The Event: The Beginning

by Lee Thomas

  “If the fence was secure, why go through the trouble of securing these buildings alone? Why not put the effort into the fence line and have the whole base?” I asked.

  “We didn’t know the fence was intact at first. We started here since it’s quite a distance to the fence, so we felt even if those things congregated at the fence, they still wouldn’t be able to see us, plus with four buildings we thought we could fortify them and have plenty of space. As you can tell, there was no gate per se, only a drop down gate to stop cars from pulling through. We made a makeshift gate, which seems to work pretty well. I usually have two guards posted there, in case anyone else comes around.” he replied. We entered the supply building about that time. Three men were sitting in the rec room area of this building, and one stood when Tony walked in.

  “What’s up man, is this your friend from Oklahoma we have been waiting for?” the man asked Tony.

  “Yeah, it is. Jack, this is Sheldon. Sheldon, Jack. I was just showing him around a bit.” Tony explained to Jack. Jack and I shook hands and nodded at each other.

  “It’s good to meet you. Tony has been talking about you quite a bit and your plan. Several of us were starting to think that was just a bullshit story that Tony was telling us to keep us calm. I hope, now that I have met you and know you’re a real person, that your plan is real and it’s not really a bullshit story.” Jack said.

  “I can assure you that my plan is real, and hopefully not bullshit.” I told him. He looked at me like he was sizing me up, then just shook his head, nodded, and moved back to the table. Tony and I kept walking down the hallway to the supply rooms. He opened the first door and it appeared it was a weapons room. There were shelves with various rifles and handguns, and a few boxes of ammo. I looked around for a minute and we proceeded to the next room. It was apparently a dry goods pantry. Canned food, boxes, and bags of rice and such were all there was. While there were plenty of shelves, there was not much on the shelves.

  “As you can see, we are low on food. We have been making do, but we haven’t had a successful supply run in quite a while. That’s why I’m glad you showed up when you did. I don’t know how much longer I could’ve held it together here if the food ran out.” Tony said as we walked back towards the courtyard.

  “Well, once Jeff gets here, I want to see how much fuel he has, top off the RV’s with whatever we have left, and get back on the road. It’s going to be tight with your people in them too, but it should only be an hour or so to the ship. I don’t think anyone will complain about standing or sitting on the floor for that short a time. I think Norfolk should be like this one, only a single drop down gate to keep cars out. Once we get to the ship, I want to scrounge all the ships in port and bring anything we can find to the carrier. Of course, I am basing this all off the fact that one will be there. If not, I will revise it then.” I said as we walked through the courtyard.

  We shook hands and Tony said he was going to help Dawn pack their few things while I turned and headed towards our building to gather my swords and what few clothes I had brought in. There were a few people in the rec room, talking and relaxing. I told them we would be leaving soon and to make sure they had their things gathered up. They all stood and followed me up the stairs to get their things, and I stepped into my room for my bag. I put my sword belt on and grabbed my bag, quickly scanning the room to make sure I didn’t leave anything. I could hear others laughing, and talking, but I knew the word would pass that we were leaving soon and everybody would be ready.

  As I stepped back out of the front doors, I could hear the semi coming down the road. I waited on the sidewalk in front of the main building and just watched for Jeff. I had seen a clock that said it was almost noon already. I had wanted to be at the ship by now, but I think everyone enjoyed the break from the vehicles. A new plan was forming in my head that I wanted to discuss with Jeff and Tony and the rest of ones taking charge.

  I saw the semi come around the corner into view, followed by the two cars they left in. I was glad to see them. I was worried that we wouldn’t have seen them again. Waving to them as they passed, I pointed to where they could park, and then waited for them to park and make their way to the doors.

  “I’m so glad to see you guys, did you have any problems?” I asked as they got close.

  “No, not really. We did have small group of infected come up as we moving the old rig, but the others took care of them, they never even got close.” Jeff said.

  “Good, good. Let me show you where everyone is settled. I had told everyone to get ready to leave, but I want to talk to you about something first. Meet me back in this lobby in ten minutes, ok?” I told him as we walked through the lobby. I walked him through the building with the other guys right behind us. Waving to a few people in the courtyard, I showed the guys where are rooms were, then left them to find who they wanted to while I went and tracked down Tony.

  I stopped in the rec room and asked if anyone knew where Tony was. One of the women said that he was in his room with Dawn packing. One of them went to get him while one of others went with me to the building directly across the courtyard, which was apparently empty now, and got the rec room ready for a meeting. I thanked him and he turned to leave as I saw Tony walking across the courtyard. I stopped the guy, Jason, I think he said his name was, and asked him to go find my group. He headed that direction and I waited for everyone to show up. I had given him a short list of people to find, so it shouldn’t take too long for everyone to gather.

  “What’s up man? We are pretty much ready to go.” Tony asked as he and Dawn both walked in.

  “I have something I want to discuss first. I’ve asked for a few more people to show up first, then we’ll get started.” I said, sitting down with them. It only took about ten minutes for everyone to show up. I now had Dawn and Tony, Val and Vince, Jeff and Michelle, Dave, and finally Roger.

  “Alright guys, I want to run something by you before we leave. I know everyone is getting ready for this last leg to the ship. I’m worried there isn’t one. As I’ve said from the beginning, I have never been able to guarantee there will be ships there, let alone an aircraft carrier. Now, that being said, Fort Lee here is secure. The fence line is intact, and there is plenty of space here for spreading out a little, growing crops, surviving. I propose we let people enjoy a day of relaxing, stretching their legs, not being cooped up in the vehicles, while I take a car, and maybe two or three guards, and I scope out the naval base and see if there is a ship there. That way, if there isn’t, we don’t have the whole group in jeopardy out in the open. Does anybody have any objections to that?” I said to them. They started looking at each other, obviously waiting on someone to say something.

  “This whole thing was your plan. Everyone is expecting to go to a ship. Now you want to leave them here and go off somewhere by yourself? I don’t know how some of them will take that.” Jeff spoke up.

  “It is a reasonable idea. If you decide to do it, you will need to make an announcement to everyone so they don’t think you got them this far and then just decided to abandon everyone.” Roger said.

  “I agree with Roger, it is a sound idea. I don’t agree with only two or three guards, though. I think it should be at least a six man team.” Vince said.

  “I don’t like it. The girls will be worried the whole time you are gone. What do we tell them?” Michelle asked.

  “We are extremely low on supplies here. Ammo and weapons aren’t a problem because we raided the armory, but food and medical supplies are in very short supply. I don’t know how much you have with you, but ours wouldn’t last another week.” Tony chimed in.

  “Look, guys, I have thought about all of this. Maybe a three or four man team is too small, but I have thought about what everyone else would think. I planned on telling everyone. I’m just thinking that if there isn’t a ship there, then at least everyone is already here where it is safe. And with this many people, we could start securing the fence better, running patrols, a
nd going on more supply runs. We have enough to last at least two weeks, with careful rationing.” I replied to them. I knew they all had concerns, and were looking forward to being safe, but I truly didn’t want to risk the whole group being out there in the open if a ship wasn’t there.

  “It’s ultimately up to you, Sheldon. At least you’re asking our opinions, but it is your call in the end. We decided to follow you on this crazy ass plan, and so did everyone else. You have two groups that you managed to get to follow along with us, so obviously other people who can lead believe in it as well. If you tell them this is the best way to ensure them being safe, without putting them in unnecessary danger, most will be okay with it.” Val said.

  “We can leave whenever you want, most everyone is packed since most of our things were left on the RV’s. Nobody really has much to pack up. What do you want to do?” Dave asked.

  “Gather everyone in the courtyard. I need to explain the plan to Tony’s group anyways, and I want to tell everyone they have at least a few hours of rest time here, while I go scout. I will need volunteers to go with me as well, so hopefully I can get four or five willing.” I decided, standing up to imply the meeting was over. Immediately Roger, Jeff, Dave, Tony, and Vince raised their hands and said they volunteered. Well, that was a six man team right there. I chuckled, said fine, whatever, and we all left. The others went to gather everyone in the courtyard, and I went to sit on the bench surrounding the middle tree. I needed to think and figure out how I was going to tell everyone the new plan.

  Half an hour later, the crowd had gathered. There were several conversations going on, with everyone talking amongst themselves, and finally I stood on the bench and tried to get everyone’s attention.

  “Everyone, please, quiet down. I have something I would like to say to all of you.” I started, waiting on all the various conversations to wrap up and everyone look at me. “I know most of you, at least by face if not name. To those of you that made it here with Tony, my name is Sheldon. I’m from Oklahoma. I have a plan to survive. It’s complicated, but the basic gist of it is to find a ship at Norfolk Naval base not far from here. My hope is that there will be an aircraft carrier in port. We plan to take the ship and live on it. It will provide power, running water, and most importantly, safety. Once aboard, we can raise the elevators, close the hangar bay doors, and nothing will be able to get onboard with us. There will also be sufficient space to start some indoor greenhouses and start growing our own food, plus we should be able to hunt as well. It won’t be the easiest life, but we will be safe. If you want to join us, you are welcome. If not, you are free to stay here.

  “Now, to my plan for today. I know everyone has been packing and making ready to go. However, I want to put that hold for a few hours. I plan on taking a small group with me and going to check out the base, make sure a ship is in port. Now, that does not mean I am leaving the group here to fend for themselves by any means. I just want to make sure that the ship is there before I take the whole group out of a place of safety. This base is secure, with a good fence. If there is no ship, I plan on coming back and securing the base even more. If anyone has any objection, I welcome them to speak up now. If not, the team I have picked will be leaving within thirty minutes, and I want them by the RV’s then.” I told this large group look at me. It was a short speech, but I was never comfortable talking to crowds. I stood there as people stared at me, looked at each other, murmured in small groups. I waited several minutes, and no one raised a hand, or a voice, or stepped forward.

  “Alright then, I guess that’s my answer. Everyone can enjoy a few more hours of sunlight and not being in the cars. It shouldn’t take more than an hour to get there, not very long to inspect the pier, then another hour back. It’s about noon, so I want to be back by three so we can load up and get the whole group to the ship by dark, if there is one there. Thank you all, and I will see you shortly, one way or another.” I finished, stepping down off the bench. I headed straight for the RV since I had stashed my swords there already. Several people clapped me on the shoulder or back as I passed through the crowd. Some offered some words of encouragement, some in greeting. I didn’t know all the faces, but I was sure I would know them all before too long.

  Making it through the crowd, I walked through the building, the gears already turning in my head on what I could do with the base, just in case the ship wasn’t there. I gathered my swords and a small food pack, then went in search of which car we would take. I decided on a mini-van, since there were six of us. It looked like it had about three-quarters of a tank, which would be more than enough. I pulled it in front of the building and waited for the others.

  Twenty minutes later, they came out of the building. Jeff pointed at me in the car, and it looked like they were waiting on me in the lobby and finally came outside to check. I laughed to myself as they made their way down the stairs. They loaded up, weapons kept close, and we pulled away. We made it back to the main gate without getting lost, and it swung open as we got close. I waved to the gate guards as we passed.

  “Jeff, you got the map right? I need directions. It has been a long time since I’ve been here, and I don’t remember the way very well.” I said, since Jeff had taken shotgun.

  “Yeah, I got it.” he replied, unfolding the map and finding us on it. “Take this road to 460, then head south and it should lead us right into Norfolk.”

  “Alright, let’s do this. I know it’s the middle of the day, but everyone keep their eyes open. We have seen infected out in the daytime before.” I instructed, pushing the gas pedal down and revving the engine. Since no radio stations had broadcasted anything for a while, we rolled forward in silence, only the wind to listen to. Trash and animals was the only movement we saw though. I made the left onto 460 and we rolled on.

  “Should we be looking for supplies also while we are out, or is this strictly a ‘to the ship and back’ mission?” Vince asked.

  “The way in I’m not stopping. I want to find out if a ship is there or not. Beside, Tony said they have been going on supply runs and have probably pretty well cleaned out this entire area. We might look when we get into Norfolk, but not now.” I said. No one else said anything for quite a while as we rolled south and east.

  We crossed several small waterways and finally we made it into Norfolk itself. I was feeling a small sense of accomplishment and relief at being here. I knew, if there was a ship in port, once I got the group there that someone else could take over. I wasn’t really the leader type when it came to something like this.

  “Look, there is a sign for the base. Turn that way.” Dave said, pointing to the left. I turned where he indicated and followed the sign through the town towards the base. We passed abandoned cars, houses with broken in doors and windows, and businesses with busted windows. Trash was blown all over the place, and it appeared the looting was very bad here at one point. There were bodies here and there that had been ravaged by animals, or infected. We saw dogs, cats, and I swear I even saw a leopard dart behind a house at one point.

  “Jeff, does that map show a zoo anywhere near here?” I asked.

  “I don’t see one, but this is mostly a road map, it doesn’t have a lot of local detail on it like that.” he replied after a minute or two of studying the map.

  “Why would want to know where a zoo is?” Roger inquired.

  “What happens when they handlers stopped coming to feed them? Or someone, out of mercy, opens the cages to let them loose because no one will be there to feed them?” I asked. It was a problem I hadn’t considered before, but seeing the leopard got me to thinking. I was surprised we hadn’t seen any wild animals like that before, now that I thought about it a little. Lions, wolves, leopards, bears, the list of dangerous animals was not exactly a short one.

  “Do you think there are wild animals around then?” Vince asked.

  “I don’t know. I swear I saw a leopard back there, jumping behind a house.” I told them. They all started looking around then. We
saw nothing else but dogs, the occasional cat, and some squirrels after that. Shortly after that, we came across a sign directing us towards the base. Slowing down, I made the turn. More abandoned or crashed cars lined the road, and they got heavier as we neared the base.

  “There is no way the RV’s are getting through here without clearing some of them out.” Dave said.

  “Yeah, but look up there, at the gate.” I replied, pointing. There were several cars crashed into the gate itself and each other, basically blockading the road. We slowly made our way to the road that ran along the fence line of the base. More abandoned and wrecked vehicles here as well, but at least none of them broke through the fence.

  “There should be another gate up here somewhere. It will be closer to the pier anyways. Has anyone seen any damage to the fence?” I told them.

  “No, it looked good, what I could see on this side.” Tony said. We continued rolling along slowly, watching for movement, looking for any holes in the fence, as well as keeping our eyes open for the gate. It finally came into view, and it looked similar to the other gate. Cars were wrecked around it, blocking it, but the fence and gatehouse itself appeared intact. Stopping the van, I put it in park so we could get out and try to move some of these vehicles. Since I knew I wasn’t one of the strongest when it came to stuff like that, I climbed on top of one of the nearby cars to keep watch. It only took the others about ten minutes to break into, put in neutral, and move the cars. I jumped down and met them back at our van.