Rising of the Dead

Chapter 10: The Mission

CHAPTER 10: THE MISSION

My eyelids fluttered open to the warm, red glow that bathed the room. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting an otherworldly crimson hue that danced across the walls. It was an unexpected burst of vibrancy in our otherwise grim reality.

Quietly, I slipped out of the bed, mindful not to disturb the deep slumber of my companions. Jaidyn lay nearby, his mouth agape, producing soft snores that barely broke the silence. A hint of amusement crept over me, but I suppressed any laughter, not wanting to rouse them.

Lex, on the other hand, seemed in a world of his own, snuggled comfortably amidst a sea of yellowish pillows. It was a sight of serenity, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Our room was a marvel, akin to a luxury hotel, a shocking oasis of comfort amidst the apocalyptic turmoil.

I tiptoed a few steps toward the bathroom, the anticipation of another hot, refreshing bath building inside me. Last night's bath had been a rare treat, a chance to cleanse the dirt, stress, and fatigue from my body.

WANG WANG WANG

A blaring siren erupted, and my heart skipped a beat. Panic surged, and I felt an involuntary shiver run down my spine.

"WHAT THE HELL, MAN?!" Jaidyn's voice roared from outside the bathroom, a mix of surprise and terror in his tone.

I exited the bathroom, greeted by Jaidyn's wide-eyed paranoia and Lex's evident annoyance, eyebrows furrowed into a low scowl.

"Calm down," I urged Jaidyn, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

The speaker mounted near the ceiling crackled to life, its voice resembling that of a stern, commanding mayor of this enigmatic place.

"Attention, attention, House Block C. Come to the main office as soon as possible. Be ready for your first mission. I repeat, House Block C, be ready for your first mission."

Silence hung heavy in the air as we tried to process the unexpected summons.

"I'm not sure if we're Block C. Check outside, Lex," I said.

Lex rose from his comfortable spot and ventured outside. Minutes later, Carrie barged into our room, her voice tinged with excitement and trepidation.

"OMYGOD, GUYS! A mission?! What is this?"

"I don't know, but we'd better grab breakfast and head over there," I replied, a sense of urgency tugging at me.

Breakfast

We hastily devoured our morning meal. The fridge was stocked with an array of two-minute foods, and the sight of it filled me with gratitude.

I spooned cornflakes into my mouth, while Jaidyn opted for eggs, and Lindley savored sausages. Lex indulged in a beef pie, while Carrie and Rose relished fried rice. It was a simple feast, yet it felt like a banquet in our new world.

With breakfast behind us, we made our way toward a colossal tent that served as the military's base of operations. The sight inside was jaw-dropping—a treasure trove of weapons and ammunition.

"It's a gold mine!" Lex couldn't help but exclaim, echoing our shared sentiment.

The man in charge, an older figure in his fifties, greeted us with a knowing smile.

"Ah, there you are, kids," he said, his voice laced with a sense of authority. "What can I do for you today?"

"We're here for the mission," I replied, my tone resolute. "Tell us what needs to be done."

He chuckled softly. "Straight to the point, eh? Very well. I want you and your team to rescue our wounded soldiers."

"That sounds doable," I said confidently.

"Ah," he began, raising a pointed finger, "there's a small catch, I'm afraid."

"What is it?" I inquired, curiosity piqued.

"The infected have become more formidable," he explained gravely. "After consuming human flesh, they've somehow evolved into something... enormous."

A chill ran down my spine as the weight of his words settled in. "Bullets to the head won't kill them. You'll need to get in close and stab them at the base of their skulls."

Everyone absorbed the gravity of the situation, our faces etched with determination as if receiving a mission briefing in school.

"You'll also need to gather supplies—guns, knives, armor—everything you can find at the Kill Zone Site. Show them this," he said, handing me a small piece of paper with his signature.

"Are you up for the task?" he inquired.

I glanced at Jaidyn, aware of the fear concealed behind his brave facade. Our silent consensus hung in the air as we considered the daunting challenge ahead.

"It's worth a shot. Let's do it," Carrie declared.

"Yes, sir, we will," I affirmed, my resolve unwavering.

"Good," the man nodded. "Adrian Andalan will accompany you. He knows the area well and can drive you there. You'll need all the help you can get. Good luck, and stay safe."

With our mission set and our guide identified, we left the tent, the weight of our duty settling on our shoulders. Our journey into the unknown was about to begin, and the stakes had never been higher.