by C. O. Amal
“They won’t come through. No doubt about that. But how will we get out of this ship?” Rayan asked puzzled.
* * * * *
Chapter 18
Pacific Ocean
Johana and the remaining soldiers rushed inside the control room. A horde of creatures are behind them. The metal sheet connecting the two ships turned upside down and it fell on the water due to the weight of the creatures. Creatures are now crossing the ships by jumping from the cruise ship to USS Enterprices.
Johana sealed the door of the control room from inside. Soldiers looked at the horde, which are thrashing at the door, with panic.
“What should we do?” One of the soldiers asked.
“We could crawl our way through that small compartment on the ceiling of this room to top of the ship, and we could shoot those creatures down with ease.” One of the soldiers said pointing at the small hatch on the ceiling of the control room.
All other soldiers nodded in agreement.
“Whatever you’re going to do, do it fast. Our friends may be inside that ship waiting for our help.” Johana said.
“Okay, guys, move out.” One of the soldiers said.
Sam and Josh looked with wonder what the soldiers are doing. Soldiers removed the hatch on the ceiling and slowly entered in to the small vent that leads to the top of the ship from where supposedly they could kill those hordes of creatures.
The creatures haven’t stopped thrashing. The steel door vibrated due to the force with which the creatures are thrashing. Soldiers finally reached on top of the ship. They could see the violent creatures clearly now. Some of the creatures lack limbs. But they all are very active. They are using their head to thrash at the door.
Soldiers took positions on the roof and aligned their assault rifles. A moment later soldiers started to shoot. The ship’s atmosphere quickly got filled with sound of gunfire and the growl of creatures. Every bullet hit the creatures on the head, in the dead centre. All creatures quickly went down. Soldiers jumped on to the floor from their positions and waved at Johana and her children from outside. Johana opened the control room door.
“We should search for our friends on that ship.” Johana said pointing at the cruise ship.
“We will go there, now.” One of the soldiers said.
A team of twelve soldiers jumped onto the cruise ship from their ship. They adjusted their NVGs and slowly moved through the ship to the inside of the ship. They disappeared behind a door that leads to the inside of the ship.
* * *
“What would we do now?” Rayan asked.
“Hey, we could break this window and jump on to the water and swim our way to the ship.” One of the soldier said pointing at the small round window on the wall.
“That’s a great plan. Somebody please break that window.” Rayan said excited.
One of the soldiers came forward pointing his gun at the window. He fired several shots and the window broke. Sound of creatures increased when they heard the gun shots. Rayan took his gun from its holster and he cleared the small glasses that are protruding.
“Okay, who’s going first?” Rayan asked with excitement.
None of the soldiers moved. They remained motionless looking at Rayan with great expectation.
“Looks like, I should be the first one.” Rayan said with a grin.
Rayan slowly poked his head out of the ship through the window. The window is perfect for a single person to jump out. Rayan slowly jumped out with his head towards the water. He landed safely on the water and he came up.
“Okay, everyone, come out one by one, quickly.” Rayan called out.
One soldier looked at Rayan through the window. Rayan is blistered in the moon light. One by one, soldiers and Jenny and Rose jumped out of the room through the window. Suddenly, some of the creatures spotted them from the upper level. They jumped on top of the soldiers. Creatures hit the water hard. Some of the creatures landed on top of some of the soldiers. Soldiers screamed in pain. Creatures on the water began to roar loudly and started to rollout through the water surface. Looks like the salt water have a good effect on the creatures. All the survivors quickly swam toward USS Enterprices.
Suddenly Jenny began to cry out loud. Rayan and the soldiers looked back. Jenny was looking at the mutilated body of Rose. Looks like one of the creatures landed on Rose’s head. Her neck must have broken, because her head is turned in an odd manner. Rayan quickly swam towards Jenny and he began to calm her down.
“You have to let her go now. Come, there are people waiting for you with great expectation. You have to take this as a woman.” Rayan said soothing words to Jenny.
“Rose was my only friend. This was her idea, of going to United States. Without her I would have been dead long ago.” Jenny said between hiccups.
“Don’t worry about it. You have us now. There are children of your age aboard the ship. You will not be alone. That’s a promise.” Rayan said.
Jenny finally calmed down and stopped crying. She followed Rayan to the ship.
“Is anyone out there? We need help.” One of the soldiers called out from the water.
Johana came near the side of the ship and looked down.
“Rayan! And, everyone. I knew you weren’t dead. I knew it.” Johana said with excitement.
“We need something to get on to the ship. A rope or something like that.” Rayan said.
“Wait a minute. I will get you that.” Johana left them and she moved to somewhere else.
A moment later Johana returned with a rope ladder. She attached the rope ladder on the side of the ship and she rolled it down. Rayan and others climbed aboard the ship.
“Where are others?” One soldier asked.
“They went inside the cruise ship to search for you guys.” Johana said.
They waited for an hour. There were some random gunshots from the cruise ship. Then the team of soldiers emerged from a side door on the cruise ship. They walked towards USS Enterprices.
“So, how did it go?” Rayan finally asked.
“We lost seven of ours. We managed to trap most of the creatures on the bottom floor.” One of the approaching soldiers said.
Everyone jumped on to their ship.
“Who do we have here?” One of the soldiers asked looking at Jenny.
“That’s Jenny. New member of our group.” Rayan said smiling.
“Then, let’s find our sanctuary now. We don’t want to waste time here.” One of the soldiers said.
* * * * *
Chapter 19
Pacific Ocean
The ship USS Enterprices glided through the ocean water at maximum speed.
“We will reach our destination in any minute now. We are only one nautical mile away from Guadalupe Island.” The ship engineer announced.
Everyone sighed with relief. Finally they are going to really survive this plague. The moon lighted their path with silvery light. Stars are blinking in the skies. Sam, Josh and Jenny stood outside the ship staring at the stars.
“Kids, you may want to be careful down there. Those hellish birds may come back. We have to be cautious.” Johana said with worry.
“Don’t worry, mom. We will be alright.” Josh said.
“You should be …” Johana mumbled.
“Rayan, please keep an eye on them.” Johana said to Rayan.
“I will. You don’t have to worry about anything. Besides we will be there in our sanctuary before the moon goes down.” Rayan said.
Johana smiled at the comment and she went inside the control room. Rayan glanced at the young children who are enjoying the beauty of the night sky. Dark silhouette of some island appeared in a distance. Rayan looked at the image with patience. The size of the Island increased relative to the motion of the ship.
Everyone came outside the control room and looked beyond the skies.
They have reached their destination. Only the sunlight can tell the difference now. They have to wait a few more hours for sunlight.
“We are th
ere.” Ship’s engineer came outside and announced.
“Is this the Guadalupe Island?” Rayan asked with relief.
“Yes, it is.” Ship’s engineer said.
“I can’t wait to see those tree lands.” Johana said.
“Should we move in there now or should we wait for morning?” Ship’s engineer asked.
“We will move in the morning. First we have to make sure that the island is safe for us to live. Only then we should move to that location.” One of the soldiers said.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Everyone waited for four hours for the moon to disappear. Sun came up from the east. Sun’s light illuminated the forest landscape. The entire island is filled with trees. They could start a whole new life there for sure.
Soldiers launched small lifeboats on the ocean water. Everyone got inside the boats and paddled the boats towards the Guadalupe Island. Finally the boats touched the sandy beach. Soldiers dragged the boat away from the tides and settled them in a side. Everyone looked at the massive trees in front of them with astonishment and relief.
* * * * *
Chapter 20
Guadalupe Island, Pacific Ocean
The island is huge, about the size of Los Angeles. Everyone moved through the tree line. No one has taken away their biohazard suit. They can’t afford to take any chances now. They should be very careful if they want to survive among the plague lands.
They ventured deep inside the woods. There is clean water and there are many banana plants everywhere on the island. They are saved. This is the sanctuary they were looking for. This island could support many generations for sure, provided the plague won’t reach here.
Soldiers built a make shift camp using wood. They cut the wood using the chain saw from the ship. Birds are chirping on the trees. The whole island is alive and well. A healthy island for sure.
“Can we take off these suits?” Josh asked.
“No. We have to wait at least two weeks, before we could throw away the biohazard suit.” One of the soldiers said.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
They slept on the ship when night took over the island and they moved further into the island when the sun is highest in the sky.
They spent one week on the Island. No sign of infected creatures or those hellish birds. So far, so good.
“Now we have to build houses.” Johana said.
“We can do all sort of things, but first safety is important. We have to make sure this entire island is clean and we can’t disregard the fact that those birds are still out there.” Rayan said with a deep sigh.
“But I can’t adjust to sleeping on the ship. It is just making me lonely again. I need some space.” Johana said taking Rayan’s hand in hers. “I need a companion now.”
“I will always be there for you. You don’t have to worry about a thing.” Rayan said. “But first, safety is mandatory. We have to wait until we make sure those creatures are dead due to hunger.”
“I can’t wait to take off these suits. It is really hot in this.” Johana complained.
“Well, you have to make some sacrifices for the greater good.” Rayan said.
“So much for sacrifices.” Johana said.
“Mom. We found it in the woods.” Sam called out. In his hands is a rabbit.
The rabbit looks very healthy.
“Oh. We could make dinner with that.” Johana said smiling.
“Mom.” Sam said with anger. “It’s my new pet!”
“Oh, honey. I am sorry. I didn’t mean it.” Johana said.
“No. you didn’t.” Sam said and he left the scene.
“You have a nice pair of kids.” Rayan said.
“Thanks.” Johana said.
Soldiers have started building small houses now. Rayan and Johana walked deeper into the forest discussing their future plans.
* * * * *
Epilogue
Guadalupe Island, after one month
Rayan woke with a sharp pungent smell in his nose. He covered his mouth and nose using his hands. Johana mumbled something. She is still in sleep. Rayan opened the door and walked towards the beach. Soldiers were already there. Everyone is watching something.
Rayan got closer and he saw it too. The entire ocean has changed its colour to a reddish brown. Fishes are dead and are floating on the water. Rayan covered his mouth with his hands in disbelief. After all they have been through. It was all for nothing.
Suddenly a sharp screech came. Everyone looked at the horizon. The hellish birds got filled in the whole sky. They have found them. There is no escape from this anymore. They have already exposed to the virus.
“It good knowing you guys.” Rayan said.
Everyone smiled.
####
BOOK 2
* * * * *
When Darkness Returns – When one world dies, another awaits…
* * * * *
Prologue
A.D. 450, Unknown Location
The ship came at blazing speed from the heavens. The ship is very enormous. Just after reaching Earth’s atmosphere, the nose of the ship caught a light fire. The flaming ship landed with enormous force and then it began to slid through the ground, throwing dust and soil all the way. Even some of the trees were uprooted.
Several moments later the ship stopped sliding and it rested near a group of trees. There is a big trench on the ground behind the ship. Smoke rose from several parts of the ship.
The place the ship landed has become a huge crater. A moment later the ramp on the back of the ship opened. Sound of enjoyment can be heard from the ship. A minute or so later, people rushed out of the ship through the opened doorway. There are about hundred people. They all, with all their might, climbed out of the crater and all breathed a sigh of relief.
A tall man, presumably the leader, came forward with a small glass device in his hands. He pressed a red switch on the side of the device and immediately a blue light escaped from the device into the forest landscape. The glass surface showed many unknown symbols in varying colors.
“We are safe at last.” The leader said.
* * * * *
Chapter 1
A.D. 450, Planet Mars
“Okay, everyone. Supper is ready.” A woman called out from the kitchen.
“Coming, mom.” A girl’s voice reverberated inside the house.
The mother paced toward the living room where her son is watching TV.
“Mom, did you watch the news lately?” The boy asked when he saw his mother coming.
“No. What is it?” Mother asked.
“The flu we heard about last week has worsened. Several infected people came to our town, but medical workers caught them on time and hospitalized them. Think about it. They could have spread the disease.” The boy said.
“Well, it’s just flu, Ben. If you live a healthy life you won’t catch it.” Mother said. “Now switch off the TV and come to the dining room for supper.”
“Will dad come tonight?” Ben asked. “I am dying to see him.”
“Well, son, it’s his job. He is risking his life for everyone’s sake. I am sure he will come home soon.” Mother said.
“Okay, mom.” Ben said, and he switched off the TV.
Mother left the scene smiling and she climbed the stairs to her daughter’s room.
“Karen, honey, supper is on the table.” Mother said leant on to the door.
“I am coming, mother. I need to finish this school work.” Karen said.
“Well, you can finish it after the supper.” Mother said.
“Okay.” Karen rushed out of the door knocking her mother.
Mother almost fell down but she got a good tight grip on the handrails of the stair.
“You almost killed me, Karen.” Mother shouted.
“Sorry, mom.” Karen left the scene to the dining room, smiling.
In the dining room the three of them sat on the chairs around the table, holding their hands each other.
> “So, who wants to say the prayer?” Mother asked.
Ben and Karen stayed silent.
“Well, in that case I will say the prayer.” Mother said. Everyone closed their eyes. “Oh, lord, thank you for bringing us together again and for giving us our meal. Without you, we are nothing. We hope you will provide food for tomorrow too.”
Everyone opened their eyes and started on their soup and meat. Suddenly a knock on the door shifted their eyes to the front door.
“Who will it be at this time of hour?” Mother asked.
“It may be dad.” Ben said excitedly.
“I will get the door.” Mother said and she left the dining room.
Mother paced toward the front door and once she reached there she opened the door. Suddenly she screamed at the top of her lungs.
“Ahh …”
“What is it, mom?” Ben and Karen rushed towards their mom.
At the time they reached the front door Karen also screamed.
“Ahh … Dad …”
“Dad?” Ben said.
Before them lay their father drenched in blood. Can’t say whose blood it is, but part of the flesh on his legs and hands are missing. Ben quickly crouched down and laid his father’s head on his lap.
“Dad?” Ben asked.
The father slowly opened his eyes.
“Dad, what happened? Mom, call an ambulance.” Ben said.
“No need for ambulance, Ben. You need to look after your mom and sister now. You need to be a big man.” The father said with a crackling noise.
“Dad, don’t say things like that. You know, I am just a kid.” Ben said.
“You don’t have no other choice, son. You need to listen to me carefully now.” Father said.
“Okay.” Tears welled up in his eyes.
“You need to reach the air base. They will leave in the morning. Take the gas masks from my closet and wear it all the time.” Father said.
“What is it, dad?” Ben asked.
“The flu is very bad, son. I will turn soon. You need to close the door and leave me here.” Father said.
