Chapter 5 - HOUSE CALL

STATUS REPORT: RECKLESS INDIVIDUALS LOCATED

INDIVIDUALS APPEAR TO BE APART OF A GANG

INDIVIDUALS EXHIBIT VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

DEFENSES BEING RAISED TO ENSURE PROTECTION FROM INSAVORY INDIVIDUALS

SENDING IN DUNCAN

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Sebastian pauses, wiping his brow of sweat before limping his way to a window, looking outside near the door to see Mark standing there. Cautiously he makes his way downstairs to let him in.

"There ya' are kid. I'm guessing things have been quiet here eh? How's the leg doing?"

"..It's uh.. improving."

"Alright, nice.. nice. Hey, check it out."

He shifts the bag off of his back, setting it on the floor and unzipping it. Inside lays a seemingly working radio.

"I didn't really find any food- but hey! Now we can keep tabs on the outside world. Maybe this isn't as bad as we thought."

Quickly he pulls the radio out, beckoning Sebastian over to him as he sets the radio down on the dining room table. Mark then begins tinkering with the radio dial.

<> ~~~~~ <> ~~~~

<> "Calling all survivors- I repeat, calling all survivors. If you can hear this, you're within North Dakota. On 22nd street there is a now cleared lab, we are taking in any and everyone. We can only do this together, so come join us. Be wary of the husks outside, and other unsavory individuals. This message will repeat in 1 hour. Over. <>

"H-Hey! We're here, hello?"

"..It's a one way radio kid, they can't hear us. I doubt they'd be able to anyways. It repeating means they likely set something up."

"I- well we're going there, right?"

"No."

"W-What?"

Mark looks to Sebastian seriously.

"First rule of the apocalypse, never trust anyone in a position of power. Have you never seen a zombie movie before? There's always some ulterior motive, but we aren't falling for that. We're safe here, you are safe here. That is all that matters."

"B-But.."

"No. Buts."

Sebastian looks at Mark for a moment, before limping his way up to his room. Internally, he begins thinking.

"I have to get out of here. That place may be the only way to actually make it through this mess. Mark won't listen though.. he thinks he knows best. He acts like dad used to.."

He pauses his thinking for a moment.

"..I can't do anything with my ankle like this though. Maybe.. maybe uncle Mark won't be so bad? The husks haven't came in here yet.. and it's been safe so far. I think he really wants me to be safe. Maybe-"

His thought process is cut off as a knock is heard at the door. Quietly he limps around a corner, eavesdropping as Mark opens the door. In the doorframe stands a strong man wearing a smug grin on his face alongside what appears to be a burn scar. A few teeth are missing from his head, he looks as if he's trying to stand out. Two others stand behind him, staring ahead.

"Yo- Mark. Long time no see."

"Oh- Anthony!"

"Nah, nah. I don't use that name anymore. Call me.. "Scarface." Eh? It's got a better ring to it. Besides, listening to me is a new skill you're gonna have to develop."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"What do you mean, he asks? Well, maybe it has to do with that little scheme of yours 4 months ago. You know, the one that lost me my job?"

"What? W-Wait I- I didn't.. I-"

"Oh save it, Marky."

"Wait- but money it.. it's basically useless now right? All's well that ends well?"

"You could say that.. but I'm very much one to hold grudges. New world, new me. The old me let you push me around. I listened to your lies, and all it did was make things worse for me. But NOT ANYMORE!"

Seb flinches.

"Now- I make the rules. You aren't the boss of me, no. I'M the boss. I'm the one in control. So you, are going to listen to me. Or my boys back here will make your face unrecognizable. Ya' get me, Marky?"

"Y-Yes.. yes of course."

"Now, first order of business. I think some compensation for your previous actions are in order, no? I mean, why should you be eating like a king when I was eating out of garbage cans a few weeks ago?"

"Wha- but.. we're already low!"

"..We?"

"Or- no I'm already low. Do you know how difficult it is to find food now?"

"Well- it's either that or I break your arms. Either way I'm getting something. Some food, or some satisfaction. So, what's it gonna be?"

"..I-I.. the food- I can get you the food!"

"Oh, how wonderful! Well, my boys and I are very hungry, aren't we?"

"YEAH!" The two behind him speak in unison.

"Hah- see? I'd say about 9 cans of your finest will be good for us, eh? 3 cans per person. Hey, I'll even give you a bit of leeway. You have 1 week, understood?"

"..Y-Yes, understood Anth- Scarface."

"Good. We'll be back, have my food by then, alright? Ciao."

With that, he turns and waves, the three walking off as Mark closes the door behind them.

"..Shit."