The Soldier

Wounded yet strong

The building we were temporarily staying in was picked off by scavenging parties and raids. Most of the emergency medical supplies were gone or not usable.

"Have you checked the basement?" I ask

"Nothing. Down there is just old storage rooms." Zoe said

"What about you Ellis?" I say into the comms

"I found someone." She replied back

"What?" Zoe says with doubt

"What do you mean you found someone?" I ask

"Want me to put him on?" She then clicks off and then suddenly clicks on again.

"Ellis?"

"Hello sir." Its a man's voice

"Are you the person Ellis found?"

"Yes I am. I was hiding from that daft boy with a weapon. I fled down here." He said. He sounded a little bit older over the comms.

"Is there anyone else here or nearby?" I ask impatiently

"I was a local priest in one of the settlements not far from here. I was looking for someone here."

"Who were you looking for priest?" I ask

"A runaway girl. No older than thirteen."

"What's your name?"

"My name is Marcus. People usually just call me Brother Marcus."

"Ok Marc. Have Ellis bring you up here to the top floor with us."

"Thank you sir." The comms click off

"Why in the hell would a damn priest be all the way out here for a runaway?" Zoe threw her hands in disbelief

"Some people have charitable souls Zoe. And want the best for everyone."

"Bull fucking shit." I could see her demeanor completely change

"What did this priest ever do to you? Did he take a dump on your front porch or something?" I ask with pure sarcasm

"People out here are a plauge that needs to be wiped out...every last one."

"What the hell happened Z?" I ask. She looked pained

"I just know that people out here don't deserve to live. I mean that guy up there tried to kill a defenseless squad and shot Brian!"

I looked at her with concern and then took off my helmet.

"Zoe not all of these people are bad. There are good people out here still." I say as nice and calm as I can

Zoe rips off her helmet and gets in my face.

"Tell that to the asshole you just killed up there." She steamed off back upstairs

I went upstairs trailing behind her. And soon the local preist would be here. I still have no freaking clue what good it'll be.

I get to the top floor and see Brian sedated and laid down on the most intact and comfy bed in the whole building.

Squadron 12 better be here fast.

Then up comes Ellis and what I assume is Brother Marcus. He wore faded black robes that were torn, sewn up and then torn again. His face was dirty and his brownish grey whiskers were outta control, and in his hands he gripped a bible.

"Are you ok Marc?" I ask

"Very well sir." He looks over at Brian and then back at me.

"We have a doctor back at our settlement that would do a great deal of help to your friend."