Caldera 10: Brave New World

by Stallcup, Heath

  The general pursed his lips as he considered the request. “Why not?” He looked at Captain Hilliard and an unspoken command was given: Keep an eye on them.

  Hilliard nodded once.

  “Then it’s settled.” Broussard motioned for Carol to step into the back of the truck. “We can ride back here with the soldiers.”

  Captain Hilliard shook his head and glared at the two researchers before he grabbed the assist handle and slapped the side of the truck. “Move it out!” he barked before swinging his leg over the back and planting his butt on the bench. “The sooner this shit is over, the better.”

  “Will we be heading toward Colorado Springs?” Carol asked.

  Hilliard refused to look at her. “That’s the closest population center. With any luck we’ll run into some of your cured zombies before we get into the city center.”

  “Technically, they aren’t ‘zombies,’” Broussard replied. “Zombies imply that they are dead. They aren’t.”

  Hilliard gave him a ‘duh’ look. “You don’t say.”

  Broussard chose to miss the sarcasm. “I do. If anything, they would simply be infected humans.”

  “If you can call that human,” Hilliard grunted. “Eating each other.”

  “Actually there are numerous accounts of modern day peoples who eat human flesh.” He leaned back on the bench and recited a few tribal names that lived along the Amazon basin.

  “I really don’t care,” Hilliard all but yelled. He turned and shot a steely glare at him. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather we just keep our comments to ourselves for the duration of the trip.”

  Broussard nodded absently. “If you prefer.” He sat back and gave Carol a sly smile. She fought the urge to smile back, choosing instead to look away.

  The truck lurched and they all were jarred by a rather large bump in the road. Broussard and Carol glanced at each other before looking toward the rear of the truck. Before they could see what they’d run over, Captain Hilliard released the rear back flap and let if fall, blocking their view. “In case there are any snipers out there wanting a piece of us.” He gave them both a cocky smile. “Harder to hit somebody when you can’t see them.”

  Broussard gave Carol a knowing look before he leaned back. “Perhaps we should have stayed at the lab.”

  Carol moved across the short expanse and sat next to him. “I’m beginning to think the same thing.” She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Let’s hope we’re doing the right thing.”

  Simon spread the paper out on the picnic table and pointed to Hammer. “I want you to oversee the civilians moving their campers and RVs into a circle like this.”

  “What about the water and sewer connections?”

  Simon looked at the man and couldn’t remember his name. “We’ll keep everybody as close to the connections as possible. If need be, we’ll couple hoses.” The man nodded then looked back at the layout.

  “We need to make sure there aren’t any hiking trails between the road and here.” He tapped the drawing. “If there are, we need to set up alarms.”

  “Alarms?” Hammer asked.

  “Trip wires. We either tie empty cans, bottles or something that will make a noise to the line.”

  A third man gave him a confused look. “Do you really think Trent would fall for something like that? I mean he used to hunt these woods pretty regularly.”

  Simon sighed and set his pistol down on the edge of the map to hold it down. “It’s that or we put sentries at the bottom of the mountain.”

  Hammer held a hand up. “We have some hand held radios. That might not be such a bad idea.”

  Simon nodded. “Okay then. We’ll put sentries at the bottom. I don’t suppose anybody has a dirt bike or four wheeler we could use?”

  Hammer gave him a confused look. “For what?”

  “So the sentries can haul ass back up here and help us hold this position if they do return.”

  One man nodded. “We had two dirt bikes. One won’t start anymore. The smaller one’s okay, though. You’re more than welcome to it.”

  Simon nodded to Hammer. “I know your leg is fucked, but do you feel up to checking out the other bike? Maybe you can get it running.”

  Hammer nodded. “I’ll grab one of the hippie do-nothings to help me. They can be an extra set of hands if nothing else.”

  “Okay.” Simon stood back and nodded to the men. “Let’s get these campers situated. We need to limit movement to within the circle unless absolutely necessary.”

  “These campers won’t hold back a bullet,” a man stated somberly.

  Simon nodded. “They won’t be coming for you.” He stood upright and squared his shoulders. “They’ll be coming for me.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “I’m the leader. Chop the head off the snake…” He raised a brow at the men. “Trust me. If any of you were hurt, it would only be bonus points to them.”

  Vee stepped into the crowd. “Before you start planning for war, I need to check your wound.”

  Simon gave her a hard look. “I’m kind of surprised you didn’t go down the mountain with Trent.”

  She stepped back and gave him a somber look. “I liked him. Liked. Only as a friend.” She shook her head and gave him a disgusted look. “He never actually tried anything with me.”

  “You seemed awfully chummy before,” Lana replied flatly.

  Vee nodded. “That was before he tried to rape my friends.” The look on her face was total disgust. “Trust me, if I never see Trent again, it will be too soon.”

  20

  Buck rubbed at the knot on his head. “It still hurts.”

  Skeeter wrapped the ice cubes into a plastic baggie and handed it to him. “You should tell Miss Vicky. She said that it could be serious.”

  He shook his head slightly as he pressed the ice to the lump. “She said maybe a mild concussion.” He sighed and leaned forward, resting the plastic bag on the back of his head. “The headaches come and go but this one made me sick to my stomach.”

  “I’m gonna get her.” Skeeter stood and Buck grabbed her hand. “She has more important things to worry about right now.” He lifted the plastic bag and held his hand out. “I’ll take the pills now. I have to get back to the addition and help tie in the waterlines.”

  “You need to rest.” Skeeter stood and tossed him the plastic bottle of aspirin. “And there’s ibuprofen in the bathroom, if you need it.”

  “Where are you going?”

  She paused at the door. “I’m letting Roger know that you won’t be back over there today.” She glared at him like a mother hen. “You can stay here tonight and rest. If you feel better tomorrow I’ll let you go back and play with your friends.”

  He set the aspirin on the counter and came to his feet. “We’re not playing, Les.” He swooned slightly and steadied himself. “We need to get the water done so—”

  “Lay back down before I knock you down.” She held her fist in his face. “Don’t make me start beating you before we’re even married.”

  Buck groaned and sat back down on the bed. “Tell Roger I’m sorry.”

  “I’ll tell him you wanted to go and I wouldn’t let you.” She pushed his shoulder until he was lying back. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Buck watched her shut the door and he squeezed his eyes shut. He could still see Simon squatted by the living room window, the large rifle propped on the sill. He could smell the stale air of the house. He heard the gunshot again and winced, his teeth hurting. He saw the fear in the female Zulu’s eyes.

  He opened his eyes and looked for the trash can. He really felt nauseous and didn’t want to leave a mess for Leslie to deal with.

  He grabbed the small trash can and slid to the floor, his head resting between his bent knees. He propped the can between his legs and spit, his mouth watering. “Shit,” he groaned. He spit again, his body preparing itself for a total expulsion. “I hate throwing…up.” He swallowed hard
and squeezed his eyes shut. “I really don’t want to do this.”

  He leaned forward, his body stiffening, and hurled into the small can. He fought the urge to breathe as the second round hit and he leaned further forward, holding the can closer to his face.

  The stench of stomach acid hit him and he didn’t even try to fight the third wave as his body convulsed, expelling everything he had eaten since second grade.

  Buck sucked in air and spat the remnants from his mouth. “Fuck me, I hate that taste.”

  He rolled to the side and came up on all fours, the trash can directly beneath his face. He slowly struggled to his feet and stumbled into the bathroom. He set the trash can in the shower and rinsed his mouth as thoroughly as he could.

  He had just dried his face when Skeeter came back into the room. “Roger said…” She turned and saw him in the bathroom, his face pale. “Are you okay?”

  “I throwed up.” He sounded like a child.

  “That settles it. You’re going to the infirmary.”

  “She’s probably already left, he moaned as she tugged him to the door.

  “If she has, then I’ll drive your sorry butt to the new clinic.”

  She push-pulled him down the hallway and kicked open the door of the clinic. “Vicky!”

  Coop sat up in his bed and hooked his chin towards her office. “She’s in there, Squirt. What’s up?”

  “He threw up.”

  Buck gave her a look. “Just tell the whole world.”

  Vicky stepped out of her office with a box in hand. “What happened?”

  “He’s throwing up.” She practically dropped him into a chair outside the office.

  “I think I’m done now,” Buck said, pressing a hand to his temple. “But my head is killing me.”

  “Bring him inside.” Vicky stepped aside. “We need to do a work up.”

  Buck groaned as the two women helped him to his feet. “No needles?”

  Vicky smiled at Skeeter. “Only the big rusty ones.”

  “Do the square needle in the left testicle!” Coop laughed.

  “Contact!”

  The truck lurched to a stop and Broussard braced himself on the bench with one arm while holding Carol in place. Both researchers were in shock as the soldiers piled out of the back of the truck, weapons ready.

  “Don’t shoot!” Carol yelled as she scrambled to follow them. “For God’s sake, DON’T SHOOT!”

  Broussard jumped from the rear of the truck and rounded the back, looking for whoever had caused the excitement.

  Two people were shambling along the side of the road, their clothes in tatters and their skin covered in filth. “Screw this,” Captain Hilliard mumbled. “READY!”

  The soldiers brought their rifles to bear and Carol stepped in front of them. “You WILL NOT!” She pointed a finger at Hilliard and glared at the soldiers.

  Broussard marched passed and slowly approached the two. “Do you speak English?”

  The male companion slowly moved the female behind him, his head nodding. It was obvious he was frightened as his hands trembled and his face was a mask of shock and fear.

  “We’re not going to hurt you,” Andre stated softly, stepping between the couple and the armed soldiers behind him. “Ignore them.”

  The man stepped back and Andre slowed his approach. “We can help you.” He held his hand out. “And we’re hoping you can help us as well.”

  “W-what do you want?” the man asked, still protecting the woman.

  Broussard slowed to a walk and slowly closed the distance. “We can get you cleaned up and checked out. Food, clothes, whatever you need.”

  “And in return?”

  He lowered his face and sighed. “We’re researching the…situation.” He waved his hands in the air. “The ‘cure’ has had some unfortunate side effects for a select few.” He found himself standing nearly in front of the man and lowered his voice. “I’m told that when you were…infected…that you all spoke your own language?”

  The man nodded slightly. “Sort of.”

  “Excellent.” Andre gave him a disarming smile. “We’re hoping that if you listen to somebody who suffers from the side effects, perhaps you might could explain to us what she is saying?” He shrugged. “If anything.”

  The man glanced at the woman and slowly shook his head. “I don’t know that I remember it.”

  He held his hand out. “That’s okay.” He looked over his shoulder at the woman and gave her a soft smile. “If you could but try?”

  “And then what?” the man asked, obviously distrustful.

  “And then…” Broussard shrugged. “I don’t know. Perhaps you would allow us a blood sample?”

  “I mean, do you set us free?”

  Andre’s eyes widened in surprise. “Of course. In fact…” he turned and stated loud enough for Captain Hilliard to hear, “I guarantee that if you assist us, we will see to it that you are driven wherever you need to go.”

  Hilliard’s anger was obvious as he cursed and yelled at his men to stand down. Broussard smiled to himself as he turned around. “I can’t promise you the food is gourmet, but it does the job.” He stepped to the side and motioned toward the truck. “What do you say? I bet a hot shower and some fresh clothes sounds good, oui?”

  The man turned and faced the woman, mumbling softly between themselves. When he turned back around he nodded. “Okay. But…no guns.”

  Andre nodded. “The soldiers will not give them up. But I can assure you that we will not allow anybody to point them at you.”

  The man stared at the uniformed men then slowly nodded. “Okay.”

  “Very good.” Andre turned and escorted them toward the truck. “Tell your men to lower their weapons, Captain. We can return to the base.”

  Hilliard glared at the trio as they approached then stepped aside. “I’ll be riding up front.”

  “Thank you,” Broussard replied as he helped them into the truck. “I am certain that will put our new guests at ease.”

  Simon paced nervously, his hand ready to go for his pistol. “I hate this.”

  Lana handed him some pain pills. “You’re past due.”

  He shook his head. “It doesn’t hurt that bad.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “Besides, I need my head straight.”

  She raised a brow at him. “You can’t think clearly if your arm is throbbing, either. Just take them.”

  He took them from her and slipped them into his vest pocket. “If I need them, I’ll have them.”

  “That’s not what I meant.” She gave him a stern look.

  He pulled her aside and gazed into her eyes. “I know Trent. Actually, I know people like him. They don’t like having their dicks handed to them, especially publicly. They will be back, and I need to be ready for them.”

  “I understand that.” Her voice was low and steady. “But think. If it were you, would you attack so soon?” She crossed her arms and gave him that look. “You’d wait and let the targets become complacent. You’d watch from a distance and see if you could slip past their defenses. You’d test their security. You wouldn’t just sneak right back and try to get revenge, would you?”

  Simon measured her and her words, his mind connecting the dots with her points. He fished the pain pills from his vest and popped them into his mouth. “I hate that you’re smarter than me sometimes.”

  She laughed as she handed him the water. “No you don’t.” She turned and swung her hips as she sashayed back to their RV. “Since we obviously have time…” She left her sentence dangle as she smiled at him seductively.

  Simon groaned low in his throat and fell into step with her. “You’re killing me, girl.”

  “I can’t think of a better way to die, can you?” She curled her finger at him as she backed into the RV. “In fact, I’m pretty sure that would be my preferred way to go.”

  “Birds of a feather, you bitch,” he growled. He stepped up into the RV and pulled her to him, kissing her roughly. “But you’re r
ight. What a way to go.”

  They staggered back to the rear of the RV and fell onto the bed. Simon’s head popped up and he cursed. “Dammit. I forgot to shut the door.”

  He tried to sit up and she pushed him back down, her eyes gleaming in the gloom of the camper. “Let ‘em hear.”

  She pushed him deeper into the mattress and kissed him. He shrugged as he kicked off his boots. “Let ‘em watch for all I care.”

  21

  Hatcher slowed the truck to navigate around another accident then pulled back onto the paved road. The entire drive he’d been berating himself for attempting this.

  “Two and quarter million acres. Nearly thirty-five hundred square miles.” He sighed and rubbed at his neck. “How the hell am I supposed to find one needle in that haystack?”

  He slowed the truck for the umpteenth time, debating on turning around. Before he could stop himself, he pushed the accelerator down again and continued driving.

  What if I find her? What if she doesn’t want to leave? He shook the thoughts from his mind. “What if I don’t?” He sighed and stared at the fuel gauge again. “How long do I stay there, looking?”

  He glanced to the rear seat and made a mental inventory of the food and water he’d brought. “As long as I can.” He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and drove on.

  He slowed when he saw the sign for I70 and looked ahead. Cars were piled up at all of the interchanges and he ground his teeth. He pulled to the shoulder and slowly approached the congestion.

  He could see Interstate 70; there just wasn’t an easy way to get to it. With a groan, he put the truck in neutral and selected four wheel low. “Time to see what this beast will really do.”

  He pulled the truck off the road and glanced out the window, monitoring the softness of the ground he drove on. He had no idea the last time this area had gotten rain, but he definitely didn’t want to get the monster stuck, even if it did have a winch on the front.