The van rumbled down the empty highway as Tommy drove on in brooding silence. Micky lay curled up in the back in fitful sleep, while Laila and Jimbo stared from the window.

Tommy kept replaying Zero gunning down those men, their bodies hitting the asphalt. The bullet wounds in their head. The cold brutality of it gnawed at him.

He’d come to terms with taking down zombies. That was necessary. It was life against death. But this…this felt different. As if pieces of their humanity had been ripped away.

“That was intense back there.” Laila’s voice cut through the silence. “With Zero, I mean.”

Tommy’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “Intense? He straight up executed those men in cold blood.” He shook his head, the muscles around his jaw tight. “It was murder, plain and simple.”

“I agree it was extreme.” Laila placed a hand on Tommy’s arm. “But without him taking action the way he did, we might have lost our supplies, and be a van down…or worse.”

“Yeah? But what have we lost instead?”

From the backseat Jimbo scoffed. “Oh come on, Zero’s always been into guns. I ain’t shocked he iced those dudes soon as an excuse presented.” He leaned forward. “Way back, we played some real craphole biker bar outside Austin. Show went south fast and a riot kicked off. Bodies and bottles flying everywhere. But Zero whips out this freaking hand cannon from the van. Shut that riot down real quick so we could all get clear.”

Jimbo chuckled. Tommy just stared stonily ahead.

“Not saying I always dig his methods,” Jimbo said. “Just that he’s never been shy about using force when pushed.”

“Great,” Tommy said. “So, we’ve got a psycho to worry about as well as zombies and bandits?”

Laila let out a sigh. “What Zero did was extreme. But I’m sure his conviction comes from past trauma too. We all have our demons, Tommy. Maybe they just manifest in different ways.”

“I know. But it still doesn’t sit right, him being judge, jury and executioner. It’s messed up, you know? We’re supposed to have laws—”

“Laws?” Laila laughed bitterly. “It’s the Wild West out there. There’s no laws.”

Jimbo nodded. “She’s right, dude. What the world was, ain’t what the world is. Things have shifted, you know?”

“I get that. Obviously, I get that. It’s just…” Tommy couldn’t find the words.

“It’s just different,” Jimbo said. “This time last week, we were on the road trying to pick up some new guitar strings.”

“Yeah.” Tommy shook his head. “And now our guitars are lying with those bodies.” He raised a finger. “You know if the police investigate, they’re going to find our DNA all over that crime scene.”

Laila sniffed. “‘If’ being the operative word there. Tommy, Jimbo’s right. What things were like isn’t how things are now. Things have changed. Maybe things will get back to how they were, but until they do, we need to focus on survival.”

Tommy jerked a thumb towards the shotgun now riding in the back. “You want to talk about survival? Don’t you think it’s dangerous having all these weapons around? What if Micky has a freak out? What if one of us loses our cool, or the thing goes off by accident, or one of us gets hit by friendly fire during a skirmish?”

Laila nodded. “So we keep each other in check. Make sure desperation doesn’t turn us into monsters too.”

“Dude.” A deep frown etched Jimbo’s features. “We keep the weapons. It’s a bad idea taking them into a zombie fight. But if the living start messing with us, we’ve got an answer.”

Tommy’s nostrils flared. “Right.”

“What is it Zero always says? An armed society’s a polite society.”

“Yeah, try telling that to the parents of school shooting victims.”

Jimbo shook his head. “Tommy. You’re thinking about this all wrong. That world doesn’t exist anymore. You think there’s schools right now? We’ve got more urgent things to worry about. Maybe once this zombie crap is dealt with we can get back to debating this stuff. But, for now, dude, things are what they are.”

“Still, I think we can try talking first.”

“You’re right,” Laila said. “But those men weren’t exactly being peaceful.”

Tommy glared at her. “But Zero just killed them.”

“He did. But frankly, his skills may keep us alive out here, as much as they unsettle us.”

Tommy slowly exhaled, the weight of responsibility pressing down. “We can’t have members deciding unilaterally who lives and who dies.”

“He’s a pragmatist,” Laila said.. We didn’t have time for debate and he made a decision. He’s got to live with that as much as the rest of us.”

Jimbo looked between them. “Yeah. But we’re still here, and they’re not.”

A soft groan emerged from the back, and Micky slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes. “What’s…what are you all talking about?”

Jimbo glanced at him. “Hey, man, you okay?”

“Yeah, just a headache.” He leaned back on his seat. “But we’re alive. Thanks to Zero.”

Air whistled through Tommy’s nose. “He shot them, Micky. Killed them.”

Micky seemed to ponder this for a moment. “He…he saved us, Tommy.”

Laila nodded, “Yes, he did.”

“Zero the hero.” Micky grinned. “Hey, that rhymes!”

“He’s no hero,” Tommy said.”

“What do you mean? He protected us when we needed it most, man. He’s a hero in my books.”

Tommy sighed. “I guess. I can see why you’d think that. It’s just hard to reconcile, you know?”

“Tommy, my dude,” Jimbo said. “I think what you’re struggling with is the idea that our world has changed. It’s not black and white anymore. It’s about survival now.”

Tommy glanced at Jimbo, his shoulders slumping. “Maybe you’re right. I just…I worry about what we’re becoming in the process of surviving. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to end up being an asshole, surviving with a bunch of assholes.”

Jimbo grinned. “Hey! I used to be in a hardcore band called A Bunch of Assholes.”

Micky snorted out a laugh. “No, you didn’t.”

“I know. Funny though.”

Laila placed a hand on Tommy’s shoulder, “We’ll find our way through this, together. We’ll make sure we don’t lose ourselves in the process.”

The van fell into silence, each person lost in their thoughts.

The road stretched ahead, endless and uncertain. But for now, they had each other, and in a world turned to crap, that was something to hold on to.

The open Nevada highway unfurled under the late afternoon sun, an endless road of cracked blacktop dotted only by sagebrush.

Laila drove now, freeing Tommy to brood and Micky to snore. Jimbo leaned between their seats, his running travelogue helping to pass the time.

“Whoa, check that weird circle of cars out there.” He pointed to the right.

Tommy followed his gaze to several dozen vehicles parked tightly in concentric rings just off-road. Many had doors flung open, traces of long abandoned occupants. In the circle’s centre sat a pyre of ash and blackened bones.

“Bet it was a quarantine zone, or something,” Jimbo said. “Round everyone up infected, torch the middle. Cold man.”Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Tommy suppressed a shudder.

They passed ransacked cars, drifts of belongings spilled across the asphalt, corpses in various states of decay. Marks of a society unravelling at speed.

By late afternoon, the Nevada landscape stretched out in front of them, a desolate expanse of dust and shadow.

“Looks like we’re coming up on Winnemucca,” Tommy said, breaking the silence. He glanced at the others, their faces lit by the fading light.

“About damn time,” Micky muttered, shifting in his seat.

“Check it out,” Jimbo pointed ahead. “What’s that?”

Tommy squinted at the horizon. A large, fenced-off camp sprawled across the dusty terrain, its outlines hazy in the gathering dusk.

Details emerged as they neared— guard towers, military vehicles, throngs of people in lines. And a large sign spelling out Camp Hope.

“Looks like a FEMA camp,” Laila said. “Never thought I’d be so happy to see one.”

Jimbo snorted. “Wouldn’t let Zero hear you say that.”

“No,” Tommy said. “Laila’s right. This is a good sign, don’t you see? It means the government’s got this.”

“Explains why everywhere’s been so quiet,” Laila said. “We’ve been on the road. Must have missed the announcements and stuff.”

Crackling static cut in. He took the radio from Laila as Roxy’s voice filtered through. “You see that up ahead? What’s the plan?”

Tommy keyed the mic. “Looks official, maybe National Guard. Laila thinks it’s a FEMA camp. We’re gonna check it out.”

“Bad call, man.” Zero’s voice broke in. “I warned you before about getting sucked into government camps. Once they process you in, we’ll never leave. That’s what FEMA wants. Over.”

“But we might be able to shelter and regroup,” Tommy said. “Get some real rest, fresh supplies. I don’t know about you but I’m done with eating all this processed crap. I could murder a carrot.”

“No, Tommy,” Zero said. “As soon as you step inside, you become a ward of the state. The globalists’ plan is unfolding just like I was telling you—disarm citizens making us dependent, then impose Agenda 21…”

Tommy squeezed his eyes shut as Zero ranted on. He was too drained for another conspiracy clash.

Laila took back the radio. “We’re beat and starving. Got no choice but to try our luck here.”

The radio went silent as they approached the barrier blocking the highway.

Beyond the fences, the camp bustled with purpose and energy so long absent elsewhere. Medical tents, mess halls, and endless rows of huts extended for what seemed like miles, with soldiers standing vigilant guard.

Despite his unease, Tommy felt drawn to the simple promise of hot food, solid walls, and news from Philly.

They crept forward until finally pulling up at the barrier. Tommy lowered his window as a young guard in a mask approached.

“Morning folks, welcome to Camp Hope. We’re advising everyone to seek shelter in the camp here for safety. You know it really isn’t safe out there?”

Tommy nodded. “Yeah, my friends and I have been traveling awhile. Anything you got would help.”

The guard nodded. “We can get you registered, meals and a place to sleep. What are your names?”

Before Tommy could answer, Zero marched past, his rifle slung over his shoulder. “We don’t need charity handouts or registration numbers, comrade.” He turned to Tommy’s window. “This is exactly what they want—make us tadpoles in their system. Wake up, Tommy. I told you this was coming.”

The young guard backed up a step, hand raised. “Whoa buddy, let’s stay calm, huh? We’re just trying to provide aid to citizens, not threaten—”

“Save your Globalist lies,” Zero said. “You ain’t locking us in your grid like good little slaves.”

Tommy jumped out to intervene before things escalated further. “Zero, man. Let’s take it easy, yeah?” Holding up his hands, he stepped over to steer Zero away from the nervous guards. “Look man, we’re beat and need the help. Let’s just cooperate but insist we retain the right to leave later, okay?”

Zero wrenched his shoulder away, his eyes blazing. “You all go right ahead then. But I warned you every step what they’ve been planning for decades.”

Tommy turned to the guards with a weak shrug. “Sorry about my friend here. We’ve just had some rough times lately. About that registration…”

The guard nodded. “I get it, rough times for everyone. Let me call my superior, we’ll sort this out.”

As he spoke into his radio, Nix stepped out of the van, his voice calm but firm. “Zero, you’re making a scene. You’re scaring people. We’re all on edge, but this isn’t helping.”

Zero cocked an eyebrow. “You don’t see it, Nix. They’re controlling us, taking away our freedom under the guise of protection. I told you this would happen, didn’t I?”

“Yes.” He rolled his eyes. “In great detail.”

“Exactly. And now it’s happening, right before your very eyes and you still can’t see it. How much of a red pill do you people need?”

Nix took a step closer, his voice low. “I hear you, Zero. But right now, we need food and a safe place to sleep.”

Jimbo, now out of the van, placed a hand on Nix’s shoulder. “Come on, dude. We’re all tired. Let’s just rest and reassess in the morning.”

Zero looked from face to face and shook his head. “Go ahead. But if you think I’m stepping one foot inside a FEMA camp, you’re more stupid than I thought.”

“I understand there’s been some concern of internet rumours,” a guard said. “But let me assure you, our sole purpose is to provide aid and shelter to those in need. It’s too dangerous out there. We advise you to stay in the camp for your safety.”

“Like hell we will,” Zero said, his eyes narrowing. “What are you hiding, huh? You’ve got everyone locked up like cattle in there. Death squads not arrived yet?”

“Sir, please can you not raise your voice.”

“Tell me this isn’t your plan all along.”

“Hey, man, let’s just relax,” Tommy said.

“Stay out of this.” Zero slipped his rifle from his shoulder.

Nix reached for Zero’s arm. “Zero, don’t!”

“Look, we just want to reach our families,” Tommy said. “We need to keep moving.”

“Fine,” the guard said. “But you’ve been warned. It’s dangerous out there.”

“We know,” Tommy said. “Thanks.” He turned to Zero. “Let’s just focus on getting back home. Yeah?”

Zero pursed his lips and backed away towards his van.

Tommy turned back to the guard. I’m trying to get to Philadelphia to find my family. Any news?”

The guard’s expression softened. “Philadelphia…I have family there too. We don’t have much in terms of communication with the east coast.”

“Ah. Oh well.”

“Tell you what I can do. We still have a duty of care to the public. If you need any water or food, I’d be happy to send some your way.”

Tommy smiled. “That would be amazing.”

The guard spoke into his radio.

“Any chance you can tell us what the situation is like up ahead?”

“Can’t say much.” The guard glanced over his shoulder. “All I know is that the outbreak isn’t showing signs of getting better. You’d be safer in here.”

“We understand the risk.”

The guard nodded and soon, a group of FEMA employees wheeled out a pallet loaded with water bottles and boxes of dried foods.

Tommy, Laila, Roxy, and Spike moved quickly to load their vans with the supplies

Zero stood a little apart, his arms crossed, watching the scene with a deep frown etched on his face.

Micky, standing next to the van, kept glancing between Zero and the others.

As Nix moved forward to help with the supplies, Zero grabbed his arm, pulling him back. “Don’t bother, Nix. I’m not trusting any of that stuff in my van.”

“It’s just food and water. We need this.”

Zero shook his head. “No, you don’t see it, do you? They could be tracking us with this, or worse. I’m not taking any chances.”

Tommy glared at Zero. “Listen, man. We need these supplies. We’ve got a long road ahead, and we can’t afford to be picky.”

Zero stared at Tommy. “Fine, take their handouts. But I’m keeping my van clean of their control.”

As the loading finished, the guard opened the barriers for them to leave. “Watch your backs,” the guard said, his voice grave. “There’s no telling what you’ll run into out there.”

“Thanks for the heads-up,” Tommy climbed into the passenger seat of their van, his mind a swirl of thoughts—concern for his family, the uncertainty of the road ahead, and the constant tension within their group.

Laila took the driver’s seat, her expression serious but focused.

The van rolled through the barrier, leaving Camp Hope behind.

The sun dipped low, casting a blood-red smear across the sky.

“Damn,” Micky said. “That was too close back there.”

“Too damn close,” Tommy said.

“Lucky you were there to talk those FEMA dude’s around,” Jimbo said.

“Yeah,” Laila said. “You did good back there.”

“Thanks,” Tommy said.

“Zero’s a loose cannon, but you got us through,” Micky said.

“Didn’t have much choice.” Tommy clenched and unclenched his fists, feeling the familiar itch of his straight-edge tattoos.

“We can’t let Zero’s paranoia jeopardize our safety,” Laila said. “What if next time it’s not just a standoff?”

“Yeah, man,” Micky said. “We gotta keep a tighter leash on him.”

Tommy clenched his jaw, his gaze fixed on the endless stretch of road before them. “We’ve all got our demons, but we’re family. We can’t turn on each other now. We’ll talk to Zero, get him to see reason.”

“Good luck with that,” Jimbo said.

“Let’s keep moving,” Tommy said. “That’s all we can do.”

“Man, I don’t know,” Micky said. “He damn near got us killed back there.”

“Can’t say I blame him for being paranoid,” Laila said. “Those people…they’re trapped.”

“Trapped?” Micky scoffed. “They’re safe. That’s more than we can say for ourselves.”

“Is it though?” Laila glanced back at him. “You think that’s what safety looks like?”

“Better than being zombie chow.”

“Look, we’re all shaken up,” Tommy said, trying to keep his voice steady. “But we need to stick together. If we turn on each other, we’re as good as dead.”

“Tommy’s right,” Jimbo said. “We gotta watch our backs. If Zero’s losing it, we need to help him, not abandon him.”

“Fine,” Micky said. “But if he goes off the rails again, it’s on all of us.”

“Agreed,” Laila said, her eyes meeting Tommy’s.

“We should find somewhere to rest for the night. I’m sure we’ll figure things out after a good night’s sleep.”

“Maybe we should keep a closer eye on him,” Laila said. “Just…in case.”

“Agreed,” Tommy said. “He thinks we’re all blind to the truth. That we can’t see what’s really going on. I don’t want him to feel like he’s alone.”

“None of us do,” Laila said. “We’ll keep an eye on him, make sure he knows we’re all in this together.”

“Good idea.” Tommy flipped the map open on the dashboard. “We should find somewhere to camp near Elko, then head out to Salt Lake City first thing. From there, we’ll figure out our next steps. But for now, we just keep moving. Keep surviving.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Laila said, her grip on the wheel relaxing slightly as she fixed her gaze on the road ahead.

The van continued to trudge along the deserted Nevada highway, the last light of day slowly fading into dusk. Tommy reached for the radio, his voice steady but tinged with fatigue. “Roxy, Zero, we’re going to look for a place to stay for the night somewhere between here and Elko. Let’s stay alert and stick close.”

The radio crackled to life as Roxy responded, her voice clear. “Got it, Tommy. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for a good spot.”

Zero’s voice came next. “Understood. We’ll follow your lead. Over.”

Tommy hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “Zero, about back at Camp Hope…I know things got heated. But we need to keep looking ahead, stay united.”

There was a brief silence and an unfamiliar voice cut through the static of the radio. “You think you can just kill our crew and get away with it?”

Tommy and Laila exchanged a look, the atmosphere turning tense.

“When we find you, you’re dead.”

The transmission ended abruptly, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

Tommy gripped the radio tighter, his mind racing.

“Tommy.” Laila’s voice trembled. “Who was that?”

Tommy shook his head, his eyes scanning the darkening horizon. “I don’t know, but it sounds like we’ve got more than just zombies to worry about.”

Jimbo gripped Tommy’s and Laila’s headrests. “You think they’re serious?”

“There’s no telling,” Tommy said. “But we can’t take any chances. We need to be more vigilant than ever.”

“What should we do?” Laila asked.

“What else can we do?” He glanced at the side mirror, checking the road behind them. “We keep moving.”