Surviving the Apocalypse

Allegiances

For 3 weeks Hanna didn’t hear a word from any of the Camps, her peace shattered when the 3 other Camps from the Warehouse mission contacted her on a frequency she monitored but had only told one person about this time around. Each one of them with a research team from the different labs that their Camps were closely located too. All of them wanting to discuss trade opportunities with her, as Camp Epsilon had become nearly impossible to deal with after the figured out how to make rudimentary Evojuice. This time however she met them at a location near one of the labs she had almost reached and cleared, the equipment and data from this lab directly related to the virology research they needed to finish in order to make the vaccine. The electron microscope it had was the only one in the entire state. On top of that it has equipment that very few labs could even afford to rent let alone purchase and operate.

They arrived early as they always did, this time Teams 2 and 3 providing overwatch and support while Team 1 was on the ground with Drones providing a live feed back to the base. They were taking no chances, especially since she knew it was likely Camp Epsilon would try and ambush them after the way the Warehouse mission had gone. They hadn’t expected to owe their very survival to Hanna, her take down of the level 4 zombie something none of those present would forget. Especially when the Speed ability users told their teams most of what happened, some of the attacks between the two little more than a blur even for their enhanced ability to process the movements because of their own level 2 and 3 abilities.

Camp Fury was the first to arrive with 2 Squads of men this time, all of them sporting the weapons Hanna had let them keep and salvage when she had left the crates right where she had dropped them. “Hanna, nice to see you.” Sebastian Fury said nodding to her as his men approached and saw that they were equipped much the same as last time.

‘Delta incoming from the west with 7 men and 5 women.’ Hammond said as he had taken command of Squad 4. Most of the military personnel that she had first recruited were in command of their own Squads, Hanna having the authority to promote them to a certain point. Her tests however were far more specific to the apocalypse than the military had ever dreamed, her requirements far more strict to gain command of the lives of others.

“Sabastian, how is life in Fury?” she asked conversationally.

“We have taken your lesson to heart and managed to begin clearing the zombies as well. Attacks are down, but we find ourselves in need of some assistance. We were hoping you would be able to assist us.” He replied without hesitation. He knew if anyone would be able to help, it was her. Despite her best efforts, there were rumors among the Camps in the city that she was a force far superior to Camp Epsilon, even with its military backing.

“Depends on what exactly it is you want assistance with.” She replied noncommittal.

“While we wait, you should take a look at this.” He said holding up a vial of a liquid that had the slightest purple hue to it.

“Evojuice, about 78 percent pure based on the coloration still in it. Be careful, it has trace amounts of the virus that will build up over time. It could cause problems if someone consumed too much of it, and increased aggression is a likely side effect for up to 72 hours after the last dose.” She said not even bothering to take the vial from his hand. She pulled one of hers out of her storage, the purity so apparent it was clearer than some water. “I would have someone with experience run that through a centrifuge separation unit before you consume it. It might remove some of those impurities. This however…” she trailed off as she offered it to him. He held it up to the light and was completely surprised at how clear it was.

“How pure?” he asked as he lowered it.

“99.8 percent. Where did you get that?” she asked him.

“Epsilon is trading it for Zombie Heart Crystals. 25 per dose. We decided to test 50 doses, but saw the exact side effects you described from nearly every person who took it. Fortunately we only allowed 10 people 2 doses so the effects were mild, what can we expect with this?” he asked as the men from Camp Delta arrived.

“Camp Prescott inbound from the North, 9 men 4 women. ETA 4 minutes.” Hammond said in the radio. She had unplugged her ear piece so they all heard it.

“You remember the fight in the warehouse?” she asked as every person their nodded. “You witnessed me taking two doses in the span of what, 2 minutes. My serum doesn’t have any of the side effects that does. In fact the only thing you will experience is a rush of energy as it floods your system and can also cause your abilities to level up. If they are charging 25 Crystals per, I will trade for 10.” She told them as Brian Hubert smiled.

“I think that is music to my ears. How many doses could you deliver today if we wanted to purchase some?” he asked as he examined the vial Sebastian had given him. “This is Evojuice, not water right?” he asked after looking at it in the light.

“How about you pop the top and take a drink and tell me.” She replied as he smiled and did just that. Everyone watched him as his eyes widened in surprise as the burst of power did exactly what she said it would do.

His fire ability went from level 2 to level 3 because of how close he had been, his entire body bursting into flames as it tried to contain the surge in power and failed as his level increased. He focused his hands into the air and shot a jet of fire 80 feet into the air making everyone without a fire ability take several steps back. “Wow!” he said as he shook his head and Sebastian looked a little tense. “What level was that ability you used on the level 4? Even my level 3 isn’t comparable.” He said.

“How do you feel?” Sebastian asked him cautious.

“I assume that if I took another dose tomorrow it wouldn’t be as intense because I just increased my power level. I however feel great, just like she said it is a rush of power you won’t believe.” Brian said as Hanna pulled another from her storage and handed it to him.

“Only one way for you to know for sure.” She told him as he took an identical vial cautiously. She turned to Brian with a smirk. “That will be-“ she said as he handed her a large bag.

“I will order 500 doses right now, don’t care if I have to wait for them even. Make it 499, pay for the one I just used.” Brian said cutting her off as she smiled.

“I have 100 for each of the Camps with me, so I will give you the other 99, and owe you 400.” She said making the crystals disappear before 2 boxes of vials appeared in her hands. Brian took them and handed them to the girl on his team that had a storage ability.

Sebastian drank the vial she had given him, his eyes widening as he felt the rush of power enhance his water ability dramatically. Just as Brian had predicted his wasn’t as dramatic as he had leveled up to 4 just two days earlier. “Holy s**t that is a boost. I assume I don’t want to take a second dose like you did during that fight without expending some serious energy?” he asked as she chuckled.

“It isn’t high on my list of things to do. Generally training before breakfast. Evojuice just after, killing a s**t ton of zombies until lunch, second dose and home for evening training.” Lucas said as the Scavenger Commander. She had made him a Lt. Colonel, the highest rank she was authorized to give under actual military command. She refused a promotion to Brigadier General from the Camp Leaders, telling them even she required 2 years of service before she was eligible for that promotion.

Both men nodded as Damien Prescott and his team arrived. “Gentlemen, Ms. Storm, a pleasure to see you.” He said.

“Damien, good to see you. Hanna, we will gladly take the other 99 doses you have for us, and order 900 more.” Sebastian said with a smile.

“So you already asked? Is it worth it?” he asked as Brian nodded.

“Oh yeah, cheaper too.” He said as Hanna pulled out a single vial for him to examine.

“Side effects?” he asked.

“Serious boosts to power levels.” Sebastian said.

“The uncontrollable urge to use your abilities if it forces your ability to level up.” Brian said.

“You saw me take two doses back to back when I fought the zombie. Mine is 99.8 percent pure, and these two just took a dose each. I have 100 doses ready for your Camp now, and can make 500 doses a week for trade. 10 Crystals per dose. So for a few weeks, each Camp will get up to 150 doses each. The extra I will use myself.” Hanna told him.

Damien nodded as he looked at her. “There is 500 Crystals in this bag. 100 now and 150 a week for 3 weeks and we will pay the extra at the last delivery.” He said extending his hand to shake hers.

“Agreed. Oh, and if you have centrifugal separators, you might be able to salvage that purple crap from Camp Epsilon.” She told the other two men that hadn’t heard her tell Sebastian. “Anything else we need to discuss?” she asked them.

“Rumor has it you have taken the old air field and rescued some pilots and the jets. Possibly even have tanks and drones as well, we were wondering if you would be interested in creating an alliance.” Sebastian said nervously as she smiled.

“Having them and using them are two entirely different things, especially with the way things are. As for an alliance, I might be interested in mutually beneficial missions. May even consider trade beyond Crystals for Evojuice, but it is something we would need to discuss with a different team of people from my Camp.” Hanna told them.

“All we ask if you now is consider it. Camp Epsilon is becoming far too aggressive to be worth the hassle.” Brian told her.

“That is my only condition, I won’t work with Epsilon again after that mission. That and the contaminated Evojuice, they are a disaster waiting to happen.” Hanna said as each of them nodded.

“We got nearly 3 times as many supplies because of what you did and forced their hand. They promise we would only get 1,000 tons each, so I have a feeling they think the same thing.” Damien said making the others nod. “As far as I am concerned, we won’t be dealing with them again after such an exaggerated price for substandard Evojuice.”

“We do however have one more line of discussion if you don’t mind. Rumor is you have a research team that is actually using the data and equipment you have been liberating from the labs. Our three Camps also have teams of researchers that could benefit a collaboration between us to develop tech, armor, weapons and of course a cure and vaccine.” Brian said nervously.

Hanna nodded as she looked at them cautiously. “That would definitely be a reasonable request of an ally, but those are negotiations I cannot conduct without my leadership team. We also need to make it crystal clear to everyone, Camp Epsilon and anyone allied with them isn’t welcome to any sort of discount from what they are trying to charge before we open negotiations.” She said making it clear that she wouldn’t just make an agreement with them.

“Where will these negotiations take place?” Sebastian asked.

“Since you all know where each other is located, as do we know where you are, as well as what you have. It only fair you know where we are located and what our Camp has to offer. I assure you we will be able and willing to beat any type of offer they are making.” Hanna said as Lucas nodded.

“I guess it is good we brought our own Councils as well as guards. Do we need cars?” Damien asked her.

“No, we have plenty of room for everyone.” Hanna said as 3 dozen vehicles showed up for everyone that was there.

90 minutes later the people from all 3 Camps were cleared through screening, all of the gathered in the waiting room before Hanna escorted them into the exterior Camp. The first thing they saw was the massive tent they had used 40 of the military tents to make the massive one that acted as their dining hall. Lunch had just started being served, two massive lines moving swiftly through the buffet style service, most of the residents getting plates stuffed with so much food that they couldn’t hold anymore. The chatter was intense as the entire Camp came together for each meal that looked like it was a feast to the guests who joined the line.

“Do we want to know how much food Camp Hope goes through a day?” Sebastian asked.

Hanna laughed as she looked at him. “About 5 tons per day to feed 3,482 people.”

They looked at the meal here, and knew that just one meal per day wouldn’t equal that much food. “How many meals does the Camp provide to residents?” Brian asked.

“All 3, any snacks they consume during the day they purchase from our shop. Each resident has an assigned or volunteer job that they perform each day. We have 50 cooks that prepare the meals according to the needs of the people doing extreme amounts of work. Each morning is physical training, every evening Combat training. Plus at least 8 hours doing what their jobs are. In exchange they get the safety of the Camp, food, shelter and an income to purchase items they want.” Hanna explained as they got to the line and she counted exactly how many people were eating with her. Every visitor accounted for as she let them in and grab trays and plates. “Take what you want to eat.” She told them easily as she paid for all 40 of them.

“Did you just pay for us?” one of the women from the group asked her as she joined the line.

“I did, so anything you want to try go ahead. There is plenty to go around.” She told her as they saw that it wasn’t a joke as there were at least 30 different dishes including a whole salad station with all the different types of veggies and addons they could imagine from a restaurant before the outbreak. Hanna set them up at a large table that had enough room for at least a dozen more people that slowly joined the table as more of the Camp sat down with their food. As soon as everyone was seated, she introduced them as the leaders of the Camp.

“So quick question, how in the world do you still have fresh vegetables? Everything we have found like this is spoiled and rotten.” Damien asked taking a large bite of the salad he had made himself along with samples of other dishes.

“We grow them here in the Camp, that is actually my job.” Pamela said as nearly every one of them looked at her.

“How do you grow this much?” one of them asked.

“We have 50 greenhouses as well as hundreds of acres of cultivated crops. It is necessary for survival, do your Camps not have anyone with plant abilities?” Pamela asked making a few of them choke as she asked if so casually.

“I think we all have at least 2 or 3, but how can they do all this?” Brian asked making Pamela smile.

“Please tell me we can give these rookies a tour after lunch?” Peter asked her making her residents chuckle as the visitors looked hopeful.

“That was the plan, you can tell them what each of you will be doing this afternoon and they can decide which group to join. I have 3 leaders who will be getting a tour with me, after dinner and training we will gather in the conference room with just the leadership roles for proper negotiations. Melissa, I believe that our guests are interested in trade. As potential allies, can we make up a list of goods and supplies we have available for trade and make up a price paid for in Heart Crystals?” Hanna asked as Sebastian, Damien and Brian all pulled out lists.

“These are the prices that Camp Epsilon is demanding.” They said handing the copies over.

Hanna handed one to Melissa and the other to Crystal before she looked over the last one. She about choked when she saw they wanted 250 Crystals for a ton of whatever food they could salvage.

“We can do better.” Melissa said before she finished her lunch.