《The Divided States of America》 Chapter 1 A sharp tone from the TV quiets down the bustle of the bar. Most patrons turn towards the small screen as the New California Republic representative walks out onto the stage and behind the podium. He clears his throat and smiles as he announces the basics of the lottery they all knew. Whoever has the winning number gets to take themselves and their family out of No Man¡¯s Land and to the safety of Haven. Anyone interested in watching to see if they are a winner knows damn well why they want to get out of No Man¡¯s Land. ¡°I heard some people fake their numbers.¡± The older man on the stool beside a woman speaks over the lip of his drink. He doesn¡¯t seem to be particularly talking to anyone, as much as anyone who¡¯d listen. ¡°It¡¯s first come, first serve.¡± He continues. ¡°So, if someone fakes your number, you¡¯re fucked.¡± The woman glances over at him through the side of her brown eyes. He is still watching the TV intently as the representative rambles on. ¡°I met a family that got scammed. Had a little girl who was just born.¡± He shakes his balding head. ¡°Sad story.¡± She turns her attention back towards the TV as he begins reading off the numbers. ¡°42003-¡± She quickly tunes him out, as the numbers don¡¯t match her own. Standing up from the barstool, she sets down a couple of 9mm bullets, paying for the stew before grabbing the leather duster hung over the chair and heading out the door.
The woman walks into the Ranger¡¯s headquarters. The Rangers bustle around her, never having nothing to do. Many Rangers travel outside of the New Zone, their home state, to fight the infected or to work as mercenaries in the regions once known as United California. She walks in, never being stopped or questioned by the busy Rangers, as she is a common sight here, even if she¡¯s not one of their own. She makes her way to the quartermaster Ace¡¯s setup and greets him. ¡°Erin, it¡¯s good to see you again.¡± Ace smiles at her, bowing his head from behind the barred inventory. ¡°I got your weapon order to New Industry. They¡¯ll be on their way soon.¡± ¡°You¡¯re efficient as always.¡± The smile stays on his face as he scoops out a handful of 5.56 ammo, setting it on the opening in front of him. Erin grabs it and begins putting it in her bag. ¡°Some extra food tickets for your timeliness.¡± He rips a few tickets off the roll, pushing them forward. ¡°Ed here?¡± Erin asks as she sorts the things into her bag, knowing she¡¯ll have to go through it later. ¡°Should be.¡± Ace shrugs. Erin walks away from him toward their scrap dealer, eventually finding him outside his booth. She convinces him to return so she can get her tickets for trade in exchange for the scrap she had picked up along the way. After dealing with him, she moves to the different booths, picking up a new pair of gloves and a few pieces of candy, things that aren¡¯t easy to find in No Man¡¯s Land. ¡°Erin!¡± Someone calls out to her as she heads for the exit, stashing her newly acquired items into her bag. ¡°Do you have time for drinks?¡± ¡°Not today, Katie.¡± She shakes her head. ¡°I¡¯ve got a delivery in No Man¡¯s. Don¡¯t have time to drink.¡± ¡°Next time.¡± ¡°Next time.¡± They both confirm plans before Erin leaves the Ranger¡¯s base. She rides along the well-kept roads, stopping at one of the gates between New Zone and No Man¡¯s Land. No matter how many times she has passed through, she has to partake in the same ritual. ¡°Erin Henderson.¡± She speaks her name for the log. ¡°Infected. Resident of No Man¡¯s Land.¡± She answers before the guard even asks. ¡°Stay safe out there.¡± The man jots the information down before opening the gate for her. She drives through on her way to her next stop. Even just past the gates, No Man¡¯s Land is vastly different from New Zone or any of the other states. Decaying roads, abandoned cars along the way, many residential ghost towns, remnants of quarantine zones formed after the first sign of infection, and small colonies of the remaining life outside the infected roaming around in packs.
Erin arrives at her destination, a small colony surrounded by reinforced walls and makeshift watch towers. The gates are pulled open for her, allowing her in. She pulls the motorcycle to a stop outside a small house, going up to the door to knock. An older lady pulls open the door with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Erin. Come. Come in.¡± She waves Erin inside. ¡°Thank you, Annie.¡± Erin pulls her backpack off her back, grabbing out a handful of inhalers. ¡°I bought these for you.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have much for you,¡± Annie puts her head down, ¡°but I do have some educational books my kids outgrew if you want them.¡± ¡°That would be great.¡± Erin waits as she leaves and returns with the books in hand. Erin tucks them into her backpack. ¡°Will you stay for dinner? I made shepherd''s pie.¡± Erin smiles at the thought of warm, home-cooked food. On the road, she mostly eats canned foods and MREs. ¡°I¡¯d love that.¡± Erin follows her into the kitchen and to the table. Annie¡¯s two daughters, who Erin had met before, are already at the table. They both greet her with large smiles, one of the girls making a plate for her. Erin and Annie take their seats at the table and begin eating. The two chat about their monthly injections and a mother¡¯s fears of them running out eventually. Erin does her best to reassure Annie that it is unlikely that Biotech will stop making them anytime soon, telling her not to worry about it too much. Annie also asks her to deliver a letter up in the Rockies, nearby Erin¡¯s home colony. After they finish eating, Erin thanks her for the food and takes the letter, heading over to the colony¡¯s trading post. She throws her backpack into the counter. Specs, a nickname given to him because of his thick glasses, looks at her with a raised eyebrow. "What''d you get for me this time, Erin?" "I found three cans of just barely expired ravioli." "Three? Shit, you hit the jackpot." "Well, I only have two to trade with you. I couldn''t help myself to one of ¡®em." She digs through her bag, pulls the two cans out, and sets them on the counter. ¡°What are you looking for in exchange?¡± Specs picks the can up before shaking it. ¡°I could use a new pair of boots.¡± ¡°Check the back.¡± He nods. ¡°See if you find anything you like and in your size.¡± After finding a pair of boots that fit, she heads to the small motel in the colony and rents a room. Erin removes her boots and crashes on the bed, instantly falling asleep.
Erin arrives at the Glenwood colony, pulling to a stop as she waits for them to pull the gate open. She waves at them and drives inside, asking around until she is pointed in the direction of the recipient. ¡°Darla?¡± Erin is now standing at the front desk of a hot spring. Even in the apocalypse, you still need a place to relax. ¡°No, but she¡¯s in the back. I can take you.¡± The young girl, no more than sixteen, motions for her to follow. Erin follows her past large windows looking out on the pool outside, steam rising off of it. ¡°It¡¯s a hot spring. They¡¯re amazing.¡± ¡°Sounds nice.¡± Erin admits the idea of a hot bath sounds great. ¡°You seem young.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my first week on the job. Trying to help support the family, I¡¯m sure you know how it is.¡± ¡°I do.¡± Erin sighs. ¡°I do.¡± ¡°Sometimes, my friends and I sneak out to the other old hot springs outside the colony. You should really check them out. There usually aren¡¯t any infected around, and you look like you can handle yourself if there are.¡± The girl glances back at her as she stops at the door. ¡°I¡¯m alright. Thank you for the offer.¡± Erin shakes her head. ¡°I¡¯m too close to home to spend another night away.¡± ¡°I see. Well, this is where Darla is. I¡¯ll give you two privacy.¡± The young girl walks past Erin and back to the main lobby. Erin knocks on the door that says ¡®laundry¡¯ before turning the handle. ¡°Darla?¡± She repeated her question to an older-looking woman, seeming to be Annie¡¯s age. ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± She has a laundry basket anchored on her hip. ¡°I¡¯ve got a letter for you.¡± Erin pulls it from her side pack, holding it out to the woman. ¡°This must be from my sister.¡± She took the letter from Erin with a large smile. ¡°Annie¡¯s your sister?¡± Erin looked at her in surprise. She has known Annie for almost four years, and yet she never knew about any sisters. ¡°She is, indeed.¡± Darla nods proudly. ¡°She¡¯s my little sister, in fact. I just moved here last year so we could be closer, and I could visit her girls.¡± Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°She¡¯s a good woman.¡± Erin nods. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t want to keep you.¡± She turns towards the lockers lining the walls. ¡°You got any little ones?¡± She asks, defeating the purpose of not keeping her any longer. ¡°I have a younger sister. She¡¯s eighteen. She¡¯s got a little girl who¡¯s four and a boy who¡¯s less than a year.¡± Erin smiles slightly at the thought of her niece and nephew. ¡°I¡¯ve been working on knitting gloves for the kids around here. I¡¯m sure I have a pair that¡¯d fit your little ones.¡± Darla sets the laundry basket down and walks over to the locker, pulling it open. She pulls out a couple pairs of knitted gloves and hands them to Erin. ¡°Payment for the delivery. I hope it¡¯s enough.¡± ¡°More than enough.¡± Erin smiles. ¡°Winter¡¯ll be here before we know it.¡±
¡°Erin!¡± A toddler yells out as she runs towards Erin right after stepping off of her motorcycle. ¡°Bailey.¡± Erin picks her up, tossing her in the air before hugging her and kissing the top of her head. She runs her fingers through Bailey¡¯s golden blonde hair, which matches her mother¡¯s and her brother¡¯s. They all shared the same blue eyes, too, unlike Erin, who looks nothing like them despite their genetics. ¡°How¡¯s your mommy?¡± ¡°Sick.¡± Erin looks over to see Scout wandering over to her. ¡°And mad at Rylan.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got something for the both of you.¡± Erin sets Bailey back down on the ground before pulling out the candy she had gotten, dividing it between the two girls. Bailey runs off to show her mother, while Scout sticks around to hear where Erin has been this time while she is gone. Erin explains to her while they walk to Skye and Erin¡¯s shared house with the kids. It¡¯s cramped, but they make do. ¡°Erin, thank god.¡± Skye, Erin¡¯s younger sister, coughs. She¡¯s more than happy to see Erin. ¡°Rylan is driving me insane. Please take him.¡± She holds the baby out to her older sister. Erin takes her backpack off, setting it on the ground before taking the baby. ¡°I was going to take flowers to Lance¡¯s grave. Would you like to come, Scout?¡± Scout looks down at the floor. Even though she had lost her brother a couple of years ago, it still feels like yesterday he was here, taking care of everyone the best he could. She nods. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll come.¡± Erin shifts Rylan in her arms, walking farther into the house to get the baby changed into more suitable clothing for the hike. Erin wraps him in a baby sling before she and Scout set off to the colony¡¯s small graveyard. Once they arrive, Scout stands back, allowing Erin some privacy. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again, Lance.¡± Erin takes a deep breath, wiping some dirt off of the gravestone. ¡°It¡¯s been a little since I last visited. I¡¯ve been busy with jobs from the Rangers. Keeps me busy. Keeps me from thinking about losing you too much. Every day, I miss you. I don¡¯t think I ever won¡¯t. I¡¯m doing my best to keep us all together.¡± Erin kneels down. ¡°To keep Skye going, even though I know she¡¯s struggling. Scout¡¯s doing well. She¡¯s growing up before our eyes. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re proud of your little sister.¡± Erin sets down a small bouquet of wildflowers she and Scout had picked along the way. ¡°I need to get back and check on Skye, but I¡¯ll talk to you later.¡± She stands up from the dirt, staring at the gravestone for a moment before walking away.
Erin mounts the horse, looking over to ensure Scout mounted her own alright. The colony had raised a handful of horses, mainly used for transport and moving things, but also for hunting. Erin being home meant she was on hunting duty, as she was one of the better hunters. Erin pulls her horse¡¯s head towards the gate and kicks lightly, urging the horse forwards. She and Scout exit the gates atop the horses. ¡°I¡¯m worried about Skye.¡± Scout speaks up once they are a few meters away from anyone¡¯s earshot. ¡°She¡¯s been sick since you left last time.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be fine, Scout.¡± Erin tries to reassure her.Admittedly, she hadn¡¯t had time yet to worry about her younger sister. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about her, Scout. There are plenty of other things to be concerned about other than just a cold.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a cold, Erin.¡± Scout shakes her head. ¡°I¡¯ve had a cold before, and she seems sicker than that.¡± ¡°Perhaps the flu then. There are plenty of sicknesses out there to get.¡± Erin shrugs, not worried about her sister¡¯s health. She always seemed to have some sort of sickness but had gotten through to pregnancies healthily enough. As long as she doesn¡¯t get pregnant again, Erin isn¡¯t too concerned. ¡°Erin¡­¡± Scout looks down at her hands before looking back up at the trail. ¡°I miss Lance.¡± ¡°I miss him too.¡± Erin nods sadly. He was the love of her life since Erin had found the place they now call home. ¡°But he¡¯s still out there somewhere watching over us.¡± ¡°Do you believe in a god, then?¡± Scout asks innocently enough. ¡°Not sure what I really believe in, Scout. I just like to believe your brother is somewhere where I¡¯ll get to see him again someday.¡± ¡°I like to believe that, too.¡± ¡°We¡¯re getting close to the hunting grounds. No more talking.¡± Erin instructs. Scout nods in understanding. They make their way deeper into the forest, stopping at each trap to see if anything is found there. They eventually stop at a filled trap. A rabbit is stuck in it, its back legs caught in the wire trap. Erin dismounts, Scout following after her. ¡°It¡¯s still alive.¡± Scout watches the bunny with teary eyes. ¡°We don¡¯t have to kill it.¡± ¡°We do if we want to eat tonight.¡± Erin grabs the rabbit behind its head. ¡°All we can do is be thankful this animal¡¯s life keeps us alive.¡± Scout nods, wiping away her tears as Erin snaps the animal¡¯s neck.
Erin removes the saddle, placing it down on the saddle rack before doing the same with Scout¡¯s horse. The horses eat their grain and hay dinner as the two groom them. They had hunted a couple of deer for the colony and kept the rabbit for their dinner tonight. ¡°Erin.¡± Scout peeks her head over the horse¡¯s back. ¡°If we got out of here, got our ticket to Haven, what would we do?¡± ¡°Start a new life.¡± Erin smiles slightly. Whenever she has a break, she always thinks about the new life they¡¯d start in Haven. ¡°We¡¯d get a new house, big enough for all of us, with everyone getting their own room.¡± ¡°What job would you do?¡± Skye watches her with dreamy eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Probably stay a courier. It¡¯s all I¡¯ve really ever known.¡± She shrugs. ¡°What about you, Scout? What job would you get?¡± ¡°I¡¯d find a space program and go to space!¡± She exclaims, a wide smile on her face. ¡°Ooh, I¡¯m kinda jealous of your plan.¡± Erin laughs. ¡°Come on and finish up grooming so we can eat soon.¡± Scout nods before getting back to her horse. Once they had finished, they let the horses out to pasture. Erin says she was going to start food and will let her know when it was ready, holding the rabbit up. Scout returns to her camper to grab veggies for the dinner, giving them to Erin and helping chop them up. ¡°You need another haircut.¡± Erin glances over at Scout as she skins the rabbit. ¡°Your hair is getting too long.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like it when it¡¯s short.¡± She pouts, chopping the carrots and dumping them into the pot. ¡°You¡¯re also not gonna like it when an infected grabs you by the hair.¡± Erin casually shrugs. ¡°Skye.¡± Erin looks towards the kitchen table she is sitting at. ¡°You need yours cut, too.¡± ¡°No.¡± She pouts as well, hating Erin¡¯s haircuts since she didn¡¯t give them as much care as she would for herself. ¡°Next time you come back home. They don¡¯t make me go outside the walls anyway.¡± Erin takes a deep breath. ¡°Fine, but only you get out of it. Scout still needs one.¡± Skye sticks her tongue out at Scout. Once they finish making dinner, everyone huddles around the kitchen table with mismatched chairs. Bailey sits on Erin¡¯s lap, as they didn¡¯t have two high chairs, and Rylan was in the only one they have. ¡°Erin! I forgot to tell you about my dream!¡± Scout slams the table, causing Skye to jump. ¡°I had a dream that I went to the moon, and then I met aliens. They told me they¡¯d get rid of the virus if I married their handsome prince!¡± ¡°And did you?¡± ¡°Of course! I have to save the world!¡± Scout states, as if it is obvious. ¡°I think you¡¯ve been reading too many comic books.¡± Erin shakes her head with a smile. ¡°It was the best dream I¡¯ve ever had.¡± Scout smiles widely. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to go to space. When I was a kid, Lance got me a blanket with a bunch of constellations, but when we had to flee the quarantine zone, I had to leave it behind.¡± The smile fades from her face as she reminisces on her favorite blanket. ¡°When we were younger, our mom used to always buy us princess dresses for Erin and me. Erin always hated wearing them, though.¡± ¡°I only wore them for mom¡¯s sake.¡± Erin smiles slightly. ¡°Of all the things we left behind, I¡¯m glad we left them.¡±
Erin walks up to the bus, scissors in hand, before knocking. Scout jumps off the bunk above the driver¡¯s seat and opens the door. She is already in her starry pajamas, ready for bed. ¡°Come out here.¡± Erin grabs a stool sitting by the stairs and places it in front of her. She moves out of Scout''s way and has her sit in front of her. Scout holds a stuffed tiger to her chest her brother had given to her while Erin cuts her curly red hair. ¡°It¡¯s safer to have your hair short.¡± Erin states. She keeps her own black hair chin length to make sure no infected can grab it. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t really care as long as I¡¯m safe.¡± Scout shrugs weakly. ¡°It¡¯ll grow back, and if we ever live in Haven, you can have your hair as long as you¡¯d like.¡± Scout silently nods. ¡°When Skye and I were little girls, our mom set up this camping trip for us in the mountains. She booked it a month¡¯s advance, but when we got there, we ended up getting snowed in for a week. Until someone came and rescued us. That was the first time I really had to survive.¡± ¡°Were you scared?¡± Scout quietly asks. ¡°Hell yeah!¡± Erin laughs, causing Scout to laugh as well. ¡°It was terrifying. We had to ration out our food to last that whole week. We were all hungry the whole time, but our mom would give us her portions so we wouldn¡¯t be as hungry.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a lot like your mom, then.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what moms have to do. Sacrifice for their kids.¡± ¡°You¡¯re more of a mom than Skye.¡± Scout quietly observes. ¡°Skye¡¯s not really cut out to be one.¡± Erin agrees, shaking her head as she sets the scissors down, now finished with the haircut. She moves forward to hug Scout, resting her chin on top of her head. They stay like that for a while until Erin almost fell asleep, deciding it is time for bed.
¡°Erin.¡± She wakes up to Scout¡¯s voice as she opens the bedroom door. ¡°I¡¯m up.¡± She wipes her forehead with the back of her arm. ¡°It¡¯s almost sundown¡­¡± ¡°And I need to get the injections.¡± Erin completes her thought, throwing her legs over the side of the bed. She stands up and pulls her pants on. ¡°I¡¯ll go now.¡± Erin and Scout walk out of the bedroom and into the living room, where Skye is with the kids. ¡°Skye, can you have dinner ready by the time I¡¯m back?¡± ¡°No need.¡± Skye shakes her head. ¡°Europa is having the barbeque.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Erin nodded. ¡°Cool beans.¡± She pulls her jacket and boots on, now ready to leave. ¡°Can I come with?¡± Scout asks with puppy dog eyes. ¡°Only if you wear the helmet.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Scout cheers, running to go grab the helmet.
They pull up to the spot where the New California Republic caravan is distributing the injections. Erin stops and swings her leg over the bike once Scout has hopped off the back. ¡°Michael Garth. Number: 1133610. I need five.¡± The man in front of them hands the N.C.R. soldier his card, verifying that is how many people he is picking up for. The man is given a bushel of injections and sent on his way, making it Erin¡¯s turn. ¡°Erin Henderson. Number: 2099510. Thirty-seven.¡± She repeats the process she has done plenty of times before. She was the fittest in the colony to pick the injections up. This forces her to be home once a month so she can inject and keep from turning. At least, that is what Biotech says is necessary. ¡°Must¡¯ve had a new baby join your group.¡± Chance, one of the soldiers, walks over to greet Erin. She knows him by name, as he often escorts the caravan to this area. ¡°Baby girl.¡± Erin nods. ¡°She¡¯s a big healthy one.¡± ¡°Nice to see you again too, Scout.¡± He smiles over at Scout as he pulls the injections out of the truck. ¡°You¡¯ve grown taller since the last time I¡¯ve seen you.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Scout insecurely wraps her arm around herself, looking down at the ground. ¡°I¡¯ve got a job for you, Erin. If you¡¯ve got the time.¡± Chance speaks again after handing the bag of injections over to Erin. ¡°What is it?¡± She leans against the truck against her elbow, holding the bag in her other hand. ¡°A private party from N.A. wants to hire some mercenaries in the area, and I know you can handle yourself.¡± He shrugs. ¡°When and where am I needed?¡± ¡°Let me write it down.¡± He grabs out a piece of paper and a pen and writes down the coordinates: 39¡ã46''04.1"N 105¡ã05''22.5"W. ¡°Look for the old hospital building. You¡¯ll wanna be there on Tuesday, so you¡¯ve got a couple of days still.¡± ¡°Thanks for the tip.¡± She nods, standing up straight. ¡°I¡¯ve got something on the bike for you. I almost forgot about it.¡± She walks over to the motorcycle and grabs out a bag of coffee beans. ¡°From Columbia.¡± She places them in his hands. Chance smiles widely. ¡°Thank you! Must¡¯ve been to New Zone recently. Only they get the good shit. Oh shit.¡± He looks at Scout. ¡°I mean stuff!¡± ¡°I¡¯m old enough to curse.¡± She crosses her arms, pouting slightly. ¡°I¡¯m twelve now.¡± ¡°Well, young lady, my bad.¡± He laughs, looking back over at Erin and holding his fist out. Erin fist-bumps him. ¡°I owe you one.¡±
Erin has already injected the others, and it is time for her own injection. She hates the feeling of them. Like ice in her veins, ripping through her skin. After injecting, she goes to wash up and heads out to dinner to join everyone else. She takes her spot next to Skye. ¡°The food smells good.¡± ¡°I¡¯m always thankful when we get actual beef.¡± Skye smiles slightly, taking a bite of her corn. Everyone¡¯s plates were full of food, though that isn¡¯t usual. They only go all out during their barbecues, celebrating a couple nights of the year. ¡°Would you like to hold her, Erin?¡± The new mother is making her rounds around the table, baby in hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Grace. Thank you.¡± She tilts her head to the side slightly, already having her hands full with Rylan, who was in her lap. ¡°I remember when Bailey was just a little one,¡± one of the older ladies catches Erin¡¯s attention, ¡°she used to cry and cry and cry.¡± ¡°And cry some more.¡± Erin smiles. ¡°Rylan is an angel compared.¡± ¡°No!¡± Bailey yells out, obviously not liking the comparison. ¡°I¡¯m an angel.¡± ¡°You are, Bailey.¡± Erin smiles, running her fingers through Bailey¡¯s hair. Everyone talks amongst themselves, enjoying the pleasant night and special food. After eating and cleaning up, everyone gathered around a bonfire, where a few people start playing instruments and singing. Erin holds Rylan, who is asleep, and Scout holds Bailey while Skye is off talking to one of the men, obviously flirting with him. ¡°We don¡¯t need another boyfriend in her life.¡± Erin shakes her head with a small smile. ¡°You mean we don¡¯t need another baby.¡± Scout corrects her bluntly. ¡°Yeah. I suppose.¡± She laughs.
Chapter 2 Erin sits on a stump a few meters away from the house. She dunks a rag into the bucket of lukewarm water and scrubs herself off before raising the bucket and dumping it over her head. Erin isn¡¯t fully naked, as there is little privacy in the colony. Reaching for a towel, she dries herself and stands up from the stump, walking up the skinny dirt path toward the house. ¡°Oh. Erin.¡± She looks over to see Scout on the porch, about to knock on the door. ¡°I was looking for you.¡± ¡°What¡¯s up, Scout?¡± Erin jogs up the stairs and pushes past Scout and into the house. Scout follows after her toward Erin¡¯s bedroom. ¡°I--I¡­¡± She trails off, causing Erin to look back at her to see her nervously gripping her arm. ¡°Are you alright, Scout?¡± Erin turns to face her fully in concern. ¡°You¡¯re going to leave soon, right?¡± Erin nods. ¡°I need to get changed and head out.¡± Scout¡¯s eyes cast downward as she scuffs her boots on the wood floor. She finally speaks again, this time in a whisper. ¡°Can I come?¡± ¡°No. No way. Not to Denver.¡± Erin¡¯s voice becomes stern. ¡°Come on.¡± Scout pouts. ¡°I¡¯m older now, and I can fight better now. How am I supposed to do any better if you won¡¯t let me come and learn?¡± Scout becomes more passionate as she speaks. ¡°What if something bad happens, and I need to protect Skye and Bailey and Rylan?¡± Erin sighs, putting her arm against the wall. She tucks her head into the crook of the arm as she makes her decision. Scout watches her expectantly. ¡°Fine.¡± Erin finally looks up as she gives her answer. ¡°But you listen to every word I say. No exceptions.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Scout jumps, fist-bumping the air. ¡°Go put something else on, Scout. Boots with treads, long pants, and pull your hair back if you can.¡± ¡°Sure thing!¡± Scout yells out once more before running out of the house. Erin sighs before turning back to her room.
The two pull up to the gates of a large, fortified area. Tall watchtowers surround the property. Scout counts at least eight of them in total. The area around the walls is quiet. She wonders if the people behind the wall did a good job of clearing out the infected. ¡°We were sent by an NCR caravan.¡± Erin yells up to the tower. ¡°Mercenaries were requested.¡± Promptly, the gate is opened. A couple of people with guns come to greet them, directing Erin to the front of the hospital. The two ride towards the enormous building, driving slowly. Erin can¡¯t help but notice how well the colony is doing. Strong walls, crops in the fields as far as the walls go, horses roaming in an extensive field, healthy-looking people walking around doing their duties. She thinks to herself how she wouldn¡¯t mind moving her family to a colony like this, where life could be easier for them. But she would always worry about the colony being a bigger target compared to their small colony. She eventually comes to the conclusion that she shouldn¡¯t move them, even if winters in the mountains are hard. Erin turns the bike off as they arrive at the front of the hospital. She waits for Scout to dismount before swinging her leg over. ¡°Stay with the bike until I get this figured out.¡± She steps towards the reinforced doors before stopping. ¡°Show me you have your pistol.¡± ¡°I already did.¡± Scout pouts. ¡°Humor me, Scout.¡± Scout sighs before lifting up her shirt slightly, showing off the pistol in its holster. ¡°Thank you.¡± Erin continues towards the door where two armed guards stand. She repeats herself to the guard about being a mercenary before they open the door and allow her in. ¡°I¡¯ll show you the way.¡± One of the guards starts walking, leading Erin. ¡°You¡¯ve done a good job with this place. I¡¯m impressed.¡± She admits to the guard, who faces her with a smile. ¡°Our leaders were quick to set this place up.¡± He nods. ¡°After the outbreak¡­well, I suppose, after the quarantine zones fell. This place was a hospital before the outbreak. We cleared most of the rooms for apartments, but there are still medical spaces. It holds over a thousand alone. We also have a sister colony down by the dam that provides power to us.¡± ¡°Sounds like a sweet deal.¡± ¡°It is.¡± He chuckles before stopping. ¡°Here we are.¡± The guard motions towards a door. ¡°Would you be willing to watch my bike and send the girl next to it up here?¡± ¡°Can do.¡± He nodded. Erin watches him walk off before opening the door and walking in. There were men already here, some heavily armed and prepared for a fight. Erin walks over and pulls out a chair before sitting down. There are two maps set out on the table, one of downtown Denver and one of an amusement park. ¡°Who invited the cunt?¡± One of the men curses loud enough for her to hear before spitting on the linoleum. Erin ignores him, standing up from the chair to inspect the maps. After a few moments, Scout and another man in N.C.R. garb come in. They are both smiling. Erin pushes a chair out for Scout who readily takes it. ¡°You must be Erin.¡± The N.C.R. man holds his hand out to her. ¡°I¡¯m Hsu.¡± Erin shakes his hand before sitting back down. ¡°You¡¯re correct. Erin.¡± Hsu walks to the other end of the table and takes a seat at the head spot that has been left open. ¡°This¡¯ll probably be all that shows up, but if any show up later, I¡¯ll give them the same information.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t bring some damned little girl with us.¡± The man who cursed earlier turns angrily toward Erin. He is mostly bald with a large black beard, looking like a pre-Fall biker. ¡°She can handle herself.¡± Erin speaks calmly, looking over at the man. ¡°She¡¯ll be a help, not a hindrance.¡± ¡°Oh, so I¡¯m supposed to trust a bitch just because she uses big words?¡± The man growls, making his sexism all too apparent. ¡°Please.¡± Hsu speaks up. ¡°Calm down and take a seat so we can go over the job.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± The man spits once more, glaring at Erin before taking a seat. ¡°We should do some quick introductions first. My name is Hsu. I am a Lieutenant in the New California Republic. Your turn.¡± He turns towards the bald, hyper-salivating man. ¡°You must be shittin¡¯ me. This isn¡¯t kindergarten.¡± Erin¡¯s eyes scan over him, noting an old-looking scar. Maybe even older than the outbreak. ¡°Blake.¡± The man sitting next to him raises his voice. ¡°And he¡¯s Jarett. We¡¯re brothers who work throughout No Man¡¯s Land.¡± Erin couldn¡¯t help but to notice the age difference and dissimilar features, leading her to wonder if they were actually related. ¡°I¡¯m Buster. I¡¯m a bounty hunter. I often work for the NCR.¡± The man next to him leaned forwards on the table. Erin notices his prosthetic arm, causing him to chuckle as he watches Erin. ¡°No need to worry. I can still handle a gun fine.¡± Erin nods before looking at the next man who speaks. ¡°Raze.¡± He talks with an enormous smile on his face. ¡°I¡¯m the best mercenary this side of the Mississippi and the other side, for that matter.¡± Erin raises an eyebrow at him but keeps her comments to herself. Everyone turns to her and Scout, waiting for their introductions. ¡°Erin and Scout.¡± She simply explains, leaving it at that. ¡°Great.¡± Hsu smiles. ¡°Let¡¯s get on with the details now.¡±
Erin and Scout are eating their provided dinner in the food court. The food isn¡¯t special, just some beef and gravy on toast, but enough to give them strength for tomorrow. Erin watches as Scout scarfs the food down. ¡°Slow up, Scout, or you¡¯ll get a stomachache.¡± Scout only stops to stick her tongue out at Erin before resuming her eating. Erin looks up to see Hsu sit down next to them. He sets a jar of honey and crackers in front of them with a smile. ¡°My mom lives here. She¡¯s a beekeeper and makes the best honey. I was wondering if you¡¯d like some.¡± Scout''s eyes widen as she quickly opens up the lidded jar and starts tasting the sweet substance. She mutters a thank you in between breaths. ¡°How¡¯re you in the N.C.R. if your mom lives here? Or how did your mom end up out here instead of the N.C.R.?¡± Erin asks as she dips a cracker in the honey. ¡°I joined before the outbreak.¡± He shrugs. ¡°I¡¯m just lucky my troop is often in this area, allowing me to see my mom.¡± ¡°Must be nice.¡± The two chat as Scout eats until her stomach hurts. Hsu walks them up to their apartment for the night before saying a goodnight to the both of them before disappearing down the dimly lit hallway. ¡°Nice digs.¡± Erin looks around the converted hospital room. ¡°Better than most places I sleep on the road.¡± Scout groaned, letting Erin know she was in no mood for anything but sleep. Erin smiles slightly and guides her to the bed, removing her boots before tucking her in.
In the early morning, they ride the loaned horses through the once-suburbs of Denver, heading towards the amusement park. Erin notes how few infected they¡¯ve seen so far, wondering if the colony goes out on hunting parties to clear the infected. A dangerous but useful tactic. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Erin turns her attention toward the draft horses, pulling the wagon in front of them. They¡¯re larger, more sturdy horses without the same speed as a normal horse, lending them well to the carriage pulling, and, as far as Hsu told them, they need the extra carrying power. ¡°Erin. Look.¡± Scout points to their left at an aged billboard next to the aquarium. ¡°It says you can meet mermaids!¡± ¡°Not real ones.¡± Erin answers, shaking her head. ¡°Just people dressed in costumes.¡± ¡°Still would be cool.¡± Scout says under her breath, not wanting to admit to Erin she thought they could be real. After all, zombies were once thought to be just a myth. The band of horses turns into the parking lot and up to the gates of the amusement park. There is little fanfare for such a cool place, or at least Scout thinks so. She would kill to be able to have seen something like this running. Everyone dismounts their horse and approaches the steel gating, keeping the place locked down. Hsu walks over to the gate and tries to pull it open to no avail before turning towards the group. ¡°It looks like it¡¯s locked from the inside. Look for some way to get in there.¡± They begin looking around before a gunshot rings out, causing everyone to look in that direction. Raze ducks into the shot-out window and slips inside. ¡°You okay?¡± Erin asks a cringing Scout after she removes her hands from her ears. Scout nods. ¡°I guess.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hope no infected decide to show up because of that.¡± Erin shakes her head. A few moments later, there is another loud noise as the gates are pulled up. Everyone helps as they get the horses inside before propping it open with a rolling souvenir stand. They begin looking around the area, getting a feel of their surroundings. Scout pulls at Erin¡¯s arm, showing her a cache of t-shirts she finds collecting dust. ¡°Can I take a few for the kids?¡± ¡°Take whatever, as long as you can carry it.¡± Erin shrugs, knowing a few toys won¡¯t slow them down. Scout goes through the store, picking up things that are still in decent shape and putting them into the saddlebags. They head back outside, now on the other side of the fence, after getting the other gate open. In front of them was what they came for: the carousel. ¡°Remember. We need the one with the two white horses and an attached carriage.¡± Hsu begins walking around before stopping. ¡°Here. This one.¡± ¡°This shit is boring.¡± Raze scoffs, leaning lazily against the wall as the rest of the mercenaries head over to Hsu. ¡°I should be off somewhere else risking my life, fighting off a thousand zeds by myself.¡± ¡°Come on.¡± Hsu speaks up, turning the mercenaries¡¯ attention back to him. ¡°Let¡¯s get it off and loaded up in the wagon.¡± They take the saws and begin cutting away at the poles to free it from the base. ¡°Why does someone want this?¡± Jarrett asks, his voice strained. ¡°Some rich guy said his wife used to ride these when she was a little girl. She always loved them, and this is where they met. She¡¯s dying now, apparently, and wants to give them as a gift.¡± Hsu explains as they continue working. ¡°Seems kinda sweet to me.¡± ¡°We¡¯re getting paid, so no reason to complain.¡± Erin shrugs slightly, glancing over at Scout, who was currently taking in the sight of the large roller-coasters around her. ¡°¡®Enough talking.¡± Blake barks. ¡°Let¡¯s just get this damn thing out of here.¡±
Everyone lets out a sigh of relief as they load the last part of the carriage. Erin wipes the sweat from her forehead with her shirt. Scout notices the men¡¯s eyes on her as she does, a shiver running down her spine. ¡°We should search the area while we¡¯re here. See if there¡¯s anything the colony should know about.¡± Hsu suggested. ¡°We should split up.¡± ¡°Come on.¡± Erin places her hand on Scout¡¯s shoulder, walking away from the group once they decide who would go in which direction. ¡°This place is awesome, Erin. I wish I could¡¯ve been here when it was working.¡± Scout smiles widely as she frantically looks around her, wanting to see everything she can. ¡°Wait.¡± Erin put her hand out, stopping Scout, who looks in front of them, seeing the infected Erin was alerting her of. Erin takes out her knife, prompting Scout to do the same. ¡°Remember what to do?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Scout quietly answers. ¡±Kick them in the knee, stab them in the brain.¡± Erin nods, giving her a thumbs up before signaling her to move. They approach the first two undead and easily take them down with their strategy. Erin doesn¡¯t need to kick their knees, though, as she¡¯s as tall as or taller than the hunched-over zombies. ¡°Nice job.¡± Erin compliments Scout as the last one falls. Erin wipes her knife on her arm bracer before putting it back away. They continue on their path, stopping at a large colorful roller-coaster. Erin continues on as Scout stopped, staring up at the ride, causing Erin to turn around and question her. ¡°I wanna go.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not really looking for supplies.¡± Erin tries to reason before she shakes her head and smiles. ¡°But alright. Come on.¡± They hop over the chain, followed by the railing up to the loading area. Scout touches the roller-coaster seats, tempted to climb in, before looking back at Erin. ¡°I wonder what they were like. Before the Fall.¡± ¡°Never get the chance to see them for myself.¡± Erin shakes her head, looking away at the river on the other side of the fence. ¡°Mom never had enough time or money for shit like this.¡± When she looks back, Scout is already gone, walking up the tight passage up the roller-coaster track. Erin sighed before following her, making it to the top before they stop. Scout sits down, her legs dangling off the edge, stories above the ground. From there, they have a perfect view of the fallen city, one you can¡¯t get anywhere else. ¡°If this thing breaks and we die, you know we¡¯ll never hear the end of it from your brother.¡± Scout laughs before becoming serious again. She sighs and looks over at the city dramatically. Erin leans against the railing next to her, looking into the distance. ¡°What¡¯s up, Scout?¡± ¡°I¡­finally got my period. You weren¡¯t there, so I told Skye. She was so excited about it she even baked me a cake. A terrible one. And then told half the colony.¡± Erin shakes her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Scout. Skye¡¯s always been a gossip. She used to tell mom every time I did something, just to get me grounded.¡± Erin looks down at Scout, touching the top of her head gently. ¡°She shouldn¡¯t¡¯ve done that. It¡¯s your private information, and I¡¯m sorry she shared it.¡± Erin pauses for a moment, sighing. ¡°Be careful now, Scout. With sex, I mean.¡± ¡°Sex.¡± Scout sticks her tongue out in disgust. Erin laughs, ruffling Scout¡¯s hair slightly. ¡°That¡¯s not such a bad attitude to have. You don¡¯t want to make the same mistake Skye has.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Erin nods, removing her hand. ¡°I¡¯m going to search below. Come down when you¡¯re ready.¡± She climbs down and walks around the surrounding area, careful not to go too far without Scout. Erin finds game booths and begins to go through them, looking for anything of value, seeing nothing but decaying stuffed toys until she finds a package of stars that claim to glow in the dark. She takes them and stuffs them away, planning to give them to Scout later. Scout finds Erin, and they start back to where the horses are, having finished their search. Part way there, they hear yelling and run over to find Raze shouting at an old man, spread out in front of double doors, trying to block the entrance from him. Blake and Jarett are there too. Jarett is trying to pull Raze away. Erin glances over at Scout, seeing her slowly pulling her pistol out. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Erin turns her attention back to the men. She is hit with the rotting smell of flesh, covering her face with her shirt. ¡°This freak has hundreds of infected in there.¡± Raze points towards the door. ¡°Sure smells like it.¡± Erin nods. ¡°Please.¡± The old man begs. ¡°Just leave. I¡¯m not doing anything wrong. I just care for them. Feed them. Animals. They¡¯re still humans somewhere in there. They¡¯re no harm to anyone. Just leave. Please.¡± ¡°He¡¯s crazy!¡± Raze yells again. ¡°They¡¯re dangerous! He¡¯s just waiting to release them.¡± ¡°He¡¯s right.¡± Hsu speaks calmly as he approaches, having heard previous parts of the conversation. ¡°If there are as many as he says in there, it could be a risk to the colony.¡± ¡°We¡¯re in no place to fight that many infected.¡± Erin points out. ¡°Cunt¡¯s right.¡± Blake agrees. ¡°Fuck this.¡± Raze bolts from Jarett¡¯s grasp. Without a moment¡¯s passing, he shoots the old man in the chest. The sound causes the infected to get agitated as the door crashes open, tossing the man away from it. The infected began to rush out. ¡°Run.¡± Erin grabs Scout¡¯s shoulder as everyone begins to sprint. They can hear the old man screaming as he is being torn apart. Most of the group had a gap between them and the infected, but Raze lags behind, getting grabbed by the zombies and pulled to the ground. He yells out as one bites into his leg. Erin stops to shoot, but Scout beats her to it, killing the infected on top of him. Buster helps him up, putting Raze¡¯s arm over his shoulder, and continues running as fast as Raze can hobble along. They finally arrive at the horses, which were now spooked, tossing their heads and pulling at their leads. ¡°Leave the carriage.¡± Hsu yells out as the others begin to mount the horses. Buster helps Raze get onto his horse, pushing him up, while Erin searches for Scout, finding her sawing away at the horses¡¯ harness. Erin quickly dismounts and helps her cut the leather binding for the horses, but they stop as the other horse gets bit. ¡°Come on!¡± Erin grabs Scout''s arm and runs for their horses, pushing her up onto the horse¡¯s back. They take off after the rest of the group. As Scout looks back, she informs Erin the horse that wasn¡¯t free was being torn apart, letting them get away. Erin tells her not to look, as there is nothing they can do now.
Erin dismounts her horse now that they are in the safety of the colony¡¯s walls. She walks over to help Scout off the horse, putting a hand on her shoulder afterward. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Erin asks softly. Scout nods slightly, looking up at Erin with sad eyes. ¡°That was scary.¡± ¡°I know. But you did good, Scout.¡± She smiles slightly, but it quickly fades as she looks in the direction of Raze, who is being rushed off on a gurney. Jarrett is holding back an angry Blake whose looks could kill. Erin walks over to Hsu, who is simply observing the situation somberly. ¡°We¡¯re leaving. I expect my fuel tank to be filled already. And I¡¯m not coming back here. Find someone else to get that damned wagon, but keep some green kid off the job next time.¡± Erin angrily motions toward the hospital where Raze disappeared into. ¡°Erin. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hsu raises his hand but promptly drops it. ¡°Your motorcycle was fueled. And I hope the best for you and Scout.¡±
Erin and Scout drive through their home colony¡¯s gate and park. They both get off the bike. Scout starts towards her bus, but Erin stops her. ¡°You did well today, Scout. Truly. You deserve a shower.¡± Scout smiles slightly, nodding. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I also got something special for you.¡± Erin pulls the glow-in-the-dark stars out of her inner jacket pocket and hands them to an amazed Scout. Scout quickly hugs Erin before taking the package from her and running off to her bus. Erin takes a deep breath and runs her fingers through her hair. She thinks to herself how she could use a good long sleep before she sets off again tomorrow. On her way to the house, she is greeted by a few people asking her how the trip went and how Scout did. She keeps the details to herself, telling them she did well. Erin finally makes it to the house and opens the front door to see rice strung about the floor. She takes in the scene for a moment, noting her niece and nephew playing in the rice while an opened bag is tipped over in the corner. Erin angrily calls out to Skye but gets no response. She checks the small house but still can¡¯t find her. Erin deftly picks the children up and heads out of the house. She stops one of the women and asks if she knows where Skye is. She said she went to Hector¡¯s house a few hours ago and to check there maybe. Erin thanks her before heading in that direction, stopping at his door. She knocks on the door with her foot and calls out to Skye but gets no response. She tries a second time but, after no response, ends up kicking down the flimsy door. Erin found them in the middle of sex, Skye naked on top of him on the pullout couch. ¡°How could you leave your children unattended for hours?¡± Erin angrily asks. ¡°You need to grow up, Skye! Take some responsibility!¡± ¡°What?! As if you¡¯re one to talk!¡± Skye angrily scowls at Erin. ¡°Should I just go run off like you did? Fuck some rich dude?! Be constantly high and drunk while your little sister takes care of everything?! Would that be helpful?! Would that be responsible?!¡± Erin scowls, gently setting her niece and nephew down. ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡± She walks away from the house and towards the motorcycle.
Chapter 3 Erin slows down to a stop as she approaches the N.C.R. territory wall. The walls are old, older than the infection, and from back when the states first separated from one another, but they suited everyone just fine once the outbreak happened. There are still incidents where people find their way to the other side of the walls, but life isn¡¯t any easier for someone who has. In the majority of states, people are constantly tested to make sure they aren¡¯t infected. To get a job, buy anything including food and shelter, or to even be scanned into homeless shelters, you must present your chip which is inserted at birth and which most No Man¡¯s Land residents don¡¯t have unless they¡¯re an employee of one of the states. Erin holds her arm out to allow them to scan the implanted chip. ¡°Here for work.¡± She answers before the question is asked, having been through this plenty of times. The chip certified that she works under the N.C.R. as a mercenary, as well as many other things, including her infected status. They verify the information before opening the gate and letting her in. Erin pulls the visor of her helmet back down before speeding up, riding down the nicely kept highway toward the city. As she drives farther past the walls, she arrives on the outskirts of a different town. She catches a traffic light and slows to a stop, watching as a school bus is loaded up. She can¡¯t help but be amazed at how different these peoples¡¯ lives are in the safe states, the same as she always has been since the first time she visited another state. The kids play around on the bus, throwing things, talking, and laughing. Before she can observe any longer, the light changes, and Erin drives off, wishing she could give her family a better life than the one they have. Erin rides for a few more hours until the sun begins going down, and her stomach grumbles, signaling to her, it is time to stop for the night. She pulls off in a small town and finds a diner, paying for the dinner upfront. She notes that she doesn¡¯t have much money left. Enough for a few meals and a couple nights¡¯ place to stay, at most. Each state has its own currency, except for No Man¡¯s Land, after the Fall. In N.M.L., most places and people trade items instead. After Erin¡¯s meal, she heads to a nearby motel, the cheapest she can find in the area, and settles in. She tosses her helmet onto the chair and removes her boots before crashing on the bed, turning the TV on to the news. She watches for a while until the weather is shown before getting up to take a shower. Her mind drifts to Skye as she showers, thinking about how she doesn¡¯t take care of her kids right. How she puts so much of the responsibility on Scout, a twelve-year-old who should be enjoying what little of the childhood she has left, not mothering Skye¡¯s kids. She loves Skye, and she¡¯d do whatever for her, but she doesn¡¯t know what to do. She can¡¯t be everywhere, and Skye never seems to want to step up and take care of them properly. Erin tries to wash the stress away in the hot water and to turn her mind to sleep instead.
The sun has already risen, and half the sunlight is gone for the day before Erin wakes up and gets back on the road. She finally makes it to the base and heads in to where the mercenaries can pick up jobs that the N.C.R. doesn¡¯t have time for or can¡¯t do immediately. She speaks with a few people and ends up with a tip about a storekeeper who was there in the morning, saying it was urgent but didn¡¯t give his info. One guy knows where his shop is and points her in the man¡¯s direction. She makes her way down to the shop, greeting the man. He then explains the situation to her, saying he had some merchandise stolen and will pay her to get it back, but it¡¯s off the record. Erin decides it is best not to ask questions and accepts the job, needing the cash anyways and reasoning the job is in the same city. He tells her that he even knows the guys and even saw which warehouse he went into. He explains that the ¡®bastard¡¯ is trying to drive him out of the city as they are business rivals, but he¡¯s not going to just let him win. He leaves the shop for a while and leads her to the warehouse. Erin breaks the lock on the door and walks in, looking around. The shopkeeper points out his shipment, and Erin goes to collect it, but the rival shows up. ¡°You!¡± He glares at the shopkeeper. ¡°Get out of here. That shipment is mine now. It¡¯s in my warehouse already. Nothing you can do about it.¡± ¡°Bet I can do something.¡± Erin makes herself known, stepping back into the light of the doorway. ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± He glares at her, reaching for the pistol on his hip. Erin pulls hers out before he can take it out, though, stopping him. ¡°You pull that out, I have all the right to shoot you dead. Right now, I¡¯m willing to let you go free, but you take that out, and I¡¯ll shoot you.¡± The man hesitates, his hand still hovering over the grip. ¡°Let us take back the shipment, and you get to live. Simple as that.¡± She shrugs slightly, never moving her gun off of him. The man hesitates before turning around. ¡°Hey.¡± Erin barks, stopping him in his tracks. ¡°You think you can just walk away and call some of your thugs? Think they can sort this out for you?¡± ¡°I--I¡­¡± The man stutters, having been caught. ¡°Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t hunt you down if I hear any more of his things have been stolen.¡± She motions her pistol toward the shop owner. ¡°This petty beef between you two is done. Unless you want to deal with me personally. And trust me, I won¡¯t just kill you. I¡¯ll show you the darkest parts of No Man¡¯s Land.¡± The man can see in her dark eyes she isn¡¯t kidding. That she very seriously means it. He nods, putting his hands up. ¡°Fine. Sal. We¡¯re good. No more stealing. You have my word.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Sal, the shop owner, smiles triumphantly. ¡°Get.¡± Erin nods her head in the direction he was originally leaving in. The once-rival scrambles away, trying to get away from the mercenary as quickly as possible. To not push his luck with her any further. Erin walks deeper into the warehouse and picks up the boxed shipment, walking back to the shop with its owner. He thanks her deeply and begins to pull the money out to pay her for her work. She leans against the counter casually as he counts the bills. ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± She observes the quiet store. ¡°If he causes any more issues, I¡¯ll deal with him. My job is to resolve the issue, not put a bandaid over it.¡± She glances back at the man as he slides the N.C.R. currency in her direction. ¡°Thank you. I gave you extra.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± She picks up the bills, fanning through them to count. ¡°You¡¯re part of the family now. Find me whenever you need anything, and you¡¯re in town.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± Erin bows her head to him slightly and heads out of the shop, planning to get some more work in for the day.
Erin had gone back to search for another job, but after picking up a few requests to look into, she was informed that she had been requested by the higher-ups. She headed to the base and was directed to a large meeting room. Presently, Erin¡¯s sitting in one of the chairs, picking the skin off her fingers, waiting for someone-anyone to show up. She sighs, looking up from her skin-picking to observe the room once more. Like most N.C.R. facilities, it lacks any sort of personality other than the large New California Republic flags draping in each corner. The door opens, and a man in an N.C.R. uniform walks in. He greets Erin with a small smile and an apology, saying he got held up but that he was the one who requested to speak with her. ¡°Who¡­exactly are you?¡± Erin asks cautiously. ¡°Major Hanlon of the New California Republic army.¡± He stands up straight as he answers. Erin has worked under the N.C.R. plenty of times before but never before by someone as high up as him before. He waits for her to respond for a few moments, but when she doesn¡¯t answer, he continues. ¡°I have heard of your work for us before. As well as your¡­history with some important people.¡± Erin cringes at the mention. ¡°So the N.C.R. knows about my relationships, then?¡± ¡°When they are notable. Yes.¡± Hanlon sighs. ¡°We do not intend to pry; we just would like to make use of your pass across the states¡¯ borders.¡± ¡°What do you want of me then?¡± She can¡¯t fully hide her disdain towards the situation. ¡°You must fill out some paperwork before we proceed.¡± Hanlon walks over to where she¡¯s seated, picking up papers from a side table along the way. ¡°It¡¯s a basic non-disclosure agreement. Well, a basic one for the N.C.R. If you disclose any information to anyone but the intended people, you will be sent to trial and put in one of our prisons. I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t want that, and nor do we, as we do appreciate the help you have previously given us.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Erin briefly reads over the contract before signing it. She knows the N.C.R. well enough to know if something is this secretive, they¡¯re going to be willing to pay a pretty penny to have it carried out. Or else they would¡¯ve simply used their own men. She can¡¯t help but wonder why they aren¡¯t and what this job will entail. ¡°Now. Are you going to tell me what this job is?¡± She slides the papers back towards him. ¡°Yes.¡± He walks the papers back over to the table they were originally on. ¡°There is a package that must be taken to X-13. Biotech Solution¡¯s headquarters, as I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything for those bastards.¡± Erin growls. ¡°Those fuckers are the ones who released this hell onto my family.¡± ¡°They¡¯re also the ones keeping them alive, Mrs. Henderson.¡± Hanlon speaks calmly. ¡°Their vaccines are the only thing keeping most people in No Man¡¯s Land from turning once they¡¯ve been infected. Working with them is a necessary evil to keep the doses coming. I will inform you that they have been talking about working on a more permanent antidote. This package will help ensure that. In addition to this benefiting the people of No Man¡¯s Land, you will be heavily rewarded. Fuel, as well as six months¡¯ worth of antidotes for you and your family.¡± Erin¡¯s eyes widen. An offer like that isn¡¯t found every day. ¡°Fine. What is the package?¡±
Erin was sent out to kill some time while the package is prepared. She isn¡¯t told what the package is and that it will be sealed, so she can¡¯t. But regardless of that, she is expected to risk her life for it. No matter what, the package must make it to X-13. Erin heads back to the mercenary outpost within the city to pick up some jobs to do along the way to Biotech¡¯s state. She meets with a man, asking him about the job he had posted with minimal details. ¡°I have family in No Man¡¯s Land.¡± He explains, running his fingers through his graying hair. ¡°I was in N.C.R. territory when the outbreak happened, but I get the occasional messages from them through traders. I--I haven¡¯t heard from them for the last few months. I¡¯m worried. Worried something happened to them. I wrote down their coordinates. Will you please find them and check on them? I don¡¯t have much, but I can pay you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll find them.¡± She nods. After the man gives her their locations, Erin leaves, hoping she¡¯ll find them alive and well, but knowing better than to get her hopes up. She spends the rest of her free time getting other delivery jobs. Letters, packages with things you can¡¯t get in N.M.L., and even some injections that she wonders where they came from. A soldier finds her and tells her it¡¯s time to return to the base, where she will pick up the package and start on the journey to X-13.
Erin is on the road again, now back in No Man¡¯s Land on the decaying roads. Erin thinks to herself about her past jobs. Many of them simply take some sort of item to a location, whether it be in N.M.L. or outside of the walls. She has been doing this for the last few years now, spending most of her time on the road, constantly moving while doing jobs, and only going back to her family to get the injections. Erin does her best to care for everyone there, stepping up like she should¡¯ve done all along rather than going off to New Vegas. She takes a deep breath and tries to think about things other than her past mistakes. So far, the roads have been mostly clear from the infected, making the trip easier. Erin tries not to be out during the nights as that¡¯s when more infected come out, moving in hoards. Erin squints, seeing a figure on the side of the road. At first, she thinks she has jinxed herself and that it¡¯s a zombie waiting to chase after her, but as she nears, she realizes it¡¯s someone holding their thumb out. Erin slows down to a stop. She has to be cautious, as there are plenty of dangerous things other than just the infected, but she does her best to help others when she can. ¡°Glad you stopped.¡± The older man in scrap clothing smiles with a toothy grin. ¡°I¡¯ve been walking for hours, and my old feet are getting tired.¡± ¡°What brings you out here?¡± Erin tilts her head to the side slightly. ¡°My daughter is about to give birth. I¡¯m planning on staying with her and helping her raise the kid.¡± The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Noble.¡± Erin smiles slightly. ¡°Would you like a ride? As long as you¡¯re headed in that direction?¡± ¡°I¡¯d ¡®ppreciate it.¡± He looks toward the back of the bike skeptically. ¡°Not much room.¡± Erin admits, looking back as well. ¡°But if you hold on tight, I think we can make it work.¡±
They finally arrive at the small colony. It¡¯s in the mountains and reminds Erin of her home. Most of the houses are aged log cabins surrounded by makeshift greenhouses. Erin props her motorcycle up, dismounting it. Some leftover snow crunches under her boots as she walks over to the old man she gave a ride to. ¡°Hope the ride wasn¡¯t too bad.¡± She smiles at him slightly. ¡°You saved me a lot of time.¡± He nods. ¡°I never got your name.¡± ¡°Erin.¡± She holds out a gloved hand to him. He shakes it with a smile. ¡°Clay. Would you like to stay for dinner? I¡¯m sure I can also find you a bed for the night. It¡¯s going to be too dark to be out there soon.¡± ¡°That would be great.¡± ¡°Give me a moment to tell my daughter then.¡± He walks off, leaving Erin alone. She wanders around the camp as she bides time. She rounds a corner, finding a group of people around a merchant¡¯s stall. They¡¯re selling fresh, still steaming, bread. Erin walks over with the intent to buy Clay¡¯s family a loaf. After waiting in line and getting the loaf, she feels as someone pulls against her belt. She turns around to see a child trying to pickpocket her, causing her to grab the child by the wrist. She observes them for a moment. They¡¯re skin and bones, wearing only light rags. Erin grows sad looking at the child, wishing she could help. She may not have the time to give them a new home, but the least she can do is give them a meal. ¡°Here.¡± Erin holds out the bread. The child stares at the bread uncertainly before snatching it from her grasp. As she lets go, they run away, their bare feet in the snow.
Erin throws her leg over the bike, shifting to get comfortable in the seat. ¡°Thank you again, Erin. you are a very kind person.¡± Clay stands beside her bike. They had given her dinner, a place to stay for the night, and breakfast. Erin felt that they had paid her back more than enough. ¡°It was on my way.¡± She shrugs slightly, not thinking too much of the deed. ¡°I have something I want to give you.¡± He pulls around his gross body satchel and digs into it, pulling out a moon necklace that sparkles in the dawn¡¯s light. ¡°It¡¯s not worth much, but it¡¯s all I have to give.¡± ¡°I know someone who will treasure it.¡± She smiles slightly and takes it from him. ¡°Thank you, Clay. And good luck with the little one.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± He bows his head slightly. Erin flashes him one final smile before driving off.
Erin stops at a colony for the night and a refuel. Most of the colony is housed inside a couple of large warehouses. The large metal shipping containers inside have been converted into small homes for the colony¡¯s citizens and passersby. After refueling, Erin walks her bike through one of the warehouses, stopping at a shop that the gas station owner pointed her towards for dinner. She orders the chef¡¯s special soup and some bread to make up for the one she gave away the day prior. As she tastes the soup, she¡¯s not fully sure what¡¯s in it but decides it best not to ask and be thankful for the meal. Someone sits down next to her, causing Erin to glance over. ¡°You a mercenary?¡± Erin looks over fully at the man as he asks. ¡°Sorry. We just don¡¯t get many people through here who aren¡¯t mercenaries or merchants. You look like you can handle yourself, so I figured you¡¯re the former.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a courier mostly.¡± She explains, returning her attention back to her soup. ¡°We need someone to do a job for us. And seeing as you have a motorcycle, we think you¡¯d be a perfect fit.¡± The man shifts in his seat, lowering his voice as he speaks. ¡°What¡¯s the job?¡± ¡°We would like to tell you somewhere more private.¡± Erin raises an eyebrow, wondering if this is how she¡¯ll get killed or stripped of some organs, but agrees regardless. She agrees to meet with them after she finishes her meal.
Erin follows the man to the back of the warehouse, where he slides a door open, motioning for Erin to enter. Erin has her hand casually resting on her pistol, just in case. The warehouse leads to another enclosed space filled with scientific tech, though it¡¯s far from any labs she has seen before. Instead of pristine machines and clear spaces, there is stuff thrown around everywhere, and bunk beds cramped into the corner, some even having people in them. No doubt whoever works here also lives here. ¡°We¡¯re scientists.¡± The man explains, closing the door behind him. ¡°All of us were rejected by the other states when we were seeking a safe haven, so now we¡¯re here, working together to find a cure that Biotech doesn¡¯t seem to care about.¡± Erin makes a face of agreement as he continues. ¡°We¡¯re doing our best with what we have.¡± He motions towards their equipment. Erin glances upwards, seeing children sitting on the walkways in the rafters, watching the two of them. ¡°Not the best conditions.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± He clears his throat. ¡°But we make do.¡± ¡°So, what do you need from me?¡± She looks back at the man. ¡°The next step is acquiring a live infected. We will pay you for your time and efforts, plus, if we succeed, you can be one of the first to get a dose of the antidote.¡± ¡°How do I bring a live infected through a colony full of people?¡± Erin raises an eyebrow. ¡°We have a back entrance you can bring it through.¡± Erin looks back up at the kids. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous to bring it here. Too much risk.¡± ¡°We agree. We will be housing it in another container outside.¡± He motions towards a back door. ¡°Where it¡¯ll be safe.¡± Erin takes a deep breath. She had wanted to drive straight through to X-13, only stopping for her deliveries and nights, but doing this would stall her. ¡°Can you not get someone else to do it? I have a tight schedule.¡± ¡°I suppose we could, but there is a hunting party happening soon. The perfect time to capture one.¡± ¡°Hunting party? For infected, I assume.¡± ¡°They¡¯ve rigged a nearby cavern with explosives, and gunners will be set up to help thin out the herd.¡± ¡°Sounds like dangerous work.¡± Erin tilts her head to the side. ¡°How do they plan to get the infected to the cavern?¡± ¡°Someone with a motorcycle will drive and alert the hoard.¡± He smiles guiltily. ¡°And let me guess; I¡¯m perfect for that job too.¡± He shrugs, the small smile still on his face. ¡°I would say. Yes.¡±
It turned out that the group of scientists had already made a deal with the leaders to have one of the infected captured for research during the hunting party. Not to mention that they had just been waiting for some well-prepared mercenary with a motorized vehicle to pass through to put the hunting party into motion. After talking to the leaders and the scientists, they agreed on the plan and sent Erin off to get a good night''s sleep before the big day. Erin was now lying in a hammock, looking out over the colony. She had to climb up a rickety ladder to get here, and the only thing keeping her from falling out of the container if the hammock broke was a flimsy gate. At least her room for the night has a great view. She watches the people make their way to their homes as the night has approached. Everyone goes on, used to their new form of life. Erin is always amazed at how humans seem to always make due, no matter how bad things get, but she supposes that¡¯s all they can do now. She smiles as she sees a family casting shadow puppets on the wall. They may not be very good, but she can hear the laughs from entertained children. Erin looks away, missing home and turning to pull her attention away from it. She looks up at the holes in the ceiling of the crate. With the light coming through there, it almost looks like stars.
Erin takes a deep breath, looking out over at the large hoard of infected. All she can do now is hope this will actually work and not end up with her dying. She exhales and revs the bike before taking off down the hill towards the hoard. As she nears them, she veers off in front of them. She gets a bit of distance between her before turning to check they¡¯re actually following, finding out they are, in fact, running after the noise of the motorcycle. She speeds up a bit to make sure the distance is kept between them without speeding up enough to lose their attention. Erin continues on the path as she nears the choke point, where one of the infected will hopefully get strung up. She slows down slightly, careful not to lose control of the bike as she¡¯s currently off road. She sees the trap and drives around it before checking her mirror to see if one has been caught, watching as one of the infected goes flying into the air, hung up by the trap. ¡°Fuck yeah!¡± She cheers, fist bumping into the air. Erin speeds up once more, gaining some distance from the hoard as she nears the cavern. ¡°Get ready!¡± She yells, hoping the explosives people can hear her. She takes a turn into the cavern, thankful she can see the sunlight from the other side. She looks back to check they¡¯re following in after her, thankful their plan is working. She drives through the cavern and ends up on the other side, yelling at them to blow it up. The explosives go off, caving both sides of the cavern. Erin slides to a stop, turning to face the destruction as a wave of dust and debris rolls her way. Tiny rocks hit the visor before landing on her lap as the dust settles. ¡°Fuck yeah!¡± She cheers once more, hearing gunfire as the riflemen take out any stragglers that didn¡¯t make it into the cave. ¡°Can¡¯t believe that worked.¡± She sighs, relaxing. ¡°Though I¡¯ll happily take the pay for wiping out a hoard.¡±
Erin flips the kickstand before dismounting the bike, walking over to the trapped infected. It¡¯s splayed out in the air as one of its legs is hung up while the other is limply hanging to the other side. Erin chuckles to herself at the scene as it reaches out to her, trying to grab onto something. She takes a moment to taunt the infected, holding her hand out near its mouth before pulling away before it can do anything. ¡°I wish you all were as defenseless as this.¡± She smiles to herself as she walks back to her bike, grabbing a bundle of rope. Erin walks back over to tie the infected up and begins binding it until it can no longer struggle. She then cuts it down and straps it to her bike before driving off toward the colony. Erin eventually arrives at the back entrance of the colony, the gate being opened for her and letting her pass with the bound infected. They lead her to the detached container, where she parks her bike and carries to infected to a surgery-looking table with straps. With the help of a few scientists, they get the infected strapped in and ready for their experiments. ¡°I have something for you.¡± The scientist she first met walks over to her, digging through his bag. He pulls out a canister, holding it out to her. ¡°If you have a wound, ooze some into it, and it will clout it, preventing further bleeding.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± She smiles, taking it from him. ¡°Sounds useful.¡± After making sure they didn¡¯t need her for anything more, she climbed back onto the bike with the intention of leaving. ¡°Remember, when we get that cure, you¡¯ll be one of the first ones in line.¡± Erin throws him a thumbs-up before driving out of the colony.
Erin slows to a stop, putting the kickstand down and looking around. She thinks to herself: this can¡¯t be the place. But it would explain the lack of communication from the man¡¯s family. The gate to the colony has been torn open, and all of the houses are burnt, doors and windows barricaded from the outside, trapping whoever inside. Erin notes the gas canisters thrown around the colony as she walks down the street. Along the way, she finds a mostly dead infected with a crowbar in its head. Erin holds the crowbar and puts her foot on its head to pull it out and finish the job, taking the crowbar with her. She arrives at the right house, checking the number, before walking up the door. She begins pulling off the nailed-down planks before stepping inside. The house is falling apart, burnt thoroughly, as with the rest of the colony. Her eyes drift over the room before stopping. She walks over to the remains of a couch, picking up the ashes of what seems to be a stuffed animal of some sort. She drops it back down as it disintegrates in her hand, walking through the house. Erin makes her way into the kitchen, finding two corpses huddled together by the back door, one smaller than the other. Erin clenches her fist, looking away. ¡°Fuck.¡± She curses, holding back her emotions the best that she can. Now that she¡¯s got the information she needs, she leaves, hoping to never have to see something like that again.
Erin finally arrived at Biotech Solution¡¯s hub X-13. Erin holds her arm out as the machine scans. She rolls her eyes, waiting for it to finish. This has been her fourteenth time being scanned since being behind Biotech borders. ¡°She¡¯s infected.¡± One of the men says to the other. They¡¯re dressed in the usual Biotech armor, sleek and futuristic. ¡°I¡¯ve got a pass from the N.C.R. Delivery.¡± She explains. ¡°We can see that.¡± The man¡¯s eyes scan over the holographic screen. ¡°We need to call someone to escort you from here. Please enter the room to your right and leave your weapons. They will be watched.¡± Erin sighs. ¡°Fine.¡± She follows his instructions walking into the room where she takes off her various weapons, putting them into a locker. Erin scans her fingerprint before it locks, keeping her things safe. She sits on one of the benches and waits for the next instructions. Eventually, a man in an exquisite suit and an armed guard shows up and usher her along with them. ¡°You will take the package to its destination. Your things, including your motorcycle, will be kept for you.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± She casually answers as they walk along a pathway. Erin looks out over the vast city of skyscrapers and rushing people. She¡¯s only been to Biotech a handful of times and never X-13. She¡¯s in awe of the sheer amount of people here, as well as how well-kept everything is. ¡°I apologize for the escort, but it¡¯s better than letting anyone get infected.¡± He explains. ¡°I understand.¡± She shrugs as they step into the tram. Erin notes the looks she¡¯s getting. She wonders what exactly is attracting them but has no doubt it¡¯s one of many things. Her clothes, her tattoos, maybe even her smell. She looks out the window as the tram starts. She had always thought that Biotech looked like the future she had dreamed of before the Fall. Pristine, showy, like things that were shown on the TV before the infection. There¡¯s a small tinge of sadness she feels as she sees children and their parents, knowing that she can never give her family something like this. That fate forced them to live out in the hellscape and not somewhere safe like this. They arrive and get off at the station, walking to a tall building, even towering over the others. Erin drops the package off with an important-looking woman and some guards before being escorted back to the checkpoint. The suited man disappears while she puts her weapons back on her person before showing back up. ¡°Your motorcycle has gotten new tires. They also did some upgrades to make it more fuel efficient.¡± ¡°We were barely gone thirty minutes.¡± Erin looks over at him in surprise. ¡°We are fast here in Biotech.¡± He smiles at her. ¡°We are a useful ally.¡± ¡°Noted.¡± He escorts her back to her motorcycle, where he says a farewell and sends her on her way back to the border. Erin can¡¯t help the pit in her stomach as she drives away, not trusting Biotech and their intentions.
Chapter 4 Erin sat in front of the gate of her home colony, waiting as they opened it from the inside. She glances back at the crate of injections strapped to the back of her bike, knowing she¡¯d need to find a place to hide them. They¡¯re too valuable not to be hidden. ¡°Erin.¡± Millie, one of the women on guard duty, calls her over as the gate finally opens. ¡°Need something?¡± Erin rides into the colony before stopping next to Millie. ¡°You need to go see Skye.¡± She states quietly, breaking eye contact. ¡°Did she do something?¡± ¡°She-¡± Millie is cut off by Scout running down the street towards Erin. ¡°Scout¡¯ll tell you.¡± She nods, walking off towards her post. Scout has been watching the gates practically nonstop since Erin first left, just waiting for her to return. ¡°What¡¯s happening, Scout?¡± Erin asks, dismounting the motorcycle, and starts to walk it up towards the house. She can tell something is wrong by Millie approaching her but isn¡¯t sure what. ¡°She¡¯s--she¡¯s sick.¡± Scout quietly answers, looking down at the ground before looking back up at Erin. ¡°You said she¡¯d be okay, but she¡¯s not.¡± ¡°Scout. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be fine.¡± Erin tries to reassure her but to no avail. The both of them arrived at the house. Erin puts the kickstand down before walking inside and into Skye¡¯s room after not finding her elsewhere. Skye is in her bed, covered in various blankets; some Erin''s sure aren¡¯t even theirs. Frank, the closest thing they have to a doctor, as he was once a vet, is by her side. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Erin tentatively asks, walking over to the side of the bed and kneeling down next to her sister. ¡°Skye¡¯s sick, Erin.¡± Frank gently answers. ¡°Very sick.¡± Skye lifts her head to look at Erin, watching her with watery eyes. She holds her weak and shaky hand out to Erin, who takes it in hers. ¡°I--I don¡¯t understand.¡± Erin looks towards Frank with a confused expression. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°She¡¯s been sick since you left. We¡¯ve done all that we can.¡± Erin looks over at her baby sister and cringes before standing up and walking out of the room. She looks to Scout, who is sitting with the kids on the floor. Her face is gloomy as she looks up at Erin. ¡°Give me the bus¡¯ keys.¡± Erin demands, holding her hand out. A now confused Scout stands up, digging them out of her pocket, before handing them to Erin. Scout follows Erin outside and to the converted bus, standing on the stairs as Erin sits in the driver¡¯s seat. Erin puts the keys in the ignition and turns it. The bus cranks but fails to turn over. Erin lets out a frustrated noise as she hits the wheel. ¡°Needs fucking fuel.¡± She gets up, causing Scout to move out of her way so she can get out of the bus. Scout follows her towards her bike before speaking up. ¡°What¡¯re you going to do?¡± ¡°Go get some fuel. Find a gas station that still has diesel. One that hasn¡¯t been drained.¡± Erin pulls her helmet back on, not looking over at Scout, her anger all too obvious. ¡°But what about after that.¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to Haven. To find someone who can help her.¡± Erin looks down, closing her eyes for a long moment. She knows she¡¯s going to have to make a deal with the devil to save her sister: Biotech. ¡°Can--can I come with you?¡± ¡°You need to stay here and keep Skye hanging on, Scout.¡± Erin finally opens her eyes and looks over at her. ¡°Please keep her going, Scout. I can¡¯t lose her too.¡± ¡°I--I¡¯ll try.¡± Scout nods unsurely. A lot of pressure has just been put on her ¡ª things out of her control, to boot. Erin turns the bike on and heads down the road to the gate, not hearing Scout whisper a request for her to stay safe.
Erin pulls into another gas station, shutting off her bike and putting the kickstand down. She notes a handful of infected shambling about near the pumps. She knows she needs to make it quick, considering she doesn¡¯t know how long her sister will make it. Erin sticks to the wall, the infected not noticing her as she steps into the convenience store, broken glass crunching under her boots. Most of the store is picked over, but thankfully there¡¯s a gas canister still here. She picks it up and makes it back outside, seeing that the infected had wandered farther off, leaving her to see if there¡¯s any fuel in peace. She thanks whatever god may be listening as she fills the container up, thankful something has gone right today. She finishes up and straps the canister to the bike before taking off again. Erin clutches the handles tightly as she goes over today¡¯s events in her head. She¡¯s pissed her sister is sick. She feels like she¡¯s already gone through so much and doesn¡¯t deserve this too. What will they do if she ends up dying? Erin can¡¯t stop her jobs that support them, but she also can¡¯t put all that weight on Scout alone. She¡¯s pissed at Biotech, pissed that the N.C.R. is helping them, pissed that everyone in Biotech lives in their own little bubble, not caring about the pain and suffering going on outside their walls. That Biotech doesn¡¯t do enough to help those stuck in No Man¡¯s Land. Within a moment, Erin realizes she¡¯s going too fast, flying down the road. She tries to slow down, but when she realizes there¡¯s an infected in the road, she goes to turn but does too sharply, causing the bike to come out from under her. She rolls away from the bike, landing a few paces away. She cries out in pain, lifting her heavy head to look at the damage. Her jeans and jacket have been torn, leaving bits of exposed flesh that are bleeding. She drops her head back down, the helmet hitting the pavement with a thud. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Before she can catch her breath, the infected wanders over, seeing the exposed flesh and attacking, throwing itself on her. Erin tries to hold it back with her injured forearm the best she can, but she¡¯s shaky and weak from the pain. She tries to reach across her body for the knife, but she can¡¯t reach it, allowing the infected time to scratch her chest, ripping her tank top. Erin yells out, backhanding to infected, but that doesn¡¯t stop it from clawing and snapping at her. She reaches over to the other side as she searches for something, anything to grab onto, finally finding a chunk of the asphalt. She smashes it into the infected¡¯s head, resulting in a sickening crunch. The infected limply falls to the side, its fluids leaking onto Erin. Erin pants, the pain taking over her. She tries to calm her racing heart and steady her breathing, fighting through the pain. She whimpers and closes her eyes.
The day is sunny and comfortable, though that¡¯s rather ordinary for the region during Spring. Erin tries to keep pace with Lance, but his longer legs lead him to being a few steps ahead at all times. She sighs, pushing herself up another rock. So much for a hiking trail. ¡°How much longer?¡± ¡°Only a little bit more.¡± Lance glances back at her with his usual charming smile, which, more often than not, convinces her to do more than she would normally. ¡°I promise it will be worth it.¡± Lance holds his hand out to her, pulling her up next to him after she takes it. They are now chest to chest, looking into each other else. ¡°I love you.¡± She utters, staring into his mossy green eyes. ¡°Love you too.¡± Erin can¡¯t help but laugh at his lopsided smile. He leans in to kiss her, brushing a piece of hair out of her face. ¡°Come on.¡± Lance parts from her, walking forward. He leads her into a clearing, pushing a few branching out of the way. Erin gasps, looking around. There¡¯s a large waterfall on the other side of the pool of water. From there, they have the perfect view of it. Erin leans into him, and Lance puts his arm around her. They find a place to sit on the bank, taking off their shoes and dipping their toes into the frigid water. ¡°You know, Scout loves you.¡± Lance looks over at Erin with a small smile. ¡°She¡¯s always talking about you, asking when she¡¯ll get to spend more time with you.¡± ¡°I love her too. She reminds me of Skye before she became a teenager. Back when we used to get along.¡± She pauses a moment before speaking again. ¡°I promise to take care of her like my own sister, no matter what.¡± Lance reaches over and squeezes her hand gently. ¡°I know you will.¡± They sit there in silence for some time before Lance speaks again. ¡°We should get back.¡± He stands up and holds a hand out to Erin to help her up. ¡°I promised to give Scout some more driving lessons, and she¡¯ll lecture me all day if I¡¯m late.¡± Erin chuckles, putting her hand in his. ¡°I can imagine.¡±
Erin¡¯s eyes shoot open as she comes back to reality. The sky is blue above her, and a flock of birds is flying overhead. She slowly pulls herself to her feet, limping to the bike and picking it back up. She checks that the gas can is unharmed before mounting the bike. ¡°I won¡¯t quit until they¡¯re safe, Lance. I promise.¡±
Erin puts her arms under an all too warm Skye, lifting her out of the bed. Frank tries to stop her, telling her she¡¯s not well enough to be moved, but Erin doesn¡¯t stop, carrying her sleeping form outside. ¡°Where are you going, Erin?!¡± He follows after her towards the bus. ¡°To Haven. To get the help she needs.¡± The gravel under her boots crunches as she walks. ¡°You¡¯re wounded, Erin. You¡¯re in no shape to go anywhere right now. I need to tend to them. You¡¯re limping, and your leg looks badly wounded. Erin doesn¡¯t stop, arriving at the bus and going inside to put Skye down on one of the bunks in the back of the bus. She delicately tucks her sister in under the blankets. When she exits, there¡¯s a crowd of people around the bus now, asking what¡¯s going on. ¡°I¡¯m going to Haven.¡± She answers simply, not directing the answer to anyone specific. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear, Erin?¡± One of them gently asks. ¡°Hear what?¡± ¡°There was another outbreak. In Haven this time.¡± Fear and panic wash over her as she clenches her fist. ¡°Fine.¡± She whispers. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the N.C.R.¡± ¡°You know they won¡¯t help.¡± Another person adds. ¡°No matter how much you beg or how long you¡¯ve worked for them. They don¡¯t care about folks like us.¡± ¡°Your sister can¡¯t last a ride like that, Erin.¡± Frank gently places his hand on her shoulder. ¡°Much less the ride back here if it doesn¡¯t work out.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± She barely whispers, turning back to the bus and walking in, picking her sister up once again.
Erin spoons the soup, blowing on it, before holding it out for her sister, who sips it up. Erin places the spoon back in the soup, repeating this action. ¡°Erin.¡± Skye speaks up between bites. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what I said about you leaving.¡± ¡°You were right to.¡± She shrugged slightly, holding another spoonful out. Skye doesn¡¯t say anything for a while until Erin sets the mostly empty bowl to the side. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to apologize for yelling at me?¡± Erin smiles slightly. ¡°No. You deserved it.¡± Skye smiles slightly, shifting in the bed. ¡°I¡¯m going to get some more sleep. Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Erin nods, pulling the blankets up to fulling cover Skye¡¯s body. It doesn¡¯t take long for her to drift off to sleep, but her breathing is shaky. Erin runs her fingers through her hair, taking a deep breath, before looking up to see Scout walk into the room, a mug of tea in hand. She sets it on the dresser next to Erin. ¡°Thanks, Scout.¡± Scout nods before taking a seat in front of Erin, who is on a chair. Erin begins lovingly playing with Scout¡¯s hair, combing her fingers through it. ¡°The kids are asleep.¡± ¡°Thanks, Scout.¡± ¡°Erin.¡± She pauses for a few moments. ¡°What are we going to do?¡± Erin takes another deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m going to do whatever it takes for Skye to get better. And there¡¯s only one place I know to go to. Only place that can help Skye, that will help. Only one person.¡± The answer hangs in the air. ¡°Oh.¡± Erin reaches into her pocket. ¡°I have something for you, Scout.¡± She pulls out the moon necklace, holding it out in front of her. Scout gasps before standing up on her knees and moving her hair out of the way so Erin can put it on her. ¡°Thank you.¡± She turns to face Erin before wrapping her arms around her. ¡°Thank you so much.¡±
Chapter 5 Erin walks into the grand office. A sitting area with a leather couch and armchairs is on one side of the long room. In front of it is a large coffee table atop a tiger pelt rug. Behind the sitting area is a small cabinet filled with bottles of alcohol and glasses. Erin knows there are more substances than just alcohol in there, though. On the walls of the larger office are many pictures of nude females, tastefully done. The owner makes it clear what he enjoys. Erin turns her attention to the owner: Roan, the leader of Nevada, but more importantly, New Vegas. He holds his finger up to her, begging for a moment of patience as he finishes his phone call. He leans back in his high-backed leather chair, resuming the call. Erin takes a seat in one of the chairs sitting in front of the desk, lowered to make the person feel small compared to Roan, as she tunes the conversation out. She¡¯s sick to her stomach, fearing how the conversation will go. It¡¯s been some time since she last saw him, since they last parted ways. Roan ends his call, leaning forward to put the phone back on the receiver. He smiles at her with his normal charming smile. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Erin. You look a mess, though. Your clothes are torn to pieces, and I can see wounds. What happened to you?¡± ¡°I¡­fell off my bike.¡± She shakes her head weakly. ¡°Would you like to see one of my doctors?¡± ¡°Not right now. Roan, I¡¯m here for a reason. I need to get to Neo Angeles.¡± Roan leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him. ¡°I know it¡¯s a big ask.¡± Erin looks to her side, breaking eye contact. Through the large wall of windows, she can see most of the casino down below. The grand chandelier is visible from her angle, hanging high up on the tented roof. ¡°Come.¡± Roan stands up and motions for her to follow him to the plush leather couch. Erin takes a silent breath and walks over to sit down next to him. He places his arm behind her comfortably after she is seated. ¡°Would you like a drink?¡± ¡°Not right now.¡± She shakes her head, looking down at her hands. ¡°Well, if you want my help, you owe me an explanation, Erin.¡± He looks over at her. ¡°Skye is sick, and now that Haven is infected, the only person left who might help us is our father. I¡¯m sure he still lives in Neo Angeles.¡± ¡°Why not let me help?¡± He looks at her in confusion. ¡°I have doctors, and Nevada would be safer than No Man¡¯s Land.¡± ¡°You¡¯re my last hope.¡± She barely whispers. ¡°But if that¡¯s what I have to do¡­¡± Roan shrugs casually. ¡°Suit yourself. But I¡¯ll help you get there.¡± He pauses for a moment. ¡°As long as you repay me.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to. But I know I don¡¯t have a choice.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t be so bad.¡± Roan runs his finger under her chin gently, tilting her head to face him. ¡°What? Do you still miss that boy?¡± Erin clenches her jaw. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me like that, Roan. Lance truly loved me. I can only imagine the pain it causes him to see us together.¡± ¡°He¡¯s dead, Erin.¡± Roan shakes his head before sighing. ¡°Meet me at my place for dinner.¡±
Erin looks out over the courtyard of the villa. There are marble statues holding up the roof in spots, and non-native plants grow. New Vegas is truly a slice out of the old world. She walks over to the side table, taking a sip of her drink, hoping it will help her get through the night. Roan walks in, a charming smirk on his face, causing Erin to look over at him. She looks away, remembering the first time she saw him. The first time he saw her, low and desperate, broken, but drawn to him because of more than just that. ¡°Lose the robe, Erin.¡± Erin turns back to face him before dropping the silk robe. ¡°Get on the bed.¡± He motioned towards the California king bed. Erin walks over, sliding herself across the immense bed, savoring the silky sheet. She can¡¯t help but compare them to the overwashed scratchy sheets in motels in No Man¡¯s Land, if you can even get that. Roan walks over to her, taking her wrist in his hand, placing it into the cuff, and locking her in, his touch delicate, causing goosebumps. He walks around the bed, strapping all her limbs in. Roan tops the event off by putting a blindfold over her eyes, his lips gently touching hers.
Erin shifts in the seat of the helicopter to get a better view out the window. ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± Roan reached forward to grab the bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses. ¡°Lotta browns here.¡± Erin shakes her head. She had only been flying a handful of times, all of them being with Roan and usually on his business trips out of state. ¡°It is a desert.¡± Roan chuckles as he pours both of them a glass before holding it out for her. She reaches out to take it, her arm aching as she does. The bandages are fresh from this morning after he forced her to go to a doctor with him, but not all of the wounds are from the crash. ¡°I enjoyed last night.¡± ¡°So¡­did I .¡± Erin admits, hiding her face behind the glass as she takes a large sip. Roan gently places his hand on hers. ¡°You don¡¯t have to deprive yourself of companionship due to your regrets, Erin.¡± She pulls away, looking away with a scowl. ¡°You¡¯re not the one to give me advice.¡± He sighs, shaking his head softly before speaking again. ¡°I¡¯ll help you with your sister. I can get her the doctors she needs. You can live with me again, but this time with your family there. I¡¯ll provide you with your injections and a life without fear.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to live owing you again.¡± He shrugs weakly, knowing there¡¯s no convincing her once she¡¯s made her mind up. ¡°Suit yourself. It¡¯s not my sister who¡¯s sick.¡±
The helicopter lands and Roan steps out, holding a hand to assist Erin. ¡°You look nice.¡± He pulls her against him, leaning in for a kiss. After moving back, he adds to his comment. ¡°This style suits you much better than your blood-stained clothes.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t really agree, but at least I¡¯ll stand out less.¡± She tugs the dress down to cover more skin. ¡°If you weren¡¯t covered in tattoos, you mean. You look like you belong in my state.¡± ¡°Better than looking like I belong in No Man¡¯s Land, I suppose.¡± ¡°Come on.¡± Roan walks forward, a few of his armed men following after them. They ride an elevator to the bottom of the skyscraper, where a couple of cars are waiting for them. Erin looks out the window as they drive off. ¡°Is it how you remember it?¡± Roan asks. ¡°I¡­don¡¯t remember much of it, to be honest. It felt like a dream, like a sci-fi movie I watched and can only remember parts of.¡± She shakes her head, looking back over at him. ¡°What was school like? I¡¯ve heard things about them competing with Biotech Solutions for who has a more demanding education.¡± ¡°They pushed us kids so much harder than New Hope did, even before it was No Man¡¯s Land. We got so many opportunities here that New Hope could¡¯ve never possibly offered. I learned skills that were unique to here, but none of them matter out in No Man¡¯s Land now.¡± ¡°Why did you leave? Did you not like living with your father?¡± ¡°Not really.¡± She shakes her head, looking back out the window. ¡°But mostly, I wanted to be with my mom and Skye. I didn¡¯t have the choice in coming in the first place, so when they finally gave me a say, I went back to live with my mom.¡± She pauses a moment, craning her neck to look up at the skyscrapers. ¡°Every single one of these buildings are huge, not a single shorter one in sight. It¡¯s really amazing.¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Very different from N.M.L., huh?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what would happen if there was an explosion. The kind of damage it would do.¡± Roan chuckled. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not planning something.¡±
They arrived in front of the building Erin¡¯s father lives in. Roan looks over at her as the car pulls to a stop. ¡°Are you ready?¡± ¡°I feel sick to my stomach. I can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s the anxiety or the cramps.¡± She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. Roan chuckles at her comment and reaches over to rub her stomach with a sweet smile. ¡°We can have a nice hot bath tonight.¡± ¡°That sounds¡­amazing, honestly.¡± ¡°Good. Then it¡¯s settled.¡± He nods, the smile still on his face. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Roan gets out of the car and walks around to hold the door open for her. She steps out, taking a shaky step in the heels, before regaining her balance. ¡°Always so graceful.¡± Roan laughs. They walk into the building, greeted by an oddly human robot that asks them what purpose they¡¯re here for. Erin answers the bot, and it scans her, confirming she is who she is. The AI instructs her to head down the hall and towards the elevator that will open for her, saying it will take her to the designated floor. Roan steps away to tell his guards to wait for him down here. The two of them head down the hallways and into the glass elevator, looking out over the lobby as it rises. Roan wraps his arm around Erin¡¯s waist as they admire the view. After a few more moments, the doors behind them open. They walk into the room and over to the door. Erin hesitates as she reaches out to knock. ¡°It will be alright.¡± Roan tries to reassure her, taking her hand in his. Erin knocks, and almost instantly, the door is pulled open by her father. Her eyes scan over his aged face, though it¡¯s been twelve years, so it¡¯s to be expected. He quickly steps forward and wraps his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. Erin¡¯s hit with the strong scent of his aftershave. She doesn¡¯t hug back, instead standing there and waiting for him to stop. Eventually, he steps back, teary-eyed. ¡°Come, come.¡± He ushers them inside. ¡°Thank you, President Roan, for allowing me to see my daughter again.¡± Erin looks around the apartment while the two of them share pleasantries. The place is massive and at least two stories tall, leading to tall roofs in the main area. She can¡¯t help but to think about Skye and how much she¡¯d enjoy this place. She just wishes it could be on better terms. Her father yells out, telling everyone that Erin¡¯s here. Children file out of upstairs and line up. ¡°I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t remember most of those who you¡¯ve met. And there are many you have yet to meet.¡± Erin counts her half-siblings, coming up with seven. ¡°So let me introduce you to my children.¡± He stands tall with a prideful smile in front of them. ¡°This is also my wife Annabell.¡± Erin only then remembers that her father and mother had an affair, resulting in her and her sister. Annabell is beautiful, stunningly so. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you again. You¡¯ve grown into such a¡­¡± Annabell looks Erin up and down, the smile fading, ¡°beautiful woman.¡± The smile returns to her face. ¡°This Graham, Jameson, Antonette,¡± her father goes behind each child, touching their shoulders, ¡°Astoria, Audrey, Adair, and Alyssa. Dominic, Bradford, and Hamilton are grown and moved out, but I¡¯m sure they would be just as happy to see you.¡± Erin doubts this but doesn¡¯t say anything, instead mustering a small hello to the many eyes watching her. The kids range from near her age to around Rylan¡¯s age. ¡°I know you came for something serious, so let¡¯s talk. Kids, you are dismissed.¡± He motions for the kids to leave while bringing Erin and Roan into his office, insisting they take seats. ¡°Please tell me what it is that you need.¡± ¡°Skye, she¡¯s sick. Really sick. We only have a vet where we live, and he¡¯s done all he can, but she¡¯s not getting any better.¡± ¡°I see.¡± He leans forward to lean against his desk. ¡°I will send an N.C.R. doctor out to check on her. As well as a care package along with you. I¡¯m sure you two will appreciate that.¡± ¡°It¡¯s...more than just us.¡± Erin admits. ¡°Skye has two children. Bailey and Rylan.¡± ¡°I have grandchildren?¡± Her father smiles slightly. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful news.¡± ¡°I need to get back to her.¡± Erin stands up from the seat. ¡°Erin.¡± Roan speaks up, grabbing onto her arm gently. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s best if you let your body rest some.¡± ¡°I concur. I¡¯d like to visit with you for some time before you go back. The doctor will take care of her while you¡¯re gone.¡± Her father agrees. ¡°She¡¯ll be alright.¡± Roan assures her. ¡°Just enjoy some comforts for now. You overwork yourself.¡± Erin sighs, sitting back down in the seat ¡°Alright.¡±
Erin places the dirty plates from dinner on the counter. They are lowered into the counter, where they will be cleaned and put away. Roan walks over to her, kissing her shoulder. ¡°What do you think about the automated things here? Think I should invest in getting some?¡± ¡°They¡¯re handy, sure, but they¡¯d probably make you lazy.¡± She shrugs. Roan chuckles, lifting her hair off her neck to kiss it. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± His hands run down her arms, holding her against him. ¡°Like shit. I could use that bath.¡± ¡°Come on then.¡± They walk into the bathroom. Erin can¡¯t help but to admire the huge tub, nearly the size of a hot tub. Roan walks over to turn the tub on. It fills up from the bottom with hot water, only taking a couple of minutes. The tub dings, letting them know their bath is ready. ¡°I¡¯ll be back shortly. Feel free to get in.¡± Roan leaves the room. Erin strips down before stepping into the bath, letting out a sigh at the hot water. The jets touching her turn on, massaging her back, legs, and arms. Roan walks back into the room, a mug of tea in hand. He sets it on the edge next to her. ¡°Thank you, Roan.¡± She smiles, reaching over to take a sip. It¡¯s the perfect temperature. Roan strips down and joins her, sitting on the other side. ¡°Give me your foot.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that.¡± ¡°Come now.¡± He motions for her to give it to him. Eventually, she does, and he begins massaging it for her. Erin closes her eyes and leans into the water, enjoying the moment¡¯s pampering, reminding her of her time when she lived with Roan. The doorbell ringing interrupts the moment. Roan tells her he¡¯ll get it, letting her stay in the bath. He gets out and takes one of the towels, wrapping it around herself. He comes back shortly afterward, telling her that it¡¯s one of her father¡¯s kids, Jameson. Erin is confused but agrees to see him, getting out of the bath and putting on a robe. ¡°We¡¯ll have a makeup bath.¡± Roan assures her, walking over to kiss her. They head out into the living room, where Jameson is sitting on the couch. Erin and Roan take seats in the armchairs. ¡°What brings you here?¡± Erin asks, scanning her half-brother¡¯s facial expression. ¡°I¡­want you to take me with you.¡± ¡°Why?¡± She furrows her brows in confusion. Why would someone want to go to No Man¡¯s Land? ¡°I want to go and help people out there. I know I can.¡± Erin sighs and looks over at Roan before looking back at Jameson. She shakes her head. ¡°I¡¯m trying to save my sister. I can¡¯t help some kid run away from his dad.¡± Jameson¡¯s face drops. ¡°I--I see.¡± Erin sighs. ¡°Ask me once Skye is better.¡± He looks back up at her hopefully. ¡°Thank you. I will.¡± Roan sees him out of the apartment before returning to Erin who runs her fingers through her hair. ¡°Are you actually considering taking him?¡± ¡°No. Outside the walls is hell. No one should want to go out there. He has no idea what it¡¯s like.¡± Roan nods thoughtfully. ¡°We should get ready for dinner.¡±
Roan and Erin are in the hotel¡¯s bed, her head resting on his chest as he runs his fingers through her hair. Erin finally speaks up. ¡°Can we have sex? It¡¯ll help with the cramps.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Roan chuckles. ¡°I¡¯m sure I can do that. Things progress naturally, skin against skin, lips brushing against sweat-dripped forehead, his body pressed against hers, feeling as one. Sweet release and then falling to the side. Roan smiles at her sweetly, brushing some hair stuck to her forehead. She smiles back at him, touching his face, which he leans into. ¡°I love you, Erin.¡± She looks in his eyes, knowing he¡¯s being honest. ¡°I love you too.¡± She admits. They fall asleep in each other''s embrace. Erin wakes up in the middle of the night. It¡¯s sobering, finding herself naked in bed with Roan, remembering what they said before falling asleep. She quietly makes her way to the bathroom as tears flood her eyes. She falls to the floor, crying softly, as she begs Lance¡¯s forgiveness, telling him she didn¡¯t mean what she said, that she loves only him.
Roan helps Erin into the helicopter, a smile on his face as they take off. He leans forward, placing his hand on top of hers. He smiles softly. ¡°I¡¯m glad we had this time together. I¡¯ve missed you.¡± Erin doesn¡¯t respond, looking away. ¡°I want you to reconsider bringing Skye to Vegas, even if it¡¯s just until your father lets you into Neo Angeles.¡± Erin doesn¡¯t respond once more, causing Roan to sigh. ¡°Why can¡¯t you just let him go, Erin? Why can''t you just realize he¡¯s dead and not coming back? To see what¡¯s in front of you and see that I¡¯m willing to give you anything to help. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk.¡± She states, not looking at him. Roan sighs again and goes quiet.
Chapter 6 After arriving at her home colony, Erin gets off of the bike and jogs towards the house. She opens the door, slowing to a walk to not scare the kids who are sitting in the small living room with Scout. The children greet her excitedly, trying to climb up her legs. Erin picks up both of them, resting them on her hips. ¡°How is she, Scout?¡± ¡°She¡¯s¡­sad.¡± Scout walks over to take Bailey from her. ¡°You should try to talk to her. See if she¡¯s awake.¡± Scout sets Bailey on the couch before taking Rylan from Erin. Erin nods and walks into Skye¡¯s room. Erin takes a seat in the chair by her bedside. Skye¡¯s awake and looks up at Erin with bloodshot eyes, large dark bags underneath. Erin notes she hasn¡¯t looked this bad since when their mom first died. ¡°Did the doctor come and see you?¡± She pauses a moment. ¡°Father said he¡¯d send one.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± She chirps out, tearing up. ¡°What did they say? What did they do?¡± ¡°He did what he could.¡± Her voice is quiet and raspy. ¡°Gave me some pain meds.¡± Tears begin streaming down her face. ¡°The doctor said I¡¯m probably not going to get better.¡± ¡°That¡¯s bullshit.¡± Erin scowls. ¡°I¡¯m going back to Neo Angeles soon, and I¡¯ll make sure father will take you in, even if it¡¯s just you. Whatever it takes to get you better, I¡¯ll do it.¡± ¡°You need to be here more often to help take care of the kids. I know it¡¯s hard on Scout.¡± ¡°Stop talking like that, Skye. Stop talking like you¡¯re going to die. You can¡¯t keep talking like that.¡± Erin clenches her fists, trying to fight back tears. ¡°Remember when mom was first sick? She used to tell you that you¡¯d have to take care of me. Do you remember that?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Erin shakes her head, wiping away a few tears that fall. ¡°Please stop, Skye.¡± ¡°Mom knew she wasn¡¯t going to make it. I--I know too, Erin.¡± ¡°No.¡± Erin reaches over to wipe away Skye¡¯s tears. ¡°You can¡¯t give up, not yet. You¡¯re not done yet. There¡¯s still so much for you to live for. You can¡¯t leave me, Skye.¡± ¡°I--I¡¯m trying, Erin. I¡¯m just scared.¡± ¡°I know. But it¡¯ll be okay. I¡¯ll get you into Neo Angeles, and they¡¯ll help you. They¡¯ll cure you, and you¡¯ll have a whole new chance at life. Without worries like you have now. I promise you.¡± ¡°Can you¡­stay here for a while? I don¡¯t want to be alone yet.¡± ¡°Sure. I can do that.¡± Erin softly nods, settling back into the seat.
Erin pulls herself up from the chair now that Skye is asleep and walks out to where Scout is still with the kids. Both kids are asleep, napping on the couch. Scout motions her to follow. Scout carefully gets up off the couch and follows Erin to her bike. Erin removes the briefcase off the back, holding it out to Scout. ¡°More injections.¡± She answers Scout¡¯s silent question. ¡°It¡¯s not safe for us to have these like this. Don¡¯t tell anyone, even Skye.¡± Scout nods. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± ¡°Hide these with the others.¡± Both of them look as Millie walks over, gun casually strung over her back. ¡°Can I talk with you, Erin?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± She nods. ¡°You can go, Scout.¡± Scout walks off towards her bus, briefcase in hand. ¡°What¡¯s up, Millie?¡± ¡°The river has started to thin out, but it¡¯s been snowing farther up, so it doesn¡¯t make sense. We haven¡¯t had the people to send up the river to check what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll check it out.¡± Erin nods. ¡°I know you have a lot on your plate right now, but we appreciate it.¡± The two said their goodbyes, and Erin headed over to the bus, knocking. Scout peeked out, asking what¡¯s up. ¡°Wanna come with me to check out what¡¯s going on upstream?¡± Scout smiles slightly. ¡°I¡¯d love to. I¡¯ll ask around to see if someone can watch the kids while we¡¯re gone.¡± ¡°No, no.¡± Erin shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. You get changed.¡±
Erin and Scout have followed the river up to the dam, figuring that¡¯s where the water has been cut off. They pull off the road to scout out the area and see if their hunch is true. They leave the bike and walk through the trees in search of a ledge that looks out over the dam. ¡°Erin.¡± Scout finally speaks up. ¡°What are we going to do if Skye doesn¡¯t get better?¡± ¡°I--I don¡¯t know, Scout.¡± Erin admits, her shoulders slumping over slightly. ¡°But I¡¯m not going to make plans for her death while I¡¯m still trying to save her. If I give up and make plans without her, what¡¯s the point of doing anything but letting her die?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s wrong to have a plan, though.¡± ¡°I just¡­I can¡¯t, Scout. Not right now.¡± She shakes her head. ¡°I understand.¡± And she does. She knows what it¡¯s like to lose a sibling. To watch them fade away. They finally arrive at the edge. Erin pulls out binoculars and looks down at the dam. ¡°Found the issue. Infected nest.¡± She hands them to Scout so she can see too. ¡°I thought they were zombies, not fucking beavers.¡± She lets out a frustrated sigh. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Scout hands the binoculars back after a while. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to torch the hive. I¡¯m gonna have you stay up here. You¡¯ll have to have my back, Scout.¡± Erin reaches to her back, grabbing the stock of her rifle, and pulling it forward before taking the strap off, holding it out to Scout. ¡°Get comfortable, in a place with a good angle. What¡¯s in the gun and on the stock,¡± she motioned towards the handful of bullets lining the stock, ¡°is all you have, so you better not miss when you shoot.¡± ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Scout asks. ¡°Light them up.¡± Erin smiles slightly ¡°Hand me one of the walkie-talkies.¡± Erin holds her hand out. Scout hands her one, and they confirm they work before Erin heads off back toward the motorcycle. The walkie-talkie lights up as Scout talks. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± ¡°Molotov.¡± She answers simply, arriving at the bike eventually. She looks around the campground until she finds a glass bottle, saying it¡¯s a lucky find. Erin pulls a hose out of the saddlebag, opens the gas can, and sucks until the fuel comes out, putting it into the bottle. She pulls her jacket down and rips off a part of the sleeve of her shirt, tucking it into the bottle¡¯s mouth, making a perfect makeshift Molotov. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go in on foot,¡± Erin tells Scout, ¡°get as many as I can in the nest, but we''ll have to clear out all of them.¡± She grabs the AR off her back and checks the magazine, checking how much ammo she has. She grabs another magazine from her saddlebag and heads out. She walks for a while to get to near the dam. ¡°You in a good spot?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Scout replies. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± Erin steps out of the clearing, looking around. There is only a handful out right now. She sneaks up on the first one, stabbing it in the head, before moving to the next one, making short work of them. The walkie-talkie comes to life once more. ¡°There¡¯s a pack of infected wolves coming your direction.¡± ¡°Shit.¡± Erin curses. ¡°Plan B, I¡¯m going to toss the Molotov now and get to higher ground to pick them off.¡± She lights the Molotov, throwing it in the nest. Infected behind to run out of the nest. Erin books it to the nearby building. On the way there, she can hear Scout shooting, killing those who follow after her, still alive ¡ª or more correctly: undead. Erin hustles up the ladder, climbing to the roof. Once up there, she starts shooting at the wolves, which Scout also starts shooting. After a while, and emptying a magazine, they clear out the infected that they can see as the nest burns up. Erin radios Scout as she reloads the gun, telling her to go get the bike and come down here. Erin takes a moment to catch her breath, but before she can get comfortable, there¡¯s a crash underneath her, causing her to follow off the building. She groans, grabbing her ribs, and tries to look around to find out what happened. She quickly scrambles to her feet, seeing a towering infected in front of her, seemingly mutated from the usual infected as it has multiple heads, limbs and is much taller. Erin grabs her rifle out again, shooting the giant in its biggest head. Unlike the usual zombie, it doesn¡¯t die, but does react. ¡°Shit.¡± She curses moments before it smacks her with its arm, throwing her into the river. She lands on rocks, which hit her back. Though she¡¯s in pain, she gets up to her feet, running through the water as the infected runs after her, shaking the ground. Erin growls. ¡°You want a fucking fight? I¡¯ll give you a fucking fight!¡± Erin runs back over to the building, shooting the fire box with her pistol, and grabs the fire axe out. She checks back to see it turn around after its charge and runs up the ladder. The infected runs into the building, making her lose her balance as the roof cracks, but she keeps upright. ¡°Yippee ki yay, mother fucker!¡± She jumps onto its back, cleaving it into its head with the axe. They both fall, making her land on the ground again. She checks if it¡¯s moving, and when it doesn¡¯t, she lays her head back down. ¡°That was so stupid.¡± She laughs quietly, but cringes from the pain, stopping. She looks over as she hears the motorcycle, watching as Skye rides it over to her. She slides to a stop, throwing some dust over Erin. Scout runs over to her, letting the bike fall to the ground, making Erin cringe. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Scout drops to her knees next to Erin. ¡°That thing is fucking huge!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been better. So, help me up.¡± She holds her hand out to Scout to help her to her feet. ¡°We need to clear up the nest.¡± She groans, holding onto her side. ¡°Let me do it.¡± Scout looks over at Erin. ¡°Fine by me. I¡¯m not about to argue.¡± Erin sits back down by the river.
Erin takes a bowl of the porridge before sitting down at the table with Scout and the kids. ¡°Do you think Skye will join us?¡± Scout asks quietly, spooning at her food. ¡°She was asleep when I checked before making food. She could barely stand up, even with my help last night.¡± Scout doesn¡¯t look up from her bowl, her expression saddening. After a few moments of silence, she looks up. ¡°How are you?¡±. ¡°Admittedly sore.¡± Erin moves her shoulder tenderly. ¡°But I¡¯ll be fine. Helluva day yesterday.¡± ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay.¡± ¡°Would you be willing to feed Skye when she wakes up? I¡¯m going to take the kids for a walk after we finish up here.¡± ¡°Sure. When¡­are you leaving again?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll stay here a few days to help you out with the kids and Skye, but then I¡¯ll head back to Vegas.¡± ¡°What¡¯s he like?¡± Erin blinks a few times in confusion. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°The guy you¡¯re friends with there.¡± Erin takes a deep breath, before responding. ¡°He¡¯s¡­different. He¡¯s not all bad, but not all good. I¡¯ll leave it at that.¡±
¡°Bye guys. Be on your best behavior while I¡¯m gone.¡± Erin says her goodbyes to the kids before turning to Scout. ¡°I¡¯ll be back with good news. I just know it.¡± Scout smiles lightly. ¡°Stay safe.¡± ¡°I will.¡± Erin nods before swinging her leg over her motorcycle. She drives out of the colony and heads down the road, enjoying the cold air and light snowflakes, but hoping it won¡¯t get too bad on her way down. She drives for a while before stopping after being waved over by a Ranger¡¯s caravan. The leader of the group greets her before getting to the point of having her stop. ¡°We heard you went to Neo Angeles.¡± ¡°How did you know that?¡± ¡°We have men in the area, both in Vegas and Neo Angeles. We know your connection to Biotech.¡± ¡°Which is practically none.¡± ¡°More than you know.¡± He corrects her. ¡°Whatever you want, I don¡¯t have time to get involved. My sister is sick. That¡¯s why I went there, and that¡¯s what I¡¯m on my way to deal with.¡± ¡°We understand you have your priorities.¡± He holds his hands up. ¡°But we¡¯ve been trying to infiltrate the city and have their scientists help us with making an antidote. To help everyone in No Man¡¯s Land and now Haven. Erin takes a few moments to think before responding. The Rangers have always done good in her book. She trusts them. ¡°Okay.¡± She finally concedes, causing the Ranger to smile. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do, but I¡¯m not risking too much. My sister comes first.¡± ¡°We understand.¡± He nods. ¡°These orders, this information comes from General Sioux himself.¡± ¡°I understand the severity, then. I need to get going.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll be in touch.¡± He smiles once more before allowing her to go back on her way.
Chapter 7 Erin is back in Neo Angeles, sitting on one of the couches in her father¡¯s living room. She wishes Roan was here to have her back but understands he has a state to run. Her father sets down a cup of steaming tea before sitting across from her. ¡°How is Skye?¡± He asks, his voice soft. ¡°She¡¯s not doing well. She can¡¯t get out of bed on her own; she is always in pain, she¡¯s weak, and¡­the doctor you sent said she¡¯s not going to get any better.¡± Erin looks up at him from the teacup. ¡°Please let Skye into Neo Angeles. Just make it better for her, more comfortable, and keep her alive, even if she won¡¯t get better.¡± ¡°I want to, Erin, but there¡¯s a lot of risks having someone who is infected here. If she were to pass and turn, it could be an epidemic.¡± ¡°I understand. But all I want is for her to get better.¡± Her father takes a deep breath. ¡°I will have to consider everything.¡± Erin nods weakly. ¡°Will you stay for dinner?¡± ¡°I¡¯d prefer some time alone.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± He nods slowly. ¡°Take care of yourself.¡± ¡°I will try.¡± She stands up from the couch.
Erin sits alone in the hotel¡¯s bath, curled up into a ball. She¡¯s worried about so much, but mostly about her sister and what they¡¯ll do without her if it comes to that. She knows Scout tries her hardest to help raise the kids, but she¡¯s still a child herself. Erin looks over to where Roan had sat last time, feeling lonely, but also guilty for wishing he was her because of it. She wipes away tears that begin to fall.
Erin steps out of the automated car, looking up at the towering building, unsure of this is where she was meant to go. She walks inside and is greeted by another humanoid robot, which asks her to take a seat and wait a few moments. Before too long, her father walks out, saying he¡¯s glad to see her and hopes she slept well. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­had better nights.¡± She admits. ¡°I understand.¡± He nods. ¡°Follow me.¡± He starts down the hallway he came from. They walk a while before arriving at a door. He types in a long code and scans his hand and eye before the door opens. They head inside the elevator. ¡°We¡¯re going down.¡± Erin speaks up, surprised by that fact. ¡°What I¡¯m about to show you is top secret.¡± Her father turns to face her. ¡°Why are you showing me then?¡± ¡°I made arrangements and secured you and the kids a place.¡± ¡°If--if you do that, I would rather give me spot to a girl we take care of, who helps us take care of the kids. She deserves it more than me.¡± ¡°No matter.¡± He shrugs. ¡°I have a job for you to do. It¡¯d be in your best interest not to think about it too much and know this is what needs to be done.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve done jobs like that before.¡± She slowly nods, a pit forming in her stomach. ¡°You just need to finish this job for us, and your sister and children will have a spot in Neo Angeles.¡± Erin can feel the weight put onto her as the door slides open. In front of them is a large, sterile-looking lab. It¡¯s full of fancy equipment, filled with scientists in lab coats. Her father leads her through the lab, eventually arriving at another part of the lab. In this room, there are mutant-like creatures, infected looking people, and on the far side of the room, there are young boys all in vats, floating in some sort of liquid. The boys¡¯ skin is somewhat translucent, showing their veins. They are also bald. ¡°What the fuck is all of this?¡± Erin looks around the room before looking at her father with questioning eyes. ¡°This is how we make our part of the injections. Then it¡¯s sent over to Biotech Solutions, where they finish the process, and the New California Republic distributes it.¡± He walks over to one of the boys. ¡°This is Six. He needs to be transported to X-13.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡± Erin crosses her arms over her chest. ¡°I am. These kinds of things are needed for the injections to be made, for No Man¡¯s Land and Haven to be saved.¡± ¡°Do you know who infected Haven?¡± Erin asks a question that¡¯s been burning inside her. ¡°Likely some infected person was seeking refugee. I always said having an infected person there would result in an outbreak.¡± ¡°As will Neo Angeles if we bring Skye and the kids here.¡± Erin concludes. ¡°Not necessarily true. Biotech and we have been working on an antidote, which should cure the carrier of the infection. We will be administering them as soon as they¡¯re made.¡± He pauses a moment, looking back at the boy. ¡°That¡¯s why he must be transported there.¡± A scientist comes over to her father, asking him if he¡¯s ready. He says yes, and they begin draining the tube. ¡°Some scientists wanted to speak with a perspective from the outside world before you left.¡± ¡°Al--alright.¡±
Erin thinks to herself about what she just saw, deciding she needs to just focus on getting to job done so she can save Skye. She¡¯s not sure what will happen after she gets everyone into Neo Angeles if she doesn¡¯t have a spot of her own. Maybe she¡¯ll go back to Roan. She grows sad thinking of it. Will she be able to leave Lance behind like that, to live without the guilt that often overwhelms her? ¡°Thanks for being such a good lab rat.¡± The scientist pulls away the needle with the blood sample away. ¡°You get used to needles out in No Man¡¯s Land.¡± She takes a deep breath. ¡°There¡¯s something more I¡¯d like to ask you.¡± He turns around on his tool, scooting over to his desk. ¡°I¡¯d like you to deliver something.¡± He lowers his voice. ¡°I have contact with scientists out in N.M.L. who are trying to find their own cure. They need some samples. Would you be willing to take them?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Erin nods. ¡°Whatever it takes to cure this damn thing.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± He turns back to smile at her. ¡°We can get the occasional contact with an N.C.R. soldier to smuggle a letter or share some research, but nothing like this. I really appreciate it, and so will they.¡± He hands her a package. ¡°There¡¯s someone else who wants to talk to you.¡± He points her in the scientist''s direction. Erin gets up and walks in the direction, looking around the lab and wondering what the different equipment does. She arrives at a door and enters after knocking. The room is humid and filled with plants. A woman turns to her with a smile. ¡°Are you the infected one?¡± ¡°Uh, yeah. I am.¡± ¡°Great to hear it.¡± She continues smiling. Erin didn¡¯t seem to share her enthusiasm, though. ¡°Anyways. I have genetically engineered seeds that should be able to grow anywhere in any kind of soil with little water. Take some and test them out.¡± ¡°Oh. Sure.¡± Erin agrees, knowing they¡¯ll be perfect for the small garden in Skye¡¯s bus. She gets up and walks over to a burlap sack, handing it over to Erin before sitting back down at her desk. ¡°You can go now.¡± ¡°Alright. Thanks.¡± Erin thanks her once more before heading back to where her dad was, seeing he¡¯s no longer there. She notices the boy, Six, is now dressed and looking more normal, his skin less translucent. He¡¯s being injected with something. The scientist turns to her after finishing. ¡°You¡¯ll need to inject him with these if it takes more than a month to get him there. He¡¯ll remind you. But mostly, they¡¯ll be for Biotech to keep him alive. It¡¯s a couple of years worth.¡± Erin is surprised at how casually they talk about the boy who¡¯s sitting beside them. ¡°Be careful with the briefcase and Six. Try to keep him alive, but if you can¡¯t, bring the body to Biotech.¡± He hands her a briefcase of injections. ¡°Doctor Ward said there¡¯s a helicopter waiting to take you back to New Vegas. He was called away.¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Alright.¡± Erin nods, making sense of why her father isn¡¯t there to see her off.
The helicopter lands, and Erin gets out. She looks back at Six, seeing he hasn¡¯t moved. ¡°Come on.¡± She motions for him to follow. After a few moments, he gets up and follows after her. She looks over at him as they walk. ¡°Can you talk?¡± He has yet to speak since she picked him up in the lab. He nods in reply. ¡°If you can, why don¡¯t you now?¡± Six shrugs slightly. She turns her attention away from him and starts thinking again about her sister¡¯s declining health, as well as her family''s future. Erin hopes Scout will enjoy her time in Neo Angeles more than she did when Erin was her age. She has no doubts Scout will fight her over it, not wanting to go without her, but it¡¯s what¡¯s best for her, and it¡¯s what Lance would want. Erin arrives at her bike, but when she turns to tell Six to get on, he¡¯s missing. She looks around, finding him staring at all the people walking through the neon-colored strip. She walks over to him, watching him sadly. She can¡¯t help but think he¡¯s never seen anything like it before, likely being a test tube baby.
Erin pulls off at an N.C.R. camp to fuel up. They scan her chip before letting her in, where she drives towards the pumps. While parked, she glances over at Six, finding him shivering in his thin, scrub-like clothes. She sighs at the fact the scientists couldn¡¯t have even given him proper clothing. She takes her jacket off and hands it to him, apologizing for the shape it¡¯s in. He takes it from her after a few moments, muttering a thanks. Erin raises an eyebrow. ¡°So, you can talk? Interesting. What¡¯s your name, kid?¡± ¡°Six.¡± He quietly answers. ¡°That¡¯s your pod number, right? Don¡¯t you have an actual name?¡± He shakes his head. ¡°Why don¡¯t you come up with one?¡± She shrugs, pulling the fuel pump out of the tank. ¡°What do you like?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He answers earnestly. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed things.¡± She puts the nozzle back into the machine. ¡°Guess you¡¯ll have to figure that one out then.¡±
They pull into the colony and dismount the bike after arriving at the house. Scout walks out, holding Rylan. ¡°Who¡¯s he?¡± Scout motions towards Six, who looks to be about her age. Erin can¡¯t help but wonder if it¡¯s due to no other kids in the colony being her age, and she¡¯s taking some interest. ¡°Six.¡± Erin answers simply, not about to explain the situation to her when she¡¯ll have to take him to Biotech regardless. ¡°Can you show him around the colony?¡± ¡°Sure, I guess.¡± She walks over to hand Erin Rylan. Erin stops her before she leaves, giving her the remaining seeds, and tells her to plant them in the bus when she gets the chance. The two start walking off, but Erin grabs Six¡¯s arm to stop him. ¡°Don''t tell her anything about who you are.¡± She whispers to him. He nods, causing her to release him. Erin walks inside the house and into Skye¡¯s room, finding Millie feeding her. ¡°I made some soup and brought it over.¡± Millie explains. ¡°But I¡¯ll leave to give you guys some privacy. Let me take the little one so you can feed her.¡± They hand off the baby, and Erin takes the seat next to Skye. ¡°I just need to finish this job, and then I can get you into Neo Angeles with the kids.¡± Erin explains as she spoons some soup into Skye¡¯s mouth. Skye doesn¡¯t respond until she¡¯s done eating. ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡± She raspily says, closing her eyes. ¡°Remember the song mom used to sing to us before bed?¡± Erin asks, brushing some hair out of her face. Skye weakly nods. ¡°You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.¡± Erin begins singing softly, reaching over to hold Skye¡¯s hand. ¡°You make me happy when skies are gray. You''ll never know, dear,¡± Erin tears up as she sings, her voice cracking, ¡°how much I love you. Please don''t take my sunshine away.¡±
Erin and Scout sit in the bus. Scout is sitting on the stool in front of her while Erin injects her. Erin can¡¯t help but hope that the seeds she gave to the N.C.R. to distribute will work and not end up eating the people or something. ¡°He¡¯s kinda weird.¡± Scout says quietly. Erin looks out at Six, who is picking up rocks and intently staring at them, before putting them in his pocket. ¡°He said he doesn¡¯t have a name.¡± Erin shrugs, putting the empty syringe aside. ¡°Some people are just weird.¡± ¡°I like him though. He¡¯s very nice.¡± ¡°I saw the two of you laughing earlier. I¡¯m glad you two got along.¡± ¡°Where are you taking him?¡± Scout innocently asks. ¡°Will I get to see him again?¡± ¡°He¡¯s going to a long way away from here, so probably not, Scout. Sorry.¡± Erin gives her a small apologetic smile. ¡°We¡¯re done with injections, so me and Six are going to go.¡± Scout nods. ¡°Alright. Stay safe please.¡±
Six is sitting around a fire that¡¯s in a fireplace. Erin walks out of the other room, carrying a handful of blankets in her arms. ¡°Whose home is this?¡± Six asks, holding his hands out to the flames. ¡°No clue.¡± Erin pulls one of the blankets out and puts it around his shoulder. ¡°But it¡¯s ours for the night. You should get comfortable. Take as many as you need.¡± Erin sets the blankets down in a pile, taking a few for herself and getting comfortable. Sometimes an abandoned house is a luxury out here. Six follows suit, laying down and pulling blankets over himself. After getting settled, he speaks up. ¡°Flash.¡± ¡°Flash?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the name I want. Scout showed me some¡­some¡­picture books.¡± He finally finds the words, ¡°I want to be like Flash.¡± ¡°You¡¯re pretty special if Scout showed you her comic books.¡± Erin scoffed. ¡°Lucky you.¡± Flash smiles slightly. ¡°Get some sleep so we can hit the road early.¡±
Erin stops at the colony in the warehouse to drop off the Neo Angeles scientist''s package. She had an inkling it was going to be them but wasn¡¯t sure of the colony¡¯s coordinates. She scoops out a handful of loose ammo out of the bike¡¯s saddlebags and hands it to Flash, telling him to see what he can find in the marketplace. She walks down to the other warehouse, package in hand, arriving and knocking. The door is opened after a few moments, and she holds the package out, saying it¡¯s from Neo Angeles. They let her into their lab, where people are actively working. The man who had set the job up last time makes his way over to her with a smile. ¡°How¡¯re things with the live one doing?¡± ¡°Great! Having one has been very helpful, but we¡¯ll eventually need more. If you¡¯re willing, we¡¯d love your help again.¡± ¡°If I¡¯m in the neighborhood, I¡¯ll consider it.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the package again?¡± ¡°From Neo Angeles.¡± His eyes widened. ¡°Nothing could repay you for this.¡± ¡°Fill the bike up and buy me dinner, and we¡¯ll be even.¡± ¡°Can we also buy you a place for the night?¡± He offers. ¡°No, no. It¡¯s alright.¡± She shakes her head, not wanting to sleep in the hammocks again. She heads to leave, but when she walks out, Flash is waiting there for her. The man¡¯s expression changes as he sees him. ¡°That--that boy. That¡¯s one of the experiments from Neo Angles. Our plant told us about him.¡± The man points fervently at him. ¡°Kill it! And burn the body so Biotech can¡¯t use it!¡± ¡°What the fuck?!¡± Erin looks back at the man. ¡°Why do they want him?¡± ¡°It¡¯s going to be used to make another infection, but worse. One that would be way worse than this one. Those mutated infected would be nothing compared to these. You can¡¯t give it to them.¡± ¡°Stop calling him ¡®it¡¯.¡± Erin clenches her fist. One of the scientists appears in the doorway, shakily holding a pistol, pointing it at Flash. Erin takes her own gun out, holding it at the man with the gun. ¡°They¡¯re right.¡± Flash calmly states behind her. ¡°I¡¯m a weapon.¡± ¡°Close the door.¡± Erin demands. ¡°Don¡¯t come after us, or I¡¯ll shoot.¡± They immediately put their hands up and duck back into the door before closing it. Erin backs up, watching the door with her gun still out. ¡°Come on, Flash.¡± She keeps backing up until they¡¯re out of the line of sight.
Erin pushes the motorcycle, which is now out of fuel. Neither has spoken since leaving the colony, but Flash finally speaks up. ¡°What are you going to do?¡± ¡°What can I do?¡± Erin sighs. ¡°Take you to Biotech where they¡¯ll turn you into a weapon or don¡¯t take you and let me sister die.¡± She pauses a moment. ¡°Tell me what you know about all of this.¡± ¡°That other company-¡± ¡°Biotech.¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± He shrugs. ¡°They work with the scientists who made me. They make those injection things out of me and the other clones, but they always just send samples from us. But now that they¡¯re sending me, they¡¯re going to do something worse.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand any of this. Why would someone want people to be infected?¡± ¡°To control them.¡± He answers simply. ¡°They--they infected all of you.¡± ¡°Who did? Biotech, right?¡± ¡°And my scientists.¡± ¡°No, no. It was just Biotech.¡± ¡°No.¡± Flash shakes his head. ¡°They infected the water supply, so you would all be sick and infected. So then they could get those syringes out that you take all the time.¡± ¡°How do you know all of this?¡± ¡°I hear a lot. No one thinks I listen.¡± ¡°This¡­this is huge if it¡¯s true. They¡¯re up there pretending to be the good guys, to be the ones handing out the injections keeping us alive, but they¡¯re as much a part of this as Biotech is. Those bastards!¡± She shakes her head, taking a deep breath. ¡°I need to make a choice, and I¡¯m running out of time.¡±
Chapter 8 Erin and Flash arrive back at her home colony. Erin notices a fog over the people. After parking, Scout runs into her arms, sobbing. Fear, panic, and sadness wash over Erin as she already knows what happened. But there¡¯s also a bit of a weight lifted off of her. No more suspense, no more trying to figure things out. Now it¡¯s time to just start new and find a new way to live. Erin hugs Scout back, rubbing her back. After a few moments of intense emotion, it seems to all melt away to numbness. Scout pulls back after a while. ¡°She--she passed away a few days ago. She was so sad that you weren¡¯t by her side. She¡­kept calling out to you.¡± The emotions hit her again, her heart sinking into her stomach as the realization hits her. Her little sister, the girl she raised for years on her own, is no longer here. Just like Lance. She¡¯ll never see her again, never talk to her again. ¡°You already buried the body, then.¡± Erin whispers. Scout nods, tears still falling down her face. ¡°Take me.¡± Scout takes her to Skye¡¯s grave. Erin kneels down next to it, talking to her sister like she¡¯s still there. Crying and laughing, reminding her grave of the stupid things she had done. She finally breaks down. ¡°I miss you already, Skye. I won¡¯t ever be able to fill the hole you¡¯re leaving. But I--I¡¯ll do what I can to take care of the kids, to take care of Scout.¡± Erin does her best to pull herself together before facing Scout, finding Flash and her talking. Scout smiles slightly as he talks to her. Erin walks over to them. ¡°There¡¯s a briefcase on my bike. It¡¯s needed to keep him alive, so they need to be hidden.¡± ¡°Al--alright.¡± Scout nods. ¡°I¡¯ll go get it then.¡± ¡°I need some time, Scout. I¡¯m going to go to my room.¡±
Erin sits in her bedroom alone, broken and crying. She regrets it all, regrets not just taking her to Roan, thinking it could¡¯ve saved her life. Or at the least, given her a chance to say goodbye. She¡¯s hurt because she didn¡¯t even get to see the body before they buried it. She didn¡¯t get to hold her in her arms one last time to tell her how much she loves her. Erin makes the trek back up to her grave site, falling to her knees in the mud. ¡°What do I do, Skye? What do I do with the knowledge I found out about Biotech and Neo Angeles? I--I can¡¯t believe that our own father had a part in this shit, that he was one of the people who poisoned us. It¡¯s just some fucking game to them, to gamble people¡¯s lives away. I don¡¯t know how to fix anything. I always try to do what¡¯s best for everyone, but I never seem to get it right.¡± Eventually, Erin gets up after pouring her heart out. She finds Scout behind her, flowers in hand. ¡°You¡­may not want my opinion, but you should do the right thing for everyone out here. Whatever that might be.¡± ¡°Then I think there¡¯s only one thing I know left to do, Scout.¡±
Erin arrives at the Ranger HQ, saying she needs to talk to Sioux. They let her in, and she goes to talk to him, though he¡¯s surrounded by a lot of Rangers, looking like they¡¯re already preparing for something. ¡°I need to talk to you about something, Sioux.¡± This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Oh, but I already know.¡± He smiles; it¡¯s rather more of a sneer. ¡°I¡¯ve been listening. That freak did a wonderful job of giving us the synopsis.¡± She scowls. ¡°What are you going to do then?¡± ¡°Nuke them.¡± The smile hasn¡¯t left his face. ¡°Take out the roach nest. And eventually, after that, Biotech, the wasps¡¯ nest.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t.¡± Erin¡¯s voice is low. ¡°There are children, innocent people who had no idea there. You can¡¯t just kill a bunch of people. You¡¯ll be just as bad as them.¡± ¡°We will be the cure to this disease.¡± ¡°Have you seen firsthand what the bombs from the Republic of America did to New Hope right after the outbreak? Because I have.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± ¡°What about the injections? What happens when all of us who are infected don¡¯t get our next batch and turn? Then it will really be a no man¡¯s land.¡± ¡°Sir.¡± One of the Rangers speaks up. ¡°She has a point. We can¡¯t carry through with this.¡± ¡°Shut up.¡± Sioux scowls at the man before turning his attention back to Erin. ¡°We will be making our own cure.¡± He shrugs. ¡°Now.¡± He signals his men. They all point their guns at her. He pulls out his own gun, pointing it at her, and walking down the steps from where his desk is. ¡°Thing is, I don¡¯t need your approval. You were just a pawn. You were helpful, but now you are an obstacle.¡± Sioux shoots her, causing her to fall to her knees, holding onto the bullet wound. ¡°Get her out of here. Dump her in some ditch.¡±
Erin and Lance sit on the bank of a peaceful river, their toes dipped into the water. Lance is playing his guitar, singing softly. Lance finishes his song before saying something. ¡°I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re here with me now.¡± ¡°I¡­am too, Lance.¡± Erin reaches over to touch his hand, but he¡¯s oddly cold. ¡°I can¡¯t wait until this all ends so we can finally have a family and grow old together.¡± ¡°Me too. I want our world to go back to a better place, before the infection.¡± ¡°You need to keep fighting, then.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to anymore. I¡¯m--I¡¯m tired, Lance.¡± ¡°But you have to.¡± He touches her face gently. Lance gets up, placing his guitar down. Erin can¡¯t help but feel that something is wrong. She gets up to follow him, but he disappears in the tree line. In that moment, pain in her stomach hits her. She grabs onto her stomach, and her hand gets drenched with blood, causing her to panic. She looks around and yells out to Lance, but no response. She makes her way over to where he disappeared, pushing through the tick branches, she sees light at the other end, but when she reaches it, it¡¯s nothingness. She falls to her knees and cries out, begging for him to come back. To not leave her alone again.
Erin slowly dismounts her bike, the stabbing pain in her stomach stopping her halfway before she can finish. Scout runs over to her. ¡°Where were you?! It¡¯s been like two weeks?! What happened to you?!¡± She rambles off her questions. ¡°One person isn¡¯t strong enough to change the tides of it all. I--I can¡¯t keep fighting against the rapids.¡± She weakly shakes her head. ¡°Get the kids into the bus. We¡¯re leaving.¡± Scout seems unsure of this idea, taking a few moments before heading over to the house to get them. Erin walks up to the graves, picking some wilting flowers along the way. She sets them on both Skye¡¯s and Lance¡¯s graves, stopping at Lance¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s your turn to take care of my sister now.¡±