K. T. Swartz (22 page)

Her record of almost one hundred thousand kills in her lifetime has been surpassed a dozen times over since then, but her legacy has not. As the years passed, major cities were reclaimed. Small settlements sprang up along the Eastern seaboard as the march of reclamation moved steadily west. California is recorded as having the last battle with the undead in San José, and all reports suggest the United States of America is no longer infested. I’ve heard that ships are crossing the sea for Europe and Africa, to clean them out. That these continents are still infested seems so foreign to me, because I’ve never seen a zombie before. I’ve only heard stories. I’ve only seen recorded footage on old cell phones and security cameras.

Dr. Z’s contributions were recognized by the government sixteen years ago, who gave her the title ‘Dr. Z’. I heard the ceremony was beautiful in Washington D.C, a ceremony she didn’t bother showing up for. She had better things to do, like show me how to make ammonia bombs in her kitchen. It’s because of her that I have the life I do, one I share with my husband and my cat. I’ve learned so much from speaking with her and the disciples who learned from her. And what I’ve learned I have presented to you, because, like I said, should this ever happen again, I want you to survive too.

~ KT Swartz