The Life and Times of Runner Five

by Stelladea

The outbreak is no longer a surprise. Thousands have turned to the creatures hovering between life and death, and now, the humans face the ultimate challenge: survival. The runners collect supplies and are vital to keeping the human race safe... but how long can they last? Follow Runner Five's adventures to make sure that no one gets killed... or turned.

30. Alternates, Mission Log 11:3

Five stood, immediately about to rush over to Dr. Myers, when someone knocked at the door. The runner froze—she was supposed to be out on a meds run, and no visitor could see Dr. Myers like this as the tears continued to flow down her cheeks.

"Knock knock," came a voice from the other side, and Five immediately sighed in relief. "I, uh—sorry—it's not the start of a joke. Actually, you're probably pleased it isn't the start of one of my jokes. Just—there are people waiting—" Sam strode in, and his face dropped like a stone. "Oh—!"

"I—I'm fine," Dr. Myers stammered, wiping her eyes furiously. "I—I'm fine—just—give me a minute, I'll be fine—"

There was another knock at the door; the cheerful complaining of Jack and Eugene filtered through the door, and Sam turned around, opening the door a fraction of an inch.

"No," he said to the DJs. "No, you—you can't come in yet, there's been a—ugh—yeah, I better start up the equipment again. Sorry." Jack and Eugene started protesting good-naturedly, poking fun at Sam's technical abilities. The comms operator laughed nervously and took it all in. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, sorry. Sorry. I'll sort it out. You'll have to come back in a little while though, 'kay?"

Finally, the two left, and Sam shut the door with a deep breath, locking it tightly and looking utterly at a loss for what to do with the crying doctor. She looked up, started to stand, and opened her mouth to speak, but Sam cut her off abruptly, shaking his head.

"N—no no, it's—it's okay," he insisted, turning back around to the door. "I can leave. It's okay; there's no reason to—"

"No, no, Sam," Dr. Myers replied thickly. "I—you're fine. I just need a few minutes."

Sam looked back toward the door. "They'll be back in a little while," he insisted. "You can take your time. Um… do you want me to leave you alone?"

"No." The doctor took a shuddering breath and gestured to the other rolling chair. "Stay. I'm going to play it again."

"Um… yeah." Sam hesitated before sitting down at the chair, glancing over at Five. "Okay." He nodded, and Dr. Myers scanned through the CD, starting the recording once more. Paula's low voice sounded through the comms room, and a chill ran down Five's back. She swallowed hard, mentally preparing herself for the onslaught of emotions.

"Hello, sweetheart…"