Chapter 1: Chapter 1

A sharp tone from the TV quieted down the bustle in the bar. Most patrons turned towards the small screen as the New California Republic representative walked out onto the stage and behind the podium. He cleared his throat and smiled as he announced the basics of the lottery they all knew. Whoever has the winning number gets to take themselves and their family out of No Man’s Land and to the safety of Haven. Anyone interested in watching to see if they were a winner knew damn well why we wanted to get out of No Man’s Land.

 

“I heard some people fake their numbers.” The old man on the stool beside a woman spoke over the lip of his drink. He didn’t seem to be particularly talking to anyone, as much as anyone who’d listen. “It’s first come, first serve.” He continued. “So, if someone fakes your number, you’re fucked.”

 

The woman glanced over at him through the side of her eye. He was still watching the TV intently as the representative rambled on.

 

“I met a family that got scammed. Had a little girl who was just born.” He shook his head. “Sad story.”

 

She turned her eyes back towards the TV as he began reading off the numbers. “42003-” She quickly tuned him out, as the numbers didn’t match her own. She stood up from the barstool, and set down a couple of 9mm bullets, paying for the stew before grabbing the leather duster hung over the chair and heading out the door.

---

The woman walked into the Ranger’s headquarters. The Rangers bustle around her, never having nothing to do. Many Rangers travel outside of the New Zone, their home base, to fight the infected or to work as mercenaries in the regions once known as United California.

 

She walks in, never stopped and questioned by the busy Rangers as she is a common sight here even if she’s not one of their own. She makes her way to the quartermaster Ace’s setup and greets him.

 

“Erin, it’s good to see you again.” Ace smiles at her, bowing his head from behind the barred inventory.

 

“I got your weapon order to New Industry. They’ll be on their way soon.”

 

“You’re efficient as always.” The smile stays on his face as he scoops out a handful of 5.56 ammo, setting it on the opening in front of him. Erin grabs it and began putting it in her bag. “Some extra food tickets for your timeliness.” He ripped a few tickets off the roll, pushing them forward.

 

“Ed here?” Erin asks as she sorts the things into her bag, knowing she’ll have to go through it later.

 

“Should be.” Ace shrugged. 

 

Erin walked away from him to their scrap dealer, eventually finding him outside his booth. She convinced him to return so she could get her tickets for trade in exchange for the scrap she had picked up along the way. After dealing with him, she moved to the different booths, picking up a new pair of gloves and a few pieces of candy, things that aren’t easy to find in No Man’s Land.

 

“Erin!” Someone called out to her as she headed for the exit, stashing her newly acquired items into her bag. “Do you have time for drinks?”

 

“Not today, Katie.” She shook her head. “I’ve got a delivery in N.M.L. Don’t have time to drink.”

 

“Next time.”

 

“Next time.” They both confirmed plans before Erin left the Ranger’s base. She rode along the well up kept roads, stopping at one of the gates between New Zone and No Man’s Land. No matter how many times she had passed through, she had to partake in the same ritual.

 

“Erin Henderson.” She spoke her name for the log. “Infected. Resident of No Man’s Land.” She answered before the guard to even ask.

 

“Stay safe out there.” The man jotted the information down before opening the gate to her. She drove through on her way to her next stop.

 

Even just past the gates, No Man’s Land was vastly different from New Zone or any of the other states. Decaying roads, abandoned cars along the way, many residential ghost towns, remnants of quarantine zones formed after the first sign of infection, and small colonies of the remaining life outside of the infected roaming around in packs.

---

Erin arrived at her destination, a small colony surrounded by concert walls and watch towers. The gates were pulled open for her, allowing her in. She pulled the motorcycle to a stop outside a small house, going up to the door to knock.

 

The door was pulled open with a smile by an older lady. “It’s good to see you again, Erin. Come. Come in.” She waved Erin inside.

 

“Thank you, Annie.” Erin pulled her backpack off her back, grabbing out a handful of inhalers. “I bought these for you.”

 

“I don’t have much for you,” Annie put her head down, “but I do have some educational books my kids outgrew if you want them.”

 

“That would be great.” Erin waited as she left and returned with the books in hand. Erin tucked them into her backpack.

 

“Will you stay for dinner? I made shepherd's pie.”

 

Erin smiled at the thought of warm home-cooked food. On the road, she mostly ate canned foods and MREs. “I’d love that.”

 

Erin followed the woman into her kitchen and to the table. Her two daughters, who Erin had met before, were already at the table. They both greeted her with a large smile, one of the girls making a plate for her. Erin and Annie took their seats at the table and began eating.

 

The two chatted about their monthly injections and a mother’s fears of them running out eventually. Erin did her best to reassure Annie that it was unlikely that Biotech would stop making them anytime soon, telling her not to worry about it too much. She also asked her to deliver a letter up in the Rockies, nearby Erin’s home colony.

 

After they finished eating, Erin thanked her for the food and took the letter, heading over to the colony’s trading post.

 

She threw her back into the counter. Specs, a nickname given to him because of his large glasses, looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "What'd you get for me this time, Erin?"

 

"I found three cans of just barely expired ravioli."

 

"Three? Shit, you hit the jackpot."

 

"Well, I only have two to trade with you. I couldn't help myself to one of ‘em." She dug through her bag, pulled the two cans out, and set them on the counter.

 

“What are you looking for in exchange?” Specs picked the can up before shaking it.

---

“I could use a new pair of boots. Maybe a jacket as well.”

 

“Check the back.” He nodded. “See if you find anything you like and in your size.”

 

After finding a pair of boots that fit, she headed to the small motel in the colony and rented a room. Erin removed her boots and crashed on the bed, instantly falling asleep.

Erin arrived at the Glenn colony, pulling to a stop as she waited for them to pull the gate open. She waved at them and drove inside, asking around until she was pointed in the direction of the recipient.

 

“Darla?” Erin was now standing at the front desk of a hot spring. Even in the apocalypse, you still need a place to relax.

 

“No, but she’s in the back. I can take you.” The young girl, no more than sixteen, motioned for her to follow. Erin followed her past large windows looking out on the pool outside, steam rising off of it. “It’s a hot spring. They’re amazing.”

 

“Sounds nice.” Erin admitted the idea of a hot bath sounded great. “You seem young.” 

 

“It’s my first week on the job. Trying to help support the family, I’m sure you know how it is.”

 

“I do.” Erin sighed. “I do.”

 

“Sometimes, my friends and I sneak out to the other old hot springs outside the colony. You should really check them out. There usually aren’t any infected around, and you look like you can handle yourself if there are.” The girl glanced back at her as she stopped at a door.

 

“I’m alright. Thank you for the offer.” Erin shook her head. “I’m too close to home to spend another night away.”

 

“I see. Well, this is where Darla is. I’ll give you two privacy.” The young girl walked past Erin and back to the main lobby. 

 

Erin knocked on the door that said ‘laundry’ before turning the handle. “Darla?” She repeated her question to an older-looking woman, seemingly to be Annie’s age.

 

“That’s me.” She had a laundry basket anchored on her hip.

 

“I’ve got a letter for you.” Erin pulled it from her side pack, holding it out to the woman.

 

“This must be from my sister.” She took the letter from Erin with a large smile.

 

“Annie’s your sister?” Erin looked at her in surprise. She had known Annie for coming on four years, and yet she never knew about any sisters.

 

“She is, indeed.” Darla nodded proudly. “She’s my little sister, in fact. I just moved here last year so we could be closer and I could visit her girls.”

 

“She’s a good woman.” Erin nodded. 

 

“Well, I don’t want to keep you.” She turned towards the lockers lining the walls. “You got any little ones?” Defeating the purpose of not keeping her any longer.

 

“I have a younger sister. She eighteen. She’s got a little girl who’s four and a boy who’s less than a year.” Erin smiled at the thought of her niece and nephew.

 

“I’ve been working on knitting gloves for the kids around here. I’m sure I have a pair that’d fit your little ones.” Darla set the laundry basket down and walked over to the locker, pulling it open. She pulled out a couple of pairs of knitted gloves and handed them to Erin. “Payment for the delivery. I hope it’s enough.”

 

“More than enough.” Erin smiled. “Winter’ll be here before we know it.”

---

“Erin!” Bailey yelled as she ran towards Erin as she stepped off of her motorcycle.

 

“Bailey!” Erin picked her up, tossing her in the air, before hugging her and kissing the top of her head. “How’s your mommy?”

 

“Sick.” Erin looked over to see Scout wanting over to her. “And mad at Rylan.”

 

“I’ve got something for the both of you.” Erin set Bailey back down on the ground before pulling out the candy she had gotten, dividing it between them.

 

Bailey ran off to show her mother, while Scout stuck around to hear where Erin had been this time while she was gone. Erin explained to her while they walked to Skye and Erin’s shared house with the kids. It was cramped, but they made do.

 

“Erin, thank god.” Skye, Erin’s younger sister, coughed but seemed happy to see Erin. “Rylan is driving me insane. Please take him.” She held the baby out to her older sister.

 

Erin took her backpack off, setting it on the ground before taking the child. “I was going to take flowers to Lance’s grave. Would you like to come, Scout?”

 

Scout looked down at the floor. Even though she had lost her brother a couple of years ago, it still felt like yesterday he was here taking care of everyone the best he could. She nodded. “Yeah. I’ll come.”

 

Erin shifted Rylan on her hip, walking farther into the house to get the baby changed into more suitable clothing for the hike. Erin wrapped him in a baby sling. Scout and her set off to the colony’s small graveyard. Once they arrived, Scout stood back, allowing Erin some privacy.

 

“It’s nice to see you again, Lance.” Erin took a deep breath, wiping some dirt off of the gravestone. “It’s been a little since I last visited. I’ve been busy with jobs from the Rangers. Keeps my busy. Keeps me from thinking about losing you too much.” She wiped away a few tears. “I still miss you every day. I don’t think I ever won’t. I’m doing my best to keep us all together.” Erin knelt down. “To keep Skye going even though I know she’s struggling. Scout’s doing well. She’s growing up before our eyes. I’m sure you’re proud of your little sister.” Erin set down a small bouquet of flowers she and Scout had picked along the way. “I need to get back and check on Skye, but I’ll talk to you later.” She stood up from the dirt, staring at the gravestone for a moment before walking away.

---

Erin mounted the horse, looking over to make sure Scout mounted her own alright. The colony raised a handful of horses, mostly used for transport and moving things, but also for hunting. Erin being home meant she was on hunting duty as she is one of the better hunters.

 

Erin pulled her horse’s head towards the gate and kicked lightly, urging the horse forwards. Scout and she exited the gates atop the horses.

 

“I’m worried about Skye.” Scout spoke up once they were a few meters away from anyone’s earshot. “She’s been sick since you left last time.”

 

“I’m sure she’ll be fine, Scout.” Erin tried to reassure her. Admittedly she hadn’t had time yet to worry about her younger sister. “You don’t need to worry about her, Scout. There are plenty of other things to be concerned about other than just a cold.”

 

“I don’t think it’s a cold, Erin.” Scout shook her head. “I’ve had a cold before, and she seems sicker than that.”

 

“Perhaps the flu then. There are plenty of sicknesses out there to get.” Erin shrugged, not worried about her sister’s health. She always seemed to have some sort of sickness but had gotten through to pregnancies healthily enough. As long as she didn’t get pregnant again, Erin wasn’t too concerned.

 

“Erin…” Scout looked down at her hands, before looking back up at the trail. “I miss Lance.”

 

“I miss him too.” Erin nodded sadly. He was the love of her life since Erin had found the place they now call home. “But he’s still out there somewhere watching over us.”

 

“Do you believe in a god then?” Scout asked innocently enough.

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“Not sure what I really believe in, Scout. I just like to believe your brother is somewhere where I’ll get to see him again someday.”

 

“I like to believe that too.”

 

“We’re getting close to the hunting grounds. No more talking.” Erin instructed. Scout nodded in understanding.

 

They made their way deeper into the forest, stopping at each trap to see if anything was found there. They eventually stopped at a filled trap. A bunny was stuck in it, its back legs caught in the wire trap. Erin dismounted, Scout following after her. 

 

“It’s still alive.” Scout spoke sadly, watching the rabbit with teary eyes. “We don’t have to kill it.”

 

“We do if we want to eat this winter.” Erin grabbed the bunny behind its head. “All we can do is be thankful this animal’s life keeps us alive.” Scout nodded, wiping away her tears as Erin snapped the animal’s neck.

Erin removed the saddle, placing it down on the saddle holder before doing the same with Skye’s horse. The horses ate their grain and hay dinner as the two girls groomed them. They had hunted a deer for the colony and kept the rabbit for their dinner tonight. 

 

“Erin.” Scout peeked her head over the horse’s back. “If we got out of here, got our ticket to Haven, what would we do?”

 

“Start a new life.” Erin smiled slightly. Whenever she had a break, she’d always think about the new life they’d start in Haven. “We’d get a new house, big enough for all of us, with everyone getting their own room.”

 

“What job would you do?” Skye watched her with dreamy eyes.

 

“I don’t know. Probably stay a courier. It’s all I’ve really ever known.” She shrugged. “What about you, Scout? What job would you get?” 

 

“I’d find a space program and go to space!” She exclaimed, a wide smile on her face.

 

“Ooh, I’m kinda jealous of your plan.” Erin laughed. “Come on and finish up grooming so we can eat soon.”

 

Scout nodded before getting back to her horse. Once they had finished, they let the horses out to pasture. Erin said she was going to start food and would let her know when it was ready, holding the rabbit up. Scout returned to her camper to grab veggies for the dinner, giving them to Erin and helping chop them up. 

 

“You need another haircut.” Erin glanced over at Erin as she skinned the rabbit. “You’re hair is getting too long.”

 

“I don’t like it when it’s short.” She pouted, chopping the carrots and dumping them into the pot.

 

“You’re also not gonna like when an infected grabs you by the hair and kills you.” Erin casually shrugged. “Skye.” Erin looked towards the kitchen table she was sitting at. “You need yours cut too.”

 

“No.” She pouted as well, hating Erin’s haircuts since she didn’t give them as much care as she would for herself. “Next time you come back home. They don’t make me go outside the walls anyways.”

 

Erin took a deep breath. “Fine, but only you get out of it. Scout still needs one.” Skye stuck her tongue out at Scout.

 

 Once they had finished making dinner, everyone huddled around the kitchen table with mismatched chairs. Bailey sat on Erin’s lap, as they didn’t have two high chairs, and Rylan was in the only one they had.

 

“Erin! I forgot to tell you about my dream!” Scout slammed the table, causing Skye to jump. “I had a dream I went to the moon, and then I met aliens. They told me they’d get rid of the virus if I married their handsome price!” 

 

“And did you?”

 

“Of course! I have to save the world!” Scout stated as if it was obvious.

 

“I think you’ve been reading too many comic books.” Erin shook her head with a smile.

 

“It was the best dream I’ve ever had.” Scout smiled widely. “I’ve always wanted to go to space. When I was a kid, Lance got me a blanket with a bunch of constellations, but when we had to flee the quarantine zone I had to leave it behind.” The smile faded from her face as she reminisced on her favorite blanket.

 

“When we were younger, our mom used to always buy us princess dresses for Erin and me. Erin always hated wearing them, though.”

 

“I only wore them for mom’s sake.” Erin smiled slightly. “Of all the things we left behind, I’m glad we left them.”

---

Erin walked up to the camper, scissors in hand, before knocking. Scout jumped off the bunk above the driver’s seat and opened the door. She was already in her starry pajamas, ready for bed. “Come out here.” Erin grabbed a stool sitting by the stairs and placed it in front of her. She moved out of Scout's way and had her sit in front of her.

 

Scout held a stuffed tiger to her chest her brother had given to her while Erin cut her hair.

 

“It’s safer to have your hair short.”

 

“I guess I don’t really care as long as I’m safe.” Scout shrugged weakly. 

 

“It’ll grow back, and if we ever live in Haven, you can have your hair as long as you’d like.” Scout silently nodded. “When Skye and I were little girls, our mom set up this camping trip for us in the mountains. She booked it in a month’s advance, but when we got there, we ended up getting snowed in there for a week. Until someone came and rescued us. That was the first time I really had to survive.”

 

“Were you scared?” Scout quietly asked.

 

“Hell yeah!” Erin laughed, causing Scout to laugh as well. “It was terrifying. We had to ration out our food to last that whole week. We were all hungry the whole time, but our mom would give us her portions so we wouldn’t be so hungry.”

 

“You’re a lot like your mom then.”

 

“That’s what moms have to do. Sacrifice for their kids.”

 

“You’re more of a mom than Skye.” Scout quietly observed.

 

“Skye’s not really cut out to be one.” Erin agreed, shaking her head as she set the scissors down. She moved forward to hug onto Scout, resting her chin on top of her head. They stayed like that for a while until Erin almost fell asleep, deciding it was time for bed.

---

“Erin.” She woke up to Scout’s voice as she opened the bedroom door. 

 

“I’m up.” She wiped her forehead with the back of her arm.

 

“It’s already sundown…”

 

“And I need to get the injections.” Erin completed her thought, throwing her legs over the side of the bed. She stands up and pulls her pants on. “I’ll go now.” Erin and Scout walked out of the bedroom and into the living room where Skye was with the kids. “Skye, can you have dinner ready by the time I’m back?”

 

“No need.” Skye shook her head. “Europa is having a barbeque again.”

 

“Alright.” Erin nodded. “Cool beans.” She pulled her jacket and boots on, now ready to leave.

 

“Can I come with?” Scout asked with puppy dog eyes.

 

“Only if you wear the helmet.”

 

“Yes!” Scout cheered, running to go grab the helmet.

---

They pulled up to the spot where the NCR caravan was distributing the injections. Erin stopped and swung her leg over the bike once Scout had hopped off the back.

 

“Michael Garth. Number: 1133610. I need five.” The man in front of them handed the NCR soldier his card, verifying that’s how many people he was picking up for. The man was handed his bushel of injections and sent on his way, making it Erin’s turn.

 

“Erin Henderson. Number: 2099510. Thirty-seven.” She repeated the process she had done plenty of times before. She was the most fit in the colony to pick the injections up. This forced her to be home once a month so she could inject and keep from turning. At least that is what Biotech says is necessary. 

 

“Must’ve had a new baby join your group.” Chance, one of the soldiers, walked over to greet Erin. She knew him by name as he often escorted the caravan to this area.

 

“Baby girl.” Erin nodded. “She’s a big healthy one.”

 

“Nice to see you again too, Scout.” He smiled over at Scout as he pulled the injections out of the truck. “You’ve grown taller since the last time I’ve seen you.”

 

“Yeah.” Scout insecurely wrapped her arm around herself, looking down at the ground.

 

“I’ve got a job for you, Erin. If you’ve got the time.” Chance spoke again after handing the bag of injections over to Erin.

 

“What is it?” She leaned against the truck against her elbow, holding the bag in her other hand.

 

“A private party from L.A. wants to hire some mercenaries in the area, and I know you can handle yourself.” He shrugged.

 

“When and where am I needed?”

 

“Let me write it down.” He grabbed out a piece of paper and a pen and wrote down the coordinates: 39°46'04.1"N 105°05'22.5"W. “Look for the old hospital building. You’ll wanna be there on Tuesday, so you’ve got a couple of days still.”

 

“Thanks for the tip.” She nodded, standing up straight. “I’ve got something on the bike for you. I almost forgot about it.” She walked over to the motorcycle and grabbed out a bag of coffee beans. “From Columbia.” She placed them in his hands. 

 

Chance smiled widely. “Thank you! Must’ve been to New Zone recently. Only they get the good shit. Oh shit.” He looked at Scout. “I mean stuff!”

 

“I’m old enough to curse.” She crossed her arms, pouting slightly. “I’m twelve now.”

 

“Well, young lady, my bad.” He laughed, looking back over at Erin and holding his fist out. Erin fist-bumped him. “I owe you one.”

---

Erin had already injected the others, and it was time for her own injection. She hated the feeling of them. Like ice in her veins, ripping through her skin. After injecting, she went to wash up and head out to dinner to join everyone else. She took her spot next to Skye. “The food smells good.”

 

“I’m always thankful for when we get actual beef.” Skye smiled slightly, taking a bike of her corn. Everyone’s plates were full of food, though that wasn’t usual. They only went all out occasionally during their barbeques, celebrating one night of the year. 

 

“Would you like to hold her, Erin?” The new mother was making her rounds around the table, baby in hand.

 

“I’m fine, Grace. Thank you.” She tilted her head to the side slightly, already having her hands full with Rylan, who was in her lap.

 

“I remember when Bailey was just a little one,” one of the older ladies caught Erin’s attention, “she used to cry and cry and cry.”

 

“And cry some more.” Erin smiled. “Rylan is an angel compared.”

 

“No!” Bailey yelled out, obviously not liking the comparison. “I’m an angel.”

 

“You are, Bailey.” Erin smiled, running her fingers through Bailey’s hair.

 

Everyone was talking amongst themselves, enjoying the nice summer night and special occasion food. After eating and cleaning up, everyone gathered around a bonfire where a few of the people started playing instruments and singing. Erin held Rylan, who was asleep, and Scout held Bailey, while Skye was off talking to one of the men, obviously flirting with him.

 

“We don’t need another boyfriend in her life.” Erin shook her head with a small baby.

 

“You mean we don’t need another baby.” Scout corrected her bluntly.

 

“Yeah. I suppose.” She laughed.

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