The Z-Day Trilogy (Book 1): Zombie Park

by Mark Cusco Ailes

  “All right. I will take care of her, but mark my words, I still think it’s a bad idea.”

  “I know how you feel. Now if you would please leave me alone with her. I want to talk to her.” He watched as Carlton left the room. He turned to face Kathy. “I’m sorry for all of this, but you brought all of this on yourself. Actually, you deserve all of this. You were always trying to make me feel like a failure. You were constantly pointing the flaws out in my work. Well, you won’t be able to accomplish that any more. I’m taking all the credit for your serum. As far as the world will know, you had nothing to do with it.” He watched as she lowered her head. She understood everything he was telling her. “I’m glad you’re going to see how rich and powerful I’m going to become. As long as I’m alive, my name is the only name people will remember. Yours, on the other hand, will be forgotten with time. I’ve already forgotten what your name is.” She looked up with a tear in her eye. He looked surprised to see it. “How can this be? You must be more human inside that body than we thought. General Poe is going to enjoy hearing this. The serum is working far better than expected.” He looked at her sinisterly. “Your serum would have made you famous. I’m just glad you can’t talk. Go ahead and keep crying. Nobody is going to care about you. I don’t care about you.” He left the room in a hurry. He had to write down his findings before General Poe returned.

  Kathy retreated to the back of the cage with more tears cascading down her cheeks. She was aware of what had happened to her. Her serum worked too well. She was now a zombie with feelings, memories, and without a voice. This was not the way she wanted to continue living. She watched as Carlton came back into the room and up to her cage.

  “I wish there was something I could do for you. I know you can understand me. I promise you I won’t let anybody treat you badly. Just do as they want you to do and leave everything else to me.” He watched as she looked at him sadly. “This is what happens when people play God.” He walked away from the cage, keeping his back turned to her. He was ashamed to look at her. If he was a true friend, he would put her out of her suffering. If only I was a true friend…

  Chapter Twelve

  Donnie Jorsen sat next to Luke Anderson as several people entered the conference room inside the news station. Donnie figured there were at least fifty people cramming into the room. News had spread rapidly through the community about the zombie park, and they were there to discuss a way of preventing it from being built. He had reached out to the mayor to attend the meeting, but he told him he wasn’t going to support them. The zombie park was going to bring a lot of money into the community, and he didn’t want to be known as the mayor who refused over fifty new jobs in the area.

  Soon the conference room was at full capacity, so they decided to take the large group to the warehouse and set up chairs to accommodate everybody. Donnie stood in front of the group. A dry erase board was brought in, and in bold letters, he wrote the word “PETZ”, and then turned to face the crowd. “I know you’re all aware why we are meeting here today. We’re here to discuss and to stop the building of a park in our community–one that demonstrates exactly how far someone will go to make money. There has been a lot of talk about the movie where dinosaurs were brought to life for the public to see and then it all goes wrong. People paid with their lives when the dinosaurs got loose. It’s going to be the same thing with this park, but this time it will be with flesh eating zombies. I have many questions about their zombies. Where are they coming from? How are they being made? I believe we already know the answer to that question. And then there is the other question. How will they be treated? We already know that answer. They will be treated exactly the same way animals are treated in zoos. They won’t have any rights and they won’t have any freedom. They will be locked in cages for the public to gawk at and make fun of. That’s what our group is all about.” He pointed to the word “PETZ” on the board and looked around the room. “I’m here to say we’re not going to let this park open. We’re not going to let them make their zombies and put them in cages to be gawked at. We’re not going to let them put the community at risk. And believe me it will happen. It only takes one of them to bite somebody before we have a zombie apocalypse on our hands. They begin construction next week I’m told, and I say we should be there to block their efforts. We’ll chain ourselves to trees if we have to. We’ll do whatever it takes to make sure this park never opens.” He watched the group to see if he was making an impact on them. He could tell by the looks on their faces they were deeply concerned about having zombies in their community. Luke Anderson handed him a large stack of yellow-colored flyers. “I’m going to pass out some information now about what our mission is and how each one of you can get involved with the cause. If you have any questions, feel free to ask either Luke or myself.”

  They handed out the flyers and answered as many of the questions as they could. They both felt confident their message had been received by all who had attended the meeting. Now it would be up to all of them to become involved with the cause. Once everybody had left, Donnie followed Luke into his office.

  “I think we were successful, Luke. I think we’re going to have a great turnout.”

  “I hope so. The whole idea of a zombie park located at my back door really concerns me. What happens if they don’t stop at zombies and they create something much larger, let’s just say something as large as Godzilla? How far are they willing to go before they create something that destroys all of humanity? I don’t understand why the military is trying to wipe everybody off the face of this earth.”

  “They didn’t stop to think about all the consequences. All they care about is creating their zombies.”

  “This can’t happen, Donnie. Even if it costs me my career, I will do whatever it takes to keep that park from being built.”

  “We’re going to keep it from being built.”

  “Let’s go get a drink and discuss what we’re going to do.”

  Donnie smiled. “It’s like you read my mind.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  General Poe had been interviewed on the local radio station about the zombie park. He said his mission was to try to convince the listeners the park would bring economic growth to the area. He further said it would bring over a hundred new jobs and bring tourists to the area. He also talked about the security of the park. He said every security risk was being considered and remedied before it had a chance to happen. Also, he talked about how the zombies would be treated humanely. The radio host had asked him how a zombie could be treated humanely, because they were supposedly already dead. The general had answered by stating even though zombies were technically dead, they should be treated as living creatures. It was the reason he said he referred to them as ‘they’ and not ‘its’ which would dehumanize them. The radio host laughed and then asked the one question the general was hoping wouldn’t be asked. The question was about where the zombies were coming from. He assured the listening audience the zombies were being created by scientists and people weren’t being killed to be made into zombies. The radio host wasn’t satisfied with the answer and pushed it further by claiming the general was lying. In fact, the host said he had reports claiming homeless people were disappearing in Chicago. The general had become outraged. In a forceful tone he stated the homeless were not being used to make zombies. The radio host then told the general to let the public know exactly how the zombies were being made. The general had paused for a moment and then told the host the interview was over.

  The radio host had watched as the general stormed out of the room. “I must apologize to my listeners,” he said. “This hasn’t been my typical style of interviewing. General Poe’s representatives would only permit the general to answer some of my questions off air, and I was allowed to convey his answers to you from what I learned. I have apparently angered the general and he has left the station, but you heard it right here.” The host continued to inform his listeners that General Poe refused to say where the bodies h
ad come from that were being used to create the zombies. “Are they stealing bodies from the local morgue? Are they using the homeless to make their zombies?” These were the questions he felt his listeners wanted answered, but General Poe wouldn’t let him in on his dirty little secret. He continued by saying, “I hope the local authorities are listening to my radio program and will investigate the park before it opens. Think about this he further said, it could be one of your relatives you go visit at the park. I’m sure I wouldn’t want to go visit the zombie version of my grandmother in the zombie park. What would I bring her for her birthday? Should I bring her a birthday cake or a pound of flesh? He then told his listeners it was up to them whether they believed General Poe or not.

  After the interview, General Poe sat in his car fuming. The radio host had been warned not to ask any questions that hadn’t been approved. He didn’t know how the public was going to react, but somehow he had to do some damage control. The question of the zombies’ origins would be on everybody’s minds. He thought for a moment. If the radio host wants to know so badly where the bodies are coming from, I’ll show him in person how the zombies are made. He knew he would be off the air in two hours. He decided he would wait for him and offer to show him how the process works in person. First, he was going to Mayor Johnson’s office and find out if he had heard the radio program.

  Mayor Johnson shook General Poe’s hand and led him toward his office. He was glad to see the general. He had been in a financial meeting, and he wanted to discuss the specifics of the revenue the park was going to generate for the community.

  “I’m glad you stopped by, General Poe.”

  “Please, call me Wilbur. We’re both friends here.”

  “All right, Wilbur. I’ve been going over the community’s financials. The park is going to be a blessing for the community. With the money we figure it will generate for us, we can attract more business to Valparaiso by being able to give them tax incentives without hurting the bottom line. It will bring thousands of jobs to our area. We also want to open a museum in the area as large as the ones in Chicago. We already have several antique cars and planes that will be donated, not to mention all the other interesting artifacts I’ve been informed about.”

  “A museum? I like the idea. I’m sure I can manage to secure you some antique military items for it. It will be another way for us to show you our gratitude.”

  “You can do that for us? We can have a whole wing dedicated to the military.”

  “As you can see, we both have a lot to gain with this zombie park. It’s important to both of us that nothing stands in the way of progress. I’m sure we’ll have people protesting against the park, and I want to make sure you’re on board if we have to start arresting people.”

  “What will happen to them?”

  “Well, Mayor Johnson, it all depends on how far they go. If it’s simple disobedience, we’ll turn them over to the local authorities. If they take it any further, well, it will be considered a federal offense. They will be taken to a federal prison to stand trial.”

  “What can I do to help?”

  “Hire more police if you have to. I want you to make sure I have no interference. We will begin clearing the area soon and I don’t want to worry about protesters.”

  “What items can you get us for the museum? I will need something really big to attract visitors once they’ve visited your park.”

  “How about some tanks?”

  “That’s a good start. I really need something special.”

  “How about I have a wing made in the museum about the price of freedom. I will have anything you want in the exhibit including tanks, planes, helicopters, and some replica bombs. Will all that make you happy?”

  “I assure you, General Poe, that will make me a very happy man.”

  General Poe knew he had the mayor in his pocket now. He sat in his car waiting for the radio host to come to his car. He was one person who could definitely cause him a great deal of trouble. He had a plan for him, and he hoped he went along with it. He watched as the host left the building and made his way over to his car. He saw the general sitting in his car and approached him.

  “Are you waiting for me, General Poe?”

  “Get in. I want to show you something.”

  “What do you want to show me? I don’t have a lot of time. I have to make an appearance for the station.”

  General Poe wondered if he was making that up. “I promise you it won’t take long. You want to know how the zombies are made. I want to show you so you can tell your listeners the truth. I’ll have you back in plenty of time.”

  Jerry Lee stared at the general curiously. He didn’t know if he could trust him or not, but it was the answer he needed. He got in the car. “All right, General Poe, show me how the zombies are made.”

  Two hours later, General Poe led Jerry into the lab where Professor Hollman was busy mixing chemicals in a large beaker. He led Jerry over to him and introduced him to the professor.

  “This is Professor Hollman. He’s the man behind the creation of the zombies.”

  “Good to meet you, professor. I’m Jerry Lee. I have a radio show and I’m doing a story on your zombies.”

  Professor Hollman glared at the general angrily. He didn’t like the idea of the public knowing the secrets of his zombies until he was completely satisfied with the results. There was still a lot he had to understand about his dead wife’s research. “I’m not ready for interviews if that’s why you are here. My research isn’t complete yet.”

  “The professor is being modest,” said General Poe. “He has already created several zombies. Would you like to see them?”

  “You have zombies here?”

  “In the back room.”

  “Is it safe?” asked Jerry. “I mean, are they secured? I don’t want to get bit.”

  The general smiled. “Relax. I assure you they won’t harm you. We have them locked in cages. They won’t be able to get at you.”

  Jerry followed him into the back room. They were met by Carlton who was busy feeding the zombies. He looked at the two men and shook his head.

  “They’re not on display yet, General Poe. I wish you wouldn’t bring visitors back here.”

  “Relax, Carlton. Jerry has a radio show, and he wants to know all about the zombies.” He led Jerry over to one of the cages and opened it slightly. The zombie inside rushed toward the door and the general swung it open and pushed Jerry inside. He secured the door and watched as the zombie attacked him.

  “What the hell are you doing!” screamed Carlton, running toward the cage.

  General Poe pointed a gun toward him. “Don’t even think about it. He was a threat to our project.”

  They watched as the zombie disemboweled Jerry. Blood soaked the floor and streamed toward the outside of the cage. General Poe looked at Carlton.

  “I’m sorry for the mess, Carlton.”

  “I bet you are. Now, how am I going to get the body out of there? I can’t keep moving these zombies from cage to cage. They’re getting too dangerous to handle.”

  “It’s not my problem. You get paid a lot of money to look after these zombies. You figure it out.” He continued to watch Jerry’s body being consumed. “I don’t think he’s going to be able to turn into a zombie.” He left Carlton with the mess and went back to talk to the professor.

  Carlton went over to Kathy’s cage. “General Poe is worrying me. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I turned a blind eye to using the homeless to make zombies, but now he’s crossing the line. Look at the mess he’s left me to clean up. This is going to take me all day.” He looked at Kathy. She was staring at him with dead eyes. “Please don’t stare at me like that. You’re giving me the creeps.”

  Professor Hollman tried to ignore General Poe as he approached him. He was growing tired of all the interruptions. He was aware the general was alone.

  “Where’s your friend? I hope you’re not planning on leaving him here.”

&
nbsp; “Don’t worry; he won’t bother you. I’m sure he’ll remain dead silent while he’s here.”

  The professor stared at the general curiously. “You fed him to one of the zombies, didn’t you? Is that what’s going to happen to anybody who gets on your bad side?”

  “I’m keeping your secret, professor. Isn’t that what you want me to do? Keep your secret.”

  He showed a hint of a smile. “You’re putting the blame on me. I should be used to it by now. It’s all the government ever does. They put the blame on the wrong people. For once I would like to see one of you blame yourself when something goes south.”

  “I assure you it will never happen. It’s why we have people like you–to take the blame for the things that goes south on us.”

  The professor shook his head and pushed past the general. “I would be careful with the zombies next time. It could be you who the zombies eat. I wouldn’t bring any more visitors here. Do you understand what I’m saying, General Poe? I’m not going to let my lab be your dumping ground.”

  General Poe glared at the professor. He didn’t like that the professor was threatening him. If he didn’t need him so much, he would feed him to one of the zombies. He wanted to say something threatening back, but he chose to remain silent. After all, the professor did know what he had done to Jerry. He waited until the professor went back to his reading before heading to the door. He knew, for now, he wouldn’t have to worry about what the professor might say. If he tried, he would remind him about his wife locked in a cage in back. He would remind him he was responsible for her becoming a zombie. He left thinking his secret would remain safe.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Donnie Jorsen was at the printers having flyers made about his organization. In a few days the construction of the park would begin, and he wanted to make sure the public knew what all the dangers of having a park with zombies in their community would bring. He didn’t know somebody was outside the print shop spying on him.