Koby scoffed.
"You disagree?" Brady asked Koby.
Kobe bit his lower lip as he thought about it for a moment. Going down hills, or uphills for that matter, was a new struggle for him. "You guys can go. I’ll stay here with the horses and watch your back. Hills don’t agree with me these days."
“I overlooked your injury, Koby. My apologies.” Then Tiny's brow furrowed. “I'm not sure we should split up, though.”
“I’m a big boy,” Koby said.
“Are you sure about that?” Brady said with a smirk.
“If you were to run into trouble, you could always fire a few shots or simply ride away on the horses,” Tiny suggested. “We could meet you back at that creek we crossed about a mile away. You just hide somewhere near where we crossed, and we will find you."
Koby nodded his head.
Brady started to protest, but Koby held up a hand.
They refined the plan, but in the end Brady went along with Tiny’s plan so they could acquire better intelligence on the town.
After all, that was one of their primary missions.
CHAPTER EIGHT
General Hopper walked backstage through thick black curtains underneath giant television screens as thunderous applause died off in the background. A propaganda video began playing on the giant screens to a packed room of workers. Hopper was grinning from the adoration of the crowd.
Then his smile wilted at the sight of Dr. Denard and Blaine standing in a shadowy alcove. The two men approached General Hopper.
"What is it Dennard?" Hopper asked, barely containing his annoyance. He was still irritated about the discussion they had several days before.
"We received our resource order from Sacramento. It's quite a significant request this time." Dr. Dennard flipped through sheets of paper in a brown folder, exasperation plain on his face.
"What did they order?" Hopper folded his arms over his chest and glanced between Denard and Blaine, who stood quietly off to the side.
"They asked for, or I should say they ordered, fifty gallons of blood and all of the subjects’ accompanying organs."
"Forgive me doctor, but how many subjects are needed to fulfill this order?" General Hopper asked, annoyance creeping into his voice this time. He shifted his stance and clasped his hands behind his back.
Denard glanced up. "Well, the volume of blood they ordered necessitates at least thirty-five subjects probably more since there is variation between each person. That's quite an ask for us right now."
"Are we going to have a problem fulfilling this order?"
"No, sir. At least I don't think so." Dr. Denard shuffled through the papers again before scratching the side of his neck.
"Hey!” Hopper snapped. “I need definitive statements, doctor. Not an ‘I don't think so.’”
“Um ... uh ...” Denard sputtered, throwing up his free hand. “We will have to harvest more subjects than we planned.” Dr. Denard closed the folder of papers and hugged it to his chest as if it would provide protection from General Hopper’s growing anger. “I mean, what could they possibly need with so much blood and so many organs? What are they doing down there?”
“Your place is not to question orders. You need to do your job," General Hopper said, scowling at the doctor. "Am I clear?"
Dr. Denard's eyes went wide. He barely managed to squeak, "Yes."
General Hopper glanced at Blaine again and asked, “Do you have any problems?”
Blaine shook his head.
General Hopper looked back at Dr. Denard and cocked an eyebrow. “This guy ever talk?”
Glancing quickly over his shoulder, Dr. Denard looked at Hopper and nodded his head with a sly grin twisting his lips. "Only when he has something to say."
“Do what you have to do to fulfill the order. I'm not concerned about your methods of collection as long as Sacramento is happy.”
Dr. Denard chuckled at General Hopper’s concern about the Republic of California.
Blaine stepped forward and put a hand on Denard’s shoulder gesturing for the two of them to take the stage.
“Is something funny doctor?" Hopper asked as they walked toward the stage.
“It's just a little amusing how you came by to your position, given the fate of the former CEO. And now you're as concerned about your own welfare as she was,” Dr. Denard said with a sneer.
General Hopper glowered at Dr. Denard, shoving him forward to lead the way onto the stage. Just before they emerged through the curtains underneath the large the jumbo television screens, he leaned forward and whispered, "Keep the Republic happy, and I will keep you alive.”
At that instant they were through the curtain and under the bright stage lights. Hopper waved with a warm, fatherly smile on his face. A wave of applause from the workers crashed over them. The crowd appeared as a sea of white clad bodies. People shifted ever so slightly as the crowd rippled with excitement.
The propaganda video ended. General Hopper turned his gaze to the screens that showed a giant Republic of California flag. In the past, the HAGS logo would have been displayed.
Blaine swept past General Hopper, who hadn't even known the other man was there. Blaine moved to follow Denard but remained just behind and slightly to the side of him, the way a bodyguard would.
When the workers realized Denard was the one making his way toward the podium, the applause ended abruptly. A smirk cut across Hopper’s lips. He could see the faces in the front rows glancing between him and Dr. Denard, who stood behind the podium adjusting the microphone. Feedback from the microphone buzzed through the speakers in the room and caused a burst of gasps and curses from the audience.
Hopper narrowed his eyes at the doctor and waited for him to begin.
Dr. Denard looked out at the crowd recovering from the feedback. Pain twisted and pinched their faces, like the fools in Goshen. The sonic weapon was one of the best tools in their arsenal, one HAGS had affectionately named Edison after the famous inventor. It brought an easy smile to his face.
General Hopper noted the pleasant and dreamy looks on the workers faces as they stared up at him. They were waiting for him to speak. Dreamy, passive behavior was one side effect of the implants Denard helped to design. Hopper always supported the implant project and oversaw their installation by the medical team.
An emerald green glow from the devices illuminated the faces in the crowd standing in front of them. They had become a sea of white bodies and green faces.
“Greetings, workers. As you know, we're here for another day of reward. Today we will select a lucky soul to rise up and elevate their lives. As you know, we normally only select one member of our family to elevate. Today is a special day because today we have become part of a larger family,” Dr. Denard said, raising a hand to the flag fluttering under the California sun on the screen behind him. “As you can see, this is a joyous occasion. So to celebrate, we will be elevating two members of our family."
Raucous applause broke out despite the implants influence. Dr. Denard looked like a little boy on Christmas morning with people cheering the special treat.
The applause went on for several long seconds with whoops and whistles before Blaine stepped forward and raised his hand for silence. The applause died off immediately.
“Now, I have the great honor to welcome back to the stage the one, the only, our beloved leader, General Hopper.” Dr. Denard turned sideways to partially face Hopper following the effusive introduction. He swept his arm toward Hopper and waved the general over like an old friend, beckoning him to the podium so he could address the crowd of workers.
It was a practiced show. One Denard was growing tired of, but knew for his own well-being it was one he must continue.
“Thank you, Dr. Denard,” General Hopper said, clapping at the man slowly walking away to where he had just been standing. Then Hopper glanced over his other shoulder. He gave a slight nod to Blaine who raised his hand for silence. The response was immediate. “I know many of you hav
e noticed the changes going on here at the farm, and it is with great pleasure and gratitude that I can tell you we're not just surviving the end of the world. Together, we are building a brighter future. A future that will be safe and secure for our children and grandchildren. A future that would make those we have all lost so proud of our hard work. We will realize the vision of a more perfect nation as we move forward with our efforts. And by God's grace, we will declare mission accomplished!”
The applause rattled the roof.
General Hopper bathed in the adoration of the workers, soaking up every drop of attention he could. He knew the workers were made receptive and obedient by the implants. He didn’t care. The feelings he felt were real.
With a giant grin plastered on his grizzled face, Hopper nodded at Blaine who raised his hand for silence. The room fell silent, and Hopper continued.
"The Republic of California has ratified its constitution and now serves as the authority and governing body over what we all once knew as the United States of America. From sea to shining sea, we are again united."
Applause broke out again, but it was noticeably less enthusiastic.
General Hopper nodded. “Like you, I had some concerns at first. Is this the right path? Who is leading the Republic? Will we learn from our past mistakes as we forge our way into the future?” He paused, gripping the podium tightly to contain the emotion. He started again softly. “Yes, this is the right path. The correct path. The only path!” Hoppers volume grew. “The Republic is led by visionaries who will bridge the divisions of the past to bring about a brighter future.”
The audience roared with glee. Hopper was confident that work quotas were about to be smashed. With this much excitement, things would run smoothly for weeks to come.
“As I look toward the future I am confident that the Republic of California will be a nation we can be proud of. At this very moment, vast areas of the region are being cleared of the fever. Thanks to the leadership of the Republic, we will all reap the fruits of our labor.”
He paused for the applause that immediately filled the void.
"I am very happy to let you all know we soon will have a surplus of workers. Our recruitment programs have been very successful, and a large number of volunteers will soon be joining our family." General Hopper could see the worry and some of their faces and he knew exactly why. “Many of you may be thinking this will lower your odds of being Elevated. I understand. However, I’d encourage you to think of your day to day activities. With more workers, imagine what we can accomplish. Look at the amazing work we’ve already accomplished! And as we grow, as we accomplish even more, we will all reap even greater rewards.”
“The Republic relies on us. All of us, me, you, you, and you,” he continued, pointing at people in the crowd. “We provide lifesaving medical supplies and manufacturing capability for the entire population. It is only a matter of time before we go from picking one or two people to Elevate to everyone enjoying a great life as a full citizen of the Republic.”
General Hopper received all the adulation the crowd could muster. He turned and waved Dr. Denard over. “Without further ado, let’s find out who these two lucky individuals are.”
CHAPTER NINE
The scream of the train whistle echoed throughout the city. Collin gritted his teeth at the harsh, grating sound.
After so much time without the background noise of the typical hustle and bustle of city life, cars driving, trains rattling along, and airplanes flying overhead, it was difficult to bear the piercing sound. Now things were so quiet that it seemed to be amplified beyond belief.
Julie and Hunter emerged from the hospital. Julie looked worried while Hunter had his pistol drawn. He came racing down the steps to stand beside Collin, ready for action.
“Hold on there, little man,” Collin said, motioning for him to lower the pistol.
Wide-eyed and obviously shaken, Hunter looked up and asked, "What the hell was that?"
Collin couldn't help but smile even though Hunter shouldn't be cursing. He knew Hunter never heard sounds like that. Even so, it was a contrast to the boy who could crawl through an enemy’s field and disarm Claymore's.
"It's just the whistle of a train. They usually sound it before they enter a train station or as they’re leaving,” Collin explained. “No need to get scared. You should probably put away the gun. I don't think were in any immediate danger." He ruffled the boy’s hair and grinned at him, giving him a wink.
"Why is it so loud?" Hunter asked as he slid the pistol back into his holster.
"Back in the old days, it had to be loud to be heard above all the other noise of the city." Collin glanced over at Julie, seeing the fear and concern in her eyes.
"Mr. President, we should probably find out what’s happening. I think we’re all a bit off kilter from this little surprise," Jeb said in a low voice as he cradled his rifle.
“You two should go back inside. We’ll scope this out and be right back,” Collin said.
“Ahh, come on. I want to see the train,” Hunter whined. “Plus, um, plus I can be your backup.” He patted his pistol.
“The hospital stuff is more important, and I don't believe whatever the train signal means will threaten you two over here.” Collin gave Hunter a stern look.
The boy wasn’t having it, though. He fold his arms across his chest and leveled a serious look at his grandfather.
“May I have a quick word, Mr. President?” Jeb said with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Collin nodded slightly and waved him over, never taking his eyes off of this grandson who met his gaze with steely determination. He had a brief flashback to a budget negotiation with stern a Congressman over a line item for the special operations joint task force.
“Sir, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to bring them along. What kind of idiot would announce their arrival with such a shrill whistle if they intended to do anything threatening?” Jeb whispered.
“And if I give in to him, it could set a bad precedent.”
Jeb grunted and looked at Hunter. “He looks as fierce as a jungle cat. Can’t imagine where he got that from, sir.” Jeb turn and walked back to his horse.
“Very well, Hunter. You will be our backup. But that means you take orders without question, you got that?” Collin said in his finest soldier’s voice.
“Yes, sir!” The boy was all smiles as he lowered his arms. “Thank you!”
Collin looked at the doctor. “Care to join us?”
Julie sighed and threw up her hands. “Well, I don’t want to stay here alone. So why not?”
Once everyone mounted up, Collin turned to Jeb. “What on earth would a train be doing pulling into Missoula?" Even as he asked the question, a sinking feeling filled his gut. If HAGS could operate the train system as well as armed helicopters, that meant they had even more resources and capability than he originally thought.
“No clue, sir. But it can't be good," Jeb said with a twinge of sadness in his voice.
The four of them rode as quietly as they could through the empty streets. Where possible, they steered through lawns. It felt like ages before Jeb raised his hand for them to stop.
“We’re close. Probably oughta leave the horses and sneak up on foot,” Jeb said, pointing in the direction of the station.
Collin looked around. There weren’t any ideal places to leave the horses. “Behind the gas station?”
“Not much choice,” Julie said behind them.
“Okay, let’s go.” Collin nudged his horse in that direction and the others followed.
They cut through an industrial area with large and small buildings interspersed on either side of them. Collin paused at the corner of a building. “We should –”
A gunshot shattered the relative silence. Collin ducked back behind the corner of the building and flicked the safety off his rifle.
“Where’s it coming from?” Jeb asked.
Hunter stood beside Jeb with his pistol out. Another shot ca
used him to flinch.
“Let’s get closer and then eagle eye this jackrabbit.” Jeb started forward.
Collin nodded at Hunter and Julie, and they followed him.
Jeb led them through a series of turns into a dead end alley. “Up we go,” he said, gesturing at a fire escape on the side of the building.
“That’s what you meant by eagle eye?” Julie muttered.
Collin chuckled. “Hunter, I’ll boost you up and you lower the ladder, okay?”
“Okay.”
The boy felt light as a feather. He grabbed the railing and pulled himself up, flinging a leg up and wedging his foot between the vertical bars. With a few quick maneuvers he was up and over the railing, lowering the ladder for the rest of them. Just watching the ease with which Hunter moved made Collin groan inside at how old he felt.
Sporadic shots went off as they climbed up the ladder. Whatever was happening, it certainly wasn’t a firefight.
The metal stairs shook under their weight. A stair snapped off from Jeb’s weight and slammed into the landing below them with a horrendously loud clang. Collin rushed up to help Jeb, but he put a hand up.
“No! We can’t risk more weight on this section,” Jeb said as he struggled to pull himself up.
Hunter was looking over the edge from the roof. Collin motioned for him to stay where he was.
“Are you hurt?” Julie asked.
“I think I’m okay,” Jeb replied. “Maybe you guys should wait there. Let me go the rest of the way and then head up. Just watch your step and move quick as a mouse.”
“Okay, hurry.” Collin wiped sweat from his forehead. He was only two stories up, but even from here he could see a lot more of Missoula. Above him, Jeb hustled up the last couple of floors to reach the roof.
“You’re next, Julie.” Collin waited until she made it to the roof before he started up.
A bolt snapped on the third floor stairs. The whole thing canted to the side. Collin barely kept himself from toppling off onto the landing below.
“You okay, sir?” Jeb asked.
Fighting for War Page 4
