Fighting for War: The Collin War Chronicles Book Three

by W. C. Hoffman

  “You want to see my collection?” Charlie looked expectantly at Collin.

  “Very much so.”

  The agent looked pleased.

  On the second floor, they did the same thing as the first. Sweeping, cleaning up trash, and emptying smaller bins into their larger garbage can. The living quarters were relatively quick and easy. Thanks to the drones programing, they kept their personal areas neat and tidy. Items were rarely out of place or left askew. Collin banked this gem. He must keep his personal areas in the same manner so HAGS would keep believing he was one of their mindless puppets.

  “Are you going to show me this collection or what?” Collin was confused.

  Charlie nodded as a HAGS worker walked past them. When the hallway was clear again, Charlie stepped close. “Patience is a virtue, sir.”

  Collin waited for it.

  Charlie winked.

  There it was. Collin wondered if his new friend had simply spent too much time alone over the years. He’d been a deejay, but he’d also been a spook living a double life for at least as long as Collin had been in a coma. That had to do something to a person’s mental health. Either way, Charlie had clearly lost touch with what was awkward and what wasn’t.

  “How long have you been here?” he asked.

  Charlie chuckled. He pushed the broom while Collin held the dustpan. “Years. More than ten years, at least. Honestly, I’ve lost count. At some point, time kind of loses its relevance. I just focus on each day.”

  Two hours later, they finally finished cleaned the third floor that housed most of the security forces, a group who was much less tidy than the drone floors below them. Collin was nearly bursting with curiosity. He wanted to know what Charlie knew. He wanted to find Julie and Hunter and get the fuck out of Dodge.

  When they reached the fourth floor, Charlie looked at him with a devilish grin. A flood of relief washed over Collin. He was beginning to think Charlie might be a crazy guy leading him on. That theory wasn’t debunked yet, but he’d put it on the back burner for now.

  “We need some supplies,” Charlie said, rifling through the items on their cart.

  He must have been acting for the cameras because the fourth floor was mostly barren. In the center of the building was a large room, but they weren’t allowed inside so he had no idea what it held. A sky bridge connected the building with one of the others. Guards stood at the far end, and they were not permitted access which was fine by Collin. It looked like a hamster tunnel in the sky to him anyway. They weren’t allowed to proceed to the fifth floor or higher, either.

  “They have a different crew for the upper levels. They don’t mingle with us lowly folk,” Charlie had said in a bitter tone. “Secrets still come to me, though. I am very good at cultivating assets.”

  Collin recognized the term. He’d had his fair share of interactions with the spooks during his time in Marine Recon and as Secretary of Defense. His hands were positively quaking with excitement at the thought of what Charlie might have cultivated.

  “Lead the way. This is my first time here. I’m totally lost,” Collin said in the dull monotone voice trying to imitate the speech patterns of the other white suits. He pushed the cart, following Charlie’s lead.

  A green door with a small rectangular sign read “Supplies.” Charlie opened it and waved him inside. This was no mere supply closet; it was easily as big as a standard bedroom. Shelves lined each of the walls. Rows of bottles, stacks of rags, and packs of toilet paper were lined up neatly.

  “You’re very neat.” Collin pointed to the even rows that looked like a military formation.

  “I don’t have any hobbies.” Charlie grinned. “Okay, so, we need to wash out the mops, change the water, and get some more bleach.” He closed the door behind Collin.

  “Are we good?” Collin whispered.

  Charlie nodded and shrugged. He mouthed “maybe” and held a finger to his lips.

  Collin nodded and watched as Charlie took the mops and put them in the sink. He turned on the water and pointed at one of the shelves. Once again, he held a finger to his lips.

  Standing at the end of the shelving unit, Charlie lifted one end and pivoted it so it blocked the door. Then he knelt and moved a floor tile using a thin piece of plastic he took from the top shelf, almost like a credit card, to lift its edge. Nothing about the floor tile betrayed its secret. Collin was impressed.

  Charlie lowered himself into the hole. Cocking his head to the side, Collin watched as the man disappeared. He walked over to the edge and peered down. The agent smiled up at him and waved him in. In a whisper Collin heard Charlie, “Come on in the waters fine.” It was too dark for Collin to see the man’s face, but he would bet on the fact Charlie had followed that line with a wink. A creepy ass, weird wink.

  Cursing softly to himself, Collin followed. He wasn’t a fan of tight spaces. He didn’t suffer from claustrophobia, he just didn’t like being hemmed in.

  Once he was inside, he saw that they were in a service space. Pipes lined part of the short wall. Collin could only move around on his hands and knees. The wall was made of cinder blocks, and the air was humid and warm.

  Charlie popped his head through a ragged looking hole. “This way, sir.”

  Collin frowned at the sir. He tired of telling people not to say it, so he just let it slide.

  On the other side of the wall was a gap between the inner wall and what could only be the outer wall of the building. The wall was solid concrete and featured even more metal pipelines and PVC conduits routing water, sewage, and electrical wires throughout the building.

  “Holy shit,” Collin said in awe, taking it all in with wide eyes.

  A virtual armory was hidden in the space. Several large handmade machetes and knives hung on tiny hooks embedded in the concrete. More sections of pipe to use as clubs leaned in one corner, each with a comfortable grip made from duct tape and a wrist sling to boot. A small bucket next to the clubs held dozens of shivs, also with taped grips. Collin also spotted several large curved PVC pipes with cords attached at one end next to an equal number of tubes filled with what could only be arrows.

  “What are those?” he asked, pointing to them.

  “Improvised bows. Just string them, and they’re all set.” Charlie beamed like a proud father. “Do you remember YouTube from back in the day?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, some do-it-yourself survival types had tutorials and lucky for us, I have a knack for memorizing things like that.” He tapped the side of his head.

  “The good ol’ days back when those guys talking about the end of the world were the crazy ones. Well done, Charlie,” Collin said, impressed. “Well done.”

  “I was saving all of this until the right time to spring the trap against HAGS. Now that you’re here, it’s as good as it’s going to get.” Charlie grew deadly serious. “There are others that I have spared. Others that can help us tear down this temple of slavery. You just give the order, and we’ll put this plan into motion.”

  “I like the way you think. Truly, I’m impressed by your initiative.” Collin rubbed his chin going over a plethora of options in his mind. “Forgive my ignorance, but I’m not sure I know enough about the building and what we face to lead an effective rebellion.”

  “Right. You’ll want to see this,” Charlie said. He scooted through the narrow space to the left, climbed up a little, and reached behind a cluster of pipes. A plastic tube emerged from a hidden cubby; Charlie dropped to the floor and handed it over.

  Collin looked at it curiously.

  “Open it.” Charlie pointed at it, encouraging him.

  Tipping the tube to the side, Collin glimpsed a rolled up piece of paper. He pinched the corner of it and carefully pulled it out. He unfurled it and stared in awe.

  “Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Collin quickly glanced over the entire blueprint.

  Charlie chuckled. “It details every floor, even the upper levels.”

  “Tha
t’s amazing. How’d you get this?”

  “Like I said, I develop assets and pay attention to my job.” Charlie winked again.

  Collin was much less annoyed by it given the revelation of the weapons and detailed blueprint. He continued looking at it, tracing his finger over areas of interest.

  “I have another treat for you, sir.” Charlie reached for the paper and carefully replaced it in the tube and put it back. When he dropped back down, he crouched low and pulled out a smart phone that was attached to wires that disappeared into the wall.

  “What do you have there?” Collin squatted down beside him.

  “Thanks to my love of electronics, I was able to rig this to transmit a signal.”

  Collin put a hand on his shoulder. “To who?”

  Charlie looked surprised. “To anyone out there. Hell, maybe even a foreign government or something. I figure some elements of the US must still exist. I mean, you’re the acting President and you’re here. It’s a long shot, but you never know. Just in case, the SOS gives our location and gives a few pertinent details.”

  “What if HAGS or the Republic hear it?” Collin asked. He was blown away at what Charlie had been able to do. It almost seemed too good to be true.

  “No problem. It’s encrypted for one. For another, it’s transmitting to frequencies I know are not used by HAGS. Even if they did stumble across the signal and decode it, there is no way they could stop the transmission unless they find or build a jammer. I don’t believe they have the technology to be able to trace it back here within their own walls.”

  “How long have you been waiting?” Collin asked.

  “This is a relatively new addition to my subversive activities. I started it once I heard you were being transported here on the train.” Charlie thought for a moment. “So about four days or so.”

  “What are the chances someone will pick up on the signal?” A tidal wave of hope was filling Collin. He felt more happy and energetic than he had since meeting Brady for the first time. If only he could tell his son the good news. Hell, he wanted to tell Julie as soon as he saw her.

  “I’d say fifty-fifty that someone will hear it,” Charlie said in a cheery voice.

  Collin had been on missions in the Corps that felt worse than fifty-fifty. All things considered, those were damn good odds. “What’s the next step?”

  “Maximize our element of surprise,” Charlie said, grinning like a kid in a candy store. “For now, we have to get back to work before the bastards notice us missing. Wouldn’t want them to think were kissing in the closet.”

  Charlie winked, and Collin sighed. He could really use Koby right about now. Collin knew Charlie was right, but he didn’t want to leave. They weren’t ready yet. He had to bide his time. Patience. There was a chance now.

  Time to formulate a battle plan.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Almost as soon as Hannah and Frank entered the hospital, Dr. Ozman emerged from the back and waved them in with a smile.

  “You guys have some great cooks here, Doc,” Frank said, patting his belly. They had perused the food vendors while they waited to meet back up with the old man. Frank had ordered a pot pie while Hannah had eaten fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

  Hannah looked forward to the next step with the doctor. Would they secure support? After their discussion over lunch, it was clear Frank was skeptical. Hannah believed having tangible evidence of the vaccine with them was persuasive.

  “Same room,” Dr. Ozman said, leading them to room seven.

  Frank paused in the doorway. Hannah peeked around him and saw there was a man inside. He stood in a corner looking out the window, holding the blind open with one finger.

  Hannah pressed on the small of Frank’s back, encouraging him. When they entered the room, the stranger turned slowly and looked them over. Hannah watched him carefully as the man exhaled and then stroked his well-trimmed western-style moustache.

  Doctor Ozman introduced the man. “I’d like to introduce you to the leader of our town, Dillon McGregor.” He gestured to them. “This is Hannah and Frank, the two I spoke to earlier.”

  Dillon made eye contact with each of them. He took a step forward and said, “Welcome to Grizzly Creek. The doctor has briefed me on your proposal. You’ve offered a rather interesting promise."

  “Yes, Mr. McGregor –”

  Dillon held his end up and gave a small shake of his head. “No need for formalities. Please, just call me Dillon.”

  “Okay, Dillon,” Hannah said with a polite smile. Dillon was a handsome man, tall and ruggedly built, if a little old. The color of his moustache did not match the gray in his eyebrows, but overall he had an air of trustworthiness about him. “Our proposal is simple. As we explained to the good doctor, we’d like to form an alliance with the objective of freedom from the tyranny of HAGS and reliance on BT76.”

  “The doctor described this proposal.” Dillon nodded. “Of course, I’d need to know more specifics. Let’s start with what you’re offering.” He brought his hand from behind his back and held up the vial.

  “The serum works much like a vaccine.” Frank looked at the treatment. “It’s injected into the shoulder and begins to take effect right away. Of course it takes some time to permeate the system.”

  “Who developed it?”

  “Our doctors,” Hannah said. “I assume Dr. Ozman told you about our lead doctor, Julie Horner.”

  Dillon smiled.

  Frank took a half-step forward. “If you and your people decide to join us, and your people help us bring down HAGS, we will supply everyone with this vaccine. Then you will no longer have to live in fear of the fever or be reliant on BT76 to survive. We can get back to the business of rebuilding our once great nation and living our lives in peace.”

  “I imagine you know that fighting HAGS will be bloody.” Dillon handed the medicine to the doctor. “How do I know you have more of the vaccine you’re promising?”

  Hannah glanced at Frank as a slight tremor rippled through her. Even though Dillon didn’t know, it was true the vial was one of the last doses their people had. When Goshen was destroyed, they had lost everything and hadn't even been able to treat all of their people yet. Many of those who were treated died in the flood. Doctor Horner should be working on rebuilding their supplies by now. She’d shared the knowledge with others so that work on re-creating the vaccine could continue without her, just in case. There was no guarantee production would be up and running in time. A problem for another day. Hannah hoped none of her doubt was visible on her face.

  “I assure you we have more,” Frank lied smooth as a politician. “But even if the vaccine wasn't on the table at all, wouldn’t it be worth the well-being of your town to free yourselves from HAGS control? We could seize their manufacturing facilities and make the BT76 yourself.”

  “Why rock the boat at all? Why risk my people's lives based on the hope that we can understand how to make BT76?” Dillon held his hands out in question. “Such a rebellion seems like a risky venture, one that is predicated on you having told the truth about your capacity to create the vaccine and follow through on giving it to us without strings attached.”

  Frank's jaw tensed, yet he was able to keep an even tone. “HAGS is an evil and destructive force in our country. They destroyed our past, control our present, and leave little hope for our future. They have taken our women, many of whom haven't been seen for years. They have slaughtered hundreds of our people and destroyed whole cities, wiping them completely off the map. There is no peaceful future with HAGS. War is inevitable. There will be loss of life, whether you want there to be or not. This is a chance for you to take the initiative and take the fight to HAGS rather than bank your survival on the defense of your town.”

  Frank paused, taking a long, deep breath and walked over to the window. Using a finger, he pulled down on the blinds and stared outside between the slats. Frank motioned for Dillon to join him.

  “Okay, I’ll play along.” Dill
on turned and moseyed over to the examination room’s window.

  “What’s that building right there?” Frank asked.

  “Why, that’s Lincoln Elementary,” Dillon answered.

  Frank pointed to an American flag hanging on a pole near the front entrance. It swayed in the gentle breeze. “I see Old Glory still flies above this town.”

  Dillon nodded. “Damn straight.”

  “Well then, there two ways I see it, Mr. McGregor.” Frank turned to face Dillon. “We are on the precipice of the greatest fight our nation has ever faced. We can be proactive and build a better future, or we can sit around and let others decide our fate. The American Revolution had its Minute Men, the Civil War had the Union Army, and both World Wars had their brave heroes. Thousands of brave men and women fought for that proud piece of cloth flying over your elementary school. It is so much more than stars and stripes, and you know that. You wouldn’t fly it to this day, in the shadow of what America once was, if it wasn’t important to you, to all of us. HAGS has taken away everything that flag stands for. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That’s all I ask. Join us, cure your people, and help restore those principles that we hold so dear.”

  Frank’s conviction was palpable. Dillon had a glint in his eye and a determined look on his face. Hannah knew Frank had left an impression.

  “Not to mention freedom and democracy,” she added. The corner of Dillon’s mouth curled into a slight smile.

  “I trust the doctor has verified that our vaccine is what we claim it is.” Frank gestured to the doctor who nodded. “I personally guarantee we will follow through on our promises to you.”

  Dillon met Frank’s gaze with an even stare. He nodded and sat down on the edge of the counter. He gestured for them to sit. “Please.”

  They sat down. Dillon looked like he was about to say something, so they waited patiently for the man to speak.

  “Who leads your group?” he finally asked. “Where are you from? I don't know anything about you folks other than your name and that you love America.”

  “I come from Missoula where I have led my people against HAGS for a couple years now. We have lost many people, but so have they.” Frank gave a wry grin. “A while ago, we joined with Collin War and his people. All of us left have a common enemy. Collin is a trustworthy and honorable man. He will see that your people are taking care of and that everyone receives the vaccine. He’s made that the goal of his movement. And I know because this is what he's done, not just for his own people, but also for my people.”