This isn't listed in the categories but I think more people should probably give it a chance. It's inspired by the old radio dramas and is about a group of survivors trying to live in a world overrun by zombies. This started out as a recurring dream and I couldn't get it out of my head. The characters are mine and not from We're Alive. I hope you like it. All comments are welcome.

Chapter 3

I woke to the feel of the vehicle leaving the main highway and turning down a dirt road. There was still plenty of time before we reached the compound, with various checkpoints separating us from the possibility of being overrun. I jerked awake, having had more sleep than I was used to while out stretching and sat back quickly when the seat belt stopped me in my place. I rubbed my eyes and stretched as much as I could in the confined space, staring out at the now familiar landscape.

"Do you feel better now?" Gabriel asked once I slumped back against the seat once more.

"How long was I out?" I asked, covering my mouth as I yawned, reaching for a piece of mint gum I spotted in the cup holder by my leg.

"It was only a few hours. Aenne and I didn't want to wake you," he said as I popped the stick into my mouth. "You've been awake longer than any of us, Moll. You needed the rest," he said when I started to protest.

"…and what are you going to tell the nice guard, Hope?" I could hear whispered from the back seat.

"That Beau is my dog," the little girl whispered back. I looked back to see the little girl curled up with the dog and knew I wouldn't be winning any argument on the matter.

"About how much farther are we?" I asked as I leaned on the middle console, drawing my legs up beside me.

"We're coming up to the first check point soon. I would have woken you then," he said and glanced at me.

"I can't wait to get back inside," I said softly. "A warm shower, a nice change of clothes and knowing we are off rotation for a while sounds like heaven right about now." I start flipping through the cd's we've collected along the way and I come across a one new one hidden in the back.

"Sit up, Moll," Gabriel says. "We're nearly there and they need to see each of us before letting us through."

"You don't need to remind me, Gabe." I give him my annoyed look. "I helped write the rules, remember?"

"So you keep telling me," he grins as he slows at the heavily armed check point.

We wait while armed guards circle us, checking that there are no unwanted tagalongs under the SUV's carriage. After they move away, Gabriel makes a show of hitting the buttons to roll the windows down as another guard comes up slowly to us wearing mirrored sunglasses holding a clipboard, looking at each of us. I shrug on Gabriel's old leather jacket, not because it's cold but because the guard approaching made most of the women uncomfortable.

"You're back early, Redgrave," the guard remarked, checking our estimated travel dates out on the road. "You're not expected back for a least a few more days."

"We're full up with provisions and two rescues, a girl and a dog," he tells the guard.

"A dog?" the guard asks. "He could be useful."

"Please, mister," Hope cries from the back. "He's all I have left. Don't take him!"

I fight to keep my smile tight as he wanders to my open window and leans against the door. "Hello, Moll. Bag any kills this time around?" he asks innocently, smiling, but even with the mirrored glasses, I know it's not my face he's starting at.

"Don't I always, Kyle?" I say flippantly, looking ahead at the other guards.

"Hmm, a little hot out to be wearing a jacket, don't you think, Moll?" he asked and reached in to touch it.

"It's mine," Gabriel said in a low voice and gave him a hard stare, which caused him to stop reaching in and instead cleared his throat.

"I see," he said and raised his eyebrow as he looked at the both of us. "I wasn't aware that things had progress between the two of you," he said and curled his lip.

"I wasn't aware anyone needed to know my business, Kyle," I responded.

"You're Roadie's blood," he said and smacked the clipboard on the door. "And it's a small compound. People tend to talk," he reminded me before walking away.

I watched as he walked back to his post and they finally opened the heavy gate. We drove slowly past the men quietly with Aenne and Hope giggling softly in the backseat. Before coming to the next gate, Gabriel slowed and looked at me.

"Are you sure, Moll? Kyle will undoubtedly call ahead and spread the word," he said and looked worriedly at me.

"I know Lily's been giving you a hard time and Kyle's been angling to be on my rotation for months now," I said and sighed. "Let them think what they want so long as it keeps the vultures away."

Aenne leaned forward and handed me the bag of her beloved gummy bears, trying hard not to smile. I looked in the back and saw Hope hugging the dog tightly and rolled my eyes.

"Don't worry, Moll," she said and grinned. "I'll help her take care of Beau."

"You're very lucky we rescued them together then, Aenne," I said and smiled at the little girl, who beamed at what I said.

"Oh! And he's such a good doggie too! Not like the mean little ball of fur my step mother carried around," Hope said, laughing as Beau licked her face enthusiastically.

"The ones that jump and bark at everyone?" Aenne asked the little girl.

"Yes! He hated everyone," she said.

"See, Gabe, even little dogs annoy me," I snickered.

"What will happen with me now?" Hope asked quietly.

"There are a few other children here around your age," Aenne said. "You'll fit in just fine."

"I won't be staying with you?" she asked.

"Oh, honey," Aenne said and hugged the little girl. "We're on the road so often…"

"We'll figure something out, Hope," Gabriel said and slowed once again as we approached the next point.