by Byrd, Daniel
“Come again?” Davenport asked. He was used to pushing it with command.
“Perhaps I should get General Doe to drill it into your head? You will be rearmed for air-to-air combat and sent to intercept the German bombers. You are not to shoot them down unless there is no other choice. We don't want a war on our hands. That’s an order, Captain.”
Davenport didn’t like it. “Yes, sir. Three down and locked.”
***
Houseman just happened to glance back in time to see General Doe entering the operations room yet again. The guy was getting his exercise running back and forth. From his walk alone, he was carrying bad news.
“General?” Houseman acknowledged.
“We have a problem,” Doe said as he stopped right in Houseman’s face.
“Besides the undead? I wouldn’t be surprised, given the rest of today’s events, but-”
“The Germans have had enough,” Doe informed him. “They’ve commissioned those squadrons I warned you about to bomb Landstuhl. AWACS intercepted a transmission. They don’t trust us to handle the issue any longer.”
Houseman couldn’t believe this. “They can’t do that! It’s an American facility!”
“And they couldn’t care less any longer! There’s been a shift of power in the German government. They’re not willing to cooperate any longer. Houseman,” Doe leaned in so close that the two could see the pores on their faces, “they’ve had enough. Since the Americans mobilized here they’ve only suffered. Berlin? Oranienburg? They don’t want anymore, Houseman!”
“But we’re working with them!”
Doe laughed. “We’re bringing the pain to them, you idiot!”
Houseman bit his tongue, desperately keeping himself from strangling the man. “Then what do you suggest we do?”
“I’ve already ordered the Helsing Squadron to rearm and intercept. Both of the German squadrons appear to be taking different flight paths. Helsing will split off to meet them. They have orders to force them to land, but if worse comes to worse…”
“You do what's necessary, General,” Houseman encouraged him. Doe was a little shocked that there wasn't a smartass remark added to it, but maybe Houseman that Doe understood the situation better than anyone. After all, this base was his responsibility. With a salute, he left Houseman alone in peace for once. Houseman wished that was the case.
This only complicated matters. Now the Germans were against them too. “Why can't anyone see that we’re tearing ourselves apart? This isn't how you win a war. It's how you let the enemy win…”
***
“No! Don't!”
The cracks of gunfire ended the plea for mercy, and again Ethan had to stomach the guilt. He hadn't shot a single person yet, but there wasn’t denying he was a part of this. He disgusted himself. This wasn't what he meant when he explained adaptation to General Houseman three months ago on the tarmac. Adapting wasn't killing innocent people before they were even confirmed to be infected! Adapting was standing stronger as a species against the threat, but this was insanity! This was asinine! This was…monstrous.
Another gunshot came from down the hallway, followed by the horrifying, gut-wrenching screams of terror. Another followed, and then another. Ethan turned back to see three people donning hospital gowns scurrying by at the end of the hall before a torrent of bullets cut them down in their tracks. They fell only a few yards from him, expressions of fear solidified into their lifeless faces, their last thoughts probably just repeating “Why?” in their heads as they bled out on the floor. One looked up to see Ethan, and the fear only deepened as his face stretched in agony and confusion. Ethan couldn't bear the sight and turned away.
“Fuck…”
A horrible gurgling came from the man, but Ethan refused to turn back. Another gunshot ended the noise, and Ethan was left trembling in his boots.
“Fuck!”
“This is Steffa. We've found some of the soldiers from the previous unit. They…they've been killed. We found some of the bastards feasting on their insides. They've been dealt with, and we've placed bullets through the skulls of our fallen friends. I advise you all do the same to anyone you down or any corpse you're uncertain of. Proceed with caution. Over.”
Ethan refused to accept this reality. He didn't care if he was court-martialed later; killing innocent people wasn't what he served for. He'd be damned before he crossed that line willingly.
“Stop them!”
Ethan spun around to see three patients running right for him. Two skidded to a stop once they realized who he was, but one kept gunning for it. He was within feet of Ethan, who was unsure of how to handle the situation.
“Stop that man!”
Instinct kicked in, and Ethan checked the man onto his back with his carbine. The other troops caught up and forced the other two patients to their knees, demanding that they place their hands behind their heads.
“Please!” the woman pleaded, “I don't want to-”
Her plea was beaten by the explosive concussion that tore a hole through her head. The man next to her shrieked and visibly soiled himself. He couldn't even get a stuttered word out before he was cut down in his shame. Two more bodies to add to the count, and Ethan was looking down on a potential third. The poor guy looked like he was only a teenager, and he wasn't above pleading either as he placed his hands together and bowed his head. Ethan felt sick.
“Sir, kill him!” one of the other soldiers pleaded. Ethan’s eyes were fixated on the kid past his visors. He couldn't do this. His role was to protect, but this was completely against that.
“Sir, do it!” the other shouted. Ethan’s hands shook violently as he brought the sights up and focused on the teen’s head. Try as he might his breathing just wouldn't slow. Adrenaline began to pump through him as his head went from light to cloudy to there and gone again.
“I'll do it!” the first soldier announced, footsteps out of Ethan’s peripheral vision. He could just make out his legs as they came into view, and saw a hand undo the holster on his waist. The M9 leveled on the kid’s head, and Ethan still couldn't force himself to move. He was about to let a kid die.
“Sorry kid,” the soldier spoke, “it's nothing personal. I don't like this any more than you.”
How could someone be so callous? War affected people in different ways, but Ethan had never once even considered treating death as something so trivial. He wasn't alone in that mindset, but what pushed some to become so cold? No. He couldn't betray himself. No!
“Again, I'm sorry kid.”
The gunshot reverberated down the hall in both directions, carrying on throughout the ward. Another life was cut short. Ethan’s shaking had become uncontrollable, and his emotions broke through the final barrier he'd erected. His eyes couldn't even focus through the sights anymore to the mess on the floor, but it was done.Footsteps scurried off past Ethan and left the scene. Gunfire from other parts of the ward didn't allow silence to take the moment as he stood before the body pooling out onto the floor. It finally registered in Ethan’s head what he'd done.
“Second Lieutenant…why…why the fuck?!”
He looked up to see the other soldier with his carbine raised in his direction. Ethan didn't really mean to do it. It was just the heat of the moment. He couldn't stand doing nothing, but as much as he kept trying to rationalize the decision it didn't change the fact that there was a dead soldier on the floor. An ally. The teen was the one who’d run off.
“D-don't move!”
“Are there even any infected in here anymore?” Ethan asked quietly.
“What?!”
“There aren’t. We’re just killing scared people.”
“Drop your weapon!”
Ethan bared his teeth while his gaze remained focused on the body. “No.”
“Drop it right now!” Ethan found himself staring at a new enemy, and raised his weapon in response. The soldier took a hand off to grab his radio on his vest, and he keyed the others. “This is Private Secon
d Class Long. Second Lieutenant Ethan Stevens has just murdered Private Drake.”
“Captain Steffa responding. Repeat that, soldier?”
“Second Lieutenant Ethan Stevens has-”
Ethan had the advantage of having both hands on his carbine. Anyone listening in heard the crackling gunshots, and even then they could all hear it in the building. Ethan glared through his mask at the dying man on the floor as he approached and stood over his form.
“What just happened? Respond!”
Ethan grabbed his radio and keyed it. “Stevens. There was an accident. Long and Drake were struck by stray bullets.”
“What?! Stevens, hold your position. I’m on my way.”
“Negative, sir. It’s too dangerous.”
“Bullshit! Two of my men just died. What the hell is going on! Stevens!”
Ethan looked down on Long. The guy was spewing blood from his mouth due to some internal damage and struggling to breathe. Ethan leveled the carbine on his head as Long gawked at him.
“Don’t worry. You get mercy. I’m no monster.” Ethan pulled the trigger and shot him twice in the face.
***
Davenport was already at high altitude and cruising, waiting for the rest of the squadron to catch up after takeoff. He couldn’t believe this shit. First the undead outbreak, and now German bombers threatening to ruin everything. He hadn’t counted on fighting human enemies tonight.
“This is AWACS Aegis,” a voice said into his ear. Now that they were flying out further from base, they needed something to stretch the signal. The voice wasn’t the most pleasant. The guy sounded like he was used to spewing commands, so much so that he came off as dull. “The enemy squadrons are breaking off from one another. One is approaching at vector 310. We believe their intent is to attack the base directly. The other squadron is bearing 280, both at an altitude exceeding 3,000 feet, and the first is still climbing.”
To Davenport, that first squadron sure as hell sounded like it was carrying nukes. “I imagine they each have some of the planes equipped for escort. Which is closer?” he asked, checking his flight instruments once more. A little paranoia never hurt anyone.
“The squadron approaching Landstuhl has an edge by about ten miles.”
“Then that’s our target. Rocketeers, listen up! Catch up to me as fast as you can. We’ll be burning until we intercept. Don’t worry about wasting fuel, this is an emergency.”
“Sir, shouldn't you confirm with Captain McCall?” Maynard asked.
“It's okay, Jaguar,” McCall responded. “Loudmouth has the right idea. You guys head on. Peacemaker and I will intercept the other squadron. Loudmouth, consider yourselves the Rocketeers again. You're in charge of those guys.”
“Yes, sir!” Maynard replied confidently. Davenport cracked a smile. McCall wasn't all that bad. He knew when to place his trust in others.
“You know, the last time Germans and Americans went at it in the air, I’m pretty sure it turned out better for our side,” Ra”Shaad commented. “In the air now. That’s all of us, sir.”
“I prefer Nazis,” Taylor mumbled into the radio, “at least they don’t have souls either.”
“That’s the spirit, Taylor,” Davenport responded with a laugh.
“This is Peacemaker. Be careful up there, Rocketeers.” Davenport was a little shocked at the sincerity in her voice.
“No worries, Peacemaker. You just make sure those bastards don’t reach the base. Hey, don’t let the idea of it scare you. It’s just like back home; we’re protecting the people we love, so don’t hold back.”
“Roger that, Loudmouth. Keep that hospital safe.”
“Can do.” A thought occurred to him. “Hey, Mother Goose? I know you can still hear me. I’m not out of transmission range just yet.”
“I read you, Loudmouth. You’re the most noise on this channel.”
“I like it that way. Hey, think they’re actually carrying nukes with them?”
“Ah shit…I don’t know. We can’t risk anything. They have to come down. I’d rather not do it the hard way, but…”
“Hey, shoot first, ask questions later. If they don’t listen to reason, drop one or two and see if that changes their mind. Sure you don't want me to send one of these guys with you?”
“The two of us can handle it. Good luck out there, Rocketeers.”
“Same to you, Helsing.”
Within minutes, the reunited Rocketeers were together in formation and burning thrusters towards the southeast at max speed. They’d see the planes any minute.
***
Ethan ducked into a patient room and crouched behind the hospital bed, gun tight to his chest as he kept quiet and listened to the radio chatter.
“We’ve found the bodies, but no sign of Stevens.”
He was fucking stupid. Why did he have to go and jeopardize everything over his own belief? Now he was hiding like a coward over his own dumb actions. There was no right way to approach this situation at all.
“Stevens?” It was Steffa. “Stevens? Where are you? This is a fucking mess! I need you here to figure out what the hell happened! Stevens, respond!”
He had to get out of here. There was no way they were going to let him off. He was fucked. This whole situation was fucked. Gun cradled in his arms, Ethan sat back against the bed and began to cry.
***
“This is AWACS Aegis. Rocketeers, I have some good news for you.”
Davenport was relying on radar to catch the German squadron in time. Flying in the dark was an asshole like that. “What's that, Aegis?”
“The squadron bearing towards Ramstein has turned around. Apparently someone came to their senses and called them back.”
That was actually a huge relief to him, and he couldn't help but start to feel cocky again. “Our targets still on their vector?”
“Affirmative. Looks like you guys don't get a wasted flight after all. They should be coming up in your view any second now.”
“Gotcha, Aegis.” Davenport was giddy with excitement. At least they weren't at risk of all blowing up now. “Keep your heads on a swivel, boys. All eyes are on us now. You guys see anything?”
“Negative, Captain,” Maynard replied, “I’m a no joy.”
“Ditto that, Cap’.” Taylor always had a way to be a smartass, even in the most serious of situations.
“Thanks, Mutter. Any more comments to add?”
“My ass is getting numb.”
“I think I see some lights ahead,” Ra’Shaad commented. “Yeah, those are beacons on planes.”
Davenport noticed sets of lights moving across the sky to his right. “Good job, Ninja. Mutter, Jaguar, all of you keep up.” Davenport maneuvered to trail behind the jets, and ignited the afterburners to catch up. Fortunately, their F-15s were faster, and Davenport assumed the potential bombs the Tornadoes were carrying gave the enemy a disadvantage as well.
“This is Rocketeer One. We’ve got visual on the aircraft.”
“This is AWACS Aegis. Roger Rockecteer One. You are cleared to engage.”
“So when do we hail them?” Maynard asked.
“I don’t speak German,” Taylor added.
“We’ve got to try something. Ninja, want to do the honors?”
“Why me?”
Davenport chuckled. “You’re more intimidating, to be fair.”
“Man…fine.” They could actually hear Ra’Shaad clearing his throat. “Attention, German aircraft…Don’t you fucking do it. Land the motherfuckers before I land them for you, in craters.”
There was silence over the channel for a moment, before Davenport spoke up. “That was…good?”
“I mean, if they don’t listen, I’m gonna start shooting.”
“I'll take it from here,” Davenport said as he rolled his eyes under the helmet. “If you continue on this bearing we will be forced to act. Adjust your vector and head towards Ramstein to land.”
“This is Emo Schnakenberg, Captain of the Jörmungan
d Squadron. Our mission has been authorized by the Inspector of the German Air Force. This is our soil, and our airspace.”
“You're about to start a war, you idiot!”
“Negative. We are already at war. This is just another mission. Do you think I feel good about what I am about to commit?”
Davenport swore, and then activated the targeting system. “Don't do this.”
“There is nothing you can say to change our minds, friend. We have our orders. If you should choose to shoot us down, you will only create a larger problem in the near future. This is being proactive.”
“This is murder!”
A sound of disgust came from the other side. “You know nothing. Did you not already do the same to your own countrymen?”
Davenport squeezed the flight stick. This guy didn't know the half of it. “Fuck you. Turn your plane around or we’ll be forced to fire.”
Voices communicated in German over the radio, before the captain spoke again. “We are not afraid of the consequences. If it means saving the lives of others, we will carry out our mission.”
“Not if we carry out ours first, motherfucker…” Taylor muttered.
“Captain?” Ra’Shaad sounded uneasy. “Waiting for your command.”
“We’re not far from their target, sir,” Maynard reminded him.
Davenport gritted his teeth and growled as he ensured the plane in front of him was locked on.
“We can hear the song of your scythes,” the German captain spoke, “will you swing, or allow the reapers below to multiply?”
“This is Aegis!” The guy sounded a lot more alert now. He was pretty demanding compared to before. “Rocketeer Squadron, what's going on?! You are cleared to engage! I repeat, you are cleared to engage! Use whatever means necessary to take down those bombers!”
Davenport readied to fire the Sidewinders that had been loaded on. “Come on, assholes. Last chance to avoid a bigger conflict than us. You're only prolonging the inevitable. The deadmen will appear everywhere. We have to defend for now, not attack one another!”
The only sound now was the tone of the lock-on. Davenport prepared to give the command to engage, when the captain of the Germans spoke.