DIERY Of The Dead: War against the Zombies (A Zombie Apocalyptic Novella)

Chapter 3: DIERY

After an hour we gathered at the VIGIL Hall, dressed in our standard black combat uniforms. The funeral ceremony had quickly winded up with Glen's family along with Glen's body being transported to their home district.

All Vigil's stood in four parallel lines according to their year. Dami, who was shorter than me was two students ahead of me, but that didn't stop us from chatting. "Psst! Do you think we can sneak in one of those warships?" I whispered. The final years were to be transported to the central base via the warships.

Dami shot me a flat look. "Keep your wild ideas to yourself." Kass, behind me, laughed and patted my shoulder in consolation. "Don't worry if you move forward with the plan, I will definitely join you"

As the whispers among the Vigils gradually quieted, I turned my attention forward, realizing that our Head Master had just arrived. She walked with a dignified poise, her presence commanding respect. She stepped up to the podium, each step emanating power. Her dress too was immaculate and crisp, despite the late hour and the urgency. She still hadn't changed from the funeral attire, yet she looked as if she had just donned a new dress.

Our Head Master's piercing gaze settled on the assembled Vigils as she stepped up to the podium, her aura of authority filling the room. With a graceful but commanding gesture, she motioned for silence before she began to address us.

"Vigils," our Head Master began, her voice unwavering and resolute, "tonight, we face a moment that calls upon your unwavering dedication and your steadfast loyalty to Valdia. You might be having a lot of questions, especially regarding the shocks we just faced but worry not, news about this will reach you by tomorrow. I ask you to be patient and have faith in the system."

Have faith? Ya sure. We all knew if we didn't dedicate our loyalty to the Empire, we would be a mass of burning flesh in an instant. Regardless we continued to listen to her.

She paused, her gaze sweeping the ranks of Vigils, conveying a sense of urgency and gravity. "We've always stood together in the face of danger. Our unity is our strength, and our unwavering commitment to our duty is what sets us apart. Tonight, we face a situation unlike any other. I understand that the twelve have just returned and might be feeling helpless and agitated due to the unfairness of the situation, but we are Vigils. We have been trained for this. Think of this not as a death trap, but as an opportunity. An opportunity to defend the citizens and pave the way for a better tomorrow."

She took a step forward, her words of encouragement ringing with determination. "This is not a time for fear but a time for valor, for resilience. I hope-" she shook her head and smiled. "No, I know everyone of you will make me proud and return here alive and grinning, just waiting to spill the stories." I don't know what magic she did but she looked at each one of us right in our eyes as she continued. "And Know that I will always be waiting. Will you be vigilant?"

After which we all shouted in unison. "Yes, we will!" and drew an invisible V in the air with our right fist. We would be Vigil.

She then turned to face the screen behind her and switched it on via her phone. The screen flickered to life and in the background was the emperor.

"Dear citizens of Valdia, the unexpected preponement of the drafting ceremony may have caught some by surprise, yet let it be known that this occurrence presents a unique opportunity for each of you to valiantly contribute to the defence of our beloved nation. The recent seismic disturbance in the Kratos district was, unfortunately, the result of infiltrating enemy forces from Neios. I am pleased to convey that our vigilant forces have successfully eradicated this threat, ensuring the safety of our people. Nevertheless, in the spirit of unwavering caution, we must continue to remain vigilant. Without further delay, let us proceed with the drafting process."