Into the Darkness (Book 1): Vigilante

by Deane, Cliff

  Tiny let out a primal scream and began begging Scott to stop.

  Scott grabbed Tiny by his right skull earring and jerked it off his ear. Tiny tried to grab his ear, but the cuffs held tight. Grabbing Tiny’s bloody ear, Scott pulled him onto his knees and walked behind him saying, “You worthless sack of shit. How does it feel to hurt like you hurt those little girls? Tell me, asshole, do you want to live through the night?”

  “Fuck you? I’m gonna’ rip your arms off your shoulders.”

  “Really? Man, I gotta’ tell ya’ that from where I stand that does not seem likely,” and just to prove his point he savagely kicked Tiny in the genitals. This kick contained so much force that it not only took him onto his back but caused him to vomit. He tried without success to break the shackles so he could hold his smashed genitalia.

  Scott, took hold of Tiny’s other ear and pulled him to his knees, said, “Tell me Tiny, do you like receiving pain as much as dishing it out? Now, tell me your name.”

  Through sobs, Tiny said, “I already told ya’, it’s Bones.”

  This time Scott’s boot again contacted Tiny’s kidney with a powerful kick sending Tiny smashing his face into the dirt, then saying, “No, that’s not right, now what is your new full name?”

  Tiny so wanted to bring his hands to his nose, kidney, and testicles, but three zip ties would not give.

  Through bloody lips, Tiny said, “Fuck you, I am so gonna’ love killin’ you.”

  “Damn Tiny, that was the wrong answer,” said Scott as he savagely kicked Tiny on the upper arm giving him two elbows.

  Again, Tiny screamed and through pain-filled sobs said, “Ok, ok, it’s Tiny Needle Dick. Enough already. You broke my arm you shit. You do know how to set it, right?”

  Scott knelt down in front of Tiny and said with a smile, “Set it, but Tiny you make such a fashion statement with two elbows on your right arm. Say, how about I do the left arm, and you’ll have an even number on each side?”

  Tiny began begging, “Oh, no, please. You win, no more, please.”

  Scott said, “There, now that wasn’t so hard, was it? Ya’ know, we have so much to talk about, but not here. So drag your raggedy fat ass to your feet and let’s get going.”

  “What? I can’t go anywhere with a broken nose and arm. You need to get a doctor to me,” pleaded Tiny.

  “Oh Tiny, you are such a big wussie. I’ll tell ya’ what. You get your lard ass up, or I will lift you up by that second elbow. Can you feel me, asshole?”

  Struggling mightily to arise; shackled and with a broken upper arm Tiny finally managed to get to his feet. Of course, Scott making a threatening move toward him did encourage him greatly.

  Tying a noose around Tiny’s neck, Scott began leading him back to Defiance. Every step caused Tiny to moan in pain until Scott turned to him and said, “Tiny, you are such a candy ass. Here’s the deal, if I hear one more moan from you I will take great pleasure in giving you something to whine about.

  I gotta’ tell ya,' Tiny I am a bit concerned about you having one good arm as it is, so given the slightest excuse, I’ll give you another elbow on your left forearm. They won’t match, but it will be a hoot to see.”

  Tiny, in desperation, managed to sob out, “Why, why are you doin’ this to me. I didn’t do nuthin’ to you.”

  “Tiny, I saw those three children you murdered after brutally beating and raping them. I guess you could say that you just pissed me off, and I thought you might like to understand how they felt. If you don’t cooperate, I’m gonna’ make what you’ve felt so far seem like a walk in the park.”

  “What, no, that wasn’t me. It was them, I…I wasn’t even there when it happened. You gotta’ believe me. I swear to God.”

  “Whoa, hoss, would you like for me to really hurt you?”

  “Oh no, please no.”

  “Then no more lies. Lies equal pain; lots of pain, can you feel me?”

  Tiny was too afraid to respond.

  As they trod along Scott asked Tiny about the White Supermen, “Tiny, how exactly did a crybaby like you make it into the White Supermen? You’re not an example of their courage are you?”

  Tiny was beginning to slip into shock, and he began to become a bit numb to the pain.

  “Oh, never mind; tell me Tiny, is anything left of Roper?”

  “Well, yeah, the buildings are still standing, and a few good lookin’ bitches are alive, maybe a little worse for the wear, but alive for now.”

  “Have some fun with those gals, did ya’ Tiny?”

  “Of course I did, we all did. I mean it’s what they for ain’t it?”

  At that point, SSgt Eldridge saw two pickups coming toward them. He quickly recognized the Militia Reaction Force.

  *

  April 23rd, 2300

  Colonel Levins’ Office

  Defiance

  SSgt Eldridge removed his hat and reported to Colonel Levins. He approached the desk and stopped 18” from the edge, came to attention and saluted, saying, “Sir Staff Sergeant Eldridge reporting as directed.”

  Colonel Levins returned his salute and directed him to a seat. Scott said hello to his First Sergeant then shook hands and said hello to Mayor Bassett.

  Levi had requested coffee be brought in and after the Company Runner had poured a cup for everyone he left the remaining coffee on his Colonel’s desk and left the room.

  Before Levi could even begin, Ralph said, “Levi, how did you do it? I mean, in only three months you have formed a militia that would stack up against anyone. How did you do it?”

  First Sergeant Cobb asked if he could offer his two cents worth on that subject. Colonel Levins smiled and said, “Please Top, I’d kind of like to know your take on that myself.”

  “Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor, remember the day when we were in that auto museum place?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Well sir, that’s where it started, Colonel Levins immediately took charge and gave us the opportunity to show what we knew from our active service days, which were only a couple of years ago for most of us.

  He didn’t pussyfoot around. He told us what he wanted and then let us do it. Shoot, each and every one of us just fell back on our training, and there was just something about the feeling that Colonel Levins knew what he was about and expected us to know also.

  He has also never once made any member of A Troop feel unimportant down to the lowest recruit.

  I’m telling you, sir, Colonel Levins knows and expects us to know how to train the new recruits until they know what to do. I mean, hell sir, we all go through PT every morning, and who is right there with us? The Old Man.

  When we call Colonel Levins the Old Man, it is a term of endearment and deepest respect because that is what he gives to us.

  There’s not a man among us who wouldn’t low crawl through two acres of broken glass and barbed wire just to ask if the Colonel has any further orders.”

  Levi interrupted, “Whoa, Top, you’ll make my head swell. Now Ralph, let me add to that. You gave me the reins, and I used the 13th rule of leadership; when in charge, take charge.

  So the ultimate question is why these men are willing to live under the rather rigorous rules of an old black boot army? Well, I have the answer, and it is really simple…purpose. Before the lights went out, they all just had jobs, but none of them ever forgot the sense of comradeship that military service gave them.

  There is also the simple fact that every man jack of them is a Sheepdog.”

  “A what?” asked Ralph. “Not very nice to call them dogs, is it?”

  “No, not at all, you see there are three kinds of people; Sheepdogs, Sheeple, and Wolves. Now don’t be offended because I’m calling those people who just want to live their lives Sheeple. We mean no disrespect and it is just a term to describe those we want to protect.

  The Sheeple are, by definition, those who only want to earn a living, raise a family and be, for the most part just left alone, and that’s exactly w
hat we want for them.

  It must be something in the deepest recesses of our DNA because we Sheepdogs are compelled to run to the sound of gunfire to protect our flock. Without Sheeple to protect we would have no purpose. So, as Sheepdogs, we only want to protect our flock from the wolves. Ultimately it comes down to being a part of something that is bigger than we are as individuals…purpose, the pride of membership in a very select fraternity and I guess lastly would be the fact that each member of Troop A will always run to the sound of that gunfire. They can’t tell you why, hell I don’t know either.

  Now me, I’m just a rallying point, the Old Man. By this October Scott will be ready to take over, and the men will show him the same respect because he has been where they are.

  Yes, I am danged proud of them, but I’m just the Old Man. Show them respect Ralph, and they will find the way to save Defiance whatever comes, well, short of fighting a Tank Battalion.”

  Ben looked to Ralph and whispered, “Don’t you believe that he is just a rallying point crap. He took a bunch of prior service civilians and believed in us. Yeah, he’s the Old Man, and the very heart of Troop A. We respect him and follow him because he respects and believes in us.”

  Ralph looked at Levi and said, “Okay, I think I get it now, and Levi, I thank God that we found each other.”

  Levi brought them back to the agenda by asking, “Okay, now let’s talk about Tiny. Sergeant Eldridge, what have you learned?”

  “Sir, it ain’t good. Roughly, seventy-five members of a skinhead gang called The White Supermen are holding Roper. They have murdered everyone but a few girls they use as sex slaves, and some of the older women to cook and clean.

  These assholes are called the White Supermen. What they are is a bunch of Neo-Nazis out to cleanse America of any person of color and turn the rest of us into slaves.

  They are tough and mean, and love to fight, but they have no inkling of security or tactics. They just ride into town shoot all the men, repeatedly rape the young girls and make the older women keep food on the table.

  Oh, there is one other thing we noticed. The motorcycles they are riding are new. Now they do have kick-starters attached, but other than that they are brand new. The ones we brought in are Star Cruisers made by Yamaha.

  My guess, sir, is that they have one hell of a good mechanic with them. If we are lucky, he will be a captive, and we might be able to put him to work for us in some mechanical capacity working for Adan Ramos.”

  First Sergeant Cobb asked, “Is all of the gang in Roper?”

  “No, Top, the whole gang has around five hundred members and growing.”

  Cobb looked at his Colonel and said, “Sir, we have to whittle them down a bit. If we can take out seventy-five then I believe we should do it, anyway, sir, that’s my recommendation.”

  The Mayor chimed in, seventy-five, why we barely have seventy-five in A Troop and another forty in B Troop. Is that enough? Levi, do you really think we can take them out and be ready to stop over four hundred more?”

  Levi smiled and said, “Ralph, they are drunks and dopers. We are a well-trained and highly motivated military unit. Oh hell yes we can do it.

  Sergeant Eldridge, did Tiny admit to being a part of murder or rape?”

  “Yes, sir he did. He even told me that his preference is twelve to fourteen-year-old girls.”

  Colonel Levins looked to the assemblage and asked for everyone except the Mayor to step outside for a few minutes.

  When only Levi and Ralph remained, Levi said, “Mr. Mayor, as this Tiny fellow was captured in a lawful military operation he is subject to a military tribunal. I hope you do not feel the need to try him yourself.”

  “Hang him high, Levi, you are right, he’s a murdering bastard guilty by his own admission of high crimes against humanity. I have no desire to soil a civilian court with him.”

  “Thank you Mr. Mayor; I will have him brought before me this night. I will read the charges and find him guilty. We will hang him in the center of Roper after his pals are dead.”

  “Fair enough, but why the Mr. Mayor stuff Levi?”

  “Official business calls for proper protocol…Ralph.”

  Both turned and smiled at the Defiance Historian.

  *

  April 23rd, 2000

  Roadblock outside of Roper, NC

  Three motorcycles came roaring up to the roadblock. As they dismounted their bikes, one shouted, “Wake up you lazy bums,” They laughed as they walked to the chairs where two of the guards sat in the chairs with their throats laid open to the bone.

  “What the fuck? Demon, get over here, they’re dead!”

  *

  April 23rd, 0200

  Colonel Levins Office

  Defiance

  The prisoner known as Tiny was brought before Colonel Levins for a Military Tribunal. He was accused of rape and murder of the resident’s of Roper, North Carolina.

  Levi said, “State your full name for the court.”

  Tiny’s arm was in a wooden splint. His broken nose had caused his eyes to blacken. He started to respond when Staff Sergeant Eldridge coughed. Tiny looked at him and cringed. He said, “Tiny Needle Dick.”

  Levi tried, but could not fully stifle a smile and said, “Are you sure that is the name you want to be recorded in the record of this Tribunal?”

  SSgt E again coughed, and Tiny said, “Yes.”

  “You have been arraigned to this Tribunal on the charges of rape and murder. How do you plea?”

  Gathering just a bit of bluster, Tiny said, “Yeah, I done that, so what? And where’s my lawyer? I got rights.”

  Levi’s eyes turned steel gray as he said, “Yes, Mr. Dick you do. You have met your Defense Counsel, Staff Sergeant Eldridge.

  Sergeant do you have a defense to present to this court?”

  “Sir, if he hadn’t already admitted his crimes to you I might have said something, probably, well maybe…no, I guess not.”

  Tiny looked at Levi and said, “Hey, what is this? This ain’t no trial.”

  Levi looked Tiny right in the eye and said, “Actually it is, and I find you guilty. The punishment is that you shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead, sentence to be carried out three days hence at the time and place of my choosing.

  First Sergeant, see that he is shackled and secured in one of the empty Root Cellars. Since he is so fat, he shall be placed on a bread and water diet until the sentence is carried out.”

  First Sergeant Cobb said, “Yes sir, right away sir.

  Get up Mr. Dick, let’s go to your new quarters. As they got just outside everyone in attendance heard the Top Sergeant say, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your full name is spelled right on the sign around your neck, let’s see, that was Tiny Needle Dick, two ees in Needle, right?”

  Tiny’s reply was lost to the night.

  ***

  Chapter 26

  The Cavalry Report on the Double R

  April 25th, 1000

  Colonel Levins Office

  Defiance

  A Troop B scout came riding fast to the gate of Defiance. He said, “I’ve got an important message for Colonel Levins from Lt. Pickett.” He was quickly passed through the gate and rode to the hitching post in front of the new Orderly Room.

  Dismounting, he ran into the Orderly Room and told Corporal Jones that he had an important message for Colonel Levins.

  Levi heard the commotion of the horse charging up to the Orderly Room and upon entering the main office area said, “Jonesy, get Major Smith, SSgt Eldridge, Top and the Mayor in here…skosh.”

  “Yes sir, on the way.”

  Seeing the three upside down yellow stripes sewn to the rider’s shirt Levi asked, “Your name, Sergeant?”

  “Sergeant Bruno Tolan, sir.”

  “Well Sergeant, it’s good to meet you. Please feel free to grab a cup of coffee if you like while we wait for our 1st Sgt. and the Mayor. Then come on back to my office.”

  “Thank you, sir; I would
like some coffee.”

  The 1st Sgt. and the Mayor came rushing in, followed by his XO and SSgt Eldridge, just as Levi was escorting the Cavalry Trooper to his office.”

  After everyone was seated Levi asked, “All right Sergeant, what word do you have for us from Lt. Pickett?”

  “Yes sir, the LT told me to give you this message.” Tolan reached into his dispatch case, produced a letter, and handed it to the 1st Sgt. who passed it on to Levi.

  Levi read the letter aloud;

  “Colonel Levins,

  For the last five days, one of our four man scouting patrols has been surveilling a large group of people making their way directly toward Roper. They call themselves the Army of the Double R.

  They are currently bivouacked in Robersonville which is forty miles from Roper, and thirty-two miles from Defiance.

  Upon notification of this development, I immediately reinforced the patrol with an additional eight men, plus myself.

  We have discovered that they started out as an inner-city Latino gang from Raleigh. They have added others to their gang who are predominantly Black.

  They are armed but have few military-style long guns.

  Their numbers are well over two hundred but roughly half of them appear to be slaves.

  On a more tragic note, we have observed that the gang murders several people each day, slaughters them and feeds them to the slaves.

  We were able to capture and interrogate one of the scouts to obtain this information. Our captive had an RR brand on his forehead. He did not come to a good end.

  Beginning three days ago, in an effort to slow their progress we have begun sniping at the gang members, and executing any of the RR scouts we track down.

  We have also been warning those in the path of these animals so they may avoid being captured, or killed.