Hey guys! Looks like I'm right on time! Two stories in a month! Anyways, let's get right into the story.
Updated: 08/02/23
A couple bullets fell to the ground, causing the young woman to grumble. She tied her fair-haired ponytail into a bun as she looked around the destroyed city. After fixing her hair, the woman bent down and picked up the four bullets that fell to the ground. She opened up the cylinder for her revolver and placed the bullets in their respective chambers. She closed the cylinder and looked around the Dust Zone. She looked at a pole and saw a skeleton hanging from it, with a large X marked across its skull. She walked closer to it, inspecting the other bones. She then looked down at the debris in the river and noticed something strange.
"What is it with the X's?"
An X was marked across another human skull, which made the woman feel uneasy. A low humming noise that resembled thunder in the distance joined the sound of water dripping from a destroyed building near the Hudson River. The woman took out a map from her safari vest. She looked at it and wondered how she was going to cross the Hudson River.
The woman continued to observe her surroundings. She frowned.
"Can't believe this is where David used to live at. Must be hard seeing this."
The woman then placed a foot on the debris before realizing how stable it was. She then started to cross the debris that covered the Hudson River south of the Hudson River Park.
Chapter 10: The Race
I - Interrogation Room
PRESENT DAY
-Day 52-
Hearing grunts and panting accompanied with the sound of punching and grabbing above her, Vonda walked up to the second floor. She sought to go to the attic, though David was standing below the stairwell to the attic.
"Let me through," said Vonda.
"Sorry, kid, you can't go up there," said David.
"I hear your friends beating my mother up there. Don't I at least deserve to see her again?"
"Don't you think you've been around her long enough?"
"I have questions I want to ask too."
"You can ask them later."
"Come on. I think I can get the answers you want out of her if you stop torturing her!"
"Jesus, what did she do to you?"
Vonda growled and stormed away.
David shook his head.
The lantern glimmered softly while hanging from a pipe in the ceiling above a certain prisoner.
Out the window was a moon shining on the silent house and the land around it.
Sweat and blood dripped to the wooden plank floor. Muffled panting and heavy breathing came from the prisoner. The chair barely budged from its spot and the ropes did not loosen. The noise of punching and beating filled the attic again.
Richard's red knuckles were becoming bruised as he pulled his hands away from Sherry's face.
George signaled Richard to halt the harsh interrogation that Sherry was going through. He pulled the towel away from Sherry's mouth, allowing her to spit out blood. Her lips were cut and throbbing while blood ran down her chin. Her left cheek was purple and her nose was slightly cut.
"Your wife... never mentioned how abusive you are," panted Sherry, putting up a small grin. "How... could she marry someone like you?"
Richard punched her again, causing Sherry to groan loudly.
"Hey, I said to stop," said George.
"Yeah I know... she just wouldn't shut up," said Richard.
"What makes you think... I'll shut up now?" smiled Sherry.
Richard rolled his eyes as he walked away.
George grabbed Sherry's head and lifted it, allowing her eyes to meet his.
"Stop making it harder than it needs to be," said George.
"I can always make it harder. Just ask... my exes."
George sighed and let Sherry's head droop.
"Where are the kids?" asked George.
"Yeah. I bet you wanna know, huh?"
"That's right."
"Well..."
Sherry went silent. The creaking of the wooden floor was the only noise that was heard besides the woman's heavy breaths.
George sighed and looked at Richard.
"We gotta try something else."
"I could go on all night," said Richard. "Let's try it again."
"No, she won't crack. Not that way at least."
Richard cocked his revolver. Sherry took a deep breath and looked straight at the gun barrel.
"H-Hey..."
"We don't need her," said Richard. "Her daughter knows where their boat went. They headed north. I wouldn't even be surprised if they went back to Albany."
"Maybe. But there's no telling where they really are. Don't make the same mistake you did with Boomer."
"Heh, so it was you guys..." muttered Sherry.
"Are you ready to talk now?"
"Not really."
"Tell me this. Are these kids alive at least?"
"What do you think?"
"I swear to God, if you killed them-"
Sherry looked at George and smiled, appearing to stifle her laughter.
Richard wiped his knuckles on his clothes.
George was confused and irritated by Sherry's expressions.
"What's so funny?" asked George.
"Your stupidity," replied Sherry. "Why would I kill the kids? I need them alive."
"Yeah? Why's that?" asked Richard.
"Did you even try to hold a real conversation with my daughter? Try doing it this time. Maybe you'll find out what I want. Nothing that you guys do will make me talk. Go ahead. Talk to my daughter. Try to actually care about her."
"Funny coming from you," said George.
"Well, I do care about her, actually. And when you talk to her and don't believe her, then talk to this man's poor wife. She'll say the same thing."
"You're not getting a second chance that easily, especially if you're going to keep this up."
A knock was heard from the attic window. George and Richard quickly turned around, seeing Vonda crouched in front of the window.
"Oh, for fuck's sake," muttered Richard.
George sighed and walked up to the window. He opened it and allowed Vonda in.
"Jesus, guys! What are you assholes doing to her?" asked Vonda.
"How the hell did you even climb up here?" asked Richard.
"Don't dodge my question!"
"Alright, just calm down," said George. "We're trying to get some answers out of her. She's refusing to cooperate, so we took some... other measures."
"Not true, my little fish," said Sherry. "They immediately started beating me without guaranteeing my safety."
"Are you serious?" asked Vonda.
"She's- she's lying," scoffed George. "We asked her multiple times."
"Without guaranteeing my safety," said Sherry. "Why should I give up the location... if I don't get your word that I'll be safe?"
George glared at Sherry.
"What's the matter? You can't tell me that you won't kill me after I give up the location?"
George continued to glare at Sherry before Vonda smacked her arm.
"Come on, what's wrong with you?" asked Vonda. "Does your vendetta really matter more than the lives of this group?"
George looked at Vonda with conflicted emotions. He felt upset that Vonda was defending her mother, despite everything he told her about Sherry.
"You know... if I don't get released by tomorrow afternoon... my people... are going to kill your people," said Sherry.
"Why didn't you just leave when you had the chance?" asked George. "You could've just dropped our people off at the shipyard."
"I need you to tell my daughter that you won't kill me. You've been truthful with her this entire time, huh? Then go ahead. Tell her... you won't kill me."
George grumbled and let out a deep sigh.
"So, what, we're just supposed to let you go?" asked George.
"Yeah. While you guys head over to get your people, I'll get on a boat. You guys head over there while I head off somewhere where you won't find me."
"Where's that at?"
Sherry kept her mouth closed.
George turned over to Vonda.
"Do you know where she's going?"
Vonda looked at George, getting ready to tell him before seeing Sherry shake her head subtly. She kept her lips closed and shook her head.
"How do we know you won't order your people to kill our people once we let you go?"
"You don't," said Sherry. "It's a risk you're going to have to take. Same way I don't know you guys won't follow me and just kill me after I tell my people to stand down. So I guess... we'll just have to trust each other."
George chuckled before turning around and groaning.
"What are you getting out of this?" he asked.
"My daughter's trust," said Sherry. "I'm willing to sacrifice my goals for my daughter's sake. Something... you couldn't do, asshole."
George growled as he turned around and swung his fist at her, causing Vonda to scream and hold him back.
"Stop!" exclaimed Vonda.
"Back off!" huffed George.
"No, you back off!"
George was about to shove Vonda away before looking at her eyes. She was angry, but she was also frightened. He took a deep breath and walked away.
"I'm going to get some air," said George.
"Christ," said Richard.
"Time's ticking!" said Sherry. "Tomorrow afternoon!"
"Can you please shut up?" asked Vonda. "Why'd you have to bring up his family?"
"Asshole's just gonna keep asking me questions. So I lost my patience."
Vonda shook her head as she walked away.
George stepped down to the second floor.
"Did you find out where they are?" asked David.
"No," said George.
"Could head up there. See what I can do."
"No, it's fine. She's willing to tell us."
"Yeah?"
"All I have to do is promise not to kill her."
"That's all?"
"That's all."
Vonda walked down the steps and crossed her arms.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Vonda.
"She... she brought up my daughter."
"Not that! Just tell her you won't kill her! That's it!"
"If it was only that simple."
"It is that simple!"
"You really don't understand your mother. You've known her for a few days now. I've known her for years. I know what she's like. She doesn't just give things up easily. There's gotta be a reason she's doing all this."
"She thought my dad was alive. And now she knows he isn't. I'm all she has."
"Have you forgotten what she has done?"
"I haven't. I'm not asking for you to get her to join our group or be friends with her. Just... release her and don't chase after her."
"Where's the justice in that?"
"Justice? We're trying to save the lives of our group members! Who cares if it's unfair?"
"Gotta agree with the kid on this one," said David. "It's the hand we've been dealt. Unless you want to try the other option. The one Lincoln suggested."
"No, no," said George. "Just... just give me some time to think it over."
George walked away as Vonda turned towards David.
"What did Lincoln suggest?" she asked.
"It doesn't matter anymore," said David. "Just go with the others."
Vonda glared at David. It seemed everyone was against her now. She stormed downstairs.
The candles continued flicker, though the wax was dripping down to a small plate.
"I can't believe she would actually have a change of heart like that..." said Clyde.
"I can't believe she has a heart," said Tabby.
"Isn't Vonda's dad supposed to be this scrawny nerdy guy?" asked Rusty. "What does she see in him?"
"Never mind that," said Wavehead. "How dare she beat up D and then suggest us to let her go?"
"It's complicated," said Missy.
"But everyone's alright, right?" asked Lori.
"As far as I know, yes."
Lori sighed.
"You know..." said Zach, "...something's bothering me. Based on what you said, Tim had a whole plan to get himself and Vonda to safety with Sherry, right?"
"Yeah."
"And he was able to communicate this all to Sherry before the GIE even started?"
"That's right."
Zach turned towards Lori.
"Then, the other day..." said Zach, "...George said Sherry was experimenting on that girl, uh..."
"Cassandra," said Lori.
"Yeah! Her! But this was days before the GIE, right?"
"Uh huh."
"So she had a roamer days before the GIE. Way before anyone even knew about them."
"I see where this is going," said Lisa. "You wish to inquire how she got the roamer, correct?"
"Yes, exactly."
"I suppose it's not a coincidence that Sherry had a connection to the Coast Guard. Perhaps after being dishonorably discharged, her connections remained. Perhaps a corrupt officer. A... rogue officer."
Vonda walked downstairs and entered the dining room.
"Vonda, if you don't mind, I have a question for you."
"Oh," said Vonda.
"Has your mother told you anything related to the rogues or K.H.A.N. that she didn't tell the others?"
"K.H.A.N.?"
"Yes. You're aware, right? The organization responsible for deploying the infection of the dead."
"Oh, right... she did seem to know that General Black is in Houlton. But I didn't say anything to her."
"Neither did I," said Missy. "You think she tortured D to get that information?"
"Becky would've said something, no?"
"Maybe... she couldn't."
"Anything else?" asked Lisa.
Vonda took a deep breath. She pondered whether to tell the group about Nova Terra. However, she kept quiet and shook her head.
"Perhaps we should question her for further information," said Lisa. "Perhaps... she could figure out how to decrypt some of the tapes we have."
"That's a good idea," said Missy. "I should tell David."
Missy walked upstairs as Lori groaned.
"So she knows we're going to Houlton," said Lori. "Great."
Vonda looked at Lincoln.
"Hey. David mentioned you had a plan," said Vonda. "But George was reluctant to do it for some reason."
"Oh, right," said Lincoln. "Well, you don't really have to..."
"Tell me."
"Vonda, it's really not necessary to-" said Lori.
"If we can get the location of our people without releasing Sherry, then why is George so against it?"
"Just tell her," said Tabby. "I think everyone's had enough of each other's secrets."
Lincoln nodded. He cleared his throat.
"It was the same plan we had for our rescue mission back in Hudson," said Lincoln. "If we were to find Sherry with our people, she could just threaten to kill them. So we had the idea to threaten your life as well."
"So what George did with me back in Albany? She won't buy it. She knows you guys care too much about you."
"You see... it's similar to what he did, just that... we would actually hurt you this time."
"What, George can't handle giving me a punch or two? I know it wouldn't be personal."
"Not a punch. A gunshot. To force a timer on your mother. Either give our people up... or risk losing you."
Vonda took a deep breath. She nodded and walked out of the dining room.
"Is she mad?" asked Zach.
Luan walked out of the dining room too, though in the opposite direction. Lori followed her.
George fiddled with the toy action figure of a police officer as he sat in the front steps. He then heard the door open and cleared his throat.
"Mind if I sit next to you?" asked Vonda.
"Go on," said George.
Vonda sat on the step next to him.
"What's that?" asked Vonda.
"It's... supposed to be me. A gift. From my daughter. It's funny... how almost nothing in this matches up. Not even the damn badge, heh."
"It's got your hair."
"Heh, yeah."
Vonda smiled before frowning.
"I'm sorry," said Vonda. "I know how hard this is."
"It's fine."
"No, it isn't. I'm being really selfish here. In my eyes, this was one of the easiest decisions to make. After all, I get to see my group members... and my mother gets to live. And all you had to do was give her your word. But I can't imagine how it feels for you. You have to release the person who was responsible for what happened to your family. I can't imagine what I'd do if I were asked to give General Black up."
Vonda took a second before continuing to speak.
"Lincoln told me about his plan. If you want... you can go ahead. Lisa and Carol are here, so I'll be fine. I just want to get this over with."
"No," said George. "It's okay. I'll give her my word to not kill her."
"But what about justice?"
"Some people... some people just get away with things. Life has always been unfair that way. But at least... I won't get to see her again."
George stood up, as well as Vonda. They both walked inside.
Lori and Luan walked outside of the house. The former carried her AK-47, a knife, and a flashlight, and the latter was ahead of her with Benny's katana.
Lori was limping, trying not to walk too much as her foot was still healing from the stab wound she got back in the Hudson base.
The two walked to the front yard while Luan tied her hair into a small ponytail with one of Leni's hair ties. Two strands of hair stood out, though she didn't mind it, as long as it didn't block her vision.
The empty road showed no signs of nearby roamers, so both girls ventured on a little further, eventually coming across the empty neighboring house.
Luan unsheathed the katana and twisted the doorknob. To her surprise, the door was unlocked. She then entered as Lori guided her with her flashlight.
"Why now?" asked Lori. "We can do this at another time."
"I'll feel better knowing that I can use this properly," replied Luan.
"I would feel better if you did this in the day. Come on, Luan. It's literally pitch black in here!"
"Move the flashlight around then! I have to learn how to use this as soon as I can!"
"No, you don't. You can wait 'till morning."
"I can't go to sleep. Not until I know I can use this."
Lori sighed, realizing that Luan was going to do this whether she was alone or not. She decided to listen to her and move the flashlight around.
The flashlight revealed an empty and narrow hallway that led to the living room. Both girls walked into the living room before pausing.
They heard a noise coming from the kitchen.
Luan slowed down her pace and stuck closer to Lori as they both approached the kitchen.
The noise grew louder.
"Do you hear that?" whispered Luan. "That sounds like a… roamer. Smells like one too."
Lori nodded. She grabbed her knife and lifted it as she pointed the flashlight inside the kitchen.
Luan held the katana tighter and looked around. She then gasped and stumbled back into Lori's arms.
"Hey, careful!" whispered Lori, before chills went up her spine.
Tiny spots of dried blood that stuck to the floor seemed as it was going to be a permanent stain. On the ceiling, a rope was tied to a chain that once held a chandelier, now holding a body of foul smell and diseased flesh. The roamer growled as it hanged in the air with a noose around its neck. Once the roamer caught sight of the light, it raised its arms and growled louder. A bite mark on its left arm was shown through its torn sweater. The rope moved slightly like a pendulum. The roamer became more and more aggressive.
Both girls watched with horror in their eyes as the growls echoed throughout the dark house.
Lori found herself unable to move the flashlight away as she continued to face the hanged roamer.
Luan shivered as her stomach started to twist and turn. She closed her eyes and remembered what she came to the house for.
"Lori. I'm going to slice the rope off."
"Why? You can just stab the roamer through its skull. It's not that high. Or you can just leave it alone."
"I'm not just here to butcher defenseless roamers. I'm trying to learn how to defend myself with a weapon that Benny entrusted me with. Just keep the flashlight pointed at the roamer."
"Luan..."
Luan moved closer to the hanged roamer. The roamer looked down at her and moved its jaws. Its nails moved closer and closer to Luan's head.
Lori held her knife tightly as a feeling of stress overwhelmed her.
Luan then raised her katana and cut the rope with ease.
The roamer dropped to the floor and Luan quickly moved back. Luan stumbled to Lori's arms again.
"Sorry!" gasped Luan. "I don't know why that surprised me."
"It's okay. Now, kill it!"
Luan looked as the roamer bent its knees straight, becoming eye-level with her. It then growled loudly before Luan raised her katana and swung it downwards at the roamer's skull. The blade slashed halfway into the roamer's head, but nevertheless, it took out the roamer.
Luan struggled to remove the katana as the roamer dropped to the floor completely. She grunted as she removed the katana from the roamer's skull.
"Are you alright?" asked Lori.
"I want to kill another one," said Luan. "I need to kill another one."
"I think you had enough."
"But–"
"Luan. The best way to use a weapon in the dark is to avoid being in the dark. Most of us haven't killed a roamer at nighttime. Just get some practice when the sun comes up."
"Fine."
Lori and Luan both walked out of the kitchen, leaving the body of the roamer in the floor.
Missy applied a dab of cream on Sherry's face, causing her to squirm.
"Fuck, that burns," said Sherry.
"You're a big girl," said Missy. "You can handle it."
"Not the first time I heard that."
"Focus. Where'd you get the roamer from?"
Sherry shrugged.
"Which one?"
"When was the first time you got a roamer?"
"I don't see how this information is important to you guys."
"You know we're going to Houlton. You know we're going to face off against the rogues. It'd be helpful to know everything."
"Would you believe me if I told you it's actually the opposite? The less you know... the better?"
"Jesus," said Richard. "This asshole's just spouting out bullshit now."
"Am I? What'd you think happened to Tim? Why do you think they're going after me?"
"They're going after you?" asked Missy.
"Yeah, I told you this already. I- wait... I didn't mention it, did I?"
"Mention what?"
"The Barracudas... why do you think David's never heard of them despite being from New York?"
"I figured they were just a small gang before becoming powerful after the world ended," said David.
"Have you ever thought that maybe... they're not native to this state?"
"What are you talking about?"
"All of you... really don't know anything, heh? And I thought Tim wanted to broadcast his 'knowledge' into the world..."
"Sherry... are the Barracudas allied with the rogues?" asked Missy.
"Bingo."
"Where are they originally from?" asked David.
"The less you know... the better."
"I suppose you won't help us decrypt your husband's tape, then?" asked Missy.
"I can't even if I wanted to. Could never figure out that nerd shit."
"You do realize your daughter is going to Houlton too, right? If you don't tell us what we need to know... her life could be at risk."
Sherry glared at Missy, seeing how serious she was.
"No need to piss your pants yet," smiled Sherry. "There's a man who used to know Tim very well. He lives in Medway, about forty miles southeast of Houlton. He can decipher your tapes for you. I bet he can tell you everything you need to know too. But... he's not exactly the friendliest guy around."
"I think we'll take anyone over you," said Richard.
Sherry chuckled to herself as George and Vonda walked up to the attic.
"Oh, if it isn't my little fish," smiled Sherry. "Have you convinced Agent Cunt here to change his mind?"
"He decided on his own," said Vonda. "And stop calling him that."
George walked up to Sherry.
"I give you my word," said George. "After we release you, I promise not to go after you. But the next time I see you... well, I can't promise anything else."
"Seems fair," said Sherry.
Vonda sighed out of relief.
The lantern flickered as David stood in front of Sherry. Sherry gazed at David's face, waiting for him to start the conversation. David kept his arms crossed while he looked down at the woman.
"So?" asked David.
"They're in my old headquarters in Albany. The cages. George should know where that is."
George swallowed hard, knowing that is where Sherry kept him locked up.
"How do we know we're not going to get ambushed as soon as we get inside?" asked George.
"You outnumber my people. Like I said, it's a risk we're both willing to take," said Sherry.
"Alright."
"So... can you untie me now?"
"We have until tomorrow afternoon, right?" said David. "You can wait until the morning."
The adults began to move as Richard stayed behind.
"Heh, can I at least get a bed? Guys?"
David, George, Missy, and Vonda walked downstairs.
"You can go on," said David.
Vonda nodded and walked downstairs to the first floor.
"So, what's the game plan?" asked Missy.
"We head to Albany and get the kids," said David. "On the way there, we'll come up with a way to counterattack just in case the Piranhas do ambush us. But not all of us. Someone is gonna stay here and follow her. And it can't be you, George."
"Why?" asked George.
"The feud that you two have. I know you want to end her, but I can't have that."
"I gave her my word, though."
"Yeah, well, forgive me for saying this but... I don't know how much value your word holds. Besides, emotions can run high, mistakes can be made. We want to minimize risk as much as possible, not increase it."
George sighed.
"So, Missy, you're going to be following Sherry. We'll leave a car behind for you. But you need to be quiet about it. Don't let her see you."
"Got it," said Missy.
"Someone should at least stay next to the radio," said George. "I can sit next to it and watch from afar. If something happens to Missy... the group needs to know."
"George..." sighed David.
"I won't be anywhere near Sherry. Missy will be the one getting up close. I'll simply watch with binoculars."
"Richard can do that."
"No one knows Sherry better than I do. I can read her body language. I can tell when she's lying and when she isn't."
"Was she lying up there?"
"No, I don't think so. But I still don't trust her. I feel like she's hiding something."
"But she wasn't lying?"
"Sometimes... the best way to lie is to mix in the truth."
Missy looked at David and shrugged.
"It's always good to have backup," she said.
"Fine," said David. "Not a word about this plan to Vonda, alright?"
Missy and George both nodded. The three then headed downstairs.
Richard looked out the window as he was moving his carving knife along his wooden duck.
Sherry was asleep in her chair, though her head was leaned against the wall to provide support to her neck.
The sound of footsteps caused Richard to look back.
"Utka."
"Huh?"
"Duck," said Sergei.
Richard looked at his carved sculpture in his hand and nodded.
"Yeah," said Richard. "How's it look?"
"Where are the eyes?"
"I haven't carved them in yet. But it looks good, right?"
"Da. Now, go. Get sleep."
Richard nodded. As he took one last look outside the window, he noticed a light coming from the road. A suspicious look was painted on his face as he peered into his binoculars. He then let out a frustrated sigh.
"Who is it?" asked Sergei.
"My wife."
Richard walked out of the house and jogged towards the shipyard.
Missy heard footsteps and turned around, nearly drawing her sidearm before feeling instantly relieved.
"What are you doing out here?" asked Richard.
"I'm taking a look around," said Missy. "I'm trying to find a good vantage point without getting spotted."
"For what? What's this about?"
"I'm going to follow Sherry."
"Huh?"
"If for some reason, she's pulling a trick on us, I'll let the group know. David's gonna leave a car behind for me."
"You can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Too dangerous. What happens if she spots you?"
"Come on, Richard. You know how quiet I can be. I won't get spotted."
"It's still way too risky. You get spotted once- that's it for you."
"Well... that's a risk I'm willing to take."
"Why?"
"If those kids really are in danger... I have to stop Sherry."
"I'll do it then."
"No. You're not as quiet."
"If there's an ambush, we can be prepared for it."
"We can. But the kids can't."
Richard scoffed before smiling to hide his frustration.
"You don't have to be a hero," said Richard. "We can just go, take the risk."
"You know I can't do that. These kids... they don't deserve to be locked up like animals. You know how prisoners of wars are treated... don't you?"
"Fine, then at least let me back you up."
"George's backing me up."
"Is he now?"
"You can join him if you want."
Richard let out a defeated sigh.
Missy placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Is that a duck in your hand?" asked Missy.
Richard lifted the wooden duck.
"Yeah," he said. "You like it?"
"I love it."
"It's not really done yet. I gotta carve in the eyes. But once it's done... it's all yours."
Missy smiled and gave Richard a kiss before walking away.
Richard continued to stare at her before walking back to the house, holding the wooden duck.