by Gary Hickman
“Holee shit, that was a first,” Doc yelled.
“First time for me too,” Priest added. “Everyone ok? Doug, are we on the right road?”
“Yeah, should be another mile or so.”
A few minutes later, they came across an empty flight line. Without knowing exactly how many infected they just killed, the team knew they needed to work quickly searching for a helicopter. After the rest of the Team bailed out, Shaw turned the truck around to face the way they just come.
Meanwhile, the team frantically spread out to search the hangars for any aircraft. Two hangars produced nothing, but as Tug entered one of the last hangers, he stopped in his tracks.
“Well, my, my.” He walked in through the pedestrian door and a moment later the team flinched as the sound of the hangar doors groaning to open reached their ears. They turned around to see Tug standing in the open hangar bay right in front of an UH-60 Pave Hawk. The Air Force’s rendition of the Army’s Blackhawk.
“Shit,” Priest cursed. “Sweet ride, but we cannot use it,”
“Why not?” Tug asked.
“Because this differs significantly from a Bell Ranger, Doug is not familiar with it.”
“Says who?” Doug chimed in.
“You know how to fly that?”
“Well, yeah. I flew Blackhawks in Desert Storm, back when I was a warrant officer in the Indiana National Guard.”
Priest just stared at him. “Why in the hell didn’t you say that before?”
“It never came up whether I was familiar with military aircraft. Plus, you never asked.”
“I ought to slap the shit out of you,” Priest chuckled. They all pushed the aircraft out of the hangar and Doug entered the pilot’s seat. He started his pre-flight checks as they removed the wheel dollies from the skids, removed engine intake covers and all the tie-downs. The girls got in while the team posted to provide security.
There were a couple dozen infected making their way toward them from the killing field they had just driven through. Shaw made a couple more passes, and he took off for the group approaching. Shaw moved through the crowd mowing down people left and right and was having a field day doing it. Priest and Tug looked at each other.
“He ain’t all there, is he?” Tug joked dryly.
“No sir, he ain’t, but I’ll take him that way any day.”
Tug shrugged his shoulders and went back to scanning for any other infected.
Doug hit the ignition switch and the twin engines sparked to life. He brought the engines up to operable RPM and the rotors rotated. Priest keyed his squad comms. “Shaw, we’re ready to roll. Bring it in.”
“Copy.” Shaw was on board a minute later. With everyone strapped in, the Pave Hawk lifted off, heading for Louisville, Kentucky. When they were in the air and at cruising speed, Priest plugged into the bird’s comm system and hailed HQ.
CHAPTER 23
Everyone jumped up and ran to the communications area in the lobby of the HQ building. Harwell grabbed the handset. “Priest, this is Harwell. Do you copy?”
“Copy, Sir.” Everyone let out a loud breath that the entire room was holding.
“I’m here with Webb and his team. Can you give me a sitrep?”
“Affirmative. Glad to hear the rest are safe. We are in route to HQ with an ETA of 45 mics. We have the three of the existing Team, and six civilians are with us.”
Webb broke in, “You could fit all those on the news chopper?”
Priest chuckled, “Negative. We traveled to an AFB in Indiana and found a Pave Hawk. When we get to HQ, you must ask Shaw how we got to the base. It’s an interesting story he loves to tell. Anyway, the places we came through are royally fucked. We even had a run in with some redneck scumbags who set up a roadblock and were kidnapping women.”
“Can’t wait to hear. I assume Doug is flying you.” Webb inquired.
“Copy that. We had no idea he flew a Blackhawk back in the Army.”
“Ok, it will be good to see you guys. Handing you back to Harwell.”
Harwell took the handset, “Sergeant Priest? We have infected all over the place. You must land directly on top of the HQ building. We were almost overrun, so we have barriers all around and no devoid space outside the walls.”
“Copy. You want us to thin out some infected?”
“Negative. Save your ammo, you might need it later.”
“Copy. Priest, out.”
A while later, HQ came into view of those on the Pave Hawk. Priest and his team saw the destructive scene that was now the HQ building.
Doc made the sign of the cross, “Holy Mother, Mary and Joseph. It looks like the end of world down there.”
Doug maneuvered the chopper to set down on the roof while Webb and his team walked out to meet Priest and his team. There were hugs, tears, introductions and reminiscing. Soldiers from HQ took Dana, Mia, Kim, Allison and Tug to shower, eat and get some rest. They escorted the others to the War Room to meet with Harwell.
Harwell addressed the team, “Priest, Doc, Shaw, it’s good to see you. Doug, it’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry, but we really need you for this briefing because of that fact you are our only pilot right now.”
“Don’t worry about it, Sir. I completely understand the weight of the situation. Plus, I am kind of like being back in action.”
“Good to hear and we really appreciate it. So, we have two objectives in our immediate purview. One: We need to intercept ISIS from getting to Philly or take the entire group down once they make it there. Two: We have to get Dr. Costa to Site R in Maryland where the CDC has moved operations including the Bio-Warfare group from Fort Detrick, Maryland. Doug is our only pilot, so we have one pilot and two objectives. I am open to options.” The team thought for a minute.
Priest spoke up, “Doug, how comfortable are you flying with a sling load?”
He thought for a second, “I have flown with ammo pallets and fuel blivits before. What do you have in mind?”
“I was thinking we could sling load a M1114 Humvee and drop it and a team in Philly to take the ISIS faction and their sister cell out. The other team takes the bird and continues to deliver Dr. Costa to Site R.” The room was silent for a moment while the others processed the plan. A knock on the door broke the silence in the room.
A private poked his head in, “Apologies Sir, you asked for Sargent Dahan. Would you like me to ask her to wait?”
“No, no…. please ask her to come in, she may assist with this. The private moved over and a woman walked in the War Room. She was about 5’10”, with olive skin and deep, piercing hazel-green eyes. She had her long black hair in a bun and was wearing an olive drab uniform.
“Team, I would like to introduce Chief Sargent Lia Dahan. She is from the MOSSAD, Unit 217. You may know it as Duvdevan (counter-terrorism) unit within the Israel Defense Forces. She is here to partner with us in developing an integrated tactic process for the US and Israeli forces before this shit hit. They attacked her cadre along with some of our escorts.” After they introduced her all Priest heard was blah, blah, blah, blah. He also didn’t hear Harwell call on him.
“Priest. Sargent Priest?”
“Huh? What? Sorry, did you say something?” The rest of the team was grinning at him.
“Priest, could you brief Sargent Dahan on your suggestion?”
“Sure.” He laid out his plan to address both objectives to her, while she held his gaze. When he finished, he gave the same hands up shoulder shrug.
She looked around the room, “Does everyone approve of this plan?” She had a light accent and her voice was like honey. Everyone acknowledged
they agreed this was the best plan. “I agree it is a solid plan, based on present resources and the intel available. We should go over any tactical plans before shipping out.”
“Ah, we?” Priest asked.
“We?” Harwell asked.
“I assume that is why you brought me in here, is it not?” She turned to Harwell as she spoke.
“Ah, well, no. I brought you in to assess the plan and give me your opinion.”
“Yes, well, I have done so and now we need to execute, yes?”
“Yeah, well, I wasn’t expecting to send you out there.”
“I believe I could provide some tactical value and having another gun out there doesn’t hurt either.” The team was watching the back and forth between the two like a tennis match. Harwell looked at Webb and then Priest.
“We’re not dealing with normal circumstances here, Sir.” Webb said, “We need all hands-on deck. The risk factors have increased, but if we don’t get some kind of lid on this shit, we will lose everything.”
Priest added, “I am sure, Sgt. Dahan could provide some added value out in the field and if she thinks she can contribute to the mission, then we would be happy to have her along.”
Webb responded, “Well, Priest and his team are experts on breach, search and clear. So, Priest, Shaw and Doc will take the M1114 and tackle the ISIS objective. Neville, Shin and I will deliver the doctor to Maryland and come back for Priest’s Team on our way back. We can also scout out some other areas for non-infected?”
“That sounds solid. I will accompany the breach team,” Sargent Dahan added. Priest raised an eyebrow and nodded his head.
“We could use you. What is your specialty?”
“Weapons expert, tactical assessment and sniper operations.”
Priest’s smile got wider. He stood up and stuck out his hand, “Glad to have you aboard.” Lia looked at his hand and wrinkled up her nose. Priest forgot just how nasty he was. He was filthy from his head to his boots and didn’t smell any better than he looked. He chuckled, “Yeah, could use a little freshening up.”
“Yes, with a sandblaster, maybe,” she replied with a smile on her face.
“How about a hug? I think there are still some bits of intestine and any other body part you can think of stuck to me. Going once. Going twice.”
“I think I’ll pass.” She smiled.
“Ok, suit yourself.” He liked her already. He ran off for a quick shower and some food.
Harwell dismissed the rest of the team and they were all left to shower, eat and resupply.
An hour later, the whole Team reassembled, fully geared to move out to their objectives. Sgt. Dahan had her combat load out equipped with plate carrier and helmet. She was toting a 1W1 TAVOR 7 assault rifle, and Priest noticed a Glock 19 on her hip along with a long rifle case she was toting.
“Nice, what do you have in there?” Priest asked.
She acknowledged the case, “Oh, it’s an 1W1 DAN .338 Sniper Rifle.”
“Sweet.”
Just then, Allison ran into the room, wearing a flight suit and sporting a flight helmet.
Harwell spoke up, “Excuse me, may I ask, why are you wearing a flight suit?”
“I am going too.” She answered.
Harwell was taken slightly aback, “Wait? What for?”
“I have been flying Doug and I can help him navigate and monitor flight readings.”
Harwell looked over at Doug.
Doug nodded, “I could really use the help, and she is a skilled navigator.”
Harwell shook his head, “Point taken. Ok, what the hell are you people doing standing around for? Move out!”
As the team walked out to the Pave Hawk and stowed their gear, Dana, Mia, Kim and Tug came up behind them. Allison ran over to hug the girls while Tug moseyed up to Priest.
“You know, you and the boys are a little nuts, but you’re honorable people. If I was younger, I would go with you kids. Just think, I would be more of a pain in the ass than a help. I see how you boys operate and it’s quite impressive. Good luck to you ‘all and we’ll be waiting for you to get back.” He then turned, shook hands with the rest of the team and walked off.
Priest watched him go until Dana appeared in front of him. She didn’t wait for permission, or even an acknowledgement, before she ran over and hugged him. Priest hugged her back and told her it would be all right. She nodded, kissed him on the cheek and thanked him for everything. Kim and Mia followed suit and walked off to join Tug. Priest hadn’t noticed that Tug had stopped and was there waiting for the girls.
Priest yelled over to them, “Once we get back, we’ll take you girls and see about Dana’s parents and get you to Louisville.” The girls smiled and waved at him before turning and walking back in the HQ building.
CHAPTER 24
Priest turned to the Team and spoke up, “Before we load up and go out in the middle of hell again, I just wanted to say something. You are the best team I have ever led and served with. I have deployed more times than I can count and to more places than I care to remember. In all of that time, I have never encountered an enemy who does not show fear, has no regard for self-preservation and who seems not to possess an ounce of humanity.
That being said, everyone here has performed well considering what we have faced. Not to mention, you all have volunteered to go back out there and brave the storm again. Those whose job is not in the military and do not deploy regularly, have stepped up and face this enemy exceptionally well. I wanted to say thank you and I feel blessed to have all of you with me.
Now, the next thing I am about to do, I have never done before and I don’t do lightly. The Light Reapers are a strong brotherhood who would die for one another if needed. These are not regular times and the brotherhood needs to accept others into our ranks.” He looked at Webb as he spoke. Webb nodded at him as he continued.
Priest reached in his rucksack, pulled out some items and held them out in his hand. “I want to welcome the rest of you to our Team.” Doug, Allison and Lia each reached out and took one. “These are patches displaying the Light Reapers Unit insignia. It holds them in high regard among the brothers and sisters in uniform. Being part of the Light Reapers sets you apart from others who wear this uniform. That patch represents skill, courage, loyalty and perseverance. Wear them with pride and pay honor to those wearing it now and those who died wearing it before you. Welcome to the Light Reapers!” All three attached the patch to the Velcro on their shoulder as the rest of the Team shouted, HUA!
Priest looked at the three of them, “Ok, with that sentimental bullshit out of the way, let’s mount up.”
Doug and Allison entered the cockpit, while Doc, Neville and Shin were stowing everyone’s gear and making sure they removed all the helicopter safety equipment. Shaw was loading and servicing the M48 .50 cal mounted on the right side as Webb, Priest and Lia went over the operational plans. Harwell came out to talk to Captain Webb and confirm a few things, leaving Priest alone with Lia.
“You ever been in combat?” Priest asked.
“I am from Israel. Surrounded by some of the most radical terrorists in the world. I’ll let you answer your own question.” Lia didn’t say it in a condescending tone, but more like a matter of fact.
“Excellent point.” He continued, “So, what’s your story?”
“A little nosey?”
“Negative. When I go into combat with someone, I would like to know who the hell I am dealing with.”
“Ok…,” she thought for a few seconds, “I am Chief Sargent Lia Dahan. I believe you would me a Sargent First Class. You know my unit already and like Harwell said, we were here o
n a joint training and tactical planning exercise when my team was ambushed by the infected. I say ambush, because it gave me the impression they planned and executed it with some precision and forethought. Not to mention, since we were on diplomat mission, we weren’t geared for combat.”
Lia looked straight at Priest, “We had some prior warning, but it came at the price of some soldiers ahead of us and behind us. We ran, but they overtook some of my colleagues. I tried to help them, but they were overtaken so quickly, it was over in seconds.” She had her head down and jaw clenched.
Priest laid a hand on her shoulder. She snapped out of her reverie and continued, “I have been with the MOSSAD for the last 10 years. Hand to hand combat and sniper quals are my specialty, if I was to put that down on paper.”
“Ah, we need that in Philly.” She turned to look at him for a moment,
“What about you, Sergeant Priest?”
“What about me?”
“What’s your story?”
“Hmm, not much of a story. Master Sargent Alex Priest, broken home, got into trouble. Court appointed me to join the Army to get straighten out. That was oh 25 years ago. Been with Special Operations for the last 14 years and the Light Reapers for the last six. Me on paper, hand to hand, weapons expert, strategy and leadership. Oh, and don’t forget stubbornness and sarcasm. Those are areas of expertise.”
Lia laughed, “And what about Mrs. Priest?”
Now it was Priest’s turn to laugh, “No, no… got close once. We were engaged, but going out and meeting people was her expertise. She ended up meeting too many people and caught her with one of them when I came home early from a deployment. She and some lieutenant were together in bed, both a little high. I yelled, she screamed, slapped me a couple times for being home early.”
“What did you do?”