A New Day

Some time in the early A.M. That's right! I know that is the approximate time, because I am now sitting in some woods, in a light fog, the sun just rising...

After the last explosion, one more small explosion blew the lock on my door. I had huddled in the corner, my mattress over top of me when I left off my last entry. The door blew, and when the dust cleared, I got up to look around. The door was part way open. So I cautiously peeked out into the corridor. It was still pretty dusty and smokey, but I saw no people. No motion at all.

Having gathered my wits, I headed down the corridor, where I found several more doors blown completely off their hinges. They led me to a stairwell, which opened up to a wooded area some fifty feet above. There was nothing but a small concrete structure which housed the door to the stairwell.

Once outside, I saw no one. Not even a trace of anyone. Nothing but the mist and the trees. I don't know who broke me out, or why. Or even if my release was their intention. All I know is that I am free once more, and I felt the need to document that fact, right now. That being done, I am out of here!

Around Noon: I've been going through the woods in a more or less easterly direction. Don't know why exactly; maybe because that's the way I had been travelling before my abduction. I haven't seen anything remarkable so far, which is a good thing I suppose. Onward...

Late afternoon: I've decided to stop and make camp. Nothing but woods so far, and I don't want to be stumbling through the woods after dark.

Night: Miracles never cease... I found some sort of "cache". The only reason I found it was because something didn't look quite right near a tree. The spot was just a bit too clear of undergrowth compared to the surrounding area. So I started digging, and soon found the top of a capped PVC pipe. Inside I found some beef jerky, matches, bottled water, candy, dryer lint smeared in petroleum jelly, a tarp, and a semi-auto .22, along with five loaded magazines.

So now I have a nice fire, and a bed of evergreen boughs, covered by the tarp. I've got food in my belly, and water. Don't know who left this cache here, but thank God I found it. Now if I could only find out where I am...

Another Day

They've left me alone today. I've tried to keep track of time as best as I can, not having anything to go by but my mind, and the arrival of meals. Still couldn't tell you what day it is, or what time. Hell, not even what month...

It could still be April, or it might be July. They kept me disoriented until now, today being the first time they've not drugged me and taken me away to wherever it is they take me. I almost prefer the drugging, because now I'm just horribly bored.

Went over my body as much as possible, and found numerous needle marks, as well as a small scar on my abdomen, I presume in the vicinity of my liver (not being an anatomy student, I can only guess). They must've taken a biopsy or something. At least I hope that's all they did.

I feel well. Put on a little weight, being unable to exercise much more than jogging in place or doing push ups and sit ups. Hadn't done much of that either, most times being in a drug induced daze.

I am still amazed and intrigued as to why they're allowing me this journal. As far as I can tell, they haven't even read it when I was away. Maybe they're watching me right now as I write... I'd like to "rattle the cage" in some way, but there's nothing to rattle. The worst I could do in here is write on the wall. Everything is bolted down, and the bolts welded to that which they're holding in place. I can't reach the camera in the ceiling vent, and there's nothing for me to stand on so I could. If only I

There was just what sounded like a muffled explosion... YES! A second explosion! I more felt it than heard it, but they were explosions!

...What feels like several minutes has passed. I've not heard another sound. No one has come. Can't smell anything... Another explosion! Closer this time. I'm getting ready, something is about to happen.

Date Still Unknown

I don't know how long it's been since I last wrote. The days all blur together since I have no reference to the passage of time. All I know is that I've been injected, knocked out, and awakened here in this cell several times since I last wrote.

I don't know what they're doing to me, or why. I don't know why I'm being held, or who is holding me. I see the same person every time, in that unknown military uniform. He has no distinguishing features. No hair to speak of, no scars, no tattoos... He never speaks. All I know is that his eyes are brown, and very cold. They show no emotion at all, not even hatred. Which is what I think they should show, for some reason...

They continue to feed me well, give me clean clothes and clean sheets. I have soap to wash up with, and clean towels to dry myself. Tooth brush and paste... But there is no stimulation. Nothing to look at but this gray cell and it's stainless steel fixtures. No light, other than artificial. Constant temperature, I guess around 68 degrees, which leads me to believe I'm under ground. It is slightly damp here.

I hear no sounds. No doors opening and closing, no voices, no air handlers... Only the sound of water running through pipes when I turn on the sink or flush the toilet. At no other time do I hear the water running. I only hear the footsteps of the soldier coming for me, and the door opening. It's really confounding. Disturbing. And worrisome.

What do they want? Why do they keep me here, isolated and alone? Nevermind what they're doing to me, those are the questions that haunt me.

Now it's time to go, I hear footsteps... 

Date Unknown

I don't know what time it is either, they took my watch. But for some inexplicable reason, they gave me my journal and a pen. Perhaps they want to read my thoughts when they come for me later.

I don't know where I am. It's a cell of sorts... Maybe 10 by 10... There's a cot, a toilet, a sink, and not much else. I do know there is a camera in the vent, and probably a microphone. 

I woke up in this cell. The last thing I remember was the Humvee approaching, then nothing. I guess I let my guard down, my desire to interact with another human being overwhelmed my survival instinct. And now I find myself a prisoner... I don't know what they're doing to me. Someone comes through the door, dressed in a military uniform, but with insignia which I don't recognize. They knock me out with an injection, not saying a word. Then I wake up, back in this cell. I don't know how much time passes. There are no windows. Can't even feel the walls warm up in the afternoon sun, could be underground for all I know. 

They do feed me, rather well in fact. But they mix up the meals (or so I think) in an effort to confuse me. I'll get a steak dinner, followed by a sandwich, then pancakes and sausage. Or any combination in between. Some days I get "lunch" three times. Or two breakfasts and a dinner. Or it could be that they've knocked me out again and that's just how I remember it...

I have not been beaten. "Studied" is more like it. When I wake in my cell, I usually have multiple needle marks on my arms and legs. But they do not speak to me, nor I to them. It's the same uniformed man who enters my cell each time; I've seen no one else. I've seen no where else... As far as I can tell, it's been three weeks that I've been here. I really don't know for sure, time has no meaning when you can't see the sun.

As best as I can figure, they want to know how I survived the disease. Maybe they think they can make a cure. Or maybe they want to prevent it. I have no way to know, but given the secrecy around here, I'd say it's the latter. I don't know anything beyond that, except for how I intended to finish my last entry, which was "so I'll put this aside for now." 

The sentence I didn't get to finish before the dart struck my arm. It came from behind me. The Humvee was a distraction. Damn my trusting nature... Hopefully this is not my last entry, and hopefully I find out what's going on. If not, I hope this journal winds up in somebody's hands, somebody who will pass on my story to someone else who survived. Who is free...

April 8, 2012

6:30 A.M. I was up early, anticipating my shadow's arrival. In fact, I can hear them coming now... Took a peak through the binoculars. Hard to make out in the early morning light, but it looks like a military Humvee. That makes me a bit nervous, but if they wanted to take me out, they could have done so many times over... Yes, it's definitely a Humvee. They're approaching slowly, in a non-threatening way. Still, I put my hand on my sidearm, just to make sure it's still there. My rifle is beside me.

I scanned around, nothing but the Humvee approaching. They're about a hundred yards away now, so I'll put thi

April 7, 2012

6:00 A.M. What a beautiful morning! The sun is rising over the mist amongst the trees, squirrels are chattering, and the rest of the four legged critters are stretching and yawning. I've got some spam sizzling in the frying pan, and biscuits in the oven. A little gravy from a pouch, and I got me some breakfast. Once that's done with and cleaned up, it's road time for me again. meanwhile, I'll be sitting in the camp chair outside, sopping up the gravy with some biscuits, and scarfing down some spam "bacon". Life is good, and I'll be ready to attack the day...

11:30 A.M. Stopped for some lunch. A can of ravioli and some beef jerky. Found a screw in one of the trailer tires on my walk-down, so I pulled it out and plugged the hole. Otherwise, everything looks sound. Onward...

5:30 P.M. Covered lots of ground today. The rolling hills and piney woods have passed me by, giving me a sense of calm and serenity like I've never felt before. Stopped for dinner and the night at a roadside park again. Got some beef stew simmering in the pot, and a glass of coke and rum going.

I am amazed at the progress I made today; the roads were fairly clear. Nothing much got in my way, and I ever once had to slip the truck into four wheel drive. This camping spot presented it's self with relatively little effort on my part. So now I am simply hanging out, with a full belly and a cold drink.

9:15 P.M. I saw a flicker of light of light not too far away, headed in this general direction. I flashed my light a couple times, to guide my shadow toward me. My .45 is holstered on my belt, and my 12 guage lies across my lap. But I'm not afraid, because I know the shadow is coming. I know it's been closing in ever so slowly. I'm ready for it... Hell, I welcome it. One way or the other, I've got to know who my shadow is, and what they want. It will be a meeting which was a long time coming. I'm ready...

April 6, 2012

6:30 A.M. Just finished with breakfast. I'm sitting outside right now, enjoying the cool morning for a bit before I go. It's funny, I feel a little more at ease knowing my shadow is out there. I'm waving at them now, because I know they're watching. Good morning shadow! Glad you are there. Well, I'm off. Don't want to keep them waiting...

11:30 A.M. Stopped for lunch. It's been fairly easy going now that I'm clear of the city. I've not seen a single sign of my shadow, they are very good at keeping hidden. But I know they are there. Somewhere, not too far off, they are there. They've stopped as well, to have a rest, and not get too far ahead of me. I wonder what they're having for lunch? Me, I'm having can of beef-a-roni. I don't even bother to heat the stuff up anymore, kinda makes me feel like Mad Max. At least it's not dog food, ha ha. Saddle up shadow, time to get moving.

3:00 P.M. Found a little country store that was fairly intact. Found some mayonnaise, ketchup, and salsa that haven't expired yet. Haven't had that stuff in a long while. I also picked up some lubricants, salt, pepper, and other spices. Got some batteries, and hygiene items. A bunch of beef jerky. But the best score was found in the store room out back. Sealed buckets of flour, grain, and a hand grinder. Yeast. Canned butter. I haven't had bread in so long now, but I can smell it baking. I can taste it. I think I'm going to camp right here and bake me some bread!

5:00 P.M. Ohhhhh the smell is wonderful.... I cut a slice, buttered it up.... Yeah.... Found some gallon size freezer bags in the store as well, so the bread will go in them to keep it fresh. Got some more canned ham there, and dill relish. Tomorrow for lunch I'll make ham salad sandwiches. Man, I haven't had a sandwich in months! What a treat that will be.

Heated up some beef stew for dinner, for no other reason than to sop up the gravy with another slice of bread. I left the trailer windows open, hoping that wonderful smell might draw in my shadow. No dice. Oh well, I'm going to pour me some bourbon and light up one of the cigars I found in the humidor in that back room. I'll drink a toast to my shadow, and enjoy this full feeling that can only come from fresh baked bread!

8:30 P.M. Lit me a nice fire. There is nothing better than relaxing by a fire with a glass of bourbon on ice and a good cigar. Sure wish the shadow would come down to join me, seems a shame to enjoy all this alone. But I saw them, maybe a quarter mile away. It was nothing more than a careless sweep of a flashlight across a pane of glass, but that quick flash caught my eye, even through the fire. If I had a bullhorn I'd invite them over for a cocktail! Oh well, maybe next time. They are coming closer. Before they'd keep a mile away. Then a half. Now they're a quarter. Maybe soon we'll finally meet. Guess it was a good call on my part not to go looking for them anymore, as it seems they are now comfortable coming in closer. Maybe in a few days they'll make contact. Which could be good, or could be bad. Don't know, but either way I'd like to see them just for curiosity's sake. Anyway, good night shadow, see you tomorrow...