Journey and Meeting part 1

Posted on Sat Feb 21st, 2026 @ 10:32pm by Cassandra Lennox & Gema Melero & Nathan Crawford

3,210 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Before
Location: 6 miles south of Thistledrift
Timeline: 2011

Panicking was not an emotion she felt often but alone as she walked along the coast trying to get home but she could see figures coming towards her. She ducked behind a dune and fumbled with her bow and arrow. She was good at it thanks to a random hobby but who knew who these people were. She slowly started to work her way around to confront them and they were in her path.

It just made her more and more nervous as she stepped out into the open and saw several uniformed people coming towards her. She held up her bow and arrow and pointed it at one of men. “Stop or I fire.” She said not caring there were several rifles slowly being aimed at her.

Nathan was leading a shore party sent to gather supplies for the ship when the woman with the bow suddenly appeared. He wasn't sure if the woman was brave or fool hardy to challenge ten men with firearms. He halted his men with a simple gesture and proceeded forward a few paces, hands held out away from the weapons on his belt. "We mean you no harm miss. We're just trying to find supplies for our people."

“You are military?” She demanded not lowering her bow and arrow as she took in the people in front of her. “There is no food that way.” She commented quietly as she glanced to her left where a young man raised his weapon a little higher.

Nathan was mindful of his men. He glanced at Seaman Smith. "Lower your weapon Seaman. Everyone do the same." He turned back to Cassandra after confirming his men had complied with his order to put their weapons at the low ready. "Yes ma’am, we're military. I am Lieutenant Commander Nathan Crawford of Her Majesty's Royal Navy. If you could lower your weapon please and introduce yourself, then perhaps we could have a proper and civil conversation."

They were not army which meant none of these people were connected to York and the Army that were there. “Navy.” She breathed a sigh of relief and lowered the bow to point it at the floor. “Cassandra Lennox. I am just trying to get to my home to … see if it has survived.” Cassandra said admitted. It had taken her so long to get across the country and up again with the chaos.

Nathan was relieved to see Cassandra finally lower her own weapon. The living were no longer the majority in this world where the Lazarus Virus was claiming so many to the ranks of the reanimated dead. "Are you saying you live near here? Perhaps we could enter into a mutually beneficial arrangement. We are looking for a community with a natural deep water harbour to use as a home port for our ship. Something small enough to remain unnoticed, but big enough for us to conduct repairs and ship maintenance. Most of the sites we have scouted out so far are ill suited so far."

“I am if it is still there. I have travelled across from Bristol to here.” She admitted relaxing a little as she noticed that not all the group were men. There were a few women now that she was not taking in just their mass. “Where have you looked so far?” She demanded not revealing where she was heading just yet.

Nathan named six coastal settlements between the mouth of the Thames and the Humbar Estatuary. "Our captain is considering finding a place in the Humbar Estatuary, but he would prefer someplace that would have better access to open sea. We're considering Thistledrift, but our charts show rocks and shoals in that region that could make navigation in or out of port difficult. We would need a boat pilot familiar with the area."

“If you get me across land to Thistledrift and there is anyone alive there I will get you a pilot.” The woman said, seeing something in his eyes and speech that he was really wanted to do what was right and for the greater good. She had not seen many people like that over the last few months.

Nathan gave Cassandra a smile. He offered up his right hand to the woman. "I can do that. So do we have an accord Ms. Lennox?"

“Cassandra.” The woman said glancing around at the people but slowly shook the man’s hand. “So how would you like to do this Commander?” She wondered brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. She had no idea how she looked and did not care. She had been surviving by herself for weeks sleeping in locked small cupboards or bathrooms to avoid getting caught as they had limited windows and access especially in flats.

Nathan had a better look at Cassandra now that he was closer and cold see she was a an attractive woman in her late 20s or early 30s, despite the dirt, grime and long foot journey. "Well, first we need to get to Thistledrift, which is about 6 kilometers north along the coast. Make contact with whomever is in charge there." He pointed to a female sailor who had a field radio in addition to her rucksack. "Then we make contact with our ship's Captain."

“That…” She paused she heard the familiar groan of a zombie coming towards them. “May I? Your weapons look loud and we’ve been loud enough.” Cassandra asked rasing her bow and arrow.

Nathan's hand rested on his sidearm for a moment before he released his grip and gestured for Cassandra to go ahead and take the shot. He was actually curious to know how well she handled a bow, knowing it wasn't the easiest weapon to master. "By all means."

Cassandra smirked as she threaded through the men and women as they all looked far to young and clean to have spent much time on land since it all started. She edged over the sands and frowned. The zombie was a male with a pale complexion, and wavy brown hair cut short. He was a little tall, of average weight, and wearing 'nerdy' clothing, he was not wearing a jacket which showed off the arm that showed how he had been infected. He was quite fresh as he had not gotten the zombie smell nor lost much clothing yet. “Attempted to escape but did not prepare.” She sighed as she raised her bow and show the arrow hitting the zombie hard above his left eye. She watched as the zombie slumped quietly to the floor.

Nathan stepped up next to Cassandra and nodded as he stared at the corpse. He was suitably impressed. He turned to the woman with an expression of admiration and respect. "You're quite proficient with a bow Ms. Lennox."

“I… well I joined a local archery club when I was a student and continued even after.” Cassandra admitted quietly. She had tried to find a better weapon but everything seemed to break and she couldn’t get into any museums to get anything proper.

Nathan glanced at the sky, taking note of the sun's position. "We might be able to make Thistledrift by sunset. We could press on or we could scout out something nearby and take shelter for the night."

“I would take shelter.” Cassandra said quietly. “There is a Royal Lifeboat station about ten minutes back the way I have just come from.” Cassandra suggested.

“How do we know it’s not a trap?” A sailor spoke up before they could help themselves.

Nathan looked at the sailor, then to Cassandra. He finally turned back to the group. "We don't. What I do know is that we have to start trusting folks if we want a safe port to work out of." He glanced at Cassandra once again. "I am inclined to trust this person. I'm in command of this shore detail. Decision and responsibility is mine. Lead the way Ms. Lennox."

"Cassandra." The small woman reminded him again as she turned and started to lead the group back the way she had come. The last few hours had been quiet but she had no idea what was in the Lifeboat Station, just that it was there and the only solid building for miles around. It was not safe travelling at night at all, as you just did not know if anything was tracking you dead or alive. The dead made noise but the living were just as dangerous sometimes.

Nathan fell into step with Cassandra, though he remained silent for a few minutes as the shore party spread out for the short trek to the Lifeboat Station. He finally spoke after a few minutes. "Do you mind if I ask what has you traveling to Thistledrift? Do you have family there?"

“My parents live there. I grew up there and there is no where else I’d rather be do the end of times if this is all that is left.” Cassandra said quietly as she felt several eyes on her as she stopped and pointed to the building that was shut up against the storm that was brewing.

Nathan looked at the burly sailor. "Davis, check it out." Four individuals approached the building and did a tactical stack on the door. Several minutes later a female sailor returned to the entrance and gave the all clear sign for the rest to enter. She briefed Nathan as they approached the building. "All clear sir. No living, no deadheads. We found a genny in the rear. There's an access hatch to the roof. Small galley, common room and two bunk rooms that can sleep six apiece. TTisn't the Savoy, but won't have to sleep under the stars tonight."

Nathan nodded at the female master-at-arms before turning to another sailor. "Smith, see what you can do with the genny. Melero, see about raising the ship after you get setup. Everyone else to cleaning this place up."

Cassandra smiled a little as she went into the locker room and started to look through for supplies. Melero followed the other woman and smiled as she realised the woman was instantly looking for the same items as her as she headed for the female lockers. “So how long have you been in the navy?” Cassandra wondered.

“Me? Oh I was in the Merchant Navy and then NATO … well I cannot tell you that part but I have been on ships for about ten years. My name is Gema by the way.” She offered as she opened a locker and looked through it as Cassandra sat on the bench thoughtfully.

There was the sound of a generator kicking on and the overhead lights in the bathroom flickered momentarily before staying on. A knock and Nathan's voice could be heard. "We have power. Stove, heating and even the water heater will work. Davis and Hawkins found a lorry behind the building. We'll rotate people through the showers and get some food on after dinner and cleanup, we'll discuss tomorrow's last push to Thistledrift. Questions?"

“We have rustled up some better shower supplies Sir.” Gema said holding up all the shampoo, conditioner and body washes they had found. “Is the fuel clean?” She added thinking of the last car they had found and how degraded the fuel had been after sitting in the engine for the last six months. Cassandra said nothing as she carried on sorting out the items they had found in the lockers into groups.

There was a pause as Nathan considered Gema's words. "Very well. Finish scrounging what you can, then come to the common room. Davis has volunteered to cook up dinner. We'll discuss the next step after we eat. Don't be long." Footsteps could be heard retreating from the locher room door.

“You did not anwser her question Commander?” Cassandra called after him as she shook her head. “That was rude of him.” She added as she handed over some of the feminine hygiene products to the younger woman.

“Officers. They are the same whether it’s cruise ships or Navy ships.” Gema laughed a little. “But we should hurry and get out there before all the food is gone.”

“Go on. I’m going to have that quick shower and sort myself out.” Cassandra said quietly making Gema nod and understand. Privacy was hard to come by and showers even less so. “I won’t use all the water.” She promised making the sailor laugh and disappear off with the bag loaded with items. Within 15 minutes the woman was back out in clean clothes with her wet hair up out of her face.

Nathan looked up from his notepad as Cassandra exited the locker room. She was, in his opinion, an extraordinarily beautiful woman after cleaning up. He recovered his composure quickly. Several of the other men were not as subtle in noticing Cassandra joining them. "Feel better Ms. Lennox?" 'She looks a lot better,' he thought to himself.

“Cassandra or Cassie is fine.” She said for why felt like the 100th time. She sat down at the table with Nathan and nodded. “Certainly do. Not had a hot shower in weeks and cold ones do not really do much other than freeze you.” She commented as she glanced up and saw a few of the men still staring. She rolled her eyes as Gema smacked one of them on the arm to stop them staring.

Nathan gave a soft sigh. His expression didn't quite soften, but did slightly lose its rigid military professionalism. "My apologies Ms. Lennox. I'm just not comfortable addressing you, or most people, in the familiar."

“We’ll get used to it Nathan.” The woman commented as a man appeared on her left hand side and passed her a bowl of hot food. “Thank you.” She smiled at the rice and what had to be tinned meat but to her it was better than she had eat for weeks.

“It’s Daniel Ma’am.” The young man said smiling as he got the message on no formalities. “Sir.” He passed another bowl to the man.

"Thank you Davis." He took his plate and silverware, then began to tuck in before the food cooled.

Duncan Smith gave Cassandra a smile. "Electrician Duncan Smith, Cassandra. Pleased to meet you."

The other female sailor gave a short wave. "Seaman Elizabeth Hawkins. Friends call me Liz."

“Pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for not shooting me.” Cassandra said trying to break the ice a little making several of the older men and women laugh.

“I have the ship but there is a signal that keeps interfering with it Sir.” Gema admitted as she came in from the other room.

Nathan turned to Gema, more curious than anything else at the moment and asked questions. "What kind of signal? Can you identify the source? Is it man made or natural interference like solar flares?"

“I cannot identify the source with the comms pack. It’s strong though Sir. It bounces across our signal. It is a young woman but she disconnects when I speak and state who I am.” Gema explained.

“Could be the radio station in Thistledrift.” Cassandra offered.

Nathan contemplated this new development. "Contact the ship on the alternate frequency. Give them a short situation report." He glanced at Cassandra for a moment. "Tell, them we have made contact with a local and will arrive at our destination in the morning. I will be in the other room in a few minutes to see if we can find out more from this...other person."

Gema frowned a little but nodded. She would have to see if she could get through on the signal but she had tried that but she also knew the person who was on the ship was so new that this was the first time they had any long term time on the bridge let alone with the Captain. "Sir."

Nathan turned to Cassandra. "Would you be willing to speak with who is on the radio. Perhaps they know your family. It's worth trying anyway."

"Sure," Cassandra said quietly. She was more than happy to try anything, if they were in Thistledrift the radio was a local BBC one, so it would be quite powerful.

A few minutes later, after their meal was finished, Nathan escorted Cassandra to the small facility office and had Gema switch to the frequency the unknown signal was transmitting on. He gestured to the handset. "It’s just like a telephone, except you push the button to speak, release to listen. When you want the other person to respond, say over."

Cassandra smiled patiently as he explained to her how it all worked. She nodded and picked up the radio receiver as Gema took off the headset so everyone could hear the voice. It was young and that of a woman. “Hello… I can hear you.” Cassandra said kindly. “… Over.”
She added winking at Nathan.

“Oh… hello. This is a strong signal over.” The girl said surprised.

“Yes. I believe we are close. I am at the RNLB station over.” Cassandra knew the girl would not confirm anything but she knew that this base was only theirs for the night so there was no harm in revealing it.

Nathan observed carefully. While not exactly happy about Cassandra giving away their position to this person over the air waves, he was relieved that Cassandra was at least successful in opening up a dialog. He looked Cassandra in the eye. "Give them your name. If they can find someone who knows you."

“That’s not far at all.” The person on the other end said.

“I know where you are. My name in Cassandra Lennox my…” Cassandra cut across her speaking.

“Maureen’s daughter.” The young woman gasped on the other end.

“Maureen is my mother and Rupert is my dad yes.” Cassandra said smiling at Nathan as her hunch had proven correct. “I am here with some new friends and they need to come into port.” Gema’s eyes went wild but she did not disconnect the connection.

“But…” The person on the other end said.

“Sweetheart what about the military has you so worried?” Cassandra wondered giving up on radio formality that Nathan had insisted on. She wanted to help this woman.

Nathan took the handset. "Miss, this is Lieutenant Commander Nathan Crawford, Her Majesty's Royal Navy. We are just looking for a safe home port for our ship. We are under a UN and NATO charter to provide humanitarian relief to affected coastal communities. Our original home port was overrun. We could use your help and could probably help your community as well. All I ask is a chance to speak with your community leader...please."

“I will get them but our power is about to go so …” As the girl spoke her voice fizzed out and the signal just crackled to show dead space.

“Their power went.” Gema said quietly.

Nathan shook his head, disappointment evident in his expression. He turned to Gema. "Well, at least there's no signal interference. Raise the ship. We'll give the Captain a sitrep and take it from there."

TAG

 

RSS Feed