Inoculation Zero: Welcome to the Age of War

by S. Ison

  It was about thirty minutes later when he walked Butter back to the barn. Grabbing a dry, clean rag, he wiped her down. She wasn’t really sweaty, but he didn’t want to take a chance on her getting chilled.

  Opening the door to the cabin, he heard the radio. It was Kenny. Walking over to the desk, he sat down and keyed the radio. “Kenny, this is Tim. Over.”

  “Tim, callin’ ta find out where your woman is? Over.”

  The hair on the nape of his neck rose and cold creeped into the pit of his stomach. The drive to Kenny’s home was only fifteen minutes, on crappy roads maybe a half hour. Kelly had left well over two hours ago.

  “She left here two hours ago. I’ll be there in a few. Over,” Tim said.

  “Ima head out an’ ’kout for youah wife on dis end. Hahd tellin’ not knowin’. Goint’ meet you in the middle. Mighta be a breakdown, that them there flat tire. Over and out,” Kenny said, and clicked off.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  San Gabriel Mountains, California

  The group was a few hours out from the location of the Loco Locusts, the name Charmain had given to the dangerous raiding party. Eagle Eyes – Donny Wilt – a forty-something man, had deep brown skin and even darker brown eyes that seemed to Larry to be laughing at the world around him. Big Eyes – Rubin Bell – was someone special to Charmain. The man was very slight and fine-boned, and seemed a shadow beside the robust Charmain.

  Hubble – Hubbard Brown – was a wizened old man. Larry couldn’t guess the man’s age. He had large ropy hands that looked like they could tear limbs from trees. His flyaway wisps of white hair stuck absurdly out from a beaten-up dirty orange ball cap. Larry thought his hair was trying to escape.

  Wind Walker – Jack Pop – was in his early fifties. He had a fit build and clear gray eyes. His daughter, Jewel, a young woman, took Larry’s breath away.

  Larry’s eyes kept drifting toward Jewel. She was so exotic, Larry thought he’d never seen anyone like her. Tall, lithe, very capable, and sexy as hell. Larry looked up and found Charmain watching him with a pitying look on her face, her mouth twitching with humor.

  Larry blushed and busied himself with his pack. They were setting up to camp for the night in the small valley, and were even daring to build a campfire. It was getting late in the day and, upon Jack and Jewel’s arrival, all had agreed that this would be a good place to make their base camp.

  They were roughly a two- to three-hour trek from the Loco Locusts. They’d discussed the plan to attack the large group at night. It was their best chance to hit them effectively with little to no threat to themselves. So they would camp here for the night, and tomorrow morning they would set out and reconnaissance. From that information, they would formulate an assault.

  As the shadows grew longer, the group spread out and gathered fuel for a fire. It wasn’t long before Harley returned with several rabbits hanging from his large hands.

  Jewel walked up beside Larry. “I got a couple rabbits. You want to help me clean them? Figured we might as well have barbequed rabbit for dinner.” She smiled, her light gray eyes glittering in the firelight.

  “Sure,” Larry said, his throat clenching with nerves and his voice cracking. He saw her grin, and flushed. He was glad the dark was gathering and his back was to the fire. “There’s a stream about two hundred yards away over there. We can clean them there if you want.” He nodded his head toward said stream.

  “Sure. Let’s go. Larry, right?” Her voice was lyrical.

  Larry followed. He was sure he would follow her anywhere.

  ⅏

  “That poor kid’s got it rough,” Charmain laughed, shaking her head.

  Jack laughed. “Yeah, Jewel has that effect on men. But I think she likes your young friend.” Jack lit a pipe and drew on it until the bowl glowed. The fragrant soft gray smoke rose and encircled his head.

  “So, what do you think of our Loco Locusts? Pretty offensive group, huh?” Charmain said, and drew out her own pipe and lit it.

  “Yeah, pretty bad. They’re some crazy ass people. I can’t even imagine how humans live that way or even want to live that way. I think the drugs and booze ate their brains. And to resorting to eating human flesh, when you have a forest full of game?” Jack said softly, shaking his head in bewilderment. Disgust was clear in his face, his lip curled back in revulsion.

  “It never ceases to amaze me, the depravity and insanity of this world. That was one of the reasons I left and went to the woods. Humans can be such a parasitic blight on Earth. We’ve nearly destroyed it, and ourselves in the process. If all this shit hadn’t happened, I think we would have completely destroyed the planet eventually,” Charmain said darkly, shaking her head, then taking a puff of her pipe.

  She held the rich smoke in her lungs and slowly let it pass through her pursed lips. She shivered at the thought, and shook her head once more.

  “They need killing,” Donny said as he walked up to the pair, his voice flat and emotionless.

  Charmain looked over to the sixty-something man. His cadaverous frame clothed in dark camouflage.

  “My AK47 will cure all their ills,” Donny said, the sneer on his face made him look ferocious. Turning his head away from the pair, he spat into the bushes as though trying to clear a bad taste from his palate.

  “This is a shit show, for sure,” Charmain said, blowing smoke into the darkening skies.

  “Like shooting fish in a barrel,” Rubin laughed, walking up to the group, hands deep in his black leather jacket’s pockets. He looked pointedly at Charmain, and she rolled her eyes and handed over her pipe.

  Rubin drew in deep on the pipe, inhaling the fragrant smoke, and groaned with delight. He leaned over and kissed Charmain on her cheek as he patted her rear. “Thanks babe. It’s been a long time. Started to get worried with that young buck in your cabin,” his deep voice rumbled. He handed back the pipe.

  “You know you don’t have to worry, lover. I’m all yours,” she whispered to him, taking her pipe back and drawing on the stem.

  Rubin placed his arm around her. He was a thin, short little man with a wicked sense of humor. He’d been her mentor in her journey to becoming an independent, skilled survivor. Far from babying her, he’d let her stumble and fall along the way. She respected that, and knew he respected her too.

  Larry’s unexpected arrival had put a kink in her plans to go on an extended visit to Rubin the previous fall. Usually they took turns visiting each other for a couple weeks a few times a year. Enough to get their groove on while still enjoying their much-coveted solitude and independence.

  “It still amazes me how fast the world went to hell. It doesn’t matter now, but I wonder who sent the computer virus out? Is it only the U.S. that’s affected, or has the whole world gone to shit?” Donny pondered aloud.

  “I think it might have been China or North Korea that sent the computer virus, and that was the icing on the cake. I think that once the Ebola virus swept across the world taking out rich, poor, educated, ignorant, and every type in between, there weren’t enough people to handle either infrastructure, farming, government, or military,” Jack said.

  “I agree,” Rubin said. “Regardless of the computer virus, humanity would have fallen. The ability to get food to where it needed to be had become nearly impossible. Before the computer virus shut everything down, I’d go out on forays into town, and no matter where I went, there was wide-spread looting, empty shelves, and no coordinated effort to get food to people.”

  “That, and the fact that many of the state and local government administrations had been left vacant by so many deaths. There was no one to step into their places, no knowhow about how to manage a crisis. Many agencies were failing before the end. There was no hope,” Charmain said, drawing deeply on her pipe, then passed it once more to Rubin.

  “Food’s ready, folks. If you wanna eat it hot, come on,” Harley called out from the fire.

  Charmain looked around for Larry and Jewel, who were still gone. Sh
e looked over to Jack and shrugged her shoulders.

  “Ah, young love,” Jack laughed, “They’ll be along soon, I expect.”

  Charmain laughed, and sure enough, the young couple came walking out of the woods, Larry gallantly carrying two skinned rabbit carcasses. Her lips twitched with humor and pride. Larry had come a long way since the day he’d fallen into her lap.

  She took a certain amount of pride when it came to Larry. He was able to handle a weapon well, and had developed excellent survival skills. He had become stronger and surer of himself, more confident. It showed in the way he held himself now. She knew that, should something happened to herself, he would go on and thrive.

  ⅏

  The group settled down for the night. Some sat and talked among themselves quietly. Larry was sitting before the fire, watching the hypnotic flames lick the wood with glowing tendrils. His eyes drifted over to Jewel beside her father, her long jet black hair in a long thick braid, lying like a thick snake on her breast.

  He didn’t want to embarrass himself or Charmain with untoward actions. This was a killing mission, a time of war; not a time for flirting and hand-holding. He watched as Charmain and Rubin went for a walk, drifting away silently into the dark. Larry took his coat and, pulling it over himself, laid his head down on his pack. It was going to be a long night. Maybe he would dream of Jewel.

  Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina

  It was early evening and the air was becoming a bit chilled. The group sat around a large fire, a kettle filled with bubbling sea water. Crabs had been boiled and eaten, and the group was sated. Some sipped sun-steeped tea, while a couple had a tumbler of bourbon in hand, neat. The conversation was continuing in soft tones, the chat among the friends about the growing season and hunting and trading.

  Greg lay at Randal’s feet, wrapped in a blanket and fast asleep. Soft snores emanated from his small bundled figure. He had played all day, running up and down the beach with Mr. Smith, who was becoming a fast companion to the child, and helped with crabbing. Laura held Becka as she sipped her tea.

  There had been no more incidents with the three men, and he hoped they’d taken the warning seriously.

  “Johnny Lee seems a good man,” Reed said, sipping the smoky liquor. Jimmy sat beside him, staring into the flames, relaxed and quiet.

  “He is. He and my sons, Cory and Derek, knew each other in high school. They all went to Wando High,” Randal said, taking a sip of his bourbon. It bit, and he sucked in his breath. It had been a while since he’d had a glass of this stuff. It burned pleasantly down to his stomach.

  “What did he do before the world went to hell?” Clive asked.

  “He was a mechanic. Worked in Mt. Pleasant at a garage. He always kept my truck purring. His wife was a nurse – she died of the virus. They didn’t have any children, so I think that’s why he took Teddy in.”

  “That’s awful good of him. Not many people would take on such a responsibility. Like you,” Clive smiled, sipping his warm tea.

  “I imagine many are doing the same thing,” Randal said, reaching for Pearl’s hand and squeezing it.

  “Not all, I’m sure,” Jimmy said, lifting his blond head, the light of the fire deepening the shadows around his eyes.

  “You think?” Reed asked, surprise in his voice.

  “I think what is out there is more along the line of those three men. Wanting to take rather than earn. Selfish. Selfish people only look after themselves, no one else. I also think we’re the rarity, not the norm. I reckon it would have been worse if the Ebola virus hadn’t taken out most of the population. Can you imagine what it would be like if there were hundreds of thousands, even millions, of people around and no food?”

  “I hate to say, but I think Jimmy is right,” Randal agreed. “I think there are many small pockets of humanity. Some pockets will share and do the right thing. Unfortunately, many other pockets of will take from others, using and abusing them.” Randal’s hand squeezing Pearl’s once more, tighter. She looked over to him and smiled gently.

  “The only reason they would band together is that a larger force can easily overtake a smaller one. I hate to say it, but I hope a lot of the evil-minded people have died out. I know many good people have. I just hope a lot of the bad ones have too,” Jimmy added.

  “I don’t think we’ve seen the last of those three, and they may bring friends. But I’m not sure what more we can do? We’re already patrolling day and night,” Reed added, his forehead creased with concern.

  “Set booby traps and catch ’em,” a soft voice said, and Greg sat up.

  “I thought you were asleep, young man,” Pearl said, reaching down to lift the boy onto her lap.

  “I was, MawMaw, but then I got bit and it woke me up. I heard what Mr. Reed said,” Greg said, squirming his rump in Pearl’s lap to find a comfortable position.

  The adults looked at each other around the fire.

  “That’s a good idea, young man,” David said, his hand resting in May’s lap.

  Greg grinned, pride showing on his round young face.

  “Actually, that is a really good idea,” Reed said.

  Everyone looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to elaborate.

  “Let me think on it a bit. I think if we can set up early warning systems about three hundred yards out, that will give us some kind of warning. Also, set traps. Traps we all know about, so no one gets hurt. Maybe build a large fence, like an enclosure, make this a safe compound,” Reed said, looking pointedly at Greg.

  “Yes sir,” Greg chirped.

  “Time for bed, sugar,” Pearl said, “You’ve had a long day, and came up with a wonderful idea.”

  “Oh MawMaw, I ain’t tired,” Greg said, though a yawn that exposed his tonsils cut off his repudiation.

  Pearl got up and put Greg to the ground. Taking his hand, she led him up the stairs and into the house. Randal watched the two disappear into the house. Then he turned to Reed.

  “I think the kid has something there. Maybe a few traps around the dunes and the beach might help. And maybe around each house. It is just that there are too few of us and so much land,” Randal said, concern in his voice.

  “I wish we had more dogs,” Roy said. He’d been quiet most of the evening. “You think Johnny Lee would know of anyone who had dogs? Maybe do a trade?”

  “Not sure, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask,” Randal said.

  “I’d almost be afraid folks will have eaten them,” Clive said, adding a log onto the fire, causing sparks to shoot up into the dark sky. They could hear the pop and sizzle of pine sap, and the stringent smell of turpentine assailed their nostrils.

  “May well be, but I’ll ask,” Randal said.

  “Does Mr. Smith still have his balls?” Clive asked, causing David to choke on his tea. May patted his back, smiling over his gray head at Clive.

  “Yes, we didn’t neuter him. Why do you ask?” Reed said.

  “Well, maybe if Johnny Lee can locate an intact female, we could maybe breed our own dogs. Granted, it might take a couple years, but we could have a few generations of guard dogs,” Clive said.

  “Now that is truly a good idea, Clive,” Jimmy said.

  “And even if this group don’t come back, I’m sure others will try to come onto the island. Crawl out of the woodwork, as it were,” Randal said.

  “Yeah, I agree,” Jimmy said, holding out his hands to the fire.

  “I hate to say it, but I think you’re both right,” Reed said.

  “Seems like it’s always the way. Even when I was young, we had layabouts and freeloaders, always expecting a handout. I figure the world ending didn’t stop that,” David said, May nodding her agreement.

  “If they’d have put half their energies into fishing and hunting, they’d be fatter than a tick on a coon hound. I’m sure it’d be easier than trying to sail around the island, and less dangerous,” Roy added.

  “Just a lot of stupid lazy people out there. And stupid is dangerous too.
Maybe we should boobytrap the empty houses as well? Catch them if they should sneak on at another place,” Clive suggested.

  “Bingo. Another good idea. The more we can do to hamper these people, the better. We’ll need to make sure we let our neighbors know. Don’t want any accidents,” Reed said.

  “I’ll get on the radio in the morning and get the ball rolling. I’ll also mention about building traps and early warning systems farther out,” Randal said, standing up. “I’m headin’ to bed. Ya’ll folks have a good night and enjoy the fire.”

  A round of goodnights followed Randal as he ascended the stairs. The porch door squeaked when he opened it. He closed it softly and went into the dark house.

  There was a single candle burning in the living room. Pearl was sitting on the couch, her slender legs tucked under her hips. Randal came to the couch and sat down beside her.

  He sighed heavily. “I sure hope we can figure something out with keeping these houses safe. Each of us standing guard day and night is taking its toll.”

  “I wish more of our neighbors had opted to join us,” Pearl said, her hand going to Randal’s flyaway hair and brushing it back.

  “There aren’t many left, even if they did decide to join us. June and her family are aware and are keeping a watchful eye, but the island is so big. Those men could land anywhere. Our best bet is to keep the defended area small,” Randal said.

  They were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Randal got up and went to the door. After a few moments, he came back.

  “That was Roy. He and David were discussing moving Roy and his family into David and May’s home. The house is big, and Roy’s house is farthest out from our group. I think that’s a good idea,” Randal said.

  “Do you think we should invite Clive to live here? He can take Cory’s room. His house is almost as far as Roy’s,” Pearl asked.