Everyone was up early and seemed to be vibrating with excitement over the flyovers that were going to happen. They were just a couple of hours closer to this almost 10-month long ordeal finally being over. At least that's what they hoped was going to happen.
"Zeke," Aubrey said getting the soldier's attention. "Can we check the DOD website to see if there's any more information on the flyovers?"
"I'm on it," Lily said taking the laptop since she was closest. She inputs the passcode and then types in the URL for the DOD website and waits for a moment. "According to this, they should be starting around 9:00 this morning. And we are definitely in one of the flight paths."
"If that's the case, we should see something happening around 10:00," Zeke said.
"Beca and I were talking last night," Stacie said. "We should probably move the bus and the truck so we can see what's happening out front."
"That's a good idea," Aubrey said.
"I'll move the bus," Mike said.
"I'll move the truck," Chloe said. "CR do you have the keys?"
"They're still in the truck," CR told her.
"Okay," Beca said and looked at Chloe and Mike. "You two ready?" Both nodded their heads.
Beca and Zeke walked to the doors, followed by Chloe and Mike. Beca gave Chloe a quick kiss and wink before unlocking the door and pulling it open.
Mike walked straight ahead onto the bus. Chloe walked to the right and jumped into the truck and froze, eyes widened. She looked at Mike and saw the look of disbelief on his face. They then turned to look into the hotel. Beca saw Chloe's face and knew something was wrong. Chloe looked back at Mike and nodded her head. She started the truck and Mike started the bus. They both sat there waiting to see if anything was going to come running at them. Beca hadn't taken her eyes off Chloe and saw the redhead take a deep break before the truck started slowly moving back. The bus did the same. As the two vehicles parted a collective gasp went up inside the hotel.
"Fuck!," Beca practically yelled.
Everyone stood in shock and stared out the windows as about a hundred of the Sightless came into view. Beca quickly looked over to the truck and locked eyes with Chloe. She looked back at the Sightless to see that they were slightly moving around but had not attacked. Beca's blood runs cold when she sees roughly a half dozen of the Sightless start moving towards the truck and bus. They don't seem to be agitated, just curious at the change in noise. A couple of them come in between Chloe and the hotel's front door. She looks back at Chloe who was staring right at her.
"Stay where you are," Beca mouthed to the redhead.
Chloe nodded and mouthed back, "I love you."
"What are we going to do?," Diane asked looking out at Chloe and Mike. "There's like two more hours before the planes will be here."
Taylor and Sammy were frightened but remained quiet. They were standing by Stacie and Aubrey, their little arms wrapped around the two older women. Stacie gently removed Sammy's arms from around her and stooped down to look at the young girl.
"Sammy," Stacie said softly. "You stay here with Taylor and Aubrey. I need to go talk to Beca and CR. Okay?"
Sammy nods her head and Aubrey puts a hand on the young girls head, gently pulling her to her. She looks at Stacie who leans in and gives her a quick kiss. "I have an idea," Stacie tells her softly.
Aubrey just nods and gives her a soft smile. "Be careful," Aubrey tells her. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Stacie said and quickly turns and hurries over to Beca while calling out, "CR?"
CR looks from the horde to Stacie. "Yeah?" Stacie waves her over and CR moves to stand beside Stacie. Zeke moves to join them as well.
"Are there any grenades left in the truck?," Stacie asked CR.
"Yeah," CR said. "They're in the bag on the front seat. Should be about half a dozen I think."
"What do you have in mind?," Beca asked, eyes still on Chloe.
"I'm thinking we use the grenades as a distraction," Stacie said. "One of us will have to go out there because we don't have a way of telling Chloe or Mike what we're doing."
"I'll go," Lily said.
"No, Lily," Zeke said. "I should go." He looked out at Mike and Chloe. "I'll get to the truck and-"
"Lily!," Aubrey yells out.
The others look to see Lily already out the door. She moves quickly and silently, ghosting her way past the Sightless, who seem to sense something. They 'look' about and tilt their heads, but can't track Lily.
Lily moves slowly and very carefully. Each step was taken with precision and extreme care. She extends her foot, setting toes down first and then easing her foot down until the heel makes contact with the ground; it's maddeningly slow. Lily is in the process of lifting her right foot when one of the Sightless leaped from a bench, landing on all fours just four feet away from the silent Korean. Lily manages to maintain her composure and remain perfectly still.
The Sightless' actions are like a dog, swinging its head back and forth, seemingly looking for something. It leaps again, landing just two feet behind Lily.
"Man, it would have totally got me," Zeke said with a shake of his head.
"You and me both," Stacie said. She nodded out the window. "That one's bird-dogging Lily."
"It's doing what?," Beca asks in confusion.
"Bird-dogging. My dad and uncle took me hunting a few times when I was a kid," Stacie answered. "They had a couple dogs that would run into the brush to scare up the birds. Then my dad and uncle would try to shoot the birds as they take flight."
Realization dawns on Beca, as she understands what's happening.
Lily again starts moving towards Chloe in the truck. Ever so slowly she moves, sometimes only inches at a time.
Everyone is holding their collective breaths, releasing them as Lily finally makes it to the truck. They quickly realize the danger isn't over. Lily does a couple hand gestures while mouthing something to Chloe. With great care, working together Lily and Chloe open the driver-side door. Every motion is done excruciatingly slow and, still, they are forced to stop a half-dozen times when a Sightless takes too much interest in their vicinity.
Finally, the door is open enough for Chloe to pass the bag through. They see the redhead hand Lily the bag of grenades and keeps the door open. Lily mouths something to Chloe, who shakes her head no and continues to hold it open. With a sigh of resignation, Lily puts the bag over her shoulder and quickly moves away, much quicker now that the Sightless have moved further away. Her moves are still exceedingly quiet as she moves to the back of the truck. She catches Chloe's eye in the side mirror and nods her head. Chloe nods back and gets ready. She takes a quick look at Mike and he looks like he knows what's going to happen and is already standing at the bus door, ready to move. Chloe looks at Lily again in the mirror and mouths, "Now!"
Lily pulls the pin and throws the grenade as far as she can off to the right. The grenade explodes causing the Sightless to turn as one toward the sound. Lily throws another and a screech goes up as the horde moves toward the sound. Lily doesn't have to tell Chloe to move; she is out of the truck and on her way as soon as she sees the path to the door is clear. Mike meets her at the door and pushes it open so they can both enter. They stop when another grenade explodes and watch as Lily closes the truck door as she passes and comes running through the hotel door just seconds later. Mike closes the door and throws the lock, putting a hand on his chest and letting out the breath he felt like he'd been holding since he walked out the door and onto the bus.
Chloe rushes into Beca's arms and the two stand there hugging each other, never wanting to let go. Jack, Diane, and their little group flock around Mike. Stacie, Emily, and CR grab Lily and pull her into a hug.
"You are one crazy bitch," CR said with admiration, causing both Stacie and Emily to laugh.
Aubrey looks down at Sammy and Taylor and they are looking back up at her. She sees them look over at Beca and Chloe. Aubrey smiles and pushes them toward Beca and Chloe. The young girls run over to the couple and grab onto them, causing Chloe to look down and scoop up Sammy in a hug. Beca hugs Taylor and picks her up as well.
Mike's voice booms out so everyone can hear him. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I need a drink." Everyone laughs and agrees and after one more look at the horde, they all make their way into the dining room.
*0*0*0*0*
The group sits around waiting for the planes to fly overhead and watching the horde that is hanging around outside the hotel. Aubrey gets up and stares out at the horde. She furrows her brow and then looks at Lily.
"Lily?," Aubrey calls out. "Do you think we should look for more bandages or medicines in the upper rooms? I mean, it looks like we're going to have about a hundred people to deal with if this mist works."
"Beca and I actually talked about that last night," Stacie jumped in before Lily could respond. "We think once the mist is administered and the horde is knocked out, a few of us should take the truck and find a hospital. Lily can go and tell us what we need to get."
"I'm a registered nurse," Michelle said. "I can help, too."
"I'll drive wherever we need to go," Jack volunteered.
"Let me look and see if I can find a hospital close by," Lily said and got back on the laptop. After a few minutes of searching, she tells them, "It looks like there are a few within a 20-minute drive from here. I think we'll be able to find everything we need."
"I'll go, too," Zeke said. "Jack, you and I will bring weapons." Lily glares at him and Zeke holds up his hand. "It's just as a precaution. We still don't know what this mist will do or not do to those things. We will not shoot any unless it is absolutely necessary."
"He's right, Lily," Chloe said. "I know that at some point they will become human again, but until then we have to protect those who are human."
Lily sighs and nods her head. "I understand. Just, please, don't shoot any unless it's life or death for one of us."
"I promise," Zeke said.
"Me, too," Jack said.
"Thank you," Lily said quietly.
*0*0*0*0*
Lily was sitting and thinking. She really didn't want to have to see any more of the Sightless killed. She was trying to figure out a way to stop the others from killing any. Her head jerked up when she heard Peter yelling.
"They're back and moving," Peter yelled.
The others jumped up and went to the front. The Sightless were looking up and screeching.
"The planes must be here," Zeke said.
They watched as the Sightless started running around, unsure of exactly where the noise was coming from. They suddenly all started falling to the ground. Beca rushed over and opened the door. She stepped outside and looked up. She could see three planes flying overhead and felt the mist.
"The planes are flying away," Beca said. "The mist has been dropped and it looks like the first phase is working."
The group inside the hotel watched as the last of the Sightless fell to the ground. They watched to see if there was any movement and saw none.
"How long do you think they'll be out?," Jack asked.
"The website said it could take from 6 to 8 hours for them to start waking up," Lily replied.
"Then I guess now's the time to go get the medical supplies," Mike said.
"Agreed," Zeke said. "Lily? Jack? Michelle?" He looked at each one as he said their names. "You ready?"
They all nod their heads and gathered what they were taking with them. The rest of the gang hugged them and told them to be careful. The four left the hotel, still wary of the Sightless, and got in the truck. Jack drove, maneuvering around the bodies so he didn't run over any.
The others inside watched until they were no longer in sight. "And, now, we wait," Mike said. "Anyone want to help me figure out what to make for lunch?"
*0*0*0*0*
The ride was quiet except for the occasional instructions from Lily to Jack on where to go. The four occupants were being vigilant and looking for any of the Sightless, either alive or sleeping off the mist. They pull into the first hospital's parking lot and drove around to the ER entrance.
"This is probably the best way to enter," Lily said.
Jack parked the truck and the four exited the vehicle, still cautiously looking around. They make their way to the entrance and it doesn't open. Jack and Michelle see another set of doors and go over to them. The doors are unlocked and the four enter the building.
They follow Lily who looks around for a supply room or pharmacy. She finds one room but the door is locked.
"Stand back," Zeke said. He takes his gun and shoots at the lock opening the door.
"This is the place we're looking for," Lily said as she entered the room. "Michelle and I will grab the medicines we need. You guys grab bandages, syringes, suture kits, gloves; everything you can think of."
"Here's some boxes we can use," Jack said and handed everyone several small boxes with lids.
The four set to work and had several boxes loaded. They carried these out to the truck and went back for more.
"How much of this stuff do you think we need?," Jack asked.
"Everything we can carry," Lily said. "We don't know what we're going to be dealing with until we see it."
"Did you get some anxiety stuff?," Zeke said. "I'm sure a lot of them will be freaking out not being able to see."
"Yeah," Michelle said. "We got it all."
Lily had Jack and Zeke take four defibrillators to the truck. Michelle thought they should take some oxygen but there were no portable tanks around. They took stock of what they had on the truck and deemed it enough to at least get started. Lily knew they were going to need so much more so she suggested they stop at a pharmacy like a Rite-Aid or a CVS to stock up on what they could find there. They found two along the route back home and cleaned them out of everything they thought would be useful.
The quartet had been gone for almost four hours when they finally made it back to the hotel. The Sightless were still lying unconscious around the front of the hotel.
CR and Mike were sitting in the lobby watching the Sightless for any signs of life when the truck came into view.
"They're back," CR yelled and everyone ran out front to see.
They waited until Jack backed the truck up close to the door before they went out. Stacie and Aubrey kept an eye on the Sightless while the others unloaded the truck.
"Bring everything back here," Chloe said directing them to a huge ballroom. "We figure we'd put all the Sighless in here so we can take care of them."
The hotel group had also been busy waiting for the others to return from their hospital run. As you walk in there were sheets and blankets lined up in rows in the middle of the room to be used as 'beds'. Off to the side, tables were lined up along the walls. There was also a row of tables lined up directly down the middle of the makeshift 'beds" with bottles of water and bowls and spoons.
Lily looked around the room impressed. "This looks good," Lily said.
"We thought they might need some food," Chloe told the group. "And water. That's what the tables down the middle are for. The tables on the outside are for the medicine and everything else. We can put them out based on category or need so they'll be easier for us to find. And these tables here," Chloe points to four tables set up side by side with about three feet of space between them, "are for the more serious cases. Thought it would be easier to work on them if you were standing up."
"The layout is perfect," Michelle said setting down a box. "I'm going to start unloading the meds and get them set up."
"I think we should put the less severe injuries and whatnot at the far end," Lily suggested. "The more severe should be closer to this end where our 'operating' tables are. It will be easier to move them."
"Sounds good," Chloe said. "I'm going to go check on Sammy and Taylor. Beca is supposed to be entertaining them."
*0*0*0*0*
Lily and Michelle put the final touches on the 'hospital' room. They have given everyone a crash course of where everything was so they could all help when the time came.
Diane, Stacie, and Aubrey made dinner and the gang all regrouped in the dining room. They were all tired and several wished they hadn't been so excited to get up early this morning as they knew they were going to be in for a long night.
"Emily and I have a couple of large pots of soup ready to go," Chloe said. "We can put them on a cart and wheel them into the ballroom if anyone is hungry since we have everything already set up in there."
"I have a feeling they might be," Lily said. "I don't know how they've survived but something's kept them alive."
"Do you think they'll remember everything they did while under the influence of the infection?," Peter asked.
No one answered as they all contemplated on how the cured would act once they woke up. As a collective, the non-infected never gave a thought to the infected being anything but monsters. Monsters that they had to kill in order to survive. Monsters whose primary enemy was noise and instinctually attacked whatever, or whoever, was making the noise. To them, the non-infected were the monsters.
Everyone gave a startled jolt when Sammy came running into the dining room yelling for Chloe. Chloe was up and had grabbed Sammy up in a flash.
"What's wrong, sweetie?," Chloe asked as she hugged the young girl to her.
"That's what's wrong," Beca said pointing to the outside. "Looks like they're waking up."
"It's showtime guys," Lily said and headed for the doors. Everyone else followed behind.
Chloe stayed behind with Sammy and Taylor to make sure Sammy was okay.
Zeke grabbed Lily's arm. "Wait," he said. "Let's take this slow. We don't want to scare them. We don't know how they'll react."
Lily nodded and they headed outside cautiously. As soon as they opened the doors they could hear moaning and several people calling out for help. They still had the gray ashen pallor of someone who was sick and all looked confused. Zeke got close to the group and the others stood behind him.
"Hello!," he yelled out getting their attention. Heads turned toward the sound of his voice and fear replaced confusion. "My name is Zeke and we are here to help you. We will help you all but please just stay where you are and we will come to you. Do you understand?"
There were murmurs that everyone took for acquiescence.
A woman's voice close by said, "I understand. But, I, I can't see." and then they heard crying. Others around her also said they couldn't see and more crying could be heard. Diane rushed over to the first woman and spoke gently to her.
"What's your name, sweetie?," Diane asked.
"Martha," the woman replied.
'Hi, Martha," Diane said. "I'm Diane. I'm going to help you up and get you inside. Will that be okay?"
The woman nodded and Diane gently took her arms and helped her stand. Beca and Peter ran to the doors and opened them, locking them in place so they remained open. They stepped aside as Diane slowly led Martha into the hotel. Chloe watched as she held Sammy.
"See Sammy," Chloe said quietly. "They're not scary. They just don't feel good."
Sammy watched as Diane led Martha down the hall. She then saw Peter leading a man down the hall.
"Can we help?," Sammy asked.
"Sure," Chloe said. "You can stay with me and we'll go help someone. I bet it will make them feel really good."
"Okay," Sammy said and struggled to get out of Chloe's arms.
Chloe smiled and let Sammy down. She took both girls by the hand and headed outside. They walked over to a woman who was sitting up, hugging herself.
"Hi," Chloe said softly causing the woman to jump slightly. "I'm Chloe and I have Sammy and Taylor with me. We're going to help you inside. Is that okay?"
"Yes, thank you," the woman replied. "I'm Nancy."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Nancy," Taylor said. "I'm Taylor."
"And I'm Sammy," Sammy said. "Are you hungry?"
The woman gave them a small smile. "It's nice to meet you all. And, yes, I do feel a little hungry."
"Well, then, let's get you inside," Chloe said. "I'm going to take your arm and help you up."
Chloe gently took Nancy's arm and helped her up. Sammy took the woman's hand and said, "Come on. We'll be gentle."
Nancy let out a small laugh and Chloe gave her arm a squeeze. The trio led Nancy into the hotel and down the hall to the ballroom. They got Nancy settled and gave her a bottle of water.
"We'll get you some soup in just a little bit," Chloe told her. "We still have a lot of people to help get inside. Okay?"
"Okay," Nancy said. Chloe started to leave and Nancy reached out to grab her arm. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Chloe said and patted the woman's hand. "We'll come check on you later."
This went on for a couple of hours until Zeke led a man in and announced he was the last one. Lily and Michelle had been busy but found, for the most part, that there were few major injuries. A couple of people needed stitches but the rest just had minor scrapes and bruises. Lily was surprised to find that most wounds, such as bite marks, were healed and didn't show any signs of complications.
Sammy and Taylor helped distribute water to whoever needed or asked for it. Chloe, Stacie, and Aubrey brought in the soup and helped get everyone fed. Lily had the girls ladle out a small amount so they wouldn't get sick, telling them that they should eat small servings over the course of a few hours. A few did get sick but the others managed to keep the soup down.
It was a long night and the cured seemed to take to the women better than the men so the guys decided to take turns on watch duty that night. Lily was dead on her feet and Beca told her she should get some rest. If they needed her they'd come get her.
Sammy and Taylor were sleeping on the floor on a bed Chloe had made up for them. No one wanted to go to their rooms so they slept in the ballroom with the cured so they could give whatever aid was needed.
Emily was sitting with her back against the wall and Chloe sat down next to her.
"How are you doing?," Chloe asked the younger girl.
"Tired," Emily said. "And overwhelmed. And really, really good. I couldn't do much with my shoulder but I was able to help a few eat."
"Why don't you try and get some rest," Chloe said smiling at the girl. "I think there's some room with Sammy and Taylor."
"I think I'll just stay here for now," Emily said. "Those girls are like little octopuses and kick in their sleep."
Chloe laughed and got up. "Okay. Sleep well. I'm going to take my chances with the two little octopuses and get some sleep."
"Good night, Chloe," Emily said as Chloe walked away.
"Night, Em," Chloe threw back over her shoulder. She walked over to where Beca and the others were huddled together. She put her arms around Beca from the back and rested her chin on her shoulder. "Hey."
"Hey," Beca said back. "We were just talking and CR, Stacie, and Aubrey are going to stay awake in case anyone needs anything. The rest of us are going to try and get some rest."
"Yeah," Aubrey said. "We think tomorrow we're going to try and get them into showers and some different clothes. Or the hospital gowns Lily and them brought back with them. We think they'll feel better once they get cleaned up."
"Sounds good," Chloe said and yawned. "Sorry."
"Most everyone is asleep so it should stay quiet for a bit," Michelle said. "If anyone is in pain or hurting just come get me or Lily."
"You got it," CR said.
"Wake us if you need a break or help with something," Chloe said. "I'm going to turn in."
"Me, too," Beca said. Chloe took Beca's hand and they bid everyone a good night. They walked over to where Sammy and Taylor were sleeping. Chloe let out a small laugh.
"Emily was right," Chloe said. "They do look like little octopuses. Octopi? My brain's too tired to figure it out."
Beca took Chloe's arm and pulled her down to the floor where they snuggled up to Sammy and Taylor. They were asleep in seconds.
*0*0*0*0*
The next morning CR heard moaning and was trying to figure out where it was coming from. She was walking around the room when she realized it was coming from Emily. She went over to her and gently shook her awake.
"Em," CR said quietly. "Em, wake up."
Emily's eyes slowly opened and tried to focus. When CR became more than just a blurry blob she smiled.
"Hey, CR," Emily said and yawned. She grimaced as she went to stretch and grabbed her shoulder.
"You were moaning in your sleep," CR said, her concern evident in both her face and voice. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Emily said with a moan. "Just my shoulder really hurts."
"You feel really warm, too," CR said as she put her hand on Emily's forehead and face. "I'm going to get Lily."
CR rushes over and wakes Lily. "Emily's in pain and I think she has a fever. She's trying to play it off but I think there might be something wrong."
Lily jumps up and she and CR rush over to Emily.
"Hey, Emily," Lily said. "Can I take a look at your shoulder?"
Emily nods her head and Lily unbuttons her shirt. CR helps Lily remove Emily's shirt completely. Lily then carefully removes the adhesive covering the bandage and pulls it up to look at it. The would is bright red and warm when Lily touches it.
"I think it might be infected," Lily tells Emily. "Let's get you on the table over there and I can check it better. Okay?"
Emily just nods again. "I'll carry her," CR said and quickly picks Emily up to carry her to the table. Everyone is waking up now and sees CR carrying Emily. Chloe and Beca both jump up and follow them. Stacie and Aubrey rush over when they notice something happening.
"Is she okay?," Stacie asked as they join the others around the table.
"I think her wound is infected," Lily said. "I just need to check it thoroughly."
Everyone stands around, looks of concern and worry on every one of their faces. Lily completely removes the bandage and tosses it aside. She uses the penlight and shines it directly on the wound, using her fingers to feel around the outer edges. She frowns and looks at Emily who is staring right at her.
"It does look like it's infected," Lily told the young girl. "I'm going to get Michelle to take a look at it. She's better equipped to know what exactly to do for you."
"You stay," Aubrey said. "I'll get Michelle" Aubrey ran to wake the sleeping nurse.
"Emily, we're going to take off your bra," Lily said. "Stacie, could you get a sheet or something to cover her stomach and chest?"
Stacie rushes over to grab a sheet as Chloe and Lily remove Emily's bra. Stacie covers Emily just as Aubrey and Michelle make it to the table. Michelle takes Lily's place at Emily's side.
"How you doing, Emily?," Michelle asked as she takes a look at Emily's shoulder. "Can you tell me how you're feeling?"
"My shoulder hurts," Emily responds. "And I feel kind of warm."
"Okay," Michelle said. "Now, I'm going to have to touch your wound. Is that okay?"
Emily nods her head and watches as Michelle puts on a pair of latex gloves.
"Look at me, sweetie," Chloe said and Emily turns her head toward the redhead. Chloe took Emily's hand in hers. "Squeeze if it hurts. I can take it." She gives Emily a wink.
Lily hands Michelle the penlight and Michelle shines it on the wound. She then uses two fingers to gently press against the wound. Emily lets out a painful moan and squeezes Chloe's hand.
"It's okay, Em," Chloe said. "You're doing great."
Michelle pulls back and looks around at everyone. She looks back down at Emily. "Emily?" The young girl turns her head toward her. "I'm afraid it is infected. I also think we're going to have to take out the stitches so we can clean out the wound really well. We have better meds now so it shouldn't be too bad. We'll also want to make sure you take some antibiotics. Okay?"
Emily nods. "Okay."
Michelle and Lily go over to the various tables and gather what they need. The come back to the table and Michelle tells Emily she's going to use a numbing spray which acts as a local anesthetic. "I'm not going to lie, you'll feel some pain when we clean out the wound, but this will help so it shouldn't be too bad. Are you okay with that?"
"Yeah," Emily said. "Do what you got to do."
"Okay," Michelle said and sprayed the wound. She looks around at the other girls. "I may need your help in keeping her still when I'm cleaning out the wound."
The girls all nod. "Whatever you need," Aubrey said.
Zeke, Peter, Jack, and Mike come into the room. Zeke sees the girls all around the table and goes to see what's going on. At the same time, several of the cured were waking up confused and agitated.
"Peter and Jack," Michelle called out. "Could you come over here?" The two men walk over and ask her what they can do. "I need you two and Zeke to help hold down Emily while I clean out her wound. You girls should go help our other patients."
The girls are concerned but agree and move to check on the others. Emily pulls on Chloe's hand.
"Please stay," Emily begs her. Chloe nods her head and grips Emily's hand tighter. Beca gives Chloe's arm a squeeze and follows the others.
"Can you feel that?," Michelle asked as she pressed lightly on the wound.
Emily shakes her head. Michelle starts working to remove the stitches and use a scalpel to reopen the wound. She grabs a pair of tweezers and uses them to separate the skin so she can see inside the wound, using the penlight to help see better.
"It doesn't look too bad," Michelle said. She reaches for the various items she needs and gets to work. The guys hold Emily down when she starts to squirm a bit. Chloe hasn't let go of Emily's hand. After a few minutes, Michelle tells the guys they can let go. Emily is breathing in and out quite heavily but seems to be doing much better already.
"I'm going to stitch you back up now," Michelle tells Emily. "And then we'll get you those antibiotics."
Emily smiles and whispers a thank you. The guys wish Emily well and go to help with the other patients. As soon as they see the guys walk away from the table, CR, Aubrey, and Stacie take their places, wanting to check on Emily.
"I'm sorry, Emily," Lily said. "I should have done a better job."
"No, Lily," Emily said looking at her. "You didn't have all the necessary materials and you did a great job. You saved my life and I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
Lily still looks upset at not doing a better job on Emily. Michelle sees this and as she's putting in the new stitches, said, "She's right you know. This could have been much worse but you're handiwork to get the bullet out and get her stable with whatever was available, was on target. You should be proud."
Chloe reaches across Emily and gives Lily's arm a reassuring squeeze. Zeke comes back.
"I'm glad you girls are all here," Zeke said. "I sent a message to my buddy through the DOD website last night. I let him know that we had about a hundred of the cured here at the hotel. He sent a message back this morning saying that they would be sending trucks to help transport them to the base where they can get more specialized care."
"That's great news," Stacie said. "Did he say when they would be here?"
"Probably not for a day or two," Zeke said. "I sent a message back saying we could manage until then." He looks around at the girls. "We can manage until then, right?"
"It won't be a problem," Chloe says for all of them. "Although some of us should get into the kitchen and get some breakfast started."
"I'll help," Aubrey offers.
"No, Brey," Chloe immediately said. "You, Stacie, and CR should go to bed and get some rest. We can handle things."
"If you're sure," Aubrey said.
"I'll get Beca and Diane to help," Chloe said. "Zeke and the other guys can help Lily and Michelle with whatever they need until we get back."
"Sounds like a plan to me," CR said as she yawned and stretched. "Wake me in time for dinner."
The others laughed at her and said they would. Stacie, Aubrey, and CR left to go to their rooms. Chloe looked down at Emily.
"You okay?," she asked.
"I'm good," Emily said and smiled. "My shoulder is already feeling better."
"We'll bring you something to eat in a little bit," Chloe tells her.
Chloe gathers the others and heads for the kitchen. They decide to make oatmeal since it's something they can make a big batch of and feed everyone at the same time.
"So, Diane," Chloe said. "What's next for you and Jack?"
"We were talking about heading back to Atlanta," Diane said. "That's where we were living when the outbreak occurred. Michelle and Peter are from there as well. We're all going to travel back together."
"What about Mike?," Beca asked.
"He's heading down to Florida," Diane tells them. "He's originally from there and he wants to see if he can find any of his family. What about you girls? What are you going to do?"
"Well, we're heading back to Barden," Chloe said. "Which is only about an hour from Atlanta. We really need to figure out a way to keep in touch. We're all family now."
"I'm sure if there's a way to keep in touch," Beca said with a smile. "You'll be the one to figure it out."
"I love you, too," Chloe said and blew her a kiss across the table.
"You two are so cute together," Diane said.
Beca opened her mouth to say something and Chloe shut her down. "Don't say it," Chloe warned.
"What?," Beca said feigning innocence as she walked over to Chloe. "I was just going to agree with her." She looked innocently at Chloe and gave a quick kiss. Chloe couldn't help but smile.
*0*0*0*0*
The next 48 hours were exhausting for the original survivors. But they wouldn't have had it any other way. They managed to get most of the cured showered and into something clean to wear, for most it was a hospital gown. For some, it was something found during the search of the rest of the rooms that was finally done. They even helped them gain some confidence in moving around the hotel somewhat.
Sammy loved to help Nancy, the first woman she helped Chloe bring into the hotel. She would take Nancy's hand and walk her to the bathroom and back. Taylor followed Lily and Michelle around everywhere they went. She decided she wanted to become a nurse and was trying to learn as much as she could from the two women.
On the second night, everyone had been fed and most were sleeping. The caretakers were sitting around chatting quietly to each other. Beca again asked everyone about their plans. Lily and CR were still going to help take care of the cured. Zeke told them they should go with the military guys when they came to transport the cured. He was planning on asking to be assigned to help them.
"We do know them fairly well already," CR said. "It's also a good place to start."
"I agree," Lily said. "Thanks, Zeke. It will be a pleasure to continue working with you."
Zeke smiled at the quiet Korean and she smiled back at him. This did not go unnoticed by Chloe.
"Well, Stacie told me about your invitation to go back to Barden with you," Aubrey said. "And I couldn't think of any place else I'd rather be."
Chloe squealed and ran over to hug Aubrey, pulling Stacie in as well. Jack and Diane spoke of going back to Atlanta, and Peter and Michelle said they were doing the same.
"This guy finally decided that I was his girlfriend," Michelle said with a loving look at the man. "So, of course, I have to see where it goes."
"Congratulations, you two," Chloe gushes. She looks over and sees Emily sadly looking down at the floor. "Em? What's wrong?"
"I, um, just don't know what I'm going to do," Emily said.
"Dude!," Beca exclaimed. She runs over to the younger brunette and gently pulls her into a hug. "I am so sorry. I totally forgot to talk to you. We want you to come to Barden with us. We're all going to move into my dad's house. There's plenty of room for you, me, Chloe, Aubrey, Stacie, and, of course, Sammy and Taylor."
"You have to come, Emily," Sammy said and looked at her with her big brown eyes.
"Yeah," Taylor said. "We like playing with you."
"Oh, my stars," Emily said with a tear in her eye. "How can I say no to that? I'm so in." She pulled both girls in for a hug.
"Ladies," Zeke said causing the Bellas to look at him. "I was wondering since we have three vehicles that maybe we should-"
"Let me stop you right there," Beca said. "The truck belongs to Chloe. She picked it out, she drove it off the lot, she was driving it when we were attacked. It's hers. You guys can decide whatever you want regarding the cargo van and bus. But the truck is off limits."
"And that's why I love her so much," Chloe said with a huge smile on her face.
"Whipped," Stacie coughed, causing the others to laugh. Beca just blushed and glared at her.
"Lily, CR, and I will be hitching a ride with the military," Zeke said.
"Jack, I think you guys should take the bus," Mike said. "There's only one of me and I just need something to get me down to Florida. The bus would be more comfortable for you four to travel in."
"Thanks, Mike," Jack said. "Sounds like we got it all figured out."
*0*0*0*0*
Everyone was exhausted. Mike, Diane, Aubrey, Stacie, and CR, were sitting in the dining room having coffee. They were taking a breather before they started making dinner. They were all startled when they heard someone banging on the front door. They all stood and looked across the lobby to see several men in uniform, as well as several trucks and hospital buses pulling up out front.
"Go tell the others," Mike said as he rushed to the open the doors. CR hurried back to let Zeke and everyone know what was happening.
Everyone save Lily and Michelle ran out to the front. They stood and watched as Mike spoke with a Colonel. Zeke made his way over to the two men. He stopped and stood at attention and saluted the Colonel. The Colonel returned the salute and said, "At ease, Sergeant."
"Sir," Zeke said. "I would like to be assigned to accompany these survivors to the base. And also be assigned to assist with their care once we arrive."
"Sergeant," Colonel Samuels said. "We thought you were dead. Where's Walp?"
"Um, he didn't make it, sir," Zeke said.
"I'm sorry," the Colonel said. "I will want a full report once we're back on base. Now give me an assessment of what we have here."
"Yes, sir," Zeke said. "We have approximately 100 of the infection survivors in the ballroom down that hallway. We have taken care of their injuries to their best of our abilities and have fed them. There are a dozen or so who will not be able to walk out on their own. The rest are mobile."
"Alright, Sergeant," the Colonel said. "Let's get started loading these folks so we can transport them."
The Colonel goes back outside and is barking orders at the soldiers. There is suddenly a flurry of activity as stretchers are grabbed and trucks are opened and ready.
"What's going on, Lily?," Nancy asked.
"The military is here to transport you all to Fort Benning," Lily tells her. "They have facilities set up that will help you much more than we can."
"So, we're all leaving?," another asked.
"Yeah," Lily said. "Zeke, CR, and I are going with you. We're going to continue to be with you and also help others like you."
Lily and Michelle both look up when they hear a bunch of noise at the door. The patients are scared but Michelle calms them down. "It's okay. It's the military folks we were just telling you about."
Colonel Samuels walks over to Lily and Michelle. "Could you direct us to those who are not able to walk on their own? We have stretchers to take them out on. We would like to move them first so their transport can be on its way."
Lily nods and shows them to those who were not mobile. Chloe came in with Sammy and Taylor and looked for Nancy. They smiled when they saw her and went over to her.
"Hey, Nancy," Sammy said. She gently hugged the woman and Nancy hugged her back.
"Hi, Sammy," Nancy said. "I'm glad you're here. I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye and thank you."
"I'll miss you, Nancy," Taylor said and also hugged Nancy.
"I'll miss you, too," Nancy said.
The hotel survivors assisted the soldiers in helping the cured into transport vehicles. Colonel Samuels had okayed Lily and CR going with them. The Bellas were huddled in a group saying their goodbyes. Many hugs were given and many tears were shed. Chloe pulled Zeke in and gave him a hug and the other Bellas joined in.
"You take care of yourself, Zeke," Chloe told him teary-eyed. "And if you make it to Barden, you'd better look us up."
"I will," Zeke said.
The last of the cured were loaded and Colonel Samuels thanked the Bellas and the others for their assistance in the aid and comfort of the cured. The last transport vehicle pulled out and the group moved as one into the dining room, silently sending up prayers for everyone who just drove away.
"I guess we'll leave for Barden in the morning," Beca said breaking the silence.
"Yeah, we'll probably head out at the same time," Diane said. "We'll be practically following you most of the way."
"Mike, you going to okay driving alone?," Aubrey asked.
"Yeah," Mike said. "I used to be a long-haul trucker before all this started. Being alone and driving is what I did."
"I know it seems like all we've done is eat or talked about eating," Stacie said. "But, I'm kind of hungry. What do you say we have a nice steak dinner for our last night together. I know there were some in the freezer."
"Sounds good to me," Peter said. "I haven't had a good steak in ages."
Everyone headed into the kitchen to help with their final dinner. Beca grabbed Chloe's hand and pulled her back.
"Something wrong, Becs?," Chloe asked.
Beca smiled and kissed her. "No, nothing's wrong. Everything is finally right. I love you, Chloe, and this may seem cliche but the last 10 months has made me realize that time is not necessarily on our side. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Chloe. When we get back to Barden, and as soon as we are able to, I want to marry you. Will you marry me?"
"I love you, too, Beca," Chloe said with tears in her eyes. "I would love to marry you."
Chloe leaned in and kissed Beca. They pulled back with smiles on their faces. Without another word, they joined hands and walked into the kitchen, where the laughter and conversation was in full swing.
Tonight they were going to share one more dinner with their new family. Tomorrow they would go home. Tomorrow would be the beginning of a new phase in their lives. Tomorrow would be the first day of the rest of their lives.
There it is guys. The end of my zombie AU. I wanted to do a different zombie fic than most I've read. I didn't want it to be all blood and guts. I wanted something a little more suspenseful and focused more on the human aspect of the survivors as well as the infected/zombies. I think I accomplished what I set out to do and I hope you enjoyed it.
There will be one more chapter - an Epilogue; five years later. Until then, happy reading.