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

[ukron]

Chapter 23: Semper Fi

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.​
- The Marines' Hymn​

Date: October 18, 2018, 5:00 AM
Location: San Diego Perimeter

Lcpl. Trevor Allen was with his squad of Marines being supported by an LAV-25 armored personnel carrier. The Marines have been patrolling the area known as the San Diego Perimeter or the San Diego Safe Zone as it was a designated evacuation point for the Navy, Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine. For now, no infections were reported in San Diego but the Marines along with the California Army National Guard, San Diego Police Department, and the civilian militia knew it was just a matter of time. The 21-year old Marine was on his first year of deployment, having completed boot camp a year ago in Parris Island MCRD. He was able to prove to his bullies in middle school and high school that he was a force to be reckon with after he earned his title as a Devil Dog. Now, his deployment was in a middle of a zombie outbreak.

"Killed five of those bastards yesterday." Said Staff Sargent Gavin Philipps, as he checked the optic of his standard-issue M16A4. "Headshots took them down for good."

"Fucking zombies mate!" Replied Sargent Harry Sanchez. "This is the Walking Dead all over again except this time, we gonna win, oorah!" Sanchzed waved his M4A1 in the air.

"Be careful dude." Trevor replied. "We can't let our guard down. Definitely not in one of these puss fucks that could sneak behind us."

While in their patrol, the pathfinder reported 15 Infected approaching their position. The Marines then aimed their weapons at the wandering Infected. "Hey buddies, wanna see how the 25 mm on this puss bags?" Asked the gunner inside the LAV-25, communicating with them via the radio.

"Sure thing."

The LAV-25's Bushmaster autocannon then fired, shells ejecting on its side. The Infected's heads exploded as the Bushmaster's round impacted their bodies. It was a gruesome scene. "HOLY FUCKING SHIT" They all said in unison. "Oorah!"

The Marines approached the bodies of the Infected, making sure they were really dead. "Subjects have been terminated." Reported one Marine. As they continued their patrol, Trevor could only hope that his friend Spencer was safe. Last time they talked was yesterday while Spencer was on a bus bound for San Diego. Of course, they lost contact and all leave was cancelled so Trevor found himself back on the front lines of deployment.

"I hope you are safe Spencer." He said. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when I could have protected you." He silently prayed to God that Spencer was not caught among the Infected. There was no knowing for sure.

[gillan1220]

Dude, merci! I could not post because I'm so busy.

[ukron]

Dec 14, 2021 12:20:19 GMT gillan1220 said:

Dude, merci! I could not post because I'm so busy.

You are welcome  

[ukron]

Chapter 24: The Screaming Death

Date: October 18, 2018, 10:00 AM
Location: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Callsign "Safe Zone Charlie"
Z-Day +1

"Everything is fucked." Jim exclaimed as the metal barriers and summary defenses began to fall under the weight of the infected horde. The .50 caliber machine guns above the Humvee and LAV-25's 25 mm autocannons were no longer enough to stem the screaming mass. The death is imminent for this band of disparate survivors : Filipino students, a French army reservist and a Texan, lost on the tarmac at LA International Airport. People were running in all directions leading where their panic was gonna lead them to. Some fought their ground heroically, only to be swarmed torn apart.

"Gabrielle, you missed your last chance of survival, we're screwed." said Jules. "We will not get away even by running, they will catch us" .Gillan looked at the Glock with a determined air, but he must have been as frightened as everyone else at the idea of committing suicide. On the other hand it was either that, or end up as an inhuman creature. the hardest thing was now, he said to himself, we must finish now, after that, it would be peace or permanent tranquility. The thought of never seeing home again weighed on his mind. "I'm only 22" He said to himself. Gabrielle thought of the same thing.

"The Guys, ready for one last charge - we're not going to let them get us to the end as well, get the most of this bastard stuff with us," said Mike, "with pleasure," replied the small group, Gillan glanced at Gabrielle, probably to express his feelings, then inspected the Glock.

"You gotta tell her mate or else there won't be another time to say it." What Jules told him the previous night echoed on his mind.

"En Avant" shouted Jules, charging in a run followed by Jim and the others. There was a gap in the fence where they could escape by a slight Margin The sound of the crooked metal and the cries of agony from the last defenders filled the air as the "LA Airport Survivors group" charged with the fury of the suicidal ... Jules the first had come into contact with the infected, not far from first aid tents.
Gillan and the others joined him in a fight lost in advance, the dry sound of the Glock and body slumped. Mike fired his M1911 while Gabrielle fired her P2000, putting some Infected down. Jules and Jim had swapped their guns for melee weapons like debris of metals or poles. striking the soft and putrefied flesh. Skulls cracked and sockets were poked. It appeared to be their last combat. It was heroic but they were going to be drowned, unless the miracle they all secretly hoped for happened ... and indeed it happens when a black and armored SWAT Van went up the avenue, hacking part of the horde and stopping nearby in an abandoned LAV-25.

*****************
Twitter trend:
#ZombieApocalypse
#KillerPandemic

"WHO and CDC have confirmed that the virus is transmitted by blood, saliva and sperm."
FOX News-October 18-7:24 AM

"No confirmation from the Chinese government after the alleged bombardment of Taiwanese boats."
France24-October 18 -7:45 AM

"Russian Army massively deployed in Moscow, causalties expected."
RT english-+October 18-8.09 AM

"Infected are higly dangerous, avoid contact at any costs said Health Officials"
CNN-Headlines-October 18-8.10 AM

"Someone can help me ? my boyfriend and me are stuck in Miami Upper Eastside "
Eiza Lopèz-October 18th-8:11AM

[ukron]

Chapter 25: The Man Comes Around
Date: October 18, 2018, 10:00 AM
Z-Day +1

Jules and the others were back to the wall. literally, the mass of infected had crossed the line of defense for a long time and moved inexorably. They ate and destroyed everything that came to their path. Trying to make a path in this mass of walking flesh eaters was suicide, along with staying motionless too. It was obvious that their salvation was only a miracle. Already Gillan was preparing mentally to finish once and for all, with the Glock 17 looted from that tactical store yesterday would avoid suffering the same fate as Charles Palmer.

Perhaps it was fate they would end up like this?

But fate, luck or maybe somebody up there (depending on one's belief) did not want October 18th to be the last day on earth of this small, motley group of survivors.

"CCRASSSHHHHH"

A horrible metallic noise was heard, followed by the appearance of an armored vehicle, marked SWAT and covered with blood and guts.

"Mount, quick!" yelled an authoritative male voice.

No one was waiting, the vehicle started while the horde, admittedly slow enough was catching the vehicle, it was over the Safe Zone Charlie. The SWAT van crushed several of the Infected as they blocked the way. But the survivors escaped to live another few hours. They were fortunate while others weren't so.

It was just the day after everything started and it felt like the world was already falling apart.

[ukron]

Chapter 26: Everyone Is Here?
Date: October 18, 2018, 14:02 PM
Z-Day +1

The SWAT Van rushed through the deserted streets. The noise and smell was totally uncomfortable but everyone did not care, everyone was especially happy to have left LA airport at the last minute. One of the men of the SWAT was driving the craft with such ease that the infected who tried to intercept the bus was transformed into bloody pulp. Everything was going so fast: the death of Charles and Dylan, the city plunged into the chaos, the U.S. military seemed to have lost control completely as the last shots heard were getting farther and farther while the local police had disappeared as shown by the dozens of police cars and trucks abandoned here and there.

"Where are we going?" Mike questioned, breaking the disturbing torpor of the other members of the bus.

"We're going to Huntington Beach, according to Radio, the Navy and the army have created a secure area," said the driver.

"Lies, they got puffed, the airport was supposed to be safe and now it's just a nest to be crawling with thousands of the Infected. You have to be honest, your whole army got beaten. We're screwed if we go there, the only solution is the mountains, at least these crap will not be able to climb." Jules said.

the familiar sound of a turbine was heard, making the air louder ... a gleaming UH-60 passed in a swath in the direction of the Sea. A kind of smile appeared on the driver's face "what did you Tell Son? " Jules sat back from the bench from which he had risen and let his eyes wander.

"Holy fuck." suddenly exclaimed the driver as the bus braked suddenly ... something was blocking the street.

[ukron]

Chapter 27: That Was Too Close

Moments ago...

Date: October 18, 2018, 10:00 AM (Z-Day +1)
Location: Safe Zone Charlie (overrun)

I was terrified. We all were. Overnight, we were able to catch our breathe and take the some rest. The following day, this promised safe-zone has fallen to the infected. They were everywhere. It was every man for himself. Refugees, soldiers, and marines were running everywhere, trying to find a way to escape. Planes, helicopters, and vehicles went and go. Some stood their ground and fought, but I knew there was not enough ammunition to kill all of them.

The last helicopter left. I was about to push Gabrielle into it, for she needed to see her family. Reluctantly, she wanted to stay with us for Mike and I saved her life. But now, we are here about to be overrun with the rest of Safe Zone Charlie.

Jules and the USN veteran sailor Jim were about to put a fight, armed with their assault rifles. The three of us did the same as I took out my Glock 17. The side of the horde was enough for us all to expect the worse to come. If ever it was come to me, I would save the last bullet for myself.

"Gabrielle, I'm sorry I failed..." I said turning towards her. The girl was terrified too, where she was also holding onto her P2000. I determined she too was about to save the last bullet. She replied as tears began falling from her eyes right as I embraced her tightly.

As we were about to play like Davy Crockett in the Alamo, a sudden noise took our attention. A black armored SWAT van crashed through some metallic fence and ran over a few infected. A SWAT officer then went out of the vehicle and took some infected down with his HK416.

"Everyone, get in now!" The SWAT officer yelled.

We wasted no time and boarded the vehicle. We were all panting and exhausted. Our hearts were beating so fast. I thought I was gonna see the light. Perhaps the Lord up there determined it was not our time yet to go. Even the most atheist person would see the arrival of this three-man SWAT team as manna from heaven. We were just thankful for this miracle; thankful to be alive.
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10:05 am

"Hey you saved us." Mike told the three SWAT men. Two were in the front while one sat in the passenger seat. "Thank you so much."

"You guys were lucky we got you on time or else you would have ended up as zombie chow." One of the officers. "We thought LAX was our ticket out of this Hell but those fuckers were already in the process of being overrun."

Mike, Gabrielle, and I were still trying to catch their breathe, still traumatized as death was very imminent. Jules and Jim stayed at the back of the SUV where some weapons were stored.

This Asian-looking SWAT officer then pulled out an assault rifle on the from the back where Jules and Jim were staying. "Thought you need this." Opening the case, it was a long mean looking assault rifle and box full of accessories. Inspecting it, it was a Remington R4A3, the same M4 type the Armed Forces of the Philippines used. The officer opened a case to reveal several stocks, scopes, optics, and foregrips.

I then picked up a Magpul CTR stock, an EOTech 551, a PTS angled foregrip, and a PEQ laser unit. The Asian officer then passed a smaller M4 CQB and passed it to Mike. It was a Mk. 18 mod 0 Carbine which to me looked like the Ferfans SOAR. "Sweet!" My friend replied.

"Ma'am, take this." The SWAT officer said as he handed over an MP5A3 with a collapsible UMP skeletal stock, an Aimpoint red dot sight, and suppressor to Gabrielle. "This has less recoil and easier to handle. Press this button to fold the stock in case for close quarter engagements." The girl nonetheless accepted the submachine gun but was awed of the thought of holding a real weapon. She looked at it as if she was staring at the Holy Grail. "I've never held these before." Gabrielle said. "Better to have a primary weapon than a peashooter mate." The SWAT officer said.

Since Jules and Jim had assault rifles, they merely resupplied their ammunition.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2:02 PM
"Where are we going?" Mike questioned, breaking the disturbing torpor of the other members of the bus.
"We're going to Huntington Beach, according to Radio, the Navy and the army have created a secure area," said the driver
"Lies, they got puffed, the airship was supposed to be safe and now it's just a nest to be infected, you have to be honest, your whole army got beaten, we're screwed if we go there, the only solution is the mountains, at least these crap will not be able to climb, "Jules said.

I was awoken from their conversation. It's been hours but we did not know each other's names yet. The propeller of a UH-60 Blackhawk was heard flying above us.

"What did you tell son?" The driver asked.

"Holy Fuck" suddenly exclaimed the driver as the bus braked suddenly ... something was blocking the street.

"Oh I forgot to introduce myself." The Asian SWAT officer said. "I'm Francis. Johnson is the driver and the one beside him is Ray. Sorry but you guys were so caught in the moment that I forgot to introduce ourselves."

"It's alright. My name's Gillan. This is my bestfirend Mike."

"I'm Gabrielle. They both found me in the chaos."

"My name's Jules. Jim rescued me here."

"Well, nice to meet you guys but we have a bigger problem right now." Francis said pointing to the object that was blocking the road.

"We need to turn around a bit." He said as we saw a bus had fallen to its side and blocked the street. There was still enough room for the van to squeeze right through the side.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: October 18, 2018, 2:45 pm (Z-Day +1)
Location: San Diego Perimeter

Lance Corporal Trevor Allen sat on the top of the LAV-25 with his buddies Harry Sanchez and Gavin Philipps. Beside them was a Marine Scout Sniper whose name is Christopher Blackburn. He was currently scouting the roads with his M110 SASS along with his spotter. For the rest of the day, there were sitting on this armored vehicle.

"So that's how Pendleton was overrun?" Asked Sanchez.

"Yeah, car crashed and bit the CO. Then all Hell broke loose." Replied one of the other Marines.

"We were lucky to have gotten out alive."

Blackburn then spotted another group of ten wandering infected approaching their position. "Contact fellas." He said. Adjusting his scope, he pulled the trigger ten times as ten infected dropped dead. The Marines scored a minor victory for it seemed that heavier firepower meant that these infected scum would be eliminated eventually.

"So we hold on to this position while refugees are being screened?"

"Yes, until command says it's time to get the fuck out."

"It's not like we have a unlimited supply of ammunition." Trevor replied. He knew that could not hold onto San Diego for so long. The infected from Los Angeles would eventually wander off in search for plentiful food supply. Checking his rifle and ammo, Trevor looked above as MV-22 Ospreys whirled passed them. More and more reinforcements were called into the defense of San Diego.

"Spencer, I know you are out there. I know you can make it here." He said to himself. "You are a tough SOB. I know that."

[ukron]

Chapter 28: On Our Own

Date: October 18, 2018 4:00 PM (Z-Day +1)
Location: E. Colorado St., Long Beach, California

The drive from Long Beach down to San Diego was slow. Long Beach wasn't fully infested yet, but it was doomed to be. Los Angeles was just up north. The Infected were definitely following the stream of refugees heading south. Spencer turned the car to so much detours caused by damaged cars and jammed police roadblocks. Besides him, Angela sat nervously. The two took turns driving last night, as they there directed and redirected by the CHP. Knowing how bad the traffic was, they took the detours. This time, Spencer was on the wheel.

As they turned towards Park Avenue, a suddenly flurry of activity caused their car to stop. The road was suspiciously empty save for a few barricades made up of dumpsters and park benches that were hastily set up.

"Something's not right." Spencer said.

Suddenly, three heavily tattooed men appeared from behind the barricade. They were armed with knives and baseball bats. They threateningly approached the vehicle.

"Get out of the vehicle." Said one of the tattooed men in a heavily Spanish accent.

Spencer and Angela put his hands in the air, intending no harm. Angela hid the gun in the glovebox. The men appeared to be Latino, like some sort of MS-13 gang.

"I see you gringos have stashed a lot of supplies in this vehicle. Get out before we kill you and your girlfriend." The other one armed with baseball bat said.

"Angela, do what they say...Let's get out of the car slowly." Spencer said, equally terrified as Angela.

However, before the blonde 19 year old could exit, one of the gangsters just opened the vehicle and grabbed Angela. "Hey hey hey puto, you got one hot chick over there. Shame she's mine now." The third member of the gang held Angela in a choke-hold. The girl tried to struggle but the Latino held her tight. "Spencer, help me!" She shouted.

"Let her go you bastard!" Spencer shouted.

The Latino showed no signs of cooperating, instead grabbing a knife and threatening to cut Angela's throat. His two compatriots were beginning to get excited. "She's hot esse. We need to repopulate the world with all these muertos everywhere." The Latino said before laughing manically. The two others were laughing like mad men.

"Hold her still." The leader said.

"You fucking gringo. In times like these, beautiful women like her is a finite resource." The second member said.

The Latino holding Angela began grabbing her breasts while the other two men tried to spread her legs wide. They were gonna rape the girl in broad daylight. Angela tried to hold on to her pants as the men began to try to unbuckle her belt. Using the knife, the man was about to cut open the straps of her tank top. Angela cried as she was being violated. Her terrified eyes begging Spencer to do something. The two other men were beginning to undress themselves.

Pure adrenaline rush into Spencer's bloodstream. Quickly, he remembered the revolver Angela hid in the glovebox. By pure instinct, the 21-year old pinball player grabbed the gun and aimed it at the gangsters who were surprised. Aiming the gun at the two members, Spencer did not hesitate to pull the trigger despite being a first timer. The recoil caught him off-guard. He was able to hit both in the kneecaps, incapacitating him. The wounded Latinos were squirming in the ground, trying to clutch their wounds. Rushing towards the rapist, the barrel of the gun was placed at the brachialis region of the deltoid. The rapist's eyes grew terrified. It was Spencer's baptism of fire.

"Hey puto, put the gun down or this puta dies." The rapist threatened. Spencer did not buy any of it. Pressing his finger on the trigger, he calmly returned the threat to the rapist. "You saw what I did to those two over there. This is the first time I fired a gun in my entire life. My first two shots did not miss and surely I won't." In just a split second, Spencer pulled the trigger as blood squirted out from the Latino's shoulder. Angela then punched the man using her elbow as the man's grip weakened. The rapist fell to ground, squirming and yelping out in pain along with his gang members.

Angela then grabbed the revolver and aimed it at her would-be rapist. "You piece of shit!" The girl said, hot tears of trauma and anger falling from her face. "You all deserve to die!" She shouted as she clicked the hammer.

"Easy Angela, they're not worth your time." Spencer said. "We should just ignore these people. Plus, we've made a lot of ruckus here." He was referring to the noise made from the gunshots. A group of two dozen Infected were approaching their vehicle. Glaring back at the rapists, Angela then tucked the revolver in her belt before going back to the car with Spencer. The three Latino gangsters were then begging to be saved.

"Hey you can't leave us here. Please help us." The leader said.

"Hijo de puta, help us!" The other said.

"No no, this can't be!" The third one added.

Spencer and Angela ignored them as he started the vehicle in reverse. "Come on Angela, I'll find us another way." The car sped in reverse, hitting some Infected along the way before turning right and disappearing from view.

The three wounded gangsters were still trashing on the ground when the two dozen muertos approached and piled up on them, tearing them apart. They indeed got the punishment they deserved. The only evidence of this action in self-defense was the bloody remains of three gangsters along with their bloodcurling screams.

[ukron]

Chapter 29: Terror Times
Date: October 18, 2018 5:00 PM (Z-Day +1)
Location: Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, California

Indeed Huntington Beach was just ravaged, defended or not, most buildings and vehicles had been burned and destroyed. The evacuation station had suffered the same fate as the LA airport, many bodies lay on the beach, making it impossible to reach the devastated pier. The famous boardwalk was abandoned to the Infected.

Though the city was slightly better, slightly than its northern metropolis.

The SWAT van carrying the survivors abruptly stopped in the city before turning to the road near the Huntington Beach Bike Trail.

Everyone got out of the vehicle, weapons drawn. The SWAT men came out secured the perimeter, with the leader of them using binoculars to scout the area. The setting sun on the Pacific Ocean gave off a beautiful red-orange glow. Over the horizon, there were lights in the distance from all the ships in the ocean. It was a mix of cargo, commercial, and passenger ships being escorted by the Coast Guard and the Navy.

"It would have been more beautiful if these were ordinary times." Gillan thought to himself.

"It's a fucking mess everywhere we go." Gabrielle said.

Jules laughed at this statement seeing the brunette curse. In a way it was funny seeing her to that. She was just as young as the these tourists he befriended yesterday. They were all the same, foreigners stranded in a middle of a horror sci-fi scenario that should not exist. And they too were far from home and their families.

A group of three Infected came. One of the SWAT men took out a suppressed Glock 17 and shot them all in the head, putting them down.

"Suppressors don't really mask the sound folks." The leader of the SWAT men, whose name was Ray said.

In the distance, the survivors saw a plume of black smoke coming out of a cargo ship. It appeared to blasted by a nearby USCG cutter with a mix of its naval guns, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and the Phalanx CIWS. One of the SWAT men looked at the binoculars and could see the Coasties aboard the cutter were gunning down both Infected and uninfected people that jumped from that cargo ship.

"What the fuck, what are we doing now?" Gillan asked.

"We are trying to survive for the night. Our only chance is to find a pretty well defended corner in a neighborhood not too infected" Jim replied.

"I see what appears to be a condominium unit up ahead." The SWAT operative known as Johnson said. "It's by the beach. We can park the van at the front of the bike trail if anything happens. The beach is wide enough for us to escape in case a horde decides to attack us."

"It's getting dark, we need to clear that place of possible Infected as fast and careful as possible." The other one said. "Let's do it."

The van slowly drove through the bike trail by the beach. All the rules be damned now since the main road was blocked by burnt-out car wrecks and other barricades. Just as they passed by a children's playground - which thankfully no Infected children were found but abandoned toys and bloodstains told a different story - a sound of an engine caught Ray's attention. Staring to his right, an SUV came rushing across the intersection of 9th Street and the Pacific Coast Highway and abruptly stopped at the grass and palm trees near the playground. The SWAT men got out of their vans and aimed their guns at the SUV with two unknown occupants inside whose intentions remained to be seen.




Orange line: Route the SWAT van took
Blue cross: SWAT van current position
Red line: Route the SUV took
Red cross: SUV current position at the grassy portion
Red circle: The condo unit

Attachments:

[ukron]

Chapter 30: Bonding (Part 1)
Date: October 18, 2018, 5:00 PM (Z-Day +1)
Location: Huntington Beach, California


Spencer and Angela continued their drive to Huntington Beach when they spotted an unusual sight as they were about to enter the Pacific Coast Highway. There was what appeared to be a moving SWAT van on the beach! It was the first time they say a living soul in this ghost town. For the past few hours, they drove through barricades and car wrecks. They only spotted some Infected,

"Look Angela, survivors!" Spencer exclaimed. "I think we should approach them."

"Careful Spencer, they may be hostile." Angela reminded him, noting their hostile encounter with those MS-13 rapists just two hours ago. "Alright, I'll drive slow and put the lights on low beam. Then I will raise my hands in the air meaning I do not want harm or trouble."

Spencer turned the SUV and drove passed the road into the gutter and the grass. He saw three heavily SWAT operatives and one man his 40s approached the two, guns raised. Slowly, Spencer went out of the car and raised his hands in the air. "Help us, we were nearly attacked."

One of them yelled: "Who attacked you? Have any of you been bitten?"

"No, we're not infected. We were attacked by some hostile gangsters. We need help, my friend here needs help. Some sick fuckers attempted to rape her."

"Holy shit!" One of the SWAT operatives said said. The four armed men approached Spencer and Angela. From there, Angela explained how three MS-13 gangsters attempted to rape her in broad daylight. Asking if she was armed, the 19 year old blonde girl then took the revolver tucked in her belt and showed it to the SWAT men. "I had to do it, they were about to do it." Spencer said. "I shot them in self-defense but then the Infected came and tore them apart."

The four men believed their story. "Hey buddy, you did the right thing. You did the world a favor by disposing those scumbags. They deserved to be torn apart. Even in the end times, some insane bastards decide to do the worst things ever." One of the men said. "Do you and your girlfriend wanna come with us? We are looking to hold out in that condo over there where there are less Infected around."

"Oh, she's not my girlfriend, she's just someone I came across the day before. Sure, we would like some company. We'd be better off in strength in numbers." Spencer said. "My name is Spencer anyway but you can call me Josh for short. This one here in Angela." The pair introduced themselves as the three SWAT and the other man did the same. "I'm Francis, this is Ray our leader and Johnson. We got scattered from our SWAT unit now we are just trying to get the fuck out of here." The old man in his 40s, with the Texan accent, then said: "I'm Jim, former U.S. Navy sailor. Made it out of Los Angeles with those kids at the back. Why don't you youngsters get to know each other?" The Texan smiled.
****************************************
Spencer and Angela approached the other survivors who were armed with automatic weapons that just exited the back of the SWAT van. These survivors looked like they were in their early 20s and been through hell. They were busy chatting among themselves. "Hey folks, we have two people to add to our group." Jim sad,

"Oh hi there, my name's Spencer. This is Angela, a survivor I found along the way." Spencer said while Angela smiled and wave back.

"Hello there, my name is Gillan. And this is my best friend Mike."

"Oh hey there."

"My name's Gabrielle. You can call me Gabby for short." She was happy that she was not the only girl in this group. Now Gabrielle had someone that she could relate to. "How old are you two by the way?"

"I'm 21." Spencer replied. "Oh, I'm 19." Angela added.

"My name is Jules. I'm from France and I'm 19 as well." The Frenchman added. "If you are wondering what I am I doing here, I was visiting some friends just before I enter the French Army as a reservist." Jules added as he showed his ID and unit patch as proof.

"Well, I'm just glad we have some people who know how to hold a gun properly." Spencer added.

The group then parked the van and the SUV at the front of the beach in case of an emergency when they need to escape immediately.
****************************************
Later, the survivors continued to look for a place as the sun was setting. Josh and Angela followed the bus with their SUV tailing behind. Entering the condo, the group found this beautiful unit with the view of the famous beach. It appeared to be abandoned in a hurry as the lights were on. Noting down the address, they were at 711 Pacific Coast Highway 315, Properly Listing #18408610. Francis, Ray, and Johnson then entered the house slowly, pointing their guns at the doorway. Slowly opening the door, it appeared to be clear. The rest of the group followed, switching to their sidearms as the house was a CQB environment. They then searched the beachfront of the condo unit slowly, taking half an hour to clear it. Armed with suppressed pistols, a total of eight Infected were disposed of. Once it was clear, the group entered the house, the group noted how messy it became as if the owners left in a hurry. There were several clothes and personal belongings littering the floor. Upon inspection of the kitchen, there were some food left. Unfortunately, not all of the condo could be cleared and it was getting dark. It was too big so the survivors instead barricaded some of the areas where the Infected could be hidden at. So the group chose the unit with the easiest access to the beach.

"First floor is clear." Ray said. "Checking out the second floor. Move on our go."

Jim then accompanied the three SWAT men as the checked the remainder of the house. A few anxious minutes later, the clear signal was given. Next, the checked the phones, internet, water, and air conditioning. All were functioning...for now. "What a lucky find." Mike said. "We get to sleep well tonight. This place is fairly isolated."

"Still, we can't be overconfident. We are gonna barricade the front door while setting up sentries on the balcony." Franz said. "In the meantime, everyone sleeps in the second floor."

"Noted man." Gillan said.
***************************************
Checking out the fridge and the pantry, Gillan noted that most of the perishables were left behind. There were a few canned goods namely SPAM, Corned Beef, cream of mushroom soup, pork and beans, and canned pineapple.

"Woah, we got some steak, wagyu beef, and fillet mignon." Gillan said. "Plus lots of softdrinks and alcohol."

"Mmm, I love fillet mignon." Jules said. "It reminds me of home."

"Welp, does anyone know how to cook here?" Mike added.

Angela, Jim, and Spencer raided their hands. "Good enough. The owners also left some rice. Rice is easier to cook."

The word alcohol was then filled with excitement, specifically from Gabrielle and Jules. "Hey Gillan, did you say there was alcohol?" Gabrielle said with the smile of a little girl as if she was excited to receive a new toy. "Well, let's see. We got beer namely Heineken, some brandy, tequilla, and wine."

"What kind of wine?" Jules asked. "It better be Californian wine. Still better the Burgundy wine."

"Oh you are like my friend. This house has tons of Californian wine." Gillan said.

"Oh putain! I am in luck!" Jules added as he laughed. The rest of the youngsters could not help but laugh too. "You know guys, I don't always drink wine, but when I do, it's Californian." Mike added. "Bro, I like you taste." Jules replied.

"Guys, I'm excited to get to know you all better tonight." Gabrielle said. "So save it for dinner and our drinking session." She added with a smile.

"Hey you guys can rest up while we make dinner." Angela said.

"Sure, thanks." Gabrielle said as the rest of them lined up to get a real shower and some new clothes.
************************************************
Gillan, Mike, and the others went to the living room to get some rest. Gillan was curious how the rest of the world was doing. Thankfully, there was still electricity and cable. Turning on the large flatscreen TV, Gillan switched the channel to Fox News. MSNBC, CBS, and ABC apparently have gone off the air. Gillan did not want to think of it, as the Big Three of American media was situated in New York City which at this point can only be described as a living Hell.

Fox News surprisingly was still on air. He turned volume up while Mike, Gabrielle, Francis, Ray, Johnson, and Jules listened carefully. The anchorman then said: "The cases of the Killer Pandemic has skyrocketed. It is estimated in the United States alone that over 25 million have been killed in the past 48 hours as estimated by the CDC. Of course, we do not know the exact figures worldwide. What we know though is the CDC and Fort Detrick are still operation trying to find a cure or a vaccine against this virus. Meanwhile, the Washington, D.C. perimeter has seen cases of infection in the northern suburbs, specifically in Bethesda and Georgetown. This may be the reason why President Trump cancelled his address to the nation yesterday. While the White House has been on lockdown, it is beyond doubt that the President and the rest of the cabinet may soon be evacuated to undisclosed locations around the continental United States..."

"Oh God. So it is really that bad eh?" Mike asked.

"The situation around the world continues to deteriorate. With the pullout of the PLA in Western China, the autonomous regions of Xinjiang and Tibet have held uprisings now that area has saw major withdrawals of PLA soldiers to fight the infection on the eastern coast. There are reports of naval clashes between Taiwan and China. All while India and Pakistan have skirmished over Kashmir. North Africa is torn between infections occuring within its own borders and refugees coming in from Europe. Switzerland has declared a national quarantine where all refugees entering will be shot on sight. Our troops in the Middle East have been recalled home but due to the problems of logistics as wel' as combating own outbreaks in the area, this may soon be delayed indefinitely..."

"...Italian government has evacuated Rome towards Verona...Before the Pope was relocated to Switzerland, he has

"...Brazilian general elections suspended. Presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro promised to rid infection once elected...

"...Colombian cartels gain power with the government forces and CNP focusing on infection...

"...Turkey apparently destroys the bridges connecting Asia from Europe in the hopes of stemming flow of the infection...

"...Greece setting up safezones in various islands..."

"...Various British Overseas Territories decide to hold emergency referendum once contact with London has ceased...

"...USBP, DHS, CBP teams up with Mexican Federales to eradicate the Infecred in the U.S.-Mexico border. Rumours has it the migrant caravan from Central America have been 'massacred' by the Mexican military. No details announced...

"...Fundamentalist groups and ecological extremist organizations have called this Gaia's punishment for mankind's pollution of the planet. Some extremist Christians in the Deep South have stated that this is God's punishment for mankind's sinfulness...

"So why has Satan sent his dead upon us? Is it because we kill unborn children? Is it because we have sex on wedlock? It is because we have same-sex marriage? Now my friends. Now we know. When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth..."[1]

"Nutjobs!" Jules shouted. "I don't believe that supernatural curse either. I belive the virus theory. It is more plausible."

"Yeah, I agree." Mike said.

Twenty minutes later, dinner was served. Jim cooked a Tex-Mex beef dish while Spencer and Angela cooked some fillet mignon, stir fried noodles, and fried rice. It was the most delicious meal they have ever tasted since the MREs from Safe Zone Charlie a day prior. It was one of the luxuries in life they experience when the world around them fell apart.

To be continued...

Red circle: The condo unit the group is staying in.
Blue circle: The area currently cleared.
Red question marks (?): Uncleared areas.
Orange crosses: Where the vehicles are parked.


[1]  Dawn of the Dead (2004) reference with slight modifications.

Attachments:

[ukron]

Also I decided to release the first portion of Through Rough Times: Troubled Waters-New Orleans (LA). This is written by ukron and edited by me and serves as one of the three spin-offs of this main thread along with stories in Washington, D.C., France, the Philippines and China.
**********************
Date: October 15, 2018-6:50 AM (Z-Day-2)
Location: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Kenner, Louisiana

Boris Yevgenyevich Karpov is scratching his nose in order to wake up. It was the first time he arrived to sleep by plane. The first time he had flown was in 1988 at the waning days of the Soviet Union during his military service aboard an old Antonov AN-2 who seemed ready to dissolve. It was probably that which had prevented him from sleeping on the plane all these years, despite all these trips around the world to run his import-export business.

In any case for this time, the Russian was not obliged to worry about economic sanctions, international transactions, or even the nature of Cold War II because this trip was above all for the marriage of his niece Olga with this American boastful who was called Steve. Boris deposited his passport with his U.S. visa at the Customs and Border Patrol immigration counter.

"Help, help me, damn it!" A man covered with blood crossed the airport hall.

"This madman bit me." said the man showing a nasty wound on the back of the neck. The man suddenly broke off, and began to retreat while "the madman" was advancing towards him. "Calm down, I do not want to get into trouble."

"Stop now!" An airport cop cried, drawing his service firearm at the "madman". "I repeat stop now or I will shoot!" The officer ordered.

Instead, the lunatic was still advancing towards the bloody man. A snap cracked the air, causing everyone in the airport to duck for cover. The madman was hit in the stomach but continued his inexorable march towards the crowd while the bloody man escaped towards Hall C. Yet the madman continued to advance. Another shot was fired but it did stop him. The madman was about to lunge and bite the officer when all of a sudden, someone stepped out from the crowed and took matters onto his own hands.

"Take that bastard!" yelled a massive black man with a hard suitcase. The madman's head creaked and he collapsed into a thudding sound. "Damn shit." exclaimed the black man, "Thank you sir, it was an act of self-defense. He would have bit me" said the cop, tidying up his weapon as more TSA and DHS officers came with weapons and K-9 units.

"You are welcome, man." The black man with the suitcase replied.

"Blyat, but what's this stuff?" Boris asked the TSA agent who was handling his visa.

"You do not know about these Junkies attacking people." The TSA officer said as he watched the tall Russian in front of him.

"...and now there are crazy mad junkies attacking people." Boris told himself as he retrieeved his passport and was granted entry into the United States. This trip to America was going to be definitely unpleasant.

[gillan1220]

Thank you to ukron for continuing this while the power is out in my area!

[ukron]

You are welcome gillan1220,

[ukron]

Chapter 31: Bonding (Part 2)


You know what they say
Life ain't always easy and everyday
We're survivors
So forget the day
Its all about tonight act a fool, and start a riot, be a rebel
Bottles poppin' til we cant stand
We keep it rockin' 'til six A.M.
New York to London over to Japan
Turn it up, turn it up
Mash it up
We gonna party like
Party like, like it's the end of the world
We gonna party like, like it's 2012
You know that it doesn't matter as long as we got each other
Turn it up, turn it up
Mash it up
It ain't the end of the world, oh
Gonna live like it's the end of the world
Gonna party like, oh
Turn it up, turn it up
Mash it up
It ain't the end of the world​
- Jay Sean - 2012 (It Ain't The End) ft. Nicki Minaj



Date: October 18, 2018, 8:00 PM (Z-Day +1)
Location: Huntington Beach, California

After washing the dishes, the group then groomed themselves up. Particularly, they took turns taking a quick shower and a change of clothes as they haven't changed nor took a bath since yesterday. Then, they went down to the living room where Gabrielle and Jules laid all the alcohol and softdrinks on the floor. The TV and the radio was constantly updating the news. However, this time, the group mainly ignored it. They were prepared to indulge themselves with alcohol, as in literally partying while the word burns.

Gabrielle then poured some tequila while handling out some beer to us all. "Damn, Gabrielle, you do drink hard." Mike said. "Did you say you wanted Californian wine?" Gabrielle said with a wink as she gave a cup full of Californian wine to Mike and Jules.

Gillan came down after changing, wearing his USC School of Arts and Sciences T-shirt and a pair of boxers. His Glock 17 remained by his side. "Woah, what an unusual sight." He said referring to the alcohol on the living room table. Having a house party in the middle of a global pandemic was definitely odd.

"It's a fucking zombie apocalypse and we are here, bonding like college undergrads." Gillan pointed out.

"Au revoir!" Jules said as he held a wine glass full of Californian wine high up in the air.

"Come on Gill, you never got to join us in mountaineering you know. Now is your chance." said Gabrielle, as she invited the guy who kissed her two years ago impulsively to join the circle.

"Well, what do you know, we got to enjoy the little things like what Zombieland mentioned." Gillan replied. "I always wanted to talk to you ever since we went our separate ways after college."

Spencer and Angela came, also having changed for home attire. "I don't usually drink but oh well, might as well join while we are still alive." The pinball player said.

"Count me in guys!" Angela added.

At this point, the three SWAT men and Jim entered. "Hey, you guys wanna join?" Gabrielle said. "No thanks, Ray and I will be patrolling tonight." Johnson added. "I'll join in a while." Francis said.

"How about you Jim?" Gabrielle asked.

"Nah, I'm too old for that. Kids these days." Jim chuckled.

Gabrielle then passed on the cups to her fellow survivors. As they drank, they talked about fun memories that occurred during the outbreak. They also shared some personal stuff such as how Spencer broke up with his New Zealander girlfriend in 2016, how Mike became a film student, how Gabrielle revealed that she was bullied and bodyshamed for being too thin before in high school as well as having date a douchebag last year, and Gillan's crazy stories of his college life. Francis also shared his experiences in the SWAT team while taking a few shots. Jules revealed why he intended to join the French Armed Forces.

"My father used to serve in the French Army. He was stationed in Berlin during the Cold War. He was part of the Forces Françaises à Berlin. I was inspired to serve from him though we rarely talk about it."

"Interesting mate. Knowing you father was in the frontlines of the Cold War." Gillan replied. "Some rare testimonies. And now you are here, drinking our hearts out while those things are out there. But still more survivable than a hail of Soviet nuclear missiles."

Then Gillan revealed that days before the outbreak, how a girl named Kimberly he unsuccessfully dated finally shrugged him. "For nine months, I tried to meet her just for one single date. One the seventh of nine months of waiting, that's when she met him."

"Who did she meet?" Angela asked.

"My classmate Clyde. They met at work. I knew at the moment it was game over. The fact they could see each other everyday merits him an advantage. True to my prediction, they got closer. I knew where this was going. I sent my congratulations ahead but she kept on denying that they were merely best friends. Best friends? Bullshit man! Yeah best friends that kiss behind the taxi, mentions about third wheels, and sleeping at her dorm. Yeah, that's a very advanced form of best friend."

"Dude, what a bitch." Spencer said. "What is she trying to imply with her best friend excuse?"

"I guess she didn't want to hurt you Gill. She knew you liked her but she was ashamed to admit that her and her workmate were getting closer." Gabrielle added.

"She could have just admitted from the start." Gillan added. "Anyways, I hope her the best. I don't wish both of them ill. If she is happy with him, so be it. He has something I can't provide: the ability to see her everyday. Look I don't know the state of the Philippines right now, last time I heard it was infection free but for country with a population of nearly 100 million, it would only take a miracle if the Killer Pandemic did not reach there."

"You'll find another one eventually, dude." Spencer said.

True to what the pinball player said, Gillan and Gabrielle had become closer in the past 48 hours, too close as one would say. The problem is, he felt it was not the right time since he just mercy killed her boyfriend that turned into one of the Infected. He was certain that Gabrielle still held Charles in her mind.

"Yeah, thanks guys. We got more things to worry about than that." Gillan said.

An hour later at 8:00 PM PST, TV which was still left on to Fox News for background noise, interrupted regular programming for a special address from the White House. The screen showed President Trump behind Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, flanked to his left the flag of the United States and to his right the Presidential Standard. It was his address to the nation in regards to the Killer Pandemic.

"Shh guys, let's here what he has to say." Gillan said.

"Good evening my fellow Americans. Our nation for the past 38 hours has faced a crisis no like other. In fact, this crisis of a previously unknown yet deadly virus known as 'The Killer Pandemic' has been the worst seen by our great nation since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We are not alone in facing this crisis, as our neighboring countries, our allies abroad, and most countries of the world all have this disease in their shores and borders.

Due to the nature of this virus, most of us have been forced to defend ourselves from the Infected who just probably hours before were our loved ones, friends, co-workers, and the someone that we used to know. Cruel as it may seem, it is the only way to keep this country from going. The Infected are no longer what we call as family and friends. They are threat to everyone as well as our National Security.
www.alternatehistory.com/fo...lan1220-and-ukron.463309/page-5#post-19344309
Because of this, I have federalized the National Guard into the regular armed forces and deployed every branch of the military to protect and defend what has not yet fallen. In fact, it is what they have enlisted for: to protect the United States from its enemies, foreign or domestic. I want to thank every military personnel currently serving right now in the front lines as they fight the Infected. I would also like thank the brave law enf..."

Someone took the remote and turned off the TV.

"Hey what gives?" Gillan said.

"Dude, don't waste your time on that." Jules said. "Let's just enjoy tonight."

The next three hours, they spent their time bonding over alcohol until it was almost midnight. Spencer and Angela called it enough and went upstairs to their rooms. Mike did the same though not badly drunk; he could still control himself. Jules on the other hand was intoxicated heavily.

"Jules, don't get too drunk. We're leaving for San Diego early tomorrow." Francis said.

"You are not my mom..." Jules said as he rose from the chair fell on the table unconsciously. He was already drunk to kingdom come. Gillan, Gabrielle, and Francis could not help but laugh.

Francis then passed on an M21 bolt action rifle to Gillan. "Gillan, I'm gonna have to ask you to be on a sentry at the balcony tonight if you don't mind while I bring Frenchie to his room."

"Sure, I don't mind." Gillan said. At this point, Gillan knew this was his time to get to really talk with Gabrielle alone as friends, something he always wanted since they met in November 2016 but wasn't able to do due to some series of unfortunate events.

"I'm going to the balcony tonight to set this up, you can come with me if you want." Gillan said. "...but you don't have to if you don't want to."

"Oh I would like to get some fresh air and some sea breeze right now." Gabrielle replied. "Be there in a while."

To be continued...
******************
A/N:
This chapter is based on the infamous episode in Highschool of the Dead when the Takashi and the group stayed at Shizuka's friend's apartment safely overlooking the evacuation of Tokonusu City, minus the fan service of course.

Additionally, the quote above from Zombieland is the theme of this chapter. We did see Colombus and co. trash around that souvenir shop and party like there was no tomorrow in Bill Murray's mansion. I took these elements and incorporated it to this story. 2012 by Jay Sean also fits to be the soundtrack for this scene since we all thought the world was going to end of December 21, 2012 so enjoy while we can is the meaning of that song.

After all, we got to enjoy the little things when given the chance.

Stay tuned to find out more of President Trump's address to the nation in three more chapters and how Washington, D.C. is doing right now. Will link this chapter to that chapter once it has been released.

Update August 17, 2019:
I linked Trump's address to the later Chapter 34 it appears on this timeline. However, I must say to build more thrill it is better to read the following chapters as you head to Chapter 34 in order to completely understand what is going on in the United States and the world.

[ukron]

Chapter 32: Bonding (Part 3)

(Gillan's POV)

I set up the bipod of the M21 bolt action sniper Francis lent me for scouting duty. The scope was already zeroed in and apparently had night-vision capability. The wind and the smell of seawater from the Pacific Ocean greets me head on.

"Cool!" I said looking through the scope and aiming at few Infected that were roaming around the beach beneath them.

"Never got to use NVG before." The balcony gave a perfect view of the beach. Right next to where I set-up the rifle, there was an astronomical telescope used to observe the stars above. It was a beautiful night as the stars were shinning bright. It would have been more beautiful had it not been in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, the darkest crisis seen in mankind's history since either the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis 1983 Soviet Missile false alarm and the Able Archer exercises. Of course, all of us in this group except the USN vet Jim was born at that time. The only thing that made this surreal as the sounds of explosions, automatic gunfire, and the sonic boom of F/A-18 Hornets dropping their Mk84 bombs on Los Angeles. Its fires can be seen lighting up the night sky from our balcony.

"Perhaps if these were more peaceful times." I whispered to myself. True, I always wanted to hang out with my friends in a beach while stargazing but never got the chance to do so. Not being able to go to that trip to Tabuelan will definitely be in my regret list, even though it was beyond my control.

A few minutes later, Gabrielle came to drop by. "Hey, I just wanted to get some fresh air for a while." She said. "Thought you might need some company."

I turned my attention towards her. She stood there looking like a goddess while the sea breeze gracefully blowing her hair. Damn, I'm really getting butterflies in my stomach. I said albeit uncomfortably. I'll never be able to get over the fact I killed her boyfriend yesterday even thought he was already one of those monsters and it was in self-defense. Yet, the alcohol I consumed was affecting my mind a bit.

"Careful, it's kinda cold out tonight." I told her.

"That's why I brought this sweater with me." Gabrielle replied with a short laugh as she placed her P2000 pistol on the arm of the chair. She wasn't leaving without it.

"Hey you know both of us never got to talk that much when I was part of USC Mountaineers. You don't mind if you stay for a while and catch up what has happened in the past two years?" I said.

"Sure thing Gill. Even though I spent more time there, I didn't really get to know you and some other members better. I wish I got to know more of you." Gabrielle replied. Now was not the perfect time but we both here, safe and sound. As for our fellow members, we don't know if they are safe or not. I haven't seen or even talked to most of them for two years now. Most went their separate ways after I graduated last April 2017. While I did see some of them or even bumped into them randomly between graduation and now, we never had a proper reunion. Even then, I don't know the status of the Philippines right now. Gabrielle and I can only hope our families and friends back home are fine. She has a sister back home and they haven't communicated since Z-Day began. A relief for our part is we know her mother and father successfully made it out of San Francisco and are on their way to Hawaii.

We were talking about life in general, from elementary to high school to the time we met in college during the "infamous incident" where I kissed her to the only time (prior to this) we hiked to Sirao Peak on January 8, 2017. She also mentioned about her first douchebag ex, someone she did not want to remember but felt like opening up.

"Remember the post you mentioned on Instagram you were bullied and bodyshamed before? Well, I got to say I'm really happy you overcame them and now you're successful. You're a CPA and they'd probably be jealous of you right now knowing you are much different than before." I told her.

"Aww thanks Gillan." She smiled genuinely. "You're so nice. I didn't expect you'd stand up for me to be honest." She replied, feeling touched. This all occurred before the apocalypse.

Thank you as well. You made me find my true self that day as well as regain my humanity again." I added.

"How so?" Gabrielle asked.

"I was just a husk with pure anger and rage for the past several months until I saw your post last September 28, 2018. I basically hated and resented everything. When I read your post, I really felt sorry for you so that's why I stood up for you because myself told me to do it. Now that I made you happy, I felt good for once. I made it a vow on that day that I would uplift anyone that feels bad or needs support. Well, short of white knighting anyway. I don't want to cross that territory." I replied.

Gabrielle was touched on what I said. A single tear fell from her eye as she held me by the shoulder. She was happy there are still good people out there, even after the Killer Pandemic struck the world. "You're a good man, Gillan. I should have known you more."

****************************
"Me too, Gabrielle, but the whole mountaineering thing was a clusterfuck for me as I mentioned."

"Well, long story short. I thought I could join it since my thesis was done but boy was I wrong. Missing Tabuelan still hits me like a brick right now. The only time I joined with you guys was that unofficial hike with JJ and his friends last January 8, 2017. After that it was nothing. It was all in vain. The following month [February 2017], our class field work to Ormoc City was cancelled on the last minute because CHED[1] mandated it following the accident in Rizal Province that killed 13 students if I could correctly remember [2]. Fucking CHED! Couldn't differentiate a field work from a field trip. Ours wasn't for fun, it was official academic work. Since I was geared to go the Ormoc I wasn't able to go to the pre-climb meeting for Mt. Naupa. It would have been the last time I'd hike with you people..."

"At least you met us Gill." Gabrielle replied. "Your last five months in college was even more meaningful."

"As a consolation, I would take it that way." I said. "It was clusterfuck for nearly two years straight now a zombie apocalypse happened."

"Don't take it that way, Gill." Gabrielle said, her words comforting me like a pillow.

"Yeah, I just felt I had to open up and let it go." I replied. Above us, a trio of AH-1Z Cobras hovered towards the direction of San Diego. They were probably returning from a sortie.

And a that moment, we both felt the urge to be closer. I don't know if it was the alcohol in our bodies or the fact we are stressed from the past two days looking for a safe place. And all of sudden, just like magic striking us, we both locked eyes and shared a mutual kiss before pulling out realizing what we just did.
***************************
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that." I said, feeling bad for kissing her.

"No, no, I shouldn't have..." Gabrielle replied, feeling bad.

I did feel it. We were both jumping to the next better thing. Rebound if one must say.

"Look it was a mistake. Let's not do it again." I said as I thought I too made the mistake. Just a week ago, this girl named Kimberly dumped me. And now it was weird that a fling was here.

"I'm sorry too." Gabrielle said, tears falling for her face. "I miss him. My dear Charlie. Everything happened so fast...That's why I wanted to get drunk tonight...I want to try to move on from it. He would have wanted it right?"

I remained silent for a while, thinking what to say before replying: "Yes. Yes, he would want you to be safe and be back with your family. And yes, he would want you to move on from the tragedy that occurred yesterday and for the whole world."

Continuing on, I then said.

"Judging by what is going on today, we both can't deny there is a fling between us. But for now, let us remain friends. It's too early to start something. I can't do it too, I was dumped just a week ago before everything started." I said, but I had to be bluntly honest. Yesterday at Safe Zone Charlie, Jules told me that I had to say it because we might not have the other time say it. In a zombie apocalypse, all rules be damned.

"I see you more than as a friend, actually ever since we met two years ago. It just wasn't the right time." I said, my mind going back to that November afternoon. There isn't a right time though. No one could tell if we would make it all through this.

Bluntly, I then told her: "However, we can't be together yet. At least not this time. I know you haven't recovered from Charles. I can't blame you. As I said earlier, I was shrugged by this other girl I tried to date for nine months just five days before Z-Day started. So it would be considered rebound for both of us. I don't want to be known as opportunist who uses another girl as a comfort pillow..."

We both stood silently before embracing each other. It appeared that she understood. Of course now that she knows and I know, we won't be regretting anything should something happen to us both. "Maybe...It's my call after all." She replied, weakly smiling as she wiped the tears from her face. I nodded in agreement.

Just as this was happening, she leaned on me. Above us, the smoke trial of an F/A-18 Hornet above the night sky began to hum. "Look at those planes, did you pretend they were shooting stars?" She asked me. "Of course, I could really use a wish right now." I continued. "Hey, we both were still high school when this song came out." I chuckled.

Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shootin' stars
I could really use a wish right now, wish right now, wish right now
Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shootin' stars
I could really use a wish right now, wish right now, wish right now

She hummed.

Kinda weird, finding this moment in a middle of a zombie apocalypse. Yet the moment felt magical; something I have never felt in my 22 years of life.

"Look what are those?" Gabrielle pointed out a group of jets flying in formation.

"Looks like a mix of Hornets, Harriers, and the new Lightnings." I said. "Must be coming from down south in San Diego or in Miramar."

As we watch the mix of Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18, F-35Bs and Harriers flying above the house we were in here in Huntington Beach, the reactors shine as shooting stars in the deep and cool night, just like B.o.B's song, only the grumbling noise of infected contrast this somehow amazing spectacle.

I could only think of one thing. It looked like the Gates of Hell are opening.




Operation Cobalt[3] begins​


10 minutes later

"Sorry to busy your privacy guys." Francis said as he entered the balcony, holding his HK416.

"Oh hey Fracis, sorry it's nothing." I said, trying to hide my embarrassment. Gabrielle too did same.

"Hmm, I sense a thing between you two." He joked. "Well, you better get some sleep since we would be leaving for San Diego. The other SWAT guys and Jim are on guard. I'll take over from here."

"Alright, thanks and good night. I said walking up as I held Gabrielle to her feet. I then accompanied her to room that she shared with Angela. "Good night, Gabrielle." I said. "Good night too Gill. Thanks for tonight." She replied. I then entered the other room and hit the hay right next to Spencer.

"It's all falling apart man." Mike told me, who was still awake.

"We saw it, they are firebombing Los Angeles."

"Yep, the radio said Operation Cobalt. There bombing cities full of Infected. Just hope this does not go nuclear." Mike said.

"God help us all." I said right before I fell asleep.
***************************
Moments before Operation Cobalt

"The number of deaths has multiplied in the Washington State as reported by local media. No official statement released from Governor Inslee...On the international scene, the Taiwanese navy accuses China to have sunken...The Pentagon has announced on initiating Operation Cobalt which involves firebombing major cities rife with infection..."

"Close this fucking radio." whispered Mike. Spencer, Jules, and Angela were already fast asleep while Jim was on patrol with his M4A1 while Gillan and Gabrielle were at the balcony scanning the beach.

It was late a night and there is a strange and awful silence, sometimes interrupted by the J-79 reactors of aircraft belonging to the California Air National Guard, the U.S. Navy, the Marine Corps Aviation and the U.S. Air Force. "LA is definitely fucked." said Jim as he looked by the window.

In fact, Los Angeles was now just overrun by giant flakes and a black cloud. "I hope they can still proceeds to the naval evacuation, of they don't, we are blocked between zombies and fires." Jules answered back despite his drunken state.

"Don't worry kiddo, they are surely evacuating and transferring every Pacific Fleet ships on the Western Coast." replied Jim.

"Well this is bullshit, what do you thin that the Navy can do? Marines, Army, and Air Force all have been fucked up!" The 19 year Frenchman said.

"Jules, get some sleep. You're having a breakdown." Mike said.

Thankfully, Jules went back to bed without incident. The following day, the group would leave for San Diego where part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet is currently trying to evacuate refugees to Hawaii.



Date: October 19, 2018, 12:45 am (Z-Day +2)
Location: Above Huntington Beach, California

Second Lieutenant Walter Hansen looked at the formation of F-35Bs followed by F/A-18 Hornets and older A/V-6 Harriers based from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing out in MCAS Miramar. In less than five minutes, they would be dropping their payloads on Los Angeles and the surrounding metro. The $115.5M jet - the most advanced and expensive fighter jet in America's arsenal - he was riding on was finally gonna see its trial of combat, against a fictional-turned real enemy. The Pentagon gave a go with Operation Cobalt now that on the 3rd day of the Killer Pandemic, major cities became nightmares crawling with the Infected. Cruel at is seems, the Armed Forces were running out of manpower to rescue trapped survivors.

He closed his eyes as he thought of the countless of innocent people as well as police and scattered military personnel still stuck and fighting their ground. But orders were orders. They were now considered expandable. No one would forgive the military for bombing the cities. He felt the anger and the sadness pulse. Everywhere, all countries around the world are bombing their major cities. Last time he heard, the Royal Canadian Air Force began bombing Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Ottawa in conjunction with the Operation.

The aircraft were now near Los Angeles, its iconic skyline can be seen from their cockpit. Wildfires were already spreading from several blocks. They were literally fighting fire with fire.

ETA to Target, 30 seconds.

He closed his eyes again as the 30 seconds expired. As he was above the target, he glanced below to see hordes of Infected roaming the streets downtown. Without hesistation, he pressed the button.

"Forgive me." He whispered to himself.

"Bombs away!" He shouted.

His other fellow Marine aviators did the same. Their bombs hit downtown where the worse was seen. Thousands of thousands of Infected were vaporized with the fire along with countless survivors, police, and military personnel awaiting evacuation. The bombs shattered windows and buidings as more explosions were created from cars and gasoline stations in the mix. The fire reflecting from the cockpit, Second Lieutenant Hansen knew how fucked the world has become. As their planes swooped in to the ocean, they headed back to Miramar to rearm their aircraft and continue on with the operation.
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Author's Notes:
[1] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commission_on_Higher_Education_(Philippines)
[2] 13 students, 1 driver killed in Tanay bus accident
[3] Fear the Walking Dead reference

Yep, I intended this chapter to be somehow cute and sweet between my OC and Gabrielle, but at the same time dissonant that Operation Cobalt was occurring concurrently. Why did I chose Airplanes as the song? Simple. I was on a nostalgia trip with 2010s music and it came in my mind all of sudden to write this scene. It could also be part of wishing for simple days, the same way our characters are doing when faced with the Killer Pandemic. Truth be told, drama and romance isn't really my forte.

Now regarding rebound, do you think it would apply in the zombie apocalypse? Because all rules be damned. One day they are alive and the next they may not be alive anymore. I somehow based this chapter where Takashi and Rei from Highschool of the Dead make out in the stairs in Rika's apartment while the evacuation of Tokonosu City falls apart. In that episode, Rei still wasn't over the death of Hisashi even though he became an Infected and was mercy killed by Takashi. Yet, we knew Rei was drunk when they made out with Takashi. And speaking of which, in the Machinima web series known as Bite Me, we all knew Shawna dated a douchebag named Devin while the main character named Jeff has a crush on Shawna for an undetermined amount of time. Now we knew in the second season, we knew Devin was killed and a guy named Derrick (who was Devin's bestfriend) basically became Shawna's replacement lover. Eventually as the series progresses, Shawna moves on from Devin's death and gets closer to Jeff, who teaches her how to use the katana. Derrick was against this at first but eventually accepted that Shawna was falling for Jeff.

What are your thoughts guys on rebound in a zombie apocalypse? Justifiable or not? Leave your comments below.