Dext of the Dead (Book 4): We Are The Extinction Read online

  WE ARE THE EXTINCTION

  Dext of the Dead – Book Four

  By

  Steve Kuhn

  “Fans of The Walking Dead are going to love this series. The characters are realistic and witty, the dialogue is great and the writing is quickly paced. The series should do well. Recommended.”

  ~ Weston Kincade, author of A Life of Death

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  This book is a work of fiction. All characters, events, dialog, and situations in this book are fictitious and any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission except in the case of reprinted excerpts for the purpose of reviews.

  WE ARE THE EXTINCTION

  BOOKS of the DEAD

  Copyright 2014 by Steve Kuhn

  Edited by Wake Editing

  Cover Design by Small Dog Design

  For more information, contact: [email protected]

  Visit us at: Booksofthedeadpress.com

  Read All 5 Books In Steve Kuhn’s Amazing

  Apocalyptic Series Dext Of The Dead:

  WE ARE THE PLAGUE

  WE ARE THE INFECTED

  WE ARE THE ENTOMBED

  WE ARE THE EXTINCTION

  WE ARE THE END

  Progress Report II

  To: Col. Lang

  From: Dr. Robert Albert Morofsky

  Re: Progress Report II

  Date: unknown

  Chalmers finally arrived the night before last. He was malnourished and exhausted. I put him up in my personal quarters for the night and saw to it that he was well fed so that we could begin working together on a long list of tasks regarding Subject 17 and the captured afflicted once he was rested.

  His first demand was that I provide a summary of findings about this situation as a whole. You’ll find this document attached at the end of this progress report. I’ll tell you up-front and off the record that we are in the deepest shit you can imagine. However, there is hope.

  I’ll begin with an update on the findings regarding the Alpha Syndrome discussed in my last report. I am confident we have solved the mystery of this behavior, at least in part. After a series of controlled experiments conducted on solo afflicted and group afflicted in varying stages of decay, the findings are as follows:

  Hive Mind with Singular Control (that is the theory that these creatures are operating as one massive unit with a shared consciousness) have been officially debunked. Each one of the afflicted has displayed the ability to calculate basic instinctual actions such as walking, grasping, eating, etc… possibly through muscle memory (findings incomplete), without the aide or presence of another afflicted in the vicinity. They will attack and consume any living flesh (animal, human, regardless) if they are made aware of the presence of such.

  The interesting bit is that as they decay, albeit at a massively slower rate, they do indeed lose the use of certain senses. Nerve impulses continue to travel to the reanimated core of the brain, but exactly how this happens remains unclear. Regardless, a high percentage of the afflicted do eventually lose their sight, hearing, and eventually the ability to sense physical contact. Physical contact detection should not be confused with sensations of pain as we know it. We have found zero reaction to painful stimuli. Olfactory response (sense of smell) seems to be negligible.

  The loss of these senses as time progresses seems to be the singular cause for the Alpha Syndrome displayed as these afflicted congregate in larger numbers. Loss of hearing and-or sight directly conflicts with an afflicted’s ability to satiate the instinctual need to feed. In short, they can’t ‘hunt’ us after a certain point of decay. This is when they tend to group with the ‘younger’ afflicted (the “neos,” as they are commonly called). These afflicted ‘alphas’ are consistently identified by their relatively young state of decay. In 100 percent of tests, the alpha retained enough senses to seek out and identify prey, thereby leading the others to the food source.

  Why is this important to know? The answer lies in the fact that they are continually in a state of decay and will eventually be unable to do much of anything. That is, they will completely rot if given enough time. If we can find a way to prevent the dead from turning, or at the very least contain or destroy the neos, the existing afflicted will simply expire with time as the very core of active brain tissue rots away—easier said than done, obviously.

  Subject 17 remains a key to our efforts in perfecting the vaccine that clearly failed in its infancy. I deeply and truly regret that we allowed this to be distributed amongst the very men and women we are relying on to regain control of the situation on the ground floor. I’d like to go on record here and say that I strongly disagree with your decision to require said incomplete vaccination among the branches of the armed forces, and no amount of pressure to hand over another incomplete iteration of the vaccine until it is perfected will get me to do so. I will not have any more innocent people die for this. I feel that my findings via successful experimentation speak for themselves, and it is my sincerest hope that this will garner the respect I deserve for my work, that my input on the decisions that come along with it, as such, will be not be taken lightly.

  The following is my report summary on the nature of the outbreak as a whole. It is in layman’s terms for the most part so that it is easily understood. Please file accordingly.

  Spark is a natural substance of classified origin that, when altered by human methods, mutates certain genetics and has the ability to extend the life span of cellular matter (a natural ‘Fountain of Youth’). It was discovered in our modern day by a team studying plant life in an effort to explain why some species of trees are able to live hundreds of years. However, it has long been suspected that the Egyptians managed to harness the effect of this matter somehow, which gave birth to the stories of immortal God-Kings (pharaohs) who could live far beyond any regular mortal. It was only accessible to those of high importance in that society. Interestingly enough, it likely gave birth to the stories of mummies returning to life and the tomb curses that we’ve all heard countless times. It seems they had the same problems our current regime is having with regards to harnessing the power of the substance.

  The material was tested on various animals and eventually on human subjects, most of whom were of military background and all of whom were specifically hand chosen because they had certain genetic and physical features that seemed to work well with the substance. For years, there was little to no success, but as technology progressed many of these subjects showed positive signs of accepting the substance such as accelerated tissue regeneration (fast healing), slower aging, etc. Unfortunately, many died along the way and these deaths were covered up by the regimes of the time. In a strange turn of events (perhaps a mutation of some sort), one of the subjects reanimated postmortem but showed no signs of being conscious of its former self, instead only focused on the consumption of flesh. Studies are still ongoing to discover the precise catalyst for this change.

  Moreover, reanimated subjects were found to be able to pass on the affliction through fluid transfer such as biting or direct contact with infected material introduced into the bloodstream. This results in a critical fever with 100 percent chance of fatality and further reanimation (with similar mindless, cannibalistic tendencies). It was shortly after this discovery and many close calls with the reanimated dead that the specially chosen scientific community began working on a vaccination. I was on one such team and
actively pursued a working vaccine for some time. It had become clear that the bites (fluid contact) still resulted in 100 percent death due to the high fever, but reanimation postmortem was halted in many cases. The vaccination was more of an imperfect preventative measure at this time. However, due to the risk of contamination, the vaccination was mass-produced and required to be taken by all members and staff of the testing facility to lower the chances of a spread to the outside world. This was done against my better judgment and advice. Testing continued, but the outbreak was inevitable.

  Other anomalies popped up. One such anomaly is most probably the cause of the entire spread to the outside world. It is rumored that some of those with the vaccination in their bloodstream are overtaken by the affliction in their sleep and pass away (reanimate) just as if they had been bitten. This was an unforeseen mutation in the genetics and is still under study since it appears only a certain percentage is affected by this side effect. This was a catastrophic discovery because by the time we found out about it, the vaccine was broadly distributed among the men on-ground, actively fighting to restore order.

  Another anomaly is that it seems another mutation occurred once the affliction had propagated in the mainland. That is the supposed airborne transmission of the affliction that causes those not already in direct contact with affected individuals to reanimate upon even a natural death. So, it seems the governments of the world are now fighting this war on multiple fronts. The threats are everywhere in those already reanimated, those vaccinated and possibly turning unannounced, those bitten or otherwise affected by carriers, as well as those who die of natural causes (as well as murder, accidents, etc.)

  Worldwide projections as of the last known communications indicate devastation and mass afflictions in all known continents, save for Antarctica. Colder climates seem to slow the afflicted and in many cases immobilize them completely. This has led to many American survivors fleeing north into Canada.

  Reports from the Canadian specialists have shown that this has actually had a surprisingly huge negative impact on that region as survivors place strains on the remaining resources. Civil disturbances and riots have led to mass suicides and murder, further increasing the spread. As the warmer climates fight the dead, the colder climates are fighting each other.

  It remains to be seen if there are more mutations on the horizon. The biggest fear is that the airborne form becomes more aggressive and causes the 100 percent fatal fever. If that happens, we’re all doomed. Luckily, there is no indication that this will happen as of yet.

  On a personal note, my team and I would appreciate some guidance on the priorities here in New Mexico. How should we proceed, and where should we focus our efforts? We are spread thin as it is, and we’re working in many different directions. Is further explanation even important anymore? I feel that we should be looking into two things only at this point, and they are: 1) A viable vaccination for the remaining living. 2) A plan of mass extermination of the currently afflicted threats.

  Please advise.

  Sincerely,

  Dr. Robert A. Morofsky

  Entry 116

  JC is gone—for now anyway, but maybe for good. No way to tell, really. It’s his own fault. He’s got about a half hour by Murphy’s projection before we have no choice but to leave him behind.

  I woke up this morning to find the others gathered around the table with an uncomfortable vibe filling the entire room. Before I could even scratch my nuts, Kylee was in my ear. “JC and Lilly are gone, and they left the Goddamn door unblocked. He better hope I don’t get my hands on him.”

  Cutty added, “He done gon’ too far dis time, Dext. If I had ma way, he be cut off. Shit, I prolly wouldn’t even miss his ass. But he got baby girl wit’ him. Dat mean I’ma have ta bus’ his shit when dey get back.”

  Kylee scoffed and told Cutty, “Get in line.” She turned back to me and said, “And after that shit you and Murphy pulled last night, I’m not even sure they’ll be back at all. If I had to call it, I’d say JC was none too pleased with you two. Lilly didn’t need to see all that.”

  I tried to reason with her since Murphy was just sitting there in silence. “You’re right. She didn’t need to see all that, but she did. Lesson learned. I mean, what do you want from us?”

  Kylee got shitty. “What do I want? How about the next time we have to settle a score, we leave out all the dramatic movie bullshit? Especially you, Murph. You need to get your shit together before you snap!”

  Murphy looked up from his thoughts and said simply, “I’m fine now. Just worry about yourself. I did what I had to do, and it’s over now.”

  Kylee huffed and plopped in a chair, frustrated. “Is it? Is it really over? Because, by my calculations, we still have one more to deal with… in case you forgot.”

  Alyse brought out some bread and passed Hook a small amount of weed and a rolling paper. He nodded his thanks as she told him, “Make sure you eat first.” Then she addressed the rest of us with, “Try and calm down, all of you. I’m sure JC and Lilly are fine. She probably just wanted to get outside for a while. Poor girl’s been through a lot.”

  Cutty replied, “I hope you right, Miss Alyse. What y’all wanna do with him?” He gestured in the direction of the trapdoor.

  Murphy suggested, “Let’s just talk to him. I have some questions.”

  No one protested, but no one moved either. Hook, having rolled himself a joint, sparked it up and walked over to the trapdoor with it hanging from his mouth. He lifted the door and crouched down to get the stranger out.

  Boom!

  Everyone jumped in surprise. We waited a few moments in silence.

  Boom!

  Another shot rang out. It sounded close.

  Kylee snapped, “JC!”

  Cutty drew his blades as everyone else made for their own weapons. Hook butted out his doobie, ran for his sawed-off, and announced, “Let’s go.”

  I held up a hand and suggested maybe it wasn’t such a good idea for everyone to go. I told them it’d be stupid if we all went and ran into trouble. “Just let me and Cutty go scout it out quietly.” Kylee protested immediately, but I have her down. I can pretty much play her however I want, so instead of telling her, “No,” which I knew she would only perceive as a challenge, I told her, “I need you to hold shit down here. Keep an eye on Alyse and Hook, and the prisoner especially.” Then I told Murphy, “You’ve done your share of dirt for the group. Stay here and get your questions answered.”

  Murphy looked down at the guy in the stash spot and nodded his assent.

  Cutty and I hit the door and heard the barricade thump behind us as we made our way in the direction of the gunfire. Cutty asked me, “You up fo’ dis, homie?”

  I shrugged him off and said, “Shouldah Niggas.”

  He grinned and nodded. “Le’s do it.”

  I headed toward the first bunny pen, since the shots came from that direction and I figured that’d be the most likely place for anyone to run into a bernie or two. We were double-timing it, so it didn’t take long.

  Boom!

  Another shot just as we hit the clearing near the pen.

  Cutty saw them first and shouted, “Da fuck is y’all doin’?”

  JC turned to greet us with a smile along with Lilly. She was holding a smoking pistol. JC proudly said, “Target practice! She’s really good! You guys wanna see?”

  Cutty and I exchanged a skeptical glance before Cutty asked him, “What y’all doin’ out here. Don’t bullshit me.”

  Lilly chimed in, “JC brought me out to show me the bunnies! Too bad some of them got hurt. They’re cute, though, huh?”

  Cutty approached her and ruffled her hair, saying, “Yeah, baby girl, dey cute. Still, y’all shouldn’t be out here making all dat noise. Dead is all around us.”

  Lilly handed her gun back to JC and proudly exclaimed, “Not anymore!” She was grinning from ear to ear.

  Cutty shot a glance over JC’s shoulder, and his brow furrowed with
rage. “You. Mutha. Fucka.” He was seething as he shoved JC out of the way.

  Shit.

  Behind them, still bound tightly to the tree, were the remains of Bianca. She had turned sometime overnight, as was evidenced by the early signs of decay on her face and arms, but there was a gaping hole in the middle of her forehead. Two other bullet wounds in her torso oozed the black-red blood of the dead.

  Lilly told Cutty, “I did good, didn’t I? Got that monster right in her head.”

  JC corrected her with, “Its head, Lil. They’re not ‘he’ and ‘she’ anymore after they turn.”

  Lilly took the correction well and said, “Oh, yeah, right. Sorry.”

  I tried to chill Cutty out, and instead of making a scene, I simply told JC, “Not cool, man. She’s five. I don’t know where your head is at sometimes…”

  JC quipped, “Says the guy who came out here last night, tied a woman to a tree, and left her to die. You gotta lotta balls, Dext.”

  I was about to keep going, but Cutty snatched JC up by the back of his shirt and shoved him in the direction of the cabin. “Git y’all asses back to the house. You an’ I gon’ have a talk ’bout dis. And, Lilly, don’t you say nuthin’ to nobody ’til us grown folk get a chance to hash dis out. I ain’t none too happy right now.”

  Lilly pouted and asked him, “You mad at me, Cutty? I’m really sorry if you are.”

  Cutty looked down at her and told her, “Naw, I ain’t mad at you. I’m just mad. Dat’s all.”

  JC held up his hands in mock surrender and sarcastically said, “Wait, so, you guys are pissed because I taught her how to shoot? Wow, man. You guys are somethin’ else.”

  I urged them to knock it off until we got back, telling Cutty he’d get a chance to say his piece soon enough. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t get that chance. We hoofed it back to the cabin, but JC snapped at us to stop a few hundred feet from it.

  Cutty pushed him forward once more and told him, “Just shut it, JC. We through here.”

  Finally, though, JC spun on Cutty and pointed his finger towards the cabin, angrily whispering, “Look!”

  I followed his pointing and immediately hunkered to a crouch, pulling Lilly to the ground with me. There were about twenty or more geeks all over the cabin. They were scratching and biting at the walls, beating on the front door, and stacking up against one another to gain entry. Just inside the woods to the rear of the house were even more on the approach. Luckily the barricades were holding.