"The Center Pointe" Chapter 6

Chapter 6

So much death but finally lives saved.  See my dear reader not all things must be a nightmare in this world there can still be some happiness and safety.  Rich, Karen and Brian were able to save these wayward travelers and prevent a child from becoming a meal.  It was a beautiful sight to see the three of them working together.  It was now just a matter time before they were able to get the people settled.  With more people they would be able to spread out through the building and more people also meant more man power defending the perimeter and helping to find and rescue survivors.

          To me, when I first met them, the trio was larger than life and I finally felt safe from the world.  To be witness to them standing there that first day staring down the Static through the window, their courage was a sight to behold.  The creatures were beating and kicking the glass and all the people were cowering in fear but the trio just stood there daring the static to try and get in.  I may have been young then but they were my hero’s and I would never forget how they saved me.  How they saved all of us.  And with time their stories would become legend among the survivors of the apocalypse.

          Karen spent the first hours of the groups arrival getting them situated and trying to convince them they were finally safe, it took a while but they finally began to relax and let Karen show them to rooms where they could rest and eat and drink.  They were all dirty and exhausted many just collapsed and feel into a deep sleep like the child did secure in the fact they were finally safe from the hell just outside the doors.

          It turned out no one knew who the little girl was.  Another member of the group had found her and had brought her with the group but had been killed by the labored run across the field to get to the hospital.  From what they had learned her parents had been killed by the static in the first days of the arrival of the planet Nibiru and she had barely survived by herself hiding in her home.  She was eventually discovered by a woman trying to find food and taken in by her.  The child’s name was Sati (SAH-TEE) and she was quite adamant that she was not ten years old but ten and a half, which made Rich and Karen chuckle.  They both fell in love with the child as soon as those deep emerald green eyes looked at them both with a puppy dog expression that just melted their hearts and Karen gathered the child into her arms and she was hooked, the love was instant.  After that day Sati became hers and Rich’s surrogate daughter.

          The group consisted of five women and six men with Sati making up the twelfth member.  The leader of the group’s name was John and he explained how they had been trying to survive since the apocalypse by hiding in houses and any food stores they could find. Their group had once consisted or several more people but the Static (which was the name adopted by the group to refer to the infected creatures now running the streets. The name had been adopted because of the electrical discharge that came from their fingers when they touched something, or someone.) Had wiped them out at various places.  They were never able to stay anywhere for more than a day or two before the static found them and began attacking them.  There were hordes out there all working together for their meals like pack animals.  It seemed to John like the higher brain functions of the humans affected had just ceased to operate and animal instincts and pack mentalities just took over.

He spent the next few hours explaining to the trio how they had survived.  There was nothing left out there, so many had turned and begun attacking humans who were not inflicted that there were hardly any people left and the ones that were left did not trust anyone.  Many times the group had been attacked by normal people fearful they would bring the static down upon them, John had tried to keep the group moving in hopes of finding some kind of sanctuary but everywhere they found the static eventually attacked.  They had limited weapons and ammunition and were starving.  Karen set about making a big feast for the survivors while Rich and Brian spent time showing John and the other men around the perimeter they had constructed to keep the static from entering the hospital.

          “This is amazing what you three have been able to accomplish in such a short period of time.” Said John marveling at the stores of food and medical supplies the trio had found.  “I hope our presence is not an intrusion I would hope this could be a safe place for any survivors.”

          “All are welcome who come in peace.  We worked hard to make this place safe when we found it in hopes of one day setting up a community that could stand together through this ordeal.”  Said Rich setting down the inventory sheet Karen had written.  “Now all we need are some qualified medical personnel that can help treat any incoming wounded we may have.”

          “Hmm.  I know one of our group was a nurse she may be able to look after the injured until a more qualified person is found, I can also ask around and see if there is anyone else with medical training or anything that might may benefit us.” Said John now looking quite relieved that they all were not only welcome here but safe as well, at least for the time being.

          “We will have to get a list of the skills of everyone in the group so that we can put them to good use.  If we are going to really make this place a sanctuary we can be proud of then we will have to all work together toward that end.”  At saying this Rich directed John to the patient wing of the hospital where there were hundreds of rooms complete with bathrooms to choose from.  “Here we have the ability to house many people, this hospital is self-sustaining on a generator so as long as we can keep it fueled we should have hot running water and working bathrooms.  The only issue is there is no fuel in the basement and because of the increased static discharge when touching almost anything we will have to work on taking precautions before we can implement that plan.”

When John, Rich and Brian came down from the supply rooms Karen was busy setting a dinner table in the cafeteria of the hospital.  It had been the first time anyone had been in there since Rich and Brian had cleared it a few days ago.  When they walked in it was almost as if everything was right with the world again.  There was a great buffet of food laid out for the group and they had all migrated there and begun to eat sharing stories and laughing.  It warmed the hearts of the men to see these people happy for the first time in a long time.

Sati was sitting at the head of the grouping of tables Karen had set up so everyone could eat together.  She was shoveling food in her mouth and laughing at the jokes of one of the other men of the group.  After serving everyone Karen sat down beside her and attempted to get the giggling child to concentrate on her meal.  Karen looked so happy tending to the child, it reminded Rich of how bad they had wanted to have children, but because of Karen’s condition she was unable to get pregnant.  Every so often Rich would catch her just staring at Sati, she looked as though she were about to cry.  “I guess God has a plan for everyone.”  Rich said to Karen when she and Sati looked up as the three men entered.  The child’s deep emerald green eyes radiated trust and love at her rescuers.

          John, Rich and Brian did not want to burden people with a speech about survival and conserving resources right now, they just wanted everyone to be able to relax and forget about the hell outside the doors for the time being.  They instead sat together and began talking among themselves as the joy and laughter resonated among the cafeteria.  Karen in the meantime was busying herself with keeping the survivors fed and Sati calm.  The child would not sit still she was so excited by the attention she was receiving and the mothering of Karen.

They all sat for hours at the tables sharing stories of the events leading up to their arrival and discussing better days ahead, by this time Sati was asleep in Karen’s arms and the group turned their attention to more important matters.  It was time to come back to reality and the room became quiet as they all just sat and looked at one another for some time content in the knowledge they had found others in this new world.

          John was the first to speak up.  “I think we should all find our rooms soon and get a good night’s rest.  Rich, Brian and I will keep watch so you can all rest easy.  Tomorrow is a big day and we need everyone well rested so we can plan what to do from here on out.”  John then turned to Karen who had Sati fast asleep cradled in her arms.  “I would ask who would like to look after the child but it seems Sati has already chosen her caretaker.”  He said with a smile directed to Karen.

          Karen looked up at the group realizing that now all eyes were on her.  “I have always wanted a daughter and if everyone is okay with it I would love to take on the responsibility of looking after her.”  She gave the child a tight hug as all eyes then turned to Rich wondering what the husband of the new proud mother would do.

          “I think it is a great idea.  Karen and I have always wanted children but because of her illness were unable to conceive.”

          The group exhaled a sigh of relief in unison glad that the child had found a surrogate family.  Some relieved they would not have to look after her.  It was obvious to all that it would take a village to raise a child in this unforgiving world.  The group talked for some time more before they all got up saying their goodnight’s and went upstairs in search of comfortable accommodations to sleep in.

         

          Rich and Brain took John to the armory too get him a rifle and handgun.  The three had chatted all through dinner about the future of the community.  If they could just keep this place fortified and impervious to the static then they would have a real chance to build some kind of future.  Each chatted about their thanks to whoever had the foresight to stock this place and make it ready, because in the end it had served a purpose.  John and Brian made Rich leave and get acquainted with his wife and new daughter after doing a perimeter check and establishing a defensive line at the emergency room doors.

          The two would do a walk-through of the hospital once every couple of hours to ensure everyone was safe and had everything they needed.  They would then retire to the emergency room foyer and sit in a couple of chairs watching the static who had still not left the front door.  They found they had a lot in common and were happy they seemed to have found a kindred spirit in one another.  Brian felt good that he had someone else to talk to he always felt like a third wheel to Karen and Brian and now with Sati in the picture he was grateful for another person to talk to.

          “Did you ever think the world would end like this?” said John looking over at Brian who was intently watching the static so as not to nod off in the brief silence.

          “I had a pretty good idea that it would end, but I never thought it would be like this.  I always thought we would destroy ourselves through global warming or nuclear war.  If you ever told me the world would go to hell because of some mythical planet entering our orbit I would have punched you for being retarded, heh heh.”

Both men laughed in unison sharing the joy in one another’s company.  The world had indeed been sent to hell and the large red planet now hovering in the sky was a testament to that.  “So did you lose someone important to you?” asked Brian looking questioningly at John who began slightly fidgeting in his seat at the question.

          “No.  The kind of relationship I was looking for is not exactly what you would call traditional and in the town I lived in it was best to keep my inclinations private.”

Brian now looked at John with interest.  “What do you mean by inclinations?”

“Well if you must know I’m gay and it is not really easy to find love in the normal world let alone this one.”  John gave a sharp nervous laugh looking at Brian for an answer.

Brian secretly could not contain himself.  He never would have thought in a world such as this he would find another gay man let alone one he was attracted to, looking for love.  He wanted to just jump up and hug the other man and thank him for being honest and that he too was gay, but he just sat there for a moment too nervous to say anything.  Brian never found himself to be at a loss for words but next to John he all of the sudden felt like a giddy child trying to tell his first love interest he liked them.  When he spoke it was almost a whisper, a response filled with nervous jitters.  “I’m gay too.”

          The two men just stared at each other for the next few minutes one understanding what the other was thinking.  There was a clear attraction between the two and they were trying their best to stay professional, but neither could say what that could possibly mean or to what purpose that would serve now.

Rich although reluctant to leave Brian and John to guard the perimeter alone was thankful that he would be able to go upstairs and get a good night’s sleep.  The day had been long but Rich was glad they were able to save a few lives in the end. 

When he got to his and Karen’s room teared up with what he saw.  Karen and him had pushed the hospital beds together so they would be close to each other in one bed Karen was cuddled against Sati her arm draped over the sleeping child her other arm was curled underneath Sati lightly stroking her hair.  He and Karen had wanted a child so bad and now it seemed God had delivered one straight to them.  He just stood at the foot of the bed for a moment watching the two, Karen stirred opened her eyes and smiled up at her husband.

          “She is a beauty Rich, Thank you for saving her.”

“It must be so rough on her losing her family and being a child in this world, but I hope that now she can find a measure of safety and comfort here.  We have to take care of her and try and give her as normal a life as possible.”

          “I know.” Said Karen continuing to stoke the child’s hair.  “We have to make this place a safe haven for all who can find it.  I want other children to be able to escape the hell outside and have some semblance of a normal life.  Promise me you can make that happen Rich.  Promise me you’ll keep us all safe.”

          Rich lowered his head.  He didn’t know how to respond to what Karen had said.  How can you keep people safe in a world like this?  You didn’t even know if the world would be here in the morning.  But Rich looked up at his wife and the sleeping child in her arms and he knew he had to do everything in his power to protect them.  “I promise.”  He said quietly “I promise I will do everything I can to protect you and Sati and the people in this building.”  With that Rich climbed into bed beside his wife and Sati and drifted off into a deep sleep.

I Never Knew Raine Fell: Part 10

The love of a mother can move the mountains and part the sea if her will commands it.  This is something I knew for sure.  Nothing would stop me from saving my daughter's soul, nothing would stand in my way.  I could not imagine the trauma she experienced that awoke the demon within.  I had to know what it was.  I looked down on my lap, the demon lay there asleep, my hand stroking her cheek.  Today was a new day, the rays of the sun were breaking through the barn walls.  We had both slept through the night, the visions of hell were thankfully absent from my slumber.  but with the rising sun glinting through the cracks in the wall I was reminded of the fires shown to me.  The images still burned into my mind.  So many tormented souls, so much suffering.

I felt deep inside if i did not find a way to save Raine that is where she would go, an eternal torment.  She may be a demon but shes my daughter and I would give anything to save her.  I slowly moved her from my lap and laid her head down on the wooden straw covered floor of the barn and walked to a window across the room.  I stood there looking out among the fields feeling the light breeze of the morning air caressing my skin.  Everything seemed so simple.  I pulled my coat around me.  I didn't know what the next move would be but I couldn't let my daughter go back to that place and just rot away.  I had to save her, I had to save this demon.  There had to be a way to return the demon to the cage so she could live again.

The trees we almost breathing in the morning sky, a wind blew them in a soft in and out motion and my chest rose and fell in unison with them.  "Father Grey" I said to myself, the priest who had visited me in the hospital.  He seemed to have so much insight on what was happening to Raine.  I still remembered hi number, I would try to reach out to him if I could find a phone.  Maybe he knew of a way to save Raine.

I heard movement across the floor slowly moving toward me, I just stood there looking out among the Fields, I trusted this creature now.  She meant me no ill will.  I never thought I could feel love for such an evil creature who had taken my family, but here it was.  She stood beside my looking out over the fields and I put my arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.  "Why did you fall Raine?"  I said without thinking, my mind needed to know and I had no desire to try and speculate anymore.

Again she spoke, her voice raspy and labored.  "A man." She began.  "I... She.. was coming home from school when I, we were grabbed and taken off into the woods."  She put her hand on the arm I had encircled around her shoulder.  "He did horrible things to her... us."  "I awoke to the screams and the pain.  It was a deep pain crying out for understanding.  I awoke to the call and ended our torment.  I ended him." "He is still in those woods I think."  The was an evil satisfaction in the tone of her voice and I had no doubt the man who had hurt her had suffered terribly for what he did and was still suffering in Hell.

Raine's hand tightened on my arm, no quite to the point of pain but still enough to remind me who the boss was.  "I know what you want to do." She said. "I know you want to call the priest."

I turned to  her and looked her dead in the eyes.  "Yes, I do want to call him.  I want to help you.  I don't want this torment to continue for us."  She didn't bat an eye, she held my gaze defiantly.  "Once the box has been opened the beast cannot be returned to it. Mother."

"I understand, you are my daughter Raine no matter what form you take or the deeds you commit I will always love you and be there for you.  Let me save you as you have saved me.  I trusted you now I ask you to trust me."  She stood there searching my eyes for any sign of deception.  She seemed almost frustrated when she could find none.  "I don't like priests....but I will trust you."  Her superhuman grip loosened then and we stood there for the morning drinking in the beauty of the day.  Every so often I would sneak a glance at the demon's face.  She almost seemed to be enjoying the beauty of God's creation.  It was then I understood.  I was then I knew how to save her.  To save her I would have to die.

Sometimes You Just Cant Make Them Happy

It is a fact of life my friends that no matter what you do you just cannot make some people happy no matter how accommodating you may attempt to be.  I have recently found my self in a no win situation where there seems to be no way out and It dawned on me that sometimes in order to win the game you must not play it.  If you really love someone then sometimes it is necessary to back away and let that person figure things out for themselves.

I see this situation constantly repeated again and again from culture to culture, time to time and it seems some people are just happy being unhappy.  I know that can sound ridiculous to the normal everyday person but I am sure we have all come into contact with a person in our lives, whether it be family or co-workers, at some point in our lives we will run into a person who is always looking for the next opportunity to be offended or angry.  The world just seems to have these people in it, and no matter what amount of logic we attempt to introduce into the conversation, logic just seems to disappear.

Not to play this game is the key my friends.  The more you read into the situation the more futile your attempt at a resolution will become.  I know.  There seems to be no intelligence or logic that can explain this sometimes, but life is not always logical just look at the platypus. 

So the burden must be shifted to the people who understand the situation.  The thinkers,  We have to recognize the situation and not feed into all the negativity these types of people can generate.  Many times in my life I have gotten caught up in the perpetual argument with no way out.  But I have come to the conclusion no matter what you do there is no way to introduce that person to logic, the longer the conversation persists the more illogical your conversational adversary will become, and in a fashion that would be reminiscent of Eric Cartman from South Park they will flip the metaphorical board and say "Screw You Guys, I'm Going Home."

Sometimes it is preferable to live a life of ignorance to protect a person from the reality of the world.  A reality where mistakes are made, violence is committed and people are hurt.  It is preferable to live in a fantasy world where you always have control, where everyone else is wrong and there is no need to reflect on the finer points of life.

I'm not sure what can be done about these people other than to be the better person and learn to walk away.  I appreciate you taking the time to read this and I hope this reflection may help, if you find yourself in a similar situation.

"The Legend of Angel Sati" Chapter 1

The Legend of Angel Sati

There exists a legend deep in the lore of a forgotten civilization of two sisters who became one.  I came upon this lore one dark night as I sat hunched over a rotting wooden desk in the dank recesses of the ruins of a castle buried and forgotten in heart of England. The accounts were so vivid, so many witnesses of these sisters I have come to the conclusion they may have actually existed and may still exist to this day.  I will describe here the contents of the story as I have read it.  The burden will be placed on you to decide if these sisters truly existed and who they were.

We found the entrance to the ruins quite by accident.  It was in early 2014 and I was leading a team or archaeologists across England looking for evidence of long forgotten early settlements of humanity in the area.  It was a long and grueling dig with several location all over the country.  Everything we had discovered thus far although fascinating were know civilizations, but there were always clues in the art and pottery that there was a civilization that had influenced these early people.  After long talks with my colleagues we decided there was a civilization that must have existed long before these more recent ones that was well know across the world.  Something had happened, it was as if they had been erased from history.  This naturally fascinated us.

Eventually we made our way to the northern most part of the country where it was subtly indicated this forgotten civilization may have existed. It was approaching twilight as we came over a rocky ridge overlooking a flat valley fifty meters down.  I will not discuss the exact location for fear treasure hunters may seek this out and the purity of the site may be compromised.  The setting sun cast an eerie orange glow that make the dew on the grass sparkle like diamonds, I could not have fathomed such beauty could exist in such a remote part of England.  Nature is always brilliant and beautiful, but this was ethereal.  The valley seemed to be alive and breathing.  

Our group decided to camp on the valley floor so we could get a jump on the survey at first light.  As the darkness descended we all gathered around the crackle of the fire hesitant to set up a generator and lights.  We all just wanted to drink in the sweet wine of the Milky Way above our heads.  Without the light pollution of towns and cities the night sky came alive.  We were as the men of long past eons huddled around the fire discussing the mysteries of the universe.  We were children again awash in the wonderment of eternity.

We stayed by the fire for hours discussing all matter of topics, after while my mind drifted to the secrets this valley may reveal.  I wondered about the civilization that could have existed here and may have happened to them.  Were they peaceful? Warriors?  It was an amazing proposition there could be something buried beneath us the world had forgotten.  Then it happened.  A light in the distance. Close but fleeting, in an instant it was gone I wasn't sure I had seen it but I felt compelled to follow it to it origin.  I arose from the fire and walked off into the night.  My colleagues didn't notice my departure and kept talking as I disappeared into the darkness.

The brisk air of the night hit me.  It was midsummer but a chill hung low in this valley, I pulled my coat tighter and pressed on to where I had glimpsed the light.  After a few minutes I came to the place where I had seen the flicker.  At first glance there appeared to be nothing but grass with beads of dew and an assortment of stones.  I was ready to turn and head back to the comfort of the fire when something caught my eye.  Mostly buried beneath the moss and dirt on the ground was a stone slab, you could easily walk over it and not see it.  But it was there.  I had to kneel down to get a better look.

There was a beauty to this stone that immediately stood out.  It was like no other, an obsidian slab with flecks of gold inlaid across it.  I quickly used my hands to clear away the dirt and debris the night sky my only light.  After I was done I fumbled in my pocket for a small flashlight I always kept with me.  I made sure I always kept it and a pad of paper and pencil on my person in case of any situation that would call for it.

After some time of examination, I realized I was standing next to a door.  There were clear handles carved into the front of the slab. A door to what? I had to ask myself.  I had never seen a door like this, never come across anything like it in my studies.  It was clearly very old.  There was no way this door was modern in any way and by the overgrowth it was apparent it had been undisturbed for a very long time.  

I proceeded after that to do something I never should have done.  I should have waited till first light but it was as if some unknown force compelled me.  I placed my hands on the grooves carved into the obsidian slab.  It began to move with little effort raising up above my head and revealing a staircase carved into the rock itself.  I let go of the slab and it stayed in its place, unmoving. I shone my light down into the darkness which then illuminated a corridor at the bottom of the stairs.  I could not help me and could not turn away, I soon found myself descending the staircase with the slab closing silently behind me as I moved.

The sky disappeared as the door shut and I was left standing there at the bottom of the steps with only a thin sliver of illumination from my flashlight to see.  There was not much to see down here and for a moment I regretted my decision to come down without notifying my colleagues.  The smell of dirt and dust inflated my senses, it was a smell I had experienced many times in ancient tombs that had lay undisturbed for centuries or millennia.  While it may produce a foul feeling in the pit of someone’s belly, in the belly of an archeologist it is a smell of victory, a confirmation of hard work and sound theory.  This was no recently created structure or hoax, it was old.  Very old. 

I took my light and pointed it down the hallway there was nothing, my light could not see the end of the dark.  It was an unimpressive dark stone corridor hand cut into the ground.  I could not see the end as hesitated to continue.  The opulence of the obsidian slab that covered the entrance was nowhere to be found down here, it is hard to imagine the same people constructed the two structures. As much as I wanted to turn away something just kept drawing me forward into the depths.  The darkness was overpowering and lonely I felt a cold draft whoosh down the corridor and hit me in the face causing a shiver to run the entire length of my body.  Then I heard it like a whisper in my ear, a calling to come deeper.  I followed along the passageway flashlight in one hand my fingers trailing the wall with the other.  There was a slight moisture on the walls and a smell of must thick in the air.  The whisper endured through the entire length of the passage driving ever forward to my unknown destination.

At last the corridor widened and I found myself in a gallery.  I swung my flashlight from side to side illuminating the room I now found myself in.  I was in awe and understood immediately the bleakness of the corridor was a shade for the room I now found myself in.  Whoever had built this place intended for any person who ventured down the corridor to feel a sense of disappointment so when they entered this room there would be a complete shock and sense of wonderment?  Even in the dim light, I could make out the complete artistry of the décor, a master had worked this place and taken his time, from wall to ceiling there were intricately carved and colorful impression of life when this was created, it looked like a 3-D painting.  Every image was tied into the next forming one big work of art, stepping into the room was almost like stepping into the lives of these long gone people.  Everything in this room was a representation of this moment captured by the master artist.

A person who entered this room would be stepping into a frozen moment in time, they would gather a real sense of it would have been like to live among this culture.  I looked down to see the floors carved and painted to resemble grass and pebbles, the ceiling was of a bright afternoon sky with loose cloud cover, I almost felt a bit warmer just looking at it.  The pillars that supported the weight of the ground above the chamber looked so much like trees I had to reach out and touch them only to feel stone instead of bark.  I walked slowly through the room swinging my light from one master piece to another.  Statues had been built and dressed as merchants standing behind fake shop windows selling produce carved of stone that looked so real I felt I could have eaten it if I had a mind to.  I studied the room, the detail was photorealistic like I was there.

All through the chamber were statues of men women and children so lifelike I felt like they were actually alive.  They were all dressed in clothes worn at that time but none had not degraded even slightly whatever the fabric they were woven from had stood the test of time. It was humbling to imagine such artisans could ever had existed.  Davinci and Michelangelo paled in comparison to the masters who built this place.  This room untouched by time was a capsule, a moment in time captured for the explorer who entered.

The walls were a different story.  They were a single piece of art that wrapped itself around the room and they had a story to tell.  When one entered the room immediately on either side of the door were a depiction of a single female child, eyes downcast as if in prayer.  The depictions were carved as intricately as the statues that littered the internal part of the gallery.  I examined them closely they were so lifelike.  A single tear rolled down the opposite cheek of each child.  They were dressed in robes of white and blue with a thick gold chain draped around their necks and a silver plaque with strange writing on it.  In the next frame crowds of people were following each child as they progressed across the walls in the room.  Behind the crowds were depictions of battles and ceremonies all with these two children leading the people in battle and ceremony?  Whoever they were they were worshipped by these people, they were goddesses.  

I followed each one around the room feeling like one of the people in the art until I had traversed the room and come to a large oak door with heavy brass handles.  Again on either side of the door were the girls only this time their eyes were open casting a glance directly at me, my discomfort was immediate their eyes were haunting, made of sapphire and emerald they sparkled in the light.  Their gaze was so haunting I involuntarily looked up above the door.  It was then I understood the significance of the gaze.  The makers wanted the observer to feel the discomfort and look above the door.  And there it was. A depiction of such intricacy and beauty I nearly fell to my knees in awe of its glory.

The work was of the two sister ascending an obsidian staircase flecked with gold, the same material the door was made of, in each scene they got closer and closer to one another eventually holding out their hands to embrace each other before merging into one entity in the final scene.  The being was a being of transcendence and beauty a representation of completion and ascension.  A being of absolute energy one that became one with space and time.

CLICK!!!

The heavy oak door swung with a loud creak inward and a faint glow came up from the shadows warm and inviting.  Again the whispers in my ear, more coherent now I could almost understand what it was saying.  I passed through the door and came to a winding obsidian carved stairwell, there was no scenery carved into the wall here and besides the stairs there was no indication of the work of the master artisans here.  I descended down many steps until I came to another door.  This door was different than the other. It was made of a thick silver painted on either side again were the sister’s eyes downcast in solemn prayer.  As I observed them there was another click and the silver door began to swing inwards.

I entered into a massive library.  Wall to wall were lined shelves of books 3 stories tall.  It was a gem of archeological discovery, the holy grail of a forgotten civilization.  It was a massive collection of thousands of books.  Every wall was covered.  In the middle of the room there were four torches arranged in a square and sitting in the center of the arrangement was a small pedestal with a small white candle on either side shaped like the two sisters.  A thick unopened book sat between them.  I cautiously approached the pedestal.  As I got near the whispers became louder and increasingly more audible, I could make out what they were saying now.  “The Sisters will Rise Again.”  Over and over the phrase rung in my ear, it sounded like a crowd of people now speaking with reverence.  When I was finally standing over the book the candles came to life illuminated the cover of the book.  I hunched over to look closely at the cover.  It was bound in thick leather with beautiful images of the sister depicted facing each other holding up the sun.  It looked almost Egyptian in its representation.  The title was woven gold and silver und unintelligible to me.  The writing was almost a continuous looping motion quite beautiful.

As I stood there examining the manuscript afraid to open it something began to happen.  The silver and gold weaving of the words began to move and change eventually settling on a coherent English.  I could read it! The title.

“The Legend of Angel Sati, Two Sisters Who Became One”

In my Arms, to my Daughter's

How I wish I could hold you in my arms as when you were young.  A barrier from the cruelty of the world.  That was my job as a father but now you are grown and I can no longer shield your from the sadness and hate, the rage of the world will present itself to you and I cannot shield you from it.  A father's fear deep inside that can never be shaken.  Soon you will go off on your own, your hand separating from my own leaving me in the darkness of self doubt.  You are my child, my progeny and the love you have given me  from the moment your eyes opened to the world has sustained and motivated me through the years and although I have not been able to be there for your lives know that you were always in my heart.

Every success I have had, Every thing I have accomplished is the memory of those eyes, so filled with hope and a love, a love that is too deep for this world. You have your mothers heart, a deep kindness that can only be described as angelic.

What have I done to deserve such grace in my life.  The mistakes of my past haunt me, yet the hope for the future sustains me through the dark times moving me ever forward through the tunnel of darkness to the illumination of your smile.  Can I be a good father?  Can I be the fountain of wisdom these girls need?  I ask myself these questions daily.  Can I prepare them for the ugliness of the world?

Can I show them the beauty in it?

My children, please listen.  Love of a family is eternal and cannot be separated by distance.  The beauty and majesty of the world is a joy that nourishes the soul.  But there is a darkness as well ever attempting to penetrate the purity of the soul. Do not let it.  Fight the darkness with light my children, let the love of god and family wash over you.  Never forget the goodness in the world, it Can be found everywhere for those who look.  You will be bombarded by the evil of the world through movie, TV and media, but fight.  Know there is love and kindness, generosity and truth.

Forgive those who have wronged you but always be wary of future transgressions.  Be a beacon of light on shores.  An island of peace in a sea of darkness.

I know I have not been there for you, but that will change.  One day you will be in my arms again and I will be complete.  My soul had been torn in half all these years but soon you will mend it.  The love of family the joy of the bonds that connect us.  No distance can separate us, no time can lessen the love I feel for my daughter's.

"The Center Pointe" Chapter 5

Disclaimer: This book is very early stages, Posted for the benefit of my readers.  You will find many errors, this is the writing process. Enjoy the story.

Chapter 5

The first floor off the emergency room was mostly labs and offices relating to hospital business.   Most of the offices were locked and no trespassing signs hung on the wall.  At a nurses station down one of the triage corridors the trio found a memo stating the hospital was to be evacuated, it was to be cleaned and prepped for any future need then locked and closed so none of the people who had become infected would be able to get in and do damage.  It stated the hospital would be left in a state of readiness so that staff and doctors might return when the area was safer.

“Well this looks promising.” Stated Brian.  “This place was left in a state of readiness which means it should be fully stocked with medical supplies and food.”  If no one else has gotten to this place yet then we may have just hit the jackpot.” 

          Brian folded up the memo and stuffed it in his pocket.  The trio then continued their search of the first floor.  After about an hour of thorough searching they had found no signs the hospital had been breached by the creatures.  There appeared to have been iron grating affixed to vulnerable areas and heavy chains and padlocks set on vulnerable doors to keep unwanted things out.  The first floor had been locked down to keep it secure from thieves and creatures.  This surprised the three because it had been so easy to pry open the front doors thus making all this kind of pointless in the end.  But it would become very useful for them because now they could see that the hospital was an easily defendable position where others in need could seek sanctuary.

          When they came upon the staircase to the second floor they found the door locked.  Brian grabbed a fire axe that was affixed in a glass case.  In two swings he had broken the small window in the door and Karen was able to reach her small hands in far enough to reach the lock and unfasten the door.  It swung silently open and the trio slowly worked their way up the stairs to the second floor.  Although the door had been securely locked there was no guarantee that nothing had been able to get in here.  The creatures they had seen were determined little devils and if there had been something of interest in here they would have found a way in so the three humans were very careful when they swung open the second floor door and moved into the main hallway.

They stood there silently for a few minutes trying to listen for any activity on the floor.  Hearing nothing they began moving as a group from room to room shutting each door as it was cleared, their precision was almost military as they moved.  Eventually they found themselves standing at a set of double doors a big sign on it said medication holding.  They just stood there staring at the door each waiting for the other to open the door on fear that they would find it empty and their efforts in vain.

Rich was the first to step forward and grasp the handle.  He slowly pulled the door open and it groaned on its hinges as it swung outward.  Rich Karen and Brian just stood there for a moment to astonished to even move, but eventually a smile spread across the faces of the three and they rushed into the room to get a good look at their bounty.  The room was huge and filled from wall to wall with boxes of medications.  It was like a pharmacy warehouse.  There were several boxes sitting on several shelves filled with every type of medication one could hope for.

          As Brian and Rich were beginning to take inventory Karen approached them with a huge smile on her face.  In her arms she was carrying a box filled with medication to help her manage her crohn’s disease there was enough medication in the box to easily last Karen for a couple of years.  For the first time in a month the three friends felt the weight of their reality begin to grow lighter, they knew that if the hospital had stocked up on medication then they also must have stocked up on non-perishable foods in case of a long period between resupply or loss of power.  They finally felt as if they might be able to rest in safety without fear of being torn apart.

          After long hours of careful searching the trio found the entire hospital devoid of life and quite secure.  In the kitchen they found enough non-perishable food to last for months that could feed a large number of people.  It seems the hospital had invested in military rations in an effort to plan for the disaster that had been thrust upon them.  Finding this place intact was like finding a diamond in the rough.  Here people stranded out in the new wasteland would be able to find refuge, food and medical supplies.  The three hoped to turn this place into a beacon of civilization where the huddled masses could come and begin to rebuild.  These were the optimistic views discussed as the three friends gorged themselves on the food they had found, filling their empty bellies to the point of almost vomiting.  They sat there for a while just feeling the safety and security of this place.  It was almost an hour before any of them spoke.  Brian was the first to break the silence.

“Karen you should stay here and take inventory of the food and medication while Rich and I make our way back down the stairs and find a way to secure the front entrance from any creatures that may try and force their way in.”

“Sounds good, you two be careful.” Said Karen handing the gun to Rich and leaning in for a soft kiss.  The two hated to be parted even for a few minutes.

Brain and Rich made their way downstairs to the emergency room lobby while Karen got busy taking down their inventory.  When the two got to the lobby all was as they had left it.  The door was shut and the lobby was empty but the other side of the glass was another matter.  As Brian and Rich approached they were greeted by at least five creatures scratching at the glass doors to the emergency room.  Rich leveled the gun and was prepared to take a shot when Brian stopped him.

“Hold on.” He said. “This is as good a time as any to see if the doors will hold against them.  We have to know that we’re safe or this place is not worth setting up house in.

So the two of them took a seat at the far end of the emergency room.  Rich with the gun sitting in his lap and Brian with his club which he had now fastened his knife to the end of sat there watching the creatures on the other side of the glass.  At first the creatures seemed more occupied with their own reflections than the two men that had taken seats on the opposite side of the glass.  But after a few minutes they began to growl and beat on the glass in an effort to get at the two men.  For an hour the creatures assaulted the plexi-glass doors with no success.  The glass held firm and the two men inside finally tired of playing bait and went to make their way back up to the second floor where Karen had taken up to making an inventory of the medical supplies.

On their way back to the stairs they passed a door that had a padlock securing it.  When they had come through the first time their haste had made them overlook rooms that were locked, but now the pair took the time to examine this door.  The sign that was affixed to the door had been recently added and was not part of the hospital.  Upon reading the sign the two surmised that the military had probably put it there in case they were to return.  This filled the two with glee because the sign read ARMORY.

“They must have had plans for this hospital.”  Said Rich examining the lock that secured the door.

“Well let’s hope they come back at some point, we could use the extra help.” Said Brian.  “We can go and get the fire axe and then come down and hack our way in.  Who knows the toys they may have stashed in there.” At this point he seemed giddy with excitement.

It took the two men about ten minutes to check on Karen’s progress and then get back down to the armory with the fire axe.  The lock on the door was a heavy padlock fitted through two rungs.  It was connected to a steel plate.  It took Rich several minutes of hard whacking before the lock finally gave and shattered into several pieces.  The two men were beside themselves with excitement as they pulled open the doors to the armory.  In the span of a few seconds the two went from broad grins to disappointed groans.  The room was empty save a table in the center of the room and one small crate in the far corner.  The military had cleared the room to keep from arming civilians.  Brian jumped up and sat on the table while Rich looked over the room for anything they might have missed.

          “Well this isn’t exactly what I had in mind when we found this room.” Said Rich kicking a loose piece of the lock in anger.  It thudded against the wall with an echo in the empty room.

Brian looked on the floor and chuckled lightly to himself.  “They even swept.  Guess they didn’t want any civvies to sneeze and kill someone.”

Rich stood there looking at Brian for a second before both burst out laughing.  “Well at least they left one crate for us; maybe there is something good in it.”

          The two men approached the crate cautiously as if they were afraid that the lone crate may disappear if they moved to quickly toward it.  They were both optimistic that they would find something of use inside the crate but were also wary it could be something sinister.  They took a position on each side of the box and put their hands gingerly on the lid.  The lid was not locked and swung open silently with ease.  The two stood back staring at the contents for a moment before wide grins spread across their faces and they reached in the box like children reaching for Christmas presents.

Inside the crate were three rifles with scopes, four standard police issue handguns, three Smith and Wesson revolvers and ten army issue combat knives along with a few hundred rounds of ammunition and holsters for the weapons.  Rich and Brian spent the next twenty minutes fiddling with the guns and learning how they worked before putting them back minus two revolvers and two combat knives which they attached to the belts on their jeans.  They then picked up the crate and began to lug it back up to where Karen was still busy taking inventory of the medical supplies.

When they came into the medical supply room with the crate Karen looked up from her inventory sheet and immediately noticed the grin on the faces of her two compatriots.  “Well you two must have found something of value.”  She said with a smile now forming on lips that had not smiled enough since this apocalypse began.

          Once the two were able to drop the crate in the corner of the supply room Rich rushed over and picked Karen up swinging her around in his arms and then setting her down and tightly embracing her.  “We found a crate of guns and ammunition.  We will finally be able to have a fighting chance at defending this place, which also means we will be able to stay and hopefully make a home and safe haven here for the time being.”

“Well I finished the inventory of the medicine and medical equipment we have enough for a long time, this supply was left behind to ensure that if they were to return they would have plenty of supplies for a great many people so even if we take on a small community of other survivors we should have enough to sustain us for quite a while.” Said Karen planting a kiss on her husband’s lips as he set her back down on the ground.

After a long day of sorting through inventories of medicine food and supplies the trio were finally able to sit down and relax, ironically they chose to do that in the emergency room waiting area in front of the window where all the creatures were still beating on the glass trying to get in for a hot meal.

“Do you think this is smart taunting them like this?” said Brian looking at Karen and Rich who were cuddled together on the adjacent chair, Karen sitting in Rich’s lap with her head on his shoulder staring out the window at the commotion.         

“Well we may be in their bellies one day so I relish the chance to make them work for their meal.”

At this Rich and Brian were both silent for moment giving Karen odd looks.  Then the trio burst out in a fit of laughter content for the first time in the knowledge that for now they had a warm dry place to rest their heads with food and supplies.  For the moment they were happy and everything was okay.

They all sat for the next couple of hours watching the creatures clawing at the windows.   No matter how much they beat on them or scratched on them the plexi-glass windows held fast.  They could tell after a while that even the creatures on the other side got the idea that their meal was out of reach and they all began to gradually wander away from the three people on the other side of the barrier.  It was a few minutes before any of them spoke;

 Brian was the first to break the silence.  “Hmm.  Well it seems we are not in a zombie movie after all.  They seem to get the idea we are unattainable.  This might be a good thing.  If they all leave this may be a better safer place than we thought.  If things keep this way we may be able to help save a lot of lives.”

“Yea, but we will still have to work on fortifying this place and plugging any places that seem weak enough to where more determined ones might find a way in.  If we want to make this a place where people can flock to for safety then we will have to take precautions.  Also we should think about painting a sign large enough for people to see that this is a safe place for them, we may be able to even find a radio to contact other survivors.”

Karen looked at Brian for a moment both contemplating Rich’s words.  They both knew Rich was a born leader and if anyone could see them through this nightmare it would be Rich who lead them.  It seems that it took for the world to end for them to see in Rich what they had never seen before.  He was always the take charge type but you never can tell how someone would act in a crisis until a crisis presents itself.

         

          For the next week the trio set about to making the hospital a more secure place.  With the guns and knives now at their disposal they were able to thoroughly search the entire premises and search each room for any survivors, creatures or dead bodies, the last of which they were very grateful they did not find.  Luckily even the morgue had been emptied and cleaned before the military and hospital staff had fled.

          They had come across no resistance throughout the building and were relieved to find the basement secure and stocks of freeze dried foods packed in boxes in the back of the dark and creepy looking room.  The basement was not entirely what one would expect, for the first thing it was not musty or wet like you would envision it to be.  It was used primarily as a generator room.  Unfortunately upon looking around Brian and Rich found no fuel for the generator.  They guessed having an explosive substance in the basement of this building when just about everything a person touched generated an electric shock would have been a bad idea so in the end they were grateful there had been no fuel for the generator because the chances were good one wrong move and they would have blown the building sky high.

          Rich and Brian were just about to start inventory on the stores of freeze dried foods when a loud BANG rang out from a few floors above them.  The two were momentarily startled before regaining their wits and running full speed to the stairs mounting each set of steps three at a time trying as fast as they could to make their way to where they had last seen Karen.  They were three flights up and about to hit the stairs to the floor Karen was on when again BANG, BANG.  Rich began yelling out to Karen trying to find her, they ran through the medical supply room but Karen was not there, they noticed the crate was open and a rifle missing.  Three more shots rang out.  BANG, BANG, BANG.  It was coming from a room at the end of a long corridor.  The two men rushed down to the room and burst in.  They were expecting to find a bunch of the infected but instead found Karen at the window.  The window was wide open and she was sitting on a chair with the gun resting on another chair staring intently through the scope.

          Without taking he focus off of whatever she was seeing through the scope she called to Rich and Brian to join her by the window.  “You two need to get over here and see this.”

          They both approached the window Karen was at.  They were able to see quite easily across the landscape.  There were no trees or other building to obstruct their view.  There was a large field before them and off in the distance you could see the town of Monroeville stretching across the horizon.  It wasn’t long before they saw what Karen had been shooting at.  About 100 yards away in the field there was a small group of creatures attempting to make a lunch out of a group of people numbering about twelve.  They were all running for their lives trying to make it to the hospital.  Rich and Brian could already tell from a group of creatures that seemed to be fighting over something that some of the group had already succumbed to the superior numbers of the infected.

“You two need to get down to the emergency room and get the doors open for them when they get close enough I will tell them where to go.”  Karen fired two more shots and two more creatures dropped.  She was a fantastic shot, a born sniper. “GO NOW!” she shouted at them still looking through the scope and cracking off another couple of shots.

          Rich and Brian wasted no time rushing down to the emergency room.  They had their guns drawn ready for anything they might encounter when the group made it to the doors, if they made it at all.  When they made it to the emergency room there were three creatures still outside the doors trying to get in with no success. The two men took up positions at the door; as soon as they could see the group of people they were ready to throw open the doors and shoot the three creatures trying to get in.  They did not want to kill them too soon so they would not alert any others to their position.

          They waited impatiently for what seemed like an eternity hearing the crack of Karen’s rifle every couple of minutes.  It was almost getting to the point where they thought the group had been overpowered and were already dead.  Rich and Brian were about to open the doors anyway when they saw the group of people burst from the woods and come rushing up the parking lot toward them.  Trialing them were two creatures the group almost didn’t see the other three creatures that had been at the door of the waiting room who now saw the group and began rushing toward them forgetting about Rich and Brian at the door.  One of the group fell and tried to run the other way when they saw the additional three creatures rushing toward them grunting and screaming like wild animals. Another crack from the rifle and another creature dropped to Karen’s marksmanship. 

          Rich and Brian knew by now that the window Karen was firing from was now out of view it was up to them to help the incoming survivors.  Taking the opportunity left to them by the creatures rushing the group the door to the emergency room was now clear and the two rushed out after the creatures who were almost at the group.  Brian was a faster runner than Rich and got closer to the action.  When he was within acceptable range Brian dropped to one knee and brought his handgun up to aim.  CRACK, CRACK, CRACK.  Two more creatures dropped from shots to the head.

Just as Brian lowered his gun Rich came rushing by clearly intent on intercepting one of the creatures who was just about on the only child of the group who had been dropped in the panic.  She couldn’t have been more than ten years old and both creatures had now forgotten the rest of the group and seemed to be going for what they thought was the easier meal.  Rich bolted past the group gun raised.  The little girl had begun to cry as the creatures got closer and closer.  The tears in her eyes were evident to Rich who was still about fifty feet away from her.  Images of the family they could not save began to flicker in his mind.  The smell and the picture of the family being torn apart by these things sent Rich into a rage he could not and would not see another child torn to pieces by these things.

          Rich skidded to a stop and raised his gun he made sure to aim for the head so any stray bullets would be over the child.  CRACK, CRACK.  One of the creatures received a bullet to the neck and back.  Rich may not have been a great shot but he was good enough to slow the damn thing down and make the other one stop rushing for the child and turn his attention to Rich.  Rich saw the creature coming at him and stood his ground.  In the background he could see the other creature writhing on the ground blood pouring from the open wound on the neck.  That one wasn’t getting up any time soon.

          The lone creature was now coming at Rich full speed.  Rich stood there waiting for just the right time.  When the creature got close enough rich raised his gun and shot the thing point blank in the head.  Most of its skull and flesh disappeared in an instant and the creature dropped to the ground gurgling sounds coming from what remained of its neck.

          Rich now turned his attention to the other creature that was still alive, it had begun to slowly claw its way on its hands and knees toward the child.  She had fallen to the ground and was in a fetal position crying for her mother.  When she saw the creature inching toward her bleeding out she screamed and began trying to crawl away.  Rich took one quick look behind him and saw Brian ferrying the rest of the group into the building.  Now he knew the only danger that remained was the dying creature on the ground but even it was able to just touch the child it could send her into cardiac arrest with its shock.  Rich walked up to the creature as it was flailing on the ground to busy trying to get to the little girl to notice the man who was walking up to him knife dawn.  Rich felt to fire another round would be a waste of ammo so while the creature was preoccupied he took his knife and drove it through the things head stapling it to the earth and spilling the rest of its blood over the dirt.

          Rich watched the lifeless form for a moment for any indication that it may still be alive but after seeing no movement or breath Rich withdrew his knife from the things head and sheathed it.  The child was now sitting against a tree with her legs drawn up to her chest crying.  When Rich began to approach her she screamed, she did not understand what was happening and didn’t want anyone near her.

          “It’s ok, it’s over kid, its dead.”  Rich put his hands in the air in a gesture of surrender attempting to approach the child without further scarring her.  “Your safe now please let me help you so I can get you into the hospital where no of these things can get you.”

          The child stopped crying for a moment and looked up at Rich with huge green tear stained eyes.   Seeing this man’s hands raised to the air and not grabbing at her seemed to calm her and she allowed Rich to gather her in his arms and make for the door which Brian was still holding open waiting for them despite the protests of many in the group.  By the time Rich had gotten through the door and Brian had secured it the little girl had fainted in Rich’s arms trying to mentally escape the stress of the day.  Rich went to the nearest room and laid the child down on the bed and covered her with a nice warm blanket.  After watching for a few moments to make sure she was breathing normally he joined Brian back in the waiting room, he was staring out the window at a group of creatures that was now assembling at the windows beating on the glass trying to get in.  The group behind him was cowering in fear afraid of the things breaching the glass but Brian held firm starring them down unafraid.

          Rich walked up to his friend and stood beside him.  Not too long ago the two were arguing about bills and things that seemed so important at the time but were so insignificant now.  This was a new world and to survive it you would have to depend on those you trusted most and there were no two greater friends at this point than the two men standing at the glass staring at the things pawing for a fresh meal.

          “We saved some didn’t we?”

“Yea.  We did.” Said Rich putting his hand on his friends shoulder.

The two were standing there letting the survivors of the group catch their breath and calm down before speaking to them.  They just wanted to take a moment to bask in the small victory they had won this day by saving eleven adults and one child.  A few moments later, Karen, gun strapped over her shoulder joined them and for the longest while the trio said nothing, they just stood there peacefully, silently giving thanks to whomever above was watching out for them and the human race. 

"The Center Pointe" Chapter 4

Chapter 4

It had now been only a couple of days since the arrival of the planet Nibiru.  It now swung in tandem with earth around the sun, a cosmic dance partner with our own planet.  I did warn you before my dear reader that you would have a front row seat to the horror of the new age.  Can you now see the desperate struggles of the trio as they try and make their way to the hospital in order to find medicine and safety?  They were forced to watch in horror as the creatures of the new world tore apart an innocent family.  This is not some science fiction story where a family almost gets annihilated but gets saved at the last second, this is the cold harsh reality of this new world where the only safety comes in the form of a weapon and a trusted companion at your side.

The world was sick to begin with.  Fellow man only cared about their own advancement and selfishness was considered to be a good thing among the well off.  Philanthropy only came in the form of charities for tax evasion.  People only cared about one another as much as was required.  You rarely would ever see true kindness.  Now a world has come into being where the comforts of the modern age have been obliterated and the only chance one could have for survival is the kindness of strangers.  Now I will ask you, rare survivor of the upper echelon of society, two men threw their lives to the wind and attempted to rush to the aid of a family in trouble.  If those men knew who you were would they have done the same for you?  Would you have done the same for them? Or would you have been like the man at the beginning of this story walking his dog while the voice of those in need faded with each step.  When you are truly in need will those same steps get louder or will they fade from you as well?

It is abhorrent for me to even surmise the despair the trio must have been in not being able to save the family or at least the children.  No one deserved a fate like that, but that is the order of the new world, the world I grew up in.

Brian sat alone on a rock trying in vain to warm himself in the early morning sun.  The temperature had been gradually dipping day by day for the last week, but over the last day or so it seemed as though it had finally begun to level off.  Rich and Karen were snuggled up together a few yards off in a tent the three had found.  It kept them warm and free from the elements at night but someone always had to keep watch in case those creatures came to close at night.  It had been three days since they had witnessed the attack on the family and the terror would still seep into their consciousness every chance it got.

Brian left Rich and Karen alone for the last few hours and even though it was Rich’s turn on watch Brian liked to see them cuddled together and happy for a while before they awoke and were again reminded of where they were.  Rich hoped one day to be cuddled close against someone he could love in the same way that his friends were cuddled together.  In this world his hopes of finding love were greatly diminished and over the last month every so often that thought would crawl into his brain and cause him momentary grief.  He knew he may not find love in the traditional sense, but he loved his two friends like family and would stick by their side and protect them as long as he was able.  Secretly he was not as optimistic as Rich was, Where Rich was in the mind that they all would either survive together or die together, Brian was more pessimistic.  He did not look forward to the day Rich may lose Karen to the illness that afflicted her.  He knew that if Karen or Rich were to die then that meant a death sentence for the survivor.  One could not live without the other and in Brian’s time with the couple he found one truth to be absolute.  The two were soul mates, a pair.  One could not exist without the other.  Brain knew this and he knew that Rich knew this.  This is why Brian was determined to take the risk.  He loved them and would rather trade his life in the event of some fatal event than have those two be without the other.

The three were now within sight of the hospital but had camped on top of a hill overlooking the building till the daylight had come.  They had arrived around midnight but upon inspection had seen no lights or activity of any kind so Rich thought it would be better to wait until daylight before taking a chance approaching it. 

Brian was watching the building intently for any signs of life while sunning himself, but within an hour he saw nothing.  There was no movement of any kind, animal or human.  His hopes faded with each passing minute that there would be any kind of safety at this place and began to wonder if leaving the house behind them had been the right decision because now they were in unknown territory with nowhere in which to hide.  Brian also knew that they would have no choice but to adventure into the hospital in search of food and medicine.  Karen had become increasingly sick over the last couple days since her medicine had worn off and he was worried that if they did not get her some soon they would be in a worse situation than running into the creatures that had torn that poor family apart.

Brian’s thoughts were interrupted by Karen emerging from the tent to run behind a nearby tree, no words were exchanged but Brian knew what was happening.  They needed in that hospital and they needed in now.  While Karen was relieving herself Brian got down off the rock and approached Rich.  He had woken when Karen ran from the tent and was busying himself collecting the gear and preparing to move.  He understood the look on Brian’s face immediately.

          “I know what you’re gonna say but we have to try.  Even if there is no one there, there is a good chance of finding food and medicine.  Karen won’t last another week if we don’t find something for her soon.” said Rich

          “Well I haven’t seen any activity so if we’re lucky we won’t have any trouble from the creatures.  Maybe we can hole up there for a while if we need to.”

“We may not have a choice.  Karen is pretty bad and getting worse, we need a place to rest and regain our strength till we can figure out our next move.  If we can claim the hospital then we can use it for other survivors as an outpost and some kind of safety.”

          “Look at you being the optimist Rich!” said Brian clapping his friend on the back.

          Rich gave a small chuckle as he began breaking down the tent.  As he was finishing Karen came walking back very slowly with a finger to her lips signaling quiet.  Brian pulled his knife and Rich grabbed a club he had fashioned from a tree branch.  Without saying a word she pointed to the grouping of trees behind them slightly down the hill.  After a moment of silence they heard the familiar grunting of the horrible creatures they had previously run into.

The sounds were getting louder by the second and they all knew there was no hiding or running this time.  They were going to have to stand and fight or die.  Rich turned to Karen “Get behind us and don’t let them touch you.  Brian, I will try and make an opening and you go for the kill.  A quick stab to the heart should take them down almost instantly.”

          “Or we could play it like a zombie movie and get them directly in the head.”

          “Then you will have to stab hard because the heart and the head are difficult to penetrate with the bone.”

          Karen had now covered her eyes not wanting to see the outcome.  She was certain they would be overwhelmed like the family and be torn apart.  They waited for what seemed an eternity for the creatures to come over the hill.  They had already spotted the trio but had a difficult time traversing the dense brush the companions had taken refuge in.  By the time they had made it to the clearing Brian and Rich had taken up defensive positions.  Rich had taken up point to keep the creatures at a distance and occupied so Brian could get in behind them and go for the kill where it was easier to penetrate a vital organ or the heart.

          When at last the creatures came into view it was hard for the trio to keep from looking away. There were two males.  One looked to be a business man, his suit was tattered and his hair and beard had grown out a bit but he had the unmistakable look of one who routinely wore suits to work.  The other was obviously a cop.  His uniform had been completely torn apart except for a pair of tattered pants only held on his body by the utility belt that was tightly fastened about his waist.  They both were covered in a multitude of cuts and bruises; brush from the forest was tangled about their bodies as if they were part of the woods.  Their skin was a deep grey and although it was brisk they were like the others sweating as if very hot.  Any trace of humanity was gone and only animals remained.  The only thing that gave away their former status was the tattered remains of their clothing.

Brian and Rich had only seconds to take in the sight before the two rushed them. As the first one got within range Rich slammed the tip of his club into the business man’s chest sending the creature reeling back into the brush where he got tangled.  The creature made a grand angry display catching himself in the brush and getting tangled in the mass.

Rich was at the ready for the onslaught of the second attack and instead of attempting to slam the second attacker in the chest he instead used the club to kite the creature in an attempt to make an opening for Brian to use his blade.  The creature was grabbing at the end of the club and trying to wretch it from Riches grasp.  The struggle was so great it did not notice Brian side step around from behind Rich and move himself behind it.  Before the creature was able to wrestle the club from Rich, Brian thrust the knife with all his force in the things back penetrating the heart from behind.  As Brian twisted the knife to ensure the maximum damage the creature gave a horrible piercing cry and fell dead at Karen’s feet who had moved to Riches side during the fight.

Before Rich and Brian could gain back their strength the other one had freed himself and rushed the two.  Rich pulled up the club just in time to keep the thing from grabbing him but as the man stumbled back he reached out for something to steady himself and unfortunately grabbed Brian’s shoulder in the process.  There was a small spark as its hand connected with Brian’s shoulder.  Brian’s body stiffened and slumped to the ground an audible groan the only sound before he fell into unconsciousness.  With Brian on the ground Rich was forgotten and the creature jumped on the unconscious Brian sinking its teeth into the helpless man’s left arm.

Rich jumped back into the fray using the club trying to beat the creature off of his friend.  But it was as though it did not even notice Rich’s efforts and kept trying to take chunks out of Brian’s body. 

Karen sat horrified by the body of the cop watching Rich trying to save Brian.  She felt helpless that she could not help them and shuddered with fear.  Finally the creature took his attention from Brian and renewed its efforts trying to take Rich down as well.  Rich was now in a struggle for his life, he was tired and the thing seemed to have never ending strength and stamina in its animal style rage.  She knew there was nothing she could do, she didn’t have the strength to fight this thing and she could tell Rich’s strength was fading.  Her despair almost overtook her until she looked at the body lying before her.

Rich was in trouble.  The creatures renewed efforts were close to overpowering him.  He had no weapon in which to cause a great enough injury to take down the beast.  A quick thrust from the creature to the base of Rich’s club sent the object flying from his hand and landing on the ground out of reach.  The creature then rushed Rich and he knew this was the end.  He braced himself for the shock he knew was coming and all he could think of was that he had let Karen down and now their fate would be shared with the poor family they had also failed to save.  Just then a loud bang resounded echoing throughout the vicinity and the creature dropped dead at Rich’s feet blood pouring from a wound to the head.  Rich looked back to see Karen standing behind him, a smoking glock in her hand.

Rich slowly stood and looked at Karen for a moment, he was about to say something when he remembered Brain on the ground unconscious.  He ran over to him and knelt down.  He put a hand on his friend’s chest to make sure he was still breathing as Karen grabbed a piece of cloth and began tending to the wound on Brian’s left arm.

          “That thing got him good.” she said wiping away the blood to get a better look at the injury.  “I hope he’ll be ok, you don’t think he’ll turn into one of those things do you?”

          Rich was busy testing Brian’s heart rate and watching his friend’s breathing.  “No, it doesn’t look to be anything that would be transferred.  From the look of these guys and the other one we saw it seems they turned on the arrival of the planet.  This isn’t a zombie movie, just tend to his wound I think he’ll be fine, his breathing is normal and steady he’s just unconscious.”

Brian remained un-conscious, Rich and Karen tended to his wound and made sure it was dressed; when they were finished they took a seat on the rock that their friend had been sunning himself on that morning.  The afternoon had trudged on slowly.  Nibiru hung low in the sky illuminated by the afternoon sun.  At this point the planet appeared to be twice the size of the sun and had appeared to settle into orbit around the Earth.  For a while they were wondering if the planet was going to collide with theirs but it now seemed the two planets were in a cosmic dance with each other moving around the sun.

There had been no movement in the woods or around the hospital since they were able to take a break after tending to Brian.  They had a brief conversation about what they might find there and finally settled on the decision that it was worth the risk to explore the hospital. 

Karen had found two extra clips on the police officers body and held the gun in her left hand while holding Rich’s hand in her right.  They were so engrossed in the quiet of the afternoon air and the warmth of the bright sun they did not notice Brian awaken and take a seat beside them.  They both jumped when he spoke.

          “Well I guess god must be watching over us if were still alive.”

          Rich and Karen both looked at Brian in unison then jumped on him hugging their friend.

“God! get off of me you freaks!”  He said with a gentle laugh.  “Who’s the crack shot.  I thought for sure when that thing touched me we were all dead then I awaken to a dressed wound and two dead things next to me.  One with a bullet to the head.”

          Karen looked at him and with a grin on her face said “When you got a redneck father and he wanted a son and didn’t get one, then he takes his daughter out.  He made sure I knew how to shoot, he used to want to take me on hunts but my mom wouldn’t let him.”  Her face then grew somber and she rested her head on her husband’s shoulder.  “He’s probably dead huh?”  She said trying to hold back the tears.

          “We survived hon. you never know, he’s a survivor I have confidence that him and your mother are fine.”  He said hugging her tight against his body.  “In about an hour we’re gonna make our move for the hospital.  So let’s all try and relax and enjoy the quiet together for a while.”  The trio then sat taking in the silence and the quiet of the day devoid of loud vehicles and noisy planes.  If it wasn’t for the present reality of things it would have been a very pleasant hour indeed.

         

The trip down the hill and through the parking lot to the hospital was gratefully uneventful and the trio now stood at the emergency room doors trying to peer into the darkness.  There was no movement inside which was a letdown among the three of them.  Their hopes of safe haven now seemed dashed.  On a positive note the doors were shut and no windows seemed broken, which meant hopefully no creatures had gotten into the immense structure.  Brian and Rich each took hold of one side of the sliding glass doors and began to pry them open while Karen stood guard gun leveled.  After a few minutes the doors stood open and the trio cautiously made their way inside sliding the doors shut behind them.

The sun thankfully lit part of the interior bathing the emergency room waiting area in light.  But the further back they went the darker it got.  Once they got to the actual emergency patient area they found flashlights on the wall and were soon able to get a good look at their new surroundings.

They swung the rays of the flashlights around the big room looking for any signs of life.  The feeling was surreal, seeing nurses stations and doctors desks, empty with all their items still in place is what one would expect to find in some kind of horror movie, the quiet was deafening as if the killer would jump from the shadows any moment slicing away with his butchers knife.  The three strained themselves listening for any telltale noise of life but the room remained silent.  They went from patient room to patient room but found them all empty.  Each room was pristine as if expecting to receive a patient at any moment.  It was an odd sight because you would expect that after the initial catastrophe the hospital would have been abuzz but it was just the opposite it looked as though it had been cleaned then vacated.  The confusion was evident on all their faces that now occupied the darkened room.

“No broken glass, no dead patients, nothing even out of order here?” said Brian sitting down in a chair behind the intake desk usually occupied by a nurse.  “Where did everyone go? This doesn’t make any sense?”

“Well I don’t think the creatures could get in even if they had wanted to.  They’re not really of the mentality to pry open the doors, and hospitals are usually equipped with plexi-glass windows in case of emergency.” said Rich.  “As long as there are no breaks in the building or someone got stuck in here then turned I believe we should be safe for the time being.  We should search and secure the rest of the hospital.  Medicine and food should be our top priority.  The other two nodded their agreement.