“Well, I guess it’s ok that he let them go,” Bruce said drinking some coffee as PJ started yelling.
“Let’s get this boy something to eat,” Debbie said getting up heading outside to the center. She stopped as Marcus’s clan pulled around and parked.
Marcus and Carroll got out of an old pickup with people jumping out of the back. People got out of the other vehicles carrying boxes of food.
Bruce came up to Marcus giving him a hug then motioned to the people carrying boxes. “Marcus we have enough food here. Why did you bring more?” Bruce asked.
“Carroll said for ya ta ask her,” Marcus told him.
“That’s alright,” Bruce said making Marcus laugh.
Carroll walked over hugging Bruce then said, “Let me see tha shoulder.” Bruce never said anything and lowered his vest pulling his shirt open. Carroll lifted the dressing looking at the healing wound then put the dressing back on. “You drank the tea,” Carroll stated.
“I’m not talking about your tea,” Bruce said redressing.
“It got real bad on tha last day didn’t it?” Carroll asked cackling.
“I’m not saying anything about that evil concoction, because a switch would be in my future,” Bruce told her turning around walking away.
“We almost had to pull a gun on him to make him drink it,” Stephanie said making Carroll laugh more.
They all walked into the center. It was the most people in one place they had seen in a long time, well that weren’t blue anyway. The group ate breakfast, introducing themselves to each other. After breakfast, Father Thomas gave a good sermon making everyone feel better, and then led the group in prayer. After the prayer, Father Thomas looked at Bruce.
“Bruce, you want to start the briefing,” he asked.
“Paul, you start,” Bruce said.
Paul walked to the front with a stack of papers then turned to the room. “First, the barracks are done.” The room erupted into a thunderous roar. Paul held up his hands for everyone to quiet down. When everyone quieted down he started again.
“Nancy and Stephanie have the room assignments. The priorities are those with kids and couples. No one has a room by themselves. With the extra people Bruce and them brought, the barracks are full. I want to ask you Bruce if I can section off the dining room to make ten bunk rooms that will each hold two people? With that we will have a spot for everyone just for now,” Paul requested.
Bruce looked at Mike, Nancy and Debbie who all nodded their heads. “We don’t care,” Bruce said.
“Thank you. Now after the supply area we’re building two more barracks just like the one we built. We already have the frame up for the next one. As fast as we build them we fill them up,” Paul said.
“We’re saving humanity Paul,” Bruce said.
“Amen,” Carroll said.
“I know Bruce, that’s why we are building two with plans for four more. The pit that was dug in the west is for fuel tanks. There is a company on the other side of Shreveport that manufactures eight thousand gallon tanks. We are getting four, when the weather allows us. One of those trucks that we took from the truckstop, was loaded with batteries. We are making another battery house to offset the drain we are putting on the two we have now. The fence is almost done, and we are putting in raised platforms that we can fire from in case of attack. That’s it from me for now,” Paul said as several clapped as he walked away.
“Lynn and Millie you’re next,” Bruce hollered.
Not expecting to be called they argued with each other until Millie finally walked to the front. “Bruce you could’ve told us you wanted us talkin to these folks,” Millie said.
“Well I just want to say we’ve been having trouble with people helpin’ in tha kitchen. Now we’re starting to serve a fourth meal at midnight. We’re putin out a small food area for snackin. If you get caught takin a lot you’ll get spanked, not getin anymore from it. We have ta remember there’re a lot of us here so be actin right. That’s all I got to say,” Millie said and ran back to her seat.
“Matt and Jake,” Bruce said.
The two boys went to the front of the room and Jake pointed a remote to a wall. Bruce looked at the wall and saw the HD projector from the house. “Jake what is that doing out here?” Bruce asked.
“Mama and Daddy Mike said we could put it in here yesterday. We can watch movies in here now. Movie night was cancelled last night and moved to tonight,” Jake told Bruce. Bruce just looked at Mike and Debbie who both refused to look at him.
“Go ahead son,” Bruce said just a little unhappy.
“Alright, first we have to tell everyone the government is still functioning underground and several military units are active,” Jake said and a lot of people started clapping. “That is not good news people. They are starting a totalitarian society. They have forced labor camps and any woman of breeding age is forced to get pregnant. The copies we got off the government computer gave us the locations and we hacked in via satellite to confirm it. Matt and I put a sleeper virus in their network to notify us if they try to use satellites to study us and white out the screen if they try to focus on us. I’m not worried about them coming after us only bombing us. They only have a force of ten thousand military in Colorado and half that in Pennsylvania. The Navy ships that did not come back have gone to Australia. Matt, get the lights,” Jake said as Matt turned off the lights.
The projector showed a satellite photo on the wall. “This is the area north of Dallas,” Jake said and hit the button throwing up another photo this time closer. It looked like the land had spots over it. “This is a photo of a mass movement of infected. What we have heard on the radio, as a horde. There are over three million in this photo. They just move in a group, disperse, then form up again move and do it all over again. The north east is a lot worse.” Jake pushed the button causing another picture to come up. “This is in Ohio and this one group has seven million. They move like locust slowly gathering then moving to a new area to hunt. We have noticed that those infected in the north are starting to hibernate. This has been confirmed on the short wave radio. Several groups have been in the path of these mass migrations and just laid low. Some were passed by but others were over run. I didn’t want to show this, but dad said this clan has no secrets. We have no groups like this near us. The closest is the Dallas group and they are heading west. Any questions?” Jake asked and no one asked any.
“Now I want to show everyone what this group can do when we attack,” Jake said pushing another button. The screen showed a UAV video of the trap Bruce had set for the biker gang. “This is what my dad set up for our biker friends.” The bikes drove down the road and the screen went white. Then the next group came in and disappeared. Several people started clapping. Then Jake showed the attack on the camp including Bruce pissing on the biker. After the video Jake called for the lights.
“This is what we can do working together. We need everyone to train harder giving it everything you have. When you are asked to go out we want you to come back so learn how to fight. That is all I have Matt you need to add anything,” Jake asked and Matt said he was good.
Bruce got up and walked to the front, “Good job son,” Bruce said. Then Bruce turned to the room, “Ok, now again. Good work everyone on the training and getting the buildings up so fast. Marcus the reason I wanted you here today is when the first frost hits we are hitting the military bases for supplies. I want you to pick twenty people from your group we are committing forty plus security. We will take ten, eighteen wheelers start filling them up. When five are close to being full, five will leave from here. This way we can keep a convoy running here with supplies. We are taking heavy weapons, assault rifles, ammo, clothes and anything else we find. Debbie wants to send a group to Shreveport to gather supplies like clothes, food and storage containers. We will only be training from now on, only current constructions projects will continue nothing else until the weather turns cold. After the cold snap ends then we will finish putting everyt
hing up. It will be assholes and elbows when it gets cold. I don’t want to worry about ammo and I want everyone here and at Marcus’s farm to have three assault rifles. If more assholes show up, they will fear us, as the blues around here will start to. Marcus what do you say?” Bruce asked.
“November 15th will be a two week cold spell. Then it’ll warm up again until Christmas and’ll stay cold ‘til the end of January. I like your plan and want to thank ya for including us,” Marcus said.
“How the hell do you know when it’s going to be cold?” Bruce asked in a shocked voice.
“Farmer’s Almanac,” Marcus replied. Seeing Bruce’s skeptical look Marcus added, “It’s only wrong by a day or two Bruce.”
“Well then, on the 15th we move. I expect it will take us ten days of steady work to move what we need from Polk to here. Marcus, can your group start on a large storage area,” Bruce asked.
“Already have. After we saw yours, we started one and a barracks too,” Marcus told him.
“Well, if it’s any consolation, I like your fence better,” Bruce told him.
“Our fence only covers twenty acres but we’re working on that too,” Marcus replied.
“Marcus, if we get hit by one of the masses they call a horde, will you bring your clan here to make our stand,” Bruce asked.
Marcus leaned toward Carroll, Darrell and Eric talking with them. Then Marcus turned to Bruce, “That’s a good idea. With more guns shootin we stand a better chance survivin’,” Marcus said.
“Is there any way you can make pens for your animals where they can’t be heard and survive three days with food and water. My guess if the blues don’t hear food they won’t even bother trying to get in. If they do, we can resupply you but let’s not throw away good livestock,” Bruce said.
“If it can be done, we’ll do it,” Marcus said.
“Ok when the weather turns cold, we will secure solar panels for your farm as well. I want to make a rule that we don’t use fuel for electricity unless it’s for emergencies. It is in short supply. We do have plans to make some but it will not be in quantities for power production,” Bruce told everyone. Everyone nodded in agreement. Those that had been out in the world had lived months without it. Now if they had it, they just accepted it anyway they could get it.
“Ok, since movie night was canceled last night we will watch movies after lunch. Marcus your clan is more than welcome to stay,” Bruce told him.
“Thank ya Bruce we’d enjoy that,” Marcus said.
Bruce left the front of the room and sat down by Marcus. “Marcus, thank you for coming to get us,” Bruce told him.
“My pleasure and I have that pistol of yours,” Marcus said reaching to his back.
“Na, you keep it for saving a Ranger that got careless,” Bruce told him.
“You weren’t careless, maybe a bit reckless but Rangers like you aren’t careless,” Marcus told him.
Bruce just studied Marcus for a minute then asked, “You were in 5th Special Forces group weren’t you?”
“Yep, Nam 64-68 highlands,” Marcus replied.
“Thought so, you used that .45 a little too easily and when I was showing you how to make suppressors you understood the concept way to easy,” Bruce told him.
“That was a long time ago Bruce. I’m surprised you didn’t go green,” Marcus said referring to the Green Beret.
“I might have but I had to choose and I’m happy with my choice,” Bruce said looking at Debbie talking to Carroll in the corner alone.
“Yeah me to, I came home after my fourth tour and the girl I’d dreamed about my whole life came over to my house. When I answered the door, I almost fell over. Carroll asked me why I hadn’t come over and asked her to marry me yet. I hung my beret up that day and done what my daddy taught me,” Marcus confided as he looked over also. The two just stared at the women talking.
Debbie and Carroll had moved over and sat down in the corner talking after the meeting. After twenty minutes, Carroll looked at Debbie closely then asked, “Why are ya letting Stephanie get close to your marriage?”
Debbie was totally taken back by the question. One minute they were talking gardening and next this. Debbie just looked at Carroll trying to think of a reply. “Well-,” Debbie started.
Carroll shook her head, “Debbie the truth please. We both grown women who married insane men. I ain’t judgin’ ya, I just wanted to know. That girl’s sweet and kind. I don’t think she’s got a mean bone in her whole body. She looks at you almost tha same way she lookin at Bruce,” Carroll said.
Debbie took a deep breath and looked up at Carroll with tears in her eyes. “I’m making sure Bruce has someone there in case something happens to me,” Debbie told her.
Carroll just studied Debbie for a few minutes. “No, you know somethin’ gonna happen,” Carroll corrected her.
Debbie nodded her head in agreement then asked, “Please, don’t tell Bruce?”
“Ain’t my place to,” Carroll replied as she looked around the hall then back to Debbie. “But I think I know why you haven’t. You’re scared of what Bruce’d sacrifice for ya,” Carroll stated. Debbie nodded her head in agreement again. Carroll sighed, “Well you’re right about that. The only thing I don’t see him sacrificin’ be tha kids,” Carroll replied in a matter of fact tone.
Debbie just stared at Carroll. Then she looked at Marcus and Bruce and the way they were talking to each other. “Marcus would do the same for you,” Debbie said.
“Yeah, he would, as I’d sacrifice myself for him,” Carroll replied.
“I can’t let him do that Carroll. Too many people are dependent on him,” Debbie stated.
“Who visited ya in your dreams?” Carroll asked looking at Debbie. “How-,” Debbie started as Carroll spoke. “My sister knowd. Our granny come to see her in dreams and told her it’s almost time over and over again for many months. My sister told me about it and I just laughed. Several months later she was helpin Pappy workin’ on the tractor and it fall on her. Debbie, you have the same look on your face,” Carroll explained.
Debbie wanted to run away from Carroll, she did not like someone who could read her like a book but she wanted to talk to her so bad. “Carroll this is my choice but when it happens, Bruce is going to be hurt real bad. I can tell by the way Marcus and Bruce are talking Marcus was in the service and is a warrior like Bruce. The worst part of Bruce can’t stay. He may save the world but he’ll be alone and that hurts me more than anything. All of the kids, they will be fine but Bruce will follow the wave and have a cold lonely heart until he dies. I don’t want to know where he will go if he follows that path. I have some hope that if I get someone close to him now, he won’t shut out the whole world. Then that one person can bring him back,” Debbie explained.
“Well, I can’t say I wouldn’t try the same thing Debbie. You’d think after forty plus years I’d not get weak in the knees when Marcus looks at me but I still do. Do ya have any idea when,” Carroll asked.
Debbie shook her head no, “Carroll, I want to ask several favors from you please?”
“If I can, I will,” Carroll promised.
“If Bruce ever acts like he hates me, talk to him for me,” Debbie asked.
“That man’s not capable of hatin’ you,” Carroll informed her.
“We will see, next, the one he chooses, guide her until she gets her bearings. One is so love struck with him I don’t think she would rein him in if needed. The other well-,” Debbie said leaving it open.
Carroll laughed and nodded, “You don’t have to ask all your request now, especially if ya think you’ve time,” Carroll told her.
Debbie nodded again looking Carroll in the eye, “Thank you then and I will ask you for more later,” Debbie said, “and Carroll, I dream about my Dad.”
Chapter 25
That evening, Bruce was the last out of the shower. Looking at the bed Bruce fought off the temptation to just lay down on the floor. Debbie, Stephanie, Angela, Cade, twins and PJ
were all playing in the bed. Bruce walked over to Angela and grabbed her feet pulling off her socks.
Stephanie looked at Angela, “Told you he wouldn’t let you keep them on.”
“Bruce, my feet get cold,” Angela told him in a pouty voice.
“Angela, last night you and Cade burrowed under everyone to my side. How I don’t know. When I feel socks touch me, I think a hairy caterpillar is crawling on my body. I know your feet get cold because you put them on Stephanie and she rolled on top of me. Then I felt two little caterpillars on my chest,” Bruce told her.
“I didn’t know I was that bad. Cade and I will sleep downstairs,” Angela told Bruce moving toward Cade.
“Get out of this bed and I will duct tape you to it,” Bruce threatened her.
Debbie leaned toward Angela, “Told you duct tape would be involved.”
“Debbie told me today that you let Susan and Conner have your room. Where would you go? If you say the center, I’m getting a belt.” Bruce said crossing his arms across his chest. Angela just looked at Bruce trying to say something.
“You and Cade will stay here until you are ready to leave, which means until Debbie thinks you are ready to leave. I‘ve seen you smile again and I like that, as does everyone else. I’m not saying you don’t miss Alex but you have felt a little guilty that you have rushed through the stages of grief. Angela in this new world, we have to take any joy we can. We can be over run and dead in an hour by blues or a gang. Don’t feel guilty, Alex wouldn’t want that and neither do we,” Bruce told Angela who had tears in her eyes.
Bruce laid down across the end of the bed. “Angela we know you miss him. It’s ok to be happy though and not feel guilty about it. I feel we will have enough guilt in the years to come. The most important thing though,” Bruce paused and Angela leaned toward him wanting the advice, “is don’t wear socks in my bed.” Angela slapped his shoulder laughing with tears in her eyes. Stephanie and Debbie knocked Bruce on his back and sat on top of him as the twins and Cade joined in.
Blue Plague Survival Page 41