“The man you're about to hear today, needs no introduction. He’s led this country through some of it’s most difficult times, and accomplished feats that no American has before accomplished. Serving uniquely as the vice president for our last three presidents, he’s highly qualified to lead us through this next great challenge. A challenge we all face as a nation, but that you people here in this facility have the honored privilege of being the vanguard of. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for every single one of you in this room. And now, I ask you to give a respectful welcome to Vice President Theo Masters.”
Chaz couldn’t believe what he was seeing at first as the room applauded. It really was the Vice President walking from behind the curtain to the podium. So, he managed to survive that attack on the White House. That’s the best news I’ve heard in a while. Not that it would take much, and I’m not sure what he can really do at this point, or exactly what he’s doing hiding underground. Chaz started applauding as well when he noticed to two suits giving him odd glances. Gotta remember to keep blending in.
As the Vice President took the podium, the applause died down, and the few standing found their seats. That’s a pretty heartfelt welcome. I guess that being locked in a bunker for a few years during the apocalypse, makes you a little starved for good news from the outside world.
The Vice President spoke.
“I’d like to apologize for the late hour of this meeting, and I want to think you all for taking the time from your busy work schedules. I know what you're all doing is very important. I also want you to know, that even though you don’t always hear it, your country and your leaders are also grateful for what you're doing. I’m no man of science, but I do know something about challenges and achieving goals.”
Geez, thought Chaz. Is this going to be one of those pep rally speeches? I really hope he didn’t come all the way here, just for that. C'mon, give me something real to work with.
“I know, it can take years to get real work done, and that anything of real value takes mountains of work. But, every once a a while, fate smiles upon you and gives you just what you need. Finding a cure for this infestation has been long coming, and I know how close you've come in the past. Today I’m told that with the arrival of the little girl named Christa, that your victory … all our victory, is closer than ever. After learning as much as we can from this little messiah, we will allow her to go forth and weaken our enemy. The enemy that's been at our door steps for far too long.”
Messiah is a strange choice of words, thought Chaz. The VP is not normally known for being spiritual in either his speech making or his policy decisions. Maybe good speech writers are hard to come by these days?
“I know many of you have longed for the day, when you can leave this bunker and return to your friends and families. Friends and family that many of you haven't seen in years. And for many of you, I hope you can do that. We all know, of course that the old saying ‘you can never go home’. Our world has changed, and not necessarily for the better. But it has changed, and given the monumental accomplishments you’ve achieved here, I’m sure you will be able to pick up the pieces from those previous lives. Not only pick them up, but make them whatever you want them to be. They will be different, and they may not be what you expect. I’m here today to deliver a message that’s never been spoken by the leaders of this country or any country. I’m hear to prepare this group first, because you are the vanguard of this great victory. I’m counting on all of you here to spread this message when the time is right.”
Alright, why do I feel like I’m at some damn church revival. Whatever he has to say, I have a feeling … a bad feeling that I'm not going to like it.
The Vice President looked back into the wings of the stage, out of view of the audience. Just for a brief second, he paused and nodded his head. Returning to look at the crowd, the VP delivered the message he had come to share with the group.
“When you have the opportunity to go home, you will be in a world that has learned to live side by side with what some have derogatorily call ‘freaks’ or ‘zombies’.”
A silence came over the crowd, then a buzz of noise could be heard rising from the seats. The VP held up his palms to the crowd.
“Please, please, bear with me for one moment. We're taking a new direction with what you’ve accomplished here. Your leaders will give you the details later. But for now, understand that our goal is no longer to eradicate those so different from us. Our goal, is to accept the differences and learn to live together. The work you’ve done here has allowed us to treat these peoples not as enemies, but as those we can both learn from and teach.”
The crowd grew restless and louder. Not just the medical personnel, but even the suits were frantically talking with those seated next to them. Are you fucking kidding me? This idiot of a politician, thinks we can live with those damn freaks out there. Does he not realize how much blood has been shed? This is suicide on a national scale.
The Vice President pleaded with crowd for quiet.
“Please everyone, please! Can I have your attention for just a minute more.” The buzz from the crowd dropped to a whisper. “Thank you. I know you all have a lot of questions, and a lot of concerns. I did to, but I can assure you we have all the details worked out. Your team leads are all being briefed with details at this very moment. They have information packets, and will be available afterwards to answer all your questions. Thank you very much for your attention.”
The VP quickly left the stage. Chaz thought, there’s something fishy as all hell here. Our entire leadership and military has had nothing but a policy of extermination when it comes to these freaks. It's been like that for years. There’s no way that could have changed so rapidly.
People were already leaving the room, as Chaz sat and tried to wrap his brain around what he had just heard. He got up from his seat and began walking towards the exits. The rest of the people were passing him and talking frantically with their colleagues. Chaz paid next to no attention to all the comments and questions that were floating in the air around him. I know who talks like that. Those damn freak hugger nut cases talk like that. Why would the VP use that kind of language? Could they have some sort of influence with the government now? That didn’t make sense. They're only a small faction. What kind of leverage did they have? Last I remember, they only had significant influence down in the lower states. I need to check this out.
As Chaz exited the room, the halls were pretty full. The medical personnel were making their way back to the elevator, and the suits were dispersing in all directions. Everyone was still talking about what they had heard. Most couldn’t believe it, and none sounded too comfortable with the idea. I need to get closer to those in charge around here. I need to find out what’s going on. How do I can get close to the VP with all his security?
Chaz dumped his lab coat, and headed back into the auditorium. The room was mostly empty, except for a few stragglers. He ran up the stage stairs two at a time, and into the wings. It was empty, but he found a back door, and went through. Walking down the hall just ahead of him, was the Vice President's entourage. Chaz picked up the pace.
Chaz called out. “Mr. Vice President. Mr. Vice President.”
The entourage stopped, and a few suits walked towards Chaz.
“Sir, stop right there. Don’t come any closer to the Vice President.”
Chaz stopped where he was. “It’s OK. I’m Colonel Chaz Sheperd. I’d just like to talk with the Vice President for a few moments if I could.”
“Sorry sir, but the Vice President doesn’t have time for this. We’re going to have to ask you to head back where you just came from.”
Chaz didn’t back away. Speaking loud enough for everyone to hear, “I’m the one that brought the little girl Christa here. I’m the one you should talk to Mr. Vice President. Just a few words. I’m not here to hurt anyone.”
The Vice President looked to his aide, and had a few words. Chaz couldn't make out what they said. H
e then moved towards Chaz, passed the suits. They weren’t happy and said, “Sir you really shouldn’t.”
The Vice President brushed them off. “You two take orders from me, not the other way around.”
He offered his right hand to Chaz. Chaz took it and shook the hand of the VP. “It’s an honor to meet you Mr. Vice President. I’ve been a big fan of yours for years.”
“Thank you Colonel. And I’ve seen your name on more than a few reports over the years. I know a little of your reputation.”
The two exchanged a respectful smile.
“What is it Colonel that you needed to talk about?”
The VPs aide now stood behind him.
“That was quite a speech you made in there.”
“Thank you. Not my most memorable, but I think I got the point across.”
“What you proposed up there on the stage, seems so unbelievable. Even if you don’t consider the loss and devastation that’s occurred over the years, I don’t know how what you're suggesting is even possible. Even if you can convince the general population that it’s a good idea.”
“Yes Colonel, I know it seems pretty out there. But I’ve been assured, that with the new insights Christa has brought us, that there are a whole lot of new options. The science people assure me, that it can be done. I don’t understand it all, but I believe those that do. It’s really in everyones best interest to put an end to the fighting and the killing.”
Chaz shifted his feet and looked down. “And what about Christa? How does she fit into this plan … in the long term I mean.”
“From what they’ve told me, after she spends time outside for a few months, she’ll come back here … indefinitely. They want to keep her safe, and do more research. The medical teams here believe they can stop any further mutations from spreading. They believe Christa is the key to that.”
“I’ve seen how they deal with their long term guests here.” Chaz grimaced.
“I don't know anything about that Colonel," as the VP looked to his aide. Looking back to Chaz, he added. "You’ve done a great service for all of us, by bringing Christa here. You should be happy Colonel. Your place in the history books has been assured. This is the beginning of a long peace for everyone.”
Changing topics, Chaz asked “How is the President doing sir? When we heard of the attack on Washington, everyone assumed you were all dead.”
“I’m sorry Colonel, but I’m not at liberty to talk about the President today. It’s a security issue. I’m sure you understand.”
Undeterred, Chaz continued, “And, how is it that you’ve never spoken to the rest of the country since the the attack? Shouldn’t people know that you're still alive. Do you realize what’s going on out there? People are scared. We’re a breath away from total anarchy.”
“I assure you Colonel, we’ve got things well in hand. We know what were doing, and things will get back to normal. You just need to be patient for a little longer. Things are in motion.”
“Not to be disrespectful, but who exactly is the ‘we’ sir?”
The VP's tone became more authoritative. “Your government Colonel. The one you're sworn to serve and protect, that’s who the ‘we’ are.”
“Yes Sir. Of course Sir. And one more thing Sir. Along the lines of serve and protect. If there’s anything I can do for you or your office while you're here, I’m more than willing to do that. Anything at all sir. If you're looking for someone you can trust, then I’m your man.”
“Yes of course Colonel. Thank you.”
The VP turned to walk away with his aide and security in tow. Chaz watched then added, “Sometimes Mr. Vice President people don’t always have your best intentions at heart. If you know what I mean. I’ve always had the best intentions when it comes to this country and doing the right thing.”
The VP paused for a second, then turned back to Chaz. “I’m not sure what you're getting at Colonel.”
“Permission to speak frankly Sir.”
The VPs aide took the VP by the arm, and whispered in his ear. The VP pushed him away. “Go ahead Colonel.”
“Those freak hugging bastards don’t have a clue about what’s really going on in the world. They’re on the verge of mass suicide and willing to drag everyone else along with them.”
The VP looked to a very agitated and impatient aide. “Why are you telling me this Colonel? Do you think that some minority religious sect have some sway with your vice president?”
“I don’t know sir. It just seems like something they would want, and not necessarily something your government has ever wanted.”
“Things change Colonel. Remember that sometimes there’s more at stake than what you know. Consider this more of a big picture solution to the problem. We may not be there yet, but we’re getting closer.”
“I see Sir.”
“Maybe you do Colonel, and maybe you don’t. But thanks very much for your input. I may take you up on that offer of assistance sometime. Keep up the good fight.”
The VP and his party turned and left. As they walked away, the VP and his aide had some heated verbal exchanges.
Too bad I can’t hear what that conversation is about. But I have a pretty good idea it’s not about Sundays barbecue with the neighbors. This whole thing stinks. I don’t know who’s really in charge here, but at the moment it’s not me. That needs to change.
Some Girls Fault
Chaz headed back through the crowded hallways, bumping people as he went. There weren’t usually this many people moving through the halls and they were all headed for the one elevator to take them back to their perspective levels. Neither the hallways or the elevator were equipped to handle this traffic flow. Chaz was oblivious to those around him, intent on getting off this level. He ignored comments from those he pushed aside. Once he got to the elevator, he pushed himself to the front of the line and waited.
A tall medical tech behind Chaz didn’t appreciate being bumped back in line. “Hey buddy, what do you think you're doing? We all have places to be, what makes you think your more important than the rest of us?” Chaz just turned and glared, while doing his best, to keep his clenched fist at his side. He took a deep breath, and turned back to wait for the elevator doors to open.
The tech wasn’t satisfied. Tapping Chaz on the shoulder, he said, “Hey c’mon buddy, get to the back of the line. You can wait like everyone else.”
Chaz turned again, grabbing the techs hand from his shoulder. He snapped the tech's wrist back, until the back of his hand almost touched his forearm. Everyone could hear the cracking of bone. The tech fell to his knees in pain, while others took a step away from Chaz.
The elevators doors opened, and Chaz stepped inside. No one followed. Muffled groans and thumping could be heard coming from the ceiling of the elevator, but Chaz ignored it. He scanned the crowd for a moment, then pushed the close button on the elevator panel.
As the doors closed on the elevator, the thumping from above increased, but Chaz was lost in thought. What’s my move here? My endgame has always been the eradication of those freaks, but now it seems my commander in chief says that isn’t so. Well, not really my commander in chief, more like his right hand man. But that’s really the same thing isn’t it? I’m a soldier that's supposed to follow orders, and at least until recently that was the thing to do. Now everything is getting muddled. The pounding on the ceiling got louder, and Chaz yelled back, “Shut the hell up. I’m the one that put you there, and I have no intentions of letting you out. You’ll have to find yourself another hero to come to your rescue.”
Christa isn’t making things any easier. Sure she didn’t ask for any of this, but hell, neither did I. And it sucks if a kid has to pay the price for saving the world, but that’s a deal I’d make any day. It's the logical choice. Logic won't chase thoughts of her carved up and in tanks out of my head. Hell though, where she ends up isn’t my responsibility, and I can live with that. More or less. The pounding and yelling from above became even louder. It soun
ds like the damn ceiling is about to cave in.
Chaz pushed the emergency stop button on the elevator. Pushing the access panel away, he pulled himself up into the elevator shaft and glared at his former prisoner the lab researcher, who now actually looked relieved to see him. Chaz hesitated for a moment, then punched the researcher in the face. The researchers nose bled profusely.
Spitting blood he complained loudly, “What the hell was that for?”
“You make too damn much noise, and if you don’t keep your voice down, I’ll hit you again.”
The researcher went quiet. Chaz continued.
“I need to know what they're going to do with the girl Christa. What do you know?”
“I don’t know much. I just run lab work for her. Her results are like nothing we’ve ever seen before. They're actually remarkable.”
“Even more remarkable than patient zero?”
“How do you know about patient zero?”
Chaz made a fist. “I’m the one asking questions here!”
The researcher coiled back. “Yes, totally remarkable, even more so than patient zero. Stronger, across the board. And her rate of change is quicker. Every day we test her, the results are stronger still. We’ve never seen a mutation move at this pace.”
“What are they going to do with her after they bring her back?”
Mutation: Parables From The Apocalypse - Dystopian Fiction Page 5