The Lost Diary of Katie Lynn

Chapter One

April 5, 2150

The War

The bird’s song echoed through the thin woods that hid the half of a house that sat back in the woods on a gravel road that lead toward her driveway. Flowers hung in pots cracked with age around the outside of the house. Grass had been dead for years because of the bombs that had scorched the earth. If you had looked at the house, you would find the fine cracks in the brick and the roof that needed serious repair. But when Katie Lynn had looked at, she saw her house like it was. Dean had always made sure things were running at top notch quality. He would make her breakfast in bed often and then they would get ready for their daily run before she went to class.

When you opened the door, anyone could see the walls were lined with old photos and the cabinets held what was left of an old set of dishes that had been a gift from her mother. Once it was a happy home with ACDC blasting while they both worked on their computers becoming word smiths for their class they had. Dean when always finish first and beat her upstairs so he could change into his running gear. He had to run five miles everyday no matter what.

But that had changed when the first shot had rung out in the early morning air waking the dead. At first, she had thought it was some hunter out in the woods or even a car that backfired. The news had been reporting riots in D.C months before. Katie Lynn hadn’t paid any mind to that that in their back yard. But not this time. Something was off.

Dean had jumped out of bed grabbing his pistol that had been wedge underneath the bedframe and ran out the back door in search of the gun fire. Katie Lynn wasn’t far behind him. They both stood there in utter silence as smoke filled the air around them and people screamed in horror.

“Oh my god! Dean what is going on?!” screamed Katie Lynn

Dean looked into her eyes and said three words. “World War 3.”

“What has she done?”

“Katie you knew she was going to kill us if we didn’t comply. Now we have to go.”

It had become quiet and they had both gone inside trying pull their things together so they could get the hell out of there. But before they could even make it out of their own driveway she arrived on their doorstep.

It’s been a shock when the first bomb had dropped well over six years ago causing the war between states. People had called it the WW3 and it was bloody. Death and injuries where at an all-time high. The news reported hospitals were full and there weren’t enough doctors left to help keep people alive. They just wanted to live and then there were the others who hoped that this nightmare would end. In the beginning people would often stand on the side of the roads protesting the war just like are third great grandparents did back in the 1970’s. Chanting “Make Love not war” was the best thing that they could come up with at the time. It was when one by one those people began to disappear that Katie Lynn knew that something was terribly wrong. The government had reinstated the draft after the US had split apart in 2040. Her husband of six years was a Marine who was ready to hear the call to serve at a moment’s notice. They both believed that people should make their own choices within reason and for that he was going to make good on his promise. Dean knew the killing had to stop and he felt he could help.

Katie Lynn didn’t like it, but she knew that nothing she said would have stopped him, so she did her best with a bright smile and a great goodbye kiss. Since they had no children she had stayed behind to help as some sort of medic as much as possible because when the first bomb had been dropped, she was in medical school training to become a general doctor. She could still remember what it was like that day. Fire and brimstone all round her. Sulfur stayed in the air for days and screams were at every turn. There were dead bodies that lined streets. Katie Lynn knew that she would never forget the feeling as she watched her friends dying right in front of her. But things had changed and not for the better. Katie Lynn could still remember when she had gotten the news that her husband died in a shot out.

She sat in her house for days drinking herself numb as the gun shots rang out all around her. What woke her up was a bomb had exploded in her living room. After the dust had settled, she knew that she had to do something. She thought of Dean and how he would want her to live her life. So, she pulled herself up and she began a routine that kept her busy and off the grid just like he had taught her until she couldn’t hide anymore.

It was along seven months after the last gun rang out, Katie woke up that next morning to dirt dropping from the pathed roof that took her almost a week to fix. The air was thick with black smoke that made her cough and gag. A bell rang in the distance signaling the end of a fight from a battle that had been going on for god knows how long. Knowing that it was a small battle Katie rolled out of the bed and began to crawl along the floor in hopes of getting some sort of fresh air. Soon the sound of rocks being crunched under big tires as they were speeding down what was left of a road was the cue for Katie to hurry to get her shapeless jumpsuit on that she had been issued many months ago by some no name guard.

She remembered the day she was snatched out of bed by some zombie looking guards and brought to the big house on the hill. That was where the Alpha lived and tortured POW’s. She wasn’t about to repeat that day anytime soon.

It was a matter of minutes when she heard the pounding on her warped door of her house, well one half a house. “What the hell do they want at this hour?!” grumbled Katie. Katie watched as the doorknob began to rattle and shake.

Snatching the door open Katie was meet with six grotesque guards that looked like they walked out of a Nazi magazine with their hair slicked to the side and bright eyes with pupils the size of pins. They stood there like statues behind a mousey, pale man with huge black rimmed glasses on. “You are needed. She needs healing.” Turning on his heal he made his way back toward the jump.

“Oh, that’s wonderful. She creates the war and death follows that women everywhere she goes. And then she wants me to patch it up.” Muttered Katie.

Without hesitation one of the behemoth guards with perfect blonde hair took two steps toward her and backhanded her across the room into the only glassware that she had left, shattering it across the floor. Katie Lynn lay on the floor trying to pull herself off the floor. Wiping her hand across her face smearing the blood.

“I told you do not piss them off. They only follow the Alpha.” Smirked the little mouse man

“You don’t say. Whatever makes you feel like a man.” Spat Katie. The only response she got from the guard was a mere growl.

Katie could feel the blood run down her chin. Pain creeped in slowly as she tried to catch her breath. Saying nothing the guard marched over to Katie and snatched off the floor by one of the nameless guards that stood there, and her bag was picked up at the door where she had left it the night before. “I told you not to piss off the men. They serve the Alpha and she doesn’t take any crap from anyone.” Smirked the men with the glasses. Katie saw death outside her doorstep. In a ring of blood lay a man who had lost his head from one of her traps that she had lain in protection. It was either them or her and she was damned if it was going to be her.

“Come now we must go. You are wasting too much time.” Mouse man complained.

“Shout up Mouse.” growled Katie Lynn

Katie climbed into the back seat of the beat-up jump that had been stolen out of some dead person’s yard. Just like any food or money because that’s how she worked. She Is taking her right hand; she ran it against her mouth checking for any broken teeth. “You are fine bitch. Everything is fine so stop your bitching. It’s not like you are anyone special.” Demanded the mouse man. She was satisfied that everything was intact. She sat in silence for the long bumpy drawn out ride that would take her to what was left of her childhood home that she vowed that she would never return to ever since her father had died ten years before.

“You mouse man. I would love to get a few minutes alone with you. I have a few things I wanted to tell you.” Growled Katie Lynn as she balled her fist up.

“You are not my type.” Squeaked the man.

“Big talk from a mouse “Said Katie Lynn.

“I figured breathing would be your type.”

The Alpha had found one of the oldest mansions in Virginia to hide out in. It was called Control by those who were close to the Alpha but what people didn’t know was the Alpha was born in that mansion years ago. She wanted to show what people that were left in the town that she was almighty. Almost god like. But to Katie the town was all but a ghost town. She watched as a dog wonder around the street searching for food. Old people dressed in rags wondered around in hopes of finding some work so they could earn the small amount of food. There was a small girl maybe about six years old that would throw rocks at an old street sign every day. Her eyes were blank from hunger.

There was just a select amount of people that were picked to live, and the Alpha would reward you because you were worth more to her alive than dead. If you were picked you were assigned a job and Katie was told that she was a doctor and she was on call no matter what.

Katie was one of the lucky ones. She was told that she was a doctor. She was going to be on call whenever she was needed. Katie Lynn had to keep the Alpha and her minions healed or face torture.

Almost a year ago she told her neighbors that they should grow some food or start collecting can food. But not many of them listened to her and slowly but surely the food “ran out.” And going out to the store was no longer an option people started to freak out. Some stole from others to try and make it, but others just died in their homes.

She lasted about four months on her own in her house. One day she was woken up by an older guy knocking on the door, hoping for some food. Katie took him in and used everything she had to keep him alive, but it didn’t work. She basically watched him die two days later.

That is when the Alpha took over a small town outside of Virginia making it her own. The place was once called Sterling Virginia which she felt like renaming it Sector One and the groupies soon followed her there. She had set up a few of her high-ranking army members with new digs and some money on the side.

Everyone hopped out of the jeep and made their way toward the large hand carved wooden door and waltzed right. When she saw the plain clothed women with horn rimmed glass that sat behind a huge oak desk.

“Fine. I am here. Where is the Alpha?”

Katie asked the Neo-Nazi guard that stood silently by the French doors. Opening the doors, she saw The Alpha and she was covered in blood with nasty gashes down her right side. What Katie saw was just simply horrible.

“You drag me out of bed to fix whatever you mess you made. Wonderful.” Stated Katie.

The guard was becoming angrier by the second. “What are you standing there for? You are needed and if she dies you die.” And with a hefty shove, Katie stumbled into the living room. “I get the message your trying to say your gigantic monster, so hands off.” Growled Katie Lynn.

“Let me take a look at you.” Said, Katie, as she pulled open her medical bag that the Alpha had kept for just the occasion. Katie took her sweet time pulling her supplies out of the old carpet bag that she had found at a thrift shop when she was about ten years old.

“Fix this.” Whispered the Alpha as she pointed to the whole that was oozing blood everywhere.

In front of Katie sat a lady in her fifties with short blonde hair that was caked with dried blood. She was dressed in black with leather boots. Her outfit didn’t much left to the imagination because Katie Lynn knew that she had been a one on one fight. Katie hated the fact she was “picked” to be a doctor to heal the sick and dying. It turned out to be one of the painfully choices that she ever had to make but it kept her alive and that is what she wanted to do until she could make her way past Mississippi on to No Man’s land.

Katie Lynn could still remember the night she was pulled out of her house and taken to abandon warehouse. She was tied to a cold metal chair and some nameless 6-foot-tall goon began to beat her. He had pulled out a thin blade and made shallow cuts up and down her arms.

“I will fix you, but I promise you this will be the last time I do anything like this.” Warned Katie.

“Don’t threaten me you whore.” Declared Alpha.

The Alpha was a short lady that weighed in about 150 pounds. She had dull pale skin and deep sunken eyes that seemed soulless. Her hair was short and blonde with caramel highlights “What good is this war? Millions have died and there are so many that hate and that toxic garbage spills everywhere. What good is that?” questioned Katie as she began wiping down The Alpha’s face that revealed a small bullet hole that had skimmed her skull.

Katie Lyn made sure she took her times as she cleaned her up. Each wiped became harder and she would hit small pressure points on The Alpha, and she took pleasure in each groan or gasp at the pain.

The Alpha said nothing as Katie cleaned her up and stitched her gashes at her side with ease when she knew the blood had ebbed, she knew that she would live for another day. Katie had known The Alpha’s real name was Candi Ellies. Who in their right mind names a kid that she thought? Maybe that’s what totally fucked her up and made her try and take over the world.

“Don’t you get it. You are a pitiful fool. I am saving you and the thankless whores from the wrath of the Omega.” Explained the Alpha.

“You are saving us from the wrath of the Omega? So, you send your trained monkeys to kill people in the middle of the night for simple not believing in you or even snatch me out of my bed to heal you. Great plan.” Scolded Katie Lynn.

“Shut up you’re a heinous bitch. Enough. You have done your job here. Now be gone.” That was her cue for the giant Neo Nazi to walk through the door and snatch her up by the right arm and throw her into the Jeep, but the Alpha throw some coins on the ground for Katie before she left

The Alpha hid behind the door to watch her pick them up in submission. No one knew that The Alpha was her half-sister and it was only time before that wouldn’t help her, she thought. And one day she was going to bring her down.

After scooping up the last of the coins she was thrown back into the jump and driven home. The guards picked her up and throw her back into her house.

“Sorry bastards!” whispered Katie Lynn.

That is when she began to form her plan. She was going to the see the Omega in hopes of getting some help from him but that was going to take work that might kill her. She didn’t care anymore. Anything was better than living like someone’s slave for the rest of her life. Katie pulled out her one and only notebook and began to write. She was going to write about her journey across the world and hopefully when she reached No Man’s land and then only then she would be happy and free. But for now, she had to handle her life here in Sector One. She knew that she had to keep away from Alpha if she wanted to live.

Chapter Two

Survival

Katie had to figure out what she could do about living. Dean had bought a tent a few years before the war. Katie Lynn didn’t mind camping back then because Dean had made it fun for her and now, she knew that she needed something to keep the elements off her if she tried disappearing in the woods. Pulling the bag down Katie Lynn made sure everything was in it. “I guess it’s now or never.” Whispered Katie Lynn

Her food supply had been running low for the last few days. She knew that she could go to the one place that the Alpha kept open and stocked. It was an older Winn Dixie with bricks missing and a few of the windows were cracked. It was right out of a history book. The shelves were almost empty and there were guards with AK47’s watching as each person took the five cans of food and the loaf of bread. The middle line was for diary, and the last line was any presents that the Alpha wanted to gift you with that day. The one time she had walked in there not knowing what to except but hoping for the best. Katie Lynn saw people lined up with their babies and some of the older people. Everyone had a layer of permeant dirt and depression over them. That’s when she knew she would never step another foot into that poor excuse she called store again.

Katie had found a small field that was close to what she called her house and went to work on building a small fence that kept poaches out. She had found some old seeds that had been sitting a drawer and planted them hoping they would grow in the lifeless dirt. She was in luck when she saw the tomatoes grow. She enjoyed wrapping a live wire around the posts that stuck out of the ground. She wanted to keep her food for herself or to use to trade. Since she was ready to go, she packed dried carrots and tomatoes in hopes it would last until she could find some more.

“Dean, I think I have enough for 2 weeks.” She whispered

Dear Journal May 3, 2150

I woke up to that damn bell ringing again signaling everyone to take cover because of the damn war that was supposed to be over. I knew that it was time to pack my crap before the heathens came back for her. I know Dean would want me to do it the right way. I made sure I got my papers so I could take some time off and go “camping”. I made sure I had some gas in the old Jeep that I have hidden in my garage. So, I was going to use that for as long as I can. The Alpha had taken the fight closer to The Omega and there was going to be more blood. But here in our area others had been growing food without The Alpha knowing and there might be hell to pay soon. I made It was my turn to hit the “store” today to keep up appearances but it’s too late. I just can't do this anymore. I made sure Luanna was all set. I gave her most of my food and I know she will be good for a few weeks if she does it right. Its time for me to make it happen.

Katie knew that she was going to pay heavy if she was found outside the Sector after her papers expired. She had applied for her papers so she could “travel” for a while. It was going to be two weeks of not seeing her guards at her door demanding she heal The Alpha. So, when that time was up, she knew that she would have to do her best to change her features. She would cut her hair long chocolate hair then dye it red but for now she pulled it into her signature long graceful ponytail. She had some old hair dye left under the sink and shoved into her bag for later. She had some of Dean’s old clothes that were in muted gray and brown. She knew she had to blend into the background as much as possible. She made sure she had her can opener and bowl with her old camping gear that was tucked under some floorboards in the house. She figured she could live in the woods for a while without a problem. Anything to get out of Sector one. She walked out the back of her house with her bags in her hand and

Opening the garage let a bunch dusty loose. Coughing Katie Lynn took a second to let her eyes adjust toward the darkness of the garage. Moving boxes out of the way Katie popped the hood open. She checked the water and oil. Her last thing was the battery. She wanted to make sure it still had a charge left. Katie Lynn grabbed the portable charger that had been mandatory to have since the beginning of the war.

Climbing into the drive seat she held your breath as she started the Jeep. Sputtering to life Katie Lynn took her time as she made her way toward the highway. She wanted She knew to make it to the thicker woods before dark. Putting up a tent in the dark was going to suck but push comes to shove she could sleep in the Jeep.

Seeing the dirt road that would lead to the small clearing where she could spend some time was almost happy. Dean had been so happy taking her camping there over eight years before. She could still remember that day.

“Babe wake up. We are here.” Smiled Dean

Katie Lynn woke up with a smile. She had a dream about their wedding and what she wanted it to be. Her dress in simple lace and her mother and father stand there happy for her.

Knowing the Jeep was parked in the woods close to her tent made her feel better with down branches she put up her tent and a small fire to stay warm. One of the many rules The Alpha had was always to always keep some sort of light on. She allowed people to camp and have some sort of “fun”, so Katie Lynn knew had to play toward the rules just in case she got caught. But she knew that she couldn’t tell anyone what she was doing. It would put them in danger and Katie Lynn couldn’t have that.

“I can do this Dad. I will make it. Dean had shown me well.” Katie said to the morning air.

She had set up a few traps that would alert her if anyone came close to her tent. She was tired. She could still smell the sulfur from the rapid gun fire that was about two miles away. She climbed into her tent and zippered it closed. She had packed her pistol that was given to her for her birthday about five years ago. She had ammo for it in one of her bags. Throwing her pillow on top of her gun she made sure it was in reach if anything went wrong. Before she knew it, she was out cold. She dreamed of better days. Her husband was alive, and they had a daughter with honey colored hair and big green eyes and the war was just a nightmare that she woke up from. No one had heard of the Alpha or the Omega or the stupid fight they had started.

Dear Journal May 4, 2150

The traps are set and the smell of sulfur hangs in the air. But the gun fire has stopped. I can hear that damn bell again. God it’s a terrible sound. I have my tent and I am safe for now. My Jeep is parked in the woods, so I am planning on jumping in it very soon. But I am ready to sleep. My gun is loaded, and I will eat soon. I was smart enough to bring canned food that I had traded for a few days ago. My treat is carrots. I plan on having that in the morning. Now is a time for sleep and dreams of a better time.

Sunshine warmed up the tent allowing Katie to wake up with a smile. Katie reached for the radio to lighten the mood but stopped herself remembering that the only thing that she knew was one was that damn country music that her sister couldn’t live without. She would blast it on speakers that she would have built after the war was over. She just took pleasure in driving the Omega out of the area.

“Crazy bitch. Ruined country music for everyone. “Growled Katie as she smacked the radio across the tent hoping it would break. How could the Alpha be her sister? Their mother would be sad to learn of the deaths that had been caused by the war. It was a good thing she was long gone before all of this happened.

No, wait she was no longer her sister. She was The Alpha and nothing more to Katie. Katie couldn’t figure out when that happened, but it did, and she couldn’t change it. Katie pulled open the tent flap and peered into the woods and something caught her eye. It was red, and it moved along the tree line with some speed. It looked like it wanted to be swallowed up by the shadows of the woods but that wasn’t going to happen. The shadows looked like they were playing hide and seek with whatever it was. She slowly picked up her 9mm out and crawled out of the tent sliding carefully toward “Come out slowly. You need to show yourself.” demanded Katie as she cocked her gun. She was going to be damned if they were going to take her alive.

Katie knew her Jeep that Dean had taken the time to reinforced with extra steel that he had “found”. Since it was close, so she grabbed her bags and took off. Ripping the tree limbs away she jammed the key in the lock and climbed in. Turning the Jeep over Katie knew it was now or never she hit the gas and tore of the tree line. When she no longer saw the red move, she breathed a huge sigh of relief. She drove for about ten miles before a rock landed through her windshield.

“What the fuck?!!” Screamed Katie Lynn as she stomped on the brakes. Her tires came to a screeching halt on the lonely road.

Chapter Three

Running away

She almost lost control of the Jeep. Jamming the gear shift into park she jumped with gun drawn ready to face anything. She scanned the shadows of the thinning trees she found the guy. He had to be in his late forty’s. He a red shirt on with dirty jeans. His face was dirty, and he looked like he hadn’t eaten for a while.

“Hands up dude. Who are you?” Asked Katie as cocked her pistol and pointed directly at his head.

The old man turned slowly toward Katie with his hands rise above his head. “Don’t shot, I come in peace.”

“You come in peace. Are you kidding me?” Exclaimed Katie.

“What is your name?” Demanded Katie.

The older man watched Katie hold her gun steady on him no matter where he moved. This crazy bitch would kill him if he made one wrong move he thought. He was too tired to try a finesse his way out.

Dan saw something move out of the corner of his eye. Katie saw two guards that patrolled that part of woods. Katie had turned with lightning speed and double tapped the heart in both guards. Katie looked at Dan and saw how surprised he was. “Don’t look so damn surprised. They are trained to drop anyone who opposes The Alpha and I have a gun. I was good as dead” Explained Katie.

“But aren’t you the right hand of The Alpha? “responded Dan.

“Believe if I could have killed the bitch a long time ago, I would have.” Growled Katie

Hmm nice shot by the way. My name is Dan.” Replied Dan as he shook his head in acknowledgment.

“Well, nice to meet you, I guess. Want to help me move Beavis and Butthead into the woods?” Katie asked as she grabbed one of them by the boots and dragged the guy behind the large bushes.

“Are you just going to stand and stare at me or help?” Questioned Katie.

“We can leave them right out in the open. Because any guard that finds them will kill anyone within a ten-mile radius and that’s just because they want to. I saw some kids not too far from here so if you think they should die let them kill the kids “

Dan couldn’t let that happen, but he didn’t want to give that away, so he hopped right up and grab the other one by the shoulders and tossed the body behind the bushes like he was a sack of toys. He watched Katie go through their pockets. “What are you looking for?”

“I am trying make this look like a robbery. Because if they think it’s anything else then more blood will be spill.

“Well I’ll be damned. Look at this Dan.” Katie flipped out a picture over and showed Dan and his family. The picture was taken about ten years before.

“What the hell?” Gasped Dan as he snatched the old faded picture out of Katie’s hands.

“Looks like they were hunting for you Dan. So, tell me what you did to piss off The Alpha?”

Dan looked at Katie and was stunned. He had no dealings with The Alpha faced to faced in years but god he wasn’t going to talk about it with this woman who just killed two people in front of him without blinking an eye.

“I will tell you something. The Alpha wants you and I don’t want anything to do with The Alpha. So, I am going to tell you goodbye.” Said Katie as she made a grab for her keys. She was going to jump in her jeep and watch Dan disappear in her rear window.

“Wait, need I need your help” pleaded Dan.

“Really? I think I fixed your problem for now. You just need to stick to the shadows and pray you get out of Sector one. There is something you need to do. You have to tear that picture up" confirmed Katie.

“What if I do something for you?”

Katie Lynn wasn’t sure what he meant by that but the one thing she did know was someone was going to come and check on the two dead numb nuts that lay in the bushes.

“Fine. The jeep is going to need more gas. Get some and if you do that you can travel with me. But remember I will kill you.”

She climbed into her jeep and watched as Dan disappeared into the trees. She pulled the jeep into a small group of trees. She took some down branches and tried to hide the jeep. Climbing in the back she made sure all the doors were locked. She made sure her gun was loaded an easy to reach. She was watched as the moon was high the night sky. She asleep in mere seconds.

Katie woke bright and early. Just in time to see the sun peek over the ridge, but there was no sign of Dan anywhere. She did see his last footsteps that lead from the back hatch that lead out toward the road.

Katie wasn’t going wait on him, so she turned the jeep on happy that it hummed back to life. She was still pissed at the broken window that started this whole damn mess, but she knew that it was going to be the least of her worries. She had to use her days to try and make it out of Sector one or to her 1st stop. Katie was surprised when she Dan had appeared on the passage side. In his arms was a ball of white fur with a long tail and huge blue eyes. “Where did you go? And where did that come from?" Asked Katie as shut the jeep off and climbed out of the seat. She took her time as she gathered the puppy in her arms. She was greeted with tons of kisses and tail wags. There was no way she could say no to that face and Dan knew it.

“Oh, I found this little guy on my way to fill your order and I dd some more scouting out there, so we wouldn’t have any surprises out there. I found the guard gate so be prepared.”

“Hmm, well time for us to get going. I only have a certain amount of days that I can be on “vacation.” Said Katie Lynn as she climbed in the jeep. Dan watched as she put the puppy in the front seat.

“Wait. What about me?”

“I have a plan for you. Since one guard had your picture, I bet 100 bucks the others have it to. So, you must be hidden. Get in the back lay down with your head this way. I am going to pile things on top of you.” Smiled Katie

“Great. What the hell is that smell?” groaned Dan

“That would some old clothes and I have a few tools back there.” Laughed Katie Lynn

“Now shut up and be still.”

Chapter Four

Hiding

Dear Journal May 5, 2150

Hiding Dan in my Jeep might prove to be one of my dumber ideas, but something told me that he might be helpful on the way to No man’s Land. What Dan brought back was a small gas can that filled up the jeep. He seems genuinely happy with what he did. But he also brought back a small ball of fur with big eyes. That tail was soft and always wagging. The dog seemed to love Dan and followed him around everywhere he went. I am just afraid that the dog would take what food we have left had. I am going find something that would last for us. Hopefully we can get through the first gate without a hitch. I hate the gates. It just reminds me that I am not free. Its worse than any prison.

Katie drove until they had to stop at a guard post. The damn Alpha made sure that ever exit was going to be blocked. “Dan. Stay still and if that dog gives us away, we are all dead. I have paperwork that might get us through.”

“You got it sister.” Whispered Dan who was under mounds of clothes and the fur ball laid comfortable by his legs.

“Papers.” Demanded the pretty guard.

Katie pulled out her papers that yellowed with age. But she had knocked over the snow globe that she had for years. It had landed in the pile of cloths that lay on top of Dan. The music had started to play its tune, and Katie froze.

She didn’t want to died let alone have the dog bark or Dan being found because that would be certain death of them all. The guard held out his hand for the snow globe that she had for years.

“Oh, you want this?” She asked while holding her globe.

The guard just stood there and stared at her and that was the worst in Katie’s mind. Why in the hell can’t they understand one simple word like yes.

Katie Lynn looked at the snow globe one last time. She handed it outside the window without a word. With that the tall guard let her pass without a thought. Katie drove for a few hours until the white fur ball started to whimper and that meant he needed to pee. Dan was fast asleep in the back with mounds of clothes piled on top of him.

“Just a minute their little guy. I am going to pull over and then you can pee.” Katie said as she ran her hand across his back. The tires came to rest by a group of trees, she opened the door and the puppy ran out and began sniffing the ground in search for the perfect place to pee.

They pee break was over before she knew it. Katie thought it was wise to catch a few hours for herself. She had pulled the Jeep into the woods. Her pistol was by her side as she had gathered branches and covered the jeep as much as she could. She wanted to blend into the woods. She wanted to sleep but she also knew that she needed to keep them all safe.

Locking the doors Katie Lynn zipped up her jacket. Taking one more look at Dan and the puppy she closed her eyes. Soon she was inside a dream that was fantastic. It was their honeymoon in NOLA. They had gone the French Inn. Remembering the days, they had spent in the hotel room so the just explore each other was simply the best time of her life.

Dean had told her stories of the many storms that had hit the area. He loved describing how strong those people were. He spoke about the rebuild that had gone on for many years, He loved how no one had given up.

Dear Journal May 6, 2150

We have finally made it out of Sector One alive but that is not the hard part. The best part was the dog didn’t even bark when we went through the check points. I did have to give up my snow globe that my dad had given me many years ago. It was a small price to stay alive. I really have figure out what we must do for the next few days. I must be “back” in four days before the Neo-Nazi guards will come for me.

“Dan wake up!” Hollered Katie.

Dan screamed from being startled and the dog barked in union and all Katie could do was laugh at the priceless look on his face. “What the hell was that for?” Questioned Dan.

“We need to get going. The jeep is almost out of gas and we have either try or find some more we have to walk.” Explained Katie.

“Well where is here?" Asked Dan.

Katie pulled out an old map and took a second to look at it. The Alpha had shut down all cell tower so those were out of question. So, Katie had to go old school and pulled a map that had seen better days. “It looks like we are in Mississippi.”

“We made it to Mississippi. How long was I asleep?”” Questioned Dan.

“Yes, we did. You have been out for hours. Oh, by the way I can read a map. I don’t need a cellphone or GPS to do that.” Replied Katie.

“Did you sleep any?”

Katie Lynn pulled one of the shields off the windows to allow some light to filter in. “Yeah. I squeezed a few hours in.”

Katie pulled the Jeep into some trees to see what they plan to do. She was sure The Alpha would be looking for her, but she didn’t care. It was wonderful to be free for a while and as for Dan he seemed unphased about the guards having his picture of his family. But Katie knew enough was enough. Time to learn some information on that subject and if he wasn’t in the sharing mood, she had no problem in leaving him right there.

“Ok. You have kept quiet to long about the picture for the last few days and now I want to know why the guards want to find you.”

Dan looked at Katie and then the puppy he had found. He really didn’t have much to lose if he told her what was going on, but he knew she would freak if she found out most of it. So, he chose the smaller of the two.

Chapter Five

Stories

“Well, I really don’t want to talk about it." Grumbled Dan.

“To bad. If you want to travel with me than you have to spill what you did to piss her off.” Declared Katie as her hand went straight toward her gun that she always wore at her hip.

“Fine, have it your way.” Muttered Dan.

“It all started with me walking down the sidewalk. The war was over, and we all were trying to rebuild. She liked me. Just a bit much and when I told her that I was married she seemed ok with it at first.” Katie watched as Dan started to hop back and forth from one foot to another.

“When I had gotten home a few weeks later, I found The Alpha in my house with some of her goons. My children lay dead in their own puddle of blood and my wife was on her knees begging for her not to kill me.”

Katie wasn’t surprised. The Alpha had always been that way ever since they were children and now, she knew that she had gone off the deep end. “Oh, that’s not what really got me. She had tortured my wife until she gave her permission for us to sleep together.”

“Holy shit.” Whispered Katie Lynn

The tears ran down Dan’s cheeks like he was reliving the day over again. She could see is hands curl in anger like he wanted to want to lash out in any way he could. “But by then my wife had bled to death on our kitchen floor while that vile pig rode me like a prize bull, and I knew that my wife never had a chance with her goons. When everything was done, I heard two shots from the Neo Nazi guards.” Said Dan.

Katie wanted to tell him what she was and who she was, but it was hard. That subject had put people off, but she had to know what he was dealing with, but it had to be done. “Dan since we are in the sharing and caring kind of mind, you should know something about me.”

“The Alpha. Well she is my half-sister.” Katie watched for any change in expression from Dan and found none. She waited for the blood drain out of his face but still nothing.

“So, you’re not freaked out that my dad helped create that evil bitch?” Wondered Katie.

“No not really. I already knew that. You can see it in your face. But enough of that, now I what I want to know about No man’s land.” Asked Dan.

Katie wasn’t sure what to say but she started from the beginning. “No man’s land is what we know as Texas. There is a big wall that is totally wrapped around the entire state. When the Alpha started the war, Texas broke off and made themselves in an independent country."

“Really? Like I didn’t know that.” Dan said sarcastically.

“Did you know they wrapped barbed wire around the top of the fence and placed bombs in a strange pattern to ensure someone will die if they make a wrong step?” told Katie

“So, you are saying that the Omega had bombs around No man land? That is a bit much.”

“It was to keep that bitch out of that place and so far, it’s been working. Ok look Dan, she wants the most destruction. And she will get any way possible.

“Are you ready? The jeep is damn near empty. I can get about 167 miles before we are empty. So, let’s go. We can try and get somewhere we can hide for a while.” Replied Katie

“Let’s go.”

The drive was quiet. Katie Lynn watched the gas as it slowly disappeared. She knew that they needed to stop soon. She was hoping to get just a few more miles before they had to walk. She figured they would take as much as they can then they would have to set the jeep a blaze. It would the best way to make the VIN hard to read if they tried following their tracks.

The jeep slowed down. Katie came to rest on the side of an empty road.

“Looks like that’s all we have.”

“Oh, we made it to NOLA.” Said Dan

“No just yet, but close. We still must walk some. Yeah, we should be able to hide here for a small amount of time. Just take the things we need. I have more food and a can opener that should help us get somewhere without dying of starvation.”

Dan started to load cans into his bag. He hummed to himself. She could tell he was relaxed. But pale. Maybe he hadn’t eaten much thought Katie Lynn.

“Dan, I knew she killed your family but there is more to her than meets the eye and that means we have to get off the grid. She will stop at nothing until she gets her way.” They walked into the woods. They followed the water as it slowly reached its way through the thick woods. The sun had started to set, and the breeze started to pick up. Within a few seconds they came upon a building that an older motel that had been abandoned for a few years.

“Look Dan.” Whispered Katie.

“God this looks familiar. This the French Inn. Oh, this place was great. I wonder what it looks like on the inside now.” Said Dan

“It looks abandoned a few years ago. Maybe we could stay here and catch some sleep.” Said Katie as she walked over toward the book door.

Dan looked at the large building and was happy that was set off the road some, so it wasn’t noticed easily. The place looks like it came straight out of the 1990’s. He saw a faucet on the side of the building that was dripping creating a small puddle of water that ran down the backside walk. He knew that signs of water were a good thing.

“Yeah, this could work for a day or two.” Said Dan as softly ran his hand over the puppy’s head.

“Maybe there is a way to cook something that I have in this bag. I am sure you are hungry as much as I am.” Replied Katie.

Dan pulled out a small pick that he stuffed into the doorknob. He jiggled it around in hopes of unlocking the door. “I am in!" Said Dan with gusto.

“Wonderful. So, let’s make sure we are alone before we count this as a good thing. We need to clear each room.” Said Katie Lynn as she pulled her 9mm from the holster that Dean had given her years ago.

“I still can’t get over how easy you killed those guards.” Voiced Dan

“My dead husband was a marine and taught me many things and one of them was its them or me. So, picked me. And well you.”

“True. Let’s get busy.”

Katie Lynn started to clear the first room that happened to be the small breakfast room. There were chairs that sat at the many tables. She saw a layer of dirt that coated each small shelf that held perfect looking dishes and vases. She made her way into the galley style kitchen. Each appliance was a stainless steel. Katie took a chance and flipped on a light. She was surprised when the light shown itself.

“Well damn. Look at that.” Whispered Katie Lynn

She could hear Dan walking upstairs. He wasn’t used to being quite because each step was followed up by a “damn”. She couldn’t help but smile.

Katie Lynn took her time as she made her way into the front pallor where the check-in would be. She saw the old paper from years before. Some was yellowed with age and others looked burnt.

Peeking in the managers office was a hard thing for her. The office small. There was a wooden desk, office phone and terrible excuse for a computer with a thin monitor. Clear thought Katie Lynn.

“Clear.” Boomed Dan

Putting her gun in her holster “Good”

“So, what next Captain?” mocked Dan

“Now we get cleaned up and cook something. I am starving.”

Dan had found two rooms that happened to be joined. Katie Lynn walked into number 102. That room was the room where she had spent her honeymoon. Running her hand over the mahogany head broad. The detail was the same. She was transported to the past. She could hear Dean laughing from the bathroom as he took his shower. They had dinner plans that night. She had scored them reservations at the Upperline. It took her well over 6months to fine the right person to suck up to.

Katie Lynn made her way toward the small table sat at the corner of the room. She put her backpack in the chair. She pulled out clean clothes and her scalpels. They were old but they still worked just fine.

“Dean I promise I will make it or die trying.” Whispered Katie Lynn

Pulling off her hiking boots and made her to the bathroom. She made sure the water was hot. She wanted to get the layers of dirt that had almost caked on her body. What she didn’t know was Dan had made his way into her room. He started to dig through her bag. He needed more information this lady and he was going find it no matter what. He didn’t hear her climb out of the shower. She stood there dripping water on the dirty carpet. She had brought gun into the bathroom before she took a shower. She pulled it out of the hiding place when she heard a strange noise. Walking quietly toward Dan raising the gun to his head. “Really? Did you find whatever you happened to be looking for?”

When Dan felt the gun pressed against his head, he stopped moving. He had seen her kill once. He didn’t want to be the second.

“Hey. You can’t blame for not trusting you. Look who you grow up with. For all I know you could be just like her. I wanted more information and you aren’t helping.” Stuttered Dan

“Hands up and back away from my bag.”

“Fine. You have secrets and I want to know if you are planning to kill me soon.”

Katie Lynn laughed “You should stop talking now. I am a doctor and I am a prisoner as you are.”

Dan didn’t what to make of that. “Define prisoner.”

“Being held against one’s desire. You don’t get it.” She began to get dressed. Dan could see the bruises. Some of them were old and others were an angry purple, Dan felt disgusted with himself. He now knew that the Doc had been beaten.

“Are those presents from the guards?” asked Dan

Katie Lynn stiffen her spine and focused her gaze on Dan. “Yep. I was pulled out of bed to try and fix The Alpha and her minions. There was a problem and she almost died because I didn’t move fast enough for the brainwashed hoard that stays by her side.”

“Oh. I swear she makes you out to be some pillar of her crazy army.”

“I know. I can’t care about that anymore or given to fight about it. There is one time I got a few well-placed punches. That earned me a broken arm and stiches above my eye. And after that I healed, I just wanted to try and make it to The Omega and hope they will take me in.”

Dan just stood there as she pulled her pants on. She didn’t take her eyes off him. “Damn Katie”

Dear Journal May 8, 2150

We have been walking along time and we are tried. Not mention hungry. The puppy has been great, and Dan has been trying to help as much as he could. Dan doesn’t talk too much which is not good. We found the old hotel in NOLA that I wanted to stop at. The best part is it was partly off the beaten path.

I caught Dan going through my bags. He was searching for something and I have no idea what he thought would in there. He claims that he wanted more information on me. Yeah right. But there is a problem. He is pale and didn’t eat much.

Chapter Six

Hope

Katie found the small crappy kitchen and began to clean off some of the counters. She pulled out the things they had to cook. She felt happy when she could cook. She started putting together a mix of odds and ends that would feed all three of them. She brought it back to the one room that they would all share for the night. Katie hoped she could buy them some time. “Well look at that dog. We have something eat that wasn’t twigs and berries.” Laughed Dan.

“Ha-ha. Very funny Dan. It’s better than nothing I guess.” Said Katie. She laid down their plates and then smaller one on the floor for the puppy to eat. Dan had made sure most of the lights were off and there was a small radio on that belted out that damn country music. “Geez H Christ Dan turn that crap off.” Yelled Katie.

Dan was startled. “What’s the problem?”

“Do you know why she has country music on all of the time?" Asked Katie.

“Oh, I guess I was used to it.”

“She loves that crap. I did at one time until she ruined it for me. “

Katie Lynn remembered when she had gotten her hands one of the greatest singers. She had promised him the moon and stars so he would sing for her. That didn’t last to long because singer just disappeared one day.

“I hadn’t really thought about it. There is so much other crap going on in my life, music was the last thing on my mind.” Replied Dan.

“She uses that crap to pinpoint where you are at any time. Our dad was the one who came up with the concept before he died in his sleep.”

All Dan could do was starch his head in wonder. “What else is should I know?” Demanded Dan.

“Oh, not much more.” Said Katie.

“I disagree. Does everyone know that she is your half-sister?” asked Dan

Katie Lynn just sat quietly for a second. She wasn’t sure what to say so she said what she felt. “Most people do. They think I was part of this damn war but it’s a totally the opposite.”

“Really? So why are you running away from all of that money she has?”

“That’s her money. I have no money. My husband Dean made sure I would have enough for a while. Plus, I was working at the hospital before the war. When the 1st bomb hit we tried to take care of people there. It became too much when most of the doctors had been killed or picked up the guards for some treason act. I was picked up in the middle of the night and beaten for hours until I agreed to help patch up her warriors. After a while that begins to break your spirit. “growled Katie Lynn

“Yeah bullshit. You spirt isn’t broken. You are ready to kill if you must. Keep that feeling. You will need it.”

Dan and Katie Lynn sat and ate their dinner. Before they knew it, they fell asleep that night on the soft carpet.

Dear Journal May 10, 2150

We have spent four days at the hotel. Making sure we each had a bath or two and made sure the dog was taken care of. We took turns sleeping and the other one played some sort of guard. Neither one needed any surprises What made matters worse was when I had a nightmare and Dan had tried to help me. I punched him in the eye, and I feel terrible about the whole thing. I can’t think of a way to make up for what I did. He keeps telling me that it’s ok but deep down I feel that it wasn’t enough. We must think about moving soon. I only have one more day left on my paperwork.

“Dan? Where are you?” Asked Katie as she went looking for him. She found Dan face down on the bed. She could smell the bourbon that came off him in waves. But there was something else was wrong. She couldn’t tell if he was breathing.

Putting two fingers on his neck Katie needed to check to see if he was alive.

“Oh Dan. What did you do?” Whispered Katie.

Katie knew that he was dead, and she couldn’t do anything to help him, but something didn’t sit well with her. Searching Dan for any marks or blood Katie Lynn was stunned when she found nothing. The only thing that she could think of was he had been poisoned. But when? They had been together for the pretty much last five days.

The only thing she could think of was someone on to them and she needed to hide and hide fast. But she knew she had to do something for Dan. They had shared things with each, and she had begun to like him some. He was still an asshole, but he was her friend.

Since Dan was dead from what she didn’t know. If she had her tools, she could open him up and peek inside. Maybe even run blood tests but she couldn’t. There was a large blade that was strapped to his leg and Katie took her time taking it off him. She knew he wouldn’t mind. There was a sound that had could from a pile of his clothes. It was that puppy he had found. “Well now little girl I can’t sentence you to death, so you are coming with me. So, no funny business.” Said, Katie, as she lifted her up and secured him in the backpack.

“Just wait right their little girl. We can’t leave him like this.” Katie said sadly. It took Katie time to washed Dan’s face and made sure his hair was neat as she could get it without a comb. She snatched the sheet off the bed and covered Dan. She made sure he had his boots on. Katie said the Lord’s prayer and she slid out the only back door melting into the shadows.

Dear Journal, May 12, 2150

I did the best I could with Dan and I still don’t understand how he died. But hopefully, I gave him a good send off. Did the Alpha get to him way out here? But maybe he had some hidden illness that he never told me about, but they had only known each other for a week or so. But he did love the puppy that he found, and she was going to do her best to keep her alive. I know I need to get out of Louisiana, and she had to do it fast, but I need to find supplies to even make it another day.

Katie walked a good five miles through the woods making sure she looked out for anyone or anything out there that could be causing trouble. A light caught Katie’s eye and it was an old Publix that looked like it had been locked up for a year or so. “Well, Babe’ that's try and see if they have any can food or even some water.” She