The base buzzed with nervous energy as the group finalized their plans. Hruday's condition had taken a turn for the worse, and it was clear to everyone that time was running out. The infection was spreading faster than Emily had anticipated, and despite her best efforts, Hruday's fever had spiked dangerously high.
Michael, Roy, and a few others gathered around a makeshift table, where a map of the area was spread out. The plan was simple, but it needed to be executed perfectly. They would use a mix of frequencies and sounds to lure the zombies away from the hospital, creating a diversion near the bus stand opposite the hospital. Once the zombies were gathered, they'd use the loud sound of a car speaker to draw them further away. The group would then split into two teams: one to climb out of the hospital parking area near the abandoned college ground opposite the church and wait it out, while the other would enter the hospital and gather the necessary medical supplies.
Roy leaned over the map, tracing the route with his finger. "We'll start the diversion here," he said, pointing to the bus stand. "Once the zombies are gathered, we'll make our move. Michael, you, Mark, and the scout leader will handle the meds. The rest of us will secure the area and keep the zombies distracted."
The scout leader, standing off to the side with his arms crossed, nodded curtly. "Sounds like a plan, but we need to move fast. The longer we're out there, the greater the risk."
Roy shot him a hard look. "We wouldn't even be in this situation if it weren't for you trying to undermine everything Hruday did for us. He risked his life to save us, and now we're risking ours to save him. You better pull your weight."
The scout leader's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—maybe anger, maybe resentment. "I'm here, aren't I? Let's just get this over with."
One of the criminals, standing at the back of the room, muttered under his breath, "We never asked, idiots."
Roy turned sharply, catching the end of the comment, but he let it go. There was no time to argue. He turned back to the group. "Everyone ready?"
There was a murmur of agreement, and the group moved out, tense but determined. They loaded into two vehicles, driving through the eerily quiet streets toward the hospital. The sky was overcast, the clouds heavy with the promise of rain—a fitting backdrop to the grim task ahead.
They arrived at the hospital and parked near the abandoned college ground, climbing out of the vehicles with weapons and makeshift tools at the ready. The plan went into motion like clockwork. Roy and his team began setting up the diversion, using portable speakers and radios tuned to different frequencies to draw the zombies toward the bus stand. As the undead started to gather, the sound of a car speaker blasted through the air, pulling the horde away from the hospital.
Michael watched the plan unfold with a tight knot of anxiety in his stomach. "It's working," he whispered to Mark, who nodded, his eyes never leaving the scene.
With the zombies distracted, Michael, Mark, the scout leader, and a few others made their move. They slipped into the hospital through a side entrance, the heavy scent of antiseptic and decay hitting them like a wall. The hospital was dark and silent, the only sound the faint echo of their footsteps on the tile floor.
The group moved quickly, navigating the maze of hallways toward the medical supply storage. Michael's heart pounded in his chest as they reached the room. The door was slightly ajar, and the scout leader stepped forward, pushing it open with a creak.
Inside, the room was a mess. Shelves were toppled, and medical supplies were scattered across the floor. It was clear that others had been here before them, looting whatever they could find. Michael moved forward, his flashlight cutting through the darkness, searching for anything useful.
As they worked, the scout leader slipped away, heading toward the back of the storage room. He carefully knocked over an empty rack, sending it crashing to the floor. The noise echoed through the hospital, and Michael froze, his blood running cold.
"What the hell was that?" Mark hissed, spinning around, but the scout leader was already turning back, feigning innocence.
"Sorry," the scout leader muttered. "Must've knocked it over by accident."
Michael shook his head, trying to ignore the nagging feeling in his gut. He turned back to the shelves, grabbing an oxygen tank and other supplies. But as he did, a low, guttural growl echoed through the hallway. Michael's heart stopped. He knew that sound.
A terrifying, mutated zombie lurched into view, its skin stretched taut over bulging muscles, with IV stands still attached to its arms. Its eyes glowed with a sickly, unnatural light, and it let out a bone-chilling roar.
Panic surged through Michael as he realized the door had been locked behind him. He spun around, pounding on the door, but it wouldn't budge. The scout leader had trapped him inside.
His mind raced, adrenaline kicking in as the monster charged toward him. With no other option, Michael grabbed the oxygen tank and swung it with all his strength, smashing it into the zombie's side. The creature staggered, but it wasn't enough. It lunged at him, claws swiping through the air.
Michael ducked, narrowly avoiding the attack, and sprinted toward the back of the room. He knew there was another exit—an old service door that led to a narrow corridor. He just had to reach it.
The zombie roared again, its footsteps thundering behind him as Michael ran for his life. He reached the door, his hands fumbling with the latch, and finally managed to wrench it open. The narrow corridor stretched out before him, a dimly lit path to safety.
With one last burst of energy, Michael bolted through the corridor, the zombie hot on his heels. He could feel its breath on his neck, the stench of decay filling his lungs. But he didn't stop. He pushed forward, knowing that if he slowed down for even a second, he was done for.
Finally, he saw the exit ahead—a heavy metal door that led outside. He slammed into it with all his weight, throwing it open and tumbling out into the daylight. The fresh air hit him like a slap in the face, but he didn't stop. He kept running, not daring to look back until he was sure he was safe.
When he finally slowed down, gasping for breath, he realized he had made it. He had escaped. The door had slammed shut behind him, trapping the monster inside the hospital.
Michael collapsed to his knees, relief washing over him like a wave. He had made it out, but just barely. And as he sat there, catching his breath, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.
Back at the hospital, the rest of the group continued their work, unaware of the danger Michael had just faced. They loaded up the supplies, working as quickly as they could, while Roy and the others kept watch outside.
The plan had worked, but Michael knew that the real fight was just beginning. And as they prepared to return to the base, he couldn't help but wonder what other horrors awaited them in this new, twisted world.