by Paul Kirk
“Right.”
The three men took off with the five horses. The rest of the team approached a semi-standing barn, on a slight elevation fifty yards east of a dirt road and run-down farmhouse. Connor and Roger showed up a few minutes later. Entering the barn, Connor detected no evidence of his crew’s arrival or their rather hasty preparations. Standing in the middle of the barn, he spoke to the empty space. Beside him, Roger rechecked his shotgun out of habit.
“Excellent! But, remember that whoever touched the barn door shifted the dirt ten inches to indicate fresh activity. Other than that, your positions are unencumbered by evidence.”
“Crap!”
“Cody, I expect that’s you in the hayloft, hopefully with Snuff taking care of you.”
“Yeah.”
“No harm done, son. Stay frosty.”
Connor replaced the dislodged soil and scraps of hay into their original position.
“As you might expect, this is the first indication of scout recon we’ve found as we approach. I figure we’re ‘bout ten miles out and I expect this is the scouting team attached to the second, maybe third perimeter guard. If at all possible, I’d like us to slip past the scrutiny of these men and then clip onto them during their return trip. Any questions?”
There were none.
“I noticed BB, Jackson and Jason have slipped back west to avoid any tracking of the animals. They’ll serve as a reserve force from that old ravine with the two tumbled cars in it. They'll be on channel six, if needed. Let’s hope this all works out as planned and we don’t need ‘em. If not, well…you all know what to do.”
Roger and Connor slipped out of the barn and disappeared into the fields to wait.
CHAPTER 5.20-Defining an Enemy
“Phoenix’s men are acting different, colonel.”
“How so, major?”
“I dunno. It’s subtle, but, I’d say they’re trying to ‘objectify’ us, you know? Kinda reclassify us as enemy combatants or something.”
“Hmmm.”
“I’m figuring they must’ve had a recent change in standing orders.”
“And you base this on what?” asked Colonel Starkes.
Sitting side-by-side atop the Hall of Fame rooftop, they stared at the front entrance. The sun cast long rays sideways providing exceptional clarity for a broad view of the city. A pack of wild dogs ran in the distance, quite large. Hunters pursued them.
“Communication levels, eye contact, reduction in interpersonal contact, and their restrained, yet increased covert surveillance.”
“Hah! Are you saying something's about to go down?”
“Dunno about that, but something is happening I can’t quite put my finger on.”
“You think Phoenix’s showing his true colors?”
“Not sure.”
“Today’s September seventh, right?”
“Yep.”
“Must be it…they overheard someone talking.”
“You think, ma'am?”
“They know we’re sitting here on our fat asses waiting for this Colonel MacMillen until tomorrow.”
“You sure?”
“Makes sense. I felt the change, too. Shamus commented on it yesterday.”
“Yeah, I know. So…what’re your plans?”
“Prep the bird like every night. Let everyone know we’re leaving at first light and to be especially prepared for an assault tonight.”
“I’ll prepare the men. And…CJ and Nicole.”
“Make it happen.”
SECTION 6: The Attack
CHAPTER 6.1-Midnight Looms
“We attack at midnight, Phoenix.”
“Make sure you stick with your plan, uncle. It’s a good one.”
“Thank you. The men are ready. We're at full capacity. I've listed 620 men active with reserves on call, if needed. That includes our cavalry, which is at full strength and 240 horsemen strong. They'll stay out of the main fighting force tonight, but are available to catch any escapees from the surprise assault. I have five Pride Brigades set up with forty men apiece like we put in place two weeks ago. I think that's working nicely. They're in good fightin’ spirit and work well as coordinated units.”
“They are a hungry and violent bunch."
"Yes, sir. For tonight, our 120-DPs (driver/passenger pairs) we usually use for the pickups will assist in the attack on foot for now. More in a secondary assist capacity since there's no need for the vehicles. These men will compliment the five Pride Brigades. Luke Killington is heading up the twenty hunter/trackers and has asked that they be first in on the assault. I've authorized that request to see how he does."
"Good idea. Luke's been making quite an impression on the men."
"That's true."
"I know it's true. I said it."
"Yep," said Larry Reed, making a concerted effort to ignore the petulant remark.
"Anything else I need to know, Uncle?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Okay. Make sure you keep commanders Reggie, Swan and Bundy under wraps once the killing starts. Those Berserkers need a tight leash, you hear me?"
"Sure. I agree."
"Assign Kaiden to keep them under wraps during the assault. He's probably the only one they'll listen to anyway. I told you who better live through this on Starke’s end.”
“Yeah, don’t worry. Nothing will go wrong.”
“Famous last words. Ever study Patton?”
“Who?”
“Never mind. Just don’t go fucking things up at this point,” said Phoenix. He lit a cigar, envisioning the assault.
“Have some faith.”
“Faith is in short supply, nowadays. Especially since all the faithful I knew started dropping dead at my feet when that bird shit came down.”
CHAPTER 6.2-Low and Quiet
“They passed us, Mr. Connor Mac. Didn’t even know we were here!”
“Excellent.”
“Why didn’t they check out the barn?”
“Cody, they probably check this barn nine times outta ten. Today, it seemed, they’re more focused on what’s going on in town, I think.”
“Yeah! I heard one of the guys say something about President Starkes,” said Rhonda.
“Heard that too, must mean she’s really there waiting for you,” said Amanda.
“Ah, huh.”
“Surprised how much chatter was going on with those guys,” said McLeod.
Roger agreed with a small grunt.
“You’re right,” said Connor.
“So, what we want to do now?” asked Marty.
“We wait until they pass us on their return trip in a few hours and follow ‘em back into town. Let’s hope, Cody, they don’t decide to deep check the barn on the way in.”
“You think they’ll check?”
“Probably. At least a cursory run through. Anyone with any sense would.”
“Oh.”
“So stay low and hide. Locked and loaded.”
“If they don’t and we’re clear, then what, Mac?” asked Roger.
“I guess we find us our new president and see what’s what.”
“Copy that,” said Rhonda.
Everyone smiled at her spot-on impression of Marty.
“Not bad,” suggested Amanda. Marty basked in the extra attention.
“In the meantime, everybody grab a quick meal.”
CHAPTER 6.3-A View from Afar
John McLeod sat atop a piece of broken farm machinery until Connor drew near. At his arrival, McLeod handed the binoculars to Connor and they continued to take in the beautiful city. After a moment, Connor turned to McLeod.
“Every farm we see is well-organized and productive.”
“Yeah, they’re well-managed. A slew of ‘em.”
“They sure are. There are plenty of horses at those two farms. Some livestock, too.”
“I know. I did see a few pigs if you can believe it,” said John.
“Pigs? No kidding?”
“
Yeah.”
“Damn good to hear. Thought bacon was a thing of the past.”
“I agree. And, the farms are very well cared for. Even the roads around here are in decent repair.”
“Kinda risky setting up shop in Cleveland, though. Nuclear plants are on both sides, but aways out. And, though the wind patterns probably keep it safe...I dunno.”
“I've been thinking about that. Maybe they have some people that kept those plants from melting down? Maybe they did some containment?”
“Sure. It's possible. But what are the chances of that?”
“Well, what are the chances you’d meet up with a professor who trained the military on the psychology of war? That's some pretty narrow niche, huh?”
“I see your point.”
“I'm just suggesting stranger things have happened since the Sickness.”
“Hmm…”
“Hey Mac, I was thinking earlier. So, okay, based on all this what do you think? Im wondering if we have a real serious land boss in the area?”
“Go on…continue John, what’s your psych read on Cleveland?”
“Wow. My psych read? Ah, there's the high quality scouting parties, the productive farms, the cleanliness, well-maintained roads, and plenty of horses. It speaks volumes that somebody’s definitely running a tight ship here.”
“Agreed.”
“They probably have a decent supply of men and some good weapons to go with it all. But, I don’t see anything motorized. Not yet. At least not this far out.”
“President Starkes responsible?”
“Nah. For some reason, I’m thinking she’s not in control here.”
“No?”
“Doesn’t quite add up to that. This is probably simply an improvised rendezvous point for her. Call it a gut reaction.”
“I see.”
“But, I dunno, maybe the Cleveland boss is someone who reports to her. Someone she knows and trusts.”
“Maybe.”
“What do you wanna do, Mac? Send in a scouting team?”
“Yep. And, from here on out, instruct everyone to stay tight and close. Make sure they work solid. Except for Jackson, Jason, and BB, obviously, and the horses we’re keeping in reserve.”
“Okay. So, where’s this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I see several structures just past those Westside farms. It’s near the lake, right?”
“Yeah, I think so. That what Roger said. Bring him over here, he knows the area,” said Connor.
“Okay.”
“Instruct the team to settle in. After that, the next two hours will be through territory designated full hostile and active. Best stealth behavior is expected from all.”
Connor pulled a small-sized jar from his pack.
“Here, give this to Rog. Make sure everyone uses some face paint. He’ll know how to apply it.
“Okay, good idea. Facial recognition by the enemy is such a natural factor in environmental surveillance ” said McLeod.
"Ahh, yeah John, you're right."
John blushed slightly. "Oh, sorry about stating the obvious—"
"Nah, that's fine John. And keep in mind that the remainder of our travel to primary target will be at night. Full scout prep with night goggles for both Marty and Amanda.”
Connor pulled two pair of military-grade goggles from his pack.
“Give ‘em these. They’ll know how to use ‘em.”
“Wow. Night vision. Okay. I’ll bring Roger up.”
A minute later, Roger eased up with McLeod to sit beside Connor. Settling in, Roger pointed.
“Sir.”
“Rog.”
“The Hall of Fame is over that way. It's a glass pyramid that's attached onto a piece of shit white brick building.”
“Yeah?”
“It has a roundish section off to the side and joined to it that would be closer to us. That portion is sittin' on a fat pillar.”
“Okay?”
“That’s supposed to represent a music album turntable. You see?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“That’s the building we're aiming for though.”
“Okay, Rog, thanks. Anyway, would you say it’s about a half mile northeast?"
“Yep."
"It butts up against the lake, correct?"
"Correct, sir.”
Connor checked both compass and watch before he eyed the fast-setting sun. Not yet satisfied, he needed more information.
“What’s the inside like? Remember any of it?”
“Some. You come in the main open entrance area and there are these two huge escalators that take you up to the second floor. From what I remember, there are seven floors total. The first to the fifth were mostly exhibit stuff and crap like that. The third level’s where most of the stuff was and had all the names of the people who were ah…what’s the word…inducted?”
“If you were President Starkes, where would you set up command post?”
“I dunno. Maybe the second floor, guarding the escalators. Maybe the seventh, the top floor.”
“Okay then. I’d like us to slide past this next farm before sunset.”
“Yeah.”
“But based on the activity there, I’m thinking we’ll probably need to wait.”
“Nah, let’s do it. Let’s push passed,” said Roger.
Marty and Amanda approached, overhearing the discussion.
“We’ll go out in advance, Mac,” said Marty, “Amanda and I.”
Connor gave this some thought.
“Sounds like a plan. McLeod, let’s slide the rest of the team to the red-bricked building just north of that farm. See what's going on there.”
“Okay.”
“It looks like an old factory. If we can sneak into it. We’ll recon from there if it’s not protected.”
“Hmmm…I dunno,” said McLeod.
“I feel you…if we were guarding this farm, we’d have that pretty well sealed off from intrusion.”
“Well, yeah—”
“Since it’s a direct assault point into the farm complex.”
“Exactly.”
“Let’s do it anyway, see what happens.”
“Your call.”
After an hour of slow, cautious travel, they reached the old factory while darkness settled around them. Cody was excited at all the new horses nearby. His father and McLeod recently agreed he might ‘keep an eye out’ for one.
“Okay,” said McLeod, “what do you want to do with BB, Jackson, Jason and the horses? Can’t leave them hanging back too far.”
“No, we can’t.”
Connor reached for the radio on his hip.
“Big Eye to BB you copy?”
“Copy, Big Eye.”
By prearranged code, Connor provided current position and detailed directions to the Hall of Fame.
“If shit goes bad, we’ll need you to meet up with us east of Cleveland, slightly south at…ah, just east of Youngstown.”
“Understood, Big Eye.”
“It’ll take ‘bout seventy miles to get there. There’s a big steel mill there. Used to be. Check in at Furnace #1. We meet there as a final rendezvous if we get separated.”
“Understood, over.”
“It’s probably a good two or three days travel to get there. Maybe a bit less on horse, over.”
“Confirmed. Rendezvous in Youngstown, steel mill, Furnace # 1. Over.”
“Correct. I want some distance if things go south. We'll wait five days once we get there. In the meantime, we’re keeping you as full reserve during our entry into the city. Big Eye out.”
“BB, copy and out.”
Connor turned to McLeod, who had raised an eyebrow in concern.
“What?”
“Okay, Mac. I think I know where Youngstown is, but why not closer? Why are we going seventy miles out for a primary rendezvous?”
“Dunno…feel we might need some space if things go wrong.”
“Man, that’s a lotta space. Don’t make much sense.
”
“I know. It sounds a bit weird, McLeod, but trust me. It’s fitting in with my way of thinking right now, so I must be seeing something in the equation.”
“What, like subconsciously or are you saying you’re a damn psychic?”
“Nah. Nothing like that. It’s more like battle plans are drawn up in my head by some stranger and I see countless event flows that might, I say might, occur.”
“Like a sixth sense?”
“No, you’re the psychologist, haven’t you ever listened to your gut or subconscious?”
“All the time, Connor Mac.”
“Okay then, let’s call it that for now.”
“Will do.”
“In the meantime, the rest of the crew needs to run tight. Silent running. Full stealth.”
“I’ll remind them.”
“Make it real clear no mistakes or they’ll answer to the team for their failures…and it won’t be pretty.”
“Okay,” said McLeod. “Is it your plan to see this President Starkes tonight?”
“No, she wants us there tomorrow on the eighth. That’s when we show up.”
“You gonna go through with it?”
“What choice do I have, McLeod?”
“I dunno. Like I said before. Maybe you didn’t see the little leaflets, now did you?”
“Would you ignore it?”
“Nah. The whole thing seems strange is all.”
“Tell me about it. I can’t wait to meet this Starkes.”
“Yeah.”
“She’s invested heavily in resources and strategy to do this in today’s shattered world. That is, if a President of the United States still exists.”
“I dunno, Mac. Makes no sense that someone, some team, probably with at least one operating ‘copter, would invest that much energy into finding you and not be the president or someone speaking for the president”
“I hear that. Does seem like an enormous commitment on their part. Damn, I wish I had more proof.”
“You know, it’s the same for the rest of the crew. They can’t wait to meet her.”
“Tell ‘em we move from the factory to that three-story warehouse southeast of the Hall of Fame across Highway #2. We’ll do this at midnight on the nose. We’ll have Snuff and Surf Boy set up a recon post in the factory two hours prior. In the meantime, let’s see what we can discover from their scouting.”