by Chesla, Gary
“We don’t want to shoot through sealed barrels that aren’t completely full like before,” Pete smiled.
“Why not?” Rogers asked.
“Barrels that are half full of fuel are also half full of fumes,” Pete replied. “The fuel itself won’t ignite but the fumes will, we could end up blowing ourselves up. Before when the barrels were full, I knew we didn’t have to worry about causing an explosion.”
“I’m glad you weren’t worried,” Davis added. “You could have explained that before telling us to shoot the barrels when we were sitting down at the airport.”
“We didn’t have time for a chemistry lessen at the time,” Pete grinned.
“Well what do we do next time if the helicopter is still too heavy to take off?” Rogers asked.
“If my calculations are correct, we’ll be fine,” Pete replied.
Chervy laughed, “Did you guys take into account all the spaghetti that Rogers ate last night?”
“There are two red lines painted on the barrels,” Pete grinned. “The bottom line is where we fill the barrels to if we just ate dinner before going over to get fuel.”
“I think they’ve learned their lesson,” Tony laughed.
“We’ll see,” Chervy replied. “I’ve known these two a lot longer than you have. I don’t consider them to be very fast learners.”
The Captain and Doc came out of the entrance and walked over to where the men were standing.
Captain Byron was holding some photos of the airport and he handed one to Pete and one to Rogers.
“If you look at the photo, I put an “X” on top of the main terminal building. This is where I want you to land,” the Captain said. “The row of buildings across from the main terminal creates a narrow passage between them and the terminal. Tony, if you and Mason take up a position on top of the main terminal, you should have a clear view of the passage between the terminal and the buildings across the roadway.
Pete, if you and Rogers could get the infected to follow you up this passage way, Tony and Mason should be able to take out the infected as they go between the buildings. The more that come up this passageway, the easier it should become because the bodies of the fallen should slow the followers down quite a bit.
Any questions?”
“Any suggestions on how we get the infected to follow us down that narrow road?” Rogers asked. “I don’t know if I want those things chasing me around again.”
“That part should be easy,” Doc replied. “Our helicopters are easily maneuverable at very low altitudes. Hover around ten feet above the mob and move slowly between the terminal and those buildings. When you have most of the mob between the buildings, get out of there and let Tony and Mason do the rest.”
“Yeah, getting those things to follow us has never been a problem,” Davis added.
“Just keep it simple,” the Captain said. “But keep your eyes open for the unexpected.”
“Like when you are flying low between the buildings,” Tony added. “Keep an eye out on the windows of the buildings so something doesn’t jump out of one of the buildings and land on top of your helicopter.”
“Good thinking,” Doc said. “Watch your back at all times and don’t assume anywhere is safe. Remember, anything could be possible and,” Doc opened a bag and started handing out surgical masks to the men, “once you land, wear these. These should help filter out any larger bits of flesh that become airborne during the operation.”
“I’ll be watching on the satellite in as close to real time as I can get,” Chervy said. “I’ll also have the radio on and with me. If I see anything, I’ll give you a heads up. If you see or feel anything, tell me and I’ll try to help.”
“OK, let’s go do this,” Rogers said. “I walked by the mess hall on my way out here and Reynolds is making Lasagna. We don’t want to be late for dinner.”
“Pete,” Chervy laughed, “maybe you should add another red line on the tanks specifically for Lasagna day.”
The men got into the helicopters and soon the sound of the engines began to whine.
“Rogers, Mason and Tony lifted off first, followed a few seconds later by Davis and Pete.
Both helicopters climbed to five hundred feet and began heading towards Salt Lake City.
“These appear to be good little helicopters for getting around in, but I can see why two full barrels of fuel added too much weight to get back in the air,” Tony said as he studied the interior of the helicopter. “I’ve never seen a helicopter like this before, what did the Navy use these things for originally?”
“We never saw anything like this before we came to Granite Mountain,” Rogers replied. “Doc said they must have been specifically made for Granite Mountain. See this touchpad on the panel?”
“What’s that for?” Tony asked.
“It’s for people that don’t know how to fly,” Rogers replied. “If you just type in the coordinates for the place you want to go, then hit “GO” the helicopter takes off, goes to that location and lands itself.”
“No kidding,” Tony said.
“Yeah, that’s how we used them at first,” Rogers replied. “But then I learned how to fly it for real, but in case we get into a jam, that book hanging from the console has all the coordinates in it to get the helicopter back to the base.”
“That’s good to know,” Tony replied.
“Hey, that means that even I could be a pilot,” Mason laughed.
“Well Mason, if you find yourself in a situation where you are the only one left, then knock yourself out,” Tony laughed. “Otherwise, unless you want shot, keep your hands off the controls.”
“No problem, LT,” Mason laughed.
“Rogers, this is Chervy, can you read me?” the radio crackled on the floor next to Rogers.
Rogers picked up the radio and hit the button, “What’s up Cherv?”
“We have a change of plans,” Chervy replied.
“Already?” Chervy laughed.
“It sounds like we are back in the Marines,” Tony chuckled. “Sometimes our mission objectives would change five different times before we reached our destination.”
“I wonder where they want us to go now?” Mason asked.
“Are we going to like this change in plans, Cherv?” Davis’s voice sounded over the radio.
“Why new plans?” Rogers asked.
“It seems like our original objective has moved,” Chervy replied. “I just got back to my station and pulled up a view of the airport, the infected have wandered off.”
“Where did they go?” Rogers asked.
“It looks like they decided to take a stroll out to the lake,” Chervy replied. “Don’t ask me why, but they are moving towards the north side of the lake.”
“What are our new plans?” Rogers asked.
“I advised the Captain and Doc about what I saw,” Chervy replied. “The Captain said since the infected have moved off, we should take this opportunity to get as much fuel as we can. They still want you to land on top of the main terminal first, then proceed to pick up the fuel, one helicopter at a time. Tony, you and Mason will remain on point on top of the terminal while the others fill up the barrels. You will be the look outs, you should have a good view of the airport from there. You keep watch while the others load the fuel and be prepared to complete the original mission should the infected get bored with the lake and come back to the airport.”
“Up to the red line only,” Rogers added.
“I think that goes without saying,” Chervy replied. “Once you have one helicopter full, park it up on top of the main terminal with Tony and Mason, then load the second helicopter. Tony and Mason can take out any stragglers that are still at the airport. When you have both helicopters loaded, bring them back. I see on my screen that you are almost to the airport, so let me know if you have any problems.”
“Will do, Cherv,” Rogers replied. “We are just now starting to fly over Salt Lake City, we should be at the airport in a few minutes.
”
As they began to pass over the city, Tony looked down at the scene below.
“This sight still gives me the chills every time I see something like this,” Tony said.
“You get used to it after a time,” Chervy said.
“It’s not really what I am seeing that gives me the chills,” Tony said. “I’ve seen a lot of death and destruction in my time. It’s what this means that gives me the chills. After a while you learn to ignore certain things because you know you will be going home where you can try to forget. You go home and try to get on with your life like what you saw had never happened. But when every city you see now is a dead city, it reminds you that there isn’t any going home, that this is it. That there will never be any going on with your life or pretending that this never happened.”
“It could be worse,” Rogers said. “We could all be dead or down there wandering around.”
“It all depends on your point of view,” Mason replied. “I haven’t had a cold beer in months, I may as well be dead.”
“Don’t go getting all suicidal on me Mason,” Tony laughed.
“Don’t worry about me LT,” Mason grinned. “I have no plans to check out yet. I still have my sights set on going up into Colorado and finding my very own deserted Coors brewery.
I know there is one up there just waiting for me to find it. I am going to have one last binge before I check out. Going up to Cheyenne Mountain will get me that much closer to my goal. Maybe after we get to Cheyenne Mountain, you might want to join me.”
“We’ll see Mason,” Tony laughed. “I’m just happy to see you’ve taken my advice and have set some worthwhile goals for your life.”
“That looks like the main terminal up ahead,” Rogers said into the radio.
“I see it,” Davis replied. “You go in first, I’ll follow you in.”
Rogers hovered over the terminal and looked at the roof, then after selecting a spot thirty-feet from the edge of the roof, gently landed the helicopter on the roof and shut down the engine.
Davis followed and landed fifty feet behind the first helicopter and shut off his engine.
The men all crawled out of the helicopters and gathered near the edge of the roof and looked out over the airport.
Pete pointed out across the runway.
“The tanker is there near the side of the runway.”
Tony looked where Pete was pointing, raised his rife and looked through the scope of the rifle.
“I see it,” Tony said as he adjusted the settings on the rifle. “It is approximately twelve hundred yards away.”
Mason looked off the end of the roof and down into the passageway between the terminal and the other buildings.
“Quiet as hell around here now,” Mason said.
“You have it right on both counts,” Tony replied. “It’s quiet in Hell right now.”
“Here, you keep an eye on us and call us if you see anything,” Pete said as he handed Tony his radio then looked at Rogers. “Let’s go with Davis and get the first load while it’s quiet.”
Pete, Rogers and Davis got in the helicopter Davis flew in, started the engine and lifted off.
“Mason,” Tony said as he laid down on the edge of the roof and began to look through the scope on his gun. “I want you to keep an eye on the streets below us while I keep an eye on what’s going on over at the tanker.”
“Gotcha, LT,” Mason replied and sat down on the edge of the roof, letting his legs dangle over the sides and began to study the ground below.”
“And Mason,” Tony added. “Be careful you don’t fall off the damn roof.”
“Is that an order,” Mason grinned.
“I’m not your commanding officer anymore,” Tony grinned. “I’m just suggesting as a friend that if you want to find that Coors brewery, you might want to stop hanging off the edge of the roof like that.”
Davis was approaching the tanker when the radio crackled and came to life.
“You have three friends right behind the tanker,” Tony’s voice sounded over the radio.
“Thanks,” Davis hit the send button on the radio and replied. “I just now spotted them. We’ll have to land and eliminate the problem before we can begin.”
“Just hover in front of the tanker for a minute,” Tony said. “When they come out from behind the tanker, slowly reverse course and drift back out on the runway and see if they will follow you.”
“Then what,” Davis chuckled. “Are you going to shoot them from clear over at the terminal?”
“I’ll give it a try,” Tony replied. “If I can’t hit them, then it will be up to you guys.”
“OK, I’ll give it a try, just don’t shoot the damn helicopter,” Davis laughed. “I don’t think we can all get back in one helicopter.”
“I’ll do my best,” Tony chuckled, “but no promises.”
Davis hovered near the tanker until the three grisly figures staggered out from behind the tanker and slowly moved towards the helicopter.
He slowly began to let the helicopter drift back towards the runway.
“I bet that we have to take care of this problem on our own,” Rogers said.
“I’ll take that bet,” Pete said. “How much you willing to bet?”
“If Tony doesn’t take them out or he just wings them and we have to finish the job,” Rogers smiled. “I get your seconds on Lasagna tonight.”
“You’re on,” Pete replied.
“How about you Davis?” Rogers asked. “Don’t you want to get in on this too?”
“I’m not splitting your Lasagna with Davis,” Pete laughed. “If you want to bet Davis, you bet something else.”
“I think I’ll just sit this one out,” Davis replied as he picked up the radio and pushed the button. “They are all yours. Do you need me to back away any further before you shoot?”
“Nah, your good,” Tony’s voice came back over the radio.
A second later a small splatter of blood shot out of the ear on the head of the first figure as it dropped to the ground.
The men watched as the same thing happened to the last two figures.
“Holy shit!” Davis said. “Did you see that? He got all three of them right in the ear.”
“I think I’ve been had,” Rogers complained. “Did you know he could shoot like that before you bet me?”
“Not exactly,” Pete smiled. “I’ve just heard Mason telling stories when we were back in West Virginia. From what he said, I figured it was worth taking a chance at an extra piece of Reynolds Lasagna.”
“Shit!” Rogers mumbled.
Davis laughed, “Time to go to work.”
Chapter 9
May 11th, Cheyenne Mountain
Larsen walked into the front door of the hospital, he nervously waved at the man sitting at the reception desk.
He walked back the hallway towards Johnson’s room, all the while watching the receptionist out of the corner of his eye to be sure he wasn’t calling security.
It was a good sign that there wasn’t a wanted poster hanging in the lobby with Larsen’s face on it.
“Hopefully no one noticed that I was up on the third floor last night and took Bennet’s chart,” Larsen thought. “Hopefully they just thought that someone had misplaced it.”
Larsen stopped as he reached Johnson’s room as another thought popped into his mind, “Could they be waiting for me in Johnson’s room?”
He shook his head,” Come on, you’re just being paranoid!”
But just in case, he slowly moved his head around the door way and took a quick peek before going inside the room.
Johnson was laying on the bed, his head on the pillow, just staring up at the ceiling.
Johnson caught Larsen’s movements and looked at the doorway.
“Hey, Larsen,” Johnson said happily, “Come on in, I could use someone to talk to. I’m going stir-crazy in here by myself.”
“How are you doing buddy?” Larsen asked.
“I’m d
oing great, but they won’t let me out of here until they take the bandages off tomorrow and get a look at my nose,” Johnson replied. “But I guess looking at these four walls is better than looking at the cold granite walls of this damn cave.”
Larsen smiled.
“Hey, were you in to visit me last night after my operation,” Johnson asked, “or was I just dreaming?”
“Yeah, I stopped by for a few minutes, but you seemed a little disoriented from the medication,” Larsen replied.
“I thought so,” Johnson said. “But to tell you the truth, I don’t remember a whole lot.”
“You don’t remember anything about what we talked about?” Larsen asked.
“Not a damn thing,” Johnson replied loudly, then signaled Larsen to move closer to his bed.
Then in a whisper Johnson asked, “Did you find Bennet?”
Larsen looked surprised.
“I swear someone has been lurking outside my door all damn day, keeping an eye on me,” Johnson whispered. “Did you find Bennet?”
Larsen glanced back at the doorway and then nodded.
“Close the door,” Johnson whispered.
Larsen moved over to the door and quietly pushed it shut until he heard the faint click of the latch.
“Did Bennet confirm what I told you, that we were down at the power plant and he was the one that brought me to the hospital?” Johnson asked.
“No,” Larsen shook his head.
“Well then what did he tell you?” Johnson asked.
“He didn’t tell me anything,” Larsen replied. “I found him up on the third floor.”
“What was he doing up on the third floor?” Johnson asked.