Anthony Puyo's The Compelled

by Anthony Puyo

  “I do copy, but we don’t have a chopper to deliver the bombs anyway. The nearest choppers are in V-town. I was also told, Captain, that L.A. will be testing viral weaponry. If effective, we can expect reinforcements sooner.”

  “Jesus. Whatever works I guess. Any word on the cause of the infected?”

  “What I heard can’t be confirmed. It’s a rumor for now—”

  “At this stage, I’ll take the rumor.”

  “I heard a lead given by NASA was being investigated shortly before the incident, but what that it is; I don’t know. My hope is they’ll get the answer to the electrostatic in the air, so we can bomb these sons of bitches soon. SHIT! Got to go, Captain. We got an issue at the gate again. God damn group of what appears to be illegal Mexicans trying to get in.”

  “10-4. When aren’t they trying to get in where they’re not wanted.” The Captain puts the radio down and looks up at Blake. The Staff Sergeant is not amused with the Captain’s callous ways.

  “Here you go, Captain, sir, the men you wanted to see.”

  You can see your way out, Sergeant, close the door behind you. Thanks.”

  Edward pauses, he didn’t expect to get excused. He’s a little embarrassed with the other men around. But he isn’t in Hawks’ favor anymore. The Staff Sergeant steps out, closing the door as instructed.

  Robert sits back in his chair, crossing his legs and folding his hands behind his head. “The green beret and his second in command. Correct?” He relays towards Bodo.

  “Nahh, man. We ain’t no bullshit army, we don’t roll with those titles. That’s for y’all,” Bodo replies, arms crossed.

  “Y’all? . . . Well, y’all, has a mission for you two.”

  “Not interested,” Bodo turns to open the door.

  Hawks sits up, hands on the edge of the desk. “You open that door and leave, son, that would be a huge mistake.”

  Bodo stops with his hand on the knob. “Shit,” he murmurs to himself. He stares up at the ceiling, thinking to himself. Son? Who does this bitch think he is? The motherfucker is younger than me? I should just put an end to this, turn and snap the fucker’s neck . . . In time man. Bodo aligns and listen.

  “Wise choice, big man,” Hawks arrogantly blurts.

  “Why do you need us? You got plenty of men, plenty of other initiates?” Charlie asks.

  “Why? Here’s a ‘why,’ why do people always ask that question? Why not ask, ‘What do you need me to do?’ That would be a nice change for once. But that's what makes us different, I suppose. A civilian asks ‘Why?’ Where a soldier, like these fine men you see beside you; what you use to be Charlie, they ask ‘what?’ But that's beside the point.”

  Charlie refrains from the low-blow.

  “But to answer your question, I need special skilled men. Like you and your partner here. Of course, I won’t be sending you alone. Sergeant Brimm, along with private Kelly and Captain Day will escort you. Brimm’s in command.”

  “What’s the mission?”

  “Now that’s better, Charlie. You got the ‘What’ down. Fast learner. I’m going to need you men to set up C-4 on the outside perimeters. I want to reach further out. We’ll also need you to set mines. All this according to this map.” Hawks picks up a folded map and hands it over to Charlie and continues. “The battle is taking shape right now. The gunfire, explosions, will cause more of the infected to come this way. We’re going to take it to them, deal a massive blow to their numbers.”

  Bodo, agitated, “That’s the stupidest plan a brother ever heard. You don’t even know how many are out there. You stir things up, maybe we will be the ones who are exterminated, did you think of that?”

  “Captain.”

  “What?”

  “Did you think of that, Captain . . . Say it.”

  Bodo lips raise. “Are you serious?”

  “Men, put your rifle on this man. Yes, I’m serious. Dead serious.”

  The men aim their guns. Bodo fights with his own pride. I may die, but not before I crush your face!

  “Did you think of that, Captain?” Bodo reluctantly murmurs.

  Hawks tightens the left side of his mouth. “I think of everything, civilian. I’ve been in more military operations than you’ve had pimples on your ass. You and your comrades. Before this thing, what did you do? Work, make a living? Come home to soft bed at night, maybe with some pussy in it. Good stuff, right? Not worrying your bald little head over anything. The reason why you and the rest of those civilians out there were able to do that, was because of people like me. We’re the ones out there drawing up plans, carrying them out, keeping you safe all day and all night. The least you could do is show a little respect. But by the looks of you two, I’m sure you can go a few steps further. And that’s why you’re here. Now step up, show some courage, some obedience, gratitude, and follow the orders I’ve given you?”

  Hawks pierces sternly around the hushed room. He continues after the pause. “We don’t have ammo, food, water, forever. We need to fight. We need to fight now while they’re weak and we’re strong. On this map are circled areas letting you know where the C-4 and the mines are to be placed. That’s important. We don’t want any of our boys falling victim because you didn’t put them in the right locations. If there’s food, water, gather it if you can, ammo and weapons too. This mission will be dangerous. You are going to have to go beyond are perimeters with only yourselves as back up. Is there any questions?”

  Not a peep came from anyone.

  “Very well. Gather yourselves, gentlemen, the mission starts ASAP. Grab some supplies, whatever you need. A Hummer with the explosives is waiting for you in the garage. That is all. Godspeed, soldiers. You will be honored men.”

  21

  “Farewell, Friends.”

  The looming trouble brings forth anxiousness. Soldiers gather people in groups. No one wanted to be stuck with the weakest of civilians, so they make sure to be fair in choosing their team members.

  The fighting began outside in the form of small skirmishes with most of the teams not being deployed. This gave the army time to prep their very inexperienced recruits.

  Bodo and Charlie come out of the elevator with a presence about them. They try stay upbeat for their friends, but it isn’t easy. They walk up to them, asking them to gather. Everyone sits and kneels, trying not to cause too much attention from the roundabout militants.

  Charlie scratches his forming goatee, trying to find the words. “Our time has come. Not yours, but mine and Bodo’s.”

  Most of the group braces themselves. It’s apparent bad news is on its way. Charlie glances over his shoulder to Bodo, feeling the news should be broken by the man who accepted everyone in.

  Bodo responds. “We’ve been called up to the big leagues, and we’re not quite sure how it’s going to play out. What I do know—is it’s been a rough ride—real rough. I don’t know if fun is the right word. But at times it was something like that. I’m glad I got to share it with all of y’all.”

  The group commences to ask why in almost unison, and Eva continues their sediment, “I don’t get it, why you two?”

  Bodo answers, “I don’t know, but better us than you. It is what it is, Eva. You’ll be fine,” he looks at everyone, “All of you will. We’re all fighters—survivors; I wouldn’t expect anything less from any of you.”

  Eva, fluttering her words with grief, “No one has to go. We can escape and do what we planned.”

  Charlie and Bodo sigh.

  “It ain’t going to happen. At least not now,” Bodo explains.

  Charlie continues, “We all have to ride it out for now. See where this takes us. It’s not all roses, but that’s not to say it won’t be. Everyone needs to keep their head up, stick together, and we’ll all be fine. And if— if we don’t manage to come back, you don’t let it hold you back. If things don’t get better—make the plan. Keep the dream alive. Don’t let them break you.”

  Eva bitterly interrupts, “You’re talking like yo
u don’t plan on seeing us again.”

  Charlie answers, “I hate to sound like that, but in these situations, you just never know. I’m sure Bodo agrees. We need to prepare you.”

  Eva scowls. “This is bullshit. They want to divide us. And how better than to take our leaders.”

  “Don’t talk like that. We ain’t them; we don’t got no leaders like that. We’re all leaders. So if that’s their plan, then you show ‘em different. Don’t let ‘em kill your spirit.” Bodo passionately explains, letting out a stare towards Eva.

  Eva doesn’t like it, but she understands. Bodo is like a big brother to her, and he just wants her, along with the others, to be strong. The world as they know it, as Bodo knows it, has no place for the weak.

  After the guys explain their path, they get up to say their possibly last farewells. One by one they share a story or two of remembrance. Melissa thanks Bodo for getting the medicine for Ryan, while Doc tells Charlie it was a pleasure working with him these many years.

  Chet comes up to Bodo putting one hand on his shoulder and the other around the side of his neck giving it a firm grip that emulates his emotions. “It’s been a pleasure, partner. Ever since we left that rest stop, we’ve been like fire and ice, brother. I just wish we had more time for knocking back drinks then knocking heads. You know what I mean? I’m gonna miss you, man, if you don’t come back. So don’t do that to me—you hear?”

  They share an embrace.

  “You my brother from another mother,” Bodo declares as he gets out of the embrace. He tries to hide his emotion by sounding more uplifting. “C’mon Chet, you know Bodo ain’t going to let these cats bring him down! I’ll be back . . . But—” He begins to snicker, “But If I don’t . . . it’s not cause they got me; don’t you dare think that. Because they ain’t never gonna get me . . . It’s because I found that small piece of paradise, and I’m just gonna chill there till I suck it dry!”

  Chet tilts his hat with a sigh and smile, “I know you will, man.”

  That’s Bodo. Never a man who wants pity; though there was plenty of times he had it for others. Even now, he didn’t want his friends—his family, as he regarded them, to feel sad or sorry for him. Bodo always led this way. If he never comes back from this dangerous deed, he would still find his way into the minds of the people he’s a part of. Especially with those who he handpicked by fate to ride with him. His toughness, his words, his leadership, will not be forgotten.

  If a member of the group ever has a hard fall, and Bodo wasn’t there, they could count on the memory of him to stomp through their minds, yelling, shouting, encouraging them. Telling them to get up, to fight on.

  Chet sticks out his hand, “You pour some drink for me if you find yourself that paradise?”

  “You know I will, Chet.”

  The two part their shake.

  Craig stands by Charlie with Melissa and Ryan to his side. They smile to each other. Ryan walks up to Charlie, garnering his attention. “Hey Mr. Charlie, thanks for bringing my dad back to us?”

  Charlie pats the kid’s head. “Just Charlie, kid. And your dad helped me more than I ever helped him. Good man your father is.”

  Melissa comes up and embraces Charlie. “Thank you,” she says, in her soft caring voice, “For helping us.”

  “Oh, it was nothing—really.”

  “He told me what you did, and the decision you made. It was . . . valiant of you. Our prayers will be with you out there.”

  Charlie’s flattered by the kind words from Melissa. Craig walks up to the man who saved his life, and extends his hand.

  Charlie takes a glimpse at it. “You're kidding, right?”

  Craig smiles and opens up for a hug. “Even though you almost got me killed, I’m still appreciative.”

  “Oh you puss, I knew you’d be fine. You’re tougher than you think.”

  “Tell that to my wife.” They snicker. “Thank you, Charlie, I’m not sure I would have made it without you.”

  “Thanks nothing. You didn’t need me. Your drive would’ve got you to them. You were determined. I can only say I’m glad I was there to be a part of it. You changed my outlook, Craig, and I’m grateful for that. Now you keep on protecting that beautiful family of yours. Me, I’ll be fine. It's a piece of cake out there.”

  Craig nods with a soft grin.

  Doc sees his way to the departing Charlie, who happens to be his last and only friend.

  “What you need me to do, boss?” Doc asks with his smooth low tone.

  “You can start by taking over.”

  Doc seems a bit confused.

  Charlie continues. “You’re not just a specialist anymore; you're an officer in my eyes. You're strong enough to lead your own crew, and if I don’t make it back, you should lead them.”

  “I’ll do what I can, boss, but you know that’s not what I do.”

  “Yes, I know. But whatever you can do, I’m sure it’ll be plenty. You’re a great soldier, Doc.”

  Doc sticks out his hand as does Charlie; they grab each other's forearms over their bereted skulls tattoos. “It’s always been a pleasure to serve with you.”

  “You bet, Doc, same here.” Charlie replies.

  And that was it. Short and to the point—like most of their conversations. But don’t let that fool you. There’s a lot of emotion there.

  Doc was never much of a talker or an outwardly emotional person anyway. A shake to him, is no different than a hug or a tear lost from departing family members.

  There is a mutual respect amongst brave soldiers. Doc and Charlie had been to hell and back many of times, along the way, they built a strong bond.

  The vigorous training of the chosen few of the beret’s is to harden the soldier in and out. But Doc, nor Charlie, never let the service have full control of them. The outside yes. They were tougher than iron and belonged to the military. But their minds were theirs. If they had given that up, there was no sense in being called human anymore. But to believe the service had no effect on their free space, would be asinine. It did. As they part, it displays with the lack of shown emotion towards each other. But it is their way: love in strength—beret to beret.

  Isabell walks up to Charlie. “I want to wish you well.” She looked over his bandaged shoulder, “How’s your arm?” she asks, deep in accent.

  “It’s fine . . . You did a good job.”

  Out of all the “goodbyes,” this one is the hardest for Charlie. Maybe it was the training, maybe it was him. But it didn’t matter. Isabell isn’t her anyway.

  You can’t make amends with a person that reminds of someone you once had a relationship with. She’s not Sandra, Charlie thinks.

  Charlie embraces Isabell. “This is going to sound a little weird. But you remind me of my daughter, Sandra.”

  Isabell gapes. She had suspected something was bothering Charlie ever since they met, and now she was going to find out why.

  Charlie continues. “My daughter died in a car accident eleven years ago, while I was still serving. She was only twenty. I wasn’t exactly there for her over the years. And in many ways, you remind me of her. It could be the guilt, I don’t know, but you do.

  “She always made the efforts. She tried to involve me. Very kind hearted—like you.” Charlie shakes his head, “I was too involved in my career. I was wrong. It wasn’t because I didn’t love her, because I absolutely did. I was afraid. I didn’t know how to be a father, not in the way she wanted—needed. And maybe it’s because my heart is so haunted by this, I came to think; If maybe I told you I was sorry, somehow, she would hear me.”

  Isabell is surprised, speechless, and Charlie feels awkward.

  Charlie sighs, “I didn’t mean to get all weird on you. Forget what I—”

  “Okay, you can pretend I’m her.”

  Charlie, caught off guard with Isabell’s response, fumbles his words. “Oh, okay, thank you.”

  He clears his throat, then pushes through the awkwardness. “I loved you plenty, Sandra. I�
��m so sorry that I wasn’t there for you all those years. Believe me though, you were always with me. I read all the letters you sent me. I only wish I would have written you back more often.

  “The thought of having you too close to me, and me not returning one day, was a difficult concept to bear. But I shouldn’t have had that hold me back. I realize that now. It must have been hard for you not to have me around. It was difficult for me too. I should have remained near to teach you how to ride your bike, read you stories, tuck you in at night. I should have been there to take you to your prom. And maybe if I was around, your future would have been different. Instead of a funeral, maybe you would’ve had a wedding.”

  Charlie’s eyes tear up. Isabell hugs him. He pushes out his last words, “I know there’s no going back, but if I could, I would do all those things, Sandra. I’m so sorry, honey.”

  It’s a genuine moment that strikes Isabell deep. She had lost her family, so she could relate to Charlie in this way. She wants to relieve him. She didn’t know him well, but she felt he was a good man.

  “Charlie, I think she would understand. I think she—she would be proud and honored by how you help saved me and these people. I never had my father around either. But that is another story. What I can tell you, is if Sandra’s life wasn’t cut short, she would be right here to forgive you. I truly believe that. So for her, I will speak. I forgive you.”

  They embrace again.

  “Thank you, Isabell. I really needed to get that out. I’ve been keeping it in far too long.”

  Doc in the corner, smiles for his old friend.

  The convertible Hummer, top down, whisked through the street heading north. The clear sky begins to grey. Bright and sunny earlier, but now the air thickens to a chill and the breaths of the men become visible.

  Bodo and Charlie sit in the back, with Jack in between. Sergeant Gary Brimm has the wheel, and private Eli Kelly is in the passenger.

  “Where’d the hell this chill come from?” Bodo spouts.

  “Look!” Eli points up to the sky. It thunders ferociously, and a flux of lighting shoots across it.