The Ridge (Book 1): After the Static

by Mihalko, Mark

  Why do I not long for your touch or the flavor of your inner thighs? Strangely, I cannot remember anything like that or who you are for that matter. I just know you exist, wandering out there waiting to complete me. I am drawn by the scent of your mental decay; the forbidden nectar that I long to taste, the tissue I long to devour. My lips moisten at the hint of your flesh. Will you let me ravage you, let us finally become one? I must break through the fog that surrounds me. I must find you.

  The others that escaped the facility will help me, we think as one. We share similar desires to feed on the despair, to have our way with you. Pleasuring you as only we can, taking you to the edge of satisfaction where the pain turns to ecstasy. We are coming for you, hoping you will willingly join us in our endeavor. You have nothing to fear, we all love you. Please, do not hide from us; our reunion is inevitable. Your brains will taste so sweet! (Click).

  Sorry, I cannot type anymore. However, I know I must continue this manuscript. This story must be told, the victims, the perpetrators must become known. Not tonight, though, these visions are so clear, so terrifying. Gabrielle, who is this Gabrielle, and why is she so important?

  Chapter Four

  “The Second Horror is Over, But the Third Horror Will Come Soon…”

  October 10

  Finally, I am back at my computer. I never thought that I would make it today, between traffic, therapy, and a stop at the survivor’s hospice, it seemed like my day would never end. Although, I did discover some interesting facts that will eventually find their way into this novel. It is strange, for some reason I see my compilation of details being dismissed by the masses as a work of fiction. I honestly cannot believe how they are treating the survivors at that facility. They appear to be suffering more today from the medications then they were from the delusions and the memories that drove them to the hospital in the first place. At least, a few of us continue to visit and give them the real support they deserve. Fucking socialistic government, rot in Hell.

  After all, I believe in time we will discover that the anti-American regime that is running this country is at fault for the destruction. I know it was their experiments that went awry (with their partners at the United Nations), not some private corporation like is circling the underground rumor mill. How else could no official documents survive? The government must be covering up the truth. That is not surprising; they did it with Roswell, JFK, and even Flight 800 (we will skip 9-11, but that too falls into their twisted world view). The power of the military industrial complex is so far reaching; they must be exposed. With that in mind, let us get back to our scientists, those fucking geeks that created this disorder…

  I

  (Play) Damn it, men, get your asses in gear. Can’t you hear those monsters closing in on us? You have seen their ferocity; the way they can sense us a mile away. If we do not get out of here soon, we will be dinner. Strange, I never considered myself a main course; what would I be? Well, there was that time in Vegas. Damn it, what am I doing? They will be here soon.

  John, Paul, Mark come with me. When I designed this facility, I planned an escape route just in case some high-level brass wanted to shut us down. Those pansy bureaucrats always panic if they have the inkling of something going awry. Mark, grab as many of those records as possible, we will definitely need that to have any semblance of a clue to what is happening. Hey, pass me that laptop. Damn, those groans, that smell, its…

  Directions, yes, just incase we are separated during our getaway; here are the routes. We will be safer in numbers (at least I think so). Head down the main hallway to the wall with the triple arrows. At the arrows, push on the exit sign in the ceiling. There, you will see a passageway. Follow it to the Boulevard of the Allies. Just be sure that none of those maggots are following you. From there, head west to the Fort Pitt Tunnel, we will meet there.

  Although this situation is regrettably tragic, this is our, what in hell am I saying? I deserve this; this is my creation. The work must continue; we cannot go out like this. We are ever so close to perfecting this serum. It is still hard to believe how the toxin took hold once crystallization started. I cannot wait to find some solitude and dive into the data; I must scour the data and try to find the error

  Come on people hurry your ass -I hear-those moans. That putrid smell, decay; they are catching up to us. Damn, I wish I had my gun. I would love to carry a specimen with us. However, we are too far from the lab, and it is not worth the risk. Maybe if we are lucky, we can snag one by the cottage. I think the cottage will be safe; I have not seen anyone on that road since. Since-well- Never mind… (Stop)

  II

  As those spineless weasels ran for their lives in fear of their creation, it seems as if there was an army forming from the ever-increasing number of infected. As I mentioned earlier, their leader, that tall, pale-skinned man, appeared to have an intellect instilled from above. However, it is strange, the more research I do, the more evidence I find proving that this is no accident. It could be possible that something more secular could be involved.

  Upon the day the pure rise and across the mighty river

  Our saviors will meet in a grotto at the base of the mount

  The boon will shed a lone tear in the garden

  And the screams of the sinners will echo throughout the new city

  (The Revelation of Moloch 2.10)

  Look, my children and listen. I can see the brilliance of our labor at hand, as the prophecy of our lord, my father, is before us. Behold the new day go forth and spread our gospel to the infidels. Enlighten their feeble minds with pain and pleasure. Soon, our congregation will take root in every corner of the globe, and there all of our thoughts and prayers will unify.

  Our brother Luke started preaching the word last night. He went out into the depths of the unholy, converting the unwilling to our path. Join him by increasing our army of prayer warriors and cleansing the offenders of their indiscretions and strengthening our determination.

  Luke appeared to me last night. He helped me visualize his odyssey into Satan’s depths. What impurities he encountered as the atrocities surrounded him. And, his resolve remained steadfast.

  Let us pray

  Lord of Light

  Watch over your flock as we travel forth into the abyss

  Challenging the faithless to repent their misdeeds

  Opening their hearts, to the fulfillment only you can provide

  Opening their minds, to the direction only you can lead

  Give us your strength and courage to spread your will

  Guiding us across the horizon to another land of despair for us to conquer

  With your desire burning through our veins we shall never fail

  In your name, we pray

  Amen

  III

  See what I mean, his words seem to project a wisdom set down many years before this ordeal. Note to self; I need to do more research on the preacher. Who he was, where he came from? For some reason, his words resonate deep within the core of my soul. Every time, I sit down to type another entry involving him, I want to stand and fight as well…

  Now, back to the original task, documenting the events that our government says never occurred. When I am done, they will never be able to deny the reality of the situation. Where do I go? I think it is time to get back to our innocent victim and her unborn. I still cannot imagine what it could be like dealing with all of this while carrying something so special.

  February 14, 2014

  I had to stop again; you are too heavy for me to be carrying on foot. I can’t believe that there are so many assholes out here. Sorry about the language, but it is the truth. I know we all need to escape, but I cannot believe how they just sped by, that burnt smell from the tires is still etched into my mind.

  A few minutes ago before I stopped, I thought I saw Esther’s car. She was nowhere to be found though. That’s a shame, if she were there, she would have helped us, even if she did. Plus, she may have known where your father i
s. I called for her, but all I heard was silence. There were no signs of Esther or your dad anywhere. Hopefully, we find them safe. Your father Isaac may be a bastard, but I still love him.

  Actually, you should know that he would make a great dad if he would settle down. The booze, the drugs, and the women, if he does not realize the error of his ways soon, he will end up dead. Who knows, he may be dead already. If these savages didn’t devour him in the street, his new addiction might have. It is definitely worse than ecstasy (not that you know what that is). And to think, his supplier is some government scientist that works black ops for the CIA (at least that’s what your dad told me). Crazy, scientist, and drug dealer, what a great combination?

  All right baby, we are almost at the tunnel. I hope that none of those cannibals are inside when we get there; it would make for a short trip if there were. Maybe, we could scale Mount Washington or maybe the incline instead. Which one of those would be safer? No, we will have to take the tunnel; that is our only choice in my condition.

  Damn, you are heavy! Remember that when you are all grown, your wife is with child, and you want to go hiking or something. You will understand. Wow, that was one hell of a kick! I have never felt a pain like that before. I am going to take a nap now, we have been on the go for the past 16 hours, and I am exhausted. You would too if you… Oh well, Happy Valentines Day baby. I love you.

  …Wait, those sounds that smell. Oh, God! They are coming!

  IV

  Damn it, there are those thoughts again, those voices. Why do I torture myself with this stuff? Why should I be the one that has to experience this all over again? I cannot take it anymore; I do not want to go back there, I do not want to see those people again.

  Goodnight all, hopefully, I can return tomorrow to continue my journey. Hopefully, I can regain focus. I have to!

  Chapter Five

  “And as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter…”

  October 12

  I know that I should be focusing on the manuscript today, but I can’t these voices are killing me. They are making it impossible for me to do anything. Today has been one of the worst days I can remember, and it has been ALL day. They were so bad earlier that I lost my mind at group down at the clinic and had a total meltdown. I almost left altogether, with the visions of dismembered bodies lining the room feeling completely real. It was miserable, and I could taste the bile from my stomach rise with every breath.

  If it weren’t for my group partner Natalie, I would have fled. Not only did she talk me down and comfort me, somehow she was able to convince the voices to leave me alone even when all of the medication and water seemed to fail me. Natalie is a godsend. Over the past few months, she has gone out of her way to help me become purposeful again. I know if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be here right now, and I would still be jumping at the sight of my own shadow.

  In many ways, I wish I were stronger. At least, I am starting to feel alive again. I can honestly admit that I haven’t been myself since the outbreak and I am definitely a shell of the man I once was. I once had confidence and carried myself like I was going to make a difference. Not anymore, Hell, I am afraid to ask her out to dinner. Maybe it’s still the thought of Renae. I bet you she would approve, though, there is no way she would want me to suffer alone. Plus, in many ways, they are the same. Light blue eyes, pale skin, humble yet confident; they could be twins.

  The only real difference is that Natalie is still alive. She was able to survive these merciless trials and tell the world her story. I am just thankful that these revolting beasts did not stain all of the beauty in this city and attractive women such as Natalie remain. Deep inside, I know that she would taste delicious, but her presence is enough nourishment for my soul.

  What should I do? I want to ask her out to dinner, but I’m afraid rejection. What would she say? Would she say yes? There is no way; she has seen me at my worst; my insanity, my pain, and all of my struggles within this new reality. I’m sure she could never embrace who I am inside right now. At least I have our group sessions to pacify my desires. The clinic allows me a chance to steal a subtle glance or an accidental touch; if I am really lucky, maybe she will rub my shoulders to drive away the voices, and help me feel again.

  What should I do? I have no clue. I had all intentions of writing some of the stories tonight, but I can’t get my mind on track. For the first time in forever, the visions and voices have left me alone tonight and I probably should try to get some sleep and take advantage of the silence. I just wish I wasn’t so alone.

  Good night everyone, I promise I will return refreshed tomorrow prepared to dive deeper into the accounts that lay before us.

  Chapter Six

  “I Did Not See a Temple In The City…”

  October 20

  Another night and another nightmare, I do not understand, when they come on, the terror chases me into the corner of my room. This house is so empty now with out you. Damn, I miss you. Sorry, I was just reminiscing about my days before the atrocities, before the military industrial complex (or fucking United Nations) started pushing their Agenda 21 sustainability bullshit. Like many, I lost quite a few friends and loved ones during the reaping, and my life was forever changed. At least, I have survived to lead a semi-normal life. From what the doctors tell me, I have a great chance at a full recovery.

  Well, enough about me. Where was I when I left off? Him, well, that is not very bad. His account has at least been full of love, anguish, and an underlying bond. However, I still cannot understand how he does not realize what he is becoming. It is amazing, almost as if he is blocking it out; transporting himself to another time and place. Yes, that has to be the case; at least, that is the case with this next account; he almost hides the fact that he is a fucking flesh-eating bastard. Not only that, but he still seems to be searching for Gabrielle. Who is Gabrielle? I wonder, is she still alive? Shut up, stop the blood; please. Damn, must be time for my medication. Now, where did I put that yellow UPMC bottle; it must be here somewhere. Oh, there it is. Where, oh, yeah, back to the story.

  I

  (Click) Who are you, my vision of beauty? You still seem so familiar to me. Honestly, I feel as if I can sense your every move; experience your every fear. I can see you standing there by that torn CDC test notification on the building. Damn, if I never would have seen it in the first place. Maybe we would be in each other’s arms. I can see you trembling at the horrid sights before you. Did one of my brothers do that? What am I saying, do I need to ask?

  At last, the tunnel to the Promised Land, there our union, our destiny, and our reality all lay before us. I saw this in one of your dreams dear, the yellow towers rising from the depths of the rapids and the dark mouth opening ahead of me. Baby, it is perfect, exactly as you described it. Where are you taking me? Why am I following you?

  There it is again, that damn hunger. I can smell the old remnants of salt flowing from their pores. I must, I must feed. I cannot control myself any longer. (Aaauughhhhhhh) It is unbearable! This pain is piercing my abdomen; it is killing me.

  Look, over by that gate, I can sense two untainted souls cowering in the corner. Quick, I must compose myself; maybe I can blend in. But, this pain- this pain is killing me!

  It is weird how the infestation has taken control of my body; yet, my mind remains sound (at least, for the most part). Amazingly, it seems as though I can manage these insatiable cravings; control them until the flesh calls to me, that aroma-the fragrance, the blood flowing like bitter gravy over your loins, I cannot take it any longer. I must; I must feast.

  I am close now, about five feet from them. Honestly, I do not think they realize I am near. My sanity sets me apart from the monsters that are devouring the city. I can see my hand reach out and grab that tall blonde woman; her screams echo through the empty pathways and shake my soul as I grasp her tightly. Her partner turns while pulling the trigger of her cannon. Wait, no!

  How can that be? The bullet tore through me. I
can feel the shards taking hold in my insides, but I still stand here with the remains of her friend in my arms. Look the brains, now, the intestines; they are divine, absolutely divine! Her soft skin slides effortlessly across my lips, her veins aged to perfection; it is as if I have tasted her before.

  Damn, as I turn to her friend, another bullet barely misses me. It is her turn to be my savior. That is unless she runs. Move damn it. I will not chase you; I am content with this beauty. I still have a few minutes before she turns and joins the quest. Run, please run, I promise I will not follow you; at least, not yet. (Click)

  II

  Insanity, these accounts are utter insanity. Incredibly, not only do I have more stories from where these early ones came from, and as impossible as it may sound, some of these people actually interacted with each other throughout their ordeal. That is the case with this next story I dug out of my notes (Thank God for cell phones, tablets, and the digital age- everything was recorded). I am starting this account here, as it appears that our lover boy and this group were close. Actually, it appears that many of these people are in the same vicinity, unless the name Ester is making a comeback (somehow, I do not see that in this twisted age). On with this story, ironically this chick, Morgan (from what I can decipher) had a chance to waste the fucker. Unfortunately, while she has the weapon of choice, her aim is a bit off…

  Hurry up Esther; I do not see any of those monsters that have plagued our escape.

  All I see is that homeless man over there and he looks helpless (and hopeless). Plus, now that I have my shotgun, we should be safe. I just wish I knew how to kill those bastards.

  Hopefully, we can make it across the bridge and escape the city. Once we make it to the country, we will be safe. At least, that plan makes sense to me. You know, who would have thought that a couple of lesbians would have lasted. Maybe the rainbow is a bit misleading; maybe they should change that dreadful symbol to something more masculine.