Chapter 36: Poison
Zack ordered firmly, "Back off." The mechanical dog obeyed immediately, stepping back, though its glowing eyes remained locked on the group of frightened women.
"Relax, I'm not here to hurt you," Zack said, his voice calm but steady. To ease their panic, he reached up and removed his faceplate, revealing his face.
The women stared at him, their fear gradually subsiding. One by one, their wide-eyed expressions softened, and tears began streaming down their faces as they broke down, hugging their knees and sobbing. Zack's jaw tightened as he absorbed the scene, trying to piece together what these people had endured.
It was obvious the prisoners who had taken over this place had stripped every shred of humanity from the survivors. Those who fell for the luring broadcasts and came to the prison were immediately robbed—of supplies, dignity, and hope. Their food, water, and weapons were confiscated, and anyone who resisted was either killed outright or thrown into cells to rot. Many died of starvation, their bodies tossed over the walls to feed the zombies outside.
'Ego,' Zack thought silently. 'How many survivors are left?'
Ego's mechanical voice responded in his earpiece. "Sir, there are 68 survivors: 15 women and 53 men, including 11 who are elderly, ill, or injured."
Zack frowned. 'And the food situation?'
"Excluding preserved human flesh," Ego replied, "the current supply will last approximately twenty-five days."
Zack nodded grimly. "We need workers in the industrial zone. We're short on manpower. The ones who can work will go to the steel mill. As for the elderly and injured, they'll stay here for now."