Stella the Zombie Killer

Stella the Zombie Killer Part 20

Ben only ever wanted respect. Kyle's organisation was the new world order and Ben was proud of his role in it. His autonomy showed trust and respect. Respect was important to Ben. He needed it, thrived off it, even if he thought he wasn't getting it. Especially if he thought he wasn't getting it. In the old world he had always been in trouble about one thing or another. But Kyle respected him. He knew it. Keep watch the message from Kyle had read. I'll send some spy stuff for you. Kyle always made sure that Ben was well-equipped. He got to work alone and he got the best toys to go with it. Respect.

***

'I can't go today,' said Vine to Hook. They were in the rotunda, eating a dinner and talking about placing the thumpers. Stella, Tash and Gregor were also present. 'If I keep flying, I'll eventually draw attention to us. We could have angels flying into the garden.'

'We need these deads clearing,' said Hook. 'There's no guarantee that the doors are going to hold.'

'Another day won't hurt,' said Stella. 'Besides, we've been pretty quiet; the deads might do a bit of scraping but they're not getting through.'

Silence fell around the desk and, as if to illustrate Stella's point, the faint noise of scraping and pawing against the solid wooden doors could be heard.

Stella nodded. 'We could even leave it a week before you fly again. We're well-stocked and there's plenty that needs doing around the place.' She looked to Hook. 'Chickens need cleaning out.' She smiled as she said it and Hook returned the grin eagerly.

'A job for Captain Jenks, I think,' he said.

Stella nodded. 'Where is Jared?' she said.

'He was checking out the rooms,' said Vine. 'Has he been sleeping in the cafeteria? Anyway, he needs somewhere new, he says.'

'We can get to work this afternoon,' said Gregor to Stella. 'Tash and me already started creating sims for the work on your arm. We should have an idea of where we're going with it by tomorrow. This afternoon, as long as Tash doesn't mind, I can sort out your ocular implants.'

'No problem,' said Tash. 'I can run the sims and start checking Vine over as well. We haven't had the luxury of all this equipment; he needs a thorough check-up.'

'I am sitting here, you know,' said Vine.

'Sorry,' said Tash, smiling at her friend. 'I get talking shop and I forget.'

'Okay,' Stella agreed. 'Start on me and Vine this afternoon. The sooner we're up and running again, the sooner the deads are cleared.'

Hook shuddered. 'Pleased it's you, not me, boss. Can't stand the thought of messing about with eyes.'

  ***  

Ben aimed his rifle at the nearest zombie and fired. The beam was set to its lowest power level but it was more than enough to drop the creature like a bag of rags as a neat hole was instantly drilled through its head.

He was making his way to the Ismaili Centre, having decided to set up his base there. It would give him an excellent view of the museum and keep the zombies at bay. They were easy to deal with but tiresome in numbers and constancy.

Ben shot two more, quick and silent beams of energy lancing from his rifle, killing so quickly that both simply fell to their knees and stayed there as if in supplication to their killer. Ben watched as their heads slumped forward, the motion enough to topple their bodies to the ground.