Killer ↠ 10K | Z Nation

14. Arguments

"We are going in the wrong direction. Again." Murphy is helpful like usual today. I snicker to myself, earning a curious glance from 10K. Shrugging, he continues on beside me.

"You've left us no choice," Warren replies sharply to the convict. "Too much fall out in the West."

"Again, that was not my fault—"

"Act your age, Murphy, and stop arguing," I retort, turning on him.

"I know you are but what am I?"

My knife comes out of my pocket. "Does he really need his legs for the mission?"

"Now children," Trish starts, putting space between my uncle and me.

"And do not make me have to explain 'doomsday failsafe weapon' again," Doc speaks up, putting his hands on his hips. Lately, the three of us—Doc, 10K, and I—have gotten close. I think the old man has adopted me as he did my counterpart. I hope he does the same to Addy. As of late, she hasn't been well...mentally.

"How do we even know California is still there?" my Uncle is still arguing.

"You're looking ripe. You better hope it's still there. Move," Vasquez, our newest member, says, shoving him forward. I cover a laugh, still very much liking the addition to the group.

"You're not the boss of me!"

"Seriously how old are we?" I ask, looking between them.

Warren steps between the three of us. "I can handle this." She shoves Murphy, identical to Vasquez's. "Move."

Murphy is clearly offended but masks his features quickly. "Gladly."

"You'll get used to him," she says to Vasquez. He looks at me and I shake my head. An eyebrow quirks in response and a slight grin but he doesn't say anything, following Warren ahead. 10K brushes passed me, not sparing a glance and I'm confused. What's up in his grill?

I walk between Cassandra and Addy, watching in annoyance as he sticks close to Warren. People used to say women were the temperamental ones but I can't read this boy. There's no reason to shut me out.

"He's jealous, Bex," Addy says as if it's obvious to everyone but me. "Honestly, what is going on with you and that Vasquez guy?"

With a dramatic gagging noise, I reply. "Nothing! He's really old, Addy! The audacity," I mutter the last bit to myself. Would 10K seriously be jealous over that guy? I just find him interesting. He's way too old for me, though. Besides, it's not like 10K and I are together.

"Guess I call dibs then," Cal says, smirking and running up next to the male in question. I roll my eyes at my friend. Typical Cal.

We catch up to Warren looking out 10K's scope, watching a semi-truck barreling down the road. It has skulls on the front and looks like it's something not to be trifled with.

"Is that some kind of post-apocalyptic wagon train?" Doc asks, all of us following with our eyes to the vehicle.

"Well, it ain't the three-ten to Yuma," Warren retorts, still looking through the scope. Another car comes behind the truck, also a dull grey. A bit of paint won't make you less intimidating to your enemies.

The truck stops in front of a turned-over semi on fire, and men behind it start to unload gunfire. It's nice to be onlookers for once and not in the fray.

"It's going to be a slaughter," Addy comments but there's not a huge concern, a hint of excitement in her voice.

"Didn't nobody ever watch Westerns growing up?" Murphy asks, Cassandra at his back giving him a massage. I want to gag.

"Obviously you didn't go to grammar school," I mutter, sitting on the ground, watching the shootout below. An ATV joins the fray, boxing the people in the middle. Apparently, skulls on your cars won't protect you.

"Don't you think we should, I dunno, help them?" Doc asks as some are slaughtered but they manage to hold out.

Vasquez pushes down 10K's gun she's holding. "Think less like a missionary and more like a mercenary. Let's wait and steal the vehicles from the victors."

I stare in awe at someone that finally thinks as I have for the last few years. I almost want to cry at the relief of having someone in my corner for once. So what I am is a mercenary? Nice.

"We may not be able to save the world, but maybe we can save them." Then I remember Warren is in charge and not Vasquez. "10K, Bex, and Vasquez, that way. Addy, you're with me. Doc, you watch him and her." We all look over at the odd couple and I know all of our stomachs are flipping in disgust. Is this even consent?

We get to a safe area, Vasquez getting off most of the shots. 10K glares at him, pulling up his gun and taking out a few people. I roll my eyes, covering my friend that is having some kind of pissing contest with my own aim.

The final man tries to get away from the ATV. Vasquez shoots him, only injuring but not stopping him. 10K smiles cockily, lifting his gun and doing a headshot.

"That's one way to play it," Vasquez retorts, rubbing the bridge of his nose. I can't blame him. My hands have the urge to strangle my companion of almost three years for putting himself in danger trying to impress me.

"Let's go, idiot," I mutter, bumping 10K's back with my gun. We head back to the truck, happy to see Warren and Addy okay. Inside are sick people from radiation poisoning, moaning in pain. I walk away, no longer wanting to hear the sound of agony from them.

10K stops me by putting his hand on my shoulder. "You okay?"

I nod, shaking it off like I do everything. "I'm fine, Killer. Don't worry about me." When his eyes don't leave me, I know he'll never stop being concerned for me.

Cal pats me on the back in passing, moving on to help the others. She and her mom seemed more maternal from their time in the women's cult.

Doc and the others join us after Warren decides to join the convoy. They give us each a can to eat, mine baked beans, but my stomach is so tight from nerves I have a hard time getting it down.

"Water?" someone asks me but I shake my head. 10K accepts it, outstretching a cup for a refill. I roll my eyes at his behavior. He could be easily poisoned and not know it.

"You're a hero, kid," Doc says. I'm confused but don't say anything. Another man won't leave us alone about water and my hand goes to grip my knife. Seriously, is there something in the water?

"Calm down, Bex," 10K says quietly, placing his hand over mine on top of the knife. "I don't think these people are bad."

"Whatever you say, Killer. This is why you never made the judgment calls when it was just us."

"Meow," Doc says, grinning between us. "I don't any fighting now. Kiss and make up you two."

"Get bent, old man."

edited: 6/2022