Surviving Humanity Read online

  Surviving Humanity

  An Ungoverned World Book 4

  Kip Nelson

  Copyright © 2018 by Robert Spake

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter One

  It was with a heavy cloud of sorrow hanging over them that Nick and the others returned to the care home. Paolo’s death weighed heavily upon them all. Nick was tired of seeing people being killed in this world. His whole reason for existing was to save people and he had done a crummy job so far, even though rationally he knew he couldn't be blamed for most of it. The sight of the care home buoyed his heart, but he couldn't let the happiness flow over him as much as he wanted to because of the circumstances under which they returned. Paolo had died because of a stupid trap. Cosmo had left them to go wandering through the city by himself because he couldn't bring himself to trust other people. There were people like Charlie strewn throughout the city who were beyond help. Nick almost felt guilty about being one of the lucky few to make it to a sanctuary, and a sanctuary this care home definitely seemed to be.

  The building was tucked away on an unassuming street. The place was quiet, which was surprising when Nick saw just how many people lived there. The front of the building looked like any other. Nick was surprised there were no guards posted outside.

  “Don't let appearances fool you,” Abe said with a knowing smile.

  When they entered, Nick saw what he meant. There were guards in the hallway and it was clear they took security very seriously. It wasn't all that surprising given what had happened to them at the hospital. These people had been through a lot and they had lost so many...Paolo was another name to be remembered. When would it end?

  Tanya and Backdraft stayed close to Nick as they waited in the lobby. The guard nodded toward Abe but looked at the newcomers with suspicion. Nick looked around and tried to glean as much information as he could in case anything went south. It all seemed above board. Abe had earned his trust. Yet, there was a part of Nick that didn't want to let him believe too readily. It was as though Cosmo still was standing by his side, whispering in his ear. Nick allowed himself a small smile as he thought of his old friend. The sad truth was that Cosmo probably would have liked it here, if he just had allowed himself the luxury of hope.

  As soon as Abe's presence was known, people started flooding out. Nick and Tanya were surprised at just how many people were staying in this care home. They stayed still as Abe was treated like a celebrity. People wrapped their arms around him and gave thanks that he had returned, although they quickly noticed that Paolo was not with him. Gina looked downcast, and despite her presence with Abe, people didn't respond to her the same way as they did to the retired cop. However, the people looked to be in good condition. Their clothes were about as clean as they could be in this new world, a far better sight than the ones Nick was wearing. There were no bloodstains that he could see. Only the guards were carrying weapons, which showed Nick that this place was safe. These people were not warmongers.

  “He didn't make it. A trap got him a few blocks from here,” Abe said in a hollow voice when people asked him about Paolo. They gasped and hung their heads. Gina wiped her eye before any tears could show.

  “But we do have some good news. We found a couple of people to join us. This is Nick and Tanya, and Backdraft,” he added when the dog barked, not wanting to be forgotten.

  Everyone chuckled at the dog's reaction, which lifted the mood somewhat. Some people eyed Nick suspiciously, but others came up to him eagerly and offered him their hand, welcoming him to their little community. It was clear they had the utmost trust in Abe and his judgment. There were so many names and faces that Nick found it difficult to keep track of them all, but he made a damned good effort. Tanya was far more skittish, though, and only said the bare minimum.

  Nick whispered to her that everything was going to be alright, and that they were safe. As soon as he said it, a warm feeling washed over him because he knew it was the truth. This place was just as Abe had promised. These people were not going to betray him or try using him for some nefarious people. They were just people trying to survive and give themselves the best lives they could in a world that did not offer them much else. Nick returned their handshakes and smiles with vigor. He thanked them all for welcoming him into their home and offered his condolences about Paolo. They all responded positively to him and welcomed another strong man to the ranks. Some of them tried engaging Tanya in conversation but she still was reticent.

  “Why is it so quiet around here?” Abe asked, trying to change the subject and lighten the mood.

  Nick got the sense that this was an important part of the man. Abe didn't want to let his thoughts linger on tragedy too much. It was important to pay one's respects, but then life moved on. It would do nobody any good to dwell upon the sorrow. Nick didn't know everything about the history of these people, but he was sure it would have been a far different place without Abe.

  “The kids have gone camping,” a voice replied.

  Nick thought the guy had said his name was Daniel...or maybe it had been David? He was sure that, given time, he would be able to keep them all straight, but until then it would be a challenge.

  “Camping?!” Abe said.

  “It was Joe's idea,” another voice said, this time a woman's.

  “Not all of us were in favor of it, but Joe seemed to think it was a good idea. I guess maybe it's time we start letting our children have childhoods again. I think he's going to teach them some basic survival skills as well. They haven't gone far. We're sending out people to check on him. Jackie's just gone now, although I don't think she's just gone to see the kids.”

  Ripples of laughter echoed around the room. Nick listened carefully as he tried understanding the dynamics of these people as best he could.

  “She's fighting a losing battle there, though, what with Tori hanging around Joe like a little puppy,” someone else said, and there was another chorus of laughter.

  “Who is Tori?” Abe asked.

  “You've missed out on a quite a lot since you've been gone. I told you it was no good going out on these treks. You're not getting any younger, Abe. Maybe it's time for you to stay here for a little while,” another voice said.

  This time it was a woman of about forty, who looked at Abe with a fond expression. Abe gave her a gruff response. Nick smiled to himself. It would take a brave woman even to attempt taming that man and convincing him that he was too old to go gallivanting around the city. Then Nick was filled with sadness. He wondered if, when he reached Abe's age, he still would be alone, or if there would be someone to nag him. His eyes turned to Tanya. There still was a lot of life yet to go for each of them.

  “What's this Tori have to do with anything?” Abe asked, ignoring the pointed suggestion.

  “Joe came back with her one day. Found her in the woods when he was out hunting. Oh, that's another thing you missed out on, by the way, a nice juicy boar. Anyway, apparently this girl just came out of the woods
and they almost shot her before Joe told them all to stop. He stayed there with her to try making her feel more comfortable and then he brought her home. She's been though a lot, though. She was held by these men and her brother had been killed. It was all terrible, terrible stuff. So, I really can't blame her for sticking close to Joe, but it's rubbed some people the wrong way. But you know, that's Joe's problem and I'm sure he'll be able to handle it. They should be back soon enough anyway.”

  Abe stroked his beard. “Yes, Joe is quite capable of handling himself,” he said.

  As these few people were talking, others had crowded around Nick and were crouching down so they could pet Backdraft. Nick found himself asking all sorts of questions. It apparently had been a long time since these people had seen a domesticated animal and they all were pleased to have the opportunity to enjoy the feeling of a friendly dog being around. Nick was glad that Backdraft could be so welcome, and he was more than happy to let his faithful companion enjoy the attention. Nick still was trying to parse the information he had heard. There were kids here, which again spoke to the authenticity of the place, and it also seemed there were some interpersonal conflicts as well. So far there were a lot of names. He looked forward to putting a face to some of them. This Joe, for instance, seemed like a leader of the community, and it would be interesting to meet a man of such stature.

  Scampering footsteps pattered down the corridor and kids suddenly were around Backdraft, amazed at the sight of the dog. Nick had to remind them to be careful, but Backdraft was in good hands and knew how to handle himself. Nick couldn't blame some of the parents for not letting them go camping. Even he thought it was too much of a risk, knowing what was out in the city, but they must have trusted this Joe person unconditionally to follow his lead in a matter like this. The kids were gasping and babbling with wonder at the dog. Many of them were talking to their parents, asking if there were any more dogs in the city. However, as Nick looked more closely he noticed there wasn't a strong delineation of families. The kids all mingled together as though they all were brothers and sisters.

  The arrival of the kids made Tanya retreat even more into herself. So, Nick suggested Abe give them a tour of the place. Abe thought that would be a wonderful idea. Nick allowed Backdraft to stay with the kids for the time being and they moved away from the crowd.

  “It's certainly a big place you have here, and busy!” Nick said.

  “There were even more of us than this at the hospital,” Abe said. For a moment he looked every one of his years, and more. “Still, there will be more,” he added.

  “This Joe seems like an important man, is he your leader?” Nick asked.

  At the mention of Joe, Tanya muttered something under her breath and she seemed to tense. In the chaos downstairs when everyone was welcoming them back, Nick wasn't aware if she'd had the same reaction when Joe had been mentioned. He also didn't catch the words she spoke.

  “No, we don't have a leader as such. We decided it would be better if we all were equal, as much as possible. We have a council of sorts who like to discuss things and take votes, but really most people are left to their own devices. As long as nobody does anything directly against the well-being of the community we're all left to ourselves. Autonomy and freedom are two of the most fundamental aspects in any functioning society, I think, and I've been fortunate enough that the vast majority of people agree with me.”

  They spoke some more as Abe showed them around. What they had done with the place was impressive. Nick felt proud of them for all they had done in building this place and was eager to be a part of the community. It was exactly what he'd wanted since the first day of this new world. It seemed as though every person knew their role and had something to contribute.

  “It's sad that Cosmo couldn't bear the thought of being around other people. This is a good place. I feel safe here,” Nick said.

  “I'm glad you think so, and I have a feeling you'll be an important part of this place, Nick, you and Tanya both. We're always going to need people with good hearts, especially when people can die so unexpectedly. I'm sure you'll get a more comprehensive tour tomorrow, but for now it's getting late. So, I'll just show you to your rooms,” he said. The corridors were quiet. It was a little like a hotel, although a lot of people had their doors open to facilitate conversation.

  “I think eventually,” Abe said, “I'd like for us to be able to move out of this place and into a small neighborhood of our own. I know we don't have many possessions anymore, but sometimes it can get a little crowded in here. That's only going to get worse if we keep adding more people. Anyway, you just relax here. Feel free to wander around and there's probably some food around somewhere. Welcome home,” Abe said, shaking each of their hands. Nick thanked him in turn. He and Tanya were given rooms adjacent to each other, but Tanya hadn't made any motion to leave just yet.

  Nick stretched out his arms and yawned. He sat on the bed and sighed with contentment. “This is a far cry from what we're used to, isn't it?” he said.

  He laid back, folded his arms behind his head and closed his eyes. A few moments later he cracked them open and saw that Tanya still was standing by the door, arms wrapped around her body. She still looked fragile and afraid even though now they were in a safe place.

  “What's wrong, Tanya? Do you not like it here?”

  “It's not that,” she said in a small voice, “there's just something that makes me feel unsure. I don't know what it is.”

  “You're starting to sound like Cosmo,” he said, trying to make her laugh.

  It didn't work, though. He wished he could do something to make her feel better and free her from the unsettled thoughts that rattled through her mind. Hopefully, given time, she finally would be able to escape the effects of her trauma. This was a safe place and she was far away from her father. This could be a new beginning for both of them, in every sense of the word.

  Chapter Two

  Tears streamed down Tori's face. Once again, she found herself running away through the forest. Panic set in after once again witnessing a monstrous act. She almost couldn't believe her own eyes. A throbbing pain pulsed in her head and she stumbled through the forest. Everything was hazy. Her stomach swam with nausea, but she wasn't sure if it was from the alcohol she'd drunk or from what she had seen. She wished she could put it out of her mind.

  That entire evening she'd been swilling whiskey from the bottle that Joe had been pushing into her hands. All she'd wanted was to be close to him, but she had been getting sleepy. The last thing she remembered was Joe saying that he was going to check on the kids. Tori had settled down and was feeling her eyes growing heavier and heavier. Sleep wrapped its calming tendrils around her. Then she snapped awake. She didn't want to waste the opportunity. She was alone with Joe, away from all the other adults, including the annoying Jackie. The last thing she wanted to do was sleep away the night.

  Tori had forced herself up. Her head was swimming. She never had had a good fortitude for alcohol. She groaned. It had taken her a while to force herself to her feet and walk outside. Each footstep had taken a tremendous effort, but it all would be worth it, she was sure of that. She wanted to be with Joe. She had gone out in search of him, hoping the small walk would do a good job of clearing her head. Her stomach had been twisting in knots and she wished that she had had more to eat to settle her stomach. It would all be alright when she was in Joe's arms, though, of that she was sure. She just needed to find him and bring him back. She loved that he was so attentive to these children but they all were asleep, and it was time for the adults to have their fun. Sometimes she thought he took his role as babysitter too seriously.

  Now she knew why.

  The thought sickened her, Joe standing over Millie. A veil had been lifted from her. How could she have been so blind all this time? It was almost beyond the realm of belief. Of course she knew that these things happened, but it was always so far away. Never did she think she actually would be in the presence of a predator
...and she actually had been attracted to him. She stopped for a moment to vomit. Doubling over, a hacking cough filled the air and she spat out her bile on the ground before staggering away again. Joe would be coming toward her now. He couldn't let her leave with what she knew.

  Part of her wanted to fight him and help protect the children, but she knew she wouldn't stand a chance. The only thing she knew how to do was run. She needed to get help. Joe was too big and powerful for her to stand a chance in a fight. Too powerful against those children as well. The sight of him standing over Millie filled her with revulsion. That look on his face. So satisfied. How long had he been doing this? How many children had there been? It was disgusting how so many people looked upon him as a hero.

  For one fleeting moment she thought there had to have been a rational explanation for what she had seen. She'd wanted to give Joe the benefit of the doubt, but the look on his face told her everything she needed to know. She'd always considered him to be a handsome man, but in that moment the mask had been lifted and she had seen him for who he really was. That violent, monstrous face snarled at her. His huge paws had been ready to violate young Millie's body. If Tori hadn't have been there at that moment...she couldn't even finish the thought.

  Her pace began to slow. She strained her ears, trying to hear if Joe still was after her. Maybe she had miscalculated his priorities. She'd just left him alone with a group of children. What kind of person was she? Her mouth dropped in horror. She still could taste the alcohol on her breath. She had to do something. Those kids couldn't wait for her to get back to the care home. Even then there was no guarantee that people would believe her. Joe was the hero. Everyone practically fell at his feet. How would any of them be willing to believe her story? Especially when they'd be just as likely to smell the alcohol on her breath and dismiss her as a liar.