The Zombie Within

Chapter 8: The First Zombies

We've been stuck in school for a week now. The two blokes from the army have stayed with us. They're so cool, they taught us shooting, how to put on armour and military tactics. Every group has one gun holder. We only get pistols, Dave and Eric have rifles. They told us that rescue helicopters will start to get us after the other soldiers have been distributed around. Today's Monday and we have an assembly before break. Last week seemed to go pretty quick considering our situation, I hope this week is the same, with no problems (other than the outbreak of course)
Cheryl
"EVERYONE GET IN LINE!" The teacher shouted over the noisy class. Cheryl put her diary in her tray and lined up with the rest of the class. The Lance Corporal stood at the front next to Mr Clawson. The line was quiet. Suddenly a phone began to ring. Eric searched through his many pockets on his camouflage suit. He pulled out a large old fashioned phone. "I'm sorry about this" he addressed to the class, "Hello, Lance Corporal Eric Wilson here, how can I be of assistance?" A long, daunting pause followed. "Yes Sir, I will inform them. Of course. I'll do my best. Uhuh. Sure. Mhmm. Speak to you soon." He put the phone back in his pocket. The children looked at him. What was he on about?

He pulled the teacher away from the class and shut the door. "That was another Sargent who's based in a secondary school down the road. He informs me that some of the creatures are heading our way. At a fast speed. They attacked his school but they were well prepared. More prepared than us. This assembly, needs to be quick the year 7s, and any spare teachers or staff need to get together straight after and we will make sure we are ready. You've had it easy last week, the real terror is about to begin. I'll try and phone some of my friends, try and get some back up in over the next few days." He stopped when he saw the students gawping at them through the small rectangular window. He gestured towards them and opened the door. "I'll tell Sargent Dave and we'll address it during assembly"

"Good Morning Children," Sargent Dave addressed the hall of kids, "we're going to keep this assembly short today. All years, except 7, will be heading back to class in a moment. A register will be taken to make sure you're all here and the doors will be shut. All of your teachers have a walkie talkie like this one," he held up is communication device and showed the students, "which they will use to contact me and Lance Copral Eric. The reception and year 1 classes will be split up around the other classes as that area of the school is too far away to get a signal on the walkie talkies. I will see you all later," He beckoned the head teacher to dismiss the school.

"The back row and the front row please lead out," Mrs Roaderach said.

When it was only year 7s and a few staff in the room, the two army men got up from their seats and addressed them, "Don't panic but we fear that the first hoard is on its way," the Lance Copral said bluntly, "just remember what we practiced and you will be fine. You know your 5 groups of 6 now and we have given each group a job. Sargent Dave will tell you what your group is doing."

He cleared his throat and read off of a tattered piece of paper, "Group 1 you will be patrolling the school in partners, one pair must be upstairs and one must be downstairs at all times and because there is three pairs that should be pretty easy to handle, one of the people in each pair will have a walkie talkie to communicate with their group members and us.
Group 2 you will be checking that all the borders are secure and that each classroom has protection.
Group 3 you will all be stationed at a border on the ground floor and its your job to get there as quickly as possible when group 4 does their job.
Group 4 you have to alarm group 3 and the rest of your class if there are any creatures coming, you will be at a window and you will be able to see the creatures coming.
Group 5 it is your job to collect more weapons and tools, and supply the other groups.
All of you have 2 teachers assigned to your group and other staff will be helping as well. Lance Copral Eric and myself will be helping all groups. We have to get this right because there will be no second chances. Some of you also might have to do night watch but we will talk about it later. I have contacted the army and reinforcements won't be here for at least another 2 or 3 weeks so we will have to make do with what we have. Go do your jobs and protect your school!"