Франк Бейтс - Calls to Arms - A Story of the Imminent Collapse

“How the hell do we get out of here?!” Walter shouted on the walkie-talkie.

“I have a plan!” Jay shouted. Everybody agreed to Jay’s plan as if it was their last resort. It was risky, but they have no choice.

“Are you sure about this?” Joseph asked hesitantly.

“It’s the only option we have,” Jay replied shortly.

“Cover me. Now!” Jay ran on the ambulance as fast as he could.

He started the engine and aimed towards the vending machine. Walter and Steve were getting ready, while Joseph was covering them.

“This idea is insane!” Walter said to Steve as they watch the ambulance come their way.

Jay stepped on the gas. When he was in the middle of the road, he opened the door and jumped off the ambulance. Walter and Steve went out of the convenience store and ran back to the emergency door. Jay rolled over the road and immediately followed. The ambulance was approaching the vending machine when the other two armed men went out running. The car hit the vending machine, and it exploded.

Joseph fired on the two men, but he missed. Walter, Steve, and Jay successfully entered the emergency room, and Joseph shut the door quickly. The other two armed men fired gunshots on the door, but Joseph, Steve, Jay, and Walter hid behind the beds.

They got lucky escaping the culprits, but they were still shouting outside. The criminals attempted to break the emergency door, while Joseph and his group waited and aimed their guns. The intruders failed to open the door after several tries.

“We’re not yet over!” One of the intruders shouted.

Walter checked the window and saw the intruders are walking away.

“They’re gone for now.” Everyone sat on the floor while breathing hard.

Joseph, Steve, Walter, and Jay hurried back to the cafeteria after a few minutes of rest. Everyone was worried, and Joseph immediately puts first aid on Jay’s arm. He has wounds after jumping off the ambulance, while Nurse Janette cleaned the small pieces of broken crystals on Steve’s arm when the Armed man fired gunshots on the refrigerators.

“Thank God you’re all safe.” Mrs. Daniels said in relief.

“Dr. Brave, please drink this.” Denise offered a glass of water to Joseph soon as he finished cleaning Jay’s wounds.

“Thank you, Denise,” Joseph said as he smiled at her.

Joseph looked at Denise and felt pity. She’d lost her parents, and now she’s witnessing all these dilemmas. No kid deserves to be in this position. They are supposed to be in school fulfilling their dreams. The moment Denise lost her parents at the emergency room, Joseph felt connected to Denise. From then on, Joseph treated her like a real daughter. He decided that he’ll take Denise to their farm. He’s sure that Maxine and his sons would love the idea of having Denise as part of their family, but Joseph was just unsure of when and how.

“We have to make other plans. I’m sure they’ll come back for us.” Walter said. The men looked exhausted, but they agreed on Walter.

“And we have other survivors in this hospital, but we are unsure of their intentions. We never know they’re already planning to kill us.” Steve added.

“We have to move out of this place,” Joseph said aloud.

“We need a car that’ll take us away from the hospital,” Walter said.

“But the ambulance just exploded.” Jay White replied trying to give some humor.

“My car is too small for us,” Joseph added in disgust.

“We’ll all fit in with my car, and it’s near the entrance. The problem is I left the keys in my clinic,” Steve replied.

“Then we get it,” Walter said with determination.

“But it’s also dangerous even in the hospital. Other medical staff survivors are now killing other survivors.” Nurse Janette said in horror as she looked at Steve.

“We’ve just risked our lives to get those supplies. Is there anything else to be afraid? It’s either we die, or we fight.” Walter replied.

Joseph, Walter, Steve, and Jay picked their guns, knives, flashlights, and walkie-talkies. Steve handed a Glock Model 22 to Nurse Janette.

“I don’t know how to use a gun.” Nurse Janette stated.

“Aim and shoot. That simple.” Steve answered.

“I’m going with you.” Nurse Janette said to Steve with a concerned tone.

“Please stay here. Let’s stick to the plan.” Steve replied.

“But…”

“I’ll be fine. We’ve just taken down five men, and killed…”

Nurse Janette pulled Steve, tiptoed and kissed Steve before he could finish his sentence.

“Please, take care.” Nurse Janette whispered and hugged Steve who was in shock.

“I will,” Steve said as he hugged her, too.

“I want you to stay close, with Nurse Janette. Okay?” Joseph said to Denise.

“Please come back, Doctor. You’re my only family left.” Denise said innocently.

“I will, Denise. I’ll come back, and you’ll meet my sons soon.” Joseph smiled at her.

Mrs. Daniels packed their supplies as Jay White bid goodbye to his wife while Walter was preparing his weapons. The guys were about to leave the cafeteria when someone knocked on the door.

“Help!” Someone behind the door shouted. Everyone stepped back and was in fear. Walter walked towards the door unconsciously.

“Walter!” Jay tried to stop him.

“I think I know that voice,” Walter whispered on his breath.

Walter removed the lock of the cafeteria and Joseph followed him immediately. Walter opened the door, and he was surprised to see his wife.

“Victoria!” Walter said in surprise and hugged her.

“I followed you here because there are criminals surrounding our area. I tried to save our son, but they killed him. They took him away from me, and shoot him in the head.” Victoria cried.

“Hush.” Walter comforted his wife, but he was unable to say anything. Tears fell on his eyes, but he quickly swept it away.

“It’s not your fault. I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I’m sorry.” Walter and Victoria cried as Joseph, and other survivors were watching them in pain.

After a few moments, Joseph said that they have to go. Time is not on their side, and that rioters might take revenge anytime soon.

“Walter, you can stay here,” Steve said.

“Your wife needs you,” Joseph added. Walter looked at his wife.

“I am fine. You can go, and let’s get out of here.” Victoria assured Walter, but he was hesitant.

“I think I’d have to stay this time,” Walter said.

“Don’t worry. Joseph, Jay and I got this.” Steve assured Walter.

“Let’s stick to the plan. We’ll get Steve’s car keys then we’ll meet you at the front door.” Joseph reminded the group.

“See you outside,” Jay said, and they said goodbyes.

Joseph, Steve, and Jay went out of the cafeteria and hurried immediately to Dr. Steve’s clinic. It’s on the 5th floor of the hospital, so they had to go up three levels.

“Hey, you wanna play a game?” Jay announced trying to lift the mood.

“What?” Steve replied.

“Racing. Whoever wins, gets those chocolate bars we have from the store.” Everyone laughed.

“Game!” Joseph suddenly answered.

They all ran up to the stairs, and Jay was in first place. But as soon as he reached the hallway of the third floor, there were gunshots.

“Shit!” Steve muttered as they hid behind the wall of the staircase.

“You’re shot!” Joseph said to Jay as he tried to look behind the wall.

“Other survivors, but too many of them. Go upstairs, while I’ll cover you.” Jay ordered.

“What? No more another insane idea! You’re bleeding.” Joseph scolded him.

“We’ve gotta divert their attention, Joseph. I’ll run straight then you’ll go upstairs.” Jay slightly raised his voice.