Horrific Shorts: Zombie Edition

Zara paced back and forth inside the abandoned safehouse, her weapon resting on the table, its faint blue glow illuminating the dim room. Andre leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching her carefully. The shock of her return hadn't worn off yet, but the questions burning in his mind demanded answers.

"So," Andre started, breaking the silence, "you're alive, you've got this... futuristic toy, and you're back just in time to save my ass. Care to fill in the blanks?"

Zara stopped pacing and turned to face him, her expression a mix of exhaustion and determination. "It's not a toy, Andre. It's the reason I survived."

She picked up the device, holding it out as if to explain. "After the explosion, I was dragged into one of the hive's subterranean tunnels. I should've been dead, but... something in the technology down there kept me alive. There were machines, tools—things I don't even have words for. They repaired my injuries, enhanced my strength, and left me with this." She gestured to the glowing device.

Andre frowned, stepping closer. "So what? You're part machine now?"

Zara shook her head. "Not exactly. I'm still me, but I've been... augmented. Enhanced. Whatever tech the creatures were using, it's more advanced than anything I've ever seen. And now, it's part of me."

Mia, still recovering from her wound in the corner, stirred. "Why would their tech save you? Aren't they trying to kill us?"

Zara's jaw tightened. "I've been asking myself the same thing. I think it wasn't meant for me. I stumbled into their medical chamber, and the system activated automatically. It didn't care who I was—it just followed its programming."

Andre raised an eyebrow. "And what about the device? That's not just a souvenir."

Zara held it up, her fingers tracing its intricate design. "This? It's their weapon. Or at least a prototype. I found it in the lab, along with a lot of other dangerous things. If we're going to stop the next wave, we're going to need every advantage we can get."

Andre sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Next wave? What are you talking about?"

Zara's eyes darkened, and she stepped closer. "The Alpha we fought was just a scout. There's a bigger threat coming—a coordinated invasion. Their tech isn't just biological; it's tactical. They're preparing for war, Andre. And we're running out of time."

Mia sat up straighter, her face pale. "How do you know all this?"
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Zara hesitated, her gaze dropping for a moment. "Because I saw it. When their systems repaired me, I... connected to their network. I saw glimpses of their plans, their leaders, their next targets. They're not just mindless monsters. They're an army."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in.

Andre finally spoke, his voice low but resolute. "Then we fight. We take this fight to them before they come for us."

Zara nodded, her expression hardening. "Good. Because this time, we're not just surviving. We're winning."