“I guess I was more right than I thought. Do you think you can perform military duties if reinstated?” I’m an idiot, where the hell is my brain today? Gloria wanted to just slink away in embarrassment.
“Ma'am, I was a 19D Cavalry Scout. With the exception of running, I believe I can perform all duties required of me.” Not knowing what to say, Gloria nodded and then moved on to the next man in line. He looked like he was in his late fifties and Gloria suppressed a laugh when she saw the massive gut on the man and thought of Buddha.
“Sir, can I have your name, branch and specialty you had while in?”
“Flak, Jakub, I am Navy, just not active. My NOS is B460, Information Systems Technician. Since most people outside the Navy don’t understand our ratings, I’ll just say I was an E7 when I last saluted anyone. I’m also a skilled radio operator.”
“Thank you, Chief Petty Officer Flak. I’ll try not to make that mistake, again.”Well, I managed to annoy two for two. Let’s see how I do with number three.
“Sir, can you please tell me about yourself?” The tall man before her looked like he was ninety, but stood straight and appeared to be in good shape.
“I am not a ‘Sir.’ I worked for a living. Adolar, Franz, Gunny, MOS 5831.” Franz barked out. Sounding annoyed.
“Is that the same voice you use to scare the kids out of your front yard, Gunny? When you address this lieutenant you will show respect for the rank, if not the person. Do you understand me?”
“Ma'am, yes, Ma'am.” There was no inflection of annoyance or anger. The Gunny instead had a partial smile on his face.
“What is a 5831 MOS, Gunny Adolar?”
“Ma'am, MOS 5831 career field is Correctional Specialist; we made good Marines out of bad Marines.” Gloria fought back a laugh; she’d expected the big ancient Marine before her to shout out ‘infantry’ or some other combat arms. She turned to Technical Sergeant Muller.
“I want you to continue the interviews of those still in formation here. I will return this afternoon.”Before I say something and really screw up with these retirees, she thought.
Chapter 5
Converse County Airport, Wyoming. April 5, 2029
Major General Peters looked over the medical report on A1C White, relieved, yet apprehensive. He now had two people that somehow had beaten the infection. The old lady would be no trouble; however, the airman would be a problem, especially since he was planning to give him a battlefield promotion to second lieutenant for his courage and quick thinking that had saved so many lives during the evacuation of Peterson AFB.
The potential for problems when word got out that not only was there a zombie in uniform, but that zombie was now a lieutenant was something he had to address. The solution was also perfect as well. He’d have White and Lt Fotos share command of a reconnaissance team to get the human intel they could not get with all their technology. A knock at the door surprised him.
“Enter.” His enlisted aide, Sgt Suzy Zilkha, poked her head through the open doorway.
“Sir, your 1400 appointment is here,” she announced in her squeaky voice.
“Send them in please, Suzy.” God, I hate official functions. Lt Fotos entered, followed by Caleb. Then, at the last second, Capt Conrad caught the door before it closed, entering the office as if it was his own.
“I would have liked to have Major Arnot here, but I have him over tasked as it is. Ordinarily what I’m about to do would entail more pomp and ceremony.” The door opened and Sgt Zilkha tried to sneak in. “Airman First Class Caleb White, please stand next to me and assume the position of attention.”
Caleb began to walk forward and feared his legs would give out on him. The room seemed to be moving extra slowly around him as he approached the general, then came to attention. Guess I’m toast now, he thought dejectedly.
“Airman White, it is required of me to release you from your current commitment to the Air Force,” the general reached forward and noisily removed White’s Velcro rank tab from the front of his uniform. Well, screw you and everyone here. I’ll just head to Texas and find my family. White fought all the emotions running through his head. “In order that you may accept a commission of second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves.” Sgt Zilkha snapped the photo as General Peters pressed the rank tab onto the front of his uniform. Out of conditioning from prior ceremonies, Caleb saluted the general and then shook his hand. Caleb’s legs felt even weaker as the realization that he was now an officer kicked in.
“Thank you, Suzy that will be all. Everyone, please have a seat. Caleb, ordinarily, we’d send you off to finishing school for that brown bar on your uniform. The problem is that the schools are all closed. Therefore, I want you, Lt Fotos to guide him in his professional military education as much as possible.
Now, for the second part of this meeting, I want the two of you to command a small detail of personnel to collect human intelligence. We have an overwhelming amount of collected intel. However, we need boots on the ground to make determinations of how we can best use our limited resources. There is a fledgling settlement in Arizona. The settlement has managed to setup electricity in their camp. They also appear well protected behind walls. I want to see to it that we provide any assistance they need and, more importantly, that they are able to farm the fields near them to provide food. If they appear to be a safe bet, you can promise them fuel, weapons, ammo, or anything else they need. You will also take a communications set with you to establish direct communications with the settlement. This will only be the first mission. I want you both to determine what you will need to go cross-country; vehicles, supplies, manning. Capt Conrad has experience from running convoys in the desert and I want you both to pick his brain. I want to hear back from you tomorrow.” Peters stood, letting it show the meeting was over as he shook each of the officer’s hands. “Good luck, Lt White. I think this is going to be a hell of an adventure for you.” Caleb followed Conrad and Fotos out the door in shock. Instead of being in trouble, he was a butter bar. Sure, he’d made fun of butter bars before, but now he was one. Did that prove they were worthy only of scorn and contempt? What was that about leading a detail?
“Wake up, Lt White. We have a lot to do. God help me with second lieutenants.” Conrad was smiling as Caleb finally realized he was being addressed.
“Sorry about that, I’m still in shock.” Caleb gave an ‘aww shucks’ grin as Conrad led the pair to a picnic table.
“We need to figure out first what we anticipate the threat level to your group will be when traveling, then we plan around that. I think, since you will be in armored vehicles, that alone will persuade most potential hostiles to rethink their position. Then you have to consider how much you will need in supplies to get you to your destination; fuel, food, ammo, and trade supplies if you find friendly natives. On the topic of friendly natives, I highly recommend you do not take off your shades around the natives, Caleb.” Conrad gave him a light punch on the shoulder, then looked at the two of them.
“If I had your mission, I would go with a one of those light armored pickup trucks the Army uses; they call them joint light tactical vehicles. Then something with some teeth like a Stryker, in case you have trouble making friends. Last vehicle would be one of those heavy-duty armored semis; they call them heavy expanded mobility tactical trucks. They suck fuel but can carry everything you need and then some.”
“I need to check in on my people. I’ll be over at the cop shop if you need me. Just one more thing. Caleb, you’re out of uniform.” Conrad reached into his thigh pocket, pulled out a patrol cap, and tossed it on the table before Caleb. “There, now you’re in regs. Can’t be running around with your cover not having your rank on it. You might miss a salute or two that way.” He grinned as he stood up and walked back towards the buildings where his security forces were.
“This is above my pay grade. Closest I ever came to something like this was the road trip from Peterson to here. Boy, did I over pack for that one,” Caleb said with a l
ost look on his face.
“You did a great job and you kept situational awareness. You dodged an ambush and managed to save our asses when we were trapped in the city and you found the lake. You just lack administrative experience. Let’s just figure what the folks we’re going to visit need, then what we’ll need to get there, just like Capt Conrad suggested.” Ann had out her tablet and looked anxious to start plugging in numbers.
“I agree with Conrad on the light tactical vehicle and the armored semi, especially if it has a .50 on top of the cab. I’d like an armored car instead of a Stryker though, like the ones the security forces use. I’m familiar with how to drive one and use the weapons. What do you think?”
“I think that’s a good first start. We should all have weapons familiarization for the ASV and the .50 on the semi. You never know when you may need to take over a weapon. We should look at personal weapons, too. I’ve fired and used an M4 and a 9mm, but wouldn’t mind a refresher on them, especially clearing a jam or cleaning one properly,” Ann suggested.
“I think we need to figure out the size of our team. The ASV has a three man crew and the semi usually has a driver and an assistant driver. Then there’s the two of us. That’s barely big enough to rate a senior NCO, let alone two junior officers. Maybe I should ask to be reassigned. You can easily handle the assignment without me, plus you’ll also have an NCO with more experience if you have a problem.” Caleb had a faint hopeful look that Ann would agree with him.
“Second lieutenants do not correct major generals when they receive orders. Second lieutenants say, ‘Yes, Sir,’ and try not to make a mess, or otherwise embarrass themselves. For public consumption, you are a ride along to learn from me the in and outs of leadership. In reality, you will be responsible for the team as I poke my nose around where it may not be wanted. I’ll have one more intel type assigned to the ASV as an assistant driver. He’ll be responsible for a special package installed in the ASV. I wanted a Stryker but the ASV is big enough and less people to know about the additional gear. We will clandestinely use your abilities to search infected warehouses and other buildings to see if there are assets worth trying to recover that locals are unable to without anyone finding out you’re infected. I need to see my troop about the mission. While I’m there, I’ll type up the vehicle and manning requirements. Why don’t you go over to the military personnel flight and get a new ID card. I’m sure the friends you’ve made in the security forces would love to bust you for impersonating an officer. Then just take the rest of the day off to celebrate your promotion. Tomorrow after the meeting, we can go to the motor pool with our orders and select the vehicles that we’ll be using. Have fun, Caleb.”
“Sure. Thanks for reminding me to get a new CAC. My friends in the SFs would probably accidentally shoot me before even asking for my ID.” Now, where the hell is the military personnel flight?
Caleb absentmindedly began to walk across the field towards the hangar where he guessed the military personnel flight was located. Halfway there he realized he was being saluted by those near him. Embarrassed, he tried to pay attention to those around him, remembering he had to wait for the others to salute him first. He found the line for pass and ID, and then got in line behind two dozen others that were already waiting for new cards. After two hours, the airman behind a desk beckoned him forward.
“Good morning, Sir. How may we be of assistance to you today?”
“I was just promoted to lieutenant and need a new card.” Caleb handed the airman his old CAC that showed he was an A1C. The airman looked at Caleb like he was either nuts or needed a leash.
“Sir, you need to find the Office for Promotions and fill out the forms to accept a commission. Then, once they have that updated in the system, you can return here and get an updated CAC.”
“Uh, sure, thanks, Airman.” Caleb walked away feeling stupid, he was sure his face must be bright red. Now, where the hell is their office? I can’t believe I didn’t ask. I guess I am a fricking brown bar lieutenant. Rather than walk around until he tripped over it, he stopped a Technical Sergeant that looked like he might know what was going on around him.
“Excuse me, Sergeant,” Caleb looked at the man’s name tape, “Alexopoulos? Please excuse me if I didn’t pronounce that correctly. Do you know where the promotions section is?”
“Sir, in the far corner. It’s either three or four desks from the end.” The sergeant began to walk away, trying to ignore the lowly lieutenant in front of him.
“Sergeant Alexopoulos, I did not dismiss you. I also don’t have the time to waste playing Where’s Waldo. Why don’t you just walk me over there so I don’t get lost?” Caleb saw the NCO stiffen before he changed direction and led him to promotions. “Thank you, Sergeant Alexopoulos, that will be all.” SOBs disrespected me as an airman, they aren’t going to get away with it now that I’m an officer.
“Lieutenant White.” A senior airman stood up from the crate she’d been using as a chair and beckoned Caleb to a folding chair. “Congratulations on your promotion, sir. We received the email yesterday on it. ” The young lady smiled as she pulled out a folder, and then withdrew papers for him to sign. Caleb couldn’t fight the smile that burst forth on his face as he signed the papers and the pretty airman stroked his ego. Was it because I’m an officer or because she’s just nice, maybe she likes me? Shit, it don’t matter, I’m an officer now and even if it wasn’t for that, I’m infected. Caleb’s mood began to darken again; the airman sensed something was wrong and quickly finished her tasks.
“You’re all set sir, you just need to go to ‘Pass and ID’ to get your new updated CAC. Have a great Air Force day.” The airman gave one last smile before returning to her computer.
An hour later Caleb was heading for his truck. The miniature base was making him feel claustrophobic and he needed to just get away, even for an hour or so. The sight of his dirty, bullet-riddled truck didn’t dampen his spirits. He noticed the tarp on the cargo bed was again securely strapped down. It appeared less than half as high as when he first arrived at the airport. He climbed into the cab of his truck and cringed at the smell of the floor mats and carpet from all the things that had been tracked in during the last few days. A quick check showed the weapons that he had salvaged were still safe behind his seat. The sight of the weapons made him pull his 9mm from his holster and give it a quick check before sliding it back into place. The engine easily fired up before he aimed for the narrow two-lane road away from the airport and towards the highway.
A pair of armored security vehicles were strategically parked on the road to slow down any traffic entering or leaving the airport. A single airman walked out into the road and held up his hand to stop the truck.
The portion of the airman’s face that wasn’t covered in bandages was black and blue. Although he wore sunglasses, Caleb saw his eyebrows narrow as the airman recognized him. The airman then smiled at Caleb, figuring he was going to be able to screw with him at least, until he saw the brown bar on the front of Caleb’s uniform.
“Good morning, Airman. It’s a lovely day for a drive in the country don’t you think so? Oh, I see you noticed my new bar on my uniform. Would you believe it was retroactive to the day before you and your cohorts assaulted me? I wonder what the entire list of charges will be for attempted murder of a superior officer during time of war? That is, along with the other charges like assault on an officer, reckless use of a firearm, destruction of private property. I’m sure you’re familiar with all that. But I’d guess at the moment you’d like to see my CAC, well, here it is.” Caleb held the CAC out the window for the airman to inspect.
“Thank you, Sir. You may proceed.” The airman held out the CAC for Caleb. He gave the airman a big smile, but did not drive forward.
“Are we forgetting something in our professional courtesies and conduct, Airman?” Caleb fought back the tears as the airman realized his mistake and saluted him. Caleb returned the salute with a sneer.
“Have a nice day
, Airman.” The rear tires threw a little gravel as he pulled forward towards the highway. He knew taking a right would head back to town so he turned left for a little adventure.
Chapter 6
Surprise, Arizona, April 5, 2029
What is my malfunction? I damn near alienated every troop there is against me, and I need a shower on top of that! Gloria put her car in gear and decided the cute little convertible was not the right car for the zombie apocalypse. First, I need something with a roof and off–road capability. She followed the road until she had to choose which way she wanted to go on the 303 and decided north, plenty of nice dealerships that way.
Thoughts of how the morning had gone so far began to grate on her nerves as she drove towards the dealerships. Suddenly she spotted just the thing she knew she had to have. She impatiently sped up until she made it to an overpass so she could turn around. On the right side of the road, a 4X4 shop with dozens of tricked out 4X4 trucks in the front parking lot awaited her. Her attention was drawn to a huge truck that had been lifted two feet off the ground. The front had a custom push bar front bumper with a built-in cage concealing a heavy duty winch and four custom lights in addition to the original lights. Above the truck’s four door cab, six more lights pointed forward from their mounts on the front of a shallow roof cargo cage. At the rear of the truck, three different types of tow hooks were visible, a small American flag fluttering on one of two huge radio antenna. The truck’s wrap around paint job of the American flag made her decide it was going to be her truck.
She approached the dealership building and stopped. Closing her eyes, she felt for the presence of either any danger or infected. Reassured, she reached for the door and found it locked; numerous locking devices were visible on through the glass door so she drew her 9mm and fired on the huge glass display window, surprised when it took ten rounds to finally shatter it. Walking through the shattered window, the strong smell of tires was the only thing she could smell. The squeak of her boots as she walked across the highly polished floors began to get on her nerves for the short walk to the first office. The doorknob wouldn’t move as she tried to turn it. Before using her automatic, she decided to test her new strength. She gripped the knob firmly and then turned it, surprised when it began to slowly turn before opening. The office walls were covered in pictures of 4X4s climbing mountains or with sexy women in bikinis draped across them. A beautiful hanging glass and wood case with keys displayed in it caught her attention. The small keyring with an American flag fob on it looked most promising. Looking around the office, she saw an electric stapler that was up to the job she had planned for it. Grasping the stapler like a dagger, she stabbed the glass with all her strength, with the glass only appearing to flex for a moment as she hit it. Gloria dropped the stapler back on the desk and pulled out her 9mm,taking careful aim to avoid hitting the truck keys she wanted and any possible ricochet. She fired at the center of the glass and was surprised when the shot imbedded itself into the glass. Gloria stood for a moment with her mouth open in sheer shock. Before firing again, she walked over to the desk and was amused to find the drawers unlocked and a ring of keys in the center drawer. The first key opened the case and she saw the glass was two inches thick. Glad I didn’t waste any more bullets on that.
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