Surviving the Apocalypse

Devastation

The entirety of Camp Hope watched as the reports came in through the night that the Command Bunker had suffered an outbreak and been overrun, Marine Force One pilot changed while flying the President to Air Force One for evacuation when it crashed into a building, killing the President and the Joint Chiefs. By the time the sun rose the estimated losses within the first night were at 50 percent of all people. The number of people escaping reduced dramatically as the dawn approached, 9,437 should now residing in Camp Hope. Hanna knew it was important they bear witness, as it would give them a sense of the reality they faced.

At dawn, she organized a team of the guards to go out with her and collect the corpses of the zombie within range of the defenses and guards positioned on the wall. Every one of them was taken directly to the foundry where they were incinerated down to the Heart Crystals that could withstand even 7,000 degree temperatures. Once they finished, Hanna began the process of collecting the Evojuice, as the people were already showing their abilities and she wasn’t about to waste time deploying it.

Crystal had just arrived when she processed the first one with a fire ability, curious as to why she was doing it. “Do I want to know?” she asked Hanna who handed her the freshly collected vial.

“The virus has the interesting effect of activating abilities. I just took a sample of my blood as well as yours and anyone who has developed an ability so far. Before now we never tested it, but we have been exposed to a different virus. It is the companion virus that merged with a separate strain of the COVID, but made it less lethal instead of more while still delivering the abilities. So, harvesting the heart crystals that develop in zombies because of the companion virus gives us the ability to increase our powers by consuming the purified contents. The zombies who develop abilities, develop 2 of them. One for their ability, one because of the zombie virus. Consuming the entire contents of an ability Crystal, will give the person that ability. Want a fire ability?” she asked holding up the vial as Crystal looked at it.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” she asked Hanna who nodded.

“Extremely.” She said before she tossed it to Crystal and dropped another ability into the device she had just received as the Camp reward. It was another fire ability that as soon as it was ready she held hers up to Crystal as a toast who grabbed the one on the desk and cautiously drank it after watching Hanna drink hers in one gulp.

As soon as they each swallowed the liquid, they felt the fire ability burning through their systems like it was going to burn them from the inside out. Both of them gasped at the sheer power boost it gave them, as it was the first one Hanna had obtained this way. For her quest selection, she had chosen a shield ability that could cover a 10 foot diameter around her from any type of threat she determined.

When it was finished Crystal gasped for air as she looked at Hanna, her finger that she was pointing at her on fire which made her look at it curiously which made Hanna laugh. “Whoa, that was intense.” She managed as she shook her finger and the fire went out. “How many abilities can a person have?” she asked.

“Most people can have 5 max. Some people can have 10, but they are rare. Exceptionally rare people, can have between 15 and 20.” Hanna told her knowing she would technically be have 18 if she collected the 15 her body would count towards that total. So far she had the healing, magnetism, shield and fire that counted towards her total. All of them level 1 because she had just started making the Evojuice and started with the 2 fire abilities they had collected so far.

“Those are the normal heart crystals that increase your ability level right?” Crystal asked.

“You can have 2 per day, but not one right after the other unless you use some serious power.” Hanna warned her as she held up the first vial and popped the second Crystal in to be extracted.

“We are going to be making these for sale, aren’t we?” she asked with a smile.

“Abilities will cost 50 points, as well as earn anyone who turns them in 50 points. Teams split the overall take from their assigned teams as the number the collectively turn in. Regular heart crystals will are going to be worth 10 points, as will a second dose of Evojuice each day. The first will be given to any ability user each day, free of charge.” Hanna told her before she took her dose of Evojuice and the two women repeated the process without gaining an ability.

“How many abilities can you gain per day?”

“One.” Hanna answered with a smile. “Trust me, I can afford your second dose each day.” She said wagging her eyebrows at Crystal who laughed.

The second evening after the outbreak was when the last news broadcast went dark, the reports confirming that the Presidential Bunker, Congressional Bunker, and 85 percent of the military bases, outposts and depots were overrun by zombies. Some by direct outbreak of personnel infected prior to lockdown. The only thing left on the local broadcasts was the emergency beacon showing the six evacuation pickup locations that would leave hundreds of women and children stranded. Hanna knew that the risk for 4 of them was too great, and the 5th would be 10 miles of pure hell to come back through. The last one was still the depot down the road for the warehouse, Hanna hoping it wouldn’t attract their attention as the loaded the evacuees from the spot.

This time as dawn approached, General Mont was suited and armored right beside her, also sporting a mace and a sword with several knives and only a pistol.

“I assume you aren’t taking boomers for a particular reason. Care to enlighten your partner in crime?” Hellen asked her.

“Zombies are nearly blind, they hunt by sound and smell.” Hanna said spraying herself in A descenter before handing it to Montgomery to spray herself.

“This really isn’t your first rodeo, is it?” she asked as Hanna looked at her and handed her a vial of the Evojuice.

“That speed ability will work better when it is amped up. Not that you need it today, but it couldn’t hurt. You never know what could happen.” Hanna told her as she pulled another out and they drank it. As her third dose, all of her abilities were screaming with power as they all went to level 2, and she knew without a doubt that she could project her shield 25 feet now.

“We aren’t planning on encountering any zombies?” she asked.

“No, if history repeats itself, Lt. Colonel Sharp has orders to take only men and those with powers. Any women or children under 15 will be left behind. Engaging them only leads to a firefight, as well as some losses of pretty significant people. With any luck, we will gain 8 more soldiers, 8 dogs and over 150 women and children without a shot being fired.” She told Hellen.

“Why not order them to join us?” Hellen asked as they exited the Camp in the early dawn light.

“Lt. Colonel Sharp reports to General Ramon Storm and General Kenneth Paxton. Both of which are members of an organization called Second Dawn. They believe in forcing humanity to evolve by any means possible, at any cost. They are not people we want in our Camp, nor do we want them aware of our existence just yet. Because I won’t join them and who my father was they will kill me and anything I have built as they will see it as a threat against them.” Hanna explained as they climbed the small hill for a look at the situation that was exactly as Hanna had seen last time. The warehouses in the distance looked like normal businesses that wouldn’t hold anything of value to the military.

Within half an hour, the 6 military trucks arrived right on time, Hellen doing the same math she had done quickly. “They don’t even have room for the men here.”

Hanna indicated it was time to move to her, heading down to where she had saved the injured dog three times now. “Colonel Sharp will order Captain Smith to abandon their animals here to make more room, especially as one is injured badly. They will refuse to abandon them, and will be walking this way in about three minutes.” She whispered as the General heard the voices growing closer.

“This is absolutely weird.” Hellen Montgomery said as they stopped and waited for the men. Hanna’s med kit already spread out.

“Easy Captain, bring Sheba over here so I can treat the most serious wounds now.” Hanna said as the 8 men aimed their weapons at the two of them.

“Relax Captain, if we meant to harm you, you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to raise your weapons. Bring your companion so we can treat her. The rest of you, prepare to follow me once that moron Sharp leaves.” Hellen said as Lucas Smith looked between them. “Brigadier General Hellen Montgomery and General Hanna Storm of Camp Hope.” She said as they all knew she wasn’t bluffing when she saw the star under her armor.

Lucas carefully set his dog Sheba down in front of Hanna who began healing her with her abilities first. The level 2 ability would mend the deeper issues, but she didn’t have the necessary energy to heal it all yet. What she couldn’t heal directly she pushes back together using the surgical glue and the energy she got from her second dose of Evojuice as they heard the trucks move out before Montgomery lead the rest of his Squad back to the depot to corral the people that were just abandoned by them.

“Why would we be going to Fort Bragg if there is another base nearby?” Lucas asked as he watched her work.

“Long story Captain, but we aren’t an official base. Our Camp is mostly civilians that evacuated during the early hours of the outbreak and got lucky. We will explain our mission and objectives once we are secure, for now, use that glue and apply it to the wound I am holding together.” She said instructing him on how to use the liquid stitches on his dog. He saw the marked improvement in her breathing, and was amazed she was out cold.

“I am surprised she isn’t trying to kill you at the moment, she has to be in pain.” He commented.

“I gave her a painkiller and sedative, she will be out for several hours. She still needs a transfusion, fluids and antibiotics. Hate to tell ya, but she is going to live another 5 or 10 years.” Hanna said as she began putting her stuff away as he looked at her.

“Serious, she is going to make it?” he asked surprised.

Hanna shrugged. I would say so long as she gets the blood, fluids and antibiotics she has an 80 percent chance or so. If you take her somewhere else, flip a coin.” She said as she stood up and put her kit away. “Either way she will be awake in about two hours. Be best if we have the transfusion finished by than. You of course are free to wait with her, so long as you are willing to help us help you, you, your men and your companions will be welcome at Camp Hope.”

“What if I don’t want to be a soldier anymore? Hard to be one when you desert your men and abandon your nation when it needs you most.” He said gloomily.

Hanna smiled as she looked at him. “Funny you should mention that, because as I see it you chose one duty station where you would be valued, over one that saw you as property. As far as desertion, we may not be a Base, but we are an active military unit that is far more significant than that trashy base you would have been taken too. But like I said, we will explain more when we are secure. As far as not wanting to be a soldier? I hope you can cook or garden, because how you help doesn’t matter so long as you do. What compensation you earn is based on your skills and assignment. Riskier assignments and those require extensive skills get the most compensation for their contributions.”

Lucas looked at her. “It has barely been 3 days and you already have an economy figured out not based on currency?” he asked as she shrugged.

“Not my first rodeo, load your companion up. They are returning and we need to be ready to move. As far as that pea shooter you are carrying, if it isn’t suppressed, please don’t fire it. There probably aren’t many zombies in the vicinity, but I would rather not find out while we are out here with so many non combatants.” She said pulling her sword out as he looked at her.

“You think you are going to manage anything with that?” he asked curious.

“You may laugh now, but you can choose between this, a mace, staff or axe right now I think. We might even have a few bows and crossbows that you could use as well if you would prefer those.” She said as General Montague led the others back towards the base.

Before lunch was scheduled to be served, the entire Camp was summoned to witness the results of what happened if you refused to follow the rules. 37 people over 15 were still refusing to do any assignments, expecting others to serve them as if they were entitled to it. All 37 were set aside when lunch vouchers were issued, as they had done no work details in 3 days since they had arrived. Hanna walked up in her armor, looking like the angel of death she portrayed herself as when she went into battle with zombies.

“Camp Hope, our motto and first rule is non negotiable. Our help, is only extended to those who help us help them. 9,749 people have now accepted that bargain, providing labor they are capable of to receive shelter, food and safety from the onslaught outside of our walls. As an emergency shelter, every person was informed upon arrival they had 72 hours of emergency rations that would be provided. In that time you were given a choice, join Camp Hope as a resident and contribute to our overall success. Or prepare to move on. You 37, have broken that agreement. As such, you will be given one last chance to join this Camp and gain the benefits knowing what it will cost you. Will you accept an assignment and join us?” Hanna asked. “As your children will be effected by this as well, they may make the decision separate from their parents. If they join, they will be treated as any other resident of their age. If they choose to remain with their parents, so be it.” Hanna told them as 4 of the teenagers stepped forward.

“We will accept assignments and join Camp Hope as residents.” They said as Hanna nodded.

“Step over there. Anyone who wishes to join them, you have 10 seconds to do so. If you do not, we will consider that your answer that you will not accept an assignment or residency in this Camp.” She told the other 33. She was glad 4 more children joined their older siblings, leaving the 26 adults and 4 infants.

“What are you going to do, throw us out there? You might as well kill us yourselves.” One of the men yelled.

“You are exactly right, which is why your infant children will be placed with good people to raise them as one of us. The 26 of you shall be executed and cremated as if you are zombies. We will not risk turning you against those we would protect.” Hanna said as 6 guards came and took the 4 infants from the adults holding them and 8 more escorted them to the wall. As soon as they were stood there, an automated cannon locked onto their group. “Last chance. We have no desire to see human life wasted this way, nor can we accept the responsibility of caring for those who refuse to help themselves. Will you take an assignment and live, or will you surrender to the devastation we have all faced and accept death?” she asked them as everyone watched. Not one person moved to say a word to save them, all of them working between 8 and 12 hours a day to provide for the Camp in any way they could.

“Why are you doing this?” one of the women yelled at her.

“Because alone we cannot hope to survive what awaits for us out there. We cannot afford to feed them even one soul that would turn against us given any opportunity to do so. As such we as a Camp ask for one thing from all residents, Help us Help you. You may think they are nothing more than fancy words, but without them we collapse and fall victim ourselves. Prime example, I could not grow food or raise cattle or milk cows if my very life depended on it for me to survive. What I can do, is use my skills, experience and knowledge to ensure the people that can do those things, have safety and security from the creatures that would rip their throats out for a mere taste of flesh. I can scavenge the supplies the builders need to make our shelters, the foods the cooks need to feed our people. I do what I can to help the Camp survive. Just as Pamela grows food, or James builds our shelters, or Peter mines the ore for the metals we need, or the children feed the chickens and pigs and cows so they in turn feed us. 9,000 people have chosen to provide the labor that their knowledge, experience and ability will allow them to, in order for this Camp to survive as a group. This Camp can survive with help from all those who would call it home. If you will not help, this will not be your home. Make you choice.” She told them as they all finally understood and one by one stepped forwards and declared they would accept assignments.

As soon as it was finished, the cooks opened the kitchen and out the 37 straight to work cleaning the cooking equipment and utensils, making sure they got just enough to carry them through until dinner. There last chance proving to be the one they needed to save their lives.