Deaders

by Steven Bynum

  “I see it. I’ll be damned. Looks like there are more people alive. Wasn’t expecting to see a helicopter though. Keep an eye on it. Let’s try to follow it. Tell me where to go.” Jacob concentrated on driving, allowing Trevor to navigate.

  “Ok, just keep going straight. They’re just ahead of us. You know, that looks like a FEMA helicopter. Interesting.” Trevor spoke.

  “Black helicopter and FEMA, isn’t that supposed to be some kind of New World Order conspiracy thing?” Jacob asked as he drove around an abandoned car in the middle of the highway.

  “Sure, if you believed that conspiracy stuff. I mean, you don’t think … Wait! You do, don’t you? You see a black helicopter and now you’re convinced it has something to do with this alien fungus and the zombies? Come on now, you can’t be serious? Turn left, turn left! They’re heading left!” Trevor pointed.

  Jacob hit the brakes and turned the steering wheel. The SUV nearly rolled over in the process. He gained control, weaving back and forth a few times. He pressed the gas pedal down to the floor and looked over at Trevor, who was staring at Jacob and shaking his head. “Hey, you sounded urgent. It’s not my fault.”

  Trevor pointed at something in front of them.

  Jacob turned to see several zombies in the road meandering around like deer. He turned right, then left, but couldn’t help but clip one zombie, sending it spinning off the road before passing by the rest. He looked back over at Trevor with a ‘go to Hell’ look. “Thanks for the warning.”

  “You’re welcome.” Trevor chuckled. “You know, just thinking, I imagine they’re headed for the Wright-Patterson Air Force base east of Dayton. That appears to be the direction they’re headed. Just keep heading down this road. I’ll let you know when we need to turn to the next road that’ll take us right there.”

  Trevor pulled out an atlas while Jacob slowed down to a more manageable speed. There was no way they could keep up with the black helicopter. Already it was nearly out of sight. They watched it as long as they could, finally realizing it did not veer off course. Hopefully they would be able to determine possible destinations. Their first stop would still be the air force base to the east.

  ***

  They were three hundred yards from the base when Jacob stopped the SUV. He didn’t want to just rush in unaware. You know what they say about assumptions. He was having another gut feeling. Something was going on at that base. It was a good idea to sneak up there and do a reconnoiter.

  Jacob grabbed his crowbar and stepped out of the SUV. “Trevor. Watch my back. You see me in trouble, get your ass up there and help. You see me waving my arms, drive on up there.”

  “Understood.” Trevor stepped out of the SUV, walked around it, and got into the driver’s seat. He pulled a pair of binoculars from the dash and hung them around his neck. “I have you covered, Jacob.”

  Jacob twirled the crowbar a few times and trotted on ahead. He thought about just going straight up the road, but decided caution was the better part of valor. He moved between any cover he could find. You never know, someone could be up ahead watching, with a gun.

  Zip … a gunshot rang out and a bullet zipped by Jacob’s head. He ducked for cover as another shot rang out. This time the bullet clipped his ear and scared a yelp out of him. He was unsure where the shots were coming from, so he kept his head down, holding his pistol at the ready. A few more bullets ricocheted around him as he waved for Trevor.

  Trevor was looking over to the side when the shots rang out. He was startled and dropped the binoculars. The first thing he did was look to see if Jacob was in danger. As suspected, he could make out Jacob furiously waving his hand as dust flew up around him.

  “Shit!” He cranked the SUV and pressed the gas pedal to the floor. The vehicle sped forward on an angle hoping to get between the gunfire and Jacob. Trevor still didn’t like Jacob all that much, but for the time being, he didn’t want him dead either.

  Bullets pelted the SUV as it neared Jacob’s location. The windshield was being riddled and Trevor had to duck down to keep from getting himself killed. This was turning out to be a dangerous encounter, one neither of them may come out of alive .

  Trevor looked up just in time to slam on the brakes before plowing into Jacob. Jacob dodged out of the way and rolled to his feet. He ran over to the SUV, opened a rear door, and jumped inside the vehicle.

  Trevor lowered his head once again, put the SUV in reverse and slammed the gas pedal down. He weaved the vehicle as best he could in a random pattern to keep the attackers from having a clear shot. Bullets continued to pepper the vehicle until they made it out of range. Trevor did not stop but kept going until he could turn the vehicle around and drive to an—off the beaten path area—hoping no one would find them.

  “This shot up scrapheap is not gonna take us any further. Let’s get ready in case they come looking for us. Whoever they are.” Jacob hopped out of the SUV.

  Trevor stepped out and walked toward Jacob. “Hey, come here, you’ve got blood on you. Let me take a look. Were you hit?”

  Jacob waved him off. “I’m ok, just a flesh wound.” He dug through their supplies, looking for ammunition.

  “Flesh wound my ass. Looks like they nearly blew off your ear. It needs to be cleaned and bandaged.” Trevor moved to get one of the first aid kits. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “This won’t take long, just hold your ass still for few moments and calm down.”

  “I am calm, doctor. Just pissed off. I mean. Why just up and start shooting at us? Why? I know damn well they didn’t think I was a zombie. Never seen a zombie sneaking around before. No, these jackasses didn’t give a shit, zombie or human regardless. Where the Hell did they come from anyway? I want answers and by God, I’m gonna get them. Ouch, damn it!” Jacob gave Trevor a go to Hell look for causing his ear to sting.

  “Well, since you already started without my permission, slap that bandage on there and get the Hell away from me.” Jacob finished stuffing a backpack with everything he may need. “I suggest you get your backpack fixed up. I’m not doing it for you. That’s for damn sure.”

  “You don’t need to tell me what I need to do. I’m no idiot, and I damn sure know how to take care of myself.” Trevor took his time getting ready to leave the SUV behind.

  It took Trevor nearly ten minutes to pack. Jacob stared at him the entire time while twirling the crowbar. Together they set out to make their way around to the Air Force base.

  Twenty-Three

  Jacob peered at the airfield with his binoculars. He was surprised at what he saw. There were two C-135s sitting on the strip with soldiers and supplies being unloaded. Piles of corpses, probably zombies, were on fire or smoldering, having been burnt already. The stench was horrendous.

  “Hey Trevor, you see those flags?” Jacob asked.

  “Yeah, I see. What about them?” Trevor responded.

  “Is that the Jolly Roger symbol? Are we dealing with some kind of militarized pirate group or something? How the Hell did all these people survive? I mean, I thought your group was pretty much the only ones that took this seriously and prepared.” Jacob moved a bit closer to Trevor so that they didn’t have to speak very loud to hear each other.

  Trevor lowered his binoculars and looked over at Jacob. “Do you know anything about secret societies? Don’t answer. I’ll just tell you. I believe that symbol is the Skull and Bones society.”

  “I thought that had to do with some university or something.” Jacob waited for an answer as he watched the comings and goings of individuals that appeared to have rank above the others.

  “It goes beyond that, Jacob. Before this apocalypse, many of your most famous and powerful men were members of the society. It’s been that way since the 1800’s, when it was founded. Who knows what it was before then. This is really giving me a creepy feeling.” Trevor rubbed his face in thought. “You don’t think … certainly these guys weren’t behind this apocalypse?”

  “I don’t know and I guess it does
n’t matter all that much now. I know this, they tried to kill us for no reason. I want to know what they know. Are you up for a little kidnapping?” A wicked grin came across Jacob’s face.

  “Tell me, which one do you intend to abduct?” Trevor looked through his binoculars at potential targets.

  “You see that one standing around, watching everyone? Only someone in charge would be just standing there like he’s king shit.” Jacob pointed toward a man.

  “Yes, I see him…King Shit.” Trevor allowed himself to chuckle

  ***

  Jacob and Trevor watched the man all day. There was one building in particular he went back and forth from, it was the building he was walking to now. There was no way to be sure where he would be later that night. The man was always accompanied by two guards.

  “There’s no way we’ll be able to get to King Shit. No way.” Trevor shook his head. “I’m thinking we should just head on our way and stay away from these people.”

  “I can’t do that, Trevor.” Jacob shook his head. “I have a mission, and I’m not going to run away from these assholes. These people are enemies and tainted just as much as the deaders. I want to find out what they’re up to, with or without you.”

  Trevor went into deep thought for a moment. He looked back over at Jacob. “Why go after King Shit? Let’s just grab any of those guys that’s foolish enough to walk off somewhere alone. I’m sure any of these people can fill you in on what’s going on. Don’t you think?”

  Jacob grumbled. “Yeah, ok, I suppose you have a point. I think we could probably grab a patrol guard or slip in to one of the outlying buildings and knock one over the head with my crowbar, carry him out. I wish we had another vehicle, but I’m ready to get some answers. We’ll just have to haul his ass a long distance away to make sure he doesn’t yell for help during questioning. Don’t want him yelling and bringing deaders down on us either.”

  “Ok, then, let’s get this over with quickly. I’m not all that comfortable doing this crap, I’m a doctor for Christ’s sake.” Trevor scanned the area with his binoculars looking for a victim.

  “Hey, Trevor. Looks like there are some spots where they’re taking smoke breaks. Look over there by those trees next to that building. I just saw someone light up over there I’m sure. Hell it’s the end of the world and they’re still bent out of shape over cigarettes.”

  “Yes, I think you’re right. What’s the plan?” Trevor watched while a soldier puffed away on a cigarette.

  “Simple. We sneak up there and take position behind those trees. When his back is turned, we jump him. I bash him on the head with my crowbar to knock him out. Then we carry the bastard off.” Jacob kissed his crowbar. “My ole buddy has been all excited about getting some payback.”

  “You know, Jacob, I really wish you’d stop talking to that crowbar. Seriously.” Trevor put his hand over his eyes and shook his head.

  “I’m not sure what you have against my ole buddy here, but he’s been with me since the beginning. He’s done a whole lot more to help me out than you ever have, doctor. So, I’d watch what you say if I were you.” Jacob glared at Trevor.

  Trevor wasn’t sure how to respond. Apparently, he unintentionally hit a nerve. He filed it away into the back of his mind. Do not talk about the crowbar. No use in getting a crazy man mad at you.

  ***

  Smack … Jacob hit the soldier over the back of the head with the crowbar. The soldier fell face-down and cracked his nose on the pavement. A fair amount of blood spatter was left around the point of impact. Trevor quickly wrapped a long piece of duct tape around the soldier’s head, covering his mouth. Trevor wasn’t going to take a chance of the soldier alerting others of their presence.

  Jacob and Trevor quickly grabbed the soldier and whisked him off into the darkness. One grabbed him by the shoulders while the other grabbed his legs, then the two predators dragged off their prey.

  Once they were far enough away and sure no one was following them, Trevor wrapped the soldier’s arms and legs with duct tape. There was no way this trained killer would be able to get away or get the drop on them. The soldier was all packaged for delivery to his imminent interrogation.

  “Are you watching for deaders? Remember my back is turned. I don’t want to run smack dab into a horde, you know what I mean?” Jacob tried to watch behind him as he carried the soldier, but it was causing him to stumble a bit.

  “Yes, yes, don’t worry. I’ve got your back. Literally. Not that I can see all that well in the dark, you know. Are we going to take him all the way back to your broken down SUV?” Trevor wondered.

  “It’s as good a spot as any. No one found us there, so I’m thinking it’ll do just fine. Just keep your eyes open.” Jacob watched behind them to make sure no one was following them. “It appears we got away without a hitch. See, that’s what smoking does for ya. Gets you kidnapped.”

  After several stumbles, trips, falls, and rest breaks, Jacob and Trevor finally made it back to the SUV. It was a tiring hike, and both of them were out of breath. They stuffed the soldier inside the back of the SUV for the time being.

  Trevor finally caught his breath. “So, how are we going to perform this interrogation? I doubt he’s going to be willing to talk. Soldiers like this guy know how to keep their mouths shut. I know.”

  “I suppose you probably would know. How do you suggest we go about it?” Jacob took a deep breath, still slightly winded. “I’m thinking I’ll just beat it out of him.”

  “With that technique, you never know if the person is telling the truth or not. They could be just telling you whatever you want in order to get you to stop. I recommend just up and asking the person first and then use guile if necessary. Trick the truth out of them.” Trevor sighed. “It sure would help if I had some truth serum to inject in him.”

  “Well, I’m fresh out of truth serum and don’t really have much guile. I’ll let you take the first shot at him. How’s that?” Jacob asked.

  Trevor thought and let out a sigh. “I suppose I can. All you want is information about who they are and what they’re doing. I want to know how they are alive in the first place. He’ll probably freely tell us who they are. Probably even tell us how they’re alive. Doubt he’ll easily tell us what they’re doing. It never hurts to ask though.”

  “You’re the man, Trevor. If you fail, it’ll be my turn to ask the questions.” Jacob twirled the crowbar several times. “My ole buddy here may know a thing or two about getting someone to spill the beans.”

  Trevor didn’t say anything back to Jacob. He just looked at him for a moment with concern. He walked over to the SUV and opened the back door. Before he could react, he was greeted by a kick to the chest sending him sprawling backwards to the ground. The soldier bumped, jarred, and wiggled his way out of the SUV, falling to the ground himself.

  Jacob did not hesitate. He bounded over and hooked the soldier’s neck with the crowbar. The soldier immediately stopped moving a muscle. “You need to settle down. I realize you wake up, have no idea what’s going on, and just want to escape. Well, you can’t escape. You need to know that right now. Try something again and you will suffer a lot. Do I make myself clear?”

  The soldier cut his eyes up at Jacob and nodded. Jacob slowly removed the crowbar’s hook from the soldier’s neck. “Just sit right there and don’t move. You ok, Trevor?”

  Trevor picked himself up off the ground, dusted himself off, and walked back over to the SUV. “Yes, I’m fine.” He delivered a left-hook to the jaw of the soldier.

  Jacob covered up a grin with his hand and thought to himself. You may consider yourself a doctor, but you damn sure have military in you as well. “Doctor. Don’t beat him just yet. You haven’t even asked him any questions.”

  “That was a statement, not a question. I’ll get to those in a moment.” Trevor rubbed his hand and looked at the soldier with the evil-eye.

  Trevor reached down and propped the soldier up against the SUV. “First, let me intro
duce myself like the civilized individual that I am. My name is Colonel Trevor Atkinson, Chief of the Medical Corps. You may have heard of me or you may not. I don’t really care. I outrank you by a long mile. You will answer my questions without delay. Is that understood soldier?”

  The soldier took a moment to consider the situation. He looked all around and then back at Trevor. All he could do was nod his head. Once the answer was given, Trevor removed the duct tape from around the soldier’s mouth and head. “What’s your name?” Trevor commanded.

  “Private First Class, Perriman. Sir.” The soldier said.

  Trevor bent down and spoke right into the soldier’s face. “Don’t call me sir, call me Colonel. You got that?”

  “Yes Colonel.” The soldier immediately responded.

  “Now, I’ve seen a lot of shit since this apocalypse went down, but this really has me wondering. Who the Hell are all you people? How are you all alive and breathing the tainted air? I don’t believe any of you were wearing positive pressure suits.” Trevor stepped back and waited for an answer.

  Private Perriman licked his lips and swallowed. He was unsure whether he should answer any questions. “We’re the new world order, Skull and Bones. We are the saviors of the future. Human society will now become what it was always meant to be.” He tilted his head back and put on his best smug face.

  “Yes, I saw the flags. I expected that answer. Keep going and answer my other question.” Trevor crossed his arms looking triumphant.

  “You mean you don’t know?” Private Perriman asked.

  “Know what? Speak up.” Trevor commanded.

  “Well, I figured you knew since you’re outside and not hiding in a hole. The spores are no longer in the atmosphere.” The private looked back and forth between Trevor and Jacob with a questioning look on his face.

  “See, I told you.” Jacob chimed in and twirled the crowbar.

  “How’s that possible?” Trevor uncrossed his arms, placed them on his knees and looked straight into the private’s eyes. “How’s that possible?”