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 9

I had asked that a special meal be prepared the next night but did not attend. I was busy overseeing the removal of the recruit's belongings to a separate bunker further away from the compound, one that had remained off-limits until now. I knew it would take some time so get them to where I wanted them to be and had put in requests for healthier food once we began. I also knew that during this time I wouldn't be put on the active duty roster so to ensure that the others would not be called while I was away, I had them placed as trainers. There was only so much I could be expected to do and splitting the responsibilities only seemed like the easiest solution.

We worked for hours setting everything up. The obstacle courses were similar to ones found at many training bases, along with a shooting range, various simulation buildings and paved roads set up for any sort of driving courses needed. I knew this area was as secure as the compound, but it still felt odd to leave the only home I had known for the last several months.

As Hope would not leave Aenne's side, I made sure there was space for her in our quarters along with Beau. Despite various attempts to separate the two, the dog followed her faithfully everywhere. I hated to admit that I envied her the loyalty he lavished on her and was glad that we were able to get to her in time.

After dinner the recruits were quietly rounded up and bused to the new location, letting the situation sink in slowly as Roadie explained what was expected of them. A few I could see were excited to finally be called to do something to help out. I would save my words till the next morning, when it finally became real to them. To survive outside meant we needed to depend on each other and those that could not complete the training to my satisfaction would be returned to the compound just as quickly.

I didn't see Lily among the group of recruits that were brought in and I hoped that she had given up the foolish notion of wanting her own team. However, there she was standing among the men I had selected, along with another that I had so vehemently disagreed on.

"Many of you are probably waiting for me to congratulate you for making it past the other applicants," I said. It was just after seven in the morning and already sweltering outside. I was wearing a green tank top that was starting to stick to my back and had my hair up. "I won't. You knew what you were getting into the moment you added your name to the list of volunteers. Many of you recall the chaos that we left back in the respective cities you were found in."

I paced in front of them, unable to stand still in the heat.

"You all share something in your background which got you this far. From what I've seen of you here and from whatever fiction you have going in your head, I will find out who's telling the truth and who isn't," I said and stopped once again. "If you are here it is because I felt that you stood a chance at helping us regain what we once had before everything we knew turned to hell. One of you has no right to be here at all." I looked directly at Kyle, who was standing towards the back, hidden behind Lily.

I turned as Gabriel and Aenne joined us out in the heat. Both were covered up in light clothing but I needed to have on the same green top and black shorts as the rest of the recruits.

"A few of you have made lives for yourselves here. If you cannot commit completely to this, I suggest you walk away now. What we do here cannot be taken lightly," I said and tried not to look at Lily, who I could see hang her head. "We've all lost people along the way to get here. A few are those who we carry around with us all the time as a reminder why we do what we do, why we continue to have hope that things can be better," I said in her direction and she slowly looked up at me. "I won't lie to you. However long you're here, I will make things hard for you because you need to remember that above all, I do not want to lose any more of you!"

I saw Lily's determined nod as I walked towards her and decided it was time to call her out. "This woman you see here will be looking at your progress just as much as I am. If she finds you worthy, you may find yourself part of her new team." I waited for her to join me in front of the group.

"This is your last chance to leave now," I said as I looked over at her. I looked back and saw that everyone stood their ground. I was proud of them even before we got started. I warned them, I thought to myself. "Gentlemen," I said and grinned as I turned back to them. "Welcome to your new hell."

I turned to Lily and nodded to her. "Roadie says I should give you a chance to prove yourself. I know we've had our differences in the past, Lily, but I need to know you're committed to getting a team started."

"I can't just sit around on my ass all day, Moll," she said and looked down briefly. "Sam wouldn't want me to mourn him forever."
"If you're serious, then I'll help you pick a team but please, reconsider Kyle. He isn't stable for this and you know it," I pleaded with her and her eyes hardened.

"We're all a little unstable for wanting to go back out there," she said and walked away.

I sighed and turned back to Gabriel and Aenne who had been looking on. I gave them the briefest smile before turning back to the waiting recruits and instructed them to head out for a run.

Well, this should be fun…