over at him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You ok to keep going?” he asked, resting her weight against
him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ll be fine. Let’s keep moving.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nDazvmx-aY/XL4qOFaFF-I/AAAAAAABEOs/wDdl7nQeydo-OVDsN6egQDs3qlvas9ecACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nDazvmx-aY/XL4qOFaFF-I/AAAAAAABEOs/wDdl7nQeydo-OVDsN6egQDs3qlvas9ecACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-13.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9vRqXwByJ0/XL4qPukN_PI/AAAAAAABEOw/HJJKaNYYzsgR7xxYUauRSQ8J138rrsKkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9vRqXwByJ0/XL4qPukN_PI/AAAAAAABEOw/HJJKaNYYzsgR7xxYUauRSQ8J138rrsKkgCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-14.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dominic fired rapidly down the
hall, two guards scattered around the corner. His bag was empty, and now, so
was his gun. Eddie tossed him a magazine from his bag before slinging it over
his shoulder and started for the door. “One more here,” Nicole said, setting
her final explosive beside the tank near the wall. The opaque liquid made her
skin crawl. She could only assume the cause of the discoloration. As she
prepared to back away, the machine in front of her began steaming more.
Curious, Nicole reached her hand out to clear the glass. “FUCK ME!” she
shrieked as a woman hit the glass cylinder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You ok?” Dominic asked, looking
over in her direction. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah. Peachy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good then let’s hurry it up,”
Eddie replied. <o:p></o:p>“This place is fucked.”</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppegOpZ6WBI/XL4qQIBPZGI/AAAAAAABEO0/x1GMqAJnZ5A5WvcCOld8GhsLIzOkEWxAwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppegOpZ6WBI/XL4qQIBPZGI/AAAAAAABEO0/x1GMqAJnZ5A5WvcCOld8GhsLIzOkEWxAwCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-15.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmzszkUo0Tk/XL4qQkIBNLI/AAAAAAABEO8/ngU0Z_qTq0UGHeoeCSZgSFDlLhCeZGg7ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmzszkUo0Tk/XL4qQkIBNLI/AAAAAAABEO8/ngU0Z_qTq0UGHeoeCSZgSFDlLhCeZGg7ACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-16.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
They had moved quickly. The
primary charge was set in the electronics control center; the next the boiler
room. It was where’d they’d encountered their first group of opposition. A
handful of armed guards came out of nowhere, firing at them as they exited the
room. Eddie had taken out two on his own but was grazed in the leg for his
efforts. He now moved with a limp but managed to keep up. The third bomb was
taped to the bottom of the stairs leading to the security office. Katrina’s
group would have to move fast before that one was triggered. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now the group found themselves in
one of many project rooms. This one relied heavily on cold storage and vats of
indistinguishable liquids and jars of preserved body parts. “Done,” Nicole
announced, sticking the blasting cap into the C4. “We ready to move?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dominic checked the exit and
signaled the coast was clear. “Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CHIKT-rh2RM/XL4qSVGVBPI/AAAAAAABEPA/kB67JwShWw0DDW4AtUcYA3e6hhW-bVABQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CHIKT-rh2RM/XL4qSVGVBPI/AAAAAAABEPA/kB67JwShWw0DDW4AtUcYA3e6hhW-bVABQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-17.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7myZStDcEAw/XL4qS1lWnhI/AAAAAAABEPE/p5p_uIM5a_Y0WfTVmzzcfzqc97aQoq8dwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7myZStDcEAw/XL4qS1lWnhI/AAAAAAABEPE/p5p_uIM5a_Y0WfTVmzzcfzqc97aQoq8dwCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-18.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As they exited the room, another
gunman popped up, opening fire on the fleeing group. Eddie ducked behind a large machine as Dominic and Nicole took cover near the door. “Give it up!” the man shouted
towards them. “There’s no way you’re getting out of here alive.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s right,” Eddie said, blinking
hard as the pain seared down his knee. “You guys need to get out of here. I’ll
hold them off.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No way man, that’s not an
option,” Dominic said. “We’re not leaving you behind.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mfNd2xT3wc/XL4qTZ4KNNI/AAAAAAABEPI/3cnjpXCOUQw9vGNM_mBDR5J2zcGSJefCACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mfNd2xT3wc/XL4qTZ4KNNI/AAAAAAABEPI/3cnjpXCOUQw9vGNM_mBDR5J2zcGSJefCACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-19.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZVz0I0O8_w/XL4qVB2r5iI/AAAAAAABEPM/7aQDd_3WwUc4CXbr_ajh7UD_k_jjKQmQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZVz0I0O8_w/XL4qVB2r5iI/AAAAAAABEPM/7aQDd_3WwUc4CXbr_ajh7UD_k_jjKQmQQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-20.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOUMDFWcGo8/XL4qV3BZB0I/AAAAAAABEPU/v0-JLZ0kdqcYJVCz-2H9Om9eQTqhzhbXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOUMDFWcGo8/XL4qV3BZB0I/AAAAAAABEPU/v0-JLZ0kdqcYJVCz-2H9Om9eQTqhzhbXQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-21.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You have no choice. I can’t move
as fast with my leg all busted up and there’s no sense in all of us dying
here,” he said, checking his magazine. “Just promise me one thing: you stick it to
these sons of bitches.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Eddie…” Nicole whined.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“GO! NOW!” he watched as Dominic
and Nicole huffed up the stairs and out of view before taking a deep breath and making his final stand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxIy4ctG4uo/XL5gWMbRAMI/AAAAAAABERY/-yBShgR4ZYQOLGjxeK6OuFZV2oJ0KPFWQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxIy4ctG4uo/XL5gWMbRAMI/AAAAAAABERY/-yBShgR4ZYQOLGjxeK6OuFZV2oJ0KPFWQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-52.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdoh7vGv-M0/XL4qV6U6qkI/AAAAAAABEPQ/jqScpm6Tp6IwUucW5T6uStxuZ_wP0FrIQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdoh7vGv-M0/XL4qV6U6qkI/AAAAAAABEPQ/jqScpm6Tp6IwUucW5T6uStxuZ_wP0FrIQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-22.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s the last one,” Katrina announced and stepped around
the security booth. “We should probably get out of here now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Guys, I heard shots,” Jake said, lowering his back against
the wall. “I think the others may be in trouble.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have to get to them!” Elise exclaimed, cutting the last
wire beside her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. We need to stick to the plan,” Jake said. “It won’t be
easy cutting a path clear across this facility and even if we did who’s to say
we make it in time? No. We’re on a schedule here. Grab your stuff and let’s
clear out.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“As much as I hate to say it,” Katrina started, shoving the last of her items into the duffel bag. “Jake’s right. We have to be out of here on time. We can’t risk moving through this place like that. We need to regroup and figure it out from there.”</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIQdQ8LPPs4/XL4qXlDhx3I/AAAAAAABEPY/9ASOJoCxw80IqjjbDYfh2H3bDIUWazFJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIQdQ8LPPs4/XL4qXlDhx3I/AAAAAAABEPY/9ASOJoCxw80IqjjbDYfh2H3bDIUWazFJQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-23.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reluctantly, Elise nodded and followed the others out into
the hallway. They were halfway to the exit when she noticed the light on her
trigger wasn’t on. “Something’s wrong,” she said, turning the device to show
the others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Great. The detonator’s not connected,” Jake replied. He
blew out a breath and tapped his hand against his head. “Alright. You guys head
out, I’ll swing back around and fix it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait, we just talked about how crazy it would be to go
running around this place and now you want to split up?” Katrina asked, looking
at Jake in disbelief. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s not a matter of ‘want’, Katrina. If those charges
aren’t set correctly then there is a chance of something surviving this place
and we agreed we wouldn’t let that happen. Someone has to fix them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jr_FZYWa_DY/XL4qZG5LQ8I/AAAAAAABEPg/jSEa-V_kmKoVvEHEltfD9TLHwUmlyPTwACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jr_FZYWa_DY/XL4qZG5LQ8I/AAAAAAABEPg/jSEa-V_kmKoVvEHEltfD9TLHwUmlyPTwACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-24.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine. Then we go together. We move as a group.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Too risky.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, what’s risky is going back alone. What if you run into
more of those guards? It was hard enough getting through them when it was the
three of us. How are you going to do it all by yourself?” Katrina argued.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Skills,” Jake shrugged with a grin. “Look, there’s no point
in arguing this, I’m going and you two are leaving. Katrina, if the others have
finished they might have moved outside already. It’ll be easier for one of us
to get in and out rather than endangering us all. I’ve got this. You and Elise
get outside.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RRPAsU1tK3k/XL4qY1u99TI/AAAAAAABEPc/ZM-Pt8xzfAQy3lRXzYp1a_bGRUBXplXRQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RRPAsU1tK3k/XL4qY1u99TI/AAAAAAABEPc/ZM-Pt8xzfAQy3lRXzYp1a_bGRUBXplXRQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-25.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSXk9uYZOvo/XL5hdYBt3JI/AAAAAAABERk/DeFDpGUUE506rEtsohy8afov2y9bzlELgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSXk9uYZOvo/XL5hdYBt3JI/AAAAAAABERk/DeFDpGUUE506rEtsohy8afov2y9bzlELgCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-53.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
“Jake…”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
“I’ll be fine,” he smiled. “But, just in case…” Placing his
hand on her back, Jake pressed Katrina into his body and planted one on her. She
felt his tongue brush hers and responded to the kiss eagerly, moaning into his
mouth as he tightened his grip around her waist. Tilting his head forward, Jake
rested his forehead gently against hers, eyes closed and his steady exhalations
tickling against her lips as he slowly pulled away. “I’ll see you out there. Now
get moving.”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVbErjNhi-M/XL4qaLZ7pRI/AAAAAAABEPk/_NMGJBjZ07AgKOT8_aEKqv9gGsOHM8Z9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVbErjNhi-M/XL4qaLZ7pRI/AAAAAAABEPk/_NMGJBjZ07AgKOT8_aEKqv9gGsOHM8Z9wCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-26.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf0kEAkX9fw/XL4qbbxXhzI/AAAAAAABEPo/frKVADwFlmgv7QtWbB_OoPcBlSFSFh1EgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf0kEAkX9fw/XL4qbbxXhzI/AAAAAAABEPo/frKVADwFlmgv7QtWbB_OoPcBlSFSFh1EgCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-27.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dude, hurry it up. We need to
regroup,” JC said, watching Edward place his charge near the electrical outlet
under the window.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m moving as fast as I can.
Sorry I’m not an explosives expert like some people.” Sweat glistened on his
forehead and he wiped his arm across his face to keep it out of his eyes. “It’s
hot. What kind of lab keeps it this hot?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What are you talking about? This
place is freezing,” JC replied. “Just hurry up!”</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp1pAm5vXS4/XL4qcKa918I/AAAAAAABEPs/xFp9E5gyi58kTvj0djzynzCxA4Grc4tEACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tp1pAm5vXS4/XL4qcKa918I/AAAAAAABEPs/xFp9E5gyi58kTvj0djzynzCxA4Grc4tEACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-28.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFmHW2iChPM/XL4qdP_sQdI/AAAAAAABEPw/mtV385NUitI6VdZ6KSJOPHdEKA_7IEm-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFmHW2iChPM/XL4qdP_sQdI/AAAAAAABEPw/mtV385NUitI6VdZ6KSJOPHdEKA_7IEm-QCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-29.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s done,” he said, leaning away, losing his balance as he got to his feet. Edward tossed the tools into the bag and slid it towards JC. “We should…” he shook his head to clear the cobwebs and fell against the desk beside him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s wrong with you, man?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nothing. I’m fine. Just woozy.
It’s too hot in here. Let’s get outside.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you guys done in there?” Troy
called into the room. He and Ryan stood guard outside, watching for any
resistance.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhporx6_ZgA/XL4qeFXHL-I/AAAAAAABEP0/CXnMlvwl3n0dm9HUIOYUw2S472ZydZNYACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhporx6_ZgA/XL4qeFXHL-I/AAAAAAABEP0/CXnMlvwl3n0dm9HUIOYUw2S472ZydZNYACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-30.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah. Heading your way,” JC replied. Edward stumbled as he
tried to move, groaning as he hit his shoulder against the desk on the way
down. “You are not fine.” JC said, watching as Edward struggled to get back to
his feet. He writhed on the floor a moment and JC jumped back when a mouthful
of blood shot out at him. Edward growled as he finally stood and JC raised his weapon
without hesitation.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Guys? You ok in there?” Ryan asked, hearing a gun go off. The door opened, but it wasn’t Edward exiting the room. It was JC with a shocked look on his face. “What happened? Where’s Edward?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He turned,” JC said, “And he came at me. I did what I had to do.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That bandage on his arm,” Troy said. “He must have been bitten, or scratched.”</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqF5tsBy23g/XL4qf9ArIhI/AAAAAAABEP8/W_A15CMiElEUqJ3sWQavRpry0T7RdfG1gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqF5tsBy23g/XL4qf9ArIhI/AAAAAAABEP8/W_A15CMiElEUqJ3sWQavRpry0T7RdfG1gCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-32.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmuOkY0qXLM/XL4qgGYRFTI/AAAAAAABEQA/IhYxYfLgsFUbzADLgn9HsHFacG-ZJJNyQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmuOkY0qXLM/XL4qgGYRFTI/AAAAAAABEQA/IhYxYfLgsFUbzADLgn9HsHFacG-ZJJNyQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-33.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Geez, man,” Ryan paused and took a step back. “Did he get
you?”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hell no! I didn’t let that fucker near me. I’m clear,” JC replied.
“Let’s get the fuck out of…”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A gunshot erupted. Blood
splattered Troy’s face as Ryan’s head split open. Instantly he and JC returned
fire down the hallway at their obscured attacker. “Run!” JC shouted in
desperation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wonder how the others are
doing,” Troy said as he and JC swiftly ran to escape.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHVc_J5e8dE/XL4qii9OmSI/AAAAAAABEQI/er2esdAp7AQ83fqrzqk1xLbkObEiUlb5gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-34.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHVc_J5e8dE/XL4qii9OmSI/AAAAAAABEQI/er2esdAp7AQ83fqrzqk1xLbkObEiUlb5gCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-34.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knxIjrar_ZQ/XL4qi4NRw5I/AAAAAAABEQM/bQiVArMFgx48jBYMtf6m3Ozoqa1M3Le2wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-35.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knxIjrar_ZQ/XL4qi4NRw5I/AAAAAAABEQM/bQiVArMFgx48jBYMtf6m3Ozoqa1M3Le2wCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-35.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shots rang out beside Amélia.
She ducked as screaming scientists fled around her, running for cover. She
pulled from around the corner and began firing. Mat advanced while Josh held
his position. He entered a door one of the fleeing scientists left open, more
patients. Some were tied to beds, others were hanging from the rafters by
chains. None of them appeared alive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c88-w7hAtK0/XL4qjENpR0I/AAAAAAABEQQ/XG2vlXLIP8UBvRrEEgkdKQ9kwZjGaFPUACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c88-w7hAtK0/XL4qjENpR0I/AAAAAAABEQQ/XG2vlXLIP8UBvRrEEgkdKQ9kwZjGaFPUACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-36.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fH8-XOYLBWo/XL4qllURSmI/AAAAAAABEQY/cIrFfnu26-0RVDPJzudgPQDgXhu62y-KQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fH8-XOYLBWo/XL4qllURSmI/AAAAAAABEQY/cIrFfnu26-0RVDPJzudgPQDgXhu62y-KQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-37.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unzipping his bag, Mat set the charge. As he turned to
leave, one of the bodies on the bed looked up at him. Its gaze set his heart
racing. The hissing shriek it made caused him to step back a few paces and
place his back to the wall. The man’s eyes were red with fury. Mathew felt that
at any moment, it would break the leather binds holding him to the bed. Not
wanting to waste the bullet, Mathew grabbed a scalpel from the tray near him
and walked closer. Exhaling a deep breath, he swiftly drove the steel blade
through the man’s eye. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A black substance shot into his face. He screamed. The
unknown liquid made his skin burn and he could feel it melt the flesh around
his mouth and eyes. Amélia rushed into the room at the sounds of his howl and
gasped as she watched chunks of meat and muscle sink to the floor from his
face. “JESUS!” she exclaimed. “What did you do?”</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wixoep1z0pk/XL4qlnQz6qI/AAAAAAABEQU/r0dWLvGOKisu31PO3YHrrZ5cANGx5gvGQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-38.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wixoep1z0pk/XL4qlnQz6qI/AAAAAAABEQU/r0dWLvGOKisu31PO3YHrrZ5cANGx5gvGQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-38.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlQgYbwn9xM/XL4qmDSQ-vI/AAAAAAABEQg/xVbAVttXcF8T0RzqY1lYsL6wj3bK7I0hgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-39.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlQgYbwn9xM/XL4qmDSQ-vI/AAAAAAABEQg/xVbAVttXcF8T0RzqY1lYsL6wj3bK7I0hgCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-39.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Help me,” he cried as he continued pawing at his skull.
“Please. Help me.” He stepped towards her. Amélia lifted her weapon and he
stopped, placing his arms in front of him defensively. “No. Amélia, wait,
please.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sorry,” she said and pulled the trigger. Amélia moved
to collect his weapon and quickly turned to exit the room. Her eyes fell on the
empty bed and the liquid oozing from the opened container. Following the trail,
she gasped seeing the slimy creature standing just a few feet in front of her. Amélia
whimpered, closing her eyes as the monster moved in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43ZX_nOYAD8/XL4qoLWLlsI/AAAAAAABEQk/PQqIxZEG16IuEh59OjFqeMajmf7fX0u1ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-40.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43ZX_nOYAD8/XL4qoLWLlsI/AAAAAAABEQk/PQqIxZEG16IuEh59OjFqeMajmf7fX0u1ACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-40.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is everyone out?” Matthew asked, flipping the cover of his
trigger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jake,” Katrina said. “Has anyone seen him?” There was a
resounding no from the group and she and Elise exchanged a look. “He went back
to fix our charges.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We can give him another minute,” Matthew said, “But after
that we have to detonate.” That minute was eternal agony as Elise and Katrina
stared at the door, willing it to open and for Jake to come rushing through.
When that didn’t happen, Matthew turned towards Katrina, his eyes conveying his
sentiment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36xkk6Ii2cc/XL4qpByfSuI/AAAAAAABEQo/WGdBZBdnbRQdCEd3BhnCKqNiLvU-hKDeQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-41.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36xkk6Ii2cc/XL4qpByfSuI/AAAAAAABEQo/WGdBZBdnbRQdCEd3BhnCKqNiLvU-hKDeQCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-41.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group took a step back as the timer ticked down the
remaining seconds. Matthew flipped the final charge and the building exploded in
a brilliant blaze of orange and yellow flames. The force of the blast threw many
of the group to the ground face-first. Glass shattered. Smoke and falling dust
filled the air. Matthew threw himself on top of Natalie as the explosion tore
through the adjacent building. Elise choked on the acrid smoke and began
coughing, her ears ringing from the force of the explosion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The echo of Nicole’s heartbeat muffled sounds with an
underwater effect, as if her head had sunken to the bottom of a muddy lake.
Through the auditory haze, fire roared. People screamed. Another explosion. She
lifted her head a slight inch, but the pain that ricocheted through it
blackened the edges of her vision.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
David inhaled, and the salty, coppery taste of blood ran
down the back of his throat. He touched his nose, and his hand came away wet
and red. He looked beyond his hand. His eyes drifted right. The horror made him
want to squeeze them closed. But he couldn’t. There were bodies everywhere. A
lake of the dead and dying spread towards him across the open field. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJYdLkDXYdA/XL4qq5MKjGI/AAAAAAABEQw/EnEEVZrTw2QuqLhrPkpYko0Kjp60v9l6gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-42.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJYdLkDXYdA/XL4qq5MKjGI/AAAAAAABEQw/EnEEVZrTw2QuqLhrPkpYko0Kjp60v9l6gCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-42.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it was over the group stood on the pinnacle of the
destruction. The building crumbled to the ground in front of them. Fires raged
on around the compound and hundreds of zombies burned in the angry flames.
Their wails hauntingly hung in the air as what remained of their rotting flesh
was seared from their bones. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Katrina’s heart ached with the memories of each time she
stood on the brink of death. Each fear-ladened moment where she was on the run
for her life. Each tear that fell from her eyes and soaked into the bloody pavement.
And each loved one she lost along the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had been a bloody battle. There were moments when it felt
all was lost and none of them would make it out alive. But their hard-earned
freedom was not without its downside. They had defeated BioCore and avenged
their murdered friends. But as relieved as they were to finally be done with
that company once and for all, they knew the struggle was far from over. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
They had birthed new horrors with the loss of a cure. The country
was still overrun by the numerous undead. Survival was both reward and
consequence for having escaped the fray. They had seen, done and experienced
despicable things just to make it to another day. Still, the struggle was not over. There was still much work to do. The physical wounds
would heal, but the emotional damage was done.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_r2NwqTqY4g/XL4qq41QvBI/AAAAAAABEQs/Fe4LQgOX8AInofSFce6F0nZXY5sM1a_5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-43.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_r2NwqTqY4g/XL4qq41QvBI/AAAAAAABEQs/Fe4LQgOX8AInofSFce6F0nZXY5sM1a_5wCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-43.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
They turned and started for the trucks. Thousands of twinkling stars lit their path in the silky black sky as
they went on the hunt for a new beginning. One far away from this mess. “Wait,” Troy said, pausing just
beside the tree line. “I think someone’s down there.”<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh my god!” Katrina gasped.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EazBQlxbmso/W2iT8EQcRFI/AAAAAAAA3c8/CDaTxum4K0Ah7qeIkgwvekJ813xn4yB6ACLcBGAs/s1600/Fade.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EazBQlxbmso/W2iT8EQcRFI/AAAAAAAA3c8/CDaTxum4K0Ah7qeIkgwvekJ813xn4yB6ACLcBGAs/s640/Fade.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EazBQlxbmso/W2iT8EQcRFI/AAAAAAAA3c8/CDaTxum4K0Ah7qeIkgwvekJ813xn4yB6ACLcBGAs/s1600/Fade.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EazBQlxbmso/W2iT8EQcRFI/AAAAAAAA3c8/CDaTxum4K0Ah7qeIkgwvekJ813xn4yB6ACLcBGAs/s640/Fade.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<b>Group:</b> Ericka & Kenneth Vanguard</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<b>Location: </b>Vanguard Manor (<i><u>Bonus</u>: Origin Conclusion</i>)</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9MicbK_5wU/W2e5OgbhLjI/AAAAAAAA3Xk/IzeU9co-HPYj3690Uj5bfnu1J6cPYaxvwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-E1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9MicbK_5wU/W2e5OgbhLjI/AAAAAAAA3Xk/IzeU9co-HPYj3690Uj5bfnu1J6cPYaxvwCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-E1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
“Kenny?” Ericka’s voice echoed down the hallway of her
multi-million dollar mansion as she tossed her keys into the tray beside the
door and made her way through the home she shared with her husband and two Maltese dogs.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Met with the sound of silence, she continued further into
the house, stopping at the entrance to the living room. The area was in
disarray. Furniture was overturned, paintings had been ripped from the walls,
glass vases were broken; their pieces scattered across the floor. “Kenny! What
the hell went on here?” she shouted, appalled at the appearance of her home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MF08FyKhKr0/W2e5OwTaGCI/AAAAAAAA3Xg/2TLnM6njjOYfU419-aMXOSNaYz01vjwbACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-E3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MF08FyKhKr0/W2e5OwTaGCI/AAAAAAAA3Xg/2TLnM6njjOYfU419-aMXOSNaYz01vjwbACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-E3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now on a mission to locate her good-for-nothing husband and
let him have it, Ericka tore through the house, entering into the kitchen. Her
eyes fell on the opened back patio door and she sighed with irritation. “You
left the door opened again? I swear you’re worthl…” her words caught in her throat
at the sound of scraping against the wood flooring and the sudden realization
she was not alone in the room. “Kenny?”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A dreadful moan answered her. Ericka opened her mouth to scream, but all that came out was a thin croak. She could only stare in abject
terror at the thing standing not ten feet in front of her. Half of its face had
been ripped open. The flesh hanging from its chin dripped a greenish-red liquid
of what she could only assume to be a mixture of blood and oozing pus. The
white of his skull was visible, and it gleamed underneath, its teeth sneered at
her with a grotesque and otherworldly smile. It reached out his decaying arms,
fingers quivering. Another ghastly wail escaped its mouth as it started towards
her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMeBF36048w/W2e5QeEUCZI/AAAAAAAA3Xo/GVraP4LJLkYMI1-2CpRezjqk6CNl6U3_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-E4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMeBF36048w/W2e5QeEUCZI/AAAAAAAA3Xo/GVraP4LJLkYMI1-2CpRezjqk6CNl6U3_ACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-E4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Kenny?” she tried as the monster opened its jaw and lunged.
She screamed and fell back, feeling its teeth tear into her arm. Wrestling
away, Ericka scurried to the back wall of the room, watching as the walking
corpse clambered to its feet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With her heart pounding fast in her chest and her legs weak
with fear, Ericka grabbed hold of the item closest to her—a cast-iron skillet—and
swung it at her husband’s head with all her might, crushing his skull in three
blows. Blood streamed down the crack in his head, over his jaundiced, papery
skin. Blood—her blood—lined his mouth, drooling over his neck and chest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fQT-TQNX7A/W2e5Q_o6cfI/AAAAAAAA3Xw/thsvXAsSTFAb-L5hwb0AMc6yEs76xuK7ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-E5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fQT-TQNX7A/W2e5Q_o6cfI/AAAAAAAA3Xw/thsvXAsSTFAb-L5hwb0AMc6yEs76xuK7ACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-E5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A warm ache spread through her arm to the rhythm of her
pulse yet her body shook to a different beat. Hot tears formed and dripped from
her eyes; the taste of bile fresh on her tongue. He had bitten her! And from
what she’d learned about this outbreak, it wouldn’t be long before she became
just like her husband—what was left of him. But she had no choice. She had to
survive. It was him or her. And she had to live. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But her arm—what the hell was she going to do about her arm?
One thing was clear: she couldn’t turn; wouldn’t turn. There had to be a way. An
abrupt consciousness aroused her as she felt the disease spreading through her
arm: Dr. Bell’s research. It was back at the lab. She needed to act fast.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sx_NwvuNp0Y/W2e5QtNTfaI/AAAAAAAA3Xs/MBNX8Zqf6ewW-ijFgd7PXVF3kanwiCqYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot-E6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sx_NwvuNp0Y/W2e5QtNTfaI/AAAAAAAA3Xs/MBNX8Zqf6ewW-ijFgd7PXVF3kanwiCqYwCLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot-E6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Snatching a dish cloth from the sink, she crafted a tourniquet
just below her elbow, tightening it as much as possible. Her car was just out
by the street, maybe forty feet from the front door. Rushing through the
hallway, she lifted her keys from the dish, trying to ignore the pain in her
arm. Suddenly, an icy feeling came over her and she stopped in place. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Standing motionless for a moment, she noticed as something zipped
within her peripheral vision just beyond the door. Just then, a large object collided
with the front entrance. Ericka moved quickly to lock it. A yellowed face with
bloodshot eyes hungering for her peered at her through the window and was soon
joined by more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
---------------------------------------<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
*Author’s note: This story was met with a lot of unfortunate
mishaps. Even having a huge head start, I was not able to effectively execute
the second part of the trilogy for the Outbreak series and I deeply apologize
for that. Real life drama and in-game delays created the worst case scenario
possible for me. I appreciate everyone sticking with me until the end. Thank
you for reading even if the story veered tremendously off course.*<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
P.S. I fully intend to go back and add shots to the missed chapters.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Daijah<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------<br />
<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2019/09/prologue-no-escape.html">Continue</a>----></div>
DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-36561170873524320682016-10-30T22:02:00.000-04:002019-04-22T22:35:42.275-04:00Day 30: Day of Reckoning<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Group:</b> Natalie, David, Amélia, Mike, Edward, Nicole, Josh, Matthew, Liz, Nina, Lucky, Eddie, Elise, Dominic, Mathew, Ryan, Troy, Aisha, Jeremiah, Katrina, Jake, JC<br />
<b>Location: </b>BioCore Safe Zone<br />
<br /></div>
Dominic backed away from the window and started for the
stairs. “We need to get to the weapons and get out there to help,” he said.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, you might wanna hurry,” Aisha stated, moving out of
the office, “Those zombies I told you I saw before, they’re coming back towards
us now…and it looks like they picked up some friends along the way.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Shit,” Ryan hurried after Dominic, followed by Troy, Mathew
and Katrina. Grabbing up a couple rifles and handguns, they geared up for a
fight. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have maybe thirty seconds before those things are up our
asses. We get out there and we move quickly. Stay together and watch each
other’s backs. This thing is gonna get crazy real fast,” Dominic said.
“Everyone got it? Let’s move.”<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking a deep breath, Dominic kicked open the door and came
out shooting. Matthew turned at the sound of gunfire and took a relieved sigh
when he noticed where the sounds were coming from. He nodded at his old friends
as he and the others continued mowing down the group of undead standing between them and the police station. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dozens poured out of the alleyways and the backs of
buildings, drawn to the street with the constant barrage of bullets. JC’s gun
clicked and he cussed as he moved to the back. Out of ammo meant his battle had
become hand-to-hand. Switching to his machete, he rushed forward into the
growing crowd. With a swift swing, he planted the sharp edge of the blade into
the skull of a walking undead. It stuck and he struggled to free it again.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“JC, BEHIND YOU!” Jeremiah shouted. But before anyone else
could follow it up with action, Lucky charged forward, snarling as she chomped
down onto the zombie’s left arm. Dragging it down to the ground, she moved
around ripping and tearing until the bone popped from the socket and the arm was separated from the zombie.
JC took a step back and finished off the monster while Lucky was content with
tearing it to pieces.<br />
<br />
Nicole emptied her handgun into the mob heading towards
them. Two zombies hit the ground, but the other seven seemed to pick up steam. She
reloaded and popped off two more rounds before her gun jammed. “Fuck!” she
hissed, pulling the slide back to try and get the damned thing working again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
From the other side of the street, Katrina hauled off with a
volley of her own. Seeing Josh again lit a fire under her. She did her best not
to think about him during their seperation. Keeping her mind focused on the road ahead kept her from
crumbling and becoming one of the many undead she now found herself shooting.
Her bullet drilled through the head of the zombie in front of her. Blood and
brain matter splattered the pavement beneath him as he tumbled to the ground.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The deep, red liquid oozed from the hole in the center of his
forehead, nearly resembling mud. Katrina drew back her slide. Her second clip
was almost empty. But the more they killed, the bigger the horde became. “This
isn’t going to work,” Ryan said, watching the numbers grow. “The sound is
bringing more!” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ryan’s right,” Mathew said, pumping his rifle and watching
the buck shots scatter. “We need to figure out a different way.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I got it,” Troy said. “The trucks! Ryan, toss me your
keys.” Throwing his gun over his shoulder, Troy took off for the parking lot.
Dominic stopped watching once he disappeared behind the wheel of the military
transport. Moments later, the sound of an engine roared behind them. They made
room as he drove forward into the mass. Bodies rolled beneath the truck’s
wheels. Bones snapped and skulls flattened. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the truck finally stopped, the large group of zombies
were dead…again. Troy kicked open the passenger door and looked down at
Matthew, Jeremiah, Liz, Nina, Jake and JC, with a smile, “Anybody call for an
Uber?” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took them half an hour to get the trucks packed up with their supplies.
Matthew spoke to everyone about the safe
zones and it was agreed, they’d take a look and maybe, finally, bring an end to this apocalypse. Driving through the ravaged city, they made it to the location on the
edge of Cabot Creek. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is the place,” Matthew said, checking out the
warehouse that had been transformed into what appeared to be a massive medical
facility. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And what exactly do they do here?” Ryan asked, looking at
the amount of military patrols surrounding the building.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s what we aim to find out. BioCore wanted this war,”
Matthew said, hopping down from the truck and grabbing his weapon from the front
seat. “Let’s bring it to them.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sound of a truck driving in made everyone scurry for
cover. Amélia ducked beside the trunk of a large tree with David while Elise
and Eddie were crouched beside their prisoner. Natalie had made it behind a
bush and was keeping her eye on the group as they exited the vehicle. “Matt?”
she gasped, as she recognized familiar people within the group heading towards
the building.<br />
<br />
Elise turned and joined her in shock. It appeared everyone
from the compound had reunited, and, unwittingly, they were heading right into danger!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-31-what-now.html">Continue----></a></div>
---------------------------------------<br />
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<br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231902">The gang’s back together again. Too bad they won’t be warned in time. Who bites the dust? Check all that apply.</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-88455558772783810722016-10-29T21:19:00.000-04:002019-04-22T21:10:02.142-04:00Day 29: City of Bones<b>Group 1:</b> Veronica, Elise, Natalie, David, Amélia, Eddie<br />
<b>Location: </b>Warehouse<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s where they prep the intake for treatment,” David
said as he, Natalie and Elise scouted the safe zone. He had led them there
shortly after the attack. Natalie was seeking revenge. Ignoring the dangers of
walking into such a heavily guarded location and against David’s advice. Eddie
and Amélia hung back to watch over their prisoner. She’d blamed the man for
Veronica’s death, but deep down she knew the real source of the problem was the
medical company that started it all. BioCore workers transported boxes into the
facility out the back of unmarked trucks.<br />
<br />
The place was cordoned off by a large electric fence and several armed guards. Working cameras were posted on every corner of the building as well as what appeared to be command dogs and even alert sirens.
“Where do they go from there?” Natalie asked, formulating a plan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There are several research rooms within the facility,
there’s no telling where each individual is taken,” David replied. “I can tell
you, however, it’s never good. Some of the ‘research’ I witnessed…it makes
prison look like a trip to the spa.”</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t care. We’re putting a stop to this once and for
all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait a second, what’s this?” David asked. Another truck
pulled up and they watched as a man in his earlier thirties exited the driver’s
side. He waved his arms frantically at the soldiers before running around the
other side and opening the passenger door. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The soldiers stepped towards him as he helped another man
around the same age out of the car. It was obvious from the way the man was
moving, he was injured. His shirt was stained with blood and he appeared to
have a bandage wrapped around his wrist. “He’s been bitten,” Natalie surmised,
watching the scene unfold through the chain-link fence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh geez,” Elise gasped. “There’s like a chunk missing out
of his arm!” She squinted her eyes slightly to get a better look. Both men were
dripping with blood, leaving a trail behind them as the shuffled forward. The
soldiers stopped when they saw the blood and began shouting at the men to stop.
When they didn’t, the soldiers pointed their guns at the men, causing them to
freeze in their tracks. They placed their hands above their heads in response. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
And although they couldn’t hear what the soldiers were
yelling, they noticed they weren’t lowering their guns. The two men dropped to
their knees. The driver clasped his hands together, pleading with the soldiers.
“What the hell are they doing?” David asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A moment later, the soldiers opened fire, the sound of their
guns making them all jump in fright. “HOLY SHIT!” Elise gasped and ducked
further behind the concrete pylon. The men’s bodies whipped violently against
the force of the bullets before they finally hit the ground.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Natalie watched as a pair of men in lab coats exited down
the ramp, placed the bodies on gurneys and disappeared back inside. “Come on,
let’s get back to the others.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXq8miW725I/WBVH1YUibQI/AAAAAAAAwPg/xnUimEHuG5wSus8YDzjDFI5Ef1wHWoE4QCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXq8miW725I/WBVH1YUibQI/AAAAAAAAwPg/xnUimEHuG5wSus8YDzjDFI5Ef1wHWoE4QCLcB/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eddie waved as he saw Elise approach. “So? What’s the plan?”
he asked of Natalie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s just like David said. Armed militants surrounding the
building, barbed wire fence…even security cameras. The only way we’re getting
inside is by force.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Force,” Amélia scoffed. “Us and what army? We barely
survived earlier’s attack. We have no weapons and barely any ammo for the ones
we do have.”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Amélia’s right,” Eddie said. “I hate to say it but there’s
no way we’re winning this one. Even if we managed to get inside, the likelihood of getting out alive<span style="font-family: "sylfaen" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">…I don</span>’t like our chances.”<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You can’t still seriously be considering this, Natalie,”
Elise said. She’d seen exactly what they were up against. And
hearing Natalie stillready for this suicide mission had her a little on edge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How are you even planning to get into the building in the
first place?” Eddie asked.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s where our friend comes in,” Natalie replied with a
grin. “He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s gonna be the key to getting us inside.<br />
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-30-day-of-reckoning.html"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-30-day-of-reckoning.html">Continue----></a> (Clicking this continues the story in order. If you would like to move to the next part of this group’s story. Click the # below.)<br />
<b><a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-31-what-now.html">#8</a>----></b><br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231893">They’ve made it to the safe zone! Natalie’s plan could work but without weapons it could be a suicide mission. How will the grou</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-86219142374568532042016-10-28T20:45:00.000-04:002019-04-22T21:09:42.832-04:00Day 28: Bereavement<b>Group 4:</b> Matthew, Josh, Liz, Jeremiah, Edward, Nicole, Jake, JC, Nina, Lucky, Mike, Katrina, Troy, Dominic, Mathew, Ryan, Aisha<br />
<b>Location: </b>Barn/Farmhouse<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward scratched at the bandage on his arm. That damn
mongrel really did a number on him and now his skin felt like it was on fire.
He eyed the animal as it trotted along beside Nina, playfully nudging her arm making
her rub her head. It was bad enough he was forced to wear a dead man’s clothes
but now he had to deal with that mutt; and he hated dogs. Five minutes along
with that animal and he’d send it to doggy heaven where it belonged. Sensing
the man’s eyes on her, Lucky looked back with a happy expression as the group
continued down the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s just up ahead,” Matthew said. The group had been
walking for nearly an hour, heading to the rendezvous. Upon arrival, they could
see no one was waiting, but it appeared someone had been here recently. Tire
tracks, two distinct treads, were imprinted in the soft dirt. One appeared to
belong to a large vehicle of some kind while the other, possibly a truck. The
wide wheel base gave Matthew the impression that it could have been one of the
pickups from the compound.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If that was the case, it could also indicate others may have
escaped that night. An ounce of hope sparked within him but he didn’t let it
how on his face. “Tire tracks,” he said, kneeling beside the prints. “Someone
was here, can’t tell how long ago. But with any luck, they’re still close by.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That doesn’t mean anything,” Edward quickly spoke. “It
could have been anyone! You can’t be sure it was your group.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, I can’t. But we made a plan. The least I can do is hope
it was followed through.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. No, this is crazy! No way in hell am I traipsing off to
God knows where in the off chance those tracks lead to someone who might know
you!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then you’re welcomed to stay here. No one ever invited you
along anyway. Unlike the posh service you’re used to, this is do or die which
means if you’re not willing to get your hands dirty, we have no use for you.
Pull your weight or hit the bricks,” Matthew growled. Lucky followed, inching
up on Edward who’d placed his hands up defensively.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re the boss,” he replied in a callous tone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
“What do you want to do?” Liz asked, doting on Nina. She was excited seeing the child walk into the barn. Status unknown left her stomach in a knot, but it seemed Nina was very capable of taking care of herself.<br />
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“What do we know that’s in the area?” Matthew asked.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fire station; it’s up the street,” JC said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s no good,” Nicole replied. “I tried hitting that
shortly before I met up with these guys. The place is overrun with those
things.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mel’s Diner?” Jeremiah suggested.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“NO!” Nina shouted. The group all turned to her. “That’s
where I met Lucky. She saved my life. There are too many monsters.” Liz gently
stroked her hair. To think she had to face that alone was disheartening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The only other building along this road is the police
station,” Josh said. “But even then we don’t know if we’ll find them there. If
they were mobile, they could be anywhere in the city.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Or out of it,” Mike said, almost to himself.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s worth a shot,” Matthew replied. “The station’s about
two blocks south of here. If we don’t find them, maybe the likelihood of
finding weapons will be good. After all, it is a cop house.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Katrina held her breath as she readied herself for the first
wave. Ryan glanced back once as if to ask if she was sure. Katrina nodded and
he firmly gripped the handle, preparing to open the door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“WAIT!” Aisha shouted. Ryan jumped and slammed the door back
the inch or two it had opened. “Someone’s out there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They all listened, trying to identify the sounds Aisha
heard. Seconds passed. Silence drawled on as they waited. Finally, a voice
echoed down the hallway. It sounded as if someone was calling out to the
zombies, drawing their attention. Ryan peeked out the small viewing window in
the door. He watched as the once anxious horde fighting to get inside the room,
slowly turned and marched back down the hallway. “They’re leaving,” he
reported. The hallway was clearing of the zombies and he gave a relieved sigh
as he slid his back against the door.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moments later there was more noise. Movement again in the
hallway. Carefully, Ryan poked his head out. Dominic, Troy and Mathew were rushing
towards him. “That was you?” he asked with an excited smile on his face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Troy,” Mathew answered. “He wormed his way through the
ventilation system; got the mob locked back inside the jail.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nice work!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah,” Katrina agreed, realizing how close they’d all come to
death. “Now we just have to worry about breaking out of here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Got that worked out too,” Troy replied. “I found a
blueprint of the station. There is a series of tunnels that runs under here to
the courthouse. Apparently, Cabot Creek is known for them.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Prohibition,” Dominic said. “There are tunnels all over the
city.”</div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good. We have a way out, but what about the vehicles?”
Katrina asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And the boxes of supplies?” Aisha added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good call. It’ll take a while to transport everything on foot.
And we don’t even know what may be waiting on the other end of those tunnels,”
Ryan said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly, gunfire sounded outside. The group rushed back
into the office and took a peek outside the window. “There are people down
there,” Mat said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dominic moved to his side and inhaled a stuttered breath. “It’s…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“JOSH!” Katrina exclaimed. “And they’re headed this way! We
have to help them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Don’t you remember what’s out there?” Aisha warned.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Doesn’t matter,” she replied. “We have to at least try.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-29-city-of-bones.html">Continue----></a> (Clicking this continues the story in order. If you would like to move to the next part of this group’s story. Click the # below.)<br />
<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-31-what-now.html">#9</a>----><br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231885">What should the group do?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-14129082492977967412016-10-27T20:43:00.003-04:002018-07-30T23:31:12.274-04:00Day 27: Fatal Error<b>Group 3:</b> Jake, JC, Nina, Sara, Lucky, Mike, Chloe<br />
<b>Location: </b>School<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The door wouldn’t budge. JC tried putting all of his weight
into it, but it gave resistance. Lucky sniffed the ground, her head lowered to
the floor as she followed the scent around the side of the building. She was
onto something. Giving up on the barred entrance, JC followed the dog. Directed
by her keen sense of smell, Lucky led him to another point of entry. She
whimpered and clawed at the bottom frame. JC immediately pushed against the
door. It inched away a tiny bit. Placing his gun in the waistband of his jeans,
he pressed both hands to the weather-beaten wood and shoved. The door swung
open with a whirling gust of air, and out with it the smell of rot.<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Retrieving his weapon, he cautiously started forward. A
large pool of blood had soaked into the hay-covered floors and he was wary of
every step he took. Lucky, however, was moving with less concern for the
crimson puddles and more curiosity of what lied ahead. JC looked back as he
caught movement over his shoulder. Jake nodded at him as joined the two inside.
“Anything?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Nothing yet. I think the dog’s got something though.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jake looked in Lucky’s direction. Sure enough, the small
creature had already caught wind of another unlocked passageway, almost as
though the doors were left open on purpose. Jake and JC followed close. “Wait,” JC said,
motioning for Jake to get down. “Someone’s in there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esr9njDlOTk/WBKZK28OPxI/AAAAAAAAwNo/iV_lxnST0MQraIGF8UlDhG_5DxV7M2JUQCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esr9njDlOTk/WBKZK28OPxI/AAAAAAAAwNo/iV_lxnST0MQraIGF8UlDhG_5DxV7M2JUQCLcB/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as the words left his lips, bullets ripped through the
wall nearly tearing through his head. JC hit the dirt while Jake crouched
nearby. Lucky had continued her trek, trying to locate the source of the
shooting. Using hand signals, Jake gestured to JC that he would circle around
and hopefully get behind the shooter, JC would lay down cover fire. Jake
counted down from three.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like a bat out of hell, Jake sprinted forward. JC popped off
a couple of rounds, being careful not to let his fun click.<i> 3—2—1</i> he counted his shots. With one bullet left in the chamber,
his back hit the wall. He closed his eyes in silent prayer, hoping Jake got to
their attacker first.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSef-IpX8nw/WBKZYSnEfuI/AAAAAAAAwNw/ebgZaq79pzcJFZCaKcQ8Id7ozuN1umMoACLcB/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSef-IpX8nw/WBKZYSnEfuI/AAAAAAAAwNw/ebgZaq79pzcJFZCaKcQ8Id7ozuN1umMoACLcB/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Lucky growled. She had spotted someone. Diving across the
center partition and a stack of hay, she bit down on the soft patch of flesh.
The man howled as she ripped into him, screaming for someone to pull her off.
Jake advanced, aiming his weapon at the nearly naked man as he called for Lucky
to back off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZgPcMIdWKs/WBKZZSNs6wI/AAAAAAAAwN0/dSNYA6VNcOQsbr_jRud8yVNSRYoYSLOTQCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZgPcMIdWKs/WBKZZSNs6wI/AAAAAAAAwN0/dSNYA6VNcOQsbr_jRud8yVNSRYoYSLOTQCLcB/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’d lower my weapon if I were you,” a familiar voice said
behind him. He felt the barrel of a gun on the back of his head and slowly
lowered his pistol as he placed his hands in the air. “Good boy.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And I’d be very careful waving that thing around if I were
you, Matt. Lucky’s out for blood right now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Kc9noevco8/WBKZaoPrFrI/AAAAAAAAwN4/o7TlFqKEkZYQLiJ9EuE0C0gs8pfrrxLsgCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Kc9noevco8/WBKZaoPrFrI/AAAAAAAAwN4/o7TlFqKEkZYQLiJ9EuE0C0gs8pfrrxLsgCLcB/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew lowered his weapon as Jake turned around. The men
greeted each other with a hug and Jake gave JC the all clear. “It’s good to see
you two made it out alive. Anyone else with you?” JC knew the question was
mostly concerning Natalie. However, he was unable to confirm her status.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hate to break up such a happy reunion, but do you think
someone could, I don’t know, help me so I don’t bleed to death down here?”
Edward asked, his tone growing louder and angrier with each word he spoke.
Lucky again growled at the man as he got to his feet. He pointed at her and
backed away. “And keep your mutt away from me!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Looks to me like she has good taste,” Matthew replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbjvjS1rLrk/WBKZfQ008UI/AAAAAAAAwN8/QA_6pAMmEOcAsGJuYmGE3QmZKYvP27-DACLcB/s1600/Screenshot-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbjvjS1rLrk/WBKZfQ008UI/AAAAAAAAwN8/QA_6pAMmEOcAsGJuYmGE3QmZKYvP27-DACLcB/s640/Screenshot-07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
JC went out to collect Nina and Mike. And while the groups
reconnected, exchanging stories, Edward glared angrily at them and the dog
lying guardedly beside her young mistress.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And you think he was telling the truth?” JC asked as
Matthew recounted the story about the safe zones.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who knows, really? Only one way to find out for sure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It could be dangerous,” Jake said. “And we’re nearly out of
ammo.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah well, that’s never stopped us before,” Josh replied
with a grin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-28-bereavement.html">Continue----></a><br />
---------------------------------------<br />
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<br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231875">Jake is right. Without ammo they won't stand a chance. How will the group find more ammo and weapons?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-91866130838867666832016-10-26T20:32:00.001-04:002019-04-21T20:49:21.920-04:00Day 26: Overkill<b>Group 2:</b> Katrina, Troy, Dominic, Mathew, Ryan, Aisha<br />
<b>Location: </b>Police Station<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---eytGaF-Wg/WBFIgx4-rwI/AAAAAAAAwMw/zt_vDPcMe58Fsdx2J2VzQxvsnStyJRXmACLcB/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---eytGaF-Wg/WBFIgx4-rwI/AAAAAAAAwMw/zt_vDPcMe58Fsdx2J2VzQxvsnStyJRXmACLcB/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You sure this will work?” Dominic asked, watching Troy prepare
himself to crawl through the opened vent above them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sure we have no other choice,” he replied, checking the
load on his weapon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“The vents won’t get you downstairs,” Mathew said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know, but with any luck, it’ll get me some place where we
can maybe make a decent stand, or even an escape,” Troy replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Remember, five minutes. If you’re not back by then, we’ll
assume you’re gone,” Dominic said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And then what?”</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And then…we’ll get creative. Let’s hope it doesn’t come
down to that.” Dominic gave Troy a boost, and he quickly disappeared into the
vents.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_6UpPKeHT0/WBFIf9Z2mPI/AAAAAAAAwMo/KlGdxYMAhzAP_wT8Ckokjhu74_FM2dzvACLcB/s1600/Screenshot-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_6UpPKeHT0/WBFIf9Z2mPI/AAAAAAAAwMo/KlGdxYMAhzAP_wT8Ckokjhu74_FM2dzvACLcB/s640/Screenshot-02.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We need to figure out something else,” Ryan sad, pushing
against the door. The chair had been forced out and everything else appeared
nailed to the floor. “It won’t be much longer before those monsters get inside
and then we’ll all be fucked.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about all this equipment?” Aisha asked. “Can’t it be
used for something?” she moved and began ransacking the cabinets, searching
every door and canister. Pulling out the larger, more dangerous looking items,
Aisha placed them all into the center of the room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1-n7KDAD6o/WBFIglRaS5I/AAAAAAAAwMs/IAQkxpXmonELJNi8znxOQCI2cgaHvvz0wCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1-n7KDAD6o/WBFIglRaS5I/AAAAAAAAwMs/IAQkxpXmonELJNi8znxOQCI2cgaHvvz0wCLcB/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Katrina joined in, rifling through the higher cabinets while Aisha concentrated on the ones below. “What about this?” she pulled a defibrillator from a shelf and placed it on top of the counter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What do you want to do? Bring these things back to life? I’m not so sure that’ll go over well,” Ryan joked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The only other choice we have is to let them inside,”
Katrina replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, what?” Aisha exclaimed, that nervous shake re-entering
her voice. “That’s crazy! There are too many of them, we’ll all die.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not if we’re smart. Ryan, you can control the amount that
enters. Take them in small doses. If we can take enough of them down, we may be
able to get out of this alive.” Ryan looked over his shoulder towards Katrina
and she shrugged before picking up her weapon from the table.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpdYOnBZNBo/WBFIoYNeBtI/AAAAAAAAwM0/aGf73pZ8KwAY3EtpqWEjCI4KpI7l8uDAgCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpdYOnBZNBo/WBFIoYNeBtI/AAAAAAAAwM0/aGf73pZ8KwAY3EtpqWEjCI4KpI7l8uDAgCLcB/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
“And if we can’t control the flow, what then?”<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What choice have we? We can stay here until your arms give out trying to come up with alternate solutions, or we can fight and try to get out of here in one piece.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ryan sighed. The options were slim, Katrina was right. Either
way the chances of survival were not good. They could remain holed up, pushing
at the door to keep the monsters out and starve to death, or go out in a blaze
of glory. A smile tugged at the corners of Ryan’s mouth and he laughed to
himself. “Why not?” he said in a humorous tone. “See you on the other side.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1dzp2qBj7I/WBFIrpllliI/AAAAAAAAwM4/8gZEd_cSJ8M55KSNnfPEIwXhOIIBxa_VgCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1dzp2qBj7I/WBFIrpllliI/AAAAAAAAwM4/8gZEd_cSJ8M55KSNnfPEIwXhOIIBxa_VgCLcB/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Troy kicked the cover off the ceiling vent and shimmied his
way into the room. It was dark, but he could make out a fence behind him and a desk
to the right. The evidence locker. An ounce of excitement swept him
towards the gate. He pulled at the combination lock on the door and grunted. He
was looking for a miracle, and it seemed they may have just found one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-27-fatal-error.html">Continue----></a> (Clicking this continues the story in order. If you would like to move to the next part of this group’s story. Click the # below.)<br />
<b><a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-26-overkill.html">#8----></a></b><br />
---------------------------------------<br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231866">It appears Troy has found himself in the evidence room. Will he find something useful in those boxes?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-66224155888129095542016-10-25T20:32:00.000-04:002019-04-21T20:39:39.518-04:00Day 25: Deadly Darkness<b>Group 1:</b> Veronica, Elise, Natalie, David, Amélia, Eddie<br />
<b>Location: </b>Warehouse<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl3pjXNxmnY/WBEldKgNzQI/AAAAAAAAwLk/sHf7vdL2Fs0bj66JRNIxRdE7yQaCwvIFwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl3pjXNxmnY/WBEldKgNzQI/AAAAAAAAwLk/sHf7vdL2Fs0bj66JRNIxRdE7yQaCwvIFwCLcB/s640/Screenshot-01.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eddie rushed forward, tackling one of the men to the floor.
His gun flew, landing near the door and misfired another round. Amélia fell to
the ground, covering her head with her hands as chaos erupted. Elise fired at
the second gunman as he rushed towards the other injured shooter, hitting him
in the leg. He turned to fire at her and David moved to wrestle away his gun. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally grabbing hold of the glock 19, David quickly aimed
and fired. The bullet drilled through the man’s chest and he fell on top of David.
“No!” the injured shooter screamed, watching the life drain from his brother
and pool around him. “You son of a bitch!’ The man struggled to retrieve a
knife from his boot. Natalie stood to help. The throb in her knee crescendoed
and she tumbled to the ground.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“David!” she yelled, directing his attention to the other
man. He turned in time to see the large blade as the man lifted it above his
head, preparing to strike. Elise shot at him, this time her aim was true. A
large hole blew through the man’s temple and he landed beside his brother, his
eyes staring blankly at Elise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBU4ZRBz2Bw/WBElmavR33I/AAAAAAAAwLw/6b8ySMyEy5IX4Kg8dX5CtYJyV6B14eS0gCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBU4ZRBz2Bw/WBElmavR33I/AAAAAAAAwLw/6b8ySMyEy5IX4Kg8dX5CtYJyV6B14eS0gCLcB/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eddie had the third gunman pinned on the ground. The man
wiggled beneath him like a fish on dry land, trying to break free. The
squirming quickly stopped when he heard Elise’s weapon click above him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Guys?” Natalie’s panicked voice made them all turn. She had
managed to hobble her way over to Veronica who lay beneath the window. She was
bleeding form a chest wound, blood covered her face and even more bubbled like
a fountain from her mouth when she coughed. “We need a medical kit! Gauze,
bandages, a scalpel, anything!” she placed her hands over Veronica’s wound,
trying to stop the bleeding. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the blood continued flowing through her fingers. “I…I
don’t…wanna…die,” Veronica stuttered through gasps. She shook. Her entire body
trembled violently as a series of seizures overtook her.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“HELP US!” Natalie yelled, holding her tighter as she
convulsed. No one moved. All frozen in shock, they watched Veronica’s last
moments. Her head bounced on the floor and Natalie circled behind her, placing
her head in her lap to minimize the damage, but it was too late.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11hM1sZ3kPg/WBEloDhqZkI/AAAAAAAAwL0/RSYtEymRCoUaVR-yRWk9gjfAXGyz_uHVwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11hM1sZ3kPg/WBEloDhqZkI/AAAAAAAAwL0/RSYtEymRCoUaVR-yRWk9gjfAXGyz_uHVwCLcB/s640/Screenshot-05.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzM3MhZb8S4/WBEloqs4SQI/AAAAAAAAwL4/lt2O84OATvYNkW-tj19r6trmngJgv0WwwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzM3MhZb8S4/WBEloqs4SQI/AAAAAAAAwL4/lt2O84OATvYNkW-tj19r6trmngJgv0WwwCLcB/s640/Screenshot-06.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Veronica lay still. Her eyes rolled and her last breath
escaped in a silent sigh. “Roni?” Natalie cried, shaking the woman, trying to
revive her. “Roni?”<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I guess option B didn’t work out so well for her,” the man
laughed. Eddie slammed his face into the floor, breaking his nose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Keep it up and you’ll be joining her soon enough.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
David rolled the corpse to the floor and slowly started over
to Natalie. Kneeling beside her, he tenderly placed a hand on her trembling
shoulder and she turned and fell against him. Her body shuddered as tears
flowed from her eyes. He soothed her, trying to calm her as her friend’s dead
body rested just inches away.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait a second,” Amélia said, stepping away from the window,
“Weren’t there four of them?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJUtvSZsmDU/WBElxjuQekI/AAAAAAAAwL8/cgwa1uOF8GMN1YDXTuzx0g5-YAZPJslqgCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJUtvSZsmDU/WBElxjuQekI/AAAAAAAAwL8/cgwa1uOF8GMN1YDXTuzx0g5-YAZPJslqgCLcB/s640/Screenshot-07.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As if on cue, the door leading to the back stairwell burst
open and the fourth gunman rushed in firing.
Everyone ducked for cover as bullets sprayed the room. Eddie dove for
the weapon near the exit, turned, aimed and fired. The man hit the ground; a
large hole in his forehead. “Is everyone alright?” he asked, pulling himself to
his feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After receiving confirmation from the others, Eddie kicked a
chair into the center of the room. “I think it’s about time we got some
answers. Amélia grab some rope. Let’s find out what our new friend here was
after.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can answer that,” David said, standing. “But I still
think we should get him restrained.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After tying the man to the chair, David grabbed a sheet from
the cot near the window and placed it over Veronica’s body. Natalie hadn’t moved.
She sat staring at the bloodied cover, mourning the loss of her friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baoSMduIWm8/WBElzbThenI/AAAAAAAAwMA/PpcgsrTWjfEkMUKY2SdRFqw2trFRut73wCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baoSMduIWm8/WBElzbThenI/AAAAAAAAwMA/PpcgsrTWjfEkMUKY2SdRFqw2trFRut73wCLcB/s640/Screenshot-08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCuSPUzTtU8/WBElzeBKSTI/AAAAAAAAwME/yJaJziS0cR8jNE2-z73ji7V88cEmgPAVwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCuSPUzTtU8/WBElzeBKSTI/AAAAAAAAwME/yJaJziS0cR8jNE2-z73ji7V88cEmgPAVwCLcB/s640/Screenshot-09.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Removing his coat, David allowed everyone a better view of
the broken handcuffs still wrapped around his wrists. With a sigh, he began
explaining himself and the reason he was being hunted. “I worked for BioCore. I
know what you’re all thinking but I’m not a scientist nor did I have anything
to do with what’s happening today…at least not knowingly. My employment with
BioCore was based on a mutual understanding; I would take care of the things no
one else could and in return I wouldn’t be thrown in prison. That included
finding participants for studies and delivering them to BioCore laboratories
across the country. Some were willing, others…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So basically you kidnapped innocent people and subjected
them to torture by medical research,” Amélia surmised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vd7QuXXWiPw/WBEl4kKdaFI/AAAAAAAAwMI/zZYjXsoxdNUlN9JDI9Q_SUQKboX45xOzwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vd7QuXXWiPw/WBEl4kKdaFI/AAAAAAAAwMI/zZYjXsoxdNUlN9JDI9Q_SUQKboX45xOzwCLcB/s640/Screenshot-10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Look, I know it sounds bad, but it was either that or spend
the rest of my life behind bars. I chose the former. I chose survival.” He
noticed the vacant look on Natalie’s face. He was afraid she’d see him
differently and the thought of that made his stomach churn, but he pushed
forward. “Anyway, fast-forward to present day, my conscience got the better of
me and I started compiling data from the research. Names of people taken
against their will, the scientists involved, locations of where the experiments
took place. To make a long story short, I made enemies with BioCore. When the
outbreak happened I was being transported to one of their ‘safe zones’ where they
had made plans to use me in their research. That’s why we were being held,
Natalie. But, we escaped and…you kinda know the rest.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you have the list with you?” Eddie asked. David scooped
up his jacket from the floor and pulled out documents from his inner coat
pocket.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What about the safe zones? Elise asked, “Where can we find
those?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9n_kGo_RmPA/WBEl6FPkkaI/AAAAAAAAwMM/FqBe1pCTqKkqc66FqO0dxx_9BXyh2wlFACLcB/s1600/Screenshot-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9n_kGo_RmPA/WBEl6FPkkaI/AAAAAAAAwMM/FqBe1pCTqKkqc66FqO0dxx_9BXyh2wlFACLcB/s640/Screenshot-11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you sure you want to?” David asked, “I’m sure whatever’s
there, it ain’t pretty.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Because hiding from monsters and running from the living
has worked out so well for us.” Amélia replied, leaning over Eddie’s shoulder.
Her breath hitched as her eyes scanned the page, stopping on a familiar name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We can try to infiltrate, but we’re gonna need more weapons
than this, David said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have a plan,” Natalie calmly stated, wiping the tears
from her eyes as she turned to face the group. “And it will involve getting our
hands dirty.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-26-overkill.html">Continue----></a> (Clicking this continues the story in order. If you would like to move to the next part of this group’s story. Click the # below.)<br />
<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-29-city-of-bones.html">#7----></a><br />
---------------------------------------<br />
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<br />
The polls are now open. Vote for your chance to control the action! Remember, you can add your own choice to the plot through the comments section or the poll below. Polls <span style="color: red;">close</span> at 12 noon EST tomorrow and <span style="color: lime;">reopen</span> at 8 pm EST.<br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231865">What is Natalie planning?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-70631182975280236142016-10-25T06:37:00.002-04:002016-10-28T07:02:06.950-04:00Story delayHello, Readers,<br />
<br />
<br />
I wanted to drop a line and let everyone know why the posts have stopped on <a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/p/extinction.html">Outbreak: Extinction</a>. A family emergency this weekend has left me really far behind and scrambling to play catch up. And because of this, I think the best plan of action would be to just release the last 4 episodes sans pictures so that we can get back to our regularly scheduled programming. Very sorry about that. Tonight, I will have 21-24 posted and get the votes up so we can figure out what happens next.<br />
<br />
Thank you for understanding,<br />
<br />
<br />
~ DaijahDaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-25888743027090638372016-10-24T20:00:00.000-04:002016-10-26T20:32:48.023-04:00Day 24: Red-Handed<b>Group 4:</b> Matthew, Josh, Liz, Jeremiah, Edward, Nicole<br />
<b>Location: </b>Barn/Farmhouse<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m telling you, we need to run! We need to get out of here
while we still have a chance,” Edward bemoaned, backing away from the door and
deeper into the barn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The door to the outside stood open and Josh took careful aim
above Matthew’s head before firing off a shot, sending an approaching zombie to
the ground. Matthew immediately got to his feet and shut the door. “No,” he
said sternly, eyeing the room as he searched for handy items with which to bar the
door. “We’re not going anywhere. It’ll be dark soon and there is no way I’m
putting anyone in this group in more danger out there. We’re going to stay and
fight. We can defend this place; all of us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s suicide!” Edward said, pushing himself once more
into the corner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you ever shut up?” Liz yelled, turning to face Edward.
“I’m so sick of your whining! Get up and help or we’ll throw your ass outside
as bait while we run!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His face turned ashen and he nodded as Liz gave him
something to do. With Josh’s arm not at a hundred percent, he, Matthew, and
Jeremiah were tasked with rebuilding the barricade. Large crates from inside
the barn were once again placed in front of the door. This time, however, they
took the extra step of nailing broken boards across the windows and doors,
leaving just one area for escape and one, they’d hoped, would be where their visitors would enter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m hungry,” Jeremiah
said once everything was in place. It was almost a simultaneous realization
that it had been a while since any of them had eaten. He dropped his bag beside
Nicole and started into the kitchen. The place was a health hazard at best.
Blood soaked into the linoleum floors as well as stained the walls. Someone had
been brutally murdered in this room and the smell was enough to put him off of
food for a month. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeremiah started to leave when something in the corner of
the room caught his eye. Someone else was in the kitchen. They were lying on
their back beside the refrigerator. The only visible part of them were their
two, booted feet sticking out from near the wall. “Hello?” he called as he
slowly approached. The man didn’t move. He just lay there, staring blankly at
the ceiling and Jeremiah quickly assumed he had been the source of the
bloodshed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slowly, Jeremiah leaned closer, lowering his head to get a
better look. It didn’t appear as though he was breathing. Blood dripped from
his forehead and he was suffering from an apparent bullet wound to the stomach.
A gurgling sound emerged from the man’s mouth. Startled, Jeremiah fell
backwards—just as the man sputtered blood all over himself. His eyes darted
around the room before he lifted his arms, reaching for Jeremiah. “Matt! Liz!”
he yelled, quickly scrambling towards the other side of the room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew was the first to enter, gun at the ready as he moved
around the corner. “Are you hurt? Did he touch you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” Jeremiah’s swift response made Matthew turn to look at
him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You sure?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Positive. But I don’t think he’s dead…not yet.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew redirected his attention and called over to the man
who was now sitting against the countertop, resting his head on the wall. “Who
are you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Help me, please.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who are you?” Matthew repeated, ignoring the man’s plea for
help.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jason McMann,” he angrily replied. He grabbed hold of a
stool nearby and tried to lift himself up, glaring at Matthew as he continued
grilling him. Groaning in pain, he placed himself in a seated position,
applying pressure to his bleeding abdomen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You were with them, weren’t you? Who are they and why are
they after us?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man laughed, the motion causing him to choke in pain and
another mouthful of blood to spill from between his lips. “We were hired for a
job. You and everyone in the area were on the list.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Start explaining or I will stand here and watch you bleed
to death!” Matthew shouted, outwardly frustrated at the man’s half answers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“BioCore hired us to assassinate anyone we found outside the
safe zones.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What? The sons of bitches that started this shit is trying to
take everyone out? What about the ones who aren’t hurt? Like us. We’re not
infected.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Doesn’t matter,” the man shrugged, again choking on blood. “We
have orders. Anyone in the red zone has to be exterminated.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew thought for a moment, taking stock of the group and
their reaction. <i>Exterminated</i>. The
word bounced around his head. The idea that someone would hire a group of
mercenaries in a time like this to kill living, breathing humans trying to
survive outraged him. He took in a deep breath and transferred that energy back
to the man in the kitchen. “Where are these safe zones?” The man smiled but
didn’t speak. “WHERE?” Matthew shouted aiming his weapon at his head.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Go ahead. I’m as good as dead anyway,” he coughed, no
longer afraid by the threat of death. A loud crash made them all jump. It took
a moment to realize it was the outer barn door. Once again, they were in for a
fight. </div>
<br />
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-25-deadly-darkness.html">Continue----></a><br />
---------------------------------------<br />
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<br />
The polls are now open. Vote for your chance to control the action! Remember, you can add your own choice to the plot through the comments section or the poll below. Polls <span style="color: red;">close</span> at 12 noon EST tomorrow and <span style="color: lime;">reopen</span> at 8 pm EST.<br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231856">Faced with the possibility of life outside of Cabot Creek, what should be the group’s next decision?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-13342506360805125982016-10-23T20:00:00.000-04:002016-10-25T18:52:07.558-04:00Day 23: Death by Design<b>Group 3:</b> Jake, JC, Nina, Sara, Lucky, Mike, Chloe<br />
<b>Location: </b>School<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group walked in silence, some breathing heavily, others
taking quick shallow breaths, all trying to keep their calm which was growing
increasingly hard to do. Blood dribbled through Mike’s fingers as he tightly
pressed his hand against his side. They’d been running for several blocks and
he felt himself growing weaker with every step he took. The shirt he wore was
drenched in his own blood. He’d closed his jacket to keep the others from
noticing, but it wouldn’t be long before the exhaustion made him collapse. “How
much farther to the school?” he asked out of breath as he stumbled along behind
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not much,” Jake replied, keeping his eyes on the road
ahead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
JC had made it a point to watch their rear, ensuring they’d
all made a clean get-away. “We need to get off the street,” he said,
redirecting them off road and through the trees.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mike could barely lift his leg to get across the guardrail
and a grunt escaped his lips. “Are you ok?” Nina asked, stealing a peek at the
man and the heavy sweat beading on his forehead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fine. Just tired,” he replied, trying not to exert too much
breath on his reply. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lucky trotted between them, her attention flitting between
all the movements of the trees as wind caressed bare branches. Leaves rustled
to the ground around them with every step they took. If she let herself, she
could imagine being back at home and playing in a freshly raked pile of leaves
with her mom. The sound of her mom’s laugh always made her smile and brought with
it a sense of warm comfort. But those carefree moments seemed so long ago. Nina
sighed and ran her hand over the soft fur on Lucky’s head. The dog returned the
gesture with an affectionate lick and carried on with her excited exploration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait,” Jake instructed as they began to emerge through the
other side of the forest. He took a quick look at the building across the
street. He could see several dark alcoves and barred doorways. Someone had
secured the location…or at least tried.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly, gunshots rang out, and everyone ducked. Instincts
took over and JC whirled around, faster than he’d ever moved before. Likewise, Lucky
snarled, her brown eyes shining brightly. They both bolted out of the woods
towards the building. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No!” Jake snapped as Nina took off after Lucky. “Stay down
and try not to make a sound. Mike, stay with Nina.” He gave a nod watched as
Jake hurried after the others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reacting entirely on impulse, JC reached for the handle. The
door wasn’t locked and he found himself stepping in a pool of blood. Lucky,
too, pushed her way inside, sniffing the air with furious concentration.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was someone alive upstairs and they were fighting to
keep it that way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-24-red-handed.html">Continue----></a><br />
---------------------------------------<br />
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<b>Location: </b>Police Station<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are either of you hurt? Did everyone get out?” Katrina
asked as Ryan slammed the door shut behind them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Aisha, throw me that chair,” he said before shoving the
back beneath the handle, securing them all inside. “Alright, first thing’s
first, how much ammo do you have?” he asked of Katrina who was still having a
mini-meltdown near the back of the room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ammo? How could that be your first concern? Our friends are
missing and we have no idea if any of them have been hurt. And now there is a
hallway full of zombies out there and the only thing separating us from them is
a tiny metal chair!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Exactly! And if they get in here, I’d like to know we’d at
least have a fighting chance. Focus, Katrina, ammo, how much?” Ryan repeated,
cutting through the shit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think…half a clip,” Katrina said. Removing her weapon,
she checked the load and nodded to confirm her answer. Down to eight bullets.
There was at least twice that amount of undead waiting outside the door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Panic overwhelmed Aisha as she gazed down at hands covered
in blood and trembling. She was tired but she couldn’t sleep. Didn’t want to.
The images played out on the back of her eyelids were unpleasant enough without
having to recount them over and over. This had been her hell since that night.
And it all started with her parents. That night on the bridge and every night
since. She had been trying to cope with the death. The loss. The never-ending
loneliness and the constant fighting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She’d watched as the Joe Mason Bridge collapsed. Stood by
helplessly as hundreds of people trying to drive out of town were sucked into
the giant pit the military had blown into the ground. They claimed they were
there to help, but Aisha saw it much differently. She and her parents were on
their way out of town to one of many “safe zones” the military had set up. But
once they arrived, they realized it was anything but safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They had constructed a fence and everyone was forced into a
containment area until they were given clearance to proceed inside; no
infection detected. Aisha made it, her parents were not so lucky. Dozens of
cars flooded the bridge. People were jumping out of them, rushing the gates,
all running from the undead and trying to get into the walls; to safety. The
safe zone was quickly overrun with the living and the others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Given the go ahead to “take control” the military opened
fire. Aisha watched as innocent people were gunned down by those sworn to serve
and protect. Men, women and children were murdered in cold blood, dying beside
the undead only ten feet away from the gates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her dad held her mom. She watched in horror with just a
fence between them as their bodies were riddled with bullets and left on the
street like roadkill. The last thing she remembered was the sound of the rocket
hitting the bridge and exploding one of the main supports. Hundreds of people
were dead and she was carted off by the U.S. Government.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’re all going to die in here, aren’t we?” Aisha
whimpered, her voice shaking just as bad as the rest of her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stop!” Katrina said. “Stop that right now. Ryan’s right. We
need to focus. We need to keep our eyes ahead. Stay calm. We can get through
this. We’ll be fine.” She repeated the words as though she was trying to
convince herself. “We’ll be fine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Get that table over here,” Dominic instructed, keeping the
double doors sealed shut as he felt the force of the zombies pushing against
it. “Hurry it up!” Mathew and Troy shoved more objects in front of the door,
barring themselves inside from the monsters trying to get in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you see which way the others went?” Mathew asked,
finally able to take a breath.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. There were too many. We’re lucky to have even made it
inside,” Troy replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Luck…” Dominic scoffed. “It’ll be luck if we survive the
night. We never should have come up here. I led us here; I did this. And now…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Enough!” Troy shouted, cutting off Dominic’s sentence. “We
don’t have time for this. We need to figure out a plan.” Dominic was tired. He
could see it in his face, but he was tired too. And he was also determined to
not let today be his last day on earth.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alright, Troy, what do you suggest?” Mathew asked, slumping
down into a chair beside him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-23-death-by-design.html">Continue----></a> (Clicking this continues the story in order. If you would like to move to the next part of this group’s story. Click the # below.)<br />
<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-26-overkill.html">#7----></a><br />
---------------------------------------<br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231854">Trapped like rats, whatever will they do?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-15351527968804287082016-10-21T20:19:00.000-04:002019-04-21T20:39:20.602-04:00Day 21: Tight Spot<b>Group 1:</b> Veronica, Elise, Natalie, David, Amélia, Eddie<br />
<b>Location: </b>Warehouse<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another series of bullets drilled the walls above them.
Glass shattered and fell to the floor as more of the warehouse windows
exploded. Elise, Eddie, Amélia and Veronica kept their heads down while David
did all he could to keep Natalie covered. Once the bullets stopped, she pulled
away and checked herself for injuries. “How’d they find us here?” she asked,
satisfied she wasn’t hurt.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s the only building for miles,” David said. “Process of
elimination.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come on out! You don’t want us coming in after you,” the
same voice cried out with an even angrier tone. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Veronica moved beneath the window, preparing for combat.
Eddie shook his head no. They were out gunned and in no position to shoot it
out with these people. She stayed her hand, knowing that if she did fire, it
would cause a reaction no one in the room was prepared for.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This can be over right now. I can end this,” David said,
getting to his feet. “I’m what they want. No one else needs to get hurt.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No!” Natalie exclaimed pulling him back to the floor beside
her. “I’m not letting you commit suicide by walking out there. Besides, what guarantee
do we have they’ll turn and leave once they have what they want?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She’s right,” Eddie said, repositioning himself beside the
window. “The only way out of this is to fight.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fight?” Amélia exclaimed. “There are four of them out there
with automatic weapons. We have what? A couple of glocks and a shotgun?” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Then what do you propose? That backdoor is sealed up,
remember? We patched that nice and tight before holing up in this room. The
only way out is through them,” Eddie said. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I say we let them in,” Veronica stated, her voice cold and
serious. “If they want to get us, any of us, they’ll need to be willing to
enter. And when they do, we’ll be ready.” The group listened closely as she
formulated a plan. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elise and Eddie hid themselves on opposite sides of the
front door. Amélia and Natalie remained where they were, listening as the men
outside continued taunting them. The shouting stopped. And everyone waited with
bated breath as footsteps approached the building. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
David stepped into the center of the room. He was bait, for
all intents and purposes, and he felt about as vulnerable as a baby deer in a
lion’s den. With no weapon to protect himself, he had to trust the others would
take out the gunman before they got to him.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The board fell from across the handle, landing with a
resounding crash. The door had been opened. He took a deep breath. The soft
padding of footsteps drew closer and he clenched his fists in anticipation.
This wasn’t such a brilliant idea after all. Why did he have to open his big mouth?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A window shattered. <i>Shit</i>.
They were encroaching from different locations. If they somehow got behind them
through the back stairwell…another window, to the east. Eddie switched
positons. Now he and Elise were guarding separate doors alone. David took a
moment to catch his breath and calm himself. He could feel his entire body
trembling.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At last, the door opened. Two men walked inside. The first
to speak was instantly recognized. “There he is. The man of the hour!” The
second gunman had David dead-to-rights. The first never flinched; even when he
heard the weapon click behind him. “Why don’t you tell your friends to drop
their weapons and move where I can see them?”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. Why don’t you drop yours,” Veronica said, dragging one
of the others out from the back. He was bleeding from a leg wound; a large
knife dangling from her left hand while she aimed her gun with the right.
“STOP!” she shouted at the gunman standing beside the ringleader. He’d made a
motion forward and she quickly redirected her aim. “Stay right where you are.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“He’s my brother. He’ll bleed to death! Let me help him.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You really think I give a shit if he dies? You assholes are
here to kill us! For all I care he can join the rest of your friends in hell
and I swear to GOD if you don’t stop inching towards him I will put a fucking
bullet in his head right now!” Veronica yelled watching the other man slowly
move to comfort his brother. “BACK UP! MOVE!”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Alright, I’m going, just…please.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now, drop your weapons or no one is walking out of here alive.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I like option B.” The
man’s face twitched into a wicked smile. All his rage and strength accumulated
at his finger on the trigger. He looked between the two again and without
giving a second thought to her words, he pulled the trigger.<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-22-toxic-rain.html">Continue----></a> (Clicking this continues the story in order. If you would like to move to the next part of this group’s story. Click the # below.)<br />
<a href="https://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-25-deadly-darkness.html">#6----></a><br />
---------------------------------------<br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231853">Someone was just fatally wounded. Who just took a bullet for the rest of the group?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-23212389290385001432016-10-20T21:08:00.001-04:002016-10-25T18:55:48.276-04:00Day 20: Disaster Averted<b>Group 4:</b> Matthew, Josh, Liz, Jeremiah, Edward, Nicole<br />
<b>Location: </b>Barn/Farmhouse<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ww9rZznXPD4/WAlnBa-YEEI/AAAAAAAAwJo/iDuBCThUvtIbQcxG_odI0nwAC8y-FVX8ACLcB/s1600/Screenshot-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ww9rZznXPD4/WAlnBa-YEEI/AAAAAAAAwJo/iDuBCThUvtIbQcxG_odI0nwAC8y-FVX8ACLcB/s640/Screenshot-02.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ok, we need a plan,” Liz said, hopping to her feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No. We need to get out of here,” Edward said, cowering
deeper into the corner. “You don’t understand, those guys out there…they’re not
the warmly and cuddly type. They’re worse than those monsters!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who are they?” Matthew again asked, checking the load on
his rifle.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I—I don’t know! They work for some company.”</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<o:p></o:p>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What company? What are you talking about?” Edward didn’t
have the chance to explain before the banging at the backdoor culminated in a
large explosion like a rocket had gone off in tight quarters. “They’re inside,’
Matthew said, the expression on his face turning stony. “Josh, can you still
fire a weapon?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, I’m good,” he said, climbing to his feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUuLPJO5imA/WAlnBeObaOI/AAAAAAAAwJk/I0Ut8ZOMeC8lwdYBIZU_rCu382kj9icQACLcB/s1600/Screenshot-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUuLPJO5imA/WAlnBeObaOI/AAAAAAAAwJk/I0Ut8ZOMeC8lwdYBIZU_rCu382kj9icQACLcB/s640/Screenshot-03.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good, here.” Matthew handed him his side arm and moved
behind a wall of stacked hay bales. “Get ready. There’s no telling what’s waiting
on the other side of that door.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh gripped the gun in his hand and aimed at the door. The
first person that entered was hit dead center in the forehead. When he pulled the
trigger bits of brain and skull sprayed everywhere. Blood spilled out under the
corpse and he heard as the others hopped back around the corner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Found yourself some friends, huh, Eddie?” A deep,
masculine voice croaked from the hallway. “Doesn’t matter. You’ll all end up in
the same place.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who are you?” Matthew asked, trying to keep the man talking
so he could pinpoint his exact location.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Call me the Reaper, because I’m here to collect your
souls!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8DLbS7xWkM/WAlnLvvPB3I/AAAAAAAAwJs/Qev_Fq862j8UpoKATdeVdjbn4tD_9R9KgCLcB/s1600/Screenshot-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8DLbS7xWkM/WAlnLvvPB3I/AAAAAAAAwJs/Qev_Fq862j8UpoKATdeVdjbn4tD_9R9KgCLcB/s640/Screenshot-04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh moved behind the pillar near the door, covering himself
between the crates beside the window. An ear-splitting, thunderous roar exploded
the calm as the man’s assault rifle propelled a volley of shells into the barn.
Spent cartridges clinked as they met the wooden floor. And then silence. Movement
to the left caught Josh’s eye. He lifted his arm to fire. The 45 caliber pistol
sounded weak following a rifle like that. But the cry and subsequent thump told
him he’d gotten his man…at least one of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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“Almost,” the voice teased with a boisterous cackle. “Why
don’t you step out into the light? Let me kill you quick.” Another rifle shot. Matthew
thought for a second he felt pain. He was sure it was just a stab in the gut
from his nerves. Not, as he’d first imagined, a bullet. Looking down, Matthew
noticed a single splinter of wood sticking out of his gut. <i>Fuck. </i>He pulled it free, watching a
small cascade of his blood fall with it to the floor. Pressing a hand to his
side, he checked the depth of his injury and was pleased to learn it wasn’t too
bad. <i>I’ll live.</i></div>
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Matthew motioned to Liz and she circled around his side,
beckoning for Jeremiah to toss her the first aid kit. And while she tended to
Matthew’s wound, he waited for the man’s head to surface as a flashbulb burst
in his head. The wall was thin wood. He could shoot right through the damned thing. He
smiled at his own stupidity. <i>Boom, boom,
boom</i>. The three rounds sent splinters flying and polluted the barn air with
even more dust. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The gunplay went on for minutes, but no one dared give an
inch on their position. Finally, as the smoke cleared and the booming of
firearms ceased, Matthew glanced over at the door. His rifle’s muzzle poked out
from the hay bale, almost invisible if not for the smoke billowing out of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One step forward, then another. Nothing but silence from the
other side of the wall. The man was gone, leaving behind the bodies of his
friends for the others to clean up. “We’re going to have to move,” Matthew said. “He’ll
be back and probably with more guns.”</div>
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“Sounds like a plan,” Liz exhaled the breath she’d been
holding, “But that still leaves me with the one burning question, who was that?” <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
“And better still,” Josh added, “Why is he after us?”<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-21-tight-spot.html">Continue----></a><br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231832">Matt’s right. Their new friend won’t stop until they’re all dead. But how will they get away without leaving a trace?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885707280359204434.post-13181879912457085652016-10-19T21:47:00.001-04:002016-10-20T21:09:31.811-04:00Day 19: Another Day<b>Group 3:</b> Jake, JC, Nina, Sara, Lucky, Mike, Chloe<br />
<b>Location: </b>School<br />
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“Mike!” Chloe yelled as she saw him fighting one of the men
who’d attacked them. The man lunged at him with a knife and Mike quickly
sidestepped. The blow glanced his side. The sharp edge of the blade sliced into
his ribcage and his hand immediately went to his injury.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The knife-wielding fiend grinned watching the blood drip
from Mike’s wound. Feeling confident, he again tried a forward attack, but this
time, Mike was ready for him. The moment the razor-tipped stiletto started
towards him, he leaned back, kicking his feet out fast and hard in a leg sweep
and knocked his assailant to the ground.</div>
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The man crashed hard to the wood deck. The panel just beneath
his head cracked and blood gushed from an opened gash. “Oh shit,” Mike
gasped, watching the man’s eyes roll to the back of his head. Without delay, he
gripped the railing and dove across. Mike groaned as he landed. The impact
jolted him, aggravating his side and causing more blood to spill from the cut.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mike stumbled forward, moving at a leisurely pace towards
the gates as gunfire continued exploding around him. Up ahead, he saw Chloe
waiting with a woman he’d not seen before. She smiled and started forward,
pulling him down against the fence. “You’re hurt,” she moaned, pulling open his
coat as she noticed the blood on his t-shirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“No, it’s nothing. I’ll be fine. You came for me?” Mike asked, surprised to see her again; something he’d not expected.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Of course I did,” she said with a smile, “You would have
done the same for me.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bullets were coming faster as more doors opened and more
people joined in. JC ducked a beer bottle tossed at his head and fired
frantically before diving for cover. “Jake! Get Nina,” he shouted as one of his
bullets found its mark. “I’ll cover you.” One of the gunmen fell with a hard
thud against a tent constructed in the center of the park.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shoving his weapon into the waistband of his jeans, Jake powered forward. Ignoring the immediate danger, his one thought: get Nina and get out. “Wait, Lucky!” Nina yelled, hitting at Jake’s shoulder as he ran her farther away from her four-legged and towards the street.</div>
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“You mean that dog that just tore a man to shreds? Not uh,
no way are we bringing some vicious animal with us,” Jake said, shooting down
Nina’s plea.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Lucky’s my friend! She saved my life,” she insisted,
calling for the dog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chloe heard the gate rattle and jumped as Jake came rushing
into view. “Wait, where’s your friend?” she asked, seeing him exit the gates
without JC. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“He’s still in there.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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She glanced between Jake and Mike before jumping to her
feet. “We need to get him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Chloe, no, you can’t go in there,” Mike said. “Those men
are armed and…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“They wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for me, Mike…for you. I have to do something.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You don’t have a gun!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I do now,” she said, snatching the weapon from Jake’s
waistband. Chloe rushed into the fray before either one could object,
disappearing behind the tall fence post .<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Nina, stay here with Sara and Mike. I need to get JC. Sara,
can you watch…? Sara?” Jake turned towards her prone body and dropped to her
side. “How long has she been like this?” he asked of Mike who shrugged and
dabbed a finger against his laceration. Jake searched for a pulse, but it was
obvious from the lack of breath Sara was gone. “Fuck!” A bullet exploded through the
fence as JC jumped through the gate, landing with his back on the ground.</div>
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“We need to go, now!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Where’s…Chloe?” Mike asked, getting to his feet. JC dropped
his head. “No!” Mike yelled as he ran towards the gate. JC jumped in front of
him, pushing him back to keep him from meeting the same fate as his friend. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Wait, stop! You don’t want to see her like that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Get the fuck out of my way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Dude, she’s gone, ok? I’m sorry, but she’s…she’s gone.”
Mike dropped his chin into his chest, shaking his head as he fought back tears.
Lucky trotted forward, limping a little on her front paw as she made her way over to
Nina. She threw her arms around the animal, happy to see she made it out of the
chaos. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Guys, not to be an ass but we really need to get the hell
out of here. There’s no telling how many more guns those guys have and they don’t
seem like the caring type,” Jake said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yeah,” JC agreed. “Let’s get out of here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“And go where?” Mike asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I don’t know,” Jake sighed. “But anything is better than
this.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The school,” Nina said. “No one ever wants to go there.” Shots
rang out and the group swiftly moved. Nina’s suggestion was looking better and
better.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://daijahvshorts.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-20-disaster-averted.html">Continue----></a></div>
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*Author’s note: Yall were out to kill them all it seemed.
But the majority votes were against Sara and Chloe. Sadly, they didn’t really get a
chance to develop. And well the third…enjoy the poll :)*<o:p></o:p></div>
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The polls are now open. Vote for your chance to control the action! Remember, you can add your own choice to the plot through the comments section or the poll below. Polls <span style="color: red;">close</span> at 12 noon EST tomorrow and <span style="color: lime;">reopen</span> at 8 pm EST.<br />
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</script><noscript><a href="http://www.addpoll.com/daijahv/poll/231815">It seems the others made it out. But did they all get away clean and free?</a></noscript>DaijahVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03685128767947355934noreply@blogger.com2