Afraid of the Dark

by Chris Hechtl

  “What I'd like to do is pull these,” he mused.

  “Pull them? Why?”

  “Bury them along the perimeter,” he said. “Great stuffing,” he said.

  “Shit,” she said shaking her head. “You're nuts right?”

  “Some people have accused me of that. You know what? I think we'll see if we can yank a few that were empty,” he said touching his mike.

  “Going to piss Walt off,” she said.

  “His problem,” he said in reply then keyed the mike. “Dave, come in. Dave.” After a moment he heard a click.

  “Yeah boss?”

  “Dave can you rustle up a couple of trucks to haul some of these buildings out?” he asked.

  “You serious?” Dave asked incredulously. They lost the next part he was saying due to the background noise.

  “I want them used for the wall,” Shane said. “Stand them on end, flip them on their sides, I don't give a shit. Just get here and get them there. Pronto. Before Walt flattens them all,” he said.

  “Fat chance of that,” Walt said. “You're stealing my fun you know that,” he said. “No way are we going to be able to clear the entire park in a day.”

  “I know that. But every little bit helps,” Shane said nodding to a driver as he passed with a truck load of goods. “We just got enough food for one meal for everyone I bet. Maybe two,” he said.

  “Whoopee do,” Walt said.

  “It’s something,” Shane said. “So is the weapons collection they are pulling out, too,” he said, grimacing as some idiot played with a replica katana. Hell, for all he knew it could be a real deal from WWII. They were in a senior park after all.

  “I'll handle it,” Torres said disgustedly, marching off scowling.

  “How's it going?” he asked, keying the mike again.

  “Good, surprisingly good. Takes me a minute or two to flatten a building. Takes the crews longer to clear them of animals and shit,” Walt said. “That's what's slowing us up you know,” he said.

  “Its not a race Walt,” he sighed.

  “Oh? Tell that to the sun,” Walt replied. Shane turned and looked. The sun was slowly getting over the yardarm, it was near four. Another two hours until dark. Walt was right they didn't have a whole hell of a lot of time.

  “All section heads, everyone listen up. One more hour then we pull out. Walt, you can leave your baby where she is for the night. Hopefully what's left here will avoid the damn thing. Torres, Hernandez, Wayne, Ross, get your people sorted out. I'll check with the harvesters.”

  He heard a series of clicks and 'rogers' and nodded as he moved off.

  ...*...*...*...*...

  Jill scowled at the report coming in. She didn't like it, didn't like it in the slightest. Oh the news was good in a way; the military was pulling a carrier group back to the California coast. That was great. The problem was it had been attacked. Attacked by Great Wyrms.

  The Wyrms had sunk an Aegis destroyer and two attack subs before they had either been fought off or had retreated. The damn things were huge according to the reports, incredibly large and dangerous. Able to wrap around a ship and just break it like a constrictor. Or able to chew right through the bottom of the boat.

  She wondered if she should put this out for immediate dissemination or pass it on to the council. It was going to hit the airwaves eventually, but a little delay wouldn't hurt. Then again... she sighed.

  “Deep thoughts?” Irma asked looking up at her.

  “A little. I'm wondering about this carrier group. On the one hand it’s good but...” she shrugged.

  “What carrier group?” Irma asked, wrinkling her nose.

  Jill explained about the attack and change in orders. Most likely the ships were in need of resupply and the crews were in need of rest. Then again ships could resupply... she shook he head and pursed her lips.

  “So what you’re saying is that they are coming here?” Irma asked, adjusting her glasses.

  “Yes. I'm wondering if they are planning on doing ops here or just heading to the port to get fixed up and shipped off again?”

  “Maybe both?” Irma asked. “But I'm not sure. I mean, the coasts are really dangerous. Are they sure they should bring them in to port at all?”

  “I'm no expert,” Jill said, shaking her head. “I'd hope they would be interested in doing air ops while they are here but who knows.”

  “Well, it would make sense. The carriers could steam up and down the coast and pound the crap out of the aliens,” Irma said.

  “True. Here,” she shot the link to Irma to write up. “For you and Candace. See what you can do with it.”

  “I'm not really into spin you know,” Irma said.

  “I'm not asking you to spin it or speculate, just report it. Or don't. Wait for confirmation if you think that's a better idea. I'm going to pass it up my food chain and let the bosses deal with it as it comes.” She sighed as her phone rang.

  “Okay,” Irma said nodding and scooting her chair back to her desk. Jill took her phone and answered it.

  “Yeah? Tower... crap. It’s down again?” she asked, rubbing her brow. “Okay, I'll... no,” she looked at the clock and then swore. “It’s a little late for the crew to get over there and try to fix it. Shut it down. No, shut it down and we'll deal with it in the morning. Yeah, I know, but... look just shut it down,” she sighed shaking her head. “Okay, later,” she said and hung up.

  “More bad news?”

  “The carrier's not bad news, just well... news. But yeah this is annoying. A cell tower's down.”

  “I heard. Good luck with it,” Irma said not looking up as she typed away.

  “Yeah,” Jill said getting up. “Yeah right.”

  Chapter 52

  Jayne watched from the second floor near Sears as Chloe brought a new group in. The blond pixy smiled as the people gawked like tourists, looking around at all the people and things going on.

  “I'd like to welcome all of you to the new mall, folks. We're using it as a sort of castle fort,” Chloe said, smiling and waving around. “Sears as you can see is our machine shop here. We've also got facilities at Costco, Sams, Target, Wal-Mart, and Lowes.” She turned and seemed to be counting noses. After a moment she nodded.

  “Good, all here. Okay, we have a lot to go over folks. The biggest thing is everyone works,” she said indicating a plasma screen nearby. “You can see here the news of the day. You can get the same feed on your tablet, laptop, or phone if you go to the address in the packet we're giving you now,” she nodded to a teenage helper who was working her way through the crowd handing out packets of papers. “We'll need you to fill some of that out. Some of it is for our records; some of it is for the doctors' records. All of you will be given a physical when time permits.” She smiled kindly. What most of them needed was a shower and a meal, Jayne thought, trying hard not to wrinkle her nose even from this distance. There were about twenty people, and it looked like most had been living hand to mouth since the invasion.

  “As you can see, we've got the farm report up now,” Chloe said pointing. She glanced at Jayne and then went back to her rehearsed speech. “You'll also find the jobs listings and rules of the complex. I suggest you read them carefully. We do have law and order and it will be maintained,” she stressed, giving each of them a practiced look of foreboding. “No stealing. Absolutely no violence. No rape, no drugs, no fights or intimidation. For crimes you go before the court. If you get one major infraction or three minor ones you’re gone. Banished,” she said coldly. She made sure she caught everyone in her gaze before she continued.

  “If you rape or kill someone or hurt a kid its worse. A lot worse. Don't screw up. There is absolutely no excuse for that, not even being insane. Frontier justice people, so keep your dick in your pants and don't screw up.”

  “To eat here you need a job and an ID.” She pulled her necklace up to expose her ID clipped there. “It’s a photo ID. It’s got a strip like a credit card. The person checking you check
s the photo in the database and any information there. Everyone who works get's three eight ounce meals a day.”

  A few people were staring at her after that. One guy licked his lips and looked down at his little girl huddled against his leg. Both looked a little starved, with sunken cheeks and eyes. Jayne tried hard not to scowl. She knew it was going on out there, and it was only going to get worse.

  What really surprised her was that people, people like this anyway could survive out there after all this time. It was amazing. She shook her head. “What's up?” Shane asked coming up behind her.

  “New class,” she said looking over her shoulder to him. He came close to the railing and looked over. After a moment he nodded.

  Chloe looked up and smiled to Shane and Jayne. She pointed to them. The crowd turned to look their way. “Now you've done it,” Jayne said straightening.

  “I see our domestic manager and our leader have both taken the time to greet you,” Chloe said bobbing a nod. Shane stepped up to the rail and nodded, surveying the crowd. He waited a moment and then nodded.

  “My name is Shane O'Neill.” he said pitching his voice so he could be heard easily. People around the area stopped what they were doing and looked in his direction. A few people standing in line at the restaurant craned their necks or stepped out of line to see. “You are all welcome here as long as you are willing to follow the rules of law and work. You and your families. Chloe will get you set up,” he rumbled nodding his head to her. She nodded back. She opened her mouth but he wasn't finished.

  “You'll find we've set up a memorial and a survivor list in the food court and electronically. Please check it to see if any of your friends or loved ones are there. If possible please add any you know are alive or dead and their information. The forms are on the site.”

  “For those of you with kids, see Tamara or the day care crew after Chloe has taken you for your first meal. They will explain the system there. Chloe will show you where you will bed down,” Jayne said, hands tightening on the handrail a little. “It is a bit crowded here, so if you'd like a little more space we have satellite buildings nearby you can apply for. Be advised you have to work,” she emphasized that. “No free rides. You do and I'll kick your ass out myself. Kids, that means you've got chores plus school. Get used to it. Chloe will finish up now that we've screwed her speech up,” Jayne said, giving the girl a tight lipped grin.

  “Only a little boss,” Chloe said with a smile as the class returned its attention to her. “Now, let’s get you people through processing so you'll have ID's and can eat. This way folks,” she said leading them off.

  “Fun, fun, fun,” Jayne said turning and leaning her butt against the rail. She crossed her arms and looked at him. “Thought you were out in the field?” she asked. She winced as a high pitched grinding whine came from the store nearby. A few of the noobs hunched at the sound but were reassured. They kept going but a little faster than before.

  “I was,” he said indicating the path away from the store and towards the heart of the mall. She nodded and preceded him. When they were clear of the noise he smiled again. “Remind me not to try to talk to anyone in or around there again,” he said.

  “What's got you back here?” she asked. She glanced at people passing them. A few were staring. She realized with a sinking heart one couple were looking at them with ill concealed hostility. Hopefully he hadn't seen it.

  He turned. “There a problem here?” he growled at the couple. They shook their heads and moved off. Jayne watched them go, watched them sneaking looks their way.

  “What the hell was that about?” he asked. “More political bullshit?” he asked, sounding weary.

  “No...” she drawled and then shrugged as he turned his attention to her. “I, well...”

  “Spit it out Jayne,” he ordered.

  “Fine, fine,” she said looking around to see if anyone was listening. Fortunately most of the crowd was on the lower level for the moment. “See, its well, I hate to admit it, but I found out that the grapevine says you and I are an item.”

  “An item? Who had the...” he shook his head irritably. “You mean people have nothing better to do than to gossip about who's sleeping with whom? Don't they have more important things to worry about?” he growled. “Anyone clue them in to your preferences?” he asked after a moment.

  “You mean that I'm a lesbian?” she asked, eyes flashing.

  “Yeah that,” he said shaking his head.

  “I haven't let on no. It’s no one's business damn it. My love life is my own,” she growled. She'd had enough trouble with the religious people last month.

  “Okay,” he said nodding. “Any of this get back to Jen?” he asked.

  “I...” She shrugged as he glanced at her again. “I, well, I think she knows. No one will tell her of course. Well, some ass might, but she would laugh herself silly if she heard it. But I think she knows. She's been as careful as I have been not to say anything but well...”

  “It’s hurting her?” he asked, eyes flashing. “Is that why you've avoided being alone with me?” he demanded growling.

  “Will you quit!” she hissed softly, looking around to the crowd and then shaking her head. “Okay, yeah that's a little bit of it yeah. So?”

  “So? So? You don't mind Jen getting hurt but you do mind...”

  “Now that's not fair!” she said eyes flashing dangerously.

  “No?” he asked, eyes flashing as well. She turned to glare at him. He crossed his own arms and stood his ground.

  “Damn it, you're making a scene!” she said desperately, looking around. He flicked his eyes to the people pausing or slowing to watch.

  “You had no problem with the world knowing you were gay before Jayne. Why are you back in the closet now?” he demanded loudly. Jayne winced.

  “Cause, well... We've got some real keepers here. People who get all bent out of shape over that!” she said throwing her hands up in the air as her voice rose. People around them suddenly stopped what they were doing to look.

  “I don't give a damn if you're straight, gay, or single. Don't fucking care Jayne. I know you've got someone special. If some moron can't handle it that's their problem. They give you hell, rip a strip out of them or better yet send them to me,” He snarled, hands balling and on his hips. “You've earned the right to live your life the way you want to girl. Don't let some prude make you ashamed of who you are. You're you and Jen and I'd never want that to change.”

  “You tell em hon,” Jen said coming up behind him. “Having fun?” she asked sweetly, kissing him on the cheek. Sheila was with her. She looked at her boss and then looked away embarrassed.

  “Hi babe,” he said kissing Jen again. Her eyes were flickering with mischief and a little concern. He held her in his arms and then turned to Sheila who was blushing a bit.

  “Hey, go give your lady a kiss,” he said elbowing her. She turned and looked at him surprised. He snorted.

  “Go on,” Jen said, pushing the girl towards Jayne. Jayne was frozen like a deer. Sheila looked at her timidly. “I think they should get married,” she said resting in Shane's arms.

  That woke Jayne up enough to look over Sheila's shoulder and then back to the girl. She shot the girl an inquiring look. Sheila shrugged a little. That seemed to break the ice with Jayne who took her fingers in her own. Sheila came close and kissed her.

  Shane felt Jen snort softly. “'Bout time,” she said. He chuckled until he felt her elbow him. “Quiet you,” she said looking up at him.

  Jayne and Sheila broke the kiss and stared at each other for a while. Jen chuckled softly and then clapped. She glanced up to Shane who followed suit.

  Others joined in, murmurs spread through the crowd. He let his hands fall to stroke his wife's shoulders. “And that ends that,” he murmured. “You had a hand in setting this up?” he asked amused.

  “But of course,” she said turning and smiling to him. Trina came through the crowd, looked at Sheila and Jayne and then smiled
beautifully.

  “It’s about time!” she said. Her sister broke through the crowd and nodded. Jayne caught the girl's approving smiled, glanced at the others and broke into tears. Sheila dashed them with her hand and hugged her. Trina shook her head. “Aw,” she said smirking.

  “Oh god, the water works, I've got somewhere else to be, anywhere...” Shane stopped grumbling as Jen stepped on his foot firmly and looked up at him, dimpling.

  “Meany,” he sighed, shaking his head as his grip around her tightened briefly. She giggled a little. “Bully.”

  “Softy,” she teased back. “This'll set the rumor brigade back a little bit,” she said softly.

  “Just a bit,” he said with a snort. Like pruning them back ever worked for long. Worse than the alien weeds in their own way, he mused.

  ...*...*...*...*...

  “Eddy right?” a voice said in the bustling Food court. The newbie craned his neck around, looking for the voice. He felt a tug and looked down to his daughter. She pointed to a table with about six or seven people there. A person there waved to them, half standing. He nodded and walked over with his tray. His daughter followed.

  “Well, I'll be, Eddy! It’s you!” Bert said, hugging the man across the table. “And Jerrica!” he said tousling her hair. She smiled a little as her father sat. She followed suit.

  “Good to see you Bert,” Eddy said looking around.

  “A lot to see ,I know,” Bert said nodding. “First meal huh?” he asked sympathetically. Eddy nodded. The girl was staring at the food. She started eating it fast.

  “Easy does it gal, people eat too fast after not having food and they barf,” a guy with a beard said down the way. She slowed her eating and nodded.

  “Name's Kent, Robert Kent, this is Wanda, Kelly, and the boys are Darius, Günter, and Chico,” he said pointing to each as some of Eddy's class came over and sat down with them.

  “Its okay folks, bit busy,” Wanda said softly smiling. Her eyes were on a family moving through the line.

  “What's with them?” Eddy asked, eating slowly. His daughter took a drink of water and smiled.