A Quick Stop

Humanity had done a lot of wrong to this world. Humanity had killed themselves and others. If only we could win over greed. If only we could win over our minds. Then, maybe the world may have been a better place. But that's all just a dream, a thought now.

We were near the outpost. As we were on our way, we felt critically hungry and drowsy. We needed a place to rest and eat. That is when on our way, we found a branch of 'KFC'-Kentucky Fried Chicken, home of delicious chicken fries. My favorite indeed. Shamerul and Shaherul were overjoyed at this spectacle. Arman and I, we were happy. 

Rohan was overexcited with joy and said," Yeah now that is what I'm talking about yo." 

We were outside of the stall. The whole neighborhood was dead-silent. But we knew that the infected were everywhere. But, unfortunately, the entrance to the stall was blocked by very strong wooden planks, wooden boards. 

Rohan said, " Well I guess we need a wrench or a lever." 

I said, " We might find what we require in the alleys." 

They all stared at me for they knew I was right, but we were all scared to go through those dark alleys. We had no other choice, as it was that or eternal starvation.

 

We slowly crept down the alley. As we went in front, we found a number of boxes, above which, was a key! To our surprise indeed. Beside the boxes was a door. We assumed that the key was for the door. We were right.

 

We slowly opened the door. It was creaky and made a lot of noise. We decided to be careful and to cover each other. The whole place was unorganized-furniture scattered everywhere. We checked the kitchen at first. We found some first-aid-kits. We took them at once. We also found a key-card. What might it be for? We did not know. Then, I noticed that on it was written the details of a person's employment. And on the top-right part of the card, was marked-'KFC'.

We needed to check to upper floors-had to secure the place and search for that wrench or lever which would help us break into the stall. We checked all the rooms downstairs and found nothing that may help us. We needed to go upstairs. Just then we heard the creaking of boards. Shamerul and Shaherul aimed their guns at the stairs. We did what they did. The footsteps came nearer, slowly as if the person knew that someone was here! We were hoping that this would be a living-breathing human. As the figure came down, we saw what this figure truly was! An infected, all bloody and wretched. I fired the first bullet. Soon a shower of bullets tore the infected apart. The infected, was once a woman. A woman who was bit on the neck by one of the dead people. Nothing else to be seen there. We slowly went upstairs.

We saw two more infected looking at us through a door in front. As they came closer, we decided not to waste our bullets. The infected were slow and decomposed. I looked at Rohan and we both decided to try something. As the infected came near me, I harshly tackled it down. As it was on the ground, I took a deep breath. Then I used the buck of my gun and began to smash the face of the infected. I hit it very firmly and strongly-its face horribly rearranged now. But it still wasn't dead! It was shocking for us all. Finally I hit it with all my might and its head partially ripped downwards from its neck-a horrifying scene indeed, something we needed to get common with. I looked right and saw that Rohan had managed to take down the infected with one  clear shove. Shamerul vomited after witnessing such gore.

"That was truly gross." said Shamerul, gasping.

We checked the rooms, items of much use were not there. We managed to find a wrench in the bed-room. We were lucky indeed. We made our way out of that building and found ourselves yet again in front of the boarded stall. Arman took the wrench and tore down the wooden planks. We did it. We were now inside. We found a door, which was locked electronically. What we required was a key-card. We then realized that we had a key-card, with which we were granted access! The door opened and as we went in, it locked behind us. We knew that this was a safe place. Oh how relieved we were. All of us ate like wild beasts-hunger had stricken us hard! We were so relieved. We rested and discussed our new move. We came to a conclusion that we couldn't stay there much longer, so we took as much food supplies as we could find and drove out for the outpost yet again.

 

We reached finally, the view was misty and silent. A small outpost-a wall of firm wood protecting it, acting as its borders. At the entrance, we saw two armed survivors, wearing Kevlar-vests and carrying strong guns. Our weapons were almost out of ammo, each of us barely having one clip left. 

As we got out of the car, the guards aimed at us and shouted, "Drop your weaponry and put your hands up!" 

We did as they said and I shouted, "We aren't infected! We're survivors!" 

One of them came to us carefully and checked us for bite-marks, as those who would get bitten by infected would turn into one as well. Once we were checked, we were escorted into this ground of survivors.

This minor outpost was called 'Palisade Hill'. 

There was one tower each on the edges of every wall. Though the place was small, there were countless survivors living within the protection of the walls, in buildings within the outpost's borders. There were armed survivors at many intervals, on some buildings and corners. The place seemed well protected. We felt secure. As we were walking down the pavements, we suddenly heard a loud cheer. As we looked at where the commotion was going on, we saw a strong maiden, standing on top of a vehicle, with two armed survivors beside her. Everyone shouted out of joy for her. She seemed like the leader and was a savior as she helped give shelter to so many survivors. It was amazing to see such a strong lady of formidable age. 

She shouted, " Survivors! Welcome to our base. We survived fellow brothers and sisters and shall continue to do so by the will of Allah. Let us strengthen this outpost of ours. Our granary and shelter is open to all!" 

Everyone cheered yet again. It was amazing. She was such an honorable person indeed. As she came down and the survivors scattered, she noticed us five. 

She came to us and said, "Welcome survivors. I hope you do not mind Ben and Ronnie outside, they act harsh with everyone, you see we need to ensure the protection of all here." 

I said, "It is of no issue, we are immensely grateful that we were granted entry." 

She said, "Young men, it is fortunate that you have found us, we shall try to ensure your protection as long as you are within our walls! My name is Fatimah, and I am the head-organizer and supreme commander of this outpost." 

She seemed so confident and exhilarating. 

Fatimah continued, "But while outside, it is necessary to defend yourselves at all times. We do not know of the origin of this infection but we believe stronger authority maybe attempting to deduct its existence! There are currently over a hundred survivors in this outpost and half of which are skilled in weaponry, do you fellows know how to wield a weapon?" 

I looked at my friends and said, "Indeed we do." 

Fatimah said, "Well then we shall get you a few weapons. Listen, everyone goes outside sometimes, as self-dependence is best for all. They go out to loot for food, weaponry, medical items, etc. As you know, these are quite necessary in this tough new world. We truly don't know what is out there, what shape this plague will take, but what we have to do now is ensure the survival of people first in this delicate stage of horror and then plan the next move." 

I nodded. 

Fatimah continued, "There are 3 more outposts, much larger than ours, but there are countless other minor outposts scattered around the country. The three main outposts are-'The Lizard's Home' , situated North, 700 miles from here. 'The Soviet Block' is much more larger and is situated 950 miles South. And the largest outpost in this country and the strongest-'Macon Fort', is situated many a thousand kilometers East, not sure though, as many who tried to reach this fortified place failed. I say get some experience and strengthen yourself, only then shall you be able to reach the fort. I wish you best of luck survivors and your new weaponry shall be given to you shortly, find your place in this world." 

As Fatimah went away towards her head quarters, we knew that we had gained vital knowledge. She was bold and determined. She was a true savior indeed. We were very tired and the feeling of overwhelming hope circulated through our body. For now we were safe and secure. We had fulfilled our first stage. Now, onto the next!

And in that day, I heard learnt that there were survivors outside-helpless and weak. And in that day, me and my brothers, we vowed to do our best to aid them. We vowed, to try and save the day, one life at a time. Sounds odd eh? I agree.