Chapter Two
Someone was knocking on my door, opening my eyes I tried to remember where I was. I mustn’t have been asleep to long as my hair was still damp from my shower. The knocking on the door got louder, it was as if the person on the other side knew I had opened my eyes.
“What?” I shouted.
“Marc, Chris needs you to come up to the security room.” Jay called out.
“Tell him I’ll be there as soon as I get some clothes on.”
“Ok.” He said and I heard his footsteps move off down the hallway.
Sitting up I swung my feet over the edge of the bed and started to pull some clean clothes out of my rucksack. Finally dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, clean socks and my boots I headed for the door. I paused and returned to the bed picking up my rifle, if Chris was calling me to the security room then I probably would need it. Pulling the sling over my shoulder I headed out the door and toward the lifts. The lift doors opened on the second floor and I headed to the security office. The door was open and Chris was leaning over looking at a screen with a scowl on his face.
Leaning on the door frame I said “Sorry I was a sleep.”
“Sorry about that, but I thought you and Jay should see this.” He said moving away from the monitor.
“Ok you said Jay so where is he?” I said walking closer to the monitor to get a better look.
“He said he needed something to drink and went off to the kitchen.” Chris replied.
I just shrugged and leaned forward to look at the monitor. The picture was a grey colour and was of a field somewhere. It wasn’t till I saw the movement that I knew what I was looking for. Four figures were moving towards the camera, their movements jerking every now and then. A large white blur moved across from the left of the screen to the right. ‘Infrared’ I thought the camera must be infrared, and the figures must be the Infected. Without a doubt this showed that they were…and I hate to use the word Zombies or the undead. After all any living thing gave off some kind of heat and these bodies were not showing anything.
“Infected.” I said simply.
“Yeah, and they’re not that far from the entrance.” Chris said leaning on the desk.
“How the fuck did the find us?” Jay said from the doorway holding three mugs in his hands.
“I think they have been following the A.P.C.” Chris said taking a mug.
Taking the mug from Jay I looked at what was inside. A dark brown mixture looked back at me and I had second thoughts about drinking it.
“It’s coffee.” Jay said looking at me.
Taking a sip I grimaced at the bitter taste.
“So what do we do about them?” I asked.
“If we leave them outside the door they might attract more of them. I think it’s time we try out our new toys.” Chris said.
“New toys?” I asked.
“Yeah, the armoury has some nice gear, come on I’ll show you.” Chris said walking out of the room.
We headed into the armoury and I have to admit I whistled. Every surface had something on it, the room stretched back for about a hundred meters and was about twenty meters wide. At the rear were crates stacked nearly to the ceiling and each were stencilled either ammo or other equipment. Chris walked over to a specific rack and pulled a short rifle from it. I recognised it from my nephews Call of Duty game it was a MP5 with a large silencer attached to the barrel.
“These should help.” Chris said throwing one toward me.
Of course I was still carrying the mug of coffee and dropped it to the floor where it smashed sending coffee and broken mug here, there and everywhere. Which of course set Jay off laughing like a tit.
“Never fired on of these in real life.” I said turning the rifle over in my hands.
“Real life?” Chris asked.
Looking up I said “Yeah, my nephew had the Call of Duty game and these were in it.”
“I remember that game.” Jay said “Not very realistic.”
“It wouldn’t be, would it? It was a computer fucking game.” I said.
“Look we have the small in door range and we can get up to speed on them later, but at the moment we need to get rid of those infected up top. That means we load up a couple of mags for each rifle and go kill them.” Chris said grabbing a rifle for himself and Jay.
After about twenty minutes of searching we managed to find the ammo and mags for the MP5’s. With them in our hands we headed to the lifts and up to the small reception. Taking our time we opened the hatch and stepped outside into the cold night air. We could hear moans coming from the left of the bunker. Edging round the entrance I saw the infected lurching through the grass.
I pointed out where they were and Chris whispered “Jay you head round to the right, Marc head round to the left and I’ll take the middle. Just remember where everyone is, the last thing we need is someone getting hit with a stray bullet. I’ll fire first and that’ll be your signal to open up on them. Remember head shots will kill them outright but be careful if they go down and you’re not sure it was head shot.”
Jay and I spilt off and headed out to the sides of the infected. I could hear their moans increase in pitch, they must have either heard us or smelt us. Being careful to keep Jay and Chris in sight I waited for Chris to fire the first round. I was surprised when it actually came. It was louder than I thought it was going to be, even with us being outside. The shot hit the infected and it looked like someone had just whacked it in the face with a bat. It went spinning to the floor only to start to rise again. Looking through the iron sights on my rifle I aimed for the nearest infected and pulled the trigger. The rifle rocked against my shoulder as the shots went speeding toward my target. Before they had even left the barrel I knew that I had missed. To tell the truth I expected the silenced weapon to fire the same as the SA80, but I was wrong. Selector was set on burst and the rounds had pulled the rifle up and to the right of my target. The infected took a round high in the shoulder and turned to glare in my direction. Taking a deep breath I changed the selector to single shot and took aim. With the moans getting louder I knew that I would only have two more shots before having to retreat and try again.
Pulling the trigger twice I looked over the rifle as the rounds hit my target. The first shot hit the infected in the jaw smashing the bone and teeth outward. The second shot hit where I had wanted it to go. Hitting it in the nose and caving its skull like a crater appearing after a meteor strike. In the dark the white bone and darker fluids sprayed from the back of its head. Tracking on to my next infected, I saw it drop to the ground and start crawling toward me, trying to keep as low to the ground as it could. This was new.
“Chris have you seen this?” I asked.
He looked over and saw the infected in the grass crawling on its stomach.
“What the fuck?” He said taking aim and firing a three shot burst, driving the infected into the soft dirt and ending its crawl toward me.
Jay was running across to see what we had been talking about. I thought it might be an idea to have a closer look at this clever infected. Leaving a good gap between myself and it. I noticed that the only damage on the body I could see was that made by Chris’ three shots. One had entered in the centre of its back causing the body to bow back on its self. Whilst the other two had nearly totally demolished its skull and all the brain inside. We stood there for a good five minutes before deciding it might be better to head back inside the bunker.
As he closed the door Chris said “Do you think they are changing?”
I pressed the call button and said “What do you mean changing?”
“You know evolving.”
Jay looked at Chris and said something that I never expected him to say “They can’t evolve can they, they’re dead. Only living creatures can evolve.”
Chris and I looked at each other before bursting out laughing.
“What? I’m being fucking serious.” Jay said looking pissed off.
“I know you are mate. It’s jus
t you’re the last person we would have thought could come up with that answer.” Chris said trying to stop.
The door opened and Jay walked inside and said “Well that’s the last time I say anything. Oh and by the way fuck you.”
I started laughing again and we headed down to the second floor to put the rifles back in the armoury. I stopped at the security room and spent about half an hour checking all the screens. There were no other infected in the area as far as I could see. Leaving the room I headed back to my room and bed.
Chapter Three
The following morning came too quickly and truth be told I didn’t want to move from my warm bed. But if last night told me anything, it was that I needed to get some range time on the MP5. Those rifles were a lot less bulky than the SA80 and with the silencers, were a lot quieter. Getting out of bed I went and had the second shower in twelve hours, it was fantastic being able to have a hot shower whenever we wanted. Putting the clothes I had worn the night before back on I headed for the kitchen on the first floor. Riding in the lift it stopped on the third floor and Mary entered carrying a stack of books.
“Morning Marc.”
“Hi Mary, you doing some light reading?” I asked.
Looking at the pile of books in her arms she blushed and said “I’ve always liked reading books, my mother started me off when I was ten. Since then I have always had a book close by my bed or chair. It just never feels right not being able to put my hands on one when I want to escape reality.”
“I should start reading as well then.” I said smiling.
“What do you mean by that?” She said turning to look at me.
“Look at the life we have now. Who wouldn’t want to leave reality behind, especially the one we’re in now.” I said.
Mary looked at the lift doors and gave a slight nod. The doors opened on the first floor and we heard shouting coming from the end of the hall where the kitchen was. Leaving Mary to carry her books, I ran down the hall and burst into the dining room to see Jay and Tracy an inch apart screaming at each other.
Rushing over I pushed in between them and said “What the fuck is going on?”
“I tell you what’s going on this bitch says I can’t have any coffee.” Jay said nearly spitting.
“I told him Chris had put me and Claire in charge of the kitchen and if he wanted a coffee he could wait for it.” Tracy shouted back.
“Jay do me a favour mate and go sit at a table, till I get this sorted out.”
“Fine, but I still want that cup of coffee.” He said stamping over to a table and sitting down.
“Ok, so Chris put you and….who was it again?” I asked Tracy.
She pointed to a mousey looking female hiding behind the serving counter. “Me and Claire. She isn’t good with men shouting at her.”
“Right the only way we are going to sort this out for the sake of everyone, is for you and Claire to put out some flasks of tea or coffee for people on a morning. Because I can tell you now, that Jay can be a miserable sod without an early morning coffee or tea.” I said.
“Just tell him to stay out of the kitchen and if he wants something, to ask for it nicely.” Tracy said storming back to the kitchen.
With a sigh I walked over to the table Jay was sat at and sat down opposite him.
“Look, Chris gave the women a job to do so that they didn’t feel like they were not wanted here. Tracy has said that from now on she will have flasks of tea and coffee out for everyone, and to tell you the truth it’s probably going to be better tasting than that stuff you make.” I said smiling.
“You’re probably right. My coffee sucks donkey balls.” He said laughing slightly.
I looked over as the door opened and Mary walked in carrying her books.
“Tracy asked me to tell you that if you want something from the kitchen, then all you have to do is ask for it nicely.” I said.
He actually looked embarrassed when he said “I will. I’m sorry you had to break that up.”
“It’s not a problem, we just need to sort out what we are going to be doing here is all.” I said standing. “Now, I’m going to ask for a coffee and something to eat. Then I’m going to head down to the range to learn how to shoot that MP5.”
Walking over to the serving counter I saw Mary watching me from behind one of her books. Now why would that give me a chilly feeling in the pit of my stomach? Standing at the counter I waited until Claire was free.
“Hi, Claire is there any chance you could make some coffee and something to eat for me?” I asked.
She barely looked up and said “Yes.” and she ran off back inside the kitchen.
Shrugging I went and sat at the table nearest the counter. Mary was still giving me the odd glance over her book. Chris walked in a few minutes later with the remaining woman in tow. Spotting me from the other side of the room he waved and headed over.
“Marc, I’ve been looking for you.” Chris said standing at the side of the table.
“Just come up here for some breakfast. What can I help you with?” I asked.
“Lisa here would like to learn how to use the security system. I can remember you saying that you worked on something similar where you used to work.” Chris said putting a hand gently on Lisa’s shoulder.
“Well it’s nearly the same as the one at the labs. It’s not that difficult to use, the best bit is the instant replay and that’s if we have access to the servers.” I said.
“We went down there this morning and it looks like we do have access.” Lisa said.
Looking up I saw her staring at me.
“Have you used security systems before?” I asked.
“Not really security but I did work on networks for my local council.” She said.
I looked at Chris and said “Well if you know your way round a network, then you should know how to use the system. Let me have my breakfast, then we can head down there and go through the system.”
“Thank you.” Lisa said turning round to go sit with Mary.
They huddled together and started a whispered conversation. With the odd glance thrown toward myself and Chris. I just ignored them and waited for my coffee and food. The table vibrate and I turned to see Chris sitting down beside me.
“Looks like you have a few admirers.” He said with a small laugh.
“You have one as well.” I said, hooking my thumb in the direction of the kitchen and the disappearing back of Tracy.
Chris’ face went red and he said “You can forget that shit.”
“Like fuck mate. If you’re going to have a go at me then you’re going to be fair game as well.” I said.
Just then Clare appeared at the table with a small breakfast of toast, cheese and a steaming mug of coffee. She placed them before me and turned to Chris “Tracy wants to know if there is anything you want?” her face going red.
Chris looked over to the serving counter and sighed “Can you tell her, no thank you.”
Clare nodded and left the table heading back into the kitchen.
“Looks like Tracy has an admirer as well.” I said laughing.
“Fuck off.” Was his reply and we both started to laugh.
I was feeling the best I had since all of this had started. We sat laughing and joking on for another twenty minutes. Jay came back and went to the counter and this time there was no arguments or shouting. After he ordered his coffee he came and sat on our table asking what had us laughing so much. I told him about the admirers and I saw a look cross his face. I think Chris had seen it as well because the laughter stopped soon after.
“After I show Lisa how to use the security system. I’m going to get a MP5 and get some practice on the range. Last night was an eye opener and I wouldn’t like a repeat of it.” I said.
“I can see your point.” Chris said grinning.
“Yeah, you can get fucked.” I said standing.
“I might come down in a while. I want to check out the communications room.” Chris said.
“Ok.” I said heading out of the dining hall. As I past Mary and Lisa I said “Lisa if you still want to learn the security system come and find me after lunch.”
I didn’t bother waiting for a reply and headed to the lifts. Standing waiting I couldn’t get the thoughts of the men being outnumbered by the women in the bunker. Now that for some reason worried me. I stepped out the lift on the second floor and headed to the armoury. Finding the MP5 I had used last night was a bit of a pain. When we had got back inside we had just dropped the weapons on the shelves and went to bed. I wanted the one I had been using, call me a little anal, but I hate to swap and change things.
After filling some mags and grabbing a tactical sling, I picked up the rifle which I thought had been mine. Mind you saying that this wasn’t going to be anyone else’s rifle now. I headed to the small indoor range and pinned up a target and got round to zeroing it in. After about an hour I had my shots going where I wanted them and my shoulder now felt like Chris had used it as a punching bag. Speaking of Chris he hadn’t turned up at the range. The smell of cordite hung in the air and I started to get twitchy.
Chapter Four
Leaving the range I headed down the hallway and this time entered the security room. Closing the door I flicked through the internal cameras and I came to an image I really didn’t want to see. Lying on the floor outside of the dining hall was Jay and from what I could see he was either dead or was dying. Someone had drove a large knife into his back and a pool of blood was expanding out from where he lay.
What the fuck?
Now I was panicking, where was Chris and the women? I got up and locked the door to the room. If someone had gotten into the bunker, I didn’t want them finding me just yet. Sitting back down, I slowly went through the cameras one by one. When I got to the fourth floor I found Chris tied to a bed with Tracy holding a knife over him. The best thing about the security system was it had microphones on each of the internal cameras, so if turned them on I would be able to hear what was being said.
The Bunker (The Infected Series Book 2) Page 2