“We’re past the PSR,” the other pilot said. Keegan looked down through the windshield at the landing zone. The National Guard in the area had arranged a fuel tank for refuel while the passengers were loaded up for transport. Nine-thousand pounds of fuel was waiting for them on the pavement, surrounded by a horde of the undead. Behind it, a large portion of the perimeter fence was down. From the looks of it, the six-foot barrier had succumbed to the combined weight and mass of hundreds of the undead pressing into it at once. As with many sanctuary sites, the fence barrier was rushed into production and not properly cemented.
“One way or another, we’re making a landing,” Keegan said.
“Sir!” Reimer said, extending the headset to him. Keegan put it on and listened to the General.
“This is Staff Sergeant Keegan…yes, sir. Sir, I have to advise you, there is increased activity in the area. Sanctuary is overrun. We have detected a radio transmission from inside the facility, but it is overrun with the infected…Infection level increased from 5. We will have to make a refueling attempt... Yes, sir… I understand, sir… Orders received and understood. Keegan out.”
“I suppose those orders had nothing to do with picking up a pizza on our way back, did it?” Reimer quipped.
“Very funny,” Keegan said. He observed the building, carefully watching the movements of the undead. “If they had to barricade themselves in the third floor, then that means they were forced up there. The first two floors are probably loaded with those things.”
“You suggest we go in through the roof?” Reimer asked.
“It’s the only way,” Keegan said. “We’re gonna need to refuel and get out of here fast, so we’re gonna split into groups. First, we’ll clear out the parking lot as best we can with the M240s. After we do that, we’ll fly up to the roof. You will disembark with some of the men and work your way down. While you do that, I’ll be refueling our ride. By the time we’re both done, we should be picking you up on the roof. With some luck, the survivors will be working their way upstairs, which’ll save some time. Unfortunately, you can’t be sure what you’ll be running into in there, so make you have rappel lines in case you can’t make it back to the roof.”
“Understood, sir,” Reimer said. He followed the Sergeant into the cabin.
“Everybody listen up! And listen good!” Keegan yelled. The marines stopped all chatter and stood at attention. “We have received orders. We will be attempting rescue. Corporal Reimer will lead you down through the roof. From there you will work your way down. Get as many survivors out as you can. But first, we will conduct a sweep of the infected near the tanker.” Keegan walked by each of them, staring into their souls with eyes that had seen Hell and then some.
“Remember! You are hardened marines! You are not fresh out of boot! You are an experienced force to be reckoned with. You have done this before, and you will do this again!”
“How many times?” Dunn muttered, seething at the sight of the hundreds of undead. His view was suddenly obstructed as Keegan got in his face
“What did you say?” he yelled point blank.
“Nothing, sir!”
“You lie to me, I will personally feed you to the uglies! Hell, if they get a taste of your smelly ass, that might just kill their appetite for us, I might say! Considering it might save what’s left of humanity, I would suggest you not piss me off further, Private Dunn!” Keegan barked.
“Sir, yes sir!”
“Now. Repeat what you said!”
“How many times, sir?” Dunn spoke louder.
“How many times, what?!”
“How many times must we do this…sir?!
“As many times as I fucking tell you!” Keegan pressed his forehead against Dunn’s while continuing his lecture with increased intensity. “This is your life now! The Corps owns you! Mind, body, and soul! You WILL obey my instructions or you WILL suffer a wrath worse than what’s in store down there! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?”
“Yes, sir!” Dunn answered. Keegan took a step back from him. Without taking his eyes off Dunn, he barked orders to the rest of the squad.
“Corporal Reimer, man the port M420!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Binkowski, take the starboard!”
“Yes sir!”
“Pick off those bastards as best you can and clear a landing zone! DO NOT hit that tanker. If they are too close to it, don’t waste the ammo. Kane and I will take care of the stragglers once we set down!” Binkowski and Reimer raced to their assigned weapons, chambering a round and quickly inspecting the ammo feeds.
“Dunn! Fisher! Gear up! You will be going in with them! Kane! You’re with me. Gordon, you will provide cover fire as we conduct refueling. Does everybody understand their jobs?!”
“Sir, yes sir!”
“I. CAN’T. HEAR YOU!”
“SIR! YES SIR!”
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The Lazarus Strain Chronicles (Book 4): The Dead Page 38
