The World is No More

Chapter Three

    I was awoken with a startle. Someone or thing was shaking me. "Oh, JESUS!" I yelled and threw a punch, only to have my fist caught by a gloved hand. I opened my eyes and saw Jackson holding my fist. Jackson's eyes widened.

    "Oh my God! Jack! I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed. "No, no. I should be the one who says sorry. I scared you." Jackson said, gentleness hanging in his voice. We sat there for a few minutes. Jackson let go of my hand. "It's ok." I whispered. Jackson smiled at me. I smiled back. "Now, go get dressed! I'm gonna give you a tour!' Jackson said brightly. I shook my head with a smile and grabbed some clothes. I went to the bathroom and closed the door.

~

    When I came out, Jackson was sitting on my bed, holding my shotgun. "Nice gun you got here. Where'd you get it at?" He asked. "I found it in an abandoned cabin." I replied, strapping my sheathed knife to my waist. Jackson nodded and gently placed my gun back to its spot beside the nightstand and bed. "You read for the tour?" He asked, excitement filling his eyes. I nodded as I slipped on my combat boots. "Let's go!" Jackson exclaimed, making me laugh. With that, we left.

~

    After the tour, Jackson and I was in Head Quarters. "This is where you go to get assignments. I am your leader. You report to me and I will give you your job," Jackson explained, "You will work alone unless I say so. But, if you need help, call for help on this walkie." Jackson tossed me the walkie talkie.

    "When do I start?" I asked, putting the walkie in my pocket. "Today." Jackson stated, bluntly. I nodded. "We are low on medical supplies. I need you to go to pharmacies, stores, or anywhere that might have supplies." Jackson ordered gently. I nodded. "One last thing, if someone calls for help, I expect you to help them." Jackson said sternly, "Am I clear?" "Yes." I answered. "Good. Let's eat!" Jackson smiled.

~

    After eating, I was on my way to the Sleeping Quarters, when Jackson stopped me, "Hey, Zoe! Before you go..." He undid a in a holder, which was around his waist. He handed it to me. "Here, I want you to take this. We are low on shells for your shotgun, so I want you to use a pistol until we find more. I put the ammo on your bed." He explained.

    I grabbed the gun and put it on my waist. "Thank you, Jack." I smiled. Jackson smiled back before pulling me into a tight embrace. "Please, be careful, Zoe..." He whispered. "I will..." I whispered back. We pulled away.

    "Good luck." Jackson whispered, patting my back, gently. I thanked him. After sharing one last hug, we were walking our separate ways. I headed to my room in the Sleeping Quarters. I saw the ammo sitting on my bed. I took my bag and quickly emptied it. I placed a snack, a water bottle, and the ammo inside. I put on my jacket and threw my bag on. I made sure I had everything I needed and left, locking the door behind me.

~

    I was walking down the road. Jackson said that there was a town nearby, about five minutes away, I think. The nice, cool fall breeze blew gently. I smiled softly. It was quiet. A peaceful quiet. But, my guard was not down. Danger still lurked. I had my knife in my hand. I clenched it tightly.

    About two minutes later, I saw a Seeker. It was feasting on a dead body. I felt bile rise. I shook off the nausea and snuck up to the Seeker. I raised my knife and stabbed its head. The Seeker immediately died and turned to dust. I swallowed, as I looked down at the guy.

    "I'm sorry, dude..." I whispered at it. I kneeled down beside it and checked to see if he had any supplies. I found bandages and gauze. I'm guessing he was going on a run or something. I sighed and packed the items away. I stood up and shook my head. Must've been an awful death...I continued walking down the graveled road.

~

    Soon, I reached the town. It was a decent sized country town. It reminded me of the one I grew up in. I smiled softly at the memories. I quickly looted the small pharmacy and other places I thought had supplies. I was getting ready to leave a small store when a Seeker jumped on me, swiping its clawed hand. I winced and threw it off of me. I quickly killed it. That was when I decided it was time to go home.

    When I got home, my forehead was on fire. I grunted sofly at the white hot pain. I walked inside the camp I called home. I saw Jackson and another guy. I walked a bit closer to hear what's happening.

    "So you completely disobeyed MY orders to see some chick?!" Jackson asked, venom laced in his voice. "Yeup." The other guy said cockily. Jackson was beyond mad. I could almost see the steam blowing out of his ears. "WE need that ammo! I had to send someone else to do YOUR job, Jeffery!" Jackson barked. Jeffery must've had a cocky grin or something, because Jackson grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. "If you do this again, you are out of this group!" He snapped harshly. Jackson threw Jeffery on the ground. "Now, get out of my sight!" He barked. Jeffery ran off.

    I walked up to Jackson. "Oh! Hey, Zoe." Jackson smiled, gently. "I finished." I said, bluntly. "Good! Follow me." Jackson said, a smile playing on his lips. We walked over to a shed that was connected to HQ. "This is the supply drop off," Jackson explained, "You put the supplies in the right container when you come back after an assignment." I nodded, listening carefully.

    We walked over to a container labeled Medical. I took my bag off and emptied it of the supplies. Jackson's eyes widened a bit at how much I found. "Woah, you found quite a bit! Great!" Jackson smiled, gently patting my back. I returned his smile. "Now, the supplies will stay there until they get delivered to the proper areas. That will be your job tomorrow. I'll help you out with that one." Jackson explained. I nodded.

    Jackson looked at my forehead. "Ow...What happened?" He asked. "Seeker." I answered bluntly. Jackson looked at it again and cringed, "Zoe, come with me..." I cocked my eyebrow, ignoring the anxiety growing ever so gradually. "I-is it bad?" I asked, my voice shaking. Jackson noticed that I was getting worried. "No! No...Y-you're fine." He whispered gently, trying to keep me calm, "Come with me to the Infirmary to clean it."

    I followed him to the building next door. That's when I felt something drip from my forehead. "Jack..." I whispered. Soon, the pain was excruciating. Tears stung my eyes. The pain was blinding, like a hot knife being pressed on my forehead.

    My vision was swaying. "Zoey? You ok?" Jackson asked, voiced filled with concern. "Jackson, I-I..." I stumbled over my words. Then, my vision went black. "ZOEY! I heard Jackson yell before I fully passed out.