We are moving into the second full week of October and there is so much Octoberness to consume! From haunting stories to terrifying films, there is something for everyone to appreciate on the darker side of fiction. This week on the Backstage Pass, we share with you a classic horror story on fear in, well, Fear. Our Letterboxd List this week is comprised of not two, not three, but four films! Of course we bring to you a new installment of A Vampire’s Vengeance and Bus Driver. And don’t miss out on this week’s Necropolitan Gazette!
Let’s get into it →
My dearest guests, I fear there is not much to share here, as so much of our attention and energy has gone into bringing you the best backstage experience possible. Forgive us; we hope to have more to share next week. In the meantime, please enjoy our other features.
The Groundskeeper comes to us with the latest happenings in the Necropolis! Do not miss a single issue of the Necropolitan Gazette; subscribe today!
How is our resident vampire faring? Seems like he could use a bit of hope, something positive to come into. Is this to come in his near future? Who knows. Only one way to find out:
Did you read The Electric Chair? This story tacks onto that one in theme. Theme is the only commonality, however. That, and the horror, of course. Always the horror …
My dearest cinephiles, do we have a show for you! Four, actually, comprising one of the creepiest series we have enjoyed backstage, here at the Calamity in quite some time. Come watch with us, as we dive into this mockumentary of a Haunted House development gone wrong:
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An old woman risks everything to discover what became of her husband. A tale from the Odds ‘n’ Endings Boutique.
When we last rode on the bus, we had left the compound and encountered our first infected! If you missed the last installment, you can read it here. How will the bus driver deal with the looming threat? Let’s find out.
Fear gripped the bus driver, locking him in position. They moved no faster, nor slower, but neither did the bus make any move to avoid the humanoid creature in its path. Not that there was anywhere to go, with the concrete barrier to one side, and the piles of junk vehicles hemming the bus in on the other. The cabin was silent as everyone watched their approach to the once-human being standing, unmoving, the center of the lane. All but the bus driver had become acquainted with a Wanderer. Whether fear or indifference kept them seated and silent, it was difficult to tell; not that the bus driver was attempting to determine this, of course. Nay, the bus driver was willing himself to act.
He'd been through numerous simulations, drilled numerous situations, struggled through numerous thought experiments, all of it aimed at preparing him for moments like this. And worse. Far worse. If he froze now, what point was there in continuing? They were as good as dead; all of this effort gone to waste, the hope for humanity lost among the ruin, due to his inadequacy.
No, he couldn't let that happen. He wouldn't let that happen. With the hairs on his neck standing at full attention, with fear coursing through his body like so much electricity, he shook his head, took a deep breath, and drove his foot hard into the gas pedal, pushing it to the floor. The bus began to pick up speed, imperceptible at first, but soon rushing headlong. The bus driver had only a moment to marvel at the ingenuity of such incredible acceleration in so smooth an execution before the bus slammed into the Wanderer, breaking apart its fragile body and spraying the windshield with its remaining bodily fluids, leaving blood, bile, and bits of body clinging to the surface of the bus.
"At least we don't have to smell that," said one of the passengers, breaking the spell of silence. This served to ease the tension. Chuckles and snickers were shared, and the bus driver let himself relax, only coming aware of the tension he held when he did so. He let off the gas and the bus slowed to its former pace. Conversation among the passengers resumed. The bus driver pressed a button on the dash and light spray flooded the windshield for one second. Due to the slick surface, the blood, bile, and bits of body slipped from the bus with ease.
The bus approached the onramp to the highway, and the bus driver eased it into the turn. He thought about the Wanderer; his bubble was burst. The illusion he might make it to the trading post without any trouble was shattered. But with it, so was the fear threatening to overwhelm him. He had plowed through a Wanderer. A single Wanderer, already weak in body, no threat to a human when encountered alone. This was no great feat he had committed, nothing to boast about. However, watching the creature shatter made him realize it was only his indecision that would have crippled this entire endeavor.
They pulled onto the highway, once again moving in toward the center to coast along the concrete divider where the lane had been cleared. The initial shock of having encountered the Wanderer was receding; the bus driver breathed a little easier, and sat a little taller.
Wow, what a rush! Who saw that coming? I’m sure you had perfect confidence in the bus driver that they could execute such a simple maneuver. Anywho, now they’re on the highway and well on their way to their first stop. Will they complete this first leg of their journey without any further trouble? Only one way to find out! Tune in next week!
Another edition is complete! So many features, so little time. Which one is your favorite so far? Please don’t judge the vampires or the bus driver too harshly; they are, after all, just getting started! Nevertheless, we would love to hear your thoughts. Below are some links to help you do just that!
Beyond the feedback you have, we want to thank you for being here, backstage, with us. It is our pleasure to show you around each and every week, and we sincerely hope you are enjoying watching the Carnival of Calamity come to life!
Cordially,
Mad Alex
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