Joseph Talluto - White Flag of the Dead

Tommy spoke. “Hey Chief. You’ll never guess what we found.” I could see other survivors coming out of the vehicles, and it took a minute before it registered that all of them were women, fifteen in all. “They were living in that big active living center up the road, but they were starting to run low on supplies and stuff. I told them about us and our refuges, and they agreed to join up with us.” He seemed a little out of breath and I had the sneaking suspicion he was holding something back on me. When Tommy did that it was never a good thing. Sometimes funny, but never good.

I took stock of the group and I noticed one stood out from the others. She was a tall blonde, with Nordic features that might have been considered attractive had she not had such a look of hatred in her eyes. I don’t recall ever pissing off anyone that looked like her so I imagine it had to be for other reasons.

I stepped into the light cast by two of the cars’ headlights, and addressed the newcomers. “My name is John Talon. I’m the leader of this community and all of you are welcome. The town homes behind you are empty and you are welcome to take any of them as you choose. We will provide you with firewood to see you through the next couple of days, and during that time we will assess what your needs are regarding food and supplies. We have a few rules in our community but the important ones are everyone works and everyone contributes. We will train you to fight and kill zombies, and we expect everyone to take a hand in defending our homes should it come to that. Right now, we have a need for a medical person. Does anyone have medical training?”

A small, mousy looking woman of about thirty raised her hand. “I’m a registered nurse. Is someone hurt?” she asked.

“We rescued a baby today who needs some looking after. If you go with Tommy here, he’ll take you to her.” I gestured to the stairs, expecting the two of them to head up.

Tommy started to move and so did the nurse, only to be stopped when a harsh voice said “Hold it!” It was the blond woman who spoke. “My name is Pamela Richards, and I am the leader of this group of women. I do not recognize your authority and will not allow a man to give orders to one of my women.” She had an accent that was hard to place, although I would bet Eastern Block if I had to choose.

Today was not a day for this foolishness. “If you don’t want to be here, go back. You have vehicles. Leave. If you choose to stay, I am the only leader and you follow my lead.” My voice had become hard towards the end and I could see Duncan trying to signal to the woman to shut up.

She wasn’t having any of it. “We fought hard for our lives and we have fought off men who would try and turn us into their slaves or worse. We came here because we have all lost something in the plague and thought the plan about taking things back sounded good. But I will not take orders from you.” She walked towards me during this speech and stood about three feet from me. From this vantage point I could see she was armed only with a knife, although there could have been other weapons.

I was unrelenting and getting madder by the minute. “If you don’t like it, leave. I didn’t invite you, but I welcome you if you want to stay. I don’t force anyone to do anything I won’t do myself, and you are free to leave whenever you want. But while you are here you will take my orders, if and when I choose to give them. Do you see those two over there?” I pointed to Tommy and Duncan. “They have been with me since the beginning and we have been through more shit than I care to try and forget. They follow my lead, but I do not insist they stay with me. If they want to leave, they can go anytime.”

“There is only one way I will follow you.” Pamela said, squaring off and raising her hands. “We fight. You win, I follow your orders. I win, you follow mine.”

I was incredulous. “Are you kidding me? This isn’t some movie, you idiot. People die here. See that smoldering mess over there? That used to be a teenage girl who got bit. I don’t have time for these games. Take your women and leave.” I hooked my thumbs into my belt, leaving my hand close to my gun if things got ugly.

Pamela moved closer. “I’m surprised anyone would follow a man who would get a teenage girl killed. But what man would actually care?” She sneered in my face, and at that moment, the days events came at me in a rush. I’m not sure what came over me, but the cold fire of battle had been stirred and for once I welcomed it.

“You want to fight?” I snarled. “Fine. Head north and get yourself killed. I particularly don’t care. You and yours mean next to nothing to me right now. The only one I have a use for is your nurse. She will stay and help that little baby we rescued. I’ll pull a gun on her or you to get her to help if I have to, but it will get done. As far as fighting you? Dream on. I didn’t get involved in this effort to rebuild what we lost to be ruled by the will of the strongest. I was elected to this position and any time these people want to replace me they are free to do so. I will not,” and I got right up into her face as I said this, “reduce myself or those I lead to the level of some of the animals I have encountered since the world ended. If they are more to your liking, get out now. You’re not welcome here.”

I turned my back to her and faced Tommy and Duncan who looked at me like they had never seen me before. “Get the rest set up in the condos. Get the fires going and we’ll see to their needs in the morning.” I turned back to the group of women. “I don’t have time for this nonsense. If you want to leave, go. If not, you know the rules.” I pointed at the nurse. “Please go check on our little survivor. Tommy will show you the way.”

With that, I went back to my condo, shaking my head all the while at the stupid turn of events. I went inside and washed my hands with the bucket of water by the sink. Sarah came in and asked what had happened. I told her quickly, sparing her none of the details. She was quiet for a moment, and then she spoke.

“You may have trouble with her later.” She said.

I sighed. “Yeah, probably. But I will not let us fall to the level of uncivilized barbarians who kill each other for trinkets or status. Enough.” I shook my head to clear it. “I’ve had too rough of a day to worry about it now.”

Sarah smiled. “No kidding. Go play with your son. He wants his daddy.”

I smiled and went to the living room, where Jake and I played tag until it was time to go to bed.

In the morning, I got a surprise as I passed Tommy and Duncan’s condo. I could hear animated voices within and I swear I heard that Pamela’s voice. Shaking my head I went down to Charlie’s condo to check on our new arrival.

Charlie was feeding the little girl when I knocked and was told to enter. The nurse, whose name was Rebecca Maxwell, as I found out later, was going through some medication that Tommy and Duncan had taken from the pharmacy down the road.

“How’s it going?” I asked Charlie, peeking at the little face that was feeding noisily.

Charlie smiled at the little face. “She’s been up and down all night, getting water and formula. She hasn’t gotten a fever, and everything seems to be normal.” Charlie looked up at me. “I think we got lucky and got there just in time. Doc says if nightfall had come she would likely have died.”

I nodded. “Given all that we have been through, I think we were owed a little luck. I’m glad it worked out in this case and we’re able to give this little girl a chance.”

Charlie gave a thoughtful nod and then asked, “Any idea what her name might be?”

I shook my head. “I didn’t see anything as we got out of there. I guess it’s up to you if you want to go back and see if you can find anything.”