Maternity

Having been deployed to many places overseas, I’ve developed a high level of respect for Marine security. Every time I hit the rack at night, I knew the security team was second to none, and I could sleep comfortably. They’re steadfast, stoic, and take their job very seriously. If you have ever been at the wrong end of Marine security, I feel bad for you. Odds are, you’ll remember the unfortunate experience for the rest of your life. I’ll go even further and say you were likely being a dumbass or drunk and probably deserved it. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not throwing stones. I’m speaking from experience.

It wasn’t hard to draw mental parallels between them and the staff at the maternity ward of a hospital in Washington, D.C. The staff didn’t hold weapons, but the mentality was the same.

“Fuck up, and I’ll string you up.” They will, of course, frame their request to be more palatable, but that’s the idea.

Think I’m wrong? I’ll give you a quick spoiler for the next episode of “Fuck Around and Find Out.” Maternity prioritizes the health and safety of mothers and newborns. Your feelings are a very distant priority. If you find yourself confused or combative about their priorities, I’ll tell you outright that it won’t go well for you.

Again, at the risk of sounding redundant. Odds are, you’ll remember the unfortunate experience for the rest of your life. I’ll go even further and say you were likely being a dumbass or drunk and probably deserved it.

See how I drew that parallel?

Access to maternity is highly restricted, and badge access is granted only to the worthy. Cameras monitor everyone coming and going, and the latest technology keeps watch over all the newborn’s vitals. Nurses maintain a vigilant eye on the station, which monitors infant vitals twenty-four-seven, and doesn’t allow anyone to go near a baby who isn’t authorized.

The nurses and healthcare workers are caring but strict. New parents can relax in comfort knowing the nurses keep a militaristic watch over their new charges. Family can safely bond with their newest member.

Despite all that technology, it couldn’t keep me away. My wife and newborn daughter are inside. I’m not there for any nefarious reasons, but no camera saw me, nor did any nurse notice my presence. No one on either side of heaven or hell can keep me from any place I want to go. I was serving in Afghanistan when I learned my wife Chelsea was in labor.

The first thing I did was try to locate her room. Before I could, I saw something that made my blood run cold. An imposing black-cloaked figure stood over a cart of a newborn infant. His skeletal hand hovered over the mute baby, and he stood nearly seven feet tall. Red glowing eyes turned to look at me from inside a chaotic gothic helmet with spikes extending from the top.

The typical response to this terrifying figure would be enough to make someone cower in fear and dread.

I’m not normal. I’m a United States Marine, and NOT NORMAL comes with the territory. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Ooh Fucking Rah!

“Remove your hand and leave. You’re not wanted here.” I growled, and my K-bar was in my hand before I knew it. It radiated a distinct light of its own.

The mother and baby were oblivious to my presence because the woman started screaming. “Nurse! He isn’t breathing!” A loud panicked wail was heard, and a nurse rushed past us into the room. Evidently, no one could see the looming black figure except for me.

As I turned back, the cloaked figure was gone. Rushing from the room, I ran down the maternity hallway, glancing into each room. Finally, I reached Chelsea’s room and came to a screeching halt. My wife held my baby daughter in her arms and smiled at her with an expression of elated joy reserved for new mothers. My baby daughter noticed the demonic figure next to her and immediately started crying. The realization of what this thing was about to do filled me with dread, and I acted without thought, entirely determined to protect my family at all costs.

Lunging forward, I struck out with speed I didn’t know I possessed. I scored a hit across his shoulder. The dark figure let out an inhuman screech and pulled its arm back. The massive figure approached me, and it was clear how big this thing truly was. The cloaked figure took a slow lumbering swipe at me, which I dodged easily and countered with three quick slashes across its torso.

He finally landed a backhand blow, and I was sent crashing into the wall behind me. Black tendrils shot out from the wall and wrapped themselves around my arms, pinning me in place. My knife was yanked out of my hand, and more tendrils joined the others around my legs and waist. A cocoon of black slowly enveloped me as I feebly struggled with impotent rage.

The looming figure approached me and stood within a few feet. “I was only going to take yours, but now I will take everyone’s little spawn.” His voice was deep and menacing. The horrible tone of its voice carried a suboctave, making it sound like two people were speaking simultaneously. It turned and extended its arms to the sides. A chorus of screams was heard through the department as the mothers and hospital staff discovered that all babies in maternity had suddenly stopped breathing.