Z: In The Heart of the Queen City

Chapter 10

“What do you mean just the kid?” Martin protested, “What the fuck are you talking about man? There's three of us! We're stuck in some zombie infested city fending off the undead ourselves and now you tell me you can just bring the kid?!” then I interrupted him, knowing the answer to all this. “You're choosing who to save aren't you?” I tried to calm a flustered Martin who's cheeks were red with anger. Then I looked at Officer Lauron in the eyes. “You have a list? An order...?”

 “On who to save yes,” he finished. Then he shut his eyes for a brief moment then opened them sadly, “Doctor Stanley Gonsalves is a noble prize winning doctor for his contributions on the field of Virology,. He has, had twins Shane and Sharla who were studying in the city. In exchange for his help on controlling the outbreak the government offered assistance to recover his children.” We all gasped then I just had to ask. “And where would you be taking Shane?” The officer took in a deep breath.“In Lapu-Lapu, where the outbreak hasn't spread. They're controlling population there, we can't keep bringing in survivors, there isn't much food and water and resistance, we weren't prepared for this! We only bring back those with orders. We keep scanning the city until further instructions.” Officer Lauron said. Then I heard Jaycee drop the gun he was holding. “Bullshit!” He cried. “Can't you just take us with you?” He pleaded. “I have orders...” Officer Lauron started to explain again.

When he finished, that was the only time my ears shot up. “But I can take one of you, in exchange of Sharla. His sister.” Then Shane looked at me, in fact all of them did as if waiting for me to agree to be airlifted to the safety of my home.

“No.” I cried, “No, not me. I'm not leaving.” To my surprise, the little boy Shane took my hand. “But you have to come! You saved my life” He said. I smiled at his innocence, “Both of those guys saved my life too.” I looked at Jaycee and Martin. “I have to find my sister and Chris' pregnant wife.”

 “Shit Emma! No... oh God, I gotta get my girlfriend too, she's in the same school as your sister.” Jaycee said and I nodded at him leaving Martin left to talk. “You two are idiots, how do you know any of them are even still alive?” He told me, his face turning red. “I don't!” I told him. “But since you were the one who said that I owed you my life then you're free to go! We were never going to transpire with your plans anyway!” 

There was silence for a moment, then Officer Lauron spoke, “The armored truck is waiting just three blocks from here, there is a company of six more soldiers stationed there. We have a military helicopter that will airlift you from there.” He stood up and took Shane under his arm, then looking at Martin he continued. “I could use all the help I can, I came with my group but we were... outnumbered I managed to get away and reach here.” They started to leave but Shane looked back with tears in his eyes, “Why aren't you coming?” Office Lauron turned his head away then he stopped at his steps. “Get to the bridge, no matter what you do. Get to the bridge before..” He said but then he caught himself and stopped.

 I felt my body shiver with his words, it felt like an ultimatum, but why?

Then Officer Lauron handed me something, it was a Swiss knife. I slid it underneath my socks without saying anything. “You'll be needing that soldier.” He said.

 Martin seemed to understand that something was very wrong here, he stopped the officer by the arm. “What do you mean?” He asked angrily. “Before what?” But Officer Lauron forcefully shrugged him off and took Shane with him. “If you want to go with us, I suggest you shut up and behave yourself son.” He said shooting Martin a dark look. Then Martin turned to me, his blue eyes widened with sadness and guilt at the same time. “It could still be you.” He said, “You can't save everyone you know. Stop being an idiot.” I didn't reply.