Chapter 8: The Blast

Captain John McCloud

Friday 6, February 2015

22:59 Hours

Phoenix, Arizona

Captain John McCloud, codenamed Cloud, watched as the large batch of infected beings were blown up by a bomb. Flames burned here and there as the façade of the airport now had a gaping hole in it. Making sure his assault rifle was loaded, he quickly dashed inside, followed by his squad. In order to conserve ammo, their rifles were set to burst, firing three bullets each time they pulled the trigger. It was more than enough to handle the infected. Certain that the survivors at the Hotel are safe, Cloud headed there through a longer path, making sure there were no other survivors hiding in other areas. He made mental notes about what was going on, how the infection spared no one: Not even children. How the bodies became mutilated quickly, but even when their legs and necks were broken, the infected continued to move. How they seemed to be drawn to the smell of fresh human meat. The squad made its way, finally, to the hotel, where they took down the infected huddling against the door. In seconds, the survivors opened the door and let them in.

The scene before Cloud’s squad was a strange one. About fifty or so people sat around on cushions. A handful of babies were sleeping soundly, while several adults rocked in the corner, as if hoping this was only a nightmare. Like they hoped to wake up any second now. Most had frightened look in their eyes; others reflected hope at being saved. But a handful of them had a different glint in their eyes. Cloud thought it was the glint of a fighter. He knew these few would survive, or die fighting.

“We’re here to take you out.” Cloud addressed them all, then added: “I mean, escort you out, not kill you.”

“We’re under orders of restraining you, though.” Cloud’s right-hand woman, Olivia Collins, said. Then, without much thought, added: “But we don’t really have to do that.”

“Boss, I don’t think this is a good idea.” Alexander Franklin, codenamed Leaf, said. “These guys are a big group, to escort them out would be impossible. It’d be wiser if we-”

“Leaf, shut up.” Cloud said, with a sigh. “Wiser or not, our mission is our mission. These people are not like those outside, therefore-”

“Excuse me.” Rebecca Alison approached. “Are you even capable of doing what you’re supposed to-”

“Shut up.” The fourth soldier, Peter Gordon, said, aiming his rifle at Rebecca. “If you take another step, I’ll shoot.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Rebecca countered, and Cloud stood in between them.

“Relax, you two. No one’s going to die.” Cloud said. “I’m quite interested in some particular things, though. And that’s information.”

“we don’t really have much.” Rebecca repeated. “But that which we have, we’ll use as leverage. What can you give us in exchange for information?”

“Many things.” Cloud replied. “Freedom. Protection. Money. Fame. Even power.”

“Sounds fascinating, but what could possibly guarantee me that you’ll keep your word? You could easily get the information out of me by making false promises, then double-cross me once you get what you want.” Rebecca replied. “Furthermore, how can you give me such things? You’re but a mere soldier. Only your Commanding Officers can make those promises, and they’re the ones I’ll trust the least.”

“You’re wise.” Cloud admitted. “John McCloud, at your service.”

“Rebecca Alison.” She shook hands with him. “If you’ll ensure the safety of the others, I’ll give you all the information I hold.”

“Captain, we can’t guarantee their-”

“Deal.” Cloud bluffed. He, and everyone there, knew it’d be almost impossible for the whole group of survivors to be safely escorted out: “Alright, listen up! We’re going to be taking a handful of you out there with us, and we’ll escort you out. It might take us a bit longer, but it’ll ensure we receive the least bit of-”

Suddenly, a collective moaning was heard as the infected began to bang on the door. For some reason, one of the infected began to scratch it’s nails on a metal plaque that was on the door, making a disgusting screeching sound that made everyone’s ears hurt. In response, one of the girls there cried out in fear. Cloud’s unit turned to the door, training their rifles onto it, as the banging suddenly stopped. Joshua; Jane; and Greg ran in right as the door, which had resisted for so long, was cracked by a huge impact. Fear was suddenly tangible in the lobby, as an unknown strength slowly weakened the door. Cloud was unsure what was going on, but he had an idea that had been growing in the back of his head. An idea that he didn’t like at all. If his idea was accurate, then the possibility of saving these people had become non-existent. Noticing the cowering people behind himself, Cloud mustered all the courage he had, and said:

“Everyone, don’t worry. It’ll be alright.”

He didn’t believe his own words, and neither did anyone else in the room. Another loud bang, and the door’s cracks became bigger and longer. Joshua slowly repositioned himself at the door that led upstairs, with Jane and Greg besides him. Leo, in an attempt to protect Spirit, pulled her away towards the kitchen, where they watched, half-hidden, in the hall. Rebecca backed away, unable to determine which way to run. Olive; Leaf; and Pete, Cloud’s squad-mates, prepared for the worse as the door crashed in and the infected breached the room. It was like a wave, flooding the room with stench; and moans; and filth. Agonizing cries emerged from the room, as a lonely figure watched from above. This figure was a Follower.