Machines of the Dead

by David Bernstein

  “That makes sense. The only guards that never left were the ones that had access to C-wing.”

  “Have you told any of the others like yourself about this?”

  Kevin shook his head. “For all I know they’d report me. Try to get in good with the doc. Who would want to leave this cushy assignment? The only person I felt comfortable talking to about this was you. If you didn’t make it back, I’d have no choice but to talk to someone else. Luckily, for me, you did come back. It’s just not lucky for you that you did.”

  “Can you trust any of them? I mean do you know any of them? Served with any of them before?”

  “Yeah. Lopez. We served in Iraq together. She’s a good person. She’d never go along with what’s going on here.”

  “And the others?”

  Kevin shook his head. “I’ve no idea about them.”

  Jack had thought he’d been subjected to the most awful part of this whole situation and that the worst was behind him, but as usual it was the human condition that proved to be the most terrible thing on the planet.

  “And where do you fall into all of this? What do you propose we do about it?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t have any fucking idea. We need to get the hell out of here. And fast. I want nothing to do with this. If I get out I’ll blow the whistle on Reynolds.”

  Jack heard what he wanted to hear. If he and Zaun got to the outside, tried exposing Reynolds, most likely no one, especially the military, would believe them. However, having a soldier tell the tale was a different story. A more believable story. One that would call for an investigation at least. And if none of that worked, there was always the media, which meant they’d need proof.

  “Okay,” Jack said. “How long do we have before he comes for me and Zaun?”

  “Hell, I’ve got no idea, but I can’t imagine it will be long. Like I said, if he hasn’t run out of subjects yet, he soon will. For all I know, I’m as expendable as you. Shit, he might be planning on using all the low-ranking guards to experiment on. I mean, what choice does he have?” He paused, then added, “And Jack, I’m not leaving without checking C-wing for survivors.”

  “Agreed,” he said, glad to hear that Kevin felt the way he did. It seemed as if the only thing the kid was sure about, because other than that, Kevin was looking to Jack to be the leader. Looking to him for answers. He wasn’t the soldier, but he was the elder, and he guessed that made him more experienced in the kid’s eyes.

  “How difficult is it going to be to get all this accomplished and leave undetected?” Jack asked.

  “Impossible. We’ll have to use force. Extreme force. Most likely fight our way out of here. Even kill. We should take out Chambers and use Reynolds as a hostage. With Chambers out of the picture, the others will be a little less organized and unsure, for a little while at least. They’re soldiers and will fall back to their training, becoming a cohesive unit. That’s why taking Reynolds hostage is a must. If we have him, his files . . . we should be all right. Both he and Chambers, from what I was told, are the only ones with access to the escape tunnel.”

  “Do you have access to the weapons store?”

  “No. I’ve only got my sidearm on me at all times.” Kevin patted the gun strapped to his hip. “That’s it. Only when I’m on active guard duty do I get an M4, and I don’t go back on until the morning.”

  “The higher-ranking guards, do they always carry machine guns? Or do they return them to the arsenal?”

  “All weapons, excluding knives and sidearms, are returned to the weapons store after a shift. Reynolds orders.”

  “Okay,” Jack said, getting up off the bed. “So after we have Reynolds, we’ll need to head to the arsenal. Get some guns, then get the people out of C-wing. After that, we go to the escape tunnel and get the hell out of here.”

  “Let’s just hope it goes that smoothly.”

  “Wait here,” Jack told him. “I’m going to get Zaun. Don’t go anywhere or talk to anyone.”

  Jack left the room and went down the hall to Zaun’s door. Like before, it was unlocked. He went in and saw that Zaun was still asleep. Going over to him, Jack started saying his name and shaking him.

  “Jack?” Zaun croaked. “What’s going on? What time is it?”

  “Get up and get dressed, take your jacket with you, but don’t wear it. Roll it up and keep it tucked under your arm.”

  “What’s going on, man?”

  “Trust me,” Jack insisted, his hand on the doorknob. “Just do what I said. Meet me in my place as soon as you’re dressed.” He opened the door and headed back to his room.

  A few minutes later, Zaun entered Jack’s room, and was quickly brought up to speed.

  “Man,” Zaun said, “from one screwed up situation to another. This Reynolds guy sounds like a real scumbag.”

  To Kevin, Jack asked, “Are you sure you can do this? I mean kill your fellow—”

  “They’re not fellow anything, Jack,” the kid said, cutting Jack off. “They’re as guilty and as evil as Doc Reynolds. Orders are orders, but they all know what he’s doing would never be sanctioned. He’s got to be paying them off.”

  “But still,” Jack continued, “these are fellow soldiers, human beings.”

  “Killing isn’t new to me. It was just always the real enemy, so to speak, that was in my sights.” Kevin put his head down, seeming to be thinking something. Jack looked to Zaun, then back at Kevin. Talk was cheap, and Jack knew when the shit hit the fan, if it did, Kevin might have to kill fellow Americans, soldiers.

  Kevin looked up, caught Jack’s stare. “As far as I’m concerned, the men working here are the real enemy. And I’m pretty sure after you guys, I’d be next on their list of test-subjects.”

  Jack saw the look in his eyes, and knew the kid was for real.

  “Okay,” Zaun said. “We’re ready to roll.”

  “I want to bring Lopez in on this,” Kevin said.

  “No way,” Zaun said, shaking his head. “Just us. Keep it simple.”

  “She’s a friend; a good person, and doesn’t deserve to get stuck down here.”

  “I don’t know, Kevin,” Jack said.

  “I’ve served with her. She’s a stand up gal. Never got involved with anything shady. She’s got a daughter. Let me ask her. Tell her what’s going on.”

  “No,” Zaun insisted. “We can’t take that chance.”

  “I won’t do this without her. If she shows any sign that she’s going to tell Chambers, Doc or the others, I’ll tie her up. But she’s going to be on our side and we could use all the hands we can get. I won’t leave her here to be tortured and experimented on.”

  “Splitting up now is not a good idea,” Zaun said.

  “The two of you can take care of Reynolds. You get him, and Chambers will fall in line. No need even to go after him. I’d give you my sidearm, but I’ll need it in case Lopez doesn’t want to go along.”

  “I have this,” Jack said, going over to his bed, lifting the mattress, and producing a small steak knife.

  “Better than nothing and more than enough to take Reynolds with,” Kevin said. “I better get going. Lopez and I will meet you two at the weapons store. If you get there and I’m not present, then grab a few extra goodies and head to C-wing. I’ll meet you there.”

  Jack didn’t like this at all. With the three of them going about business together, they had a better chance, but the kid wouldn’t budge. Once they had Reynolds, Jack would feel better. The bottom line was: if Kevin didn’t make it, it was the kid’s own fault, though he couldn’t condemn the guy for having a heart.

  “Good luck,” Jack told him. Kevin nodded to both men, then left.

  “Ready to do this?” Zaun asked.

  “Yeah,” Jack said. He handed Zaun the knife. “You take this; you’ll make better use of it.”

  Zaun smiled. “That I will.”

  Before leaving the room, Jack asked for a minute. He didn’t want to think or hesitate when it came time to do
what he had to do. Just act. Or react. He would have time to think later, to deal with his emotions. He was about to embark on a journey that could be filled with bloodshed and pain. Could he prepare himself, having never been through such a thing? He had never served in the military. He didn’t grow up in a bad neighborhood where people died on a weekly basis. Jack had been in a few scuffles during his life, a few fistfights, but that was it. Was he really cut out to be a killer? No, he wasn’t, because he wasn’t a killer. He was a survivor, and someone who would defend himself. The people in the bunker meant him and his friends harm. They wouldn’t hesitate to kill him, torture him, so he couldn’t hesitate either. He needed to be strong, use a controlled viciousness if there was such a thing, because remaining levelheaded during combat was important. Important during any great undertaking. He needed to make it out alive and intact, for all of their sakes, including his sister’s.

  He would see her again.

  Zaun put his jacket on, and placed the knife inside it.

  “These men are well-trained,” Jack warned his friend, looking him in the eye. “Professional soldiers, ready to kill.”

  “Jack, after what I’ve been through, how far we’ve made it, I’m not about to pussy out. I’m no lab rat or human pin-cushion. It’s us against them.”

  The look in Zaun’s eyes was one of fierceness. If Jack didn’t know any better, he’d swear the man had killed before, and maybe he had. The guy had been in that building for a while with all sorts of crazy shit going on. It wasn’t out of the question that his friend had to defend himself. Maybe Zaun looked at the undead as people, and as far as the man was concerned, he had killed already. It was a good mindset to have. Jack felt a little better at seeing how serious his normally non-serious friend was. There was no doubt in Jack’s mind that the guy was ready to do whatever needed to be done.

  He only hoped he could do the same.

  Chapter 16

  Kevin knocked on Maria Lopez’ door, announced himself, and was told to come in. Roger Smithford, a high-ranking C-wing guard, was sitting in a chair. Of all the times to have a guest, he thought. Maria was sitting cross-legged on her bed, dressed in her pajamas. He knew Smithford and her were friends, but there was no way he was going to trust the guy. He thought about turning around, forgetting about Maria, and leaving with Jack and Zaun.

  “What’s up?” Maria asked.

  “I . . . um . . .” He couldn’t get the words out, his mind caught between wanting to leave and wanting to stay. He turned to stare at Smithford.

  “Meyers,” the man said, nodding.

  Why the hell was the guy here?

  Turning back to Maria, he said, “I have something I need to talk to you about. Something private.”

  “You don’t look so good,” Maria said.

  Smithford sat back, looking as if he hadn’t heard a word Kevin had said.

  “I need to talk to you in private,” he reiterated.

  “I get it,” Smithford said, not sounding the least bit upset. The man leaned forward, his chair clomping down. He stood, all six feet five inches of him. “You want me to leave.”

  “Wait,” Maria told him, then looked at Kevin. “Can this wait until tomorrow?”

  Kevin shook his head. “No, I really need to talk to you now.” He looked up at Smithford. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

  “No problem,” Smithford said. “It’s getting late and I should let you two talk. Sounds like Kevin has a problem he needs help with.” He said goodnight, then left the room.

  Kevin took a seat on Maria’s bed, leaving his booted feet on the floor. He couldn’t face her. Staring at the floor, he felt her hand on his shoulder.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “There’s not a lot of time, so I’m going to just spit it out.”

  “Okay,” she said, taking her hand back.

  He turned to face her and just started talking. He told her everything, from his drunken conversation with Devon, to just before he left Jack’s room.

  “I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s all true,” he said, “and I want you to come with us.”

  Maria sighed. “Kevin, not to be an asshole, but that’s the most ridiculous shit I’ve ever heard. I hope you’re putting me on.”

  He jumped up, unable to remain seated. “No. I’m dead serious. Didn’t you hear what I said?”

  “You’re for real, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, and there isn’t much time. We need to meet the others.”

  Maria held up her arms. “Wait. Just wait. There’s no way our military would condone this type of thing, human experimentation. Maybe after the rats and monkeys were tested, then human trials, but outright torture and killing, no.”

  “Don’t act like you’ve never seen shit. We both have. We’ve seen some nasty stuff that if it ever got out there’d be a public outcry.”

  “That was different and those were some crazy-ass individuals. Who, may I remind you, were reprimanded.”

  “Look, we’re leaving. Tonight. Getting out of here for good before it’s too late. For all I know you and me are next. We’re not part of the regular crew. We don’t have access to C-Wing. Reynolds has no test subjects left. What do you think he’s going to do to get more? Head out into the city because there are no more people there? It’s going to be Jack and Zaun and then us.”

  Maria closed her eyes, shaking her head. Kevin could see he was putting doubt into her. On some level, she believed him.

  “You’re talking about treason,” she said. “Going against orders, against your country. You’ll be put in front of a firing squad. You can’t do this.”

  The door to the room burst open, startling both Kevin and Maria.

  Smithford walked in, sidearm in hand.

  “What the hell, Roger?” Maria barked.

  “Was listening at the door,” he said. “Heard everything.”

  “Get out,” Maria demanded, her voice cracking.

  “Don’t,” Smithford warned, as Kevin went for his gun. “Doc wants you alive and intact, but I’ll drop you where you stand if I have to. I’m sure as long as it’s not a fatal shot, the man can fix you back up; inject those little things into you.”

  Kevin truly hated himself right now. He had been so careless. So stupid. Before speaking to Maria, he should have made sure that there was no one outside the door.

  “I never liked you, Myers,” Smithford continued. “Fucking pussy.”

  “Hey,” Maria shouted.

  “Shut the fuck up,” Smithford demanded, keeping his eyes on Kevin. “Now, slowly, give me your sidearm.”

  Kevin did as he was told, and handed the weapon over.

  “He’s just confused,” Maria told Smithford. “He’s been down here too long. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

  “You’re a stupid bitch,” Smithford said. “You know that? Maybe if you’d been willing to put out, I would’ve tried to spare your ass; claimed you as mine, but you’re nothing but a dyke, aren’t you? Or maybe just a tease? Are you a tease?”

  “What the hell is wrong with you, Roger?” Concern was evident on Maria’s face. “Cat’s out of the bag, stupid. You weren’t supposed to know about this place. What’s really going on. You two were temporary. Doc was going to ship you right back out, then hopefully get in some people, people like myself, that would go along with the program. But after the city fell, that plan went to shit. He was stuck with both of you. Military wasn’t letting anyone in or out.”

  “This is wrong,” Kevin pleaded. “Don’t you see that? Come with us.”

  “Myers, you really are an idiot. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t leave here. It’s the safest place to be. But I ain’t going with you, because I’m going to do my job and get paid, paid a lot of dough for helping the Doc.”

  Maria’s eyebrows came together, her face contorted into an angry snarl. “You piece of shit.” She went to get up, but Smithford stepped up to her and shoved her back down.

&nbs
p; “Like I said, Doc wants you two alive and unharmed, if possible. Not sure why though. If I fuck you two up, he’ll just inject those bots into you and heal your asses.”

  “So, everything Kevin said was true?” Maria asked.

  “Wasn’t supposed to be like this, at least not for another couple of days. Maybe even a week, depending on how long Jack and his friend lasted. But fuck it. I’m sure the Doc will love hearing about your little plan to leave.”

  “You haven’t radioed this in, asked for backup?” Kevin said.

  “Nope,” agreed Smithford, eying Maria like a piece of meat. “Not yet.”

  “What do you want then?” she asked.

  Kevin knew. He saw the look in Smithford’s eyes. He wanted some alone time with her. Maybe he would offer her a deal in exchange for a romp in the sack. Or maybe he simply planned on raping her.

  “He wants to have his way with you,” Kevin said coldly.

  “What?” Maria asked, grabbing the blankets and pulling them up to her chest. “No.”

  “You ruined the surprise.” Smithford stepped up to Kevin and smashed the butt of his gun into Kevin’s nose.

  Pain exploded in Kevin’s head as white light flashed before his eyes. He stumbled back into the wall and crumpled to the floor. He heard Maria scream, then a loud smack sounded and she was quiet. Looking up through teary eyes, he saw Smithford standing over the bed, laughing.

  “Leave her alone, asshole,” Kevin demanded.

  Smithford turned toward Kevin, his eyes filled with malice. “You want more, huh?”

  Kevin went to get up. He still had his knife strapped around his ankle, but took a boot to the stomach. The wind flew out of his lungs. He couldn’t breathe, and curled up on the floor. Smithford kicked him again and again. “Stay.”—kick. “The fuck,”—kick. “Down,”—kick.

  Kevin was on the verge of passing out when the blows finally stopped. Breathing was impossible and the pain was overwhelming. He thought for sure a few ribs were broken, and maybe some other parts too.

  Halfway to unconsciousness, he heard Smithford talking to Maria. Shaking his head, he looked up and saw the big man on top of her. She was struggling, kicking her legs, but Smithford slapped her and held her down. He was simply too strong.