Welcome to the first non-chapter post for The Dead Life, my ongoing zombie serial novel. I wanted to introduce a little extra material that adds a bit more to the setting. I have a few things planned, but I wanted to start with a map as part of the survivor notes.
This is the drawing that Dani put together and included in her notes that she handed to Bob just before heading out on a supply run. This was in chapter 12, “Hunger Pangs.” Among the survivor notes was Dani’s drawing of what the Kim Family Storage arrangement is. She has some other immediate scribblings across other pages, but I would prefer just to focus on the map right now. Of course I could be persuaded to add more things like her survivor notes down the line based on comments and interest.
As for some of the notes she has included on this map, she’s done a count of the units, 181 total, as well as marked out some spaces. Specifically, she has been noting where everyone in the group is sleeping, respectively – among other highlights.
Survivor Updates (Jan. 17, 2000)
- Bob has made a cozy nook for himself with his RV, a military tent, and pop-up canopy. With that said, however, he is currently positioned by the camp’s “waste dump.” Dani notes this needs to improve. He doesn’t complain, but it is so awkward to slop your shit in a bucket past your nice, old neighbor.
- Dani has taken up residence in one of the two stored RVs on the lot. She hasn’t really done much to expand, but she is eyeing the two units directly due south of her position. Especially if she can find or build additional cover. She is considering making those two units into a workshop area, but for what purpose, she doesn’t quite know.
- Sandy continues to take up residence in the two-story office building, up in the residential apartment. However, she has not offered to let anyone stay in the office below. There is some hesitance for anyone to stay there given the smashed-in window. Even if it is blocked by a truck and some shelves and boxes for now.
- Ed has been content to sleep in his car, but spends time at a pop-up he found with Jimmy. Jimmy, meanwhile, has claimed a unit by the pop-up and has been trying to make it more comfortable. Jimmy seems keen to stay, but Edgar is still distant and eager to move on.
Dani’s Notes
Dani’s notes focus on some longer term survivability. Specifically, she notes that the camp waste system needs attention as they are sloughing their waste into a hole outside of the metal fence over in Bob’s area. She also has taken notice of the soil that lines the perimeter of the storage business as a possible location to grow food. However, that would require exposure of any survivors tending to the garden.
Of course, beyond the issue of food, which is being dealt with specifically in chapters 12, 13, and upcoming 14th, there is also the issue of water. While there are some watch catches available, there certainly needs to be more of them. Perhaps she can talk to Bob when she gets back from the raid at the Walman’s Pharmacy.
Thank you for checking out this extra material related to The Dead Life; you can find this and the actual chapters of the novel as well as additional information at the project hub.
