THE TOCABAGA CHRONICLES: (BOX SET - PART I - BOOKS #1-5)

by Thomas H. Ward

  We proceeded down 16th Street stopping at each house looking and listening for any people. We proceeded one at a time moving slowly past each home as we headed toward the Dome.

  We had to be vigilant while walking not to accidently kick a bottle or can thereby making unnecessary noise. There was a lot of junk and rubble on the ground. It looked like a war zone as many homes had been vandalized and stripped of their contents. Most had broken windows and doors. We saw chairs, broken tables, and even a toilet lying in the street. The city hasn’t picked up the garbage in years. I thought how lucky we are to live on Tocabaga.

  It’s very stressful to walk along and look thru the night vision goggles. We took them off because the light from the half moon was sufficient. We can’t risk letting anyone see us, so anyone who spots us will have to be eliminated. A handgun with a silencer is best to use for close range termination since it only makes a slight popping noise like pricking a balloon filled with air.

  As we were sneaking along 16th Street Tommy stopped and I heard his voice whisper over the radio, “Three people at 2 o’clock, and a dog about 100 feet away on the porch.” We all froze in our tracks and slumped down into the shadows of the bushes making us invisible.

  The dog stood up and looked in our direction. It jumped off the porch and started coming towards us. It looked like an old mutt of some kind. As the dog came closer I saw its tail wagging. It didn’t bark as it walked up to Tommy. Tommy stuck out his hand for the dog to smell him. He pulled a snack of some kind from his pocket and gave it to the dog. Thank God this was someone’s friendly family pet and not a guard dog.

  All of a sudden one of the men stood up and yelled, “Rex, get back here!” He yelled again and came down the porch steps with what looked like a shotgun in his hands. The other two men just sat there talking. The guy was coming across the street in our direction and he yelled again for the dog. The old dog suddenly turned around and ran to his master. He patted the dog on the head while saying good boy and headed back to the porch not knowing how close he came to death.

  Tommy said over the radio, “That was close. Follow me we’re going to avoid this house by going thru the back yard.” We didn’t like going through the back yards because of the junk laying around and sometimes there were high fences which greatly impeded our progress.

  Following Tommy we went around to the back of the house passing through the back yard. I looked at my watch and saw it was now 0100 hours. It took us an hour to cover ten blocks. We were at 12th Ave. and had seven more blocks to reach the Dome. We needed to speed up our recon to complete the mission on time.

  Finally we reached Interstate 175 and we could see the Dome on the other side of the six lane highway. Interstate 175 is really the exit and entrance route to downtown St. Petersburg. It’s only about 1.5 miles long and runs in an east/west direction or in and out of downtown.

  Laying in the weeds behind a small concrete berm we scanned the road and spotted four security trucks parked in the middle of the highway about half a mile away. The FPF men were standing next to their trucks talking. Unless they moved we would have to go further west which would waste more time. After waiting 15 minutes they finally drove off east toward downtown.

  Tommy was the first to run across the six lane interstate. He made it across in lighting speed and he radioed for us to cross over. After crossing the highway we jumped over a three foot high concrete barrier landing in high grass. Keeping low we peered into the darkness looking for any security patrols. Next we had to cross a small side road and cut an entrance hole in a chain link fence to enter the Dome parking lot. Once we reached the fence there wasn’t any cover except for the high grass and weeds.

  We huddled up to discuss the situation and Tommy said, “One of us needs to cut a hole in the fence while we cover him. Once the hole is cut we’ll run across the parking lot to the Dome and blend in with the shadows along the building.”

  Hammer volunteered, “Give me the cutters. I can cut the fence faster than any of you.”

  We all agreed since Hammer was strong he could use the wire cutters with ease. We watched him lope to the fence and start to cut the hole. Just then a security truck slowly came around the building moving counter clockwise shining a spot light. Hammer hit the ground and laid flat as he could. The search light passed right over him and the truck moved on going out of sight around the building.

  Hammer finished cutting the hole and we saw him sprint to the Dome. We all followed in double time manner. As we huddled together up against the Dome, Tommy whispered, “Let’s proceed clockwise around the building since the security truck was moving counter-clockwise. That way if it comes back we’ll spot it right away. Jack since you are last in line keep a heads up just in case the truck comes from behind us.

  “We need to find a window or door. I prefer a window to crawl in because doors could be guarded or have an alarm. Let’s move it.”

  We all agreed and moved out keeping about ten feet apart within a few feet of the Dome wall. After about 10 minutes we finally found a window. The window was up high and the only one that could reach it was Hammer. Hammer stood on his toes and peeked inside advising it was all clear. He tried to open it but it was locked so he took out the glass cutter, stuck a suction cup on the glass, and cut the pane. When the glass was cut he tapped it three or four times and pulled on the cup. The glass pane popped out clean as a whistle. Hammer reached in unlocked the window and pushed it open saying, “Welcome to the Dome.”

  Tommy whispered, “Hammer give Willis and me a boost up. You both stay here and wait for us.”

  Hammer boosted Tommy up to the window. He grabbed the ledge and climbed inside the building. He advised it was all clear for Willis to enter. Next Hammer boosted Willis up and he slid inside.

  Hammer and I hid in the shadows waiting for their return. I heard a vehicle coming and warned Hammer. We ducked down low in a dark corner as the security truck went by us shining their spot light above our heads. It seemed the truck was patrolling around the Dome every 30 minutes. Tommy was right the truck went counter-clockwise around the Dome. I looked at my watch; it was now 0215 hours.

  Hammer and I sat in the shadows for about 40 minutes and then we heard two men talking. We saw two security guards approaching on foot patrolling around the perimeter. They were coming our way shining a bright flashlight around the building. I told Hammer, “Lay flat as you can.” We both pulled out our handguns. They were getting closer and closer to us with each step.

  They stopped twenty feet away directly in front of us and one guy said, “Look. That window is broken. It wasn’t broken an hour ago.” Looking up he walked over to the window and didn’t see us laying on the ground a few feet away in the darkness.

  He said to his buddy, “I can’t reach the window from out here. We’ll have to check it from inside.” That was my clue we needed to kill these two guards because if they’re going inside they might run into Tommy and Willis. I couldn’t see what Hammer was doing and we couldn’t speak to each other so I aimed my gun at the guard’s head as he walked away and fired two shots … POP … POP … and then I heard a … POP … from Hammer’s gun. Both guards slumped to the ground. I stood up, walked over to them, and shot each man in the head one more time. We dragged the bodies to a nearby dumpster and threw them inside.

  The radio hissed and Tommy’s voice came on, “We found four Rangers and Carl Jr. locked in a cell. There’re about 200 other people locked up in here. We also saw the semi trucks. There are ten guards inside here, but we didn’t see any BOTs. We’re coming out now so be at the window.”

  I replied, “Roger. All clear out here.” Hammer heard the conversation and we moved back to wait at the window. Three minutes later Tommy and Willis crawled out the window and silently dropped to the ground.

  I told Tommy and Willis, “We had to kill two guards because they saw the broken window pane. They were going to go inside and check it out so we had to pop them. Did you get some pictures of the lay ou
t to show Sessions?”

  “Yep we got it all on video and still pics. I think we should rescue these guys and take them back with us now,” Willis told us.

  “That’s not our mission Willis. We have to recon the Dali to see if they are still making BOTs,” I commented back.

  All three agreed with me because we didn’t have any wheels to make a quick escape. There’s no telling how many Federal Police would come after us.

  Continuing on with our mission we crossed back over 175 and headed down 16th Street toward 7th Ave. South. We were disappointed to leave the Rangers there but we had no choice. Orders are orders and they must be followed.

  We reached 6th Ave. with no problems. We didn’t encounter a single person. The good thing about 6th Ave. is there are no houses on this street, only old office and business buildings. However, there could still be people living in this area. The satellite map showed us there’re many trees and bushes that can be used for cover as well as alleys to hide in.

  Proceeding down 6th Ave. we reached two large buildings around 5th Street. A considerable number of people were standing outside drinking and smoking pot. We needed to bypass them so we headed around to the back of building to cut through the alley way. Passing along the back of the building it was very dark because the buildings blocked the moon light, making black shadows.

  Behind office buildings, in the alley ways, is where all the trash is kept in big dumpsters. Long ago garbage trucks would come once a week and empty the dumpster and take the trash to be burned or put in a land fill. Many bums or homeless people would hang out in the alleys to pick up any food that may have been thrown away. We called it dumpster diving because you literally had to dive into the big metal container.

  As we passed by one dumpster I heard a noise from inside. The lid was open so I peeked over the top and looked while holding my Glock. I thought maybe there’s a rat or raccoon inside. As I peered over the edge with my night vision goggles on they saw me and huddled together in fear. I must have been a scary looking sight with my face painted black looking like I had on war paint.

  “Please don’t hurt us, Mister,” one said in a high female voice. Three kids were sitting on a pile of rotten garbage that made me gag from the stench. In their hands they had some kind of rancid looking food.

  I took off my goggles and moved closer advising them, “Don’t worry kids I’m here to help you.” I held out my hand and waved my fingers for them to come over to me.

  “Come on kids we’re not going to hurt you. We’re here to help you. I have some food for you.” I pulled three power bars out of my pocket and held them up.

  Now the rest of my crew came over and looked in the container. Willis asked, “Now what are we going to do?”

  I told Willis, “We’re going to help them.”

  The three kids hesitantly climbed out and I handed them each a power bar which they ripped open and gobbled up in a few bites. I asked them, “Where are your parents?”

  The girl replied, “Our parents are dead. We lived in the Green Zone and there wasn’t enough food. They were killed by the Federal Police for stealing food. The Police shot them and made us leave the Green Zone.”

  “How long ago was that?”

  Looking at them you could tell these kids have had a tough time. Their clothes were filthy and so were their bodies. As a matter of fact they smelled like garbage. The girl’s hair was matted and falling out probably due to malnutrition. She was a skinny-looking thing and her hands were shaking from the lack of food. Her face was sunken in and I thought she could be close to death. The two boys didn’t look any better. I gave them each another power bar which they quickly devoured.

  The girl said, “I think about a year ago our parents were killed. I’ve been trying to take care of my brothers but there isn’t enough food here. We don’t have any other place to go. Who are you guys?”

  “We’re with the Army Rangers. What are your names and how old are you?”

  “I’m 15 and my name is Rosie. Billy is 13 and Peter is 9 years old.”

  Billy said, “Would you Army guys please take my sister with you ‘cause the men around here make her trade sex for food? One man hurt her so I hit him in the head with a pipe. If he touches her again I’ll kill him. My brother and I can make it ok. I just want my sister to be safe.”

  “Billy you look pretty beat up. How did you get those black eyes?”

  “The guy I hit with the pipe had his friends beat me.”

  “Where are they now Billy?”

  “Oh they’re around somewhere. They’re tough mean guys and they run this part of town.”

  “Don’t worry about them Billy, you’re all going to be safe now. You can come with us to Tocabaga.”

  “I’ve of heard of Tocabaga but I didn’t think it was real. Isn’t that an island where people live and have food to eat every day?”

  “That’s right. We’re all going there tonight.”

  “That sounds great. Do you think I can become an Army Ranger and fight the bad guys?”

  “Probably, when you’re old enough.”

  I told my recon team, “We can‘t leave these kids here alone they’re going to die for sure. I suggest you three complete the mission and I’ll take them to the extraction point and wait for you there.”

  Hammer replied, “I don’t like it but they’re kids that need help so I agree.”

  Tommy and Willis concurred so I told the kids, “Ok we have to walk about three miles to our truck. Kids you stay close to me and do what I do. If I stop then you stop, if I hide then you hide. You guys got it?”

  “Yes sir, Mister,” said Rosie.

  “My name is Gunn, Jack Gunn. You can just call me Jack.”

  Billy said, “Yes sir, Mister Jack.”

  We headed out toward 3rd Street where we would part ways with the recon team. They would continue straight to the airport. We would turn south on 3rd St. and go to 22nd Ave. heading east to the extraction point at Interstate 275.

  Upon reaching 3rd Street I wished my recon team good luck and we parted ways. As we were walking along I noticed that Peter was limping and dropping behind. He couldn’t keep up so I asked him, “Peter, what’s wrong with your foot?”

  “I cut my toe real bad on some glass and it hurts a lot.”

  “Let me see it.” We stopped behind some bushes next to an old building. Peter sat down and took off his worn out tattered shoe. He didn’t have any socks on his feet; none of them wore any socks. He held his dirty foot up and I shined my flashlight on it. It was a badly infected cut with puss running out of it. I washed it off with water and put some antibiotic cream on the wound. Peter winced in pain as I wrapped a bandage around it and helped him put his shoe back on.

  “Jump on my back I’ll carry you for a while to give our foot a rest.

  “Billy can you carry my backpack for me?”

  “You bet I can, Mr. Jack.” I took it off and handed the 30 pound pack to him. I kneeled down and Peter wrapped his arms around my neck then put his feet around my waist. I guessed that Peter was only about 35 pounds. A kid his age should be at least 60 pounds, but he was just skin and bones.

  “Peter, when we get back to Tocabaga we’ll have the Doctor look at that cut. Ok kids let’s get going. We still have a long hike ahead of us.” I didn’t want to tell Peter but I think gangrene had set in and he could lose his toe or maybe his foot. He could lose his life if it wasn’t treated soon.

  I could tell these kids were polite, kind children. They helped each other stay alive in the concrete jungle for a year and that’s not easy to do. I can only imagine what Rosie had to endure. It made me want to kill every dirtbag that ever touched her.

  We had no sooner stepped out from behind the bushes with Peter on my back and standing in our way were four men with handguns. They were about fifty feet away from us and one of them yelled, “Hey! What y’all doing with my kids?”

  Billy whispered, “That’s them, they’re the ones that hurt my sister
and beat me.”

  I put Peter down and told the kids to get behind the bushes. I flipped my safety off and put the M4 on full automatic. I yelled back to them, “Oh these are your kids. Sorry, I just wanted to have some fun you know what I mean.”

  Another jerk asked me, “You’re all dressed up like an Army guy. Who do you think you are … GI Joe?” They all laughed.

  I was out-numbered but not out-gunned. I looked at their handguns to determine the caliber. I couldn’t tell in the dark but they looked like small caliber guns. I figured my bullet proof vest would stop those rounds if I got shot.

  The same guy yelled, “Hey Rosie, you little whore, get out here where I can see you.” Of course Rosie didn’t come out in the open.

  The four men were starting to spread out to create space between them and were moving closer to me. As they were moving closer I thought now is the time to take them out.

  The same asshole yelled to me, “Mister, hand over your gun. You’re no match for the four of us. We’ve killed a few guys like you before. Give us your gun and we’ll let you go!”

  “You mean this gun,” as I pointed it at them and pulled the trigger firing on full auto, creating a spray pattern of deadly bullets. I dropped down to one knee to reduce my target size and kept firing taking careful aim at each man.

  I heard one or two of their guns fire and saw flashes but they missed me. Three scum bags fell to the ground but the fourth dork was running for cover across the street. I slowly took aim putting my laser on him and squeezed the trigger … BAM … my bullet hit his head exploding it like a ripe watermelon.