Devastation

by Paul Kirk

  “Phoenix, I dunno—there something’s strange about this—I think…”

  “What, Tippy? You think they have someone hidden out here keeping an eye on things?”

  “Uh—that town should have people. Lots of people. Sir, this town's growing some fresh shit. It's a live town. There should be people there…”

  “You think they saw us and just decided to run the fuck outta the way?”

  “I dunno. Maybe.”

  “I agree,” said Larry Reed.

  “Uncle, c’mon! We have an overwhelming force coming up on an unguarded gate of a little piss-ass town. Tell me, either of you, what’s not to like ‘bout this?”

  “Well, for one thing, no one’s there to put up a fight? Why’s that, huh? Those are some solid gates that have seen some heavy assault. Why would they give this juicy little town up to any unknown Tom, Dick and Harry?” asked Larry.

  Phoenix bristled, stood, and hopped down from the truck. He moved to within inches of Larry's face. “We, as you may have noticed, are no Tom, Dick and Harry!"

  "No, sir!"

  Phoenix turned to Tippy Cup who straightened and took on a distant gaze not daring to meet the fury in his eyes.

  "Them clearing out, Tippy, is probably the best option for them to stay alive today. They’re only being smart about it.”

  "Yes, sir."

  "Talk to me, uncle," grumbled Phoenix without turning.

  “No, sure, makes some sense, Phoenix. But no one? Not even a token effort? Too strange."

  Phoenix calmed. His voice took on a softer tone. "Relax, Tippy. Speak your mind. That's what you're fuckin' here for.”

  “Yes, sir. Maybe they’re in hiding, sir,” suggested Tippy Cup, “ready to launch a counter. Maybe they set explosives.”

  “Could be…” said Larry.

  With Larry and Tippy Cup following, Phoenix moved toward the foremost truck and studied the town with binoculars. He scanned the fields around it. The town was well established and several fields were recently harvested, suggesting many people tended to the crops. In fact, a shiny blue combine rested in the closest field nearest the town. It looked quite operable.

  "There's gas here somewhere. We need to find it, uncle."

  "Yes, sir."

  “There’s people around, Tippy, that’s for sure,” said Phoenix, “Where they went is anybody’s guess. But, lucky for them, we’re not out to grab townies right now. And, if they left us free access to any supplies on our mission to hunt down the Rat Pack, so much the better.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Secure the gates, uncle. Make sure Kaiden and his men finish the task quickly. Make sure that gate’s not rigged to blow. Once we’re in control of the gate, we’ll bring this army down, joining the party. Let’s move on it! Daylight’s wasting.”

  “Yes, sir.” Larry left as he radioed further instructions. Five minutes later, Kaiden and his ten handpicked men had taken the gates.

  Phoenix smiled at the ease by which Kaiden took the gates.

  “It’s a trap, sir. I feel it," said Tippy Cup. "I needed to stress that fact, sir.”

  “Don’t worry, Tippy Cup. I know. I learned long ago, that if things look too good to be true, they usually are.”

  “So you agree, sir?”

  “Sure. But we're gonna try to waltz through town, touching nothing. We’ll slip through to the southern gates like we can care less. Tell Larry to instruct all men to stay sharp for counterattacks.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I do think everybody skipped town, hidin’ out somewhere, but, if we meet any resistance, tell ‘em to blow them bastards to kingdom come.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Oh, and Tippy, this is important.”

  “What’s that, sir?”

  “Make sure he tells ‘em they are to touch nothing enroute, understood? No entry into any building or even a stray foot on the sidewalks. Got it?”

  “Yes, sir.” Tippy ran to Larry Reed and updated him as to Phoenix’s plans. Larry radioed the commanders, conveying the new orders. Phoenix raised a hand to gain full attention, waving his uncle and Tippy over.

  “Uncle?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Once the entire army’s on the other side of the southern gates, I want you to send in a full brigade to level that town after they search for supplies.”

  “Level it?”

  “Yeah. You’re right that something’s strange. You got a good nose. Always have. And, I figured out why.” Phoenix studied the town with increased anticipation. The emerging grin beneath the predatory eyes delivered a spin-tingling shiver that Larry felt all the way into his toes.

  “Why?”

  “Uncle, they’re hiding everyone because they know who the fuck we are.”

  “Not sure I understand you, Phoenix.”

  Phoenix laughed, energized by his thoughts. “I think this town’s been fuckin’ coached by that Rat Pack colonel and his minions. I see it now—the bastard knows we’d strip any man, slowly of his hide, in front of his children if we have to, to find out where he is. Damn, he’s convinced this town that a complete evacuation was necessary in order to save his own sorry ass.”

  “I dunno, Phoenix. A town this size wouldn’t do that. Not for one man. No offense.”

  “It’s the only logical solution that makes any sense right now. We know this town’s way too fresh and active to have become a ghost town overnight. That is, without help.”

  “Well—”

  “Of course, if Kaiden and his men find a townie or meet any resistance in their search, my theory goes down the drain.”

  “Oh, I see—and you think the townies just up and left, leaving it high and dry, ripe for us?”

  “Well, they’re still alive and hiding out so that’s gotta count for something.”

  “Oh.”

  “Instruct Kaiden to keep an eye out for traps on the main road through town. Instruct him and his men to slip in a hundred yards or so. Have him run point. I won’t lose another bunch of men to that explosive shit.”

  “Okay.”

  “Go on.”

  “Right.”

  Larry and Tippy left and Phoenix stayed near his truck, waiting for Kaiden and his advance team to secure the area inside the gates. Puffing on his cigar, he caught the go signal and the army moved the 200 yards down Route 51, converging near the northern gates of Perryopolis. Taking a moment, Phoenix admired the human skeletons resting on pikes on each side of the road. He laughed to himself, knowing that a town that put up such warnings as this, would not readily vacate on a whim. He took a moment to examine his army on the move. It was an impressive sight.

  “That's what I'm talkin' about,” he mumbled.

  A vast display of white trucks, beautifully maintained cavalry and well-equipped and well-armed men on foot, all well fed, were ready to crush any resistance the town had in store. A new dawn had come and the noise of so many men, trucks and horses in such close proximity created an energy all its own. Men crouched on tailgates. RPGs or .50 caliber weapons were ready to blow away anything that moved. An impatience was building and all looked at Phoenix for the sign to let slip his crazed dogs of war. Stunned once again at the power in their hands, Larry Reed came to stand by his side, mesmerized.

  “Look at ‘em, Phoenix.”

  “Yeah.”

  “They’re at your command.”

  “No, they’re at the command of the dark side—waiting to unleash the bloodlust hidden in all men.”

  “A bloodlust you harnessed.”

  “Hmm, we’ll see how much has been harnessed.”

  “What’s that mean?”

  “Order the commanders to have the men walk straight through town. There are to be no side trips into any buildings yet. I repeat, no side trips.”

  “Got it.”

  “Cavalry, trucks, quads, bikes, and men on foot. In that order. Let the men know that we will reacquaint ourselves with the town from the other side to take what’s ours�
�tell ‘em to be patient for their spoils of war.”

  “I understand. Makes sense.”

  “But beware, uncle. I expect about a ninety percent compliance rate at best. They’re gonna be tempted to take because that’s what they’re good at.”

  “Umm—”

  “Keep to the back here with me for now.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, in case that Rat Pack commander’s figured out the weakness of such a large army in a conveniently vacant town ripe for the plucking. I’m sure the fucker left a surprise or two.”

  “You think the colonel was here?”

  “All signs point to his mark.”

  “Care to elaborate?”

  “You’re the one that was so gun-shy earlier.”

  “Yeah, that’s before Kaiden told me we got the green light.”

  “Oh, we have the green light to waltz through this town. It’s the not walking through that’s gonna cause us problems."

  “Then what?”

  “In two words, uncle. Side. Trips.”

  “You mean the buildings?”

  “Ahh, yeah. Have two men send RPGs into a few buildings to try to get anyone's attention that might still be hanging around.”

  Phoenix studied the restaurant about fifty yards in from the gates. The gaudy sign, tacked above the main entrance, announced that you were entering Randall’s Restaurant.

  “Take out that Randall’s Restaurant right there. Pick another building further in. See if it stirs any ants.”

  “Yes, sir.” Larry Reed ordered the strike. Within seconds, two shoulder-fired missiles raced into the town hitting buildings, causing spectacular explosions. All braced for the town's reaction. There was none. Fires began to burn.

  “Hmm, I think we have us a veritable ghost town, uncle. I wonder—let’s try to make our way through Main Street. Again, no side trips.”

  “I’ll order the men to do as you asked.”

  “Hah! You do that. But, stick close to me on this. I’d like to keep you around for awhile longer. Hell, you too, Tippy. Watch and learn.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Larry Reed and Tippy Cup left Phoenix mulling over future battle plans. Thinking hard, Phoenix figured to absorb at least a five percent loss of men simply pushing through Perryopolis. Based on his interest in military history and recent experience, he knew any town takedown was risky. And, a fresh ghost town scenario had its own peculiarities. In his bones, the current circumstances left him uneasy. In his gut, he sensed that he was dealing with a cold, and calculating man heading up the Rat Pack. Smiling, he realized a formidable opponent was playing the game against him. But, always the risk taker, Phoenix was willing to test the waters.

  “Nicely done,” muttered Phoenix, “You may take your pound of flesh.” He watched his men flow into the town, knowing there would be an unfortunate surprise that would befall the weaker minded of his men. “Survival of the fittest. Can’t be helped. Darwin at his best.”

  Phoenix laughed at his own thoughts, sitting back to watch the progress of his army. Comfortable in one of the three white trucks held in reserve behind the men on foot, he critiqued the small town, strategizing. With ease, men poured into the town like water through a sieve. Unfortunately, he was not surprised, when the majority of his men were halfway through the town and the first huge explosion came. Using binoculars, Phoenix studied the aftermath, seeing the newest building on fire. The bright red sign above the building said all that was needed: Saloon.

  “Nice!” Phoenix laughed so loud many men near the truck thought him crazed. He continued to speak softly to himself. “Of course the men would enter that precise location despite orders. My compliments, Colonel Rat. What’s next?”

  Giddy, Phoenix read the signs above the many buildings off the main street pushing through town. Refocusing the binoculars, he was drawn back to a sign that said Gold & Jewelry. “Shit!" he grabbed the radio, "Uncle, radio the commanders! Keep the men out of the jewelry store. Do it! Do it, now!”

  Larry was frantic in his radio communications, but despite his best efforts, two more loud explosions pulsed past them with a volume suggesting many men had fallen.

  “Fuck!”

  Larry listened, responding to the radio. “Commander Kaiden says he’s made it to the southern gates. He’s opened them. We have an exit.”

  “Instruct everyone to double-time it to the gates. Ignore any assholes that deviated from the road and into the buildings. Those pieces of shit deserve what they got!”

  The three white trucks barreled through town, following the army to the gates. Phoenix ignored the bumps on the dirt road through town until another explosion boomed right behind them. Steadfastly refusing to look, Phoenix smiled at the misadventure of those men. “Uncle! We got us a man among men in that Rat Pack colonel—let’s push beyond this gate. And, when we’re clear, I sincerely want you to blow the complete fuck outta this shit town.”

  “We have injured men scattered behind us Phoenix, we need to stop and assist.”

  “Negative! They dug their own graves by disobeying a direct order. And you know what? Now we received a bonus handed to us by none other than that Rat-pack prick. Oh, yeah! Now, we just cleared the stupid outta our ranks. Where’s Luke?”

  “Um, up near Kaiden—Phoenix?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You’re one crazy bastard, you know that?”

  Phoenix laughed at the insult. “It’s how you manage men in large packs, uncle. Patton taught me that.”

  “General Patton?”

  “Once again, is there another Patton worth talking about?”

  “Guess not.”

  The bulk of the army made it through the town, converging in a large field beyond, waiting for stragglers. Once everyone was there that was going to be there, Phoenix issued orders to form up. The emerging plan was for the men were to assault the town with everything they had, razing any building to a height of no more than six inches. Larry Reed nodded in understanding and gave final orders to destroy the town.

  “This town’s gonna cook for days by the time I'm done, Phoenix,” said Larry. He was angry at the loss of men. Caught in the fury of planned destruction, Larry grinned at Tippy Cup who suddenly dropped to the ground with his head snapped sideways. Seeing the event occur, Phoenix dove into the open door of the truck. Larry Reed scrambled to the other side, doing the same. Ducking down, Phoenix cranked the engine, shifted in gear and stomped the accelerator to head south and away, bumping around and back onto Route 51.

  “Issue orders to fall back from the town and follow me, now!”

  Larry Reed yelled into the radio, raising his head to peer out the rear window. More men were firing into the town at random targets. Three men on horseback slumped from headshots, tumbling off before the men operating the .50 caliber started firing off indiscriminate rounds from the pickups. A man in the bed of a pickup launched an RPG toward the town, only to snap sideways and over the side.

  “Get’em moving! Now! Regroup. Outta range! Over that small ridge!”

  Larry Reed radioed instructions and, at his insistence, the men nearby took off on foot, running. Surprisingly, the men on foot were untouched but, the trucks took heavy fire, as they sped away in a dust cloud. The horses scattered away and Phoenix was boiling mad. The Brigade commanders established a rear guard and over twenty sets of binoculars searched the town and surrounding fields for movement. Next to each man, another lay prone with a rifle, waiting for any sighting. Out of the truck, Phoenix went to each commander, instilling a sense of fury not ever seen before. His wrath galvanized the men to reform into a seriously pissed off army, ready to rain death and decimation onto the small town.

  “We need a head count, Larry, before we go back at it.”

  “Sure. Hold.”

  Larry sought out the commanders, obtaining a sit-rep. His face was grim.

  “We lost nineteen men total. Four horses. One truck. One quad.”

  “That all?”


  “Is that all?”

  “Including our little trip through town?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Good, that’s within parameters,” said Phoenix. He smiled, staring at the town they’d just survived. Deep in thought, he ignored the astonished look of Larry Reed.

  “We lost nineteen men, nephew—”

  “Yeah, I hear ya. Nineteen men. And they were mostly the stupid shitheads that couldn’t follow orders. C’mon! How obvious is that, huh? Trying to sneak into a bar or jewelry store for fuck sake.”

  “Damn! I see. You’re talking about the ninety percent compliance rate—”

  “Exactly. Though, I do put Tippy Cup and those cavalry men in the heavy loss column.”

  “Now what we gonna do?”

  "What else? We’re going to find the Rat Pack colonel and his little minions.”

  “Are they here?”

  “Yeah, I think they're still around here. And, I want to set up a little trap for them.”

  “How so?”

  “We’re going to act like we’re gonna blow the shit outta this town and hunt down that sniper in retaliation. But, while that’s certainly true, I want you to send Luke and all his trackers to fan out on this south side of the town in a large arc. I want Luke and his team to keep an eye out for the Rat Pack as they try to slip past us in all the confusion. And they will.”

  “Help me out, Phoenix, What you talkin’ about?”

  “That fantastically accurate sniper we talk about just performed his role rather nicely. Once again. But, to me, that mean’s that fuckin' Rat Pack stayed to help out a bit too long, don’t it? Hah! Now, the way I see it, the Rat Pack colonel is planning to run the hell away from here to wherever the fuck he’s going. Way I figure it, him and his team are planning to do an end around right now in all the confusion, even as we speak.”

  “You mean, they will slip away?”

  “He’s made a mistake, the bastard made a mistake trying to help out this piss-ass town!”

  “Oh.”

  “He never shoulda hung around helping out. Oh, he’ll die for it! Of that, I’m sure. Send Luke and the men out after ‘em, now!”

  Larry radioed Luke, laying out instructions. After that, he instructed the brigade commanders to level the town.