Past The Cornfield (682 hits)
Category: GeneralLabels: Fiction
Rating: 1.2 on 39 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Kaos-King (antius777) (View user info) at 2009-05-18 03:46:42 EDT
"What you think, Sarge?" asked Witman
"I think we're right fucked," replied Sergeant Clinton.
Clinton turned back and stared out across the rotting cornfield. Whatever farmer had supposed to harvest this crop had either gone off to war or had simply died in all the madness. Even the quickly frigid temperature of mid-November wasn't enough to cut the malty stench that wavered into camp. It made the sick men sicker. A damn pain, vomiting out your guts when you're busy dying.
And Clinton had a lot of men dying. Out of Camp McDuffy's fifty-three inhabitants, a good forty-three of them were bleeding, broken, maimed or mutilated. Just a small field hospital detached from Camp Paulson, nobody could hear the screams this far down the Appalachian trail. As quickly as Clinton's men could bury them, the Confederacy delivered them more.
"Smells like my Pap's old moonshine," remarked Browning. "Smelled like horseshit then, too."
"Yep," replied Clinton as he scratched at his beard.
"What do ya reckon?" asked Browning.
Clinton continued to work as the itch on his chin and stare at the field. New bodies were pilling up and the doctors were starting to get sick themselves. Besides his two Corporals, that only left seven other functional men. Seven. Grave digging was no damn work for soldiers about to die.
"I think it's a god damn shame those men won't get a decent Christian burial..."
Witman glanced over at Browning.
"But you're right," finished Clinton. "It would solve two problems at once."
The trio started hiking the quarter mile back to the camp. The trees had all but given up their leaves and the winter chill was getting ready to set in. A majority of the men back at Camp McDuffy wouldn't last out the month. There would be a handful that would actually survive, those who did would get better to go on and fight the South some more. The only good thing about the coming winter was that the camp probably wouldn't see any more new dying for a bit of time. The bastard Confederates would wait until spring to start their killing again.
"You know Garehart ain't gonna like this," said Browning.
"Fuck him," remarked Clinton.
"Yeah, but the other doctors..." started Browning.
"The other doctors won't do shit," said Clinton.
Walking back into Camp Duffy was like strolling into a blood-soaked nightmare. Everywhere, soldiers rested on makeshift cots or on folded blankets. Layers of bandages and cloth wrappings seeped with blood and pus, the moans and cries of young men in agony an unmerciful cacophony. Multiple tents were set up, but supplies were limited. Even Clinton had given up his personal bunk for the injured, and taken up residence with his Corporals. The doctors had strung a dried pine garland around the opening of their main tent to aid against the stench that emminated, an attempt that had failed miserably. Too many wounded had spilled blood and organs, the ground both inside and out now saturated with death.
"How's that kid, Davenport doing?" asked Clinton as he walked up to one of the Doctors, a man named Huxley.
Huxley just shook his head solemnly and walked away.
"Fucking hell," swore Clinton softly. "I liked that boy."
"Sergeant?" came a voice from behind Clinton.
He turned to see a tall, thin man with graying hair and small eyes. Wells. Dr. Wells was an odd one, but had always played Clinton straight. Clinton grunted at the doctor's approach.
"Sergeant, I thought you should know, there's been a, eh... a development."
Clinton cocked an eyebrow at Wells.
"Garehart, sir. I think all these deaths are starting to effect him."
"How do you mean?"
"Well, remember that strange sepsis outbreak? Ah yes, well..."
"Spit it out, man!" growled Clinton.
"He... Garehart heard what you planned on doing in... with the cornfield. He's been, eh... experimenting, sir."
Witman stepped forward. "What do you mean by that?"
"He's... he's been pumping the infected blood into dying patience along with a combination of solvents. He, he thinks he can cure them. He... thinks the infection holds the cure."
Wells was trembling and not only from the telling of the gruesome tale. The rage was apparent on Clinton's face, his hands working in and out of fists. He spun around and began marching away from his two Corporals and Dr. Wells, straight towards the main operation tent. As he neared, Dr. Doyle came stumbling out in terror. The young doctor turned to see Clinton storming at him.
"Thank god! Stop him, he's gone mad!" cried Doyle.
Clinton threw back the tent flap and stepped inside, oblivious to his Corporals right behind him or the retching of Doyle feet away. Garehart stood staring as him with an imperious smile as the body on the table twitched. Once a man named Barker, it now began to go into small seizures before sitting up and groaning, blood draining down from out of its mouth.
Mouth and empty eye sockets.
"I was just about to put new eyes in when you interrupted me," snapped Garehart. "However, I can't expect a buffoon like you to understand science!"
"What in the name of Christ have you done?" roared Clinton.
"HA! Christ? That's fitting I suppose. Like rising Lazarus, I too, have brought this man back from death. I, Dr. Norman Garehart, have discovered the secret of immortality! I have shone light upon the shadow of death and..."
Clinton pulled his pistol and fired. It struck Garehart dead in the center of his forehead. Both Witman and Browning fired as well, each of their bullets targeted at Barker's head.
While Garehart fell, Barker did not.
"Mother of God!" cried Browning.
Barker thrashed on the table, ripping his legs out of the harness that had kept him strapped down. Clawing at the air, he wailed out as more blood and chemicals oozed out of his mouth, nose, and eye sockets. A section of putrifying flesh was gouged out of his thigh to no notice as he lunged at Clinton. Witman came around and bashed Barker in the shoulder with a setters' mallet. Knocked off balance, Clinton and Browning struggled to hold him down while Witman frantically searched for something to kill the undead Barker with. Looking around, he finally settled on a long bone saw as Browning let out a scream.
Barker was chewing off Browning's arm.
Witman brought the bone saw down and began roughly hacking at the throat. It only took a few motions to cut through the neck and sever the head, Barker's limp jaw relaxing. Clinton threw the head to the other side of the tent as Browning fell back weeping. Witman spun to get one of the doctors, only to find both Huxley and Wells at the front of tent, their faces white.
"Hurry, God damn it! Disinfect and dress his wound!" screamed Witman.
Huxley and Wells ran to Browning and tended to the injured man. A visibly shaken Sergeant Clinton walked from the tent with Witman and fumbled for his tobacco. Camp McDuffy was silent, all the men staring in horror at the blood drenched commander and his Corporal. The other doctors timidly walked up, along with the few remaining soldiers who could move about.
"Get the pitch. We're carrying the dead down to the cornfield," whispered Clinton.
Hours later as Witman set the oil rich pile of bodies and rotting corn ablaze, Clinton wondered about what exactly had happened that day. The flames caught quickly as he noticed the first snowflakes start to fall. So much for autumn. There was still enough pitch for one more massive burn, probably three weeks from now when the majority of the mostly dead were mostly dead. Winter would cut them off from Camp Paulson and the Confederates. Thank the Lord for small favors.
Past the cornfield and up the hill, Dr. Jacob Huxley thinks the same thing. Edward Browning is delirious with fever and just bit him. Fortunately, it barely broke the skin...
User Reviews
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2009-05-21 08:44:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I have a gay cat, and I shot an opossum last night because it was trying to hump him. Also, I didn't read this.
Submitted by MajulCartoons (user info) at 2009-05-19 20:19:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2009-05-19 15:17:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
search your own user for "painfully", "excruciatingly", "meaningless" or "nauseating".
you'll notice how fucking REDUNDANT you are. clearly, you are a 15 years old who just learned a couple of words and thinks that recycling them every two sentences will verbally pwn anyone.
it's embarassing to watch. you must be even sadder IRL.
-------------------------
Pfft... you also spelled embarrassing wrong.
Moron
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2009-05-19 15:17:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by MajulCartoons (user info) at 2009-05-19 01:55:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Dear God, anything you write should be put to sleep.
It seems like you created a new formula for writing. Start off with an excruciatingly boring description of meaningless and horribly nauseating detail with no relevance to anything, not even the story.
Stop. Add no more then 5 lines of dialogue, thus barely moving the story along.
Continue with meaningless detail... repeat the cycle until satisfied nobody could possibly finish reading, ensuring no one realises just how painfully boring, not entertaining and horribly nostalgic your writing is.
Read this story
http://www.ubersite.com/m/121766 (not mine)
Notice how the description moves the story along.... quickly. I think you attempt to write in a similar style, but you're way off.
===
search your own user for "painfully", "excruciatingly", "meaningless" or "nauseating".
you'll notice how fucking REDUNDANT you are. clearly, you are a 15 years old who just learned a couple of words and thinks that recycling them every two sentences will verbally pwn anyone.
it's embarassing to watch. you must be even sadder IRL.
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2009-05-19 14:28:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by SgtHartman (user info) at 2009-05-19 13:49:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Every time I read this title it makes me think of Herbert Kornfield from the onion.
PLUS 2 For that alone.
Submitted by FilledwithHate (user info) at 2009-05-19 13:47:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by RoadSong (user info) at 2009-05-18 21:52:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Ah yes, "The War Between The States" and "The War Against Northern Agression" is how the Civil War is still referred to by some.
It was a war that was more about states rights than about slavery.
Many states have voted yes for the compassionate use of medical marijuana and yet the federal agents insist that the votes of the people mean nothing as they kick down doors and haul people to federal courts and prisons.
Perhaps if the South had won the Civil war, states would have more rights now?
~~~~~~~~
This was a good tale....
===========================================
" It was a war that was more about states rights than about slavery"
This is a racist revisionist history that Southern academics have peddled for the last 50 years but has no basis in reality. In fact, the Civil War was entirely about slavery.
Submitted by MajulCartoons (user info) at 2009-05-19 05:40:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2009-05-19 03:20:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by MajulCartoons (user info) at 2009-05-19 01:55:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Dear God, anything you write should be put to sleep.
It seems like you created a new formula for writing. Start off with an excruciatingly boring description of meaningless and horribly nauseating detail with no relevance to anything, not even the story.
Stop. Add no more then 5 lines of dialogue, thus barely moving the story along.
Continue with meaningless detail... repeat the cycle until satisfied nobody could possibly finish reading, ensuring no one realises just how painfully boring, not entertaining and horribly nostalgic your writing is.
Read this story
http://www.ubersite.com/m/121766 (not mine)
Notice how the description moves the story along.... quickly. I think you attempt to write in a similar style, but you're way off.
------------------------------
Because as everybody here and eBaumsWorld knows, you know what it takes to be a respected writer who puts forth thought and effort into his posts.
-----------------------
indubitably
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2009-05-19 03:20:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by MajulCartoons (user info) at 2009-05-19 01:55:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Here's my review again, as i think it will describe all your previous and future submissions
You know i'm right
------------------------------
Because as everybody here and eBaumsWorld knows, you know what it takes to be a respected writer who puts forth thought and effort into his posts.
+2 to counter the douchefag.
Submitted by MajulCartoons (user info) at 2009-05-19 01:55:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Here's my review again, as i think it will describe all your previous and future submissions
You know i'm right
---------------------------------------------
Submitted by MajulCartoons (user info) at 2009-05-18 20:15:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Dear God, anything you write should be put to sleep.
It seems like you created a new formula for writing. Start off with an excruciatingly boring description of meaningless and horribly nauseating detail with no relevance to anything, not even the story.
Stop. Add no more then 5 lines of dialogue, thus barely moving the story along.
Continue with meaningless detail... repeat the cycle until satisfied nobody could possibly finish reading, ensuring no one realises just how painfully boring, not entertaining and horribly nostalgic your writing is.
Read this story
http://www.ubersite.com/m/121766
Notice how the description moves the story along.... quickly. I think you attempt to write in a similar style, but you're way off.
Submitted by reginajacks (user info) at 2009-05-18 23:01:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by rob_berg (user info) at 2009-05-18 22:11:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
PASS THE CORN.
Submitted by RoadSong (user info) at 2009-05-18 22:08:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
The illustration shows the usual care you take when selecting photos for your stories, right down to the garland on the tent....
Submitted by RoadSong (user info) at 2009-05-18 21:52:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Ah yes, "The War Between The States" and "The War Against Northern Agression" is how the Civil War is still referred to by some.
It was a war that was more about states rights than about slavery.
Many states have voted yes for the compassionate use of medical marijuana and yet the federal agents insist that the votes of the people mean nothing as they kick down doors and haul people to federal courts and prisons.
Perhaps if the South had won the Civil war, states would have more rights now?
~~~~~~~~
This was a good tale....
Submitted by MajulCartoons (user info) at 2009-05-18 20:15:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Dear God, anything you write should be put to sleep.
It seems like you created a new formula for writing. Start off with an excruciatingly boring description of meaningless and horribly nauseating detail with no relevance to anything, not even the story.
Stop. Add no more then 5 lines of dialogue, thus barely moving the story along.
Continue with meaningless detail... repeat the cycle until satisfied nobody could possibly finish, ensuring no one realises just how painfully boring, not entertaining and horribly nostalgic your writing is.
Read this story
http://www.ubersite.com/m/121766
Notice how the description moves the story along.... quickly. I think you attempt to write in a similar style, but you're way off.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2009-05-18 19:21:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Scourge, trying to be cool, as usual. Scourge, you are a fucking idiot. so shut up.
Submitted by FilledwithHate (user info) at 2009-05-18 18:58:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2009-05-18 10:25:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by TuTs (user info) at 2009-05-18 07:22:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
After years of reading and watching, romance stories set in the South- Gone with the wind etc. I will always be rooting for them to win, even if I know they won't. The army deserved to turn into zombies.
Some-one should write a book concerning the south winning the war- how the world would be now.
------------------------
You might want to check out the Movie CSA, Confederate State of America. A "what if" of the civil war being a draw.
===================================================================
"CSA" is a great movie on the topic, but it wasn't really the civil war being a draw--The Confederacy flat out wins and reunites the country by conquering the North. Lincoln flees to Canada, that kind of thing.
There is a speculative book on the topic, too. I have not read it, though.
http://www.amazon.com/South-Had-Won-Civil-War/dp/0312869495
Zombies rule.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2009-05-18 18:31:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
bubba, how is a statement of personal opinion correct or incorrect?
if brian here wants to improve as a writer, and it seems he does, i'd assume he'd rather have an honest statement of how it tracks with the individual reader's tastes than he would have you tasting his asshole. from this he can recraft his writing to suit the audience he has chosen to target.
you don't understand this because you are a fucking retard who further exacerbates his mental deficiencies by drinking whatever he finds under the sink at the group home.
in closing: bubba, stfu & gtfo
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2009-05-18 18:09:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Mister BFS, your dialog is OK, regardless of idiotic comments by scourge. He has no clue, nor will he ever find one. I could point out things like 'effect' when you meant 'affect', and 'patience' when you meant 'patients', but those are not that important. Tell the assholes (scourge et al)
to stfu and keep on keeping on. I can still help with the grammar stuff, as can your brother. Write on, dude!!!!
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2009-05-18 17:55:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:04:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
i've developed a real dislike for your dialogue. it doesn't seem natural at all.
_______________________________________
Really? That's the one thing I usually get the most positive comments on - natural flowing dialogue.
Granted, the last few pieces have been a bit weird. Gothic Fantasy, Russian Horror and now Civil War Era Zombies.
What don't you like about it? What do you think I should be doing different???
Submitted by Maddog (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:52:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:52:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
haha
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:42:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
for you to call anyone fat is really quite laughable, you lazy eyed sow.
'i'm in the wedding cake business.', she says.
yes, sure, from the looks of you, you singlehandedly keep it afloat. how many of them can you really eat a day though, hmmmm? 4? 6? more? do tell, waddles, do tell.
and OF COURSE you thought it was funny. you're a mindless dolt. a person completely lacking in any redeeming qualities whatsoever, so you attempt to present this sexual image (deep shudder) here to make yourself feel better.
any chance to interact with another human, as long as they aren't one of your many bastard children, where the other person's gag reflex doesn't immediately set in is a victory, yes?.
OMG, that felt SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO goood.
--------------
I know it made me come.
:)
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:33:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
for you to call anyone fat is really quite laughable, you lazy eyed sow.
'i'm in the wedding cake business.', she says.
yes, sure, from the looks of you, you singlehandedly keep it afloat. how many of them can you really eat a day though, hmmmm? 4? 6? more? do tell, waddles, do tell.
and OF COURSE you thought it was funny. you're a mindless dolt. a person completely lacking in any redeeming qualities whatsoever, so you attempt to present this sexual image (deep shudder) here to make yourself feel better.
any chance to interact with another human, as long as they aren't one of your many bastard children, where the other person's gag reflex doesn't immediately set in is a victory, yes?.
OMG, that felt SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO goood.
Submitted by SgtHartman (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:31:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:23:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I just thought it was funny you miserable insultive fat bellied tiny penised chavvy twat
:)
------------------------
HAHAHA
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:23:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I just thought it was funny you miserable insultive fat bellied tiny penised chavvy twat
:)
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:21:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
two people have a difference of opinion?!
SHOCKING!
this has certainly never happened before in the history of mankind. one of the two of us is obviously an imposter.
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:10:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
scourgey, I said the exact opposite on pH
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2009-05-18 13:04:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
i've developed a real dislike for your dialogue. it doesn't seem natural at all.
Submitted by Toddler (user info) at 2009-05-18 11:29:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
heehee
Submitted by TuTs (user info) at 2009-05-18 10:39:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Ohh, ty. I don't want a slave or anything, well not in that sense anyway. It is just an idea that I haven't seen explored yet.
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2009-05-18 10:25:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by TuTs (user info) at 2009-05-18 07:22:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
After years of reading and watching, romance stories set in the South- Gone with the wind etc. I will always be rooting for them to win, even if I know they won't. The army deserved to turn into zombies.
Some-one should write a book concerning the south winning the war- how the world would be now.
------------------------
You might want to check out the Movie CSA, Confederate State of America. A "what if" of the civil war being a draw.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2009-05-18 10:25:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by PlatinumScarecrow (user info) at 2009-05-18 08:10:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I Liked This.
Submitted by F.J.Bell (user info) at 2009-05-18 07:48:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Catch-22 meets Goosebumps.
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2009-05-18 07:39:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by YourNameHere (user info) at 2009-05-18 06:43:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
dying patience
___________________
HAHAHA!!! Made me look.
Submitted by TuTs (user info) at 2009-05-18 07:22:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
After years of reading and watching, romance stories set in the South- Gone with the wind etc. I will always be rooting for them to win, even if I know they won't. The army deserved to turn into zombies.
Some-one should write a book concerning the south winning the war- how the world would be now.
Submitted by YourNameHere (user info) at 2009-05-18 06:43:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
dying patience
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2009-05-18 05:08:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
'sarge'
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2009-05-18 04:52:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm not leaving two comments dude.
:)