Weapon System in Zombie Apocalypse-Chapter 70: Return to Base

The convoy of JLTV Oshkosh vehicles rumbled through the perimeter of MOA Complex, kicking up dust as they rolled past barricades and defensive structures. The once-bustling shopping district had been transformed into a heavily fortified military base, surrounded by layers of barbed wire, watchtowers, sandbags, and machine-gun nests.

The sounds of distant gunfire and explosions echoed through the night as summoned soldiers and local forces engaged lingering zombie threats outside the perimeter.

Inside the lead JLTV, Thomas sat silently, his head resting against the window, exhaustion finally creeping in. Erica, wrapped in the tarp, looked around in awe and confusion. This wasn’t the MOA she remembered—it was a damn fortress.

"Jesus..." she murmured under her breath, eyes scanning the surroundings.

The main entrance loomed ahead, the area brightly lit with LED floodlights mounted on the surrounding structures. Soldiers patrolled the walls, and automated gun turrets tracked movement beyond the gates. A check-in station was positioned at the entrance, where soldiers verified all personnel entering the complex.

As the JLTVs came to a stop, the doors swung open, and Thomas stepped out first. Erica followed closely, still feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale and organization of the operation.

Waiting for them at the entrance stood Marcus, Adrian, and Rebecca, along with several high-ranking officers.

Marcus, arms crossed, was the first to step forward.

"About time," he said. "Thought you were gonna take a vacation out there."

Adrian let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Kidnapped by a Reaper and still walks back like it’s nothing."

Rebecca, standing with her hands on her hips, sighed. "Honestly, sir, do you have any idea how much of a pain in the ass it was looking for you?"

Thomas exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. He had no energy for this right now.

"Yeah, yeah, spare me the lecture," he muttered. "I just got back, I’m tired as hell, and I smell like a corpse. Can we skip to the part where I sleep?"

Before anyone could respond, Adrian’s eyes landed on Erica, who was standing slightly behind Thomas, her gaze darting around as if trying to process everything.

"Who’s the girl?" Adrian asked.

Erica stiffened, realizing all eyes were now on her. She wasn’t used to this level of attention, especially from a group of high-ranking military officials.

Thomas turned slightly, gesturing toward her.

"This is Erica," he said. "She saved my ass out there."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Saved? You mean she actually fought off the infected for you?"

Thomas nodded. "Yeah. More than once."

Rebecca whistled, looking at Erica with new interest. "Well, that’s a first."

Erica remained silent, still taking everything in. This place was nothing like the MOA she remembered—the stores were now military depots, the main halls filled with soldiers, and the entire area was a warzone.

A loud explosion erupted in the distance, followed by a burst of gunfire. She flinched slightly, her fingers instinctively clenching into fists.

Thomas noticed.

"Don’t worry," he said, lowering his voice slightly. "It’s just cleanup duty. The area inside is secure."

She nodded slowly, still not entirely at ease.

Phillip, who had been quiet up until now, clapped his hands together.

"Alright, boss, let’s get you cleaned up. You look like absolute shit."

Thomas rolled his eyes. "Appreciate the honesty."

He turned to Erica. "Come on. You’ll be staying in the Conrad Hotel for now."

She blinked. "Wait, what?"

"Trust me, you need some rest just as much as I do," Thomas said as he led the way inside.

The inside of the Conrad Hotel was nothing like the chaos outside.

The luxurious five-star lobby remained surprisingly intact, with polished floors, elegant chandeliers, and pristine furniture. The difference was that it now functioned as a secured VIP residence.

Soldiers were stationed near the elevators, checking IDs, while a few civilians—likely those with valuable skills—moved around.

Erica couldn’t hide her disbelief.

"You live here?" she asked, incredulous.

Thomas simply nodded, stepping into the elevator.

"You’ll have a room next to mine," he said. "Everything’s still working—electricity, warm water, even stocked supplies."

Erica folded her arms, skeptical. "This is insane. The world is literally falling apart, and you’re telling me you still have hot showers and room service?"

Thomas smirked. "Something like that."

The elevator doors opened at the fifth floor, revealing a quiet hallway.

Thomas gestured toward two doors.

"Yours is the one on the right," he said. "Get some rest. We’ll talk more after we’ve both had sleep."

Erica hesitated, then finally nodded.

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"Fine," she muttered. "But when we wake up, you’re explaining everything."

Thomas smirked slightly. "Yeah, yeah."

She entered her suite, and the moment she stepped in, she nearly gasped.

It was fully furnished, complete with a king-sized bed, warm lighting, a stocked minibar, and a private bathroom.

She walked to the bathroom, turning the faucet—hot water ran instantly.

Erica let out a shaky exhale.

For the first time in weeks, she was about to sleep in a real bed.

And the thought nearly brought her to tears.

Eight hours later—when night had fully settled over the city—Thomas woke up feeling like a human again. His body was still sore, but after a long, hot shower, he felt renewed.

His appetite, however, was ravenous.

Dressed in fresh clothes, he stepped out of his room and knocked on Erica’s door.

A moment later, she opened it, looking freshly cleaned and well-rested.

"You look alive now," Thomas noted.

She huffed. "I feel like a new person. Seriously, a hot bath? I thought those were extinct."

He smirked. "Come on. Dinner’s ready."

Erica followed him to his suite, where a large dining table was set up—plates filled with steak, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, fresh bread, and even a bottle of red wine.

Erica froze, her brain struggling to process the sight.

"You’re kidding," she muttered. "You guys have actual food like this?"

Thomas sat down, cutting into his steak. "Welcome to civilization."

Erica hesitated before finally taking a bite.

Her eyes widened.

The flavors—the rich, juicy steak, the creamy mashed potatoes, the crisp bread—it all tasted like the world before everything collapsed.

For a moment, she forgot about everything. The zombies. The chaos. The death.

It felt like a piece of the past was still here.

She swallowed, staring at Thomas.

"You really are the leader here, huh?" she finally asked.

Thomas met her gaze, setting his fork down.

"Yeah," he said simply. "I am."