by A. Giacomi
I pull Major Tom to the side and explain the situation further. His eyes grow wide when I tell him that the virus works differently in each host. Some might become like Eve, but some might become like the herd we just witnessed, and some might even be worse. The part that seems to frighten him the most is that I can’t guarantee what kind of creature they will become, but the bottom line is that they will be dangerous.
I see him pondering something and then he heads over to his uninjured men and asks each of them the clear the area. The men obey curiously, and without another word, Major Tom puts bullets into the skulls of the three infected. The other soldiers stare in shock as their comrades lay there lifelessly, alive only seconds ago. Death is always difficult and even harder to accept when it happens so suddenly.
I hold no anger towards Major Tom; I agree with his decision. I am, however, a little shocked that he chose to do it in front of the others. This is no time for a rebellion, and he definitely just rubbed eight men the wrong way. I storm off and let him deal with the consequences. I didn’t sign up to babysit a bunch of soldiers. I just want to find out how bad the situation has become, grab some samples, and get the hell out of here. I pull a handful of small vials out of my pocket and walk towards a few of the corpses. I collect some blood to take back to the lab and then head back to my tent to store the vials in a special briefcase.
Eve joins me in the tent, and my heart is ready to punch through my chest. I try to silence it, but there is something about her beauty against all this carnage. She is brave and selfless and the most stunning angel of death I have ever seen. I want to grab her and press my lips to hers, but this is neither the time nor the place. I wonder if she feels the tension between us because she looks at me in a strange way before speaking. She seems off.
“Agent Williams, I’m not sure we should stay here. I can smell that there are more of them out there, many, many more! We don’t have enough men, and although I’m strong, I can’t take on thousands of them!”
My stomach meets my throat. “Thousands? You can smell thousands of them?”
She nods. “Yes, they all have different smells, and they know I’m here. It’s bizarre, but it’s like this spark between our brains. It’s not really a telepathic communication. It’s just a sort of ‘knowing’ where to find one another. Strange, right?”
“Yes strange, but important to note. Look, Eve, we can’t leave yet. I need time to find out what happened here. I haven’t gathered enough information to help anyone. This virus could take over all of Mexico in as little as a few days. We have to stop it. We have to control this.”
She seems a bit disappointed, but she nods and heads over to her cot. “I’m gonna grab some sleep. If they come close I’ll know, but they’re out there. They’re waiting for something. I just don’t know what.”
She shuts her eyes and falls asleep quite easily, and I am left wondering what the heck she meant by “waiting for something.” Dear God, we are so far in over our heads, and there is no way of turning back now. If we leave now, the virus will spread, and I can’t have that on my conscience.
***
Today we head for Chichén Itzá’s centre. The ancient city is silent as we journey through its heart. There are a few carts with handmade merchandise strewn about, shoes left behind, and blood covering many of the old stones. All signs of tourists fleeing the scene, that much is obvious. What we don’t find are any bodies strewn about, which is most unsettling. No bodies either meant they had escaped or joined the infected. My instincts tell me that there are no survivors, and I figure there will be no point in searching for any. We will observe, take samples, and kill any infected we happen to come across.
After many stairs, we arrive at the mouth of El Castillo. The beautiful Mayan pyramid holds the answers I seek. We head inside reluctantly, but this is our mission, and we have to see it through. Eve pushes me back and decides to lead the way.
“Look, since I’m the only one with the ability to heal within a matter of seconds, I think I should lead. I will see what’s up ahead before you do, and you may not want to hear this, but I’m stronger than all of you put together. So you’re going to have to do this my way. They are down there, and they know you’re here. Be ready!”
I’m not sure I find Eve’s little speech helpful; it is easy for her to be brave. She is already dead and is gifted with magical powers that only select cases of the infected display. I roll my eyes as she leads us like her minions. The other men seem extra terrified now. Nice work, idiot, is all I can think.
As we venture deeper into El Castillo, I hear a scream. Instead of retreating, Eve starts running towards the sound. I’m angry as I chase after her. She doesn’t realize that her hastiness can get us all killed.
Eve stops up ahead in a clearing where light pours in from above. As I stand beside her, I see a man screaming on a rock slab he’s been tied to. He is screaming uncontrollably, and his second half is missing. I cover my mouth as I see his entrails scattered about below him, his legs nowhere to be seen. Eve wears a similar expression to mine, but she is still able to react. She shoves me behind her as zombies appear out of the shadows. They moan in unison as they approach the slab, their mouths coated with fresh blood.
Eve screams that I should run, but the only footsteps are those of the soldiers behind me. They are fleeing the scene rapidly. I hear their feet slapping against the stone floor, and then more screaming fills El Castillo. The sound of gunfire and screaming fills my head, and I can’t seem to move. Eve is saying something to me, screaming it, but I can’t hear a word. It’s as though everything is happening in slow motion.
Eve sees something behind me and pushes me out of the way. I feel my head hit something hard, and as I fall, my surroundings grow darker and darker.
CHAPTER EIGHT
EVE
When I get to them, it is too late. I find each soldier sprawled in the entranceway of El Castillo with their guts hanging out. One soldier lays in the entryway, his hand bathed in sunlight; he almost made it out, almost.
I wipe the blood from my lips. I attacked as many as I could, but still, it isn’t good enough. I am able to save Agent Williams, who I dragged back to the entrance with me. He is still unconscious, which is totally my fault, but at least he is alive. The poor bastard was in shock. Maybe I was wrong about this tough guy.
I sit next to Agent Williams, and as soon as I get comfortable, I hear footsteps. I bolt back onto my feet and snarl. Out of the shadows pops Major Tom! “Oh, thank God! You’re okay! I’m sorry about your men.” I point to the carnage that once resembled human beings. He sighs and has a seat next to our unconscious friend.
Major Tom pulls a flask out of his pocket and starts drinking. “What do you make of all this, Eve? What the hell is going on?”
I think about it for a moment before I answer. “Well, sir, I think they remember being human because the infected seem to be acting like a cult. They knew to put a sacrifice on the ancient slab, and then they attacked together, as a community. These zombies are a little smarter than most, which makes them more deadly, if you ask me.”
Major Tom nods and then downs the rest of his flask until it runs dry. I can’t blame him for wanting to feel a little numb right now. Losing soldiers is difficult, especially when they are under your command.
“There was nothing you could have done, Major. How could we have known? It was a fucking set up, you know? They wanted us to come here. I should have known.” I bang my head against the wall viciously. I only stop when Agent Williams begins to stir. For a moment, I fear he might be turning; his moans match those of the infected.
He tries to rise, but I beg him to stay put awhile. “Take it easy. There’s no immediate threat. Just take your time. I slammed your head into that wall pretty good.”
He laughs. “Why did you do that?”
“Because you were being a complete idiot and would
n’t move your ass,” I hiss.
He laughs some more as he rubs his eyes, and then his eyes meet mine, and he says, “Thank you.” I sort of believe he means it. A tough agent like him thanking me for saving his life? Never thought I would see the day!
We wait another half hour before I feel it’s safe enough to move Agent Williams. He seems more coherent, but there is a nice bump on his head, which we will need to get some ice for later. I start heading down the stairs when my senses go off all Spidey-like. I place my hand up, signaling Agent Williams and Major Tom to pause a moment. I listen and hear something I know the others can’t hear, but they will soon see what I know.
“Run!” I scream as I begin sprinting down the stairs of El Castillo.
They both follow me at a sprint. As we reach the last step and start running on the grass, the first-hand bursts out of the ground. I hear Major Tom scream up ahead to me, “We need to get to the truck! Now!”
I know that that is our best bet, and we continue to sprint as the undead continue to burst out of the ground in Chichén Itzá’s clearing. They are reaching for us, just wanting a taste of living flesh. We will be surrounded if we don’t stay ahead of them. I keep urging Major Tom and Agent Williams to hurry. I forgot that they can’t move as fast as I do, but if they don’t pick up the pace at least a little, we will never make it to the truck. It is at least thirty minutes away from where we stand. If we can make it out of the clearing that is rapidly flooding with zombies, then we might stand a chance.
I scream at Major Tom to give me his gun. It is one that can spray multiple bullets, and I think I can at least buy us some time. Major Tom is reluctant but throws it to me as I scream for them to run ahead. I will take on a few zombies to give us a better chance. After all, they don’t want to eat me; they just want me out of their way.
I hold the gun up and spray bullets at anything that moves. I haven’t had much gun training yet, but I just try to imagine it like a big game of Whack-A-Mole, where I can’t be sure where the mole will pop up next. When I catch sight of a head bursting through the earth, I shoot a round.
When the crowd of zombies seems a bit thinner, I run after Agent Williams and Major Tom. They are still fairly far ahead, but they are running out of steam and going at a jogger’s pace. I try and keep tabs on what lingers behind us, but when I don’t see any zombies following, I catch up to the men, and we continue our hike towards the truck.
About twenty minutes later, we arrive. Our safety on wheels awaits us. Major Tom climbs into the driver’s seat and tries to radio for help. I jump into the passenger seat with Agent Williams. With the lack of space, I am practically sitting in his lap, which makes us both uncomfortable.
After fifteen minutes of radio silence, Major Tom decides to start up the truck and drive back to the airport. I am happy to leave Chichén Itzá behind. The safety of the truck makes everyone feel a little lighter. Even Major Tom drops his guard a bit and begins telling us stories about his youth and all the stupid things he used to do for laughs. He seems like he has led a very exciting life, and when I point that out to him, he replies, “Too interesting, I’m afraid, and being too interesting is a curse, not a blessing.” I suppose he is right; being boring means never having to fight zombies or watch countless people be killed all in one day. Boring sounds good.
When we reach the small airport, Major Tom goes off in search of a phone. He has to notify his superiors of the mess in Chichén Itzá before it spreads elsewhere. I am left alone with Agent Williams, who hasn’t really seemed himself this entire time in Mexico.
I smile at him. “How’s your head? Are you feeling any better?”
He rubs his goose egg and nods. “I’ll live. It’s not every day that a girl saves my life.”
I cringe and cross my arms in an offended manner. “Does that bother you? What, a girl can’t save your life?”
Agent Williams holds his arms in the air like he is about to be arrested. “Whoa, whoa! Truce! I call a truce! I just meant that it’s never happened before. It was a nice change, and I am extremely grateful!”
I can tell he is a bit peeved, so I let the mini-misunderstanding go.
Soon, Major Tom is back with some news. He explains that a plane will be ready for us shortly but also that the Mexican Government is about to step in and send soldiers with explosives to Chichén Itzá. They are planning on blowing up some zombies. My concern is that they will also harm the ancient city, but when you weigh the options, taking out an army of zombies seems much more important than saving a few old stones. Still sad, though. I mourn for the city and those that are to be buried under it. I wipe away a few tears that manage to escape.
Major Tom pats me on the back. “You did good, kid. Thanks for your help. You saved a couple of hides out there.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t do enough, sir. I’m no soldier. I only wish I had been stronger. Too many died and I…” He shushes me and my ramblings with an unexpected hug. When he looks back at me, his eyes are softer as he says, “We are not all soldiers, but we all march towards better days.”
I like him a little more after that. It is something I need to hear. That trying is better than nothing and that I should never give up. A new fire lights within me. I will use this strange virus to do as much good as possible, while I still can.
***
Back at the CSIS facility, Dr. August is the first to greet us. His eyes seem tired and deranged as he seeks us out. He grabs me quickly and holds me to him. The hug is violent, and it reminds me of my father, who would never voice his emotions. Instead, my father chose to show his love with small acts of thoughtfulness and hugs that could crush ribs. My eyes flood a little as I remember distant memories, memories that will never be repeated. No Christmas dinners, no birthday surprises, not even his voice. I miss my family so terribly that I hug Dr. August too tightly and hear him wheeze as he asks me to let go.
“Sorry, Doc. It’s really good to see you!” He holds my hands and smiles, but the smile is not very convincing. Something is wrong.
Before I can question him, Vallincourt appears and asks to speak with Agent Williams and me privately. All I can think is it better not be about another mission. I need a tiny break from zombies before heading back out into the field.
Agent Williams and I have a seat across from Special Agent Vallincourt. I squirm uncomfortably in my seat as I await his news. He smiles at us, which looks very odd on him.
“I am very pleased. I received word from Mexican Authorities that the infected were disposed of and buried beneath the city. Agent Williams, did you collect some samples for our scientists to take a look at?”
Agent Williams places the briefcase on Vallincourt’s desk. “Yes, I placed a few vials in here that we can take down to the lab.” Agent Williams pauses as if he is choosing his next words carefully. “Look, sir, I don’t want to take credit away from Eve. Yes, I got a few samples, but she was the true hero. She saved my life, and she tried to save others. She showed bravery and loyalty. I think we should make her a full-fledged agent.”
I stare at Agent Williams with my mouth hanging open. Has he just paid me a compliment? I am so confused that I say nothing.
Vallincourt rubs his chin and then replies, “How does that suit you, Eve? Can we call you Agent Brenner? We will swear you in with a ceremony and grant you full use of our facility.”
I’m smiling now. I can feel the creases in my face. I haven’t smiled so big in so long I forgot that it can be painful.
“So, Eve? What do you think? Is there anything I can do to sweeten the deal?” Vallincourt asks in a sarcastic way.
My grin grows wider, and I tell Vallincourt, “Can I have a TV?”
He starts to chuckle and agrees to my only term. It doesn’t seem like a big request to him, but for me, it is a piece of normal, and I need it desperately.
When we leave the office, I feel refresh
ed. I have a new identity. I am Agent Brenner now, not just some crazy zombie chick. I have an actual purpose, and it feels fantastic. I’m practically dancing all the way back to my room, and as Agent Williams and I enter, I notice Dr. August sitting in front of my laptop with a very concerned look on his face. I run towards him and glance at the screen to see a live feed of Cam in his dorm room. My heart feels like it’s about to shatter when I see liquor bottles strewn about his room. Have I done this to him? Has he become his father because of me?
I feel nauseated, and it only gets worse as I see Cam feeling around for something under his bed. He gets frustrated because he is too drunk to find it at first, but when he finds it, he holds it close, like a dear friend. The case in his arms is small; he opens it carefully, and inside lies all the items needed for a quick shot of heroin. I scream out to him as if he can hear me, “Cam, no don’t do this, don’t do this.” I sob, falling to my knees. “No, Cam, no!” Agent Williams comes to comfort me, and I push him back so hard that he flies backwards a couple of feet.
“Dr. August, we have to stop him! We have to do something! I can’t let him hurt himself like this. How long have you known?”
Dr. August remains silent. I ask him again a little louder, but when his silence continues, I lose it and shake him until he tells me the truth. “I’ve been watching him since you got here, Eve, and it has steadily become worse. In the past week, he has really lost it.”
I am so angry that I spit out my next words as if they are bile. “The whole time? The whole fucking time? And no one bothered to tell me? He’s the reason I’m here. If he dies, then there is no point in me staying. I stayed away so he would be safe!”
The words that come after matter very little, because they come out as heavy breaths and sobs that are barely recognizable as vowels or consonants. I curl into a little ball on the ground as I helplessly watch Cam inject himself with that poison. He seems calm afterwards, like whatever pain he is in has faded. This is all my fault; he is in pain because I left him behind. I didn’t even say goodbye. That sort of thing haunts people. I know it haunts me every single day.