NOVEL NEXT Chapter 24: First Council
The morning light streamed through the windows of Perkatory's café, illuminating the determined faces of its inhabitants. Though Zoe's absence cast a heavy shadow, the survivors pressed forward. Perkatory City was more than a refuge now; it was becoming a community, a hub of resilience in a world that had crumbled. The faint aroma of coffee lingered in the air, a rare comfort in the chaos.
Erica and Pearson sat in a corner of the café, their laptops propped open on a table cluttered with papers, maps, and handwritten notes. The glow from their screens lit their focused expressions.
"How's the forum looking?" Pearson asked, flipping through his notebook. His methodical handwriting filled the pages with observations and theories.
"Busy," Erica replied, typing rapidly. "The survivors' forum is more active than ever. It's become the only reliable source of information left. People post about zombie hotspots, safe zones, supply caches—anything that could help others stay alive."
Pearson nodded, scanning the papers before him. "We need to organize this into something coherent. A snapshot of what's happening in the world right now. If Perkatory is going to grow, we need to understand the bigger picture."
Erica gestured to her screen. "Already working on it. I've been flagging posts with credible details about major events. There's one thread I've been following… It's troubling."
"What is it?" Pearson asked, leaning closer.
Erica turned the laptop toward him, showing a post filled with fragmented details. "A military unit encountered one of those machines like the one Darren destroyed. They tried to take it down, but…" She hesitated. "They were annihilated. No survivors."
Pearson's brow furrowed. "Another one of those machines? And the military couldn't stop it?"
"Yeah," Erica said, her voice low. "If these things are out there in greater numbers, it's not just zombies we must worry about."
They exchanged a grim look before Erica rose, her resolve hardening. "I'm bringing this to Darren. He needs to know."
--------------------------------------------------------
When Erica approached, Darren stood near the café counter, discussing patrol schedules with Lisa. Her expression told him everything he needed to know.
"What is it?" he asked.
Erica handed him her laptop, showing the post about the military's defeat. "This is bigger than we thought. If these machines are spreading, we're going to need more than traps and coffee to survive."
Darren absorbed the information, his jaw tightening. After a moment, he handed the laptop back. "We need a council. Zoe's been carrying this place on her shoulders, and that's not sustainable. It's time for all of us to take responsibility."
Erica nodded. "How do you want to handle it?"
Darren glanced around the room. The survivors were busy with tasks, but their expressions were weary and uncertain. He stepped onto a chair to get their attention.
"Everyone," he called out. The room quieted as heads turned toward him. "We've got some decisions to make. Zoe's done an incredible job leading us, but it's time to share the load. I'm proposing we form a council to help make decisions for Perkatory. And I want everyone to have a say in who's on it."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Darren continued, "We'll hold a vote. Write down your choices on scrap paper and drop them in this box." He held up an old shoebox that Lisa had hastily labeled with "Votes."
One by one, the survivors approached, scribbling names on bits of paper torn from notebooks or scavenged scraps. The box filled quickly, and Darren began counting the votes with Erica and Pearson watching to ensure transparency.
When the results were tallied, Darren stood to announce the council members.
"The people you've chosen are:" He paused for effect. "Pearson, for his knowledge and strategic thinking. Myself, for now, to keep things moving. And three new members: Maria, a former logistics manager; Raj, an engineer working on fortifying our defenses; and Cassidy, a paramedic with experience in crisis response."
Maria, a petite woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, gave a curt nod. Raj, a wiry man with perpetually smudged hands from tinkering with machinery, looked surprised but pleased. Cassidy, a tall woman with a calm, reassuring presence, offered a small smile.
----------------------------------------------------
Later that day, the newly formed council convened in Perkatory's backroom. Darren sat at the head of the table, flanked by Pearson, Maria, Raj, and Cassidy. Erica lingered near the doorway, her laptop in hand.
"First order of business," Darren began, "is to decide how we're going to handle these machines if they show up again. Pearson, do you have any thoughts?"
Pearson flipped through his notebook. "We need more information. These things are dangerous, but we don't know enough about them. Studying the one that was destroyed might give us an edge, but that's a long-term goal."
Maria chimed in. "We also need to think about resource management. If we face threats like this, we'll need better weapons, more supplies, and a way to train people to defend themselves."
Before the discussion could continue, Erica stepped forward, her face pale. "Sorry to interrupt, but I just received a message from the survivors' forum. There's a hospital still standing a few miles from here. They have doctors, nurses, and a stockpile of medical supplies. They're willing to join us and bring everything they have, but there's a catch."
"What catch?" Darren asked.
"The hospital here in the city is overrun with zombies," Erica said. "They need it cleared before they can move in. They're afraid to make the trip otherwise." She hesitated, then added, "One more thing. They mentioned that one of their doctors has an ability—something like Zoe's system. They said it's related to healing but didn't give details."
The council fell silent, the weight of the decision pressing down on them. Finally, Cassidy spoke. "Having a medical team would be invaluable. But clearing a hospital? That's no small task."
Darren nodded. "It's dangerous, but it's worth it. If we can secure the hospital, it could save countless lives."
Maria crossed her arms. "Who do we send?"
"The zombie hunters," Raj said without hesitation. "They're the most experienced fighters we have."
All eyes turned to Darren, who exhaled slowly. "I hate to ask them to risk their lives again, but you're right. Riley, Ethan, and Dr. Vance are our best chance."
-------------------------------------------------
Outside the clinic, Riley adjusted the straps on her gear, her electric-blue hair glowing faintly in the dim light. Ethan stood beside her, his red eye scanning the horizon. Dr. Vance checked his equipment with the practiced efficiency of someone used to life-and-death situations.
"Clearing a hospital," Riley muttered. "Great. Just what I wanted to do today."
"It's not like we have a choice," Ethan said. "This is bigger than us."
Dr. Vance looked at them both. "We'll get it done.