Deaders

by Steven Bynum

  Jacob returned the hunting rifle to its home in the make-shift armory. He grabbed a couple of spare boxes of ammo for his pistol while he was there. Next he went to get the one item he never wanted to be without; his crowbar. “It’s you and me again, my friend. We’re going on a little trip. You see, I want to know what these guys know. Depending on what I find out, we may have to open up some skulls. You’d like that wouldn’t you? Ok, let’s go.” Jacob nodded at the crowbar in his hand and walked to the loading/unloading dock.

  Dr. Atkinson and two soldiers were standing at the back of the armored vehicle, waiting for Jacob. Both soldiers held their weapons at the ready when Jacob stepped out the door. He stood there for a moment after closing the door and locking it. These guys looked serious, dangerously serious, and he didn’t like the vibes they were sending off. Regardless, he was committed to going with them. He flipped the crowbar around a couple times and strolled toward them. He waved at them with his left hand as a friendly gesture.

  “That’s close enough.” One of the soldiers raised his weapon and pointed it directly at Jacob. The other followed his lead.

  “Whoa, hold up. What the Hell?” Jacob demanded. “I thought you people wanted me to come with you?”

  “Drop the weapon.” The soldier ordered.

  “Fuck you. I don’t go anywhere without my crowbar. Drop your weapons. How about that?” Jacob countered and started backing up a bit.

  “Wait. Wait. Gentlemen please. We’re friends here.” Dr. Atkinson interrupted the exchange in an attempt to calm the situation before it got out of control. “Lower your weapons. There’s no need.” The doctor appealed to the soldiers. “This man is not a threat. He is our hope. Lower your damn weapons.” The doctor turned to Jacob. “It’s ok. They’re just the paranoid and untrusting type. Everything is fine. You can keep the crowbar.”

  The soldiers lowered their weapons at the order. Their facial expressions conveyed their dislike of the outcome. Jacob lowered his crowbar to a non-threatening posture. He thought about flipping it one more time, but thought better not to antagonize the soldiers any more. He stepped back closer to the men. “Ok, so now what?” Jacob asked the doctor.

  Dr. Atkinson was about to respond when Jacob held up a hand to stop him. The doctor looked a bit taken back by the interruption. Jacob ignored him and pointed to the left of the armored vehicle. The soldier on that side followed his finger to see a couple of zombies trotting towards them. In one smooth motion, the soldier raised his weapon and shot each of the zombies in the head, one after the other. The soldier made sure no more were near before turning back around to watch Jacob.

  “Now, what were you saying?” Jacob asked the doctor.

  “Well, I suppose we board the Bradley here and be on our way. Are you ready to go, or would you like to point out some more deaders to shoot? By all means, take your time.” Dr. Atkinson sounded a bit embarrassed by the soldiers being unaware of the zombies that were almost upon them.

  “So, that’s what that sucker is called, a Bradley. My, oh my, that is one big piece of machinery there. I have never seen one of these. This should be interesting. If it wasn’t?” Jacob took his time climbing inside. There were two more soldiers inside that he had been unaware of until now. He watched them and allowed them to point him towards where to sit.

  Dr. Atkinson climbed in next, followed by the two soldiers. He sat across from Jacob. “Comfortable?” The doctor asked, with a smile on his face.

  “Well, it seems like it will be a lot to get used to, but it’s not all that bad. At least we’re safe in here from the deaders.” Jacob replied.

  “Yes, we’ll be in here for a couple of hours. I’m glad you decided to come with us. I’m positive, with your help, we’ll be able to bring humanity back from the brink. All you have to do is stay safe. We can’t afford to lose you now. Which brings me to my next point.”

  The two soldiers sitting next to Jacob grabbed him by the arms. He tried to struggle, but quickly discovered there was no use. “What the fuck is going on here? Let go of me, now, goddamn it!”

  The doctor held a syringe in his hand. The smile was no longer on his face. “You understand, this is for your own safety. This is the first break we’ve had against this fungus. At least, the first potential break. We can’t allow you to put yourself in danger. You will not be harmed, I promise. The future of humanity may depend on you.” Dr. Atkinson leaned over and injected Jacob with a strong anesthetic. “Sleep well.”

  ***

  The Bradley Fighting Vehicle pulled up to the check point at Barksdale Air Force Base. It was a fortified defensive position. Corpses and body parts lay rotting everywhere the eye could see. Zombies roamed here and there; some individuals and some in groups. There were two additional Bradley’s on the base. These two patrolled the parameter. Anytime a large group of zombies formed, they would roll up and unleash Hell with the M242 chain gun.

  The Bradley carrying Dr. Atkinson, Jacob, and the soldiers, cleared the checkpoint and continued on toward the airfield. Much of the inner perimeter had been scorched with fire. Several ash laden areas were still smoldering. Everyone was lucky to be wearing full body, air supplied, positive pressure suits or the stench would be unbearable. Decay and rot permeated the base. Fire was the quickest disposal method available to them.

  Once at the airfield, it was obvious how the Bradleys and soldiers had arrived at the base. There, on Runway 1, was a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III large military transport aircraft. The three Bradleys had been flown in with a platoon size force. Their task was to retake Barksdale Air Force Base from the deaders and then secure and hold. They performed their task very well and were now holding the base until further orders.

  The C-17 was not their destination. They were heading toward an CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. Two men were waiting beside the helicopter, next to a motorized cargo cart. The cart held a couple of pieces of machinery and oxygen tanks connected by tubing to an airtight medical container. Its purpose, to hold Jacob during his transport to The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Maryland.

  “Hurry up, get him strapped into the container before he wakes up.” Dr. Atkinson ordered the soldiers. The two soldiers carried Jacob and placed him inside the container. The two medical personnel that were waiting took care of the straps. Jacob was strapped at each wrist, each ankle, across his legs and finally, across his chest. With all the straps in place, he wouldn’t be able to struggle all that much if he was disoriented upon awakening. The lid of the container was lowered and locked in place. The seal was airtight, thus the need for the positive pressure system to provide oxygen to Jacob.

  Dr. Atkinson checked to make sure everything was functioning correctly. “Ok, drive him on board. We need to get on our way and get the party started. Time is of the essence.”

  The two medical personnel hopped on the cart and drove it into the rear of the CH-53E. Dr. Atkinson followed them, along with the two soldiers. After a moment, the turboshaft engines kicked in, and the rotors began moving, picking up momentum. It was going to be a long trip. Still, much easier, safer and faster than driving.

  Jacob began to rouse nearly fifteen minutes after the helicopter was airborne and on its way. At first, he thought he was at home, in bed with his wife. He was content and relaxed. He attempted to roll over to a different restful position, but something was wrong. He tried to get up out of bed, but he could not move. Fear gripped him as he became more alert. Nothing in his field of vision was recognizable. Turbulence jarred the container and he tried to get up again. He was nearly in a panic.

  “Hey, help! Help! What the fuck?” Jacob began yelling, hoping someone would hear him. “Let me out of here, goddamn it! Let me out!” He began frantically jerking, trying to free himself from the straps.

  “Calm down, sir. Calm down.” One of the medical personnel was standing over the container and speaking loudly. “Stop, or we will have to sedate you.”

 
The doctor appeared, looking down at him. “Jacob, it’s me Dr. Atkinson, remember? Calm down, please. You’re going to hurt yourself. There’s no need for this kind of behavior. You’re safe, you have nothing to worry about.”

  “You betrayed me you piece of shit! When I get out of here, you’re all fucking dead. Dead, you hear me?” Jacob was in a rage.

  The doctor decided it was no use trying to reason with Jacob. It was important he didn’t hurt himself trying to escape. The doctor nodded at someone Jacob couldn’t see. A moment later, Jacob heard a hissing sound as some kind of gas was released into the container. It didn’t take long for Jacob to begin feeling woozy and disoriented. Seconds later, he passed out.

  Five

  Plat…plat… Jacob paced around the containment chamber barefooted. He had been in there three days now; he was tired of being a lab rat. Jacob was furious with himself for allowing a bit of trust and hope to enter his mind. I should have went with my gut and shot the doctor the first time I set eyes upon him. That son-of-a-bitch probably caused this entire mess. Now, he’s trying to fix it. He does look like one of those mad scientist types.

  Jacob checked the door again. It was locked as usual. He looked at the walls, the floor, the ceiling, trying to find a way to escape his captivity. He just couldn’t find a way out. So, for the moment, he would continue to play along. Let them prod and poke him. They’d taken so much blood, he was surprised he hadn’t keeled over dead. No matter. Sooner or later, someone will make a mistake, and I’ll be free. Then, oh then, they’ll pay Hell’s price.

  Jacob decided to lie down on the bed. He felt tired. The feeling wasn’t necessarily from the loss of blood, but from everything since the apocalypse began. Ever since the death of his family, his days were spent killing, piling bodies, and burning away the taint. The nightmares never allowed him a good night sleep. For once, he decided to sleep and not worry about anything. He was locked up so why not just let others worry about the deaders for a change. If he didn’t die in his sleep, there would be time to pick up where he left off. It was a waiting game now. Waiting for an opening.

  Just when he had nodded off to sleep; he was awoken by the intercom.

  “Jacob, are you awake? It’s Dr. Atkinson.”

  “I am now you bastard. What is it? You want some more blood? You’ve about drained me dry. I’m not giving any more blood. Fuck you.” Jacob responded with as much venom he could put into his voice.

  “No, not today, Jacob. We have enough blood samples for the moment. How are you feeling?”

  “I feel like shit. Any more stupid questions?” Jacob responded.

  “I’m sorry things have to be this way, Jacob. You must understand. Humanity has fallen and you may be our only hope. Certainly, you can understand our position. Wouldn’t you do whatever is necessary?”

  Jacob climbed out of bed and began pacing the chamber. He had argued for three days. Perhaps a new approach was required. It couldn’t hurt. He didn’t feel like arguing today anyway.

  “You’re right. I would do what is necessary.” Jacob conceded. “So, what’s on tap for today?”

  “First, I thought I would ask if you needed anything. Is there anything you need to make your stay more comfortable? Something I could get for you?” Dr. Atkinson asked feigning concern.

  Jacob thought for a moment and then responded. “As a matter of fact, there is something I need.”

  “Oh, do tell and I’ll get it for you.” Dr. Atkinson seemed more than willing.

  “I want my crowbar.” Jacob demanded.

  “Your what?” Dr. Atkinson wanted to make sure he heard correctly.

  “I want my crowbar. You know, the one I never leave home without. The one that keeps me safe at night. I’ve been having a difficult time sleeping without it.” Jacob spoke.

  “You know very well I can’t allow you to have a crowbar in there. I thought you were going to cooperate, Jacob?” Dr. Atkinson sounded irritated.

  “I am cooperating. You’re the one that asked. I don’t have to have it in here with me. Just lean it up against the wall out there so that I can see it.” Jacob pretended his feelings were hurt.

  “What are you playing at?” Dr. Atkinson asked. He couldn’t quite wrap his mind around the request.

  “I’m not playing at anything. It’s my safety blanket. Just like Linus on that Peanuts cartoon. Instead of a blanket, I have a crowbar. I thought we went over this the first time we met face-to-face. You remember don’t you?” Jacob sounded shocked the doctor didn’t remember.

  A minute passed without a response before Dr. Atkinson spoke. “Ok, I can do that for you. We have the belongings you were carrying. I’ll have your crowbar brought in momentarily. It still sounds a bit odd to me, but whatever will make you feel better. Is there anything else?”

  “Yes. As a matter of fact there is something else. You said you’d explain everything to me. You haven’t told me shit since you abducted me. How about you tell me everything, from the beginning.” Jacob demanded.

  “I remember. I suppose I’ll fill you in; I see no reason not to tell you.” Dr. Atkinson spoke. “You may remember; last year, February 2013, a meteor exploded over Russia. It was in the news. It left a dust cloud in the atmosphere that lingered for three months. What was not general knowledge; it also left a cloud of spores of unknown origin which circled the entire globe, but seemed to remain just above the troposphere.

  Everything seemed fine. Samples were collected for analysis, and the spores seemed to be from some type of fungi not indigenous to the Earth. It was quite an exciting discovery, actually. Who would have thought; the first known life beyond this planet would be a fungus?”

  “That’s interesting. So, why didn’t you people do anything about it?” Jacob questioned him. There was a hint of blame in his voice.

  “You people? You have it wrong. I didn’t find out about the spore until later.” Dr. Atkinson was defensive. “Perhaps if they would have brought me into the loop sooner rather than later, but what’s done is done. Anyway, would you like me to continue?”

  “Yes, please continue. I seem to have no other plans today.” Jacob responded.

  “Thank you.” Dr. Atkinson paused. He could be heard over the intercom clearing his throat. “Well, as I said, everything seemed fine. The fungus appeared to be benign in nature. Then, something else that was not general knowledge; there began to be rare outbreaks around the globe. People falling ill and dying, but their bodies reanimating. It was after a few incidents when I was brought in on the phenomenon. I discovered a extreme fungal infection in the brain when performing an autopsy. It was the alien fungus.

  Something had to be done. Recommendations were made. Ideas to prepare for the worst scenario were considered. As usual, most were ignored. No one believed there was any real threat. While one plan was set in motion to unleash an anti-fungal agent into the atmosphere, some prepared for the worse on their own. I became part of those preparing. As you can see, it was the right decision.

  The anti-fungal agent caused something to happen that was not considered. The fungus moved away from it; moved towards the Earth. In a cascade, the spores showered the lower troposphere. Only those with the initiative to prepare survived. Well, that’s what we thought before coming across you, Jacob. That’s why you are so important. We must discover how you have survived while breathing in the spores.”

  Jacob was unsure how to respond. He sat on the bed staring at the intercom. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Movement outside the chamber caught his eye and brought him out of his trance. A nurse placed his crowbar up in a corner of the room. The nurse waved at him and departed. She sealed the door behind her.

  Jacob looked up at the surveillance camera and shouted. “My wife and daughter are dead because you people kept yet another damn secret! You could have warned everyone! Maybe, just maybe, some of them could have found a way to survive! Or at least said their goodbyes!”

  “You know very well …” Dr. At
kinson was interrupted before he could finish speaking. With the interruption, the doctor forgot to turn off the intercom.

  “Sir, we found some more oxygen tanks. It should be enough to provide us with at least another month and a half of oxygen. We lost three soldiers liberating this supply.” The person spoke.

  “Good job, Sam. How are the plans coming along for the next location?” Dr. Atkinson asked.

  “Moving right along, sir. We’ll be ready within the next couple of hours.” Sam responded.

  “Good. Keep me informed. Did you decide on a volunteer for the test?” Dr. Atkinson’s spoke in hushed tones when he asked that question.

  “Yes sir.” Sam responded.

  “I’ll let you know when it’s time. Thank you, Sam. That’s all.” Dr. Atkinson spoke.

  Jacob leaned his shoulder up against the chamber wall, staring at his crowbar while eavesdropping on the conversation. His naked rear in full view of the surveillance camera. When they had first brought him in and made him change into the patient gown, he was slightly self-conscious in front of the surveillance camera. Now, he just couldn’t care less. So, they don’t have all that much time left. Running out of oxygen to breath. No wonder they were so desperate to get me in here as their lab rat. They’ll never let me out of here. Not unless they figure out some kind of vaccine.

  Six

  Private Cambles sat on the laboratory bed; he was still wearing his green positive pressure suit. The face shield was slightly fogged as his breathing became faster and heavier with each passing moment. His nerves were starting to get the better of him. He could not believe he volunteered. At first, it had something to do with honor and duty. Now, he thought it had something to do with foolishness and stupidity.