Perkatory: Coffee and Zombies

The sharp smell hit Zoe's nose before she even opened the carton. Grimacing, she tipped the milk into the sink, the lumpy liquid sloshing in thick, yellowish clumps. She wrinkled her nose, muttering, "Well, that's one way to start the morning."

Darren, leaning against the counter, watched with an unimpressed look. "Great. That was the last carton. Guess coffee's black from now on."

"Thanks for the update, Captain Obvious," Zoe shot back, rinsing the carton under the tap before tossing it toward the trash can. It hit the rim and bounced onto the floor.

Darren groaned. "Could you at least make the effort to aim?"

Zoe's patience, already frayed from lack of sleep and stress, snapped. She grabbed the empty carton and lobbed it at him. "Here's some effort for you!"

The carton arced through the air in an almost comedic slow motion. A few residual drops of spoiled milk splattered against the wall with an audible splat before the carton made a pitifully light impact against Darren's leg and fell to the floor.

There was a pause as everyone stared at the wall. The milky splat was so absurdly out of place amidst the chaos of their new reality that it seemed almost surreal.

Lisa broke the silence with a snort, and then the floodgates opened. Laughter filled the room, a bright and unexpected reprieve. Emma doubled over, clutching her stomach. Tears streaming down her face, Lisa gasped, "That… that was exactly what I needed!"

Even Darren cracked a smile, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. I guess I deserved that."

Zoe couldn't help but grin, the tension in her chest loosening for the first time in what felt like days. "You're lucky I didn't throw the whole sink at you."

As the laughter died down, the woman, glued to her laptop since the apocalypse began, finally stirred. Her name was Erica, though Zoe realized she hadn't heard her speak once all the time they'd been holed up together. Erica's gaze was tired but determined as she cleared her throat.

"I… I've been working on something," she said, her voice raspy from disuse.

All eyes turned to her. She hesitated momentarily before angling her laptop's screen toward the group. "It's a website. A platform for survivors to communicate with each other directly."

"Wait," Lisa said, leaning closer. "You've been setting up a website? During the apocalypse?"

Erica nodded. "I'm a software developer. This… this is what I do. It's a basic setup, but it works. I've managed to connect to servers in other regions. There are survivors out there, and they're talking. Sharing information. Helping each other."

Zoe's eyes widened. "That's incredible. You've done all of this while we've been stuck here?"

Erica's lips twitched into a faint smile. "It kept me focused. And I… I've been compiling data. Some people have been reporting… unusual abilities. Like… what you have, Zoe."

Zoe's heart skipped a beat. "Other people have systems?"

Erica nodded. "A few. But none of them are as versatile as yours. Most of them are focused on specific skills or combat abilities. Yours is… unique."

The Brewmaster System's voice chimed in Zoe's mind, dripping with its usual smugness. "Of course."

Zoe resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Any idea why this is happening? The systems, I mean?"

Erica shook her head. "Not yet. But people are starting to theorize. Some think it's a mutation caused by the outbreak. Others think it's… something else. Something bigger."

The room fell silent as they absorbed Erica's words. The idea that others were out there—survivors with abilities like Zoe's—was comforting and unsettling.

Darren broke the silence with a low whistle. "So, what you're saying is… we're not alone in this."

"Exactly," Erica said, her voice gaining strength. "If we can connect with them, we might have a better chance at surviving. At understanding what's happening."

Lisa leaned forward, her eyes shining with renewed hope. "Can we… can we see it? The website?"

Erica hesitated, then turned the laptop fully toward the group. On the screen was a simple interface, but the messages scrolling across it were anything but.

"Survivor in Chicago: Found food cache. Can trade for medical supplies." "Team in Toronto: Seeking refuge. Is anyone nearby?" "From Austin: Anyone else seeing glowing zombies? Are they… evolving?"

Zoe's breath caught at the last message. The image of the glowing-veined zombie she'd seen during her out-of-body experience flashed in her mind.

The Brewmaster System whispered slyly, "Told you things were getting interesting."

She shook her head, focusing on the screen. "This changes everything," she said softly.

Erica nodded. "It's not just about survival anymore. It's about rebuilding. And maybe… figuring out what this outbreak really is."

Zoe glanced around the room. The mood had shifted. For the first time, there was something tangible to hold onto—a connection to the outside world and to others who were fighting to survive.

She met Erica's gaze and smiled. "Thank you for doing this. It's… it's exactly what we needed."

Zoe paused, then added, "Erica, can you add something to the website? Put out a message that Perkatory is open for business. Let people know someone here can make potent potions out of coffee. If anyone is in the area, we will trade those potion coffees for supplies to keep the shop running."

Everyone turned to Zoe, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

"Are you serious?" Darren asked, folding his arms. "You want to run a business during the apocalypse?"

Zoe nodded, her gaze steady. "Moving around too much is dangerous, especially with the zombies. If we can set up something where people bring supplies to us in exchange for unique potions, it's a win-win. We stay safer and get what we need to survive. And they get drinks that can help them survive."

Lisa leaned forward, her eyes wide. "That… actually makes a lot of sense. But do you think anyone will come?"

"It's worth a shot," Zoe said. "And if it works, we might be able to build something more stable here. Something that lasts."

Erica hesitated but nodded. "I'll add the message. Let's see if anyone responds."

The group fell silent as Erica typed the update into the website. They gathered around her, watching the words appear on the screen:

"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."

As the message went live, they all exchanged nervous glances.

"Now we wait," Zoe said, her voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.

The room was heavy with anticipation, each second feeling like an eternity. They stared at the screen, hearts pounding, waiting for a response.

And then… a notification pinged.

Erica's smile widened slightly. "We all have our part to play."

The Brewmaster System's voice echoed in Zoe's mind, full of mock gravitas. "And yours, Carter, is brewing your way through the apocalypse. Don't forget it."

Zoe let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Yeah, yeah."