Apocalypse Origins

Apocalypse Origins

Apocalypse Empire Book 1

By R.A. Neely

Apocalypse Origins

Apocalypse Empire Book 1

R.A. Neely

Smashwords Edition

Text Copyright © 2016

R.A. Neely

All Rights Reserved

Foreword

I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read my book. This is my first attempt at writing a full length novel and I have to say it’s been a labor of love. I’ve learned quite a bit along the way and I hope that’ll you enjoy reading this as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

Thanks for your time!. To get a free bonus chapter, sign up for my VIP mailing list!

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Table of Contents

1 Crazy Fitness: Emerald Falls, Illinois

2 James: On Patrol, Emerald Falls, Illinois

3 Shirley: WKJ Studios, Emerald Falls

4 Henry: Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia

5 Greg: Willow Street, Emerald Falls

6 Shirley: Hidden Shelter, Emerald Falls

7 Henry: Hidden Government Facility

8 Greg: Highway, Outskirts of Emerald Falls

9 Shirley: Highway, Outskirts of Emerald Falls

10 Cedar Forest, Illinois

11 Laramie, Illinois

12 Laramie, Trailer Park

13 Highway, Southern Wisconsin

14 Camp, Wisconsin

15 Camp, Northern Wisconsin

1 Crazy Fitness: Emerald Falls, Illinois

Greg Lyons crossed the finish line and started a cool down lap. Three miles done. He grabbed his towel off the ground and wiped some of the sweat from his face and head. Greg had a bit of a receding hairline so he kept it shaved. The downside was that he sweated a lot when he worked out. He practiced krav maga two to three times a week with his best friend James. On the off days, like today, he liked to focus on some light strength training and conditioning. He did the strength training to stay toned while the conditioning helped with the krav maga workouts which were pretty intense.

Greg finished his cool down and gathered his things and put them in his gym bag. A quick shower saw Greg on his way out the gym. He hit the remote to unlock his car doors and threw his gym bag into the back seat. Greg started the car and checked the clock. It was only seven. That left him with just enough time to stop off somewhere for a quick breakfast before he had to be at work at seven forty five. Greg pulled in to a Panera Bread and ordered a steak and egg breakfast sandwich. He got back on the road and made great time to his office. Traffic was actually really light which was unusual. Stopping for breakfast typically meant he wouldn't get to the office until seven forty five. It was only seven twenty and he was already pulling in. Was there a holiday?

He grabbed his briefcase off the backseat and headed into the office. It was one of those three story affairs where multiple businesses could rent out space. There was a medical office and a dentistry on the first floor. The second floor had an ophthalmologist and some insurance companies. He shared space on the third floor with some company that sold fire safety equipment or some such. Greg hit the call button and looked around. He could see into the medical office from this vantage point. There were several people in the lobby area. They were all bent over in their seats. Stomach cramps? Food poisoning maybe? Greg put it from his mind as the elevator arrived.

Morning, Carol, he said as he entered the office.

Morning, Greg, she replied smiling.

Carol was cute. She was about five six with green eyes and blonde shoulder length hair. She did a good job of keeping herself in shape too. They'd been working together for a little over three years now. Several times she had dropped hints that she wouldn't mind exploring a relationship outside the office. Greg wasn't one to mix business and pleasure though. Carol was the best secretary he'd worked with. Replacing her would be impossible if things didn't work out.

Hey, Carol. Is today a holiday or something? Traffic was really light coming in.

Carol nodded. There was an outbreak or something early this morning. They're advising everyone to stay home.

Carol nodded towards the t.v. they kept in the waiting area. She grabbed the remote on her desk and hit the mute button.

Greg noted the t.v. The screen was split. The celebrity news anchor Shirley O'Hara was on one side and it was probably an expert of some kind on the other. Ah. According to the caption he was Dr. Henry Pendleton of the CDC.

Thank you for taking time to meet with us today, doctor. I know your extremely busy working on this issue.

Of course, Henry said with a solemn nod. The people deserve to know what's going on.

Thank you doctor, we appreciate that. Well, I know your time is precious so let's dispense with the usual pleasantries. Can you tell us exactly what we're dealing with?

I can. At approximately three thirty this morning there was an incident of an unknown viral nature.

Forgive the interruption, doctor. But some might say that 'incident' doesn't accurately describe what's happening. Isn't it true there's been more than one case of this mystery illness? Sounds like outbreak might be a more accurate term.

Defining this as an outbreak would be blowing this way out of proportion, Henry replied. "The CDC has things firmly in hand. In fact, as we speak, my lab is currently running tests. I'm certain we'll have a solution very soon."

So you're saying there's nothing to worry about?

Absolutely.

Even though citizens are being asked to remain in their homes?

There's no danger to the public, Pendleton replied. People staying home keeps the roads clear. That gives authorities the freedom to quickly get to the few affected individuals so they can get the help they need.

"Thank you, doctor. I think I can speak for our viewers when I say that my mind is at ease knowing the situation is under control."

The screen faded to a skyline shot of Emerald Falls and listed several pointers on the screen. The list included staying indoors and calling 911 if you came in contact with anyone infected.

Greg turned away from the t.v. Interesting.

Pretty crazy right? Carol asked. Looks like it’s under control though.

Maybe, Greg said. He frowned in thought. I think they left out some important info.

Like what?

Well, how is the virus spread for one? Does it spread when they cough? Do they have to touch you?

That is important. Why would they leave that out?

Greg shrugged. I imagine part of it is they don't want to start a panic. Or, maybe they don't know but can't admit it.

That would start a panic too.

Greg nodded.

So what do we do? Carol asked with a worried look on her face.

Nothing for now. He shrugged again. They didn't even list the symptoms. How do we know what to look for?

Do you think some of our clients are sick?

I don't know, Greg replied. Without knowing the symptoms.... He sighed. For now, let's just get through the day. If we haven't heard anything new by the end, maybe we'll close up for a few days. Just to be safe.

Carol nodded. Alright. You'd better get ready then, she said nodding towards the clock.

Greg glanced at the clock. Nearly eight. His first client would be here soon. He nodded towards the t.v. We should probably turn that off. Don't want to upset anyone.

Greg walked into his office to prepare for his first client. Greg liked wood. His office had wood paneling and soft green carpet. Greg liked to think it had a cozy ambience. There were only a few pieces of furniture in the room. There was a desk in one corner where he could work on his laptop and two comfortable chairs in the middle of the room about six feet apart. Close enough to suggest intimacy but far enough so as to not invade anyone's space.

There was a framed copy of his diploma on the wall near his desk. The other walls contained pictures of various nature scenes. Each picture selected was designed to promote calm in the viewer. Greg felt the influence was subtle and helped his clients feel at ease.

Sitting at his desk he fired up his laptop and pulled up his notes for his first session. Michael Ramsey. Ramsey had just gone through a tough divorce. His wife of five years had just left him for another man. So far they'd been working through how the divorce wasn't Ramsey's fault. They'd first met when Ramsey was working his way through school. They had started out poor but it looks like she was just around until he got successful. Now he was stuck paying a significant portion of his salary in alimony payments.

The intercom on his desk chirped. Yes, Carol? he asked.

"Mr. Ramsey is here. Are you ready for him?

Yes, you can send him in.

A few moments later Greg's phone vibrated. Greg saw a message from Carol.

Heads up. Ramsey looks really agitated.

Greg typed out a quick reply and put his cell away. He rose to meet Ramsey just as he entered the office.

Good morning, Michael, Greg said as he approached for a handshake.

Morning, doctor, Michael replied. They shook hands and Greg noticed Michael's palms were sweaty.

Michael's eyes were also bloodshot. Late night drinking perhaps? He was also sweating profusely. Did he jog here?

Are you feeling alright today, Michael?

I'm fine, Michael replied as he took a seat. Just a bit under the weather. Summer flu or something. Michael rubbed a spot near his left elbow.

Is it hot in here?

Not really, Greg replied. He usually kept the temperature between sixty eight and seventy. Not cool perhaps, but most of his clients seemed comfortable with that range. I could adjust the thermostat I suppose, Greg said. But, I'm thinking a better idea is to skip today's session. You're clearly not feeling well. He saw that Michael rubbed that spot near his elbow again.

I can handle it, doc. Besides, already paid for the session.

Greg waved a hand in dismissal. Don't worry about that. I'll make sure you're refunded for today. Why don't you rest a bit and I'll get you a cab.

I can take the train, doc. I don't want to be any trouble. Michael stood up and immediately sat back down.

Rest. I insist. I'll feel better knowing you get home safe. You can't even stand.

Alright, doc, Michael replied as he rubbed his elbow.

Is your arm okay, Michael? I noticed you've been rubbing it a lot.

It's nothing. Some guy bumped into me on the train. Jabbed me with his pen or something.

Alright. Rest. I'll go take care of that cab.

Michael mumbled a response as Greg headed towards Carol’s desk. He couldn't be sick could he? The news didn't mention where people were getting sick. So it's possible. Crap! How did it spread? Was he exposed? He stopped. He didn't want to put Carol at risk. No, that's not right. Michael was in the lobby. He would've walked right past her desk. If it spread that was easily, they were both already at risk.

What's wrong? Carol asked as he reached her desk.

Greg glanced down the hall. No sign of Michael. Michael needs a cab.

Okay, Carol replied. But why do you look so worried?

Well...I think Michael might be sick.

Carol chuckled. Obviously. Why else would I be calling a cab? Oh..., she said as the implication sank in. Are we sick too?

Greg glanced down the hallway again. Still clear. Keep your voice down. I don't think so. At least I hope not. We don't know how it spreads. He frowned in thought. The news cast left a lot to be desired but hopefully some of it was accurate. The way O'Hara spoke, it seems like there were only a few cases. I don't think they could hide anything if it spread that easily.

Greg smiled. That's what I'm hoping at least.

So...what now? Carol asked.

Get him a cab. We don't know that he's sick. Just send him home so he can rest I'm thinking.

Carol’s eyes widened in shock.

What? Greg asked as he turned to follow her gaze. He immediately saw what caused Carol's reaction. Michael was slowly walking towards them. His movements were jerky, as if he was having trouble getting his limbs to obey. Why was he walking like that?

And what's wrong with his eyes? They were completely red as if all the blood vessels had burst. There was also a line of drool dripping from one corner of his mouth. It was way more than anyone should be able to produce. And his face. His face was twisted as if every moment was agony.

Greg took a step towards him. Mr. Ramsey-, he began.

Greg, I don't think-.

Michael zeroed in on them at the sound of their voices. A low growl started emanating from his throat.

Mr. Ramsey, please. Greg said.

Michael roared like a wild beast and charged towards Greg. In contrast to moments before, his movement was swift. He tackled Greg to the ground lunged for his throat with his teeth.

Greg barely managed to get his arm against his throat. Michael, calm down!

Greg, close your eyes! Greg complied as Carol brought a coffee pot down into Michael's head.

Carol stepped back in shock as Michael looked at her with hate filled eyes. As he turned his gaze back towards him, Greg realized something. There was nothing human left in those eyes. No spark of intelligence. No trace of the sorrow Michael had been carrying since his wife left him. It was if everything that made Michael who he was had been erased. All Greg saw was animal rage. He could die right here, right now. Beneath this thing on the floor of his office surrounded by the shards of the coffee pot his mom got him when he first opened his practice.

A switch flipped in his mind. He would not die here today. Not like this. Pushing up with his arm he gained just enough space to pull his knees up. He kicked with all his strength and sent Michael flying across the room.

Getting to his feet, Greg brushed away the glass shards that had clung to him. Michael got back to his feet and roared.

Greg beckoned him. Come on! he shouted. Michael charged again.

Greg stepped into the charge. Grabbing an outstretched arm, he flipped Michael over his back. He kept hold of the arm so Michael landed right in front of him. He kept hold of the arm with one hand and started punching Michael in the face with the other.

After the fifth punch, Michael was dazed but still breathing. Greg let him go and Michael dropped to the ground. Despite being dazed, he made feeble attempts to reach Greg. Michael pushed himself to his knees while Greg stood there shocked. How on earth was he getting up? There's no way he should be moving, Greg thought. He came back to attention as Michael made it back to his feet. Greg moved before Michael go on the offensive and launched a kick at his midsection. Michael bent over from the blow and Greg followed with an elbow to the back of his head which sent him crashing back to the floor.

And Michael began stirring again. Greg shook his head. How was this possible? He delivered a solid kick to Michael's head just as he made it to all fours. The blow sent him back down but he still wasn't out.

Here, Carol said.

Greg turned to Carol who was holding the butcher knife they kept in the break room.

I don't think he's gonna stop, she said fearfully.

Greg nodded. Already Michael was coming around. There was only one way to finish this. He wouldn't stop until one of them was dead. Greg took the knife from Carol and plunged it into Michael's throat.

***

Greg washed his hands again. This was the fourth time but he still saw traces of blood. He looked in the mirror and saw the same face he viewed every day. Shouldn't there be some sign of his ordeal? He'd just killed a man. Yes, it was self-defense but surely there should be some sign of distress.

He wasn't upset. In fact, he felt...satisfaction. Yes, that was it. Satisfaction that he had kept Carol and himself safe. If he was upset at all it was more because he wasn't bothered. Greg finished washing his hands and sighed. He'd have to deal with his feelings later. He left the bathroom and saw Carol sitting at her desk. She shook her head.

Can't get through, she said. I’ve been trying for the last few minutes but no luck so far.

Greg had wanted to report this to the police right away but maybe it couldn’t be helped. He sighed. I guess we keep trying. Greg wasn't really worried about getting in trouble. This was clearly self-defense. Maybe he'd feel differently if Carol hadn't been there. 

Greg and Carol looked towards the front of the office as someone started pounding on the door. They went to investigate and saw a middle aged man in a disheveled suit beating on their glass door. He looked terrified and was breathing heavily as if he had been running from something. He was clearly in trouble.

We're closed for the day, Greg said. 

Please, the man begged, you have to help me. Rick went crazy and started attacking people. Then they got up and starting going after people too!

That sounded just like what had happened with Mr. Ramsey. Was this the sickness they were talking about on the news? Did it make people aggressive? He said the people attacked got back up. Did he know how it spread? Alright, Greg said, I'll let you in. Greg spied movement down the hallway and saw a figure wandering around. It noticed the man's frantic beating of the door and let out a piercing howl.

The man looked behind him and screamed. It's one of them! You gotta let me in!

You have to move, Greg said. The door opens out. The creature started sprinting towards them, spittle flying from its mouth.  

The man nodded quickly and stepped back. Greg unlocked the door and shoved it open. Grabbing the man by his jacket, he hurriedly pulled him into the room. He turned towards the door but Carol was already pulling it shut. She locked the door and stepped back just as the creature ran full speed into the door. There was a loud thump and the glass in the door shook, but held.

Carol dropped the blind down and moved away from the door. She flinched as the infected hit the door again.

Greg, I don't know if the door is going to hold, she said nervously.

Alright. I'll get some furniture in front of it. He left the man who was currently on the floor curled up in the fetal position. The occasional whimper could be heard from him.

There were two couches in their waiting area. The longer one could hold three or four while the second one was basically a love seat. Greg wasn't sure how to go about this. Their office door opened outward, so blocking the door wouldn't work.

He maneuvered the long couch in front of the door and placed the shorter one on top of that, forming a t shape. They had to get out of here. The furniture would only slow that thing down for a few seconds at best. Greg walked over to the window and looked outside. The fire escape! He opened the window to get a closer look and frowned when he saw its condition.

It was rusted all over. The bolts that attached it to the building looked as if they were ready to crumble to dust at the slightest breeze but it was the only way out if he didn't want to deal with that thing at the door. Greg remembered what the man had said about the people who had gotten attacked. He didn't know how many of those creatures were running around in the building. The fire escape was the best option. Another thump reminded him he only had a few moments to figure this out.

He needed a weapon though. His eyes fell on Mr. Ramsey's body that they had covered with a table cloth. The knife was still over there. Greg walked over and pulled the sheet back. He grabbed the knife and spent a few moments wiping it clean on the table cloth then put it into his belt. Carol, he said, We need to take the fire escape.

The sound of breaking glass drew his attention and Greg watched as the love seat was shoved to the floor. To his surprise, there were three of those things there. All the noise must have drawn their attention. Right now they were all trying to get through the door at once but Greg was sure they'd figure it out soon enough. Go, Carol!

Carol ran for the window and quickly made her way outside. Greg heard the fire escape groan at the weight but it held. Hopefully it would hold up long enough for them all to get down. The creatures managed to sort themselves out and began scrambling over the couch, one by one. Greg ran forward and planted a kick in the first one's chest went sent it crashing into its friends. That bought him a few seconds to run to the window where the man they'd let in was making his way out onto the fire escape.

He climbed through the window and started making his way down. Growls behind him told him the creatures were close on his heels. He made it down the first set of stairs when the fire escape started shaking. Looking up, he saw the creatures making their way outside. He heard the screech of metal and hoped the fire escape would last just a few more minutes. He took off, taking the stairs three at a time. He thought about jumping all the way down a flight but didn't want to fall with those creatures close behind.

The fire escape groaned again and began pulling away from the building. It wasn't gonna hold! Greg saw that he'd made to the second floor and considered going through the window but the fire escape pulled free with a final screech before he could act on it. There was nothing he could do but hold on. He closed his eyes and held on tight. This was going to hurt. There was a sensation of free fall and Greg heard screaming and roaring but didn't know who it was. There was a loud crash that nearly shook Greg loose but he managed to hold on. Opening his eyes he saw that he wasn't on the ground.

The top of the fire escape had hit the building next door. It was a good thing space was so hard to come by in the city. If the buildings had been further apart, the fire escape would have crashed to the ground. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to walk away from that. He looked up and only saw one creature remaining. The roaring must have been the others falling from the crash. Who made that scream then? Was Carol okay?

Carol? He looked down but couldn't see much of the lower area of the fire escape.

Carol!?

I'm okay, came her reply, just a bit bruised.

Good, Greg said as he sighed in relief. What happened? I heard a scream.

That was the other guy. He fell when we crashed against the other building.

Greg shook his head. That was a shame. To survive the horror in the building only to fall...

Movement at the end of the alley caught his eye. Two of those things were making their way towards them. The crash must have drawn their attention. Screaming for Carol probably hadn't helped either.

Carol, he began calmly, "you need to make your way back to top me.

Alright. I'm on my way.

Good Greg thought. She didn't waste time asking why. He looked up. With those creatures down below their best bet was to try and get into the neighboring building. He'd just have to deal with the one creature left up top. He reached for the knife and was glad to feel the handle. He hadn't lost it.

He started making his way up. He couldn't use the stairs with the fire escape leaning as it was. He had to use the railing as a make shift stair. He had to be careful. The gap in the railing was large enough that a misstep would see him joining that other man on the ground. Greg approached the creature and it immediately roared and lunged towards him. Unfortunately, it didn't have the wherewithal to pay attention to its footing and one leg fell through the gap in the railing. Greg quickly took advantage and stabbed the creature in the neck. He withdrew the knife and used a foot to send the creature crashing to the ground below. He continued up the fire escape until he reached a window. It was locked so he launched a series of kicks to break the glass, careful not to cut himself. Once it broke, he used the knife to clear the remaining glass from the frame and slipped inside.

He found himself in a storage room. There were various office supplies arranged on the shelves. Noise from outside alerted him to Carol's approach and he turned to the window and saw she had reached the end of the fire escape. He held out his hand and helped her navigate through the window. Screams from bellow reached their ears. Carol shook and Greg took her in his arms. The two creatures must have found the man from the office. Shame that he survived that fall only to be attacked by those things. Stepping back he looked at Carol.

You okay? he asked.

Yea, I'm fine now that I'm out of that deathtrap. She sighed and used an arm to wipe sweat from her eyes.

Good. Sorry I didn't lend a hand. Had to deal with another one of those things so we could get in here.

That's fine. Look, I know I don't have a chance of surviving this craziness without you but I'm not completely helpless. I can keep up.

I'm not complaining, he said shaking his head, and I don't think you're helpless.

Carol smiled. Carol looked around the room. So what's next? How are we gonna get out of here?

First, I want to see if there's anything we can use in here. Anything we can use as a weapon. All I've got is this knife.

Carol nodded and began looking at the shelves. There didn't appear to be much that would be of use. She saw pens, paper, staples, binder clips and so on. She was just about to give up when she noticed a mop sitting in the corner.

How about that mop? she asked. It's not much but better than nothing maybe.

Greg walked over and looked at the mop. She was right. It wasn't much at all but they didn't really have anything else at hand. He supposed he could take that mop part off, that'd leave him with a staff of sorts. The mop was really fragile though, it wasn't designed to be used as weapon. Maybe he could get a few hits out of it before it broke.

It'll have to do, he said as he began removing the mop head. He had a sudden inspiration. The mop was nearly useless as a bludgeoning tool, but maybe he could make a serviceable spear out of it. See if you can find some duct tape or something like that he said. I'll try and make a spear.

Okay, Carol replied. A few minutes later she found the desired item hiding at the bottom of a shelf. Found some. 

Greg took the knife and held the handle to end of the stick. Take the tape and wrap it around. Make sure you get it really tight.

Carol nodded and set to work. How much tape should I use?

A lot. I don't want to lose the knife when I use it.

Alright, how's that?

Greg tested the knife and it seemed pretty sturdy. It wouldn't last indefinitely, but it would give him some reach if he had to face any more of those things.

Not bad, he said. Alright, time to get out of here. Stay close to me alright?

Carol nodded. I'll be right behind you.

Greg nodded and moved over to the door. He wasn't sure if any of those things were loose in this building so he turned the handle as quietly as he could and cracked the door. He took a moment to listen. He couldn't hear anything. Maybe no one was in the building. Only one way to find out though he supposed. Greg quietly opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. It was carpeted so that would muffle their footsteps. If anyone was hear they shouldn't be able to hear them coming. The closet they were in was situated at the end of a hallway. They could only go to the right. He looked back into the closet and motioned for Carol to follow him.

He quietly made his way down the hallway, spear at the ready. The hallway opened up into a larger room. There were a number of cubicles which fortunately, only came up to his chest. He could easily see that the