Nightmare-Z

by S. A. Lowry

  Andrew quickly hops on his yahoo messenger to see if Trevor is online. Once he does, he notices none of his 250 friends are on. Not even the ones who practically live on their computers. He decides to go back to the report to do some more research. Much of it is vague, however pretty much all of the major European powers and the United States and Canada claim to have the situation under control and encourage people to go about their daily lives without panic.

  Whatever these reports mean, is almost some what of a fantasy to Andrew. Some how the government, it says, believes this outbreak of the ‘flu’ is some how connected to these riots is beyond Andrew’s understanding. He decides to take his mind off it and heads over to the USO to shoot a few games of pool and watch some movies in the recreational rooms so time can pass by before his flight. He was given a timeline of when to show back up with his bags to catch his flight which only happened to be a little bit over 48 hours away.

  A few hours here and there, Andrew grows bored and decides to get some rest. The rest of the remaining days before he goes home consists of some gym time, loafing around and still trying to get in contact with his brother who still hasn’t responded to his messages yet. Tent city also has a McCdonalds, which is Andrew’s favorite fast food joint. He already ordered a Big Mac with large fries and a diet coke three times since he been there.

  Since supply is scarce out here in the desert where he is at, the stores and restaurants don’t get resupplied as much as normal fast food restaurants in the states. The day he tried getting his order they didn’t happen to have any of the sauce which goes with the famed Big Mac hamburger on hand. Frustrating as it may be, it didn’t bother Andrew. He was just happy to get some time to himself before he heads home. When the time finally came for him to show up at the pax terminal with his bags, one of the cadre there made him and the small group he was flying with to lay their bags down and create a formation so information could be put out regarding their flights. To Andrew’s disapointment, he was told his flight has been delayed for another day. The cadre informs his group to be back here at the same time tomorrow with their bags expecting to fly.

  This frustrated many soldiers as they picked up their bags to walk it back to their tents in disapointment. Andrew figures he would use this other day of free time to himself to get some more much needed rest and try to continue to contact his brother.

  Another day goes by, same results. He walks up to the formation area once again with the same group of people holding their bags ready to go. The cadre who shows up with a clipboard out of the pax terminal calls for another formation and addresses the group once more with the bad news. The cadre conducts roll call. Once completed, he informs them that their flight is delayed yet again by another day or so. Keep checking back in at these times everyday until one opens up is the instructions his group was finally given.

  Six more days go by with the same results every day, same time, same location. Many soldiers, now beyond frustrated, begins asking questions. The cadre can not give them any real answers. Some start asking if the recent reports of world wide flu and riots has anything to do with them not flying. The cadre ignores their questions and reminds them that he will try to gather as much information as he can. Once he knows, they will know he explains.

  Three more days go by. Still no response from Trevor. Andrew grows worried. This time in the formation area, not only is the cadre there, but various other high ranking cadres as well. They tell everyone to gather around them so they can explain the situation. The group obliges.

  One of the higher ranking members of the Kuwaiti R&R staff steps forward with a serious look on his face and begins to brief the soldiers. “Alright listen up. You all are definately flying today. However, you must be aware of a few things. Most parts of the United States right now is going through a very complicated time. There have been reports, like you all know, of widespread sicknesses and riots in the streets. This has pretty much engulfed the majority of the country right now at this point. Our government has everything under control, however, remains in a high state of alert. You will notice beefed up security checkpoints in Atlanta Airport along with the presence of Natioal Guard troops enforcing security. If you are to come into contact with any of these riots or altercations with any groups inciting these riots, you are to avoid them at all costs and notify authorities. We are serious on this. A few days ago we weren’t going to allow any flights out of the country back to the United States until the security situation has improved or until these incidents came under control. Most of the country is literally in a state of emergency. However, the President isn’t willing to completely shut the country down. It simply isn’t an option. Remember while on your R&R, to stay safe, make an effort to avoid crowded public places and definately by any circumstances do not participate or go near any of these riots or protests. Got it?”

  All of the soldiers nod their heads with worrisome looks on their faces. Andrew doesn’t know what to make of this. He doesn’t ask any questions as he files into the building to start the process to go home.

  “Excuse me sir. Would you like to try our in flight meal?” asks the stewardess as she tries to narrowly fit through the flight walk way with a wheeled tray of food and drinks.

  At that point, Andrew was almost asleep in his seat. He rises up from his seat while shaking his drowsiness off and reaches for whatever plate of food the nice lady gave him unaware of whats in it but still willing to eat it. He takes a few bites, then reclines back in his chair and closes his eyes. A few hours passes by.

  Andrew awakes to to the sound of a beep and the pilot’s voice. Andrew raises up his chair and his tray. He then proceeds to buckle his seatbelt. The pilot comes up over the intercom and informs the passengers of their descent into Atlanta Airport and his gratitude for all the fighting men and women in the armed services. He also welcomes the soldiers home and wishes them a safe trip back to their families which ever flight or vehicle they may need to get there. Excitement now fills Andrew’s veins as he is wide awake and grateful to be back on American soil or airspace. Some turbulence begins.

  The flight begins descending through the clouds. Moments later, Andrew notices out the window from his window seat from above the rural landscape of the outskirts of Atlanta. He has a good picture of all the neighborhoods in rows and how the streets window for miles and as far as the eye can see. He begins counting swimming pools and rows of cars as they pass through the main roads from above. What he also notices is lots of smoke coming from various different houses spread out across each neighborhood he passes which shoots up into the sky hundreds of feet.

  Hard to tell whats going on around those areas because of the smoke. As the plane gradually drops closer to the surface he begins noticing traffic pile ups for miles. Some cars in line are also burning. Much of what he is seeing now catches his eye but figures there is a logical explanation for what he is seeing. So as a result, he pays it no mind.

  Andrew decides to turn away from the window and pull out a sky mall magazine. He likes these magazines because of all the neat gadgets in it which costs a ridicilious amount of money and is normally completely useless in everyday life. Good way to pass the time he tells himself. As he flips through the pages of merchandise, something dongs on him.

  What he saw outside, was anything but normal. Nothing out there made any sense. In matter of fact, in all actuality, it looked like a warzone outside. He places the magazine back in the front of his seat and looks back at the window. That is when the pilot comes back over the intercom to address the passengers.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen. I am sure you all noticed from the view of your window all the commotion going on in the city and may think how it will effect us landing there. I just got off the horn with the tower and they assure us everything is secure and safe for us to land. What you are seeing right now is a product of the violence incited by the recent rioting mobs which sprang up all all over the country over the past ten days or so. Do not be alarmed, there is plent
y of security personnell and officials to ensure a safe landing and smooth process to any connecting flights within the US you may need to take. Again I thank you for riding World Airways and hope to have you back soon. Welcome home once again,” calmly states the pilot.

  Andrew continues to look on, mesmerized at the sight of what he sees. Many of the passengers on board begin nervously conversing to eachother. The plane now begins descending onto the airstrip.

  What used to look like ants to Andrew now appear larger and larger by the passing seconds. Andrew can hear and feel the wheels deploy from the belly of the plane as it touches surface.

  “I’m back,” he tells himself with a grin on his face.

  Some soldiers on the plane begin clapping while displaying their excitement to finally be home. Upon arrival, the passengers scoop up their carry-on baggage from the overhead compartments and begin funneling off the plane while lined up flight staff thank them for their service and give their best wishes as the passengers pass them by making their way to the terminal.

  Once inside the terminal, Andrew is met by a man in dress uniform claiming to be an LNO(Unit Liasion) and begins directing soldiers to a nearby wall to take roll call and accountability.

  As Andrew approaches the wall as part of the line of soldiers front to back, he notices increased security measures taken in the terminal. There are various three man team police officer roving patrols holding shotguns and assault rifles.

  Dog teams roaming around the premises and also what appears to be National Guard soldiers setting up mock checkpoints throughout the terminal while checking ID cards at random and scanning approaching passengers as they walk by with some type of device.

  Another thing that startled Andrew, was the fact that all of the security personnell within the terminal are wearing face masks to cover up their mouths from any potential spread of germs. Some also wore latex gloves. The soldiers carried Protective Gas Masks on their side hips as well.

  Andrew notices whatever device the soldiers and police were using at the checkpoint, it wasn’t any type of metal detector. The device they were using was being placed up against passenger’s eyes, followed by a bright flash like a camera.

  Three to five seconds later, a reviewer monitored whatever screen was attached to the device and decided whether or not the passenger was clear to proceed to his or her terminal.

  Andrew and the soldiers line up along the wall with their assault packs on their backs. A man wearing a police uniform comes to the front of the line with a tactical shotgun slung across the front of his chest.

  He begins screening soldiers one by one, asking where they are going and if their destinations are approved are not. He also follows up by scanning their eyes with a similiar device Andrew saw the others using earlier on civilians. After twelve or so soldiers are screened and cleared by to the customs checkpoint and ticketing, Andrew is next in line.

  “Hello Mr. Wilcott,” the officer cautously states.

  “What may be your final destination today?” The man adds. “Killeen Texas, sir,” responds Andrew with a weird look on his face. “Alright then, good so far. Please open your eyes as wide as possible and do not blink for ten seconds,” the officer instructs.

  Andrew obliges. As the scanner rips through Andrew’s retina, he feels his eye balls and sockets begin to heat up. It is a very uncomfortable feeling he tells himself as he struggles not to blink. Once he is complete, the officer reviews his results, clears him through and wishes him a good day.

  Andrew doesn’t know what to think of this. This is something he never experienced before in an airport, especially a secured part of the airport. What was going on seemed highly unusual and no doubt in his mind has something to do with the reports on the news, his flight being delayed so long and also the commotion going on outside which he beared witness to as he was landing.

  Andrew speeds up his walking pace as he passes people in the crowded terminal and approaches the customs checkpoint. As he approaches, he waits in a line with a few soldiers ahead of him as they get their tickets stamped.

  As he waits, he notices the other lines with civilians in them are pretty long and most of the travelers seem impatient. Many are coughing as well and look sickly. As the soldiers get cleared through one by one and Andrew gets closer, loud yelling and screams break out from the civilian side of the checkpoint.

  Apparently one of the passengers being screened began kicking and screaming one of the checkpoint agents as they hauled him away into a backroom. His family members, who were obviously with him are now crying and throwing items from inside their pockets at the guards.

  One of the family members of the man whom was dragged away, actually threw a punch at one of the agents. The checkpoint guards proceeded to tackle him and haul him away as well into the same room as his family member.

  Andrew tries to mind his own business as a spectator as he gets his ticket stamped and proceeds through the checkpoint. The sound of screams and the cries from the checkpoint begin to fade out as he walks further and further away.

  He is now on his way to ticketing to receive his boarding pass for his flight to Texas. Luckily, the lines aren’t as long as the ones at customs. As a result, he receives it with relative ease. Some of the airline employees were also very helpful in guiding him to a nearby Kiosk and assisting him with his flight information.

  Too easy he tells himself as he walks through his final checkpoint to get back into the secured area of Atlanta Airport.

  While in line, he begins unbuckling his belt and removing several metallic items such as his watch, his dog tags and his lighter as he creeps up in line with the others waiting. He removes his boots one step at a time as well and carefully places them in the tray which will be scanned on the convayer belt.

  As he waits in line, he notices a woman around his age right behind him constantly staring him down. He isn’t sure if she likes him or not, or is just caught up in the uniform. He decides to give her a slight grin as he glances back.

  She returns the favor.

  Moments later and a few steps forward in line, she taps him on the shoulder.

  “So you’re in the Army huh? Where are you coming from?” asks the young lady.

  “Iraq,” Andrew embarassily responds with a slight blush on his face.

  The lady now looks confused.

  “Really? Wow. I thought they like, pulled out of there years ago. Isn’t the war over?” curiously asks the young lady with an apparent confusion on her face.

  Wow, what a ditz Andrew concludes to himself.

  “Yeah, something like that,” Andrew politely adds. Nothing follows.

  A few moments of akward silence takes place and yet again a few steps later, the young lady concludes her conversation with Andrew.

  “Well then, welcome home and stay safe. God bless you,” the young lady concludes. Andrew thanks her for her generousity while feeling slightly embarassed. He always hates it when people thank him for his service. Andrew feels that it is just another job for him and that people go way out their way to show respect or feel the need to say something. This makes him feel uncomfortable as he just wishes to go about his business in peace.

  Andrew finally reaches the TSA checkpoint and walks through the metal detector. Once he is cleared, he scoops up his items and begins putting all his stuff back on. Before he takes off, one of the TSA employees stops him and hands him an elastic germ mask to cover his mouth with.

  “It’s a requirement in this area. Do not take it off,” the checkpoint guard orders.

  Andrew, with an even more confused look on his face, complies. After taking that new information in, moments later he glances at his boarding pass. It says he must go to Terminal C. He is currently in Terminal A. Andrew proceeds to the train which takes passengers to all the terminals within the airport.

  While waiting on the lower level by the stairs for the train to approach, he is surrounded by many would-be passengers. The airport is packed today, like alway
s. At least he isn’t the only one with this mask on. Everyone in the terminal is wearing one, even the security personnell.

  As he waits for his train, a few minutes go by while at least one patrol of police officers pass by them on foot with a K-9 on a leash. As the men pass by, Andrew notices a man in a business suit a few persons down from him fall to the ground and go into a seizure.

  Everybody begins screaming and running off. The dog that is with the officers begins barking loudly like he wants to attack the man on the ground. That is when the train shows up. Some people who were just passing by, not even needing to get on the train, decide to hop on it with Andrew to avoid the man violently shaking uncontrollably on the ground. Once Andrew squeezes his way into the compacted train, the doors shut as he sees the police officers race towards the man. The train takes off.

  Andrew now listens to the passengers in order to piece together what he just saw. He’s been seeing alot of seizures lately and none of it makes sense.

  “Oh my god, is it here now? What are we going to do. I didn’t think it would come this far!” exclaims a frightened lady on the train. Many of the passengers are now panicing. Some of the small children are crying including two small boys whom clinge to their mother’s hip. She attempts to calm them down by stroking their hair. The children are wearing Disney World T-shirts and Mickey Mouse hats. She desperately tries to comfort them by reminding them of their fun trip to Disney, the place they were just returning from

  A random male passenger in vacation like attire adds, “This wasn’t in any of the reports. Maybe that man was just sick. Nobody said anything about it coming here, so everyone just calm down.”

  “What the hell is going on here? Anybody want to fill me in?” Andrew asks a random passenger in the corner whom appears to also be frightened.

  She looks up at him and tries to tell him something. That is when she is cut off by the automated voice on the train announcing their arrival into Terminal B. The train then comes to a screeching halt while the automated voice drowns out and all the lights shut off. The train is now so dark you can not even see the front of your hand. Some of the passengers try to panically open up the doors without any progress. Screams of panic and cries begin to break out. A few of the passengers inside the train, are heard in the dark falling to the ground and shaking. Obviously another seizure case while some of the passengers still standing are hit in the legs by the uncontrollable violent compulsions emitted by the afflicted.