Trackers 4: The Damned (A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Series)

by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

  “Don’t worry, boy. We’ll be free again in a few days,” Raven said with a grin.

  Creek stopped to lift a leg on a fire hydrant. Allie gripped Raven’s other hand, gawking at the skyscrapers towering above them. It was fairly warm for December, but not warm enough to keep away the snow. Light flakes fluttered from the sky, and a snowplow idled at the next intersection. The driver smoked a cigarette while he waited to see if the snow would materialize into anything heavier.

  It was a long time since Raven had last been in New York City, and the metropolis had changed dramatically. Lower Manhattan looked relatively normal, but although the lights were on, it wasn’t the bustling zone of fancy boutiques, high-end restaurants, and twenty-dollar girly drink bars that he remembered from his last visit. Most of the shops were still closed, and plywood covered windows and doors.

  The sidewalks and intersections were no longer bustling. Instead, small knots of civilians rushed from one place to another. There weren’t people talking on cell phones or listening to music either. In their place Raven saw groups of Chinese and American soldiers patrolling, rifles cradled, but eyes flitting like hawks.

  The streets weren’t filled with bumper-to-bumper traffic or cabs honking at daring bicyclists trying to squeeze between traffic. The few vehicles that were running were stopped at roadblocks manned by NYPD officers.

  Security was tight, but while the city appeared safe, Raven knew there was danger outside‌—‌and possibly inside‌—‌the island of Manhattan.

  Smoke fingered away from fires on the horizon, and the military flight in had shown a city that looked like a war zone. Brooklyn had fallen into anarchy after the North Korean attack, and hundreds of buildings had been burned to the ground. He had heard rumors of mass graves.

  “What are they doing here?” Allie asked.

  Raven looked down to see her pointing at the Chinese soldiers. Sandra gave him a look that said You explain this one, Uncle Raven.

  “Those men are here to help us get things back to normal, Agaliga. They are here to help.”

  “Why don’t they have them in Estes Park then?” she asked.

  “Because we’re not a big enough town,” Sandra replied.

  The answers seemed to satisfy the girl’s curiosity, but she continued to examine the foreign soldiers in white uniforms walking along the sidewalk and in the streets. Raven did his best to ignore them. At first he hadn’t trusted the Chinese, but Lindsey had told him the word coming in over the airways was mostly positive. If they were here to finish what North Korea had started, they would have done so a long time ago.

  “This way,” Raven said, shepherding his family down Church Street. At the next intersection, FEMA workers were handing out meals from the back of a semi-trailer to a crowd of civilians. Raven recalled the food vendors that used to have carts on the corners, and wondered if the smell of hotdogs, pretzels, and ethnic cuisine would ever return to these streets.

  “I’m hungry,” Allie said.

  “We’re going to eat in a bit,” Sandra replied. “We’re almost there, see?”

  Allie followed her mother’s finger toward the One World Trade Center. The new location of the White House had seemed odd at first, but now Raven understood the significance. The tower represented the strength and resolve of the American people to rebuild and keep fighting.

  Creek pulled on the leash to paint another hydrant, but this time Raven scolded him. The dog did as ordered and fell into line next to Raven. Security increased as they approached the One World Trade Center, and Raven didn’t want his best friend mistaken for a stray.

  “Keep moving,” an NYPD officer said, gesturing toward Greenwich Street. Dozens of people in civilian clothing were streaming toward a gated entrance with military sentries just outside the 9/11 Memorial.

  It took them a while to get to the front of the line, where a stern-looking American soldier that reminded Raven of Jake Englewood asked for their badges. Raven handed over their credentials. The man looked at each one, checking Raven, Allie, and Sandra. Then he looked down at the dog and raised a brow.

  “He’s the guest of honor today,” Raven said with a grin. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip that had been non-negotiable‌—‌the military approval for Raven to bring Creek to the event.

  “He’s a service dog,” Sandra said.

  The soldier looked back to Raven and smiled. “I heard about you guys. Welcome to New York City.”

  “Thank you...” Raven looked at the man’s tag. “Sergeant Maddow.”

  “Sorry, but I have to ask,” Maddow replied, “are you carrying any weapons?”

  “Yes,” Raven said.

  Maddow jerked his chin toward another soldier next to him. “Cunningham will have to take them for now, but you can pick them up on your way out.”

  Raven hesitated. He didn’t like going anywhere unarmed, but he also didn’t have a choice. He reached into his suit and pulled the Glock out from the holster. Then he bent down and pulled a .45 revolver from his right boot. He handed the guns to Cunningham.

  “That it?” the soldier asked.

  Raven just looked at him.

  “You got a knife or anything?” Maddow asked.

  Raven shrugged and then bent down to pull out a knife from his left boot. He handed that over too.

  “We good?” Raven asked.

  Cunningham chuckled, and Maddow handed Raven a slip of paper with a number on it.

  “Don’t lose this,” he said.

  Raven took the slip and led his family through the open gates down Fulton Street toward the north memorial pools.

  “You’re famous, Uncle Raven,” Allie said.

  Raven shook his head. “No, I’m not. Creek is.”

  She chuckled and Raven directed them toward a group of people gathering in the open space between the pools and the front of the One World Trade Center building.

  Hundreds of people.

  From all walks of life.

  Raven had always felt out of place in crowds, and the thought of being recognized in front of so many people, especially while dressed in this silly suit, really made him nervous. Sandra reached over and squeezed his wrist.

  “You should be excited,” she said. “This is a huge honor, and we’re very proud of you.”

  “Yeah,” Allie said with a smile. “You’re a hero!”

  Raven took in a deep breath as they made their way through the crowd. No matter how hard he tried to sell it in his own mind, he couldn’t bring himself to believe he deserved any sort of recognition. He had stewed about even coming here after receiving the invite. But they were here now, and he needed to make the best of it.

  “Sam Spears,” came a booming voice.

  “That’s me,” Raven said, holding up a hand. A large African American man dressed in slacks, a navy pea coat covering a blue button-down shirt, and a black tie, walked toward Raven.

  “I’m Officer Albert Randall, the head of Secretary Montgomery’s security detail. Welcome to New York City. Thank you for coming.” He nodded politely at the others. “You must be Sandra and Allie Spears.”

  “I like your shoes, mister,” Allie said.

  Raven looked at Albert’s new Air Jordans and grinned.

  “Thank you,” Albert said.

  They followed the officer through the growing crowd to two rows of white chairs facing a ribbon stretched across the entrance to the One World Trade Center. Several Marines stood stiffly on both sides of a podium set up behind the ribbon. Raven swelled with pride at the sight of his brothers.

  “Please have a seat,” Albert said, gesturing toward the front row. The chairs were already filling with people dressed in fancy clothes. He hesitated for several seconds. Never in his life had he sat in a front row. He could tell by their expensive suits and fur coats that the other people sitting here were some of the most powerful people left in the country. Politicians, the one-percenters, and military officers with chests full of medals.

  So
me things don’t ever change.

  Several faces turned in his direction as he finally moved down the row to find a seat. Scrutinizing eyes swept over his ponytail and dark skin, his sister and niece in their simple dresses and coats, and finally on Creek.

  “Is there a problem?” he said to a middle-aged woman wearing a fur coat.

  “Not at all,” she said, focusing back on the podium.

  Creek growled at her.

  “Sorry, lady, my dog doesn’t like your coat,” Raven said.

  Sandra smiled politely at the woman as she pulled her collar closer together.

  “It’s okay, Sam,” Sandra whispered. She took a seat with Allie and patted for Raven to sit next to them. He did as ordered, and stroked Creek’s fur to calm himself. His heart was beating like an automatic rifle. It was worse than the pre-combat jitters. He was more nervous now than when he was squaring off with SOL soldiers.

  A crowd gathered behind the white chairs. Albert made his way to the front of the building, where he pulled out his radio and spoke into it. The glass doors of the front entrance finally opened, disgorging two more security guards and Colonel Raymond. It was Raymond who had convinced Raven to come here.

  Behind the colonel stood Secretary of Defense Charlize Montgomery. She looked stately in a white coat. Albert and another officer in plain clothes led her toward the podium, their eyes scanning the crowd.

  Raven continued to pat Creek’s head. The dog looked back with his one eye and then licked Raven’s hand. His loyal friend always knew how to calm him down.

  Secretary Montgomery stepped up to the podium. Ty wheeled his chair up next to her.

  “Good afternoon, everyone. For those of you that don’t know me, I’m Secretary of Defense Charlize Montgomery, and this is my son Ty,” she said.

  Ty raised a hand in a shy wave. The crowd quieted, and Creek’s ears perked to listen.

  “I’d like to welcome you to the One World Trade Center, and new home of the White House. President Diego wished he could be here with us all today, but he is working on important matters in California.” She smiled. “It’s my great pleasure to be here in his absence and recognize a few of our honored guests in the audience. When I finish, I’ll talk a little bit about the future of our country. After that, we will head inside and begin tours of the new White House that is now located on floors five through ten.”

  Raven looked up at the building towering above them. He had been a young Marine the day the Twin Towers came crashing down. So much had happened since then, but he was proud of the man he had become through the chaos, and for the first time he was excited to stand up in front of these people, to represent all those that had died so this day could happen.

  “Today, we’re here for the ribbon-cutting of the White House, but we’re also here for much more than that. We’re here to remember everyone we’ve lost over the past three months, and we’re here to celebrate our country.” Her words reflected what Raven was thinking. “This, this is what America represents. Resilience. Strength. Freedom.”

  She paused and smiled sadly at her son. “Many of our heroes aren’t here today. Today we bow our heads to remember them, and to thank them for their sacrifice.”

  Raven lowered his head with those around him, thinking of the heroes they’d lost: Captain Jake Englewood, Major Nathan Sardetti, and Chief Marcus Colton. But he wasn’t thinking about how they had died‌—‌he was thinking about how they had lived: Honorable, brave, and selfless.

  “Thank you,” said Secretary Montgomery, looking up at the crowd. Her eyes scanned the crowd, and then the rows of seated people, stopping on Raven. His heart thumped.

  “We’re also here to recognize several people that are still with us. These men and women have shown extreme acts of bravery in the face of pure evil since the North Korean attacks. To start, I’d like to call Officer Libby Hawks up to the podium.”

  Raven twisted in his chair to see a young woman dressed in an NYPD uniform. Her red hair, freckled features, and confident gait reminded him of Captain Lindsey Plymouth. He held back a smile as he remembered Lindsey’s final words before he got on the chopper. She’d not only agreed to that drink he had been hounding her about, but also a meal when he got back from his trip.

  “Thank you again, Officer Hawks, for your service to the citizens of New York City,” Secretary Montgomery said once she’d presented the woman with her medal. The crowd clapped while Hawks walked back to her a seat. Secretary Montgomery directed a smile at Raven and motioned for him to stand.

  “I’m also honored to have Marine Staff Sergeant Sam Spears from Estes Park, Colorado and his Akita, Creek, here with us today,” she said. “Come on up here, you two.”

  “That’s you, Uncle Raven,” Allie said with a huge grin.

  “Come on, boy,” Raven said. The dog stood and followed Raven down the row. Several people moved their legs to let him and Creek through.

  “Sorry...excuse us...sorry...thank you,” Raven said politely. He could feel the eyes on his back, but he ignored them. He wasn’t here to impress these people; he was here to remember his friends.

  “I appreciate you making the long journey here, Staff Sergeant,” said Secretary Montgomery. She shook his hand. “Thank you for everything you have done for our country. And thank you, too, Creek.”

  She bent down to pet Creek on his head. His tail whipped back and forth. Raven moved next to the podium as Secretary Montgomery stepped back up to the mic.

  “Staff Sergeant Sam Spears, better known by his friends as Raven, helped bring down the leader of the Sons of Liberty.” She looked over at him. “Actually, Raven helped bring down the entire organization. He and his wonder dog put their lives in harm’s way more times than I can count.”

  “Thank you for what you did at the Castle, sir,” Ty said. He held up a medal, and Raven bent down so the boy could put it around his neck.

  “My pleasure, buddy,” Raven said.

  Ty pulled a second medal off his lap and said, “Come here, boy.”

  Creek looked up to Raven, who gave his dog permission with a nod. Trotting over, Creek sat on his hind legs and let Ty put the medal around his neck.

  Colonel Raymond gave Raven a firm handshake. “Good job, Marine,” he said.

  Secretary Montgomery nodded firmly. “Good job, indeed. Would you like to say a few words?” she asked.

  Raven swallowed hard and looked toward the crowd. The woman wearing a fur coat was still glaring at him like he didn’t belong here.

  “Yes, I think I would, Secretary Montgomery,” he finally said, moving over to the mic. He adjusted it and then grabbed the side of the podium, focusing on his sister and Allie in the front row.

  “I am not a hero,” Raven said. “I have never been a hero. In fact, I have done some very bad things in my life. Some of them I did to protect my family, my town, and my country, and I would do it again. There are far better men that should be standing where I am today.”

  Raven paused and carefully pulled the medal from his head, careful not to get it snagged on his ponytail. He held it in his hand and said, “Today I’m dedicating this to those men, and to Ty Montgomery.”

  He looked over at the boy, who had a surprised look dawning on his face. Raven stepped away from the podium. Charlize took his place there and said, “You are a hero whether you want to be or not.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.” Raven grabbed Creek’s leash to lead him back to his seat. For the first two seconds, they walked in silence, everyone staring at the American Indian man and his dog. And then, to his surprise, the audience broke into applause and stood. Even the woman with the fur coat rose to her feet and clapped.

  Raven returned to his seat, heart pounding with pride.

  “Good job, brother,” Sandra said. She placed a hand on his thigh and he couldn’t help but smile. The grin lasted for the rest of the award ceremony. When Secretary Montgomery finished handing out medals, her words took on a more serious tone as she spoke about the state of
the country.

  “It will take a long time for our country to recover, but one thing is certain. People like the heroes we have recognized today will help us get there. We have already had great success in bringing the power back on in several states. Our supply lines and distribution efforts are running smoother than ever. Our Survival Centers are operating at full capacity, but with the help of our NATO allies and the Chinese, our citizens are staying alive in desperate times. However, there are still threats out there.” She paused to look again at Raven.

  “Domestic terrorists, gangs, and outlaws have taken advantage of suffering Americans, and while we have brought down Dan Fenix, there are more like him out there. On top of that, the North Korean threat persists. We have already taken out two terrorist cells in Chicago and Los Angeles.”

  The Secretary of Defense stopped again to let the words sink in. Raven appreciated her candor with the crowd. They needed to hear this.

  “I’m dedicated to preventing evil from planting roots and growing in our country. I will eliminate every Dan Fenix out there, with the help of men and women like Staff Sergeant Spears and Officer Hawks.” Secretary Montgomery looked over her shoulder to Albert, who walked forward with a pair of scissors.

  “What does she mean?” Sandra asked Raven.

  “I think she has something planned for me and Creek.”

  Secretary Montgomery gestured toward the crowd. “If our honored guests would please join me.”

  Raven led Creek back up to the ribbon, where everyone crowded behind Ty’s wheelchair. The boy held up the scissors and cut through the ribbon to the sound of applause.

  “Today marks a new beginning for our country,” Secretary Montgomery said. “Today, our government has a home again.”

  The clapping continued for several minutes. The glass doors to the One World Trade Center whisked open, and tour guides began instructing people to follow them into the building. While Sandra and Allie made their way toward Raven, the Secretary of Defense pulled him to the side.

  “So, Staff Sergeant, how would you and Creek feel about hunting some Nazis and North Koreans?” she asked.

  Creek looked up, his tail wagging.