“Yes ma’am.” He replied lowering his head and walking away. He walked past Destiny with his head hung in defeat and preceded down the stairs.
“Thank you General.” The Corporal exclaimed.
“Not so fast private!” she said loudly. “We cannot have Chicago fall under civilian command. Is that clear!” She yelled loudly as the Corporal nodded in agreement. “You will improve your behavior Private or, personnel shortage aside; we will send someone who may actually be a real Corporal to replace you!” Destiny’s eyes grew wide as she realized what was happening. Corporal Kelly was only a private, but pretended to be a Corporal. The United States Government had left him in charge after he ‘saved’ the town (or most of it) and because they had limited people available they allowed him to take the lead.
“Yes ma’am.” Corporal said with respect while standing up and saluting.
“Very well ‘corporal’, we expect your daily report tomorrow at 1800 as usual. Adams out” The general, calling herself Adams, finished speaking and the screen went black. Destiny turned and rushed down the stairs chasing after Father Martin who was making his way to the street.
Night time had come quickly; Destiny was unaware that Holiday and Sam were heading into the city through an alley that was only two blocks away from her.
Sam and Holiday crept slowly out onto the street, watching as the single guard patrolled the street paying very little attention to his surroundings.
“Where do they hold people?” Holiday asked Sam with a whisper.
“This way,” Sam said moving down the street. Ahead of her a small group of women walking with a few children turned around a corner and headed toward her. She didn’t recognize any of them, and assumed they were ‘new’ to Haven. “Act natural.” she said walking normally and looking around at the buildings. Holiday played along and tried to blend in. The group quickly passed them without a moment of hesitation. One of the children in the small group, a young girl, stopped and turned around shortly after passing Holiday and Sam. Holiday also stopped as he saw out of the corner of his eye, the little girl waving at them wildly and smiling. Holiday waved and returned a large smile back to the little girl. A woman from the small group jogged back toward the little girl; she grabbed her hand slightly laughing and looked up at Holiday.
“Sorry.” the woman said with a wide smile while pulling the little girl back toward her group.
“No worries,” Holiday said happily. He was for a moment lost in thoughts of before the infestation. If it were not for the armed guard he would have been able to pretend that everything was back to normal.
“This way,” Sam said hesitantly pointing to the corner ahead of them. “Father Martin should be near the theater.”
“How do you know that?” Holiday asked before continuing to follow Sam with a spring in his step.
“He always is.” Sam chuckled at Holiday’s attitude. “You seem happier.” She said somewhat surprised.
“I kind of like this place.” Holiday said looking around. “Looks almost untouched by everything going on outside, well lit even at night, children, families, I could get use to this.”
Out of everyone, Holiday had the hardest time adjusting to the world outside. He was happy at one moment and then he would go through a bout of depression when reality sunk in. In Haven, he would never need to worry about outside the city.
“You haven’t seen everything.” Sam said motioning to turn the corner that they approached.
“Nowhere is perfect,” Holiday said turning the corner. “It only takes the right people to change it.”
Ahead of them now stretched market stalls on both sides of the road. Most were empty; Holiday assumed it was because they were closed for the night. Some had food lined on the table, others had clothes hung up around them. Dozens of people quietly walked from stall to stall purchasing goods. “What do you use for money?” Holiday continued while they walked by.
“Is that really important now?” Sam said quickly. “Just keep your head down and don’t draw attention.” She finished.
“I am curious, indulge me.” Holiday said trying to see what people were using to buy the goods from the stalls with.
“Just stuff,” Sam replied looking around to make sure she didn’t recognize anyone. “You know stuff like batteries, propane or water purification tablets, blankets, maybe a place to stay in exchange for clothing.” Sam listed off things she herself had traded when she stayed there.
“Makes sense.” Holiday said nodding in approval.
Ahead of them, down the street, Father Martin and Destiny rushed into a building several feet away. Neither of them saw Holiday or Sam.
“Destiny?” Holiday spoke with surprise.
“So the blood was from...” Sam spoke softly and stopped short of saying his name.
“David.” Holiday said with a sneer on his face. His eyes glazed over with despair as he shook his head in disbelief.
“Come on,” Sam said trying to shrug off the news of David’s death. “Father Martin will help us, he is a good person.” She finished speaking and walked toward the building. Holiday stood there for a moment and with a deep breath he buried the sudden grief he was feeling and followed Sam.
Chapter 10 – The Chicago Way
The large door slammed behind Holiday as they entered the house. It used to be a small bookstore before everything happened, but without any shelves in it, and only a small round table surrounded by four chairs. Destiny and Father Martin turned around shocked by the loud sound.
“Holiday!” Destiny shouted with surprise as she ran up to them. “Sam!” Destiny was relieved to see them both alive. “I thought the Corporal killed you! Is David also O.K.?” She asked, her eyes wide with hope. Holiday and Sam both shook their heads solemnly. “No!!!!.” Destiny sobbed.
Behind her Martin slowly walked up to them.
“Hello,” he said staring blankly at them. “How did you get here?” He asked unsure of what to think about them.
“Same way you showed me to get out.” Sam said smiling. “Guess I couldn’t stay away.” She chuckled as she shrugged.
“I just learned the reason you left child.” Father Martin’s voice trembled as he spoke. “Had I known earlier ...” He continued before pausing.
“Its O.K. father,” Sam said reassuringly, “I didn’t tell anyone.” Martin nodded in understanding.
“So,” Holiday said unsure about what to talk about. “You are?” He finished. Destiny smiled and pointed toward Martin.
“This is Father Martin. He was just telling me what he does here.” She said walking back to the table.
“I am part of the civilian council,” Martin said with pride, “We make decisions with the Corporal to try and make the community better.”
“Great job so far.” Holiday said sarcastically.
“Sheriff.” Destiny said quietly.
“No,” Martin said raising his head slightly, “He is right.” He sighed loudly. “The Corporal is crazy with power, and with all the government support provided by General Adams-”
“Who?” Holiday asked quickly cutting Martin off.
“General Adams,” Destiny said, “She is in some sort of bunker. Corporal was just talking with her.”
“Sounds like things are more complicated than we first thought.” Holiday continued. “What kind of support do they provide?” He asked.
“Weapons, clothing, food,” Martin listed off some of the essentials they have provided them. “Corporal oversees all of that.” He finished.
“There has to be a better way.” Holiday said.
“Destiny called you sheriff, right?” Martin asked raising an eyebrow awkwardly high up on his face.
“Used to be.” Holiday said staring at the ground. “Still got this hat, so I suppose somehow I still am.” He attempted to be funny but once again nobody laughed. Holiday’s sense of humor never seemed funny to anyone.
“I see,” Martin said nodding slightly. “Well General Adams c
an’t send anyone out to take over.” He pointed to the table showing a map. “She is barely able to get us supplies.” Holiday walked up to the map and looked at it surprised. It covered the only table in the room and displayed a map of Chicago with a line drawn toward New York City.
“That is where Adams is?” Holiday guessed smiling. “New York?”
“Yes,” Martin responded. “She has a bunker underneath all the chaos. She says they plan on holding a few cities for as long as possible, Chicago being a vital one, and New York being another.” Holiday showed his understanding by nodding. “You nod a lot, you know that son?” Martin finished.
Holiday laughed quickly before continuing: “New York is where we are heading, it is good news to know the government has set up shop there.” ignoring Martin’s comment about nodding, a habit he had been self conscious about for most of his life.
“But,” Destiny said looking at Martin.
“But…” Martin repeated shaking his head, “General Adam’s will not allow civilians to be in charge of Chicago.”
He walked to a nearby boarded up window. He looked through the cracks at the people outside. “That is the only reason we are allowing Corporal Kelly to be in charge.” Martin turned sharply and walked up to Holiday. “You are law enforcement.” He said quietly. “They may allow you to take over.” Holiday raised his eyebrows in disbelief.
“I’m just a sheriff.” he said, “Somehow I don’t think it is better than a Corporal.”
“He isn’t really a Corporal,” Destiny said, “He is only a Private. He is just pretending to be a Corporal to gain the confidence of the people.” Holiday’s eyes searched the room as he began to wonder around.
“I wouldn’t know the first thing about coordinating supplies, tactics, or dealing with the General.” He listed off why he wasn’t well suited for the job.
“The council will deal with most issues; we just need someone to be in charge.” Martin said convincingly.
Holiday shook his head unsure of how this all sounded. “Corporal will end up getting us all killed. You would at least care about the people.” Martin finished.
Holiday raised his arms gesturing while speaking and with a mocking voice said,
“So what? We are just going to walk up to the Corporal and say ‘Hey, this guy is replacing you’, give me a break!”
Holiday headed for the door and swung it open fast. On the other side was Corporal Kelly standing there smiling. Behind him was a small army of twenty armored men. Kelly walked inside while Holiday backed away slowly.
Martin, Destiny, and Sam walked up behind Holiday knowing something bad was about to happen.
“Sorry to interrupt.” the Corporal said, “Please continue.” He pointed to the chairs. “Sit.”
The group walked to the chairs and sat down around the table. Corporal Kelly walked around them slowly as some of his men walked into the house and stood near the door. “This some sort of Chicago thing?” He asked. The others looked at each other confused. “You know, the Chicago way?” The Corporal was referencing something none of the others were aware of. “Treachery, treason, backstabbing.” He continued. Father Martin stood up quickly.
“We think-” Martin began to speak but he was suddenly cut off as the Corporal rushed up to him and screamed
“That’s the problem!” He shouted. “You thought.” Corporal Kelly pushed the father back into his seat which caused Holiday to stand up angrily.
“Leave him alone.” Holiday commanded. The Corporal turned to Holiday and moved up to him slowly.
“What’s that?” Kelly’s eyebrows were raised and he turned his head to the side while speaking. He raised his hand to his ear as if he hadn’t heard Holiday the first time. Holiday grunted slightly. The Corporal then suddenly backhanded Holiday off his chair and onto the ground. Holiday’s hat flew off his head and landed by the men near the door. The Corporal then kicked Holiday repeatedly in the stomach causing Destiny and Sam to stand up to help him. “Sit down! Both of you!” Kelly screamed while pointing toward them. “I will get to the both of you later.” He sneered, smiling menacingly. They did as he ordered out of fear while his gun jostled around loudly in his holster. Kelly paused kicking Holiday in the stomach for a few seconds while Holiday coughed and gasped for air.
“Fuck off.” Holiday grunted. Kelly was about to resume kicking Holiday but stopped as father Martin shot up from his chair and shouted at him.
“Enough!” Martin yelled. “The council will not toler-”
“Shut the fuck up!” Kelly said loudly cutting Martin off as usual. “The council is just something to make you people feel better about what is going on. It doesn’t have any real power.” He laughed while he kicked Holiday once more in the stomach, rolling him over on to his back. Kelly pulled out his revolver and pointed it at Holidays face. Holiday laid there staring at him without blinking, blood dripping out of his mouth slowly. “You will not be replacing me.” Corporal Kelly sneered while cocking his gun. “Maybe I should just wound you and put you with your friend.” He scowled. “Let you turn into those … things.”
Screaming erupted outside as shadows of people rushed by the house. The Corporal lowered his gun and rushed out the front door along with his men. Gunfire erupted as the screaming grew louder. Holiday slowly curled onto all fours before standing to his feet. Destiny, Sam, and Martin rushed to his side holding him up.
“What is happening?” Destiny said with fear.
“Father,” Holiday grunted. Father Martin leaned close to him in order to hear him clearly “Where did he put my friend?” Holiday asked.
“We put him in the Stadium,” Martin said quickly. “It is the Corporal’s favorite way to punish someone. The subjects turn into those zombies and are kept with the others who are stored there.”
“What?” Destiny asked confused. “What are you talking about?”
“He leaves you for dead,” Sam said walking to the door to see what was happening outside. “Along with all the zombies he has rounded up, including your ‘pet’ Gary.”
Destiny laughed and was shortly followed by Holiday.
“We need to get your people to safety father.” Destiny said walking toward the door while still laughing. “Fast.” She finished
“Why?’ Martin asked confused by the laughter, “What the hell is going on?”
Chapter 11 – Stadium Showdown
A few minutes earlier, in Wrigley Field, David opened his eyes. The same thing that lets David control zombies also heals most of his wounds. Only being shot in the head would actually kill him. In Iowa City, his own father had turned insane and shot him in the stomach. David healed it very quickly and used his power to control Gary and end his father’s life. David’s head still had a scar on it from when he was thrown into the boulder behind his father’s cabin. Wounds on his head wouldn’t heal like the rest of him.
David got to his feet confused as to where he was. Stadium lights blinded him as his eyes adjusted. Above him was the pitch black sky hovering over the stadium. He was in a large field of grass beside Gary who was still unconscious. Around them thousands of zombies crawled over each other and slowly moved through the seats of the stadium. David looked down and checked where he was shot. He lifted his blood soaked shirt making sure his wound was gone. It was.
“Destiny?” David asked realizing Corporal Kelly had her. “Holiday? Sam?” David called out looking around at the hordes nearby. His eyes searched to see any of them in the crowd, his fear played tricks on his mind. Occasionally he swore he could see one of his friends as a zombie, but after looking more closely he would realize it wasn’t one of them. “Where are they then?” He asked himself.
He walked slowly through the right field, ahead of him was a baseball diamond. David had never been to a baseball game. He never believed it could possibly be fun to watch people running in a circle after hitting a ball. He started thinking about everything he would never be able to do and then his mind whispered a thought that made
him angry. “Never seeing Destiny again.”
Gary’s eyes shot open and he let out a muffled roar. It stood up pounding its large fists into the grass. David knew that on the other side of the stadium’s walls was Haven where Hundreds if not thousands of people walked around. Most of them were probably innocent enough, only the Corporal and a few of his men were a threat. David remembered watching as the Corporal took Destiny away. For all he knew, Holiday and Sam were dead and Destiny was being ‘used’ by the Corporal to satisfy his own sick pleasures.
David started shaking with the thought of such a thing; the zombies around the stadium sensed his emotion and seemed to react to it. David knew there was only one thing he could do; he would control the army in front of him and kill the Corporal. The thought of all the innocent people caused him to hesitate slightly, but a flash of Destiny crying helped him ignore any other consequences.
He closed his eyes and began to will Gary toward the side of the wall near the top of the stands.
Gary leaped over rows of seats until he was in position. Behind him, thousands of zombies crowded behind him like puppets in David’s mind. With a loud roar, Gary punched at the wall. A loud crack of wood and groan of metal echoed throughout the stadium. The Corporal had reinforced the inside as well as the outside of the stadium so the zombies would not be able to push through it. He barricaded the top of it so the zombies could not climb out of it. But the Corporal hadn’t known about Gary until recently.
Again and again Gary pounded the wall, roaring wildly as his punches increased in frequency. After only a short while a hole formed in the side of the wall. David opened his eyes and rushed toward it. He crossed the field and climbed the stone stairs lining the stands until he was in front of Gary peering out of the large hole in the stadium’s wall.
“I’m coming babe,” he muttered quietly as he watched people walking the street in front of the stadium only a block away from the theater. The large spotlights lining the streets would have to be destroyed quickly, or more than half the zombies he was controlling, would be shot dead.
Infestation Chicago: A Zombie Survival Series (Volume 2) Page 8