The dark zone, p.2
The Dark Zone, page 2
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The man in the front row got in another question, “What type of fence will protect the development from the Dark Zone?”
“I’m glad you asked that question,” said Mr. Owens. “A fifteen foot high block wall, lined with razor sharp barbed wired and I may add high powered illuminate lights. I can say unequivocally, that no expense will be spared”
“Sounds pretty good,” admitted the man. “Did you come up with that yourself or did some fancy consultant from Pittsburgh help you. Oh, I forgot we don’t even know if Pittsburgh is still on the map. And that goes for New York, Boston and Topeka, wherever the hell that is.” He turned to the audience, “Hey, does anyone know where Topeka is?”
Mr. Owens politely ignored the comment, “In addition, the outside of the block wall, will be coated with silicone paint. It’s as slippery as the dickens and nothing is going to claw its way over it. That’s my guarantee by the way. That stipulation will be in every deed. Now, a tiny part of each monthly mortgage payment will be allocated to the upkeep of the wall and high powered lumen lights, insuring that the Dark Zone stays there and our homeowners stay here and never shall the two meet. A happy coexistence, you might say.”
The man smirked, “And what happens if something goes wrong and one of those damn things gets over the wall and kills a family of five, like what happened thirty years ago?” Some of the good citizens in the audience gulped and swallowed imaging that could be their fate. “Oh, all of you don’t know that. But we don’t talk about that. That’s right, thirty years almost to this day Blood and guts, blood and guts.”
The mayor interrupted the man, “Everything changed thirty years ago, when that happened. Our world changed; we all had to change. Thank God our leaders had the strength and foresight to lead the way. I was very young at that time, and I do remember how things were before the age of the creature – that insidious beast that few have actually seen. We don’t know where it came from, but it’s out there, hiding in the trees and caves, waiting for the dark. Waiting for the sun to disappear, so it can come out and hunt. Hunt us… the homosapien species who still resides on this earth.” Mayor Turner realized he had gone too far, but the cat was out of the bag and the audience was in a stir. “But everything is fine.”
An elderly lady in the front row who was dressed rather plainly put down her knitting. She looked up at Mayor Turner and smiled, “May I say something?”
She must have been a regular, because the mayor answered, “Go right ahead Abigail. By the way, what are you knitting? It’s looks lovely?”
“A shawl that I’d like to wrap around the head of one of those creatures. I’d pull real hard and watch it turn blue. I’d tell you one thing, if my husband was still alive. He’d, he’d—”
The mayor rolled his eyes, “Yes.”
“He’d hide under my dress. That no good, lazy slacker that’s what he was. Men are supposed to protect women, but in Glen Falls, all they do is cower behind tall walls and bright lights. It’s a wonder women get pregnant, if you get my drift.”
Mayor Turner sighed, “We get the idea.”
“Do you? Male sperm in the last hundred years has lost its ability to travel and to zip. I should know.” The people in the audience laughed. The old lady was taken aback, “Don’t get the wrong idea; it’s not true what they say about older people and sex. I’m quite satisfied, thank you very much.” She turned and smiled at the police chief. He blushed and his eyes darted around the room.
The mayor paused for a moment to let the audience simmer down. “Abigail, thank you for your comments. They were very informative. Do you wish to add anything else?”
Abigail shoved a long needle into her knitting ball. “Why don’t you fight? Fight the creatures and get rid of them once and for all.” The room went silent, as the comment hung in the air. “That’s right; fight!”
A neatly dressed man slowly made his way from the rear of the room to the podium. His dark black shoes clicked on the floor as he walked. Heads turned and everything went quiet once again. The man had a head of stunning silver hair that was immaculately coiffured ever so carefully. His suit was perfectly pressed, and he had the air of a banker, or a bigshot. Mayor Turner was pleased at the turn of events, “Pastor Cronin, so glad you could join us.”
Pastor Cronin bypassed the audience podium and moved to the Mayor’s position, on the council rotunda. He flicked his fingers one time and Mayor Turner handed him a portable microphone. He turned around to face the audience and Abigail scoffed. “This isn’t church and don’t ask for a collection either.”
A bit of laughter rolled through the audience. “It’s so nice to see you Abigail; it’s been a very long time since you’ve attended church. The last time was—”
Abigail cut in, “When my good for nothing husband croaked, leaving me with a mess and those damn creatures out there.”
“Now Abigail, you don’t mean that. Harry was a wonderful man.”
“Maybe for you and that gilded palace you preach from.”
The mayor once again motioned toward Police Chief Barnes, who said, “Abigail, let the man speak.”
“Well, he has two hours every Sunday; isn’t that enough?”
“Abigail, I’ll have to remove you.”
Abigail snickered at the police chief, “You aren’t man enough.” The police chief moved toward Abigail and his belt busted. It snapped in half by the buckle, and the audience broke up in laughter. The police chief exited by the side door of the chamber. “Like I said, you aren’t man enough.”
Pastor Cronin raised his hands to the sky and exclaimed, “By the sun and stars that have ordained me, you will be silent. Know your place. Is not the wickedness of the world enough for you? We are paying for our sins, and that is why the dark creature of the night haunts our world. Perhaps you should get on your knees and beg the God Almighty for forgiveness and thank him for the Dark Zone. For it is our punishment, which in the end will lead to a greater fulfilling life in the next world.”
“Maybe you should get on your knees and say hello to the Mayor.”
The mayor stood up and pointed at Abigail, “You will leave right now!”
Abigail stood in a huff, “I was getting bored anyway. This is worse than a coffee klatch. Good evening.” She turned her attention to the rest of the audience. “It’ll be dark soon, you best run home and hide under your blankets. You never know when the creatures of the Dark Zone, will come looking for you, and it won’t be to say hello. They will kill you. Rip you apart, like a fat man chewing on a chicken drumstick. Then, they’ll lick their chops and find someone else, like your dog.”
A shutter went up in the room. Mayor Turner pointed at Abigail, “On your way and don’t come back.”
Abigail strolled down the aisle with her head held high. She finally exited the Glen Falls Chambers and closed the door behind her with a loud bang. Mayor Turner deeply exhaled, “Pastor Cronin what is your opinion on the new housing development, on the edge of the Dark Zone? We look for your guidance and illuminating thoughts”
Mr. Owens smiled and whispered, “Yes, illuminating.”
Pastor Cronin went on, “I have known Mr. Owens for many years, more so than I can remember. He has a place in the front row of the church. He has been a steward to my flock and his tithing, as I recall is well over the voluntary ten percent figure. In fact, he approaches closer to twenty percent. That’s a fine example to all of us. I can tell all of you, that he would never recommend or do anything that would put any of us in danger. The creatures of the night have their world and we have ours and never shall they mix. Live and let live. Amen.”
“Amen,” nodded Mr. Owens.
Chapter Two
Hunter Boone’s eyes darted between the clock on the wall of his classroom and the soccer field which was just outside the window. The seconds ticked away ever so slowly and the star striker of the Glen Falls High School team buried his head in his hands. It was painful, waiting for the class to end. Painful and boring.
The class was jammed full of students, and Hunter didn’t think Mr. Marks his teacher, would give him a second thought. He was right for the moment. Mr. Marks was at the blackboard. He drew a large circle and put the initials G.F. inside it. “As you can tell, that stands for Glen Falls, our much beloved city.”
Kip who was Hunter’s best friend whispered, “Tell me something new. Plus part of his lunch is hanging off his mouth. I’m dying.” Kip put his head in his hands and let it sink on top of his desk.
Hunter barely lifted his head and smiled, “I already have.”
Mr. Marks continued, “That circle is all that stands between us and the Dark Zone – that forbidden place, outside our world. How big do you think our city is? In other words, how big is our world?”
Leslie Cronin didn’t bother to raise her hand. “Thirty four square smiles, give or take.”
Mr. Marks smiled, “As usual, Leslie you’re right. I must say, you always give this class your full attention.”
Leslie a pretty and well dressed student, looked at Hunter and smirked. Dirk, a strapping six foot three student kicked Hunter’s desk and gave him a look. Dirk laughed, “Wake up.”
Kip turned around and said, “Shut up; you big oaf.”
“Oaf?”
Hunter shook his head, “That means you’re inbred like the creatures in the Dark Zone. You foam at the mouth, just like they do, but only it’s in the cafeteria.”
“Shut up, before I pound you.”
Mr. Marks cleared his throat and continued, “Those thirty-four square miles are now your world. It’s all of ours. That’s our reality. There isn’t anything outside these walls but darkness and death. It is our duty to make the best of it, and to be happy within ourselves. I find mediation works at those difficult times, when the walls seem to be closing in.” Hunter’s head sunk further onto the top of his desk. “Hunter Boone are you still with us?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You seem to be daydreaming quite a bit these days. Do you want to tell us why?”
Leslie locked eyes with Hunter for a moment. That didn’t go over very well with Dirk, who seemed to tense up. His face turned red and his eyes narrowed. Kip whispered to himself, “Look who’s jealous. Well, well, well the cat is out of the bag.”
Mr. Marks became impatient, “Hunter?”
“Sir, I just don’t see how living my life in that circle you have drawn on the blackboard makes any sense.”
“Really?”
“Yes, why do I, why do all of us have to be constrained by limits? Can’t you just erase that circle? We want to be free of these walls. Why can’t we? You have to have a reason that makes sense.”
Dirk laughed out loud, “Because there are creatures out there who will kill us and you after dark. Or haven’t you noticed. Get a clue and stop dreaming.”
Leslie looked at Hunter and waited for a response from the brash young boy. Maybe he wasn’t quite a boy, after all they were all seniors in the classroom. Soon they would graduate and find their way in this world. The world inside the circle on the blackboard. That world wasn’t very big, but it’s not like any of them really knew the difference. But then again, what if their world wasn’t thirty-five square miles but three hundred? Wouldn’t that be something!
Mr. Marks smiled and acted like he had a helpless fish on the line. Now he would play with Hunter. Who did this wet eared kid think he was? “These walls around the city serve a vital purpose, without them we wouldn’t survive, and that includes you.”
“But there has to more out there. A better and more exciting life.”
“I heard that same line of thinking a very long time ago, when I was very young.” He let the comment hang in the air, until the class became quiet. “There was a group of people in Glen Falls who organized a three car caravan for a trip for goods and supplies to Pittsburgh. There was a rumor that goods were plentiful and cheap in Pittsburgh. Some even thought that perhaps they would move there. They left their families and the safety of these walls and drove during the day and into the night.” Mr. Marks hesitated for effect. Some of the students leaned forward in their desks. “They were never heard from again.”
Hunter said, “Maybe they made it.”
“No they’re dead.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because two of them, were my parents. They left four children at home. Four children abandoned to live alone, to be raised by me. Do you think they did that on purpose?” Mr. Marks slammed his hand on the desk. “Do you?!?”
“No sir.”
Mr. Marks lowered his voice, “Of course not. Someone put a foolish idea in their heads, and they paid with their lives. Our actions have consequences, not only to ourselves but to the ones we supposedly love.”
Hunter didn’t give up, “But they tried for a better life, than one trapped behind these walls. Glen Falls is no better than a prison. Instead of bars, we have walls.”
“Then what is your solution?”
“To take back our world from the creatures of the night.”
A hush fell over the classroom and then Kip said, “Yeah take it all back! Any way we can.”
“That’s impossible, the creatures are everywhere.”
“We won’t know unless we try.”
The class came to life and Mr. Marks dropped his hands at his side, “Hunter you’ve caused enough of a disturbance today. Please excuse yourself and go to the principal's office.”
Leslie raised her voice, “But why? Everyone should be able to voice their opinion.”
The shock on Mr. Mark’s face was more than evident. Why was his prize pupil standing up for a trouble maker like Hunter who had such strange ideas? They were more than strange; they were dangerous. “Leslie I’m surprised that you, the daughter of our spiritual leader, would be taken in by such rubbish. What Hunter proposes is counter to all the teachings of the church.”
“Church?” asked Kip. “He’s off his rocker.”
Hunter motioned to Kip, “Not so loud.”
There was a knock at the classroom door and then it swung open. An elderly man wearing a white smock entered the classroom. He wore a huge pair of glasses that distorted his eyes. He absentmindedly said, “Oh yes, good afternoon.”
Mr. Marks straightened up, “Professor Dryden, it’s truly a pleasure to see you once again.” Professor Dryden nodded and moved toward the front of the classroom. “We were just discussing the foolish comments by one of our students in regards to the creatures of the Dark Zone.”
“Go on.”
“As the foremost authority on the Dark Zone, perhaps you will inform our young Mr. Hunter Boone as to the utter fallacy of exploring beyond the safety of these walls.”
“Yes, the ever present walls and the lights which keep the creatures at bay.” Professor Dryden put his hand to his chin and thought for a moment, and he looked at Hunter. “It’s a rather simple question really. Leave these walls as you may, when the sun sets and you will not come back. You will die. That’s the reality.”
Hunter felt small as Dirk snickered. He wished he would have kept quiet. What was the point anyway? Nothing ever changed in Glen Falls.
Mr. Marks smiled from ear to ear, “As the good professor has mentioned, it’s better we all remember that fact.”
Professor Dryden was now in front of the blackboard. He picked up the piece of chalk. “The Dark Zone surrounds Glen Falls with all of its mysteries, and that is why we must continue our studies on the habits of the dark creature. Much work needs to be done, and that is why I’m here today.”
“How can we help?” asked Mr. Marks.
Professor Dryden’s glasses slid down to the very tip of his nose. “Mr. Marks may I continue unabated?”
“Of course.”
“I’m here to select two students from this Safety and Wellness Class to work with me for the last semester of the school year. Now where’s this Mr. Hunter Boone?”
Hunter immediately stood up, “Professor.”
“And you’re the one who complained about the safe confines of Glen Falls? I assume you wish that wasn’t the case? You gleam a better situation than cowering beneath our walls.”
“Yes, Professor.”
“You long for the other side of the wall? Perhaps to solve all of its mysteries, be it of this world or even the Dark Zone itself. The Dark Zone, a place so unforgiving and so misunderstood by even myself after twenty years of research. A riddle wrapped in death from a creature that gives no quarter. ”
“I do.”
Professor Dryden gave Mr. Marks a slightly condescending look. Mr. Marks smirked, “I tried to tell you; he’s not worthy.”
Professor Dryden smirked back at Mr. Marks, “Mr. Boone, you’re my first selection.”
Kip laughed, “Way to go.”
Dirk raised up in his desk, “Mr. Marks?”
Mr. Marks quickly said, “Professor Dryden, Dirk is a superior choice. He is perfect for your needs.”
“Yeah, he’s a functional illiterate,” commented Kip much to the delight of the class.
Dirk steamed and wanted to rip off Kip’s head. Professor Dryden brushed the comment aside, though he found it quite amusing. “Mr. Marks, I believe I’m the best judge of that.”
“But.”
Professor Dryden surveyed the class one more time, “Miss Leslie Cronin you also will be joining us.”
A shocked look came across Leslie’s face, “Professor, I don’t have any interest in the study of the Dark Zone.”
Kip whispered, “But now fashion, that’s a different thing.”
Professor Dryden went on, “I know, that’s why I have chosen you. It’s time to expand your horizons. Perhaps your world is bigger than the circle on the blackboard.”
Mr. Marks was taken back, “Professor Dryden, Leslie’s father is the pastor of Glen Falls.”
Professor Dryden cut him off, “And you’re a senior tenured teacher who might find himself working for the sanitation department.” Mr. Marks nodded and became quiet. “Miss Cronin and Mr. Boone, you both will join me tomorrow night at the Dark Zone Institute.”
