“So are you two an item?” Wedge asked.
Kessa and I gave different answers. She, of course, had said yes, and I couldn’t blame her. We had made out and fallen asleep next to each other every night since we left Milpeg. Kessa snapped me a look of shock.
I feigned ignorance. “You meant boyfriend and girlfriend?”
Wedge crossed her legs and sat back. “I wasn’t making a game reference.”
I nodded, and Kessa smiled.
Wedge reached for a cigarette, but Biggs turned back and glared. She sighed. “How cute.
Love in the apocalypse? Have you done it yet?”
This time, my eyes went wide.
“It depends on what you mean exactly.” Kessa responded.
Didn’t she know what it meant?
Wedge wagged her finger. “Be careful. Every pregnant woman we've come across has been eaten from the inside out. They say it’s just how the virus works.”
“So that is what happened to Merlda.” I said.
Kessa looked at me. “So you’ll have to wear a condom, sorry.”
My jaw dropped, and I shrunk back into my seat. Why were we talking about such things? I did everything I could to avoid the subject; I even feigned being sick on ‘sex-ed’ class days. I didn’t need to see speakers come into our classrooms and diagram the process of sex.
“He blushes like a virgin.” Wedge glanced at Biggs, and tried to sneak out a cig, but again he looked back.
“I think he is one.” Kessa replied.
I waved my hands in front of me, frantically trying to change the subject.
“What’s his name?” I asked, pointing at Colonel Mustache.
Wedge pointed a thumb at the driver. “Him? Sergeant Fox. He’s a good guy.”
“So what's the place like where we’re heading?” Kessa asked.
“It’s a series of armored labs.” Wedge explained. “They connect from one building to the next with short elevated hallways. It’s kind of like a maze, but it was the least we could do in twenty-four hours.”
“You built an entire base that fast?” Kessa asked.
“No, we printed it.” Wedge said. “With The Shock.”
“The Shock is the new 3D printer, right?” I asked, glad the other subject had ended.
“Yes. Are you done panicking yet, boy? Did you hit puberty? Or do I have to tell you that part A goes into slot B?”
Again I shrunk away.
Wedge said looked at Kessa. “Do him a favor, and make him a man.”
“Okay!” I thought I heard Kessa say, but dizziness swept over me again, and this time I allowed myself to pass out.
LEVEL 14 – SECRETS
My eyes tried to open, but crust held them shut. I reached up and wiped away the dried gunk. Bright light assaulted my vision, so I winced as I looked around.
“Where the heck am I?” I murmured, as I sat up in the bed.
The walls, floor, and ceiling were all white and with a plastic-like sheen. There didn't seem to be a door or windows. I had an IV in my arm and wore a hospital gown pulled down to my waist. All of my cuts and bruises were nearly gone, except for the few nastier ones.
“Hello?” I asked the empty room.
When no one came, I tried to stand, but as soon as my feet touched the cold floor, my legs trembled and I nearly collapsed. I pulled myself back on the bed. Feeling defeated, I laid back down.
What had happened to me? I lay there in silence for awhile, just being glad I could rest away from Corpses.
From nowhere, a panel of the wall slid open, and a trio walked in; the woman I recognized, Wedge. She wore the same camo dress and combat boots, but now held a clipboard in one hand and a pen in the other. She chewed on the end of the pen, on edge. Maybe her cigarettes had run out?
The thin man stood tall, wearing a white lab coat, and a stethoscope around his neck. He seemed to be the doctor to this strange hospital.
Bearing a crooked nose, he hid his dark eyes behind eyeglasses and shaggy dark hair. He showed no emotion and held his arms behind his back.
From the way the other man held himself, you could guess him to be the boss. He stood straight with his chest puffed out, wearing a dark gray suit and red tie. He had short gray hair, and a face covered in wrinkles. In contrast to Wedge and the doctor, this guy wore a huge grin, one so wide I wouldn’t have been surprised if he meant to swallow me whole.
“So you’re our survivor boy.” he asked, spewing confidence.
“I am, I guess?” I shrugged.
“Of course, you are!” he held his arms wide. “You’re safe and sound now thanks to Sergeant Fox and the Link Brigade.”
“The who?”
“They’re the ones that saved you.” The man replied.
“Oh, right.” I struggled to sit up.
My memories seemed fuzzy, and distorted, but I definitely remembered my companion.
“Where’s Kessa?” I asked.
Wedge walked up to my bed. “Kessa’s fine and dandy, and as I’m sure you’re wondering, we’re in the Cornelia facility.”
The man shook his head. “But all of that is irrelevant. Allow me to introduce myself; I’m Governor Wayne. I run this establishment in wake of the minor viral outbreak.”
I set my jaw. “Minor? A lot of people are dead!”
Wayne held up his hands. “Hold your horses! We have much to discuss, but I assure you the damage is minimal overall. Yes, a few thousand lost their lives, but it isn’t the worst tragedy we’ve seen in our grand country. And it’s under control, so don’t worry.”
My jaw fell slack, and I looked to Wedge for an answer. She stared at me still with that pen in her mouth, and continued to chew.
Wayne said, “The Virus has been eradicated of course. I work very closely with President Luigi in Washington.”
I shook my head in disbelief and glanced at Wedge again. She stared back with an intense fire. I didn’t need her to tell me, the level of bullcrap he spat.
“How long have I been out?” I changed the subject.
“One week,” Wedge interjected.
I rubbed my forehead, and it felt cool. “From a fever?”
The doctor finally spoke. “It was quite bad, young man.”
“What has Kessa been doing?”
“I said she’s fine.” Wedge sounded annoyed, now.
“You’re not answering my question!”
Wayne smiled. “She’s very loyal. She’s been by your side every night.”
I looked to Wedge, who slowly shook her head, a gesture Wayne, and the doctor didn't notice. I didn’t push the matter further. Wedge had something to tell me, and keeping these guys around with my questions wouldn't give her a chance.
“Let me remove your IV.” The doctor said.
Wedge reached for my arm. “I’ll handle it, Doctor Smith.”
“I have some paperwork to deal with.” Wayne sighed. “I swear I’m buried under it. Wedge here will take care of you. Come Smith.”
Doctor Smith turned on his heel and followed Wayne out of the room. Wedge quickly ripped the IV out.
“Ow!” I cried.
She walked to a wall panel and placed her hand on it. “Kid I need your help.”
A door slid open to reveal a closet. Inside I saw my clothes, but fear filled me as I also saw Kessa's shoes and overalls.
“What’s going on?” I whispered.
“First off, the virus is not eradicated.” Wedge rushed my clothes over.
I took them and started to remove the gown but froze and looked up at Wedge with a frown.
“Oh please,” she sounded offended. “Who do you think inserted the catheter?”
My eyes nearly popped out of my head. She'd seen me naked!
“Just change dammit!”
I felt so embarrassed, dropping that gown with her staring right at me. I quickly pulled on my boxers, which she gave me a wink as I did so, and I nearly fell. I cursed myself for the Scooby Doo underwear; I felt stupid.
&n
bsp; As I pulled up my pants, she continued. “People are being held here. Innocent people. We’ve been under orders to bring survivors here. We don’t know what happens to most of them, but you were a lucky case. Doctor Smith thought you were special I guess with the bacterial infection and all, so he put you in an induced coma.”
I knitted my brows. “Where’s Kessa?”
“I don't know! Just listen to me. The Link Brigade used to be run by another man. Wolfe. He refused to bring back survivors, see he knew something none of the rest of us do, and Wayne had him court marshaled and executed right in front of us.”
Rage filled me to the brim. “Where. Is. Kessa?”
Wedge hissed. “Moron! The rest of us have been devising a plan to put an end to this facility. But we need someone who can get into Wayne’s office. And Wayne put a personal invitation out for you.”
“Why me? What good am I?”
Wedge shook her head. “I have no goddamn clue. But let’s strike a deal.”
“And that is?”
“Go into Wayne’s office.” she said, “There’s a degree from Princeton on his wall. The graduation date is what we need. It’s the password to the lab downstairs.”
“Is Kessa there?” I asked.
Wedge said. “Maybe, but I can’t be sure.”
Something else came to mind, “I'll do it, but first tell me about the vaccine.”
She cocked her eyebrow. “What vaccine?”
“The one the soldiers in the tank had been injected with. You know, the dead guys.”
Wedge shrugged. “No clue what you mean, but are you in, or do you want to die here?”
“I'm in,” I muttered. I needed to find out about the vaccine and not only did I have a feeling it would be in the secret lab, but I'd find Kessa there as well. “I just want to ask, though, do you trust your entire brigade?”
“With my life.” she said.
The door slid open, and Dr. Smith stood there looking impatient.
“What’s taking so long, Ms. Wedge?” he asked.
“I was helping him dress,” Wedge said. “He’s still in pain.”
I met eyes with Wedge again, and she nodded. “Wayne wants to see you.”
Fighting the light-headedness, I followed Smith out and down the hall. As we made our way I, saw various rooms. None of them stood out until we found the staircase. Beside it stood a large steel door, one that looked to have been built in after the 3D printing. A ten digit security panel sat beside it. I made a mental note.
Smith led me up the stairs and into a large room that looked more like a penthouse.
Each wall had nothing but glass with a view of the outside all around, and in every direction, I saw trees. Creepily enough, the entire room had taxidermy statues. So many different dead, stuffed animals stared back at me. Including a tiger, and a large raven.
At the far end of the room, sat Governor Wayne, behind a big desk. A ray of sunlight shined upon the old man, making him look divine.
Wayne said as he stood. “Zachary! Come in! Have a seat!”
I walked over and sat in a large comfy leather chair.
“Smith, you can leave now,” Wayne said.
The doctor slinked away.
Right away I began looking for that degree. I spotted it within moments. An overly adorned plaque hung from a hook built into the glass.
Wayne began. “You survived the ‘zombie apocalypse.'“
“Yes,” I said although I knew he lied through this teeth.
“I commend you! It isn’t easy to do what you did.” He clapped his hands.
“Oh, your girlfriend told me everything. She told me of your heroic acts in saving her from a corrupt pastor, and your journey with Wesley James, the self-proclaimed Zombie Killer. She also said you were at Epic Impossibilities Games.”
I didn’t like that he knew so much about us. Why had Kessa spoken?
“What does any of that mean to you?” I asked.
“Do you still have contact with Mr. James?” Wayne asked.
Wesley? Why did he care about that jerk?
“We went our separate ways.”
Wayne grimaced. “That’s unfortunate. You see my daughter worked at the same game studio. Her name is Serenade.”
Serenade Kennedy? I didn't feel like ratting Wesley out after what he'd done for me.
I shrugged. “Everyone there was dead.”
He turned around in his chair. “I'd hoped she escaped. She was my only child. And that Wesley, he should have protected her. I curse the day I gave my blessing of their marriage.”
I leaned forward to peer at the degree, but his words caught me off guard.
Wesley and Serenade were married? I felt even more confused as to why he had killed her.
“Have you lost anyone you loved?” Wayne asked, getting up and walking to the window.
I shook my head as I scanned the degree, but the words were so tiny. I needed to get closer. I stood and joined Wayne by the window.
“My parents are probably dead, an uncle too maybe. One, maybe more friends, but you said Kessa is safe? Can I see her?”
“My condolences,” Wayne muttered. He ignored my question about Kessa, which worried me.
I glanced at the degree. It read March 4, 2014. I had it.
Wayne turned to look at me with a blank face. Had he seen me? Did he know my intentions?
“Princeton. I was valedictorian,” he said. “Now I don’t feel like such a smart man.”
“Why’s that?” I looked out the window and repeated the number in my head. March 4, 2014.
“Because I allowed that awful video game playing loser to marry my Serenade.” His voice cracked.
If he wanted me to feel sorry for him, he'd have to try harder.
“My condolences,” I replied coldly.
“Thank you.” He rubbed his fat nose. “I know you must be anxious to leave here, but I have to request you stay until the quarantine is lifted from the surrounding county. No one knows how the virus started, and we don’t want a repeat occurrence.”
“Of course,” I said. I had no plans on leaving until I found Kessa and the vaccine.
Anxiety attacked me as I stared out into the dying light. I wanted to get back to Wedge and tell her so we could break into that lab.
“I’m hungry,” I said, and as if on queue my stomach growled.
“Of course.” Wayne waved his hand. “You must be. Just head back downstairs and Smith will take you to the cafeteria.”
“Thank you.”
“Did Wesley say anything odd… or give any hints when you parted? I really must find him.”
I didn’t stop. “I’m sure he’ll show up. He tends to do that.”
The governor didn’t respond as I left. Smith met me at the door. He looked me up and down seeming a bit startled.
“The cafeteria?” I asked.
“Of course. Right, this way!”
As soon as Smith turned around, I jumped onto his back, putting him in a chokehold.
Smith struggled and for a wire frame he had a lot of fight. He slammed me back into the wall once and twice and a third time, each time knocking the wind from me, but I didn’t let go. He fell to his knees, and I held tighter and clung to him like a koala from hell.
The doctor stopped trying to break free and laid his head on the floor. I waited until he passed out. I didn't plan on killing him. For all I knew he could be innocent beyond the grasp of Wayne.
I dragged Smith into the nearest room, which turned out to be a utility closet. I left him there. He would wake up eventually, and that didn’t give me time to look for Wedge.
I darted back to the security panel door. I quickly punched in the numbers 03-04-2014. The door beeped and popped open.
Following my rash plan, I wanted to find Kessa safe and sound along with the vaccine. Then we would get the hell out of the Cornelia facility, with or without the Link Brigade.
As I stepped into the hall, I shivered and could see my breath.
I took a single step forward, and the hall exploded with a cacophony of groans. On each side were foggy windows, and inside each room were dozens of hungry Corpses. I shook my head in disgust.
I growled. “Eradicated my ass.”
LEVEL 15 – THE GOD REPORT
How far had the outbreak spread? And how high did the corruption run into our government? I always imagined that when the zombies came, it would be politicians such as Wayne running and diving into secret underground bunkers. Instead, in Texas, Governor Wayne didn't hide in a hole; he sat atop a castle watching the world burn beneath him. He sent out his little toy soldiers to fight the rampant flesh eaters and to do his bidding. For some reason, he wanted survivors.
The door to the laboratory hallway slid closed behind. There I stood in the freezing hallway. To my left and my right were labs, and each contained groaning Corpses.
I walked up to one window and wiped frost from the glass. Inside, they stood almost shoulder to shoulder, dressed as they had been in life.
I couldn't blame someone for having a few pets, but these had been humans; intelligent, living, breathing creatures. Had he killed them?
A male Corpse walked past the window and seemed to notice me. He turned his head, his jaw slack. Nearly frozen, he could barely walk; frost breaking off his clothes as he shuffled to the window.
He wore a tuxedo, and most of it looked pretty clean, except for the gore stain where his neck had been torn out.
Given he had once been human, I gave him a name. “I'm sorry, Bob.”
He put his hand against the glass and gave a long, airy groan. For a moment, it almost seemed he were in pain, but in a sluggish fashion, he smacked the window with his palm. I placed my palm up against his. On his finger, he wore a wedding band with a tribal pattern carved into it. Bob had a wife. I looked past him wondering if Wayne had caught his wife too. He demanded my attention by pounding again.
I looked into his neon green eyes. “You poor bastard.”
Another Corpse appeared and slammed her hand against the window. Her hair stuck to her shoulders, frozen in place. She bared broken fangs, and foam bubbled on her lips. The imprint of a bite appeared visible on her forehead. Even though they weren't deep, still, she had turned. When I wiped away more frost to see her clothing. A pang of sadness struck my heart. She wore a wedding dress and even had a bouquet of dead flowers in her other hand.
Omega Virus (Book 1): Beta Hour Page 10