The Red Death: ONE MAN'S WILL TO LOVE AND AVENGE

By A.P. Bergler

In the not so distant furture. Microsopic robots called nanites have been released on the world. They infect and take over their hosts, most nanites only what to spread, where some have bigger plans. Humanity is losing, with only %10 of the world population still

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Red Death
• Release date: Jun 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330231393

Book preview

zxcvbnm

AndrewBerg_-Final_Manuscript_-_29may_updated_fileFaizan FaisalMuhammad Shoaib Khan312024-05-29T00:02:00Z2024-05-29T18:13:00Z2024-05-30T19:38:00Z36072208411586Aspose342996548282916.0000

The Red Death

A.P. Bergler

Copyright © 2024 A.P. Bergler

All Rights Reserved

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my wife, Bridget. She is an amazing person and gave me so much support to write this book. Her love of books is what made me want to write one!

Acknowledgment

I would like to thank Hedi Hartman for making the front of the book cover. If you look closely, she added a hidden picture of my actual dog, Maz.

I love it!

About the Author

A.P. Bergler believes humor is what makes the world go round. In the darkest days of the brightest hour, well-placed humor can bring on a belly laugh or even the smallest of chuckles. And in that moment, life feels amazing!

Page Blank Intentionally

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgment

About the Author

Chapter 1   Harnessing Power of Nanites

Chapter 2   Weapons Facility

Chapter 3   The AI Companion

Chapter 4   Survival Alliance

Chapter 5   Shadows of Cybers

Chapter 6   A Town’s Dark Secret

Chapter 7   The Unforeseen Consequences

Chapter 8   Kate and A Loving Community

Chapter 9   Battling the Unknown

Chapter 10   Daybreak Preparations

Chapter 11   Eye of the Beholder

Chapter 12   Echoes of Survival

Chapter 13   Unexpected Hospitality

Chapter 14   Escaping the Trap

Chapter 15   Trails of Courage

Chapter 16   Belfield and Beyond

Chapter 17   The Importance of Compassion

Chapter 18   Secrets in the Darkness

Chapter 19   The War

Chapter 20   Forging Bonds

Chapter 21   Unexpected Alliances

Chapter 22   Vengeful Fury

Chapter 23   Trade and Trust

Chapter 24   Abi is Alive

Chapter 25   Family First

Chapter 26   Reunion Of Paths

Chapter 27   Seeking Lucy

Chapter 28   Lucy’s Return

Chapter 29   Race Against the Dark

Chapter 30   Reunited In Battle

Chapter 31   Stone’s Last Stand

Chapter 32   Reunion Amidst Chaos

Chapter 1

Harnessing Power of Nanites

On an ordinary Friday, as the workday’s weight slowly lifts, I find solace in the routine—a ritual that begins with a spirited run alongside our loyal companion, Duke. The sun casts a warm golden glow, painting the familiar route we traverse together.

As I approach our home, the comforting sights and sounds of family life embrace me. Lucy, my cherished wife, is arriving with our two youngest, their laughter echoing through the air. The gentle hum of daily life surrounds us, forming a harmonious melody that marks the end of the week.

The driveway stretches before me, a path leading not just to the physical abode we share but also to the heart of our familial haven. Little did I know, that on this unassuming Friday evening, the ordinary was about to intertwine with the extraordinary, setting the stage for a chapter in our lives that would be written with both routine and revelation.

"Any plans for dinner?" I yell up to her.

Aware of her aversion to this question, I brace myself, understanding that my inquiry won’t be met with a warm reception. A mischievous chuckle escapes me as her gaze meets mine, confirming my suspicion—this encounter was far from a joyous reunion. In the shared glance, I can’t help but find a hint of amusement, knowing all too well that her displeasure is written across her face. Yep, no traces of happiness here.

The youngest duo, Jackson and Amber, sprint indoors, their youthful energy propelling them straight to the refuge of their rooms. Parenthood, it seems, has entered the age where mom and dad’s company ranks low on the list of preferred activities. Undeterred, Lucy embarks on crafting a delightful stir fry for dinner. Meanwhile, I usher Duke into the backyard before heading off for a refreshing shower.

Lucy’s culinary prowess never ceases to amaze me. The enticing aroma wafting through the air as I step out of the bathroom is a tell-tale sign that she is weaving her magic in the kitchen. Unable to resist, I attempt a stealthy grab for a morsel of the sizzling chicken. However, my attempt at culinary espionage is swiftly foiled—she catches me in the act with a hearty laugh.

Her expression, once again, mirrors the earlier not-so-happy look, but beneath that facade, I can’t help but appreciate the remarkable woman before me. Lucy thrives in the kitchen, effortlessly navigating the chaos and delivering culinary masterpieces. It has become my unspoken duty to playfully keep her on her toes, injecting a bit of mischief into our everyday moments.

Lucy wears the hat of a dedicated doctor with finesse. As the proud owner of her practice, she is not just an M.D. Lucy goes that extra mile for her patients, her heart seemingly boundless in its capacity to care. Yet, there is a delightful twist to this story—my mischievous attempts to give her a hard time. It is in these moments that the doctor’s demeanor takes a charming turn. A big heart indeed, unless, of course, I am the one playfully pushing these boundaries. That’s when the teasing banter and a touch of mischief bring out the spirited mean in this extraordinary woman. Ha-ha, all in good fun!

The food is ready, with the tempting aroma filling the air; Lucy asks me to call the kids. Jackson thunders down the stairs, the unmistakable sound of a 17-year-old after soccer practice. Lesson learned: never get between a hungry teenager and food.

In the kitchen, Lucy has prepared enough for six, despite our two oldest no longer living here. Perhaps she hopes her cooking will bring them back for a taste of home. The dinner table, a testament to Lucy’s generosity and love, awaits the warmth of family connections.

With a single swift move, Jackson breezes through the kitchen, claiming his share, as expected. Lucy, Amber, and I divide the remaining half. Eating together around the table is a rare occurrence in our bustling household, often filled with people coming and going or seeking solitude after a challenging day. But today feels like winning the lottery—Jackson sits down at the dinner table, and to our surprise, Amber follows suit. Lucy and I exchange glances, a shared moment of mild shock mirrors on both our faces. Without giving them a chance to scatter, we promptly take our seats.

The dinner table transforms into a hub of family connection. Conversations flow seamlessly, covering school projects, soccer practice, and even Lucy’s amusing anecdotes from her day with patients. Today, against the usual ebb and flow of our lives, we savor a rare moment of unity, where good food and laughter intertwine in the shared warmth of family ties.

Our eldest daughter, Abigail, makes a sudden appearance. Deep into her second year of law school, she is freaking out about an upcoming test on Monday. Seeking both Mom’s assistance and a taste of her cooking, she finds the latter mostly depleted. Undeterred, Mom graciously rises to the occasion, whipping up a bit more food while tackling Abigail’s questions.

As we gather around the table, the sense of time slipping away hits me. It feels like an eternity since we were all here, sharing a meal and recounting our day. Notably absent is James, my eldest, who hasn’t graced our home in years. The speed at which time is passing strikes me, prompting me to inquire if Abigail has heard from him lately. Her response, a simple No, leaves a lingering silence, a reminder that despite the joy of reunions, some connections remain distant.

Let me tell you, that young boy has the intelligence to pursue anything, yet he chooses to do nothing. I am aware that he has moved around a bit since he departed from us. However, it has been three years since I last heard from him. Every argument we had seems trivial now, their significance fading away. My singular desire is for him to simply find his way and return home safely.

Abigail heads to the backyard, where Duke eagerly awaits her. He is happy to see her and prances around, displaying his signature wiggle butts. Meanwhile, I ignite the fire pit in our backyard. Abigail engages in a lively game of fetch and tosses the ball to Duke. Jackson and Amber take charge of cleaning the kitchen and efficiently load up the dishwasher.

As I add wood to the fire, the familiar sound of Lucy’s phone interrupts the tranquil environment we are enjoying. It isn’t unusual for her to receive calls, often from the clinic. She answers it, but this time, a perplexed expression crosses her face. Without much ado, she excuses herself and heads inside to her office. At the moment, I don’t dwell on it too much.

Soon after, Abigail joins me, expressing the need to leave. Duty calls—work awaits the next day, and a mountain of homework looms. I rise from my seat, enveloping her in a warm hug. The evening has been splendid—an excellent meal and the comforting presence of my kids choosing to spend time together. Relaxing by the fire with a glass of whiskey in hand, little do I know that it marks the final night I will savor this particular sense of contentment.

The following morning, as I stir from sleep, I notice Lucy’s absence. It strikes me as odd since she typically doesn’t work on Saturdays. A sense of urgency crosses my mind—something important must have come up. Rising from the bed, I prepare a delightful breakfast of avocado and egg on toast—truly satisfying. Duke, ever the impatient one, devours his breakfast in a mere four seconds—ha-ha.

With Jackson and Amber still peacefully sleeping, considering the early hour of 9 am, I take Duke for a brisk morning walk. A few blocks into our stroll, Lucy’s call interrupts the tranquillity. I halt and answer the phone, ready to hear what has prompted this unexpected Saturday morning communication.

"Hey babe, what’s going on? Why did you go to work?" I ask her.

Lucy says, "I got a call about 4 am that a man came in and was freaking out. Kept saying I have it. He wasn’t making sense, so they gave him something to calm him. When I got to the hospital, Military personnel were there. I almost made it inside, but they stopped me and held me for questioning. Only people with hazmat suits were going into the hospital."

Being a former military person, I understand how situations can escalate swiftly.

Without hesitation, I advise, "If they are not detaining you, come straight home."

Ending the call, I immediately dial Abigail, frustration mounting as I am met with her voicemail.

So, I leave a message, "Hey, hon, it’s Dad. I really need you to call me back right away; it’s very important; better yet, come back to the house right now!"

Duke and I sprint back to the house, knowing Lucy will be home in about 20 minutes. Upon our return, urgency grips the air, and I raise my voice, calling for Jackson and Amber to wake up. It takes some effort to pull them out of their beds, instructing them to hastily assemble a bag with essentials, clothes, and the like. As they gather their things, their increasing anxiety manifests in repeated questions about what is happening. Though I lack a satisfactory answer, a gnawing feeling tells me something is amiss.

Drawing on a bit of a prepper mindset, I have some supplies ready, including food (MRE) and water. Loading whatever I can into my Jeep, the atmosphere tightens with a palpable sense of unease.

Discovering my empty jerry cans, I swiftly strap them to the roof. Lucy arrives just as I open the garage door. The fear in her eyes mirrors that of the kids. Seeking clarity, I ask her precisely what information she has received about the situation.

She says, "They said a truck overturned and spilled chemicals and it was affecting people that were near or had come into contact with it. And they are quarantining the area."

But then she says, "I overheard the military people talking. And the guy was in a panic, saying it’s out, and no one is safe here; we need to get as far away as possible. The other military guy calmed him down, saying. This is what we train for; we can handle this. Just do your job."

Well, shit, that’s not good, I think to myself.

I say, "Alright, go grab some clothes; we are going north to my dad’s cabin; we leave in 15 min."

I call Abi again, straight to voicemail, "Hey Abi, it’s Dad; I need you to go to Grandpa’s cabin right now. Stop what you’re doing and go. Call me, and we will meet you on the way up."

Loading up the kids and Duke, Lucy hurries out with a bag of clothes and her doctor’s pack. After locking the house, we depart. The plan is to make two stops before heading straight to the cabin. First, we will swing by Abi’s workplace to check if she is there. Then, a pit stop at the mini-mart gas station to refuel the Jeep and the jerry cans.

As we tune into the radio, news about the quarantine and pleas not to panic echo through the air. Yet, the reality around us paints a different picture—people are already beginning to panic. History taught us that fear can drive individuals to make rash or even dangerous decisions. My priority is clear: get my family out before things take a turn for the worse. Arriving at Abi’s workplace, Lucy rushes inside. Glancing across the street, I notice the gas mart has a relatively sparse presence of cars. It becomes our next destination.

Lucy comes out and says, Abi didn’t show up for work this morning.

Damn it! Where is she? I ask.

Ok. Lucy will keep trying to call her.

I’m going to get us some gas.

I pull in and fill up the Jeep. I have Jackson fill up the jerry cans.

"Ok, guys, I’m going to try and get what medical supplies they have. Stay in the Jeep and stay calm. Lucy, step over here for a second. There are more and more cars showing up here; as soon as Jackson is done filling the cans, load them up and move away from pumps."

I hand her my handgun. I am confident in her ability to use it, knowing she is a proficient and accurate shot.

"Ok, I’ll be right back," I state.

Entering the store, I maintain a calm and polite demeanor. Grabbing a basket, I begin filling it with items that I anticipate might become scarce later on. The crowd is gathering around a television, murmuring about a rapidly spreading virus and reports of military personnel deserting their posts. Just as the gravity of the situation sinks in, I look up and spot several Military Humvees pulling into the parking lot, heavily armed. Instinctively, I step away from the front glass.

I begin scouting for an exit in the back, keenly aware of the unfolding situation. Spotting an army personnel just standing and staring out the side window, I approach cautiously. Curiosity and concern prompt me to ask what is happening, hoping for any details he can provide.

"Nothing good, that’s for sure; I didn’t think they would find me so fast," he says.

A sense of familiarity comes over me. I know him. He turns, and it’s James! I am speechless. I step towards him, and he backs away.

Hi, Dad, I missed you, he says.

James, where have you been? I’ve missed you so much. What’s going on? I ask.

Before he can answer, a stern command echoes from outside, instructing everyone to stay put. I exchange a glance with James and peer outside. It becomes evident that the military isn’t attempting to halt those at the gas station. Attempting to call Lucy, I face the grim realization that the cell service is down—likely the doing of the military.

Eye contact with Lucy through the store window conveys a silent exchange. I gesture for her to go, to leave me behind. In response, she shakes her head, refusing. Pointing urgently to James, standing beside me, I implore her to leave. With tears in her eyes, she hesitates but eventually gets into the Jeep and drives away.

The situation escalates as the mini-mart becomes surrounded. A voice over a loudspeaker declares that any attempt to leave will result in gunfire.

What the fuck is this? I say as I turn to James. OK, tell me everything you can.

Long story, Dad, James replies.

Well, give me the short version quickly, please. I request.

James starts to talk, Well, it started about six months ago. A weapons tech company called Archer. They were able to get working nanites. Nanites are microscopic robots, more or less. I know it sounds like one of your bad Sci-fi movies, but it’s true. I was ordered to the security detail of the scientists, or as my squad called them, the assholes. From what I would overhear, they were having amazing effects on animals using the nanites. Increased strength, speed and healing. All the stuff the military wants for their soldiers. Billy, a ranger from my team, mysteriously got infected. Still don’t know how; it makes no sense. With the level of protocols, it should have been impossible.

James starts thinking and then says, Unless it was intentional.

James starts pacing the floor.

It was him, I know it. That asshole!

Who? I ask.

Dr. Stone. The animal trials were going well, but then things started to change. They had increased rage and violence. It was like they were going mad. When the higher-ups would come around, he would dose them with a tranquilizer. It wouldn’t knock them out, but it would calm them down. Every night he would try to reprogram new nanites and give them to the animals that had the previous version to try and correct whatever was going wrong. I couldn’t see everything he was doing and didn't understand a lot of it, but I knew it wasn’t good from his body language. By the next morning, they would be dead, and they would take them to the incinerator. Then he would start again. About three months ago, he appeared to get it to work. He may be an asshole, but he is brilliant. He wrote an AI program that went into nanites. The AI can regulate the nanites so they can’t take control of the animal or keep multiplying inside the animal. More or less, the AI can control when they have strength, speed healing, and even increased intelligence. And since he controls the AI, he controls the animals.

Before James can continue to tell me more, military personnel dressed in hazmat suits are coming into the mini-mart. The suits look very futuristic, almost like armor.

James recognizes Dr. Stone.

What did you do? James shouts.

Dr. Stone says, What did I do? No, what did you do? You knew that Billy was infected, and you tried to help him escape.

That’s a lie; you gave Billy the nanites on purpose, didn’t you? You asshole, James shouts.

Dr. Stone looks at James and says, I would never. Billy must have been snooping somewhere he shouldn’t have been.

You know that’s a lie, James reiterates again.

Dr. Stone moves close to James and whispers, The good news is, it does not matter what you think. You’re going back to complete my tests. Billy lasted two days. Let’s see what we can do with you.

I hear what he says, and I take a swing at the doctor. I am knocked out by one of the soldiers before I can hit him.

As consciousness returns, I find myself secured on a gurney. The world is hazy, and my head is pounding intensely. Struggling to focus, I glimpse others from the mini-mart also in a similar state. The surroundings suggest we are on a large military cargo plane, though uncertainty clouds my thoughts.

A member of the medical team notices my awakening and approaches to administer something, attempting to put me back under. I try to ask about James, but my words falter, and I fade away before any response can be given.

Once again, I begin to awaken, and the fog lifts, bringing relief to my head. Disoriented, I find myself on a bed in a room dominated by white, with one wall made of glass. Beyond the glass, I observe lab tables and equipment. Gradually, as clarity returns, I discern similar rooms across the way, forming an oval-shaped structure with four cells on each side. It seems like they conduct work in the central area while observing individuals in the cells.

With the fog clearing from my brain, I start calling for James, then escalate to shouting in desperation for his presence.

The med tech comes over and tells me to keep it down.

I demand, "Tell me where James is now."

Dr. Stone, who is just out of my view, steps in front of my cell.

You sick bastard. Where is my son? I ask.

Ah, the father, he replies. Well, you have a very special son here. He has survived seven days with the nanites. It appears that he has bonded with them. It’s quite remarkable. I never would have guessed it. From what we have seen with other subjects, the nanites just slowly take over until the subject is dead, then the really crazy shit starts to happen. Never thought I’d see dead walking around, but they did. I know once I crack the ability to restore dead cells with new ones the opportunities are endless. Maybe even living forever!

I ask one more time, Where is my son?

He simply replies, Right next to you. He is sleeping.

How long have we been here? I inquire.

Dr. Stone replies, Oh, about a week or so.

What, a week? I can’t believe I was out that long.

Yeah, you kept going crazy about where James was, so we just kept you under, he chuckles.

I hear some movement in the cell next to mine.

James? Are you there? James?

Yeah, I’m here, James groans.

A feeling of relief comes over me. He is still alive.

How are you doing? I need him to be okay after just getting him back in my life.

Not sure, he states. I’m strapped to a table. They keep taking blood samples. Something doesn’t feel right. It’s hard to explain. It’s like my brain is fighting for control of my body.

WTF. This IS like a bad Sci-fi movie. Ok, I need to stay calm. Think, what can we do? And then it occurs to me. Why are the rest of us here? We clearly are not infected. I ask the med tech. He just looks down and walks away. I'm thinking that’s not a good sign. Ok, so pretty sure we are dead no matter what. My guess is Stone said we were infected so he could experiment on us and then burn the evidence. The one med tech seemed to still have a small part of his soul. Maybe I can get a little help from him.

I can hear James start to grunt and moan in pain. I would give anything to help him.

Hang in there, James. We will figure something out, I tell him.

Stone walks by just as I utter those words.

He pauses, offering a mocking comment, Yeah, good luck with that, accompanied by a chuckle before continuing on his way.

The intense desire for retribution builds up within me; the yearning for his demise is palpable.

I beg Stone, "Please use me instead. I’m willing. I won’t fight you."

He just looks back and says, Don’t worry, you will get your turn.

I will kill you, I promise, I reply

Stone initiates a procedure on one of the others from the mini-mart, a woman in her 30s perhaps. Her agonized screams persist for at least two hours before she succumbs to unconsciousness. Stone dispatches a technician into her cell, checking vitals and attempting to secure her back to the table. Suddenly, an unexpected turn of events unfolds. It seems like she is attacking the tech—utter chaos ensues. The tech crashes into the window, blood splattering across the glass.

Stone signals to someone beyond my view, and panels open at the top of her cell. To my horror, fire erupts, consuming the room and the two individuals within. Stone callously walks past, indifferent to the horrific scene.

Well, how did that work for ya? I whisper.

He stops, looking back at me with a sly grin on his face and says, Well, it’s still going to be worse for you than me.

James, are you awake? I ask.

Yeah, my eyes hurt, but I’m alive, he replies.

I ask him, Can you move?

With trepidation in his voice he replies, No, and my eyes have been bandaged up.

Those sick bastards! What are they doing to him? Hang in there, James. Just then, the nicer med tech walks by.

Hey, I whisper. Can I ask you some questions? Please.

No, he replies.

Look, I’m not asking you to do anything. Just answer a few questions; everyone is gone for the moment. Please, I implore.

He gives out a heavy sigh.

"What?" he demands in growing aggravation.

Do you know anything about the outside world? Or the rest of my family? I ask.

Your family? No. I know they looked for them but haven’t found them yet, he replies.

And the rest of the world? I ask the question again.

Not good; after the initial break out, they thought they had it contained. Then, it just popped up and started moving through the population like wildfire. I bet half the world is fighting them now, he says.

Wow, that’s awful. Wait. What do you mean by fighting them? Who’s them? No way it’s zombie shit, I say.

Um, well, kinda. Not full zombies. The nanites are driving the body. The human is dead, I believe, he replies.

To what purpose? I ask.

Not sure, maybe for the nanites to reproduce or spread. I have to keep moving and working, or I’ll get in trouble, he says.

Worse trouble than that, I point to the lady’s cell.

Yeah, much worse, he confirms.

Huh, what could be worse than that?

Later that night, I am escorted out of my cell, desperately searching for James but finding no sign of him. They lead me to another chamber filled with what appears to be army personnel, many showing signs of severe distress and hardship—they look like they have been through hell. As I walk past them, an unsettling feeling creeps over me as if they regard me as prey. From my cell, I can observe four of them, and some exhibit a faint glow in their eyes.

This