CHAPTER ELEVEN

        When I finally stumble into the Old Atrium, my breath loud and ragged, I waste no time in slamming my bloodied hand against the security panel nestled into one of the support pillars off to my right. Then, I wait in silence as the sirens start blaring. The lights start dimming. And the blast doors start clawing their way home. Slowly giving me some temporary respite as the infected fail to wriggle their way through in time.

        As soon as I see the doors lock into place, I cut the sirens; and slide down the length of the pillar. Leaning my head back, and resting it against the cool surface as I clutch my side. Trying my best to stay conscious long enough to call out for help. “Hello? Is there anyone here?”

        “Yes! Don’t worry, Commander! We’re sending Governor Carrier over to you right now! He should be there shortly!” shouts someone off in the distance, their voice barely audible.

        “Okay! Please tell him –” is all I can get out before Governor Carrier cuts me off.

        “Oh, Christ! What in God’s name?... Commander, what happened to you?” asks the Governor as he comes whipping around the pillar. The look of concern painted across his face seemingly genuine as his eyes go directly to my crimson-soaked side.

        “Mr. Hopper and I ran into a rogue group of infected a few corridors over,” I say, trying not to wince too badly as I re-adjust myself into a better sitting position. “And, in the mad dash to get here before it was too late, Mr. Hopper perished; and I was badly mauled.”

        “Yeah, I’d say that’s an understatement,” says Governor Carrier as he raises my hand long enough to examine the full extent of my injury. “But you’re here now, and that’s what counts. Before we can try to get you some medical help, though, we need to activate the Guard. Do you have your authorization codes on you?”

        “Um…, yes! I believe they’re around here somewhere,” I say as I use my non-bloodied hand to feel around the insides of my pockets; retrieving the small, slightly crumpled piece of paper I know contains the codes the second I come across it. “Here! Take them, and go. We don’t have much time left.”

        “Of course! Thank you, Commander,” says Governor Carrier as he snatches the paper from my fingers, and retreats; disappearing back off into the distance while I’m left to wallow on the ground with my hand still clutched to my side. Waiting, rather impatiently, for whatever grim fate destiny has chosen for me.

        I just wish I didn’t have to spend what little time I have left trying to run for my life. But when I hear the screams off in the distance, and see the infected bursting through the blast doors like they’re made of glass, I know I have no choice. If I don’t force myself to get up right here and now, I’ll be a sitting duck for sure. Not that it even matters.

        As soon as I manage to get back up on my feet, I feel something thin and sinewy wrap itself around my ankles; pulling my feet right out from underneath me, and sending me tumbling towards the ground with a hard thump. The sudden fall leaving me dazed, but not too dazed to see the creature looming over me.

        Petrified, I’m helpless to watch as it lowers its head; and rests one of its broken talons on my right breast pocket, tracing its embroidered edges with a jagged tip. “You have fought long and hard for these humans, Commander, and you have suffered greatly for it,” whispers the creature in a voice as dry and gravelly as a hot desert breeze. “But now, at long last, it is time for you to rest. For when you wake next, you will again be one of us.”

        “W-what are you talking about?” I stammer, my fear getting the better of me.

        “That, you will find out soon enough,” murmurs the creature; tilting its head to the side as it moves its talons down to my side, and sinks them into my mauled flesh. Filling my entire body with a fiery liquid so intense it rips the air right out of my lungs. “Now sleep, my Queen.”