Beta Hour [remastered]: Omega Virus, #1

By Jake A. Strife

Zach has always been a master of Survival Horror video games. Naturally, he always thought he'd be ready for the Zombie Apocalypse. Don't all gamers think the same? But when the undead take over his school, the city, and possibly the entire world, he learns he was dead wrong. Alongside his fellow gamers, and a self-proclaimed, 'Zombie Killer', he must navigate this new world, and learn to contend with more than just those infected with the virus. To save his friends, he must face religious fanatics, a corrupted government, and an entire company of psychopaths that think it's all a game. To survive, a serious lesson must be learned; kill or be killed, pull the trigger or die; and most of all, sacrifices must be made. This. Is. No. Game

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jake A. Strife
• Release date: Apr 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224685585

Jake A. Strife

Jake is a YA writer, character artist, role-player, and avid gamer. His collection of novels are in the sci-fi/horror or fantasy genres. Throughout the years, he has written multiple short stories and various screenplays. Jake was born in the ‘village’ of Bellaire, Ohio. As the population shrank, he knew he needed to get out or get caught in the trap of the average small town—if you don’t get out young, you don’t get out at all. The earliest influences on his writing were survival horror video games, and sci-fi/fantasy novels. It was the thrill of a good scare and abilities above and beyond the scope of physics that drove his imagination. For many years, Jake focused only on his artistic abilities and put writing aside. He eventually enrolled in an art school, but after taking a Story Writing course, he became serious about his work and eventually switched to Creative Writing at another university. He was twice published in the school’s magazine, The Aviator, for his works, Book of Fate and Omega Virus. Jake spends most of his time with his wife, and is always writing, drawing, or gaming.

Book preview

LEVEL 1

SURVIVAL HORROR

Press Start…

The nearby Shufflers groaned. Hopefully, I’d never turn into one. But I’d be a senior soon enough, and from what I’d experienced, Seniors were all jerks. They dragged their feet, whining they had X number of days left before graduation. Poor them.

A particularly tough horde stalked the hall, and my stupid locker wouldn’t open. I needed that Game Design textbook!

It was better not to be in their path, so I ducked into an empty classroom.

Whine. Whine. Groan. Whine. Groan.

The room offered only one other escape—windows to the courtyard. Always have another way out.

Thankfully, the horde shuffled past. They hadn’t seen me, or they’d have demanded my money for sure—Which I had none. Aunt Jenn didn’t give me an allowance. Aunt Jenn and her husband Aaron were never home to do so.

Hey! A Shuffler said.

My blood froze. I leaned out the door and peeked.

Five Shufflers surrounded a guy by the lockers. He, Stephen, was like me—nerdy—and in the elective Game Design program. We were both about to be late for the same class.

Hey guys. Stephen looked at the floor.

The tallest guy snorted. He went by Green, due to his spiked, neon-green Manic Panic hair.

So, I hear you’re good at games. Green put out his hand to block Stephen’s nervous retreat.

Y-yeah, Stephen whispered.

Look at me, idiot. Why you looking at your shoes? Ashamed your daddy, Professor Zolomon can’t afford better.

Stephen should’ve gotten angry. But he looked at Green, nearly in tears.

Sorry, yes, I’m good at video games.

Green grinned. Good, you see, I want to impress my girl and show her how to beat the first boss in Dark Days without getting hit. You’re gonna do it, capture it on video, and send it to me. Then I’ll tell my girl, I did it.

I don’t have a capture card. Stephen said. Maybe I’ll get one for Christmas, Saturday, but—

Damn, man, I didn’t want to have to dunk your head in the toilets, but if that’s the way it’s gonna be…

I’d had enough. It was time to use my secret skill. Stephen didn’t deserve a lousy fate.

Hey! I stepped out of the classroom. You can’t beat Dark Days’ first boss?

His entourage ooo’d.

Green death glared. He was the first boss of the day. Hate grabbed; I was now his target.

You trying to call me a loser? You want a date with the toilet too?

Barbarian. Only able to solve things with violence.

No. I held up my hands, then reached into my yellow backpack. I just so happen to know how to beat that boss without getting hit—fool proof.

Green’s eyes narrowed. You’re gonna do it for me.

I don’t think so.

Yes. You. Are. His nostrils flared.

I can do better. I have a guide on how to do it. I pulled out a paperback 8x11 strategy guide.

Green snatched it from my hands. Oh?

Yes, and you’ll beat that boss in front of your girlfriend. She’ll kiss you or whatever, I’m sure.

He laughed. You better be right, jerk. Or your ass is grass. Turning away, his gang followed, chattering. By Zach Burton? Never heard of him.

And they left. Cue the victory fanfare.

"If that guide doesn’t work, Zach, he’s gonna come after both of us!" Stephen said.

I smirked. I wrote that guide because I know my stuff. Even a level one noob like him can use it properly.

Stephen sighed and rummaged in his locker, grabbing his level design book.

He turned and walked past me.

I called out, Hey! You play Dark Days—what’s your username? Maybe you can join my new guild—

Stephen didn’t turn.

I don’t want to join your stupid guild. I don’t want to be your friend. I don’t like you. I can’t associate with a crazy that plans and is obsessed with the end of the world!

He took off.

What was his problem? Why did he hate me? I’d forgiven him for every time he got me in trouble. I even forgave him for directing me to the wrong shower room where I happened upon her. I should’ve thanked him, actually. I’ll never forget that image.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. The screen lit up, and the photo of gorgeous, amazing Jessie Kozukata appeared. In her bikini, she’d no idea I’d snapped it from the tree outside her backyard. She was in her pool with her BFF, Tiffany Roivas—who was also in the photo, but in a one piece.

They were both pretty, but Jessie was my dream incarnate. Japanese, cotton-candy blue hair. Fair-skinned with freckles. She was perfect from head to toe. Tiffany was Colombian, with slightly tanned skin and blonde hair. She reminded me of a young Shakira.

Zachary Burton. A female voice.

Annoyance struck me. My name was Zach—there was no ary.

But—A girl was addressing me. Girls never addressed me.

I turned to find golden, waist-length locks of hair attached to Tiffany herself. I shoved my phone in my pocket and pursed my lips. I hoped beyond hope she hadn’t seen my phone screen. She was only a few feet away.

She adjusted her black backward baseball cap. She wore hip huggers, and an open button down with a tube top. Despite being wealthy, she never seemed to change her clothes—or she had several of the same outfit.

Tiffany glared, tapping her foot. Had I angered her too? If I had, I’d never make it into the Gamers Guild—The school club she’d founded with her friends.

Hey, Tiff.

She narrowed her eyes. "Do not call me Tiff. Last guy found my foot crushing his balls."

Okay, Roivas, what's up?

"Never mind, you're not worth our time. I'll find someone else."

Our? Did she mean the Gamers Guild? Holy crap this was my chance!

Wait! Let's reboot. I patted the air with my palms. "Tiffany, can I help you?

She looked at her watch, then stood, hands on hips. You still an expert on survival horror games?

Yes! I said. I write guides for them! Do you want to see the one I just self-published for Dark Days? Actually, I gave that away... darn it.

Nah. Tiffany pointed at the exit. We got something you should see.

It was a trap. The Gamers Guild wanted to kick my butt.

I have no interest in seeing the asphalt after you guys beat me up.

Tiffany rolled her eyes. "Have it your way. This wasn't my idea. She said to get you because you're the expert on this bullshit."

She. There was one other girl in the Gamers Guild. One amazing, uber cute, uber short Japanese girl with blue hair and freckles. Yeah, Jessie was a member too.

Coming? Tiffany asked.

Yes! I blurted, heart thundering.

We gotta hurry. It might have left. Tiffany walked for the exit. I told the idiots not to touch the dead thing.

Wait, what? I had to have heard her wrong.

She picked up the pace. I mean what I mean! It might've crawled away or some shit.

Dead things don't—

That's why we need your brains. She jogged, and I followed, her urgency spurring me.

I was curious, to say the least.

Without losing momentum, she pushed through the alley door, and we exited into the chilly December air. It was only fifty degrees, but it felt thirty.

No birds chirped. No rat-dog yapped behind the nearby wooden fence. Dead silence.

I shivered and rubbed my arms, as the powerful smell of fresh spray paint filled my nostrils. On the wall beside the doors was a big green omega symbol with the acronym, G.O.D.

Did you guys paint that? I asked.

Tiffany snickered. "Figures. It did leave. And they followed."

Explain or I go no further on this questline!

She pointed at a coagulated red mess leading around the side of the building. I looked over my shoulder. The trail came all the way from the street beyond.

Tiffany yanked me around the way, right into the Gamers Guild. The three members stood quietly murmuring to each other.

Dave Carnby, a fat junior who either always had some electronic disassembled in front of him, or a tray of nachos—depending on the hour. Jeff Mason, a tall and tough senior who wore a tank top always. And sophomore Jessie freaking Valentine. She stood maybe four-eleven in her mismatched sandals and overly large hoodie that swallowed her hands whole.

My heart leaped my throat as she lifted her eyes. I snapped my gaze away. How could I face her? I may have knocked her out with a piñata stick at her Halloween birthday party five years back. An accident, I swear!

As they loaded her into the ambulance, she’d smiled at me and said something like you’re the boy with strangely cute feet. Yeah, I'd knocked her silly.

Dave hung his head. "Wait, this Zach? I thought you said the one with the big biceps from gym class. Don't you stalk this dude?"

Jessie smacked him with her long sleeve. "I do not stalk people! Her cheeks were bright red. I don't stalk you. I asked for you because you know your stuff."

Jessie and I locked eyes, but this time she averted, looking at our feet.

You’re wearing sandals in winter, she said.

I looked down. So, are you.

Yay, match made in Heaven! Tiffany exuded sarcasm. Can we focus please?

R-right, Jessie said. You're standing in blood.

The dried trail of red was beneath my foot. A rank stench made it to my nose.

Ew, sick! I hopped back. The trail led to the building and into the ground-level basement window. Did you guys throw a dead deer in there?

Jessie covered her mouth and shook her head. "Not a deer! I don't know what it was, but it was near the window and Dave got scared, so he kicked it inside."

Dave chuckled. To protect everyone.

Roadkill. Jeff crossed his arms. Scamper off, bro. We don’t need you here!

No! I need you! Jessie blocked the path back to the alley. "I-I mean we do"

As Jeff snickered, I shook my head. You're joking. What do you expect from me?

This is serious, Zach! Jessie grabbed my arm. You're brave. Find out what it is?

I swallowed hard. Jessie was touching me. She was actually touching me. My cheeks were burning, and a warm feeling flopped in my belly.

Dave grabbed my other arm, his touch sobering me. Come on, dude man! You're here. Just, ya know, go on in there and peek like you did at Jessie in the showers.

That was an accident! And does everyone know about—

The bell ringing cut me off.

I can't be late for class, I said. Mrs. Peach will give me detention again!

I’d take detention with that babe any day. Jeff elbowed Dave, who looked back blankly.

Dave growled.

"Dude man, do it for the planet! For humanity! For Jessie! She’ll kiss you if you go!"

My heart rocketed into my throat.

Jessie’s eyes grew wide, and she looked at Dave then at me then at Dave.

No, she won’t, Jeff said so seriously, it gave me chills.

But if she did—if Jessie gave me the kiss I’d wanted for years—I’d be able to die happy.

The black basement window loomed. Waiting to eat me.

You're the survival horror expert! Jessie hopped up and down. "I need to know! It's important to me. I’ll do anything!"

Tiffany muttered something sounding like, Yeah, she will.

Name your price. Jessie blushed, and she held out a flashlight. How about a date?

I’m pretty sure she cast a spell on me because I didn’t remember the next few minutes.

I blinked and Tiffany and I were in the dark basement, Jessie’s flashlight in my hand.

A horrific stench wafted into my nose and I doubled over, vomiting.

You have a weak stomach, dude, she said. It doesn't smell that—

She gagged and vomited too. I wanted to laugh, but my stomach hurt.

What are we doing in here? I hissed.

Um, you want Jessie but she’s too good for you, so don’t think I’ll let you hurt her!

My mood deflated. A seething anger flickered inside me, but I shook it off. She couldn’t tell Jessie who to date. All I had to do was get through this and Jessie would be mine.

Desks, flattened sports balls, baseball bats, and helmets were strewn around—if a school could have it—it was there.

The trail of blood led across the room where something squished.

Tiffany cleared her throat. By the tool cabinets.

We were one hundred percent insane. I was going against my very instincts, putting myself in danger. We’d come through the windows, which could be difficult to reach in a quick escape. The door was near the cabinets, meaning it was a dangerous route to take. There were no other ways out.

In my mind, I saw Jessie’s smiling face—her pleading face. She was going to date me. We would kiss. We would be together forever, probably. I could save her from her rough life at home. I could—

Zachary! Tiffany said. "Keep moving!

R-right, I said. This thing is probably the corgi from across the alley. It always gets out, right? I bet—

It’s no corgi.

How can you be sure? We made it to the cabinets, where the blood trailed around the side.

I took a step and in my peripheral I saw the cabinet come down on us. We hit the floor, and the fall knocked the wind out of me.

Dumbass! Tiffany said.

We groaned, pushing up with all our might. It didn't budge.

What do they keep in here? I grunted. Bricks?

Shut up and push!

Scraping came from my left.

A grotesque, bloody ball of flesh and gore crawled from behind the cabinet. The disgusting mass pulled itself using five bony digits. A caved in skull showed brains through straggled hair, and eyes that were neon green—almost glowing.

In its other hand was a twitching mouse. Entrails hung from the rodent's body as the creature put the poor thing to its mouth and tore out a chunk. It chewed with an open maw, revealing broken teeth. A long airy moan scraped its throat, and those eyes landed on me.

Holy crap! I put all my strength into pushing.

Tiffany tried to look past me. Is it there? What is it? I can't see!

I didn’t have a plan for this! I'd only had online friends! I'd never had my first kiss. I needed to delete my browser history! What about the Guild Raid that night in Dark Days?

The hand of death landed inches from my face. It moaned. We were doomed.

And the basement door swung open. The giant frame of Mr. Mikami, the custodian, appeared. He held a broom in his hand and squinted at us through the hall light.

You in here doing the thing? I don’t care if ya do, but don’t make a mess in my school!

Help! Tiffany and I cried.

Unaware of the flesh sack, he stepped inside and kneeled, lifting the cabinet. I scrambled out, but before Tiffany could follow, the creature grabbed Mikami’s leg and ripped in with its fangs. His blood-curdling scream reverberated off the walls.

I snapped my eyes around, looking for a weapon.

Tiffany grunted, still pinned. The flesh sack's head thrashed. Mikami grabbed its jaws, trying to pry them open, but only getting his fingers shredded.

"Help me! You promised to protect me!" Tiffany begged.

When had I said that? But that was unimportant. I found a wooden baseball bat, brought it over my head and swung at the blood ball. With a sickening crunch, it released Mikami. Again, I swung over and over. Moments later, it was nothing but mush.

Fear filled Mikami’s eyes.

I don’t want to die, Mikami said. My daughter, her wedding is tomorrow, and—You gotta understand—

I winced. He was gushing blood. The wound was already turning black, and green veins climbed his leg.

Am I gonna die? he asked, but he was looking past me—at nothing.

He closed his eyes and fell flat with a thud.

Get this off me! Tiffany struggled. It's crushing my chest. Can't breathe!

I stepped back, looking toward the window, then at the basement door. The window led outside. The door led inside. I needed out. Panic filled me.

Zachary! Tiffany pushed one last time, and the cabinet fell still.

Mikami’s eyes flew open, now neon green. He looked around, drool leaking to his chin. In all my terror, I could have left Tiffany. She was never nice to me. She always seemed to hate me. She wanted to block me from dating Jessie.

But I was not that kind of person.

I grabbed a steel bat this time, jammed it under the cabinet and lifted it enough. She crawled out, wheezing.

T-thank you, she said. You kept your promise.

I wanted to ask what promise, but right beside us Mikami rose to his feet, blocking the door. The flashlight lay there, casting Mikami’s shadow, huge and menacing.

We sprinted like hell to the window. She leaped and got good height, grabbing the edge and scrambling out.

I jumped, but not high enough. Again! Another fail! I wasn't gonna make it. Tiffany hadn’t reached back to help. Were none of them going to rescue me? Number one rule of survival, trust no one.

But then Jessie’s head appeared as Jeff opened the window. Tiffany was there too.

Jessie screeched as they grabbed my wrists—And the custodian made it to me, grabbing my ankles.

Get off!

I kicked him in the jaw which cracked, knocking him free.

The girls pulled me out, and Jeff let the window slam shut.

His eyes were wide. The shit just happened?

Dave stood farther back, oozing terror. "There was screaming! Why was there screaming?"

The bloody thing bit Mr. Mikami. Tiffany said, muttering curses.

There were more somewhere. There had to me more. There was always more.

We were so screwed. I was once excited for this scenario. Now, I was about to piss my pants.

What was it? Dave backed into the alley wall. "Was it a you know what? It was, wasn't it?"

Screams erupted from within the school, doubling and tripling as panic ensued. The fire alarm blared. So fast. How was it this fast? Unless it was airborne? Could it be?

I looked back at the school. This meant one thing. It was coming. A nightmarish truth had to be swallowed.

It was—It was— I fought for words.

Spit it out, man!

I took a deep breath. "It was a zombie!"

LEVEL 2

FIRST ZONE

Zombies. Real zombies. Something I’d secretly wanted since I saw Night of the Living Dead in middle school. But having just nearly been eaten by one, I wasn’t sure to be excited or curl into a ball and cry.

Dave threw out his arms. It makes sense now! The rank smell in the air this morning! My stomach aching! The trips to the bathroom!

Jeff snorted. That was rotten milk, bro. This is bullshit. There're no zombies.

How do you explain the screaming? The fire alarm? Dave asked.

The spiders in the biology lab got free? I don’t know! Jeff frowned. But it ain’t zombies!

Jessie’s eyes darted between us as she chewed on her long sleeve. We locked eyes, and I grimaced.

Jeff, I said. This is it. This is the end!

Hell no. You’re on crack. We don’t do that shit in our group. Get outta here.

The blaring alarm continued. Inside the school’s windows, there was rapid movement, but the sun’s glare made it hard to tell.

The roadkill bit Mr. Mikami! I said. He died. He came back. He tried to eat me and Tiff!

From behind me came, Don’t call me Tiff. She watched the school, biting her lip.

I believe you. Jessie brushed aside her bangs, as stoic as could be. You know zombies. She said, her tone husky. I remember the report you gave on them.

I blinked a few times. My Zombie Survival Plan? You paid attention?

"It was amazing. You were so informed. That’s how I learned about zombies. You were so confident and se—"

"Anyway! Tiffany snapped. Zombies are fake. It’s super-rabies or something. Let’s stay calm and go home. Check on our families."

Aunt Jenn and her husband Aaron were in Japan on business, so I had no one to check on. But my feet were frozen to the concrete. My body told me to run, but my mind said stay and see what happens.

Jeff turned away. Right, gotta make sure Mom is okay.

Dave’s voice cracked as beads of sweat formed on his face. "My cousins are at a convention in Columbus! Let’s go to my house! I’ll make nachos! We can wait for this to blow over—Ya know, pretend none of this happened! Together. Not alone! Please, not alone!"

Tiffany stomped her foot. "I said stay calm!"

She averted her eyes from the school and glared at Dave. As if her gaze had held back the tide of horror, the school door exploded open.

Screaming students flooded the alley, covered in blood, tripping and trampling those who collapsed. Dozens raced past us, perfect panic in their eyes.

The virus was spreading fast. Faster than in any game, book, or movie.

We need to move, I breathed.

Jeff, Dave, and Tiffany bickered, but Jessie lifted her hand and pointed.

Out of the crowd stumbled Stephen. He staggered and collapsed by Tiffany’s feet.

Jeff rushed over and kneeled. Hey, bro! You okay?

Blood gushed from a chunk taken out of Stephen’s arm. I pursed my lips when she glared at me.

You! Stephen cried. "This is your fault! You were in Dad’s files! The blood is on your hands, Zachary Star!"

Jeff looked over. What’s he talking about?

I don’t know. I shook my head hard. That’s not my name. He’s gotta be losing it!

Dave gasped and pointed at Stephen. Oh, shite, he has a bite! He’s gonna turn! Get away from him!

Maybe this is on the news? Tiffany ignored him, pulling out her phone and started typing.

I nodded and did the same, but it slipped from my hands and landed face first on the asphalt.

Crap! I went for it, but Jessie picked it up and stared at it as she stood, then handed it to me.

She shook her head. Oh, boy, sorry.

I took it and wanted to cry. Several cracks crisscrossed the screen.

No, I moaned. I don’t have— I stopped myself. What did insurance matter now?

Jeff ripped his shirt and tied off Stephen’s wound. The jerk’s eyes were closed now, but he was still breathing.

Zombies, Jessie muttered, eyes glazed over.

Jeff snapped, "Stop using that word!"

The crowd had dispersed. Students were trampled on the ground, bleeding or dead. A few teachers kneeled by some trying to help them. They ignored us.

People were going mad. They had no concern for anyone but themselves.

Jessie looked up. Zach, you said in your report we should get weapons, secure a shelter, and acquire food, and water—then repopulate the world. Where do we start?

I don’t know. I put my face in my hands. I think… I think… we…

The alarm in the school cut off, and the interior lights went out. That couldn’t be. The power couldn’t have gone out so fast. Not with dams, wind turbines, and other energy sources. What about the backup generator?

I took a deep breath. We need to get away from these infected and think of a plan.

Jeff’s eyes judged me. Chicken shit. The plan is to help the wounded until the ambulances get here.

Tiffany stared at the bodies; some were twitching. Dude, these can’t be zombies!

The next time someone who uses that word— Jeff stood; fists clenched.

Dave cleared his throat. Um, guys, Stephen’s a zombie.

Jeff spun on Dave, ready to strike, but he followed all our gazes to Stephen, who sat straight, eyes zombie green.

Stephen lunged for Tiffany and chomped. Instead of screaming, she kicked him with her free foot, and he slammed back. It had bitten only her baggy jeans—Life saved by fashion choice.

She screamed like an enraged amazon and stomped Stephen’s face. The first caved in his nose and blood spurted. But she didn’t stop. She stomped until his head resembled the remains of the blood ball from the basement. When Stephen-zombie was no more, she turned to us, fists balled.

Fine! They. Are. Zombies!

Jeff’s nostrils flared as he cast a death glare at her. Stupid bitch! You murdered him!

And Tiffany Karate Kid-kicked him the face, sending him on his butt. "Call me bitch again and I’ll stomp your skull!"

Yeah, I didn’t want to cross her.

The world slowed as a once hot, Hispanic teacher exited the school—Mrs. Peach, the Game Design teacher. Heels gone, skirt torn, her eyes were on the ground.

Jeff looked over. Finally! She can help.

It was then, I realized the other teachers weren’t aiding students, they were eating them. Mrs. Peach walked past, and they didn’t look up.

Jeff approached her. Hey, Mrs. Peach.

Green veins ran from her feet, all the way up her legs.

Look out! I cried.

My once favorite teacher, who brought me a cake on my birthday, snapped up her head. Gore dribbled from her mouth, and a huge gaping wound squirted blood from her neck.

Jeff found two words. Well, shit.

She lunged, but he was faster. His fist cracked into her jaw. The combined momentum snapped her head to an awkward angle and she hit the ground.

We stared in horrified silence as she sat up, neck broken. A cacophony of moans came from the school as Jeff backed away.

Jessie said, Oh! Look!

Zombies were coming up the alley behind us.

Enough was enough!

Run! I grabbed Jessie’s hand.

We all took off toward the only clear space—the courtyard.

Screams sounded like fireworks from all directions. It was as if the entirety of Milpeg City was under attack. Undead were likely filling the streets, encroaching upon us, blocking our precious escape routes.

It had to be airborne for the level it had reached. But why hadn’t we been affected?

Bungalows surrounded the outside of the enormous courtyard. We could hide in those, but without food or water, we’d end up eating each other without being zombies. The thought of eating Dave first scrolled through my head. I shook it away as fast as it came.

In my report, I had planned on heading to the nearby pawnshop and stealing guns. The street to the pawnshop was ahead on the right. Was that a good idea? I stopped and looked that way.

Don’t stop! Tiffany begged.

Behind her shambled fresh zombies. They reached, hissing, snarling, and moaning. Some were faster than others. But thankfully, zombies couldn’t run.

We came to the road beyond the school and skidded to a stop. An SUV with zombies hanging all over it sped past, crashing into a telephone pole.

We stared in horror as the pole and power lines came down.

Jessie squeezed my hand. I haven’t played scary games; how do they end? Like the movies? Do they all die?

I shook my head. No, they find the evil company’s lab, fight a huge boss, blow it up, and narrowly escape!

So, we should find a lab?

No labs around here!

What about that one? Jessie pointed.

Across town—The Dante Building. Twenty-stories and futuristic—but under construction. They were adding another twenty floors.

That’s not a bio lab, Dave cut in. They make electronics.

Oh, Jessie said, lowering her head. We could still go there… they probably have killer security.

At that moment, a helicopter approached the Dante Building. But something was wrong—it broke into a spin and crashed into the middle where the construction was still under way. Boom. It exploded and the upper floors collapsed, taking down some of it, and catching fire to the main section.

Why? Dave asked. Why does that always happen?

Tiffany and Jeff were in the back, both with bricks in hand. The zombies were a dozen feet from them.

Guys, keep going, puh-leaze! Tiffany said.

It was a good idea, I told Jessie. But we’ll find somewhere better.

We ran to the major street of Milpeg, giving us a better view of the chaos. Several tall buildings were burning, and another explosion went off—this one was a transformer a few blocks away. Then another two transformers in the other direction.

Something wasn’t right. I mean, yeah, zombies weren’t right—but why all the electrical things?

An engine revved a few streets over, followed by gunfire. It could be cops or crazies. We’d have to take our chances.

This way! I led us into another alley. The police will—

Zombies appeared from around the far corner, a hundred feet away. I skidded to a stop. That was the only exit. The buildings here didn’t even have back doors.

Go back! I turned and Dave slammed into me.

We can’t! he said.

At the other end, Tiffany swung a tree branch at zombies getting too close but there were at least two-dozen locking us in that way too.

A lucky zombie grabbed the branch and yanked it from her hand.

She yelped and ran down the alley to join.

Good job, Zach! You got us killed already, dumbass! She punched my arm hard.

I bit back the f-bomb I wanted to drop, as Jessie lifted her hands to stop us from fighting.

It’s not his fault! These zombies are different. They aren’t super-slow. They’re special.

Special? Tiffany scoffed. "You sound like you’re defending them moments before they eat us—and defending him for getting us trapped!"

Jessie grabbed Tiffany’s shoulders and massaged them. You’re tense. You always get nasty when your tense.

Tiffany pulled away. I get tense when we’re about to die!

Jessie kicked an imaginary pebble. We aren’t gonna die, right Zach? What’d you get on the report?

I almost laughed. Mr. Kennedy gave me a C. He said the zombies should use chainsaws! What kind of zombies use weapons?

She smiled—so warm and caring.

It’s okay, Zach. But I know you can get us out of here.

A drop of moisture landed on my forearm. Water was dripping from a rusted fire escape. It was too high for even Jeff to reach, but if we worked together then maybe…

His face was frozen in a grimace. The zombies were no more than fifty feet away on each side.

Jeff, I know you hate me, but listen! We can boost everyone to the fire escape!

He lifted his eyes. Yeah, only Tiffany is tall enough to reach if we boost someone. There’s no way all of us can make it—we don’t have time!

We need to try!

Tiffany regarded us and Jeff nodded up. She nodded back.

Jeff cupped his hands, and Tiffany jumped into it, and with an added boost, she grabbed the bottom rung of the ladder.

A moment later, she called down, It’s stuck!

Dave gasped, and rushed over. Me next!

Jeff shook his head. Jessie first.

The betrayed frown Dave wore almost broke my heart. Dave was his BFF. That he wanted Jessie up had to mean he liked her too. I had discovered why he didn’t like me.

Don’t die! Jessie climbed into Jeff’s hand and he boosted her. Even with Tiffany reaching down, tiny Jessie barely made it.

Okay, me next! Me next! Dave said. But I just had that breakfast burrito combo before school so—.

Jeff narrowed his eyes. Even think of ripping one and I’ll kill you.

Dave chuckled, and it was an awkward struggle that lost us several vital moments, but we got him up—and dang was he heavy—the girls got him onto the escape, which groaned in protest.

Jeff and I met eyes. It came down to this. The zombies were close. Only one of us had time. Me or him. Him or me. Who was better for Jessie? I couldn’t protect her—I was too weak.

Go, I said.

Jeff’s eyes lit up, but he shook his head. I’ll stay here with you and fight.

"They need someone strong and willing to make hard choices. I’m the moral compass. We always die first."

Jeff gave a small nod—and the look in his eyes changed from hatred to gratitude and respect. Eh, he probably just had something in his eye.

I cupped my hand and while I had less than average strength, his height helped him reach.

The envelope of fate sealed with me between two encroaching zombie walls. The one toward the gunfire had dozens. The one behind had maybe ten.

Gunfire popped beyond the dozens. No one was saving me from this but myself. And I doubted I could. I never even got that kiss from Jessie. Dying now was gonna suck. Would they even remember me?

I took a step toward the thin group and Jessie reached out.

No! I can’t leave you! She shook the ladder. It wouldn’t come down.

The fire escape swayed under their combined weight. Dave and Jeff climbed, but Tiffany and Jessie watched.

Was Tiffany crying? Water dripped down her face. But then I saw the water droplets above her. No, those weren’t her tears. Jessie, on the other hand, balled.

"I confess! I do stalk you! I drag Tiff around and we