An hour later, everyone showed up at the entrance.
I pulled the Humvee to a stop, stepped out, and hauled four heavy bags from the back.
Dropping them at their feet, I said,
"Alright, everyone—your guns are back. Fully loaded. The other bag's spare ammo and a few grenades. Don't waste 'em."
Tank crouched first, hauling out the M240B. He hefted it like it weighed nothing, slapping the ammo box in with a loud clack. A low chuckle rumbled from him.
"Damn right… she's back."
Kevin followed, lifting his SCAR-H with practiced ease. He checked the scope, pressed the magazine home, and gave a sharp nod.
"Feels good to have steel again. Thanks, boss."
I nodded as the others followed, each beaming quietly at having their weapons back.
Reaching into the bag, I pulled out a pistol and tossed it to the old captain.
"Here's your gun, old man."
He caught it clean, drew his Makarov, and tested the weight. A smile tugged at his face.
"Thanks, kid. You don't know how much I missed this gun."
I shrugged. "No need. You'll need this, and I'm leaving this place in your care. Watch the perimeter. Keep the others safe until we get back."
He gave a slow nod and patted my shoulder.
"Understood, kid."
After a pause, he added, "Can I ask a favor?"
I nodded.
"When you find my sons… bring their bodies back. As their father, it's the least I can do for them—I want to bury them myself."
"Consider it done, old man."
A faint smile crossed his weathered face. "Spasibo, kid… I will not forget this."
I gave a small nod. "Just get well. We'll have some fun when you're back."
He chuckled, slapping my back with his good left hand. "Ha! You got it, kid… I'll make sure we do."
I handed him a radio to keep our line open.
Once the rest finished strapping on their gear, I looked over my team—Slade, John, Idris, Pierce, and Brick.
"So… you ready?"
They answered with firm nods.
I turned my head slightly. "Hey, annoying woman."
Svetlana raised an eyebrow.
"I left some supplies in the other room—you can use them."
She huffed, ruffling my hair with a smirk. "Yeah, yeah, kid. Don't get yourself killed out there."
I rolled my eyes; the others chuckled.
"By the way," I asked, "how are the twins and Mrs. Jenner?"
"They're fine. Should wake up soon enough, boss," Sith replied.
I nodded. "Do you need me to fetch anything for you?"
Sith handed me a piece of paper quickly. "This is the list of all the medicine I need for emergencies, boss. If some are hard to get, just take the ones that are easiest."
"Understood," I said. "Don't worry. I'll get everything on this list. It's the lifeline of the group."
Sith nodded, clearly grateful.
Before turning back, I caught Edwin's eye and nodded. He returned it.
"Alright," I said. "We're leaving. Take care of yourselves."
One by one, we climbed into the Humvee.
Pierce slid into the driver's seat, hands already on the ignition. I took the front passenger seat, while Slade settled just behind me, holding the map and guiding our route.
The others filed in: Idris ducking low to avoid the roof; John taking the next seat; and Brick climbing in last, rifle balanced across his knees.
"Everyone in?" I asked.
Curt nods all around.
"Good. Let's move."
The Humvee rolled forward, carrying us into the city's quiet streets.
...
[ Candace's PoV ]
Candace stirred, her eyelids fluttering open.
A dull throb pulsed through her skull, and it was only then she realized her head was wrapped in bandages. The last thing she remembered was being inside the Humvee—then everything went blank.
She shifted slightly, the weight of the blanket heavy over her body. Where… am I?
Turning her head, she spotted the twins lying in the beds beside her, bandaged and still, their breathing calm and steady. Relief eased her chest—until unease crept in. She had no idea where they were, or who had brought them here.
Her throat was dry, but she forced her voice out, hoarse and uncertain.
"Hello?… Is anyone there?"
The door opened. Edwin stepped in with a tray—then froze. The bowl of porridge slipped from his hands, crashing to the floor.
"C-Candace?" he stammered.
Candace blinked at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Edwin? Where… where am I? No—where are we? Are we in the CDC—"
Before she could finish, Edwin rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. His shoulders trembled as he whispered, voice breaking,
"Thank God… you're safe."
She stared at him, bewildered.
"H-hey, Ed… are you okay? No—wait, answer me. Where are we?"
But Edwin didn't respond. He pulled back, wiping at his eyes, and muttered,
"Wait here. I'll get Sith—and the others."
Without another word, he turned and rushed out the door.
Candace lay there in shock, her heart racing. What was going on?
Moments later, hurried footsteps approached, and the others filed in.
Sith came straight to her bedside, his movements quick but precise.
"Hold still," he said gently, pulling a stethoscope from around his neck. He pressed it to her chest, listening for a moment before nodding.
He checked her eyes next, watching the pupils react, then peeled back the bandage at her side just enough to see the wound. No swelling, no discoloration.
"She's in good condition," he said with a faint smile. "Everything's alright."
Relief rippled through the room—cheers, claps on the back, even Edwin's shoulders sagging with visible relief.
But Candace wasn't relieved. She snapped, her voice sharp despite its hoarseness. "Wait! What the hell is going on? Ed—you still haven't answered me. Where are we? And why are you all celebrating like it's a holiday? Explain everything to me—now!"
The room fell quiet.
Edwin scratched the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes, then finally began explaining.
Candace listened, her stomach twisting tighter with every word. By the end, her head spun. "So… let me get this straight," she said slowly, staring at him. "You're saying I was bitten—and then suddenly a kid saved me by giving me some kind of vaccine?"
Edwin nodded.
Her eyes narrowed. "I don't believe it." She turned sharply. "Hey, old man—Vladimir!"
The veteran straightened immediately. "Yes, ma'am."
"Tell me. Is my husband telling the truth? Or did he hit his head too hard in the crash?"
Vladimir's expression was grim, but his voice steady. "No, ma'am. Everything he said—it's true."
Candace's breath caught. For once, she had no words.