Perkatory: Coffee and Zombies

Matthew sat cross-legged on the floor of his modest suburban house, the dim light of his laptop casting long shadows on the walls. Outside, the distant moans of zombies punctuated the eerie silence of the neighborhood. He tried to ignore them as he scrolled through the survivor forum Erica had set up. It was a lifeline for people like him, those stranded in pockets of the world still with faint traces of civilization.

Then he saw the post.

"Perkatory: Open for Business. A survivor who can create powerful potions from coffee is offering to trade these unique brews for supplies. Come find us if you're in the area and need something extraordinary."

Matthew's eyebrows shot up. "Potions from coffee?" he muttered, his interest piqued. The idea sounded absurd initially, but the more he thought about it, the more it intrigued him. If someone had an ability that versatile, they could make a difference—not just for themselves but for others. He tapped his fingers on the keyboard, pondering the possibilities.

He leaned back, letting his mind wander. His own ability wasn't flashy, but it had kept him alive. The Detection System alerted him whenever something or someone intended to harm him. It had saved him countless times, steering him away from hordes of zombies and even a few desperate survivors who had turned violent in their hunger. But it wasn't just about survival anymore. He wanted to do more than just exist. This may be his chance.

Taking a deep breath, Matthew typed out a reply to the thread:

Matthew: I can act as a go-between for individuals who don't feel comfortable traveling to Perkatory. In exchange, I'd like one coffee per delivery. Distance doesn't matter to me. Though I prefer not to say what it is, I also have the ability, and it has helped me safely travel so far.

He hovered over the "Post" button momentarily, then clicked it. The message appeared on the thread, and he stared at it, wondering if anyone would take him seriously.

The response came faster than he expected. A new message popped up from Erica:

Erica: That sounds like a great idea, Matthew. Let's discuss the details. We can definitely offer coffee in exchange for your help.

A grin spread across Matthew's face. He wasn't sure why, but the acknowledgment felt good. He typed back a quick reply, thanking her and agreeing to coordinate.

As he was about to close the thread, another message appeared, this time from someone named "CoffeeGrower42."

CoffeeGrower42: I have several coffee plants but don't know how to roast the beans properly. I'm far from Perkatory, but I will trade if someone can figure out how to brew them.

Matthew's eyes widened. Coffee plants? That sounded like gold in the current world. He watched as Erica replied:

Erica: That's fantastic! We can absolutely figure out how to brew them here. Let's set up a plan.

Excitement bubbled in Matthew's chest. He quickly jumped back into the thread.

Matthew: I can go meet CoffeeGrower42. Where are you located?

A reply came shortly after:

CoffeeGrower42: I'm in southern Kentucky. I'd be happy to trade if you're up for the trip.

Matthew sat back, running a hand through his hair. Southern Kentucky was far, but he'd traveled greater distances before. The zombies would make it tricky, but he was confident he could navigate the dangers with his ability.

Another message appeared in the thread, this one from someone named "BladeRunner":

BladeRunner: Matthew, I saw your post. I have a combat ability that can help keep you safe if you run into trouble. I'm in central Ohio, not too far from you. Would you like to team up?

Matthew's Detection System gave no warnings as he read BladeRunner's message. That was always his first check with new people. If his system remained silent, the person had no harmful intentions toward him.

Matthew: Sounds good, BladeRunner. Let's meet halfway and figure out the logistics.

The rest of the thread was filled with messages from Erica, CoffeeGrower42, and BladeRunner as they hashed out the details. Matthew felt a spark of purpose he hadn't experienced in weeks. For once, he wasn't just surviving. He was part of something bigger.

Matthew spent the rest of the day preparing. He packed a lightweight backpack with essentials: water, protein bars, a first-aid kit, and personal items. His trusty hiking boots were already broken from countless miles of avoiding zombie hordes. As he double-checked his supplies, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.

When the sun dipped below the horizon and the suburbs were cloaked in shadows, Matthew settled onto his couch, glancing at the laptop one last time. Another notification pinged. It was from Erica.

Erica: Stay safe out there, Matthew. We're counting on you.

He smiled faintly, shutting the laptop. "No pressure," he muttered to himself.

The following day, he set out. The streets were eerily quiet, the remnants of the world before the apocalypse scattered in the form of abandoned cars, broken storefronts, and the occasional toppled streetlight. Matthew's Detection System pulsed faintly in the back of his mind, a constant awareness of threats. It guided him like an invisible hand, nudging him away from danger and toward safer paths.

By midday, he reached the rendezvous point he'd agreed upon with BladeRunner. It was a small, nondescript gas station just off the highway. A tall figure stepped out from behind the building as he approached, waving cautiously. BladeRunner was dressed in tactical gear, his presence exuding a quiet confidence.

"Matthew?" the man called.

"That's me," Matthew replied, keeping his hands visible to show he meant no harm.

The two exchanged brief pleasantries, their shared understanding of the apocalypse's harsh realities cutting through the need for small talk.

"I'll take point," BladeRunner said as they journeyed south. "You just let me know if we're walking into anything."

Matthew nodded, grateful for the partnership. As they moved through the desolate countryside, the two men fell into an efficient rhythm. BladeRunner handled any zombies that crossed their path with swift, calculated strikes, while Matthew's Detection System ensured they avoided more enormous hordes altogether.

By nightfall, they had covered significant ground and camped in an abandoned farmhouse. As they sat around a small, carefully controlled fire, BladeRunner spoke up.

"This Perkatory thing… You think it'll work?"

Matthew stared into the flames. "I think it's worth trying. If people can come together, even in small ways, it's better than going alone."

BladeRunner nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah. Maybe you're right."

The fire crackled, and for a moment, the two men were lost in the quiet of the night, the sounds of the world outside muffled by the weight of their journey. Then, BladeRunner leaned forward slightly, his voice low but steady.

"Matthew," he began, pausing as if considering how best to approach the subject. "There's something I should tell you."

Matthew glanced up, noting the shift in BladeRunner's tone. He raised an eyebrow but remained silent, giving the man space to speak.

"My real name's Jake," BladeRunner continued, a faint but genuine smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Not everyone gets to know that, but we're going to go through a lot together, so I should trust you."

Matthew nodded, not wanting to pry but sensing that Jake had more to say.

"I also want to tell you about my ability," Jake added, his voice steady. "I know you haven't said much about yours, and I'm not gonna pressure you to share. I get it—there's a lot of trust involved. But I think it'll help our teamwork if you know what mine is."

Matthew waited, sensing the gravity in Jake's words.

"I have enhanced reflexes and strength," Jake said, gazing at the fire. "I can react faster than most people and have much more power behind my movements. It's not just for show—I can take down zombies in a blink, and if it comes to it, I can hold my own in a fight with other survivors. But I'm not invincible. My weakness is the toll it takes on my body. After a while, I get exhausted, so I need to pace myself."

Jake paused, looking directly at Matthew for the first time since he started speaking. "I know it's a lot to take in, but I wanted you to know. I'll never push you to share your own ability. I respect that you've kept it to yourself. I just think… well, it could help if we're on the same page. Trust works both ways."

Matthew took a moment to digest the information. He could sense that Jake—no, Jake—wasn't just a fighter; there was a quiet honesty in his words, a vulnerability that came with being so open about his abilities.

"Thanks for telling me, Jake," Matthew said, quiet but sincere. "I think we'll make a good team."

Jake nodded, a flicker of relief in his eyes. "Yeah, I think so too."

The two men sat in companionable silence, the crackling of the fire filling the space between them. They would continue their journey tomorrow, but tonight, there was a sense of camaraderie that hadn't been there before. And for the first time in a while, Matthew felt they stood a chance at making it together.