Chapter 4 In the Deep End
The Major looked quizzically at James
"Just a present from my mummy sir" said the Captain.
Morley looked bemused but then shrugged and nodded "Ok, If you can organise the securing of the container I can show the rest of your men where the antidote is stored. Let's rendezvous at 0100 hours in the main parade ground where we can prepare the solution"
Kinders then cleared his throat "excuse me Major but how are we going to get the zombies to come to us?"
The Major turned his gaze on Captain James. "We know they are attracted to certain biological markers and we have seen, Captain, that you are particularly adept at...producing these." Morley ran his eyes up and down James body and licked his lips, he then hurriedly cleared his throat and looked away adding as he did "if you were able to find a way of augmenting this ability tonight, it may prove very useful."
Captain James glanced at Molly, his lip twitching slightly. "Sir, I think there may be a way, but I will require Private Dawes' ...medical expertise"
Molly looked up at him and smirked.
Mansfield Mike then piped up "actually sir I might also be able to help you with your ferret thingies. My uncle used to keep a breeding pair and I was always sticking them down my trousers as a boy"
James stared at the soldier "I think that may explain a hell of a lot private. I also suspect your services would be much better used elsewhere. Thank you"
A few minor details were quickly worked out and then James and Molly left the detention block heading for the Captains quarters.
They avoided the main roadways and spaces on the base, choosing instead to cut through the the service areas and around outbuildings. However, the chaos was still evident here with buildings and vehicles burning and isolated groups of soldiers running in panic. They also saw the odd zombie but were easily able to outpace them when they did start to shuffle in their direction.
Molly said little and James thought she may be brooding over the pens again. He sought her hand and she gripped it firmly, looking up at him and giving him one of her lovely smiles. He felt a surge of desire but realised the dangerous effect this may have on the zombies and forced himself to think of the inside of Mansfield Mikes trousers instead which killed the nascent passion stone dead.
They soon reached his quarters and went inside.
"Dawes could you grab the pool please, it's in the bottom of the wardrobe"
Molly opened the door and moved a small cardboard box which seemed to be filled with documents and photos before spotting the familiar packaging of the inflatable paddling pool.
She carried the box over to his desk and placed it beside his coffee machine, unknowingly knocking a photo frame face down as she did so. She then turned and faced Captain James, a look of concern on her face.
"This is all a bit mad Sir, and dangerous. Are we doing the right thing?"
James laughed through his nose "all that appears to be required is for me to lure the zombies into the pool, nothing more dangerous than a team bath after rugby. You ever been in a team bath Dawes?"
"No sir, but sounds a bit shit" commented Molly.
"No Dawes it is perfect" countered James.
"I don't do perfect.." Began Molly but before she could continue James held up a hand to stop her. He pulled a thick document out of a drawer in his desk and quickly turned the pages. He scanned a section then shook his head. "Sorry Dawes, we aren't due to have this conversation until episode 4."
Molly nodded solemnly.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
"If that's Smurf I am going to crown him" said James and moved to the door. He paused in front of it and called out "Whose there ?"
There was no answer, so James moved closer and put his ear to the panel. Just then two powerful fists came crashing through the door and grabbed Captain James around the neck. Molly screamed and James desperately tried to lever himself away. The hinges of the door gave way and the whole thing fell forward into the room revealing the almost naked body of Sohail on the other side.
Captain James stumbled and fell backwards bringing the door and the big Afghan on top of him. As they all hit the floor the door fell apart and Sohails grotesque face came into view, red eyes bulging, mouth wide, teeth ready to devour.
Molly desperately looked around the room to find a weapon. She caught sight of the coffee machine, grabbed it and held it over her head.
Captain James looked up in horror.
"For...gods...sake...Molly aaaarrggh!...you...know...I'm...not...ouch!...a fully...fffffunctioning... soldier...oh get off me... until...arf!... I've had...my first ...aaaargh...shot of ...coffffeeee.. in the...oh god... Morning!"
Molly put the machine down reluctantly and frantically looked around again. She spotted the Captains rifle and seized it. She aimed the butt at Sohails head and brought it down as hard as she could. It glanced off his cheek and hit his shoulder.
Sohail turned his head slowly and started to crawl over James towards Molly. He hesitated as something seemed to snag on the Captains body but then sprang at Molly, catching her by the wrist as she backed away.
Relieved of the weight of Sohail James was able to struggle up but he flailed around unable to see clearly. His hands reached up to his face to discover what was obscuring his vision. He pulled away a scrap of cloth and recoiled in horror as he was confronted by the novelty underwear. Throwing it down in disgust he went to the aid if Molly.
Sohail was now on top of Molly and James dashed over to them grabbing his rifle on the way. With one powerful swing he brought the rifle down on the the head of the Afghan and shattering his skull. Sohail slumped sideways and Molly was able to scramble away from him.
"Sir, I..."
"What is it Private"
Molly wordlessly held out her arm revealing a livid bite mark on her forearm, just below a long smudge of what appeared to be ink.
"Oh god no!" Said James.
Molly's eyes filled with tears.
"Don't worry, you are going to be all right. Come on, on your feet soldier we need to move" urged James.
He grabbed the pool and they ran from the cabin.
When they reached the parade ground, it was a hive of activity with two section unloading black drums from a US Army truck.
"Kinders I need this inflated now!" And he threw the box at the Corporal.
"Smurf, Brains, double over here"
Molly fell to her knees "I feel a bit moby sir" she said.
"Hold on Dawsey" said James.
The two squaddies blew until their lungs ached and before long the pool was inflated. Then the rest of two section started to lift the barrels and pour their contents into the container until it was nearly full.
By this time Molly was delirious and James had to carry her over to the pool. He stepped over the rim and then lowered himself and her into the solution.
"Please god let us not be too late" he prayed as Molly's face disappeared under the surface.
To be continued...