Beckham brushed off his uniform, and took the dog tags back from Fitz. The cold metal went back into his pocket.
These are the last dog tags I’ll ever have to collect, he realized.
Ringgold and Beckham exchanged a glance. He saw her brush the American Flag lapel on her collar with a finger as she walked back to the crowd. It was the slightest of gestures, one that the normal onlooker wouldn’t have noticed. Despite Beckham’s limited vision, he homed right in on it. The President was the first politician he’d ever truly trusted, and once again she was about to prove why. She raised a hand to shield her face from the radiant sunlight and smiled at the crowd.
In a commanding, but kind, voice, Ringgold said, “I made two promises to you several weeks ago. The first was to take back our country. The battle for America isn’t over, and the fight for Europe, South America and Asia is just beginning, but we have already cleared many of our cities. The surviving juveniles are on the run, and it’s just a matter of time before we defeat them once and for all.”
Horn was the first to clap. The smack of his paws heralded a roar of applause. Bo pulled away from Donna’s neck and clapped with his tiny hands. Timothy hugged his father, grinning. Rico hollered like a madwoman, and next to her Fitz was clapping with tears in his eyes.
Ringgold’s smile widened. She waited a few moments before continuing.
“The second promise was to rebuild. The island you see in front of you is one of many outposts where survivors can live safely as our cities are reconstructed. These outposts will support a local economy and will be protected by well-trained military forces.”
Beckham turned with the rest of the crowd for a better look at Plum Island. There were already dozens of civilian and Naval vessels docked in the new harbor. Construction equipment growled to life on the shoreline, crews preparing for work. Row after row of makeshift shelters had been constructed. Plots of land had been cleared to make way for community gardens. The island had already transformed from the grim Medical Corps lab facility and military outpost Beckham remembered. To the east, the white-domed Medical Corps buildings had been torn down, replaced by the skeletal wood frames of new structures that would serve as governmental buildings.
But evidence of the nightmares that had occurred on the island was far from erased. Electric fences and guard towers had also been rebuilt. It was a poignant reminder that, despite the overwhelming victories across the country, there were still juveniles out there. The threat wasn’t over.
“As you can see, there’s a lot to celebrate,” Ringgold said. “But today we also mourn those who can’t be here with us.”
The crowd’s mood turned solemn. None had escaped the war without loss. Beckham’s heart broke for the kids who’d had to grow up too fast. Kids like Bo, Timothy, Tasha, and Jenny. Other children had lost their entire families. Beckham closed his eyes, wishing that he had been able to save just one more.
“Today I’m making a third promise to you. While our grief will never truly go away, I promise you will have the community and support to help you heal. Together we will make it through this.” Ringgold gestured at Beckham and Kate. “I’m already surrounded by new friends and people I now consider family. We’ve gathered here to honor the men and women who made this all possible through their sacrifice. But first, I’ve been told Master Sergeant Reed Beckham would like to say a few words.”
Clearing his throat, Beckham grabbed Kate’s hand and walked in front of the small crowd. Apollo trotted over and sat beside them.
Beckham took a moment to review his speech for the third time that morning. He’d never been big on words. His actions had always spoken louder. But his fighting days were over now; words were all he had left.
“Nine weeks ago, Staff Sergeant Parker Horn and I lead Team Ghost into the depths of Building 8. It was there the military had secretly authorized and designed a bioweapon that has since decimated the human race. Since then, we’ve lost almost everything. Our friends, our families, and at times, our hope. Standing here today is a testament to human resilience, but it’s also a testament to love. The love of a father for his daughters.” Beckham regarded Horn with a nod. Then he looked at Kate. “The love between a man and a woman.” Finally, he looked at Ringgold. “And the love of a leader for her country.”
A smile touched the President’s lips.
“Standing here today is also a testament to the brave men and women who made victory in America possible. Staff Sergeant Jay Chow, Corporal Bruce Anderson, Sergeant Lee Bryant, Staff Sergeant Pete Kehoe, and a handful of other men and women gave their lives to take back the George Washington. Without their sacrifice, the missiles Kramer fired would have made their targets. It was their valiant efforts that allowed Vice President Johnson’s staff to disarm the nukes at the last moment.”
Beckham took a moment to give the crowd time to remember the fallen. He gazed at the hundreds of white crosses protruding from the dirt and remembered every face buried there, including the one that wasn’t marked with a cross. Jinx and his best friend Chow were both gone. Beckham hadn’t seen Chow in his final moments, but he could imagine how Chow had died.
The same way he’d lived: furiously.
Flashbacks to every battle of the past two months rose in Beckham’s memory. Chow and Jinx’s Delta Force Team Titanium had been wiped out, and so had the Variant Hunters. He saw Jensen gunned down on the tarmac of Plum Island. He pictured Meg dying on the operating table. He watched half of Team Ghost slaughtered in Building 8, and he imagined Riley being strangled by the Bone Collector on Plum Island. There was a memory of Timbo transforming into a Variant before Jensen took him out. And then there was Garcia, surrounded by monsters, his finger on the button of the RDD.
Beckham blinked the thoughts away. His eyes flitted to Jensen’s .45, which he still carried on his hip. He could no longer fire it with his right hand, but he would learn to use his left.
He felt fingers lace through his own. Kate was looking at him with her brilliant, kind blue eyes. He hadn’t realized that a long moment of silence had passed.
Beckham squeezed her hand and looked back at the crowd. “It will never be easy to understand, but it’s important to remember that members of our military and government betrayed us by creating VX-99 and the Hemorrhage Virus. They betrayed us further with Operation Liberty, and then again during Operation Extinction. We must remember, so we never make the same mistakes again. For many of us, Plum Island will be our new home. It’s a reminder of everything we’ve lost, but it’s also a beacon of hope. Kate and I will raise our child there, and hopefully, so will many other families.”
Beckham paused again. He felt like he should say a prayer, but he’d never been good at that sort of thing. Out of respect for Garcia, he decided to give it a shot.
“I ask you all to join me in prayer for our lost brothers and sisters, and for the new world we’re creating together, here on Plum Island and at other outposts across the country.”
Another moment of silence passed as the crowd bowed their heads. Beckham thought he might just get used to the quiet. It was a nice change of pace from shrieking monsters and gunfire.
“Thank you, Master Sergeant,” Ringgold said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. Now it’s our turn to show you how much your country appreciates your service.”
Beckham saw that she was holding a pale blue ribbon with a star and wreath hanging from it. Without a second thought, Beckham stood at attention.
“Master Sergeant Reed Beckham,” Vice President Johnson began, “it is our privilege, as a nation, to have men such as yourself defending us.”
Ringgold took over, lifting the medal to slip it over his head, but in that instant Beckham took a step back, his heart thumping.
He stood there for a moment in shock. Somehow, he hadn’t realized that the Medal of Honor was meant for him.
“I know it’s a surprise, Master Sergeant, but you deserve this.”
Beckham could feel Kate’s
hand tighten around his. Had she known?
“Thank you, Madame President,” he said at last. He closed his eyes as he felt the ribbon settle around his neck.
“President Ringgold?” he said after the applause died down.
“Yes, Master Sergeant?”
“I—I'd respectfully request that the medal be awarded to Marine Sergeant Jose Garcia. His actions during his final moments exemplify the personal sacrifice and valor the medal was created to honor.”
Ringgold smiled. “How did I know you were going to say that?”
Johnson gave a serious nod. “We’ve thought of that, already, Master Sergeant. Sergeant Jose Garcia will receive the medal posthumously.”
“Thank you, sir,” Beckham said, still shaken, but comforted knowing that the people around him remembered those who had fallen.
Ringgold put a hand on Beckham’s shoulder. “You’re a good man,” she said. Her eyes flitted to Kate. “I don’t suppose you’re going to accept the Medal of Valor for citizens that go above and beyond in the face of danger, are you?”
It was Beckham's turn to give Kate a knowing look. Even though she shook her head at first, he knew she understood the burden of honor as well as he did. “Absolutely, not,” Kate started to say. Then, clearly holding her emotions in, she continued. “I mean, yes, Madame President. And thank you.”
“You two were meant for one another,” Ringgold chuckled. She lifted the second medal from Johnson’s hand and draped the ribbon over Kate's head. The assembled crowd applauded, and Beckham felt a surge of warmth as the woman by his side stood with quiet dignity. If there was one good thing to come out of this nightmare, it was that he’d met Dr. Kate Lovato.
Beckham leaned in to kiss Kate as the crowd cheered. He savored the moment, goosebumps prickling across his skin. When Kate took his left hand in hers and placed it over her stomach, he almost broke down in tears.
Ringgold smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “Hope, my friends. Courage and hope,” she said, just loud enough for them both to hear.
Beckham turned to gaze at the island where they would make a home for their little family. Knowing they had a safe place for their child to grow up made all of the pain more bearable. Nothing could take away the loss, but Ringgold was right. Hope would keep them all alive.
“Vice President Johnson!” The raised voice came from the ladder at the top of the command center. It carried over the wind, and the applause abruptly cut off as everyone turned to look at Captain Humphrey.
“We just got a transmission from England, sir!” he shouted.
Johnson nodded curtly. “Meet me on the deck.”
The crowd continued to celebrate their heroes and honor their fallen, but Ringgold and Johnson hurried away, recalled to their duty. Kate and Beckham followed, and in a few moments Davis, Fitz, Horn, and Rico had caught up with them.
Humphrey met them at the bottom of the ladder. The Marines and members of Team Ghost remained at a distance, but Beckham and Kate came up next to Johnson and Ringgold. Davis wheeled over at the same hurried pace that she walked. She nearly fell out of her chair when she stopped and stiffened her back at attention.
“Madame President, Mr. Vice President,” Humphrey panted, winded from his quick descent to the deck. “We just got word that England, France, Italy, and a dozen other countries are putting together a coalition. They're fighting to take back their cities from the juveniles.”
“About time,” said Davis. Then she seemed to remember that she was in the presence of her superiors and added, “That’s the news we’ve been waiting for, sir.”
Beckham looked at Kate. There was a flicker of hope in her blue eyes—hope that her parents were still out there.
“They’re asking for our help,” Humphrey said. “Ships, aircraft, and troops.”
Ringgold didn’t take a single moment to think.
“And the United States of America will answer their call. Start the preparations.”
Beckham turned to look at Fitz. He’d hoped the Marine would help him with rehab, but he could see Fitz was itching to get back out there. Some men didn’t know what to do with their lives in times of peace. Hell, Beckham wasn’t sure he’d be able to adapt either. But unlike Fitz, Beckham had to accept he was no longer the man he’d been. The toxins had ruined his body, and his war was over.
“Fitz,” Beckham whispered.
Fitz continued to eavesdrop on the discussion between Ringgold, Johnson, Humphrey, and Davis.
“Fitzpatrick,” Beckham said, louder this time.
The Marine caught his gaze, his eyebrows raised.
“There’s something I need to ask you, brother.”
The two injured warriors took a step closer to one another, blades creaking. Beckham glanced back at Kate. She was focused on the leaders’ conversation, her features pinched, desperate for news. Her hand slowly massaged her belly through her shirt.
Seeing her standing there made up his mind that he was doing the right thing. His family was his first priority now.
“Fitz. I’ve got a lot of respect for you, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done since I met you at Bragg.”
Cheeks flaring red, Fitz looked down at the deck. “Just doing my duty.”
“More than your duty, Fitz. You’ve gone above and beyond on every single mission. That’s why I’d like you to take over for me.”
Fitz glanced up sharply. “What do you mean?”
“How would you feel about being the new lead for Team Ghost?”
A grin slowly stretched across Fitz’s face. “You serious?”
Horn clapped Fitz on the back, and Rico reached up to give him a high five. Davis beamed at Fitz in a way that told Beckham there was something beyond friendship there.
Beckham smiled at that, and reached out to shake Fitz’s hand. “Absolutely. It sounds like Team Ghost is needed in Europe.”
Kate, Ringgold, Johnson, Humphrey, and Davis were the ones eavesdropping now. They all watched, smiles on their faces.
Beckham shook Fitz’s hand with his left, trying to make his grip as tight as possible. Fitz squeezed back, then leaned in to hug Beckham.
When they pulled apart, Beckham said, “You can pick your own team, but Big Horn and I are going to take a vacation for a while. We’ll be here when you need us.”
Fitz nodded, tears glinting in his eyes.
“I’m with you, Fitz,” Rico said. “If you want me.” She smiled broadly, but stopped when she saw Davis glaring at her. “If that’s okay with you, LT.”
Beckham chuckled, even though the movement hurt. Davis was marking her territory after all. The lieutenant gripped the handles on her wheelchair and said, “When I get out of this damn thing, I’ll be right there with you two.”
Beckham didn’t doubt that. Davis was a lot like Fitz. Nothing kept her down for long.
“Oh, one more thing,” Beckham said. He reached down to pet Apollo’s head. “You aren’t taking my dog this time.”
There were several laughs, and more than a few sniffles. Beckham finished petting Apollo and grabbed Kate’s hand. He whistled at the dog to follow, dipped his chin respectfully at Ringgold, then kissed Kate on the cheek.
“Ready, my love?” he whispered into her ear. “Let’s go home.”
End of Book 5
The Extinction Cycle is over for now, so what’s Nicholas up to next? Read on for an exclusive first look at his new book, Hell Divers (pre-order here) and for a special offer: A Free Delta Force Team Ghost Patch!
Dear Reader:
Thank you for reading The Extinction Cycle! This series has been such a pleasure to write. I’ve heard from fans all around the world that have loved the novels. I hope you’re one of them. If you are, I appreciate you sticking with me until the end. As a special thank you, I’m offering a free Delta Force Team Ghost Velcro patch to readers that leave Amazon reviews for all five books. Please email me at [email protected] after you post your reviews, and I will send you
a free patch! If you have already left reviews for the other four books and want a second patch, please leave a review for book five and email me.
Click here to review Extinction End.
So what comes next? Many readers have asked if I plan to continue the Extinction Cycle. The answer is maybe, but not in the near future. I wanted to end the book in a way that gave resolution to the story and our characters in the United States. Team Ghost and friends needed a break, and I’m going to give it to them. For now I’m moving onto Hell Divers, a new trilogy that will be released on July 19th, 2016 by Blackstone Publishing. This is my first book ever in hardcover, and I’m thrilled readers will have the option of picking it up in multiple formats. The Kindle edition is a bit more expensive than my previous books, but it’s also the longest and best book I’ve written to date. Like the Extinction Cycle, Hell Divers has a unique premise and almost non-stop action and suspense. I’m confident you will find it well worth the few extra bucks. Don’t believe me? Read the first chapter….
HELL DIVERS
By Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Copyright 2016, Blackstone Publishing
-1-
The average life expectancy for a Hell Diver was fifteen jumps. This was Xavier Rodriguez’s ninety-sixth, and he was about to do it with a hangover.
He waited outside the doors of the launch bay in silence, head bowed, palms on the cold steel. The armed guards standing across the hallway might have thought he was praying, but the truth was he felt like he was going to puke.
The night before a dive always led to poor decisions and debauchery on the Hive, the airship the divers called home. Normally Captain Maria Ash turned a blind eye to their behavior. After all, she was dropping them into the apocalypse to scavenge for parts on the poisoned surface of the old world. Rarely did all of the divers come back. For two hundred and fifty years, men and women had sacrificed their lives to keep the Hive in the sky. A bit of booze and sex the night before was practically a ritual.
Extinction End (Extinction Cycle Book 5) Page 39
