Pods! And Other Supernatural Tales (Horror Short Stories)

By D.F. Holland

PODS AND OTHER SUPERNATURAL TALES will take you on a spine-tingling voyage, where you’ll encounter deadly sea creatures, cursed objects, custom-made Hells, alien killers and other worlds – all in the blink of a gargoyle’s eye!

Hang on tightly as you read this collection of chilling, supernatural horror and fantasy - from the author of TALES FROM THE BEAUMONT HOUSE.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.F. Holland
• Release date: Nov 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370324293

D.F. Holland

D.F. Holland is a longtime admirer of the Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, the works of Ira Levin and other works of fantasy, sci-fi and horror. TALES FROM THE BEAUMONT HOUSE is the author's first novel. Holland was born and resides in New York and is currently working on a new project.

Book preview

PODS!

How did the sky have the audacity to look beautiful while hovering over such a grim scene? The sky was a bright, cheerful blue with barely any clouds within sight. How did the sun dare to come out that day?

The blue-green water sparkled under the massive, white cruise ship. It was a Tropical Island Ship; one the largest and most expensive of its kind. The interior was modern and magnificent, furnished with plush, white carpeting and silver and black accents. The deck had imported velvet-like lounge chairs which surrounded the pool. There were four pools in total. The cabins were luxuriously furnished as well as the many elegant dining rooms; dripping with sparkling chandeliers and atmosphere. Everything was top of the line including the food. Chefs had been imported from around the globe. From a distance the scene was breathtaking. But closer, it was quite a different story. Although passengers were aboard there wasn’t a single sound except for the cry of seagulls above. Their wailing was the only sound that suited this ghastly scene.

A smaller ship approached, breaking the silence and the green water. It had been sent because there had been no communication from the Tropical Island Ship; nothing at all from the Captain, crew or passengers. The families had not heard from their loved ones for quite a while and all were worried. As the crew stepped on board to explore the ship, their jaws dropped open in shock as they viewed perfect skeletons laying aboard lounge chairs, surrounding one of the pools. The stunned crew scattered to search the ship only to find more skeletons. Some seated in dining rooms with food still fresh on their plates. The waiter skeletons remained standing with large trays of food still atop. Others sat as if viewing the menus; as if their skulls contained eyes. Some were in their cabins and others were in gift shops, standing in place. The Captain was at the helm; at least his skeletal remains were. It was like a dinosaur museum-display, where the skeletal remains are posed. There was no blood aboard the ship, not even a blood spatter. It didn’t appear that any type of attack took place. They searched with great caution and with guns pointed as they tip-toed through the massive ship.

Whatever had caused this could have remained on board. They carefully searched the luxury liner and spoke in whispers while their hearts pounded. Only skeletal remains were found; there was nothing left alive on the Tropical Island Ship.

The dazed crew contacted the Coast Guard and they, in turn, contacted other agencies. A helicopter landed on the ship containing police, a forensic expert and a detective. They took several hours to explore the entire cruise ship, taking photos and notes. They gathered on the deck afterwards among the skeletal sun-bathers.

Garret! yelled one of the officers. Have you ever seen anything like this?

Detective Nick Garrett approached the young officer, as he wiped sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

We worked together a few years ago. Sorry to see you again in such dire circumstances. I’m Police Officer Lee, in case you don’t remember.

They shook hands firmly.

Good to see you again, Garret replied.

What do you think of this? Lee asked.

It’s the most bizarre crime-scene I’ve ever witnessed. Not exactly a crime-scene. I don’t know what to call it. Murders took place, that’s for sure, Garrett observed.

They’ll dust for fingerprints, gather lap tops, cell phones and take it from there, Lee replied.

There isn’t a drop of blood on board, Garrett said as he looked around at the bizarre scene. Sun-tan lotion, drinks and towels rested beside the skeletons on plush deck chairs.

The security cameras are embedded. I spoke to Island Cruise Inc. a little while ago. They said they’d release the security films shortly, Lee said with confidence.

No they won’t … not willingly. They’ll go out of business. They’ll probably go out of business without releasing the film.

If they won’t we can force the matter legally.

If they don’t destroy the film first … We’ll get it, Garrett said with confidence.

How will this be reported? Asked Lee.

Let’s keep it quiet for now. No media. No hysteria. We’ll have to inform the families.

What will we tell them? Lee asked.

All we know is that their loved ones are deceased. We don’t know anything else yet.

Isn’t it strange that the skeletons remain standing and sitting, Lee remarked.

I took a close look and it appears that the bones are enlarged. Something has affected them. We’ll have to investigate further.

The men respectfully nodded as Garrett stepped away to review his photos, notes and to gather his thoughts. One memory that would continue to haunt him was a mother holding an infant by the children’s pool. She held the toddler close and looked down upon it lovingly. Both skeletons were perfectly intact and looked like a sculpture. Garrett almost felt guilty as he photographed them. His thoughts continued to race. The food in the kitchen and on the tables is fresh. This must have just happened. Whatever did this – caused this – could it still be on board? We checked the entire ship and we haven’t seen anything. We haven’t been harmed.

He looked down as the helicopter lifted him away from this horridness. From a distance it was beautiful; the gorgeous aqua water and the majestic cruise ship. Thoughts ran through his mind as the ship became smaller in the distance. What would reduce human beings to bones with no disturbance … no blood? He felt a chill creep up his spine as he feared that this would be something more bizarre than anything he could imagine.

Garrett was glad he was going home to a woman he loved tremendously. He looked forward to Jemma’s warm embrace. Nick Garret needed something calming to look forward to … more than he ever had.

. . .

Paula rinsed out a vase for the gorgeous pink and white roses Dan had brought back with the bagels. It was a glorious, sunny day. They looked forward to playing with their five-year-old daughter, Kaylee, and relaxing in their new beach house.

Dan came up from behind to kiss Paula’s neck as she washed the vase in the sink.

I get a love-bite along with the beautiful flowers? Paula asked with a smile. Well, that’s all you’re getting for now. Dan groaned with disappointment.

I’m going to play with Kaylee on the beach and you have work to do, Paula said as she continued to rinse the vase.

But you’re wearing that new, sexy bathing suit, he replied, his words muffled into her neck.

I finally have my before- child figure again. Everything’s back in the right place.

I know. And I want my hands all over you. She turned to him and they kissed passionately.

I’ll take a rain check for tonight once Kaylee is asleep.

You’ve got it, sexy, Dan said with a wink.

For now, our antsy daughter needs to build sand castles and you have to work.

"Okay. I’ll work on you later," Dan said.

I’ll look forward to that.

He patted Paula once on the behind as he picked up his lap top and papers.

Dan stepped outside, looked out at the ocean and took in a deep breath. He was finally able to afford their dream home on the beach. He looked around at his beautiful family and picturesque surroundings. He had everything he’d ever wanted. Everyone was happy and healthy. He never dreamed that he would wake up in the mornings and think: I don’t need anything more. Now, this happiness was his every-day reality.

Kaylee charged at him wrapping her small arms around his leg.

Daddy!

He picked her up and spun her around, surrounded in giggles of delight and blonde curls.

You look like a little ballerina in that bathing suit, He said in his daddy voice.

He gently put her down.

"I am a little ballerina," Kaylee said as she began to point her toes and sway her arms. Paula and Dan smiled and applauded as Kaylee bowed several times.

Have fun, my beautiful ladies. I’ll be inside if you need me. Kaylee giggled as her mom rubbed sunscreen on her belly.

Are you going to make sand castles today? Paula asked, smiling.

Yes! Kaylee replied with enthusiasm.

Dan watched his wife and daughter head towards the water. She looked back over her shoulder and watched him mouth the words I love you. Paula did the same and blew him a kiss. They held their gaze until she turned around, took Kaylee’s hand and walked towards the water.

Kaylee brought her pail and shovel close to the shoreline and began to play in the sand. Paula placed her beach towel near her daughter. She set up the radio and settled in to get some much-needed color. The sun was bright but not too strong. There won’t be many days like this, she thought. Not too hot … just right.

Time passed as Kaylee built two sand castles.

Look Mommy!

There was no reply. She looked up at her mom, who was a few feet away. Her mom was a blur. Kaylee wiped her eyes and looked again. Her mom still looked blurry. Frightened, she ran to the house and into her Dad’s office.

Mommy’s blurry!

What do you mean, Sweetie? Dan asked, as he looked into her eyes, making sure they were clear of sand or sunscreen.

They both ran outside holding hands. Dan stopped in his tracks and brought Kaylee back into the house. His voice trembled as he said, You wait here for Aunt Sarah. I’ll be back soon.

Aunt Sarah is coming over?

Yes.

Dan ran out to his wife. He slowly approached her laying in the sun, in disbelief. Is this some sort of joke?

As he came closer he saw a perfect skeleton of his wife on the beach towel. Her sunglasses and radio were next to her. Her bone fingers were still holding a tube of sunscreen. The radio was playing as he dropped to his knees, sobbing. He repeated her name while crying, over and over, as if it were a prayer.

Paula … Paula … Paula …

He snapped out of his trance and frantically called 911 on his cell phone.

911. What is your emergency?

The words wouldn’t come as he sobbed and choked. He didn’t know how to describe his nightmare to the operator. He trembled violently and managed to scream the word - Help!

. . .

Nick Garret pulled into the driveway and found himself sitting there for several minutes unable to move. He felt numb and for the first time in his career, he was truly frightened. His long-time girlfriend, Jemma, came outside to the car sensing that something was wrong. They embraced for a long time before going inside.

You look like you need a drink, Jemma said.

"You’re what I need."

They sat together for hours talking about what he had witnessed on the cruise ship and how it affected him. She shook her head in disbelief, as she held and comforted him.

I’ll make you something to eat, Jemma offered.

I can’t eat.

Try, she offered lovingly.

Later they cuddled and watched the TV on the sofa. Garrett was just about to doze off when his cell phone rang.

Garrett, he answered.

Sorry to bother you but we need you to come in as soon as possible, said the police chief.

I’m on my way.

Don’t wait up, Sweetheart, Garret said, as he kissed Jemma on the cheek.

Wake me when you get back.

You know, you’re a real gem of a girl, my Jemma, Garret said smiling.

I’ve never heard that one before, she replied, with a wink.

I love you, Garrett said, as he grabbed his jacket and left. A sinking feeling of dread overtook him as walked out the door.

. . .

The divers felt safe in the submersible even though they hadn’t travelled this deeply into the ocean before. They wore all of the appropriate gear and were checking oxygen levels. Since they were in pitch-black darkness, they had to provide their own lighting. The water was freezing; their suits and gloves were extremely thick and lined. They spoke in their own made-up sign-language before they tested the microphones and it wasn’t always PG rated. Everything appeared to be in working order.

Two divers left the submersible and began to explore and film. It was eerie even though brightly lit with artificial lighting. They filmed marine life that is rarely seen. Sea creatures that had evolved so that their bodies lit up in the darkness, providing their own light. Odd-looking species in neon colors swam by and for the most part, were harmless.

They swam onward, tethered to the ship by long, thick cables. The microphones worked well and they spoke about what they viewed and filmed in tin-can tones. One diver had different sized containers strapped to his body in case they wanted to bring a small specimen or two back with them.

One diver waved to the other and they descended to the ocean floor.

Take a look.

A twenty—foot shark skeleton completely intact.

That’s unusual.

I can’t see any obvious injuries. The bones are perfectly preserved. None are broken or cracked.

The divers filmed the shark skeleton from all angles. They touched it as well.

The bones appear to be thicker than they should be – even the smaller, more delicate bones.

Let’s move on.

The divers swam upward towards large, mountainous boulders. Tiny fish swam in and out of the nooks and small caves. Some of the marine life lit up and vibrated like strobe lights in brilliant colors. The divers knew that this flashing display was just a warning, so they kept a respectful distance.

A small, unusual creature floated by and landed on the boulder. Both divers watched as it changed its color and texture to match the rock beneath it.

It looks like a small stingray. It shouldn’t be here, if it is.

It’s using camouflage.

I haven’t seen this species before.

In the past the divers occasionally had pet eels and touched small sharks with extreme caution. The diver allowed the small, graceful creature to rest upon his hand as the other diver filmed. It began to change color, quickly blending into the diver’s glove. It became the texture and color of the black, shiny glove. It was difficult to differentiate between the sea creature and the diver’s gloved hand.

Suddenly, the diver shrieked in pain and tried to shake the creature off but within seconds he couldn’t move. The second diver came in closer and tried to remove it. It appeared to have injected venom into the diver’s hand. The fang underneath was still attached to its human target, as it clung to the diver’s hand.

The diver screamed as he noticed his friend’s glove had vanished. But that wasn’t all that had vanished. His friend’s hand had been reduced to bones. Bubbles of oxygen surrounded them as the diver’s breath quickened along with his heartbeat. The small cape-like creature began to float away but he managed to capture it in one of the containers.

The diver had become paralyzed from the venomous bite as his legs gave out and he began to float, seemingly lifeless.