Deadweight

by Forster, Paul

  “Uncle, it's been a long time. I barely recognise you. How is everyone?” She played along.

  “Amy is very upset. Seeing a friendly face might help her.” The soldiers didn't seem to care if Diane went with Bo or not, she stepped forward and they let her through. Bo gave her a big awkward hug and Diane received it in the same spirit it was given. Bo led Diane away from the soldiers into the camp.

  “Amy was attacked, she's fine. Well, not fine but she's breathing. The dirty fucker who attacked her not so much. She's with the old girl and doesn't want to go back, not yet anyway. She wants you.” Bo had such a relaxed way about him it was hard to comprehend he was discussing a rape and subsequent killing of the perpetrator.

  They passed through another checkpoint, the soldier acknowledged Bo.

  “This one will come back in a bit, she's one of your boffins.” The soldier nodded, and they passed through unchallenged. This was as far as Diane had been since she arrived at the camp. She knew conditions were bad, but witnessing them was different to hearing about them. The inner circle of the camp was a paradise to this third world hell hole.

  “One more checkpoint and we're there. You okay love?” Bo, ever the gentleman, felt the need to check.

  “I'm fine.” Diane lied. She had basic medical training, no more than a first aider so hoped she was being called upon for little more than applying a plaster.

  The next checkpoint the soldiers were a little rougher than the previous two. Subject to more abuse, taught to be wary of everyone and left alone to do their job as they saw fit. Bo approached with a big smile.

  “Me again boys, can we get through?”

  “Here we go. You only paid for a one-way trip, is that one your payment to get back in? Bit old, but Gerry might be interested. Gerry!” The soldier was perhaps joking, but he wouldn't be the first rapist masquerading in her majesty's uniform Bo had met that day.

  “Come on lads, you know me.” Bo pleaded.

  “I know you can get things old man. What can you get me?” Bo produced the cigarettes and Yorkie chocolate bar. Fuck them if they thought they were getting his boiled sweets.

  “That's it?” The soldier wasn't impressed.

  “That's all I've got on me. This one's will come back through. I'll send her back with something good. You a Scotch man? Maybe Vodka?” Bo would promise anything right now.

  “Tequila.” Excellent, the soldier had named a price. Didn't matter if Bo could oblige or not, they were through.

  “I know a man, Tequila shouldn't be a problem. Maybe another twenty fags too for you and your mates.” The soldier nodded in approval and led Bo and Diane through.

  Three men were fighting in the middle of a crowded thoroughfare between the gate and the mass of tents. The soldiers didn't bat an eyelid, and those present did little more than give a little extra space as they passed the bloodied men. Bo and Diane got closer, it appeared they were fighting over a tin of sweetcorn, none of the men were willing to give up their claim.

  “First time in our little piece of paradise?” Bo asked but knew the answer, Diane nodded. “Shithole ain't it? I guess your digs are a bit nicer, not so crowded, probably fewer beatings and thievery?” Again Diane nodded. “Don't worry. I'll see you back safe.” They arrived at the tent and Bo lifted the opening so Diane could enter. Inside, Amy and Babs were waiting. Amy mustered half a smile at a familiar face.

  “We need to get out. Now.”

  Not a ‘hello’, a ‘thanks for coming’ but a declaration that it's time to abandon the decreasing safety of the camp and brave it with the things that were on the other side of the fence.

  “I'm not sure we're there yet.” Diane knew the day was coming, but she wasn’t ready.

  “I'm fucking there. I'm not going back. I'm getting out of this cesspit tonight.” Amy had been keeping it together but was beginning to unravel.

  “How are you going to get out? Tell me, I'd like to know. Even from here you have two levels before you get to the fence. Let's say you get there, make over, under or through the fence. The snipers or machine guns don't get you. The things out there fail to get a taste of you. Then what? I can assure you five miles in any direction have been picked clean of supplies or deemed too hazardous to try.” Diane knew the camp would fall, but it wasn't the time, they needed more people, supplies and a vehicle. Amy, Diane and these two pensioners with a few scraps of food wouldn't survive for long out there.

  Amy was quiet and stared at the floor like a scalded teenager.

  “Just give me a day, twenty-four hours and I'll get us out, all of us.” Diane didn't have any idea what she would do, but she needed time.

  “One day. Then I'm gone.” Her determination left no one in doubt she’d be leaving, or die trying.

  Bo turned to Babs “Fancy a trip to the seaside love?”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

  AMY HAD TRIED to sleep, but it had been no use. Too many thoughts tumbled around her head, of that cunt who raped her, his friend who had gotten away, the desperate family. Derek. The state of the world. It wasn't helped by random bursts of gunfire directed outside and occasional screams inside the camp. There was no danger they would discover her, the security and soldiers had their hands full keeping order, no longer could they spare boots on the ground to win hearts and minds or prevent people spilling each other's blood. She sat in the corner of her host’s tent and examined the rifle she had won from her ordeal. She had been clay pigeon shooting before but otherwise not had much experience with guns beyond what she had seen in films. She fumbled around it, careful of the trigger but otherwise familiarising herself with the gun for when it would be needed. She released the magazine and inspected it. It felt lighter than the spare Bo had handed her, no doubt a few rounds had already been fired in anger. The safety was easy enough to find, Amy worked it several times, same as the fire selector. She brought the rifle to her shoulder and stared through the sights.

  “Preparing for war sweetheart?” Bo had been quietly observing as Babs snored away. Amy put the rifle down and covered it again with a blanket.

  “I was born in the thirties, I was a boy during the war. I was probably six or seven when I prayed a dirty Nazi would cross my path so I could slot the bastard. It didn't happen. When I got the Queen's shilling, it was in Egypt for that fucking canal. National service throwing a seventeen-year-old kid across the world with a few weeks training to be shot at by rag heads. Sorry, Arabs. It was shit, but it was nothing compared to now. The Arabs just wanted us gone, these fuckers want to eat you. I killed a lad in Suez, he was maybe fifteen. He had shot my mate Julian in the back of the head, his face was a mess. Big hole, an eye hanging out and teeth just missing. One moment we were chatting about football, the next he was a lifeless lump of meat. I caught the kid, and he was petrified, I was too. I shot him. I said nothing, I just shot him. He was the first. It'll always stick with me. He killed my mate, but he was a kid, so was I. I know you're the filth, but I don't mind telling you I've killed a few since. They all deserved it and less innocent than that boy.” Bo seemed disappointed in the life he'd led, his bubbly persona waning as he talked. “There are plenty of fuckers out there now who deserve it. You will have to be willing to kill anyone who deserves it. Sick or just a prick. They’re all dangerous and not many good people are left, fewer with the means to make a difference.” Bo took a moment to admire his shotgun, empowering himself with virtue.

  “Are you a prick Bo?” Amy asked the admitted murderer.

  “One time, yeah, you'd have had to watch me. Now? Nah, my kids didn't change me. Their kids did. Now some of them have kids too. I didn't want to be a great grandad and a crook.” Bo cracked a small smile at the thought of all his family.

  “And just like that you're a good man?” Amy was sceptical.

  “I didn't say I was good did I sweetheart? Just said I wasn't a prick. When you go, I want me and Babs to come with you. We might slow you down a bit, I’ll admit that, but I can be useful and Babs she, she's a go
od girl.” Bo offered his most charming smile.

  “Bo, anyone who wants out can come. I can't promise anything better than this. I don't think there is a utopia out there and we will just be swapping one hell for another. But we will at least have an illusion of control and not at the mercy of our betters to do with as they wish.”

  Babs stirred. “Will you two stop your nattering and get some sleep. Bo, you know you get cranky if you don't get your full eight hours.”

  Bo shrugged his shoulders at Amy. “I'll drop off soon love, don't you worry.” He laid back down next to Babs.

  “Will you be ready tomorrow Bo?” Amy wouldn't be delayed further, she had a day to find a plan, but she'd tunnel out with her bare hands if she had to.

  “You might not need to wait that long. People are getting desperate, there's talk of fighting back and rescuing loved ones. They're getting organised but they're almost as patient as you, just itching to do something silly. Get some kip.” Bo settled down and breathed heavily as he eased into sleep.

  Amy laid down on her makeshift bed, she closed her eyes but would struggle to sleep. Too angry. Too scared.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

  DAWN WAS STILL to break, and the camp was quiet, the tent filled with the sound of Bo and Babs snoring, which added to Amy's frustration. She wouldn't have been able to sleep anyway, but that fact didn't soothe her anger. A scream roared from within the camp, followed by maybe a dozen more. Amy couldn't work out what they were screaming above the noise of Bo snoring but it was followed by several gunshots, then several more.

  The altercation had turned into a full-blown firefight. Bo sat up aware something was happening, just unsure what.

  “It's all right darling, it'll be fine.” His first thought was to comfort his much-loved wife. The second was to reach his shotgun. “Amy sweetheart, you ready for your big move?” Amy drew the rifle to her shoulder and checked the safety. A young lad, no more than fifteen, burst in Amy took aim but didn't fire.

  “Bo, it's all kicking off! They've taken three gates and pushing!” The kid was excited, not daunted by the bullets flying around, the loss of life or the plague affecting the world. His enthusiasm wasn't greeted with equal cheer.

  “Sam, you keep away from the trouble lad. Those fuckers will put a hole in you just as quickly as one of those big bastards giving them a battering, look after your sister.” Bo was stern, the lad Sam nodded and left. “Babs, get your coat, you've pulled.” Bo slowly stood up and hobbled over to pick up a holdall which he slung over his shoulder and a woman's handbag which he handed over to Babs. “Make sure you have your lippy love. We're not coming back.” Amy stood at the opening of the tent carefully peering out, rifle ready to be put to use. “You might want to keep that to yourself until you need it.” Amy took one last look outside before holding the rifle awkwardly under her top. The three were ready and moved outside where the chaos didn't show any sign of calming.

  People ran in different directions, clutching family members close. A large fire was taking hold across several tents, thick black smoke bellowed through the mass of people adding further to the confusion. Amy led the way, Bo was close behind clutching his shotgun under his jacket with one hand, dragging Babs close behind.

  “Bo, I want to go back.” Babs wasn't sure about leaving, the camp wasn't perfect but it wasn't outside the fence with monsters.

  “Don't be a silly moo.” Bo turned to give her a wink and pressed on, eager to not fall too far back from Amy who seemed determined to reach the first fence.

  They had dragged a soldier into the open, his face a bloody mess, but he was alive. His helmet had been removed, his equipment stripped, his body armour half gone and uniform ripped. Two men and a young girl approached him as he reached his hand up as if asking for help, all three started a kicking and stamping on him. Amy changed direction to help the young soldier but Bo momentarily let go of Babs to grab Amy.

  “You can't save them all. We need to keep moving.” He let go of Amy and reached back for Babs, but she wasn't there. Bo panicked, he'd only let go for a moment, they'd only moved ten or fifteen feet. Bo stopped dead and looked around the panicked crowd for his no doubt equally panicked love of his life.

  He caught sight of her for a second as a small group passed in front of her.

  “Babs!” He squinted as he tried to see her again. “Babs!” His shouts became louder, fear entered his voice.

  “Bo!” Babs appeared from nowhere and hugged Bo.

  “Bloody hell love, you trying to give me another stroke?” He turned back to Amy, and they carried on their way.

  The fires continued unchallenged, the soldiers and personnel who might try to extinguish them found themselves fighting for their lives. Amy, Bo and Babs reached the first gate on their way to the outer perimeter, it had been abandoned, whether the soldiers had left under their own power or had been dragged away half dead was uncertain. They didn't stop too long to contemplate. Gunshots intensified as a resistance to the insurgency became more organised, if still struggling for effectiveness. Amy climbed a fence to look at the way forward, and glimpse at the struggle behind. Two Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles joined in the fight using their 30mm cannons sparingly to carve large channels in the mass of rioters. They turned the fight. The desire of those fighting soon disappeared when a row of fifteen people two feet away suddenly exploding into body parts or having large cavities appear where chests or faces used to exist.

  “We need to move.” Amy could see the tide had turned back to military strength and firepower. A stream of civilians piled both ways through the fence, hoping the other side would be better. Amy looked in the direction they were going, the next gate was clear and there appeared to be an opening in the next fence to the outermost ring. She jumped back down and they continued their escape with Amy leading the way. The riot was being brought under control, but the soldiers would take some time to brave the outer rings where the armoured vehicles would struggle to support them.

  They moved amongst the confused, scared and angry until they got to the last fence separating the camp from the outside world. The watchtowers hadn't turned their guns inwards, they stayed steadfast to their job of watching beyond the wire. Snipers, machine gunners and riflemen had held their discipline even when coming under attack. A single tower fired into the camp, but it wasn't shooting at the civilians, the fire was ineffective, sporadic but targeted towards the authorities. The two nearest towers had taken hits, the men inside lay wounded and bloody. More civilians began ascending those towers, encouraged by the surrounding mob. It took the 30mm cannon of one of the Warriors to dissuade that action. The tower exploded and lit up the whole area. Rounds cooked off and whistled in multiple directions adding to the panic. Those looking to take one of the other two towers by force thought better of it and merged back in with the mob.

  A large section of the perimeter was now completely unguarded. Others had realised this and decided to take their chances with the hungry ones rather than the remains of civilisation. Large areas of fencing had been cut open and peeled back. Bo smiled when they reached their exit, he and Babs were out of breath but didn't look like stopping. All three headed out into the darkness of the field with the other fleeing civilians.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

  DIANE SIPPED A mug of tea as she sat in the darkness looking up at the night's sky. With much of the power grid down, a clear night like tonight offered a spectacular show without the interference of street lights and other man made illumination. The camp operated on minimal lighting, sitting outside of the thick canvas lab tent in the early hours of the morning, the world seemed nearly peaceful with just the comforting hum of a generator. Hell broke loose.

  Screams and shouts brought Diane to her feet, several gunshots brought her back closer to the floor. People, confused and dazed, poured out of various directions. Soldiers began appearing with no better idea of the situation than anyone else but ready to act. The dark skies began to fill with smoke and light
from the fire that was taking hold. More gunshots and more soldiers running blindly towards the action without an idea of what was happening or what they'd do. An officer appeared and called his men back, beginning to organise them.

  “Unless you have a fucking rifle, I suggest you get your pretty little arses back to bed and await the all clear!”

  Many of the civilian workers obeyed, why wouldn't they? Diane had other ideas, Amy was certain to be making her move to get out of the camp and she had to join her. Diane followed the soldiers at a distance slipping past the first gate with them unnoticed. She ducked behind a pile of sandbags as two soldiers fell to the floor a few feet in front of her, one looked dead, her eyes staring vacantly through Diane. The other held his bloody stomach and tried to crawl backwards to safety but the strength drained from him as the blood oozed from his wound. Diane stayed still, realising she was still holding her mug before dropping it to the floor.

  The shouts and screams continued, it was possible they were chanting but Diane couldn't make it out. Gunshots continued with the soldiers struggling to effectively engage any meaningful targets whilst being picked off by aggressors merged with the angry crowds. Diane crawled on her knees to move further forward, her white lab coat illuminating her but she hoped it would convince those with guns she wasn't a threat. She carried on determined not to stop. She passed the two downed soldiers but didn't look at them for fear she'd be further shamed into helping them. The soldiers still in the fight had now sought cover, and no longer pushed further forward. The nearest checkpoint was a mere twenty feet away, but it was the frontline, the soldiers who manned it were nowhere to be seen but their service rifles were being put to good use by the angry civilians.