The Zombie Chronicles

Part II: I Need A Doctor

The changes were enacted faster than I expected. Within a week everyone was moved to their respected floors. With the new rules came a new wave of injuries and sickness. We were pushed all day and all night to get everything done. It was bound to happen eventually. That is when the Council created a new salvage group to go out and bring back large amounts of supplies and food. Josh and Jenny were assigned to the first group.

I was sitting on the edge of the building my legs hanging five stories above the ground. Cold wind blew through rustling several tarps that covered entrances to the ventilation system. The sun was just rising in the east and its orange glow illuminated the roof. I had a free hour after logging double time on The Wall. There was little to do when you had time off but I always enjoyed watching the sunrise. It was like it was the only thing in the world that wasn't touched by the plague. A tear slid down my face thinking about when things had been better before the plague, before my dad died, before my mom left, before.... My sister. My sister. She ran away after my dad died and left me all alone in foster care. She was my best friend and she just left. I wondered if she was still alive. I had heard through several people that she was staying at her boyfriend’s house before this happened. Before I could truly ponder this someone opened the roof hatch. I turned wondering who would be coming up to the roof at six in the morning besides me. It was Connor. He saw me and stopped. He looked at the floor and started talking.

"We need you in the conference room." he said.

"Why?" I asked turning back to face the sun, reluctant to leave the great view I had.

"Just come." he said and by his tone I knew it was something serious.

The council room was buzzing with conversation. I went to sit down in my usual seat when Connor grabbed my arm.

"Stay standing."

The room went quite as they realized Connor was back. The five adults who headed the council gestured for me to step forward. I did reluctantly.

"Yes?" I asked.

Dr. Smith stood up. He looked at his colleagues before he started speaking.

"I don't know how to start so I'll just say it. The first expedition as gone missing."

I was confused.

"What do you mean missing?" I asked "How can you know that."

"They've been gone for four days." he said sadly.

"So? They probably have alot of stuff." I asked angry at them for suggesting my only best friend in the world and my girlfriend were dead.  "You assume because they're late that they're dead?"

He looked at the floor unable to meet my questioning gaze.

"We sent them to the hospital." he said "It's three miles away. They should have returned the same day they left."

I felt my heart stop.

"So you have failed to mention this to anyone but me... why?" I asked my sadness turning into anger as quick as lightning.

"Well we wanted some good news before we announced it to everyone." he said shifting uncomfortably.

"We want to send a search and rescue team to find any survivors and more importantly the supplies."

I was about to punch him in the face for suggesting that supplies were more important than people when another adult stood up.

"We were discussing it with Connor when he mentioned you as a good candidate to lead this group."

I glared at Connor. He met my gaze.

"It was a professional suggestion," he said "no hidden motives."

I turned back to Dr. Smith.

"When do we leave?"