by Phil Maxey
Zach and Cal had removed the large beams securing the barn’s doors carefully placing them in a pile, until only one large plank lay horizontally across them on two paint chipped clasps. Cal had told Tyler to bang on the roof if he saw any creatures approaching on the other side of the barn door. Alex appeared at the barn’s entrance with a small group of people from the church.
“Cal I’ll be happier if you were up there with Tyler, two guns and all that.” said Zach. Cal agreed and left the barn. “Just this one last plank to remove than we can open the doors. I want us to be on the same page as to what we’re going to do once we are on the other side.” Alex nodded.
“This is Mike, he’s lived around here since he was a kid and knows the trail and bridge well, he’s going to show us what parts of the bridge need securing,” said Alex. A smallish man in his seventies, wearing a plaid shirt, a brown cowboy hat and charcoal black boots stepped forward and held out his hand, which Zach took.
“She’s been a good bridge over the years, she’ll hold that old bus up I’m sure,” said Mike. Zach smiled.
“Cal and Tyler are going to cover us from above, if they see anything they will shout or let me know on the radio. I’ll cover us from the ground should something get past the guys above,” said Zach addressing the group. “These planks here and the others in this barn should be enough, all we have to do is place them over any planks with holes on the bridge or any that look rotten. If you hear shooting you run back to this barn, and we have to do it all without talking or at least being as quiet as possible, agreed?” The group murmured in agreement. “How’s it looking outside Cal? Over.”
“All clear for a few hundred yards, but I can’t see too far into the trees, so once you’re out there that’s where I would keep my eyes. Over.”
Zach and Alex gripped the last plank, and lifted it off the latches and placed it on the straw covered ground. They then gently pushed the wooden doors opened, which creaked loudly seemingly in annoyance at being moved. Once a gap of a few feet opened up, Zach moved through with his gun raised.
Looking left and right and seeing no creatures he then looked down the scope at the tree line on the other side of the river and waited for any sign of movement, but there was none. He then ran quickly over the twenty or so feet to the entrance to the small wooden bridge and knelt down, giving him a good view into the trail that snaked it’s way through the trees ahead. From this angle, he could see that it was going to be a very close fit for the bus to make it through, but there was no going back now. After waiting a few seconds, he looked up to Cal and Tyler on the roof and Cal gave him the all-clear signal. He then turned and waved for the others to start bringing the planks out.
Hobbling as fast as they could carrying the heavy planks they moved to the start of the bridge. Mike stepped on the first plank of the bridge and pressed his weight down with his leading foot. The bridge’s plank didn’t move. He then walked onto the bridge, placing his foot on a dark piece of wood and his foot promptly broke through a few inches, sending splinters into the waters below.
Damn thought Zach looking on. He then looked back to Cal and Tyler who were both scouring the area around them. There was a chill in the air, but the sun felt good on Zach’s back as he kneeled trying to see in all directions at once. The people from the compound, nailed and roped planks according to Mike’s direction. Even though there were hundreds maybe even more creatures that could tear a man apart just hundreds of yards away it was easy to forget the world had changed so much and just enjoy the sound of rushing water. Zach saw that two women were struggling to carry a large plank and threw his gun over his shoulder, running up to them and helping to carry it the rest of the way.
Mike was now on the other side of the bridge, smiling and holding thumbs up, when Zach spotted it out of the corner of his eye, a movement in the trees. His actions seem to play out in slow motion as he instantly dropped the plank and pulled his gun from over his shoulder and raised it. But even though he did this within a few seconds, the Calgorian sprung from the woods quicker, it’s claws slicing across Mikes back and sending him spiraling to the ground. The sound of gunfire opened up all around as bullets split the air and ended their journey in the Calgorians side. Most of the people were just standing frozen, when Zach started shouting for them to get back to the barn. Running across the bridge as fast as he could, he spotted more movement in the forest to his right and dropped down, placing his gun on the rusted metal railings that ran along the side. Bushes quivered in the forest, but no sign of a Calgorian could be seen. He then stood up and started running again, while trying to keep his gun trained on the suspicious area. Arriving where Mike had fallen, he gently turned him over, and felt for a pulse. Mikes eyes blinked for a few times then fell shut, just as another Calgorian leaped at Zach from only fifteen feet away, Zach fell backwards on his backside, trying to raise his gun in time, but instead a number of shots rang out and the creature landed dead in front of him. Zach sighed a deep breath, then immediately scrambled to his feel, scouring the trees around him. He then realized Alex and Rob were running across the bridge. They both arrived, Rob picking up Mike with one hand, while Alex pulled on Zach to move back across the bridge. Soon they were back in the Barn with its door closed.
Mike’s body lay on the ground, some of the people around him were sobbing. Alex who was out of breath moved to Mike’s body and said some words over him. Zach went to leave the barn when Rob stood in front of him blocking his way.
“Out of my way,” said Zach.
“You did this!” said Rob. He then went to push Zach, but Zach swiveled, getting Rob into an armlock and then forced him to the ground.
Zach realized everyone was looking at him, and let Rob go. “I’m sorry for your loss, we have all lost people to those things out there, and others like it. I’m not going to lie, my people and I will not be able to protect all of you, some of you may die, those things, Calgorians I think they are called want in this compound, and they want to kill all of us.” Zach surprised himself by how emotional the words came out. Rob got to his feet then left the barn muttering to himself. Zach raised the radio to his face. “Cal, how’s the bridge looking from up there? Over”
“Looks like you all did a good job, looks secure, no sign of anymore creatures. Over.”
“Alex, we need that bus ready,” said Zach. Alex nodded and left the barn following Rob. Michael and Abbey appeared near the barn’s entrance.
“What happened? There was a lot of firing,” said Abbey, who then noticed that Zach’s hands were covered in blood.
“It’s not mine,” said Zach seeing Abbeys expression change, “Back there, a guy called Mike, helped us take care of the bridge, he got hit by one of those things on the other side, it moved too quick for me too…” Before he could finish Abbey hugged him. Zach let go before Abbey was ready. “Tell everyone in the church that we will be leaving soon, and to get their things ready for travel.” Abbey turned and ran towards the church. “Michael you’re going to be driving the new pickup, get that now and position it behind the Humvee when it’s over here.” Michael left to get the pickup. Zach then raised his radio again. “Jacob, I need you in the Humvee, drive it over to the barn and position it just inside. Over,” Jacob Acknowledged. “Jack’s how it’s looking in the church. Over.”
“All done. Just need to flick the switch. Over.”
“Good, get yourself over here, you’re going to be on the Humvees main gun. Over,” said Zach looking at all the gasoline lying around.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The convoy of five vehicles sat stretched out from the barn. The Humvee driven by Jacob with Jacks on the main gun was at the front, and already sat inside the barn. The new pickup came next driven by Michael, then the bus driven by Rob, then the old pickup driven by Fiona with Cal as passenger, then finally the semi-truck with Abbey waiting in the passenger seat. Rob and Earl just had enough time to solder a few metal plates across the side and back windows, but the front was sti
ll exposed.
The walls of the barn dripped with gasoline and the smell made everyone in the convoy keep their windows down. The sun had passed its apex some hours back and was now heading towards the horizon, turning the chill in the air into a ground frost.
Zach and Alex stood on the platform near the gate, having just killed a Calgorian. The plan was to allow it to ten-feet from them before killing it, but it moved so quick they missed with the first few shots and it crashed into the metal gates, before they could finally end it. They could see more Calgorians already scratching the ground and snarling in their direction, just fifty yards away.
Zach handed a radio to Alex. “Here take this. Stay in constant contact throughout the journey. If you see anything that doesn’t look right, let us know. Fiona’s going to need it back when we get to the Camp though,” he said smiling. Alex nodded.
Zach then raised his own radio. “It’s time. Over.” He and Alex half jumped half climbed down from the platform, then unchained the main gates, pulling them slightly open, then ran as fast as they could over the frost covered mud, past the church. Zach jumped up into the driver’s seat of the truck, while Alex ran and got onto the bus. “You ready?” Zach said to Abbey, who nodded. In one of her hands a rolled up old newspaper dowsed in gasoline, in the other a lighter. All the vehicles engines sprung into action with the exception of the bus that spluttered.
“Shit,” said Rob, then turned the key again. More spluttering. “Wait here.” Rob leapt out of his seat, opening the side doors and then lifted the engine cover.
“What’s going on? Alex. Over,” said Zach.
“Not sure, it’s not starting, Rob’s seeing what the problem is. Over.”
Zach looked in his side mirror, which gave him a view of some of the east wall about two hundred yards away, but most of it was blocked by the church behind. “Abbey, keep watching behind, as soon as you see any movement let me know.” he then switched to the radio “Everyone, stay sharp, those things could be on us at any moment.” Zach started regretting putting the Humvee at the front of the convoy but did not allow the thought to take root.
“What was that?” said Abbey, her eyes fixed on the rear mirrors.
Zach leaned out of his window, and listened. The unmistakable sound of the front gates sliding across the ground could be heard. “I don’t think we have long.” He then clicked on the radio. “Alex, we gotta go. Over.”
Alex was leaning out of the open bus side door, talking in Rob’s direction, the then held up the radio. “The fuel pipe has come off, we need some tape to keep it on. He says he has some back in the carport. Over.”
Zach swore under his breath. “Where? I’ll get it.” Even though he wasn’t looking at her, he could feel her body tense, and he reached out and held her hand.
Alex got from Rob where the tape was and passed the information onto Zach. “Abbey, I’ll be right back,” said Zach opening the truck’s door, then jumping down and running in the direction of the carport.
He quickly crossed the distance to the side of the church where the carport stood, as he did he got a clear view of the east wall. One of the gates was pushed open, and a Calgorian was standing proudly, sniffing the air just inside it. Zach froze, being unsure if the creature spotted him, then walked slowly forward sliding around the edge of the carport wall and into the oily gloom inside. Alex had told him that the tape was on top of a wooden bench, and Zach spotted it instantly, running over and grabbing it. He then turned and walked to the front of the carport, looking in the direction of the gate. Now there were five Calgorians, some sniffing the ground, the others looking in the direction of the convoy. Zach crept down the side of the carport and then when it was between him and the creatures ran for the truck. He sensed something behind him and dropped to the ground. The Calgorian flew over him, its fur brushing his hand as it went past. He instantly fired and hit it, causing it to crash into the back of the truck. Cal came running towards him.
“Stay near the back of the truck and cover our six, there’s at least another four already in the compound,” Zach said to Cal as he rushed past. He then tossed the tape to Rob, who immediately ducked back into the engine. Turning he joined Cal at the back of the truck, who was kneeling and pointing towards the carport. Three Calgorians were now slowly walking around the side of it a hundred yards away. Zach then noticed more appearing around the opposite side of the church, all slowly moving towards the convoy.
“We’re ready!” shouted Rob, climbing back into the bus driver’s seat. He turned the key and the engine spluttered then fired up.
“Let’s go!” shouted Zach to Cal, and they both returned to their vehicles.
Jacob and Jacks pushed the barn doors open, then jumped back in the Humvee, slowly driving the vehicle out of the barn and towards the bridge. The other vehicles followed, moving slowly then stopped as the Humvee wheels started to drive onto the bridge. The new and old planks made a clanking noise, but withstood the weight of the Humvee as it crept across, stopping on the other side. Jacks swung the main gun around sweeping the area.
“How’s it looking? Jacks. Over,” said Zach.
“Nothing over here that I can see. Over.”
“As soon as we are over the bridge, detonate. Over.”
“Will do. Over.”
The procession continued with Michael’s pickup crossing, then came the bus. Rob slowly edged the front wheels onto the planks, which immediately gave way a few inches causing some yelps from the people on board, but they held. Inching forward the whole of the bus moved onto the old bridge, which protested by making creaking and cracking noises.
When Zach’s truck was clear of the barn, he looked back and saw the Calgorians yards from the front entrance. Taking the gasoline soaked newspaper, and lighter he jumped down from the truck and ran to the back of it. He could hear the snarls of the creature’s entering the barn, and in one movement lit the paper and threw it onto a heap of hay. He then pushed all his weight on the barn doors closing them quickly. He jumped back into the truck, reversing it and jamming them closed. As soon as he did, a solid angry object slammed up against the barn doors, on the other side.
The bus was almost clear of the bridge, when its right rear wheels dropped a foot, causing it to sink to the right. A few pieces of wood fell to the river below and the bus’s wheel spun freely as Rob revved the engine.
“Keep calm everyone,” said Alex to the frightened passengers behind. Rob kept trying to accelerate but the bus refused to move. “Everyone move to the left side,” said Alex and the bus’s inhabitants shifted positions. “Floor it Rob!” The bus lurched forward throwing some people to the floor, and quickly moved up the bank, stopping with a slight skid just before Michael’s pickup.
Fiona and Cal’s pickup drove onto the bridge just as a Calgorian appeared on top of the barn above the truck. Cal spotted it first in the side mirror and informed Zach.
“We need to get across this bridge quickly Fiona! Zach and Abbey are running out of time,” said Cal.
“I know! This damn bridge is falling apart around us, look!” said Fiona. Cal looked ahead, and the hole that was made by the bus, had now grown to include a few planks. Suddenly the bridge behind Fiona and Cal dropped a few feet, causing the other side of the bridge to become dislodged from the bank.
“Go, Fiona! Get across!” shouted Cal as Fiona hit the accelerator.
“This is going to be close, I don’t know if we have enough room.” Fiona moved the pickup to the left as much as she could. As they passed the gaping hole, the pickup’s right wheels skirted the edge but managed to stay on. The whole bridge was now slowly but constantly sliding to the right and a gap was opening up between it and the forest side bank. Fiona floored the gas and the pickup flew across the two-foot opening, hitting the bank and bouncing then gaining traction again as its wheels pulled it up the trail, finally stopping behind the bus.
Zach and Abbey watched in horror, and then relief as the pickup made it across. The bridg
e kept sliding to the right, and with one almighty cracking sound a large part of it came loose and crashed down into the river.
“No…” Abbeys words faded as she put her hand to mouth. She then looked at Zach, as she did a large thump landed on the truck’s cabin roof and the sound of claws scratched across the smooth metallic surface. Zach raised his gun pointing it upwards. Smoke and flames were now bellowing from the barn’s roof behind them. Zach and Abbey sat there, in silence listening to the Calgorian above them when Zach’s radio came to life.
“Leave the truck, swim across, we will cover you from this side!” said Cal on the radio. A stream of bullets flew across the river and the Calgorian dropped with a heavy clump on the hood of the truck, then sliding off to the ground. A loud snapping sound came from behind them and part of the barn’s roof fell in, sending sparks and cinders flying upwards into the early evening sky. More red streaks came from the other side of the river aimed above the truck.
Zach looked at Abbey. “We can do this, make sure your backpack is secure on your back, take your boots off and throw them across when we get to the bank. You ready?” Abbey took a deep breath, then nodded. Making sure their backpacks were secure, they then quickly took off their boots and jumped down from the truck. The noise of the burning barn and constant automatic fire hit both of their senses making them pause for a second before they ran for the riverbank. Not looking back, not looking back Thought Abbey as she arrived at the muddy slope and threw her boots to the other side.
