Luke's Diary: An Unlucky Man In A Zombie Apocalypse. Entries 957 - 1157

Entry 1048: Saturday 10th August 2019

Entry 1048
Saturday 10th August 2019

I had to work again today. It was only a short three-hour shift and I had an interesting chat with Natasha.

I was on my break and as I walked into the staff room, I saw Natasha sat at the table drinking a cup of tea. She usually eats and drinks in her office, so I was surprised to see her sitting in the staffroom. "Oh," I said, "Hello. You don't usually come in here." "I had to get out of my office for a bit," said Natasha, as she took a swig of her tea, "Those four walls are driving me insane. God, I really can't believe we have a man like that in charge of this island." "I know," I said. "You know, this island is moving away from democracy and heading straight towards dictatorship," said Natasha. I nodded. "If this happened before the outbreak, there's no way people would put up with Tinsley's behaviour." "I think you're right," I said. "So, why are people putting up with that tyrant's behaviour now?" snapped Nikki. "I suppose people are scared of him," I said, "I know I'm scared of him. Have you seen how the soldiers look at him? I think they're even scared of him." "I know what you mean," said Natasha, "Many of my loyal followers and supporters have backed off. Even they're scared of him. I feel like I'm all on my own. You know, I'd stand outside GRID HQ all day and night and protest on my own, but he'd probably throw me in prison for breaking the curfew." "Probably," I said, "You know, I was going to pop over and see you yesterday. I was going to knock on your door to see if you were alright." "You seeing if I'm alright?" said Nikki, "That's a turn up for the books." "I don't agree with your QCUC proposals," I said, "But I don't agree with people bullying others. I felt really uncomfortable watching how Tinsley got close up to you yesterday and intimidated you. Sorry I didn't step in and stand up for you, but I suppose I was scared." "Don't worry," said Natasha, "I suppose I was scared too. Anyway, I can look after myself. Oh God... I don't know what I'm going to do. I just know things can't carry on like this." "Natasha, just stay out of Tinsley's way," I said, "He's mad." "But, Luke," said Natasha, "These proposals are something I strongly believe in. I can't just abandon them and just let Tinsley do what he wants." "What other choice have you got?" I asked. "I fight," said Natasha. "On your own?" I asked. "A lone fighter is better than no fighter," said Natasha. "Not always," I said, "If you fight this fight alone then what do you think's going to happen?" I asked, "What do you think's going to happen to you? Tinsley will put you in prison. Christ, Natasha, he might even have you shot. You heard what he said when he made his announcement." "Luke, I have to do something," said Natasha. "Well, if you want my advice you just keep your head down, stay out of Tinsley's way and find something else to focus on." "I don't have anything else to focus on," said Natasha, "I don't have children, I don't have a partner and I don't have any friends. The only thing I have in my life are the QCUC proposals." "Well, find something else," I said. "I don't need anything else," said Natasha, "In fact, I don't want anything else. One day a cure could be developed for the E-Virus, and if all of those infected out there in the containment area end up being cured, then that will all be because of me and proposals. All those infected people, saved and returning to a normal life. I can't just abandon them." "But are you prepared to risk p*ssing off Tinsley knowing what he might do to you?" I asked. Natasha thought for a moment. "I don't know," she said, "Maybe I am."

I told Nikki about my chat with Natasha. She didn't seem interested. "Make your mind up," she snapped, "You either like her or you don't." I quickly changed the subject. I didn't want to get into an argument with her, and I didn't think there was any point talking to her if she wasn't interested in what I had to say. I know I don't really like Natasha (especially after she went on that fake date with me), and I really can't stand her stupid QCUC proposals, but I don't want her having to dealing with Tinsley's wrath. I just hope she doesn't do anything stupid...