Through Rough Times - A Zombie Apocalypse Adventure (alternate-timelines.com Edition)

[gillan1220]

Sept 10, 2021 9:32:24 GMT stevep said:

Sept 9, 2021 14:09:13 GMT gillan1220 said:

Chapter 11: We Shall Fight Them In The Streets (Part 2)

October 17 ,2018, 9:30 AM
(Z-Day)
Cedars Sinai Area

The night and the day of October 16 had not been as calm as the previous days. The constant flight of the helicopters, the sound of the sirens and the glare of the gigantic fires had held the two French in respect, forcing them to take refuge on the shopping center. The rations and bottles of water collected in the stores plundered would allow them to last for days. It was not necessary to count on the help as Cedars Sinai hospital center having fallen prey to shooting then a fire. The two friends could have continued to get food and water in the mall but the looting and what people now called the Infected had begun to swarm in the corner, finally recovering the two SWAT assault rifles had been a good idea.

But the ammunition was in small numbers and the prospect of taking refuge in a magazine prey to looting and the incessant attacks of these things did not please Jules or Dylan, both had seen Georges Romero's classics Zombie. A magazine at the center of a world megalopolis overwhelmed by what looked like a zombie apocalypse were the worst place. The hope of being rescued had been fed late in the evening by the unexpected arrival of a National Guard large UH-60 Helicopter but it had headed for the sea. The situation was getting worse in hours and hours in the city where explosions and shootings were commonplace. The city of LA was in the process of dying, and according to the information obtained by the phones of two friends, were the whole of the world that were sinking into chaos, they had the feeling of being spectators of the apocalypse.

----

"Vanguard 1, hold your position. Waiting for reinforcements, over."

There are shows that you would not want to see, this one was part of it. A National Guard column backed by SWAT and LAPD policemen was desperate to retreat to Beverly Boulevard but was encircled by the Infected, who were coming from all over the place. The deafening roar of Browning machine guns and the popping sound automatic weapons rang out, going with the bellowing of the Infected horde. Many fell down, but the flow still continued like a water of a dam that has busted open.

Jim was sounded by the explosion of a car. He had been hauled safely by the National Guardsmen. He was just starting to emerge near a Humvee. A few frightened civilians trying to cross the street, coming face to face with the horde. It was a fatal error. The screams of land and pain are more or less covered by the detonations but it is enough to freeze the blood of the guardsmen.

"Holy fuck," shouted Jim, who had just regained consciousness. The muertos are still moving forward, the curdled blood and the torn limbs accumulate in the street, making the air go sticky and stinky.

"No, no," yelled a panicked national guardsman, who dropped his gun and tried to run away, before being shot by an officer.

"No retreat, we must hold this position at all costs, so that the Brea and Melrose refugee convoy can join Charlie."

Jim picked up the carbine from the National Guard and took the position, "You'll need everyone then."

----

Jules and Dylan saw the military convoy very well trying to defend their position.

It was now or never.

They urgently collected their few belongings and rushed down the stairs to join the ground floor, forgetting the horde that had took control of the sector.

Too late...

"Grrrrahhh" a horrible mooing sounded.

"We have to run! They are behind us!" Dylan shouted.

They have to run, no choice.

"Quick the emergency door!"

"Oh putain!" exclaims Jules in French.

This one was blocked by some Infected. Uf they were stopping now, the horde that had just entered the store's ruins will catch them.

"We're going through," Dylan grabbed the arm of one of the Infected ones who blocked the door, and propelled him into the window of a fashion magazine.

Jules kicked his leg off. Another zombie, tearing out a cry of agony.

The way was free, well, that's what they thought...

  Well that last bit doesn't sound well for the two guys.

  A couple of questions please,

But the ammunition was in small numbers and the prospect of taking refuge in a magazine prey to looting and the incessant attacks of these things did not please Jules or Dylan, both had seen Georges Romero's classics Zombie. A magazine at the center of a world megalopolis overwhelmed by what looked like a zombie apocalypse were the worst place. The hope of being rescued had been fed late in the evening by the unexpected arrival of a National Guard large UH-60 Helicopter but it had headed for the sea. The situation was getting worse in hours and hours in the city where explosions and shootings were commonplace. The city of LA was in the process of dying, and according to the information obtained by the phones of two friends, were the whole of the world that were sinking into chaos, they had the feeling of being spectators of the apocalypse.

  Is this spell-checker error for something else, like maze or mall?

  Similarly a bit further down

Jim was sounded by the explosion of a car. 

  Do you mean something like deafened or surprised?

  Well your re-connected with the girl you fancied, albeit in a tragic way but it sounds from that last bit like we're going to lose a couple of the other viewpoint characters.

  Steve

My friend ukron wrote that and being French, English isn't his first language. I just edited the grammar and spelling. I didn't even notice this so yes thank you for pointing this out. I will edit it.

We shall know the backstory of Kimberly and Gabby soon. Don't worry, it's fictional characters based on some of my college experiences. What a better way to turn it into a story.

[sandyman]

Great story and very well thought out I do hope there will be more lots more lol

[gillan1220]

Chapter 12: Mass Hysteria

"On the night before the day when everything came to an end, I stayed up late."​

- Takashi Komuro, Highschool of the Dead​

October 17, 2018 (10:00 am)
Z-Day
Uptown Los Angeles


15 minutes earlier...

Finishing our coffee, Mike and I continued walking around the area when we happened to come across a 7-Eleven with a police cruiser in the front. A police officer was panic buying supplies, carrying two boxes of bottled water. As he placed the boxes of bottled water in the trunk, I saw that he had also hoarded a lot of canned food and instant noodles along with other supplies. An African-American woman then approached the officer, asking for questions. Although, I could not hear what they were talking about, the woman was displeased with whatever answer the cop gave her since she stormed off.

Curious ourselves, Mike and I approached the officer.

I then asked, "Sir, can you tell us what is going on with all these bizarre activities? And what's with the hoarding of supplies?"

The officer, who's named tag read Peterson, then replied: "The cases of these bizarre murders are increasing. It's only gonna get worse. You young men should either leave the city while you can or at least hunker down with lots of supplies in the suburbs."

Astounded, my curiosity got the best of me.

"You mean the whole thing is going down the toilet bowl?" I asked.

Officer Peterson then counted the amount of supplies he hoarded at the back of the police car. He then turned the two of us, I could notice the fear in his face. "Listen, this thing or whatever phenomena is gonna get worse. The National Guard is on standby but haven't been ordered by the Governor Brown to move. I suggest you two arm yourself with whatever weapons you can find, find some supplies, and hold out. And I suggest you two stay away from crowded areas."

"Alright, thank you Officer Peterson."

"You two stay safe," The officer said. "I'm sorry but I gotta go, I have a family to protect." He then drove away with his police car.

We then waved the officer goodbye as Mike and I heeded his advice and decided to buy some supplies in the 7-Eleven. We only had small bags with us so we got what we can carry. The both of us few canned food, instant noodles, water, batteries, and a first aid kit. Still, I was concerned of our safety and advised to Mike we should head to the Philippine consulate. The traffic outside was forming whilst police helicopters and news choppers hovered above.

Mike opened his phone to check Facebook where a live video was streamed. Suddenly, the people in 7-Eleven gathered by us to watch the video on Mike's phone. The video showed a crime scene where police officers were covering bodies with a white sheet. There apparently was an angry crowd of citizens yelling anti-police sentiment. Suddenly, a woman that appeared to be high on drugs approached one of the female officers on the scene. The officer then drew her Beretta 92 and ordered the woman to halt. The lethargic woman did not halt, so the officer shot her three times in the body. However, the woman did not go down. The female officer aimed her pistol at the head and pulled the trigger, killing the woman. The crowd then dispersed as seen from the feed. Mike and I along with the rest of the people in the convenience store stood there in shock.

----

Around 5 to 7 minutes later, Mike and I were in a crowded area when a large crowd of people were running away from what I could see where similarly lethargic looking druggies. Gunshots rang out from a nearby patrol car that served as road block. Three of them went down but there were more coming down the street.

I then asked one of some young looking American college student along with a group of friends running away from the scene.

"Fucking zombies man! No bullshit! You gotta leave now!"

He yelled as he ran further. I poked my head above to see the police officer behind the door of his car still shooting at the advancing shamblers. The officer used headshots which took them down. However, I could see some people that were unluckily grabbed have been attacked and torn apart.

The scene was nauseating but Mike and I had to act. I've seen enough zombie movies and played enough zombie games to know where this was going. We needed to look for supplies and weapons. At this point, I could only hope the Filipino delegation we went with were alright. I could no longer account for them.

It was now too each to his own.

The looting already started in this area.

I saw a tactical store being looted as groups of hooligans smashed the door with crowbars and came flooding in.  

"In there! We must grab whatever weapons and tactical gear we can find!" I shouted.

Unsurprisingly, we weren't the only ones with the same idea. Groups of men began taking the rifles and shotguns on the overhead display while handgun cases were being destroyed. The looters then took a lot of handguns and ammo. Quickly, I took one two-tone Glock 17 from the counter along 5 magazines and boxes of 9x19 mm ammunition. Mike found a nickel-plated M1911 and took nearly the same amount of magazines and .45 ACP ammunition. We also picked up some weapons such as karambit, a SOG UDT knife dating back to the Vietnam War, a crowbar, and tactical hatchet. The store was almost picked clean from the looters so Mike and I ditched our small bags in favor for tactical looking rucksacks and backpacks. I took one tactical backpack from the shelf while Mike took a rucksack. We then placed our supplies and ammo in the bag while donning in hunter's tactical vests where we stuffed the magazines.

If this was an ordinary day, Mike and I would be in deep shit for looting a store. Hell, we may even be deported and barred from entering the U.S. for a lifetime. The thought of discharging our stolen guns on foreign soil disturbed me, knowing there will be jail time had it not been what is going on right now. But now fuck that, there were those freaks wanting to bite your face off out there. It's either you die or you kill them in self-defense. And those things out there do not hesitate.

"Hey, we only use the guns for emergency purposes," I told Mike. "Guns will attract more of those zombie freaks, so melee weapons only for now. And these things are slow, so we can outrun them and probably smash a few along the way."

I then placed the Glock on the cross holster of tactical vest while Mike did the same. I took the crowbar while he armed himself with the tactical hatchet. We then left the store as the looters picked the whole place clean.

Outside was pure chaos. The policeman I saw earlier was gone along with his patrol car. He must have fallen back. I thought. Right now, people were just vandalizing stuff. Rocks were being thrown at businesses while other jumping and flipping cars. The Infected basically blended in with crowd, attacking the unaware rioters.

"GO! GO! GO!" I signalled Mike as we ran through the crowd of angry and terrified citizens. Those who were terrified simply ran away from the scene. The presence of tactical looking men did deter potential muggers from attempting to pick a fight with us. Which is good, because we did not need that bullshit right now. The real threat were those cannibals down the street who have already bitten and killed several people.

----

I must have lost track how far Mike and I ran although I could assume it was only less than 20 minutes. As we turned to an intersection, I saw a dead body on the road with a stab mark on the right side of his ear. It looked like one of the infected. To the sidewalk was a crashed car. There was a young looking woman looking after a guy around the same age who was clutching a wound on his right forearm. The crowd of people was running everywhere. I did not actually pay attention at the scene until the same woman I saw earlier grabbed me by the arm and begged something to me and my friend Mike. She must have thought that us in tactical attire were first responders.

"Hey, please help us. My boyfriend has been attacked. Please, I beg you."

I then looked down at the girl whose tears were falling down her cheeks. She was wearing a grey cropped T-shirt and black denim mini shorts. Her long brown hair perfect matching with her tanned skin, I observed.

Damn she's kinda cute. I said in my mind. Damn it, Gill! This is not the time for this! I then reminded myself.

However, this occurred within a few milliseconds as my mind was racing on what to do. Maintaining eye contact with the girl , even for a few milliseconds, I could not stop but think she looked so familiar. And then it hit me just as the same moment it hit her that we both were looking at someone we both know each other even though it was only twice we met from mountaineering back then in college. Yes, the girl I'm starring right now is the one I told Mike the other night I did not want to see her in L.A. because I just felt awkward if I saw her. And now I was here, starring down at my only acquainted friend named Gabrielle whom I tried to avoid meeting here.

"Holy fuck!" Astonished, I then yelled out. "Gabrielle, is that you?"

She was equally dumbfounded.

"Gill?" She shouted as she was astonished seeing someone she knows in this time of chaos. Though the awkwardness that exist between the both of us in the past has to be put on hold, as she needed help. It was just advantage someone she knew was nearby. And that turned out to be me of all people.

Both of us had so many questions racing in our mind about what we both were doing here and stuff like that of all times. But there was an emergency since her boyfriend was injured from an apparent attack.

"Oh my God, Gill, please help!" She asked as she pulled me closer.

"What happened to him, Gabrielle?" I asked as I took out my first aid kit from my tactical backpack. Around us, people were still running in all directions. The city was in a state of total panic.

"Our car crashed as that freak over there was in the road so my boyfriend Charles swerved, causing that damage over there." She pointed out the body I saw earlier along with the crashed car. "My boyfriend confronted him and it bit him in the arm and..."

Mike suddenly interrupted. "Woah! Did you say he was bitten?!?"

"Yes, he was bitten. He needs medical attention."

Gabrielle added, "I killed that man using this screwdriver. It was in self-defense." She showed me the screwdriver she used. I didn't know what to do either to tell Gabrielle the horrible truth of the horrible fate that will befall on Charles. However, she will eventually know. I then took out the first aid kit and disinfected the wound with peroxide and betadine, even I know this would not help at all. I then covered it with gauze and a bandage. The guy could still stand.

"Hey you ok buddy?" I told him. "My name is Gillan. I'm a friend of Gabrielle from before."

"Hi, my name's Charles and thank you for this patch up." He said.

"I'm Mike." said my friend as he introduced himself to Charles and Gabrielle.

As much as we were getting to know each other, now was not the time. I needed to find some place safe and high to be able to see the chaos from below. Getting to higher ground was the only option for now. Charles stood up. I deduced the infection did not get to him yet but I know it eventually will. Gabrielle wrapped her arm around his shoulder to support him to move.

"You guys see that apartment on the end of the street, let's head to the rooftop where there is a signal tower. Maybe we can call for help there." I said as I pointed out. We then ran the streets which has been chaotic as ever. I could assume the looting was everywhere. Firebombs were being thrown at vehicles and business. Riot police maintained struggled to hold. They simply did not mind two tactical looking guys accompanying a young couple in which the boyfriend was wounded. As we reached the apartment, I went inside thinking we were safe.

Then I heard the familiar moan, followed by the shuffling footsteps.

"Fuck, they're in here too?" I said as I prepared my crowbar while Miguel used the hatchet. "

"Stay close," I said as we began approaching the stair well.

I then took out the Glock from my cross holster and handed it to Charles.

"I'm assuming you know how to use this." I said. I then handed him the magazines for the gun. "You will have a hard time using melee weapons so use this gun instead." I told him.

I then turned to Gabrielle, "I saw your story from Instagram last year. You fired an M1911. If it becomes to painful for him, please take it and use it." Gabrielle nodded.

"I can't control the recoil," she replied.

"Just wait for them to go near, point the muzzle on the head, and pull the trigger."

Mike and I quickly approached the nearest Infected and bashed the brains out. We then ascended towards the rooftop.

----

October 17, 2018 (10:15 am)
Long Beach, California

Spencer Logan was a riding on a bus that would take him to San Diego. He was already to meet his friends in the Marines. He was traveling alone, as his pinball buddies were exploring Los Angeles. However, times were chaotic. Spencer heard in the news about traffic jams and attacks which were increasing in number. Spencer was a bit concerned but maintained his positive attitude. Beside him sat a cute blonde girl clad in black leather jacket, a red cropped tank top, and blue jeans secured by a brown belt. The girl had her hair tied in ponytail while the bangs greatly added to how tough and beautiful she looked.

"Hi, how's it going?" Spencer said.

"How hey," The girl said. "Everything is fine, on my way to San Diego to visit my parents."

"This traffic is shit." Spencer added.

"Oh I know, I'll never make it in time." The girl said.

"My apologies. My name's Spencer Logan. I'm 21 years old and I'm from Illinois. Came here to California for a pinball tournament. Heading down to S.D. to meet a friend in the Corps"
Spencer said as he offered the girl's hand. The young blonde woman accepted his handshake.

"My name is Angela Thomas. I'm 19 and currently trying to find a job after high school. College is definitely expensive here."

Angela and Spencer were chatting for like the next 10 minutes, talking about life and hobbies in general. Spencer wanted to bring up about how his ex-New Zealander girlfriend dumped him last year after he voted from Donald Trump in the 2016 elections. However, Spencer ultimately tried to hide his attraction towards Angela since he did not want to appear like a creep. Instead, he shifted the topic about the ongoing riots in the six states, which by now was reported in Oklahoma and Texas. The girl admitted she was terrified. San Diego so far remained safe, for now. Just as the conversation became deeper, a sudden explosion roughly 50 meters ahead of them occurred. Spencer, Angela, and the rest of the passengers all stood up to see what was happening. The pressence of UH-60 Blackhawks supported by MH-6 Little Birds and AH-64 Apaches did not look well.

"Angela, stick close," Spencer said. Things may get ugly."

Angela dialed the number 911 on her phone but it was busy, "That's strange."

"What's wrong?"

"Phone lines are dead," Angela replied.

"Yep, something is very wrong here," Spencer said.

He was right, something was wrong.

And it was spreading in an alarming rate.

[gillan1220]

Chapter 13: We Shall Fight Them In the Streets (Part 3)

October 17, 2018 (10:00 AM)
(Z-Day)

"Holy fuck," The emergency door had opened on a street filled with the Infected.

It was decidedly impossible to cross the few meters separating them from the convoy. The last solution was a baroud of honor for the two French, armed with their Bushmasters.

"It was a pleasure to fight with you Dylan," Jules said.

"You're not tired of saying bullshit," Dylan smiled.

A deafening noise was heard very quickly.

"But what's that thing?"

"The cavalry, the fucking cavalry," Dylan replied.

An Apache AH-64 and UH-60 passed quickly, strafing the horde that was beginning to overwhelm the convoy.

"We need to move! Quick to the convoy!" Jules yelled.

The Infected too absorbed by the noise could not oppose them without a resistance. They were there almost when an Infected whose legs had been mowed by the shooting caught the foot of Dylan making him stumble. Jules turned around just in time to see his friend submerged by the horde.

"Dylan, NOOOO!" Jules shouted.

It was too late for him, the Frenchman did not have time to get out that he had been torn apart under the writhing masses. Jules was then seized with a fury, instead of doing the few meters that separated him from salvation, he reloaded his weapon and charged the horde while shouting insults in French and English. An Infected was destroyed by a shot. The world was in slow motions for Jules, thanks to adrenalin and berserk fury. Without protection, he ran to Infected horde, aiming limbs and head. Many were cut down but those shot besides in the head continued to move.

"Hold on, I will save you Dylan!" Jules shouted.

He had not yet realized that is friend was killed by the Infected.

----

Jim saw this refugee turn around when his friend fell but he haven't expected this berserk fury, the young guy just slaughtered the Muertos but he will be overrun or killed by 30mm Apache gun. He feels the need to save the young man. Jim rushed out of his position, caught the boy, barely avoiding being bitten, and hit him with a butt kick before dragging him into the safety perimeter. He was then loaded into a military truck that sped-off.

"At least he had had more than luck that his buddy," Jim muttered.

Finally it was just a way of speaking.

----

"South African Army have been deployed in Pretoria and Cape Town after reports of cannibalism and extreme violence in these cities."

"South Korean Government have been exfiltrated to Busan after the fell of army positions near the Blue House. DEVELOPING."

"About unconfirmed reports the Turkish President Erdogan would have been killed."

[gillan1220]

Chapter 14: The Rooftop

October 17, 2018 (10:30 AM)
Z-Day
Uptown Los Angeles

Gillan and Mike cleared the hallway of eight Infected. However, their goal was to reach the rooftop in order to get a vantage point of the situation unfurling in Los Angeles. Clearing the hallways of the Infected prowling around the apartment was not an option, as the pair only had a few magazines of ammunition and their melee weapons plus that is the girl and her wounded boyfriend was already a problem.

As they ascended the stairwell, they encountered a few Infected along the way. The two best friends wasted no time in bashing their brains, thus spreading blood and brain matter all over the floor and the walls. Roughly five minutes later, the four individuals reached the top. Gillan opened the door and to their horror, the Infected were already at the rooftop. It must have been from those who have been bitten and stayed there, waiting for rescue to come. It appeared that the four were not the only ones who had the idea of holding up at higher ground. To their miracle however, there was another deck in the roof that was devoid of the Infected. The four had to act now.

"Over there! The upper deck!"

Those nearby Infected were either knocked aside or their heads were bashed. Running towards the stair well, Gabrielle suddenly tripped as she lost her footing. The Infected were closing in. Quickly, Charles raised the Glock 17 at the nearest Infected and aimed for their heads. He shot three of them as they approached his girlfriend. Mike and Charles quickly raised Gabrielle to her feet as Charles capped five more well-placed headshots at the approaching Infected. Then he fell back to up to the upper deck while Gillan and Mike started setting a barricade composed of chairs, benches, and tables held by a thick rope the two looted from the tactical store just nearly an hour before.

Gabrielle settled her boyfriend down as she offered a bottle of water to him. Charles accepted it and jugged it all down. Catching their breathe, the four were then rewarded to a scene of chaos and destruction as multiple pillars of smoke extended towards the sky. The sounds of screams, gunfire, and sirens only added to the havoc that wreaking down on Los Angeles. Suddenly, above them, five UH-60 Blackhawks supported by AH-64 Apaches flew above them. The soldiers on board the helicopters seemed to ignore the four of them. Still, Gabrielle waved her arms in the air calling for help.

"Help us! We're down here! Please!" She cried out.

"Don't waste your voice Gabby dear, they won't come to help us," Charles pointed out. "They're not even doing anything about that."

He said as he pointed out to a scene where a woman on the road was dragged from her car and torn apart by the Infected in the streets below. Over the skyline, police, military, and civilian news choppers were flying back and forth.

"It's time for us to catch our breath and plan our next move," Gillan said. "Panicking won't get us anywhere."

Unknown to Gabrielle, whatever time Charles had was running out. At the cellular level, his WBCs were desperately fighting a losing battle against the infection that was slowly but surely gonna take over his body. Gillan and Mike knew about it but would not want to break the hard truth to the girl, as she would definitely not accept it.

----

12:15 PM

Charles appeared weaker. His breathing became more labored. He was sweating all over. Gabrielle placed her palm on his forehead and his neck and felt the warm fever he had developed.

"He has a fever. Please give him more of that water." Gabrielle told Gillan as he gave him a bottle of water. Gillan then poured some of the water on a towel and gave it Gabrielle, who then in turned placed the wet bath on Charles' forehead.

"Damn, he's heating up."

The two were about to break the truth, but somehow did not want to tell her.

Did Gabby know what was going to happen? There have been a ton of these games and movies since the beginning of the 21st Century.

It appeared the girl knew, but was in denial...

----

1:27 PM

The two decide to break the silence. However, Charles already knew, much to their astonishment. He had little time left as his condition already worsened. His skin started turning pale while his eyes became sunken. He also started nosebleeding. Gabrielle then got some tissue from her rucksack and tried to apply pressure on the nose.

"Honey come here." He said. "I'm not gonna make it."

"Don't say that! We will find you a doctor! They will treat your wound!" Gabrielle insisted.

"No honey, I'm dying."

He said sternly, his word piercing her heart like a dagger stabbing right through it.

"It's just like those movies. You get bit, you turn into one of those things."


Gabrielle broke down into tears. Deep inside her, she knew it was it but kept on denying to herself that Charles could be saved in the last minute. She knew of the zombie genre, but never thought it to be real.

"No, you will be fine Charles! I know you! You won't turn into those freaks!" She said, embracing him.

Both of them were crying. Gillan and Mike could only watch. They felt sorry for them both.


"Gabby, my dear." Charles said. "Once I die, I want you to either shoot me in the head or stab me right through the brain. I do not want to become one of those things down there." He then pointed out the remaining Infected still in the rooftop, while the others started pounding their firsts in the barricade. Then Charles turned to Gillan and Mike, calling them both to come near.

"I'm gonna have to ask a favor from you two," He said.

"What is it?" Mike replied.

"First of all, I want to thank you for helping my girlfriend and I through this mess. I know you two were not obliged to help any of us but however you remained and for that I am thankful. Next is, you two know I'm not gonna make it so I want you to take Gabrielle to her family in San Francisco."

It was too much for Gabrielle to handle.

"I don't have much time left so I'm leaving it to you two she makes it to her family safely."

Mike and Gillan at first stood dumbfounded and astonished. San Francisco is far away. Even if we did have a working vehicle, the roads would be jammed with cars and who-knows-what. However, it was a chance of survival. The two quickly accepted it even if they had less of a choice.

"Alright, we'll bring her to San Francisco." Mike said, though how both of them will do, he questioned himself. It was something for later. "Is there any other request?"

"If you don't mind, I would like to spend some private time with my girlfriend." Charles said.

Gillan and Mike nodded as they backed away a few inches. Gabrielle knelt down and hugged her boyfriend so hard as she cried.

The two bestfriends could not understand what they were talking but Gillan assumed it must have been them reminiscing their moments together since Charles was already running out of time. He had already accepted that. The Glock 17 laid by his side then he offered it to Gabrielle, who did not accept it.

The pair stood vigilant, ready to take action once Charles expires.

----

2:09 PM

Charles convulsed on the floor as the infection finally got hold of his nervous system. He lost control of his limbs and his body, which caused the muscle spasms. His skin turned into a paler grey skin as the veins from the bite mark started protruding. He then discharged a cup full of blood. One last time, Charles begged his girlfriend to shoot him now in the head or stab him in through the ear.

"You are not turning. I know you so much! You won't be like those monsters down there!" Gabrielle yelled out, hot tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I need you to stand back." Mike said, readying his weapon. Gillan reached for the Glock that was laying on the floor.

Charles then let out another round of convulsions before finally succumbing to the infection. His lifeless body having gone limp. Gabrielle called out for him, begging him to return.

"Mike, I need you to hold her tight. We can't have another unnecessary casualty. Besides, we got to bring her back to her family safely."

The two men approached Gabrielle who was still holding the lifeless body of Charles. She hugged the body tight as she weeped uncontrollably. The body suddenly twitched, then stood up. However, it was no longer the Charles she knew as her boyfriend. Charles was dead and whatever stood was a lifeless husk as the member of the Infected. Another member was added to the ranks of shamblers below.

"Please don't shoot him!" She called out.

Before she could embrace what used to be her boyfriend, Mike then grabbed Gabrielle from behind and dragged her far away from the Infected individual. Stubbornly, Gabrielle tried to struggle to get free from Mike's grip, but the young man held her tightly.

"Get a hold of your self, Gabby!" Mike shouted. "That's not your boyfriend right now. He find us as food instead regardless of relationship!"

He then brought up of the brutal scenes unfolding below. There was so much blood and carnage that would make one feel very uncomfortable.

Gillan approached, knife in hand. He was going to do it quick, clean, and silently. 

"Please back away, it's for your own good," Gillan said. "For our own survival."

"Gill, please don't." Gabrielle cried out as Mike struggled to restrain the heartbroken girl at the sight of her lover turning into a monster. "Please, he won't attack us."

"This is a nightmare. But yet it is all too real...all too real," Gillan mumbled. "These aren't people anymore. Doing this would make them suffer. I would rather put them out of their misery."

He slowly approached what was once Charles, who shambled in return on what his former self saw as a food or another vessel to spread the contagion. Gillan kept his distance, analyzing how to attack. He planned to kick the Infected Charles to make him, or it, fall to the ground. From there, he would stab him in the ear or the eye. As the Infected Charles staggered, Gabrielle suddenly broke free from Mike's grip and ran to hug her boyfriend, still in denial he was already like one of those things below.

"Shit!" Mike yelled.

Seeing a warm body approaching it, what was Charles lunged as if it were excited to get its meal. Mike was too far and he could get a clear shot with his M1911. 
"It's now or never..." Gillan mumbled.

The Infected boyfriend was now within arms reach of her former lover.

He dropped the knife and unholstered the Glock. He then ran in front of Gabrielle, apologizing to her. He was now in between the Infected Charles and her boyfriend. Placing the iron sights of the Glock in between the forehead of Charles, he spoke:

"I'm sorry Gabby, I'm sorry Charles."

Without hesitating, he then pulled the trigger of the two-tone Glock 17. A single gunshot rang throughout the rooftop, followed by a heartbreaking scream and an empty casing falling on the concrete floor.

[gillan1220]

Intermission #2: News reports

"The governors of Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have declared martial law amidst riots ongoing in Chicago, St. Paul-Minneapolis, Madison, and Milwaukee."

"President Trump has activated the Federal Emergency Management System to operate alongside the National Guard and state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies..."

"2018 Midterm Elections may be suspended, no word from Federal Government as of now..."

"U.S. Troops at Mexico border will remain to stop the migrant refugees from Honduras and Guatemala but may soon change..."

"Canada imposes strict border regulations at American entry points."

"Australia has declared a national quarantine. All inbound flights have been diverted to other places."

"France mobilized all armed forces while overseas troops and Foreign Legion have been ordered to return back to the mainland. However, there is no certain if all can make it back home."

"There is a series of unusual phenomenon reported in Japan. Over 10,000 have been hospitalized in the Saitama Prefecture north of Tokyo while small cases of violence reported in the Nerima, Adachi, Itabashi, Kita, and Katsushika special wards of the capital. Emperor evacuated to an undisclosed location in Hokkaido while Prime Minister Abe expected to address the National Diet in an emergency session. Meanwhile, word has it that the Self Defense Force and the U.S. Forces Japan may soon be deployed to..."[screams and gunfire heard, policemen seen drawing their .38 caliber revolvers at two body bags that rise from the stretchers, which are then shot right through the head. More gunfire heard.] "It seems that the police have resorted to using firearms..."[suddenly, a policeman interrupts the live broadcast and personally manhandles the reporter and the cameraman outside the scene. The camera drops to reveal shuffling figures right before the feed ends].

[gillan1220]

Chapter 15: Trojan Horse

October 17, 2018 (Z-Day)
Camp Pendleton
San Diego, California

Corporal Moyers definitely felt uneasy.

After all, a zombie apocalypse right in California was so unusual that even Moyers, who surely was not a brilliant mind, was starting to wonder if he was not having a nightmare.

But the introspection of the corporal was going to cost him his life, as well as a dozen Marines.

A helpless car was driving at full speed. His driver, a 46-year-old insurer, had just been infected a few hours earlier. The metamorphosis was over and the man's foot was stuck on the accelerator, probably because of cramps and attacks of the virus on the muscles.

The few seconds of inattention of the corporal sufficed for the car to cross the perimeter of safety, in spite of the shots of the MPs to crash in the sentry box.

Corporal Moyers, the nearest, stepped forward from the car, making sure to prepare his firearm.

When he from the back seat of the car, the girl of the insurer, pushed in a gesture of a rare violence from the rear door, cutting the legs of the Marine before throwing himself on the jarhead and biting his face.

That's how Camp Pendleton was compromised.

[ukron]

Sept 10, 2021 9:32:24 GMT stevep said:

Sept 9, 2021 14:09:13 GMT gillan1220 said:

Chapter 11: We Shall Fight Them In The Streets (Part 2)

October 17 ,2018, 9:30 AM
(Z-Day)
Cedars Sinai Area

The night and the day of October 16 had not been as calm as the previous days. The constant flight of the helicopters, the sound of the sirens and the glare of the gigantic fires had held the two French in respect, forcing them to take refuge on the shopping center. The rations and bottles of water collected in the stores plundered would allow them to last for days. It was not necessary to count on the help as Cedars Sinai hospital center having fallen prey to shooting then a fire. The two friends could have continued to get food and water in the mall but the looting and what people now called the Infected had begun to swarm in the corner, finally recovering the two SWAT assault rifles had been a good idea.

But the ammunition was in small numbers and the prospect of taking refuge in a magazine prey to looting and the incessant attacks of these things did not please Jules or Dylan, both had seen Georges Romero's classics Zombie. A magazine at the center of a world megalopolis overwhelmed by what looked like a zombie apocalypse were the worst place. The hope of being rescued had been fed late in the evening by the unexpected arrival of a National Guard large UH-60 Helicopter but it had headed for the sea. The situation was getting worse in hours and hours in the city where explosions and shootings were commonplace. The city of LA was in the process of dying, and according to the information obtained by the phones of two friends, were the whole of the world that were sinking into chaos, they had the feeling of being spectators of the apocalypse.

----

"Vanguard 1, hold your position. Waiting for reinforcements, over."

There are shows that you would not want to see, this one was part of it. A National Guard column backed by SWAT and LAPD policemen was desperate to retreat to Beverly Boulevard but was encircled by the Infected, who were coming from all over the place. The deafening roar of Browning machine guns and the popping sound automatic weapons rang out, going with the bellowing of the Infected horde. Many fell down, but the flow still continued like a water of a dam that has busted open.

Jim was sounded by the explosion of a car. He had been hauled safely by the National Guardsmen. He was just starting to emerge near a Humvee. A few frightened civilians trying to cross the street, coming face to face with the horde. It was a fatal error. The screams of land and pain are more or less covered by the detonations but it is enough to freeze the blood of the guardsmen.

"Holy fuck," shouted Jim, who had just regained consciousness. The muertos are still moving forward, the curdled blood and the torn limbs accumulate in the street, making the air go sticky and stinky.

"No, no," yelled a panicked national guardsman, who dropped his gun and tried to run away, before being shot by an officer.

"No retreat, we must hold this position at all costs, so that the Brea and Melrose refugee convoy can join Charlie."

Jim picked up the carbine from the National Guard and took the position, "You'll need everyone then."

----

Jules and Dylan saw the military convoy very well trying to defend their position.

It was now or never.

They urgently collected their few belongings and rushed down the stairs to join the ground floor, forgetting the horde that had took control of the sector.

Too late...

"Grrrrahhh" a horrible mooing sounded.

"We have to run! They are behind us!" Dylan shouted.

They have to run, no choice.

"Quick the emergency door!"

"Oh putain!" exclaims Jules in French.

This one was blocked by some Infected. Uf they were stopping now, the horde that had just entered the store's ruins will catch them.

"We're going through," Dylan grabbed the arm of one of the Infected ones who blocked the door, and propelled him into the window of a fashion magazine.

Jules kicked his leg off. Another zombie, tearing out a cry of agony.

The way was free, well, that's what they thought...

  Well that last bit doesn't sound well for the two guys.

  A couple of questions please,

But the ammunition was in small numbers and the prospect of taking refuge in a magazine prey to looting and the incessant attacks of these things did not please Jules or Dylan, both had seen Georges Romero's classics Zombie. A magazine at the center of a world megalopolis overwhelmed by what looked like a zombie apocalypse were the worst place. The hope of being rescued had been fed late in the evening by the unexpected arrival of a National Guard large UH-60 Helicopter but it had headed for the sea. The situation was getting worse in hours and hours in the city where explosions and shootings were commonplace. The city of LA was in the process of dying, and according to the information obtained by the phones of two friends, were the whole of the world that were sinking into chaos, they had the feeling of being spectators of the apocalypse.

  Is this spell-checker error for something else, like maze or mall?

  Similarly a bit further down

Jim was sounded by the explosion of a car. 

  Do you mean something like deafened or surprised?

  Well your re-connected with the girl you fancied, albeit in a tragic way but it sounds from that last bit like we're going to lose a couple of the other viewpoint characters.

  Steve

Actually it's my bad, at that time i wasn't so much confident to write and talk in english.
Sorry

[gillan1220]

Chapter 16: Making Amends

October 17, 2018 (3:15 PM)
Uptown Los Angeles
Z-Day

Over an hour has passed since I placed Charles out of his misery. Gabrielle knelt by his body, weeping uncontrollably. Mike told me not to approach her for the past one hour, out of respect and anything I would have done would just make Gabrielle angrier. I looked at the skyline of the city, seeing that the pillars of smoke had become too numerous. The Infected must have already taken much of the city. I was already accustomed to the sounds screams, sirens, and automatic gun fire. However, we had to plan our escape as we know we could not stay up here forever. Mike and I spotted a parking lot next to this apartment complex. The problem was however, we didn't have the keys. Though Mike learned how to hotwire a vehicle, it would take time to cover him with my melee weapons and a few magazines of ammunition, in addition to Gabrielle not in the mood to fight them off. However, we were here held up for an hour, so I told Mike my plan. And we promised Charles right before he died to take his girlfriend to her family in San Francisco despite how undoubtedly difficult it be. I normally do not do this hero shit but it is now the best both Mike and I could do. The girl was heartbroken. I was sure letting her see her family would ease up things.

Gathering my courage, I then approached Gabrielle. Mike slowly backed away but remained vigilant since some of the Infected were beginning to gather at the barricades we erected at the stairwell.

"He didn't die in vain Gabrielle. He died trying to protect you, which was courageous of him. He killed eight of those infected pricks before he turned." I said as I placed my hand on her shoulder. Predictably, she angrily shoved my hand back.

Mike could only watch with pure pity on his face.

"I know you wanted to kill him, Gill. This fucking zombie apocalypse was the right opportunity. It's because we were dating and you were jealous right? I'd never forget the time when we first met and when you tried to hit on me before." She asked with mix of pure rage and sadness.

"Look, that was in the past, alright?" I said sternly.

"I don't know what you are talking about. We haven't really even interacted in the last five months we were part of that extracurricular club. In fact, I was really happy for you when you found him. Your posts on Twitter tell a lot you wanted a boyfriend that treats you better. Him, he made sure you won't turn into those bastards below. He even killed them, just so you could survive. His last request was to bring you to San Francisco to see your family and it is the best way Mike and I could do right now."

"Then I want to become one of those things below!" Gabrielle said as she pointed at 20 or so Infected already massing in the lower deck of the rooftop.

"If you want to become of them, the his death would be in vain." I said frankly, hoping to knock some sense on the girl. Hey, I am not a vindictive guy. Just wanted her to see the truth. Not only her is currently suffering from this blight or infection or whatever the hell it is, countless around the world are affected both directly or indirectly. The world had became a difference place in only a span of several hours.

"He's right, Gab," Mike added as he said too in a stern voice. "For sure he would not want you to turn into those things."

The drama was about to unfold. Gabrielle was about to throw another spout of rage filled comments at me. Seeing I have no choice already for her to see the truth, I decided to call a bluff. I whispered to Mike our plan.

"You stay right here and guard this spot while Mike and I kill every of those monsters down there including the entire apartment complex," I said.

I signalled Mike to slowly dismantle the barricades. Three infected were pounding on it with their fists. I then borrowed Mike's tactical hatchet and cracked their skulls. Three infected lay dead on the foot of the barricade. Gabrielle was shocked at the sudden change of demeanor from Mike and I. What became of those two that rescued her and her late boyfriend were now two people who just wanted to kill as much Infected before they maybe killed themselves.

"Wait, you don't have enough ammo to kill them all!" She said, as some sense of reality finally reached into her.

"And you're just two. Those things down there will overwhelm both of you."

"Well, if you are so mad at me for killing him, might as well take down many of them as possible before I go down." I said.

"You need to go home too, you know?" She pleaded.

I then motioned for Mike and asked him to count his ammo.

"I have four clips for my M1911 plus this hatchet and this knife. Spare ammo in my pack."

"Good, that should be enough. I have five magazines for the Glock 17 and this crowbar. We should be able to take down dozens of them. Go for the head. If not, shoot or disable their kneecaps and take them down while they are on the ground."

Mike and I began to disassemble the barricade we formed earlier.

"Please don't do this," Gabrielle begged.

The remaining Infected down there were beginning to head up the stairwell, attracted by the girl's screams and shouts. At this point, I really wanted her to be quiet. All her screaming might attract more of the monsters.

She then grabbed me from behind. So hard, that my heart actually stopped a beat and felt warm for once. The world just stopped once again, just like how it did a few hours ago.

"I...I already knew he was going to die," Gabrielle said, crying. "I was in denial. I thought he could be saved...but I've seen the movies. It's just like it."

"He asked you to bring me to San Francisco right? I'll stick with with you and your friend from now. I promise I won't do any of this stunt again."

I then stopped on what I was doing while I told Mike to fix the barricades again.

"Gabby..., I'm sorry too," I said, turning to her. "We're all in denial for the past few hours. I myself included. Look, we're 6000 miles away from home. I'm still having a hard time trying to process everything."

As I looked into her, her eyes were a mix of pure sorrow and fear. Tears streamed down her cheeks like a waterfall. I knew she had enough and knew the horrible truth that befell on us all so I then embraced her really tight. Her face sank to my chest, tears dropping into my hunter's vest. Memories of that extracurricular club came flooding in. I too recalled that merely a month ago, she told to her followers on Instagram that she was a victim of bullying and body-shaming back then.

"I, just like you, wish today never happened," I said.

"It's alright Gill," She replied, "You did what had to do. For that, I forgive you."

"Once we're in a safe place, we need to catch up. Two years is long enough."

Mike then tapped me on the shoulder.

"Hey, sorry to break up this odd reunion but we still have to worry about those things down there and how we are going to escape."

We planned to do our escape, I then emphasized to them one thing is needed: Cooperation. With that our survival would at least be somehow insured, though there is no guarantee. Seeing the fire hose from an emergency cabinet, I then told Mike how to make the Infected below disperse like ants.

[gillan1220]

Chapter 17: The Escape

October 17, 2018
Z-Day (4:00 PM)
Uptown Los Angeles

The three survivors took out a fire blanket from the emergency fire cabinet, covering the dead body of Charles. After a moment of silence, the three survivors said a prayer. They still held on to their Catholic faith in times of crisis. Mike and Gillan both spoke how much Charles was a good man for he did everything he could to make sure his girlfriend was alright. Even if it meant placing his life on the line.

Gabrielle mentioned about what the brief time they spent together in the months leading to her trip in America to just how few days ago, they celebrate her birthday. Mike and Gillan both listened, comforting her as she spoke. Gillan then took a marker and wrote to a metallic board next to the body of Charles

In Memory of Charles Palmer​
(1995-2018)
Killed eight Infected before turning and made sure his girlfriend was safe.​

Mike marked the coordinates to San Francisco on his smartphone as requested by Gabrielle.

"Once this whole thing is over, we can retrieve his remains and give him a proper burial,” She said.

Gabrielle knelt down, taking some of her dead boyfriend's belongings, including his passport, wallet, state ID, and a smartphone. Deep down, she really wanted to have a proper burial for him. Obviously, the current conditions of the city (and the world for that matter) did not permit it. They were forced to leave Charles' body behind even if they did not like it.

"It's part of what I could send to his family," Gabrielle said.

"Where was he from?" Gillan asked.

"South Carolina," Gabrielle replied, showing him the state ID.

"I'll make your sacrifice was not in vain," Gabrielle said, wiping the tears from her face. "I'll stick with them from now on. I hope you're at peace up there."

Mike signaled Gillan and Gabrielle to help him remove the fire hose from its coil.

"This is gonna be strong. I need all hands here," Gillan said, pointing the nozzle where the Infected were pounding their fists as the improvised barricades. Mike stepped aside, placing his hands on the water valve.

"You ready?" Mike asked.

"Ready when you are bro."

Mike turned the valve as Gillan could feel the pressure building up.

"Alright, let's hose these bastards down!"

----
WHOOSH

The fire hose let out a mighty roar. The barricades were knocked down from the great water pressure, including the Infected that were pounding on it.

"Come get some you f*cking pricks!"

He then aimed the fire hose at the surrounding dozen Infected at the lower deck, sending them down. Three Infected were thrown off the building, thus lessening the amount of Infected that needed to be put down. Those that were knocked out by the hose were temporarily incapacitated. Gillan took out an extra lead pipe from a tool box and handed it to Gabrielle who accepted it.

"Use this, it should break their skulls."

"Alright, take them out!"

The sounds of cracking skulls were heard in the rooftop for the next two minutes as the three survivors neutralized the threat. To the side of the building was a fire exit which connected the roof to the windows of the rooms of the apartment complex.

"This should save us some time of clearing the hallways."

The three climbed down and reached one apartment room that appeared to not have been looted or compromised. Or at least what looked liked it.
----
Gillan and Mike flipped the safety of their guns but kept them holstered.

"Stick close, Gabby."

"Hey, we need to check some of these rooms for supplies and useful items," Mike said.

"Agreed, we got to make this quick," Gillan said. "At least we can find some keys for a working vehicle too."

The three then proceeded to check the room. They did not have time to break everything open and kill what Infected were in the other room. Miraculously, this one was open but there were signs of struggle. Gillan pointed his Glock 17 forward and once he entered, he expected to find a drooling Infected waiting for him but instead he saw a gruesome scene. A body laid on the ground with a gunshot wound at the temple. The body was holding a pistol. Besides it, a spent casing stood idly. The man committed suicide. Gillan crossed himself and muttered a short prayer. He then knelt down as there was a note beside the body of the man who had a large gash on his forearm. It read.

Got bit today. News said the whole thing is a virus turning people into cannibals. This is it turning no back, so I took my life out. My family is currently in New York but I know things are gone bad there. If you are reading this, take what you need from my house including my gun. It may save life. Also, the keys to my car are on my room. Feel free to take my Hyundai Sante Fe. Good luck and God bless.
- Raymond McPherson (1981-2018)

The three said a short prayer before covering the man's body with a blanket. Gillan picked up the gun on the floor along with the four magazines and three boxes of 9x19 mm ammunition and a thigh holster lying on the soda. The pistol was a Heckler and Koch P2000.

"He had a fine preference with guns," Mike said, noting how expensive the P2000 was.

Gillan then handed the pistol to Gabrielle who accepted it, along with the battle belt, thigh holster, and the ammunition.

"Take this," he said. The girl was amazed by the pistol. It felt heavy as it was loaded.

The girl wrapped the thigh holster on her bare leg along with the tactical belt. She placed the magazines in the pouches, while the ammo her pack.

"I know you know how to use that Gabrielle, saw your story last year when you shot an M1911 in one of your hiking trips. However, I suggest we conserve ammo and gunshots attract more of those things." Gillan said. The three then explored the rest, obtaining the key to the car as well as food and supplies.

"Hey let's rest up for a while." Mike said.

"I wanna know what is going on with the rest of the world." Gabrielle said.

Mike picked up the TV remote and turned on to CNN Newsroom. The report was grim as the trio turned their attention to the screen, minimizing the volume as not to attract what Infected in the apartment. A map was displayed in the screen showing where the Infection was reported. Majority of the continental United States was engulfed in red, save for a few spots in the Rockies and the Appalachians. Alaska and Hawaii were spared, for now. The infection was already reported in Canada despite locking their borders and has crossed over into Mexico's northern states. Around the world, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Turkey, India, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Egypt, Namibia, and Brazil reported infections. The Philippines miraculously remained infection free, for now as well.

"This unusual phenomena has been reported in major cities throughout North America. New York City has been turned into a warzone [image showing Stryker APCs and soldiers engaing Infected in Times Square while aerial footage shows tunnels and bridges being blocked by buses and barbed wire plus Navy and Coast Guard boats patrolling the New York Harbor]. The White House remained under tight security today as cases of Infection are reported in the suburbs north of D.C. President Trump is expected to address the nation from the Oval Office at 7:00 PM EST. Meanwhile, we have lost contact with our correspondence in Moscow while the People's Liberation Army have blocked the bridges connecting Hong Kong and Macau despite cases popping out in Mainland China. Prime Minister Theresa May and the Royal Family have been evacuated from London while gun battles rage in Paris and Rome. We are getting word that civilian militia may soon be activated to reinforce...[feed upruptly ends]"

"Well, at least we know the Philippines is safe," said Mike. "Our families are safe but we got to tell them that and know what's going on in there."

"I'm worried about my family...and my younger sister," Gabrielle said.

"Where is your younger sister by the way?" Gillan asked.

"She's back home in Bohol since she is still in high school," Gabrielle said. I'm sure she's really worried about me and my parents."

"Hmm, this place may have some internet." Gillan said as he checked the modem next to the TV and read the password.

The moment the three connected online, all their notifications on Facebook and the alert on Messenger were flooded with people asking if they were safe. The three knew they had no time to reply them all. The three then simply wrote that they were safe and headed to a less populated place to hunker down for a while. Gabrielle meanwhile messaged her younger sister, bluntly telling her from the other side of the globe that she was on her way to reunite with her family in San Francisco. However, she then replied she could not stay longer as she needed to escape with Gillan and Mike. The sun was setting soon, they had to escape.

"Over there, I see the Hyundai." said Mike as he pointed at the parking lot below.

There were only two Infected shuffling there. What even made it more convenient was a fire escape at the side of the apartment that directly lead to the parking lot. It would save valauble time in trying to navigate the stairwells and hallways of the apartment they were in.

"Alright guys, let's go." Gillan told as they escape into the fire exit. He then kicked the ladder down so they could easily descent.

Gillan then threw a stone that distracted the two Infected.

"Gabrielle, cover us from above."

Silently approaching the Infected, Gillan and Mile then kicked the two Infected from the rear causing them to fall face down on the pavement. The two cracked their skulls before signaling Gabrielle to descend. The girl went down and met in the area of the vehicle.

"I'll drive," Mike said as he inserted the key and opened the door. Gillan stayed at the passenger seat while Gabrielle had the entire back to herself. Turning the engine, the car sped through the road. Mike managed to run over some Infected, causing the SUV to shake.

Setting the GPS, Miguel then asked Gabrielle: "To San Francisco?"

Almost immediately, Gabrielle's smartphone rang. It was her mother who miraculously called her. Gabrielle immediately answered it, putting on the loudspeaker.

"Mom! Mom! I'm safe," She said, tears falling down her cheeks. Gillan and Mike could hear the conversation.

"Gabrielle, don't come to San Francisco. It's too far and too dangerous. Luckily, we were able to evacuate to the USS Bonhomme Richard. We're enroute to Hawaii now. I heard the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine are evacuating Southern California to Hawaii."

"Changing course to San Diego now!" Mike said as he adjusted the GPS while avoiding car wrecks and some Infected on the road. Up ahead, he could see helicopters and traffic jam, meaning the three were caught in the midst of the evacuation.

"Gabby dear, are you alone Is Charles with you?" Her mom asked.

Gabrielle hesitated to answer, before speaking and crying at the same time.

"He...He got Infected...and had to be put down. I'm safe thanks to accidentally bumping into a friend from mountaineering before and his friend. We are armed to protect ourselves from the Infected. His best friend is trying to drive down to San Diego. We're in downtown Los Angeles now specifically in Santa Monica Boulevard. Traffic is bad but I really hope I can make."

"Your father and I are worried about you Gabrielle. Even your younger sister is worried about us being here in the States while she is back in Bohol. Please, I pray to God you will make it to San Diego safely."

"I really do, mom. I hope to see you soon. I gotta save power now. Bye and love you."

"Stay safe Gabrielle, we are praying for you."

The girl hanged up, feeling a bit relieved that her family made it out of San Francisco before things got worse. However, the ordeals weren't over as the three of them were caught in a bumper to bumper traffic in this famous boulevard intersecting the entire Los Angeles County. Gillan tried calm Gabrielle down, ensuring her that they would bring her to her family in Hawaii. Those words were the most encouraging she heard in this longest day for the fight for survival.

[gillan1220]

I've been busy lately. Updates to follow next month. Apologies for the delay.

[stevep]

Oct 29, 2021 2:24:08 GMT gillan1220 said:

I've been busy lately. Updates to follow next month. Apologies for the delay.

  No problem.  Get it done when you can.  RL should always take priority.

[ukron]

Chapter 18: First Met

October 17, 2018, 1:00 AM
LA International Airport (LAX)
Callsign: "Safe Zone Charlie"

It was an hour past midnight.

Jules rubbed his eyes, dirt dust, LA International Airport had changed since his arrival in America, makeshift camps had been set up everywhere, vehicles police, firefighters, the Marine Corps and the FEMA went everywhere, while the sounds of the helicopters pierced the eardrums of French, Dylan would have loved to see the ballet of these Apaches and Chinooks....

"Hey buddy, what's new?" Jim questioned. "Not much" sighed Jules, the two men had stayed together in the hubbub, because on one side Jules was recognizing him for saving his life, on the other, because Jim was a very friendly and smiling person, and probably the only person he could to trust, it's crazy how a person can become so close to you in the midst of chaos. The Texan was like a father figure to the aspiring French Army reservist.

"What do you want to do now" dared to ask the Texan, "not a bad thing, it seems he evacuated everyone to Hawaii or some isolated place that can be defended. At least it will be the opportunity to visit this archipelago. After I may be to go back to country, and you Hawaii it's a bit far from El Paso. "Oh, it's not so bad, already El Paso was boring to die, it could become even more with these muertos. "

"Move on." yelled a Marine, in fact a CH-47 Chinook was starting to land, raising a cloud of dust that submerged Jim and Jules, the aircraft was not even posed as the rear door opened, letting it pass a dozen refugees, who came from LA uptown, and finally what remained of them, among them three people attracted the attention of Jules by their approach and their posture. It did not correspond to other refugees, it would have been said maybe military or people who have good experience, two of them were men in their twenties, the other a girl visibly shocked, Jules looked at the face of one of the men,the fighter's gaze; they seemed to be of Indonesian origin, or rather of the Philippines. They came alongside a group of people from the same chopper. Some were armed with guns and makeshift weapons while others were unarmed and only had the clothes on their back. It didn't matter if one was an American or not, as many people of different nationalities were evacuated the same way without discrimination.

He did not have time to look closely at the three people being taken to the temporary emergency medical center of the Safe Zone ....
*********************
Presidential Emergency Operations Center (aka The White House Bunker)
Beneath the East Wing of the White House
Washington, D.C.
October 18, 2018, Z-DAY+1 (+3 Hours PST)

The United States Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis sighed gravely before entering the PEOC. It was going to be difficult to make the President listen to reason, especially with his stubbornness. Arriving in the main hall, he saw CDC director Robert Ray Redfield Jr. and Health Secretary Alex Azar. "Hi Jim, how does it go?" Alex asked, "Not good, we've received confirmation that Fort Pendleton and Bragg have been compromised, and with the gigantic fires ravaging California, evacuations are very risky. We must take into account that Donald still does not want to recognize that it became a global pandemic in just a matter of hours."

"On our side, we have at least more positive news, we managed to isolate the virus, it seems that it is a very complex pathogen with extraordinary abilities at the level ...."

Two agents of the Secret Service rushed to the main gate of the PEOC, something was wrong...

[lordroel]

Nov 25, 2021 16:45:20 GMT ukron said:

Chapter 18: First Met


Two agents of the Secret Service rushed to the main gate of the PEOC, something was wrong...

Either the president has a hart attack ore somebody has turned.

[stevep]

Nov 25, 2021 17:02:41 GMT lordroel said:

Nov 25, 2021 16:45:20 GMT ukron said:

Chapter 18: First Met


Two agents of the Secret Service rushed to the main gate of the PEOC, something was wrong...

Either the president has a hart attack ore somebody has turned.

  The latter was my 1st choice but with his age, state of health and the current stress the former or some other 'normal' health crisis is a possibility.

  Well we seem to have the 1st at least partial link up between our two primary character groups.