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“It won’t help us. It won’t help you. You and I will die like everyone else.”

“I’m sorry Doctor Pierce. I’m sorry, but…once again, you’re so wrong.” Boch reached down and with his free hand tore the intravenous tubes from the ghoul. The gun still aimed towards Pierce’s heart.

“Boch. Please. Listen to what’s going on out there. These are your men. Our men. They’re dying. The war’s lost. You know it”

“No. They’re not dying Pierce, they’re undying.” He tilted his head back and leaned it to one side “You hear that? That’s the sound of the undying and the undead.”

Boch stared defiantly at Pierce then turned towards the ghoul. He leaned in towards the ghoul and began whispering in its ear. “Live free or die, my friend.” He turned and addressed Pierce one final time, bellowing. “Those are the very words of General Johnathan Stark, the honorary namesake of this horrific place are they not? If we cannot fight for our freedom in life, then we shall do so in death!”

He slammed his fist on the table just as the barracks door crashed open and a burning zombie lurched in. Pierce spun as it thrashed against the door. The flames took to the dry pine interior and the winds pushed it upwards against the ceiling. The zombie drove forward towards the men as the flames spread and suddenly, the ghoul had him.

A scream ripped through the barracks as the zombie sank his rotten teeth into the Doctor’s jaw and locked onto Boch in a death grip. Pierce bolted