Dying Planet

by C. O. Amal

  A few minutes later the host of the building Eric and team are in came and he welcomed them for a meal.

  “I am Zorin.” The host, a middle aged man said.

  “It’s pleasure to meet you. We can’t thank you enough for your hospitality.” Eric said.

  Zorin led them to the living room in the ground level. There is a huge round table in the middle of the room. “Come on, sit around the table.”

  Eric and team obeyed Zorin.

  “Today’s meal is my gift to you. And in the coming days you have to find jobs and make money, so that you can cook your own food in your apartment.” Zorin said.

  A women came from a nearby room carrying plates full of fried chicken. She placed the three plates full of fried chicken in the centre of the table and she left. There are plates which are placed upside down in front of each person. Zorin placed his plate in good position. Eric and team did just like Zorin had done with the plate. Zorin took some fried chicken in his plate from the plates placed in the centre of the table, and Eric and team also done the same.

  “What kind of works are here for us?” Eric asked while taking a piece of fried chicken.

  “We mostly want people to help the farmers, and if you have any specialty in certain things like making clothes or making tools for farming, you can do that. Also we need people to maintain farming tools. Women can find work in the nursery where young kids are taught. We have a special need for baby sitters. And if you know anything special you can do that.” Zorin said. “After the meal take a bath and then try to look around. You could easily find a work in this city.”

  Eric and team nodded.

  Eric slowly began to eat his food.

  “Do you want anybody for fighting against the creatures?” Ruben asked.

  Eric and David glanced at Zorin.

  “You know how to use guns?” Zorin asked.

  “Yes. I don’t know what kind of guns you guys use here. But, I can master any weapon fast.” Ruben said.

  “We have already got a nice group of people for fighting the infected. Go and ask in the ship yard for work. You can find soldiers in there. But, I can’t promise you that you would find work as a soldier.”

  Ruben nodded.

  Before long, they all finished their food. Eric and Emma thanked Zorin for the food and they went inside their room. Tom, Sammy and others also left the living room. Emma and Eric took a quick shower and they wore new clothes which they found inside the shelf. Eric is very happy that he got out of his sweaty clothes.

  “So, are we going to look for a job?” Emma asked from the bedroom while she combed her hair.

  “Yeah. I am ready. If you’re ready, we can go.” Eric said.

  “I am ready.”

  “Okay. Then let’s find our future.” Eric took Emma’s hand in his and they strode outside the building. Their building is on one side of a street and in this street there is a rush of people who are going in both directions. Eric and Emma took the right direction and they slowly walked through the street. A few minutes later they saw shops where people are selling food materials. Nearby food shops there are many people who are either buying things or are staring at the food with watery mouth.

  At the first sight of the wide variety of food, Eric’s and Emma’s mouth watered. Too bad they have no money in their pockets. They passed the food shops and then they saw shops selling materials needed for a house. Most materials in these shops are used for decorative purposes.

  It’s actually interesting to know that these people are with joy while an epidemic roams outside the city. This whole city is surrounded by a stone wall and the wall is very tall. There are sentries posted on the top of the walls to maintain order. Before long Emma and Eric reached the end of the street and in front of them there is a stone wall. Through the gaps in the gates Emma and Eric could see agricultural fields. These fields are surrounded by a barbed wire fence. According to Zorin there are five agricultural fields just outside the city. Eric saw two or three creatures here and there just outside the gates.

  “Let’s head back. I am really tired after the short walk. We can look for jobs in some of the food shops.” Eric said.

  “You have red my mind.” Emma smiled.

  They slowly started their return journey.

  * * *

  Ruben hurriedly walked towards the ship yard. Before long he found it. This is where Ruben and team landed in this city of Dojai in the first place. He entered inside the ship yard and looked in every direction for a soldier. Then he found a small building, in front of which a soldier is sitting in a chair. The soldier is carrying a weapon similar to the assault rifle. Ruben walked towards that soldier.

  “Can I help you?” The soldier asked when he saw Ruben coming towards him.

  “I am new here. I am looking for a job in the army.” Ruben said.

  The soldier stood up and he looked at Ruben from head to toe.

  “You have experience?” The soldier asked.

  “I was a soldier in my planet.”

  The soldier’s eye widened. “Which planet?”

  Ruben quickly told his story, omitting the Martian part.

  “So, you might know how to use an assault rifle.” The soldier said.

  “Yes. I know how to use it.”

  “I am Ron.” The soldier put forward his hand. Ruben accepted Ron’s hand and he shook the hand. “Come on, I will show you inside. I am sure we could find a job for you in the army.”

  Ron led Ruben inside the building. Before long the sun began to set in the horizon.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 5

  Dojai, Planet Nibiru

  Sun slowly began to rise from the horizon. A thick layer of mist covered everywhere in the city of Dojai and the agricultural fields. All sort of joyous sound of people can be heard in this morning hour. Then, a once human being slowly walked towards one of the agricultural fields.

  Behind the creature came two other creatures, all swayed when they moved. Once they reached a nearby field, they peered inside the field through the barbed wire fence. Suddenly on the far corner of the field, a doorway appeared on the ground and a man came out of the doorway. The man saw the creatures but he didn’t show any fear. The man must have seen creatures like this before.

  On one corner of the field there is a water tank and the man took water in a bucket, and he began to sprinkle water near the tiny crops. The crop is planted in the field in a series of rows. The man slowly sprinkled water on one crop after another.

  The creatures hungrily watched the man’s movement. Then one of the creatures lies down on the ground and it began to crawl toward the field through the gap between the lower line of barbed wire and the ground. The gap is small and the barbed wire left three long cut on the creature’s back. Finally the creature reached inside the field and it stood up. The creature for a moment stared at the creatures outside, and then it lunged towards the farmer.

  The farmer didn’t saw the creature coming. He in fact is doing his job blindly. When the creature reached behind the man, it leapt on top of the man.

  “Ahh ...” The man screamed. The creature quickly silenced him by biting in his neck. Blood poured out from his neck.

  Then the two other creatures, which are outside the fence, also got inside. The creatures didn’t make any sound. Sound of people came from the doorway in the ground. The fields and the city are in fact connected by tunnels. The creatures moved towards the tunnel entrance. A moment later the fallen farmer stood up with dark eyes. The farmer is no longer a man. He is now a creature. Then the farmer made an inhuman moan and it followed the creatures. A few moments later they all climbed down the small set of stairs and reached the underground tunnel.

  Inside the tunnel sound of people can be clearly heard. Then the creatures made a run for the other end of the tunnel. A few minutes later screams of people came from here and there. The killing has begun!

  * * * * *

  Chapter 6

  Dojai

/>   Eric and Emma were sleeping when an alarm went off. The sound of alarm filled the very air. Eric and Emma quickly woke up and ran towards the ground floor living room. At the time they reached there, Zorin was already there.

  “Zorin, what happened?” Eric asked.

  “It’s the creatures. They somehow got inside the city.” Zorin said.

  “Ahh ...” Suddenly a scream came from outside.

  Zorin quickly closed the door and he dead bolted it. Eric went near the window and peered outside. He saw two or three men lying on the street. Blood is steadily oozing down from their bodies. Then he saw an infected. It is running towards a woman. The woman threw away her belongings which were in her hand and she ran away. Then more creatures came.

  “They are just killing them, not eating.” Eric said.

  “They are determined to turn us into them.” Zorin said.

  A moment later Ruben and rest of Eric’s friends joined them in the living room.

  “What is it?” Ruben asked.

  “Look outside.” Eric said pointing at the window. Then Ruben too saw it.

  Ruben quickly ran towards his room.

  “Where are you going?” Eric asked.

  “To get my gun.” Ruben said.

  A few moments later Ruben returned with his assault rifle.

  “Where are you going with that?” Eric demanded.

  “Remember, I am part of the guards. I have a duty to do.” Ruben slowly went near the window and peered outside.

  Suddenly two creatures began to thrash at the front door. Then more creatures joined the thrashing. Ruben went near the wooden door pointing his assault rifle.

  “Zorin, your door is about to get holes.” Ruben said smiling.

  Zorin nodded.

  Ruben pulled the trigger.

  Pop! Pop! Pop!

  The high caliber bullets rushed outside. Outside creatures dropped with loud thud. Ruben then moved his hand to open the door.

  “Ruben, wait. I am coming with you.” Eric said.

  Ruben looked at Eric.

  “I can shoot. I know guns.” Eric said.

  Ruben nodded.

  “Honey, please stay.” Emma said.

  “Don’t worry, Emma. You go to your room and shut the door. I will be back soon.” Eric patted Emma’s shoulder. Emma nodded. “Then, don’t just stand there, go.”

  Emma and rest of Eric’s friends ran away from the scene towards their own rooms. Ruben opened the door and he stepped outside. Eric followed.

  “Zorin, close the door and barricade it.” Ruben commanded. Zorin nodded and he closed the door.

  The street is filled with dead bodies and they all soon wake up without humanity. Suddenly two creatures ran towards Ruben and Eric.

  Pop! Pop! Pop!

  Ruben fluently pulled the trigger and both of them went down.

  “Come on, Eric.” Ruben and Eric broke into a sprint towards the end of the city where the ship yard lays.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 7

  Dojai

  Eric and Ruben ran through the street. Bodies are scattered on the streets and soon they all will wake up to kill. The infected are only making wounds on the bodies. They surely have something naughty in mind. Ruben and Eric passed an opened shop and suddenly a group of infected arose from the shop. The infected began to chase Eric and Ruben.

  “Ruben, infected on our rear.”

  Ruben took a quick glance and saw the infected. Infected are gaining on them. They passed another shop and suddenly Ruben stopped and he trained his gun at the approaching horde. As soon as Eric ran behind Ruben, Ruben pulled the trigger.

  Pop! Pop! Pop!

  Bullets sprayed and all the approaching creatures went down. Ruben actually has a particular skill for head shots. Suddenly a sharp moan came from behind a building near the fallen creatures. Then a few dozens of creatures rushed at Ruben and Eric. Ruben pulled the trigger but the magazine was empty.

  “Shit! Run!” Ruben shouted.

  They broke into a sprint. Before long they saw the ship yard. Ship yard is no exception to the massacre. Throughout the ship yard there are bodies here and there on the ground.

  “Eric, this way.” Ruben led Eric towards a small building. They found the door locked from inside.

  “Ron, open the door.” Ruben shouted and knocked on the door. A moment later a side window opened and Ron peeked at Ruben and Eric.

  “Ron, thank god you’re alive. Open the door.” Ruben said taking a deep breath.

  Quickly Ron opened the front door and Ruben and Eric rushed inside. Ron closed the door just in time when the horde reached the ship yard. Then the horde rushed at the building in which Ruben and his team are in. A moment later the creatures started to thrash at the door.

  “Ron, lead us to the armory.” Ruben said.

  Ron quickly went to the far corner and he opened a door on the floor. An underground room! Ruben and Eric quickly got busy in barricading the door.

  “Ruben, come.” Ron called.

  Ruben and Eric quickly ran towards Ron. The three of them quickly entered inside the underground room.

  “Is it just you?” Ruben asked Ron.

  “Yeah. Others are still home. I hope they are alive.” Ron said.

  “Will people stay inside and barricade doors?” Ruben asked.

  “They would. It’s mandatory that whenever the alarm rings, people should stay indoors and barricade the doors.” Ron said.

  “But, there are so many bodies on the streets.” Eric said.

  “Nobody wouldn’t have anticipated this. A man said that they came through the agricultural fields, through the barbed wire fence.” Ron said.

  “I thought about the security of those barbed wire fence at the moment I saw the fence.” Ruben said.

  Ruben looked around the room and found assault rifles and a heap of magazines and ammunition in a corner. He quickly went near the magazines and he immediately filled his waist band with extra magazines. He then grabbed a gun and gave it to Eric. Then he gave Eric a few instructions on how to use the gun.

  “Remember, just point and shoot.” Ruben said.

  Eric nodded.

  “Ron, aren’t you taking a gun?” Ruben asked when he saw Ron standing there with his own thoughts.

  “Yeah.” Ron stopped thinking and rushed towards the guns. He grabbed and assault rifle and he too filled his waist band with extra magazines. "We should take that tunnel to the wall. We can shoot them down from the top of the wall.”

  “Then, lead the way.” Ruben said.

  Ron quickly ran towards a corner and he opened a door which led to a dark tunnel. Before long they started running through the dark tunnel. Tunnel is a little long and after several minutes they saw a doorway. Ron opened the door and suddenly sunlight seeped in through the doorway. They saw the end of the tunnel and a long ladder is on one side. Ron first climbed and Ruben and Eric closely followed. A few moments later they all climbed out of the tunnel and they reached the top of the stone wall. Ruben and Eric examined the wall thoroughly and found the sentries on the wall on the other side of the city. It seems that the sentries are out of bullets. They desperately waved at Ruben and Ron. Ron waved back at them.

  “Now, let’s show those damned creatures who is the boss.” Ruben said.

  Eric and Ron nodded.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 8

  Dojai

  “We have to lure all of them to someplace.” Ruben said.

  “We can use that bell tower.” Ron said pointing at a tall tower near the east end of the wall.

  “Okay. You go ahead and ring the bell. Me and Eric will stay on top of a nearby building’s roof.” Ruben said.

  “Sounds good to me.” Ron ran towards the bell tower.

  The top of the wall is wide enough to walk safely. And there is handrail on the outer side of the wall. Eric and Ruben jumped onto the roof of a nearby building. Then they ran through the roof towards the east part of the city.r />
  Bang! Bang! Bang!

  Ron pounded on the bell with a metal hammer and a loud bang noise filled the very air. Suddenly with loud shrieks and screeches all the infected ran towards the east part of the city. Before long Eric and Ruben reached on top of a building on the east part of the city. Below them there is a wide town square and infected are pouring into the square from all directions of the city. It hasn’t been long since most of these infected turned into this walking nightmare. And already their bodies began to rot, producing that horrific stench.

  It’s actually interesting to know that this much people were in the streets in this morning hour. Eric actually couldn’t fathom how the disease had spread at this incredible rate. Eric and Ruben for some time stared at the infected that have surrounded the bell tower. Some of the infected are trying to scale the concrete walls. There will be hundreds of creatures in this horde. If they are fortunate, most of the people will be in their homes.

  “There is no way we could help these infected people, right?” Eric asked.

  “Killing them is the only way to show them mercy. Ron had said that they had tried all they could to develop a vaccine against this disease, but, every attempt failed.” Ruben said.

  “Okay. Then let’s kill these creatures. I want to take a shower when this is all over.” Eric said.

  Ruben smiled.

  Bang! Bang! Bang!

  Ron continued to pound on the bell. These creatures actually are very active when they hear any sound. Creatures started to claw at the wall of the concrete tower. It’s actually a fortune that these people made a bell tower with no way in from the ground. The only way into the tower is through the top of the wall. Eric actually is mesmerized by the architectural beauty of these buildings.