A Bible For the Zombie Apocalypse

Chapter 10: The SOS

As unit leader, I was given responsibility for a key that would open weapons caches the UWM kept in strategic locations around the world. It's electronic, and will only work if the voice recognition and retinal scan data I enter match the data on file under my name in Central Security.

I doubt there is anyone left alive in Central Security. But the key is still paired with the records, and they will likely remain untouched until either the end of time or a miraculous rebuilding of civilization occurs.

I'm betting I will be long dead before any meaningful rebuilding takes place.

I hope I'm wrong.

Fortunately the UWM had prepared for all contingencies, including destruction of the power grids. The charger for my key works on solar power.

Long before the world fell apart I'd been promoted several times, achieving expert status even before my first deployment. 4 enforcement details and 7 deployments later, I was given the designation of an Elite Force Soldier. I was, and continue to be, beyond proficient at my job.

I knew which weapons were most valuable in the situation I'd found myself in--nothing short of total collapse of the United World Government.

Governmental structure gave way to anarchy. What is a soldier supposed to do when the line of command is devastated? I did the only thing I knew how to do: I developed a microcosm of order. A covert base of operations.

When the first base was completed, there was no indication of improvement in the line of command. In fact, in the 137 days it took to construct the base, I saw no other living soldiers, though I did see infected versions from time to time. That's when I started recruiting survivors--civilian survivors--into my "UWM."

I didn't have the heart to call it the UWM. Some part of me still hoped that a remnant of the real deal existed somewhere in the world. I'd be too ashamed to have a real soldier evaluate the teams I was putting together. So I made up a new name for my new army. We are the SOS, the last hope for the Security of Survivors. I modified the mission of the UWM to fit the purpose of the SOS.

Without the base to construct, I was at a loss, with no purpose. So I did what I knew how to do. I moved to the next weapons cache and began work on another base.

I've nearly completed the second base. So far the only change in civilization I've observed has been for the worse.

I've been waiting for the UWM to get the situation under control and reorganize the government.

It hasn't happened in 428 days. It probably never will.

It was as the reality of this hard truth was bearing down on me that I met her. She left. I suppose I should admit to myself that I am lingering here for only one reason. I'm hoping she'll come back.