by Vic Sandel
“I had the best teacher.”
“Enough mushy stuff. I'll see you in a few hours.”
He took off on a dead run to catch up with Robyn. Needless-to- say, it was more of a trot, as his true speed would almost be a blur, and probably would knock people down all over the halls. Truth is, they had too long of a head start. When he got to the lab, she and Dr. Baldwin were briefing the quickly formed team.
“Good news! Barring anything unforeseen, your cabinet will be here in about six hours.”
She wanted to hug him right there and then, but as a team leader, held herself back. “That's wonderful, thank you.” ( What she really wanted to say was much more emotional).
“I'll let you know when it arrives.”
“Okay, thanks again. I'll catch you later.”
Chapter 18
Last Hours of the Space Station
Hayes Rutherford was connecting the final charges that would separate the Russian segment from the International Space Station. Once away from the main body, it would be detonated by using the fuel and firing controls from the stabilizing rockets that were fired periodically to maintain orbital height.
“How are we doing?” Mark Abbott asks as he passes by.
“The explosives are fine but it's the political idea of Americans blowing up the Russian segment I have a problem with. This could start a future war.”
“Hayes, my friend, this was the only decision we could make. There's not enough power in the Russian module for the signal lights. Besides, in a couple of weeks, without computer control from below for the positioning rockets, this whole thing will fall out of orbit and probably crash into the ocean.”
“What a horrible end for the most expensive structure mankind ever built.”
Christine Rabbit had been working on the signal wiring. One switch would turn everything left lit up on the station on and off. It had taken hours but would be ready by nightfall in North America, a few orbits from now.
Elvin Davis, who had devised this scheme to warn of the massive attack headed toward Wright Patterson, was practicing his Morse code. He had not used it since he was a scout. There couldn't be any mistakes, and a search of the entire station failed to produce literature on the subject. He had found a working laptop, but there was no internet access available. He had to content himself by tapping a table with screwdriver tip and praying he was getting it right!
They were all working harder than they needed to. For the most part, everything was ready hours ago. How does one prepare to die?
Chapter 19
Traffic Reports
Getting the bio cabinet had proved just as easy as Jessie had indicated that it might. The building was still sealed and there were no creepers moving about. The only difficulty they ran into was getting the legs of the cabinet unbolted from the concrete floor without jarring the unit and smashing the contents. The problem was quickly solved with a large wrench they found in a maintenance closet.
They figured that they were immune to anything that the cabinet might contain, and with Jessie's reassurances that what it contained was all beneficial. They found rolls of sterile bubble wrap and stuffed all open space in the cabinet to keep the contents from falling during transport.
Together, they carried the unit up and out of the building and into the waiting helicopter. The rear seat had been folded away to accommodate the load. They strapped it in carefully, and within minutes, were off the ground and on their way.
Anyone looking up that day, would have been shocked to see a chopper flying over with a big Channel 33 Traffic emblazoned on the sides.
As they flew northwest, they passed over abandoned cities, towns and farms. Once crowded highways were empty, except for abandoned cars and trucks scattered everywhere.
Periodically, they saw clusters of the dead moving slowly to their next food supply, but not knowing just where that might be.
Bob began to amuse himself by putting on the head set and pretending to be the Channel 33 traffic reporter.
“Traffic is at a standstill on route eighty-two right now, due to a stalled creeper with both legs missing. Two limpers are on the scene and we hope to have the blockage cleared right after dinner.”
At first the commentary was really funny but as they flew over more and more of the death and waste, it ceased being amusing. Both Brad and Bob, vampires or not, were fighting to hold back tears.
Bradley finally broke the silence. “Have you noticed that the groups traveling together seem to be getting larger and more focused?”
“There must be some sound or smell in the air that is drawing their attention.”
“Think about the VMI thing for a second. They've cleared out the cities and towns, and are massing toward anyplace that still has a larger human concentration. They need more food and are heading toward it. In some cases, they are even bypassing horses and cows to keep moving in the direction of something bigger.”
“I guess it's getting tougher for them to just keep foraging.”
“Whatever it is, I think we need to tell the brass at Wright Patterson.”
“Roger that.”
“Hey look at that,” Bob pointed to a scene below them.
Bradley grabbed a hanging pair of binoculars as he was not yet used to his enhanced eyesight. “It looks like a family. I see a man with three women running from a group of about a dozen zombies.”
“But look what they're running toward.”
Looking downward, Bob and Brad could see the group running across a clearing toward another cluster of zombies in the trees, just ahead.
Without a moment's thought, Bob put the chopper into a rapid decline to place them just ahead of the running family.
“Remember our mission!” Brad yelled.
“I know, but I'm not going to watch these folks die.”
“We'll put them on the floor around the cabinet. Grab your machete.”
He knew that he should not be risking the chance of possibly saving thousands for the sake of one family, but after what he had already seen on this flight, he wasn't going to let anyone else die on his watch.
The Banks family had been running for miles. Everywhere they turned, it seemed was another group of zombies. It was like watching an old sci-fi movie about Raptors. Suddenly, they stopped dead in their tracks as they saw the Channel 33 chopper dropping towards them. Holding each other and huddling together against the blade wash, they watched the craft land just a couple of feet away. A man carrying a giant knife jumped out and held the door open, signaling them to hop in. Almost hesitant with shock and surprise, they did not move until one of the girls broke the trance and ran for the open door. The others followed. In seconds, they were uncomfortably seated around the cabinet that took up a good part of the chopper's rear.
“Sorry about the accommodations,” Bob said as he pulled up on the collective making the helicopter virtually jump into the air.
“Yeah,” Brad added, we don't charge much for those seats anyway so you'll be able to afford the bill.”
Mr. Banks spoke for the group. “ Thank you so much. The last thing we expected to see was a news chopper. I mean, there is no news anymore. Not that we hear anyway. I don't mean to pry but what are you doing out here?”
Mr. Banks was almost as scared as he had been of the zombies. It was known that there were roving groups of humans with various means of transportation, that would capture families, kill off the men, and use the women. He would rather see his wife and daughters dead than in those hands.
“Relax sir, we're the good guys. We are from CAG-1 out of Langley. All the military choppers are out on a mission. We are taking that medical cabinet to Wright Patterson for testing. I guess they are going to have some unexpected guests when we land.”
Everyone knew of the CAG groups that were trying to help save the planet, but to Mr. Banks that raised new fears.
“I don't mean to be rude after you saved us and all, but, are you human?”
“No sir, we're
not. We are vampires, but don't worry, we already had breakfast.”
Both Bob and Brad laughed at their own humor.
The girls, Rebecca and Amy, warmed up first. Their mother,, Helen, soon joined in as she too realized that there was nothing to fear from these men. In fact they were fun and charming. Mr. Banks sat quietly and watched.
An hour or so later, Bob contacted Jessie as they flew over the field looking to spot a clear place to land near the main buildings. The area is cluttered with fire engines. There was also the matter of a large machine being unloaded from a C-113.
Jessie and Robyn ran out of the tunnels just in time to see the traffic helicopter skillfully touch down right near the tunnel entrance.
As Bradley jumped out and opened the rear door, Bob shut down the engines.
Robyn was anxious to confirm that the bio cabinet made the trip safely. Needless-to-say, she and Jessie were surprised when instead of the cabinet, out bounced a young girl of about 13, followed by another older teen and a third woman, very obviously their mother.
“Any more?” Jessie asked.
“Funny you should ask,” as Bradley helped Mr. Banks step down from the craft.
Bob just shrugged his shoulders. “They were hemmed in by zombies. We just couldn't leave them there to die.”
Dr. Marco stepped up to Mr. Banks and introduced himself. “Good afternoon I am Dr. James Marco I am in charge of scientific weapons development here at Wright Patterson. Who, may I ask might you be?'
“Banks is my name, Maurice Banks, I wish to thank your officers for saving my family and me.”
“You are quite welcome. May I have the pleasure of being introduced to the ladies?”
You could see Mr. Banks putting up his guard, again. “Yes certainly. My youngest daughter Rebecca, who is thirteen, My oldest daughter, Amy, she's sixteen. And this is my wife Helen.”
“I know you just arrived, but I must acquaint you with a couple of our rules. We will give you a place to stay, feed you, and to the best of our ability, protect you. Here at Wright Patterson everyone works in some way to help the community as a whole. Usually we try to utilize the specific skills of our guests. May I ask if any of you have talents that we may find helpful?”
“I was a teacher's aide,” Rebecca immediately offered.
“I was in an understudy program to become a physical therapist, with a minor in nursing.” Amy volunteered.
“Aside from being a housewife and mother, I was once a short order cook in a greasy spoon diner.” Helen says.
Reluctantly, Maurice chipped in. “Until recently I did heavy metals welding.”
“Mr Banks, you just said the magic word. Your skills just might save everyone's lives.”
“You shall find that we have an appropriate place for you all, where your abilities will be of great benefit to our family. Thank you.”
Robyn had been watching all this with growing impatience. “Now, may I please have my cabinet?”
As everyone was moving off, Mr. Banks took the opportunity to speak quietly to Dr. Marco. “ Sir what if we don't choose to stay here?”
“Where else would you go?”
“We were doing pretty well on our own!”
“So I heard. You and your girls would have been walking dead if it wasn't for my pilot. Might I add, he saved you against orders. Look, nobody is going to keep you here against your will, but here you will have your best chance for survival. Or is it your male need to be in charge? You may kill your girls, but by George you will have been the boss! We're offering you the chance to be part of an important team, and it just happens to be the group that might turn this war around for humanity.”
“That's just it. There's too many of THEM around. It makes me nervous.”
Dr. Marco knew what he meant, but decided to play the stupid game and teach this ignorant, bigoted man a lesson. “Too many of who?”
“You know, bloodsuckers, vampires. They're gonna make us feel safe and then drink me and my girls.”
“Mr Banks, I am a vampire. If I wanted to drink your stupid, bigoted, blood I could do it right now and I don't need to make you feel comfortable to do it. In fact, there is no way on earth you could stop me. The fact-is, I haven't taken human blood without a willing donor in almost two-hundred years. No decent vampire today takes blood from an unwilling or hypnotized subject. Mostly we drink from a cow or pig. Meanwhile, your worthless life was saved today by two vampires who disobeyed orders to do it because they thought human lives were important. I'm beginning to think, however, that in your case they made an error in judgment. You may leave any time you wish sir, or after you are situated in your quarters, please report to the welding shop by the huge hangar. We are beginning a major project that just might be the start of turning this thing around.”
Banks had not realized that his wife and daughters witnessed the exchange. They turned to follow the person who was escorting them to their quarters. As he attempted to catch up, they increased speed, making it clear he had totally embarrassed them and they wanted nothing to do with him at this time.
It was thirteen-year-old Rebecca who summed up the situation beautifully. “Why does Daddy always have to be such an asshole?
These people have been nothing but nice to us and he goes and insults them. Not only are they protecting us but they are also offering us a chance to be useful. I haven't had any self-worth in months. We just run and hide and steal some food when we can. Doesn't he realize they are offering us a chance to have some self-esteem again?”
Helen answered the only way she could. “Your father has a hard time accepting anyone that may be different, blacks, gays, and now vampires. Not only are they different, but they are successful, something he has never been. Before, he had them to blame for his failures. Now, his inability to keep us safe, coupled with their obvious success and bravery, make him look bad all over again. To work for them is to be under their domination, in his eyes. He just doesn't see it as working together to save everyone. It has always been them against him!”
“But mama, offered Amy, if he helps, and because of his help we all succeed in beating the creepers, won't he finally feel good about himself?”
“With your father, you never know. I would really hope so!”
This time it was Maurice, standing right outside the doorway, that witnessed the exchange. Nothing was ever tougher than hearing how his family really felt about him. He sank to his knees and cried.
Meanwhile, the cabinet had finally made it's way down to Robyn's lab.
Chapter 20
Fireworks
Robyn's team was working at classifying all of the somewhat overgrown bacterial samples from the cabinet. So far she had been right. They were all forms of flora beneficial to the human body. Most had been flourishing and pouring off Vitamin K into the dishes.
After hours of work, she had decided to take a break topside where she knew Jessie had been working on the fire trucks with Dr. Marco, and a team of mechanics and former firefighters.
He was easy to find in the starlit evening.
“Well, look who came up out of the ground. So, tell me, was it what you expected?”
“Even better than that. The cabinet is a treasure chest of healthy bacteriological organisms. The fact that they have matured makes it even better. They have already produced Vitamin K, giving us everything we need to begin formulation on a reproducible serum for a vaccine.”
“I'm so proud of you!”
“I could never have done it without your advice and support!”
“For the first time, they shared a caress and kiss, that let each other know the depths of their growing affection for one another.”
At that very moment, the sky lit up. Over two-hundred miles above the earth, the Russian Orbital Segment of the International Space Station exploded.
“I knew there would be fireworks when we shared our first real kiss but wow!”
As they all looked to the sky, in the wake of the explosion, they
all saw flashing lights.
“What do you make of all those lights flashing on and off?”
Dr. Marco was watching carefully. “If you notice, it's a repeating pattern.”
All of a sudden, one of the firefighters burst out excitedly. “I know that pattern, it's Morse. My son was a scout. One of his projects involved he and I communicating at a distance, using Morse code. Anyone got a pencil?”
A felt tip pen and clipboard was quickly produced from the cab of one of the fire engines and handed to Sam, the former scout dad, and he began to write.
“Your position at Wright. Zombies massing from all points headed your position. Moving slowly. Feeding at towns en route, but horde growing. Should reach you no longer than 2.5 weeks. Could be millions converging your position at Wright.”
“Good luck. Mark, Chris,l Elvin, Hayes,”
The note was passed around for everyone to see, and then taken inside to the general staff.
“Where did that come from?” Someone asked.
The message repeated a couple more times and then all went dark.
“I'm afraid we have just heard the last from our astronauts aboard the International Space Station.”
“How sad,” Robyn said.
She and Jessie held each other as they searched for any more lights. They both knew the truth though. Man's greatest achievement and all those aboard were gone.
The message had gotten through. First thing in the morning, whatever was able to fly would be out scouting the area in all directions, gauging the extent of the threat that was on the way.
Chapter21
Up and Away
No one had gotten much sleep that night. The unexpected message from the heavens had put the whole facility on alert. Somehow, the word had spread to every person on the base.
Everything they had been working on needed to be moved up and into warp speed.
