Mike's Diary Day 73 - That's all I Could Remember

*Morning*

I passed out I don't know for how long. My body is all aching, can't feel my legs too. My back hurts like crazy, felt like its been carved by something. Sitting up was a struggle, lying down feels like hundreds of spikes thrusting up my back. I got no choice but to try to sit up while Jack was making breakfast. He told me what happened, and that's how I knew why my back and legs hurt like hell. He asked me what happened, so I told him what REALLY did happen. 2 nights ago I believe, when I was writing down my journal, I heard footsteps, well more like shuffles. I thought it was just going to be another craze, but when I was about to get up, I felt something stinging on my neck. I then woke up from that drugs, and was hung on a pool in a room, I saw my leg and what happened to it, but wasn't sure what she had done to my back. Her face was also covered with blood, though I couldn't really see since I was really busted up. She sent a final blow and I just passed out. Next thing I know is right now, that I woke up. He asked me if I could remember the features of that figure, and YES I'm pretty sure it was a woman. She was about 5"4 and thin build. I think, I wasn't sure since she caught me off guard and just stung me with a needle. Jack only nodded. I asked him what does that mean, but he only responded "I'll tell you when I'm sure myself, until I have a proof."

*Afternoon*

I was just basically trying to get as much rest as possible, while Jack is guarding the building for the moment. He wanted to go back to base ASAP, and I mean "As Soon As Possible because I don't like where this is is going" kind of thing, but I insisted because I was to busted up to even sit straight up. He agreed, and he told me that we should go back tomorrow for sure. The situation was tense, well Jack was really tense all the time. I then spoke up and told him that I remembered a phrase that she said before that final blow. She said "Sshh.. Do not watch." Then boom. At that moment, Jack's expression was blank. I didn't know what to say so I just drank and closed my eyes.

*Evening*

Jack was hunting near the building, for rabbit or such, I just woke up and fever was at its climax. I can't feel my body, it was like I was completely paralyzed. I tried my best to calm down until  Jack came back. He re-bandaged my wound because the old one was soaked with blood. He told me once again that after he cooked and after we finished dinner, I should sleep so that I can feel better again tomorrow and take off back to base as soon as possible. I know, because he really doesn't like what is about to happen next if we stay here any longer.

*Night*
The moon is right on top of us, and it was about 11 PM by approximation. He told me to sleep while again he guards the door. He notices me writing, and now he's back looking tensely outside the window. I don't know what he's thinking at the moment. I don't know what he's keeping away from me, but secrets can sometimes backfire and kill you or your comrades.

Read More

Evie's Diary- Leader?- Day 53

 Summing up yesterday...
He shook my hand. "Victor," he said.  He was still looking at me curiously, which made me unsettled. Maybe I've just been alone too long. I picked up Sam, who promptly snuggled into the crook of my arm and fell asleep. "You alone? Thought I heard others" I said, thinking conversation might smooth the awkwardness of the situation. "There's a group of us," he replied. Saw him glance over the large backpack I was carrying. Tightened my grip on the strap instinctively. "You should join us," he said simply. The ease with which this offer was extended left me suspicious. Wondered what the motivations behind it were. "Where I go, Sam goes," I said. He nodded. "Come on then," he said, turned abruptly, and walked back the direction he had come from. I followed, but my free hand that wasn't holding Sam, played with the hilt of my knife. Not sure this guy had the authority to just let me join; not sure what the reactions of the others would be. When we walked into camp, those who saw us stopped what they were doing immediately, hands went to weapons, eyes never left us. Victor walked on as though nothing had happened. I wanted to stop, count how many people there were, look at possible exit routes, but he led me straight into a tent.  A girl was sitting beside an unconscious man. "Julie this is Evelyn Rider. She is joining our group," he said with a finality. "I see Mike is still out. Has he woken up at all? Is his fever down?" he inquired. "No to both, but he has been murmuring in his sleep", she said with a sigh. I looked this Mike guy over. He was sweating profusely, skin looked clammy and pale, lymph nodes were swollen, and despite the overwhelming stench of the sewers, I thought I noticed the feint smell of decaying flesh. His clothes were sticking to him. I don't know these people I reminded myself. No obligations to them yet. For reasons I still don't understand I handed Sam to Julie, "Please hold him for a moment." She eagerly took him and began stroking his ears. Set my backpack down and opened it. I pulled out a bottle. "This is ibuprofen", I said as both Victor and Julie watched me intently. I handed two of the pills to Victor. "Give him one now. If the fever hasn't broken in the next four to six hours give him another. You will have to help him get it down. Keep him hydrated. Also, don't tell him I was the one who gave him medicine." With that I reached for Sam. Julie gave him to me, but she looked sad to let him go. She reminds me of someone... I left the three of them inside the tent. I trust they can follow my instructions. I know I should have done it myself, but... I sit down just outside the tent. Watch the others go about their work, eyeing me as they pass.
Today...
 Long hours passed. Finally, I heard Julie greet Mike as he woke up. I heard my name mentioned and I forced myself to go inside. I tried to greet him. He stopped me, telling me he's sick. Asked a few security questions. Understandable, times aren't what they once were. He made it clear he wanted both Julie and me to leave. A few minutes later Mike came out, another man ran up to him, reported that there were approaching male strangers. We packed up camp in a hurry. Mike asked if I could be useful. I told him, "We'll see." Truthfully, I am a deadly accurate knife thrower, but don't want to give away my skill set yet.  Mike asked me to relay his signals to the rest of the group. I can follow instructions with the best of them, but I thought he wasn't being cautious enough. I was right. They ended up attacking us. Mike and another guy took them out. But I was angry. Angry that Mike was naive enough to turn his back on strangers and led the group into danger. I asked him, "What was that?!" I wanted to know what the heck he had been thinking. I think my meaning was misinterpreted because the other guy responded, "That's how we do things around here if there's someone threatening our friends." Julie said I'd get used to it. I am used to it. I wasn't talking about how we barely managed to survive a gun fight that by all rights we should have lost, putting our back to them like that. I was talking about the poor leadership skills that put us in the situation to begin with. I will keep my mouth shut for the time being. I understand that Mike is ill, I believe this maybe effecting his ability to lead. Should I leave now, if this is how the group is managed? I will not allow Sam to die because of someone else's poor choices. I was standing still in these thoughts when Mike yelled back at me, "You stay with us, you survive. You stay still you're dead." I found this almost humorous as he was the one that had almost gotten me killed to begin with. Also, they don't know that I have survived on my own this whole time. I am more than capable. Mike was unable to go on after this confrontation. He had us make camp where we are.  I think there is more going on with his illness that he has let on. I noticed while I was walking behind him earlier a darkened spot on his sling. If he was bitten or scratched by a zombie he would already be exhibiting signs. I had been pacing back and forth in thought. I looked up to see Mike asleep with a book open on his lap. No one was watching. Made my way over, leaned over him, read over his shoulder the last paragraph he had written before passing out. So, I thought there was more to his illness. Why would he be hiding it? There must be more to it than not wanting the others to worry. He will die if it isn't treated soon. So, maybe he wants to die? I don't know. I have the ability to remove the bullet from his shoulder, if it hasn't shattered. But should I? What I do know is that information is power. I must be careful how I handle the situation.

Read More