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(© N.Fawcett)

At that moment nature ceased to be. Evolution, or survival of the fittest, had not molded the creature, instead it just existed, the very first of its kind.

Where previously there had been none, brain activity resumed. It did not adhere or obey the rules of nature, it spat in the face of them.

Muscles tensed. The previous incarnate had needed oxygen from the respiratory system to oxidize glucose and glycogen to achieve this, but in its new form no such trivial mechanisms were required.

Within seconds others of its kind came into being. The corruption to nature meant the new genus would acquire rather than breed new members, and across the world there were plenty of silent recruits patiently waiting.

It rose from the lying position it found itself in; Covers fell to the ground.

Dull senses came into effect. Shadowy memories of previous events, people, a life. It did not feel, did not contemplate, it just did.

It lowered its feet to the floor, rose, and surveyed the room. Misty corneas hindered, but did not prevent sight.

Several of its brethren were next to it, twitching. It did not care. They did not give it a sense of security, or well being. It did not need such antiquated emotions.

Needs, it had only one. Desires, it had only one.

It quickly learned to use its body, long instilled reflexes helped it as it set off on its journey. Tendon and motor neuron functions fought back, not because of the cerebral hemorrhage that had brought its previous existence to an end, but more as if repulsed by their new unnatural or unholy use. Progress was slow, but time no longer mattered.

Behind it others took their first steps, again. All as naked as the day they had previously come into being.

A door...

It did not understand the workings – the mechanics of the hinge which allowed it to open or the handle and bolt that kept it closed - but it somehow knew it lead elsewhere, possibly somewhere with options.

Cumbersome limbs touched the door, touched the handle. Soon its allies joined it in the task. They did not plan or conspire to open the door, they just did.

Emerging into the corridor it stopped. Around it numerous options moved. One had already noticed them and was backing away, repulsed by the perversions of nature.

In its previous form such a reaction to its appearance would have resulted in embarrassment from self-awareness. It would not succumb to these nuances now.

Other options had not been as fortunate to notice and without contemplation it set out towards the nearest one. Progress was slow, too slow, time now mattered.

It reached the option and lovingly embraced it. It did not wish to cause pain, or kill, it just did. Its companions joined it in the ritual. Tearing, ripping, feeding, before moving off in search of new options.

The nurse was not damaged badly enough to succumb to the old Rules of nature. Within a few hours she obeyed the new Rules. Why did not matter, she just did.



- THE END -

Other contributions by this author:-
1. Encounters (12-Feb-1997)
The first three introductory contributions ever in the (original) fiction section of HPotD, designed to set the scene at the beginning of the outbreak.
2. An Eye for an Eye (21-May-1997)
A father and daughter on a remote farm do their best to survive.
3. The Midas Touch (15-Sep-1998)
Jason is 'different', but is this blessing also a curse? The story of a man's attempt to save a family from an overrun city, and what lies beyond it.
4. Testament (21-Apr-2005)
A remote survivor reminisces on the events leading to his current dilemma.
5. Dark Matter (21-Feb-2007)
In a galaxy as large ours, surely we must be able to find other intelligent life?
6. Dawn of the Dead (script) (14-Oct-2011)
George A. Romero's original script for Dawn of the Dead, complete with its alternative ending.
7. Day of the Dead (script) (14-Oct-2011)
George A. Romero's original script for Day of the Dead which is very different to the final version committed to film due to budget cuts.

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Genre:Living Dead
Type:Short story
Rating:6.54 / 10
Rated By:321 users
Comments: 14 users
Total Hits:3323

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