Free Infection: Alaskan Undead Apocalypse by Sean Schubert Page B

of which were moving, were lying twisted and contorted amongst the bright yellow stripes. Dr. Caldwell knew full well that the moving bodies weren’t survivors or merely wounded. They would soon join the ranks of the ghouls that were streaming down Providence Drive below.
    Early morning motorists that chose to listen to self-help tapes, sales training demos, or CDs instead of the radio drove, tragically unaware that they were headed straight into the open mouth of hell. The doctor shook his head in disbelief.
    The pilot motioned to his headset and then pointed to another hanging on the firewall behind him. The doctor connected the cords as he had done in helicopters in Iraq and gave a thumbs-up signal.
    The pilot said, “Simon said good luck.”
    “And Simon?”
    “I was on with him when those things got through the door. It didn’t sound pretty.”
    Dr. Caldwell chewed the inside of his cheek and nodded.
    “Hey, Doc, I got some more not so good news.”
    “Yeah?”
    “I got about enough fuel with this many people aboard to get us airborne long enough to find another spot to land. I’m guessing Merrill Field is a mess already or soon will be so I’m not heading us that way.”
    Dr. Caldwell suggested, “What about out toward Kincaid? Kulis is out that way and we got Anchorage International between there and here.”
    “Yeah, but that ain’t necessarily a good thing Doc. It could get kinda dicey through there if people are in a hurry gettin’ outta town, ya know.”
    “Got any better ideas?”
    “We’re on it. One more thing, Doc. Can you help out Stan here? I think he may have had a closer call than he wanted.”
    “What happened?”
    Stan, in the co-pilot seat, looked back and showed Dr. Caldwell the bite wound on his right hand. His flight suit’s sleeve was already saturated with blood that was flowing heavily out of the swollen tear in the skin and muscle tissue in the fleshy part of his hand between the thumb and index finger.
    Dr. Caldwell held his breath and did his best to not betray his feelings and said, “I’ll do my best,” and smiled.

Part Two
     

Chapter 20
     
     
    When a voice suddenly began to speak from the radio, everyone in Neil’s van was caught off guard. It had been silent for so long Neil had forgotten that he had left it on.
    “...Emergency Information Broadcast to follow...” A series of familiar beeps and tones then filled the expectant silence as they waited for news...any news.
    Another voice, this one sounding more human and less recorded than the previous, began, “Attention Anchorage. This message is being broadcast from the newly established National Guard checkpoint at the Knik Bridge. A dire state of emergency has been declared for Anchorage and the rest of Southcentral Alaska.
    “Reports of widespread destruction of public and private property and potential homicides are true. It is recommended that all residents remain at home. Lock all doors and stay clear of windows. Do not, I repeat, do not attempt to evacuate. Escape routes north and south are currently blocked. If you are already on either the Glenn or Seward Highways, please lock your doors and remain in your cars. Authorities will come to you and escort you safely out.
    “The Governor has mobilized the Alaska State National Guard to try and contain the disturbance. At this point, authorities are unsure of the identities of the perpetrators, their resources, or their intentions. Anyone with any information about this group or their leaders is encouraged to contact authorities immediately. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security have been asked to share assistance in bringing this disturbance to a quick close. Security personnel have also been dispatched to secure the Trans-Alaska Pipeline against any potential threats.”
    Neil said quietly, “They think this is a bunch of terrorists with some kind of political agenda. They haven’t got a clue.”
    The voice