Scouts of the Apocalypse: Zombie Masters: Scouts of The Apocalypse, #3

By Michell Plested

 It has been two years since the zombie apocalypse ended, but Scouter Mike continues to relive the horror every day in his dreams. When he and his Scouts are invited to the World Jamboree in Japan, he is reluctant to go. But go he does and it isn't long before the horror starts again. But why now? And, even more important, why here? Mike and his Scouts must battle the undead one more time as they race to find out why it's happening again and stop it once and for all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evil Alter Ego Press
• Release date: Oct 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781988361154

Michell Plested

Michell Plested has been reading science fiction and fantasy since he was six years old, and writing for almost as long. He is an author, blogger, and podcaster living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. he writes in multiple genres, spending most of his time with science fiction, fantasy, and YA adventure.He is the host of the writing podcast Get Published, (a 2009 Parsec Finalist) and the science fiction comedy podcast GalaxyBillies, which has been called 'Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy meets Beverley Hillbillies' by his listeners.

Book preview

Chapter 1

ZOMBIES EVERYWHERE. THE street was filled with the shambling, moaning undead.

Mike looked closely at the zombies that were giving him a wide berth. Many of them were pretty far gone - was his daughter among them? If she was, would it be too late for her?

He moved into the mass of decaying bodies, and they parted as if he were Moses and they, the waters of the Red Sea. Mike looked at each one as he walked past them. Some he recognized as former neighbours.

Twenty steps into the mass, he saw her. Diana. His missing daughter.

She was as undead as the rest of them, dragging herself along the street, her right leg badly mangled.

Mike shook his head. He wanted to go to her. Rescue her from this curse, but his touch would almost certainly kill her. She was badly injured and could only survive resurrection if medical staff were at the ready.

And even that wasn’t a certainty.

Mike pulled his cell phone from his back pocket and made the call to his wife. I’ve found her but she needs a lot of help. Can you send a recovery team with medical?

He could hear his wife speaking, but the words were muffled. Something had to be done or he would lose his only daughter forever.

Mike reached toward his daughter, and she turned to dust as he touched her.

✧✧✧

Mike woke with a start, trying to figure out where he was. Where Diana was. The muted sounds of the aircraft finally brought him fully out of his dream state, allowing him to remember that Diana was safe back at home with her mother. Around him slept most of the three hundred members of the Canadian Contingent, winging their way to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

The trip was one Mike had never expected to make. It was less than two years since the world had been overrun with zombies, after all. More than two billion people dead. Scouter Mike stared out the window of the airplane, haunted by the thought of all the people they couldn’t save.

Getting this far was nothing short of a miracle.

But the World Jamboree was happening - a celebration of life and never giving up - after those darkest of days.

Mike watched the sea of clouds below the plane, illuminated by an almost-full moon. The occasional break in the clouds showed the glint of light off a dark ocean. A streak of light lit the sky as a meteor met its fiery end, burning up in the atmosphere. Mike idly tapped the screen that was mounted in the seat ahead of him. He called up the plane’s location, curious about where the meteor might hit the Earth.

He was surprised to note that the aircraft was already approaching the northernmost tip of Japan. The trip had gone faster than he expected. Maybe he had managed to sleep a little after all. Or maybe his thoughts had just kept him preoccupied.

That got him thinking again about another meteor he had seen. It felt so long ago; so much had happened since then. That other meteor had marked the end of the world he had known, and the beginning of the fight to stay alive.

There had been so many times he'd been ready to give up back then. The job had looked too big for one man or even one small group of Scouts. Giving up would have been so easy.

But they hadn't. They had persevered and now they were on their way to Japan to be honoured for their work. For saving the world.

It seemed impossible.

Mike knew deep down in his heart that the honours should be given to others. He had only succeeded because of the people around him. But despite his protests to that effect, the leadership of Scouts Canada had still put him on the plane. The world needed heroes and he was going to be one - whether he liked it or not.

Chapter 2

SCOUTER MIKE STOOD near the end of a long line of Scouts waiting to go through security at Yamaguchi Ube Airport. It was late - well past midnight - and the only people at the airport, besides the Scouts, were the security detail and a few bored-looking porters. Despite the late hour, the air was hot and humid.

Mike wiped his brow and took a weary step forward as the line moved ever so slightly. After midnight, and they still had a long time to go before they arrived at the jamboree site. How much further could he go before his brain melted?

He chatted quietly with the Scouts who had accompanied him from Calgary. How are you guys holding up? Did you get any sleep on the plane?

His son, Kyle, was the first to speak up. Yeah. I slept most of the way here. You look like crap though, Dad.

Thanks for that, Kyle. I feel slightly better than I look, but only slightly.

Here, let me take your bag, Scouter Mike, Trevor offered. He was already bent under the weight of his own bags, but still reached out to take Mike’s bag.

Nah, that’s okay, Trevor, Mike said. I’m fine. Really. He saw the doubtful expressions on a few of the faces. Listen, I may be older than you guys, but if a zombie can’t keep me down, a little thing like lack of sleep and some luggage won’t either.

That got a laugh from the Scouts. That was when Mike noticed a few of the security guards watching him and pointing. What do you think those guards are talking about, fellas? We seem to have gotten their attention.

He had no sooner said the words than the men came toward them. In halting but serviceable English, the head guard began speaking to Mike. Excuse us. Are you the Scouter Mike from Calgary, Canada?

Yes. May I help you? Mike asked.

We were hoping we could take a picture with you," the man said, indicating his friends as he spoke.

Mike did his best not to roll his eyes. I would be happy to take a picture with you, but only if you include my Scouts as well. These are the young men who have been with me since the beginning.

Really? The Japanese man studied the younger Scouts for several moments, his eyes wide. That would be wonderful.

Come on guys, Mike said, gathering his Scouts. Photo opportunity with our hosts.

The Scouts and Japanese men all crowded around Mike. The guard in charge handed his camera to a nearby Scout, and showed him how to take a picture. Please take several, he told the young man.

Once the group picture was taken several other guards wandered up to do the same. Mike and his Scouts stepped aside to let other Scouts pass. Mike lost track of the time, and was surprised to be tapped on the shoulder by one of the first guards.

Your other Scouts have already left for the Jamboree site. If you will follow me, we will get you processed and on your way.

Can you call us a cab? Mike asked, slightly annoyed to have been delayed by the pictures.

No taxis this time of night, and Kirara Hama is too far. Much too expensive. The man grinned. Don't worry, Sir. We have something arranged for you.

Mike nodded and waved the Scouts through security to be processed. He went through last and collected his updated passport with a smile. Thank you.

Arigato, Mike San. Enjoy your time in Japan.

Mike bowed his head and walked into the meeting area, where only Kyle stood waiting.

Where are the guys? Mike asked.

They went ahead. I waited behind to show you where to go, Kyle replied. Dad, there were some people waiting outside. They were yelling at us. The soldiers moved them away, but not before I saw one of their signs.

What did the sign say? Mike asked, curiosity overcoming his fatigue.

"It said, Scouts Bad - Undead Their Fault. Kyle looked uneasy. Do people really blame us for what happened?"

I don’t know, Kyle. I suppose some crackpots might, Mike said. He was reminded of his dream. If they knew what we’ve gone through, they would think differently.

I suppose. Kyle looked thoughtful for a moment. He grabbed Mike’s heavy backpack and slung it easily over his shoulder, his expression brightening. You'll never guess what they brought to drive us in.

A limo? Mike asked, half joking.

Not exactly, Kyle said with a grin.

He strode out of the airport terminal not waiting for his father. Mike grabbed his smaller duffle and hurried after Kyle. The two of them walked out and around the building past the bus parking. Mike could already feel the perspiration dribbling down his back from the heat.

They rounded the corner, and Mike stopped to stare. No way!

Pretty cool, huh? Kyle asked.

A troop truck? Really? Mike asked, knowing the answer. Just ahead of them stood a troop carrier truck with three soldiers guarding it, automatic weapons ready. A fourth soldier was helping Scout Ricky into the back of the truck.

Trevor, who was pulling the Ricky up, waved - almost causing both himself and the boy to fall on the soldier. Scouter Mike! How cool is this? They've got snacks for us and even cots set up in the back.

Very nice, Mike called back. He looked at the guards. Where do you want me?

The man who had been helping Ricky came over and bowed to Mike. I am Sergeant Sota, and it would be my pleasure to take you and your boys to the Jamboree site.

Mike bowed back. It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Mike. He extended his hand.

Sergeant Sota shook Mike’s hand and indicated the truck. If you would honour me by riding in the front of the truck, I will drive you.

Thank you very much, Mike said.

The Sergeant nodded, spoke a few quick words of Japanese to his men and strode around to the front driver’s side of the truck.

Mike got into the truck’s cab, while Kyle and the three soldiers climbed into the back.

As Sergeant Sota pulled away from the curb, he apologized to Mike. I am sorry the late hour prevents you from seeing my beautiful country. Perhaps you would allow me to show you around once you have settled in?

Mike smiled. I would be delighted to have you show me and my Scouts around your country, Sergeant.

✧✧✧

Mike woke from a doze as the truck slowed down some two hours later. He peered out the front windshield into the darkness. Only a few faint lights in the distance gave any clue that they were nearing people.

The drive had been dark. Dark like the inside of a cave. There were no streetlights after they left the airport. Other than their own headlights reflected off shiny tape on posts that lined the side of the highway, there had been no indication they were anywhere near civilization.

We’re almost there, Sergeant Sota said when he saw that Mike was awake. He turned the vehicle into a large parking lot and continued driving toward massive spotlights that illuminated a series of tents. People moved around and, in the tents,, but the darkness hid their numbers.

After a few minutes, the truck stopped near one of the tents. Sergeant Sota bowed in his seat to Mike and presented a business card. If you wish to contact me for any reason, my number is on the card, he said.

Mike bowed back and pulled a card of his own from his pocket, presenting it to the soldier with both hands. It would be my honour if you would take my contact information as well, Sergeant. My thanks to you and your men for getting us here safely.

The Sergeant smiled and nodded. I hope we meet again very soon, Mike San.

Mike nodded and waved as he climbed down from the truck. He walked around to the back where the first of the groggy Scouts were climbing down. Okay guys. This is our stop. Let’s go see what’s next for us.

As the Scouts climbed down from the truck, a member of the Canadian Scout Contingent came up to him.

Ah. Scouter Mike. I’m Scouter Ken. We weren’t quite sure when you would get here. I hope you don’t mind the rest of the group coming on ahead. The boys were all tired, and we wanted to get them settled as early as possible.

I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it when I noticed you were all gone, Mike began, but our hosts assured me they would get us here.

Yes...well, the man began, clearly uncomfortable. My apologies that you were left behind.

Mike shrugged. We’re here now, and we are tired, too. What do you need from us, and when can we get to our tents?

We need to get you registered, and there is some paperwork for you to fill out. As for your tents, there was a snag. They aren’t quite set up yet. The group that came before yours had trouble with them.

Mike looked the Scouter in the eye. Scouter Ken, we’ve now been up and travelling for more than a day. We’re exhausted. I hope you’re going to tell me we have somewhere to sleep?

Scouter Ken shifted his feet and cleared his throat. Well, about that...we have a couple of options. We can let you sleep at the indoor soccer dome that is half a kilometre from here. You will have to get up by 6:00 AM to go to your proper campsite. Alternatively, we can send you over to the hub building that is right beside your site. That’s about a kilometre from here. You can all sack out in there.

Send us to the hub building, Mike said. I don’t want to have to unpack and then repack to get to our camp. He looked over at his Scouts, some of whom were sitting half-asleep with their backs against their packs. Let’s just get this done so I can get them to bed, okay?

Sure thing, Scouter Mike!

Chapter 3

MIKE STOOD BACKSTAGE with his Scouts, resisting the urge to pace. He pulled at the collar of his uniform, wishing for a cool breeze. There was nothing cool about Kirara-Hama. Forty-degree Celsius heat with sixty percent humidity made for a level of