Chapter 28: RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY

The Briefing

Jace, Jane, and the young couple arrived at the New Order settlement just as the sun began to set. The gates opened, and the watchmen let them inside, their faces lined with relief and curiosity. Kunle was already waiting near the entrance, his arms crossed as he surveyed the returning group. Miss Okafor stood nearby, her daughters peeking from behind her, and Mosun rushed forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Jace.

"You're late," Mosun whispered, relief washing over her.

"We ran into trouble," Jace murmured back. "But we made it."

Jane wasted no time. "We need to talk. Now."

Inside the council chamber, the settlement's leaders and key fighters gathered. Maps and weapons were scattered across the table as Jace and Jane detailed their findings at the Stalkers' prison facility.

"They're experimenting on walkers," Jane explained. "Chaining them up, injecting them with something that makes them faster, stronger. They're trying to create something worse."

Murmurs spread through the room. The weight of the revelation settled heavily on everyone.

Kunle, one of the senior strategists, frowned. "If they succeed, there won't be anywhere left to run. We have to act before they perfect whatever they're doing."

Reed leaned forward, his jaw clenched. "Attacking the Stalkers is a big risk. They have numbers and resources. We barely held our own the last time we faced them."

"We might not have a choice," Jace said. "If we wait too long, they'll be the ones knocking on our gates."

The debate continued, some arguing for a preemptive strike, others urging caution. The decision wouldn't be easy.

As the adults strategized, Ayanfe found himself fascinated by the young couple who had come from the haunted mansion. Their names were Ethan and Amara, and they had barely escaped with their lives.

"You saw a ghost?" Ayanfe asked, wide-eyed.

Ethan chuckled. "Something like that. It was more… a feeling. A presence. But the real horror was surviving in that place."

Amara nodded. "We had to keep moving, had to stay smart. Just like your dad does."

Ayanfe grinned. "My dad's the best at that. Maybe one day I'll be like him."

Meanwhile, Kunle found himself spending more time with Miss Okafor and her daughters. Over dinner, he helped one of the girls fix a broken toy, his usually hardened demeanor softening in their presence.

Miss Okafor watched him carefully. "You've got a good heart, Kunle. You don't have to pretend to be a soldier all the time."

Kunle smirked but didn't reply. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to believe her.

As night fell, the official leaders reconvened. The decision was made: They would strike first. Plans were set in motion, scouts were assigned, and weapons were prepared.

Colonel Wallace stood before the group. "We're fighting for survival. If we don't stop the Stalkers now, we might not get another chance."

A silent understanding passed between them all. The battle was coming. They had to be ready.