Braving The Storms (Strengthen What Remains Book 3)

by Kyle Pratt

  “But she can’t get to the hospital if you won’t let her in town.”

  “The doc will be here in less than an hour. He treats those he can and, for the few who can get a bed at the hospital, we shuttle them. That’s the best I can do.”

  “I’ve seen how this flu kills. If she’s going to have any chance of living she needs to receive treatment.”

  “Yeah.” Roy nodded. “I’ve seen how it kills. My oldest boy died last week.”

  “Oh … sorry.” Zach’s gaze dropped as his face flushed.

  “It’s not personal.” Roy frowned. “It just has to be this way. I’ll get you anything you need until the doc gets here.”

  Zach asked for bottles of water and then returned to Mrs. Hollister. He tried to explain why it would be nearly an hour before help arrived.

  Tears welled in her eyes. “I’ve been so sad. I wanted to die, but I was afraid to act. Maybe I succeeded.”

  “Don’t talk like that.” Zach shook his head. He folded his blanket into a pillow and offered her water, then stared across the river at the checkpoint, hoping the doctor would soon arrive. Minutes later a car pulled up to the medical tent followed immediately by the Hollister vehicle. “Your family is here and I think the doctor is also.”

  After what looked like a huddle with everyone on the other side of the bridge, Mr. Hollister and DeLynn moved along the opposite side of the river until they were across from Zach.

  His girlfriend looked up and down the bank. “Where’s Mom?”

  Zach pointed to the pile of blankets. “She’s sick. Get the doctor.”

  “We know.” DeLynn nodded. “He’s coming.” She stepped closer and shouted. “Mom, we’re here.”

  “I tried to get her to a doctor,” Zach shouted. “Really, I did.”

  DeLynn ran back to her father without a word. Moments later an older man in jeans and plaid shirt jogged across the bridge.

  Zach thrust out his arm as he neared. “Don’t come any closer. I think she has Kern flu.”

  “She probably does and so did I. That’s why I’m the doctor working here.”

  The gray-haired man opened a medical bag, then pulled out two face masks and sets of gloves. “Here, put these on.” Then he turned to his patient. “Can you hear me ma’am?”

  She gave a feeble nod.

  “What’s your name?”

  She mouthed the word, “Karen.”

  Zach repeated her name.

  The doctor checked her heart, blood pressure, and temperature.

  “Is it ….” Zach couldn’t finish the sentence.

  “Yes, I think so.” The doctor nodded. “But we can’t be certain without tests.” He pointed across the river. “Your friends over there told me you’ve been sick and recovered.”

  “Yeah, just a few days ago.”

  “That’s almost certainly why you’re still healthy. You’re very lucky.”

  “I didn’t feel very lucky when I was sick.”

  “No.” The doctor grinned. “Neither did I. I’ll get a stretcher and we’ll move her to the medical tent.”

  When the doctor returned, Zach took one end and they carried her across the bridge. With a deputy, the soldiers blocked Mr. Hollister and DeLynn from the tent as their mother passed by. Zach didn’t know what to say to either one of them in such a situation so he kept his eyes cast down.

  “Mom, I love you. Get better, please,” DeLynn shouted as they passed.

  Zach and the doctor continued into the tent and through to the isolation section. A nurse stood over a patient at the far end. As he gazed at the sick and dying patients, Zach imagined the virus crawling over him looking for a way into his body. Although certain he remained immune; he still closed his mouth and tried not to inhale. Together with the doctor, Zach lifted Mrs. Hollister into a bed. The nurse soon joined the doctor, and Zach sat nearby.

  About fifteen minutes later the doctor approached him. “We’ve hydrated her and given her antiviral medications, but this flu comes on so fast ….” He shook his head. “We’ve done all we can. I don’t think she has long. Could you stay with her?”

  “Sure. Would you tell her family?”

  The doctor nodded and left.

  Zach moved his chair nearby and clasped her hand. For several hours he talked to her, watched the IV fluids drip down, and thought about how a few terrorists started a long chain of events that caused so much pain, suffering and death. Would evil ever end?

  Mrs. Hollister’s gaze seemed to stare so far beyond Zach that he looked over his shoulder, but he saw nothing except clear plastic and green canvas.

  With her eyes still fixed beyond, she said, “Thank you, for finding me.”

  “Ah … sure,” Zach said.

  Her gaze shifted to him for a moment and then back to something beyond. She smiled. “I’m glad you both found me. I’m ready.” She closed her eyes. “I’m not afraid.”

  Over the next hour her breathing slowed and then stopped. Zach checked for a pulse, but felt nothing.

  * * *

  Hansen Armory, Monday, October 5th

  Three different radios stood in a corner of the office, a SINCGARS army transceiver, a rarely used shortwave, and an AM/FM radio tuned to the local station.

  Brooks turned up the volume.

  “… get any closer to the area, but reports are coming in of troops landing in the Iroquois Point area and at the airport. From our position near the golf course we hear constant gun fire and several explosions. Fires are raging in the … wait!”

  With the announcer quiet, Caden heard the gunfire and shouts of battle.

  Brooks shook his head. “Where do you think this is happening?”

  “We are now receiving reports of more troops landing unopposed along the Kamehameha Highway on the north shore.”

  Caden nodded. “Oahu.”

  “Go to William on the north shore,” the voice on the radio said. “The fighting is coming this way. We need to move.”

  The sound of battle returned for a moment, and then a brief silence, followed by a familiar voice. “This is breaking news from KHEN, Hansen’s news station. We’ve been listening to a live report of battle on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. We hope to return there momentarily.”

  Soft elevator music filled the room.

  Two enlisted men stood nearby. “Find a television,” he ordered. “Set it up in the conference room on the double.”

  “We now return you to the situation in Hawaii.” The sound of gunfire and the voice of a reporter filled the room.

  Caden pulled up a chair and sat in front of the radio.

  Fifteen minutes later the two soldiers brought in an old television and turned it on. Amid the sound of gunfire, jets, and explosions Caden saw what he had been looking for, the red flag of the People’s Republic of China.

  Within minutes, radio checks and questions came over the SINCGARS radio. “All stations on this net, this is Command. Unless you are under attack, monitor this channel, but maintain radio silence.”

  Caden drank several cups of tea while he continued to gather the news on television and radio. Around noon a private brought sandwiches to the room, but Caden had no appetite. “Leave the television volume up,” he said and retreated to his office with another cup of tea. He stared out the window for nearly a minute, unable to focus. Then he recalled that Dr. Scott remained in the hospital and called for an update.

  “Hold please.” Click.

  Caden sat in frustrated silence, listening to classical music while in the next room the sounds of war raged.

  “Who are you holding for?”

  “This is Major Westmore. I’d like an update on the condition of Dr. Scott.”

  “Ah … I’m sorry. She died last night. Did you need anything else?”

  “No. Thank you.” Again he stared out the window, but this time in dazed silence. He turned at the sound of footsteps.

  “Is everything all right, sir?” Brooks asked.

  “Yes … fine.” Stil
l absorbing the news of Dr. Scott’s death, Caden felt detached and numb.

  Brooks gestured toward the conference room. “The radio announcer just said that acting President Harper will speak before new congress in a few minutes. Governor Monroe is already in Denver and will hold a press conference with other constitutionalist leaders immediately after.”

  “I’ll be right there.” Caden stood, swayed, and stumbled. His head ached, and his throat felt like sandpaper. He knew the cause. Kern flu.

  Chapter Twenty Nine

  North of Hansen, Monday, October 5th

  The washing and scrubbing of decontamination took a while, but after that Zach received quick clearance from the doctor. As he hurried from the medical tent he spotted DeLynn slumped forward as she sat on a log, softly crying.

  Mr. Hollister stood a few feet away with his gaze in her direction.

  Still fearing some blame, Zach hesitated to go to them. Then after a sigh, he approached. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.”

  Hollister nodded, but his red puffy eyes stared at the medical tent.

  “They won’t release the … ah, her.” The sound of sobs cut off Zach’s words

  DeLynn cried and covered her face.

  “Ah … The doctor said the funeral homes weren’t taking….”

  Mr. Hollister gave a slight nod as his shoulders sagged. “The deputy told me they won’t release her … body. Come on, let’s go home.”

  Together the three moved toward the car a few yards away.

  “Would you like me to drive?” Zach asked.

  Mr. Hollister handed him the keys without a word.

  Driving into the parking lot beside the hotel, Zach recalled how Mrs. Hollister disliked the hotel and didn’t think of it as home. He decided never to mention it.

  As they exited the elevator on the top floor, Zach touched DeLynn’s arm. “Tell me if there’s anything I can do.”

  She nodded and walked away.

  Zach retreated to his room, but the silence allowed too much thought. He turned on the radio. An announcer commented on snippets from some speech that had just finished. The guy talked of an invasion and called for a declaration of war.

  Zach shook his head. What was all that about? Weren’t they already in a civil war?

  The guy droned on about a full mobilization.

  He had no idea what he meant. Zach turned off the radio. It had nothing to do with him.

  * * *

  Hansen Armory, Monday, October 5th

  Caden steadied himself. Without a word he walked through the conference room to the armory isolation ward on the floor below.

  One soldier sat up in bed. “You should be wearing a mask, sir.”

  “That is the least of my concerns right now. Where’s the medic?”

  The young man pointed to the office at the far end.

  Caden spoke to several others as he made his way across the ward. A television hung in the corner near the door. He turned it on.

  Every station carried the live feed from the congress in Denver. Caden watched as John Harper, strolled into the assembly to thunderous applause. He might be only the acting president of about half the country but, Caden felt certain, the future of the nation would hinge on what Harper said to congress. Knowing it would take several minutes for him to reach the podium, Caden continued to the medic’s office.

  Medic Jackson scraped back his chair and stood, then saluted, as Caden entered. “You should be wearing—.”

  Caden held up his hand. “I don’t think that will be necessary. I think I already have it.”

  “Sit down, sir. Tell me your symptoms.”

  A radio in the corner carried the news from Denver.

  Jackson took his blood pressure, checked his heart and throat, as Caden described how he felt.

  Finally, the medic leaned back in his chair and sighed. “Without tests I can’t be certain, but your symptoms do indicate Kern flu.”

  Caden had reached that conclusion on his own, but the words still hit like a fist to the gut.

  “The good thing is we’ve caught it early. We’ll keep you hydrated and get started on antivirals. I survived it. You can also, sir.”

  Caden noticed Harper’s speech had begun. “Well, if I’m going to be a patient, I want a bed across from the television.”

  Jackson glanced at the radio in his office. “Yes sir. This is shaping up to be a worrisome day.”

  While he waited for a bed, Caden returned to the ward, sat near the television, and phoned his XO.

  “I’ve been looking for you sir. One minute you were here with us and then—.”

  “I’ve checked myself into the isolation ward. I’ve got Kern flu. You’re in command.”

  “Ah ….”

  “You were acting as CO when I arrived, and you’ve been a great XO. Start combat preparations. I’ll be back on the job in a few days.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Oh, one more thing, Dr. Scott died last night. Find out what’s going to happen with her body. I don’t want her buried in a mass grave.”

  The medic came along side Caden with a tray, pills, and a cup of water. “Let’s start with these.”

  Caden took them and then phoned Maria.

  “No!” Tension and tears streamed from her voice. “I should be with you.”

  “You shouldn’t risk it.”

  “But—.”

  “No buts. If you are exposed you could infect Adam and everyone else at the farm. I’m in good health and we caught it early. There’s no reason I can’t beat this, but it will take a few days. Then, I’ll come home for final recovery.”

  He hung up and returned his attention to the TV as the aged John Harper spoke.

  “… year of crisis and tribulation, America has endured brutality at its most blatant. Terrorists laid waste to cities. Hunger and pestilence sweeps the land, and now the rulers of China seized the opportunity to steal territory. As I speak the fight continues in Hawaii, but the aggression did not end there.

  “Last night the rulers of China attacked Guam, but their aggression did not stop there.

  “Last night the rulers of China launched attacks on Taiwan, Siberia and many islands of the South China Sea.”

  As the assembly gasped, the camera swept the spectator gallery and focused for a moment on Governor Monroe. Harper would soon ask for a declaration of war, but Monroe would quickly inherit the fight.

  Harper pounded the lectern. “This is aggression at its most blatant and, regardless of our differences in the past, this challenge must be met with America’s total resolve. I call upon congress to authorize a full mobilization against this flagrant attack on our people and that a state of war be declared against the government of the People’s Republic of China.”

  Congress thundered with applause.

  Caden sighed. Not since World War II had civilization seen a conflict like this. Everyone would be involved.

  * * *

  Westmore Farm, Rural Lewis County, Monday, October 5th

  Maria sat staring out the front room window into darkness. Work often kept Caden away, but today there seemed to be a void in the house without him there. Normally she would talk with Lisa, but she had taken dinner to David, because, as the acting CO, he couldn’t leave right now.

  “God, please help Caden.” Maria had repeatedly offered little prayers during the day, but Caden’s parents were still in the kitchen praying with a belief and intensity she had never seen before. David and the medic tried to reassure her every time she called, even though Caden’s temperature continued to climb. She resolved to go to him if death seemed near.

  All these thoughts made the living room seem so empty. She lifted Adam from the floor and squeezed him tight. He whimpered and she loosened her grip, then kissed his plump cheeks and tried to smile.

  Sue strolled into the room with baby Peter.

  As they talked Maria became distracted by the squawking and bocking of the chickens. “Something must have frightened t
hem.”

  Nikki climbed the couch to look out the window, sniffed the air, and growled.

  Figuring it might be a weasel or feral cat, she passed Adam to Sue, grabbed the shotgun, and stepped out onto the porch. Just outside she paused, giving her eyes time to adjust to the night.

  The chickens continued to squawk and Nikki barked from inside the house.

  Maria couldn’t see much of anything or hear anything useful. She stepped off the porch into the blackness of a moonless night. Thinking she heard a voice, she put the shotgun to her shoulder and moved forward with caution.

  The darkness remained deep, but a gray and black world gradually emerged. The chickens continued to complain, but no threats were apparent. She lowered her gun at the barn door and pulled it open with a loud creak. “Trevor?” she said hesitantly. “Are you in here?”

  Only the squawks of agitated chickens answered.

  Maria let the door squeak shut and then crept around the barn toward the hen house.

  Halfway there a shot blasted through the air.

  Fiery pain like fire streaked along the left side of her head. Maria stifled a scream. The side of her head felt wet and warm. She lunged left to the barn wall, and stood tight against it. “It’s me, Maria!” She hoped a familiar voice would come from the night with words of apology.

  Immediately a shot rang out, then another.

  Anger flared within Maria. Someone had tried to kill her. She wiped blood from her eye, turned, and fired a blast from the shotgun in the direction of the shots. Then she darted behind Trevor’s pickup.

  Only Nikki and the chickens disturbed the silence.

  She stood there, trying to control her breathing, as she figured out what to do next.

  “Trevor?” Sarah walked onto the porch. “Trevor? What happened? Are you okay?”

  Maria’s heart pounded in her ears.

  Nikki barked frantically. Then the dog pushed the screen door open and ran into the dark beyond the clothes line.

  Maria eased forward with the shotgun ready.

  “Do you see Trevor?” his wife asked.

  Maria shook her head.

  Somewhere up ahead Nikki whimpered.

  Maria stayed in the shadows of the barn as she moved forward. She spotted the dog up ahead. “What do you see, Nikki?” As she bent down Maria realized why the dog whimpered. “Sarah! Someone help!”