Capsule Outbreak

27 The Mission

Maggie's POV

Uncle Greg is driving with us using his military vehicle. We're heading to New Mexico, and I don't know what circumstances that state has, but according to what the radio informed earlier, it looks like we're going to encounter a state of war with a horde of zombies.

Earlier on the radio...

"Mr. Dawson is on the line. Is anyone still surviving? Perhaps humans who are hearing this latest news right now, it's still clear and vivid. This is the latest news on the Americas: the survival rate in Texas has decreased after the main camp became devoid of any human population. We're still investigating the cause of what occurred. Meanwhile, New Mexico is now inhabited by plenty of zombies. Recently, a new species of zombie has been seen in New Mexico: a four-armed zombie. Scientists are still studying their existence."

"A four-armed zombie? Is that even possible?" Akira said, confused.

"It looks like zombies are creating their own new identity," Uncle Greg said.

"Should we be afraid of them?" Akira asked.

"Zombies don't have a mind; humans do!" Yvette said.

"I'm not afraid of them, no matter what species they are. I'll strike their heads so hard," Louis said.

"You're so brave, Louis. I guess Maggie will admire you even more," Allie said, looking at me.

"What? Does my niece have a boyfriend when I'm not around?" Uncle Greg asked while driving.

I'm too stunned to speak. Blushing, I just cover my face with my hands. Then, Louis holds my right hand.

"Even if you don't say it, Maggie, I can clearly see it in your eyes. You're in love in the middle of the apocalypse," Uncle Greg said.

"Who's in love?" Charlie softly said, waking up.

"Probably your sister!" Allie said.

"I knew it, and I just dreamt they kissed each other. I don't want to dream that anymore!" Charlie softly said, and we all laugh.

"What's your plan after this zombie outbreak? Are you going to have a vacation in Europe or Asia?" Akira asked.

"Will this zombie outbreak really end, or will humanity?" Yvette asked too.

"We can't define the future unless we create it," I said to them.

"You're right, but a vaccine would really help to end this apocalypse. I hope scientists are really doing their job," Akira said.

"Anyway, Uncle Greg, what happened on your mission?" I softly asked, and he looks at Sergeant Maveus.

"The mission is just starting now," Uncle Greg said.

"I thought you already came back because you accomplished it," I said, confused.

"What's with the mission? Can we help with it?" Duke said.

"You're right; I came back because I'm the only one who survived. As far as you know, zombies in New Mexico are really different from those in other states. We encountered one zombie species called a 'fleshy zombie.' As my colleagues were shooting at it, the bullets bounced back to us, killing my colleagues. I don't know how they did it, but it seems like a defense mechanism, how zombies react to attacks. A fleshy zombie literally lives and eats brains or human flesh for many months, so they become fat," Uncle Greg informed us.

"I can't imagine a fleshy zombie having a defense mechanism. It really creeps me out," Allie said.

"The real mission is to bring the remaining capsules in Arizona for Dr. Addison to study and make the vaccine," Uncle Greg informed us.

"So, Sergeant Maveus lied to me, really?" I said.

"Sorry, Maggie. I couldn't tell you the truth about the mission, but Sergeant Gregory will," Sergeant Maveus said.

"Don't worry about it, Maggie. Sergeant Maveus is just doing his job," Uncle Greg said.

"What's the plan here, and where are the capsules you mentioned?" Yvette asked Uncle Greg.

"I really don't want all of you to be involved in our mission. It's risky out there," Uncle Greg said, worried.

"But I want to help. I want to have the vaccine for humanity to survive," Akira said.

"Count me in. As we keep helping each other, the more chances of survival and time we keep," Duke said.

"Please, include us in the mission," Allie said, and I look at Uncle Greg.

"Fine, you're all in the mission, but I will be your commander here. You can't act without my lead. Do you understand me?" Uncle Greg asked, and we simultaneously shout "Roger That!"

"Three essential things when you're on a mission with zombies include defense, survival, and arrival. We need deadly weapons for our defense, and also protecting each other will be crucial, especially my kid, Charlie, even if your life is at risk. We need to keep surviving and continue what we started so that when we arrive in Arizona, the mission is accomplished.

"The remaining capsules here are what Dr. Javier gave us that night. All my co-pilot soldiers died because of consuming them. They wanted to stay human but forgot to be humane, swallowing many capsules out of fear and lack of knowledge about them. Helicopters crashed, and I'm the only one who survived that night.

"I met Dr. Addison, who was anxious; she couldn't speak clearly, but she told me about the capsules. She couldn't even touch it; she was afraid of something. She left it with a note: 'Promise me to bring these capsules when the zombie outbreak emerges in the United States. Come to Arizona; I'm building a safe zone for everyone,'" Uncle Greg informed us.

Sergeant Gregory showed us different weapons to defend ourselves. We chose weapons that we have skills in using properly. Louis picked a sniper rifle, Duke picked a machine gun, Yvette will use her sword, Akira chose double blades, Allie chose trench knife and grenades, and I chose an assault rifle along with Sergeant Gregory and Sergeant Maveus. I can't imagine how zombies, with their diversity, are living in New Mexico, but the mission must be accomplished.