Still Alive (Book 5): Zombie River Run
Page 17
More revenants charged down the stairs with only the occasional trip. The horrendous scene was repeated numerous times. Neither of The Phantoms bothered drawing their ranged weapons. Slicing enemies to ribbons was too much fun! No gym today.
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Ivory fell out of his fingers and clanged on the floor. Sako was completely spent. Dozens if not hundreds of truly dead corpses littered the hall. Running blood covered nearly every visible surface between the walls. Some would find it remarkable that the hero, though exhausted, remained unscathed. He didn’t. Deep down, Hirotoro understood he was to play a more important role in this script.
Unmarked by even a speck of blood were his white and black mask and trench coat. Ivory sported a coating of every kind of body fluid. Staff Sergeants Sako turned to see The Phantoms finishing up their final attackers. Their hard armor had hints of crimson over it, but soft areas like joints and hands remained completely clean. After a good washing, the armor would appear off the rack.
Mahatma had unscrewed the ornate elephant head from the handle of his axe knife. He unceremoniously jammed the stiletto into the top of the head of his last opponent. It went rigid and emptied its bowels of its final disgusting meal. Rajesh twisted his trishula in the belly of a downed peevie. A ragged circle was left as he tore the blades free.
“I’ve had some time to think about it, and I don’t think the girls are here.” Sako approached to their rear. This has been a complete waste of time.
“What do we do now?” a Clone Trooper asked.
Sako removed his bloodied leather gloves.
The Rorschach dressed detective scratched his chin and mused. “There’s got to be more evidence to be found outside. We just didn’t look close enough. Let us go!”
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Under the portico, a pink Reebok lay haphazardly against the curb. Upon closer inspection, the investigator noticed a splotch on the ground behind where a vehicle would be parked squarely under the eave. He took a knee to re-examine the dry puddle. It wasn’t the remains of infected feces, he was certain. Bean juice? Fingers came up, markedly brownish. Sako noticed the liquid had pooled around what had to be a tire. In his mind, he could picture an abduction.
Trying to think of any islander that wore pointed toe, smooth bottomed footwear, he was only able to visualize one man. It couldn’t be... But what if?... The Staff Sergeant would have to do some snooping around a certain preacher’s HOME.
Postlude
WE SAT AROUND the table, waiting for my father to buzz the radio. I was uncharacteristically excited to give him news of what had been going on. All the shit with Festus would need to be discussed, the pirates and how we dealt with them, and of course, I would have to inform him I’m a now a badass that shot a fucking cannon. I was itching to tell everyone that would listen about my new mad skills.
I guesstimated it was at least a minute past the scheduled time. Hesitating, I decided to speak into the radio. “Daddy?” There was no way in hell I would use his call sign if that’s what he was waiting for.
“Elmo?” a teary female voice came from the other end.
I was confused. “Mama? Where’s Daddy?” I didn’t want to seem like an asshole and quickly made an addition. “And what’s wrong?”
I was beyond surprised my mom was even able to use the radio. She cannot use any kind of technology even though she claims to be a computer whiz at least when she is not around me. She turns into a blind and illiterate old lady when she gets on the computer in front of me. It’s immeasurably painful to watch her try and load up a Word document or, God forbid, pay a fucking bill online. I would rather kill myself than try to convince my mother that there is a big, flashing button in the middle of the screen. Even though it was there when I looked at the computer five seconds ago, she will swear that “it’s not there now.”
She sniffled. “He’s down at the police station being questioned.”
I waited for more of an explanation and received nothing. “Questioned for?”
It must have been the emotions breaking her train of thought. “He’s a suspect.”
I was shocked. “Suspect of what?”
She seemed disjointed, as if she wasn’t thinking clearly. “Where is Eugene?”
I broke away from the radio and spoke to the crew. “Somebody go get Gene! He’s probably downstairs watching Charmed again.”
I turned back to the HAM. “He’s coming. What’s up?”
“He’s got to know.”
I nearly tapped my foot. “Know what?” If they discovered Ark of the Covenant, I was going to be pissed Gene had to know before me.
She frantically wailed. “Hunters MISSING!”
Excerpt from
Still Alive Book Six
Zombie Paradise Lost
THE DARK LORD of the Sith rounded the corner, pulling his two-headed mace along the ground behind him. He was gripping the thick, wooden shaft and allowing the barbs of one head to spark and make horrible noise as they dug into concrete. Most would call what he was doing insane.
It was like he was ringing the dinner bell for the blunatics infesting this hydroelectric dam. Without backup or reinforced plate armor, he would still be on the Viva Ancora. But calling the peevies out to come play was exactly what he was doing.
“Looking at my own reflection,” The Protector belted out Disturbed’s “Down With The Sickness”, completely off key. “When suddenly it changes...” He was teamed with The Medicine Man to protect Aka on yet another damn dam excursion. “Violently it changes “....
They had walked her through nearly the entire complex and had not heard a peep from the rabid cannibals. Water level had been dropped and the Cora entered the lock and the lock had been closed. The water level had been raised, and the entire process had been completed. The team had remained completely unmolested.
Now on the return journey, the duo of armored heroes wasn’t going to be satisfied leaving without letting some infected blood. This was boring. Both main protagonists were itching for some action. They were too pumped not to be involved in mortal combat.
“There is no turning back now; you’ve woken up the demon in me!” He was screaming at the top of his lungs, trying to rouse up some of the filthy former humans.
Finally, one of the creatures swung open a door. The starving beast charged at Iron Man. The animal was rushing in with no immediate reinforcements. It was astounding that a gaunt, weak, naked former senior citizen would so unthinkingly act.
Easy drew his behemoth Thunder Hammer from over his shoulder as the animal drew closer on shaky legs. This was becoming nearly effortless. He laughed and looked over to Darth Vader. “We’re going to have to start bringing a bottle of vinegar when we leave the boat!”
He drew the hammer back, waiting for the slow creature to get within reach. The barely reanimated corpse finally came within spitting distance, arms stretched forward, reaching out, just like a zombie in the movies.
The Protector yelled in bloody glee as he brought the blunt end of his hammer down on to the head of the coming monster. “Get up come on get down with the sickness!”
TO BE CONTINUED
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LOOK FOR BOOK SIX IN THE
STILL ALIVE SERIES
COMING SOON!
Cast of Characters
(Alphabetic)
Mike Brown: supposed temporary replacement for The Man of God; The Wolf. Formerly in a federal penitentiary, claims to have been a member of The Mexican Mafia. Reformed criminal, now ordained minister. Not trusted by main protagonists remaining in Guntersville.
Akambiya “Aka” Ngona Collins: Easy’s wife. Native of Zambia. Dam technician and Nursing degree (pending). Wears X-Men Storm outfit, carries demonic halberd.
Benjamin “Benji” Collins: second cousin to Mo. Naval Flight Officer in command of Azrael 2, last known functioning AC-130 gunship. Arrived in Guntersville over a month after May Day to discover safety and clo
se family. Wears Indiana Jones outfit, carries accompanying bull whip.
Debbie (Mrs.) Collins: The Hero’s Mother. Conservative Matriarch. Never uses nicknames.
Elmo “Mo” Collins: The Hero and Chronicler. Acting Captain of the Viva Ancora; Jack of No Trades. Wears Battlestar Galactica Cylon armor, carries Star Trek Klingon bat’leth.
Ezekiel “Easy” Collins: Mo’s brother, The Protector. Bodybuilder and extreme health enthusiast. Trainer, nursing degree (pending). Wears Marvel Iron Man armor, carries Warhammer 40,000 Hammer.
Randy Collins: Leader of The Similar (Former). Mo’s Father, Interim Mayor of the Island of Guntersville; Survivalist. Wears Warmachine Storm Knight Armor, carries accompanying Storm Glaive.
Crow: Cook and Crewmate on the Viva Ancora. Permanent Resident Fisherwoman. Given name later discovered to be Rose.
Mahatma Doshi: Phantom HIT. Subordinate to Dr. George. Wears Star Wars Clone Trooper armor accented with black, carries traditional Indian axe knife, bhuj.
Bradley Gage: The Old Friend. National Champion Sharpshooter, Paraplegic Trainer and Bodybuilder. Wears Marvel Daredevil outfit, carries The Walking Dead Lucille, Negan’s Louisville Slugger wrapped in barbed wire.
Dr. Philip George: The Medicine Man, cardiologist. Commander, squad of Indian NSG Phantom HITs. Sniper. Wears Star Wars Darth Vader armor complete with voice changer, carries medieval style, double-headed mace.
Kumar Jindal: Phantom HIT. Subordinate to Dr. George. Wears Star Wars Clone Trooper armor accented with blue, carries traditional Indian curved sword, talwaar.
Devin Landers: Naval Flight Officer, copilot of Azrael 2, last known functioning AC-130 gunship. Arrived in Guntersville over a month after May Day to discover safety. Wears Marvel ghost Rider outfit, carries accompanying logging chain.
Roberto “Bob” Martinez: Temporary replacement for The Tech. Small Engine Mechanic, General Handyman. Mexican. Member of The Similar (former). Spontaneously appeared in Guntersville after presumed dead.
Rajesh Mattu: Phantom HIT. Subordinate to Dr. George. Wears Star Wars Clone Trooper armor accented with green, carries a traditional Indian bladed trident, trishula.
Mary: The Innocent. Capuchin Monkey, Service Animal (partnered with Bradley.) Clearly wise compared to most of the other characters. Carries Star Trek Romulan throwing dagger.
Sarah Ogle: The Love Interest. Longtime Friend and Love-of-His-Life to Mo. Finally in a romantic relationship with The Hero.
Sanjay Patel: Phantom HIT. Subordinate to Dr. George. Wears Star Wars Clone Trooper armor accented with red, carries traditional Indian push daggers, katar.
Hirotoro Sako: temporary replacement for The Expert. Staff Sergeant, USMC (ret.) Amateur Survivalist, degree in Criminal Justice. Body Amplification Enthusiast. Wears Watchmen Rorschach outfit, carries traditional Japanese katana, Ivory, along with the accompanying tanto, Ebony.
Petunia “Hammer” Sledge: The Expert. Captain, U.S. Marine Corp, Special Ops (Ret). Owner Bottom Dollar Pawn; Extreme Survivalist. Wears Metroid Prime Samus armor, carries Lord of the Rings broadsword Andúril, The Flame of the West.
Cheryl Slice: The Dictator. Warden of the Joseph A. Davidson State Correctional Facility (Former.) Now infected peevie female with one goal in new life: devouring Ezekiel Collins.
Gene Stanley: The Tech. PhD Mechanical Engineering (pending); Owner, Excelsior Comics and Collectables; Collector of Fantasy/Science Fiction Memorabilia. Wears Fallout Brotherhood of Steel armor, carries X-Men Wolverine wrist blades.
Marlon “Smokes” Williamson: The Oracle. Gangbanger, Dope Dealer (Ret.); Interpreter and Channeler of The Screenwriter.
Sojourner “Soje” Williamson: The Man of God. Farmer, Preacher. Patriarch of the Williamson Clan.
ZOMBIE RIVER RUN
STILL ALIVE
BOOK 5
Copyright © 2018 Javan Bonds
& If I Only Had A Monkey Publishing
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For permissions contact:
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Acknowledgments
As always, thanks to my parents. My mom is my alpha reader when she has time for me. My dad is wholly my publisher. I wouldn’t have a single book released if it wasn’t for them.
Thanks to my beta readers, Vanessa McCutcheon, Taft Reeves, Pam Seabolt, Kelly Tinnon, Tristan Tinnon, and Dr. Tammye Whited.
Thanks to my final proofreader, Mandy Owens.
Thanks to Seanan McGuire. Not only for being one of my all-time heroes, for giving me permission to use the poem at the beginning of this book.
Thanks to my fellow zompoc authors like Matthew Hollis Damon, Mike Evans, and RR Haywood. They keep me entertained and my undead juices flowing.
Thanks to you, the reader. It’s an amazing feeling to have people enjoy my work!
Javan
Follow Mo and His Fellow Survivors in the
STILL ALIVE SERIES
BOOK ONE: ZOMBIE LAKE
BOOK TWO: ZOMBIE ISLAND
BOOK THREE: ZOMBIES ON A PLANE
BOOK FOUR: ZOMBIE OASIS
AND COMING SOON!
BOOK SIX
ZOMBIE PARIDISE LOST
AND
ZOMBIE LAKE ON AUDIBLE
All Available on Amazon
☠☠☠
ALSO CHECK OUT
JAVAN BONDS
DYSTOPIAN SERIES
BOOK ONE
FREE STATE OF DODGE
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Javan Bonds
keep up to date
on upcoming books and events at:
www.javanbonds.com
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Contact Us At
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About The Author
Javan Bonds is the author of the apocalyptic zombie series STILL ALIVE, and the bestselling Free State of Dodge. Bonds has had to overcome numerous obstacles in writing as well as just living his daily life. Diagnosed at the age of 11 with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), (a progressively degenerative neuromuscular disease under the umbrella of the Muscular Dystrophy Association), he has slowly been robbed of his physical abilities through the years. Bonds became wheelchair bound in 1999, but that was only the beginning of his setbacks. His sight began to diminish in 2010 and he is now legally blind. His hearing began failing to the point he now can’t distinguish individual voices in a noisy room. In spite of all of this, he continued to consume three to five audio books a week as well as work on his novels.
Bonds never lets his disability rule him; he has lived fully, loved, and laughed often. Reading and writing has long provided Bonds with both pleasure and a creative outlet. He began blogging at a very young age and has published articles and letters for his local newspaper. In 2010, he discovered a passion for writing novels and with help of Nuance’s Dragon Naturally Speaking, he writes every day.
In late 2015, at only 28 years old, Bonds was told he may have only a short time left due to the ravages of FA on his heart. Since learning this, his goal has been to complete a significant, lasting body of written work before his time in this world runs out.
; In mid-2016, Bonds published his first full length novel: FREE STATE OF DODGE, the first in a dystopian series about an America in decline and its rebirth.
He is currently working on future books in his zompoc humor series, Still Alive. The series is currently set for twelve books. Javan and his publishing team hope you enjoy his work and all of the upcoming books in the Still Alive series.
Javan has these words of wisdom to offer others stricken by a life-shortening illness:
”Live your life. Light your candle on both ends and let it burn. It may burn out faster, but your flame will burn brighter than some who live much longer”
Keep an eye on his flame, watch it burn!
You will find Javan on Facebook daily and he loves to connect with fans and new friends through Messenger or Skype. Look him up.
Zombie River Run
A Poem by Seanan McGuire
☠☠☠
So every June we go and party at the lake,
It's an annual tradition, and a big mistake,
'Cause if the giant river leeches don't suck your blood,
Then the demonic poison ivy makes you wish they would,
Between the buzzard-sized mosquitoes and the acid slime,
You're guaranteed to have a real exciting time,
But this year has been the worst of them all,
Because this time was the first time that the zombies came to call.
Now Suzy always says the water's where it's at,
She can strip out of her clothing in a minute flat,