by D G Leigh
“I can confirm we've broken the bitch!” Ferguson relayed the good news.
Already ahead of the Blackhawk the drone flew towards the breached wall. Cheers from the navy crews over the speakers.
Hershel's fists clenched, willing the robotic plane. “Come on, come on.”
On the ground the undead swarmed. Rushed to the protect the wounded growth. Something had injured their mistress. The culprit identified. Too high for toxic darts. The gargantuans release another chemical defence from their tendrils. Droplets of gummy thistle type spores splattered on the Blackhawk's windshield. Wipers had no effect clearing the gunk. They'd been expecting this but this wasn't the reported blinding sap this was something new. The helicopter momentary lose power. Stomachs lurched from the sudden drop in height.
Too many warning indicators for Ferguson to pinpoint, all meant bad. Flashing lights across the panel. Not normally seen unless you're crashing. “Pollen is clogging our ducts, choking the engines of oxygen.” Fought for control. “Engine one is overheating, damn that was quick. Engine two isn't far behind. We're going down.” No safe landing site.
The drone flew through the narrow pass unaffected. The algae didn't consider it a threat. Could the plant sense no lifeforms or explosives onboard? Did the UVA appeared as harmless as any another piece of human machinery? It still had electrical pulses, surely greenfingers couldn't differentiate between normal brain activity and computer circuitry? Then again you don't see Zak attacking parked cars or mobile phones!
Cannon fire from a shadowing Apache gunship pulped the damaging injector funnels between here and the opening. Giving clean air to the SEALs Blackhawk. Engines roared restored with torque. Surged ahead. The airframe lifted. “We lost an engine but we're stable.” Fardip compensated for the imbalance.
“We're good. It's all good.” Ferguson put their fears to rest.
Specially designed mesh intakes to combat battlefield debris and airborne particles the Apache AH-64 able to function in a polluted environment, for a short time at least. If necessary the pilot could switch to an artificial composite digitally displayed on his visor. Self contained closed cockpit completely sealed from outside contaminates. “You didn't think we'd let you pansies take all the glory?” The attack helicopter positioned to protect its beleaguered little sister. “Captain Peter Tempo Truman, USS Saratoga. At your service. You're all clear to proceed from here on out.”
“Thank you Capitan.” Biehn checked with Ferguson, he nodded. Controls responding.
“Sorry couldn't get here any sooner. Lost the whole ship to Zak. Fought our way topside after hearing Endeavour's plan. The last of the crew held the pad long enough for us to get airborne. Don't think any of them made it after that?”
“If you looking for a some payback you're welcome to tag along.”
“Negative. Fuel stores at fifteen present, didn't want to be late for the party. Don't have the stamina for an all nighter.”
“Understood.”
“Tempo, this Captain Hershel. Our deck is clear and ready to assist you.”
“Copy that.” Tempo broke from formation. “Happy hunting, Commander Biehn.”
“You to brother.” With an engine spluttering the Blackhawk proceeded beyond the gargantuan's cocoon clutches.
Silhouetted in the waning light the free drone banked right, Fortitude's pilots taken control. Susan's unicorn and Eugene's rock on their way.
* * * * *
Zero Week + One
--- One ---
“Where the hell do you think you're going?” Jo stood blocking the cafeteria's door though her petite frame had no chance of preventing Leslie going anywhere he so pleased. The clock on the wall read 2:07am. Routines of the past gone, no longer changed into pyjamas for bed. Kept a weapon at hand and your shoes on just in case you need to bolt for it in the middle of the night.
“Best time to go. Those left standing are stumbling around like smoked bees. I need to scavenge the other observatories for food before the fresh spoil. If we ration what we've already got we'll probably last a month, maybe six weeks but we'd be in no fit state to fight off an incursion. Not to mention there might even be a more accommodating building to take shelter in. I think I saw a car outside one of them? Use that to fetch supplies from the Onizuka centre. Stretch our provisions six to eight months.”
“You're forgetting Zak can survive at lower altitude.”
“The population of the Big Island is just shy of a million, plus tourists. Eventually if they keep coming here they'll die out.”
Incredibly quickly Jo calculated the maths in her head. “Nine years!”
“Sorry?”
“That's how long it would take, nine years. Give or take. That's factoring in no weapons or help from other survivors. If everything I've seen so far is true those gargantuans aren't the friendly sort. At the moment our good old common yard tree absorbs harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Draws water from the soil which in turn evaporates creating low clouds that reflects the sun's hot rays – evotranspiration it's called. What if this new breed does the complete opposite? Heats our planet. Zom-pop-sicle aren't gonna freeze!”
“Then the bastards can burn.” Behind Leslie assorted parts liberated from numerous devices from around the complex jerry-rigged together into a home-made flamethrower. An empty cola bottle filled with a powdery liquid. Plastic tubes ran inside the pole of an upstand light, the half bowl shade still attached at the end. Dismantled kitchen blender button formed the circuit switch between the fishtank pump and the battery pack off a cordless drill. “This gives me a weapon of distance but I don't think Zak is afraid of fire.”
“Does it work?”
“Of course it does. A mixture of powered milk, lemon and linseed oil.” Leslie not sounding convinced. “Haven't tested inside for obvious reasons.” Became excited. “Let's go give it a burst!”
--- Two ---
The Bombardier's cabin converted into a complete mobile military base. Sectioned without dividers. Armoury, resting quarters, situation room and medical bay. There's no privacy on the battlefield when your guts are blown out so why should there be any in here? Looking down the length of the fuselage you're able to see everything your comrades are up to.
After watching global news and intelligence reports Dr.King impartially handed the tablet back. Major Fontaine had witness many reactions to the incomprehensible cataclysm. Some cry, some laugh, some take up arms, others commit suicide but the majority simply couldn't accept the truth, shake their heads get angry. Fear of losing everything that they've worked so hard for. Across America foolish people with loaded shotguns sat on their porches waiting for Zak to simply stroll up their front lawns and try and take their shit.
Fontanie's soldiers waited for the doctor to speak. Money worthless now none the less they all had bets on the outcome, just a way to pass the tedious time in transit.
“You don't seem too upset doctor?” Paxton yelled from the gun rack.
“I siding with the trees. They're taking back what belongs to them. Since man first learnt how to wield an axe and make fire the Earth has lost sixty-one percent of its trees. I'm not surprised they're fighting back.” Ross's empathy put him in direct odds with Fontaine's squad.
“You want them to win?” The soldiers banded together. Thought as one, trained to, that's what kept them alive. Acted as a single entity with many appendages. “Perhaps we should get the good doctor a parachute and he can go join the other team?” The world beneath in ruins. The aircraft flew south-east over the expanding infected zone. The quickest route to their destination but not the safest. The dead owned metropolis.
Fontaine allowed his men to be loud and bash. A good way for them to relieve stress from the last few days. When it counts they're all business. State your life on it. “Quieten down.” Reined them in. “We'll be landing in a few hours. That puts Zak at eye level. I want full weapons stripe and check, twice.”
--- Three ---
The Blackhawk
circled Keck observatory, unmistakeable from the other buildings due to its twin domes. Last contact a day ago, much can happen in a day. NASA tried to re-establish a link, sent a ping but got nothing back.
Bio-masks removed whilst flying between islands. Fardip gave his opinion as he projected the helicopter's powerful searchlight to penetrated every dark corner. “No sign of forced entry. I've got hundreds of scattered Zaks kissing the dirt. Either Leslie Harris is one hell of a marksman or he's telling the truth. A dozen walkers still mobile on the east slope. The roof looks clear, wide enough to set down. Single access staircase to the ground.”
“I'll place us on the opposite side.” Ferguson brought the helicopter about. “Once down I'm afraid I need to let the engine cool before it burns itself out. Might not get another opportunity.”
“How long?”
“As long as possible. I'd like to work on fixing the other engine. If we run into trouble I won't have anything to fall back on. Can't fly a lead balloon.”
Fardip not happy. “Hey! It ain't wise to leave the whirlybird cold. What happens if we need to get outta here in a hurry?”
“Put your arms out and flap them real hard!” Ferguson insisted he'd be allowed the essential maintenance. “If I had an hour I could bleed out and clean the injectors that'd be a start. We took a big hit from that pollen.”
“Keep the blades spinning until we've checked this building. Don't want any surprises biting us in the ass. You can clean that mess off the windscreen in the mean time. I'd give you the all clear when I'm happy. Jennings keep him covered.” The M-60D window mount aimed directly at the top of the stairs, enough fire power to stop anything reaching them. Before releasing the sliding exit Biehn didn't want his men to be careless. “Remember they're not expecting the cavalry to come barging in. They've been battling Zak and living on their wits. Expect to find doors and window barricaded. This isn't a normal grab and run with hostages. These people we're rescuing might actually be hostile at first! Be mindful of booby-traps.”
“So now I've got to dodge the good guys too? I miss shooting ragheads!”
“Knock that shit off Fardip.” Biehn reprimanded the trooper. Tightened Susan's air harness instead unlatching it. “I need you to stay here.”
No hiding places inside the machine's belly. “You're coming back aren't you?”
“Count on it.”
“Good! Because you still owe me ice-cream!”
Hatch open the SEALs hit the asphalt roof running. Guns leading the way. Taking immediate cover against an enemy with no weapons. Silently eliminated the remaining Zaks. Broke into two teams. Short on manpower Fardip joined Biehn as Alpha squad. Beta unit Ward and Remar.
Alpha headed for the main entrance. Beta jimmied the fire exit's lock and entered the building.
Biehn followed the wall round to the foyer. Checked through windows. Underbarrel torch lit overturned furniture inside. Shut internal door handles punched out.
At Keck's glass entrance stacked tables and lobby chairs barred entry. “Definitely somebody holed up inside.” Fardip tapped the door with his shorten snout MK 13 CQBR carbine. “Little pigs, little pigs let us in.”
“Beta, how's your sweep?” Biehn continued with a complete circumference of the outside.
“They've gone to town in here.” Ward responded. Switched the lights on. Systematically searched every nook and cranny. “Fort Knox with bells on. Basement's blockaded from this side.” Sharp eyed SEALs even noticed the pump missing from the fish tank. “A living area has been cordoned off.” The soldier impressed with the lay out and planning. “We're clear.”
In no immediate danger Biehn allowed Ferguson to pull the plug on Blackhawk. “Okay, you've got your hour.” Expected it done in half that time.
The two patrols met up in the cafeteria.
Remar examined Leslie's handyman's leftovers sprawled across tables. Recognized what had taken place, assembled home-made weapons. “There's a couple of fire axes missing off the wall too.”
“Found the pair's love nest upstairs.” Ward added. “Looks like they couldn't find the do not disturb sign because the equipment room has been hammered to bits. That's why there's been no further radio contact.”
“Last night's opened cans are in the trash.” Remar checked all the cupboards, supplies low but not worth leaving behind.
“I'd imagine they're using the effects of attitude to safely raid other facilities. Let's see if we can locate them before sun up. I don't won't them trapped in another building. While we're sitting on our asses over here.” If they couldn't find them after a thorough search Biehn would have to get Susan to formally identify the dead bodies to confirm none of them are Leslie, wasn't looking forward to asking her to do that.
“Jennings, do you copy?” The internal speaker inside the Blackhawk's cargo bay live.
“Jennings here.”
Biehn informed him that the squad would be leaving Keck to search the other observatories.
Susan didn't understand the coded soldier phrases. Misinterpreted Biehn's message about leaving. She grabbed a headset and shouted. “No! No!”
“Susan stay off this frequency.”
“Jo's hiding. We did this all the time. I can find her.”
Beihn's reply transmitted to an abandoned earpiece. Jennings voice came back. “Commander, you've got a jackrabbit on the lose.” Susan was fast, no wonder she'd survived thus far. Leapt from the chopper. “She's at the access ladder.”
Through a pair of binoculars Jo couldn't believe her eyes. “It's Susan.” She and Leslie had gone looting together. Remained hidden after hearing the Blackhawk swoop in. Impossible to tell friend from foe these days. Jo already up before Leslie could stop here. “Come on, it's Susan.”
With all the lone walkers eliminated by the SEALs Jo clear to ran towards the building, she did so without thought or fear.
Jennings didn't need permission to engage Zak. “Active target. Two o'clock.” Thermal imaging scopes useless for detecting the undead at night. Starlight amplification system running. Levelled his aim sight. A huge arc of flame behind the fast moving zombie caught the SEALs attention, his powerful machine gun still tracked the threat but held off pulling the trigger. “Negative hostile. Signal-flare and possible contact with two survivors.”
---Four ---
Oklahoma's prairie wide and flat. Glimpses of sunrise far off on the horizon. The Bombardier touched down slicing the glass like surface of Lake Texoma. Its bow wave the only disturbance in this surreal peaceful scene. The next rainfall would bring the gargantuan seedlings. This world would soon be gone. Fontaine and his team had arrived just in time and knew it. Floated towards the mooring jetty. A tiny solitary wooden fishing cabin in serious need of repair stood waiting inland.
Ross dumbfounded. Where's the military complex? Soldiers, tanks and guns? “Why have you brought me here?”
Fontaine thought he'd be more appreciative considering the man had be living in the wild for years. “There's hot water! You can have a shave.” Kicked lose vegetation off the porch. Opened the door, fumbled for the light switch. The bulb fizzled and died with a pop. The shack's only room functioned as the complete living area, lounge, bedroom and kitchen. The sink doubled for washing dishes as well as your face. Broken pieces of furniture, the bed missing a leg. Certainly no modern laboratory. The place unused for decades.
“What is this? Some sort of a sick joke?” Had they lost their sanity? “What do you expect me to achieve here?”
While Dr.King wandered dismayed Fontaine deliberately fiddled with the taps, adjusting their alignment. “This is just an annex.” From beneath the false floor a concealed hatch levered up revealing a ladder leading down into darkness, a circle of light at the bottom. “We're fourteen miles from the main complex. This is one of many capillaries.”
--- Five ---
Inside Keck's cafeteria Biehn let Susan, Jo and Leslie get reacquainted before starting. Leslie relieved of his home-made flamethrower, the SEALs
impressed with his ingenuity but couldn't have wildcard weapons among them. Trained to watch each others backs in combat, each knew where their comrade would be without having to look. Nobody caught in a crossfire and every angle of attack covered.
“What are you doing back here?” Jo cuddled Susan, checked her for injuries. Whipped Biehn a hash look for exposing Susan once again to danger.
Biehn understood her concern. “Ma'am trust me it ain't pretty where we just come from, it's a hell of a lot worst than here.”
Susan nodded in agreement. “They found out that I wasn't Mr.Leslie.” She apologized. “I didn't tell them honest.”
“I know you didn't sweetheart.”