Chapter 13: Payments
(Back at Rais' Fortress - 9:20am...)
"Well," Rais began complimenting. "You not only did the job Karim asked of you, but you made it back in one piece. Bravo,"
"Thanks," I responded, hiding my annoyance. "So, can I get that Antizin now?"
"Did you think I would be satisfied so easily?" Suleiman sneered. "You still have plenty to prove,"
What the f*ck?!
"L-Look," I begged. "We really need the drugs. Let me take them now, then I'll come back and do whatever,"
"You'll get Antizin when I say you get it, not one second before," Rais shot back. "But as I have established, I am not unreasonable. Do all that I ask of you and I will give you not one, but two crates of Antizin. Your child can help you carry them back to the Tower,"
How many f*cking times do I have to repeat myself?! Libby and I are not related, she's my best friend!
Hearing this, I gave up. "Alright, fine. What do you want me to do?"
"This will be a bit different from your exploits on the antenna, it will require a bit more... persuasion," Suleiman explained. "The imposing of one's will. The creation of one's own rules. That is what makes a man,"
He then got right in my face as he continued. "Do you live by your own rules, Crane? Or are you merely someone else's puppet? I believe I know the answer,"
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked calmly.
"You'll understand," Rais answered, before turning away. "Talk to Karim before I decide you and the girl are no longer worth the trouble," Wow.
After flipping him off, I stormed out to greet a concerned Libby and Henry. "Hey, guys,"
"Let me guess," The younger girl muttered, putting two and two together. "He said no, didn't he?"
"Yep," I replied tiredly.
"Sorry about that," Henry apologised with a remorseful look.
"No, it's fine," I reassured him. "It's not you, it's him. You're a nice dude, anyway,"
My acquaintance nodded. "Thanks,"
"Don't mention it," I responded as the three of us made our way towards Karim, soon prompting me to start venting my anger. "I swear, Rais is starting to get on my nerves. Back there, he called me the Tower's puppet - when they are actually my friends! Can you both believe that?!"
"That's my Boss for you," Henry scoffed bitterly. "I get what's it like, because ah," A grimace. "He forced me to eat a pair of human eye balls when I first showed up,"
Hearing this, I stared at him with shock whilst Libby stuffed a fist against her mouth and swallowed back bile. "You're kidding,"
"I wish I was," Our friend answered honestly, equally disgusted. "Everyone has to do it if they want to join Rais' faction,"
"That's just gross!" The younger girl groaned. "I'm... I'm sorry he made you do that,"
"Yeah, same man," I agreed, feeling bad for the poor guy. Rais, why would you put him through that?!
As the three of us approached Karim still busy at his desk, he greeted us with a pleased "Ah, my friends. Rais likes you, Crane, I can tell,"
"Yeah, how?" I questioned. I don't think he likes any of us.
"Because you are still among the living," Our acquaintance answered. "The task is as easy as can be. You simply need to make a few pickups from some nearby settlements,"
"Which ones?" Libby asked.
"The first is Jaffar's Wheelstation. It's just east of here, and Henry will show you both the way again," Karim explained, warning us with "But bear in mind, not everyone you talk to today will be in a... cooperative state of mind. I'm sure you guys can be convincing, though, no?"
Hearing this, my spirits sunk even further. Are you f*cking kidding me?! Henry, Libby and I have to threaten innocent people?! F*ck that!
Despite my opposition, I gave up. Again. "I guess we'll have to be,"
"Good luck out there,"
"Cheers,"
With that, the three of us exited the fortress and walked back out onto the streets; Libby and Henry feeling just as repulsed as I was. Things can't get any worse now, can they?
Cue a familiar beep from my radio, and I was nearly sent over the edge. "I gotta check something real quick. You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up,"
"You sure?" Libby asked, concern lacing her tone.
"Yeah," I answered, reassuring her with "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine,"
"Okay," She replied, still worried. "Just... Just be careful, alright?"
You're starting to sound just like Jade, but that's good! That's really sweet...
I gave her a flattered smile. "I will be,"
"I'll look out for her," Henry chimed in. "Let me know when you're done and I'll give you directions,"
"Thanks, pal," I responded, turning to leave. "See you guys shortly,"
As we went our separate ways, it was back up the hill I and once I ascended the train car again, I switched on my radio. "Crane here,"
"Report," My Boss ordered on the other end.
"Another job for Rais," I explained tiredly. "This one's pretty dirty. He's forcing me to collect the money he's extorting from a nearby village,"
"Just do what he asks and stay close to him. Remember what's at stake,"
"Yeah," I sighed angrily. "Crane out,"
After I switched my radio off, I took a minute to steel myself together. Argh, just one thing after another! How much longer do Libby and I have to be here?!
"How are you going to look after my sister?"
What the?!
Slowly turning towards the voice, I found myself face to face with the 13 year-old boy I saw last night. Oh, morning! "So, you talk now?"
The boy shrugged. "Apparently,"
"What's your name, kid?"
"Adam," My new friend introduced himself, his words laced with an American accent. "The two girls you saw with me are Hannah and Reagan, and you already know our sister, Libby,"
Well, I'm being haunted from the afterlife. Not a lot of people get to say that, don't they?
K-H
As Libby and I sliced biters out of the way during our trek towards Jaffar's Wheelstation, I couldn't help but ponder over an observation I made regarding her interactions with Crane. They seemed just as close as we were, yet... they almost behaved in a surrogate daughter-parent dynamic. From how they socialise to her sticking close to him, that would make a lot of sense.
And if that was the case, then I felt incredibly happy for her!
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," She answered, despite visible concern. He'll be fine sweetheart, don't worry! "What is it?"
"I noticed something about you and Crane back there," I began explaining. "Are you a surrogate daughter to him?"
Hearing this, Libby's eyes bulged with shock. "W-What, where did that come from?! Crane's just one of my friends,"
"Really?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Because to me, it looks like he sees you as his own kid. Just an observation,"
"Woah," The young girl murmured in surprise, obviously taking this in. "I, I never thought of it that way before,"
"Why don't you ask him about it?" I suggested. "If and when you feel up to it, might I add?"
"It's... probably early at the moment, but," Libby replied, smiling shyly. "Yeah, I'll, I'll think about it. Thank you for, you know, bringing it up,"
"Don't mention it," I responded, pleased to see my friend happy. "He reminds me of James, actually,"
"Crane reminds you of my dad?" My friend questioned with confusion, before pleasantly commenting: "I'm surprised you still remember my parents!"
Hearing this, I stifled a chuckle. "Why would I forget you guys and my other fans?"
"Okay, okay, you got me," The young girl relented, playfully rolling her eyes. "Moment of surprise, don't mind it,"
"That's perfectly normal," I replied happily, concern soon kicking in when she flashed another shy smile. "You're still worried about Crane, aren't you?"
"It's not just that,"
"What do you mean?"
The young girl gave a worried sigh. "I'm worried about another buddy of mine at the Tower. His name's Rahim and... I feel guilty because Jade's holding the two of us back out of fear that she'll lose us, though she's starting to let me go - but not Rahim. I just hope he's okay, that's all,"
Wow, that's some heavy sh*t.
I opened my mouth to reassure her, but Libby sensed this and forced a brave smile on her face. "Please don't worry. Sometimes, we have to get used to things going wrong, don't we?"
That's a really sad thing to say, Lib...
H-K
I didn't really need Henry's assistance in getting to Jaffar's Wheelstation, because Adam kindly beat him to it and socialised with me en route. I'll tell ya, it felt f*cking insane to talk to a spirit ... but then again, Libby's younger brother appeared to be a good kid. He inherited his dark hair, blue eyes and intelligence from their mother, Mariah, whilst his accent and sense of humour was inherited from their father, James.
One thing I learned from Adam is that he, Libby, Hannah and Reagan never had the stereotypical sibling rivalry - which was actually surprising, because Abraham and I always jumped at the chance to fight! Despite my initial shock, it was awesome to hear that my best friend looked out for her siblings from Earth and vice versa from the afterlife.
That's another really sweet aspect on the list...
"Hey guys!" I greeted as I descended from the wheelstation's roof into a fenced in area, similar to Bento's base of operations. The major differences involved multiple brighter colors painting the rooms inside the two-story building, majorly blue and a darkish yellow. Like last time, there were survivors at work both in and outside the wheelstation ... but, they didn't seem threatening. Maybe I won't have to relive my meeting with Bento and his bandits? Nice!
Libby's eyes lit up with delight whilst Henry glowered at me in shock. "How did you get here, Crane?! You didn't call so I could give you directions!"
F*ck, how do I explain this? ... Oh boy!
"I..." I began, sneaking a quick Help Me! glance at Adam who gave a reassuring nod to say You Got This, Buddy! "Someone pointed it out for me,"
Hearing this, Henry calmed down. "Oh - well, that's kind of them,"
Aren't you gonna ask who?
The dumbstruck look on my face should have been laughable to Libby and Adam, yet the two siblings were glancing at me with concern. I quickly flashed them a brave smirk before the three of us followed Henry into the building where he greeted a Caucasian brown-haired and bearded old man clad in a blue jumpsuit with grey boots.
"You Jaffar?"
"Who wants to know?" The man confirmed.
"My name isn't important," Henry explained calmly. "What is important is that you owe Rais some money,"
"I've never seen you come by before," Jaffar shot back angrily. "For all I know, you're just some random *sshole! F*ck off!"
Hearing this, Henry seized his collar in a rage. "I'll tell you what, buddy? How about I break both of your legs and drag you through the streets back to Rais, huh?! Then, he can explain to you why you should have cooperated!"
This earned looks of horror from Libby, Adam and I, as well as Jaffar. "Okay, okay, jesus! You guys are the only ones who act this sh*tty!" He then scurried back and returned with a brown satchel, throwing it at our friend. "Here's your money, take it!"
"If I have to come back her—" Henry warned icily. Holy f*ck, this isn't the nice guy we know!
"You won't get any more attitude!" Jaffar reassured him with terror. "Mi, su casa! Just don't hurt me, alright?!"
"Thanks, Jaffar," Was our friend's response before he left, shoved the satchel into my hands and switched his radio on whilst I placed the former into my rucksack. "Karim, it's me. First Pick-Up done,"
"Took you long enough," Karim responded on the other end. "Next, you collect the tribute from the Fishermen's Village. Take Crane and the girl east to the tunnel entrance. Their messenger always meets us there,"
"Understood," Henry replied, switching his radio off and heading back out onto the streets with us in tow. "Let's go, guys,"
"Hey," I nudged him during our trek. "You didn't have to threaten the poor guy too much back there,"
"I didn't have a choice,"
"You do realise that it's not just you, pal?!" I demanded, still feeling horrified by his earlier actions.
"I do," Henry answered sadly with an ounce of guilt. "Which is why Libby's up next,"
Oh no!
Hearing this, Libby glowered fearfully. "Henry - if you want to see me go all Incredible Hulk on innocent people, you're fired. There's no way I'm doing that!"
"She's right, dud—"
"If I don't have a choice, then you guys don't have a choice either!" Henry snapped at the two of us, flashing a split-second look of regret when he saw Libby's terrified face and my angry one. "Look - I'm sorry, okay? But it's the truth,"
With that, the man stormed off. What the f*ck is his problem?!
Meanwhile, Libby was visibly stunned by the sudden change in mood - so much so that she began shaking and tears were threatening to brim without even realising it. She only did when she felt my concerned eyes on her.
"For god's sake!" She cursed tearfully at herself, roughly wiping her eyes. "Sorry about this,"
"What are you apologising for?" I asked worriedly. "You haven't done anything,"
"That's the thing," My best friend revealed, under complete stress. "I hate being snapped at, because I automatically think I've done something if I'm the one who gets it. Henry knows that, yet he still did it!" One angry cleaving a lunging biter's head into two later and "Not to mention, what we've seen so far and what we have to do now? That's getting to me as well,"
I'm not gonna lie, I felt a tad helpless when I head Libby's words. Why? Because her bubbly self was slowly deteriorating right before my eyes and...! And at this point, I wasn't sure if there was anything I could do to keep her spirits up.
Brain, please give me a hand here.
Before I could respond, my radio suddenly came to life with static and Brecken spoke through the other end. "Hey Crane. How are you doing, mate?"
"I..." I sighed tiredly. "I don't how to start. It's getting stressful here,"
"What's happened?" Brecken asked worriedly.
"Just one thing after another. Rais telling me one thing, then going back on his word and forcing us to threaten innocent people. We had to witness him cut some poor guy's hand off too," I began explaining, later turning to address Libby with: "I hope you don't mind what I'm about to say, Lib,"
"No, I don't mind,"
"Cheers," I responded before addressing Brecken again with: "The stress has been getting to Libby more than me and...! I'm really worried. I have no idea what to do,"
"Why don't you get Libby to come back to the Tower?" Our friend suggested. "I'll send Rahim to pick her up,"
I frowned. "W-Wait, time out. I thought you believed that Rahim is irresponsible?"
"True," The Tower's leader replied. "But he's been worried sick about her, so it would make sense if he went. And judging by what you both said last night, I'm starting to think he could learn to be responsible too,"
Oooooh, Jade's gonna be p*ssed!
Hearing this, I couldn't help but smirk. "Okay, I'll have a chat with Lib. If you don't hear back from us, then she's staying,"
"No problem, mate. See you back at the Tower,"
After I switched my radio off, I noticed that we were now nearing the tunnel entrance which was just behind the safe house I set up during my first mission. Henry was still ahead of us, attacking biters in a p*ssed off manner. F*cking *sshole for snapping at us.
"Did you catch all that?" I asked my best friend.
"Yeah,"
"What are your thoughts?"
Cue a worried sigh from Libby. "I want to see this through but at the same time, I don't how much longer I can keep this up,"
"It's okay if you've had enough," I reassured her, before quickly glancing back at the way we came. Adam, where are you? "You don't have to be a bad*ss 24/7 - you know that, right?"
"Yes, I do," Libby answered appreciatively, smiling sadly. Cue of a couple of seconds with thinking it over and "You know what? I'm going to see this through,"
I smirked. "All right, as long as you're sure,"
Now to have a word with Henry.
"Hey!" I called out to him, stalking forward angrily. "A word please?"
"What's up?" The man asked as he stopped outside the tunnel, turning to face me.
Once I was within reaching distance, instincts suddenly took over and before I knew what I was doing, I slammed my fist into his face. Hard. He stumbled back with a pained yell whilst Libby shouted in protest, both of them in shock.
"What the f*ck was that for?!" Henry demanded fiercely, his right eye now sporting an angry bruise.
"For snapping at a kid who looks up to you, *sshole," I answered icily. "You may think that you don't have a choice in working for Rais, but I'm giving you one right now. You can either f*ck off back to him or you can leave him,"
"W-Where else would I go?" Our friend asked with surprise.
"You can join the Tower," I suggested kindly. "They take in survivors who don't have anywhere else to go and I know for a fact that they'd be happy to take you in. You can be a part of the Scouts and join us whenever we head out, as well. Libby and I would be happy to talk to Brecken and arrange something for you - that's what friends are for, right?"
Libby nodded in agreement, feeling just as worried about him as I was. See?! We'd be happy to help you!
Henry was nearly moved to tears and right there, my best friend and I didn't see a hardened solider who did horrible things to survive. We saw a terrified human being who wanted to bail from his psycho boss and help others. Judging from the look on his face, he seemed like he genuinely wanted to call on my offer ... but...
"I can't," He whispered sadly, his face a picture of guilt and terror. "I'm sorry, I really am,"
Our friend then decided to head back to the fortress, leaving both Libby and I behind to finish the mission ourselves. What the f*ck, man?!
"Henry!" My best friend cried out.
"Let him go," I sighed with disappointment. "We don't need him,"
After glancing at his retreating form tearfully, the young girl clenched her eyes shut before re-opening them and walking over to join me in the tunnel. I know, Lib. We'll be back at the Tower soon. It didn't take long for us to come across a bright red door and once we opened it, the two of us stepped into a room which almost felt like a place from a psychological horror film. Lights were flickering, blood was strewn all over the floor and bonus points go to no sign of the Fishermen's messenger not showing up.
"Okay, maybe he's hiding somewhere?" I pondered aloud as Libby and I began searching for the guy.
"Maybe," My best friend agreed.
A couple of minutes searching later, I found myself approaching another bright red door around a corner and I'll tell ya, it was quite hard to open. Thankfully, Libby was there as usual to give me a hand and after about three hustles, the two of us forced the door open to find...
Oooh, what the f*ck is that?!
A new infected slowly turned to advance towards us and... f*ck, it was disgusting! It wore shorts and sneakers, but its' organs were exposed and rapidly pulsating, almost like it was about to explode! I had no idea what it was, but Libby did as she was screaming at me to get back. The next couple of seconds were an absolute blur; my best friend and I scurrying away from the infected in a blind panic, the latter in question jogging towards us and giving strangled yells as its' time ticked...
The last thing I remember is Libby bravely lunging at it and shielding me as it exploded!
"Holy sh*t!" I gasped with terror, panting as I slowly rose to my feet and approached my best friend. "Holy sh*t, what the f*ck was that?!"
Poor Libby was in a horrific state because she was covered in blood - the latter having been sprayed all over her face, teeth, neck and clothes. She too was repulsed by what just happened, coughing and spitting out blood onto the floor. "That..." She began panting, pointing the lower half of the corpse by our feet. "That is my worst enemy. We call them Bombers and if you shoot them, they'll blow up and cause damage within a three meter radius,"
"Are you kidding me?!" I demanded.
"No, I'm not," The young kid answered shakily. She then reached behind her right ear and allowed me to see a blue hearing aid tucked in. "You see this?"
"Yeah,"
"My hearing was bad already before the Outbreak, but it was made worse because of the bombers," My best friend informed me, struggling to hold her anxiety together. "I can't hear a thing with this ear, hence why the hearing aid's there and if you see any bombers again, get back immediately,"
Hearing this, I had to resist the urge to hug Libby right there for two reasons. One, she didn't deserve to lose her hearing at the bomber's hands and two, she saved my *ss and willingly got herself covered in blood when she could have left me at its' mercy. I think if anyone got trapped in a zombie apocalypse, they'd consider themselves pretty f*cking lucky to be stuck with a kid like her. She's just proved that, hands down!
"I..." I stammered, feeling a tad moved yet sympathetic. "T-Thank you for saving my *ss. Truly,"
"You're welcome," Libby replied solemnly.
Before I could open my mouth to speak again, Karim's voice suddenly came through the other end of my radio. "Crane, do you copy?"
"Yeah, I copy. What is it?" I answered irritably after I switched my radio on.
"Have you found the Village's messenger?"
"No, Libby and I didn't see anyone. Just f*cking zombies. On top of that, we're on our own because Henry's bailed,"
"Oh - then you'll have to go the village directly, I suppose," Karim informed me. "In that case, look for a man named Gursel,"
"Thanks," I responded before switching my radio off and asking Libby "Do you know where the village is at?"
"Sure do,"
Jackpot!
(The Fishermen's Village in the Slums, Turkey, the Middle East, Europe - 10:01am...)
"Okay, Karim - Libby and I are outside the village, but there's a whole horde of Infected in there!" I spoke into my radio as my best friend and I approached an open village with biters, at least one Goon and presumably Bombers inside. Oh, this is gonna be great fun!
"So clear them out. We get paid for protection. Do some protecting,"
Hearing this, I had to restrain myself from yelling at him as did Libby. "We don't know if we can take out that many by ourselves!"
"Sure you can!" Karim encouraged. "Because if the two of you don't, you'll have to deal with Rais. And you remember what I said about him when he's disappointed,"
Argggghhhh!
I opened my mouth to insult him when Libby beat me to it again by sarcastically scoffing "You're a great help, aren't you?" F*cking got 'em!
This prompted me to hold back a smirk. "Expect an update soon,"
With that, I switched my radio off and the two of us entered the village. Mission 1: Deal with the Infected. Just like Bento - the next thirty to eighty seconds were a blur, so much so that I barely remember most of it and neither does Libby. What we do remember, however, is this: us slamming the gate shut so more infected wouldn't come in, taking on the biters one by one, my best friend jumping from a roof onto the Goon's back to stab it to death and finally, me killing a Bomber by throwing my machete into its' exposed stomach, thus causing it to explode.
Ultimately, Libby and I came out on top. There was quite a lot of carnage too, looking back.
Now onto Mission 2: Find Gursel. Thankfully, we didn't have to look very far as multiple terrified people began exiting their houses just as I picked up my machete. Which one's our boy, then?
"You're safe everyone," Libby told them kindly. "We took care of the infected for you,"
"What happened to you, sweetheart?" A woman asked, approaching her with concern.
"Saved my sorry *ss from a Bomber, that's what happened," I answered, proudly? What the f*ck just happened?
"Your daughter's very loyal," The woman commented warmly, prompting Libby to momentarily raise an eyebrow with confusion and me to begin mentally fuming. Every. F*cking. Time! "What brings you both to the village, then?"
"We were hoping to speak with Gursel quickly?" I asked. "It will only take a couple of minutes,"
"Okay," The woman responded, pointing to a two story house on our right. "You'll find him there. I'd be careful though, because his wife is hell on wheels,"
"Thanks," I said appreciatively before heading to our destination with Libby in tow. One moment of trying the bottom door later, nothing. Okay, they're probably in the top house. After we reached the top and I knocked, my suspicions were confirmed.
"Ssssh!" A middle-aged man hissed from the other side of the door. "Not so loud! You'll draw the biters!"
"They're gone now, but you better reinforce that gate before more show up," I reassured him, annoyed that he wouldn't open up. "Listen, Rais sent us. Are you Gursel?"
"Oh - you work for Rais. Should've known this was too good to be true," Gursel muttered with anger.
"You've taken enough! You can't have any more! Firkin, tell him!" A woman suddenly shouted fiercely. Okay, that's his wife.
"Ayla, please. Just let me talk to the man," Gursel calmly told his wife, only to be interrupted by her again. "The *sshole can't just push us around like this! Firkin's gonna kick his *ss! Do it, Firkin! Kick his *ss!"
"For god's sake, Ayla!" Gursel growled angrily, before addressing me calmly with "Look, I don't want any trouble. But we already paid up this month, you're gonna bleed us dry!"
F*ck this.
"I don't want any trouble either, but this is entirely not my problem!" I began threatening. Good lord, what am I doing?! "Rais wants his payment. So you make the payment, or things get bad for you and your woman,"
"You can't threaten us! Kick his *ss, Firkin!" Ayla screamed hatefully.
"Give me a break, Ayla!" Gursel yelled back, later opening the door to hand me a satchel which I placed in my rucksack. "Alright, here. This is all of it,"
"Thank you for your time. I'll leave you to it as well, because it sounds like you have bigger problems than money," I responded politely, turning to leave with Libby whilst hearing Ayla sneer "Pfffft! A real man would've kicked his *ss,"
Hey, no need to insult the poor guy! ... Anyway, two payments done now. Please let this be the last one.