Infestation Chicago: A Zombie Survival Series (Volume 2) (7 page)

Chapter 7 – Street War

The highway was littered with cars. Some were tipped over in almost working condition, but most were either burned frames of metal from a fire or completely pulverized.

David, with a newly found confidence, walked quickly toward the Chicago dock
s. He knew nothing could stand in his way except the Corporal, and with Gary now at David’s side he wouldn’t stand a chance against the group.

“How far until the docks?” Destiny hesitantly asked Sam who was walking beside her. They were only a few feet behind David and Gary who were strolling ahead. Holiday was closely following from behind. 

Destiny understood why Sam did what she did in the car with David, but she was still uncomfortable with Sam. She was intimidated by her looks, as well as her attitude.

“Well,” Sam said thinking
out loud, “shouldn’t be too long.” Holiday sped up until he was beside the two girls.

“So why did you leave this ‘Haven’ of the Corporals?” Holiday asked.

“Long story.” Sam’s response was quick and short. Holiday nodded looking down the long highway they were on.

“We got at least twenty minutes until we hit downtown,” He continued. “Then another what?
Five until the docks?”

“Been here before?” Sam asked attempting to change the subject.

“Couple times,” Holiday responded, “So twenty-five minutes roughly. That sounds like enough time for a long story.” He said, ignoring her attempt at a different discussion.

“Holiday,” Destiny said, “
It’s not really our business, besides the Corporal is a jerk. Do we need more of a reason than that?”

“Yes.” Holiday said smiling. “We are after all heading there.” He gestured out in front of them pointing toward several tall skyscrapers in the distance. “Would be nice to know exactly what we are heading into.”

“Fine,” Sam said as she stopped moving. Destiny and Holiday both stopped with her “You really want to know?”

“Obviously,” Holiday said concerned.

“I was a breeder,” Sam’s response was followed by a pause as she continued walking, leaving a stunned Holiday and Destiny momentarily behind.

“What?’ Destiny shouted
while they jogged for a moment to catch up with her.

“A breeder, you know? I had sex to make babies. I was the first one in the community, nobody objected. Of course if they tried Corporal Kelly would just have said it was necessary to the continuation of the human race or some other nonsense.” Sam spoke closing her eyes and shaking her head.

“But you’re a doctor?” Holiday said outraged.

“I know. Kelly didn’t care.” Sam replied followed by a large sigh. “He also didn’t care I can’t have kids anymore. I had a hysterectomy three years ago.” Sam said with disgust
aligning her voice about the Corporal’s attitude “He just took me in a room a few days after I had settled, told me it was more for his pleasure then anything, and started taking off my clothes.” Sam sneered and while clenching her fists. “Only happened the once. He said it wouldn’t be a regular thing. There were others on a schedule.”

“Motherfucker” Destiny said in a soft quiet voice. “I can’t believe it.”

“Then, a few days ago, he tried again. So I knocked him out and left.”

“Sick bastard!” Holiday shouted.

David stopped and turned around while Gary twirled around slowly listening. David hadn’t heard Sam’s story.

“What?” David asked confused.

“Nothing.” Sam said quickly.

“Downtown is just ahead,” Sam said changing the subject. This time Holiday remained silent

“I stayed at the building on the left up there.” Sam continued while pointing toward a large red three story building. Mark’s Fine Jewelry was written in large yellow letters above the door. “We should rest there and plan things out. Apartments upstairs are clear, downstairs is empty of anything so nobody should bother us.”

Suddenly Gary raised his head into the air and let out a bellowing roar startling everyone. David closed his eyes attempting to feel what Gary did. It was surprisingly easy. Almost as if David had a two way communication with Gary’s feelings. Off in the distance the slight hum of a vehicle could be heard
while pieces of paper and other garbage slowly blew in the slight breeze. To everyone’s amazement there were no bodies lining the streets like they thought there would be. There were also no zombies to be seen anymore. It was the emptiest city they had ever seen.

“Corporal.” David said with worry.

“We need to move. Now!” Destiny said loudly running past David and heading for the front door of Mark’s Jewelry. 

“Gary,” David
projected his thought toward the beast. “Hide, No fight.” David was becoming attached to Gary and felt an odd sense of protection toward him. Gary growled and ran quickly past Destiny near the jewelry store. He jumped and in an instant, was on the roof of the three story building. David smiled with surprise.

Quickly and quietly
, the group rushed toward the jewelry store. Destiny reached the door first and opened it. After a quick look inside, she held it open and gestured for everyone to enter. David went first, then Holiday and finally Sam. Destiny started to enter but was suddenly groped from behind and yanked out toward the street.

A large bulky man wearing a black
SWAT ballistic helmet and covered in a Kevlar bodysuit was holding Destiny around her chest. Her arms were pinned at her sides and her feet were off the ground a few inches as he moved further away from the jewelry store. Destiny screamed while struggling to get free, kicking at the man behind her. Her feet could not hit him hard enough through his suit.

“Relax!” The suited man yelled.

“Destiny!” David yelled as he bolted out the door. Three more men, dressed identically to the man holding Destiny, emerged from behind nearby vehicles pointing automatic assault rifles toward him.

“Freeze!” They yelled. David froze
, placing his hands up in the air. Inside, Holiday attempted to leave the store but was grabbed by Sam. She didn’t say anything but pointed to the door leading upstairs. Holiday protested but was quickly pulled toward the door by Sam. She was struggling to keep him inside. She feared if her hands slipped even for a second, Holiday would be shot as soon as he exited the building. The main floor was nearly an empty room. One small counter was all that was left.

The first thing Corporal Kelly did when clearing an area was remove all furniture and valuables. This meant he was claiming this area and preparing to extend the perimeter of ‘Haven’ to this point.

“Let me go.” Holiday whispered sternly. “We have to help them.”

“There is no way to.” Sam said looking into Holiday’s eyes terrified. “
He has an army.” She said sadly. Holiday let out a breath of frustration and swung the door open. They headed upstairs as quietly as possible.

Outside David’s eyes met with Destiny’s. His face filled with worry and fear. A vehicle turned the corner down the street and headed toward them. On top of it was Corporal Kelly. He was on a seat tied to the vehicles roof. The vehicle was an Oldsmobile style of vehicle, it was moving very slowly. Beside it jogged at least ten men dressed the same as the men around him. David inched forward toward Destiny attempting to speak to reassure her. He
was stopped by the sudden yelling of the men around him.

“We said don’t move!”

“Freeze!”

“Don’t do anything stupid!”

They all spoke at once, clearly not trained in how to handle this situation. Eventually the Oldsmobile rolled up beside them and the Corporal stared at David smiling.

“Look what we have here!” He said with great enthusiasm. His gaze turned toward Destiny being held by the man. “Two of you eh?” 
The Corporal was somewhat disappointed the others were not there as well. He stood up and jumped abruptly off the car, stumbling awkwardly when he hit the ground. “So … where are the others.” he said approaching Destiny. She only shrugged.

“No idea who you are talking about.”
she said sarcastically.

“The traitor and the cowboy.” Corporal said not amused by her comment. He pulled out his revolver and placed it to her head. “Anytime
...” He persuaded .

“We got separated.” David said unsteadily. Corporal turned his head toward David and lowered his gun.

“That a fact?’ he said surprised. “Why don’t I believe that?”

The Corporal
pointed the gun back at Destiny’s head. “Let’s try this.” he said slightly laughing. “Either one of you tell me where the traitor is and I’ll let you both go free.” His head turned back and forth looking from Destiny to David and back again. “I won’t even look for your cowboy friend.” He finished, moving the gun once again away from Destiny.

“Why?’ Destiny snarled. “So you can rape her again?” Some of the men near the car looked at each other confused
, muttering softly.

“Ignore her.” Corporal said loudly. “She is just trying to justify treason.” He paused
, sticking out his tongue and biting on it softly. He then shrugged. “So be it.” He raised his gun to Destiny and cocked the hammer back.

“No!” David yelled
quickly lunging forward. A single shot rang out, echoing off the buildings.

David had
been shot him in the stomach by one of the Corporal’s surrounding men. The Corporal began laughing as Destiny screamed and burst into tears. David fell to the ground holding his wound and coughing. Corporal looked at Destiny and stopped laughing.

“You know we could use someone like you in our community.”  He smiled and placed his finger on her cheek. “In a few days you will see it is better than being out here … alone.” He gesture
d with his hand above his head and the man holding Destiny dragged her to the car. She cried and struggled to free herself but was unable to. Her grief was nearly overpowering her ability to think. “As for you,” Corporal continued while kneeling down beside the barely breathing David, “I am afraid we cannot commit any resources in helping you.” David stared angrily up at Corporal Kelly looming above him. “Don’t worry about her,” he spoke quietly while pointing at Destiny. She sobbed loudly from the back seat of the car. “We will get her a job in our community suitable to a woman with her … assets.” He smiled briefly then stood up.

David closed his eyes trembling in pain as his stomach hurt
with each labored breath..

Without warning,
Gary plunged down onto the front hood of the car Destiny had been thrown into. The men screamed briefly taking a few steps away from the Beast.

“Well - well,” Corporal said un
-phased by the appearance of Gary. “We were going to look for you shortly.” The beast roared loudly and jumped at a small group of armed men beside him. He picked one man up and threw it high into the air. The man fell onto the pavement with a thud of broken bones and lay motionless. One of the remaining two men was then grabbed by Gary and slowly bent nearly in half. The man screamed with a high shriek only to fall silent a moment later after a sudden snap of his spine. The third man shot his gun at Gary, emptying his thirty round clip in seconds. The bullets bounced off Gary’s head and fell to the ground. Corporal’s face flashed the widest grin he could make before jumping around like a madman and screaming at the Beast. “Come here lovely! Over here lovely!” He shouted over and over again at Gary, taunting him to attack.

“Be ready men!”
he yelled just before Gary jumped toward him. The Corporal dodged out of the way by jumping to the side.

Gary rolled for a moment
before hitting the wall of the jewelry store beside David. Gary quickly stood up, shook off the impact of his tumble, and leaned protectively over top of David. The beast slightly moaned in a sad groan, reaching down to him.

“Now!” Corporal yelled pointing at Gary. A loud metallic clunk erupted causing Gary to jump. A large mesh ball bolted out of a large cannon being held by one of the armored men. It flung into the air above Gary and burst open. From it popped out a large fishnet made of chains with small black boxes dotting the circumference of the circular chain net. It enveloped Gary and glowed bright blue as electrical currents shot out of the black boxes and coursed over the net shocking him. He shrieked in pain, which David also felt through his power. After a few seconds Gary fell to the ground unconscious.
“Take him to the stadium, put him with the others.” Corporal said before letting out a loud breath of exhaustion. Everything began to get dark for David. The last thing he saw before passing out was Gary being dragged away and Corporal returning to his seat on the car.

Chapter 8 –
In the Army Now

              A few minutes later, after all the noise had died down outside the jewelry store, Holiday peeked his head outside the front door.

“See anything?” Sam whispered from inside while closing the door leading upstairs.

“No,” Holiday replied. “It looks clear.” Sam quickly crept toward the door as Holiday walked crouched down outside.

“We did hear a gunshot.” Sam said following him. When she reached outside
, Holiday was on his knees in front of a pool of dried blood.

“Shit
!” Sam said.

“Someone was shot; they laid here for a while.” Holiday said sniffling.

“Who was it David? Or Destiny?” Sam asked kneeling beside him.

“No way to tell
Doc.” He replied standing up. “Looks like I am going to Haven.” He continued.

“What?” Sam said shocked. “Are you crazy?”

“Probably.” He replied shrugging. “Either David got shot or it was Destiny. Hell maybe both. Either way I have to make sure they aren’t dead.”

“And if they are?” Sam said. Holiday turned to her with a scowl on his face.

“Then we deal with it then.” He responded loudly. “You know the layout of Haven. How can I get in without them knowing?” He pointed at her while she shook her head quickly in disagreement.

“You can’t.” She said frustrated. “Don’t do this.”

“I have to Sam.” He said sadly. “I have been watching over that kid since he was born.” His eyes began to tear up but he cleared his throat and ignored it. “I shouldn’t have just hid before. I won’t hide now.” He began walking down the road.

“Wait,” Sam said sighing. “The road is filled with checkpoints. There is an alley with a guard this way,” she motioned for Holiday to follow her. “He goes by every few minutes so we have to time it right.” Holiday smiled with appreciation.

“Now if only we had something that went boom.” He said as he looked down at his empty shotgun disappointed that it was out of ammo.

“I know a lot about chemicals. I might be able to get you something on the way.” Sam smirked and together they walked between buildings, sticking to the back alleys, and heading toward Haven.

* * * * * * * *

The drive to ‘Haven’ was a long one for Destiny. The sun blinded her briefly as the car moved. Her mind wandered from thought to thought about what horrors would come to her if she didn’t escape.

“Am I going to be the next breeder?” Her thoughts spoke in her mind as if someone was right beside her asking her horrible questions. “Maybe they will kill me for ‘helping’ Sam?” Her lips quivered once again as her thoughts turned toward David. “Why did that fool come back outside?” She began sobbing as the driver of the car completely ignored her. “What was he thinking?” The thoughts wouldn’t let up. She believed her head was about to explode from everything she was feeling. Guilt, fear, pain and hatred filled her as they came to a populated area of the city covered by people walking around like they used to before the infestation began. “Does everybody know how bad it is here?” She continued to think to herself. “Is it really as bad as Sam said? It doesn’t look like it.”

She watched children playing in a small park while a group of people browsed through apples at a table set up near them. Eventually the car came to a stop in front of the theater Sam had mentioned to her earlier. A priest was standing outside with his hands clasped in front of his stomach patiently awaiting Destiny
’s arrival. She knew it had to be Father Martin, someone Sam spoke of back at the gas station.

The backdoor beside Destiny was opened quickly. One of the men in a Kevlar suit reached in a
nd forcibly dragged her out. He pulled her hair and grabbed her arm as she flailed around crying.

“Shut the fuck up.” The armored man said letting go of her for a moment so he could raise his hand to strike her.

“Don’t you dare son!” Father Martin said walking quickly up to him. Destiny paused her struggle in surprise - someone actually cared about her wellbeing.

“Sorry father.” The man said lowering his hand and grabbing her by both arms. “But she won’t calm down.”

“Would you?” Martin asked. “Taken by force after surviving horrors unimaginable … Would you be calm and peaceful?” He continued after pausing slightly. He waited for a response but didn’t receive one. “Well release her!” He commanded. The armored man released her pointing his finger at her face.

“Don’t do anything stupid!” He said before walking away angrily.

“Come with me child.” Martin spoke soothingly and gestured to go inside the Theater.

“Why? So you can shackle me to the wall? Fuck You.” Destiny responded holding her arms crossed in front of herself. Martin was surprised, most people would
not dare talk to a priest in such a way, but he understood why she did.

“No,”
he said, looking at the ground. He brought one hand up to his face and stroked his goatee slightly. “Just to talk. Things have changed since Sam joined us. Even more has changed since she left.” He once more motioned to the theater, “please?” He said pleasantly. Destiny nodded and walked slowly toward the door of the theater. She entered while Martin followed her. Inside was exactly as Sam had described. Men and women, including children, were cleaning fully automatic weapons on tables lining the lobby.  

“Yeah looks like it.” Destiny said sarcastically while shaking her head.

“Unfortunately some discomfort is expected,” Destiny stared at Martin watching his face as he spoke. To her surprise his face turned to sorrow. “But I promise these children work short hours, and are required to do nothing else.”  He attempted to justify the child labor. It made some sense to Destiny, especially with the way the world was going. Somehow it still seemed wrong to force children to work. One was even appearing to cry, slightly sniffing while cleaning a small pistol as his hands shook.

“Over here please.”
Martin continued while walking past the tables and into the theater screen room. Destiny followed and again was not surprised to see everything just as Sam had described it. A pale yellow screen deteriorated with age, and uncomfortable clumpy cushioned seats.

“What are we supposed to talk about?” Destiny asked loudly. Martin stopped walking down the aisle and turned to face her.

“How you can contribute to the community.” he said slowly.

“No!” Destiny shouted backing away. Her eyes darted around the room looking for anywhere else to go.

“What’s wrong?” Martin asked confused.

“You fuckers won’t be doing that to me.” She said raising her fists prepared to hit anyone who came near her. She waited a few seconds ready for people to grab her. Nobody else was in the room. It was only her and Father Martin.

“I see.” Martin said nodding his head. “What Corporal Kelly did to Sam was unimaginable.” He spoke quickly and clearly as if he had said the same thing countless times. “Nobody in the community agreed with the decision to have breeder’s but-”

“You mean prostitute?” She said with disgust.

“Of course not!” Martin said offended. “It is for the continuity of our species only! Sam was only with one man and he-”

“What are you going on about freak?” Destiny shouted cutting him off. Martin looked at her even more confused than before. “Sam can’t have kids. She hasn’t been able to for years.” Father Martin’s eyes grew wide at this surprising fact. His face turned red with anger as he shouted,

“What?!” Martin then suddenly stormed past Destiny and out on to the street. Destiny hesitated at first but quickly followed. The priest rushed down the street toward the stadium at the end of it while muttering to himself with anger. Destiny followed him until she could see Corporal Kelly standing in front of the large net holding Gary. A crane hooked onto the chain net and began lifting it up. Corporal was planning to lower Gary into the stadium from above.

“Kelly!” Martin yelled a few feet away from the Corporal. For the first time since Destiny had seen him, the corporal looked afraid. The fear quickly subsided as Corporal lowered his head and closed his eye
s.

“Yes father?” He responded kindly while raising his head and opening his eyes.

“Did you know about Sam!” Martin yelled angrily. “This is the last straw Kelly!” He continued.

“What do you mean? What about Samantha?” Corporal asked showing confusion.

“She hasn’t been able to bear child in years!” Martin yelled louder than before. “Did you know?” His voice lessened but the anger could still be heard easily.

“Of course not!” Corporal said, “She volunteered to be a breeder to me,
practically begged for it. Said she always wanted a child.” His excuses were weak, Father Martin knew Sam already had a daughter, when she first arrived she wanted to go save her.

“Son you are disgusting,” Martin continued, “The others and I won’t stand for you anymore!” Martin raised his hand in the air, there was clearly more going on then Destiny had realized.

“Yes you will.” Corporal began speaking in a completely different tone. “You and your others need me. Some things might not be moral, or acceptable, but look around father!” Corporal began to yell while pointing around at the city, “The world is different and without me that world will crush you.”

“But forcing yourself onto her was-” Father Martin sincerely sounded disgusted by what the Corporal had done.

“It was wrong, I know that. That is why it never happened again; also why she was never given any other job. I screwed up father, am I forgiven?” Corporal smiled and laughed slightly which shocked father Martin.

“You truly are a monster.” Martin said turning his back and walking away.

“Yeah well, that is what this world needs to live!” Corporal continued yelling as Destiny turned to follow the priest. “A monster father! It takes becoming a monster!” Corporal’s voice faded as they walked quickly back to the theater. Martin mumbled under his breath staring at the ground as he walked.

They walked
quietly until once again they were outside the theater. Father Martin turned quickly toward Destiny while still looking at the ground.

“Go inside.” He said quickly. “The others will show you how to clean a gun.” He turned and started walking away.

“Wait a goddamn minute!” Destiny yelled in protest.

“Do not take the
Lords name in vain around me young lady!” Martin exploded in anger swinging around and pointing toward her. He paused and breathed slowly realizing he was not truly angry with her. In a calm voice he continued. “Just go inside, I will return shortly.” He turned away and walked swiftly down the street, away from both the theater and the stadium and turned at the next corner. Destiny looked around herself wondering if she should do as he had asked. Once again her thoughts sounded like they were coming from another person.

“I could escape right now. Or I could stay” Her thoughts were everywhere “Find a way through the perimeter, it has to be possible. Martin could help
. I should gain his trust first.” She then noticed the sun was setting slowly behind some buildings. She realized it would be too difficult for her to be outside at night all alone. She shook her head in disappointment and headed into the theater.

“What do you need?” A young man asked her as soon as she entered the room.

“Who are you?” she said looking him over cautiously. He was incredibly thin, had short brown hair with a crater speckled face.

“I’m George, I take care of-”

“I don’t need anything thank you.” Destiny said cutting George off and turning toward a small table with guns lying on top of it. One small chair sat next to it with nobody in it. She decided to try and help the others by reducing their work load. She was, after all, very good with cleaning guns.