Zombie Democracy, page 1
Zombie Democracy
NEIL A. COHEN
A PERMUTED PRESS BOOK
ISBN: 978-1-68261-688-8
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-68261-834-9
Zombie Democracy
© 2018 by Neil A. Cohen
All Rights Reserved
Cover art by Christian Bentulan
This book is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events, is purely coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author and publisher.
Permuted Press, LLC
New York • Nashville
permutedpress.com
Published in the United States of America
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: MEAT the Press
Chapter 2: Strange Bedfellows
Chapter 3: A Bellwether State
Chapter 4: Third Party
Chapter 5: Zomblog: They Promised Us an Apocalypse
Chapter 6: Smother
Chapter 7: Focus Group
Chapter 8: Chum
Chapter 9: The Hunter, the Soldier, and the Shepherd
Chapter 10: Live from Trenton
Chapter 11: Religion and Politics
Chapter 12: Pray vs. Prey
Chapter 13: Antidote for Mortality
Chapter 14: The Camp: Part I
Chapter 15: The Camp: Part II
Chapter 16: WTF Are Acronyms
Chapter 17: The Camp: Part III
Chapter 18: The Camp: Part IV
Chapter 19: Kitchen Table Politics
Chapter 20: Honeymoon Period
Chapter 21: Foreign Contribution
Chapter 22: Identity Politics
Chapter 23: Ancient Régime
Chapter 24: Growing the Base
Chapter 25: Crossing the Aisle
Chapter 26: Lars and the Long Ride Home
Chapter 27: The Absence of Light
Chapter 28: Citizens United
Chapter 29: The Tick
Chapter 30: Build that Wall
Chapter 31: Cloture
Chapter 32: Hardening
Chapter 33: Plenipotentiaries
Chapter 34: State of the Union
Chapter 35: Post Convention Bounce
Chapter 36: COOP SOUP
Chapter 37: Breathing New Life into the Campaign
Chapter 38: Bridge-Gate
Chapter 39: Peaceful Transition of Power
Chapter 40: Eat the Rich
Chapter 41: Inflicting Policy
Chapter 42: Disinformation
Chapter 43: The Government They Deserve
About the Author
Introduction
Writing a book that riffs on current day events is always tricky. The writing process involves a period of proof reading, editing, re-writes, second-guessing, blurb requests and cover design. Once the book is finalized and the content is locked down, it goes in queue and waits for its assigned release date, which can take months. The result is that by the time the book is released, topics that were burning up the internet at the time of writing are now as cold as last week’s tweets.
I always intended the Exit Zero Zombie trilogy to serve dual purpose. I wanted the story to provide a unique and hopefully entertaining zombie tale. But I also considered it to be a political allegory. Exit Zero was written during President Obamas term in office. The sequel Nuke Jersey was written during his second term, and Zombie Democracy was written during the 2016 Presidential campaign and the first one hundred days of the Trump administration.
What constitutes as a true Zombie Democracy is in the eye of the beholder. Just as any politician or political party can be viewed differently, I view a zombie democracy as I would view a newly infected zombie. Something that on the surface appears familiar and manageable, yet in reality, it is something that is totally out of your control. Something that will react violently if threatened. A zombie democracy, like any zombie, will never relent in its pursuit to destroy you once you have entered its sights, and will not stop until there is nothing left of you to consume. The best you can hope for is that a different, more appetizing victim, stumbles into its path, allowing you the chance to escape, but only at another’s expense.
No matter where you are in the world when you are reading this book, if you feel you are living in a Zombie Democracy, and you’re your friends and family are telling you that you are either paranoid, a conspiracy nut, a right-wing whacko or a left-wing lunatic, don’t be dismayed. It could always be worse. Just relax with the confidence that things can always get worse.
My fellow Americans, thank you for your vote of confidence in electing to buy this book as well as surviving Exit Zero and Nuke Jersey. I hope the trilogy will serve you well.
Chapter 1
MEAT the Press
“Hello, I am Olivia Barry and you are watching WRIX Channel 9 News at five.
“Our lead story, President Callahan’s newly appointed Chief of Staff Harry Rose fielded questions today from an international press corps who have been ravenous for information. Due to ongoing security issues, a pool reporter was chosen by random lottery to solely pose the questions to Mr. Rose.
“We are proud to announce that New Jersey’s own WRIX’s Channel 9 News reporter, Clifford Scott was chosen as the representative for the domestic and international press.”
The television screen displayed a live shot of reporter Clifford Scott standing in front of the Cape May, New Jersey hotel that had been serving as the White House since the Skell virus outbreak. The building is heavily fortified with concentric rings of stone and steel barricades topped with concertina wire.
“Clifford, the new Chief of Staff has had his hands full today. You really peppered him with questions. Tell us about it.”
Clifford Scott, wearing a WRIX Channel 9 windbreaker, flashed his perfect news-hunk teeth.
“That is correct, Olivia,” he said taking over the report. “It has been over a month since freshman Congressman Patrick Callahan was sworn into office as President of the United States. He is the only surviving member after our prior President, the Cabinet, the Congress and the Senate, all tragically died on live TV. This is the first formal interview granted by the new Callahan administration. Not much is known about Chief of Staff Harry Rose, other than he previously led the new, and controversial, Security and Recovery Agency. Security and recover officers, known as Contractors, have become ubiquitous here in New Jersey and rumored to be deployed nationwide soon. The mission of the agency personnel is to provide security and stability for the public during this turbulent time.”
“Clifford, these Contractors are the men and women wearing tactical uniforms that have been patrolling the state; enforcing curfews, and manning checkpoints?” Olivia interjected. “I know many of our viewers have expressed their concerns that these forces are paramilitary and don’t display their names on their uniforms, just four-digit numbers. Did you bring those concerns up with Mr. Rose?’
“I did Olivia. The administrations rationale behind the numbers rather than names was that they needed to staff up so quickly that they did not have time to customize each uniform and thus, had only numbers embroidered for individual identification. I know that answer may not sit too well with everyone.” Clifford replied.
“This virus and the effects it has on those that have become infected is terrifying. But security is not all this agency provides, is it Clifford?” she asked.
“That is correct.” he replied.
“Once the agency is notified that infected individuals have been spotted, the Contractors are dispatched to carefully collect and quarantine them.”
“Has the administration released any figures on the amount of people who have become infected and how many others have died since the initial outbreak?” Olivia asked.
Clifford shook his head. “The administration has not released any figures, but has assured us that the infection is under control and infected individuals, sometimes referred to as Skells, are being humanely quarantined. Despite these assurances, the security situation here and nationwide is still tenuous. International flights in and out of the United States, as well as interstate travel are heavily restricted. Many people in the country see the United States as a police state now. The current administration has pushed back on these claims saying that these security measures while extreme are for the safety of all citizens and are within constitutional law. These safety measures are also to make sure that containment of the virus is successful.
“I was given a limited time with Mr. Rose, so I hope my questions address our viewers most pressing concerns. Here’s the interview.”
The screen changed to, a single camera, two-person shot with a confident looking Harry Rose sitting across from Clifford rigidly in his chair.
Scott:“Mr. Rose, first off, congratulations on your position. We know very little about you. Can you give us insight on some of your background?”
Mr. Rose: “My background is really not that interesting, but I have served both this administration and this country since the initial outbreak, and I hope
Scott: “You use the term normalcy. Right now, we have an uncontained virus, of unknown origin continuing to spread across the country, infected individuals are going through what can only be described as a biological mutation, we have a PCRC security force which appears to be a combination of military and law enforcement patrolling the streets of the nation, we have infected individuals being picked up by PCRC Containment teams and being carted off to unknown quarantine areas, known as Q-Zones. Mr. Rose, is this the new normal?”
Mr. Rose: “That’s a lot to unpack, but let me try. As you know, this is an unprecedented situation, a true pandemic. We did not feel that local law enforcement was equipped to handle the situation. We also did not want to turn the United States into a military occupation zone; so, we have not asserted Title 10 to deploy our armed services domestically. The National Guard is dealing with the Texas secession situation, but that is all. We have engaged the Post Conflict Restoration Corporation to hire, train and deploy their PCRC Security and Recovery teams, which will provide for the public’s safety.”
Scott: “Let’s discuss the Post Conflict Restoration Corp, or PCRC. That firm was at the center of the horrific foaming scandal. The public was told the infected were being housed and cared for until a treatment could be found. As it turned out, the infected individuals were being ushered into PCRC constructed warehouses, which were then filled with fire retardant foam that was suffocating the infected. How is PCRC still allowed to oversee the rounding up and housing the infected?”
Mr. Rose: “The PCRC foaming scandal was a tragedy and no one was more disgusted and angry to learn about this atrocity than the President. This disgraceful activity was carried out by a rogue group within the company. As you know, PCRC founder and Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Gold is currently a fugitive and is being sought. Once found, he will stand trial for his crimes.
“As for the virus, we have all heard the claims by the cyber-terror group known as Green Rights Action Schutzstaffel, or G.R.A.SS. They are spreading rumors the virus was created by PCRC. We have investigated this claim and have found no evidence to back that accusation. G.R.A.SS is a criminal organization that is focused on attacking both the United States government and our capitalist system. They have made outrageous claims about other corporations in the past. The true cause of this virus is being investigated and researched and I am sure we will soon find an inoculation and a cure.”
Scott: “Will anyone else from PCRC be prosecuted for the foaming scandal?”
Mr. Rose: “As I said, the President is working with the Department of Justice to ensure those involved will be identified and prosecuted. As this is an ongoing investigation, I cannot comment further, but rest assured, the President is confident in the investigation. PCRC is under the government’s supervision and the security and the recovery teams will continue their vital work.”
Scott: “What is the latest on the search for the fugitive Max Gold?”
Mr. Rose: “He is currently being sought. We are confident he has not left the state. He will be apprehended.”
Scott: “The state has seen a tremendous amount of CCTV cameras being installed. On all major highways, in small towns, and inside government buildings. Also, new streetlights are being added to both urban and residential areas statewide. Are these new infrastructure upgrades solely for our safety?”
Mr. Rose: “The state has awarded a contract to the company Eye-Identify, which will provide these cameras and street lights to better assist the collection teams in spotting and retrieving infected persons before they can hurt themselves or others. These are no different than the cameras and sensors on the turnpike that track your tolls and monitor for speeding. This is all for the public’s safety. Also, these are shovel-ready jobs. Many hardworking Americans are finding high paying jobs working on these camera installation projects. I don’t hear any concerns coming from those well-paid workers. As these programs expand nationwide, so will the job opportunities for all Americans.”
Scott: “We have not been able to find a website or any public information on this company Eye-Identify.”
Mr. Rose: “You will need to ask them about their marketing efforts. I can provide you a contact for their office after the interview.”
Scott: “What is the extent of the authority of the PCRC contractors?”
Mr. Rose: “As I stated, these are unprecedented times and have required unprecedented powers. The Contractor program has now been expanded to all states, which have experienced an outbreak. As a precaution the contractor program will soon be expanded to cover all 50 states. Although the Administration is confident the outbreak will be contained shortly, we don’t want to take any risks.”
Scott: “Don’t you mean 49, after all, Texas has succeeded and does not self-identify as part of the USA?”
Mr. Rose: “There is an ongoing conversation between the Texas Governor and the President. I do not wish to discuss details at this moment, as these are sensitive negotiations. I do want to assure you though, that I have every confidence Texas will choose to remain part of United States of America.”
Scott: “The borders surrounding New Jersey have been partially reopened since their closure during the first forty-eight hours of the outbreak. How do you ensure no infected are getting past the checkpoints, either in or out of the state? Why not just evacuate all the residents until the virus can be contained?”
Mr. Rose: “We have excellent border screening and vetting processes. We must look at the mortality risk-factor when deciding on a ‘stay versus flee’ plan. For example, in Japan, when the Fukushima nuclear reactor imploded, more people died due to the stress of being evacuated then died from radiation exposure. Right now, it is best if the residents of virus affected areas just shelter in place.”
Scott: “You have said that, due to threats against the infected, the location of where they are being housed must be kept secret. Newly infected are being brought to these undisclosed locations. Many of the original infected are still housed on the college and university campuses throughout the state while awaiting relocation to these new, secret, Q-Zones. If a cure is not found soon, will loved ones be able to visit family members at these locations? If the infection continues, will these secret Q-Zones become overwhelmed? If so, to where will this growing population of infected be moved?”
Mr. Rose: “We hope very soon we will have all New Jersey colleges and universities re-opened. Displaced students have been offered positions with PCRC as contractors in order to earn money during this period. We anticipate all institutes of higher education to be fully sanitized and open for classes to resume shortly. The administration is in discussions with the university heads, and faculty, about how they can help speed up the process.”
Clifford raised an eyebrow, but before he could fully digest what was said, Harry Rose continued talking.
“As for where the infected population is being housed currently, we have had to keep those locations a secret for the safety of the infected. There have been credible threats against them. Once the population is stable, and we see no further infections, or when a cure is implemented, visitation and hopefully release will soon follow.”
Scott: “Please forgive the next question, but I have received it from dozens of reporters, it was the most frequently submitted question and the topic of internet buzz about zombies. Especially after videos surfaced of headless individuals still walking. I mean, no head at all. So, I must ask. Are the infected classified as living or dead?”
Mr. Rose: “The infected are very much living. They are suffering from an extreme form of Neonatal Progeroid Syndrome which prevents the infected from gaining weight, causing the body to digest all adipose tissue or body fat, giving them the skeletal appearance. This skeletal appearance has led to the term Skells. If the virus proceeds long enough in the host, the infected individual loses all mental capacity and will succumb to an addiction to human flesh. They are not attacking people for the sake of committing acts of violence. They simply cannot help themselves. They are like junkies who cannot stop their compulsions, no matter how harmful it is to themselves, or to others.”
