Creator; The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse Part 3

By Doug Ward

This is the continuing story of an unlikely group of survivors in the Zombie Apocalypse. Their story follows their attempt to find the person responsible for the disaster and to find a way to liberate the world of the parasitic contagion. We join our heroes as they race to Put-in-Bay, Ohio, to find the creator of the Parasite, Dr. Fleming. Will they survive the perilous journey? Will they find a way to stop the Zombie plague? Will there be another firetruck? To answer these and many more questions, you'll need to read this book.

This is the third book in the, "True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse" series. Although you could certainly read this as a stand-alone novel it would be much better if you read "Parasite" and "Symbiote" first. Please consider doing this. I refer back to the first book often. The book, "Saving Jebediah" is not a necessary read for this series. I wrote it as fan fiction for the wonderful author Mark Tufo. I do tie it in to the first and third book but it isn't necessary for the series.

The fourth book in the series is tentatively called "Predator; The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse." It isn't available for purchase because the author currently is working on it. Check for updates on his Facebook page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Doug Ward
• Release date: Dec 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311689184

Doug Ward

Doug Ward currently lives in Western Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Slippery Rock University. He has a BFA is in Fine Art and spends much of his time doing oil paintings, which incorporate mythology and science, and writing.Doug's most recent series is "The War of the Stone." It is a fantasy series that introduces his world and the mythological beings who inhabit it. The first book is called, "Lich." If you like goblins, necromancers, and mayhem in general, this series is for you.Of his first series, The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse, Doug Ward says, "I like to write about parasitic zombies. They feel (to me) more scientifically grounded than other types. It's also pretty scary how many parasitic creatures are inside of us at this very moment. Some have even bonded with us for so long that they are actually a part of our DNA. Parasites have been known to take over their hosts. A few years ago, my wife called me from a friend's house and said that a mouse kept trying to snuggle with the cat. Actually nuzzling up to the cat's face. I quickly informed her that the mouse was infected by a parasite and that they needed to remove it from the house immediately.The parasite wanted to be eaten by the cat so it could continue its life cycle in the bowels of the unfortunate creature. This flatworm not only controls mice, but it can infect humans as well. "I have blended many scientific ideas into Parasite, which is a four book series.Saving Jebediah is a fun piece of fan fiction I wrote for a contest Mark Tufo was having. It should be read as a prequel because the characters in Saving Jebediah turn up in the 4 book series."If you want to get in touch, you can find him at https://wardswoods.wixsite.com/dougward, tweet him @authordougward, and check out his fan page at https://www.facebook.com/wardswoods/.

Book preview

Creator;

The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse Part 3

By Doug Ward Edited by J.D. Reed

Copyright 2013 Doug Ward

Smashwords Edition

Introduction

This is the continuing story of an unlikely group of survivors in the Zombie Apocalypse. Their story follows their attempt to find the person responsible for the disaster and to find a way to liberate the world from the parasitic contagion. We join our heroes as they race to Put-in-Bay, Ohio, to find the creator of the Parasite, Dr. Fleming. Will they survive the perilous journey? Will they find a way to stop the Zombie plague? Will there be another firetruck? To answer these and many more questions, you’ll need to read this book.

This is the third book in The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse series. Although you could certainly read this as a stand-alone novel, it would be much better if you read them in order. I refer back to the first two books often. My book Saving Jebediah is not a necessary read for this series. It was written as fan fiction for a wonderful author, Mark Tufo. I tied it into the first and third books, but it isn’t necessary for the series.

Many people tried to understand what made the dead walk. It seemed few had any true science behind their unfounded theories. The radio was full of these people extolling one supposed scientific cause after another. Radiation from outer space, pollutants, cell phones, it seemed they explored every possible influence to some extent. But no one looked at evolution.

I don’t mean our evolution. Our lifespan is too long for us to observe this theory in living humans. Although we understand natural selection from the fossil records, the easiest way to see evolution is through bacteria. Their short lifespan allows a clear view of how a life form can adapt to meet the demands of a changing environment.

Darwin’s theory is what would lead to our modern world’s destruction. It would crush our cities, and render most technology useless.

This is the story of how it happened, how I saw and uncovered the true cause of the zombie apocalypse.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Other Fine Books by Doug Ward;

Ward's Laws

Ward's Laws Part 2

Ward's Laws Part 3

Ward's Laws Part 4

Saving Jebediah; Another True Story from the Zombie Apocalypse

Parasite; The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse Part 2

Creator; The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse Part 3

Predator; The True Story of the Zombie Apocalypse Part 4

Lich

Horde

Demons

Shadows

Just One Last Dungeon

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all of my friends and family who stood behind me and pushed me forward. You guys are the best. Special thanks to Scott Lee and Luke Whiteman for helping me work things out. I would like to give a very big, special thanks to J.D. Reed for his wonderful editing work. I can't forget my wife, April, who has to constantly put up with my zombie ramblings.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Sample of the next book

Chapter 1

Henry

After the long battle on Presque Isle, we regrouped back at the lake house. The dead still lay where they fell, filling the building with a terrible odor. Luckily, we had stowed most of our supplies in the Humvee that night. Unluckily, we left both the military vehicles and Scott’s truck back at Fleming’s lab.

Amber sat at the water’s edge with Scott. She was still reeling from the loss of Drew and was going to need some time. We all knew what she was going through. It always happened so fast. One moment, everything was great. The next, it was over.

Drew and I had recently lost our loved ones, but we still didn’t know that much about Scott. My guess is that every survivor of this terrible world had suffered a loss to some degree.

I missed my wife. I still thought of Melissa every day. The scent of her hair and the warmth of her embrace were some of the things I would always remember. Mostly, I missed her companionship. She was my best friend. I don’t mean it flippantly, as some couples say. She truly knew me. My shortcomings meant nothing to her. We connected on a whole other level.

I saw Dean was lost in his own pain. He’d lost Julie. His eyes had that faraway look, betraying that he was lost in thoughts of her.

We needed to get to the vehicles. My eyes strayed to the car covered in dust. Did we ever find keys for that? I asked, pointing at the car.

No, but did we ever look around? Dean confirmed. I doubt we could find anything now. Not after the battle we had in there.

I hung my head in defeat. Just walking to the lab would be dangerous. Riding in some kind of car was much safer than being on foot. Sure, the undead were slow, but zombies didn’t need to sleep. They can follow you on foot and you’d be trapped wherever you stopped to rest.

Dean stooped and picked up a small rock. He examined its wave-worn surface, turning it over with his fingers.

We could hot wire the car? I mused.

And where’d you pick that trick up? Dean said, tossing the stone at a nearby tree. The mean streets of Slippery Rock?

I thought maybe... I stopped short, accepting his answer as him not knowing how. Maybe we should ask the others.

The father? Dean suddenly stated, while snapping his fingers.

I looked at him quizzically, prompting him to continue.

Their father might have the keys? Dean said, moving toward the trees.

I followed my friend toward the spot where the former owner of the lake house had hung himself. Dean stalked through the woods silently, always on the alert for some hidden danger. I, on the other hand, snapped every twig in the area. A ninja, I was not.

When we came across the site of the suicide, what I saw amazed me. A corpse hanging from a noose and it looked like it’d just happened. I couldn’t understand why nature’s scavengers would have been busy stripping the dead body of any fleshy parts, but the man looked untouched.

How are we gonna cut him down? I asked.

We’re not, my friend said. We only need his pants.

Dean reached up, snagging a handful of pant leg in each fist. He pulled downward, but the fit was too snug. The slacks stayed where they were.

He has to be wearing a belt! he said in disgust. Get on your hands and knees.

Confused, I just stood there, not knowing if he was serious.

I need something to stand on so I can undo his pants, he explained. So get down.

I did as I was asked. After brushing some leaves and twigs away from where I was going to kneel, I put my hands in the dirt. I’d just braced myself when I felt one of his feet settle between my shoulder blades.

Using the hanging corpse to steady himself, Dean pushed upward and planted his other foot on my lower back. I noticed my skin shift under his weight, sliding and pulling taut. To say having him on my back was uncomfortable was putting it mildly. My arms shaking under the strain, I urged him to hasten his work.

I’m going as fast as I can! he said, while grunting with the effort. I never took off another man’s pants before! Everything’s backward.

I stifled a childish laugh as his shifting weight brought a fresh wave of pain to my lower back. Tears formed in the corners of my eyes as I struggled on.

Man, he stinks! Dean reported as I heard the belt buckle jingle free. I think I’m gonna hurl.

Wait till you get off of me! I grunted back.

It heartened me to hear the sound of the zipper sliding downward.

Holy crap! he said as I felt the pants drop onto my back. A wet smack, followed by a horrendous smell, informed me of my folly.

As Dean stepped off of my back, I felt moisture soaking into my shirt. I stood carefully, removing the soiled garment from my torso. Holding the feces-soaked area out away from my body, I managed to get the reeking t-shirt off without much mess.

He crapped himself! Dean stated in revulsion as he slid his stained shirt off in much the same manner.

I dropped the shirt and vomited. The stench was so overpowering that it was nearly an instantaneous response. As if on my cue, Dean emptied his stomach. Whether it was a sympathetic response to me or just the odor, I didn’t know.

The soiled trousers must have slid down Dean’s front because its stain continued down the front of his pants. After he finished a series of dry heaves, he removed his jeans, stripping down to his boxers.

Stepping away, I took a few deep breaths of fresh air before returning to the dead man’s pants. I gingerly fished about his pocket while pinching my nose with my left hand. Nothing.

The other pocket produced the object of our search. My prodding finger slid inside a key ring. I hastily pulled the prize free and stepped away from the mess.

Bingo! I announced, dangling the jingling mass so my friend could see.

Awesome, he said, reaching for the keys.

At the last moment, I pulled them out of his reach. You’ll be back before midnight?

Sure, he said, reaching again.

I snatched them back again. With a full tank of gas?

Fine, he said, offering his open hand, palm up. You would’ve made a great dad.

I dropped the keys into his grasp. Really?

Heck no, he joked, grinning. You would’ve screwed them up. Maybe after years of counseling, your kids would live some level of a normal life.

Thanks, I replied. Let’s go tell the others that we have a new set of wheels.

We walked to the shore, Amber and Scott turning as we neared. I was heartened as a slight grin flashed momentarily on Amber’s face.

So, what have you boys been up to? she asked coyly.

We both flushed as it dawned on us how it looked with Dean, missing his shirt and jeans, standing next to me, also shirtless.

We found the keys to the car, Dean stammered.

A mix of shock and disgust appeared on Amber’s face. Oh my, you guys stink!

And we got pooped on by a zombie, I added, none too proudly.

Gross! Amber said, looking ill. I’ll get some soap.

I don’t want to know, Scott added, watching Amber walk back to the house.

A few minutes later, Dean and I were out in the water washing off, soap bubbles spreading out over the surrounding water.

Do you think this soap is eco-friendly? he asked.

I stopped scrubbing and looked at him. I don’t know. Why?

I’d hate to ruin the environment, he said, looking serious.

I burst out laughing. Of all the problems in this world, I don’t think the environment is our biggest concern.

We both broke down laughing. Seriously, I said. You think this will cause global warming?

Dean said something, but I didn’t hear him. I was preoccupied with my last statement. I wondered what would happen when it got cold. Did the parasite hibernate when it lacked a ready food source? What would it do in the winter?

Zombies’ bodies don’t generate heat. They would have no protection from the cold environment. I’d imagine that they would freeze solid.

This might be a road to survival, but I needed to test this idea. If we could utilize infrasound, we may be able to irradiate the undead while leaving all surviving humans unharmed. We might be able to kill them anywhere they lurked. Not just outside, but inside buildings, basements, and cars, anywhere.

We would be able to wipe out vast populations with ease. To gain this weapon, however, we’d have to return to Slippery Rock, which was something I was not looking forward to.

I plunged underwater all at once, the soap rinsing from my hair and face in the current. After surfacing, I wiped my face dry with my hands. Rivulets of water flowed down my shoulders as I shook it from my hair.

I’m out of here! Dean said, starting toward shore. The bruises left from his battle with Platz were clearly visible to me.

I used my hands as paddles to propel my way in, smooth rocks underfoot making my feet uncomfortable. I stepped from the lake toward my new clean clothes. That was one of the few things that were actually nice about this apocalyptic world. You never had to wash anything. When your clothes got dirty, you just got new ones. Dirty dishes or car, it was all the same. If something was even slightly used, you just replaced it.

The remaining population of living humans would never be able to use all the goods that were left over. Shirts and pants would, at some point, literally rot in the stores where they hung. Food would perish and gasoline would eventually lose enough octane that it would be unable to fire car engines.

The world was on a collision course with the Dark Ages, and there was little we could do about it. We needed to rid ourselves of the parasite-risen undead, or any luxuries we were now enjoying would cease to be.

Few probably understood that the things we were surviving on were about to spoil. Crackers and powdered milk would soon be useless. Even dried fruits were about to become bad to eat.

After only six months, the world would become a lot more complicated. The coming months would even become worse. A year in and all ready-made cereals would become useless. Peanut butter and jelly would become rancid and canned fruits would spoil. At this point, you’d have to be very careful of any can that is marred or dented in any way. Tomato-based can or jar foods would be dicey due to the acidic nature of the preserved food. It may have compromised the seal.

Batteries are good for several years but few foods will last this long. The best are salt, honey, and rice. Maple syrup and sugar will last a lifetime. But mankind will need some sort of protein to survive.

That’s where we were really in trouble. We’d witnessed the undead eating the flesh of animals. This ran contrary to the parasite’s life cycle. It’s possible that they were running out of viable human hosts and trying to jump species.

Native Americans had over-hunted saber-tooth tigers in America. They did the same with giant cave sloths and wooly mammoths. The parasite had, in turn, rendered the human population to near extinction levels. Its urge to procreate overriding its understanding of conservation, thus virtually wiping out its potential hosts.

This wasn’t the only time a newly introduced organism had decimated its ecosystem. Environmentalist Rachel Carson warned us about this occurrence. She believed that man began his downfall when he picked up the first seed and deposited it where it didn’t belong. Although, I don’t believe Rachel Carson ever saw this coming.

The world had been turned upside down by a madman, a mad scientist funded by a cult. Some religious psychos wanted the end of times and Fleming had delivered. They’d brought man to his ruins, ending his superiority on earth.

And to what end? A Bible prophecy? I didn’t believe that. The man who created the parasite had to possess knowledge far beyond religious babble. He was the true evil. He’d used these fanatics as pawns. Spreading them across the globe, he’d instructed these sheep to infect themselves in order to begin the pandemic in many places all at once.

Maybe I couldn’t save the world. I had to struggle each and every day just to eke out a meager life, but I could spend my last moments doing something I felt was meaningful. I could find Fleming and make him pay for what he’d done to mankind.

Chapter 2

Dean

Henry became a little melancholy. He tended to get this way when he had too much time to think. I tried to keep him active, but I couldn’t always entertain him. He had to have some downtime.

We dressed in the shade of the trees, after which we joined the others at the car. Amber sat on the hood while Scott continued to talk her through her pain. She’d suffered a grave loss.

What are we gonna do now? Scott said, pulling his hair back into a ponytail.

I looked at my friends, stopping at each of their faces. Both had suffered for our cause. Each had followed Henry and my beliefs and had contributed to the cause.

I’ll go the rest of the way on my own, Henry explained.

Bull crap! I replied.

Henry looked at me. My response was so sudden.

I’m in this with you all the way, I continued. Wherever you go, I’m with you.

So am I, replied Amber. I want to see the end to this plague.

You don’t have to, Hank started.

There was silence for a moment. What else have we got to do? Scott chimed in. It’s not like we have a holiday coming up.

A small grin crept across Hank’s face. Thank you, he said graciously. You guys are the best!

There’s one thing I have to ask, Scott added. I have to stop back at the airport. There’s something there I need to check on.

Agreed! Amber said, a little too enthusiastically. We’ll stop there after we get the Humvee.

Henry tossed the keys to Amber. You drive.

Pinched between two fingers, she held them up with a pained look on her face. You washed these things, right?

Hank didn’t respond. Instead, he dusted off the passenger seat and plopped onto it. We took his lead and joined him in the tiny sedan. It was cramped compared to what we were used to. I was nearly touching elbows with Scott.

After a couple of tries, Amber coaxed the engine to life. It wasn’t running so hot, but hopefully, it would get us where we needed to go. Dropping the transmission into drive, the engine hesitated before evening out.

Don’t try anything fancy. This car’s a piece of junk, I warned.

Amber’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. Do you think driving’s too hard for a girl, Scott? she challenged.

I was way too smart to take the bait. She was setting me up. The hint of anger in her eyes kept any further comments from my lips.

Our driver steered around a particularly worn-looking walker. Its body was so emaciated that it could hardly move. Clothes, gray with dirt, hung from its skeletal form. The creature made a feeble attempt at reaching for us as we drove slowly past. Its jaws working in a chewing motion the whole time.

It was then that I made the connection. All the dead had lost most of their color. In most of the zombie movies I’d seen, the undead still looked like regular people. The blue jeans they wore were still blue, and their shirts retained their color. Even after several months, the films depicted them the same way. Their clothes remained almost clean, yet sported big red stains where they had been wounded or had drooled after feeding.

In the real world, the undead all looked similar. Their filthy clothes matched their gray, lifeless skin. Any form of color had vanished under a thick coating of grime.

As we drove further down the road, Amber glanced at Henry. She reminds me of something I wanted to ask.

She? I questioned, not noticing the gender of the walker we’d passed.

Yes. She, Amber confirmed. No man would wear those shoes.

You noticed her shoes? I said, astonished.

It’s a woman thing, she answered. Men never notice anything.

Henry shifted in his seat, turning in her direction as if preparing for her query. I could tell he was becoming impatient with having to wait. I braced myself for his next long-winded explanation.

Go ahead, he prompted her.

Why aren’t the ghouls covered with flies? she asked, sneaking another quick peek at Hank.

Henry sat there silently. I couldn’t believe it. He had no answer. I wished Melissa had been here to see this moment.

I mean, shouldn’t they be swarming with bugs? she added, as if to get him started.

His mouth worked for a moment, but nothing came out. I don’t know, he admitted slowly, almost whispering.

Can you say that again? I goaded from the back seat. For a minute there, it sounded like you said you didn’t know something.

I didn’t notice it, he said a little louder.

I told you men never notice anything, Amber said, confirming her earlier statement.

Wait a minute, Amber, I said quickly. I want to relish this moment.

"There must be something about the dead tissue that carrion eaters have