Omega Virus (Book 2): Revisited (4 page)

              “My fellow survivors,” His crisp voice rings out through the crowd, silencing the murmurs, “today is a glorious day for our proud society. For we are a community built on hope and survival, because we know what the rest of humanity forgot on that faithful night. We know that life is not just handed to us, that it must be earned, savored and most of all wanted!” The crowd cheers as he takes a slight pause, “Now my friends we have a chance to go out and show the world how well we have adapted and how we can help others, just like us, survive and become strong! We have made communication with a small base back on the main land. They have requested help, our help, because their time is running out. Now there are some that think it would be foolish to leave our little slice of paradise for some, would be survivors, but I say it is our duty and our job as survivalist, and even greater then, as people. For who are we to say who should live and who should die? Are our lives more important than theirs?”

              “NO!” the crowd chants back.

              “I’m curious,” Connor calls out from the back of the crowd, “will you be leading the rescue mission?” the crowd parts ways as he walks down the newly formed aisle.

              “No I’m afraid my duty is here leading this group of survivalists,” Joshua answers. Damian twitches, ready to jump in front of the pair. Penelope stops him and glares into his eyes.

              “Only a coward speaks of survival and then hides and lets others do his dirty work,” Connor taunts.

              “Is that an offer? Would you care to lead this mission in search of the survivors?” Joshua asks forcing the crowd to glare in Connor’s direction.

              “No sir,” Connor says with a frazzled look, “I’ve done my part, gave for our survival. Watched as others died. Can you say the same?”

              The crowd turns their attention back to Joshua, anticipating his next words, “NO. Honestly I never have. I admit that I have always been more of a behind the scenes type. But let’s face it, with my guidance and leadership I have sent others out to rescue the rest of you while keeping peace and order within our great society!” The crowd cheers again, pulling Connor back and closing the gap around him. “Now I need six volunteers who are ready, the boat to the mainland sails in the morning. I’m not going to lie, there are dangers involved but when you return you will be treated as the heroes you are and get the honors that you deserve!.”

              “I’m in,” A voice from the crowd calls out before being followed by several more.

              “I appreciate the willingness of those who have volunteered, but I will need one more to make sure this mission is a success,” Joshua calls.

              Hope pulls her hands free of her parents and stands proud and tall, “I want in too.”

Chapter 3

“Sir, I can’t allow this,” Damian says after the audience has disbanded. The volunteers, including Hope, have gone back to their homes packing for their adventure.

              “What are you talking about?” Joshua asks confused, “up in the tower you backed me up.”

              “Well I’m starting to have doubts,” Damian says, his voice trying to remain cool and collected.

              “What is this honestly about?” Joshua asks, “Is it about doubts? Or about Hope volunteering.”

              “I can’t allow this, she is too young,” Damian says angrily.

              “There is nothing I can do. The rules are clear, she is of age, an adult and able to make her own choices,” Joshua reminds.

              “She is still a child, my child and she doesn’t deserve to endure that kind of nightmarish hell,” Damian grits his teeth.

              “Rules are rules,” Joshua says again stressing the point, “she is sixteen and a full grown adult. If searching for survivors is her choice for a job then you must accept it.”

              “I agree that she should have a job, but this isn’t what she is suited for,” Damian argues again, “I agree that she is old enough to work, but she isn’t old enough for war.”

              “War is a funny thing. It doesn’t discriminate age, it just does,” Joshua adds.

              “Needlessly,” Damian sighs. He grabs his hair and tugs hard knowing he is fighting a losing battle, “then let me go instead of her. I already have experience, both leading a team and fighting those undead sons of bit-“

              “No, you already did your time, and you already have a job that needs you to be alive,” Joshua says cutting him off, “besides what kind of man would I be if I let my second in command go?”

              “Better than the man who lets innocent children die,” Damian growls.

              “I have to wonder,” Joshua says starting to get mad, “how righteous would you be if it wasn’t your daughter, but some other child offering their life for our civilization?”

              Damian turns his head knowing that Joshua is probably right.

              “Then I’ll go,” Fanny says stepping out from behind the semi-closed doors.

              “Fanny no!” Damian yells.

              “It makes perfect sense,” Fanny says with a mumbled sigh, “I already lived through the hell of fighting zombies, I can take orders and I can keep an eye on Hope.”

              “I’m afraid you had the chance to volunteer,” Joshua says nodding his head.

              “But sir,” Fanny pleads.

              “I’m sorry the answer is no,” Joshua repeats.

              Damian can’t control himself any longer, his hand squeezed tightly into a fist as he swings his arm as hard as he can hitting Joshua square in the jaw, knocking him to the ground.

              “I think you’ve been overruled,” Damian says panting heavily before turning his attention to Fanny. “Are you sure you’re willing to deal with everything we fought so hard to escape?”

              “To protect my family?” Fanny smirks, “I’d walk into Hell for any of you.”

              “Going back there is Hell,” Damian gulps.

              “You are both out of your mind,” Joshua says getting back to his feet, his hand massaging his jaw.

              “I don’t think you’re one to talk right now,” Damian says taking a step toward him forcing him to step back.

              “I’m still in charge here and believe me, you just made a huge mistake,” Joshua says backing toward the door, “good luck Fanny. You’ll need it.”

              They both stand still, watching as Joshua slinks away from them.

              “You’d better go pack,” Damian says breaking the silence, “I have to go talk to my other daughter.”

              He forces a smile before heading up the staircase, his feet shaking with each step he takes. He stands in front of Hopes door, his hand trembling as he raises it ready to knock. He hesitates as thoughts of her throughout her childhood race through his head. The thoughts continue to flood his memories as he thinks of all the milestones he missed being Joshua’s number two. Her first steps, her first words, her first day of school almost everything important. A tear rolls out from his eye and down his cheek, splashing on the hardwood floor near his feet. The door opens without prompt with Hope on the other side. She is now dressed in dark blue jeans with a flannel shirt draped over a white tank top. Her black bra straps stand out as Damian’s eyes draw up to her hair. She has it pulled back into a tight ponytail that sticks out the back end of a dark blue baseball cap, a faded red letter “B” on the front. She has a backpack in one hand and a silver handgun in the other.

              “Oh dad,” Hope gasps, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were there.”

              “Its ok,” Damian chokes out.

              “Did you need something?” Hope asks.

              “Actually yeah, can you come with me for a moment?”

              “Dad I’m kind of busy you know,” Hope chuckles.

              “I know. I just,” His eyes drop, “please.”

              Hope drops the bag and follows her father down the hall. They come to a second door at the end, Damian pushes it open and flips on the light revealing his room. The shades are drawn and the room is dark with the exception of the single dull bulb on the ceiling. Hope takes a seat on the bed while Damian opens his closet door and starts to dig around. He emerges from inside after a few moments, a familiar item in his hand.

              “This was mine,” He says holding the old red sword in his hand, retracting the blade from the sheath, “back when the virus started to spread, after meeting up with your mother and Connor, I found this at an old flea market. This was my biggest asset when it came to staying alive, I want you to take it with you, so that you could have a little of me with you.”

              She takes the handle of the sword gingerly, a shocked look on her face. “Dad, I…”

              “I know, it’s kind of an unconventional birthday gift but I just figured given the circumstances,” He sighs.

              She turns the blade away from him as she wraps her arms around him, tears falling out of both their eyes.

              “Thank you,” She says muffled, “I promise to take care of it.”

              “Just promise to take care of yourself,” He says holding on to her shoulders.

              “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she comes back to you,” Fanny says standing in the doorway, a bag in her hands.

              “You packed fast,” Damian says

              “I’ve kept a bag ready ever since we got here,” Fanny replies, “helped me feel semi-safe.” She walks over to the pair and notices the sword. She runs her hand over the cold steel, “Haven’t seen this in a while.”

              “Yeah, it’s my gift to Hope,” Damian replies.

              “Wait, you mean you’re coming too?” Hope says slightly excited.

              “Someone needs to keep an eye on you,” Fanny winks.

              “I don’t need a babysitter,” Hope says handing the sword back to Damian, “I’m an adult now.”

              “It wasn’t my idea,” Damian says pushing the sword away.

              “You mean, you?” Hope says turning her attention to Fanny, “but why?”

              “Why not?” Fanny responds, “You’re not the only one who can make rash decisions you know.”

              “It wasn’t a rash decision, it was my decision,” Hope cries.

              “Well this is mine,” Fanny says grabbing her bag and storming out of the room.

              Damian and Hope stand in silence as they listen to Fanny stomping her way down the hallway and down the stairs.

              “You didn’t have to treat her like that you know,” Damian scolds.

              “But, this is my life,” Hope argues.

              “Damn it you’re my daughter and I love you, but how dense can you really be?” Damian yells, “I tried the same thing. I tried to have Joshua forbid you from going, offering myself instead. Do you know why?”

              “Because you love me?” Hope says frightened.

              “Enough that we would risk our whole lives for you,” Damian says breathing heavily, “What happened anyway? I thought you were going to tell Joshua you wanted to write.”

              “I wanted more,” Hope admits, her voice barely audible. “There is nothing here for me to write about. Nothing here to spark my muse.”

              Damian looks at her unsure of how he should feel before shaking his head and turning his back on her. He walks out of the room without saying a word. Hope stands alone in her parent’s room, the sword in her hand, feels like it weighs a ton. The lone bulb in the room shorts out leaving her alone in the darkness. Hope slides the blade of her new sword back into the scabbard before walking out and closing the door behind her. She walks solemnly down the hall back to her bedroom to her waiting bag.

              “Guess it feels like the whole world is against you doesn’t it?” Joshua says rising from her bed.

              “What do you want?” Hope says harshly, “Here to tell me I’m too young to volunteer? That this is no longer my decision?”

              “Oh no my dear, quite the contrary,” He says with a sly grin as he walks over to her, “I’m here to make sure the others haven’t poisoned your mind. I heard what they told you, how they tried to convince you against going. That’s so wrong of them, you’re a grown woman now,” he places his hands on her shoulders starts to rub them softly, “you know you remind me of my wife, God rest her soul.”

              “Thanks?” She says uncomfortably, her body shivering slightly.

              “When you get back they are going to call you a hero, each one of you. Risking your lives for others,” He pulls her body close to his, “is greatest thing anyone could ever do for anyone else.”

              Hope tries to pull herself away but she can’t escape Joshua’s strong grip, “Sir, you’re making me uncomfortable.”

              “I’m sorry I didn’t realize. I was just lost in the moment,” his hands still clenching tightly on her shoulders.

              “Sir, you’re still doing it,” She repeats, “please let go of me.”

              “Or what?” he moves his hands down her arms catching her off guard, forcing her to drop the sword.

              “Or I’ll make you let go,” Hope says breathing heavily.

              “Try,” Josh says taunting her, laughing as he keeps his grip. She fights to free herself, his grip getting tighter with every struggle. “Is there is nothing you can do to stop me. I am in charge.”

              A sharp blow strikes him on the back of the head, dropping him to the ground. The striking force takes Hope by surprise knocking her down as well. She squirms away from Joshua’s semi-conscious body and sees Fanny standing over them.

              “Need a hand?”

              “What are you doing here?” Hope asks taking her hand hesitantly.

              “I’ve told you your whole life, I’ll always protect you,” Fanny says pulling her in for a hug.

              “You don’t understand,” Joshua says pulling himself back to his feet.

              “I understand that if you touch her again I will kill you,” Fanny says holding up a silver handgun.

              “Now tell me how good that would look, the two of you, standing over my body; the smoking barrel found still in your hand?” Joshua nods his head in disapproval, “And I thought you girls were smarter than that.”

              “I’d rather take my chances explaining everything to the people,” Fanny says cocking the hammer back.

              “Alright, alright,” Joshua says raising his hands in defense, “what if I leave and we all pretend nothing ever happened? I mean pretty soon you’ll both be off for the main land right, that sounds better than a trial doesn’t it?”

              Hope and Fanny glance at each other slightly, each nodding as if they know what the other is thinking.

              “Fine,” Hope says lowering Fanny’s arm, “but try anything again and I won’t be able to stop her.”

              “Deal,” Joshua says extending one hand out while using the other to rub his battered head.