“Sir! The young man says you’re a bald headed prick and he does not care what rank you are!” Howard erupted with one of his belly laughs. The Captain’s face turned red and he stood so quick his chair flew backwards.
“Escort these two off of the premises.” He said curtly, turned and walked off, disappearing into an office within the hangar. The corporal was now chuckling out loud as he escorted us outside.
“Holy shit, I haven’t seen him that pissed off in a while.” He slapped me on the shoulder. “I like you kid.” He said. The goodhearted slap sent a shockwave of pain through me, but I didn’t show it.
“Come on.” The First Sergeant said. “We need to get you two out of sight before he does something stupid, like order us to arrest you two. Follow me.” We followed the first sergeant out of a side door.
“Corporal, let’s escort our guests back to their vehicle.” The First Sergeant said. I looked around, scanning the area as we walked.
“What happened to you kid? You get in a fight or something?” Corporal Alexander asked.
“A douchebag who liked to call himself the Captain tried to kill me.” I said.
“Ah, that’s why you took an instant disliking to Captain Steen.” He said.
I shrugged. “I guess so. He sure is an arrogant prick though.”
Corporal Alexander shrugged as we walked. “Yeah, he is, but otherwise he’s not so bad. When it comes to running the unit and the civilians, he’s pretty competent.
When we reached the jeep, we introduced the soldiers to Rowdy.
“Howdy boys.” He said while shaking their hands. “Do you fellows like country music?”
Corporal Alexander peered closely at him and then his eyes widened in recognition. “I know you!” He said. “You’re Rowdy Yates! I’m from Alabama too! I got your CD man, it’s awesome.” He pumped Rowdy’s hand again. “My name’s Terry, Terry Alexander. Man oh man, I never thought in a million years I’d be meeting you!”
Rowdy grinned and the two of them started talking about music. I saw First Sergeant Santiago watching. He shook his head in mock disgust. I caught his attention and pointed to the group of soldiers and a couple of civilians. They looked familiar.
“What are they doing over there?” I asked.
“That is the in-processing station. All incoming personnel fill out a questionnaire. Most of it is standard data, name, gender, age, ethnic origin, what trade skills you have, the usual. Then, the questions go into more detail, as in surviving family members, who and how many in your family were infected, and then there are questions about your health.” First Sergeant Santiago said as he looked at the process with satisfaction.
“Then, all incoming personnel are given a briefing on the transition to Fort Campbell. They are advised what items they may bring and the weight limit.”
“Let me guess, weapons are not allowed.” I said. The First Sergeant jutted his chin out.
“There is no need for personal weapons. I have a company of highly trained soldiers who are more than capable of providing protection of all of the citizens. In the event we need additional armed personnel, we have more than enough firearms secured in our armories. We can arm the citizenry as needed.”
“Kind of sounds like Stalinist Russia.” I commented dryly.
“Alright gentlemen, why are you really here?” First Sergeant Santiago asked pleasantly. I looked at the two civilians who were meandering around the soldiers. I recognized them now. They were the ones who tried to ambush me. I turned to the First Sergeant.
“We got one of your messages from the Chinook and thought we’d come check you out.” I said.
“I’m getting the impression you two have no desire to be relocated.” He said. I scoffed.
“I don’t, but Howard here has a wife and two kids. He might be more receptive, but we’ve not even heard what you guys have to offer yet.”
First Sergeant Santiago resumed his parade rest posture. “We have cleared Fort Campbell of all infected individuals. Displaced families will be relocated to the on base housing. Single civilians are housed in the barracks” He paused a moment as Captain Steen made a reappearance. He saw us, and then walked over to the table of other soldiers. They stood immediately and saluted.
The First Sergeant continued. “I’m very pleased to say we have housing, health care, potable water, food, and our school is scheduled to be reopened any day now. In addition to the company sized unit of military, we currently have ninety civilians whom we have rounded up from as far away as Louisville, Kentucky.”
“And then what?” Howard asked. “Tell me what you guys are doing up there? What do you have the survivors doing?”
“We have work crews. Everyone works, everyone has a purpose. We are constantly striving to improve our living conditions and way of life. Do you have any kind of specialty?” Santiago asked.
“I do. I’m a mechanic. I can fix any kind of automobile you got, and my wife is one hell of a cook.” Howard said proudly.
First Sergeant Santiago nodded thoughtfully. “We have a sizeable motor pool and a severe shortage of skilled mechanics, and we can always use another chef. You’d fit in very nicely Mr. Allen.” He then turned his attention to me.
“What about you, Mr. Gunderson? Do you have any special skills?”
“None at all.” I replied with a slight shake of my head. “What would you do with a person who has no skills?” I asked sarcastically.
“There is no shortage of work involving manual labor.” He said without hesitation.
“Don’t let him fool you, First Sergeant.” Howard said while chuckling. “If it wasn’t for Zach, my family and I probably wouldn’t have survived.” Howard gently squeezed my shoulder. “He’s meant a great deal to us.”
First Sergeant Santiago looked me over closely in renewed interest. I watched over his shoulder as Captain Steen along with two soldiers, started walking toward us. I gestured with my head. First Sergeant Santiago turned around.
“I wonder what the hell he’s up to.” He asked himself. He waited until Captain Steen was close, came to attention, and saluted, as did Corporal Alexander. Captain Steen responded with a crisp salute.
“Carry on, First Sergeant.” He said.
“Sir, I was filling in the three gentlemen on our operation and relocation process.” Captain Steen nodded at the First Sergeant and peered over our shoulder.
“Who is the armed gentleman over there talking to the corporal?” He asked.
“He is our back up, along with another one of my friends about three hundred yards from here surreptitiously hidden.” His eyes widened slightly.
“Mister Gunderson, do you have a sniper deployed?” First Sergeant Santiago asked. I nodded. “That is totally unnecessary sir.” He replied tersely.
“I believe it is.” I said. “Let me tell you about the last encounter I had with you military types.” Rowdy stopped talking as I told the story of the group of National Guard soldiers, culminating in the fatal encounter with Corporal Hart and his crew. All of the soldiers listened with intent interest.
“This is a constant reminder, gentlemen.” I said as I pointed again to the scar on the side of my head.
Captain Steen pointed at my face. “It would appear you have recently been involved in another violent encounter.” He said.
“I have.” I briefly told them about the Captain. “I’m not a very trusting person these days, so you can see why I will never allow myself to be willingly disarmed. And, I certainly don’t like anyone with the title of captain.”
“That’s a lot of people you’ve killed Zach.” The First Sergeant said quietly. I gave him a slight nod. He didn’t know the half of it.
“Which reminds me, one of these civilians behind me said you murdered his wife. I am duty bound to take you into custody pending an inquiry.” Captain Steen said somberly.
“If you want a response, all I have to say is they attempted to ambush me one day on a lonely country road. They failed.”
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br /> “So, you murdered his wife.” He said.
“I believe the legal system, when it was still around, made a clear distinction between murder and justifiable homicide. I’ve never murdered anyone.” I responded. I hoped I was right, and not merely rationalizing. I continued.
“However, I understand your obligation to duty. May I edify you for the record, at this point all you have is an unsubstantiated allegation. You do not have any physical evidence, including a corpus delicti. Simply put, you have not met the burden of probable cause for taking me into custody. I submit to you, anyone who is serious about reconstructing society must adhere to the bastion of justice.” I studied him a moment before continuing.
“Of course, some people believe justice is nothing more than a commodity which is a more or less adulterated condition the State sells to the citizen as a reward for his allegiance, taxes, and personal service.”
Captain Steen looked at me long and hard. It was difficult to tell what he was thinking, but I believed he was digesting what I had just said.
“Noted for the record.” He finally said. “But we will have to conduct an investigation. Oh, and I believe it is the first time anyone has ever quoted Ambrose Bierce to me. Touché.” I arched an eyebrow. I didn’t think anyone read Bierce anymore.
“Nobody recognizes my quotes from Bierce. I am dutifully impressed.” I waved toward my friends. “Sometimes, I’ll say something which I believe is steeped in witticism and all I get are some very odd looks.”
“Me as well.” Captain Steen quipped. I chuckled before I could help myself.
“As for this allegation of murder, I assure you I will give you some amount of cooperation, about seventy-five percent worth. I doubt it’ll go any further than that.” I said cheerfully. Rowdy and Howard burst out in laughter. Even the soldiers joined in. Captain Steen furrowed his brow momentarily.
“I’d like to ask a few questions, if I may.” I said. Captain Steen made a gesture with a hand.
“Have you had any contact with any government entity, NORAD, anybody?” Captain Steen shook his head slowly.
“Not with any of those entities, but we have been in contact with some personnel. It would seem that several of the naval ships and submarines weathered the plague, but the Continuity of Government plan apparently did not materialize. We have also been in contact with personnel at other military installations, both in this country and in others. I cannot be more specific due to operational security. I hope you understand.”
“Do you have an estimate of a survival rate?” I asked.
“The numbers are incomplete, but the raw data suggests twenty percent.” Captain Steen replied. I nodded in understanding. Howard looked at me.
“What does that mean, Zach?” He asked. Numbers were not his strong suit.
“When the outbreak occurred, the population of the United States was roughly three hundred sixteen million. With a twenty percent survival rate, roughly sixty-three to sixty-four million people survived the initial pandemic. If one were to speculate about the ensuing aftermath, approximately fifty percent of those survivors will die due to starvation, violence, pestilence, and other health issues in the ensuing year. Also, with societal breakdown and the lack of proper neonatal health care, the growth rate will plummet to near zero. In all probability, there are about thirty-two million Americans left living, for now. The number will no doubt drop severely before it starts growing again.”
Captain Steen nodded. “So, you can see the need for what we are doing. Mister Gunderson, I’m getting the impression you are a knowledgeable person. You would be a welcome asset to our community.”
I was instantly irked by being called an asset. It reminded me of the other Captain. He said the same thing of me not so long ago. I shook my head slowly.
“No.” I said quietly.
“We have a lot to offer.” Captain Steen said.
“Before I respond, I don’t care for your title and calling you Mister Steen doesn’t feel right. Would you mind if I called you by your first name?” I said to him.
“It’s Jack. Jack Steen.” Captain Steen said.
“Alright Jack. The First Sergeant makes a good sales pitch, shelter, food, water. However, I never once heard him specifically say your group has doctors, dentists, pharmacists, or veterinarians. Let me ask you, I believe the hospital at Fort Campbell is called Blanchfield?” He nodded. “Is it operational and staffed?”
“Not at the present time. We have a clinic being run by one physician’s assistant and three nurses. You must understand Zach. This is a work in progress. It is a slow, painstaking process. The First Sergeant and I regularly put in sixteen hours a day, sometimes, more.” I looked over at the First Sergeant. He nodded in agreement at Captain Steen’s statement.
Captain Steen peered at me closer. “Your group can help in this endeavor. What was your major?” I stared at him blankly. “In college, what was your major?
“Jack, I was a sophomore in High School when the outbreak happened.” The three of them looked surprised. Howard chuckled.
“He’s the smartest, most resourceful seventeen-year-old you’ll ever meet.” Howard said and beamed at me. I stood there as the three soldiers looked at me with renewed interest.
I finally broke the silence. “Jack, would your group excuse us for a minute? I’d like to talk to my friends.” I said.
“Certainly.” He replied. The cadre of soldiers waited by my truck and the three of us walked down the road. I stopped when I believed we were out of earshot and told them what I wanted to do. They readily agreed. We walked back to them.
“Jack, First Sergeant, you are both cordially invited to our home for lunch. If you can requisition a vehicle around here, you can follow us and be back in time for lights out.”
“Can I go sir?” Corporal Jackson immediately asked. Captain Steen glowered at him. “Sir, you’ll need security.” He added belatedly.
“Are you sure you just don’t want to hang out with your new friend?” The First Sergeant asked. Corporal Alexander grinned bashfully.
Rowdy patted his new buddy on the shoulder. “Yeah, bring him along Captain. Howard’s wife is one hell of a cook and I might even sing a song or two.”
Chapter 39 – A Family Dinner
We radioed ahead, let the women know we were coming, and gave them an ETA.
“Howard, take a detour over to the truck stop. I’d like to see if anyone is there or if the Captain ever made any improvements to it.” He nodded and we were there ten minutes later. It remained unoccupied and unchanged. I explained to the soldiers what we had planned to do. Captain Steen looked around with his brow furrowed, much like it was earlier.
“Jack, I’ve a gut feeling there is something you’re not telling us.” I said.
He looked at First Sergeant Santiago before responding. “We’ve met him before. He solicited us for resources in order to create an outpost, or trading post. I assume this was going to be the location for it.”
“I don’t think you were aware of it, but he was planning on setting you guys up and killing you.” I said. He looked at me questioningly. “His niece told me. She’s living with us presently.”
“Ah yes, I remember her, a skinny little girl with a butch haircut. Do I understand correctly, you and the Captain were friends at one time?” Captain Steen asked.
“Yes, we were, but an incident involving his men ruined it all.” I told them of the incident with Barry and Eli, and the death of Macie. “Even though they were the instigators, the Captain blamed me. Oh, and he was abusing his niece, so she came to live with us. He blamed me for that as well. He was bent on vengeance for this misperceived injustice.”
Captain Steen nodded in seeming understanding. “Where is this Captain now?” He asked.
“Dead.” I responded.
“Did you kill him?” I didn’t answer. “I’d like to hear the story.” He said.
“Maybe I’ll tell you when I get to trusting you better. In the meantime,
let’s go eat.” I said. Our conversation was interrupted by Rowdy giving a short whistle.
“I see somebody.” He said, and pointed down the road. I got the Remington sniper rifle out of the jeep and looked at them with the scope.
“Zombies.” I said. I took aim and started to shoot them, but stopped and handed the rifle to Rowdy.
“You said you can shoot, Hoss. Well, let’s see what you’ve got.” I said with a smile. Rowdy grinned back, shouldered the rifle, and squeezed off a shot. He worked the action as the first zombie fell and shot the other one quickly. I took my fingers out of my ears and slapped Rowdy on the back.
“Good shooting, for an Alabama boy.” I said. He grinned again and scratched his beard. “Alright everyone, this area has not been completely cleared. The noise is going to attract more of them. Let’s get out of here.”
Lashonda had a large meal prepared, including steaks, and the house was fixed up to receive guests. The Parsons had a nice, family sized walnut table in the dining room. Even so, it was a tight fit seating all eleven of us. Lil’ H and Derry peppered the soldiers with questions about military life while we ate. They in turn profusely expressed their admiration of the cooking to Lashonda throughout the meal. Afterward, we all sat in the den. Much to their credit, none of them mentioned Andie’s bruised and swollen face. She looked like she’d been beaten with an ugly stick, but I probably didn’t look much better.
After dinner, Rowdy retrieved a bottle of twenty-one-year-old Balvenie Scotch and poured everyone a glass. Well, with the exception of Derry, Little Howard, and of course, Julie. I had never drunk Scotch before, but I found it very smooth and tasty.
“This is a very nice home.” Captain Steen commented.
“Thank you.” Howard said. “Zach found it for us. It was already furnished.”
“It had a layer of dust an inch thick and cobwebs everywhere, but other than that, it was ready to move into.” Lashonda said.
“The homeowners were my employers at one time. They were vacationing in Florida when the outbreak occurred.” I said.
Z14 (Zombie Rules) Page 25
