Just a few miles left.
The words woven in the pages spoke to Luan as her eyes moved along the poem that Lucy wrote in her poetry book. Despite all the poems being dark and gloomy, they acted as a light to Luan as she read some of them over and over. Lucy didn't really mean that Luan was reading her poetry, she has a hard time righting in since she lost her arm.
Lana scoffed as she pulled out a familiar pink dress out of a backpack of the same color. She knew that Lola would've taken another pair, yet she was still caught off-guard. Lola was sound asleep next her as she putted the dress back in Lola's backpack.
Lisa pressed on the stuffed giraffe, attempting to find the source of its significance. After struggling to see anything of importance, Lisa stared at Rafo's face, its eyes and mouth smiling back. Of course, there's nothing special about this plush toy. Yet, Rafo made Darcy happy. Then, Lisa came to a realization. Rafo was special to her because it reminded her of happy times with Darcy back in her kindergarten class. Lisa felt a surge of emotions wash over her as she held Rafo tightly, not wanting to think the night she nearly lost their friend. Darcy woke up from her sleep and saw Lisa holding Rafo tightly, she moved over to Lisa and hugged both her and Rafo. Lisa looked at Darcy who was smiling at her and she smiled back and lined her head on Darcy's finding comfort in both her and the stuffed animal.
Lynn tossed the baseball up and down, making sure not to hit the roof of Vanzilla. She caught it every time, though she eventually got tired of it. She held the ball tightly and looked at Francisco's baseball, still containing the muddy stain that wouldn't get out no matter how much they scrubbed it. Lynn remembered hitting this ball over what must have felt like 105 miles per hour. She grinned as she realized the ball shattered Mr. Grouse's attic window. This memory led Lynn to hold the ball with both of her hands.
Leni flipped through pictures in the photo album and stopped at a certain picture. The photo showed a picture of her father and mother in front of their house, smiling at the camera. She looked out the window and frowned. Then, she looked back at the photo, ran her fingers through its smooth texture, and smiled. She closed the photo album and hugged it.
David looked ahead in the road.
George sat in the seat behind his and Vonda and Jason sat next to him. Becky leaned on Dana while she took a nap, while Wavehead read an Ace Savvy comic that Becky had in her bag. Rusty, Zach, Liam, and Tabby sat by each other, leaning their heads against each others. Zack was finding it hard to sleep after the events at the cabin, after Jason told him he was supposed to die that night with Bill he made sure to stay away from Richard until they can prove that he is dangerous. Jeffrey and Preston sat in the seats by the booth table, both reading the Bible.
David continued to look ahead in the road. He thought about his wife more times than about his group. His group meant a lot to him, and still does, but his wife is family, and he would do anything for family. However, he often realizes that his group think of him as family, and he should feel the same way.
Only this might not be true. David thought to himself about this. Lori only wanted to motivate the others. Jeffrey and Preston sure as hell aren't family and Richard is drifting away from them. Perhaps, Lori's idea of the group being family was an idea brought up by desperate times. Did she even believed herself when she said that?
Jason told David that Zach was supposed to die that night with Bill and convince him that Richard was that one that killed Bill and wound have killed Zach too' and blame it on Bill. But because of the hit to his head, David figured that he forgot can't remember some things that happened' and Richard told him that he didn't trust Bill since they met him, Jason told him about the deal that Bill made to the Rogues the last time they talk which helped justified Richard's motives.
Richard tapped the pen at his left temple. He then palmed the pen with his right hand and wrote some names sloppily in a tiny notebook. He drew jagged lines between the names, trying to create some sort of understanding with these names. The names that were in the notebook were Lynn, Jason, George, Becky, Lori, and David. The only thing he understood about them was that they could turn the group against him, this being a major threat to his future life with Carol.
A helicopter flew over the group in the same direction their vehicles went. David, Lori, and Carol couldn't help but slow down their vehicles in order to watch the helicopter dive deeper into the horizon. A hill prevented the group from seeing where the helicopter landed at, though they all had an idea.
The RV, Vanzilla, and Chunk's van all parked on the right side of the road, covered by the hill from whatever force awaited them on the other side. The drivers in each vehicles turned off the engine and stepped outside.
Bobby grabbed Ronnie Anne's hands and helped Clyde stand with his crutches. Dana and Wavehead walked next to Becky, in case her fragile ankles caused her to fall to the rough pavement. Rusty, Zach, Liam, and Tabby followed George, Jason, and Vonda in their way out of the RV. Richard held Luna's homemade crutches as Chunk, Carol, and Sam helped Luna out of the car. Sergei led Jeffrey and Preston out of the RV, making them the last ones to leave their vehicles.
Lori held Leni's left hand and looked behind her. Luan held Lily, while Lana, Lola, and Lisa walked behind Lincoln, Lucy, and Lynn. Luna limped over to them, watching the rest of the Louds hold hands. She held her right crutch under her left armpit and grabbed Lori's left, Lori, Leni, Lincoln, Lucy, Lynn, Lola, Lisa, Lana, and Luan held each other's hands in that order, creating a human wall. Lily wrapped her arms around Luan's shoulders, as the Louds walked up the hill. The Louds went ahead of the group and reached the top of the small hill first.
Dirigo
I - Day 100
"Well, I guess it's time," said Luan.
"I can't believe it," said Lana. "We're here!"
"And on Day 100," stated Lisa. "What a coincidence."
"I don't know about you dudes, but I definitely feel butterflies flying 'round my stomach," said Luna.
"I feel nervous too," replied Lincoln.
"Same here," said Lola.
"Everyone, just take a deep breath and… relax," suggested Lynn. "We're going to be fine."
"We can do this we made it this far," said Lucy. "There's no way we're going to fail I know we'll save them."
"Is this where Mom and Dad are being kept?" asked Leni.
The helicopter hovered above what appeared to be a large runway near a city of tents and bunkers. A large, wide building stood next to the runway, an airport that now acts as the rogues' base. The airport most likely also houses General Black and the top ranking officers. To the left were four long buildings with two towers connected to each end. And even more to the left was a small town of houses and trees, keeping a certain type of Maine-charm.
"Not for long," replied Lori.
David looked at Houlton and its surrounding areas. He squinted, as most of the survivors did, yet they weren't able to see what was exactly occurring in the walked back to the RV and grabbed his M110 sniper rifle, and a pair of binoculars. He returned to the hill, held his hands in the air, and realized that it was not a windy day.
"Here you go," said David, handing the binoculars to Lori.
Jason grabbed his M14 and started to adjust the scope.
David adjusted the scope and looked through it, finding many armored vehicles driving around the runway and the perimeter of Houlton. Jason looked through the scope of his rifle, seeing many Rogues heavily armed along with some Rogues carrying dead bodies that looked familiar to him. Lori zoomed in with the binoculars and realized that the four buildings to the left of the runway were prisons, or used to be prisons.
"What do you see?" asked Lynn.
"Four prisons. David, Jason, you see it?"
"Yeah. Left of the runway?"
"Mhmm. You can tell because of the guard towers. Chances are that, our parents are in there."
"You see this long gate? Seems to be mostly covered by fencing and barbed wire."
"It's a lot bigger than I thought," said Jason.
"Bill was right..." said Lori.
Richard rubbed his phantom thumb and sighed softly.
Jason looked at Richard glaring at him holding his rifle tightly, he shook his head looked back through the scope.
"David look over there," said Jason.
David zoomed out the scope and found a small semi-trailer truck driving in the road heading towards the group. The white truck carried a blank trailer, and as David zoomed in his scope at the windshield, he saw the driver and the passenger. He exited out of his scope and quickly patted Lori.
"Hey, over there!" warned David. "You see that?"
Lori nodded. David looked back at the group and saw that most of them nodded as well.
"I want some of you to grab some guns and surround the truck! The rest of you, head into the woods!"
David unholstered his gun and nodded at Richard and George. Richard held his Python out while George aimed his Glock at the truck. Jason held his M4A1 and grabbed his M1911s. Lori walked back to Vanzilla and grabbed her AK-47 while the others walked to the van.
Sergei grabbed his M4. Benny grabbed an M4 as well, while Sam and Luan grabbed an UZI each. Becky, Wavehead, and Dana followed Bobby as they crossed the other side of the road.
Still hidden from the truck driver's view, the group placed themselves into position to surround the group as the kids dashed into the woods, only Rusty, Zach, Liam, Tabby, and Lincoln holding a gun. Leni carried Luna with her to the forest, leaving her crutches behind on the top of the hill.
"Hey, Steven, look!" said the passenger. "Crutches! Those will be helpful!"
"They're just… lying there," worriedly said the driver.
The truck slowed down as it neared the top of the hill, but not braking completely. Not until the truck started its slow descent down the hill and the driver found himself surrounded.
"Oh, hell," groaned the driver.
David, George, Richard, Carol, Luan, Benny, and Lynn aimed their guns at the driver's side of the truck. Lori, Bobby, Jason, Sergei, Sam, Becky, Dana, and Wavehead aimed their guns at the passenger's side of the truck.
"What do we do?" asked the passenger.
"Just raise your arm and leave the truck, slowly," replied the driver.
David stood up as the driver opened the door and raised his arms up. The driver's glasses were falling to the tip of his nose, which led him to push them back slowly near his eyes. He then fixed the collar of his white coat and returned his hands back in the air. The passenger, about half of the driver's age, watched the driver, not paying attention to Lori walking close to the truck.
A tap in the window caused the passenger to flinch as Lori aimed the gun at her a few feet behind the door. The passenger released her seatbelt and opened the door, gripping her white coat. Lori looked at her hazel eyes, leading the passenger to raise her arms as she turned her face away from Lori. She was no taller than her.
"Can I help you with something?" asked the driver, shivering.
"Who are you people?" asked David.
"I'm, uh, Dr. Steven White. Back there… is my assistant, Haley… Jennings."
"Your name?" asked Lori.
"My name? Oh! Uh, I'm, uh, Haley."
"Walk this way."
Lori turned Haley around and walked her to the other side of the road where David continued to hold Dr. White at gunpoint. The group lowered their guns and looked around.
"What are you going to do to us?" asked Haley.
"Nothing you should be worried about if you don't try to do anything funny," said David. "Is there anyone else in there we should know about?"
"No," responded Dr. White. "There's just–"
"You guys came from Houlton, am I correct?"
"Y-Y-Yeah."
"Where are you headed?"
"Nowhere!"
"I don't like bullshit responses."
David cocked his M9 and aimed it back at Dr. White.
"We're just going some place in the woods to run some errands!" yelped Dr. White.
"Jesus David the man not even armed are you trying to give him a heart attack," said Jason.
"Who are you people?" asked Dr. White.
"We… are the family of the people held hostage in those shithole prisons of yours!" said Lori.
"You mean the Units?" asked Haley.
"The rogue soldiers," said David. "You know what they're doing there. Is it true that they're experimenting on the people there?"
"How'd you guys know that?" asked Dr. White.
"How close are you with General Black? What's your involvement with the prisoners?"
"I'm close with Black! And I personally manage the experimentations! But, you gotta understand! I'm being held against my will! Both Haley and I! We don't like Black! We don't!"
"How close are you with Black?" asked David.
"I'm his doctor. And the doctor of every one of his 'rogue' soldiers. And the doctor of everyone his prisoners. How'd you know Black would be here?"
"How's his eye doing?"
Dr. White and Haley looked at each other, both of their jaws hanging about.
"Were you in Royal Woods eleven days after the Global Infection Event? You saw the battle that went down?"
"Saw it?" David lowered his gun. "I'm the one who shot his fucking eye out."
Dr. White smiled then frowned.
"You should've went for the brain."
"If it was me, I would have," said Jason.
David chuckled softly.
"How many roamers have you killed?"
Richard squinted his eyes. Dr. White stuttered as he tried to figure out how David knew of the term.
"None."
David looked at Lori who rolled her eyes. David then looked at Haley.
"What about you?"
"Umm, I think seventeen."
"How many people have you killed?"
"One."
David turned towards Dr. White.
"Oh, me? None. No one."
"Why?" asked David.
"I was fortunate enough that Black didn't let me do the dirty work for him."
The whole group turned towards Haley.
"Why?" asked David, once more.
"I didn't want my father to be treated like some kind of lab rat."
David lowered his gun, prompting everyone else to do so too. Dr. White and Haley lowered their arms, still frightened by David.
"Are you going to tell us how you knew about the soldiers and General Black?" asked Dr. White.
"Yeah," responded David. "And a whole journey that came with it."
Lisa inspected Clyde's stump along with Lucy's while Richard watched the rogue soldiers in Houlton with the binoculars. Lori asked for Carol's Polaroid to which Carol agreed to give up for a few seconds. Lori walked on top of the hill and zoomed slightly in at Houlton. She snapped a picture and grabbed the photo, handing the camera back to Carol.
"We found a knife by Bill's hands, so we concluded that Bill stabbed one of the Rogues," said David. "Jason told that both Bill and the boy was supposed to die that night, the Rogues weren't supposed to be there before so we concluded that but would have stabbed a boy. Just when you think you know a person…"
Richard didn't look back at the group, yet he still knew that Lynn stared at him with judgmental eyes along with Jason.
"Perhaps, he thought that the boy was a roamer?" said Dr. White. "If he was killed near the door, then chances were, he didn't know the boy was human!"
"Maybe," said David, trying not to look at Richard. "Maybe not."
"You said that the boy was supposed to die," said Dr. White. "But he didn't because one of you have knowledge of the future and the Rogues took the boy please, well that explains what happened to Abby and Leon. Okay but which one you know is the future?"
"That would be me," said Jason. "And if you have any questions asked them later."
Haley removed her coat, revealing her white t-shirt with blue jeans. Her red sneakers didn't match her brunette hair tied in a ponytail like Luan.
Dr. White on the other hand, kept his coat on, hiding his white button shirt and partially covering his khaki pants. His black dress shoes didn't match his graying hair combed to the back of his head.
"I've been meaning to ask you something," said David. "Is it true that everyone is infected?"
Dr. White nodded as he walked to the top of the hill. Haley stood up and followed him, leaving David with a thousand questions in his head.
"Really? Can you please elaborate?"
"What is there to explain, David? We all have the infection of the dead. You die and you become one of them. Unless, of course, your brain has been… liquidated."
"But how are we still alive?" Lori asked, joining in the conversation.
"Strong immune systems," replied Dr. White.
"But, what about Lily?"
Lori pointed out at the baby held by Luan.
"I'm not too sure. You know I'm still studying the disease."
"Studying it? What, are you trying to find a cure for it or something?" asked Richard.
The conversation caught Lisa's attention, causing her to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Yeah, you got it," answered Dr. White.
"Perhaps, I can assist?" asked Lisa.
"Lisa Loud. I heard about you. Junior Nobel prize recipient. How was the–"
"Guys, we got bigger things to worry about," said Richard. "There seems to be a convoy of armored vehicles patrolling the perimeter. They might head this way."
"Yeah," said Haley, "in twenty minutes."
"We're not going to have enough time to remove 'em," said Dr. White.
"Remove what?" asked David.
Jason covered his nose and smiled knowing what's about to happen and couldn't wait to see the look on David's face.
Dr. White opened the trailer door, letting out a strong odor of decaying flesh. The air seemed heavy as David covered his nose and looked at the pile of roamers inside the trailer.
"Roamers?" coughed David.
"Deceased roamers. Here, take a mask," said Haley. "And a pair of gloves."
"No, my group has this handled. You two are going to help me out. Richard, you got the map of Houlton?"
Richard, George, Sergei, Chunk, Bobby, and Jeffrey all had their masks and gloves on, removing the bodies from the truck. They dumped them in the bushes in the woods as fast as they could.
Haley continued to label the map while Dr. White drew a layout of the interior of the Units. David watched as the armored vehicles continued to patrol the perimeter. Lori remained close to Haley and Dr. White.
"Done!" exclaimed Haley, showing the map to David. "This line represents the fence and barbed wire that you see in Houlton. This circle represents the military zone, meaning you'll find most of the soldiers and their equipment stationed in there. These buildings are the Units. These dotted lines represent the line in which the patrols walk in. This is the armory…"
"What about you?" David asked Dr. White. "Finished over there?"
"Yes. Unit A. This is B, to the right of A–"
"This is exactly how the safe-zone in Detroit was set up," said Lori.
"And in Boston," added Haley. "Plenty of safe-zones were set up like this."
"Anyway," continued Dr. White. "The X's are where the guards stand to… guard."
"This is very helpful, thank you very much," said David. "Just one more thing."
Richard, George, Sergei, Chunk, Bobby, and Jeffrey removed their gloves and masks as they walked back with the group.
"I need you to get us inside the gates," said David."
How do you think I'll be able to do that?" asked Dr. White.
"Can't you remove the guards from their positions? Create an area where we'll be able to pass through?"
"Impossible. I don't have the authority to do that. And even if I did, I can't remove all the guards. They'll spot you and you'll be shot!"
David looked at the van.
"Maybe we could launch an attack from the outside. Force our way in. Then we'll move to the armory and then on to the Units. Think you can free a few prisoners so they can go to the armory?"
"I got a better idea," said Dr. White. "There is this area that is poorly guarded and for a reason. There are no roads, so you're going to have to walk there. Perhaps, I can distract the guard and you guys will be able to get inside."
"What about our weapons? We gotta free the prisoners somehow!"
"We can put them in the truck!" suggested Haley. "Crates, right?"
David nodded.
"Looks like we have a plan."
Dr. White and Haley entered their truck. Richard stood behind the rear door, shuffling through the crates. Everyone older than Lincoln except Jeffrey, Preston, Sergei, Chunk, Leni, Luna, and Sam, grabbed a weapon before heading to Houlton. The crates were filled with weapons, but ammo was running dangerously low.
Richard closed the back door and hopped off of the truck. David gave a thumbs up to Dr. White, meaning he was able to return to Houlton. He turned the truck around and drove ahead in the road, just before the convoy of armored cars headed out of Houlton.
Luna remained flat on her stomach with an AR-15, looking out into Houlton with Sam also lying in the ground next to her with a pair of binoculars. Sam only had an M9 and a tactical knife in the grass. Chunk was also next to Luna. Chunk had his SPAS-12 and his switchblade on him. David walked over to them, with his M110 rifle. Jason walked next to him with the MB08.
"Hey, girls, and Chunk. Sam, can you leave Luna and I alone for a bit?"
"And I need to talk to you Chunk," said Jason.
"Sure thing. I'll just be over there by the RV."
Sam stood up and left David, Jason, Chunk, and Luna alone. Lori leaned on Vanzilla and stared at both of them, wondering what David was going to do. She didn't want to appear as if she was eavesdropping, so she grabbed her rifle and pretended to check its magazine.
"Hey, Chunk, Luna. How are you two feeling?" asked David.
"Bloody nervous, David. Are you sure you want me and Chunk here? I don't think we're up for this." said Luna.
"Same here mate, I'm so bloody nervous I think I'm going to throw up." added Chunk.
"That's why I'm here. I want to help you feel relaxed. I'm not gonna lie, you and Chunk are going to feel some pressure. You're not the only one." replied David.
"And you been getting better at shooting Chunk, we know you and Luna can do did this," said Jason.
"Hundreds of meters away, you think I'm up for that? I never fired a shot that far."
"And I only know how to use my shotgun. I don't even know if either of us can shot that far?" said Chunk.
"That's only if you need to. Remember, there is no loss with you missing your targets. Your primary objective is to be our third eye. Trust me, you'll both do a good job at it."
"We have fate in the both of you. So don't worry too much okey," said Jason.
David handed Luna his sniper rifle. And Jason gave Chunk his.
"I don't want you using that crap. You gotta have a real-deal kinda rifle. Now, if you want to have an accurate shot, you hold your breath and move the gun steadily. However, you should be more worried about the scope. Twist this to zoom in. Twist this to zoom out."
"Okay. I think I got it," sighed Luna.
"Do not get frustrated if you miss shot after shot. This is your first time and all I care about is you guiding us. Remember, Sam is going to be next to you, helping you both out. She has your backs like you both have ours."
"Thanks, David You to Jason."
"Yeah, mates we really need that pep talk," said Chunk.
"My pleasure. Also, you're gonna need this."
David handed a scope to Luna, before he stood up and checked his M9 as he and Jason walked to Lori. Luna placed the scope in the grass next to her. Sam returned to her spot next to Luna and Chunk. Lori smiled at David.
"What?" grunted David.
"Nothing, just… you care about my sisters! You two Jason," smiled Lori.
"Of course. She reminds me when I first started out in the Marines in… nevermind."
"David?"
"Nothing, don't worry about it."
"You don't talk a lot about your time in the military. Were you a sniper? Probably a stupid question–"
"No, not stupid. Yes, I was a scout sniper. Umm, I don't like talking about my time in the military. It's nothing, let's just go."
"Alright. Everyone!" shouted Lori. "Does everyone understand the plan?"
Parts of the group shouted in agreement. David waved his hands, motioning the group to follow him.
"I don't want you guys to worry about me, okay?" reassured Lori.
"You'll be back, right?" asked Leni.
Lori nodded and hugged Leni.
"I know you can do it, Lori," said Lincoln. "You're tougher than nails."
"Thanks, bro. That means a lot."
Lori hugged Lincoln as well.
"You look out for Leni, Lola, Darcy, and Lana, alright?"
"You know I will," said Lincoln.
Lori returned with the others as they walked down the hill towards Houlton. Lincoln watched Lori walk next to Bobby and didn't realize that Ronnie Anne stood next to him.
"Hey, Lame-o. Are you coming with me to the RV? Your friends are in there."
"They're your friends too, Ronnie. And I'm just waiting until Lori goes into the woods."
"Same here. I should've went with them, but Bobby didn't want me to go."
The group crossed the road and walked into the woods, gone from sight.
"I only consider Tabby my friend," said Ronnie Anne. "I don't really talk to Rusty and Clyde. You're something else, though. Best friends, right?"
"Yeah. Let's go to the RV."
Jason was with Meli and Lucy.
"Lucy, can you look after Meli while I'm gone," asked Jason. "I trust that you'll keep her safe."
"Sure, you don't have to worry I'll keep here safe," replied Lucy.
"Meli stick close to Lucy or anyone else in the group until we get back okay," said Jason.
"Okay Jason, please don't get hurt and come back safe okay," replied Meli.
"Don't worry I will," said Jason.
Jason hugged Meli and walked to talk to Dana.
"Hey Dana, can I talk to you for a moment," said Jason.
"Sure, what is it?"
"Look for the past few months, you became someone I care about a lot. I should done this when I released you felt the same."
"What are you–"
Jason cut her face and placed his lips on to her's kissing her softly. Dana's eyes started to feel up with tears as she closed her eyes and rapped her arms around his neck.
After a few seconds they stopped the kiss and Dana hugged Jason resting her head on his chest.
"I love you Jason."
"I love you too Dana."
"You better not die on me."
"Don't worry I don't plan on too."