Chapter 9

As soon as the sun came up over the horizon, Davis knew it was time to gear up. He had been preparing all night for this mission; cleaning his rifle, packing his rucksack, checking his supplies. Now it was the moment of truth. He put on his uniform and steeled himself for the mission ahead.

Davis stepped outside his barracks and looked around the small military base. He had only been here a few days, but it already felt like home. He thought of his fellow soldiers and the friends he had made in other units. He shared an especially close bond with his squad. They had become like brothers over the course of training, and now they were heading out into danger together.

Saddened that Abner, the best brother he ever asked for. Looking back from their previous encounter, he thought Abner was the worst person he ever met. Yet, it was the opposite way.

Davis approached the others, sharing a nod and a brief good luck as they gathered their gear. Together they walked out of the base and onto the road, setting off on the journey ahead. The sun was just starting to set, and James knew this could be their last sight of home for a while. He tightened his grip on his rifle and marched forward, ready to face whatever the mission had in store.

Sergeant Davis stood at attention while the CO reviewed his mission plans. The mission was long and challenging and would require all his skill and training where he was trained by Abner. His orders were clear; he was to deploy in 24 hours with his squad to a to find the settlement for their upcoming joint operation and cleared any hostile beyond the area within 5km outside of their perimeter.

The CO finished his review and ordered him to be ready for his mission by noon. Davis saluted and then straightened his uniform before leaving the briefing. As he walked back to his quarters, his mind swirled with thoughts of the mission and his comrades he was leading. He had trained hard to become a leader and he hoped he would be ready when the time came. His brother’s words about this moment came true, with his guidance and the lessons he take knowing that he was ready for this moment.

After packing his supplies and double-checking his gear one final time, Davis and his squad marched silently out of the base and onto their mission. The night sky was dense with stars and Davis found himself reflecting on his many years in the service and the courage he had seen in his fellow soldiers.

Eventually his musings were cut short by the lights of the encampment. He ordered the squad to take up positions and the mission began. His heart raced as he saw the enemy and thought of his mission. He was about to face his first test as a sergeant, and it looked like it would not be an easy one.

The night slowly crept by and by morning, Davis had realized the difficulty of his mission. But no matter what, his mission was clear, and he would accomplish it. Taking a deep breath and steeling himself for the day's challenge, he continued on.

Today might be his last day alive, but he was determined to make the most of it. He had trained for this mission, and he was ready. As he walked away from the encampment, his mission on his mind, he felt proud to serve his country.

*Meanwhile*

Abner trudged slowly through the deserted streets of the Phourton city. It felt like a century since he had last been here, and it bore little resemblance to the vibrant metropolis that he remembered. Buildings had been reduced to smouldering ruins, broken glass littered the ground and charred trees stood as silent sentinels - the only reminder of the fires that had swept through the city just days before.

The once bustling streets were now deserted, save for Abner and the occasional rat scurrying for cover in the shadows. He felt his heart ache as he looked upon the remains of the city - this was what the apocalypse had done to thousands of innocent people. This was his fault - his mission had failed, and he had been unable to protect his people.

Despite his grief and weariness, Abner stumbled onwards, knowing that he had to continue going. He had to get back to his unit, to his brothers and sisters in arms, and to the chance of redemption. He was a soldier, and there was still a chance to make right what had gone wrong.

Abner kept his head held high and his gaze firmly forward as he marched onwards, determined to make it back home. He may have failed here, but he would not fail again.

The sun was already setting on a desolate landscape. The city was in ruins. Anything that once stood tall and proud had been reduced to rubble, a testament to its brief life before it had been destroyed.

Abner had been trained for this, but he still felt a chill run down his spine when he saw the carnage that had been wrought upon the place he had once called home. He moved forward slowly, his rifle at the ready as he made his way through the debris. He was looking for anything that he might be able to use to help him survive in this newly changed world.

As Abner rounded a corner, he noticed what had been a diner in its heyday, but now looked like it had been hit with a bomb. Broken glass scattered the ground, and the interior of the building was a gutted mess. In the corner, something glinted in the fading light.

“Jackpot” he muttered, quickly securing the perimeter to see if there’s any zombies lying wait on every corner of the area, when he finished securing, he perimeter and cautiously made his way inside, rifle at the ready, and saw that the glint was coming from a stack of canned goods still somehow unscathed among the wreckage. He smiled grimly to himself. This could be his ticket to survival. He quickly loaded the cans into his bag and made his way out of the diner.

He knew that he had made the right decision. As he turned the corner, he spotted a group of undead shambling in his direction. He quickly disappeared into the shadows, only to reappear once they had passed to make his way back to the safety of his hideout.

John had secured the supplies he needed to survive for a while, but he knew this was only the first step. The world had changed, and he'd have to make the most of what he had. He was determined to survive this new reality no matter what.

*On the Next Day*

Abner was working in his workshop, deep in concentration, when he heard a blood-curdling scream. He paused and listened, instantly recognizing the sound of a zombie. Abner quickly scrambled to grab his revolver. As he grabbed the handle, he heard the sound of another scream, this one closer.

He knew there was no point in running and he was not about to be taken unawares. He snuck a peek out the window and saw two zombies, snarling and moaning, barely visible in the fading light. He cocked the gun and stepped outside, feeling a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

He turned the corner and froze. He was face to face with 14 zombies. The creatures were lurching towards him, their grotesque, decaying bodies surrounding him. Abner sighted his revolver and started shooting. He took out most of them with his first shots. He continued to fire, holding his ground, until every zombie was eradicated.

Abner slumped against the wall, exhausted but relieved. He had survived the zombie apocalypse, but he still hadn't found any other survivors. He shuddered, recognizing guilt for having survived when so many others had perished. He trudged back into his workshop, his mind and body in shock. But he took solace that he had done his part to keep the undead down. His determination to help others, even with zombies on the prowl, was the only thing that had kept him alive.