Bab 41: Chapter 41 The Protective Duke

"Sister! I want to come with you," Keith exclaimed, chasing after Kisha as she headed towards the vehicle, waiting for Duke and the others to finish packing up. Duke needed to organize tasks for his subordinates who would remain behind.

Eric came over, his determination was evident. "I want to come too."

Before Kisha could respond, Ethan interjected, "It would be beneficial for me to accompany you. I have combat experience and survival skills." He said worriedly.

Kisha regarded Ethan with an indifferent expression. "Your combat proficiency is precisely why you should stay here. Your assignment is to train civilians and assist in organizing perimeter guard rotations, correct?"

Ethan grasped Kisha's implication, yet he couldn't bear the thought of his younger sister confronting the horde of rabid zombies out there. Despite recognizing that she somehow has combat prowess, he couldn't shake the belief that, as a woman, her strength might not suffice, and there could be situations where she would require assistance. This is only natural because he did not know Kisha's level of skills and had not seen her engage in a fight but based on Duke's trust in her, she would definitely have some skills of her own. Or she might be just a guide, just like her role in their escape through the city. Ethan was worried to death that he could not stop himself from thinking of many things while facing his sister.

However, Ethan momentarily overlooked the fact that Kisha wouldn't be alone. Duke and the other two, Sparrow and Vulture, would accompany her. While Sparrow and Vulture were on par with Ethan in skill, Duke stood at an even higher level.

Ethan's concern was evident, etched on his face, mirroring the sentiments of other Evans members nearby who harbored a desire to accompany Kisha, alongside her grandparents. Yet, they all understand that their presence might only burden Kisha rather than aid her in times of need, so they remain silent.

Eric, being the eldest, understands that Ethan cannot leave his post. However, he realizes that he can step in, especially since he and their father work at the same place. Eric plans to delegate his responsibilities to their father and take on the role of protecting his sister outside."Then allow me to come with you," he proposed.

Kisha's eyebrow arched slightly as she responded with a stoic expression. "No."

She remained uncertain and indifferent as to why the Evans always seemed so attentive and enthusiastic around her. Whether they sought her favor to speak up on their behalf or to lighten their burdens, she saw no room for negotiation. Yet, she found herself strangely at ease in their presence, almost amused, as she had never witnessed such a strong familial bond in the apocalypse, of course aside from her family—a stark contrast to what she previously experienced with other families who survived together but ended up killing each other to continue surviving or for other reasons. The apocalypse often revealed the darkest aspects of humanity, leaving little room for genuine connections.

Eric was taken aback. "Why?"

She answered. "No time to babysit." She then faced Keith, her stoic face softening. "Baby brother, I can't bring you with us now because it's going to be dangerous. But I need you to stay here to train with our grandparents and to practice what I taught you previously." Kisha reiterated patiently.

The stark contrast in treatment pained Eric and Ethan but they can't do anything about it. They can only keep it to themselves because they have yet to reveal their connection with Kisha so it is understandable for her not to have the same patience with them the way she has for the Aldens.

The silent Melody seized an opportunity to voice her thoughts upon witnessing her family's discomfort with the perceived disparity in treatment. Eager to stoke discontent, she aimed to gradually sway them to her side. "Ms. Aldens," she began, her tone calculated, "considering the perilous nature of the journey with Duke and the others, wouldn't you be the one potentially hindering their progress? Perhaps being babysat instead of contributing?"

"Suppose you gained Duke's trust through questionable means," Melody insinuated, her words dripping with accusation, "but is it not excessive to cling to him in such dire circumstances as now? In the chaotic world outside, caring for a woman's safety becomes a daunting task. Wouldn't going out to save his family require focus and resolve, rather than treating it as a casual outing?" Her meaning was unmistakable.

Following the rescue of the Squad 1 captain, the gravity of the Winter's family predicament became apparent to all. They understood the dangerous situation and the urgency with which Duke needed to act to save his parents.

Melody's insinuation weighed heavily on the Aldens and Keith, their expressions incense with the implications. Meanwhile, the Evans wore furrowed brows, their emotions difficult to discern—whether disappointment in Kisha's perceived actions or genuine concern for her safety if she were to accompany Duke.

Eric and Ethan bowed their heads in apology to Kisha on behalf of Melody. "Ms. Aldens, please forgive our sister," Eric began, "she's still young and sometimes lacks the discretion to know when and what to speak and when to remain silent."

Kisha, however, wasn't swayed. "Ms. Evans," she addressed Melody sternly, "as a member of an esteemed family, why do you view others through such a tainted lens? Or perhaps that's simply your nature?"

Turning to Eric and Ethan, Kisha continued her tone firm. "Gentlemen, your sister is a grown-ass woman. Referring to her as young and attributing her behavior to immaturity and insensibility will only embolden her. While you may tolerate her actions as a family, do not expect everyone else to do the same. I will not tolerate it."

Despite feeling a surge of anger for being called out, Melody managed to conceal her emotions behind a practiced smile. "I apologize, Ms. Aldens if my words came across as insulting," she responded smoothly. "My intention was genuine concern for your well-being. We've all witnessed what happened to our acquaintance and knew the dangers that await beyond the vast forest, and the thought of you facing such horrors is indeed unsettling."

Melody's words carried a veiled undertone of frustration, masked by her diplomatic demeanor. She refrained from revealing the true depth of her feelings, choosing instead to maintain an air of composure in front of the others.

Melody adeptly downplayed her previous insulting remarks about Kisha's relationship with Duke, as if she had never uttered them in the first place.

Taking note of the softened tension among the group, Melody seized the moment to make her suggestion. "Considering the gravity of this task, wouldn't it be wiser to entrust it to someone like my brother Ethan?" she proposed. "His skills and expertise could undoubtedly assist Duke in the mission to rescue his family."

Melody's primary objective is to prevent Kisha from spending additional time with Duke, as she harbors concerns about their growing rapport. Additionally, she views this situation as an opportunity to elevate her brother's status and gain Duke's trust. By positioning Ethan as a valuable ally in Duke's eyes, Melody hopes to increase her own proximity to Duke. Ultimately, she envisions this strategic maneuver as a stepping stone toward reviving her family's efforts to arrange a marriage between herself and Duke.

Melody also sees an opportunity to counter Kisha's accusation of her being insensible by flipping the narrative in her favor. She aims to portray Kisha as overly harsh and unfit to lead, highlighting Kisha's apparent bias and inability to accept criticism. Through this strategic maneuver, Melody intends to sway others to question Kisha's leadership abilities and rally support for her own side.

Suddenly, Duke's cold, stern voice reverberated from behind them. "Who are you to make suggestions and decisions on my behalf?" He approached and stood beside Kisha. "While Ethan is undoubtedly skilled, and a good candidate to fight through a wall of zombies out there.."

Upon hearing Duke's words, Melody's selective hearing honed in solely on his compliment toward her second brother, leading her to believe that he had affirmed her earlier suggestion.

Before Melody's imagination could run wild, Duke continued with a firm tone. "However, it seems you've conveniently overlooked whose efforts and discerning decisions saved your entire family. It was Kisha's."

Without waiting for a response, he strode off, pulling Kisha along by the hand. She gestured to Keith and her grandparents to follow them briefly.

Keith and their grandparents complied, standing by the window with visible concern etched on their faces as they watched Kisha.

Seeing their worried expressions, Kisha couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry, little brother, Grandpa, and Grandma. I'm well-prepared for what lies ahead. When we return, I hope to find you all ready. Next time I venture out, you'll join me."

It was only then that Keith took a step back, promising his sister that he wouldn't slack off. He vowed to diligently train his newly awakened ability. Their grandparents, equally determined, pledged to intensify their training efforts so they wouldn't hold back or worry Kisha.

After bidding her farewell, Duke signaled to Sparrow to drive.

Kisha spoke up. "Should I take the wheel instead?"

Duke replied, leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed. "No need."

Sparrow continued Duke's words to explain. "Haven't I returned unscathed from the city filled with zombies? I've grown accustomed to maneuvering through the streets, even when they're overrun with zombies. Navigating through such conditions won't be an issue for me anymore—I've picked up a few tricks along the way."Sparrow boasted.

And so, they embark on their mission with a clear goal in mind.

PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
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Bab 42: Chapter 42 The Farm

Not wanting to be overdone by Kisha, Melody's determination was also sparked.

Although she was angry to see Duke's physical contact with Kisha, she had no way of showing her discontentment. She places her effort in growing her strength and her influence in the base without alarming Duke and his people so she can eventually have a voice in the future.

....

"Boss, the farm is just up ahead. Should we take a look or continue on our way?" Sparrow asked Duke.

Kisha glanced over at Duke, the exhaustion evident in her expression. After three long hours of travel, despite her best efforts, she couldn't shake the numbness creeping into her feet, while her senses dulled as her discomfort settled in, even affecting her ability to feel her own body.

However, Duke remained steadfast in his position, seemingly unfazed by the journey. Sensing Kisha's gaze, he observed her subtle movements as she attempted to alleviate her discomfort by massaging her leg muscles.

"Why not take a break and do some stretches?" he suggested, acknowledging her need for relief.

A subtle shift transformed Kisha's usually stoic expression, her face briefly lighting up with a hint of warmth. Though the change occurred swiftly, Duke's observant gaze didn't miss a beat, capturing every ounce of her actions and expressions. Over time, he had grown attuned to Kisha's subtle cues, and witnessing her moment of happiness energized him, strengthening his connection to her.

Upon receiving Duke's approval, Sparrow veered to the right onto a narrow mud trail hidden within the forest. The trail was so faint that it almost seemed nonexistent, making it challenging to discern amid the dense trees and tall grass.

Describing the road as merely "a little bumpy" would be an understatement. As the car navigated the muddy terrain, it jolted and bounced intermittently as medium-sized rocks rolled beneath the tires. The relentless movement caused Kisha's already numb feet to tingle intensely, the sensation creeping up to her gums, making them itch. With gritted teeth, she endured the discomfort until the numbness gradually subsided.

Observing Kisha's discomfort from the corner of his eye, Duke couldn't help but let out a chuckle. Despite understanding her discomfort, he couldn't help but find her expressions cute and amusing. In response to Kisha's frown and side glare, Duke openly chuckled, unabashedly enjoying the moment as he watched her reaction.

Resigned to Duke's teasing, Kisha decided to ignore it and focused on finding relief. Gripping the overhead handle, she shifted her position slightly, lifting her butt off the seat. The sensation of pins and needles prickling her backside made her wince, but she persevered, determined to alleviate the discomfort.

Observing Kisha's attempts to find comfort, Duke burst into hearty laughter, clutching his stomach in amusement. Sparrow and Vulture, catching glimpses of Kisha's glare into the rearview mirror, wisely avoided meeting her eyes, sensing her irritation. However, Duke remained unfazed by her threatening expression, his laughter continuing unabated.

It would be dishonest to claim that Sparrow and Vulture weren't tempted to sneak a glance because of Duke's infectious laughter, a rare occurrence for their typically cold indifferent boss. Indeed, since meeting Kisha, Duke seemed to be breaking his own norms regularly. They recognized that Kisha held a unique power over him, capable of eliciting changes that others couldn't.

They knew that this wasn't a bad thing. They smiled reservedly as they focused their gaze on the road ahead.

After 30 minutes of navigating the rugged terrain, the silhouette of a silo and a barn finally came into view.

Sparrow skillfully parked the car in front of a rustic cabin, and as they stepped out, Kisha swiftly stored the vehicle in her inventory. It had become her habit to stow away items after use, a precautionary measure born out of the uncertainty of what might occur next in the midst of the apocalypse.

"Boss, I'll go ahead and scout the area," Sparrow offered.

Duke nodded at Sparrow.

Taken aback by Sparrow's quick escape, Vulture stammered, "I-I'll, uh..." Unable to think of a plausible excuse, he blurted out, "I'll just... take a quick whizz." As the words left his mouth, Vulture realized the awkwardness of his statement, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment as he glanced in Kisha's direction. Such an excuse wouldn't have been so embarrassing if there hadn't been a woman present.

Vulture sensed Sparrow's intention to provide their boss with some privacy with Kisha. Recognizing this, he too made a swift exit, deciding to explore the interior of the cabin.

As Kisha and Duke engaged in their muscle stretches, Vulture took the opportunity to inspect the cabin. Upon entering, his attention was immediately drawn to the sight of cigarette butts littering the small coffee table, alongside several empty cans of Monster energy drinks.

Venturing further into the cabin, he noticed a few cup noodles scattered on the kitchen counter. The sight immediately put him on high alert; the noodles appeared relatively fresh, emitting a sour smell indicating they had been there for about 15 to 24 hours.

He proceeded to the bedroom, confirming his suspicions as he observed the disheveled bed with a few bed sheets spread on the floor. In one corner, he noticed patches of blood staining the white sheets.

He cautiously reached out to touch the dried blood, feeling its hardened texture and noting its dark, nearly brown color. Cracks had formed around the edges, indicating that it had been there for some time.

On the opposite side of the farm, Sparrow observed multiple tire tracks at the alternate exit leading toward the forest road. Upon inspecting the garage, he noticed that the spare cars typically parked there were now absent. Hastening to the secret bunker concealed behind the garage, he meticulously examined each box. Satisfied with his investigation, he swiftly returned to where Duke was waiting.

He approached to find Kisha and Duke engaged in a serious conversation, their expressions grave and tense. As Vulture joined them, he witnessed the same somber scene unfold before him.

Before either of them could speak, Kisha abruptly departed, heading back in the direction Sparrow had come from. Sparrow and Vulture exchanged surprised glances, momentarily forgetting what they had intended to report as they watched her leave.

Duke broke the silence. "It appears our people have arrived here. Most likely Tristan and the others."

Once more, Vulture and Sparrow were taken aback by surprise. "Boss, how did you know?" Sparrow inquired, seeking clarification. "Upon reflection, it does seem probable," he added. "The lack of forced entry into the bunker and the missing firearms suggest familiarity with our operations. Everything else appears undisturbed."

Vulture echoed, his tone grave. "Additionally, there are signs of recent occupancy in the cabin, and it seems that some individuals may have been severely injured."

After Vulture spoke, he and Sparrow exchanged incredulous glances as a realization dawned on them. However, they couldn't help but wonder 'How did Duke know these details when he and Kisha had not moved from where they had left them?'

Sparrow couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "Boss, how did you know?" he inquired, noting Duke's lack of surprise upon hearing their report.

"Kisha told me." Duke said proudly.

The two were thoroughly shocked and their curiosity deepened. 'Could Kisha have deployed drones to monitor their movements?'

Well, they weren't far off. Kisha had indeed dispatched drones to keep an eye on them.

Kisha dispatched the regular bees to meticulously monitor every move made by the two individuals. This was a deliberate test to assess the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the regular bees and to evaluate whether they could efficiently relay useful information through their connection with Bell.

The regular bees, while small and inconspicuous, faced a communication barrier and struggled to convey what they observed in detail. They could only describe things using shapes or the simplest words they knew. Bell, tasked as their translator, found it incredibly challenging to relay this limited information to Kisha.

Bell could only shed tears, wishing fervently for her colony to grow faster.

Kisha and Duke collaborated, analyzing the information gathered by the bees and piecing together the puzzle. Duke's familiarity with the area proved invaluable; with just a few details, he could discern what was happening. He shared his insights with Kisha, allowing them to form a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

But of course, he chose not to divulge the involvement of the bees to Sparrow and Vulture. He savored the sense of exclusivity that came with being the first to know about this significant secret Kisha was keeping. While he knew that others would eventually discover it, the feeling of being the initial confidant held a special significance for him.

A ticklish flutter warmed his heart as he contemplated the secret, his eyes forming into crescents as a smile tugged at his lips. Sparrow and Vulture could only stare in disbelief as they watched him. Not only were they left without answers to their growing curiosity, but they also witnessed Duke happily lost in his own thoughts.

The two had no choice but to suppress their curiosity and remain silent, patiently awaiting further instructions.

Is this really their boss. Despite their respect for Duke, they couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for their former boss.

It's not that they dislike the changes in their boss, but seeing him in this light somehow left them feeling a pang of loneliness being single. They couldn't shake the bitterness creeping in as they longed for a love life too.