“Are you fucking kidding me?” Fish whispered. I glanced at him. He looked like someone had hit him in the stomach with a cinder block. He gripped the table and I could hear the wood bend under his strength.
There were murmurs as people talked in hushed voices.
“I think this is a blessing!” Preacher said excitedly. “To think, with all this death, life still finds a way.”
“It’s a little more complicated than that, Preacher,” Campbell said. “I didn’t find out until I was told Gonzales had been killed. Rich thought it was important for me to know once we got word about his death.”
“She can’t have a baby,” DJ said. “My god, we can barely take care of ourselves.”
“We already have a bunch of children,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, that are beyond diapers and crying for food. Well, mostly,” DJ grumbled.
“Are you talking about abortion?” Preacher scoffed. “Can we really ask that girl to go through that?”
“Before we jump the gun, let Rich finish,” Campbell said.
Rich smiled in appreciation. “This brings a few issues to the table. Unfortunately, DJ, caring for a newborn is not at the top of that list, though giving birth to one is.”
Rich gave DJ an apologetic look, and then continued.
“I spoke with Rachel before I came to the meeting. She is still upset, and rightfully so, but she intends to keep the baby.”
Preacher smiled approvingly, but Rich soon brought out the darker side of the issue.
“Though that is her choice,” Rich went on, “we have to consider the implications, especially after what Doctor Tripp just told us.”
“What implications are those?” Preacher asked tersely.
“Rachel is fragile right now. Life here is very stressful. We do not have any prenatal care at the camp. Miscarriage is a real possibility.”
“I’ve always seen that as mother nature taking its course,” I said. “If things aren’t right, the body rejects it, right?”
“True, Christian, but now I see it is not that simple. As Doctor Tripp pointed out, the enzymes the body releases upon death activate this M Virus. If the baby dies inside her…”
“Then Rachel could turn…” I finished for him.
“Or worse, just the baby could turn while still inside her,” Fish pointed out.
“That’s a thought as well,” Rich agreed. “It also pretty much rules out abortion, even if I could perform one.”
Doctor Tripp shook her head. “I disagree. With the right medicine, she could terminate the pregnancy before the fetus is little more than a tadpole. It could be done.”
“Do you hear what you’re saying?” Preacher said with an honest look of astonishment across his face. “My personal feelings on this aside, Rich has already said that Rachel wants to keep the baby.”
“I’m simply saying that we could do it, and that it may be the logical option,” Doctor Tripp countered.
“Besides the fact that I feel that option is wrong, I think this is a blessing. A light in this vast darkness we’re engulfed in,” Preacher argued. He paused a moment as he considered something. “Doctor, you yourself should want her to bring this pregnancy to term. What if this baby is born immune to your M Virus?”
Doctor Tripp smiled. “Preacher, is it? Preacher, you must realize this isn’t the movies, nor will this child be some sort of miracle child. We have to stay rooted in reality.”
Preacher grinned back at her, “And zombies aren’t real either, Doctor?”
“Enough,” Campbell sighed. “Preacher is right. Rachel made her choice.”
“I agree,” Rich nodded. “Now, we have to think about her care.”
“That’s another point,” DJ interjected. “Can she even deliver in these circumstances? We’re living in the virtual dark ages.”
Rich chuckled. “There were plenty of healthy births in the Dark Ages, DJ. I’m more worried about keeping her and the baby healthy during the pregnancy. We need vitamins and equipment for a caesarean, if need be—”
“I hate to interrupt, Captain,” Dobson said, without the least regret in his eyes, “But this is a discussion for your group alone. I would like to focus on getting this antibiotic for Sergeant Pitman.”
Rich tilted his head, amused. “That is where I am going with this, Major. I know of a nearby facility that may have everything we need there. That is, what Mr. Pitman and Rachel need.”
“How close?” DJ asked.
“Well, the thought of trying to scavenge medical supplies from a normal medical facility is scary, I know,” Rich stated. “Most were undoubtedly spawn points for many of the dead-heads. If they haven’t moved on, there is a good chance the dead are still swamped inside any hospital or doctor’s office. However, veterinary offices and dental clinics would likely be safe. I know of two that are in close proximity of each other, and they are just down Route 192.”
Campbell considered a moment. “DJ, Fish?”
DJ sighed, “Route 192 is ugly, but nothing like what we just faced today.”
Fish frowned, “Yeah. Two Runner teams. Each having a backup for distractions. If the buildings are empty like Rich suggests, then it shouldn’t be an issue. Of course, if scabs show up, the whole plan would be shot.”
“Isn’t that the case every time we go on a run?” I asked.
I wasn’t too concerned about Pitman. Maybe that was because I really didn’t know him that well yet. Rachel, though, was a concern. If she was going to have this baby, we needed to do everything we could to keep her healthy.
“True,” Fish agreed, and then turned to Rich, “So how long does Pitman have?”
“Hard to say,” Rich answered. “I will tell you that if his condition progresses much more, Amphotericin may not be powerful enough.”
Gardner raised a hand. “Why would a vet clinic have this Ampho-stuff?”
Doctor Tripp answered before Rich. “Blastomycosis is most common in dogs. As I said earlier, the fungus is usually found in rotting plants and soil. It is more common in pets than their human masters. Humans rarely sniff the dirt,” she smiled and shot Fish a quick glare.
Fish gave a small, sarcastic chuckle.
“Alright,” Campbell clasped his hands together, “Fish, get two teams ready. Rich, let Daniel know what we need—”
“Captain,” Rich interrupted, “I will need to go. The dental office would be a backup, mainly for pain killers. Daniel could go on that team. But I would like to be on the team going to the veterinary clinic. I am almost certain they will have a portable ultrasound system, which would be very useful. Also—”
Campbell sighed. “I get it, Rich. You can go.” He turned to face the group. “Fish, get a list of runners to go on this mission. Two teams. Alpha should be bigger for the veterinary clinic. Bravo will only go into the dental office if it seems viable. I will be leading this run. No arguing DJ. You stay back and handle comms.”
DJ reluctantly nodded.
“Speaking of communications,” Dobson said, “I would like to try and contact Hoover Dam as soon as possible.”
DJ eyed Major Dobson suspiciously. “How is that possible? We’ve never heard of anyone from Hoover Dam on the wire.”
“Colonel Forester is hesitant to make radio contact with anyone outside his command,” Major Dobson was cautious. “When they were first setting up their fortifications, their radio communications attracted hundreds of refugees. With their sustainability in jeopardy, he decided to listen only. Well, except us and a few other units. One of the reasons Liberty Base fell was because of the influx of refugees.”
“Sounds a little selfish,” I murmured. “We take in everyone.”
“What do you have, a hundred people here?” Dobson said cynically. “What if two thousand showed up tomorrow? Do you think your little camp could sustain that many people?”
I shrunk back at that logic. He was right. I still couldn’t see us turning people away.
Was that what this worl
d was coming to? There were only so many resources. There was safety in numbers, but was having too many people dangerous too? Everyone in the room seemed to be thinking the same thing I was, and no one criticized the practice of turning people away.
“Alright,” Campbell stood up, “Fish and DJ, come with me and the Major to the Comms tent. Gardner, find quarters for Doctor Tripp and Tom. We will be leaving at 0800 hours tomorrow.”
The meeting broke up and we all went our separate ways. I was hoping to talk to Doctor Tripp, but she and the civilian contractor quickly disappeared with Gardner.
I was tired. It had been a long day. Somehow, learning about the M virus was more wearing than the actual mission. Or maybe it was losing Gonzales.
I left the main hall with full intentions of grabbing Boomer and hitting the sack.
“Christian,” a voice called behind me. I turned and saw Cecil. “How was the meeting?”
“Draining,” I answered, continuing to walk towards my shack.
“Okay…” he jogged up next to me. “Who are these people?”
“Some doctor and a Major who is a bigger asshole than Fish. The guy in the infirmary has some infection. Guess we’re going on a run tomorrow to get the medicine he needs.” I conveniently left out the fact that Rachel was pregnant. I didn’t know if the whole camp knew yet, but I figured it wasn’t my business to spread the word.
Just then Chad snuck up to us. The sun was close to setting and I saw his lengthy shadow approaching from behind. The silhouette of his hair was unmistakable.
“So, tell us what happened in the meeting, Christian,” he said, holding his camera phone like a reporter.
“Put that thing away, dumbass,” Cecil scolded. “You look like an idiot.”
“Kiss my ass, pig,” Chad shot back.
Cecil turned and got in Chad’s face. “Eventually, you’re going to get yours, you piece of shit. No one will cry when the dead eat you.”
“What, you wanna kill me?” Chad barked, getting closer to Cecil. “Bring it on!”
Cecil stepped back and smirked. “I don’t have to kill you. Your dumbass will get yourself killed. I just hope no one else dies in the process.” Cecil laughed and walked off.
“Fuck you, asshole!” Chad called behind him. Cecil didn’t respond.
“Man, he really hates you,” I laughed.
“Yeah. You would have thought that I broke into his house ten years ago,” Chad chuckled, referring to the reason why he was imprisoned at the age of eighteen.
“Maybe you did?” I smiled.
“Nah, I was in West Palm Beach when I got busted,” Chad remarked while checking over his video. “So, what was the meeting about?”
I relayed the relevant information to him, though I still left out Rachel’s pregnancy. He walked with me to the shack, where Boomer was laying at the door, and we said our goodbyes.
Sleep didn’t come easy. My thoughts raced about Gonzales and Rachel. Then the idea of talking to Doctor Tripp about my possible immunity would come and go.
I took into account what the scientist from the CDC had said. Maybe Chuck was wrong. I don’t think someone could remain a human if they had been infected. If the M Supercells were floating around in my system, surely I would have healed faster. The bites I had received from both my old roommate Dave, and the night I ran from Ace Hardware took as long to heal as any wound I had since pre-Awakening days.
On the same token, I didn’t think the M Virus was still in my system either. I had been sick before The Awakening. I got better while other people died. The enzyme released by the supercells should have activated the M Virus inside me, if it was still present. No, I was sure I wasn’t a carrier.
I considered that I could have misunderstood Doctor Tripp. After all, my medical knowledge stopped at the first aid training the Army gave me. There is a good chance I may have gotten some of the details of the virus wrong.
I drifted off to sleep while going over the conversation I would have with the good Doctor that we had rescued.
I woke up to someone nudging my leg.
“Hey kid, you awake?” a gruff voice asked.
I groggily opened my eyes and saw that the shack was dark. It had to be sometime in the middle of the night.
“Kid!” Fish said harshly.
“Yeah… yeah, I’m awake,” I groaned as I sat up on my elbows. I could smell alcohol.
“Good,” he grunted as his voice faded. I heard him collapse into a fold out chair that was between our beds.
“What’s up?” I asked while rubbing my eyes.
A spark burst through the blackness as Fish lit a Zippo. What followed was a puffing sound and the stench of strong tobacco.
“Can’t you do that outside?” I complained. “Where did you get a cigar, anyway?”
“Spoils of war, kid,” he chuckled. “They had plenty at the cigar shop today.”
Fish lit a small lantern and turned it partially up. The light was still dim, but I could easily make him out. He was slouched back in the chair. A half empty bottle of rum was nestled on the ground next to him.
I inhaled some cigar fumes and coughed. “Are you drunk?”
“Nah, but I feel better.” He gripped the rum and took a swig. He motioned the bottle toward me.
I sat up and crossed my arms over my legs. “I’m good, thanks. Are you okay?”
“Did you know?” he asked, ignoring my question.
“Know what?” I replied, confused.
“About Rachel. You said earlier we should have let Gonzo stay back. Is it because you knew she was pregnant?”
I pondered a moment. I really didn’t know for sure if she was, but Fish knew I suspected.
“Yeah. Well, at least I thought she might be. I caught her rubbing her belly. Wasn’t exactly a pregnancy test, but, well, it was just a feeling.”
“That’s why I like you, kid. You’re smart. Well, not smart, but you have good intuition.” Fish was only partially slurring, which told me that most of the alcohol hadn’t caught up with him yet.
“Thanks… I think,” I snorted as I sat my back up against the shack wall. Boomer squirmed and laid his head on my lap.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, growling.
I thought about that. I guess I could have told him my suspicions, but would it have made a difference?
“I didn’t think it mattered,” I responded after a moment of silence. “I mean, did it really? I didn’t know for sure. I guess I already knew what your response would have been anyways.”
“Really? And what’s that?” he scoffed.
“You would have said, ‘Christian, I don’t care if he’s pregnant himself, he still has a job to do’.” I said in my best Fish voice.
He chuckled, “Heh, you’re probably right.”
Silence filled the room as he took another long drink from the bottle.
“He’s not the first man I’ve lost who had a pregnant woman back home. It’s one of the toughest things I’ve had to do. Tell the woman her child’s father is never coming home.”
He continued as I stayed silent. “Campbell should have let me tell her. It was my fault.”
“No it wasn’t,” I spat before I could stop myself. “Cecil dropped the ball, not you. Your plan was working. Surprisingly…” I added with a whisper.
“You don’t know what it means to be in charge, kid. The OP was my responsibility.” He shook his head, as if he knew he had said too much. Fish’s face darkened as his stone mask returned and he took another drink of rum.
I decided to change the subject. “Did the Major make contact with that Colonel at the Hoover Dam?”
Fish glanced up at me. “He did. Guess they have been listening in on our conversations with Portland and Maine. Assholes couldn’t even say hello.”
“That’s messed up,” I commented.
“Bah, not really,” he said as he sat up and rested his elbows on his knees. “The Major was right. That was a good point he made about taking
in refugees. We’re already filled to max and have to expand the west wall.”
“I thought you didn’t like Dobson?”
“Has nothing to do with like, kid. I guess he’s alright, though. I was just sour after losing Gonzo. He and that doctor seemed to be good targets,” he smirked.
“So what did the Colonel say?” I said, maneuvering the topic back on course.
“Well, he ordered the Captain to render any and all assistance to Major Dobson in his mission to bring Doctor Bitch to Nevada.”
“What’s that mean? What assistance can we give them?” I asked curiously.
“Guns, ammo, food, water. Probably a vehicle, too. And, of course, some more men to get them to Hoover Dam safely,” he said with a cocked eyebrow.
“Holy shit. Really? Who do you think he’s going to take?”
“I’m not so sure the Captain is going to go through with it. He didn’t say anything to me, but I saw the look on his face.” Fish stood and put his cigar out on the table. Slowly, he started to get undressed.
“How do you feel about it?” I sat straight up, an idea forming in my head.
“I think the Major is a moron if he thinks the Captain is going to weaken Camp Holly’s defenses over a doctor who may or may not be able to find a cure. Not to mention the chance of them making it two thousand miles across the country is about nil. Campbell is right if he chooses to ignore Colonel Forester’s orders.” Fish flopped down on his bed.
“So you’ll back the Captain,” I said, somewhat disappointed. I was thinking I would be chosen to go on the road with them. That would have been a great opportunity for me to tell Doctor Tripp about my immunity.
“Yep,” he grunted. “And then I will resign as the First Sergeant of this cluster fuck and go with the Major.”
“Wait, didn’t you say you back the Captain?”
“Yep,” he responded and partially sat up. “Kid, it’s not worth disarming Camp Holly to save that woman. But the camp will go on just fine without me. It’s not like many people here will miss me.”
“It doesn’t matter if they’ll miss you or not. They need you. You keep everyone in line. Besides, didn’t you just say there’s a good chance the Major’s mission will fail?”
The Hunt Chronicles (Book 2): Revelation Page 23