Black Flag | Book 1 | Surviving The Scourge

by Klapwyk, Dave

  “Stand down, men,” he said and walked to Monique and offered his hand. “I’m Captain Patricks.”

  “I’m Monique,” she said and shook his hand. “Thank you so much for this.”

  “Are you okay, Monique?”

  “I’m fine, we’re just on our way to Commerce. Is it far?”

  “No, Ma’am. It’s about a half day’s walk, but it’s not safe, so you should stay out of sight.” He was about to turn to leave and changed his mind. “May I make a suggestion?”

  Monique was rocking Olivia, who was starting to fuss. “Of course.”

  “You need to arm yourself.”

  “We have guns,” she said, “but they were in our packs when they surprised us.”

  “Then you should post a lookout or stay out of sight. There isn’t much of a crime deterrent anymore except for what you provide yourself.”

  “Isn’t the army going to provide law and order?” she asked.

  “We have our own problems to deal with,” said Captain Patricks.

  “Like what?”

  “Nothing you need to worry about just yet, ma’am. Have you heard of the C3’s? When you get into Commerce, look for the C3 signs. They have food, water, shelter and security. They may not let you keep your llamas and dog, but it will be safe.”

  “Thank you,” said Monique. “We just might check it out.”

  “Do you have a radio?” she said as he turned to leave.

  “I do, but it’s for official use only.”

  “I don’t know where my husband is or if he’s still alive, but if he is, he has no idea where I am. Is there any way you could, I don’t know, find him somehow?”

  “If he’s alive, he may be at one of the C3’s,” said Captain Patricks, “They have a sort of unofficial messaging system.”

  “It would mean a lot to me if you could send a message out to Kevin Broderick that Monique, Ayesha and Zach are in Commerce City.”

  The Captain took out a notepad and wrote it down. “I’ll see what I can do. I would suggest you find yourself someplace safe soon. Things are going to get worse before they get better.”

  “Are people still dying of the Scourge?” she asked.

  “Some, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m not at liberty to say anything else.” He signaled his men, and they all got in the vehicle and drove away.

  Zach walked over to Monique. “What did he mean, things are going to get worse?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Monique decided that they would stay the night at the gas station. They tied the llamas up out of sight behind the store. Before it got dark, Monique got both of the kids to shoot the pistol a few times and try the pepper spray. Monique test fired the shotgun while she held it snug against her shoulder. This time it didn’t hurt her shoulder.

  They found a backup generator in the storeroom as well as a small electric heater behind the counter. With Zach’s help, Monique managed to hook the heater up to the generator, so they wouldn’t freeze to death in their sleep. The gas in the generator almost lasted until sunrise. When it did die, they got up and had a breakfast of orange soda, Snickers, Doritos and Little Debbie’s. They packed as much food as Dora and Boots could carry and started walking towards Commerce City.

  It was snowing lightly and was just below zero. Military vehicles passed by once in a while. Most of them slowed as they passed, but none of them stopped. As they walked, Monique noticed the high fences on one side of the road that were topped with razor wire. A few minutes later, they came across a big sign that read “Commerce Army Base.” Beyond the sign was a short road with a big gate and a guardhouse. Guards with machine guns stood outside the gate. Roxie growled till Monique calmed her down. Ayesha waved, but nobody waved back.

  “Do you think that’s where Captain Patricks is?” asked Zach.

  “He and a lot of other soldiers.”

  Beyond the gate, there was a lot of activity. It was busy with soldiers and vehicles.

  “Is that a tank?” asked Zach.

  Before Monique could answer, a fighter jet flew loudly overhead and appeared to land somewhere beyond the gate.

  “Do they have a landing strip in there too?”

  “We better keep moving,” said Monique.

  They continued trudging down the road through the snow, away from the army base. As they walked, their surroundings gradually changed. The country homes and farmer’s fields became suburbs and stores. The gravel shoulders turned into sidewalks. The lonely fence lines disappeared and hydro poles and telephone lines appeared.

  “We made it!” shouted Ayesha as they passed the Welcome to Commerce City sign.

  A few military and other vehicles drove by, and there were a couple of other people walking the streets. The last time Monique had been here was during her honeymoon with Kevin. It was late summer, and the city was humming with excitement. It was alive with a myriad of families, children, business people, tourists, hot dog stands, and a host of people and activities. She had hoped to make it back here with the new baby to show her all the sights and sounds of the big city.

  Today the city sounded like a Sunday afternoon at the library. There weren’t any stores open – they were either boarded up or had been looted. There was also a lot of graffiti on the sides of buildings, bridges and windows.

  Clouds had moved in, and without the sunshine, the temperature dropped.

  On the right side of the road was a sign with a large brick foundation that read Commerce City Museum. Behind it were four interconnected buildings. The building at the front boasted an enormous glass-windowed atrium.

  As they passed by the road leading to the museum, they heard a vehicle approaching behind them.

  “Uh-oh,” said Zach turning around, “That looks like the purple pickup truck that came through the mansion gates the other night.”

  “Warren is still alive?”

  Chapter 29

  Joe walked out of the C3 with Privates Monty, Lewis, Paquette, and Wortley. He noticed the dog sitting at a safe distance watching. He called to it, but the dog didn’t move. When Joe tossed his last piece of beef jerky to the dog, it caught it in mid-air. Joe walked closer to the dog to pet it, but the dog growled, and Joe retreated.

  “You coming?” yelled Monty.

  “On my way.”

  Joe got into the armoured army Jeep, and they drove left to find the ignition switch. Private Monty drove, and Lewis fumbled with a map beside him. Joe sat in the back, wedged between Paquette and Wortley.

  Paquette was a short fierce-looking woman who rarely spoke, and Wortley was a large man who seemed to always have an intense look on his face. It was a cool, grey, sunless morning. There was no snow falling, and the temperature was hovering just below freezing. A caravan of 10 army personnel carriers passed in front of them at one of the intersections. The green tarps covered the backs of the vehicles so Joe couldn’t see if they were carrying people, supplies or if they were empty.

  “What are they carrying?” asked Joe.

  “Don’t worry about it,” said Monty from the front. “Nothing you need or want to know.”

  A short time later, they had to stop as a train flew by, leaving a trail of swirling snow in its wake.

  “The trains are still running?” asked Joe.

  “They are almost all that’s left,” said Monty. Airlines have all been shut down, and most highway traffic has been stopped. The army is trying to keep the trains running. They are fast and easier to manage.”

  “What do you mean easier to manage?”

  “They can control the flow of people and goods. It’s also safer from gangs or other security threats.”

  “What other security threats?”

  “Nothing you need to know.”

  When they reached the empty parking lot of Grainger Mechanical, Monty called back to the C3 to let them know they had arrived safely. Joe was relieved to get out of the cramped quarters of the vehicle. Grainger was the largest store in a small strip m
all. The mall was made up of a boarded-up spa and nail salon, a small pet store, and a looted and trashed convenience store. Joe started walking towards Grainger’s, when Monty yelled, “Wait! We need to clear the place first.”

  “Why, there’s nobody here.”

  Monty walked over to him. “There are a few looters and organized gangs roaming this city. If I don’t bring you back safe, the Corporal will have my head.”

  Monty stayed back with Joe, while Paquette and Wortley cleared the store. When they came out, Wortley stayed with the vehicle while Monty, Joe and Paquette went inside.

  Other than the door Paquette had kicked in, Grainger’s was untouched and tidy. The store had eight aisles, all with full shelves. He found what he was looking for in an aisle at the back and grabbed three ignition switches. As he announced his find and was walking with the others back to the door, multiple shots rang out.

  “Get down!” yelled Monty. Paquette may have been short, but she looked menacing as she crouched in front of him gun pointed out.

  More shots were fired outside, and Wortley’s voice came over Monty’s radio. “Monty, come in, I’ve got multiple armed hostiles out here, and a big grey Hummer, over.” His voice was calm but urgent.

  “Roger, that Wortley. What direction, how many and what armaments? Over.”

  “We’ve got at least five behind a truck to the south.”

  More gunshots.

  “They are armed with rifles, pistols and at least one semi-automatic, over.” He was panting but still composed.

  “Roger, that. I’m sending Paquette out.” Monty was serious and methodical. “Joe you stick with me. Stay behind me, keep one hand on my shoulder, so I know your there. Paquette, clear the way.” The three of them crouch walked to the front of the store to the last aisle by the door.

  She popped her head around the corner so she could see the front door and pulled it back. When she neither heard nor felt any gunshots, she made a crouching run for the door. She kicked the door open and stepped outside.

  Monty looked behind him at Joe. “Let’s go. Stay low. Stay close.”

  Joe followed him to the door, gunshots still being exchanged outside. Suddenly he felt an intense pain in his back, and he fell forward onto Monty in front of him. He saw Monty’s gun come up at the same time he heard the deafening shot above him. Joe was on all fours catching his breath when he was dragged by what he hoped was Monty. Rapid gunfire erupted all around him. When he caught his breath, he looked up to see Paquette rushing back in, her rifle spitting fire. There was a cry from the back of the store, more gunshots, and then Paquette was on the floor, not moving. Her gun lay on the floor beside her, and blood flowed out of a hole in her neck.

  Joe sat on the floor staring, as Monty held the gun over his head and fired over the shelving unit. Monty looked at Joe’s back. “Looks like the bullet never made it through your vest.”

  A shot fired from the back of the store found its way through the shelves and pierced Monty’s leg. He cried out and fell over, knocking Joe down in the process. Blood spurted out of his leg and on to the front of Joe’s vest. Monty got up and pulled a grenade out of one of his many pockets. There was a ting and a click as he pulled the pin and let go of the trigger. He kept it in his hand for a full two seconds before lobbing it over the shelves.

  There was a tremendous explosion, and pieces of the ceiling and glass rained down on them. Monty ignored it as he pulled out gauze and did a rapid wrap on his leg.

  “Stay down,” he ordered and peeked over the shelves. “I think we’re clear.” He crept towards the end of the shelving unit and then froze.

  “Don’t move!” The voice was coming from in front of Monty. Joe couldn’t see the man, but he recognized the voice.

  Monty stood up fully with his hands in the air, still holding his gun.

  Raphael stepped out. “Drop the gun, pendejo!”

  Monty dropped the gun, and it clattered to the floor.

  Raphael looked around Monty at Joe, who was frozen in place. “Hola, mi amigo. I haven’t seen you since our last date at the food court.”

  As Raphael was looking at Joe, Monty took the opportunity to grab Raphael’s gun with one hand and pull out a knife with the other. The Latino reached to regain possession of the gun, which allowed Monty the opportunity to stab at him. The glancing blow sliced across his arm, and he yelped in pain. Raphael grabbed at Monty’s hand which held the knife, but Monty charged at him with full force. The two of them fell backwards. As they fought, Joe ran over and picked up Paquette’s gun.

  “Stop!” yelled Joe. Monty and Raphael stopped fighting and looked up at Joe. Raphael stood up, holding his bleeding arm. Joe pointed the gun at Raphael’s head.

  “Don’t move.”

  Raphael looked at him “You don’t have the…”

  Joe squeezed the trigger, and the gun recoiled in his hands.

  Raphael flew backwards across the hardwood floor, blood spraying out of his shoulder. Monty immediately turned, grabbed his gun with one hand, and Joe with the other and hauled him out the front door. Joe stumbled back to his feet outside. When he looked up, he saw two men fall backwards at the same time he heard Monty’s gun go off behind him.

  “Go,” Monty yelled. “Get in the truck and drive!”

  He ran past the two dead bodies and paused for a moment when he saw Wortley lying dead in an awkward position. Monty shoved him from behind, and he continued to run to the driver’s side and got in. Monty sat beside him, blood seeping through his bandage. He had a fierce look on his face. “Go,” he simply said. Joe put the pedal to the floor and flew past the grey Hummer.

  When they got back to the C3, Monty was treated for the gunshot wound to his leg. Joe had some minor glass and shrapnel lacerations on his neck and arms. He had large black and purple bruising on his back, and the medic said he had a bruised rib.

  Joe installed the ignition switch that evening, and the temperature in the C3 rose to a comfortable temperature.

  Kevin had sent a message on the C3 network and was still waiting to hear back. Joe and his friends stayed at the Chateaugay C3 for a week while they waited for a response. Joe’s bruising had gone down, and so had his friend’s moods. Kevin paced the room like a caged tiger. He kept praying and complaining. Every morning, and every evening he went to the administration office to ask if they’d received a message yet. He wanted to leave as soon as possible to get back to Monique, and at the same time, he needed to wait for her to respond. Tank tried to convince the army to give him a gun, but Callaghan adamantly refused. He spent his mornings practicing with his bow at a tree behind the community centre. He also taught Camille knife throwing, archery and some self-defence techniques. When she wasn’t spending time learning violent skills with Tank, she was pouting about how there were no boys her age at the C3. Every day one or two more people would die, and their bodies were loaded onto a truck and taken away. The man Earl was bunking with died, and he moved into the extra bed in their room. He was often the lone upbeat voice in their room. He was quick with a joke and loved to play his harmonica.

  What little news they had from the outside world was mostly bad. There were rumours of wars in Asia and Europe. Many major cities had the streets rife with viscous battles between roving gangs and the military. Nobody seemed to know the status of the current government either here or in the States. The only good news was that the Chinese had developed a vaccine that was supposed to start production soon. Meanwhile, the population of most countries was decimated and social order was almost totally broken down. The military seemed to be the only strand left holding together any sort of organization and structure.

  Every morning, Joe went outside and fed the dog. It came back every morning, but still wouldn’t let Joe touch him. One morning Joe went outside to throw some food for the dog when a line of troop carriers pulled into the parking lot. The weather had turned warm again, and much of the snow had either melted or had turned to slush. Corporal Callaghan came out of
the building behind him. “Time to go, Joe,” she said.

  “What? Where?”

  “Just got new orders from HQ. We’re moving out. Most of the C3 populations have dwindled too much, so they are consolidating. We’re moving to a larger facility downtown. You’re welcome to join us.”

  She turned to leave but then stopped. “Oh yeah, have you seen Kevin?”

  “I think he’s having breakfast. Why?”

  “He’s got a message.”

  When Joe told Kevin he had a message, Kevin immediately ran to Callaghan’s office.

  He stood panting in front of her desk.

  “What did she say?” he asked.

  “The message says that Monique, Ayesha and Zach are on their way to Commerce City,” she told him.

  “That’s it?”

  “Yes, that’s all it says.”

  “Are they at the C3 in Commerce?”

  “I don’t think so. It was sent by a Captain Patricks on her behalf.”

  “Can I send a message back?”

  “You can try,” she said.

  “Tell her we’re on our way.”

  Kevin was overcome with a wide range of emotions, including relief, joy, fear and confusion.

  Why are they on their way to Commerce? Why aren’t they at the mansion anymore? How will we find them?

  What he was clear on, was that they needed to make their way to Commerce as soon as possible.

  That morning felt like the end of a long weekend at a busy campground. People and army personnel milled back and forth throughout the facility. Everyone packed their belongings and piled them into the back of the army personnel carriers.

  Joe gathered the group together in their little room to discuss their next move.

  “Alright, people, we have to leave today, but we need to decide exactly how we do this.”

  “Let’s just get in the van and start driving to Commerce,” said Kevin.

  “What about the roadblocks, how are we supposed to get around them?” asked Tank.

  “Can’t we just plow through them, Kamikaze style?” Camille piped in.