“What do you mean?” Sarah asked.
“Their ammunition isn’t going to last forever. Last night I saw thousands of vampires trying to get in. It’s only a matter of time before those creatures succeed. This place is not as safe as it looks. Will you two come with me tonight?”
“Of course,” Sarah said excitedly.
“I don’t know,” Allison said uncertainly. She couldn’t meet my eyes. Instead she looked toward the windows, her expression filled with doubt.
October 31st – Evening
As dinner drew closer I tried to convince Allison to come with me. She didn’t agree nor did she disagree. Instead she promised to think about it. That left me in a quandary. I knew that I couldn’t live without her, but staying here to be used as a human lab rat was not an option either. Maybe she felt safe behind the protection of the army, or maybe she really did believe they would find a cure. I knew it wouldn’t matter either way because the vampires could overrun this camp in a matter of days. A cure, even if it saved the lives of the remaining soldiers here, still wouldn’t stop the hordes outside. Our only solution was to flee. Perhaps we could find safety somewhere on an island, or maybe there was a place untouched by these living dead. I didn’t know, but it was better than staying here to await our fate.
When dinner came, a group of four soldiers entered the barracks. They weren’t wearing protective gear but were carrying assault rifles. Without prompting, the prisoners dutifully lined up near the door. I didn’t want to make any trouble so I got in line behind Allison and Sarah. Once everything was organized to our captors’ satisfaction, the group marched out through doors and into the airlock. One by one we went through. Through the plastic tunnels we went with two of the soldiers at the head and two at the back.
The dining area looked much like our barracks except the beds had been replaced by long plastic tables. Surrounding the tables were the sort of chairs you would find at a school. On top were paper plates and cups, and a plastic spoon. I followed Allison. She motioned for me to sit between her and Sarah. I did, watching as the other prisoners found their little favored groups to eat with.
Once everyone was seated, an unhappy looking man with a dirty apron pushed out a cart from an adjoining room. Steam came out from the large pots on top. He went from table to table, ladling out some mashed potatoes, gravy, and a thin looking slice of beef. When the meat hit my plate I could tell it was Salisbury steak. Another man came out and began filling our cups with orange drink. It was five star service here at Club Zeta.
As I ate the salty sustenance, I carefully watched our guards. They looked bored but more than a few glances were shot my way. That made sense since I was new to the routine and a known troublemaker.
There was no talking. When I went to say something to Allison, she shook her head and put a forefinger to her lips, indicating that I should remain quiet.
When our thirty minutes was up, the guards began to bark out orders. We were forced back into a line and searched one by one. I had already hidden the ballpoint pen inside the mattress I had been laying on so there was nothing for them to find. When they were satisfied we marched back to the barracks. As we went through the tunnels located outside, I could see the setting sun framed against the horizon. It wouldn’t be long before the vampires came.
Once the prisoners were returned to the barracks, the guards retreated to leave us on their own. I looked up at the camera and momentarily watched the blinking red light. I would have to wait. Instead of worrying, I spent my time talking to Sarah and Allison. I gave it all, smiling and laughing. I wanted to give the guards no reason to suspect that we were about to escape.
It was a half-hour later when the first gunfire on the perimeter began. The overhead lights immediately went off. I could see that the security camera was still on but it wouldn’t be able to see much in the darkness. I pulled the pen out of the mattress, motioned for Sarah and Allison to stay behind, and went to the window. Through the plastic film I could see the spotlights shining above the nearby buildings.
Taking the pen, I pushed a hole through the plastic. The material was even heavier than it looked. Once the pen had gone all the way through, there was an audible sound of air hissing through the puncture. An alarm went off somewhere nearby. It would only be a matter of time before the guards came storming in. I pulled the pen out and stuck my forefinger into the hole. Once I opened the aperture wide enough, I slid my entire hand inside and began to pull. It took a lot of strength but within a few moments I had opening large enough that I could slide through. There was a window here that I quickly broke by using a nearby bedsheet to protect my hand from the broken glass.
“Come on!” I shouted at Sarah and Allison.
Sarah ran over and I helped her through the opening. She landed on the ground and took off to hide in the shadow of a nearby building,
When I turned to help Allison, I saw that she hadn’t moved.
“You’re not staying, are you?” I asked.
“Just go,” she said through pursed lips.
“You can’t stay here. I won’t let you.”
She ran over and hugged me tightly. When I reached my hand to tilt her chin I felt tears on my skin. I kissed her on the forehead.
I said. “I didn’t come all this way to rescue you for nothing. This is not the time to start arguing.”
“I already told you my reasons. If there is any hope of saving the human race I’m going to help. Even if it means staying here.”
My angry retort was cut off by the sound of the door opening. It was a soldier coming in to check the broken plastic seal. In the gloom I could make out a biohazard suit. A flashlight flicked on and began to play along the walls.
“We have to go now!” I said through gritted teeth.
Allison broke from our embrace and took a step back. She said, “I’ll look for you once the cure is found.” And then she turned away.
Before I could say anything the light flashed across me.
“Stop right there!” the voice in the suit commanded.
With a twist, I bounded toward the hole and jumped right through it. A shot rang out and struck the window frame. I rolled on the ground and began to run in the same direction that I had seen Sarah go. I felt a sorrow well up inside of me.
“I’m over here!” Sarah breathed out.
I almost bowled her over as I skidded to a stop on the wet grass.
“Where is Allison?” she asked with worry. The expression of her face was unreadable in the darkness.
A loud explosive boom from the perimeter fence momentarily broke off my reply. Once I was able to be heard, I said, “She decided to stay. It’s only you and me. Let’ go!”
My answer seemed to satisfy her.
Together we ran toward the fence, staying in the shadows as much as possible. I really didn’t have any plan in mind other than to find a way through the perimeter. From there we could go back to the truck, and then I could think of way to get Allison back. I could hear Sarah breathing hard when I put my hand on her shoulder. We were too near to the fence to move any closer, and I felt my heart drop in my stomach for what I saw ahead.
From our position it looked as if the entire base was surrounded by a thick mass of zombies, all pushing against the fence. There were thousands, maybe tens of thousands of the foul creatures. It was way more crowded than even the night before. There was no way we could sneak past that mass without being torn apart. I had to think of another way through.
It was obvious that the soldiers were being overwhelmed. The lead and flame they poured into the crowd hardly made a dent. Instead the vampires continued to surge forward, causing the chain link fence to bend from the combined weight. It wouldn’t be long before the creatures got through. The sound of a massive explosion ripped through the air. It shook the ground. From my position I could see a ball of flame erupting in the middle of the vampires, It didn’t seem to matter since they did not care about death. Their numbers were too many even against the massive firepowe
r of this army remnant.
In the shadows I saw Sarah look up at me. She looked scared.
“It’ll be okay,” I said, more to convince myself since I was feeling the same.
Coming from behind us I heard the sound a helicopter engine starting.
“This way!” I shouted, taking Sarah’s hand.
We took off running toward the sound of the whirling blades. Turning a corner we came to a Blackhawk on a pad, about to take off. Sitting in the door was a gunner, who was too busy with the pre-flight checks to see us. Instead of taking that chance I steered Sarah in another direction, still hoping to get on that helicopter. We backtracked and ran down another corridor between buildings. A soldier in biohazard gear stepped out of a doorway, right into my path.
I bowled the man over as he fumbled to bring up his rifle. Together we fell on the ground in a heap. He was young and well-fed. He reacted quickly, let go of his rifle, and grabbed a knife from his belt. The blade glinted wickedly in light. I tried to punch him in the jaw but it was a feeble hit and only glanced off of his respirator. The blade sliced toward me. I managed to hold on his arm, stopping myself from being cut open on the cheek. But he was a strong fellow. The knife inched closer to my face. I used everything I had to stop him but it wasn’t going to be enough.
I had forgotten about Sarah. She wasn’t just standing by watching this fight. I saw her hands reach down, grab the soldier’s respirator and tear it away from his face. He dropped the knife and instead of trying to kill me, struggled to get the mask back on. He tried not to breathe but it was too late. He let out a gasp. He was a dead man walking. I punched him in the face, this time solidly connecting with his nose. He let out a scream and began to sob.
Scrambling up, I placed a knee on his back and began to search him. He struggled to get up, already in a full panic. I quickly found a set of keys and a Beretta pistol. I then let him go. He ran away screaming.
Examining the keys, I saw they were marked with a number and had the shape of fitting into a car ignition. I pocketed them and then grabbed the rifle. I handed the Beretta to Sarah, who was sitting on the ground. She looked shocked by what she had done.
“We have to go. Come on!”
The sound of the nearby helicopter grew louder as the rotors whined away. And then it took off, flying directly over us before heading up. The door gunner got busy, spraying the stream of bullets into the vampires below.
With that avenue of escape closed, I headed toward where I had seen the parked Hummers. Sarah followed behind, running more on instinct than anything else. Maybe I was too. We passed a few buildings, this time staying out in the open. I was more worried about haste than staying hidden. I had a bad feeling that things were getting out of control. It wouldn’t be long before that fence collapsed. When that happened, the base would be overrun. Sarah and I had to find somewhere safe before that happened.
There were a line of trucks and other vehicles ahead. We went down the line until I found the one with markings that matched those on the keychain. It was a beefy Hummer with a machine gun mounted on top of a turret. I tried the driver’s side door. It was unlocked. I motioned for Sarah to get inside. Once I was behind the wheel, I closed the door and jammed the key into the ignition. It only took one turn for the diesel engine to start. There was a quarter tank left. I gave the engine a few light revs before putting it into gear.
“Where are we going?” Sarah breathlessly asked.
“Back to get Allison,” I said.
I gave the gas pedal a jab and the lumbering beast jumped forward. I headed toward the barracks.
October 31st – Night
A few turns later and I was driving along the edge of the fence. Machine gun tracers and flares lit the way. Outside the vampires continued to mass, pushing the fence further and further into the camp. I could see soldiers emptying whole clips from their rifles, while others were working flamethrowers. The effect was like trying to bail out a river with a thimble. No one paid us any attention as we drove through the chaos.
Sarah’s eyes were wide open as she took in the sights. She was gripping the pistol like a talisman.
I wasn’t very familiar with the area and let out a sigh of relief when I saw the barracks ahead. But my elation was cut short by the fence to my left. Ahead I could see it straining. A soldier was on his knees, firing his M4 rifle into the creatures. He was all alone, one man against many. Even over the clatter of the diesel engines I could hear a grating noise as the posts gave away. I tapped on the brakes. The fence collapsed on top of the soldier and the flood of vampires came rushing in. Cranking the steering wheel I missed the first group, but the next were right in front of the windshield.
The Hummer bucked and kicked as we hit and then rolled over the vampires. Sarah let out a scream. The big tires kept on going. Soon we were surrounded but I didn’t let up on the gas. I was driving blind now, trying to keep the vehicle going straight.
“Look out!” Sarah shouted.
We had broken free of the first wave of vampires. In front of us was a wooden wall. There was no time to brake. Instead I pushed the gas pedal even harder. We hit. There was a crash of metal on splintering wood.. We had hit the edge of the barracks, burying the nose of the Hummer right into the wall of the building.
“Take the wheel,” I said to Sarah, who was busy picking herself up from the floor. “You’ll have to drive us out of here.”
“Where are you going?” she demanded.
“I’ve got to find Allison. Keep the doors locked unless you see me coming back.”
Sliding into the backseat, I saw the turret opening. I went through and found myself standing in front of a heavy machine gun. I didn’t know the model but the belt had some shells that were longer than my fingers. Looking past this, I could see that the Hummer had punched a large hole into the barracks. Behind us there was the sound of continued gunfire, and the strange hunting sound of the vampire. I didn’t have much time.
With rifle in hand I slid down the back of the Hummer. From this new position I could see a carpet-like mass of bodies coming our way. They were closing in fast. Running down the side of the Hummer, I came to the bumper, which was dented. I was able to crawl into the opening it had created. I found myself inside the barracks. There was Allison, who was standing apart from the other prisoners, who were huddled together like frightened children.
“The vampires have broken through the fence,” I told her. “You have to come with me now.”
She only hesitated a moment before joining me.
“Is anyone else coming?” I asked.
None of the remaining prisoners moved. I didn’t have time to convince them. Instead I pulled Allison through the hole and we went outside. Sarah was waving frantically at us. I opened the passenger door – it was unlocked now - and pushed Allison inside. She was too shocked to resist. I shut the door.
I had run out of time. A vampire grabbed my arm. I pushed the thing away, where it collided into a much larger group of them. I had to make it inside the Hummer or else I would die . I brought the assault rifle up and began to fire, all the while inching forward. The bullets punched through the creatures, leaving a torn flesh and black blood. There was a click as the hammer hit empty air. The clip was empty.
Throwing the gun at the mass of vampires, who were clambering over their fallen comrades, I grabbed the rear door handle and opened it. I leapt inside. One of the creatures grabbed my leg and bit. It was inside the Hummer with me.
“Go!” I shouted over the pain.
Sarah was ready. With the open door swinging wildly, the Hummer began going backwards. There was a sickening noise as the rear bumper hit the oncoming mass. This sound was in the background of my consciousness since I had other things to worry about. The vampire on my leg wasn’t letting go. Instead it began to crawl further up my body, using its fingernails to dig into my flesh. It was going to tear into me, and the finish off my friends unless I did something fast.
“Give me the
gun! The gun!” I shouted as I kicked and punched at the creature.
The Hummer came to a sudden stop that made me roll on the seat. Allison was holding the Beretta I had given Sarah. There was a deafening report when it went off. The vampire on top of me was hit in the head, sending a spray of dark liquid on the ceiling of the vehicle. I was able to sit up and kick the dead thing out of the door. After I had disposed of the corpse, I shut the door.
“Just go!” I told Sarah.
“Are you okay?” she asked, shooting a glance toward me.
Through the windshield I could see the swarm of vampires coming our way. We were going to be overwhelmed unless we could get through.
“Don’t mind me. Just drive and keep going until we are over the fallen fence. And then head toward the woods. Keep going until we can’t go anymore.”
She gave me a wicked grin and then returned her attention to the task at hand. With both hands on the wheel, Sarah pushed the gas pedal down. Allison was buckling herself in. We were in for a wild ride.
Ignoring the pain that beat against the flesh of my calf, I stood up through the turret. I grabbed the double handles of the machine gun and began to fire, adjusting my aim as the lead cut a path through the press of flesh. The Hummer jerked and groaned as we rolled over the dead and dying. Vampires hammered against the side of the vehicle, but it was to no avail. As long as we could keep going, we were safe.
South Carolina – May 22nd
From his position on top of the lighthouse, Tom Jacobs scanned the shore across the span of water. There was nothing to see but tangled scrub and the palmetto trees. The bridge leading to Hunting Island had been dynamited by his own hands, leaving the expanse impassible. He hadn’t seen a vampire on the island since. And he hadn’t seen a vampire on the mainland shore for the past month. He wondered where they had gone.
“Are you still playing guard?” a voice called from below.
“I’m up here,” he answered back.
Allison came slowly up the stairs. She looked winded. Her pregnant stomach was showing through the blue overalls she was wearing. A handkerchief kept her long black hair under control. She looked beautiful.
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