MTLNOVEL Chapter 16: The World We Have Lost
"Shane is a cop!"
"He must know something we don't! Listen to everything he says, that's the only way we'll be saved!"
The hushed whispers of several people caught the attention of those nearby, all trying to hear what Shane was about to say.
"I'm really sorry. I'm here as just another civilian, and I don't have knowledge of what's happening or what will happen in the future. But I can say that I have more information than most, and I don't rule out the possibility that someone might come to our aid if we stay united."
As soon as everyone heard him, they felt as if his words had illuminated the abyss they were being drawn into. Shane took advantage of the moment to form a strong group that could help keep his friend's family safe.
"I am a victim of this incident just like all of you. My city was in chaos days ago when I left in search of shelter. Right now, my only priority is the safety of a work companion."
"But that doesn't mean I don't understand everyone else's situation. Right now, you may be wondering who is in charge of public security. Even though I abandoned my post as one of the last officers, I still have my badge, and I currently have direct contact with a CDC member."
Shane wasn't a selfish person. Even though he knew that security could be compromised if someone in the group was infected, he was willing to take that risk, considering the advantages of a large group.
"I know how to use firearms, and as long as I am able, I will help keep you safe until all of this passes."
"In our current situation, the worst thing we can do is act alone. Only by joining forces can we form a group, work together, find a temporary shelter, and wait for my friend to contact me."
Shane's words were well received by most of those present. Hearing that he had a government contact, they all decided to follow him.
"Officer Shane, you're right, but I want to ask you something—do you have a place that can serve as temporary shelter?"
Morales was more concerned with practical matters. Like many there, his priority was his family's safety above all else.
Seeing that it was just a simple question, Shane felt this was a great opportunity. He continued speaking to reassure everyone.
"I know a good place. It's near a quarry that's been abandoned for many years. The infrastructure has been demolished, making it inaccessible, and very few people go there."
After saying this, Shane showed them a map with the route marked. This had been specially prepared by Jason, who had foreseen that something like this might happen.
Everyone looked at the map and agreed to follow this plan first. Andrea was the first to raise her hand and said, "Let's go! We have to leave! It's better than being stuck on this road."
Glenn also spoke in a serious tone. "I'll go too. I only have food for one more day—I can't stay here waiting for help that will never come!"
"Yes, but we need to discuss things beforehand to find a truly safe place to settle," Dale added, joining the conversation and expressing his agreement.
More and more people raised their hands in approval, and soon the rest followed.
"Alright, now that we're clear on the plan, let's return to our vehicles and get ready. We'll meet back at the edge of the road once we're set," Shane instructed. He then turned to Dale and added, "Dale, have some people ride in your RV so we can drive with as few vehicles as possible."
Shane tapped the side of Andrea's car and continued talking to Dale while pointing at the map.
"At some point, take this section of the road. There's an intersection a few hundred meters ahead—switch to the reverse lane and then head west. I'll be waiting for you there."
Dale nodded, fully understanding what he needed to do to reach the quarry.
…
About an hour later, Shane and the others met up with Dale's RV. Shane signaled for them to follow him, and they all headed toward the difficult path.
In just under an hour, the group arrived at the quarry Shane had mentioned—a valley surrounded by mountains and trees, with a mountain standing in the center.
They reached the top of a mid-altitude plateau and found a relatively flat area where everyone agreed to set up camp.
"This place isn't bad. Shane has some foresight," Morales commented as he got out of the car, chatting with Daryl, who simply listened.
"We can wait here while things settle down…" Shane murmured, a somewhat nervous look in his eyes.
Everyone started setting up the camp and dividing responsibilities. They had no idea how long they would be staying there, so mutual cooperation was essential.
In the documents Jason had left for Shane, the virus situation and the hopes for a cure were detailed.
To be honest, the future looked grim, but he still had hope that this would all be resolved.
…
CDC Headquarters, Atlanta
"And all of society collapsed in just a matter of days…"
George stared at the distant buildings, lost in thought. With a mustache, long hair, wheat-colored skin, and dark eyes, he had joined Jason as soon as he heard he could return to service.
To be honest, it still felt strange to be back in an institution that allowed him to wield a weapon again. The pay was high, and the requirements were almost nonexistent.
After learning what he had to do and joining the CDC with the others, he now felt incredibly lucky to be in this place. He had companions—people to talk to—which meant there was still a chance to fight for life, and that brought him comfort.
Nicolas frowned. What was happening was unimaginable. He couldn't process the government's decision to bomb the city with missiles and napalm.
If this was happening in Atlanta, the same must be happening all over the world.
"What awaits us now?" Nicolas asked with a deep sigh.
Hearing his words, Tylor, who was watching the raging fire, felt the situation was truly dire. If the government had resorted to such drastic measures, then the military had completely lost hope in restoring order, hadn't they?
In such a short time, society had been consumed by the virus, and it was clear that the world they once knew would never exist again.
"The only thing left for us is to survive…"
"We have to be strong and grateful for our current situation. Not everyone has the same conditions as we do in this place."
While fear gripped some, many others simply watched in silence. The number of walkers was increasing, and it was only a matter of time before things got even worse.
Scientists around the world were still fighting to find a cure, while soldiers continued to contain the virus. The elderly had lost all hope and simply waited in silence.
On the top floor of the CDC facility, Jason stared out the window with cold eyes, his mind deep in thought, considering all the possibilities.
As the sound of gunfire echoed from time to time, his focus remained fixed on only one thing—what he needed to do next.