Extinction New Zealand Box Set | Books 1-3

by Smith, Adrian J.

  “You’re crazy, Jack. I like it!” exclaimed Ken. He spun and fired a burst of 5.56 mm rounds into the screaming beasts.

  Screaming out all her anger and frustration, Dee joined in.

  The Variants bundled into the gap. They scrambled over each other in their desperation to feed on the human flesh that was just out of reach. The Renegades cut them down in droves. As the bodies piled up in the gap, more scampered over the wall, joints popping as they moved.

  Dee’s magazine clicked empty. “Changing!” She reached into her vest and came up empty. “Shit, I’m out!”

  She went to pull her Glock from the holster, then remembered she had given it to Ken. Grinning, she unsheathed her katana and sliced the head off the nearest Variant with a satisfying thwack!

  “I’m dry!” called out Yalonda as she pulled free her hatchets and likewise hacked into the shoulder of a beast. Black blood spurted out, filling the air with its rotten stench.

  Dee ran another through and kicked the deceased monster off her blade. More Variants piled over the wall and tumbled down, only to be picked off by Jack and Ken.

  The wall of Variant bodies shook, then bulged out at the bottom as the carcasses of the fallen separated. Dee took several steps back as the Alpha threw aside the last body and screamed at the Renegades, gobbets of spittle flying out from its sucker mouth.

  Jack squeezed his trigger, shooting the monster in the head. Unsurprisingly, his bullets had no effect on the giant beast.

  “Aim for its eyes!” yelled Ken as he raised his rifle.

  The Alpha bounded over and slammed his club appendage into Ken and Jack, knocking them aside like they were sandflies. Dee cried out as her husband tumbled along the ground before crashing into the scrub.

  The beast jumped in front of Dee and Yalonda with an almighty leap, shaking the ground beneath their feet as it landed. It then raised its arms over its deformed head and bellowed.

  The two women reacted simultaneously. Dee dropped into a crouch and spun. Swinging from her hips, she put all her remaining strength into her strike. The katana cut deep, slicing into the Alpha’s diseased leg, cutting through to the bone. The Alpha howled and slammed her in the chest with such force that she heard a rib break as the wind whooshed from her lungs. She tried to sit up and call out for Yalonda.

  Yalonda ducked under a swinging arm and threw her hatchets at the snarling Alpha. One axe sailed harmlessly past its head, landing next to Jack’s prone body. The other scored a direct hit, sinking deep into the monster’s eye.

  Dee was struggling to clear her vision as reality fogged around her, time slowing down. She looked over at the unconscious forms of Jack and Ken. Then she felt someone yank her arm and drag her. She thought she heard the brrrroooorrrtttt of .50 cals, but she was having trouble picking out distinct sounds.

  Yells, screams and shrieks bounced around her head, but through it all she heard Yalonda shout into her ear, “Hold on, Dee, baby. The cavalry’s here.”

  As Yalonda cradled Dee’s ringing head in her arms, blurs of army fatigues and the black and white fur that was Max flashed past her.

  Dee looked up and blinked at the long grey beard and brown eyes of Ben, frowning down at her. Dee swore she was dreaming. After wanting to see Jack’s face before she died, Ben’s would be next.

  He grasped her arm and Dee smiled in her delirium. He was really here.

  “Hurry. Get them aboard. The guns won’t hold them off for long,” Ben shouted at Yalonda and someone else Dee couldn’t see.

  She grabbed Ben’s hand. “Boss and the girls?”

  “We got them, Dee.”

  Dee sighed, and felt strong hands lift her up and lay her down on a cold metal floor. Its cooling touch never felt so good. She let her head roll to one side as her mind spun. Jack looked so peaceful, lying a few metres away. She struggled to sit up but hands pushed her back down, and she felt the prick of an injection and cold liquid flood her veins. Max licked her face and whimpered in her ear as her world faded to black.

  — 28 —

  Spinning…

  Jack snapped open his eyes as the chopper’s interior spun around him. His shoulder burned from the throbbing pain where the Alpha had clobbered him. Thankfully his backpack had taken the brunt of the blow, saving him from something worse. He tried to rise up off the floor and focus on what was happening around him, but it made the spinning worse. He shook his head, desperate to clear his mind. Then his ears popped and sounds flooded in.

  Shouting…heavy gunfire…crackling…

  “Jack! Get up! We need you.”

  He turned his head and looked at the man shouting at him. His eyes focused. Ben was hanging onto the .50 cal. and firing at a black beast outside the helicopter. Incredibly, it was flying. It swooped and dived, dancing around the humans. The beast met Jack’s eyes and emitted a high-pitched wail. The sound rattled the tiny bones in his ears.

  “Jack!” Ben shouted, his voice strained. “Get on the other gun.”

  Max licked Jack’s face and nuzzled into him, whimpering. He accepted the dog’s assistance and rose to help Ben.

  Jack staggered to the other minigun and pulled back the bolt, loading it. His injured shoulder spasmed with the effort. Brushing aside the pain, he glanced around at the other occupants.

  Boss had the two girls wedged behind him, using his body as a shield for them as he fired his carbine at the winged monster. Both girls had their heads buried in their hands, blocking out the horror. Jack frantically searched for Dee. She was lying on a stretcher next to a barely conscious Ken, her chest rising and falling. The surviving prisoners were huddled together on the other bench. The sight of his wife renewed his determination.

  Yalonda caught his eye. “You going to fire that gun, nerd boy?” She grinned.

  Jack growled in response and pulled on the trigger, tracking the winged beast as it twirled and spiralled, always just out of reach. It shrieked again and shot a bluish liquid from its mouth, aiming at the cockpit.

  The pilot began screaming as the chopper listed dangerously to port. As it tilted, Jack fired a burst of .50 cal. rounds. They tore through the Variant’s wing. It tucked its wings into its body and plummeted out of sight.

  “Great shot, Jack,” Ben said. “Now help me with the pilot. Caro, keep watch for that beast.”

  With the creature gone for now, Jack looked into the cockpit. The pilot was slumped in his seat, and beyond him was a gaping hole in the windshield. The same strange stuff he’d seen in the tunnels, the acidic compound, coated the edges of the hole.

  The co-pilot managed to bring the chopper under control, but smoke and sparks shot out from the instrument panel.

  “What happened?”

  “He took a direct hit from the beast. It spews some kind of acidic liquid.”

  Jack reached the pilot and could tell he was dead. He gagged at the sight of the melted flesh falling off his face, exposing the tissue, muscles and bone. Part of the man’s lower jaw was exposed, and his tongue hung out of the hole. Just above the left eye, the acid had burned into his brain.

  Hell of a way to die.

  With nothing to do for the pilot, Jack returned to the hold and checked on his wife. Dee lay peacefully, breathing but unconscious. He pulled aside her shirt to see a dark purple bruise on the right side of her ribs. Jack was no medic, but he was sure some were broken. He kissed her, then sat down next to Boss and the girls.

  “You guys all right?”

  “We’re good. Is she okay, Jack?”

  “She’s alive, but I’m not sure how badly she’s injured.”

  “I froze, Jack.” Boss looked away from him and rubbed his hand on his leg. “I froze. I saw Hellboy and did nothing. I didn’t even fire my Glock.”

  Jack placed his hand on the teenager’s shoulder. “You protected the girls. That’s what we asked for, and you did it. Don’t beat yourself up. I’m proud of you, Boss.”

  “She saved me back in the beginning, and I froze.”


  “We’re alive, Boss. That’s what matters. Alive and here, together.”

  Boss looked away again and Jack left him to his thoughts. Searching out his pack, he dug through it and found his stash of Whittaker’s chocolate and his water. He handed some of the chocolate to the girls and Boss, who immediately perked up. Jack grinned. Chocolate always brought a smile to the face. It even helped after a dementor attack.

  Jack shook his head at his geeky brain.

  “Oi! You holding out on me?” Yalonda smirked. “You know my feelings about the sweet gold.”

  He chuckled. He liked the feisty brunette. Rising, he handed her a bar and glanced to the east.

  The peak of Te Aroha towered above the other mountains and hills that surrounded it, its communication antenna poking through the perpetual clouds. Jack frowned as he saw a black smudge glide into the clouds and land on the mast. Before he could say anything, a bang from the cockpit rattled around the hold and smoke started to pour from the instrument panel. Ben leapt up and grabbed the fire extinguisher, coating the flames in foam. The panel sparked and hissed.

  The co-pilot turned around in his seat. “I have to put her down. If we catch fire, we’re toast.”

  Jack met Ben’s eyes before focusing on his surroundings. They were just south of Mount Karangahake, and the town of Paeroa where this crazy mission had begun was just to the north.

  “Waitawheta Pa?”

  It was the logical choice to him, as it was only two kilometres away. Ben nodded and spoke into the co-pilot’s ear, pointing south west. Jack felt the chopper bank and turn. He looked at Dee and grimaced.

  Hang on, baby. We’ll get you fixed up.

  Jack tipped some water into his hand and let Max lap it up. It was gone in seconds. Realising the poor dog hadn’t eaten for over twenty-four hours, he squeezed some jellymeat from one of the pouches he carried into his billy. Max gobbled it down as the chopper flew on.

  The chopper tilted up as it rose over the cliffs that surrounded three sides of the Pa.

  He gasped at the sight below him.

  Boss and Yalonda followed his gaze. The teenager let out a low whistle. “What the hell is that?”

  Jack stood and grabbed the handle above the minigun.

  “Hold your fire, Jack. That’s not going to do much.”

  Waitawheta Pa was situated high up on a hill, the north, east and west sides protected by steep andesite cliffs. To the south, the land fell away gently towards the river of the same name, which cut its way through the valley. Jack couldn’t see the valley floor. Thousands of Variants were filing out of the thick vegetation that covered the mountains and marching on the Pa. He shook his head at the sight; he had never seen so many in one place.

  “Looks like we’re leaping out of the frying pan and into the fire.”

  “Boss. Radio this in. The chopper’s radio is out. Give them a SITREP,” Ben ordered. “Jack, Caro. I want the M2s unloaded. We’re going to need them. As soon as we land, take care of Dee and Ken. Then unload all the ammo. We stocked up before we left.” Ben look up at Jack. “Get Dee on her feet. We’re going to need every able body to fight.”

  The chopper sparked and sputtered as it descended, then thumped onto the ground. Hone strode over to meet them, his tattooed muscles rippling in the morning light. Jack caught Yalonda gawking and shook his head.

  “Good to see that you made it. Sorry we didn’t make it back, but as you can see, you white fellas chose a great time to visit.”

  Ben shook Hone’s hand and Jack reached out. Hone feinted a shake, then pulled him into a hug. “I’m glad you’re here though.”

  “Good to see you too, mate. I was wondering what happened to you and Tama after the winery.”

  Hone’s eyes darkened and Jack felt his heart thump against his chest. “Is Tama safe?”

  “He’s alive, but in a bad way. Only a few of my whanau made it back. The Rewera were everywhere. Someone has stirred up a wasp nest.” Hone glanced into the chopper at Dee and Ken. “Is my other wife okay?”

  Jack smiled. He knew Hone was kidding. “I hope so, Hone. She was given a small sedative to rest.”

  “Take them to the kaumatua and then meet me on the wall. We’ve made some improvements since you were here last.” Hone whacked Ben on the shoulder. “Thanks to your suggestions, old fella.”

  “I had a feeling this day would come. They were going to run out of food and come hunting eventually. But I never expected it to be on this scale,” Ben replied.

  Jack gritted his teeth. “Something is running the show, so to speak. Organising them.”

  Hone nodded and gestured to the wall. “We’ll fight the devils until our last breath.” He winked at Jack. “Maori and Pakeha fighting side by side, eh?”

  Jack grimaced. Like any New Zealander, he knew the troubled history between the two races. Despite the Treaty of Waitangi, land had been confiscated from the Maori by the hectare. Before the Variant apocalypse, the government had brokered several settlement claims, but many tribes still felt aggrieved and let down by successive governments.

  “My ancestors fought yours, Hone. I could think of no one better to fight alongside than you and the children of the mist.”

  “And I too, Jack. The Renegades are always welcome here. Take care of Dee, then come and join Ben and me up there.” He pointed at a fortified tower over the main gate.

  Jack lifted one end of Dee’s stretcher as Boss lifted the other. Aroha and Sophie ran over and took a side each. With Max leading the way, they shuffled over to the infirmary. Two Maori teenagers lifted Ken with ease, following the battered and exhausted group.

  — 29 —

  Colonel James Mahana paused in the doorway to his office and stared at the pile of reports that sat on his desk. Sighing, he lifted the steaming cup of coffee to his lips and took a sip, relishing the bitter taste of the caffeine. He didn’t mind it black and sugarless, though many of the enlisted did. Unfortunately for them, milk and sugar were fast becoming precious luxuries.

  Sitting down at his desk, James started scanning through the reports from his field commanders and staff sergeants. They were pushing forwards metre by metre, but at the cost of a lot of men and women. They were fighting hard and bravely, but the sheer number of Variants was often overwhelming, and it depleted their meagre resources. Especially ammo.

  He lifted a blue folder from the pile and skimmed over the page. A couple of nights ago they had lost three 6WDs and fifteen men to a civilian raiding party. A fact that disturbed him. James couldn’t figure out why people were collaborating with the beasts.

  Growing sick of reading casualty numbers, he finished his coffee and checked his watch. 10:55. He had five minutes before the next war council. He shut his eyes and concentrated on his breathing, using a technique he’d learned while practising Kung Fu. Three deep breaths in and one long one out. The technique always calmed his cluttered mind and helped him focus.

  Exiting his office, he spotted Badminton standing to one side. “Do you have those maps I asked for?”

  “Yes, sir,” answered Badminton, holding up the maps.

  “Good. And the intel from Sergeant Hollis?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  James gave him a curt nod and gestured to the head room.

  The officers stood as the Colonel and Badminton entered the room. Badminton saluted him along with the rest of the men. James held the salute and appraised his fellow soldiers. Counting himself, there were twelve officers. He held the eyes of the four women who proudly stood with the men. James wished he had more. They were a ragtag bunch, some wearing scrounged-together and ill-fitting uniforms. One or two were overweight. And some sported beards and long hair. But one thing they all had in common was the pride shining from their eyes. Pride, determination and love for New Zealand. It was exactly what James wanted. Determination to save this country from the horror of the Variants.

  “Morning, gentlemen and women. At ease.” He remained standing while his officers took the
ir seats. “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how desperate it’s becoming out there. We’re still in Phase One of Operation Utu and we’ve barely gained fifty kilometres. Thanks to NZ SAS Team Whatura, we have secured Papakura Base. We should be receiving shipments of ammunition and food via the river tomorrow.”

  James noted the appreciative nods from the COs. He nodded at Badminton, then waited for the Lieutenant Colonel to pin the map to the board at the end of the table.

  Using a laser pointer, James highlighted an area by the town of Morrinsville. “The night before last, one of our supply convoys was attacked by a group of civilians. Well-armed and ruthless. They killed all the men and stole two of the trucks, blowing up the third. I want those responsible found and dealt with!” He slammed his fist on the table.

  The COs returned his steely gaze.

  “Sergeant Hollis reported seeing a convoy of five heading through Hamilton and east towards the coast. His report detailed that the civilians have modified their vehicles with metal plates and spikes.”

  “I volunteer Team Heke, sir.” James glanced at Captain Arenson. A short but wily man, James liked him. Tough and strong-willed, but he had a strange obsession with K-pop and pancakes. Trained by the Israeli army, he was lethal in combat.

  Arenson nodded at him.

  “Very good, Arenson. Take one of the smaller boats and navigate upriver. Use the Waipa as far as Pirongia.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Intel only at this stage. Don’t engage.” He activated his pointer and highlighted the next area of the map. “We carry on as planned. We must take the land around Morrinsville and Hamilton. We need those two towns. Hamilton for the river and Morrinsville for the train. Let’s get it done. For humanity. For everyone. I don’t know about you lot but I’m tired of this war. So, let’s end it.”

  He stood, indicating the council was over.

  The gathered officers rose, saluted and filed out of the room. Badminton stood to one side and waited until they had left.