The Zombie Effect

by Sampson, Roger

  He loads another slide on the microscope and records notes again. Nothing so far that will help. But he’ll get there, he thinks deviously. He glances up from the microscope just as Lorna, the hot nurse from Medical strolls by. She flashes her long lashes at him with her little “ready for sex” smile she carries around with her like a razor. He smiles back as blood rushes to both of his heads. He imagines the next hook up and smiles ear to ear. He doesn’t notice the zombie mouse which escaped Med Lab peek through the vent across the room. Nor did he eye the mouse lock its jaw on the vent and twist a hole big enough to crawl through.

  Jack and Beth sit with an MRI tech in Medical. They study images from the zombie ape the guard put down earlier. The ape is strapped to the MRI machine and slides to and fro in the machine as images populate the tech’s monitors. “The stats monitor still shows brain synapse, but no other vital signs,” Jack reports like he’s watching an episode of the Twilight Zone.

  “It’s coming up now,”the tech announces. The machine hums silently and images slide up the monitor. Beth studies the images carefully. She doesn’t know what she’s looking for but hopes she’ll know when she sees it. Jack points at the screen image of the brain.

  “What is that?” he asks the tech.

  “The bullet severed the primary motor cortex,” replies the tech.

  “What’s that?” Jack continues to inquire.

  “Controls movement. Like the frontal lobe of the human brain,” the tech educates. Jack looks at Beth like a light bulb just flicked on.

  Jason puts head phones on and flips on music. The dry hum of noise bleeds over his ears and trickles away the silence of the room. The mouse stalks him. It carefully makes its way toward him with an intelligent purpose no mouse has ever had before. It knows what it’s doing. It’s doing it with malice. Just like a human being. Or something a little further up the food chain. Jason taps his foot to the beat of the music in his oblivious ears. The mouse stops for a brief moment to survey the situation. A tiny shadow under Jason’s right pant leg reveals bare skin. Tough for the human eye to make out, but easy for this mouse’s infected red orbs. It inches closer.

  “I don’t get it,” Jack declares to himself. The thought is insane. But it’s the only thing that makes any sense. The MRI tech’s phone rings. He picks it up.

  “Yes? I’ll be right there,” he says. He hangs up. “We good here?” the tech asks Jack as he rises from the console. Jack, still pondering the previous thought, breaks concentration to address the tech.

  “Yeah, thanks,” he responds passively. Beth, no longer even paying attention to the tech is still trying to wrap her brain around this.

  “Circulation, brain synapse. But severing the primary motor cortex,” she summarizes. Jack’s head bobs in thought for a minute and then his eyes grow huge and he turns them toward Beth. “What?” she implores.

  Jason peeps the eyehole on the microscope. He hums and taps rhythmically to the music droning in his ears. The mouse inches toward his ankle. Jason spins around in his chair. The mouse darts under the table. Jason rises and opens the fridge and grabs a soda and plops back down in his chair. The mouse finds the opening in his lower ankle again.

  Jack peruses readouts. He studies the MRI screenshots. He gathers information to support his hypothesis. The tension gets to Beth. “What?” she inquires. Jack looks up at her and hesitates to speak. He knows this is going to sound nuts, and he wants to be right but never wanted to be more wrong at the same time. Now he even thinks he sounds nuts.

  “You trust me?” he asks hesitantly. Beth, not expecting that response, feels a chill run through her fingers.

  “Yes,” she answers, not sure if she means it. But what choice does she have at the moment?

  “Follow me. This thing ZnMBe fed on the ape from the inside and killed it. But it didn’t stay dead. Or maybe it did, maybe this compound started controlling it. We have no vital signs other than brain synapse, but even those were not normal brain patterns. Rachel said it looked rabid. But severing the primary motor cortex dropped it. But according to this readout the compound didn’t die,” Jack summarizes.

  “What are you saying?” Beth nervously asks. “

  The ape is dead. But the bacteria isn’t. Severing the primary motor cortex was like frying a motherboard on a computer. Without it, can’t control its movement,” Jack continues.Beth is still trying to piece the information together rationally. It’s not working.

  “The bacteria is controlling the dead ape,” Beth parrots Jack.

  “Exactly. Creates, I dunno, a zombie effect,” concludes Jack, looking like he just opened a can of worms. Beth stares blankly at him.

  Jason shifts in his seat and places his right foot flat right in front of the mouse. The mouse races by his leg and takes a small chunk of skin and flesh from Jason’s ankle like a drive by shooting and races past him. Jason squeals and launches out of his seat, spilling the soda on the floor, missing the mouse by inches. He backs up and surveys the room to locate the cause of his pain. He looks under the table. Nothing. He moves the analyzer. Nothing. The mouse pauses quietly at the door to look back at Jason to celebrate its work. Satisfied, it bolts down the hall. Jason waits in silence. He sits slowly and pulls up his pant leg to scope the itching wound. The bite mark looks like a scalpel scrape with red pus filled blood leaking from it. “What the fuck?” Jason cries. He grabs the phone. “This is Jason in blood analysis. Something is loose in here and it just bit me. I don’t know what it was. I didn’t see it. Yes, I’m sure I was bit. I’m looking at it you asshole! I don’t know, something big. Just send someone to check out the lab please. Right now!” Jason shouts, slamming the phone down. He lets his pant leg down and grimaces from the increasing discomfort.

  CHAPTER 11

  Beth Barrister was a senior in high school the first time she laid eyes on Jackson Hart. His name sounded funny to her, but in a sexy pop singer kind of way. Not that she would ever admit that to anyone. Thomas Jefferson High School always had its fair share of transfers in and out of its advanced studies program. Somehow Jack was not like most of the transfers that came and went. He clearly did not come from money. His dress and attitude told her that. Anyone who prefers shorts and t-shirts over khakis and pullovers was clearly not from a suitable education background. That was fine though Beth thought, because they need their occasional charity project from time to time. It makes everyone feel better about themselves.

  One thing that annoyed Beth about young Jack, however, was his lack of social etiquette. He liked to invite himself on conversations, chiming in about things. He had an opinion about everything. He couldn’t care less who knew it. Then there was the way he chewed his food at lunch. And the pranks he pulled. He was such a juvenile delinquent. Yes, it was quite obvious from the start. Beth Barrister really liked Jackson Hart.

  “Zombie effect? Really?” Beth groans.

  “I know it sounds nuts, but how else do you explain this?” Jack entreats. Beth stares at Jack for a moment, trying to find something, anything else that makes sense. But he has a point. As crazy as he sounds. Then her eyes widen as tears build. “What?” Jack asks.# “It bit my mom,” she breathes in horror. Jack’s face flushes. He thinks for a moment.

  “Come on,” he blurts.

  Cliff stands solemnly at Rachel’s bedside. She’s asleep. Cliff gazes at her for a long moment. Of all the adventures they’ve been on together, none of them has scared Cliff like this one. In all the years they’ve studied science, made discoveries and fought battles, none of them was ever like this. Even the cancer scare she had a few years ago wasn’t like this. And Cliff never imagined anything could be that frightening. At least they knew what was attacking them and could courageously battle it. Like it or not, they have to do something. He will do whatever it takes. Cliff taps her hand gently. She awakens and smiles warmly at him. She’s always loved waking up to that loving face gazing back at her.

  “Hey,” Cliff murmurs.

  “Hey,”
she responds warmly.

  “We’re going to start you off on Ciprofloxacin,” he advises. Rachel nods approval weakly through teary eyes. She hopes beyond hope it will help but her inner scientist has a bad feeling. Cliff carefully injects the medicine into her arm.

  Jack and Beth enter the room. “Hey,” Jack quietly announces. Cliff and Rachel look up at them. Jack nods at Cliff to come in the hall with him. Cliff exits the room with Jack. Beth sits at Rachel’s bedside and holds her hand.

  “What do you got?” Cliff inquires.

  “We think the compound attacks the cells and consumes the iron in the blood and tissue. Then it takes the cell over and creates new compound cells, which in turn attack other healthy cells. Then once the body dies, it takes over the brain and circulates itself throughout the body to prevent rigor and keeps the brain alive to control motor function. However, evidence indicates trauma to the movement center of the brain prevents it from sending signals to the extremities. So when the ape was shot in the head it could no longer move,” explains Jack.

  “What happens when it runs out of healthy cells?” asks Cliff curiously. Jack looks at Rachel in the bed as the answer to that question is a horror he doesn’t want to fathom.

  “Look for new healthy cells elsewhere,” Jack deduces.

  “Rachel was bitten a while ago. The animals died in minutes. Maybe she’s not infected,” Cliff reaches. Sympathy washes over Jack like a warm blanket. He certainly understands the emotion, but it’s just surreal coming from his mentor. But now is the time to be strong. No time for juvenile emotions.

  “Humans are far more complex with more advanced immune systems,” Jack assures Cliff. He’s completely guessing, of course because he has no idea if that is even relevant. But it sounds reassuring, which is more important right now.

  “I just gave her the Ciprofloxacin,” Cliff advises, trying to gain his confidence back. Jack nods approval and touches Cliff’s shoulder. They enter the room.

  Cliff checks the monitor. “What?” Rachel inquires, having stalked their hallway powwow.

  “Checking your vitals,” Cliff responds, ignoring the real question.

  “I feel it,” Rachel responds.

  “What?” Cliff asks.

  “The compound. I feel it. It’s getting worse,” she advises. Cliff looks down at her.

  “You can’t know that,” he assures her. He’s caught in the purgatory of deep down knowing the truth and allowing himself to experience it. He knows denial is not the answer, but at the moment it feels like the only thing keeping him rational. But he also knows Rachel wouldn’t say such a thing unless she was sure. He would do anything to save her. Right now, he’s too close to be objective or have the focus to work the problem. He looks up at Jack as if asking for his opinion. “The Ciprofloxacin isn’t enough,” Jack concludes. Beth tears up and looks away, fearing the worst. Cliff’s face hardens.

  “Keep looking,” Cliff commands gently. A chill runs down Jack’s spine as he realizes Cliff is counting on him to perform a miracle he’s not convinced he can do. That’s a lot to ask a young man. But he knows he will have to lay down any self-doubt if he’s to have any chance of succeeding. He nods confidently at Cliff and heads for the exit.

  “Jack,” Rachel calls out. Jack turns to her. “Counter the Beryllium,” Rachel surmises. Jack stares at her for a long second pondering the new information and calculating the new variable. His eyes light up.

  “Beth, I need you,” Jack insists. Beth looks up at Jack in surprise but with resistance. Cliff nods at Beth in approval for her to go with Jack. She doesn’t want to leave her mother, but if it will help save her, of course she’ll do whatever it takes. She rises and leaves the room with Jack.

  CHAPTER 12

  The Med Lab clinic is a small twenty foot by fifteen foot room with two exam tables, each with its own supply cart. The far wall hosts supply cabinets, lockers and a bathroom. Ceiling drawn curtains separate the two tables. It’s designed for minor afflictions, cuts and sickness. It’s also known as a hookup corner to horny employees.

  Lorna is on duty today. This twenty three year old nurse is a page out of the classic candy striper stereotype. A blonde bombshell with legs for days with classic 36-24-36 measurements. You could assume she got through nursing school by fucking her way through, and you would be right. Having the perfect weapon to fight testosterone should be illegal. She’s used sex as a weapon since the age of 12. She’s basically fucked her way into the position she now holds at Barrister. Her sad truth is that she could’ve worked for everything she has because she is actually a very bright young woman and didn’t need any assistance to pass her classes and is quite a talented nurse, in spite of her actions. But as another victim of being beautiful in a world that exploits such things, she was taught very young to use her body in any way it was beneficial for her to get what she wanted. She’s not as shallow as that makes her seem, but her psyche is too scarred to know the difference now. She was hired to be the nurse at Barrister 6 months ago. She quickly realized who the alpha dog was among the up and coming minds at Barrister, and latched onto him with both hands, mouth and every orifice you can imagine.

  Jason enters the room. Lorna turns from the supplies she’s stocking and smiles warmly. “Hey,” Jason simpers.

  “What are you doing here?” Lorna responds in kind.

  “Just wanted to see you,” Jason replies. His aching ankle notwithstanding. Lorna smiles at him sensually.

  “Really?” she says seductively. Jason sits on one of the exam tables.

  “Yeah that and I need you to look at something,” Jason requests. Lorna’s eyebrows raise in a surprised, sarcastic tone.

  “Now?” she questions seductively. Jason lifts up his pant leg. Lorna’s brow furrows. “Oh,” she says, dejected. The red pus filled bite stares up at her. She recoils. “What the fuck is that?” she demands.

  “I dunno. Something bit me. Was hoping you could tell me what,” Jason pleads. Lorna glares at him like he’s teasing her. She puts on rubber gloves and scouts the wound.

  “I have no idea. It looks infected,” she concludes. Jason looks at the ceiling and sighs.

  “Awesome,” he retorts sarcastically.

  “When’s the last time you had a tetanus shot?” Lorna asks. Jason shrugs his shoulders.

  Lorna proceeds to the supply cabinet and retrieves a syringe and a small bottle. She inserts the syringe and fills it. Jason’s eyebrows raise hesitantly. Lorna rolls her eyes at him. “Don’t be a pussy. It’s just a tetanus shot. Lift up your sleeve,” she demands. Jason complies. Lorna lines up the needle as Jason smiles at her. She glares at him as she pops the needle in his arm. He grimaces at the force she uses. Lorna removes the needle and drops it on a tray. She removes her gloves. “Don’t be such a bitch,” she playfully scorns. Jason smiles at her sensually, picking up on the signs of his horny nurse. She smiles back at him. She approaches him seductively. “You comin over tonight?” she sultrily asks. Jason nods yes without breaking eye contact, his mouth slightly agape as his arousal takes shape on his face. She slides her hand slowly up his leg, gently squeezing his upper thigh as his crotch grows in front of her, making her blood pressure rise. Her hand probes his six-pack abs and up his chest as his hands find their way to the middle of her back, stroking gently. She purrs softly. She puts her hands over his head and he pulls her gently to him. He smiles. She gazes at his lips and lightly bites her own. Her elevated breathing pattern obvious, she inches toward his mouth. He readies for the sweet taste of her lips and tongue. She teasingly sticks her tongue out and touches his upper lip with it. No longer having the capacity for teasing, he grips her back strongly, edging the last two inches between their mouths and gently sucks on her tongue. She moans with pleasure as he reaches down to her ass and caresses it. Lorna drops her hand to his belt and unbuckles it. They both moan in pleasure as they explore each other’s tongues. Jason’s member throbs and he comes up for air, gasping for breath. She takes his member in her
hand and he moans. He leans back on the table as she goes down on him. He moans loudly. She puts her finger in his mouth and he sucks it gently. He coughs. She continues to bobble on his dick. He grabs her head and brings it to his face and puts his tongue deep in her mouth as she rubs his cock with her hips. She moans in pleasure. He convulses. She notices the break in concentration and removes her tongue from his mouth and looks at him. He looks at her. He kisses her again. She moans. His eyes bulge and he pulls out of her mouth. She opens her eyes to see what he’s doing and he looks right at her and launches a green chunky vomit spray right in her mouth and all over her face. She immediately recoils in horror and screams.

  She looks at Jason in utter horror and then convulses and turns and races for the bathroom. She dives at the toilet just in time for her own bile filled spray to cake the commode. She cries hysterically as she heaves again and again. The waves finally subside and she sits on the floor next to the toilet for a minute. Jason reaches out a towel to her. She violently swipes his hand away. She flushes the toilet violently and stands at the sink.

  Lorna’s vomit snakes its way through the sewer pipes until it reaches the sewer below. It splashes near a group of curious rats. They trot by and sniff around the slimy mess.

  “Get the fuck out!” Lorna shouts at Jason. She slugs past him to a locker. She opens it and removes her vomit stained blouse.

  “Lorna,” Jason pleads. Lorna sighs loudly and rolls her eyes. She stops for a second and looks at Jason.

  “Just go. Go see your doctor. You’ll be fine,” she advises. She gets that this wasn’t his fault, but she’s pissed as fuck anyway. Jason goes to the sink and washes the vomit off his face and slinks past Lorna out of Medical. She follows him out with hostile eyes.