Note
Since our Face to Face class transition to online class due to the frequent earthquakes happening recently, I will try to increase the chapter as soon as possible if only I'm not to busy.
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Eventually, a convoy rolled out of the Federation's gates. Multiple vehicles poured out—five armored Humvees and three MRAPs. Since we had a lot of people with us, our vehicles would need to go back and forth a few times. I figured three to four trips would be enough to get everyone and everything to the camp.
I sat in the front passenger seat of one of the lead Humvees while Troy drove. The engine's growl mixed with the crunch of gravel under the tires as we pulled out, the other vehicles following close behind in formation.
Max had already prepared the supplies, so we were set on that end. Back at the Federation, Roy was now in charge since I was out temporarily. That was one of the reasons I appointed a second-in-command in the first place. If I'm being honest, it's because I can't stand being tied down to one spot. I want to join operations, move with the soldiers, and personally lead journeys to the other bases. I also need to visit the ranch and Virginia later… sigh. Even in the apocalypse, I'm still a busy man.
And then there's Taylor. I'd already told her I'd be gone for a few days, but she didn't take it well—looked like she was sulking when I left. I chuckled to myself at the thought. When I get back, you better be ready, I thought with a smirk.
We'd be passing through the North Highway Route. I had already activated my system to clear the way, sending my controlled walkers into the herd to guide the rest off the road. Convenient—when we rolled through, not a single one would be in sight.
I had two objectives for this operation: first, to train the army; second, to train the walkers. Wahahaha, just the thought made me grin. Imagine it—walkers firing weapons. That's pure madness, but also pure brilliance. A new kind of mutation. A perfect, terrifying creation.
And I wouldn't stop there. I'd armor some of them like tanks, plating them in steel so normal bullets couldn't touch them. Indestructible monsters under my control. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
As I sat there, the convoy moving steadily down the cleared highway, I started to pray—not for myself, but for my enemies. Whoever crossed me in the future… they'd have no idea what wrath was waiting for them.
The vehicles slowed to a halt, tires grinding against the cracked highway.
"We're here, sir," Troy said from beside me.
I gave a small nod as the doors opened and we stepped out into the humid Florida air. The convoy wouldn't linger—they had orders to head back and fetch the rest of the soldiers. That left us here, the first wave, preparing to set up a temporary camp.
The location wasn't random. We were just outside Jacksonville, one of the biggest cities in the state. A perfect choice. Dense, full of collapsed buildings, abandoned cars, and streets crawling with the dead. A ready-made training ground.
I'd already thought this through long before we arrived. Killing walkers was only part of it—the real goal was to expand my control capacity.
All right, set up camp immediately!" I barked out, my voice cutting through the humid Florida air.
Without hesitation, Troy relayed my command. "You heard him! Move out!"
The soldiers quickly jumped into action. Some began unloading tents and supplies. Others formed a perimeter, rifles raised, scanning for any walkers.
Hammering echoed as stakes were driven into the ground. Canvas tents rose one by one, forming neat rows that gave the empty parking lot the appearance of a military outpost. A few men dragged out crates, stacking them into a makeshift armory, while others assembled a large firepit in the center for cooking.
I turned to Troy, who stood by my side with his rifle slung across his chest, already barking short orders to a few corporals.
"Send a scout into the city," I told him, my eyes fixed on the distant skyline of Jacksonville. "I don't want surprises waiting for us in there."
"Yes, sir." Troy nodded sharply, waving over one of his men. "You heard the Commander. Quiet and fast—don't draw attention."
The soldier saluted and jogged off toward the city edge.
I crossed my arms, scanning the half-built camp. "And Troy…"
"Sir?"
"Start forming teams of five. Once we've got a clear path, I want patrols moving into the city. We'll clear walkers, secure sectors, and—" I paused, my gaze hardening. "—find survivors. I'm certain there are still people alive in there. Families. Stragglers. Maybe even organized groups."
Just then, after a few minutes, the scout returned, his breathing heavy, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"Sir," he said quickly, "there's a lot of walkers in the city. Whole streets are crawling. But…" he hesitated for a second, catching his breath. "In one of the buildings, I saw something. On the top floor, plastered outside one of the windows—it said HELP. Looks like there are survivors holed up inside."
I narrowed my eyes, thinking carefully. Survivors meant potential allies, but it also meant more risk. Walkers drawn to noise, desperation making people unpredictable. Still, I couldn't just ignore it.
I turned toward Troy, who was already stepping forward. "Sir, let me take a squad. I'll lead the rescue mission myself."
I shook my head. "No. You'll stay here and hold the line. We can't risk thinning out the defense while the rest of the convoy hasn't even arrived."
"But with all due respect," Troy argued, his jaw tightening, "I should be the one going in. If there are survivors, it's my responsibility to—"
I cut him off sharply, my tone leaving no room for debate. "Your responsibility is to obey orders. You're in charge of this camp until I return. I need someone I can trust here."
Troy clenched his fists, clearly frustrated, but he swallowed back his protest. His voice dropped, quieter this time. "You're risking yourself. You know how dangerous that is."
Troy looked at me for a long moment, then finally exhaled and nodded, though the tension in his shoulders remained. "Fine. But at least take ten with you. Don't go charging in alone."
"That was already the plan," I said with a faint smirk. Then I turned, raising my voice so the others could hear. "Ten volunteers. We're going to check the city, starting with that building. Keep it tight, watch your corners, and remember—aim for the head."
One by one, hands went up. I motioned them forward, and together we prepared to move out.
Before leaving, I gave Troy a last look. "Hold the camp. If the rest of the convoy arrives, fortify our perimeter and set up fallback routes. If I'm not back in three hours, you assume command."
Troy nodded firmly, though his eyes betrayed the worry he carried. "Understood."
I gripped his shoulder briefly, then turned and led my ten men toward the city streets. The air grew heavier the closer we approached, the distant groans of walkers echoing between broken buildings.
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