Humans Prevail in Kirkland Humans vs. Zombies Game

As dusk fell on Wednesday, 10 remaining humans readied themselves behind their fortification in Kirkland courtyard. The zombies rose from their graves, craving human flesh. The end was near- the final showdown between good and evil, the living and the dead. Would the zombies conquer? Or would any humans escape their bloodthirsty attacks unscathed?

After two weeks of carrying around water guns in their backpacks, throwing socks at zombie blockmates, and for some, even skipping lectures, the approximately 140 Kirkland House residents who began the game as living humans quickly saw their ranks diminish due to the murderous Alpha Zombie and his offspring.

For their final rescue mission, the humans were challenged to hold Kirkland courtyard for 20 minutes without being killed by the zombie swarms. After this time limit, whoever remained must fight their way to the center of the courtyard where “rescue helicopters” would take them to safety. In order to survive, the humans must not be touched with two hands by any of the blood-red headband clad monsters.

The humans were given 15 minutes to build their stronghold, opting to create a barricade of chairs, benches, and hammocks to hold their position on higher ground. They were ready to fight, each armed with a deadly water gun.

The zombies then crept into the courtyard… and they were hungry. All was quiet. Suddenly, a bloodcurdling yell rang throughout the battlefield, and the ravenous masses charged toward the humans’ fortification. The epic showdown had finally begun.

The humans valiantly fended off the vicious hordes, using their guns to stun the monsters. Wave after wave of zombies rushed toward their stronghold, and with each charge, broke down part of their defenses.

However, after 20 minutes had passed, six humans were quickly murdered. The four remaining humans formed a small circle facing outward, and, armed with their water guns, moved slowly toward the center of the courtyard. The vicious zombies waited patiently, allowing them to come closer… closer… closer. Then they struck.

The merciless beasts charged the humans, who broke apart attempting to maneuver their way to the center without being killed, carrying the survival of humanity on their shoulders. All was confusion. Suddenly, two triumphant yells were heard from the center of the masses.

The game was over.

Jade R. Randle ’11 and Alan A. Ibrahim ’11 had reached the helicopter and emerged victorious, the lone survivors from the showdown, preserving hope for humans to come.

After a round of the Kirkland Ode, known by zombies and humans alike, the zombies skulked back to their graves.

“These were two of the most paranoid weeks of my life,” said Randle, but both survivors said it was worth it, for they were able to defeat the zombies in the end.

“The humans are resilient,” admitted zombie Alex C. Chang ’10. “I have to give props to them.”

“I’m absolutely dumb founded [with how it turned out,]” said the game’s overseer Michael J. Chance ’10. “I think it turned out better then I ever could have hoped, and I think that’s due to the fact that Kirkland is the kind of house where this stuff shines.”

At the end of the day, it was all worth it. The humans lived to see another day.

Photo courtesy of Sebastian Velez.