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Stella sat in her jeep for a long time, listening to the voice of her father. She heard a knock on the window, but could not move. She stared out through the front windshield. Will Neely, stood outside the divers side door next to his daughters Jeep Cherokee, and spoke to her through the closed window. “Stella! Unlock the door. What is wrong?” Will was always a calm man. Even, when he was angry. He knocked, again. He asked her, “Girl. Do I need to break the window?” Her sister, Scarlett stood on the porch. She stared at the blood on the front of Stella's vehicle. Stella turned her head, and looked up at her father. Then, she pushed the button to unlock the doors. When they all popped, Will opened the door. As he swung the door open, he noticed the hood of the jeep. There was blood. Too much blood for this to to be a minor accident. He continued, “Did you hit a deer?” He hoped that it was only a deer. She stepped out of the jeep. She walked past her father in a daze. She didn't even take her purse, or any of her items out of the vehicle. Scarlett was still standing on the porch. She didn't move, as Stella walked past her with a blank look on her face. She didn't know what to say. She had never seen her sister act this way. Will reached into the jeep. He took the keys out of the ignition. Then, picked up his daughter's purse and phone. He closed the door, and followed Stella to the porch. As he came to the stairs he looked up at Scarlett. She asked, “What was that? What is wrong with her? She looks like she saw a ghost.” Will replied, as he walked past his other daughter, “ I don't know, but I wonder if it has something to do with all of the chatter I've been hearing on the radio? Let's go find out.” The two followed Stella into the house. In the living room, the three sat still. While Stella stared out the window from her seat, Scarlett grilled her, “Stella! What happened? Why is there blood on the top of your Jeep?” Will cut in, “Stella. I need to know what you hit.” Stella looked at him with a blank stare... “Who...” You mean, who?” Will and Scarlett exchanged a concerned glance. Neither, tried to hide their shock. You could see it on their faces. Scarlett covered her mouth with her hands. Will asked, “Have you called the police, yet?” Stella let out a sarcastic, half-laugh. “Yeah!It was busy! A freaking busy signal on the 911 line.” Will looked at Scarlet, then Stella. None of them knew what to say. He stood up, and walked out of the room. A few minutes later, he walked back into the room with his own cell phone, and attempted to dial the emergency line. He heard the same signal that Stella had heard. He looked around the room. He said, “Stay here. Both of you.” He walked through the kitchen, into the basement. He went into his tool room. The basement held all kinds of things for the Neely's. But, the tool room, that is what Stella and Scarlett called it, was Will's personal hiding space. It is where he kept all of his tools, and other things. His computer was there, and so was his ham radio. He sat down at his desk. Turned on the ham radio. He started speaking into the radio. He said, “Any of you on? Anyone out there having problems getting through on any city or county phone lines?” Will pulled his phone out. He started swiping and pushing on the screen. He dialed 911, again. It rang a couple of times, then went over to a voice message. While he heard the voice message, another voice came over the radio. “Will! Will, lock your place down! Its like a war zone up here, in Merrillville!” Will was about to leave a message when he heard the frantic voice coming from the radio. He replied, “Mike. What is going on? Is it some kind of attack?” The voice replied, “ It's crazy! It is like a bad movie, or something. Will, people are walking around in packs. They are attacking other people! We are on lock down. Military is here. I am packing the RV and the Explorer.
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We're out of here, as soon as I can figure out a way around the road blocks. Will, I have never seen anything like this. Radio has been quiet for two days. I didn't expect to hear from you. I haven't heard from anyone at work, either. Went in Tuesday, and the boss sent everyone home. Until, further notice. Been trying to get my brother and Mom on the phone, in Chicago. The lines are jammed. ”
Will said, “ I know something is wrong. My daughter had an accident, and we cannot get through on the emergency line. Is it really that bad, Mike? I mean, in your opinion, are the Authorities over reacting, or is this real?” There was a long pause. Then the male voice came over the radio, again.
“Will, this is not like all the SHTF stuff we all were getting ready for. This is like, a real life horror movie. It is a nightmare. We have our windows covered, and everything nailed shut. Those people wander up to our fence every little while. The dogs go crazy. Day before yesterday, I saw an older woman walking her dog. A couple of them came at her. The dog fought them off. They were actually trying to bite the dog. His fur was too thick, though. They couldn't penetrate through his fur. We called the police. It took forever. Me and my neighbor went out to help her. I don't know, if we both just looked out of our windows at the same time, or what? Mr. Jackson, nice old guy. Between us and her dog, we pulled those maniacs off of her. I don't know what they were on. They were trying to eat her. We grabbed them as soon as we got to her. Had to tie them up til the police arrived. One of them bit Mr. Jackson, too. By the time the police finally showed up, he had been bitten twice. And, the lady...” He paused. “She had been bitten and scratched up so bad. The dog really fought for her. Anyway, they took her, and my neighbor to the E.R. I have the dog. He is some kind of shepherd mix. The kids love him, and so does our husky. I'm telling you Will, It's like a nightmare. Put the word out to anyone you talk to, Will. We are getting out as soon as we can. There are road blocks, but some of them are not watched anymore.” Will asked, “ Road blocks, with no guards?” The voice answered, “ There were, at first. Not now. At least, part of the time. They started to section off parts of the neighborhood with chain link fencing, and barbed wire. They closed off everything, by section, so they could keep people contained within a containment area. This way, it's easier for them to corner a person without having to chase them so far, if they want to catch them. Anyway, my son and his friend have been going in and out through a cut in some of these fences. Turns out, the friend lives right on the other side of one of them. When they, or someone, figured out how to cut an electric fence. They have been crossing from one part, to another. I woke up last night, found Jason missing, I went looking. He was sneaking back into the kitchen. I made him show me where he had been. Turns out, he had been going over there for a few days, now.” Will replied, “ You mean, this all went down in two days?”
Mike said, “ No. They were starting to block roads and railroad tracks, weeks ago. No one knew what they were doing. They started with trains. They'd pull a train across some tracks and leave it there, so that no one could drive across. After the military moved in, people started complaining. We called
police, and there would be no response. Emergency lines were blocked, or we would get a message. I have been talking to a guy in my neighborhood. He lives behind me. He is talking about going to some of the tracks, and moving the trains. Says, he knows how to operate the engine. Jason, wants to to bring his friends' family with us. Have you heard from anyone on here?” Will replied, “ No. It has been quiet. Things have been real weird around here. Thought I'd get on, and ask if any of you guys were having the same problems.”
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Mike replied, “ And, then some. As soon as we can, we are getting out. I am going to take a hike outside the fences first. Take a look around, so I know what our options are.”
Will stared at the wall, as his radio friend spoke. Both paused for a long moment. Then, Will said, “Mike, when you all get out, you can come on down here. There is plenty of room for your RV out here.” Mike answered, “That's awful good of you, Will. Have you heard from anyone?”
Will replied, “ Just, Tom. But, it's been a few days since I talked to him. He said that he had noticed a lot of talk on the scanners from around his area. He isn't that far. He is up somewhere near Crown Point. His wife's Grandmothers' place runs along side of mine. They will probably go over there. I was thinking of going
over there and checking on Ms. Clea, anyway. I have heard a lot of talk on the police scanners, here. Real crazy stuff. Then, nothing. Just went dead. You are the first one who I have directly heard from in around a week.” The voice on the other end said, “ Not far, if it is safe to travel, you mean. What kind of crazy stuff did you hear about?”
“Yes. You have a point. ” Will paused. “ Real crazy. Nightmare-crazy. Police getting attacked by hordes of people. People being found dead, from being eaten. Then, coming alive. Alive enough to snarl, while attempting to bite people. Some of them are crazy. Biting and growling. They act like they have no minds. Schools being evacuated. Hospitals being closed down by the military, while all of the patients are still inside. People being re-animated. After death. Crazy. Didn't think we'd have any of the crazy stuff out here....” They were both very quiet for a long minute. Mike sounded very serious, and he spoke quietly. Mike replied, “Will, that is what I have been hearing, too. They closed the schools up here two weeks ago. Didn't tell anyone why, though. Hell, maybe none of them knew why, at first. Next thing I know, the military rolls in. Then, men driving S.U.V.'s. Then, the local police all disappeared. They, and I mean men driving black S.U.V.'s, issued a curfew and martial law... Then, people who would not stay in their homes after curfew were arrested and “disappeared”. I used to talk to my neighbor every day. I have not seen him in a week. He does not come outside anymore. The last time I saw him, he was talking to one of the men in an S.U.V.” Will asked, “ Anyone there, get together and try to run them out?” Mike answered, “Some of us were planning it. Then, one by one, everyone either wasn't seen anymore, or was seen getting hauled off in one of their S.U.V.'s.” Will asked, “How many in your group? If you all can get out, how many?” Mike said, “ In between four and six. Two dogs. And, I guess anyone coming at the last minute.” They both stayed quiet, again …. Then, Mike said, “Well, Will. You will let me know if anything changes, right? I'll do the same for you. If you hear from anyone, let me know. If I hear from anyone, I'll do the same. Okay?” Will replied, “Okay, Mike. Talk you as soon as I hear anything. And, Mike. If you can get out, try to stay on the back roads. And, remember ... water, weapons, seeds, blankets, and clothes. If you cannot bring your things, don't risk your safety over it.” Mike said, “I know, Will. I might be able to get to an outside stash. That's if, no one has found it, yet.” Will said, “Okay. I'll be waiting to hear from you.” The two signed off. Will turned his radio off. He sat there for a moment, contemplating what he should do next. He wanted to talk to Lena. He stood up, reached into his drawer, took out a gun, checked the magazine, locked the gun and slid it into his waist band. He went out to his pick up truck, and drove to the cemetery.
He decided that he would go the same way that Stella drove everyday. As he drove up the highway, he saw no cars, at all. He was looking for any signs of his daughters' accident. He came around the curve that swerved around the old abandoned, Orchard. It was once a thriving orchard, run by the Harris family.
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They had a private school built on the property, and helped the needy. After both parents passed away last year, the Harris kids let it go. Because of a combination of infighting, and irresponsibility, they lost it to probate, who turned it over to the county. Who in turn, sold it for back taxes to someone who no one knew. It was well hidden behind wooded acreage along the highway. Will drove around the curve, he knew that there had to be some evidence, somewhere, of Stella's Jeep hitting something. As he drove up the highway, he saw a man stumbling on the road. He came to a slow stop, twenty feet behind the man. He opened his door, and stood on the running board outside the pickup. “Hey, Buddy...” The man slowly, turned towards him. Will stepped onto the pavement. The creepy man walked up to the front of the truck. Will froze when he saw the mans face. Will was shocked, but didn't know what to think. He had never seen anyone that looked like this man. He played what his ham radio friends had said inside his head. Fear began to mount inside Will Neely. Will repeated, “Hey, Buddy. You okay?” The man leered at Will. He looked gray and purple. He had blood all over him. He looked disturbingly, bloated. He raised his arms in Will's direction. He started to snarl, then he started to move towards Will. Will said, “Okay. Stay there.” The man did not speak, just snarled. There was no doubt that this guy was not right. Just like all of the stories he had been hearing. Will put his hands up in front of him, as to indicate that he wanted the man to stop. He said, “Whoa. Stay back. I'll get help.” Will started to step backwards. He turned and jumped into his truck. He closed his door, and rolled his window up, just as the guy slammed his face into the truck window. He was growling. He never tried to open the door. He just clawed at it. Will took off, and drove around two-hundred feet ahead. He turned the truck around, and faced the crazy man. He reached up, and locked his doors. He sat in the truck for a minute, contemplating if he should drive back past the man. He knew that this is the man that Stella had had the encounter with. No wonder that she was so scared; he thought. He started breathing heavy. He could not believe what he was seeing. But, this was really happening. He thought that he was going crazy. He rubbed his eyes, and re-focused on what he was seeing. A plane flew overhead. The crazy man, who had been stumbling after his truck, stopped and stood there. Then, he looked overhead until the plane disappeared. Like a small baby does, when they hear, or see something that they have never seen before. As soon as the plane was gone, the crazy man re-focused back in Will's direction. Will opened the door and stepped out, onto the pavement. The crazy man was limping towards him, now. Will stood there, studying the man. He pulled out his Glock. He unlocked, aimed, and fired. He purposely, hit the man on the shoulder. The man, kept walking towards him. He stumbled and staggered forward. He moved, as though he was stiff . Very stiff. He didn't grab his shoulder, or cry out in pain. He didn't say anything. He never took his bloodshot eyes off of Will. Will's heart was pounding inside his chest. He aimed for the mid-section. He fired, again. He hit him in the waist area. The man continued towards Will. Will fired again, hitting him in the leg. The crazy man went down. But, he kept moving. He started crawling towards Will. He would pause for a time, and reach for Will without saying anything. Just, growled. He never cried out in pain. Didn't grab the area being hit. He snarled and growled over, and over Will frozen with fear and shock, stared at him. He wanted to run, but needed to see this for a little longer. Otherwise, he would not believe that he was seeing it. The dead man continued to crawl. When he came within ten feet of the truck, he tried to stand up.
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Will had shot his knee out. There was no knee cap left. The man still did not cry out in pain. He said nothing. He tried to stand, and fell, again. When he made it to where Will was standing, he grabbed Will's boot and tried to bite him. Will stepped back a few feet. He stepped sideways, away from the truck. The man slowly tried to get up, again. He grabbed Wills' leg. This time, he had a better grip. But, the thickness of Will's boots protected his foot from the bite. He kicked loose from the grip of the decrepit man. Then, he opened the door, and climbed back into his truck. He was in a state of shock, and fear. He closed the door and sat in his seat, while looking down at the creepy sight. He was speechless. He had never seen anything like this. He was afraid, shocked, and confused, all at the same time. He drove away. In the rear view mirror, he could see the man crawling on the pavement, while reaching up towards his truck. He watched, until he saw nothing. He had to force himself not to look in the rear view mirror, afraid the man would be right behind him. He slapped himself in the cheek. Then, he came back to himself. “What the hell was that?” He blurted out. He pulled his phone from his pocket, swiped with his thumb, then pushed some numbers that were showing on the screen. 911. On the other end, it rang. Then, he heard a message, “ We are unable to take your call at this time. Please leave a message describing your emergency. Do not forget to leave your contact information. Name, address, and telephone number, along with details concerning the emergency
is taking place. Someone will return your call to gather further information, as soon as possible. Thank you. Good bye.” And, the connection was broken. He yelled, “ Ah , Hell!” He tossed the phone onto the passenger-side seat. Then, he picked it up. Now, he knew that, all of the crazy talk over the ham about people waking from the dead, and attacking people was true. He scrolled down to Scarlett's cell number, and tapped. He waited for her to answer. No answer, but voice mail. He started to leave a message. “Scar, you and Stella stay at the house. If anyone comes up on the property, do not answer the door! You both stay in the house, and lock the doors, until I get back.” He fought to breathe. He turned on the radio. Static on most stations. There was no music. One station had an alert. The man speaking was frantically warning people to stay inside their homes. “I mean , Man... This is it! I don't know how long I'll be broadcasting. I don't know how else to tell the public what's going on.” The man paused, to calm down. Then, continued, “They told us, the other day that, they would re-assign us Hosts. Do you believe that? Re-assign us. They were not re-assigning anyone. The government came in, and took over! They were taking over, then closing us down! Why? So that we could not tell you the truth! They poisoned the public. Some new virus... meant for their enemies. They let some lunatic get a hold of their “experiments” and “re-modify” whatever it is. Then, he traveled back to his home country and set it loose. Then, it spread all over the world. The word here is that, most of the third world is already gone. And now.... it's here, too. They are saying it's a freaking zombie disease! Can you believe that? And, guess what? No cure! They will come in here and shut me down, soon. Save your families! Keep your kids inside! The word is, they are killing people who are NOT infected. Gun up, People! Protect yourselves!” Will heard yelling in the background. “Shut it down!” Another voice demanded to know if anyone else was there. “Who else is here with you? Answer me!” The DJ yelled, “They are here! I'll see you all in the camps. If there are any people left there.” It sounded like they hit him with something. There was a scuffle. Then, gun shots. Then, Will heard static. He slammed on the brakes. He started to half- cry. He hit the dash board. He screamed out. “ Ah! What is going on?”
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