Afraid of the Dark

by Chris Hechtl

  “Yeah, that's a toughy,” Shane said shaking his head. As tests went it wasn't so bad. A couple of fire crackers, some snappers, and one shotgun shell to kill a couple of Creeplings. Better. Things were definitely improving.

  This was still new to everyone and they were still nailing down the procedures and getting the gear sorted out. Some of the veterans, like the military or police officers would do fine. Most had gear and the knowledge of how to use weapons and the skills to stay alive. Above all how to follow orders. Getting that through to the rookies was still an ongoing process.

  As was getting gear for them. He shook his head mentally. The teams were in competition with the construction crews for boots and work clothes. Most of his team was dressed in a mix of hunting gear or street clothes. Mirta had designer skinny jeans on of all things. He couldn't blame them; most people came to the mall with what they had on their backs. He'd have to have a chat with Jayne and Jen about logistics again. “Come on crew, we've got more work to do,” he said waving to the vehicles.

  “Oh a joyous day in the sun. Aliens, death, and explosives,” Jimmy quipped.

  “Hey it’s better than paperwork, taxes, stuck in traffic, waiting in line, waiting on hold, meeting a dentist, and shit like that,” Eddy said.

  “True,” Jimmy said slapping his hand into Eddy's so he could pull himself to his feet. He hopped on his good foot as he picked up his boot and stuck a finger through the holes. “Damn man, I just got these!” He was about to throw it but Eddy stopped him.

  “Hang on man, someone at base might fix them,” he said. Taking the boot he tossed it into the truck.

  “Seriously?” Jimmy asked, hopping around to the driver's side. He stuck his pitchfork on the roof rack with the other tools.

  “Yeah man, we've got to have a cobbler or leather worker in the mix somewhere.”

  “Better,” Mirta said. “We've only got so many shoes,” she said climbing into the truck. “They can always just swap the bad one for a good one. Mix and match if need be.”

  “Oh like that's bright,” Jimmy grumped.

  “We'll figure it out,” Shane said, tapping a note on his tablet. Horatio nodded to him and popped the truck into gear.

  ...*...*...*...*...

  “What's up doc?” Shane and Wayne say in unison then grin at each other as Jerry rolled his eyes. “That never get's old,” Wayne said smirking still.

  “Maybe not for you. For some of us on the receiving end though,” the doctor said with exasperation; shaking his head. Wayne chuckled softly. “This way,” he said pointing.

  He led them past a pair of nurses and a doctor going over treatment options. He nodded and kept walking. He turned a little to look at them. “Consultation. Now that the hospitals have fallen we're the only medical facility with trained medics in the area. Possibly the entire county,” he said.

  “Let's not turn into county hospital please doc,” Wayne said wincing. “That place could be a zoo sometimes,” he muttered glancing at Shane. He nodded.

  “No worries on that score,” Jerry said scowling a little.

  “Why?”

  “Because of the death toll. Less than half of the people who encounter an alien survive the experience. I'm still getting rough figures but it looks like only a quarter of the population survived the first night. Some survived but were injured. And of those that do, half of them expire before help arrives,” he said waving. “These four are some of the lucky ones,” he said.

  “Jed?” Wayne said recognizing a man sitting up. The man was waxy, a little greenish. He had a nose tube in. He coughed and waved his hands feebly.

  “What happened?” Wayne asked, going over to the man. “Damn, I thought you were dead!” He shook his head.

  “Friend of yours?”

  “Coworker. He was on desk duty when the shit hit the fan actually,” Wayne said in explanation.

  “I think I'd rather be there now,” the man said coughing again. When the coughing continued he leaned forward, covering his mouth with his fist. A nurse came in and helped him up and rubbed his back as he coughed. Finally it subsided and he relaxed. She checked him over and then patted his shoulder.

  “What happened?” Shane asked looking at Jerry.

  “Apparently they were out scavenging near the Perris border and ran into something nasty.”

  “Stink, horrible stink. It sprayed this cloud of noxious crap and we started heaving and upchucking.”

  “They aspirated on their own vomit and bile,” the doctor said. Wayne looked a little greenish himself, gulping a little. “We've sucked their lungs out but it was a close call. They all have severe lung damage.”

  “We were picked up by one of your crews and brought in,” Jed said lying back and closing his eyes. “Damnedest alien I've ever seen. It went and rooted through our barf and sucked it up. Six legged thing. It kept scratching the tips of its claws on the concrete. Weird. Just scritch, scritch, scritch with the middle legs. I thought most of them were four?”

  “Not all apparently,” Shane said pulling out a tablet from his bag and taking notes. “We're not sure why. The eggheads are as confused as you are so you're in good company,” he said smiling. “Anything else you can tell us about them?”

  “Trunks. Gas bags all over. Yellow, blues and purples. Weird colors that flashed. Dripped a green snot. Two trunks, you know like an elephant?” They nodded.

  “Parrot or rooster crest on the head, some wicked flaps below the ears. Hammerhead eyes. One set at the root, one set out on the ends. Butt ugly, man. The sight alone could make you want to barf. Mandibles and stuff. Greenish yellow puss sacks all over its back and butt. Just ugh. Mean and nasty thing. Just plain nasty,” he said. He started coughing again. When he was finished his eyelids fluttered.

  “Ah,” Jerry said. “I think you need to rest now,” he said. The nurse stroked Jed's brow and nodded.

  “I think you're right doc,” Jed said, unable to open his eyes. “We'll catch up later Wayne,” he said.

  “Yeah, we will man, hang in there,” Wayne said, gripping his hand and patting his arm. “Count on it. Beer is on me when we spring you,” he said.

  “Damn man, now you're talking my language,” Jed said slowly. They turned and walked out quietly.

  “He's actually the best of the lot,” Jerry said quietly, motioning them out of the area. “The others have been sedated after we sucked out their lungs. The acid did some major damage to the aveloi. I'm not sure about one, we may have to go in and remove a portion or the entire lung,” he said.

  Wayne and Shane winced in sympathy. Losing a body part was bad enough before the invasion. After, it was almost a death sentence.

  “Do what you can doc,” Wayne said nodding.

  “I will of course,” Jerry said nodding. “I wanted to talk to you about opening up the clinic more. Or reopening the clinic on Day Street.”

  “Not going to happen anytime soon doc. Its not a very defensible location,” Shane said slowly.

  “What about a day clinic there?” the doctor asked. “We could set up shop, do day clinic work for the area and then shut down an hour before dark and return to base.”

  “It is something,” Wayne said looking at Shane.

  “We can talk about it in council. I'm not sure how much of the building can be used doc, its been swept, but...”

  “Hernandez swept it a week ago actually,” Wayne said. “We cleaned out the last of your gear remember?” the doctor nodded. “He found a lot of nests and there was a lot of structural damage. Also all the lower windows were smashed out. He cleaned out a Creepling nest on the second floor but if Hoppers take up shop doc, the only way to get rid of them is to burn the place to the ground,” he said. He didn't mention C02. Unfortunately the production for fire extinguishers was still having issues.

  The doctor winced and then nodded. They all knew Hoppers were too small and numerous for them to use anything but fire or fire extinguishers against them. They swarmed in the thousands after a
ll.

  “Well, think about it. Maybe Bob can set something up, a wall or something near. Cover all the windows or make metal shutters.”

  “Or... or we can find you something better doc. A small apartment complex or commercial complex you can use as a day clinic. Something closer to the center of town maybe.”

  “That's an idea too,” Jerry said reluctantly.

  “I'm wondering if we can add one to the Sunnymead area. Do we have a clinic in Towngate or Lowes?”

  “No. Paramedic or nurse on call,” a nurse said as she passed them. “No room, they've got the carpentry shops there remember?” she said. They watched her go and turned to Jerry who shrugged.

  “Okay, that's something we can remedy. Not a doctor of course, but a small clinic for light duty. Full shifts, around the clock or something, we can figure it out,” he said. “That way they can treat minor injuries there and you can focus on more serious cases here.”

  Jerry nodded. “Can we make more house calls too?” Jerry asked.

  “A doctor willing to do house calls?” Wayne asked amused.

  “Well, I was starting to do it, until March fell,” Jerry said. “And I got swamped,” he said indicating the patients.

  “Yeah,” Shane said slowly. “We can figure it out. Volunteers of course doc. They can go with the trade team and provide medical services. We can't give up any materials unless its replaceable though doc, so don't think about depleting your stocks,” he warned, one finger upraised.

  Jerry scowled a little and then nodded reluctantly. He had to admit they couldn't just give their entire stores away without something to fall back on. What would happen to his current patients if he did?

  “Come up with a plan for the next council or the one after if you get swamped. Just let us know,” Shane said patting his arm.

  “I will. About that alien...”

  They turned back to him and Wayne glanced at Shane and then to the doc. “What about it?”

  “Is it known?”

  Wayne and Shane exchanged glances. “No,” Wayne said shaking his head. “At least I haven't heard of it. We've got those Strider things, but they have two legs and two trunks. This is a new one on me.”

  “Well, one of the patients called them skitters,” Jerry said. “Seemed appropriate since they make that sound when they walk apparently.”

  “Okay...” Shane said and shrugged as Wayne glanced his way. “Sounds better than makes you barf critters.”

  “Barfinators,” Wayne deadpanned. A passing nurse snorted.

  “Skitters works,” Shane said nodding. “Thanks doc, we'll pass it along,” he said. Apparently whoever named it had never seen the TV series Fallen Skies.

  “I've got a class. See you in a bit,” Wayne said with a wave.

  “I'll check in later,” Shane said with a nod. “I've got to check in with Bob and Walt and see if we are ready for the rains coming up.”

  ...*...*...*...*...

  He paused as he rounded a corner to see Wayne teaching a class about the aliens. The deputy was pacing in front of a trio of giant LED screens. Each must have been fifty inches across. He smirked. At least they were putting them to good use.

  Wayne hit the remote and they watched a Hellcat pop over a six foot fence like it wasn't there. Just a light leap, not even taxing it in the slightest. A second video was a bit grainy; it was filmed with a camera phone and downloaded from the web apparently. It showed a similar scene, but this time a Hellcat pack was chasing a Strider herd. The Striders daintily stepped over the fence and kept going at a good clip. The female Hellcats leapt the fence. There was so much sinewy grace in the casual move, like stretching themselves a little. It reinforced the knowledge that they were alien. One took a tumble on the other side but recovered and kept going. One of the males bringing up the rear just bulled through the fence like it wasn't there, tearing it to shreds with a toss of its meaty, scarred, tusked head.

  “So you can see, these things are agile, fast, and damn strong. Don't underestimate them. Don't think you're safe. You're not. Even a brick wall won't stop them. Keep on your toes. You go into a situation with one of these, bring plenty of fire power and be prepared to use it,” Wayne said pacing.

  Shane's phone vibrated and he grimaced. He turned, going around the corner away from the group to answer. “Boss we've got a situation coming up Sunnymead,” Gabe said, voice taught.

  “What sort of situation? Coming up Sunnymead? Herd?”

  “Of the human kind. A big mother convoy. An armored car is in the lead. There are about a dozen tractor trailers and a couple of SUVs and pickups loaded with people. All loaded for bear.”

  “Not our people then,” Shane said. He turned to Wayne and waved. Wayne didn't see the wave but someone else did and snapped her fingers. He paused annoyed but she pointed to Shane. He looked and Shane waved again, more urgently.

  “Gabe, go on alert. Yellow alert. Towngate goes to lock down. Do that now. Alert all teams. Recall now. Potential hostiles incoming,” he said as Wayne came over.

  Wayne caught the last part and grimaced. He turned to the class. “Lock and load people. We've got trouble,” he said simply. The class exploded as people grabbed their weapons and headed to the exits and their posts.

  They looked up to hear the klaxon going off. He grimaced. People were looking around uncertainly. Jayne looked up and shook her head. “This is not a drill!” Shane yelled, cupping his hands to his mouth. People froze around the area and the room fell silent. “Go to your emergency positions now people. Lock down. We've got hostiles incoming. Not a drill. MOVE!” He turned as Jayne stared and moved off at a full run with Wayne at his heels.

  “Gabe talk to me.”

  “Fredrick. I've got some assets on the move there now.”

  “Okay. Have Walt send over his armor; including Bertha 2 or whatever the hell he's calling that monstrosity. Get them to the Fredrick gate. How are the rest?”

  “Torres just got the call and she's on the way in now. She just left boss.”

  “Roger.”

  “We've... I can't tell what's in the trucks but I counted about um... about fifty people in the back of the pickups. They've even got a garbage truck with them. Its... yeah it's taking the lead.”

  “Not good. Ram,” Shane said.

  “You think?” Wayne said as they trotted around a family looking around in confusion. “Go to your posts people. Yellow alert!” he growled as they passed.

  “Uh...” the man said blinking. They ignored the response as they kept moving. They made it to the escalator across from Sears and took it fast.

  “Make a hole!” Wayne called as people started up it. They froze and then moved to one side as they passed. “Posts people! Yellow alert! Move!” Shane snarled as they passed.

  “What's that supposed to mean?” a woman asked as they passed. He shook his head as he kept going. They made it through Sears and out into the parking lot. Most of the motor pool was cleared; their people were out and about. Shane jogged to his truck as he watched Walt rumbling his Dozer up the path to the Towngate gate.

  They tore off fast, just squeezing past the dozer and up and around the bend and down to the Fredrick gate. Dozens of cars and armed people were milling about.

  “Report?” he said on the phone, pulling his shot gun out of the rack as he pulled off to the side. Others were following suit as they heard and felt the dozer coming up behind them.

  “Still on Sunnymead. They've slowed at Graham. I think one of them spotted the UAV and they aren't happy about it.”

  “Can you shoot me a video?” he asked.

  “No boss, no way.”

  “Shit,” he said moving through the group. Bill tore up on a motorcycle. He turned to see him park the Harley and get off. A girl was with him. He didn't have a shirt on and was looking more than a little pissed as he took his duffel from the girl and they jogged over.

  “Glad you could make it,” Shane said nodding. Adrienne came up on another bike and waved
. He pointed to the Northern corner. She nodded and took off at a trot.

  “Wouldn't miss it for the world. What's going on?” Bill asked.

  “It seems we've got some unwelcome visitors,” Wayne growled looking around.

  “Wayne get half our people to clear the path here. Put the dozer right here at the gate. Bill get dressed you're embarrassing yourself. Then get half your people to the other entrances.”

  “Roger,” the guard said nodding. He looked to the girl with him. The girl nodded and shot off like a jack rabbit. “I'll get with Bronsky. Leon around?” he asked.

  “Here!” Big Leon said, jumping so they could see him in the crowd. He pushed his way through to them. “What the hell do we do?” he asked.

  “Stick to our guns,” Shane growled. He held his phone up and put it on speaker. “Gabe, alert the other bases and all entrances to go to lock down. Keep the teams outside up to date and have them route around this. Tell them if they have to go up through Bay watch their asses.”

  “Roger,” the big guy said over the phone. “Anyone there got access to the video feed?” he asked.

  “Um...”

  “In the guard house,” Leon said pointing to a store near the gate. “We can check there,” he said. “I'll get the laptop and be back in a sec,” he said moving at a trot.

  “Squirt us the signal Gabe. Does anyone have any RPGs?” Shane asked looking around.

  “Here,” Kyle said, wheeling up in his wheelchair. He had six and a launcher in his lap and another back pack with three more attached to the back of his chair. Jolie was right behind him. She had two duffels, a rifle, and two launchers. Wayne took one of the duffels and a launcher. She smiled and set the others down and hefted her rifle. “So what's the problem?” she asked checking the chamber.

  “Uninvited guests. These are the human kind,” Wayne said checking the gear. Kyle's jaw flexed and his hands clenched.

  “All this for them?”

  “Check it,” Leon said coming over with a laptop. He turned it so they could all see then maneuvered so the screen wasn't glared out by the sun.