Ch. 3: Meeting Rebecca
Author's note: Third chapter of my RE story. And stop asking me. I don't own RE. Otherwise, it would have been better or worse than what it is. If anyone wanted any other Bravo team member to survive, then you'll be happy with this chapter. Enjoy!
A/N: Edited 04/26/10
" " talking
Thinking
As they neared the stopped train, Daniel barked out orders. "Shantia, Bart, I want you two to head around the train. You need to head out into the woods. You should find Bravo member Edward Dewey. If you hurry, you might be able to reach him before he is attacked by the z-dogs. Keep an eye out. I need you to get him to the train alive and preferably unharmed. Go, now!"
"Why are we doing this?" Bart questioned.
"We're going to need all the help we can get. And Edward is a well trained cop. We'll need him. Just go around the train and a little ways into the forest, and you should find him. Just find a way to get him to the train, and everything should be fine." The two soldiers, though openly apprehensive of the plan, raced to find their objective. "AND BE CAREFUL!" He yelled.
As long as they come back safe, I don't care what happens to Edward. Daniel slapped himself mentally. Those were not only un-Christian thoughts, but he needed to stop thinking that this was all a game. The group passed the dining car and entered into the dry second passenger car out of the downpour. As they climbed onto the train, Daniel quickly whispered, "Everyone keep quiet and stay here."
It was quiet, dark, and reeked of death. A smell they were slowly getting used to. Worse, there were several bodies lying around. None of them were moving.
"I don't like being here." Katelyn complained, shivering once out of fear.
"Well, at least, you're out of the rain."
"What about them?" Jessica asked.
"They shouldn't reanimate, until Rebecca comes in here. If they do beforehand, I'm sure you can handle it."
"You bet I can. I just can't wait 'til they get back up; so I can shoot them back down again." She said with a grin.
That's good ol' Jessica for you, thought Daniel. Confident, the zombies wouldn't attack; he walked towards the next car.
"Hey! Where are you going?" Tim asked.
"I'm going to go and meet up with Rebecca and Billy. I'll be back shortly," he reassured them.
"You're not going to save all the action for yourself, are you?" Jessica threatened.
He rolled his eyes. "Of course not. I'll be right back."
"Oh, I guess you're gonna die now," Jessica declared.
"What? Oh right, Scream." The soldier paused as he got the movie reference. Well, that's not foreboding, he noted sarcastically to himself. "I'll come this way in a short while," he adjusted.
"It's too late. You said it, you're screwed," Jessica said with a grin.
"Oh well." The high school senior walked into the next car. Daniel was now on his own.
Daniel's POV
Although lights illuminated the car, it was no better than the last one. Three bodies were in the middle of the walkway filled with bullet holes. The first two had bullet holes in their torso section, while the last one carried a single bullet hole in its head. A bunch of empty shells littered the floor. She must have shot the first head either by luck or chance. Then took out the other two with massed fire, what a waste of ammo; unless, this is like easy mode. Then we shouldn't have to worry about bullets. But if it's not... well, as long as we stick to headshots, we should be okay. At least, until we run into the other undead monsters. Finished with his observation, he moved into the cabin car. Unbeknownst to him, one of the side doors opened up.
The first thing Daniel noticed was the broken window. The downpour was still out in full force. The weather seemed to match their dismal situation precisely. He entered the first cabin. The room was a mess. The occupant had struggled ferociously before dying. Although there was a body lying in the bottom bunk, Daniel ignored it. It would never reanimate... supposedly. However, all the items were gone. So, I missed Rebecca. She can't be far though. Done, he exited the room. As he walked to the next cabin, the door knob began to turn. It wouldn't be realistic if I didn't raise my rifle, so... As though he was expecting a zombie, Daniel aimed his rifle dead ahead. Of course, something a lot better than a zombie opened the door. Green eyes met green eyes.
A bewildered Rebecca took a step back when she found a M16 pointing at her head. Acting surprised, Daniel apologized and lowered his weapon.
"Who are you?" Rebecca asked alarmed and slightly relieved.
"Private First Class Daniel Sims of the 287th Transportation Unit. I and two other soldiers were separated from our unit. We've been attacked and we're looking for your Captain. The others, including some friends and family members, are two cars back." With his introduction made, Daniel began asking questions. "So, who are you and where's your Captain?" Of course he already knew the answers. But he still needed to keep up his act.
"I'm Officer Rebecca Chambers of STARS Bravo Team. We are looking for a fugitive by the name of Billy Coen. So far, I haven't had any luck, and I've run into some... trouble." She looked toward the last car they both had come from.
"You mean the zombies?" Daniel said bluntly.
Rebecca looked at him with surprise. "You've seen them, too?"
"Three of them. One attacked me, while we were wandering around in the forest. We ran into another two at a wrecked MP vehicle. So far, we've been lucky. Nobody's been hurt or bitten by them."
"I don't understand. How can they be... zombies?" Rebecca questioned, choking on the "z" word. "This isn't some cheap, B horror movie."
"Well, it isn't." More like a cheap, B-horror video game. "But no matter how you look at it. They're zombies. I strongly recommend avoid being bitten."
Rebecca stared at the door leading to the previous cabin. "I don't want to end up as a zom...as one of those."
"Likewise. So, let's focus on getting to your Captain. Where is he?"
She hesitated. "I don't know. We split up in the forest to find Coen. I'll try radioing him." She grabbed her radio and made the attempt. But after a minute of nothing but static, she gave up. "What now?" She wondered.
"We should check the train and see if anybody else is alive. If we don't find anybody, then we'll rejoin with my group and leave. Sound good?"
She nodded. "Yeah, let's do it."
Now that they had a plan, they began walking down the hallway. Daniel started out in the lead, but then Rebecca picked up her pace and moved in front of him.
"Maybe I should lead. After all, this is my mission. I'm older so it's my duty to be in charge, and this is under my jurisdiction." She reasoned as she walked in front of him.
Normally, he would've been more than happy to give the officer what she wished. But with his foresight, the soldier believed it would be best if he led. Not to mention the indirect slight against his pride. Daniel sped up and passed her. "First of all, I have an M16 to your small handgun. Second, since you're only eighteen that makes you only a year older than I am. Finally, Army trumps the police." He countered. By now, they had passed the small mountain of luggage in the middle of the hallway.
Rebecca was about to argue when she stopped. "Hey! How do you know my age?" Daniel came to an abrupt stop.
Daniel was smacking himself mentally. Crap, crap, crap! I just had to let it slip! Stupid me! Quick, lie!
Keeping his face away from Rebecca's eyes, he answered, "I saw an article in the paper about you. 'Teenager joins S.T.A.R.S Unit' was the title." He didn't dare turn around.
"Oh, really," Rebecca said, "I didn't know there was an article about me," she said suspiciously.
"I can even tell you who wrote it, Alyssa Ashcroft," he said hoping to back-up his lie. Hope she never runs into her back at Raccoon City.
"Huh," she responded, slowly believing him, "I'd like to see it when we get back...just to be sure." This didn't help matters with Daniel. And I'd like for you to forget about it before we get back. Which you probably will, with all the monsters and all that crap we're about to go through.
"Now that we're done with that argument, we should get a move on," Daniel said. In a second, they were at the end of the car. A door stood between them and the engine car. Off to their left were the remains of one of the conductors. Rebecca knelt down and examined the body and took a key she found on him.
Daniel checked the Conductor's cabin's door. He glanced at the electronic lock, "I can't do anything about that door without the card key." He stepped next to Rebecca.
Rebecca examined her key. "It says 'Dining Car.' Huh. I didn't know it was locked." Daniel heard someone approach from behind. Still keeping up his act, he aimed his rifle in the direction of the footsteps. Guess who came around the corner at that moment? His signature handcuffs and the large, stylish tattoo on his right arm easily gave him away. It was the one and only Billy Coen!
He saw Daniel's raised rifle and lifted his own weapon, a Colt M19 handgun.
"Sorry. Thought you were a zombie," Daniel apologized as he lowered his rifle. Billy mirrored his action.
"Billy. Lieutenant Coen." Rebecca stated as she stood up.
Billy seemed mildly surprised. "So, you seem to know me. Been fantasying about me, have ya?"
If that was his idea of a joke, he could really use some help. Then again, I'm not a master of comedy either. Daniel noted.
"You were the prisoner that was being transferred for execution. You were with those soldiers outside."
"Oh, I see," he continued, eyeing Rebecca's uniform for the first time. "You're with S.T.A.R.S. Well, no offense honey, but your kind doesn't seem to want me around. So, I'm afraid our little chat time is over."
Billy gaze shifted to Daniel. "I'm surprised that they've already sent more MPs after me."
"You've got it all wrong. I'm just a soldier who went and got himself and a few others lost."
Billy chuckled. "The Army's standards have really dropped."
While not the Army's biggest fan, Daniel did feel the urge to defend his Branch. "Well, I'm sorry if I'm not insane enough to join the Marines."
"Heh. Only the best join the Marines."
"You mean the all-muscle-and-no-brains guys join the Marines." Daniel countered. Before Billy could say another word, Rebecca interrupted.
"Enough! You're under arrest." She said in her version of a tough-guy voice. Which wasn't really intimidating... at all.
"No thanks, doll face. I've already worn handcuffs." He said raising his arm with a pair of cuffs dangling off his left arm. Then he went on his merry ol' way.
"I could shoot, ya know." She threatened. Billy didn't even stop. He just left through the door at the opposite end of the car.
Rebecca sighed. "Well, that went well," she said bitterly.
Daniel put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a smile. "It wasn't that bad. After all, he's an ex-marine and you're just a medic." Daniel reassured her.
Rebecca returned a half-hearted smile. "Thanks... I guess." With nothing better to do, the two of them headed back toward the dining car. Knowing what was about to happen, Daniel let Rebecca take the lead. If Shantia and Bart succeeded then Ed shouldn't come crashing through the window.
Contrary to Daniel's hopes, Edward crashed through the window. "Edward!" Rebecca yelled as she ran to him. Daniel was right behind her. Relief spread through him as he surveyed Edward's state of health. Edward had a several cuts from the window and a chewed-up shoulder. But nothing else. There was no doubt that he would survive. But he's infected now...or is he? What are the chances of being immune? Oh, that's right. 10%. Daniel frowned. He didn't like those odds at all. Still, Edward was better off than he would have been if he and his friends hadn't arrived.
"Are you okay?" Rebecca asked as she began making her own diagnosis.
"I'll make it," he assured her.
Not taking any chances, Rebecca applied a green herb, she had found earlier. Okay, so Edward is okay. I just hope the others are too. Daniel thought as he gazed out the window.
"What happened to you?" Rebecca asked Edward when she was done.
"I was searching the forest when I was attacked by a dog... at least, I think it was a dog." At the mention of the word 'attack', Daniel pressed himself against a corner next to the windows and kept a sharp lookout. Despite his efforts, he couldn't see past the black mist that lurked a few feet beyond the train. This is pointless, he realized. With all of this light, my eyes can't adjust to the darkness. His actions didn't go unnoticed. He froze as the sound of gunfire sounded...from the back of the train.
"What's wrong?" Rebecca asked alarmed as she glanced between him and the back cars.
"Were you followed?" Daniel asked needlessly, while he scanned through the window, willing himself to focus on their situation.
"I don't kn-," Edward was cut off as Daniel yelled, "Incoming!" He jerked his head back. Next to him, the window shattered as a z-dog flew into the train. It landed on its paws with a thud and circled around to face them. In one smooth motion, Daniel raised his rifle to fire while flipping a switch on his rifle from 'safe' to 'semi'. Edward's surprise was short-lived as he aimed with his handgun. Rebecca froze. Daniel grinned. I have the perfect headshot. The z-dog snarled at them. Daniel squeezed the trigger. The bullet sped through the air and crashed... into the floor next to the z-dog's head. "Huh!"
Edward had better luck. He fired five bullets into it; before it finally lurched over. Rebecca breathed a sigh of relief. However, Daniel knew it wasn't over. He parked himself back into the corner.
"How did you miss?" Edward inquired.
"I don't," he cut himself off when he smacked his head."Duh! This M16 hasn't been zeroed for me yet." He began to adjust part of the rifle, while glancing out the window.
"Zeroed?" Rebecca questioned.
"It means the sight posts haven't been adjusted to my eyes. That's why I missed." Daniel explained. Though when he thought about the range, he realized that the sight post was only half of the issue. He probably jerked the trigger like a newbie too.
"Well, adjust them." Rebecca said. Daniel frowned.
"I only know how to adjust the back one." He admitted resignedly.
"Are there any more of them?" Edward asked.
Daniel shook his head. Where is it? Wait a second! Realization dawned on him. He rushed to the other hallway. Gunfire was still coming from the other side of the train. He didn't know whether that was a good or a bad thing. As he stopped and pointed his rifle; the second z-dog came through the window at the other end of the hallway and charged him. Hoping his rushed adjustments were enough, he squeezed the trigger. This time it hit the z-dog. Unfortunately, the shot hit its neck, a kill shot for anything that was alive. The z-dog twitched for a moment before leaping onto Daniel.
It shoved him to the floor. Luck seemed to favor Daniel when the z-dog bit into the rifle's handle and not his neck. The z-dog tried to throw the rifle to the side, however, Daniel hung onto it with his life on the line. Once again, Edward tried to come to the rescue. Only to find out that his clip was empty. "Not now!" He yelled as he reloaded. This time, it was Rebecca who made the shot. It took seven bullets, but in the end, the monster collapsed. With it dead, Daniel shoved it off him. He scampered away from it until his back met the wall. He let out a deep sigh of relief. He was shaking with fear. Definitely not like the game...
"Thank you very much, Ms. Chambers."
"You're welcome," she said, equally relieved, "you know, you can call me Rebecca."
Daniel smiled. The idea of being in one of his favorite video game series, and being on a first name basis with one of the good guys, just seemed cool. "Thanks."
Quickly changing the topic, Rebecca asked worried, "You weren't bit, were you?"
"Thankfully, I wasn't," his gaze switched to Edward, looking for something to take his mind off his near-death experience, "so what happened to you."
"Well, I was out in the forest when I heard something snarl in front of me. I was bit uneasy since I couldn't see past my flashlight's range. So, I fired a couple rounds to scare it off. It didn't work. Instead, it charged me, hard. I tried to shoot it, but it was fast. Then, it leapt at me...and I finally got a good look at it." Edward stared at the body in front of him. "I've never seen anything like it. I was taken off guard and tackled to the ground. It started to maul on my shoulder. I tried to fire at it, but I couldn't. Then out of nowhere, this soldier appeared and fired on the... dog. It didn't die, but it did let go. Someone yelled,' THIS WAY!' and I ran toward their direction. I must have been running faster than my rescuers because I never saw them. I ran, until I found this train. I heard howling behind me, so I didn't bother to find a door. And here I am," he explained calmly. The other two listened patiently. Correction, one of them listened to him patiently. Edward's story painfully reminded Daniel of the earlier gunfire.
"Well, if you can move, we need to head back. I want to check on my friends." It wasn't a statement, it was a worried, nervous request from the soldier.
"I am," Edward answered as he stood up. The three of them walked rapidly into the second passenger car. Two more zombies had reanimated. The S.T.A.R.S members quickly took care of them, but only after Daniel warned them to focus completely on headshots. Finally, they arrived in the first passenger car. Back where Daniel and Rebecca started, everyone was surprised to find Kevin amidst the group of teenagers. Before Daniel could ask, Rebecca's radio beeped to life.
"This is Rebecca, over," She answered.
Through the static, a man's voice came through. "Rebecca, this is Enrico. What is your location, over?"
"Enrico? Hello! Can you read me, please respond?"
"Rebecca, I can hear you. Now listen up, we've gained detail information on the fugitive from the document found in the wrecked wagon. Bill Coen killed as many as… twenty-three people, over."
"Twenty-three people." Rebecca said, shocked. Edward's scowl deepened.
Where is Enrico at this point? He can't be too far away. Daniel wondered.
"We've also confirmed that he was institutionalized. So, keep your guard. Can you hear me Rebecca? Over. Stay alert, Rebecca; he wouldn't think twice before killing you." Enrico solemnly warned her.
"Then why didn't he try anything back there?" Daniel blurted out.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Edward asked. Before either of them could say another word, Enrico's voice faded away.
"Enrico, Captain. Hello? Hello!" She messed with the radio.
"What were you talking about?" Edward inquired.
"We ran into him a while back. He didn't really do anything, just walked away." Daniel explained.
Edward glared at Daniel and Rebecca. "Neither of you tried to arrest him?" He questioned. Rebecca hung her head in shame. Daniel was defiant.
"If you haven't noticed, we have bigger things to worry about than some fugitive," argued Daniel.
"I know there have been some complications with this mission; however, we cannot ignore our primary objective."
"Our primary objective as of this moment is to survive!" Daniel countered.
Rebecca sighed. Arguing isn't going to help us. Then, she turned to look at the rest of the Daniel's group. She was surprised. "What happened here?"
Daniel and Edward stopped bickering to see what the matter was. Daniel grew cold from fear. Windows had been broken in. Three z-dogs were lying dead throughout the train. A pool of blood was in front of the right door. Finally, he noticed the state the group was in. Jessica looked... contemplative? A rare state of being for her. Shantia's face was etched in misery. Katelyn was pale and couldn't stop shivering with Tim holding her. Bruce stood of the side, fear in his eyes. Bart… wait, where is Bart? Daniel's fear doubled.
He didn't want to say it, but the words slipped from his mouth. "Where's Bart?"
Shantia answered. "We were out in the forest, when we found him," Shantia pointed at Edward. "Being attacked. We saved him, but... they followed us."
"Yeah, it didn't go very well," Jessica put in, "After you left…"
Flashback
Jessica watched the bodies very carefully. She waited for any sign of movement. A minute passed, and then another, then a few more came and went.
"How long is this going to take?" She yelled.
"I can't believe you want them to reanimate. Are you suicidal?" Tim asked.
"Not since a year ago," she answered without batting an eyelash.
Tim's mouth dropped to the floor. "You really are insane."
"That's old news."
Tim shook his head. I don't like this. We'd better get to a safe spot soon. If anyone tries to hurt my baby, I'm going to make them wish they were dead. He gazed at Katelyn.
"I don't like this one bit," complained Katelyn.
"What are you worried about? It's just like being in a horror movie, or a video game. And Daniel knows exactly what to expect. What could possibly go wrong?" Jessica replied.
Katelyn shot her an irritated look. "You may have not noticed, but if you have seen any horror movies, then you would know that anything can go wrong will probably happen."
"Oh, go and cry me a frickin' river," Jessica answered dismissively.
"Don't talk to her like that," Tim warned her.
"Back off, lover boy. Fighting zombies is a whole lot more fun, but I'll take you on, if you want," Jessica shot back.
Tim glared at her for a moment before he shrugged it off. "I don't like them being so close." He stabbed a finger at the bodies. While the group was in the middle of the train, bodies were lying throughout the car. Jessica let out an aggravated sigh.
"Fine! Tim, get over here."
"Huh? Why me?"
"I need someone to cover me, while I move the bodies."
"You're kidding!" He said in shock.
"No, I'm not. Now, move it!" Tim groaned. Nonetheless, he complied.
While Tim kept a careful aim at their foreheads, Jessica started piling the bodies in the seats between the doors and the center of the car.
"Why are you moving them there?" Bruce inquired when she finished up, "why not throw them out the doors?"
"Then I wouldn't be able to shoot them," she answered while taking her handgun back.
"Your stupidity is going to get all of us killed. We throw them out," Bruce quietly commanded as he rose to his feet.
"I don't think so," Jessica snidely replied, looking up to glare directly at Bruce.
"If this is anything like Resident Evil 4, then you'll have plenty of monsters to fight. Now throw them out, or I make sure you don't ever get your gun back," Bruce resolutely returned, meeting Jessica's glare, eye for eye.
"And I'm with him," Tim piped in.
Jessica fumed, "...fine," she hissed.
While under the careful surveillance of the two cousins, Jessica tossed all but one of the bodies a few feet away from the train. Once her task was completely, she held her open palm to Tim. The football player looked at the last body then at Bruce, who shrugged. "Keep a close eye on it," he said as he gave Jessica's gun back.
"Like there's anything else I can do!" She complained as she retook her vigilant watch.
As Tim walked back to Katelyn, the car's right door opened. Kevin stepped in, drenched. Jessica grinned. "So, ya decided to join us."
"Yeah," he said a bit sheepishly, "And you forgot something." He held up the wet remains of the map of Raccoon Forest. Jessica slapped her head.
"Daniel always did forget stuff. So," she slyly asked, switching gears. "What changed your mind?"
"Before I answer that, I need to know something," Kevin replied, dead serious. "Why was there a body outside.
"Well, about that...wait, only one body!"
Before he could answer, Shantia and Bart came racing in from the opposite door.
"How did it go?" Tim inquired.
His answer was several howls from the distance, a rapidly shrinking distance. Bart, Shantia, and Jessica whirled toward the sound, guns raised. Kevin was confused.
"Are those the killer Dobermans, you're friend was talking about?" The three fighters glanced at each other. Kevin was in for a rude awakening. Just then, a groan emanated from their right. A zombie slowly emerged from one of the seats. Kevin nearly panicked. "What the hell! How is he still alive?" He yelled. He moved against the seat behind him.
"I got him." Jessica reassured. As she turned to fire, the door's window exploded as a z-dog jumped through it. Its entrance caused chaos. Bart jumped to the right to get out of its way. In the process, he knocked into Jessica. This caused both of them to crash to the floor. Shantia had stepped to the left. Bruce and Tim took a few steps back with Tim trying to protect his girlfriend. Unfortunately, Katelyn was transfixed by the new dangerous entity, rooting her to the floor. Thus, when Tim pushed back, she took a step back carelessly, slipping on a small patch of blood. With a soft cry of surprise, she fell onto the floor. Tim, who went from pushing her to pushing air, found himself without anyone to balance his backwards direction. His slow pace abruptly picked up, arms waving wildly in a vain hope to regain his balance. Bruce provided the necessary stability as he reached out and put his hands on Tim's shoulders, bringing him to a halt.
Kevin yelled, "OH MY GOD!" before freezing. The z-dog snarled, while the zombie shuffled ever closer. Jessica and Bart scrambled to get up. Bruce, now that his cousin was no longer in danger of falling, inched toward the exit Daniel had used, his courage failing. The z-dog targeted Katelyn, who was still on the floor. It leapt at her. Tim desperately tried to pull her out of the way; instead, the z-dog bit into her shoe. The three struggled with Tim doing everything he could to keep the monster from biting into his girlfriend. Shantia was about to fire when a smashing sound drew her attention.
Another z-dog invaded the train through the window nearest to the door to the other passenger car. Immediately, it started after Tim and the others. Bruce panicked and did a 180 degree turn. Shantia switched targets. Bart tried to get a clear shot at Katelyn's attacker. Jessica turned to finish off the zombie, but it was already lunging at her! She grappled with her attacker. Shantia couldn't get a clear shot because of the group running towards her. "Out of the way!" Shantia commanded. Bruce dived into a nearby empty seat. With four rounds, Shantia sent the second z-dog sliding into the floor.
Luckily for Katelyn, Tim scored a solid kick at his z-dog, pushing it away. With Katelyn safely out of his line of fire, Bart let loose a volley on the blood-covered creature. And at that range, he couldn't miss. One bullet completed a headshot, blowing its skull into pieces.
Despite its determination, Jessica managed to shove the zombie away. Due to its poor motor skills, it tripped to the ground. For a moment, everything was under control.
Everything changed when a third z-dog jumped through the other door window. Its target was unmistakably Bart. In desperation, he raised his rifle to defend himself. It was too late. The monster knocked him to the ground, and, in one fluid motion, it sunk its fangs into his throat. Bart screamed and beat his fists on his attacker. Jessica took aim, but was interrupted when a hand grabbed her leg. This reminded her of her own problem. Likewise, Shantia turned to save her fellow soldier. She too was intercepted. The "dead" z-dog started to get back up. As she whirled around to finish it off, she yelled, "Somebody save him!"
Finally, Kevin snapped out of his mental state. With his own handgun, he unloaded hot metal on Bart's z-dog. There was a sickening sound of ripping flesh as the z-dog tore a piece of flesh from Bart's neck. Bart's eyes seemed to bulge out of their sockets. But where there should have been a scream, there was only a hideous gurgling noise. As Bart slowly suffocated, Jessica quickly finished the zombie with a single bullet. Now free from distraction, she poured additional fire into the z-dog. Joining her friends' efforts, Shantia added her own weapon to the fray. After withstanding this punishment for a few seconds, the last z-dog collapsed, dead. The danger was finally over, along with Bart's life.
Jessica, the closest to him, hesitated. Immobilized by a single question in her mind. Do I want to help him? Memories of a particularly cruel event tried to convince her otherwise. On the other hand, Kevin and Shantia rushed to save him. Shantia put pressure on his neck to stop the bleeding. His skin was rapidly turning pale. Kevin shook his head. He knew a fatal injury when he saw one.
"It's no use. He's as good as dead."
"We can't just let him die!" Shantia argued. Angry tears were forming at her eyes.
"We have no choice," Kevin said quietly. Despite his inability to breathe, Bart could still hear them. Upon hearing Kevin's last statement, the dying soldier panicked and began flailing his limbs. Jessica glanced at the dead z-dog. The piece of flesh was still in its mouth. An idea hit her. As if it could possibly work...aw to hell with it.
"We still have a chance," she declared. Working quickly, she pulled the chunk of flesh out of its mouth. Next, she moved it back on Bart's neck.
"He's too far gone." Kevin warned. "And even if this stupid idea of yours works, he'll probably have an infection."
Jessica checked to make sure her weapon was on safe, before she pressed the still-hot barrel onto the skin. Bart spasmed as his skin burned.
Kevin shook his head. Before she could continue, Bart emitted a low groan. And as the groan faded, so did his life. Private First Class Bart Carnes was dead.
"He's gone," Kevin quietly announced. Shantia didn't say anything. Tears began to fall from her face. Katelyn bowed her head in prayer, with Tim and Bruce joining her. Jonathan could only stare at the new body.
"Well... shit." Jessica said. Confusion and disappointment were etched into her face. "We should move him," everyone looked at Jessica, "before he changes." No one argued. Kevin helped her as she grabbed the former soldier's arms. With the task complete, they reentered the train. Not long after, Daniel, Rebecca, and Edward came in.
Present
Daniel was devastated. "It's all my fault," he whispered, horrified. Rebecca placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"No, it isn't. It's nobody's fault."
"It is. I brought them here."
"You were just looking for help. The worse you've done is get lost on the road."
No, it is my fault. Daniel agonized. It's the Butterfly Effect all over again. I brought these consequences upon them.
"Look at the bright side; he's in a better place now," Edward added.
"But he isn't. He never became a Christian. He's in the worst place possible," Daniel despaired. Edward, along with Rebecca was taken aback by this. So much for the usual encouragement.
Still being the good preacher's son. Even now of all times and places. I wonder if he'll ever change. Time to go cheer him up, Jessica decided. She walked over to him, and pulled her arm back.
With his eyes downcast, he didn't even notice. She slapped him across the face hard. The impact sent his crooked glasses flying onto a nearby seat. He finally gave her his attention.
Jessica gestured about their surroundings. "Sims, we've already seen this movie. You and I know that we don't have time for you to fall into depression. If you don't want anybody else to die, then git yourelf back into gear," she warned.
He scowled at her. She's right. Damn it all, she's right. Daniel surveyed the group around him. All eyes were on him, watching... waiting. It looks like I don't have the luxury to mourn right now. He walked over to where his glasses landed. He carefully lifted them and replaced them on his face.
With a look of grim resolve, Daniel grabbed Bart's M16 off the floor next to the pool of blood. He presented it to Shantia. Slowly, she took it, while she handed over her handgun.
"Remember, you still need to modify the sight posts." Shantia nodded. Daniel took the handgun, and held it out to Tim.
He took it from Daniel's hand. Tim glanced at Katelyn, his own eyes displaying iron determination.
Out of the corner of his eye, Daniel noticed a dark item on the ground. It was Bart's beret. He picked it up and offered it to Katelyn.
"Could you hold onto this?" He quietly asked.
Glancing between him and the hat, she nodded. "Yes."
Finished, he walked to the other train door. Then, he turned the knob. It wouldn't budge. He faced Rebecca.
"Um, Rebecca," he tilted his head to the door, "it's still locked."
"Oh, right." As she walked toward the door, she pulled out the key.
"Maybe you should stay here," Daniel suggested to Edward, who had been right behind Rebecca.
"What? If you're worried about my injury, don't. I've survived much worse than a dog's bite. And as the senior member of Bravo Team here, I should be in charge, not you," Edward retorted, respectfully disagreeing.
"Which is why I want you to stay here. I've already lost one friend to these monsters. With your experience, you're our best defense on this train." He reasoned with pleading eyes.
Edward frowned, but relented. "Fine, but if I think you're in trouble, I'm coming after you. In the meantime, I'll try radioing the others."
"Very well." Rebecca unlocked the door. A small smile appeared on his face. "You don't seem to need this key anymore. Throw it away?" His words coming straight from the game. Rebecca gave him a funny look. "Yes." She tossed it onto a seat. Daniel and Rebecca started through the door.
"Hey! You're leaving me here again?" Jessica yelled.
"Only for now. Don't worry, I'll make sure you get to fight plenty of zombies."
"You'd better! Or, boy, I'll- !" She threatened, as Daniel closed the door on her.
Author's notes: Dang! Only 3 chapters in, and I've already lost one of my guys. That's downright ominous. And if you're wondering why I added three z-dogs, it's because of Edward. You see, when you start out with Rebecca; you have a handgun with 15 bullets along with 30 extra. When you check Edward, he only has 15 extra rounds without a gun. I'm guessing he must've shot at least several z-dogs dead, while being chewed up before escaping into the train. Just my little theory, since all S.T.A.R.S would usually carry the same kind of basic equipment with a few exceptions.