Cathy turned and said to James, “Houston is a big city and maybe we aught to cruise the airport to see if any welcoming committee is down there.”
“Indeed yes,” answered James. It will be dark when we get there. I’ll fly low and a slow turn should give you a good view if flashes from a rifle occur.”
“What do we do if we’re shot at James,” asked Cathy.
“Damn good question and we should have a plan B in case,” said James.
Dr. Edwin said, “If worse came to worse, we could fly to Long Beach and take my research ship out of harms way.”
James said, “Let’s see what we can hear from NORAD. We should be able to talk to them from up here. You know Dr. Edwin, that’s not a bad idea you have. We could sail along the coast of Mexico and put in for fresh water and fruit. The more I think about it the more I like it.”
Cathy said, “Hell bells guys, turn this ship south and let’s go to Long Beach. Forget Texas and Salem and let’s go tropical for awhile.”
James said, “Let’s take a vote. All in favor of a boat ride with Dr. Edwin raise your right hand.” All hands shot up and the twins had an ear to ear grin on their faces. “Okay, it’s settled then, we fly south to Long Beach. However, Like Malibu, let’s make sure no reception monsters are waiting for us.”
Cathy moved to the communications chair and placed a call to NORAD. As usual the call was quickly acknowledged. Eileen Broom answered the call saying, “Nice to hear from you and we’re anxious to know what your status is.”
Cathy went on to tell her about their leaving Edwards and going up north to Salem, Oregon. Then she told them about the weather and what they had decided to do and where they were going.
Eileen said, “We have four here out of six that would entertain the thought of leaving the mountain. They’re not sure you would welcome the additional people, but please consider their wish.”
Cathy said, “I presume you can send a fax to us and if so send all four members files for us to look at. Also, I’ll send you an overview of our crew.”
Chapter X
“Okay, gang listen up. I’ve got a report from NORAD about four crew members that want to join our group. The first guy is Miles Logan, forty one years old from Chicago. He’s a medical doctor. Next we have a thirty five year old woman, Lois Birch, from Omaha who is a communications technician. Along with her is Nancy Train, thirty three from New York City. She is a research technician specializing in climatology. The last guy is Richard Lancaster who is forty one from LA area. He’s a mechanical engineer and a pilot. He will fly the Gulf Stream to Long Beach.”
Dr. Edwin asked, “About what time can we expect to arrive in Long Beach James?”
“I’d say around four pm. I’m going to fly east and if sneak is a word you can use for a giant cargo jet, then we will sneak into Long Beach from the south. I don’t want to alert any more monsters that might be listening as we fly around LA.”
James and Cathy were both a little nervous as they prepared for a slow fly around the Long Beach airport. The sun was setting to the western sea and darkness was not far behind. Cathy and the kids were glued to the cabin window to see if anyone was down there as James made a slow turn around the airport.
The circle complete, Cathy said, “I didn’t see anyone or anything. `
“Let’s land this big plane and be ready to touch and go if anything out of the ordinary happens.”
They landed and James waited for holes to appear in the cabin or glass flying, but nothing of the sort happened. They taxied to a remote location next to a big hanger and parked. Before they let the door down all were armed and ready for a battle that never occurred.
Cathy asked, “Where are we going to stay the night my fellow survivors?”
“Why not go to the ship and we can sort it out what cabin for each of us. Its not far away and we could be there in twenty minutes easy.”
“I like that idea Dr. Edwin,” said Cathy.
“What time will the folks from NORAD come,” asked Dan.
“I think they will be within a few minutes if they are on time,” said James. “Besides it will take us two trips with all the passengers and baggage we have; plus the dogs.
As darkness crept its way over the west coast, Dr. Edwin found his research ship without a problem. The gangway was down and just waiting for someone to come aboard. James turned the Humvee around and went back to the airport to meet the Gulf Stream.
Zeke led the way aboard as if he knew what he was doing. His nose to the ground he went like a scout to make sure no bad guys or monsters lurked around the ship.
Dr. Edwin acted like a host and led them to the galley. As they passed empty cabins, Dr. Edwin pointed out that all cabins were pretty much the same. With flashlights in hand, everyone staked their claim on a cabin. Dr. Edwin was at a disadvantage not knowing how to start the motors or turn on the generator. However, he did know how to start the gas stove as each crew member had to fare for themselves when on a trip. It would be a long night and he made some coffee for an increasing size of the clan.
****
James sat at the airport waiting for the small jet to land. He wondered how the newcomers would fit into their clan and he vowed to welcome them with open arms. What they didn’t need was a conflict of personalities cooped up on a small ship.
It was total darkness when James heard the sound of a jet overhead coming in for a landing. No airport lights to help so the pilot had to make sure of his heading. The plane came in low and made a circle before touching down. James realized the pilot was no slouch and did a good job of landing. James was parked next to the cargo plane with his lights on so the Gulf taxied over and shut down.
It was hard to see as darkness blocked any detail from the plane. James stood in front of the headlights so all could see him. In no time four people from short to tall introduced themselves and loaded their bags into the back of the Humvee. James did most of the talking on the way to the ship. There were so many questions for both groups that tomorrow or later tonight would be a better time to get to know each other.
A gas lantern illuminated the way aboard the ship. Dan was waiting for them with Snow and Flake at his side as usual. They had become inseparable. Dan picked up the lantern and told asked them to follow him to the galley.
Two gas lanterns lit up the galley. The smell of coffee greeted the new comers. For a few seconds everyone either stood there or sat there staring at each other. It would be difficult to define, but seeing other real life humans was shocking. The three dogs sniffed the newcomers and then lay down by their master. The first to speak was Richard Lancaster, the pilot and tallest member with a shocking stock of thick red hair. His first words of an Irish brogue were both shocking and pleasant to the ears.
He said, “We thank you and are grateful that we found others alive and well. My name is Richard Lancaster, but please call me Rich for short. I’m a mechanical engineer and I can see by the lack of light here we need to start the engines or at least the dockside generator. I’ll tackle that job first thing in the morning.”
Apparently they had decided who would be next and it was Nancy Train. She licked her lips rather provocatively and said, “I’m Nancy Train from New York City and you can call me Nan. At NORAD I was the weather girl. When someone wanted to know what the weather was like somewhere in the world, I would send that information via computer to their desk.”
To James, Nancy made his heart flutter just a little. She fit the role of a model for toothpaste or shampoo. He smiled at himself. She held his gaze just a little too long for his liking. Never mind, he thought.
Lois Birch cleared her throat and said, in a small voice, “I’m Lois Birch from Omaha. I speak several different languages and was a communications technician. I’m here to help in anyway I can.”
“I’m Dr. Miles Logan from Chicago. I was the resident medical doctor at NORAD. I too, am grateful for the opportunity to meet others and to investigate new geography.”
Cathy stood up and introduced her group of people. Then she said, “I think we’re all rather tired and in need of some rest. I for one am ready to crash. As Dr. Edwin here knows this ship very well, he told me he would gladly show you where your cabin is. I and we welcome you with open arms.”
With Dr. Edwin leading the way, the new group was led downstairs to the other cabins. No one complained about the cramped space and only wanted to lie down and sleep.
****
The next morning was very typical of Long Beach weather: nice and sunny with a promise of warmth. Dr. Edwin was in the galley making coffee and waiting for everyone to gather for a group meeting. He was going to suggest they move to the federal prison not far away while they readied the ship for sailing. Terminal Island Federal Prison was a minimum security facility with dormitory and cubical housing behind a fence with razor wire. The place would provide security and if the commissary hadn’t been razed, some necessary items could be acquired for the trip.
James, Cathy and the twins came in rubbing the sleep out of their eyes. All said their good mornings and Dr. Edwin filled up their mugs with coffee. He’d found some hot chocolate for the kids and they smiled at him for the special treat.
Dr. Edwin said, “James and Cathy, near the entrance of this island is a minimum federal prison. I’m suggesting we look it over and move there while we get the ship ready for sailing.”
James looked at Cathy who shrugged her shoulders. He said, “I like the idea Dr. Edwin. Let’s check it out soonest our guests stir around. Any ideas about breakfast?”
“I found some canned salmon so I thought we’d give that a whirl this fine morning,” said Dr. Edwin.
In walked Richard and the other three followed. All made room for the new comers and Dr. Edwin brought the coffee carafe to the table. All four newcomers had a smile on that made the galley feel good. Zeke went around checking on their individual smell and then went down by Dana’s leg.
James said, “I have a story to tell you all. As you can see by the after affects of the plague on Dr. Edwin, even though his was a light dose compared to the other more severe cases we experienced, we are going to move our location to the federal prison not so far from here.” James went on to tell them about the flight over Malibu and the subsequent attack on their location at Edwards.
All eyes were on James as he finished the story. Richard asked, “You’re thinking maybe there are others like them in this region. I for one will follow your lead. I’d guess we are a couple weeks from setting sail. Just fueling this ship up will take some ingenuity. Also we need to make sure other details are attended to. For example, I’m sure Miles needs to make sure the infirmary is well stocked.”
Cathy inquired about the ability of each one defending with a weapon. As it turned out, only Rich and Nancy had any experience with firearms. Cathy said they all needed to practice at a range or somewhere safe.
All were walking to the prison following Dr. Edwin. The docks were silent and where usually sea gulls squawked and made lots of noise, now the whole area was almost soundless except for the occasion sound of water or a ship rubbing a dock. The morning was dead calm and sunny. The kind of day for a beach picnic would be the hot tip in the old days. But now, survival was the idea.
Miles walked with Cathy. He asked, “I know from the news you’re an astronaut. I also know you were part of the cryonics project. I’m a bit curious, but how was it?”
Cathy looked at him and saw he was keenly interested in her experience. She liked that about him. She said, “Dr. waking up was exhausting. I’ve never felt so tired in my life. It took me a couple days to regain half my normal strength. Nowadays I seem to be fine.”
“Thanks. I’m glad it worked well for both of you. Let me know if you don’t feel well. I’ve not a lot of patients so talk to me when you need to.”
“Well, I do have more headaches than I used to. Not sure what that is from, but maybe stress?”
“Yes, I’d guess so. Being attacked by monsters, not eating and sleeping properly and of course the future being totally unknown is very stressful.”
Dana was listening to Cathy and the new doctor talking. Also she was enjoying the walk with Zeke. He was chasing his sisters and Dan was throwing a stick he’d found. Lois Birch was enjoying seeing the dogs run and play. It reminded her of home back in Omaha at her parent’s farm. She too had a dog but it wasn’t a German shepherd it was a sheep dog her uncle had given her. Not that they raised sheep, but just an animal that she loved.
Nancy walked by herself looking around the place where they might be hanging out for awhile. She gave an outward appearance of being happy, but inside she was in turmoil. The thought of a monster attacking her was unthinkable. Now she wished she’d never left the safety of the mountain. She knew from experience that Richard would be no help to her and that doctor Miles was a weak kneed pussy in her book. However, now that James was her type of guy.
Coming upon the front gate of the facility, James stopped and looked around. The small gate was not locked, but the big front gate was locked up tight. James wondered what they might find inside. Like Salem, he prayed there would be a generator to make electricity. As if on the same line of thinking, Rich said, “Let’s find the generator and make some electricity James.”
All followed James and Richard to find the generator. Richard could see the metal roofed building and with his long legs arrived first. The twins stayed back to play with the dogs. Dan was throwing a stick and all were chasing it.
Zeke stopped and looked at a building across the way that looked like a warehouse with pallets of goods stacked around. He growled and showed his teeth. Snow and Flake did likewise. Dan and Dana were curious as to why they would be growling and then Dan saw a flash of movement behind some stacks of pallets. Dan said, “Dana, did you see something moving back there?”
“No, but Zeke and the sisters think something is over there.” Dan swung his M-4 off his shoulder strap and so did Dana. Dan went down on one knee and Dana followed his example. She called Zeke over and he came slowly but always looking over his shoulder.
Dan whispered, “I’ll yell out we are armed and to come out with hands in the air.” Dana nodded an affirmative and Dan said, “We’ve seen you and come out with your hands in the air. We have rifles and aren’t afraid to use them. Also our dogs will be sent in after you if you don’t come out!”
They waited for what seemed a long time but actually only a few seconds went by then a female voice was heard: “Don’t shoot. We’re not armed and pose no threat to you. We’re coming out with our hands in the air.”
Out of the shadows came two images of one tall and one short. When they came out of the shadows into the daylight, it was evident the two were a woman and young girl. Both had a slight skin affliction similar to Dr. Edwin. However, it was not so offensive as to make an onlooker shudder. Dan motioned for them to come closer and the woman said, “Your dogs scare us. Are we safe coming near you?”
“Yes, just don’t make any sudden moves,” said Dana. Dan lowered his rifle thinking that these two females were not dangerous and the dogs would protect them if necessary. “What are your names please?”
“This is my daughter Beth and I’m Ruth Placer. We’ve been hiding from the monsters in the sewer system and passing time here at the docks. The monsters don’t like the water and we have a small row boat we can escape in if necessary.”
“Did you say monsters!” asked Dana. “And please lower your hands. We can tell you are not dangerous to us.”
“Yes, and they are indeed dangerous. We saw more of you and I need to talk to your leader if you have one.”
“My name is Dana and this is my brother Dan. The big male here is Zeke and the other two are twins Snow and Flake. If you will follow us we’ll take you to our other members of our clan.”
Dan thought without the skin affliction, Beth was a nice looking teenager and her mother too was fine looking. They hurried to find the others and to show th
e team what they had found.
They found the group gathered around a large generator. Richard was carefully looking it over with James. Cathy saw them first and gave a gasp as she saw the strangers walking with the twins. All except James and Richard looked at what was approaching with the twins.
Cathy stepped forward and said, “What have we here guys?”
Dana smiled and said, “We found them hiding near a warehouse. Neither one of them is dangerous. They’ve been hiding from other monsters and Ruth asked to speak to an adult.”
Ruth stepped forward with hand out to Cathy introducing herself and her daughter. Cathy readily shook her hand, told Ruth her name, and inquired what their experience with the monsters was all about.
By then James had heard what was being spoken and joined the group. Richard paid no attention as he was trying to trace the fuel line to the fuel tank. When James saw a break in the conversation he asked, “My name is James and would you have any idea how many monsters we’re up against?”
Ruth looked at her daughter and her daughter spoke for the first time, “Around twenty is what we see from time to time.”
Dr. Edwin stepped forward to let the new comers see his plague results. Ruth looked at him and smiled breathing a sigh of relief knowing they weren’t the only ones with the plague results not severe enough to turn them into monsters.
“What we need is a place to sit down. That building over there is the administration building so let’s go find a place to take a break and listen to some stories,” said James.
Inside the administration building they found a very large conference room that would seat thirty. All were present except Richard who was totally focused on the generator. James looked around the room and then he said, “Ruth, please tell us your story.”
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