Rotters

by Carl R. Cart

  “And I have one hundred million dollars in a Swiss bank account,” Robinson added.

  “You mean, when we have one hundred million dollars in a Swiss bank account,” Keyes corrected him.

  Robinson emptied the Beretta into Keyes’ chest. The pistol barked six times and then the slide locked back on the smoking barrel. Keyes pitched forward, a shocked look on her blood-splattered face.

  “No, I was right the first time,” Robinson said.

  “You are a total fucking bastard,” I stated.

  Robinson grinned at me. “I don’t like to share,” he explained, holstering his pistol. “And I have serious trust issues.”

  The mercenary didn’t seem to consider me a threat; he still had his axe and his AK-47.

  “I’ll need your pack and your journal, Barry,” he demanded. “I can make all of this real painless for you.”

  “Come and get them!” I laughed.

  “I will, after I take off your head,” he agreed. He pulled the bolt on his rifle and raised it to his shoulder.

  I flinched as the shots rang out. The first round took Robinson through his right shoulder. The AK-47 went off, but the rounds went wild, and missed me badly. The second shot blew out his left shoulder joint, and he dropped the rifle completely. Robinson was turning as the third and fourth shots took out his knees. He dropped like a butchered steer, crippled and bleeding badly.

  “What the fuck!” the mercenary bellowed. I could hear the pain in his voice.

  Dyson had levered himself upright on one elbow. His big forty-five was still smoking in his shaking right hand. He looked me in the eye, and then collapsed onto his back. He laughed until the blood gushed from his mouth. He coughed once and died.

  I rushed to Dyson’s side. It was too late.

  “Barry, we can still make a deal,” Robinson pleaded. “Just patch me up. The helicopter is on the way.”

  I was furious with the stupidity of all the needless deaths. I unclenched my bloodstained hands and gently closed Dyson’s eyes. I dug through the sergeant’s pack until I found what I was looking for. Robinson had turned over onto his belly. He was crawling painfully back towards the village, like a huge worm, leaving a trail of dark red blood in the road behind him.

  He stopped moving as he heard me approach. “You know how the virus works. Let them take you back,” Robinson grunted. “Maybe there’s time, they can still save you.”

  I knelt down beside the struggling mercenary. “Let me help you,” I said.

  “Thanks, Doc,” Robinson sighed. “You won’t be sorry.”

  I turned him over. He grunted in pain. I pushed a gauze bandage into the first bullet hole. Robinson bit his lip and turned his head away. I set the first tent stake into the hole and drove it through his shoulder.

  Robinson went nuts. He arched his back, and screamed bloody murder. He wrapped his crippled hand around the stake’s head and tried to pull it out. I kicked his hand away and knelt on his chest. I drove the second stake through the other bullet hole with three savage blows.

  Robinson screamed even louder, then fainted. He woke up as I drove the third tent stake through his left knee. I knew that had to hurt. He bit his bottom lip until he was spitting blood. He screamed himself hoarse. He tried to move his arms and legs, but they weren’t responding. The virus was taking hold of me, and I was weakening quickly. I collapsed to my hands and knees and vomited. I took a break for a moment.

  The big mercenary lay in the track, panting and bleeding. I pulled myself back on top of him. I had to kneel on his leg to get the last stake through his right knee. I made a mess of it; he kept jerking around, trying to kick me off. Finally, he was done. His blood seeped out and stained the mud red all around him. He gasped and moaned, but he didn’t cry.

  I was pretty much done, too, by the time I had crucified the big bastard. My head was splitting. I knew I didn’t have much time. I switched the comm unit back on.

  “This is Dr. Barry,” I panted.

  “Barry, this is Home Plate,” a man’s voice replied. “The chopper is inbound, ETA thirty minutes. You have ninety-three minutes until Operation Gamma Rain commences. Do you copy?”

  “I copy,” I replied. “All team members are dead or infected. Abort extraction,” I gasped.

  “Barry!” Robinson gurgled. “Don’t do it!”

  “I repeat, cancel extraction. On the authority of Capt. Christopher I am ordering the strike to commence,” I sighed.

  “Queen’s Rook seven,” said the voice.

  “To King’s Bishop seven,” I replied. “This is Barry, out.” I switched off the computer, and closed the screen.

  I sat down next to Robinson, and leaned back against him. We would die together. I opened my journal and wrote down everything I could. I knew I didn’t have much time.

  Epilogue

  5:01 p.m. Zulu

  Altitude 10 Miles

  The Congo, Central Africa

  The sun shone down upon the rain forest; a few high cumulus clouds drifted by.

  Suddenly, five smaller suns lit up the sky, in a star shaped pattern, like the fingers and thumb of an outstretched hand.

  A few seconds later, a hot wind shook the trees in the rain forest below. The entire Congo was rocked from one end to the other. Only the trees and animals directly below the one-megaton bombs were killed by the shock waves. Branches snapped; smaller trees were uprooted. Screaming primates and screeching birds were thrown to the ground. Some limped away, or flew back into the canopy, others did not. No fires raged; the wind subsided. Worse storms had struck the forest before.

  Two hundred and eighty three miles away the zombie farthest from the detonations stopped walking. It turned its head toward the sky, and then fell limply to the earth as the EMP washed over it. A few seconds later a warm wind gently ruffled its hair, then passed by and died away. Across the entirety of Central Africa all of the zombies had been destroyed. The virus would linger within them until they rotted away, but it would progress no farther.

  Throughout the continent of Africa, power and communications systems were knocked out by the powerful EMP blasts. From Egypt to South Africa, the Canary Islands to Madagascar, the entire continent lost power. Orbiting satellites burned out instantly across the eastern hemisphere, and the entire planet experienced the largest communications blackout in the history of mankind. A small amount of residual radiation was borne eastward by the prevailing winds to be scattered harmlessly throughout the atmosphere. The smaller suns faded slowly in the bright blue sky, diminishing until they winked out and were entirely gone.

  Three weeks later, a helicopter touched down in the clearing outside Gatou. Three men in MOPP-4 suits climbed out and quickly searched the work site. One of them stopped beside the body of a woman, knelt down and retrieved her laptop computer. He carefully slid it into a decontamination bag, and sealed it.

  The other two men stood over a pair of bodies that lay in the roadway. The desiccated body of a man in civilian clothes lay partially atop the body of a soldier.

  A stained brown medical journal was clutched in his skeletal hand.

  End Notes

  CHAPTER 1

  Necrology - The term necrologist as used in the novel is incorrect. Necrology is the study or compilation of death lists. A researcher who specializes in necrology would actually be engaged with the study of historical records of the dead, such as death certificates, or death records.

  Names of Viruses - Newly discovered viruses are often named for the region in which they are first discovered, or where they originally emerge. The Haut-Mombai virus in the novel was a variation on the actual Heut-Mumbei Region of the Central Republic of the Congo, Africa. Many viruses, such as the Marlburg Virus, and the Ebola Virus, received their name in this manner. Other viruses may be simply named for the condition they cause, such as the common cold.

  CHAPTER 2

  Anacostia Airfield - Located on a narrow strip of land very close to Washington, D.C.

  Anac
ostia was first opened in 1918 as Anacostia Naval Air Station. It is currently utilized only to support helicopter operations.

  AVR’s - The Anti-Viral Respirators described in the story are a complete fabrication.

  Interestingly, the idea was the subject of much debate with my friends, as I let them read early drafts of the story. I did not want to encumber my characters with the bulky equipment necessary to protect them from a virus, and quickly decided on the AVR.

  Other suggestions included a necklace that functioned similarly, or a complete facemask that included goggles and water filtration capabilities.

  Immunizations required before travel to Africa - Before entering many African nations, a traveler must receive various immunizations. These vary from nation to nation, but include a selection from the following list: Hepatitis A and B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, and Typhoid.

  CHAPTER 3

  Viruses and Zombies - Amazingly enough, much of the basis for the Haut-Mombau virus coincides with modern medical research and articles about the actual occurrence in insects of modified behavior caused by viruses in their infected host, including suicidal behavior, induced to propagate the spread of the virus. Although this did not include reanimation after death, it remains an amazing fact that viruses can dictate modified behavior in their hosts by direct influence over bodily functions and control.

  Portable Electron Microscopes - First invented in 1933, electron microscopes are huge, elaborate pieces of equipment that fill an entire room. Recent innovations have produced a portable model the size of a mini-fridge. Although portable, the microscope is extremely fragile, and must be recalibrated every time it is moved. Its range of magnification is also much smaller, at around 10,000 times as opposed to over 300,000 times with a standard electron microscope.

  CHAPTER 4

  Decomposition Rates - How quickly the human body decomposes after death is a science unto itself. Forensic science and entomological research have become invaluable tools in the law enforcement field. The following facts are presented to help the reader understand the rapidity of the process:

  10 hours after death - Full rigor mortis sets in and insect depredation occurs.

  One day after death. The body reaches “room” temperature, cooling or heating to match the external temperature. Decomposition causes the body to smell “rotten.”

  Three days after death - Bacterial action within the body releases gas, causing the body to swell and bloat. Fungal growth and advanced insect depredation occurs.

  Three weeks after death - The skin bursts open, exposing internal organs and bones, leading to eventual skeletonization. Larger scavengers will often destroy the body completely.

  CHAPTER 5

  MRE’s - Meals-Ready-to-Eat, the modern military’s solution to portable, non-spoiling field rations, must be actually eaten to be truly appreciated. First introduced in 1981, MRE’s are food items sealed in individual packets, and placed together in a larger sealed foil packet, which is labeled with the main entrée’s contents. Twenty-four different entrees are available, including four vegetarian meals, each containing about 1250 calories. They can be eaten cold or heated with the flameless heating accessory provided with each MRE. They have a shelf life of three years.

  CHAPTER 6

  Zombie Sense Organs - There has been much debate amongst zombie fans and aficionados as to the mechanics of a zombie’s sense organs. There is some consensus as to the undead’s ability to sense their human prey through auditory means. Zombies are almost universally drawn to loud noises in all literature and film sources, so apparently they can still hear. Their sight is also generally thought to be intact, even if it is limited or diminished. Some sources still credit them with a sense of smell. Regardless of their diminished senses, zombies can still somehow identify the location of their prey.

  Judging by the zombie’s penchant to eat human flesh, they also retain a sense of taste.

  CHAPTER 7

  Autopsies - As a general rule, autopsies are conducted if there is any suspicion of foul play or question to the actual cause of death. There are also levels of depth, as to how far the autopsy proceeds. The field autopsies described in the text are based upon actual protocol.

  CHAPTER 8

  The Congo –The Congo region contains 18% of the world’s remaining rain forest, with approximately six hundred tree species. It also is the most threatened region, as Africa has the highest deforestation rate globally.

  Cross Species Viral Dissemination – A very real threat, especially as humans push further into areas once considered inaccessible, and come into contact with previously unknown flora and fauna and the viruses they harbor. The harvesting of rain forest trees makes this scenario a real possibility, bringing the specter of another Ebola-type virus, or worse, into play.

  CHAPTER 9

  GPS, or Global Positioning Satellite Systems - Established by the U.S. department of defense for military use, the Global Positioning Satellite System consists of twenty four satellites orbiting the earth at an altitude of 12000 miles. A GPS receiver on the ground can use these satellites to triangulate its exact position, providing longitude and latitude, and elevation.

  EMPs, or Electromagnetic Pulse. An EMP is a very real threat to modern electronic systems, including electrical power transmission systems and communications. As explained in the story, a high altitude blast by a nuclear warhead releases enough gamma radiation to affect the magnetic fields that surround the Earth. This overload of the magnetic fields can be absorbed by any conductive material, and are powerful enough to damage or even destroy unshielded materials. Modern electronic devices are extremely vulnerable to EMP radiation.

  CHAPTER 10

  Broken Arrow - The military term “Broken Arrow,” usually refers to a nuclear incident where an accident occurs involving nuclear weapons or components but does not create the risk of nuclear war. The term also refers to an air strike close to where forces are being overrun by the enemy. In the story a “Broken Arrow,” is used latter sense, where the commander orders fire on his own position.

  Napalm - Napalm has its origins in ancient Greece, when the Greeks would use their much-feared “greek fire,” a mixture that would burn when exposed to the air, and could even burn underwater once ignited. Modern napalm was first used in World War II, and has been utilized in every war since to burn enemy vehicles and combatants. Used almost exclusively in air to ground combat, it is a mixture of aluminum soap and acids combined with gasoline in metal canisters that burst into flames upon impact, engulfing a large area in flaming liquids that sticks to everything it contacts. Napalm burns at over 5000 degrees Fahrenheit.

  The Characters of Rotters

  The characters depicted in the story are fictitious. The following information is provided to enlighten the reader as to the origins of the characters as I created them.

  Doctor Peter Barry

  Dr. Barry, the central character in the story, was my vision of a self-centered and lazy genius thrust into a situation that forces him to become a better person, an unwilling hero.

  Medical research falls far outside my limited realm of expertise and experience, and Dr. Barry’s character sprang up more from my encounters with the often genius-level gamers I met through friends and at gaming conventions. Many of these people were socially inept, but much smarter than everyone around them. They were often reclusive, and sometimes seemed aloof or egotistical. Genius always comes at a price. As a brief footnote, the name Dr. Peter Barry was first introduced to me in high school, when my classmates would yell, “Paging Doctor Peter Barry! There is a medical emergency!” while running through the halls. The memory stuck with me, and the rest is history.

  Captain Leonard Christopher

  Capt. Christopher is an amalgamation of all the prick officers I ever had to deal with, with a dash of good guy thrown in. He is all about “the mission,” the type of man that gets the job done at any cost. He is the
man I hope I could be in his terrible circumstances.

  The inspiration for the captain came from my friend Christopher Hilgert. Chris was killed by a mine in Somalia; during our peace-keeping efforts there in 1993. He died as he lived, leading the way on point. As an aside, many of my friends who proofread the original draft felt that it should have been Sgt. Dyson who died on the bridge, and that a good officer would order one of his men to die so that he could carry on the mission, and ensure its success. As can be ascertained, I felt otherwise. While officers are often forced to order the certain deaths of the men under their command, a combat engineer would make sure that the explosives went off, even if it cost him his life. Many have done so in combat. Ta Havath, Chris.

  Sergeant Mitch Dyson

  Sgt. Dyson sprang up full blown and ready to go as soon as I considered my sniper character. I know a couple of snipers, and they are, as we say in this neck of the woods, “ate up.” You have to be one brave, patient, crazy SOB to become a sniper, not to mention a crack shot. To any snipers who happen to read this, please take it as the compliment it is intended to be and please don’t shoot me. Dyson is a redneck, a character type I know well, as I happen to be one myself. Many of the people I know would happily risk imprisonment to give out a much-deserved ass-whoopin’ to someone who really pissed them off. That is a deeply American trait. I didn’t have to look far to find the inspiration for Sgt. Dyson’s character; just outside my door.