Now the perimeter was secure, Dan wanted to find out what the new arrivals story was, and more specifically how she knew John Smith? Pamela was with her patient and as Dan approached she came to meet him, “Were you able to talk to her?” he asked without preamble. “Yes, she is a lot better now that she has had some sleep and food, I think she will be back on her feet in a few days. She told me what John Smith has done to her, and other women, and what he and his gang of convicts have been doing to other groups of survivors. I told her that we have had dealings with Mr. Smith ourselves and she is very keen to talk to you. Her name is Janet, I would tell you to go easy on her, but she is surprisingly strong willed, so just see how it goes.”
Dan climbed into the campervan and sat on the passenger seat, that was rotated to face to the rear of the vehicle. “You must be Dan?” enquired Janet “Yes, and I would like you to tell me all you can about John Smith, how many men he has with him, what weapons they have, how they operate and what they have been doing and more importantly where they are?” Janet spoke for twenty minutes, he interrupted only when he wanted a point clarified. When Dan was sure he had all the information he could get he changed the subject and said, “You are welcome to stay with us, but as soon as you are well enough you will have to muck in and help on the guard Rota etc. but if you want to leave we will help you out in any way we can, but I would recommend that you stay.” Janet did not need to think about it and responded immediately, saying “I would like to stay. One more thing. I want to see John Smith dead!” Dan lowered his voice and replied, “Don’t worry, I intend to kill him.” “No!” said Janet “You misunderstand me “I want to be the one to kill him!” Dan looked in to her eyes and could see that she meant what she said, and those eyes told him that she was more than capable of doing the deed. “Then you had better build up your strength, I intend to move on him very soon.”
Later that day Dan called a meeting with all members of the group that were not on guard and opened by stating “From now on we kill the Infected at the perimeter as they arrive so they don’t have a chance to build up their numbers, but we need to figure out a way of doing this quietly, that is, not using guns, besides wasting ammunition the noise attracts more of them.” “That’s fine for you to say, but we don’t all have, or if we did, we can’t use a sword like you!” said Frank “True, but the fact remains that we must take them out quietly and we don’t have an inexhaustible supply of ammunition, so I am open to suggestions?” replied Dan. “A bow and arrow like the Indians use?” queried the young Polly. “Out of the mouths of babes,” said a smiling Peter, “and I think I know where we can find some at a local sports shop, but it will mean another trip out.” “OK” said Dan, continuing with, “Peter, you come up with a plan for getting them and submit it to me by this afternoon. Next on the agenda is getting our new arrivals through weapon training, we will start that after lunch. We will have another full meeting within a few days when each of you will get a chance to have your say on what our next move should be, but I have received some news that I need to share with you now. You will remember when we met you in the supermarket I told you about other less friendly groups out there, well, we now have more information on the activities of one specific gang, but I think you should hear directly from someone who has encounter them and lived to tell the tale.” He then introduced Janet to the meeting. Pamela had not wanted Janet to have to go through the ordeal of speaking to a group of strangers, but Janet had insisted that she be allowed to warn the group about the dangers presented by Smith and his gang. When she had finished speaking no one present was left under any illusion that John Smith would attack given the opportunity. Dan said, “You see now why it is so important to be able to defend ourselves from hostile groups like this, so let’s get some food, then start the weapons training.”
The trip out to the sports shop to salvage bows, crossbows, arrows and bolts was essential but now that Dan was aware of John Smith’s continued existence he was loth to split his meagre force, however, he had delegated the planning to Peter, so he would await his suggestions, in the meantime he had to concentrate on the weapons training.
Peter submitted his plan after lunch. The team comprised Dan, Peter, Amanda, Kevin, Salim and Dan taking the 4x4 and the road sweeper. Dan realised the importance of sending a strong team on the mission but this would mean leaving the rest of the group in a weakened state, so he amended the plan in order that he could stay at the garage while the scavenging team went out. The team’s instructions were simple, get to the sports shop, get anything that was useful and get back as soon as possible. The scavengers left straight after lunch, Kevin was driving the road sweeper with Salim as a passenger, while Amanda drove the 4x4 with Peter riding shotgun, Peter was confident that they would be back before midnight.
The weapon training went well but every so often Dan was called away to deal with an Infected that was approaching one of the roadblocks, he despatched them silently with the sword then hefted the body onto the trailer ready to be dumped later. Pamela was covering him with her rifle just in case something went wrong. “I will feel a lot better when we can stop them from a distance with a crossbow, I don’t like you having to get so close to them” she said as they walked back to the garage. Dan enjoyed these little forays and knew he would miss getting up close and personal to despatch them, but he kept those thoughts to himself.
Midnight came and went but the Scavenging Team had not returned, for those still awake this caused some unrest and a quiet debate about whether to go and search for them, but Dan would not allow anyone else to leave. It was an hour after first light that the east roadblock reported that they could hear engines approaching. People started to make their way outside to greet the returning vehicles, but Dan called them back and told them to go to their prearranged “Stand to positions” until they were sure that the vehicles were theirs, and that all was well.
The others on the roof could not see Dan’s face as he took up a firing position with the sniper rifle, observing the approaching vehicles through the scope. At last Dan could relax his facial muscles, dropping the mask that he always wore for public consumption, anyone seeing his face now would be unnerved by the deadpan visage now presented. He had practised hard to master the art of being acceptable, developing an expression that would make others feel comfortable in his presence, giving him an appearance that would not betray his true disposition. He was a wolf among sheep, if the sheep sensed his true nature they would never trust him. That fact did not bother him for himself, but Pamela needed these other people around, so he would maintain his charade in order that they, as a couple, were not ostracised. He knew that he was perfectly placed to lead the group, he was confident in his own strengths and had the ability to make quick and decisive decisions based purely on logic. Emotions were not his forte, because he had little emotion to speak of, in fact, as far as he could see the only flaw in his character was the fact that he loved Pamela. Loving her surprised him, he did not think himself capable of such a human feeling, yes, it was a weakness, but it was his only vice and “Everyone should have at least one flaw to stop them from getting a “God complex!” he thought to himself.
The 4x4 appeared first with the road sweeper in its wake, when Dan saw Peter’s smiling face he relaxed a little, but he still waited until he saw him make a prearranged hand single that all was well before he used the radio to order that the roadblock be moved aside. Dan stayed on the roof until all four of the vehicles occupants had climbed out and the roadblock had been replaced. His face was still devoid of expression, like a wolf watching deer, as he scrutinised the returnees through the rifles scope, he observed for another minute before lying the rifle aside, finally satisfied that all was well, and no one was infected. Making the transition from wolf to genial host he said, “Okay everyone, let’s go and see what our intrepid hunters have returned with.”
Pegasus
Major Brown did not think that he would ever be pleased to see a decapitated corpse
but was surprised to find that he was, this carnage at the Supermarket was more than likely the handiwork of Stone Cold, which meant that he was one step closer to finding him. He sent an eight-man team into the Supermarket to clear it and it was not long before they reported the building free of any living Infected. Brown entered, noted the empty shelves where all the useful items would have been stored, so not only had the infected had been cleared out the bulk of the food was gone too. He was sure that Stone Cold was part of the group responsible for this which was both good and bad news, the good news was that he was alive and they were a little nearer to finding him, the bad news being that they needed provisions too and would have to look elsewhere, as what was left in the store would only keep his command going for a day or two at most. It was as the soldiers were loading the meagre supplies into the helicopters that Brown had an inspired thought, he reasoned that the amount of provisions taken from the supermarket would have been substantial and would have required a fair amount of transportation, he looked around the compound and at remaining small lorries that were used for home deliveries, “Perhaps they used lorries like these to move the stock?” he thought to himself. He gathered his men and said, “Get a good look at those trucks both now and see what they look like from the air, we are looking for ones like these.” He gave the command to start the helicopters engines, “Where to?” asked the pilot, looking at the map Brown reasoned that Stone Cold would head away from build-up areas and towards the countryside “West!”, he shouted over the increasing din of the engines and rotor blades.
From the air, they spotted two trucks of similar configuration to the ones they were looking for, but on closer examination both proved to be from a different Supermarket and of little interest and as the day drew on, the teams initial high hopes of finding their target that day were diminishing, much like the fuel in the choppers tanks. The pilots voice emitted from the headset into Brown ears, “Sir, fuel is low, and we need to RTB (Return to Base).” Major Brown kept his voice neutral to hide his frustration as he replied “Okay, RTB.” It was as the helicopters were banking over to the left making the turn to the east that Corporal Jenkins tapped Brown on the shoulder and pointed towards two pickup trucks heading west along a narrow road “Boss, that’s Smith and his gang of reprobates!” Brown looked down at his map, noted their position and direction of travel, and said “Thank you Corporal, it’s a shame that we don’t have the fuel to follow them for a while, but rest assured we will be keeping an eye on them and we shall have more words with them soon.” Jenkins was smiling as he said, “Yes Boss!”
Once they had landed, Brown needed time to think, sitting at a small desk he placed his head in his hands and starting to deliberate. They were close to finding Stone Cold, he was sure of that, but just as they had found the evidence leading to that conclusion time had ran out along with their supplies. Brown now had a choice to make, should he split his force and send one helicopter back to Porton Down for a series of supply runs while he and his men continued the search for Stone Cold? Or should his keep his platoon together and establish his new forward Operation Base, then use both choppers to resupply? It would be quicker and safer to keep his force and the aircraft together, Brown appreciated the importance of finding Stone cold but splitting his force was a dangerous thing to do, if something went wrong it could cost the lives of his men. Recognising the fact that humans were now an endangered species he took the agonising decision to keep his force together, establish and stock his new base before continuing the search for Stone Cold. Decision made, he stood up and walked out of his tent to give the orders.
The new Forward Operation Base was quickly established and this time it was more substantial that the last. One of Browns men was from the area and had recommended it and as soon as Brown had seen it he knew that it was a strong contender for the new permanent base. It was a large but isolated industrial / business estate built in the late 1950’s so the buildings were of a robust nature. There was a strong and intact fence running around the entire perimeter, a very large car park where the helicopters could land and numerous buildings and warehouses, some were massive and could easily be used to house the choppers. The site was crawling with the Infected and would have to be cleared, but that was a long-term goal, for now enough area would be cleared to keep his men and equipment safe and secure. They would only expand outwards once it was decided that this would be their new permanent base and that would require the sanction of Lt Colonel Peter Curtis.
The two helicopters dropped Brown and sixteen of his men on the roof of a building on the periphery of the estate, then flew off to collect the next load from the old FOB. Brown ordered the building cleared and once this was done an outside area large enough to accommodate the choppers was cleared, then secured. It took two days bring his full complement of men and equipment to the new base, by which time supplies were almost out and the aircraft were re-tasked to begin supply runs to and from Porton Down. During this time, Major Brown had been writing a report for Colonel Curtis in which he was stating the case for making this new FOB his new permanent base. Once complete Brown left the base under the command of the Platoon Sergeant and took a ride on one of the choppers to report to the Colonel in person, however, instead of flying directly to Porton Down he directed that the two aircraft follow the route that would have to be taken by road going vehicles.
The road system was mayhem, especially near built-up areas with many completely gridlocked by abandoned vehicles of every description, stretching for miles in some cases. It was not idle curiosity that initiated this survey, but the certain knowledge that it was imperative a road route be established between the two bases. It was time well spent, but it did emphasise to all aboard what a massive undertaking lay ahead of them once the clearance got under way.
It was a long flight, but by the time they landed Brown had established that it would be possible to clear a road route between the two bases should the Colonel agree to the establishment of the new camp. Brown added his plans for clearing a direct and, also a secondary route to his report before he presented himself to the Colonel.
“Alan, glad to see you safe and well. I heard arrived some time ago!” said Peter Curtis as he greeted the Major. “Sorry Sir. I wanted to complete my report and recommendations before presenting them to you.” replied Brown. Curtis nodded “That makes sense, let me have your report and I’ll read it straight away, if I know you, and I think I do, then I know you will be keen to have my response at the earliest, so you can return to your men.” In his turn, Brown nodded, as he responded, “Yes Sir, I would like to return as soon as possible.” The Colonel leafed through the report before looking up and saying “This is fairly in depth, it will take me a while to assimilate all the information. Give it two hours then come back and see me.” “Yes Sir.” said Brown, saluting and turned to leave, but stopped when the Colonel asked “Alan, sorry but I must ask because the Professor has been asking me, did you have any luck locating that “Stone Cold” fellow?” The Major responded whilst trying to keep the frustration out of his voice “It is in my report Sir, I believe we were very close, however the situation dictated a change of focus. I am sorry Sir, I will continue the search ASAP!” “Okay then, get some rest and I’ll see you back here in two hours for a working dinner.” said the Colonel.
Colonel Curtis had a sad smiled on his face as he watched the younger man leave, he knew that Alan Brown was a good man, and that he took his job very seriously. He also knew that like just about everyone else under his command it was highly probable that everyone Brown knew from his civilian life was dead. Mother, Father, siblings and friends would all be gone and yet Alan Brown had never broached the subject. The men would be able to talk to their comrades about their loss and would be able to console each other but being officers and in command of those very same men, the officers under the Colonels command would have no such outlet. The Colonel had also lost everyone dear to him, although he had no way to confirm it, Peter Curtis knew that h
is wife would be dead, or worse, that she would be infected. He did not want to think about that, the thought of her being infected was intolerable to him so he chose not to think about it at all, but it was always there, at the back of his mind. He felt her loss acutely, but he had even less options than Major Brown, there really was no one he could turn to for advice or solace. He felt himself starting to dwell on the loss of his wife and a feeling of total despair started to grip him, tears started to well in his eyes, so he quickly walked to the door and closed it. He could not afford to lose it now, or at any time, the very future the nation and possible the human race was his responsibility! The enormity of that duty was not lost of on him. To distract himself he picked up Alan Browns report, “Back to work!” he said out loud with his voice only cracking slightly.
Browns report was indeed in-depth it was in six parts: -
Part One Described Operation Stone Cold and ended with the conclusion that given time the man could be found.
Part Two was a comprehensive description of the proposed new base explained the reasoning behind its selection but was equally frank about its strengths and weaknesses.
Part Three was the plan for clearing the new site of Infected and securing it from future ingress.
Infected Page 20
