Chapter 7: Destination: Israel.

"We didn't receive any messages; our communication equipment suffered some damage, and we can't fix it with the zombies outside," explained the base commander.

"You can call me Speke. That's Ellis and my team," he continued, introducing the group of four men and one woman. "At least, what's left of us. There were more, but they were caught while we were getting supplies from the other building," Speke recounted with sorrow.

"I'm sorry." After Speke's introduction, David expressed his condolences for the loss of the soldiers.

"We were sent by what remains of the high chain of command of the government and the military to investigate a memorandum that came from this base, mentioning the word 'zombie,'" he explained.

"Do you know what happened in Washington?" one of the soldiers quickly asked after David finished.

"And in Atlanta?" another asked.

"New York?" the woman inquired.

Listening to the anxious questions from the group, David's face grimaced slightly. "Their families live in those cities," Speke explained.

David sighed. "Unfortunately, there's no city that escaped the outbreak. The infection spread overwhelmingly."

Speke and the other soldiers seemed saddened by the news but understood the gravity of the situation.

"Follow me," Speke said, leading the way. As they entered the next room, Speke guided them through a scene of chaos: charred bodies and burnt furniture.

"All this happened on the day we had the first case here at the base," Speke began to explain. "Everyone in this room was bitten trying to restrain that man on the bed," he pointed to a charred body, handcuffed to a bed.

"He was the base's doctor," Speke started, "he went out to investigate a neighboring county with reports of sick people. Unfortunately, he was bitten by one of them, and upon returning to the base, he fell ill. While being treated here, something unexpected happened."

Ellis intervened, adding to the story. "He suddenly woke up in a fit of rage, biting his coworkers. We tried to control the situation, but it spread quickly."

"One bit the other, and when we saw it... they all turned into zombies," Ellis recounted.

"Was that when he hurt his leg?" Gerry asked.

"No, it's been bothering me for a while," Ellis replied. "The bastard stayed in the middle of them, but none of them bit him," Speke joked.

David nodded, knowing this would be one of the crucial pieces of information for them to deal with the virus in the short term.

"There's not much to collect, but luckily we have Dr. Fassbach and some support material for the analyses." David said. "Dr. Fassbach, collect the materials you find and perform the analyses you can." He gave the order.

"Yes, sir." Fassbach nodded, putting on gloves to collect samples from the bodies.

David observed as Dr. Fassbach began to collect samples, aware that these analyses would be crucial to understanding what they were facing. However, he knew perfectly well that this wouldn't be enough.

Turning to Speke, David expressed his concerns. "I believe we'll need more than this to deal with this situation. Is there anything else that can help us?"

Speke nodded, seeming to ponder for a moment. "There's someone who might have crucial information. Come with me."

Leading David through the corridors, Speke took him to a cell room. Upon opening it, he revealed a thin and worn-out man, looking at them with a mix of suspicion and apathy, murmuring something about people dying, likely just delusions.

"This is David Morse," Speke introduced. "A former CIA agent. We caught him selling weapons to the North Koreans. But apparently, he might have some relevant information."

David stared at Morse through the cell bars. "What led a CIA agent to get involved in selling weapons to enemies?" David inquired, seeking to understand Morse's motivation.

Morse, with a cynical smile, replied, "There are no right sides, Captain. Just the one that pays more. And, in the midst of chaos, loyalties change."

Ignoring Morse's justification, David pressed on, "What do you know about the outbreak? Speke told me you might have some relevant information."

Morse, tauntingly, continued, "Captain David Johnson, executed missions in the most dangerous areas of the planet and never failed once. The true super soldier of the battlefield. I've read your file, the whole CIA has, actually."

David, maintaining his composure, responded coldly, "Who I am is not relevant. We're here to try to deal with this situation, not to discuss my past."

"How about you give me some interesting information, and I give you a chance to get out of this cage?" David proposed.

After a brief pause, Morse, as if deciding to share valuable information, finally spoke.

"What you're looking for is in Israel. One week before the outbreak, they erected giant walls, surrounding the entire city. They did it even before the outbreak began." Morse revealed.

David raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the revelation. "Why Israel? What did they know that the rest of the world didn't?"

Morse shrugged, revealing an expression of disinterest. "I don't know the details. I just know they were preparing for something long before all this happened. If you want answers, that's where you'll find them."

After the conversation with Morse, David stepped away from the cell, leaving him behind. He joined Speke and Gerry, finding Fassbach already immersed in analyzing the material collected from the bodies.

"What are you going to do with him?" Speke asked. "Leave him there; I know it's inhumane, but at this moment, that kind of question isn't of great importance." David replied coldly.

"Besides, he'd be an unstable variable in the mission. You can't trust a traitor." Gerry and Speke nodded, understanding David's point, as none of them were saints.

"What's the verdict, doctor?" David asked Fassbach, interested in the preliminary results.

Fassbach, adjusting his gloves while looking through the portable microscope, replied, "The material we obtained is quite degraded, making deeper analyses challenging. However, there are clear indications of a significant mutation in the virus found in America. I'll need more time for a detailed analysis."

"Do what you can; we won't stay here much longer." David said.

While Fassbach continued his work, David turned to Gerry, starting a discussion about the next step.

"The information Morse provided points to Israel. I think that's where we'll find the answers we're looking for," David proposed, pondering the crucial decision ahead.

Gerry, reflecting on the suggestion, expressed his concerns. "Israel is a risky place, David. We don't know what we'll find there, but if they really knew about the outbreak before it started, it's something to investigate. I trust you, and we'll go wherever you say."

David nodded and walked over to Speke and his battalion. "Once Dr. Fassbach finishes, my team and I will head to Israel. I can't take you home, but if you're willing to join us on this mission, you're welcome."

Speke and his team quickly considered the proposal. Amid an atmosphere of uncertainty, they exchanged meaningful glances, reflecting on the possibilities ahead. After a brief silence, Speke broke the deadlock: "We're in. If it's to unravel this mystery and try to make sense of all this, we're with you to the end."

...

With Dr. Fassbach's analyses concluded, the team gathered to prepare for the next stage of the mission. Equipment was checked, weapons were verified, and each member received clear instructions on what to expect in the coming moments.

David gathered everyone for a brief strategic meeting. "Now that we have some answers, it's time to move forward. Speke, your team will refuel the plane while we protect you from the zombies. Let's keep silent until we get there."

"Get ready; we leave in 5 minutes." David ordered. Walking over to Gerry, who was in a corner, he noticed he was trying to talk to Karin.

"Is the signal bad?"

"Yes, I couldn't reach her today," Gerry replied.

"Try again when we get out of here. Just don't forget to put it on silent," David said, reminding that if it weren't for his presence in this world, Gerry's phone would ring while they were heading to the plane, causing the death of the entire team except the pilot.

"Alright," Gerry nodded.

After the soldiers finished preparing, David positioned himself in front of the base door. "We're leaving."

Opening the door, the group stepped out, maintaining silent steps.

After exiting, the darkness of the base embraced them. The distant sound of zombie moans echoed in the shadows, creating a gloomy soundtrack.

David led the way, his team following in disciplined formation. The group advanced cautiously, each step calculated to avoid drawing the attention of the zombies wandering through the base. The only illumination came from tactical flashlights, creating intermittent beams of light that cut through the darkness.

As they approached the location where the plane was, Speke and his team prepared to refuel the aircraft. David and the team strategically positioned themselves, ensuring a clear view of any approaching threats.

Once Dr. Fassbach and the pilot boarded the plane, David signaled to the soldiers.

"As soon as we start the refueling pump, all the zombies will come our way. Don't let them get close," David whispered to his team. "Speke, on my signal."

Speke and his team quickly connected the hose and awaited the signal. "Now!" David commanded.

Slapping the generator, the machine started filling the plane's tank. At the same moment, the plane's engine roared, and the pilot prepared for takeoff as soon as the refueling was done.

As the engine roared, the groans of zombies started echoing throughout the base. Fast steps approached the plane.

"Here they come, hold your positions," David instructed, keeping the men calm.

Amidst the frenetic movements and the cacophony of zombie moans, David took charge of the team, directing them with precise commands.

"Speke, make sure that hose is secure! Gerry, you guard the door! The rest, with me! Let's keep these undead away from the plane!"

Zombies ran toward the plane with surprising speed, but David's dexterity was supernatural. He eliminated them with extraordinary precision, demonstrating exceptional agility and speed.

In a tense moment of the bullet rain, a more agile zombie almost reached Speke, who was protecting the refueling hose. David reacted with a quick combination of movements, placing himself between the zombie and Speke, delivering a precise butt stroke that crushed the zombie's head.

"Thank you!" Despite being surprised by David's strength and speed, Speke quickly thanked and continued shooting.

"Everyone, stay alert! The tank is almost full!" David shouted, while his team efficiently responded to his orders.

The chaos continued, with David's team facing the relentless tide of zombies. Each member contributed to the defense, but it was undeniable that David stood out. His superhuman strength and exceptional skills made him an unstoppable force in that deadly dance.

After a few moments of frenzied chaos, the pump finally finished filling the tank, and the pilot's voice sounded on the radio. "Full tank, get on the plane now!" he shouted.

The last shots were fired, and David signaled to retreat. Removing the hose, Speke and the team ran toward the plane, keeping the zombies at bay. David was the last to board, his extraordinary abilities allowing him to confront the undead with skill.

"Everyone on board! Let's take off now!" shouted the pilot as he closed the door, and the plane began to move.

David, already inside, shot at the zombies preventing them from entering. Once the door closed, he finally released the trigger and lowered the gun.

The plane quickly accelerated and took off, gaining altitude, distancing itself from the zombie-infested base. The team, breathing a sigh of relief, observed the darkness of the night below as they moved away from the momentary nightmare.

David approached Speke, who was recovering from the tension of the battle. "You and your team were amazing out there. Welcome aboard."

Speke waved with gratitude. "Thank you, Captain. I don't know how we would've gotten out of this without you."

"We're all in this together now." David looked at the horizon, contemplating how to proceed after reaching Israel. "Let's find out what's happening and how we can stop it."