Surviving the Apocalypse with my Multiplier System - Chapter 229

Chapter 229: Last Minute Volunteers
They made their way down the mountain and into the forest where Julian’s empty bunker was. By the time they arrived, it was already very dark out, and they needed to rely on their flashlights to make it through the dark forest.

“It’s over there! I recognize that bush”, Cal pointed with his flashlight.

Dillon nodded then turned to his men, “Go, investigate. Check for traps or ambushes”

Only after his men came back did he enter the bunker himself.

“Okay, everyone gets comfortable. This is going to be our new home for a while. If you want to go home before our supplies run out, put every effort into finding Julian!”, he said in a threatening tone.

Cal, along with the rest of the men spent the entire night lugging supplies from their cars, through the forest and into the bunker.

By the time they finished, the sun was already starting to peek out from the horizon.

Cal looked at Dillon with envy and anger.

How nice it must be to sleep peacefully while everything does everything for you.

—-

At the forest base, Laura finally made a short appearance, introducing her son, Carter, to the rest of the settlement.

Rayne even managed to ‘find’ a few balloons in the warehouse to make the event more festive.

Carter was a healthy, chunky baby boy who closely resembled Laura. Nurse Judy spent most of her time by Laura’s side, helping the new mother adjust to her role.

At the entrance of the base, people were currently gathered around the new RV that Rayne and Julian just recently brought back.

There were three volunteers from Brandon’s crew and two members of Alpha Team assigned to the caravan.

They were all busy getting themselves settled in, filling the shelves and cabinets with their personal items.

“Liam, is there anything else you need? I placed a few more notebooks and pens in the drawer like you asked”, said Rayne.

Liam was the salesman that Noah said volunteered for this caravan. His experience landed him the leadership role, in charge of the caravan and the trade deals.

“No, I think everything is set. Where are the other two who are supposed to come with us?”, he asked looking around.

Just then Nurse Judy came over. Her face was slightly flustered and she came over running.

“Hi, I’m sorry but I have some bad news. The two people who were supposed to come on this trip recently ate some unwashed vegetables and now they are suffering from an upset stomach. They won’t be able to make it this time”, she explained.

Liam frowned, “We’re supposed to leave today. I don’t really want to delay. Are there any other volunteers?”

Rayne looked around and saw that no one stepped forward.

“I can go!”, she finally said. She didn’t mind the travel, and it worked out that she already had an established relationship with these bases. It would benefit the caravan as a whole if she went.

A few minutes later another voice rang out from the crowd, “I’ll go too!”.

Rayne turned around and saw a familiar figure. Ella made her way through the crowd and stood beside Rayne.

“I’d like to go! I haven’t seen much of the world since we left the city. I’d like to see what it’s turned into”, she said with a fire burning in her eyes.

Rayne looked at her, slightly surprised. The Ella she always knew was a homebody or someone who enjoyed a comfortable life.

Traveling wasn’t the most comfortable thing in the world so Rayne wasn’t sure if Ella would be able to handle it.

“Are you sure? The roads are bumpy and long. It will take an entire day to make it up to Fred’s settlement from here”, said Rayne, laying out the reality of the situation.

Ella smiled and nodded, “Thank you, but I understand that it won’t be an easy trip. However, I want to see the world for myself, I can’t always stay locked up in the settlement”

Rayne squeezed Ella’s hand happily, “Okay, then! I’m excited for you to join!”.

Liam nodded accepting the two girls as substitutes for the sick people. “Very well! I’ll give you two an hour to pack some additional personal items before we set off!”

Rayne and Ella nodded and went back to their houses to pack some clothes and other small daily items.

When Rayne made it back home she greeted Julian who was reading on the couch.

“Oh hey, welcome back! How are things going with the caravan? Did they set off yet?”, asked Julian with a smile.

He placed his book down and motioned for her to come over and sit beside him.

Rayne walked over, landing in his embrace.

“Well, there was a small hiccup. Two of the people who were originally part of the crew got sick so they had to find new people to fill the slots”, said Rayne.

“Oh, who did they find? I can’t imagine many people would volunteer on such short notice”, he said looking up at her.

Rayne smiled and pointed at herself. “Me! Well, me and Ella!”

Julian sat up in his seat, “Wait you’re going?! What about me?”

He looked at her with sad puppy dog eyes.

Rayne giggled, smiling at him. “I will only be gone for a few days, and out of anyone, bringing me along made most sense. Plus with Ella coming it will be like a short girls’ trip”

Julian pulled Rayne into his arms for a big hug, “But I’ll miss you”, he said in a whisper.

Rayne patted him on the back, “It’ll be okay. I’ll be back before you know it! And when I come back I’ll spend the whole day with you”.

Julian squeezed her, “Okay, okay. You girls have fun and be safe”. He let her go and smiled. As much as he would miss her he felt that it was only normal for her to want to spend some time with Ella.

Her absence would also give him time to plan a surprise for her.

Rayne quickly stuffed a large duffle bag with random items before walking around and restocking the house to ensure that Julian lived comfortably while she was gone.

Julian walked her out to the caravan RV and ran into Noah walking alongside Ella.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be fine! You worry too much”, Rayne heard Ella pacifying Noah from a distance.

Rayne smiled, “Looks like you’re not the only one who is reluctant to see us go”, she laughed, squeezing Julian’s hand.

Julian shook his head, “Of course. You both mean the world to us. We can’t help but worry when you’re not around”, he leaned over and kissed her.

“Be safe and have fun. Tell Fred and the others I said hello”

Rayne nodded and walked over to the RV where Liam and the two members of Alpha Team were waiting.

Ella came over a few minutes later after promising Noah she would be safe and not do anything dangerous.

Julian walked over to Noah’s side and placed his arm around him. “What are we to do when they spring something so sudden on us? They will be okay. Plus, I made sure Ian sent two of our best from Alpha Team along this time”

Noah frowned, “I’m surprised you’re taking this as well as you are. I thought you would be the first to tie her up in the house”

“Haha! Well, I certainly thought about it. But they’re adults and Rayne is capable. We’ve faced our fair share of dangers and she handled herself well. I want to believe that everything will be okay”, laughed Julian.

Noah sighed, shaking his head. “Looks like I need to get a grip on myself. I never thought I’d turn into this paranoid kind of boyfriend”

“Nah, it just shows that you care. Plus, the girls like it when you take care of them, just don’t restrict their freedom”, Julian patted his friend.

The boys waved goodbye as the RV pulled out of the parking area and drove down the small forest path.