Rick finally started to get it, “Yep, your right man, absolutely right, just hadn't thought of it.”
So we loaded the cart down with all sorts of seeds, soil and garden supplies. We pretty well had our run through that side of the store. Most people were so single purposed right now that they just weren't thinking beyond immediate concerns.
In the short time that we entered the store to the time we got to the checkout the demeanor of the store had quickly changed. The first isles of the grocery had already been picked clean and it was clear that the store would be wiped out, and in a matter of hours nothing would remain at all except a bare shelves and empty fixtures.
The store managers had put televisions and radios by the checkouts so that customers could remain apprised of breaking news, a misguided attempt to “service” the customer. I thought maybe they did it to drive customers further into a spending frenzy; so the managers could improve their bottom line, even in this late hour money and profit still ruled the day. ---fucking hypocrites.
It was humanity at its worst, all its deplorable greed exposed for everyone to see, and I loathed every moment that we were there, it reminded why I was the type of person I was and why I went to such great length to avoid the rest of humanity whenever possible.
With what supplies we had we quickly made our way through the checkout. It seemed as if the line was backed up for a mile. We sat there for almost forty-five minutes, all the while the waiting shoppers grew more and more irritable. Any moment I feared things were going to escalate out of control and someone was going to lose it; and it would only take one, just one person to insight a full out riot. The store became more and more crowded, customers crowded the checkouts---it was going to boil over any moment, we had to get out!
Luckily we managed to get through the checkout and made it to the sliding glass doors just as things started to get out of hand. There came a ruckus from one of the lines far behind us as a fight broke out. I remember thinking just how lucky we were getting to the store if we had arrived even a few minutes later we would have been caught up in all the madness, and I did feel sorry for the poor souls that arrived after we did because as things reached a climax it was only going to get worse. There was no doubt in my mind that people were going to get hurt or even killed.
Luckily I had brought the truck and we quickly made our way across the street to the home supply store and gathered up 2x4's, nails, plywood, screws and hammers; anything we thought might be helpful. My shed at home was full of this type of material but given the situation it seemed as if it might be prudent to stock up even if there seemed no need for it at the moment.
By the time we left town there was no point trying to purchase gasoline, any type convenience store or filling station had long since been tapped out, remembering the little gas station in Libbetsville we decided to try there on the way home. We needed fuel for the vehicles and generators; even though we knew it wouldn't last forever it might make things easier for a time. Who even knew if the epidemic would even make it this far, and just how much of it was
true remained in question. Some part of me still the some government bureaucrat would end up on the news apologizing to the American people because it was discovered that this was some type of hoax or mass hysteria. It was true that since this all started we hadn't seen any proof of the claims being made; all the calamities had been man-made, nothing of the re-animated sort. It didn't feel wholly real, as if it were taking place in some kind of cloudy, nightmarish, half-conscious dream scape. Maybe in the midst of shock or extreme trauma this is how the mind deals with such matters; by taking whatever inconceivable situation it encounters and places it a similar situation for which it does have experience to base it on and in this way it finds context in which to deal with the corresponding event.
People do some crazy things in times of crisis; Rick and I were no different. I vividly recall we went through a fast food drive-thru, now I'm not sure what was more crazy, the fact that we did this in the midst of all the chaos or the crazier fact that we actually got served. I remember telling him something to the effect that this may be the last warm meal we got for a long time. It is one of the images that still sits firmly planted in my memory even now; Rick and I loaded down with supplies and a warm bag of greasy burgers and fries sitting between us as we headed back to Barkley.
I remember how quickly we wanted to get back to Barkley; I must have been driving a hundred miles an hour. Our minds were preoccupied as we tried to determine our next course of action. We had the radio on throughout the whole trip back listening for the latest developments. About fifteen minutes after leaving Panatauk another news bulletin filled the airwaves and yet again the radio cut away to the spokeswoman, Ms. Richardson from the CDC. In the moments that followed she would confirm our worst fears, turning what had only been speculation into fact.
Once again she began to speak, “Good afternoon ladies, gentlemen and members of the press. We wanted to take a moment to apprise you of the ongoing situation which began a little less than forty-eight hours ago, we do have new information to bring to you at this time.” Ms. Richardson sounded more composed than on her previous appearance. “We now have confirmed outbreaks in major developed countries. In the United States we have reports of confined incidents, as it stands now it appears that the pattern of contamination is spreading from west to east. Western-most states are currently affected and the pattern of infection is rapidly heading east. I urge every American citizen to take appropriate and immediate action to protect yourselves and your families. I remind you, what we are dealing with is reanimated biological tissue and this is not limited to human variety. Wildlife appears to be affected as well.” We listened intently as she continued. “I now turn this over to Dr. Bassett from the Arizona State of Biological Studies who has additional details concerning this event.”
Our ears strained to hear every word, “Good morning everyone, I have some information for you about the situation.”
This new individual, Dr. Bassett, seemed to fumble around the microphone. It was obvious he wasn't used to dealing with the public, he was a scientist after-all and probably spent most of his time in a lab surrounded by beakers and microscopes. “We have conducted studies on the few samples we have been able to recover and we have reviewed reports and other data that has been collected from first-hand accounts. We are still conducting tests but we DO have some additional information for you, so let me get right to it.”
We listened intently, glued to the radio.
“Here is what we know thus far. Radiation from meteor material is in fact causing artificial metabolism in dead and decaying material. This seems limited to mammal and reptilian variety, as we have not seen any reaction from insects or plant life. To the living the radiation poses little threat except in extremely high concentrations, in which case nausea, vomiting and skin irritation may be present. Reanimation seems to take place only hours after
contact with the radiation and seems to occur on almost all levels of decomposition. Furthermore it would appear that the radiation either halts or severely slows the rate of further decomposition.”
Dr. Bassett continued. “I need to give you specifics about the situation as it pertains to human remains. These are dead and decaying human beings with only animated cells. I remind you, they are NOT alive, these are NOT the members of your family or friends; your beloved have not returned from the dead, these are not the people you once knew. This is simply the artificially reanimated remains of remnant organic tissue. However they do pose a threat to
the living, as hard as it is to explain it these creatures, or at least some of them, do possess some type of remaining mental capacity. While they cannot speak or communicate some form of residual memory seems to remain even after death. It is because of this residual memory that they can sense people, and are drawn to homes and populated areas. Avoid population centers if at all possible. They (the dead) exhibit some ability to see and hear but these levels are
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highly dependent on the level of decomposition. Keep in mind that this is decaying matter and one or two do not necessarily present a threat because they lack physical strength. This is going to be a problem sheer quantity. The volume that we will be dealing with coupled with the widespread contamination will certainly hinder efforts to contain the outbreak. Please do not take this lightly. All regions WILL be affected in time; simply because you have not seen activity yet does not mean that you won't. Tests indicate worldwide infestation within seventy-two hours. The volume we are dealing with will be incredible, making it impossible to outrun the infection. If you are in a home, business or other safe structure, do not attempt to go out or leave, remain where you are.”
He continued. “Lastly, these creatures exhibit one trait above all others and that is the need to eat and consume nourishment. Unfortunately they are drawn to other people through trace memory, however the thought pattern seems confused and they will attack if approached. Stay inside, stay quiet and do not draw attention to yourselves. As I have said they can sense others and these creatures tend to gather after a period of time. One or two do not present a
threat, but if they sense human activity others will be drawn to them. Also do not come into physical contact with these infected individuals. While living tissue cannot become directly infected the bacteria they carry could cause complications. We are working diligently to determine by what mechanism this material still retains residual memory. This is all I have at the time, thank you.”.
Ms. Richardson once again chimed in. “Thank you ladies and gentlemen. We will have more information for you as it becomes available”, and then abruptly the interview was over.
We digested this information but by this point we were actually rather calm in spite of the news. We had hoped that the initial broadcast hours ago had somehow been misinterpreted, but deep down we knew it hadn't. We had both spent hours subconsciously preparing for this.
“You okay?” Rick asked in a surprisingly calm tone.
“Yeah, I think so...I just can't believe this is happening,” I replied.
“I know, but we to have to be ready. You heard what he said, this is really happening.” Rick paused, “Do you think we are going to make it?”
I really didn't know what to say. I didn't know the answer so I faked it, “Fuck yeah I ain't going down without a fight, we just gotta be careful and pay attention, that's all.” I put on a good front for Rick but deep down I knew our chances were slim but I couldn't let him know that.
Chapter Three
All Hell Breaks Lose
“And the sea gave up the dead who were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged . . . every man according to their works.” --Revelations20:13
“I have to get Amanda...” Rick suddenly realized; in all the turmoil and craziness Amanda had somehow managed to slip his mind.
“Call her NOW and tell her to get her ass over to your place,” I said.
Rick opened his cell phone and tried to call but received no answer. “I can't get a hold of her!” He said in alarm.
“Where do you think she is? Where the hell could she be?” I questioned, then thinking for a moment asked, “You don't think she's actually at work do you?”
“Stupid fucking bitch, where the hell is she goddammit?” He was angry, an anger born of concern, helplessness and frustration.
“Rick we will find her, I'm sure she's fine; it’s going to be okay alright, just keep trying”.
“It’s ringing.” he sat impatiently. I watched him as he frantically tried to make contact while at the same time trying to keep an eye on the road, then suddenly . . . “Oh my god! Thank God. Where the fuck are you?”
Amanda had picked up; I couldn't tell what she was saying but I could hear him loud and clear. “Are you okay? Where the fuck are you?”
SCCCCCCRRRRRRREEEEECCCCHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I slammed on the brakes as hard as I could, the brakes locking up as I did. The truck began to fish tail, the sound of skidding tires filled my ears. I had a death grip on the wheel. The phone flew from Rick's hand as he was violently slammed against the dash and thrown to the floor board. The truck nearly flipped from the inertia. It drifted slightly before coming to rest, smack in the middle of the road.
I slammed the truck into park and with Rick on the floor dazed, I jumped over to his side to check on him. My heart was beating out of my chest; I thought for sure I was going to have a heart attack. I was clammy cold, and sweating bullets at the same time. Rick sat for a second before looking up at me, still confused and visibly shaken. I was relieved to see that for better or worse he was okay.
“What the hell, man?!” he asked as I helped him up.
Rick and I looked around, “What the fuuckkkkkk?” he said in a questioningly, as there in front of us in the road sat three vehicles.
It was a real mess; there had been some kind of accident. A compact car, an SUV and a huge eighties era Buick---it was a horrific scene. The cars were all meshed together; someone must have been driving way to fast to cause that kind of collision. Only the old Buick seemed more or less undamaged. Windshields were cracked in familiar spider web patterns which could only be made by the force of someone's head smashing into it. Puddles of automotive
fluids spilled all around the vehicles; oil mixed with gas and other lubricants and I could smell the sickening sweet aroma of hot anti-freeze wafting in through the vents.
“Uh, where is everyone?” Rick asked; a thought that hadn't yet occurred to me.
Rick was right, I didn't see anyone but then after a moment I noticed the driver side door of the SUV was slightly ajar and lying there halfway concealed by the door was an occupant, most likely the driver and someone kneeling beside them trying to assist.
“We need to go see if anyone needs help!” Quickly I unlocked my door and started to jump out to run and assist; but I couldn't move. Rick had leaped across the seat and grabbed my arm in a surprising feat of agility for a man of this girth.
“NO MOTHER FUCKER!” he yelled, almost screaming. “Hang on” he said in a lower tone, “just wait, let’s make sure it safe”. Right as he spoke we both looked up and the person I had believed to be helping the driver reared up from behind the crumpled door and looked at us. We both sat stunned at what we saw.
This had been no accident; the cars had stopped for a reason. Rearing up from behind the SUV was the cause of the tragic scene. This thing, this abomination looked at us, leering. It was a person, had been a person once, a long time ago, now, well now it was; it was something else. Rick still grasped my arm, as both of us we were caught up in its gaze.
This monstrosity, this demonic abomination parading around in the body of what had probably once been a proud God-fearing man, how dare it mock God in this way. We couldn't tell much from it, as it was so badly decayed, except to say that by the manner of dress (which looked to be early seventies) it must have been entombed for at least thirty or forty years, and yet somehow here it stood. Its face was sunken in and visibly rotted, holes where eyes had once been; yet I could feel it looking at me.
“How's that possible?” I thought to myself.
Patches of skin were missing or hanging on by slivers, like a tattered curtain in long abandoned house. In spots where the skin was cracked, we could see muscle and tendons attached to bone. Its skin or what was left of it, was pale and leather like. Its scalp only held
patches of hair here and there, and where hair and skin were absent the bleached white skull was plainly exposed.
We sat there staring at it, motionless for what felt like an eternity, and it did the same. Then suddenly it started to move slowly towards us; I was still stunned. Then I felt Rick jerk me into the vehicle snapping me out of my daze. I fumbled for the door, getting a grasp on it I slammed it shut locking it firmly behind me.
“Let’s get the fuck out of here!” Rick screamed at me.
I put the truck in reverse, still staring as
the thing lumbered towards us.
“GO! GO! GO!” Rick yelled as he frantically shook his arm and pointed his finger.
I said nothing, what the hell could I say? I put the truck in drive and started to maneuver around the other vehicles. As we passed we could see what happened to some of the poor souls trapped in the cars. They must have been injured in the crash; those that weren't probably got away on foot. The ones that couldn't laid there as this “thing” consumed them, helpless to stop it.
We passed one of the passengers, a young girl, she couldn't have been more than twenty. Laying there slumped over on the passenger side. White shorts and a tank top covered in blood, and a gaping bright red hole in her gut where the creature had feasted on her. She sat there with her head back, arms off to her side, mouth agape while her lifeless eyes stared up at the roof of the vehicle; a macabre sight.
The mind goes to strange places, bad places; unnatural places. My mind drifted, I couldn't help but wonder if she was conscious when the creature came to her. Did she know what it was or what was about happen? What did it feel like as she laid there helpless and felt its cold lifeless hands tearing at her gut and ripping her open? What was running through her mind in those final moments as she looked down and saw the creature's head buried in her innards and feasting on her own organs? Did she watch and look into its cold, dead eyes as it consumed her? How long did she suffer in its cold, soulless embrace before she finally succumbed? Chilling thoughts and I tried not to linger on it long.
Zombies! Rising from the Dead Page 4
