by John O'Brien
The remainder of the day passes quickly with the rest of night runner bodies being carted out and, with a liberal dose of diesel fuel, burned in the far corner of the lot. The large amount of corpses creates a vast funeral pyre. The doors get installed and tested along with steel shutters placed on the windows facing the entrance and the supplies are off-loaded into the store. With the sun dropping below the trees to the west, everyone gathers inside to eat, mostly in silence, and settles in for the evening.
“I think we’ll leave the generator going for the night so we can have our first night with lights,” Drescoll says addressing the tired group. “We’ll need to gather some of the blankets in the store and cover the doors and such so the light doesn’t show outside.”
The security doors, one on the inside and outside of each set of entryway doors, are rolled down and locked just as the last of the sun’s light vanishes and dusk sets in. The locking of the doors effectively shuts away the outside from the hopefully safe haven inside. Blankets are taped to the walls against the interior security doors to prevent any light leaking out. Nicole listens as Drescoll assigns watch schedules. Cots and sleeping bags, for everyone to sleep on, are pulled from shelves, out of boxes, and from storage areas.
Nic is setting up her cot and bag next to Michelle and her grandmother on the second floor when a clanging, crashing sound echoes throughout the interior. Nic startles and jerks her head toward the front entrance where the noise originated. Her heart pounds in her chest.
“Red Team, cover the side door. Alpha and Bravo, to the first floor and cover the entrance. All other teams, along the balcony. Green Team, on me, we’ll be in reserve,” Drescoll shouts.
A flurry of activity and noise follows Drescoll’s orders as soldiers gather their weapons and gear and make for their assigned positions; clicks of bolts being drawn back and released, vests being donned and zipped, radios tested, and shouts establishing orders from the team leaders. A semblance of order ensues and the teams take their positions as the slams against the outer security doors becomes increasingly numerous and much louder. Nicole observes the activities with interest from her position adjacent to a wall with a steel, gray door inset into it. Her head turns from the teams settling in and watches Drescoll take a position with Green Team nearby. Time passes differently and in a variety of ways for each of the survivors; some fearful, others restless, and even some annoyed at the intrusion on their evening.
Nicole feels of all of them. She is fearful that the night runners will find a way in yet confident that the soldiers around will take care of them and keep everyone safe in the event they do. She knows what they have been through in this past week or so and they have come through it okay every time. Her dad doing what he did and leading this group came as a big surprise to her. She had no idea her dad was capable of the things he did. She also feels restless not being able to do anything to help. She glances at the M-4 she grabbed that now lies across her lap, seeking assurance from it but none is given by the black plastic and metal.
Her restlessness and the fact that the night runners haven’t immediately broken in and assaulted them allows her mind to wander. She thinks over the days since the world changed, the exhilarations, fears, exhaustion, and closeness that the days have brought. How odd it is to be sitting in this particular place and time with all that has happened. It feels like a long, drawn out dream, she thinks looking around, her mind partially shutting out the noise of the night runners outside.
She has always been close to her brother, sister, and dad but the events they have been through have drawn them even closer. She feels bonded to them like no other time and feels an empty feeling inside without them around; watching Robert learn and become more self-confident and trying to impress Michelle; Bri watching everything and missing nothing even though she keeps that to herself; her dad trying to hold everything together and yet thinking he keeps making mistake after mistake. They have come through some pretty scary ordeals and have survived, she thinks observing the soldiers around her.
She feels a touch of sorrow for them with their being thrust into this situation without asking for it; that they have loved ones about which they know nothing and probably imagining the worst. Nicole wonders how they are able to get through each and every day with that kind of turmoil and stress. They must think about it but they don’t show it that she has seen. Maybe it’s the almost constant combat and busy surviving since that hasn’t allowed them to dwell on it. She turns her thoughts momentarily to her mom. A terrible loneliness and sadness fills her. She hopes that wasn’t her mom in the house and that she is alive and well somewhere, sending a prayer that they will meet up again once they become safe here. Her prayer also includes that her mom will become a part of their safe haven. The sadness and loneliness she feels is thinking of her mom out there alone and scared. A lone tear slowly trickles down her cheek and she shakes her head, clearing her thoughts.
* * * * * *
The stars twinkle in the nighttime sky as a night runner stands in the parking lot watching other packs attack the doors of the building to his front. The smell of burning flesh rises to his nose from a glowing pile behind him. The pavement beneath his feet feels coarse and rough but not painful. It goes unnoticed as he continues to observe the shrieks and runs of the night runner packs trying to gain entry into the structure where food resides. The smell of the food faint yet distinct. The dashes of the individuals end with a dull, metallic clang that rises over the area.
He trots over to the side and sees the same activity with a door on the side of the structure. He has not joined any of the packs as yet but may have to soon. His stomach feels empty as he didn’t find any sustenance the night prior. It is becoming scarcer in this area and he knows, in his own way of thinking, that he will have to move to another area soon as this one appears to be hunted out. The sheer number of other night runners around him, trying to get to the food, is testament to that. In nights past, only a few of the closest packs would respond to the calls of food found. Now, an increasing number respond, many arriving after there is only bones left yet they gnaw on them trying to get every last scrap.
He jogs around the building away from the others looking for another way in. With him not being in a pack, he will be far down the pecking order for food if they do get in. He knows, in an animalistic way, that the only way he will eat from here tonight is if he is one of the first in. He rounds a corner and, with the continuous howls and clangs still filling the night air, he gazes upward. Once, several nights ago, he ate well by climbing on top of one of the two-legged lairs and coming through the top.
His gaze comes to a steel pipe that runs the height of the building to the roof above. Trotting over to the pipe, he gives it a good shake and is satisfied that it is strong enough to hold him. He glances around furtively hoping others haven’t noticed. If they do and realize it may be another way in, he will be quickly tossed aside and will have to search elsewhere to eat. Realizing the others are intent upon the doors, he latches onto the pipe and pulls himself up. Putting his bare feet against the cool wall, he begins to scale the wall. The pipe groans in one place but holds firm as he climbs steadily and swiftly upward.
Reaching the top of the pipe, he reaches his hand to the lip of the roof, quickly placing his other hand beside it. Scrabbling his feet against the wall, he pulls himself up over the edge to the top. He peers over the edge below him to see if any others observed his actions. Noticing he made it free and clear, he pulls his head back from the edge and looks over the flat roof. Everything shows in shades of gray. Square and rectangular items are set on the flat roof with pipes leading various places. A large, rectangular structure attracts his attention and he jogs over to it, leaping over pipes and other small projections rising from the roof.
Reaching it, he sniffs and detects the odor of food; very faint but there nonetheless. He walks around the small structure that stands only a little taller than him and locates an entry portal. He pulls on the handle kn
owing from previous, almost accidental experiences that the portals will sometimes open in that manner. The portal swings open in his grasp and he steps inside. The smell of food grows stronger and his belly responds, gurgling with anticipation.
The portal opens to a stairwell leading down. The door swings shut behind him, casting the enclosed space in which he finds himself in gloom. He sees well enough but it’s not as bright as being outside under the small points of light in the sky. He is eager as he will be the first to food and can get his share. That is if the others haven’t gained entry as yet. He doesn’t hear the sounds of feeding so he believes he will be the first in. It will take the others time to scale the structure if they even find it so he will be able to eat in peace.
He rushes down the stairs and comes to another portal opening. He pulls on this one but it doesn’t budge. He pushes and it opens into brightness. He shrinks back into the darkness expecting the excruciating pain that comes from his one-time experience with the bright light of the day but none comes. He is puzzled for a moment but then his eagerness and hunger drive him forward. The smell of food comes strongly and he knows that feeding is only moments away. He rushes through the door and into the light. Spying a food nearby, he shrieks and leaps into the air, diving for his first meal in two nights.
* * * * * *
Drescoll kneels on the hard floor observing the teams in position and listening to the repeated bangs against the security doors. He is watching for any sign that the night runners are about to gain entry and analyzing whether he has put the teams in the most optimal positions to repel any invaders. The pounding outside has gone on for some time and it is a true test of the doors that they haven’t been able to get inside. He wonders just how many are out there but he imagines quite a few from the repeated and continual sounds against both entryways. He is sure they covered any light leaking out and they have been quiet so he wonders how they found them in the first place. He hears a shriek behind him and is slammed to the ground.
* * * * * *
Nicole sits on her cot listening, along with everyone else, to the assault on the doors and their senses. She wonders how long the night runners outside will keep at it and if this will be a nightly occurrence. If that’s the case, we won’t be able to get any sleep, she thinks tiredly watching the soldiers and others around fidget restlessly.
A movement catches her eye in her peripheral and she turns to see the steel door next to her open. Her heart leaps in her chest as the floodgates of fear and adrenaline open. She feels a slight confusion as to why an inside door like this would be opening. It begins to swing closed confusing her even more. She is about to mention the door to Drescoll when her confusion ends immediately by a night runner emerging quickly from the opening and launches itself at Drescoll.
She watches as the night runner screams and hits Drescoll from behind. The impact slams him to the ground with the night runner on top.
“Noooo!” Nicole screams and rises to her feet without thinking.
Without knowing what she is doing, other than someone is in trouble, she throws herself across the intervening space between her and the night runner on Drescoll. She crashes into the side of the night runner, knocking it off Drescoll and finds herself on her back with the night runner on top of her. She swings her arms wildly and thrashes in an attempt to shake the weight off her and to prevent it from biting her. She feels a searing pain on her shoulder and lets out a scream. Her vision blurs and everything goes dark.
* * * * * *
Drescoll hits the ground hard, instantly knowing what hit him as his mind registers the shriek just prior to impact. He hears another scream of “Noooo!” and feels the weight lifted from his back. He scrambles to his knees and sees a night runner on Nicole. She is flailing and writhing and then the creature bends over her. Nicole lets out a scream of pain and goes limp. He brings his M-4 to bear and hears a shot ring out behind him. A hole appears just above the night runner’s ear which sprays a small amount of blood outward. The night runner is thrown off to the side and comes to rest alongside Nicole.
Drescoll turns and see Jack’s mom standing over his shoulder holding a revolver with a small curl of smoke wafting out of the short barrel. He looks from the revolver up to her face which registers fear and determination combined. He turns back to Nicole and is quickly at her side. He checks to make sure the night runner is dead and then looks for pulse with Nicole. He finds one along with a chunk of flesh torn from where her shoulder meets her neck. The wound is leaking blood onto the carpeting below. He tears his vest, fatigue top, and T-shirt off as Jack’s mom kneels down by Nicole’s head. He folds his T-shirt up and presses it against the wound.
“Here, press this on here firmly,” he says to Jack’s mom whose eyes are wide with fear and worry.
“Greg, you’re in charge, we’ve got a situation up here,” Drescoll says in the radio before rummaging through his vest to pull out some antibiotics. He hears Nicole moan as he pulls them out.
“It’s okay, sweetie,” Jack’s mom says in a soothing voice.
Drescoll looks up to see her holding the compress of his shirt firmly with one hand and stroking Nicole’s hair and face gently with the other. He pulls out his knife and crushes several of the tablets.
“Jordan, get a bottle of water,” Drescoll says over his shoulder.
He kneels over Nicole and eases the compress off her shoulder. Nicole’s moaning grows more frequent and stronger as he sprinkles the crushed antibiotics on her wounds. He replaces his shirt over the wound and Jack’s mom holds it firmly once again.
“She’s going to have to takes these,” he says holding several more antibiotic tablets in his hand.
“Nic, hon, wake up, dear,” Jack’s mom says soothingly in Nic’s ear.
Nicole’s eyes flutter open after the third attempt to wake her. Drescoll crushes the remaining tablets and takes the water bottle Jordan is patiently holding next to him.
“Nic, you need to take this. Do you think you can?” Jack’s mom asks.
“I think so,” Nic answers weakly. Drescoll pours the powder in her mouth and gently holds the water bottle up for her to drink.
“I’m so cold, Nic says.
“Okay, we’re going to move you over to a cot,” Drescoll says. He gently lifts Nicole and carries her to the closest cot. He lays her down and covers her with one of the sleeping bags.
“Jordan, go find some first aid supplies and gather the rest of Green’s antibiotics. And, seal that door,” he says on rising amidst the continued metallic clangs permeating the interior.
Jordan returns a short time later with the requested supplies. Drescoll tells Jack’s mom that Nicole will have to take the antibiotics every hour for the next few hours and then they’ll determine what quantity is needed.
“Don’t worry Nicole, we’ll take care of you and you’ll be okay,” he says putting his hand on Nic’s head to which she smiles.
“And, Nicole,” he adds, “thanks. You saved my life.”
* * * * * *
We level off at 500 feet wanting to fly back at low level. It’s not a far flight back so there’s no sense in climbing high or conserving fuel. Plus, there’s an opportunity to teach some low level flying to Robert. Not that he’ll probably ever need it, but you never know and the opportunity exists to teach it so what the hell.
“It’s yours,” I say handing the aircraft off to Robert. “Just use I-5 as your reference and fly along it.”
I look back to see the incredulous looks from Kelly, Brian, and Jessica as they watch Bri handle the fuel and electrical systems and Robert fly without a hitch. Yes, we’ve come a long way in a short time. I know they’re watching two different people than they knew years ago. Robert takes the controls and makes a small turn to bring the Interstate up on his side. I am feeling a little lighter in one way having finished our little side venture but also have an underlying feeling of dread I can’t explain. Maybe it’s just nervousness with all that we have ahead of u
s.
The countryside slides beneath our wings as we drone northward. We pass over several small towns that dot the highway. A few columns of smoke drift upward from small fires either in the towns themselves or in the outlying areas. It doesn’t look any different than when I skirted small towns in times past with the exception that there isn’t anyone gazing skyward with our passage. The surreal ghost town feel accompanies each town we pass. The streets and parking lots, bathed in the late morning sunshine, stand empty of people. It’s so eerie looking down at a place where there should be cars moving along the streets or people going in and out of the stores but see only an emptiness. The sights make me feel a little empty inside as well. Perhaps it’s the energy of the people that used to inhabit these places that’s missing. We drone further north leaving one such small town in our wake.
We come up on Olympia with the waters of Puget Sound opening up to our left. I am eager to be back to see how the others are and begin setting up our new place; hoping that the evening went well for them and they are safe. The little boy in me however keeps glancing off to the waters sparkling under the sun; the small waves reflecting back the sunlight bouncing off their tops like glittering diamonds. The little boy in me wins out over the eagerness to be back with the group. After all, this may be the last time we get to or need to fly.