"Hey Spike?" I spoke, knocking politely. "I'm Crane,"

A thirty something year-old African-American man, clad in a green leather jacket, white shirt, dark pants and combat boots, turned from his laptop to glare at me and scoffed. "Just what I need, more unskilled labor."

"Excuse me?!" I demanded, insulted.

"Alright, shut up and pay attention," My new acquaintance interrupted before I could launch into a tyraid of self-defense. Thanks mate. Really, good f*cking job.

"There are two types of airdrops: One has food, first-aid supplies, survival gear and such. The other kind is filled with Antizin. The GRE sends in one way video which lets us know when they're on the way but the trouble is, the Antizin drops keep getting raided by Rais' thugs and without Antizin, we're basically screwed. Rais and his boys only operate during the day, because going out after dark is a dandy way to get killed. But the next two Antizin drops are coming down right at sunset and Brecken means to go after them. This may be our only chance to reach them."

"So, what's my part here?" I wanted to know.

"Well as I just said, going out at night is basically suicide. Or it would be if I hadn't been setting up safe houses and traps out there for weeks now, which I have." Spike continued explaining. "Brecken and his team will be okay tonight as long as you get out there and arm those traps, that's your part."

"Okay, where are these traps and how do I arm them?"

"You'll see. I'll be talking you through it." Spike answered, returning to his laptop. "Just remember, without these traps, Brecken won't survive the night and if he doesn't come back with Antizin, we are lost."

"Got it." I responded, turning to leave before my acquaintance stopped me by saying: "Oh by the way, I made some firecrackers which are on the table. Go ahead and take them, they make a fine distraction if you get into trouble. Also I would recommend calling someone from the Tower to show you around if you get lost."

"Thanks, Spike," I said, taking the objects in question and turning to leave. "Good to meet you."

Tch, that was fun. Onto my mission.

Once I climbed over the loose piece of metal fence and landed outside the playing court, my first destination in mind was to head back to the Tower. Start from there and if you see a car, lucky find. After ascending two staircases and narrowly avoiding confrontation with the zombies, it didn't take long for me to spot a blue car simmering with a small red light. Alright, jackpot!

"Okay, first the car. Open the hood, connect the battery - That will arm the trap." Spike spoke from the other end, influencing my radio to spur to life.

"Got it." I informed, following his instructions and arming the first trap. Okay, now to call someone down to help you find your way around here.

I switched my radio on and lifted it close to me. "Hello? Anyone in the Tower, do you copy?"

"Loud and clear. You feeling any better?" A familiar voice shortly responded from the other end. Oh. Libby!

"Yeah, I am now." I answered, hiding my secret appreciation. Remember what your Boss told you. "Listen, Spike's sending me to arm some traps for Brecken's mission tonight. You mind coming out and showing me where I have to go?"

"I'd like to, I really would. But you heard Jade, Rahim and I aren't allowed outside anymore." Libby sighed apologetically. "She'll crucify us if we do and I don't want to let her down."

"I get that, don't worry about it." I responded in understanding. But before I could continue, another familiar voice spoke frantically from the other end. "Jade here. Is anyone outside right now? Urgent help needed!"

"I'm outside, working for Spike." I revealed, feeling pleasantly surprised even more.

"You're Crane, right?" Yes, we spoke not too long ago. "Listen, one of our runners is securing a safe house for Brecken's mission. He's in a courtyard by Vefa and Mirmar, surrounded by zombies. We gotta help him!"

"Okay, I'll get onto it." I said. "Also, do you mind sending someone down to take me there since I don't know sh*t about where it is?"

"Sure, I'll send someone now." Jade affirmed before ending our conversation. Man, I hope this dude's okay...

"Hey Crane, it's me again." Libby soon said from the other end, her tone suggesting that she was left completely shocked. "So..., plot twist - Jade's really desperate to make sure this guy's alright. I guess I can help you after all!"

"That's great!" I replied, sounding a little more positive than I should have been. F****ck...! "What about Rahim?"

"I asked and she won't have it." The younger kid sighed with disappointment, before changing the subject. "In any case, meet me outside the Tower."

Without hesitation, I ascended the staircase and waited in front of the sanctuary's main entrance. It didn't take long for Libby to emerge and when she did, she greeted me with a dumbfounded but mildly perky "Surprise!", having taken a switchblade knife and slid on a blue-grey backpack accompanied by a flashlight taped to its' left strap before arriving.

"Hey kid," I responded whilst attempting to suppress an amused grin. "You ready to go?"

"Yeah, sure thing." She affirmed, gesturing for me to follow her and turning to walk towards the smaller rows of houses. "How's Dr. Zere?"

"He's in one piece. I got an earful from him about the virus." I answered, following the kid. "He told me that he asked a kid from the Sickbay to help him with one of his experiments, was that you?"

"Yep, that was me." Libby confirmed in a friendly manner, vaulting across three black and yellow striped blocks and descending a staircase before jumping onto the roof of a nearby house in the small clutter. "I was asked to leave some infected meat around the city and unfortunately, the result didn't turn out well as we hoped."

"Zere told me he thinks he wasted your time," I said as I followed her across the small clutter of houses, feeling bad for them.

Hearing this, Libby gapped at my response. "What?! No! He didn't waste my time at all!"

"You're a fan of helping people too?"

"That's the main perk." The kid revealed happily as the two of us shortly jumped to the ground and ascended a staircase back up onto the roofs. Rince, repeat and we soon made it to our fenced-in destination. Upon climbing over a piece hanging out, we descended with a group of two zombies bashing the door to a small hut ahead.

"Jade, we're here," I spoke into my radio, gripping the table leg I received earlier tightly. "Along with some infected."

"Watch yourselves, you two." Jade replied worriedly.

"We will do. And don't worry about Libby, she's in safe hands." I reassured her before ending our call. Rahim will be too if he's allowed to join us in the future. I then turned to address Libby. "You okay distracting the zombies?"

"Sure," The brunette answered, leaning down to grab a brick from the ground. "Hey, over here!" She taunted, throwing one at a zombie's head and preparing to attack her incoming targets.

Seizing the opportunity, I ran towards the hut and attempted to force the door open, hearing the sounds of a male crying inside. Easy there, buddy. We're gonna get you outta there. Seconds later, and hope was quickly thrown out the window. F****ck...!

"Sh*t," I growled before sadly speaking into my radio again. "Jade? I think we're both too late, the poor guy's turned,"

"F*ck," Jade responded in disappointment. "Alright, don't let him suffer."

What have I gotten myself into...?

Upon finishing the call, I had to mentally prepare myself to end the poor dude's misery. Just do it, Crane. Sooner, the better. With the thought in mind, I immediately grabbed his head, apologised and snapped his neck.

"Okay, it's done," I told Jade in shock, struggling to hold myself together after I laid the runner to rest. "F*ck!"

"You had no choice." The woman solemnly said from the other end. "As sad as it is, he wasn't human anymore."

"Well, at least his misery's over now."

"Yes." Jade agreed. "Now hurry. You've still got to turn on the lights, that's the only way to make this place safe at night."

"On it," I replied, finishing our call again before pressing buttons on a metal pad encased into the blue wall and flipping a switch up to turn the lights on. Once they lit up the safe house, which only had two beds similar to my one in the Tower, I ventured back outside to see a mildly bloodstained Libby repeatedly slice her second target in the neck with a look of fire, having already killed the first zombie. Seconds after it doubled over, she delivered a kick to the legs and finished it off by slamming her foot down on its' head.

Wooow, that was bad*ss! Brutal too!

"Remind me not to get on your bad side, kid," I commented as I walked towards her, secretly impressed.

Though recovering from her attacks, Libby grinned. She's figured it out, f*ck! "Thanks. I have a lot of people there anyway, don't worry about that." Her smile then morphed into concern. "How's our guy doing?"

"He, uh," I began sadly. "I hate to say this, but he didn't make it,"

Hearing this, the brunette's face dropped and she sighed with disappointment. "Well, at least his nightmare's over."

"Yeah," I agreed, getting interrupted by the sound of a familiar beeping coming from my radio. Oh sh*t. "I'm gonna check something real quick, I'll be back in a moment,"

"Okay, no problem," The younger kid responded. "I'll bring our guy out,"

"Alright,"

Okay, rooftops so Libby can't hear you. Go.

I instantly climbed up the piece of metal fence dangling outside and vaulted up onto the building's lower floor, noticing a gap through the rooftop which I climbed through. Upon ascending onto the roofs, I walked across and descended onto the next low roof. Okay, good enough spot. Taking this into mind, I then fished out my radio and switched it on. "Crane here."

"Report." My Boss spoke from the other end.

"Okay, I met this doctor." I began informing her. "A scientist type. They've got him set up in a sort of research trailer and he's working on a cure for the virus. His name is Zere. Hello? Do you copy?"

"Affirmative. Secondary objective added. Maintain your cover and secure all of his research. Acknowledge."

"Your stolen file still takes top priority, though, right?" I asked with confusion. Why is this happening all of a sudden?

"Affirmative. We find it unlikely that a single researcher working out of a trailer could produce any significant results. But if he does, we want to see them."

"Great. Crane out," I finished, switching off my radio and hearing Jade's voice come in after a brief moment of static.

"How's it coming? Got the lights on?" The woman questioned.

"Yep, done and dusted." I confirmed.

"Good," Jade responded in a pleased manner. "We'll need to prepare more places like that one. We have more spots for future safe zones here, I'll ask Spike to mark them on a map we'll give you tomorrow."

"Okay, no problem. Thanks, Jade." I said appreciatively.

"You're welcome. Is Libby okay?"

"Yeah, she's fine," I reassured her, growing more and more positive as I continued. F*******ck! "She's being a great help too!"

"Oh good!" Jade sighed with relief. "Yes, you should see how Rahim behaves with her. He's almost a completely different person and she could be a great influence for him, she really could."

"Why didn't you send him out, then?" I asked with confusion. "I get that you don't want to lose them but they have their own minds, you know."

"Because unlike her, he's irresponsible. Yes, the kids do have their own minds but I'm also cautious about that. I don't want my brother to do something he'll regret and drag Libby down with him. Do you understand where I'm coming from?"

"Yeah, I do." I answered. But still...

"Thank you." The woman replied with appreciation. "I'm sending you back to Spike now, we'll talk more later."

"Looking forward to it." I said, allowing a small grin to paint my face before static echoed briefly and Spike's voice came through. "Right now, you need to get back to your mission with those traps. There's another car close by."

"Got it."

Once I switched my radio off and placed it back in my pocket, I turned back to see what Libby was getting up to. From the roofs, I could see that the poor runner had been moved outside like she said...

But where the f*ck did she go?!

"Libby?!" I called out, attempting to fight back waves of concern. No answer. Sh*t, Jade's gonna kill me if I don't come back with her! "Libby?!"

"I'm down here!" The kid yelled from the direction behind me, amidst growls from zombies. Oh thank f*ck!

Ignoring the case of sweet glorious relief, I followed the source and found her standing on top of a blue van on my right, throwing multiple small circular objects at a large horde of biters and in the centre of the street were the next two cars.

"Christ, there's no way we'll be able to get these switched on with that many f*ckers here," I muttered with disappointment.

"What do you think I'm doing?!" Libby demanded from the blue vehicle.

"I don't know, throwing one of those parties kids usually have?!" I shot back with confusion.

"These are firecrackers," The brunette explained, stifling a laugh at my response. "Throw some at the biters and they get distracted, I'm trying to buy you some time so you can get these cars switched on!"

I am such a f*cking idiot today. Got some firecrackers from Spike too, remember that.

"Thanks, kid!" I said appreciatively, descending from the roofs and venturing quickly for the car nearest to us whilst the zombies had their attention on Libby. Once I opened the hood and switched the trap on, I immediately dashed for the second car and did the same whilst the young kid continued throwing firecrackers away for the zombies to focus on.

Good job, kid. Thanks for the help.

"You guys want to play fetch, huh?!" She taunted playfully, throwing one as far from me as she could.

"Okay, done!" I revealed after I finished switching on the second car, taking off down a staircase away from the horde with Libby jumping from the van and following me. So far, so good! Though the traps could be useful if the horde decide to come after us again.

"Good job back there." I complimented as I quickly dug out my radio to to inform Spike. "We're all done with the cars, Spike."

"Great. Keep on like that and you might just make it." Spike commented from the other end, impressed. "The next trap's close by and I shouldn't have to tell you this, but don't get caught out in the open."

"Spike, these freaks are everywhere," I protested. "If I need to use a trap to get rid of them, how I do activate it?!"

"Crane, I already told you. They're only for the night mission. You can't use them."

"For f*ck's sake, okay." I scowled, switching my radio off angrily before shoving it back into my pocket. So much for making this easier...

"Sorry about that," I addressed Libby apologetically.

"Don't worry about it," The kid responded in understanding. "If it makes you feel any better, I see why you wanted to use the traps."

Hearing this, I smiled. "Onward?"

"Okay," My friend said, leading the way down a hill towards more roofs from where we emerged earlier.

"Mind if I ask you something?"

"Sure,"

"What's Brecken like?" I asked as we vaulted over a concrete wall, climbed up onto the smaller rooftops on its' left and began venturing across.

"Ah, he's like an overprotective parent," Libby explained. "If someone tries to hurt me or Rahim, he'll whip out the first weapon he can get his hands on and screw the dude over royally,"

"Wow," I replied, pleasantly surprised. "He seems to care about you both a lot,"

"Yeah," The younger kid agreed with a small grin. "He means well, he really does."

Good to know.

We eventually climbed onto the roof of a house which had an incredibly long wooden path venturing up towards a taller building and around its' left side. Cue Libby to freeze in her tracks with complete and utter terror. Oh f*ck!

"The next trap's just here?" I asked with concern, knowing exactly why the poor girl was terrified.

"Yes," Libby confirmed nervously, attempting to fight back her anxiety. "Just head up that beam, make a left and you'll see it."

"Thanks," I said, glancing at the kid worriedly. How can we approach this? I don't want Libby to get hurt and have a panic attack. C'mon *sshole, rack your brains together! "Do you think you'll be able to cope getting across that?"

"I don't have much of a choice," My friend shot back anxiously, her eyes widening with fright and her chest beginning to heave as she stared at the path up ahead. Ooooh! Crane, do something!

"You don't have to head up if this is too much, okay?" I reassured her, preventing my growing concern from showing by gently placing a hand on the back of her neck which unknowingly surprised her. You made it this far kid, I don't think a lot of people your age would be able to do that! "Look, if there are any more houses around where we're headed, you could climb up one of them and wait for me? Everyone wins,"

Upon hearing my words, Libby managed to calm down but I could see that she was still skeptical. "Alright,"

"Great," I replied. "I'll just be a minute, then."

"Okay, no problem."

With that, the kid jumped down from the house we stood upon and ascended another whilst I began making my way up the wooden path. At least it's not as high as that f*cking crane back at the Tower. It didn't take very long for me to reach the taller building and once I did, I carefully continued my trek around the left side and cue a white metal box with a shining red light to greet me. Bingo!

"You just have to shove that thing open, mash some buttons and flip a switch to get it running!" I heard Libby call out from my left.

"Thanks!" I responded, following her instructions whilst maintaining my balance. Tease it Crane, tease it. "Quite a contraption you guys got here,"

"Yeah, Spike's proud of it," Libby agreed. "Those are three times more painful than the cars too, so that's pretty much game over for the infected."

Hearing this, I stifled a chuckle. "Cool."

Once the trap's red light flickered to a bright green, I turned to my left and saw Libby standing on the roof of a slightly smaller house which was near enough for me to jump without the risk of getting my legs broken. Jackpot. My friend sensed what I was about to do and took a couple of steps back, allowing me to steel myself together and leap across to her. Don'tfalldon'tfalldon'tfall!

"You alright over there?" The kid asked, stepping forward worriedly yet glad to notice that I made it in one piece.

"Yeah, I'm great," I responded, secretly appreciating her concern. F******ck! "You don't need to worry so much."

"I know," Libby replied with a relieved grin. "And I think there's only one location left for us to take care of, too."

Yes!

"Sweet," I cheered tiredly, prompting her to snort with amusement.

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm worn out as well," My friend revealed in understanding.

Hearing this, my eyes bulged with surprise. The f*ck?! "How are you worn out, Libby?! You're nearly 18! I'm 33 and approaching 34, for f*ck's sake!"

"So?!" The girl shot back amusedly. "It happens to everyone, man!"

Despite my shock, an amused grin unknowingly painted my face and surprisingly, I didn't end up scolding myself for slowly growing attached. Kid, you are gonna get me into so much sh*t, you know that?

"Let's keep going," I said shortly.

"Alright," Libby replied as we both travelled side by side to our next trap. Crane, letting your guard down and blending in every so often's fine. But have you forgotten why are you're here in the f*cking first place?! Why are you growing attached to Libby, anyway?! You don't have any kids of your own!

Argh, what the hell is wrong with me?

"May I ask you something?" My friend piped up during our trek across even more roofs.

"Sure,"

"How have you been finding everyone at the Tower so far?" Libby asked with concern and remorse shortly lacing her tone. "I mean, I know you haven't had the best start here,"

"Ah, so far, you're great. But I'm hoping that everyone else will come around soon," I told her sadly, completely unaware that I was momentarily slipping into my thoughts. "Especially Jad—" Oh f*cking hell!

"Jade?" My friend prompted with surprise, before she knowingly smirked. F*ck, she's nailed it! "You like her, don't you?"

The shocked look on my face was pretty much all she needed and looking back, I felt like an immature idiot who didn't deserve to be with the super tough and attractive woman. Sure, I dated and at one point, I was engaged (until I got mentally punched in the head - that was a major blow) but there was nobody worthy of 1st place.

Then, this happened. And words couldn't describe how p*ssed off I was that it took so long to realise it.

"I-I—" I stammered worriedly. Goddamnit!

"That's awesome!" Libby cheered, allowing a bright smile to paint her face which unknowingly eased my concerns.

"How is that awesome?" I questioned with confusion.

"What do you mean how?" My friend replied happily. "You seem like a nice enough dude and Jade's cool too, once you get to know her."

"You see, that's the thing," I explained sadly. "Jade hates me. And I feel like I don't deserve to be on good terms with someone like her, especially since... well,"

Hearing this, Libby's smile morphed into one of understanding. "L-Look. Jade's tough and she's been increasing that to a T when she doesn't have to, because she has people who support her. Just... Just give her time, okay?"

"Alright," I responded, smiling in return. "How about you, are there any lucky guys here who've caught your eye?"

"Nope."

"What, really?" I questioned with surprise. "Not even Rahim?"

"We're better off as best pals." My friend responded. "Rahim's awesome, don't get me wrong. But at the same time, he can be a bit..." She then began muttering anxiously to herself. "Augh, how do I put this in the nicest way possible?"

"Just say he can be a d*uche," I finished for her. "Also, I understand what you mean because everyone's not just black or white. They have different sides to them."

Speaking of which...

"Yeah, fair point." Libby agreed. "But honestly, I don't think I'm going to find that special someone anytime soon. If I do though, then I hope he'll accept me for me, issues and all."

Hearing this, concern began to kick in. I knew my friend suffered from hearing loss, but I didn't know that she had another condition. I wonder what it is? W-Wait, damn it, no. I should leave asking for now as I don't want to upset her.

"I'm sure he will," I reassured Libby.

After our conversation, the two of us continued on our trek and it didn't take long for us to reach the final set of traps. And once we did...

"How the f*ck am I expected to reach that?!" I growled with frustration. Goddamnit, why is nothing ever simple?!

The trap was screwed against a tall pole with metal railing stretching out a short distance and blue rubbish bags underneath (Bonus!). Multiple train carriages on tracks, not to mention the usual sh*tty zombies roaming the place, stood between us and f*ck, I do not blame Libby for her fear of heights! That's way too high!

Meanwhile, my friend quickly scanned our surroundings for a solution and came across a staircase leading up to a metal platform which stood not too far from a gigantic warehouse. "Hey, why don't you try heading up that? You can get onto the roof from there and see if there's an opening you can use to balance on," She then pointed me towards a stash of blue rubbish bags underneath a lamp post. "Plus, you can use those bags to your advantage there."

Thanks for the reassurance, kid.

"Okay," I said, calming down. "What will you do whilst I'm in the middle of that?"

"There's another trap on top of one of the carriages here," Libby answered, quickly pointing it out. "I'll take care of that and hold off any guests."

"Alright, give me a shout if you need help." I responded, hiding my secret appreciation again.

"Thanks, you too."

With that, I took off through the trainyard and narrowly avoided the infected during the trek up the metal staircase, whilst Libby did the same and ascended the carriage with one of the traps encased. Okay, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can go back. Bearing that in mind, I quickly scanned the warehouse's roof for a way onto the latter and soon enough, I came across some platforms wide enough for me to stand on. Ha, jackpot! Once I leapt, I climbed up onto the roof and ran as quickly as I could across to avoid slipping off. Ohgodohgodohgod, where's an opening?! Where's the f*cking opening?! My rapidly growing terror instantly morphed into relief when I noticed a metal platform leading inside the warehouse, prompting me to descend upon it.

F*ck yes! Now all that's left is to—

"Oh sh*t," I muttered in surprise, upon noticing how much distance was put between me and the final trap. How the hell am I going to get across from here to there?! Okay, cool yourself and think, Crane. Just make a running start, jump and if you miss, that's perfectly fine. Bags are there, so you're good. Upon steeling myself, I followed my own instructions and once I took off, I leapt forward. Please make it in one piece, please make it in one piece, please make it in one piece!

Despite almost missing, I managed to do just that and words couldn't describe how relieved I was! Oh thank f*ck I didn't loose my grip! Once I pulled myself up onto the metal railing, I repeated switching the trap on and shortly, the red light flickered to a bright green. Yeesss!

"Hey Spike?" I said after I switched my radio on. "Lights are all set."

"Brilliant." He commented from the other end. "You're all finished here, good job."

"Thanks," I replied, switching my radio off, jumping off the metal railing and landing in the rubbish bags as I hoped. Just as I pulled myself out of the pile, my radio suddenly crackled with static again. Huh?

"Hey Crane, guess what?" Oh. Rahim. I can't say I saw this coming. "I'm up on the roof and I got eyes on you from here. Looks like you didn't do so bad, for a newbie."

"Gee, thanks." I scowled. Again with the insults...

"Just try and get back here in one piece, alright? I don't wanna have to train someone else to replace you."

Arrrrrggggghhhh!

"Expect us soon, kid." I responded bluntly before I switched my radio off once more. How the hell does Libby put up with him?

"Hey!"

Whirling round, I saw Libby trotting from the train carriage she had ascended earlier, which was surrounded by the trap's tiny green light. Bingo, we're all done! "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm still in one piece," I answered, hiding my appreciation for her assistance. "You ready to go?"

"Sure," My friend grinned tiredly as she led the way back to the Tower. Looking back, I'm willing to admit that I had a lot of fun on this mission. Libby's an awesome kid and a great help, so much so that I was glad to have at least one ally here.

All that was left was to see how events would pan out.