Episode 9 – "Reaps New Group"
The farmhouse was quiet. Everyone asleep, save for John, who slept like a baby—for the first time in weeks. Weeks of endless night, endless screaming, endless running. Even a gunshot probably wouldn't wake him.
Bob wasted no time. He lined the capable members of John's new group outside. Clipboard in hand, pen ready."Kelsey?""Here.""Travis?""Here.""Cainen?""Here!" A raspy shout from somewhere down the line."Makota?""Here."
Bob cleared his throat, voice carrying authority."That man asleep in that house… we owe him our lives. Trust. Honor. This group is now 'The Reap's Group.' We're not slaves. We weren't forced to be here. Anyone who can't accept the rules I place is free to go. Personally? I'd die for that man who saved me from a Berserker. Forever in his debt. But doors are open—leave anytime. Once gone, you're not coming back. Promise."
He paused, letting it sink in. Then focused."Kelsey, you're good at shooting, right? Army background?""Yes," she replied, steady."You're on a team. I'll explain. Team A: shooters—you're with Travis and Makota." They nodded."Cainen?"
A laugh. Cainen barked, "LOOK, BASTARD, I'M CAPABLE OF A LOT. I killed a billion walkers, how 'bout you?"
Everyone laughed. Bob shook his head."You struggled to kill one. You're Team B, melee—with John." He looked around. "Where's Shawn?"
Shawn stepped up, joining the line."Present," he said, voice steady.
Bob continued, breaking down the strategy."Shawn, John, and Cainen are Team B—the melee team. If Team B can't handle it… Team A steps in to finish. Got it?"
They nodded, understanding. Discipline, rules… survival.
John stepped outside, wiping his eyes. Kelsey stared at him, mouth slightly agape, drool clinging faintly.
John lit a cigarette. Calm. Deadly."Great," Kelsey muttered, snapping out of her daze."I'm no longer in love," she added, tone flat but full of amusement.
John didn't respond. He just exhaled smoke, letting the world—and the night—remain his.
The stage was set. The rules were clear. But inside John, darkness churned. Memories of his family, the war, and the unending nightmare gnawed at him. The survivors may see a leader, a savior—but only he knew the monster inside, waiting to take control when the world demanded it most.