The Bloodless (15 page)

              Theatre seating circled the pit and a podium stood on the gallows deck. It reminded Justice of an alternate version of the Roman Coliseum, a place where people came to revel in brutal displays of violence that more often than not resulted in death. There was no doubt about the outcome of this spectacle, however, as this chamber was built for the sole purpose of death.

              Stained glass windows lined the upper portion of the rock walls and a wooden rostrum was erected on the back wall of the chamber. On it were a few seats and a solitary microphone stand. Halsted took his place in the center of the rostrum, just behind the microphone, as Fox, Crist, and Justice were forced to stand on the gallows. Someone from the mob pushed a few buttons on the podium and three steel poles rose up from out of base of the gallows. Once fully risen, an arm unfolded from each pole creating a right angle at the top. Then from each arm fell a thick steel cable already tied up in a noose.

              The procedures proceeded without hesitation or the telltale signs of second guessing. We’re going to die, Justice thought as it became more and more evident that their fates were set in blood stained stone. No, we can’t die here.

              “Listen,” Justice said amid the roar of the crowd. “Listen! I can explain this!” But nobody was paying him any attention. A loud, shrill whistle blasted out from somewhere in the depths of the mob. Burns stood up on one of the benches surrounding the gallows and motioned for the people to quiet down, which they did almost immediately.

              “Let them speak,” Burns said after the last of the murmuring died out. “They have at least the right to tell us why they killed all those people.” Burns looked right at Justice whose mouth went dry.

              Justice stood between Crist and Fox looking around at the crowd that was now staring right at him waiting, probably expecting nothing more than lies. His mind went blank, he had wanted to do this but now that the time had come for him to try and talk his way out of Death’s clutches, he wasn’t sure he had it in him. The silence continued.

              “It’s now or never,” Halsted barked into the microphone when they continued to remain silent.

              Crist nudged Justice and when he took in a deep breath she clutched his hand and this gave him a modicum of calm. He may die, but at least he wouldn’t die alone. “Yes, I am, or was, an employee of GoD Laboratories,” a hiss leaked through the crowd. “I never tried to hide that from anyone and if I did it was unintentional. We, that is to say I,” Justice changed tack with a look from Crist, “am not here to kill any of you. I have never killed anybody in life.”

              “Mr. Justice,” Halsted spoke, “you are responsible for the creation of those monsters that killed your fellow employees and in turn killed many innocent people after they created The Cloud. The blood is on your hands.”

              “Fine,” Justice said, “fine, you want to put that onus on me? I’ll shoulder that burden. I killed those people. But now I’m trying to rectify my mistake. Our plan is to retake the compound and drive out the occupants who have seized control.”

              “How on Earth do you plan to do something like that?” Halsted asked from behind the microphone. “The Armed Forces failed, as many of the people in this hall are aware. What’s so special about you that makes you think you can succeed where thousands of men failed?”

              “As a former high ranking employee of GoD, I have intimate and detailed information about the structure and layout of the vast security system around the compound. My carefully constructed plan of action, if carried out properly, ensures the retaking of the main building. This is information,” Justice said cutting across Halsted who was getting ready to say something, “that I tried to give to the Generals in the President’s cabinet, but they paid no mind to me. They weren’t about to take advice from a civilian like me.”

              “So you guarantee success?” Burns said.

              “We aren’t guaranteeing anything,” Crist said exasperated.

              Justice put a hand on Crist’s shoulder, “You of all people,” Justice said looking directly at Burns, “know that nothing is guaranteed. What I meant was that executing my plan through to the end gives us the best chance of retaking the main compound and putting an end to The Cloud.”

              “Then what?” Halsted said. “What’s after that? What is your plan for those monsters that cursed us with The Cloud? I highly doubt they’ll just go away.”

              “I haven’t thought that far ahead,” Justice said sounding exhausted. “No, they won’t just go away but that task will most likely fall to someone more powerful than myself. I don’t command armies. My plan is simply a step in the right direction, please understand. You can’t kill us, you have to let us try. Chances are we’ll die in the attempt anyway and if I don’t and we fail then I’ll come right back here and you can kill me.”

              “So we’re just supposed to trust you?” Halsted asked. “We’re supposed to let you go from here unscathed and trust that’ll you come back should you fail?”

              “Yes,” Justice responded, trying to sound convincing. “Use that faith the sign on the front of this building talks about.”              “Unfortunately our faith does not lie within you, Mr. Justice,” Halsted smirked. “It lies within powers that go far beyond the comprehension of simple men. No. No you cannot be trusted to leave here unsupervised. Enoch,” he said and Crowder stepped out of the crowd and stood in front of Halsted, “you will accompany these people to ensure the task is complete. And when they fail, you are to escort Mr. Justice back behind these walls where he will be justly dealt with. However, if it turns out he is lying and has no plan, you have permission to carry out the sentence yourself.”

              “I’ll go with ‘em,” Burns suddenly said stepping out of the crowd and onto the platform. A smattering of dumbfounded whispering amongst the horde greeted this statement. Even the captive trio joined in, muttering amongst themselves.

              Halsted seemed the most shocked, “What is this about Borvo?”              “Look, man,” Burns said heatedly, “I told you, call me Burns. Ain’t no way I’m stayin’ here while these idiots,” he gestured towards the trio, “put their lives on the line.” He walked back into the crowd and talked quietly with an older lady who solemnly nodded her head and placed a gentle hand on Burns’ arm.  The truth was, and Burns would never admit it, he felt sorry for Justice. The Cloud took a lot from Burns and after the failed assault on the compound he vowed revenge on any employee of GoD Labs if he ever met one in person. However, over the years that hatred dissipated, hence the reason he forced Justice to leave instead of killing him on the spot. He of all people understood making a massive mistake that resulted in an innocent person’s death.

              After some time the crowd parted and allowed Justice, Crist, Fox, Crowder, and Burns to leave the Congregate Hall. Fox, Crist, and Justice’s weapons were returned to them as they exited the building. “Uh,” Justice said once outside, “I don’t think all of us are going to fit in the truck.”

              “We ain’t comin’ with ya just yet,” Burns said.

              “We don’t exactly have an address we can give you to meet up with us later,” Crist said.

              “That’s okay,” Crowder said looking at Burns. “We have a solution to that.”

              “Oh yeah,” Burns said. “Follow us, we got somethin’ for ya.”              Burns and Crowder led them around to the back of the Hall to a small metal shack that might have been for gardening supplies and tools. Crowder unlocked the door and walked in, not letting anyone follow him. He reemerged bearing a crate that looked quite heavy. He sat it down in front of them and opened it up. Inside was a large collection of high-tech wristbands. Fox crouched down in front of the box and picked one up.

              “Are these,” Fox started to say.

              “Yup,” Crowder cut him off, “wristband communicators. This is an unused shipment that got ‘lost’ off the delivery truck.”

              “What exactly are these?” Crist asked picking one up as well and looking it over.

              “Communicators,” Crowder said and it would’ve been understandable if he added, “Duh,” but he didn’t. “These particular models have a huge range, some thirty kilometers is what the specs said. They also have a GPS function that lets you set coordinates and track other communicators. We’re going to link these up so we’ll be able to see where you end up. After a few days we’ll come out to you.”

              “That works for me,” Justice said. “The communicator I had was only designed to work within the laboratory, but it was more of a remote than a speech device.”

              “Here, take a few more, for other people you may recruit,” Crowder said as he handed Justice five more communicators. Justice gave one to Crist. They all put them on. They weren’t large wristbands, but they did cover up about half of their forearms, except for Burns. His did look like a wristband. They were each very solidly built, weighing a few pounds apiece.

              “Thanks man,” Justice said excitedly, “these are perfect!”

              “Now, don’t try running away, we can track you anywhere you go,” Crowder said.

              “We could just take them off,” Justice said flatly.

              Crowder looked slightly taken aback by the simplistic nature of Justice’s reply. “Well, you’d better not.”

              “Look, Crowder,” Justice said, “we’re not trying to swindle you here. If you’re genuinely interested in helping us out, we’d definitely appreciate your help. Heaven knows we could use it.”

              He hesitated for a moment, apparently in struggle to trust these strangers. “I am helping you because I have been instructed to, no more, no less,” Crowder said.

              “Fair enough,” Justice said. “Give it forty-eight hours then come find us, we should be set up by then.”

              Burns reached out and grabbed Justice around the collar of his shirt, pulled him close and looked him dead in the face. “Don’t think this means I trust you,” he said in an aggressive rasp. “The moment you show me you just as evil as I assume you are, I’ll kill you myself.”

              Justice felt his body go cold. He understood this as a viable threat. “Y-yeah. G-gotcha, loud and c-clear.” He did a stupid little salute that made Burns’ staring intensify.

              “We’ll see you in forty-eight hours,” he said and Burns let Justice go. He then, along with Crowder, walked away into the impenetrable darkness.

              After they were out of sight, Justice turned to Fox and Crist and said, “Hey, at least we got two new recruits.” Fox laughed, Crist rolled her eyes, as she normally does, and the three of them went back to their truck to finish the journey into Abiyah.

CHAPTER 8

In This Day and Age
 

              It was late at night, one of those sultry nights that cause all your clothes to ride you like a cyclist on the last leg of the Tour de France. They were huddled into a small dank makeshift shack that had been crudely constructed by Justice, Fox, and Crist several days prior to this inaugural meeting. It wasn’t much but it helped protect against the harshening elements swirling around Abiyah.

              Everyone was there: Burns, Fox, Crowder, and Justice. There were also a few newcomers: Toshiko Saturn, Ariana Pillar, and a man simply known as Buggs. More recruits Justice and Fox had enlisted in the days surrounding this meeting. It was silent at first, but that’s because nobody wanted to start until all were present and accounted for. They were still waiting for Crist.

              “Look, ya’ll,” Pillar spoke up first, “I don’t want to have to be the one that goes out there to find her scrawny ass.”

              “Could be dead. Should search soon,” Buggs growled as he picked at his teeth with a hunting knife.

              “She’s not dead,” Justice said impatiently. “She’ll be here soon.”

              “So ya’ll have a plan or what?” Pillar asked aggressively. Apparently her time was not to be wasted and she wanted to get on with it as soon as possible.

              “Of course we have a plan,” Fox said giving Pillar a sideways look. “Why would we gather all of you together without a plan? Do you have a plan before you speak, or does the shit just fall out on its own?”

              Saturn laughed.

              “The fuck is so funny?” Pillar asked turning to Saturn.

              “The shit that falls out of your mouth,” Saturn replied unabashed.

              “Settle down you two,” Fox said as Pillar rose from her seat. “Yes, we have a plan Ariana-“

              “It’s Pillar, I told you. Damn man,” Pillar said sitting back down.

              “Sorry, Pillar. As soon as Crist gets here the ‘plan,’ as you call it, will be divulged.”

              They were all situated around a musty, stained poker table that was scavenged from a nearby casino. It was a somewhat uneasy group as this was the first time they were all together. Mostly strangers to each other, especially the three new bodies. A lot of personality clashing was inevitable with this group but the skills they each brought to the table complemented the other.

              Justice sat in the dealer’s seat, not talking much. He felt slightly intimidated by the people around him and his level of discomfort usually rose concurrent with the number of people in the room. He understood that there would come a time he would have to speak at length in front of these people and he did not look forward to that. It always seemed easier to address a group when he was either in a place of comfort or his life was on the line. Not really any in-between ground.

              The uncomfortable silence dragged on until Crist finally walked through the door. Her face was red and she seemed out of breath. Justice rose from his seat and gave her a concerned look. “It’s about to rain, it looks like,” she said, breathing heavily. Being caught out in the rain that formed within The Cloud was the absolute last thing anyone wanted. The Cloud, along with the unfortunate habit of killing people who found themselves under it without protection, turned any rain that passed through it into a substance that resembled hydrochloric acid. Getting caught out in the rain was not an option.

              “Fantastic,” Pillar said obnoxiously. “Can we get started now?”

              “I’m sorry,” Crist said in a tone that in no way conveyed remorse, “do you have somewhere you need to be? You know, no one is forcing you to be here.” Pillar didn’t respond and Crist continued to glare at her.

              “Ok,” Justice started tentatively, “well since we are all here and accounted for, I thought before we get started we can go around the room and introduce ourselves and say a little something about what we bring to the group.” Justice understood the directive was a bit juvenile in nature but he figured it would help calm some nerves. He hoped if they got to know each other they’d get along better. He looked around the room but nobody made any indication of doing as he asked. “Fine, I’ll start. My name is Daniel Justice and I am the reason all of you are here. I suppose I am the man with the plan. I am a scientist by nature and profession and I know the ins and outs of the compound.”

              “My name is Abigail Crist, I used to design and build weapons for Villain Technologies.” Crist said. “I know the ins and outs of any weapon you can think of, we built them all. Like that LRTDS-2340 over there,” she said looking at Saturn. “Now, while it’s a little outdated it’s still an effective weapon. It can rip the heads off your target from five klicks out, if you have the right ammo.”

              “You mean like the SCB Type 3 ammo?” Saturn said picking up her rifle and running a loving hand over the stock.

              “Well, sure, with some modifications. What is that? A homemade scope?”

              “You’re damn right chica. You ain’t the only one with some technical know-how ‘round here.”

              “I see. Is that gun bolt action?” Crist asked, her tone incredulous.

              “It sure is,” Saturn said.

              “That’s amazing. A bolt action rifle, in this day and age.” Crist sounded completely baffled. “You must have some real skill then.”

              Saturn nodded in agreement, “Yup. Yo, I’m Toshiko Saturn, the best damn sniper you’ll never see. I’m also a field medic, so if you get any boo-boos,” she looked at Pillar who flipped her off, “then come see me and I’ll patch you up.” Saturn wasn’t a very large body but she knew how to command a room’s attention, which may have had something to do with her piercing gray eyes. She was very deliberate and precise in everything she did. Her shoulder-length black hair was streaked with purple and was tied loosely atop her head.

              For a moment nobody else spoke, but just to keep things moving and to help Justice, Fox spoke up next. “I am Kage Fox and I will be serving as this unit’s scout. I don’t really use guns but if need be I will engage in close quarters combat. My specialty is information gathering and espionage behind enemy lines.” Fox of course donned his trusty visor that covers his face but it was apparent that he had not been shaving as facial hair was pushing its way out in a bid for fresh air.

              Burns looked around with some hesitation but sarcastically raised his hand, “Name’s Borvo Kennedy, but ya’ll gonna call me Burns. I blow shit up.” Not a man to ever overstate.

              “Tell them your favorite,” Justice insisted.

              “Napalm.”

              “Bullshit,” Saturn said right away. “Nobody works with napalm.”

              “I do and I reckon I’m ‘bout the only one in the world who does. There’s just something about workin’ with such a volatile substance that really gets the blood goin’, naw mean?” He smiled a wry one at this and continued talking. It really did get his blood going, “It’s ‘bout the most effective incendiary man ever gifted to this world. It’s like a flamin’ chokehold that grabs onto your lungs and never let’s go. Ain’t no comin’ back from a napalm bath.”

              Buggs laughed and nicked his lip with the blade but the only reaction he gave was to start sucking on the blood that came out. “Buggs. Knives.” If Burns was not a man to overstate anything, Buggs was a man not to say much at all. He had a look in his eye that was a dead giveaway he was bat shit crazy. And yes, he loved knives. He had a very large assortment of blades for every occasion and he was proficient with each one. He was a dirty man too, didn’t exactly smell like a field of roses, but the stink just added to his aura of mystery.

              “I am Enoch Crowder. I know guns, I’ve been using them for as long as I can remember. I’ve gotten pretty good at using them against those undead freaks.” Crowder was a young man, maybe early twenties. Leopard hair, baby face. He had seen a lot of foul things in his life but his eyes would never give him away. He had been an apprentice to Abraham Halsted in the city of Jericho but joined Justice’s team at the command of Halsted, though he was slowly coming to be there of his own volition.

              “Is that it?” Justice asked the room.

              “No,” Saturn said. “Flat-chest McBitchy Pants over here hasn’t said a damn thing of use yet.”

              Pillar pulled out a handgun, put it against Saturn’s forehead and cocked the hammer. Saturn didn’t look the least bit worried however, as a cocky smile filled her face. “You think you’re funny?”

              “I know I’m funny.”

              “Pillar, put the gun down,” Justice said impatiently.

              When she didn’t respond right away it was Fox who tried next, “Pillar,” he said putting a hand on her shoulder, “put the gun down and introduce yourself.”

              And to everyone’s surprise she said, “Fine,” and put her gun down on the table. “I’m Pillar and I love big fuckin’ guns. The bigger the better. Happy?” Pillar was a little tomboy with a close crop haircut and rosy cheeks. Her appearance was wildly deceiving though as she had one of the worst attitudes in the history of time. She was serious about big guns though, despite her smallish stature, and was deadly efficient with them.

              “Okay,” Justice shuffled his notes deliberately to get everyone’s attention. “We all know our goal because at this point it’s the only one that exists.”

              “Yeah, which is,” Pillar snarled.

              “To regain access to the main GoD Labs building and eliminate Mendel. Easy enough right?”

              “Who’s Mendel?” Saturn asked.

              “He, uh, is the enemy leader,” Justice said fidgeting in his chair.

              “How do you know?” Pillar asked.

              “I’ve met him. Apparently he wants me dead.”

              “Why would he want you dead?” Crowder asked.

              “Probably because of my work with GoD Labs,” Justice replied.

              “Damn. Yo, let me ask you a question,” Saturn said, leaning on the table. Justice nodded. “What can you tell us about what we’re facing? These ain’t normal zombies.”

              “Well, they aren’t technically zombies, they’re just people who’ve been brought back to life,” Justice said.

              “Naw,” Saturn responded. “If that’s what you think then you ain’t seen the ones created by The Cloud. I’ve seen zombies on TV, those motherfuckers are zombies.”

              “I have seen the ones created by The Cloud and the main difference between them and zombies is the fact that they have regained some high level functions and don’t seem to operate on the need to feed some innate hunger, but to ruthlessly and indiscriminately kill those around them.”

              “What do you call them?” Crowder asked.

              “I don’t really have a name for them, they’re just monsters,” Justice said.

              “We call ‘em Bloodless,” Saturn said.

              “Interesting,” Justice said, “why’s that?”

              “Because when you shoot them or cut their body up, they don’t bleed. Like they ain’t got no blood in them.”

              “That makes sense.”

              “No it don’t,” Saturn said.

              “Well, to me it does,” Justice said. “There are two different types of enemies, or Bloodless, if you will, out there. There are those created by the toxins from The Cloud, then there are those that were reanimated within the facilities of GoD Labs. The ones created in labs actually have a super healing factor that is a side effect brought on by the reanimation process.”

              “Why would you give ‘em that kinda ability?” Burns, who had suddenly become very interested in the conversation, asked.

              “Well we never intended to, hence the side effect,” Justice explained. “It wasn’t until recently that I even found this out but it was a major factor in them taking control of the compound in the first place.”

              “So they can’t be killed?” Crowder asked, looking quite worried.

              “Of course they can be killed,” Justice said. “We wouldn’t be doing this otherwise. The Bloodless that were created by The Cloud are much more vulnerable than the lab ones since the healing factor isn’t as active in them.”

              “How do you know all this?” Pillar asked rudely.

              “I’m a scientist,” Justice said, not looking at her, “it’s what I do. I know things, especially about my own work.”

              “There other groups tryin’ this same thing?” Burns idly fiddled with a grenade.

              “No clue. Fox, what do you know?”

              “It is hard to say. There have been reports of individuals who made desperate bids to infiltrate the main building, but they were stopped well short and were never heard from or seen again. As far as other groups, I have not seen any since the Armed Forces pulled out.” Fox was sitting up straight and looked very proper. That may be why everyone always listened when he talked, or maybe it was because when he actually did talk it was because what he was saying was important.