Chapter 4 Something the Zombie King Covets

After witnessing Colin escort Grandma to the nurse's station, 5188 tugged at Liam's pants and pointed toward the ward. "In!" Liam looked over at the still unconscious Jasper, his hesitation apparent. The medical staff had strictly forbidden casual entry given Jasper's critical condition. "In!" 5188 repeated, growing increasingly anxious as Liam remained unresponsive. Her tugs grew stronger, inadvertently becoming too forceful, and with a ripping sound, Liam's pants tore. Realizing what she had done, 5188 immediately released her grip and looked at her fingers. She did not dare to look at him. Oh no, she thought, I've ruined his pants. Should I compensate him? But I don't have any money, and Grandpa isn't here to help. Grandpa had always taught her that his money belonged to Grandma, and Grandma's money was hers, and if he needed money, he would find a way to earn it. Together, they had often sneaked into other bases to make money, sharing any good finds. Now without her grandpa, how would she manage to earn any money? As these thoughts weighed heavily on her, 5188's head hung lower in remorse. Liam could not help but chuckle seeing the girl's guilty expression. Recalling the sharp sound of the grenade she had slammed down on Jasper, he felt a mix of amusement and residual alarm as he touched the torn fabric of his pants. "I can take you in," Liam finally said, "but you can't just touch things randomly, and you mustn't touch your uncle either, okay?" He paused, reflecting on the nurse's instructions that someone needed to keep a close watch on Jasper during the night, ready to alert the doctor in case of a fever or seizure. Deciding it made sense, he agreed to take 5188 in, setting some ground rules for her stay. After settling 5188 in the hospital room, Liam watched as she climbed onto a chair next to Jasper's bed, sitting obediently with her gaze intently fixed on his face. Comforted by her calm demeanor, Liam stepped out briefly to fetch another chair for Helena, anticipating her arrival soon. However, the moment Liam left, 5188 sprang into action. She hopped off the chair, quickly shut the ward door, and clambered onto the hospital bed. Digging through her worn pocket, she retrieved a fluorescent green tube emitting a mysterious glow. This tube, fervently sought after by a group following Grandma's departure, was touted as a lifesaving item, coveted even by the so-called Zombie King. As a robot, 5188 did not need it for herself, but she considered whether Grandma might find it useful. She had thought that if Grandma did not need it, perhaps she could sell it and use the money to help her. Convinced that this miraculous substance might revive her uncle, she decided that once he was awake, they could both go find Grandma. With her plan in mind, 5188 did not hesitate. She gently pinched Jasper's chin and poured the glowing liquid into his mouth. Just then, Liam returned, catching her in the act. His heart raced in panic. "What are you doing?" 5188 quickly pulled back her hand, meticulously wiping Jasper's mouth, then turned to Liam with wide, innocent eyes. "Nothing!" Startled and sweating, Liam scooped up 5188 and dashed to summon the medical team. When they hurried back, they were stunned to find Jasper sitting up, clutching his head and groaning in discomfort. Grimacing, Jasper looked up at Liam and groaned. "Liam, what the heck did you just make me drink? It tasted so awful I thought I was going to die!" Frozen in disbelief, Liam stuttered, "J-Jasper?" The doctor, equally astonished, rushed forward to check Jasper, murmuring, "A miracle! A miracle!" Unfazed by the commotion, 5188 kicked her legs excitedly in Liam's arms, sensing the change she had hoped for. When Liam inadvertently set her down, she darted out of the room. Just outside, she encountered Colin and Helena, who had rushed over upon hearing the uproar. Beaming, 5188 ran to Helena, wrapping her arms around her legs and shouting "Grandma" loudly. She then pointed back towards the ward, exclaiming with glee, "Awake!" If Uncle wakes up, I can go find Grandma! 5188 thought to herself, pride in her good behavior and cleverness swelling within her. Because the doctors needed to conduct a comprehensive examination, Liam was asked to step outside. Once outside the ward, Liam saw Colin struggling to articulate, "Captain, Jasper woke up! He just woke up on his own!" Colin, still unaware of the full circumstances, immediately beamed with joy. "That's great news!" His eyes then landed on the girl standing obediently next to the elderly lady, and he mused to himself about her apparent good fortune. It seemed her arrival had brought a string of positive events. "No, Captain, it's not like that!" Liam interjected, seeing that his captain had misunderstood. He was about to elaborate when a doctor hurried out of the ward, seizing Liam's wrist urgently. "Comrade, what did you give to the patient inside? Not only has he woken up, but his gunshot wound is no longer infected—even minor scratches are healing!" Stunned by the doctor's questions, Liam glanced down at 5188, who was avoiding eye contact, her eyes darting guiltily. Clearing his throat, Liam excused himself to the doctor, citing military confidentiality, then turned to Colin and said solemnly, "Captain, I need to report something!" Colin nodded gravely and walked off with Liam. Meanwhile, Helena, sensing that something was amiss and recalling Captain Bailey's earlier comments about the unusual human traffickers, began to suspect there might be more at stake. They had risked exposure for the girl, suggesting other significant motives at play. Moreover, the doctor had mentioned that the girl had experienced trauma severe enough to affect her speech, limiting her to single words. It seemed unlikely they could get any information from her. "Mom!" Helena's thoughts were interrupted when Jasper walked out of the ward, visibly healthier. Despite previously limping from his leg injury, he now stood upright proudly. "Mom, when I first saw this girl, I thought she looked just like you! Now that you're holding her, anyone would think you and Dad had another daughter while I was away!" Helena's eyebrow twitched at her son's remark, and without missing a beat, she playfully slapped the back of his head. "Nonsense!" she scolded, her tone light despite the seriousness of their situation. Jasper, holding his head as it throbbed with pain, staggered a few steps back before collapsing onto a bench in the corridor. A doctor nearby quickly rushed over to support him, admonishing Helena, "Madam, please be careful! While his physical injuries are not severe, it appears he previously suffered a head injury—likely a concussion. He really shouldn't be subjected to further blows." Liam, who had just returned from reporting, overheard the doctor and cast another glance at the girl. Could it be that Jasper's concussion was a result of the grenade she had thrown earlier? Concerned, Helena quickly asked, "Is he going to be all right?" Jasper, still rubbing his head, managed a grin. "Mom, I'm fine! I feel so energized, I could take on a bull right now!" "No!" 5188 interjected, seeing Helena's continued anxiety. She patted her chest to reassure her. If zombies could become kings after consuming it, surely Uncle Jasper, being human, would be more than fine. Helena looked down at the girl in her arms, who was gazing up at her expectantly as if seeking approval. Something stirred in Helena's heart, and she affectionately patted the child's head, saying, "You did a great job!" At Helena's praise, 5188's face brightened immensely, and she exclaimed joyfully, "Grandma!" Jasper, touching his head, felt puzzled by his mother's behavior. He was physically fine, so why all the fuss about the girl? Yet, as Helena looked down at the eager little face beaming up at her, a shadow of worry crossed her features.