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Chapter 2 - What The Smut! – A Dead Earth Short Story

Day 2- The San Diego Smut Conference

Alexis had been looking forward to this weekend for months. She'd traveled halfway across the country to attend the Smut Book Conference, eager to meet some of her favorite authors in person. San Diego had a unique charm, and the city was buzzing with life, still shaking off the aftereffects of Comic-Con from the week before. Posters of superheroes and sci-fi characters clung to lamp posts, and half-dismantled booths littered the sidewalks. The excitement in the air was almost contagious.

But by day two of the conference, things had started to go wrong. Many of the speakers and authors hadn't shown up, and the remaining fans were growing restless. Alexis was frustrated, especially after realizing that her favorite author had canceled last minute. She'd come all this way, spent all that money, and now it seemed like everything was falling apart.

At noon, an announcement crackled over the loudspeakers. The room fell silent, and Alexis frowned, listening as the event organizer's shaky voice filled the room.

"Attention, attendees," the voice began, tinged with an unease that set Alexis's nerves on edge. "Due to unforeseen circumstances and a public health emergency, we must cancel the remainder of the conference. Please proceed to the exits in an orderly fashion. We apologize for the inconvenience."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, punctuated by groans and angry complaints. Alexis heard snippets of conversations around her, words like "Covid," "pandemic," and "quarantine" floating through the air. She rolled her eyes, grabbing her bag. Just what she needed—another health scare. She'd heard something about it on the news, but she hadn't paid much attention. After all, the world had moved on, hadn't it?

As Alexis made her way to the doors, she felt a chill run down her spine. People were moving quickly, too quickly, and the tension in the air was palpable. She pushed her way outside, squinting against the bright California sun. That's when she heard the first scream.

The Unsettling Exit

The scream echoed down the street, cutting through the usual city noise like a knife. Alexis froze, looking around as people began to scatter. She was used to city chaos—crowds and noise, sure—but there was something different about this. It wasn't the usual panic of tourists who had lost their way or locals rushing to work. This was deeper, more primal, as if every person around her had just caught a glimpse of something they wished they hadn't.

Up ahead, a crowd was running down the sidewalk, pushing and shoving, eyes wide with fear. She heard another scream, closer this time, followed by a sickening crunch. Alexis took a few steps forward, craning her neck to see what was causing the commotion. At first, she couldn't make sense of it. There were people stumbling down the street, their movements jerky and unsteady, as if they were drunk. But it wasn't the way they moved that made her stomach churn—it was the blood.

They were covered in it, their clothes stained dark red, faces smeared with streaks of dried blood. Alexis caught a glimpse of one woman's eyes, hollow and vacant, as she staggered past, moaning softly under her breath. A man next to her tripped and fell, landing on his hands and knees. He looked up, and Alexis's blood ran cold. His mouth was open, lips curled back in a snarl, revealing teeth that were covered in something dark and sticky. He crawled forward, hands grasping at the pavement, leaving bloody smears behind him.

Alexis took a step back, her heart racing. This wasn't a normal panic. This was something else entirely, something that felt wrong on a level she couldn't explain. She glanced around, searching for someone, anyone, who looked like they had an idea of what was going on. But the faces around her were blank, shell-shocked, people either running or staring in horror as the bloody figures advanced.

"Help!" someone screamed, and Alexis turned to see a young woman being pulled down by one of the limping figures. The woman fought back, kicking and screaming, but the figure—a man with a gaping wound in his side—had an iron grip. He leaned down, burying his face in her neck, and a moment later, she went limp, her screams cutting off abruptly.

Alexis clapped a hand over her mouth, stumbling backward. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. It couldn't be real. This was San Diego, a city filled with tourists and sunshine, not whatever horror show she had just walked into.

Her instincts kicked in, and she turned to run, heading back toward the conference building. She had just reached the entrance when someone grabbed her arm. She whipped around, fists raised, but relaxed when she saw a middle-aged man in a security uniform. His face was pale, and his hands shook as he pulled her toward the doors.

"You don't want to be out here," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "Get inside. Now."

"What's going on?" Alexis demanded, but the man shook his head, leading her back into the building.

"They're…sick. I don't know how else to describe it. They're attacking people—biting them. I saw one guy take a chunk out of someone's arm. It's like they've lost their minds." He looked over his shoulder, his eyes darting to the door. "Listen, stay here. I'm going to lock the place down. Maybe it'll keep them out."

Alexis nodded, her heart pounding as she followed him inside. She could still hear the screams outside, muffled now by the thick glass doors, but they were close, too close. She backed away, feeling the cold sweat running down her back. The man locked the doors, but she could see his hands shaking as he turned the key.

He looked at her, fear etched into every line of his face. "I don't know what's happening," he said, his voice trembling. "But if you're smart, you'll stay away from the windows."

Alexis didn't need to be told twice. She hurried further into the building, her mind racing. The conference attendees were still milling around, confused and angry, but unaware of the nightmare unfolding just outside. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She needed a plan, and she needed it fast.

Encounter with the Infected

Alexis kept moving, her mind reeling as she tried to make sense of what she'd seen. She passed by the rows of vendors' tables, now abandoned, and pushed through the bewildered crowd. People were murmuring, their voices filled with confusion and irritation, but most hadn't yet realized the danger waiting just outside.

She ducked into a side hallway, away from the others, desperate to catch her breath and think. But as she turned the corner, she nearly collided with a woman stumbling down the hall, her clothes torn and her skin pale. Alexis froze, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her.

The woman's eyes were unfocused, her mouth hanging open, and her neck was covered in blood. She was breathing in short, ragged gasps, and Alexis noticed a deep gash on her arm, the flesh hanging open like the petals of a twisted, crimson flower. The woman took a few steps forward, her gaze locking onto Alexis with a strange, feral intensity.

"Are you…are you okay?" Alexis stammered, instinctively reaching out. But as she did, the woman lunged, her hands clawing at the air, teeth bared in a grotesque snarl. Alexis stumbled back, narrowly avoiding the woman's grasp, and her heart slammed against her ribs as she realized the danger she was in.

The woman kept coming, dragging one leg as she moved, her movements jerky and unnatural. Alexis backed away, her pulse pounding in her ears, until her shoulder hit the wall. She looked around, her eyes darting from the woman to the open door at the end of the hall. Without thinking, she turned and ran, her footsteps echoing in the narrow space.

She burst through the door into a small storage room and slammed it shut behind her, pressing her back against the wood. Her breath came in gasps, and she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the image of the woman's bloodied face, her dead, empty eyes. Alexis fumbled for the lock, her fingers trembling, and finally slid the bolt into place.

For a moment, there was silence. She could hear her own breathing, loud and ragged, and the faint hum of the building's ventilation system. But then, she heard it: a slow, shuffling sound outside the door, followed by a low, guttural moan. Alexis held her breath, her eyes fixed on the door as the handle rattled, the infected woman trying to get inside.

She pressed her hand against her mouth, willing herself to stay quiet. The rattling grew louder, more insistent, and she could feel the weight of the woman's presence just inches away. Alexis clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms, and waited, every muscle in her body tense.

After what felt like an eternity, the rattling stopped. The shuffling footsteps faded, and Alexis allowed herself to breathe again, though her heart was still racing. She took a shaky step away from the door, her mind racing. She needed to get out of here. This place wasn't safe, not anymore.

She moved toward the back of the room, looking for a way out. There was a narrow window, just big enough for her to squeeze through, and she pushed it open, the cool air hitting her face like a slap. She climbed onto a shelf, pulling herself up and through the window, her legs kicking as she scrambled out into the alley behind the building.

Alexis landed hard on the pavement, the impact jolting her bones, but she didn't waste any time. She got to her feet, brushing off the dust, and looked around. The alley was empty, but she could still hear the distant screams, the sounds of chaos echoing through the streets.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She needed a plan, and fast. Her mind raced, thinking of the safest place to go, somewhere she could gather her thoughts and figure out what to do next. But as she took a step forward, she heard a sound that made her blood run cold: the low, hungry growl of the infected, coming from the mouth of the alley.

Alexis turned, her heart pounding, and saw two figures shambling toward her, their eyes glassy, mouths twisted into grotesque snarls. She took a step back, her muscles tensing, and then she turned and ran, her footsteps echoing off the walls as she sprinted toward the end of the alley. She didn't look back, didn't dare slow down. All she knew was that she had to keep moving. If she stopped, even for a second, it would all be over.

Gathering Supplies and Information

Alexis sprinted out of the alley and found herself in the back lot of a small grocery store. She glanced over her shoulder, her heart still racing as she scanned the area for any signs of the infected. The street beyond was chaos—cars were abandoned, doors hung open, and a few people were still running, their faces etched with terror. She couldn't shake the image of those blank, bloodied faces, and the unsettling thought that this wasn't an isolated event gnawed at her.

The grocery store seemed like her best option for the moment. She needed to think, and she needed supplies. Alexis pushed through the store's side door, her eyes adjusting to the dim interior. The aisles were cluttered with overturned shopping carts and scattered food items. It looked like people had already raided the place, and from the heavy silence that hung in the air, it was clear she wasn't the first to seek refuge here.

As she moved through the aisles, she heard a faint rustling sound coming from the far corner of the store. She froze, gripping the can of beans she'd picked up as if it were a weapon. "Hello?" she called, her voice low.

A moment later, a young man with a scruffy beard and a baseball cap emerged from behind the shelves, holding a small fire extinguisher. He looked just as startled as she felt, his eyes wide and wary. "You're…you're not one of them, are you?"

"No," Alexis replied, shaking her head. "Just trying to survive, same as you."

The man sighed, lowering the fire extinguisher. "Name's Nick. This whole thing just blew up out of nowhere. I was stocking shelves when people started screaming. I hid in here, thinking it'd blow over, but…" He trailed off, glancing toward the store's entrance. "It doesn't look like it's getting any better."

Alexis nodded, her gaze drifting to the canned goods lining the shelves. She grabbed a few more items and stuffed them into her bag. "I think it's more than just some outbreak. Those people…they're not just sick. They're—" She hesitated, trying to find the right words. "They're…gone, like they're not even human anymore."

Nick looked down, his face grim. "Yeah, I noticed that too. They don't feel pain, and they're fast. A couple of people tried to fight them off, and those things just kept coming."

As they spoke, they heard another sound—this time, the faint crackle of a radio. Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out a small portable radio, turning the volume up. A woman's voice came through, shaky and strained, barely audible over the static.

"…outbreak spreading rapidly…advised to stay indoors…government response…containment measures in progress…"

Alexis and Nick exchanged a look, the gravity of the situation settling over them like a heavy blanket. She leaned in, straining to hear more, but the transmission was cut off abruptly, leaving them in silence once more.

"Well, that's not exactly comforting," Alexis muttered, glancing around the store. "We need to figure out a way to stay safe. Do you have any idea where we could go? Someplace where those things can't get to us?"

Nick scratched his head, thinking. "There's a fire station a couple of blocks from here. It's sturdy, and it might have supplies we can use. Plus, if anyone else made it out, they might head there for shelter."

Alexis considered this. She didn't relish the idea of going back outside, but staying in the grocery store didn't feel safe either. She grabbed a few more cans of food, a couple of water bottles, and a first-aid kit from the nearby shelves. Nick did the same, loading his backpack with whatever he could find.

They moved toward the back exit, both of them glancing nervously at the front of the store. The sun was beginning to set, and the shadows outside were lengthening, stretching across the pavement like grasping fingers. Alexis took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.

The Decision to Move

With supplies packed, Alexis and Nick headed toward the back exit of the store, preparing for the uncertain trek to the fire station. The air outside was thick with tension, and the faint screams and distant sirens formed an eerie backdrop as they slipped into the alley. The fire station was only a couple of blocks away, but they both knew it wouldn't be a straightforward journey.

They moved quickly, keeping low and ducking behind parked cars whenever they heard movement. As they rounded a corner, they spotted a small group of the infected shuffling across the street, their eyes glazed and unfocused. Alexis held her breath, clutching her bag tightly, and Nick motioned for them to wait. They stood there, frozen, as the infected passed, oblivious to their presence. When the street was clear, they sprinted across, adrenaline fueling their steps.

By the time they reached the fire station, the sky was darkening, and they could see the fires spreading throughout the city, casting an orange glow against the horizon. They approached the station cautiously, but it seemed deserted. Nick tried the door, and to their relief, it was unlocked. They slipped inside, barricading the entrance behind them and taking a moment to catch their breath.

Inside, they found a small stash of supplies—water, canned food, and a few medical kits. Alexis rifled through the cabinets, grabbing anything that looked useful, while Nick checked the garage for a vehicle. They were in luck; a fire truck sat in the bay, fully fueled and ready to go. Nick found the keys and held them up with a triumphant grin.

"We've got a way out," he said, his voice filled with a mix of relief and exhaustion. "But we should move fast. I don't know how long we can hold up here."

Alexis nodded, shoving a few more supplies into her bag. They headed toward the truck, adrenaline still coursing through her veins. As Nick started the engine, Alexis took a final look around, feeling a strange sense of finality. She knew they couldn't stay here, but the thought of leaving, of plunging back into the chaos outside, was terrifying.

The Escape and the Realization

The fire truck roared to life, and they pulled out of the station, weaving through the abandoned cars and debris that littered the streets. Alexis kept an eye out for any signs of the infected, her heart racing as they navigated through the city. Nick drove with a determined focus, steering them away from the clusters of zombies that seemed to be gathering in the city's center.

They didn't get far before they hit their first roadblock—a massive pile-up of cars, blocking the street entirely. Nick swore under his breath, glancing at Alexis. "We'll have to go on foot. The fire truck won't make it through."

They grabbed what they could carry and jumped out, making their way through the wreckage. They were almost clear when Alexis heard a low growl behind her. She turned just in time to see a zombie lunging toward her, its mouth open, teeth bared. She raised her arm instinctively, and the creature's jaws clamped down on her hand.

The pain was immediate and blinding, a sharp, searing agony that shot up her arm. She cried out, struggling to pull away, but the zombie's grip was ironclad. Nick was there in an instant, pulling the creature off her and slamming it to the ground. He grabbed a metal pipe from the wreckage and brought it down on the zombie's head, again and again, until it stopped moving.

But Alexis barely noticed. She was staring at her hand, the deep bite marks already swelling, blood trickling down her wrist. Panic surged through her as she realized what this meant. She was infected.

"Alexis," Nick's voice was urgent, and she looked up, meeting his gaze. "I'm sorry, but we have to act fast. Give me your hand."

She didn't understand at first, but then she saw the pocket knife in his hand, the blade glinting in the dim light. "No," she whispered, fear and pain clouding her mind. "I can't…"

"It's the only way," Nick insisted, his face pale but determined. "It hasn't spread yet. If I cut it off now, you might have a chance."

Before she could protest, he grabbed her wrist, positioning the knife above the bite. Alexis braced herself, tears streaming down her face as the blade bit into her skin. The pain was unbearable, a searing agony that seemed to consume her entire body. She screamed, her vision blurring, and then everything went dark.

 Final Reflection and Uncertain Future

When Alexis opened her eyes, she was lying in the back seat of a car, the world outside passing by in a blur. Her hand was gone, the stump wrapped tightly in a makeshift bandage, and the pain was a dull throb that seemed to pulse with every heartbeat. She looked up, meeting Nick's gaze in the rearview mirror. His face was grim, but there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"You made it," he said, his voice gentle. "I don't know if it worked, but you're still here. That's got to mean something."

She nodded, too weak to speak, her mind still foggy from the pain. She closed her eyes, listening to the hum of the engine and the distant sounds of the chaos they'd left behind. She didn't know what would happen next, whether she'd survive or if the infection would claim her anyway. But for now, she was alive, and that was enough.

They drove on, leaving the burning city behind, their future uncertain, but their resolve unbroken.

The End… Or is it?