Caleb grimaced when Elora ignored the bottle of 151 in his hand and instead reached for him. As she rubbed herself against him more urgently, he took the bottle and tried to ignore what Elora was doing by taking deep sips from the bottle. It didn’t work as he thought to himself, I’m going to go to hell.
Chapter 31
Surprise, Arizona, April 8, 2029
Birds? There’s birds in heaven? Gloria lay still and listened to birds chirping and singing. It helped to feel at peace. Then there was the additional sound of diesel engines starting somewhere off in the distance. Nope, I’m still in hell, she thought as she made herself open her eyes. She looked down at her bandage and tore it off. Other than the pain of losing a few hairs, there was not even a scab or a scar as a reminder of the infected attacking her.
Bells? Are those alarm bells? Gloria quickly donned her uniform and gear. Pulling out her 9 mil as she ran, she gave it a quick check. The sentries on the roofs looked down bored and became interested, seeing her running towards the gates carrying her sidearm. They began to shout among themselves, looking for the disturbance. The gate guards appeared undisturbed as they opened the gate for their commander.
“What’s up with the bells?” Gloria asked, confused to the point of anger.
“Sunday, Ma’am, church services should begin in a minute or two. The Padre has announced since we have such a variety of faiths she will be performing a nondenominational service.” Gloria stuffed her 9 mil back into her holster, and then headed to the church. Opening the door slowly and quietly into the sanctuary, the first thing to catch her eye was Becky wearing a simple white vestment with gold trim as she spoke from the altar. Gloria scanned the room and saw the congregation must have almost ninety percent of the survivors present. There was also a good scattering of uniforms mixed into the congregation as well. Taking a seat in the last row, Gloria listened to the sermon, asking all to come together for the good of the community and to reach out to all the others in the community so no one would feel alone as they all shared in their losses. Then she had all stand to recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Gloria was at first embarrassed then confused as the simple prayer had her crying softly. She remembered her childhood and the many times she’d recited the prayer. The small choir then broke out singing, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, she found herself singing along, and feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from her. Closing the service, Becky thanked everyone for taking the time to share with each other, then pointed out Gloria, “And thank you Lieutenant Alban, for taking the time to be part of our flock.” The pianist started to play a joyous song she was not familiar with and as everyone was standing to leave. Gloria quickly exited, not wanting to talk with anyone while her face was still wet from tears. Wiping the snot running from her nose, she turned to the left and decided to just walk over to the football field until she could compose herself.
“Hey, Grits!” Gloria heard her name being called, then saw Oliver’s pair of German Shepherds running towards her, followed by a pair of redheaded little girls.
“Tom, Jerry.” Gloria shouted in glee then whistled for them increasing their speed as they bore down on her. She dropped to one knee and spread her arms, welcoming, then was knocked back on her butt as both dogs licked at her furiously as she sputtered and laughed at the attention until the girls pulled the dogs off her.
“They remember you, Grits.” Brianna shouted into her ear as she tried to stand back up. Then their father finally caught up with them. Gloria recognized the woman holding his arm and the boy and girl close behind her.
“Paige, Don. That’s a pretty nice way to increase the size of your family. Paige blushed, but only held his arm more firmly. The dogs saw a rabbit and were off as the girls chased after them. Don looked embarrassed as he turned to give chase.
“Nice to see you again, Grits. Sorry I couldn’t stay and talk.” Gloria laughed at his predicament, then wished she had someone at her side, knowing even a kiss could be lethal. Guess I’ll have to build myself a small nunnery for one, she thought as she felt ready to head back to her office. She noticed there were even more couples and families walking around in what had been the school’s athletic fields. She looked around the outside of the school at all the nearby houses. My salvaging operation is a bust, its only slowing down something that should have already been started. We need to be safe and I’m dicking around looking for small stuff. I’ll let everyone enjoy their Sunday and start bulldozing on Monday, she thought as she headed back to the sanctuary to talk with Pastor Becky.
Pastor Becky smiled as Gloria explained she had changed her mind and was going to bulldoze the houses near the school outright. “I’m guessing you got it out of your system, whatever it was,” Becky replied, “We have a valley full of houses to salvage any time we want to. I figured you needed to do this for some personal reason. I would like to keep a few houses standing though for recreation if possible.”
“Thanks Pastor Becky, we’ll start bulldozing tomorrow. I found a few houses already that have pools if that works for you.” Gloria replied, wanting to desperately to get away from the pastor. She made it to the door when it happened.
“Gloria, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on or just to talk, you know where to find me.” Gloria just waved as she headed towards her office, ready to get some work done.
Master Sergeant Hale was in the office talking with Technical Sergeant Muller, when she walked in. “Busted! I caught the pair of you conspiring. What’s up, gentlemen?” Gloria flashed the pair a big smile that took them by surprise.
“Ma’am, I was hoping we could talk about the progress we’re not making bulldozing houses.” Hale replied, looking like he had his ducks lined up for a debate.
“How about if we just forgo salvage operations and bulldoze all but a couple that have pools and nice amenities. I came to that conclusion yesterday but I started to feel real sick, and decided no one should be near me.” Both men were caught off guard by the admission and didn’t ask for further details. Gloria continued, “If you have the plan, let’s start it tomorrow, let our folks enjoy a Sunday off. You said before you have access to the resources, dozers, fuel, and other heavy equipment right, Master Sergeant Hale?” Hale couldn’t hide his surprise at the easy victory.
“Yes, Ma’am. I’ve talked with the folks on the council and there are enough people with the heavy equipment experience and there’s a building site south of us with the equipment we’ll need. We already moved some fuel tanker trucks we didn’t need immediately, but didn’t want to leave them where they were originally in case someone else wanted them. We didn’t bring them back with us in case of an accident or attack.” Gloria smiled at the Master Sergeant’s enthusiasm for the project.
“So other than providing security for going out and bringing in the equipment, there is no real need for a military presence besides the guards on duty for the workers?” Hale began to get a bad feeling.
“Yes, Ma’am,” he replied warily. Gloria continued to fight the urge to laugh.
“I was thinking it would be a good time then to show the flag and see if we can recruit new personnel, both civilian and military. We have about everything we need but the numbers, especially when we have to start farming. I’m figuring if we can get enough civilians added, that would reduce the need to supplement the farmers with military personnel. Growing up, my parents had a huge garden, I don’t want to ever have to pick anything again as long as I live.” Hale gave a relieved smile in return for her idea.
“I’m going to go out today, and scout out a few areas where we can be seen and try to recruit. After the civilians are setup tomorrow to doze the houses and the guard force isn’t needed any longer, I suggest two teams that can charm, yet kick ass if needed, each with a Stryker and a Guardian. Both should be on or near Interstate 10. After the detail is over, both teams can forage a little, call it an incentive. I’ll want them all to look sharp, and not like a bunch of pirates. We’ll load each with some extra MRE
s to pass out. By now that will be considered a friendly gesture as compared to only a week ago. Hard to believe it’s been barely a week.”
“Ma’am, how many should I assign to go with you? I’d play it safe with just a pair of Guardians to keep it low key, yet make anyone of low morals take a second thought before trying anything.” Okay, that’s the opening bid, let’s see what the counteroffer is Hale wondered. Gloria looked back at him, her black, fully-dilated eyes twinkling.
“It’s such a beautiful day today. I don’t see why I shouldn’t share it. I’m going to drive myself in my truck. I guess one Guardian can be my backup. They stay a minimum twenty feet back, and not interfere unless they think I’m in danger.” Hale decided against arguing since he’d achieved better than he hoped for. “I’m just going to grab a thermos of coffee for the road, and be on my way.”
Gloria stopped at Muller’s desk and looked down at him. “I want to see a duty schedule setup so other NCOs will take their turn covering your desk so you can get out and about, Willy.” It’s going to be a great day for a drive, I should just park at an intersection and bring a good book with me to pass the time, she thought to herself. I’ll even humor Hale and wear my body armor, since it is a rule for everyone else.
Hale watched her go and laughed, “I wonder if, with what she was saying about yesterday, we’re going to get five days of reasonable Lt Alban?” Muller looked at him confused, then remembered her comments and almost blushed.
“Looks like I’m going to be getting time off. Just a shame there’s nothing to do with it.” Hale grinned at the comment.
“I’ll take you out and you can practice using your 9 mil or even your carbine. When was the last time you fired a weapon?” Hale asked.
“That’d be when I had to qualify for my assignment to Korea. Never fired my piece there, and I’ve been at Luke for four years. No requirement to stay proficient with weapons in Air Education Training Command.
The old name for the command was Air Training Command, they said the ATC abbreviation really stood for Allergic To Combat. I think that’s why it was changed to Air Education Training Command. But the belief still exists, except for security forces; they get screwed in every command when it come to having to deploy.”
“I’ll tell ya what, you let me know the next time you’re scheduled for downtime, and I’ll get you some range time. You might like it so much you’ll get Grits to let you have your own team.” Muller spit out the coffee he was drinking as Hale roared out in laughter. “I better go get the babysitter team together before she sneaks away.”
I miss my little convertible on a day like this, Gloria thought as she increased speed going up the ramp to Route 303 south. The engine noise was easily muffled from the driving compartment with its superior insulation; she could barely hear the road noise either. In the rear view mirror, she could see the Guardian was almost a half mile behind her. I could just speed up and be alone, but I don’t want to make trouble for them with Hale, she thought as she rolled down the windows, enjoying the wind blowing in. Slowly, the Guardian began to catch up as she exited onto Interstate Ten East. This looks just like what I want, she thought as she looked at all the housing to the north and south. She stopped on the overpass for Dysart Road, and then fished in her pockets until she found her drive and plugged it into the dash. Selecting ‘external speaker’ she then began to blast her jazz music. This is just wrong to play jazz this loud, this should be soft, not loud, but they need to hear it, if they’re going to come to me. Gloria watched in all directions initially, and then opened her book, appreciating how comfortable the truck’s seat was.
“Awww, crap! The LT’s asleep at the wheel and there’s a half dozen trucks coming from the south. Looks like some are military; I see at least two with mounted Ma Deuces.” Sergeant Spradling announced, “Driver, take us forward and position us as a shield.” I’m not losing anyone today because of some lieutenant’s foolhardiness, he thought.
Chapter 32
Antelope Valley-Crestview, Arizona, April 8, 2029
Caleb didn’t want to open his eyes because he was sure what he’d see. Squinting slightly he saw Elora curled up between his legs, her hair covered his stomach. The mixed smell of sex and puke was thick enough to cut with a knife. The infected woman still held a bottle with a little in the bottom, two other bottles lay next to her. “Damn, Elora, when you party you go all the way, don’t you?” He tried to move his legs without disturbing her and finally gave up and gave her a kick. No sounds or signs of life acknowledged his action as he broke free. Looking down, he barely managed to keep from throwing up as he found proof Elora had more--than once.
Oh God I’m going to hell! He thought. Disgusted, he took off his clothes, relieved to see she’d missed them. He turned on the shower and the water was cold but he didn’t care as he tried to wash the assorted filth from himself. Freezing and satisfied, he got out and dressed quickly. He could sense Elora and another infected; no Wetzel or either boy yet. He looked at his watch and wondered if the infected had gotten in and was hiding from the sun that should be rising now.
Caleb threw a blanket over Elora and was rewarded with a gaseous fart that brought tears to his eyes as he hurriedly opened the door to the bedroom and made a beeline for the door to get fresh air, all thoughts of another infected close by forgotten.
The sun had already begun to rise so infected would not be a problem, only norms that may want to kill him for being infected, or thieves. He went to the front of the RV to look at the engine; there was no evidence of the night’s activity except for an infected lying in the shade of the RV on the road. Well, in a few minutes the sun should hit him and that’s one less infected he thought as he looked at the engine, confused. Now what the hell did they do to the engine? Caleb was wondering when he heard the infected working to get to his feet.
“Just take yourself a couple steps to the right and you’ll be in the sun and can call it a day, oops I mean a life.” The infected muttered in reply as he finally stood up and wavered a bit as though he was at sea. His head was in the sun and he was groaning in pain. That’s one tough bastard; I never saw one last that long. I’ll help him on his way.” Caleb dashed back into the RV and grabbed his 9 mil, then rushed back down, slipping on the bottom step and firing a round into the road ahead of him. He was looking at his torn up hand and didn’t notice the infected walking towards him.
“You okay? What’s with the artillery? Shit! Where’s my fricking pants?” Caleb looked at him, confused at first, then broke out laughing.
“Dude, I’m screwed, and so are you. We’re in the Zombie Apocalypse. Until last night you were what we call ‘infected’. Look at the front of you, you been snacking on humans or other animals, that’s blood all over the front of you. That stink you smell is also you. Follow me into the RV and you can take a shower and I’ll see if I can scrounge some clothes for you. Stay away from the bedroom door in the back. Hey, what do I call you?”
The man stood there, confused, for a moment and replied, “Zach, call me Zach Andrews.” He replied like he was asking a question.
“There’s the shower stall in there, no hot water but keep running it until you don’t stink.” Caleb slipped into the bedroom, amazed the woman was still out cold. In the closet he opened drawers and found jeans and a set of clothing, including tennis shoes. He made his way out of the bedroom and set the clothes out on the counter, then donned his gear and returned to the engine.
The sound of engines could be heard coming from the south. He could see the pair of armored pickups speeding towards him as he felt a sense of relief come over him. Now, if the damned RV would fire up, it’d be a good start to the day, Caleb thought, the same time he heard the water stop and Zach moving around inside muttering.
“Where the hell have you all been all morning? And how did you mess up the RV? And why in the hell did you wait until it was dark to let me know? I am not a happy camper, plus the crowd you drew when you tried to shoot me,” Caleb
lifted his sunglasses and gave Danny a dirty look before continuing, “was real interested in getting into the RV because the same shot woke your mom, and she started to shriek to be let out. I finally got in there and force-fed her a bottle of 151 to shut her up. Only then did they leave us the hell alone. Oh, and I adopted a zombie this morning. His name is Zach, he’ll be out any second.”
“Zach the Zombie?” Wetzel asked, then broke out laughing as the tension was broken. All three scrambled to bring up their carbines when the door slammed open and Zack came out.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don’t shoot!” Zach shouted as his arms shot straight up. Caleb stepped between him and the other three.
Now, didn’t I just tell you about Zach and the first thing you do is try to shoot him? What the hell is wrong with you people?” Caleb asked indignantly. “Now, we don’t have time for this crap. What’s wrong with the RV?”
“We were cruising okay, not speeding or anything like that, and the engine just went jerky and died. I don’t know if it’s the fuel system or the electrical.” Zach interrupted the Q and A.
Okay, if I try? Get in and try to start it up.” Zach positioned himself in front of the RV, “Go ahead, start it up.” Wetzel checked that the vehicle was in park and turned the key, not even a click was heard.
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