David Bernstein - Machines of the Dead

“I need to talk to you in private,” he reiterated.

“I get it,” Smithford said, not sounding the least bit upset. The man leaned forward, hi s chair clomping down. He stood, all six feet five inches of him. “You want me to leave.”

“Wait,” Maria told him, then looked at Kevin. “Can this wait until tomorrow?”

Kevin shook his head. “No, I really need to talk to you now.” He looked up at Smithford. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“No problem,” Smithford said. “It’s getting late and I should let you two talk. Sounds like Kevin has a problem he needs help with.” He said goodnight, then left the room.

Kevin took a seat on Maria’s bed, leaving his booted feet on the floor. He couldn’t face her. Staring at the floor, he felt her hand on his shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“There’s not a lot of time, so I’m going to just spit it out.”

“Okay,” she said, taking her hand back.

He turned to face her and just started talking. He told her everything, from his drunken conversation with Devon, to just before he left Jack’s room.

“I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s all true,” he said, “and I want you to come with us.”

Maria sighed. “Kevin, not to be an asshole, but that’s the most ridiculous shit I’ve ever heard. I hope you’re puttin g me on. ”

He jumped up, unable to remain seated. “No. I’m dead serious. Didn’t you hear what I said?”

“You’re for real, aren’t you?”

“Yes, and there isn’t much time. We need to meet the others.”

Maria held up her arms. “Wait. Just wait. There’s no way our military would condone this type of thing, human experimentation. Maybe after the rats and monkeys were tested, then human trials, but outright torture and killing, no.”

“Don’t act like you’ve never seen shit. We both have. We’ve seen some nasty stuff that if it ever got out there’d be a public outcry.”

“That was different and those were some crazy-ass individuals. Who, may I remind you, were reprimanded.”

“Look, we’re leaving. Tonight. Getting out of here for good before it’s too late. For all I know you and me are next. We’re not part of the regular crew. We don’t have access to C-Wing. Reynolds has no test subjects left. What do you think he’s going to do to get more? Head out into the city because there are no more people there? It’s going to be Jack and Zaun and then us.”

Maria closed her eyes, shaking her head. Kevin could see he was putting doubt into her. On some level, she believed him.

“You’re talking about treason,” she said. “Going against orders, against your country. You’ll be put in front of a firing squad. You can’t do this.”

The door to the room burst open, startling both Kevin and Maria.

Smithford walked in, sidearm in hand.

“What the hell, Roger?” Maria barked.

“Was listening at the door,” he said. “Heard everything.”

“Get out,” Maria demanded, her voice cracking.

“Don’t,” Smithford warned, as Kevin went for his gun. “ Doc wants you alive and intact, but I’ll drop you where you stand if I have to. I’m sure as long as it’s not a fatal shot, the man can fix you back up; inject those little things into you.”

Kevin truly hated himself right now. He had been so careless. So stupid. Before speaking to Maria, he should have made sure that there was no one outside the door.

“I never liked you, Myers,” Smithford continued. “Fucking pussy.”

“Hey,” Maria shouted.

“Shut the fuck up,” Smithford demanded, keeping his eyes on Kevin. “Now, slowly, give me your sidearm.”

Kevin did as he was told, and handed the weapon over.

“He’s just confused,” Maria told Smithford. “He’s been down here too long. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“You’re a stupid bitch,” Smithford said. “You know that? Maybe if you’d been willing to put out, I would’ve tried to spare your ass; claimed you as mine, but you’re nothing but a dyke, aren’t you? Or maybe just a tease? Are you a tease?”

“What the hell is wrong with you, Roger?” Concern was evident on Maria’s face. “Cat’s out of the bag, stupid. You weren’t supposed to know about this place. What’s really going on. You two were temporary. Doc was going to ship you right back out, then hopefully get in some people, people like myself, that would go along with the program. But after the city fell, that plan went to shit. He was stuck with both of you. Military wasn’t letting anyone in or out. ”

“This is wrong,” Kevin pleaded. “Don’t you see that? Come with us.”

“Myers, you really are an idiot. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t leave here. It’s the safest place to be. But I ain’t going with you, because I’m going to do my job and get paid, paid a lot of dough for helping the Doc.”

Maria’s eyebrows came together, her face contorted into an angry snarl. “You piece of shit.” She went to get up, but Smithford stepped up to her and shoved her back down.

“Like I said, Doc wants you two alive and unharmed, if possible. Not sure why though. If I fuck you two up, he’ll just inject those bots into you and heal your asses.”

“So, everything Kevin said was true?” Maria asked.

“Wasn’t supposed to be like this, at least not for another couple of days. Maybe even a week, depending on how long Jack and his friend lasted. But fuck it. I’m sure the Doc will love hearing about your little plan to leave.”

“You haven’t radioed this in, asked for backup?” Kevin said.

“Nope,” agreed Smithford, eying Maria like a piece of meat. “Not yet.”

“What do you want then?” she asked.

Kevin knew. He saw the look in Smithford’s eyes. He wanted some alone time with her. Maybe he would offer her a deal in exchange for a romp in the sack. Or maybe he simply planned on raping her.

“He wants to have his way with you,” Kevin said coldly.

“What?” Maria asked, grabbing the blankets and pulling them up to her chest. “No.”

“You ruined the surprise.” Smithford stepped up to Kevin and smashed the butt of his gun into Kevin’s nose.

Pain exploded in Kevin’s head as white light flashed before his eyes. He stumbled back into the wall and crumpled to the floor. He heard Maria scream, then a loud smack sounded and she was quiet. Looking up through teary eyes, he saw Smithford standing over the bed, laughing.

“Leave her alone, asshole,” Kevin demanded.

Smithford turned toward Kevin, his eyes filled with malice. “You want more, huh?”

Kevin went to get up. He still had his knife strapped around his ankle, but took a boot to the stomach. The wind flew out of his lungs. He couldn’t breathe, and curled up on the floor. Smithford kicked him again and again. “Stay. ”-kick. “T he fuck, ”-kick. “Down,”-kick.

Kevin was on the verge of passing out when the blows finally stopped. Breathing was impossible and the pain was overwhelming. He thought for sure a few ribs were broken, and maybe some other parts too.

Halfway to unconsciousness, he heard Smithford talking to Maria. Shaking his head, he looked up and saw the big man on top of her. She was struggling, kicking her legs, but Smithford slapped her and held her down. He was simply too strong.

Focusing on saving his friend, Kevin pushed himself to his knees, finally able to draw in a small breath. Using the wall, he was able to stand. Smithford was too busy with Maria to notice him. She let out a scream, and yelled, “stop” and “no” and “help” before Smithford punched her in the face, silencing her.

“That’s better,” he said. “I don’t mind my women a little roughed up.”