The Decline by Jessulat Christopher

Author:Jessulat, Christopher [Jessulat, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Post-Apocalyptic | Infected
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Published: 2016-12-22T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

The plan was hatched that night.

Keeley brought Isaac into the civilian mess near midnight. The moonlight scarcely pierced the battered windows, but it was sufficient to reveal Daniel sitting pensively at the end of the one of the long tables that occupied the center of the room. A dented steel camping mug sat in front of him, steam pouring off the boiled water.

The three sat together as Daniel outlined his version of the events in the infirmary, life in the compound from his viewpoint.

Isaac listened, quiet and careful, and tried to reconcile their experiences with his own outside the walls. He was so fixated on Daniel’s words he didn’t notice the tears welling in the corners of Keeley’s eyes.

After they laid out their case, the three sat in silence. Daniel warmed his hands against the mug as Keeley’s gaze wandered the confines of the empty room, vainly searching for escape.

Or, in the very least, distraction.

Isaac weighed the details in his mind.

As unfortunate as the business was, Anders had to expect some repercussions. His failure in the nests had left the compound exposed; an entire section of fence was compromised. Shit, people died because of him. Furthermore, he had stolen provisions; meager though they may have been, it was the principle.

Isaac felt nothing but contempt for the man.

Even with the cull in the infirmary, Isaac could appreciate its cold logic. Whether it was too early – or too late, for that matter – was arbitrary. This was a siege, a war of attrition, and the compound was being starved out of everything.

The arithmetic may have been grim, but it was straightforward.

If he was being entirely truthful, Isaac wondered what decisions he would have made in similar circumstances.

What additional lengths would he be willing to go?

It chilled him a bit to realize he may yet have the chance to find out.

In principle, the three agreed. They would leave this place by cover of nightfall; try their luck and their will in the wasteland beyond.

‘There’s one more thing…,’ Keeley began, punctuating the heavy silence surrounding them.

Both Daniel and Isaac turned to face her, each believing the matter already settled.

‘We’re taking Anders with us,’ she stated flatly.

Isaac scoffed at the suggestion.

‘You can’t be serious…’

Keeley never faltered.

‘He’s suffered more than anyone.’

‘And rightly so,’ Isaac shot back. ‘Besides, I saw how he looked. He’s banged up. He’ll be slow, and out there slow is dead.’

‘His chances are better out there than they are in here,’ Daniel replied, mimicking the emphasis.

Keeley noticeably warmed at the support.

‘Maybe that’s for a fucking reason, Daniel,’ Isaac retorted, sharper than he needed. ‘And in any event, that’s not our fucking problem. He’s going to be a liability.’

Isaac pushed himself from the table and sat back in his chair.

‘Look at what Quinn’s done in here,’ Daniel whispered hoarsely, drawing closer. ‘Look at the shit we’re left with.’

Daniel motioned to the emptiness surrounding them.

‘This place is a tomb.’

Isaac considered the words.

‘Heavy is the head that wears the crown.’

Isaac’s inference was obvious.

Daniel couldn’t believe his ears.

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