The Virus Within (Original rough draft)

Chapter 142

Daniel parked the truck in the small forest clearing and everyone got out. I nodded toward a narrow quad trail, "We will have to go on foot from here."

Nicky glanced at the trail, "You might as well lead since you know where you are going."

She had a point. I started walking toward the trees as they all followed. Luke and Nicky followed behind me while Nina and Logan took up the middle. Daniel took up the rear since he claimed his rank might bother the two visiting Nightstalkers and he didn't want to spook them. He had a valid argument, but I suspected that he was also acting as rear guard in case of an ambush.

His caution was wasted though. With so many strangers present, Kelly and Travis would be far too uneasy to mess with a Terror. I didn't bother announcing our approach since they would undoubtedly hear us coming. We were downwind and I could smell that they were waiting at the prearranged location.

We rounded another bend and came to a small clearing. Travis and Kelly were standing on the far side watching us approach. I could tell that they were testing the air, but I had made sure that the humans with us had their scents almost obscured. Although Logan may never forgive me after almost suffocating him in a cloud of Nina's perfume...

Between my herb mixture and the perfume, their human scent was quite faint. Neither Luke nor Daniel could detect it, but a Nightstalker could. Their scent was faint enough that it shouldn't cause Travis too many problems though. He would also be upwind, which would also help some.

Nina looked eager to meet them, but was remaining behind me as she let me set the pace. I stopped when I was halfway across the clearing as I began the introductions, "Kelly, Travis, this is Nina, Logan, Nicky, Luke and Daniel. This is Kelly and Travis."

Kelly and Travis nodded a wary greeting. They had not been this close to humans since they had turned, but they were curious to meet the humans who were supposedly not scared of zombies. Nina took a step forward and spoke softly, "It is very nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us."

Kelly examined the slender lady in curiosity before slowly coming closer. Travis came forward as well, although he lagged behind his sister. He was taking his time as he was likely keeping close tabs on his level of control. Kelly had always been more outgoing and her control didn't worry me as long as no one cut themselves.

Daniel kept a sharp eye on them, but remained relaxed and simply watched. At least he seems to be hiding his usual guard dog act. Which is a really good thing, otherwise these two would disappear like the wind. They wouldn't tangle with a Terror. Nicky and I were the only ones foolish enough to do that.

Kelly stopped well out of reach, but close enough that she wouldn't have to raise her voice to be easily heard, "We were curious to meet the people who Trinity had been traveling with. Most humans run the moment they find out that we are Nightstalkers."

Nina was courteous and welcoming, "I always liked meeting new people and zombies. I find it quite refreshing to learn about other people's perspectives."

Travis had stopped further back, but was watching and listening. I didn't really expect him to join in this conversation. He preferred to observe, although I knew that no detail of this meeting would be forgotten by him. His mind was like a steel trap, nothing that he wanted to remember was ever forgotten.

Kelly looked intrigued despite her caution, "We have heard a bit from other sane zombies about this place and I must admit that I have never seen a group quite like this in one spot before. A scientist, a Terror, a Nightstalker and a Runner?"

"And a cockatoo in a pear tree!" Nicky sang along in a singsong voice.

Nina sighed and explained in a patient voice, "Partridge, Nicky. It was a partridge in a pear tree."