by Payne, T. L.
“So soon?” Isabella asked. She glanced at Will.
“There might be an important mission coming up soon. It’s classified so I can’t go into it now, but I’ve asked Colonel Sharp to assign you both to one of the teams.”
Will wasn’t used to Sharp’s new title. He imagined that in ordinary times, being promoted would be an honor, but these days, it came with being in charge of very high-risk missions. He respected the man and was happy to have him as his commander, but he was still nervous about being sent out on their first real mission.
They had done patrols and escorted refugees from central Arkansas back to Texarkana. They’d encountered the same types of bandits and thugs they’d run into on their way to Texarkana prior to joining the military. But on this mission, they’d be up against Dempsey’s army. Dempsey’s people were well trained and equipped, unlike the new recruits of the 1st Cavalry Horse Detachment Unit. Most of the new recruits still had trouble even mounting their horses, let alone hitting a target while on horseback. At least he and Isabella knew how to ride. Stephens made it sound like they’d be sent out before their training ended. If that was the case, they could expect to see a great number of casualties. Will’s gaze turned to Isabella. Although he was grateful that they were training together, he wished she had been assigned to a support unit where she’d be safer.
“We’ll be ready to head out, but do you think the unit is ready for something this important. I mean…”
Stephens shrugged. “It will have to be.”
Time seemed to not be on their side. Everything was ruled by time these days. The Rule of Three seemed to control their lives. You could survive three minutes without air, three hours in a harsh environment, three days without drinkable water, and three weeks without food. Their mission lately had been to survive and help others survive.
Stephens’ missions were all time-sensitive. The enemy moved around a lot and anticipating their movements was critical. For that, the military leaders needed information. Stephens and Smith worked separately from the military intelligence officers. Will wasn’t sure how they obtained their information. It was classified and above his pay grade.
Will and Isabella stood outside Savanah and Jason’s tent. Will took Isabella’s hand and knocked. He could hear Kylie’s voice through the thin walls of the soft-sided shelter. “Mommy, someone’s at the door.”
The door opened and out popped his smiling six-year-old niece. She flung herself into his arms and wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. He felt a bump and then more tiny hands on his leg. He looked down to find Keegan attached to his left leg.
“Uncle Will,” he squealed. “Mommy said we couldn’t come visit you. I wanted to show you the toy horse that Jason got me,” Keegan said.
“Well, hey, Will. We didn’t expect to see you anytime soon,” Savanah said, exiting the shelter.
Will forced a smile. Normally, he’d be happy to see his sister and her kids, but bringing bad news was never enjoyable.
“We need to talk,” he said, peeling Kylie from his neck and placing her on the ground.
Savanah’s mouth formed an “O” and she grabbed Keegan by the arm.
“Keegan, you and Kylie go back inside and color for a bit. Mommy has to talk to Uncle Will and Aunt Isabella.”
Kylie stomped her foot.
“But I want Uncle Will to take me to the park and push me on the swing,” she said and turned toward him. “You said you would when you got back.”
Will tousled her hair. “And I will. Just let me talk to your mom for a minute and then we’ll go. All right?”
Her shoulders slumped and she turned to go.
“All right, but don’t take all day.”
“Kylie,” Savanah said. “Watch the mouth.”
“Sorry.”
Will waited for Keegan and Kylie to go inside and shut the door before giving Savanah the bad news about Tank and Pete. She took it better than he’d expected and even offered to go tell Gabby and then Pete’s family alone. He was relieved. He hated being the one bringing bad news.
“Where are Kendra and Karson?” Isabella asked.
“In school.”
That was unexpected. Savanah had homeschooled them prior to the lights going out. “You’re not homeschooling anymore?” Isabella asked.
“Not allowed.”
Will shot her a double-take. “What? Homeschooling isn’t allowed? And you stood for that?”
“They’re being taught skills needed for this new world. Things I might not be able to teach them at home. They have college professors instructing them on specific skills that will be needed in the recovery.” Savanah looked over both shoulders as if she were expecting someone to come up behind her.
“Even Karson? He’s only ten. Are they going to put him to work as well?” Isabella asked.
“Eventually. He’s very bright for his age and tested out of high school already.” She was beaming with pride and then her smile faded. “Did you know they’re estimating that there are less than thirty thousand people still alive in all of Texas?” Her eyes grew wide. “Out of twenty-nine million people.”
From all the death and destruction Will had seen, he imagined the figure was even lower. They’d had the hurricane the day of the EMP. Residents of Houston were on the roads evacuating. The loss of life would have been catastrophic.
“I can see where they’d need to train everyone in order to achieve their goal of rebuilding the cities and restoring services,” Will said.
“I’m supposed to go to classes two nights a week. I talked them down from four. I work at the laundry facility two days a week. I can’t leave the little ones alone. With Jason and the rest of you away with the military, there just isn’t anyone I trust to watch them.”
Or anyone who could handle Kylie, Will thought.
“Have you seen Walker today?” Savanah asked.
“Nope. We came straight here after Stephens left. Why?” Will asked.
“I was hoping that he might…” She nodded toward the shelter. “He’s so good with the kids. I don’t want to take them with me to tell Gabby.”
“I’ll do it, Sis. I’ll go let them know. I can’t put that off on you,” Will said.
“I’d like to go with you, at least. She’s going to flip and we might have to talk her down from running off to find him herself.”
Will looked skyward. She was right. Gabby was impulsive and likely to go off the rails when it came to family. Troy was back at Fort Hood assigned to the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade. They were readying for a mission to St. Louis, Missouri. He could be on a plane heading there now for all Will knew.
Maybe I shouldn’t tell him until the mission is complete, Will thought.
It sounded like an extremely important mission. With only a few planes left operable, for them to use one, it had to be of vital importance to the military commanders and the president.
“How about I run to go get Walker and the three of us go tell Gabby. We can stop on the way and inform Pete’s wife. We’ll let her tell Beau and the others in their family.”
Six
Stephens
The 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion Tactical Operations Center
Texarkana, Texas
Event + Nine Months
Stephens studied the map laid out on the long conference table in the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion’s Tactical Operations Center. When she’d entered the room, Stephens had been displeased to see Brad Smith seated at the table. She hadn’t been informed that he’d be joining her team—if it were still her team. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d stolen a mission from her.
For the last two months, she’d had people out trying to locate former FEMA Region Five director, Reginald Harding, and his deputy director who’d been last seen in Columbia, Missouri, and Smith had convinced the president to pull the plug on the mission. They would need to send more spies into Dempsey’s region, and they’d be going in without the benefit of decent intelli
gence information.
“The Brazilian government has offered to sell us millions of dollars in weapons and equipment. Considering the wealth of the United States virtually disappeared when the internet went down, it was no small feat for President Latham to get them to agree to send the ship from Brazil to pick up the payment.”
Stephens nearly jumped from her seat. She wanted to pump her fist and shout, “Hooray!”
“That’s good. We’ll have enough weapons to take down Dempsey and his army,” Stephens said, bringing her emotions under control.
“It’s only good if we can have the payment there when they arrive,” General Waltrip said.
“I have a feeling that’s what this mission is for,” Sharp said.
General Waltrip opened a folder and held up a report. “Our people in St. Louis intercepted a gold shipment bound for Springfield, Illinois. They were headed back to the airport with it when they encountered significant enemy forces. Most of the unit was killed in the ensuing firefight. The survivors were forced to abandon the gold. Fortunately, they were able to get it to a concealed location. We need to retrieve it.”
“Dempsey’s army will be scouring the countryside in search of it,” Sharp said.
“No doubt,” Waltrip replied. “We’re going to send in two teams.”
“Both with the same mission?” Smith asked.
“Same mission. Retrieve the gold and get it to Fort Leonard Wood for transport to the Port of Houston. The Brazilian ship will be there in less than a month.”
Sharp shook his head. Waltrip raised his hand in an effort to hold back Sharp’s incredulity. “I know. I know. That’s not much time, but we have to make this work, Sharp. We lost a plane in St. Louis. I’m going to need you to take control of the gold when our people get it to Fort Leonard Wood. I’m sending you to Fort Leonard Wood on the C-17. We can’t afford to lose another plane. If something happens to that aircraft, we can’t get that gold to the Port of Houston in time.”
Stephens knew what Sharp was thinking. He’d want to be leading the teams retrieving the gold. But the general was right, the safety of that plane was critical to the mission.
“How’s the intel on the movement of Dempsey’s forces in Missouri?” Stephen asked.
“Spotty at best. That’s why I want you and Smith to accompany each of the teams. I need your expertise to work the locals and find out where Dempsey’s army is and how many people they have in the area. You’ll need the assistance of residents there for intel and to identify who’s who.”
“I’d think that would be easy enough. They’d been the ones driving vehicles and carrying rifles,” Smith said.
“You’d be wrong. They have people in plain clothes scouring every barn, warehouse, and back yard.”
Smith shrugged. “What makes you think the locals will help us over them?”
Waltrip glowered at him. “Because I’m told you’re good at your job.”
“What about the 303rd. Isn’t that their mission? Don’t they work human intelligence assets?”
Waltrip let out an exasperated sigh. Since the director of the CIA was in DC when it was wiped off the face of the map, along with most of the government, the few intelligence community assets who remained now fell under military command—at least until the president could appoint a new cabinet. There seemed to be a shortage of qualified volunteers. Stephens thought Smith had been vying for the job until he showed up back at Fort Hood, assigned to this task force.
“They are tasked elsewhere at the moment,” Waltrip said.
Stephens supposed that was why they were using their secure TOC for this meeting. Otherwise, the 303rd commander would be conducting this briefing.
“The members of Sharp’s 1st Cavalry Horse Detachment Unit will be split into two teams for this mission.”
“We’re going on horseback?” Smith asked.
“Humvees and transport trucks attract too much attention. Besides, the president doesn’t want to lose any more military equipment to Dempsey.”
“Guess he doesn’t mind losing personnel,” Smith said.
Smith was crossing the line. His animosity toward the president was on full display. He’d been passed over as the new director of intelligence and apparently didn’t make the cut for director of the Central Intelligence Agency either. Stephens wasn’t surprised. Smith and Latham had a tumultuous history—likely concerning a woman. Stephens couldn’t think of anyone more qualified in Texas and wondered who the president had appointed for the positions.
The veins in Waltrip’s forehead bulged. He’d had enough of Brad “the Cad.”
“They’re ready, sir. The new team members just completed training and are out on patrol as we speak. I can have my two platoons ready to deploy in forty-eight hours,” Sharp said.
“New recruits? Well, that’s just great,” Smith said.
Sharp glared at Smith. “Not all are new recruits. They’re just new to the team. This is a joint task force with varied skill sets. Their training here was to learn how to perform their skills mounted—on horseback. It’s not as easy as just climbing into the saddle, as you’re about to find out.” Sharp said. Sharp knew what he was talking about—he’d had to go through the same training when he assumed command of the unit.
Stephens had been impressed with the level of competence and professionalism displayed by the previously ceremonial unit. Of course, they’d all been in other parts of the military before being assigned to the unit. Well over two-thirds had combat experience in Afghanistan, America’s longest war. They’d seen their share of combat.
“1st Platoon—Team Razorback—will be commanded by Lieutenant Burns, and Lieutenant Bronson will command 2nd Platoon, Team Lonestar.”
“We’re riding horseback for three hundred miles. How long will that take?” Smith asked indignantly.
“Team Lonestar will travel by vehicle to Fort Leonard Wood, make sure the former base is secure and that the runway is operational. From there, they’ll proceed to Iron County. While Team Razorback will head to a forward location by vehicle where they’ll unload their horses at the dropping-off point and then ride to Iron County, Missouri. The idea is to get as close as possible by vehicle without risking drawing the attention of Dempsey’s forces,” Sharp explained.
“Why two separate routes? What if the other team needs assistance?” Smith asked.
“We need a team to recon the military base and make sure it's safe to land the C-17, and we need a team to get into Iron County and work the locals—find out how many of Dempsey’s forces are in the area, if any. We don’t want to retrieve that gold only to lose it. If there’s an overwhelming number, Team Razorback will hold off and wait for Team Lonestar’s assistance, if possible.”
“I’ll go with Team Razorback,” Smith said, turning his gaze to Stephens.
Stephens scowled at him. He wanted all the glory for himself. Typical. He’d get there, secure the gold, and take all the credit for the success of the mission.
“Stephens will go with Team Lonestar, then. I want you to report the condition of the runway back to Sharp as well as any security issues surrounding the post and the airfield, and then get to Iron County as fast as you can in case Team Razorback runs into difficulties.”
“Difficulties?” Smith asked. He crossed his arms over his chest. “We’re going to make it and secure that shipment. You can count on that.”
Stephens shifted in her seat and sat up straighter. “I’m sure both teams will make it. We’ll get that gold on the plane at Fort Leonard Wood. The survival of the nation depends upon it.”
“That’s what I want to hear,” Waltrip said. “All right then. Sharp, get your platoons headed toward Missouri, and prep the C-17 to go retrieve that gold.”
Waltrip stood and the military personnel stood at attention until he left the room. When Waltrip was gone, Sharp pointed to the map. We’re going to need a recon mission to find out what local gangs pose a threat to our mission. He nodded to the 303rd’s Alpha
Company commander. “Find out where the trouble spots are on our route. We need to be able to move as swiftly and silently as possible.”
“I’ll get you the intel and send a team out to clear the way for you,” the captain said.
“No. I don’t want anyone knowing we’re even in the area. You start moving in with kitted-out soldiers, news of military presence will spread far and wide. It could alert Dempsey’s forces. We want to move through without detection. Just give us a route around any trouble areas you’re aware of.”
“Yes, sir.”
Stephens waited until everyone but Sharp had cleared the room. Surprisingly, Brad had been one of the first to leave. Normally, he’d linger about to see what she was up to. He must have had more important things to do—like getting back to that cute Hispanic chick she’d heard he’d hooked up with.
“How do you feel about his mission?” Stephens asked.
Sharp hesitated as he stared down at the map. “I’d feel a lot better if half of the Horse Detachment had seen real military combat.”
“Will and Isabella can handle themselves pretty well. They’ve seen combat—just not as military soldiers. They survived the attack on the base back in Houston. Will fought the Chinese down near Fort Polk.”
“Yeah, I know, but the rest of the new volunteers have barely left the shelter since the lights went out. The president thought we could pull people who’d ridden a pony as a kid and make an effective mounted unit.”
“You’ve done a great job getting them ready. I’ve watched them. It’s impressive.”
“You’ll need to be trained too, you know.”
“And Smith,” Stephens snickered.
“And Smith,” Sharp said. “I’ll have you work with Lieutenant Burns, he’ll lead Team Lonestar
“He’ll want that chick, Martinez, included on his team. You just watch.”
“Martinez? Simone Martinez?” Sharp looked liked he’d been slapped. “She won’t be joining his team.”
