Franklin instinctively stepped forward, protecting Maya. "My name is Franklin. This is my sister Maya. We escaped from New Eden when it fell."
The woman's wary expression softened slightly. "I am Sophia. I was a nurse at New Eden Sector – before… everything.
How did you make it across the infected zone?"
Franklin explained their desperate rooftop escape. "We climbed up from an alleyway near our sector's collapse. We're trying to reach Sector 3 – heard it is a safe zone."
Sofia nodded gravely, "Yes, relatively safe. Commander Rudy leads it. But we have issues – food shortage, infected breach and something worse,"
Maya clung tighter to Franklin's hand. "Worse than Zombies?" She whispered.
Sophia eyes locked onto both of them. "Yes. Living threats – they are other survivors who'd kill for resources. We call them 'raiders' or 'marauders'."
Franklin's grip on Maya tightened. "We need to get to sector 3, before threat find us."
Sophia nodded, "Follow me. I know a safer rooftop path."
Sophia led them across rooftops, navigating through narrow gaps between buildings, rusted fire escapes and crumbling bricks.
Darkness illuminated only by distant at Sector 3. Franklin kept Maya close, eye scanning below for infected and ahead of obstacle.
"Sophia, how much farther to Sector 3?" he asked quietly.
"About 5 rooftops left," Sophia replied, voice low and cautious.
Suddenly, Maya pointed downwards. "Franklin… Zombies found our rooftop path!"
Franklin peered down – horde of infected had gathered below. Zombies moaning loudly, arms reaching upwards, climbing onto adjacent rooftops, closing in on their group.
Sophia drew her gun, ready to fire, "We need to leave – NOW!" Sophia whispered urgently.
They sprinted across the remaining rooftops, jumping narrow gaps between buildings and dodging loose debris and unstable bricks. Hearing zombie's mere feet behind and their relentless pursuit.
Finally, they reached a rooftop entrance to sector 3. They went to the heavily guarded gate with steel reinforcement, armed soldiers peering out cautiously, then nodded at Sophia.
One soldier called out, "Sophia, thank God you are safe! Commander Rudy needs briefing – immediately."
Sophia led them inside Sector 3. Franklin learned this sector was led by commander Rudy, a former mayor, Sector 3 was a separate entity from North Sector, led by Commander Taylor.
Sophia explained as they walked, "We fled New Eden Sector when zombies breached its walls. I knew Sector 3 might still be safe – Commander Rudy has strong security."
They approached Commander Rudy's office, a middle-aged woman with short brown hair and a firm expression was discussing with Commander Rudy.
She greeted Sophia warmly and eyed Franklin and Maya curiously. "Survivors of New Eden Sector? This changes our situation drastically…"
Commander Rudy expression turned grave. "Tell me, survivors of New Eden Sector… what happened?
We have only scattered reports of its collapse."
Franklin took a deep breath, recounting their horrific experience, "Zombies overwhelmed our Sector's defences. My sister and I barely escaped with our lives."
Commander Rudy's eyes narrowed. "This confirms our worst fears. Former Commander Fierce Intel suggested New Eden was stable… clearly, he misled us."
Commander Rudy's voice turned icy. "Former Commander Fierce's betrayal runs deep. We discovered Intel he shared with outsiders – likely 'Scorch' and his Raiders."
Franklin's eyes widened. "Scorch? You mean the leader of the raiders Sophia told us about?"
Commander Rudy nodded gravely, "Yes. Same one. Our sources suggest Scorch was once… Commander Fierce himself, before he abandoned his post and turned rogue."
Maya clung tighter to Franklin's arm. "That's terrifying. What does he want?"
Commander Rudy's face turned grim. "Scorch seeks control of remaining sectors – North Sector, ours and any other sector still standing. He will slaughter survivors to achieve his goal.
Sophia spoke up. "Commander, should we prepare defences – and possibly a counterstrike against scorch?"
Commander Rudy nodded decisively. "Yes. Franklin, your knowledge of New Eden's fall could aid our strategy. Will you help us plan against Scorch?"
Franklin nodded firmly. "Yes Commander Rudy. I'll help plan against Scorch. We need to stop him before he destroys more sectors."
Commander Rudy's expression turned slightly hopeful. "Thank you, Franklin. Sophia brief our defense teams. We'll strategize tonight."
Just then, Commander Taylor's face appeared on the holographic display.
"Commander Rudy, we have established a quarantine zone in North Sector. My wife, Dr. Abigail Taylor, is working on a vaccine. We believe collaboration could accelerate progress."
Commander Rudy's eyes lit up, "A vaccine could be our strongest weapon against Scorch's tactics – infecting sectors with zombies. Most importantly, arrange a secure channel for Dr. Abigail to share her research with us."
*TO BE CONTINUED*