“Is everybody safe?” he asked as Jeff opened the tailgate to let the passengers out.
“Yep,” Sparks said as she dismounted. “We were able to get out all the hostages, safe and sound.”
“And the militia?” Dan asked.
“Rufus did a number on them,” she replied. “If there are survivors they aren’t going to be looking for a fight anytime soon.”
He let out a deep sigh. “That’s a relief.”
“I still wouldn’t recommend going back to the school,” she added.
“As it turns out, that’s not an option anyway,” he replied.
Sparks furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”
“Well, we had an encounter on our way up here.” He scratched the back of his head with his non-wounded arm. “I… um. I need you and Ben to come with me. Someone wants to talk to you.”
“Dan, what’s wrong?” The redhead’s pulse quickened.
“Nothing’s wrong,” he assured her. “In fact, you might actually want to hear this news. So grab Ben and come on.”
“If you want us, you’re getting my team,” she shot back.
Dan put his hand up in surrender. “Fair enough.”
“Hey guys, somebody wants to meet us,” Sparks said, and waved her companions after them.
The Principal led them inside, to the dining room. There was a military man sitting there in proper fatigues, flanked by two soldiers.
“Captain Evans, I’d like to present Officer Sparks,” Principal Dan introduced, and the Captain stood, extending his hand.
“Officer Sparks, you are one difficult woman to track down,” he said, though not unkindly.
She chuckled as she shook his hand. “What can I say? It’s been a hell of a few days.”
“Can’t argue with that, ma’am,” he agreed.
She straightened up and looked him in the eye. “So, Captain Evans, what can I do for you?”
“Well, Officer Sparks-”
She put up a hand. “Just Sparks.”
“Okay, Sparks,” he corrected, “I’m based out of Camp Bullis in San Antonio. When shit went bad, my orders were to follow up on your radio message. I led a small team that raided Doctor Alvison’s lab and secured his notes.”
“How useful was the info?” Sparks asked.
“The basics you covered in your radio broadcast were incredibly useful,” he told her. “Last I heard they were enacting a nationwide security plan in response to it, but the belief among a lot of us is that it will be like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound. I don’t want to dismiss what you did, it undoubtedly saved lives, however it remains to be seen how many or if it will matter at all.”
She furrowed her brow. “What about his notes and research?”
“To be honest, we can’t really make heads or tails of it,” Evans admitted. “Which is why I had to track you down. The top page of his report said that two of his research assistants, Ashley and Ben, were escaping with you. My hope is that they were still with you.”
“I’m Ben.” The kid stepped forward. “But my girlfriend Ashley didn’t make it.”
Captain Evans bowed his head. “I’m sorry for your loss, son.”
“Appreciated,” he replied, “so what can I do for you, Captain?”
Evans straightened. “My orders are to take you back to base.”
“You want to take me back to San Antonio?” Ben deadpanned. “Are you fucking crazy?”
“Camp Bullis got overrun yesterday,” the Captain explained. “Lots of good men died in the process. So no, I’m not crazy and I’m not taking you to San Antonio.”
“I’m…” the kid stammered. “I’m sorry Captain.”
“It’s alright,” Evans replied gently. “No, I’m taking you to our mobile base. We have a few ships stationed in the gulf and have set up a research lab so you can work.”
Ben swallowed. “Why me?”
“Look Ben, I’ll level with you.” Evans sighed. “We know you’re not the best of the best, but you could very well be the best we’re gonna find. We have satellite uplinks on these ships, so if we are able to secure more experienced researchers in this field, you’ll be able to help relay the Doc’s findings.
“Look, the bottom line is, we need you. Your country, and hell, the entire world needs you.”
“You should go, Ben, if for no other reason than you can escape this madness,” Sparks cut in.
“So that’s it?” The kid clenched his jaw. “Y’all just kicking me to the curb?”
Sparks put a hand on his arm. “Come on, Ben, it’s not like that.”
“Gotcha!” A grin erupted on his face. “I’m just fucking with you. After being kidnapped I think I’ve had my fill of apocalypse world.”
She smiled in relief. “I’m glad you’re going.”
“And hey, if it’s not too much trouble,” Jeff added, “can you find a cure for this shit there, Chocolate Thunder?”
“Sure thing, white bread,” Ben replied, and extended his hand. Jeff took it and they did a surprisingly warm bro-hug. The kid turned and embraced Sparks proper, and she gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze as she pulled back.
“Well, Captain Evans, what about us?” she inquired. “Can you get us out, too?”
“Unfortunately I can’t,” Evans replied, having the grace to look regretful. “We’re barely going to have enough fuel to make it to the ship as it is. Any more weight and we’re swimming.”
“No worries, Captain,” Sparks replied. “Just had to ask.”
“I can offer you some advice, though,” he said. “Get as far west as you can. Austin is on fire, and San Antonio is completely overrun. Those hordes are going to be moving out sooner rather than later.”
She nodded. “That’s the plan.”
“Is there anything you need that I might be able to provide?” he asked.
“Gear,” Sparks replied immediately. “Specifically, we need communication gear. Even if it’s a carrier pigeon.”
Evans laughed. “Don’t worry, the US Military is a little more advanced than that. And yeah, I can hook you up when the chopper gets here. Should have a few sets we can spare.”
“Appreciated, Captain,” she saluted him.
“Sir, chopper inbound,” one of the soldiers touched his ear. “Two minutes.”
“That’s my cue,” Evans said. “Let’s move out.”
“Well, at least we can talk to each other now,” Jeff said as the chopper flew off into the distance, carrying Ben with it.
Principal Dan sighed. “So, what’s next?” he asked.
There was a long moment of silence, the only noise the fading blades of the helicopter.
“Well hell,” Ricky piped up. “I could go for some breakfast.”
Sparks laughed. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard all day.”
END
Dead Texas (Book 2): No Comfort Page 7