Braving The Storms (Strengthen What Remains Book 3) (7 page)

Chapter Twelve

Rural Lewis County, Wednesday, September 23
^rd

Zach cringed, stepped to the rear of the Humvee, opened the back and looked for MOPP gear. The night was warm, the gear made him sweat, and look weird, but the lieutenant said the virus was deadly and the first sergeant’s warning, not to enter Morton, now echoed in his head. Zach had no interest in dying, so he would take no chances with the virus. Ridiculous as it was, images from several zombie movies flashed through his mind
.

As Zach pulled gear from a bag, Nelson started the vehicle. “I’m moving this Humvee back away from…whatever is going on here.”

“Wait for me!” Zach jumped into the vehicle as the three soldiers from Second Squad looked on in confusion. “Go!”

Nelson slammed the Humvee into reverse. “Where do we go?”

“A hundred yards back.”

When he stopped, Zach hurried out and continued putting on his MOPP gear while keeping an eye on the other soldiers.

Nelson came to the back and did the same.

“We shouldn’t have come here,” Zach said. “We were ordered to contact them and report back.”

One Second Squad soldier edged several steps closer and asked in an irate voice, “What…why are you doing that?”

“Stop!” Zach held up his palm. “Stay back! I’ll tell you in a minute.” When he finished putting the gear on, Zach moved cautiously forward.

Nelson followed, two paces behind.

Eight soldiers jogged down the gravel road to where the vehicles were parked. One headed toward Zach and Nelson. “Why are you guys in protective gear?”

Zach stepped back. “The bodies at the lodge have been infected with a deadly virus.”

After gasps and shouted questions, Zach continued his brief. He concluded by stating, “The order is to use MOPP level four around anyone returning from the lodge.”

Nelson looked left and right. “Where’s Sergeant Hill?”

“Still at the building,” someone said.

Sweat beaded on Zach’s forehead and trickled down. “We need to get everyone away from there. Soldiers that went up to the lodge should stay away from anyone who didn’t. Anybody who hasn’t been to the lodge should get into MOPP gear.”

“Ah, I think we’ve all been up there,” one soldier said as he glanced about. “Or we’ve been around others who have.”

Zach wanted to wipe his brow, but couldn’t through the gas mask. He looked to Nelson for direction.

The private stepped back and stared at him with questioning eyes.

* * *

Westmore Farm, Wednesday, September 23
^rd

Relaxing on the couch, Caden sipped a locally concocted tea while he gazed at Adam wrapped in blankets on the floor before him. Nikki rested nearby. “So, the road between here and Morton is open for now, but if the virus gets loose, the plan is to blockade the bridge just east of town.” He shook his head. “It’s my fault that events are spinning out of control.”

Maria tossed a log in the fireplace and snuggled up beside him. “Why is it your fault?”

“Because we’re still under martial law, so it’s my job to maintain order.” He took another sip. “The community leaders blamed the soldiers for infecting Morton and causing the panic. Needless to say, the meeting didn’t go that well.”

Maria shook her head. “Won’t the Morton doctors contain the virus?”

“Dr. Scott doubts it.” He sighed. “I should have told the men sooner.”

“But Fletcher left several days before you learned about the Kern flu. They were out of radio contact.”

Even though it was true, the fact didn’t make him feel better. “The flu is moving faster than I thought.”

“I read the report. It’s moving faster than everyone thought.”

He nodded. “Clearly, infected people are already in the area.”

“How is Dr. Scott?”

“Fine. Why do you ask?”

“She works hard and is around sick people all day.”

Caden didn’t want to think about the Kern flu in a community without its lead doctor. “She looked fine earlier this evening and I hope she stays that way.”

Maria sipped her tea. “Adam followed me out the front door today. He was out on the porch before I knew it.”

A smile grew on Caden’s face. “Walking or crawling?”

She frowned. “You need to spend more time at home. He’s walking now.”

“I’ve seen him wobble a few steps.”

The two continued to talk and plan as the fire slowly died.

Caden woke to the sound of a military march. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, and tried to determine his location. He was leaning on the arm of the couch. Maria’s head rested on his lap with Adam in her arms. The only light the faint glow of dying embers in the fireplace and the meager light from the lamp on the end table. But the music, what was that? He slapped the phone and the music stopped. Maria must have decided to set ringtones. He picked it up. “What? Ah … hello.”

“Hello sir, this is Brooks.”

“Oh, yes, what’s up, Lieutenant?”

“The armory phoned. They received a message from Zach. He and Private Nelson made radio and then physical contact with Second Squad believing that they had not gone to the lodge, but most did.”

Caden cursed and then gently sat up, trying not to disturb Maria.

She stirred.

He sat up the rest of the way, and then rubbed his face. “What about Private Nelson and Zach, were they exposed?”

“No, sir. They put on protective gear as soon as they realized the risk.”

“Well, that’s good, but half of our squads have been exposed. They should have only made radio contact, why did they—.”

“We may have gotten lucky on that, sir,” Brooks replied. “I called the hospital and talked to the physician on duty.”

“Dr. Scott?”

“No, she’s off duty. However, according to the doctor I spoke with, the Kern flu can only live a day or two after the host dies.”

Maria stood, set Adam and his bundle of blankets on the floor and stoked the fire.

“So, they should be fine?”

“He recommends a quarantine for 72 hours. If they have no fever or other symptoms by that time, they should be okay.”

“Well, that’s good news.”

“I’ll get some more wood,” Maria whispered.

“Rumors about the Kern flu reached the FEMA camp south of Longview,” Brooks continued. “A riot broke out this evening.”

“Are our people okay?”

“Yes sir, they’re just outside of town. However, we’ve lost touch with the FEMA infirmary, so I can’t be certain about the staff, or if the flu is actually in the camp.”

Remembering his thought from earlier in the evening, Caden rubbed his chin. “Let’s proceed under the assumption that it is.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll order Third Squad to MOPP level four, have them establish a checkpoint on the freeway, and work with FEMA, the local sheriff, and any army units still in the area, to protect the city.”

Nikki’s ears perked and she walked toward the door.

“Are you still at the armory?”

“No, I’m actually coming up your driveway.”

“Huh?”

Nikki growled.

Maria came in from the kitchen with arms full of wood. “There’s a car coming.”

Caden smiled, pressed speakerphone, and set the device on the table.

The XO’s voice came from the phone. “I was bringing Lisa home when the duty sergeant phoned me.”

Glancing at a nearby clock he said, “It’s after midnight.”

“Your sister is lovely sir, but I can testify that she is not Cinderella.”

“What?” Lisa’s voice came over the phone.

Car doors clunked.

Nikki barked.

Porch steps creaked.

Lisa opened the front door and entered.

David Brooks followed her in and slipped his phone in a pocket. He sat in a rocking chair as the two continued to discuss the worsening situation.

As he talked, Caden drew a map of the area on a sheet of paper and indicated the position of each unit. “I think we will be blockading the bridge east of town soon. Who do we have available?”

“Sixth Squad,” Brooks replied as he pulled a notepad from his pocket.

“No. They’re not ready.” He pointed to his map. “We’ll need to get Fourth Squad back from Alder Lake. Use Sixth Squad as back up.”

The XO wrote on his pad.

As he continued to stare at his chart, Caden shook his head. “Most of our soldiers are outside of town and half have been exposed to the virus. We were doing policing, backing up local law enforcement, but panic is rising. This may soon become mob control and we don’t have the manpower or training for that mission.”

Brooks looked at his boss. “What should we do?”

Caden tried to think of a plan. He decided to call General Harwich in the morning and find out what others were doing. David looked at him with expectant eyes. Caden wanted to say something insightful or hopeful, but events portended something dire.

Brook’s phone rang, followed almost immediately by Caden’s.

Caden shook his head. “This can’t be good.”

Chapter Thirteen

East of Hansen, before dawn, Thursday, September 24
^th

Angry shouts and horn blasts filled the night. Caden examined the volatile situation from a nearby hillside. About twenty locals, armed with rifles, had blocked the west side of the bridge with two bulldozers. Bridges were often excellent blockade points, but the steep riverbanks here made it an obvious choice. A couple dozen cars from the east end of the county were stopped along the bridge and back.

He would need to act quickly, before shots were fired and people died. However, his only available men were a bunch of teenage recruits and their trainer, Sergeant Roy. He turned to Brooks and Roy. “I’m going down there to talk to them. I want all of you to take positions along this ridgeline. Stay visible and look threatening.”

Brooks looked skeptical. “What happens if they shoot at you?”

“Shoot the shooter.”

“And if they shoot at us?” Roy asked.

“This isn’t rocket science, Sergeant, shoot back.” Scanning the faces of the young soldiers standing nearby, Caden prayed the night would end peacefully. Then he fixed his eyes on Brooks. “Make sure they understand the rules of engagement. No one fires without your order. I’d really like this night to end without death.”

Caden walked toward the men blockading the bridge. As he did, two sheriff’s vehicles sped up with lights flashing.

As the deputies hurried from the vehicles, Caden held up his hand in a stop motion. He would face the blockaders alone. Nearing the bridge he spotted Scruffy Beard, now wearing a dust mask, pointing and shouting orders to others on the blockade.

Scruffy looked at the sheriff deputies standing about fifty yards away. Then he glanced along the ridgeline where the soldiers were positioned. Only then did he lock eyes on Caden.

With a pistol in hand, Scruffy strode toward Caden. “You come to arrest us and take down the blockade?”

Caden stifled a grin at the sight of Scruffy’s dust mask flattened against his beard. “We need a better plan.”

“Better than keeping sick people out?”

“Better than just keeping everyone out. Not everyone in Morton is sick.”

Scruffy scowled. “Your people are.”

Caden shook his head. “My people were exposed.”

“You and your men seem to be doing a good job at getting exposed and not so good at keeping it away.”

“Being exposed to nasty things happens when you’re out trying to maintain law and order.”

Scruffy spat. “We’re going to keep our families safe and this plague out of town.”

“My family lives here too. I want to keep them safe.”

Scruffy stared at Caden.

“Besides … I was exposed to the virus, but didn’t get sick.”

Scruffy touched his dust mask. “Are you immune?”

The question seemed sincere, but Caden had no idea what, if any, immunity he might possess. He shrugged. “Some soldiers were exposed, but didn’t get sick. Some were exposed and got ill, and then got better. Others died. I need to get my soldiers that aren’t sick back to town. How can we keep the sick out, and let those who aren’t a danger pass through, or to the armory?”

Scruffy rubbed the back of his neck. “We could quarantine anyone wanting to go into the town, but if they just want to pass through, we let them.”

“That could work.” Caden nodded. “How can we make sure people are just passing through?”

For the next several minutes they discussed ideas. Finally Caden smiled. “That plan would work, but call me and the sheriff if someone enters the town that shouldn’t.”

He nodded. “That would be agreeable.”

Caden walked over to the deputies. “The situation is okay for now. I’ll call Sheriff Hoover before I leave.”

“He’s coming here now.”

Angry shouts erupted from the direction of the bridge. “Good.” Caden pointed to the hill. “I’ll be up there briefing my soldiers.” He turned and jogged up the slope.

Lieutenant Brooks met him near the crest.

Turning his gaze to the crowd below, Caden shook his head. “Order the soldiers to remain in position. The situation here is under control, but I don’t know for how long.” Scruffy still talked with others near the bridge. Waving of arms and raised voices told Caden not everyone liked the new plan.

Brooks passed along the updated orders and then returned to Caden’s side. “What’s your orders if this situation gets out of hand?”

Caden looked to his XO. “Refugees from Morton will be stuck here for hours, some for a couple of days. More will be infected. We need to get our people back here as soon as possible before this situation gets out of control. I need to talk to Hoover.” He reached into a pocket for his phone.

“Okay, talk to me.”

Caden spun around at the sound of the sheriff’s voice.

“There always seems to be trouble when we meet,” Hoover said still walking toward Caden.

The two talked, planned, and phoned others for the next couple of hours. Before the sun rose, Caden found a volunteer nurse and EMT to work the blockade. He stationed soldiers in MOPP gear on the east end of the bridge. Two deputies and the recruit soldiers stood guard along the blockade. Officially they were there to control the refugees, but Caden told them to keep watch on the locals that remained nearby.

* * *

East of Hansen, Thursday, September 24th

Zach rested his head against the window as their Humvee neared the main highway. He closed his eyes. Maybe the mission had gone well. He had climbed into his MOPP gear before any of the soldiers neared him. Sure, Second Squad had been exposed, but they would be home soon and since they were convoying with the squad, Nelson was forced to drive at a reasonable speed.

“Well look at that.”

Zach opened his eyes to a line of about a dozen cars, packed with people and possessions, driving in from the east.

“Where do you think these people came from?” Zach asked as the convoy turned onto the highway.

“Don’t know.” Zach shook his head. “There aren’t any big towns between here and the pass.”

“Do you think they’re from some other area? Is the disease worse on the other side of the mountains?”

“Now how am I supposed to know that?” Zach shook his head. “One thing is certain, I’m not going to try and stop one of the cars to find out.” He slid down in his seat, closed his eyes, and drifted to sleep.

Nelson braked and cursed.

Suddenly awake, Zach sat up. “What’s going on?” A rumbling boom shook the Humvee as a gas station near the edge of Morton exploded into a red and orange inferno.

Zach blinked at the bright light and felt the warmth on his face.

Traffic slipped by on the far side of the highway.

The radio crackled. “Second Squad, this is Fletcher. Command orders you proceed to Morton hospital for tests. Further direction will be given at that time.”

Sergeant Hill acknowledged the order and Second Squad turned into town, leaving Zach and Nelson and their vehicle.

Zach pressed transmit on the mic. “First Sergeant this is Search One. Are there any changes to our orders?”

Nelson frowned. “Why do you ask so many questions?”

Fletcher’s voice came over the radio. “Have you been to the lodge or otherwise exposed to the virus?”

“Negative.”

“Then proceed to the armory.”

With a sigh, Zach replaced the mic. As Nelson angled to the opposite side of the highway and around the burning building, Zach slid low in the seat and closed his eyes.

“Wake up.” Nelson thumped Zach on the shoulder. “The nurse gave us the all clear to cross the bridge.” The passenger door of the Humvee was open and Nelson stood just outside.

“Bridge?” He rubbed his eyes and tried to stretch in the seat. “Where are we? What time is it?”

“Just east of Hansen and nearly eight-thirty—sleepy-head.” Nelson yawned. “See the sun? I’ve been awake all night. Your turn to drive.” He tossed Zach the keys.

They thumped Zach in the chest. He clutched them, stepped from the vehicle and stretched. “Do we have any coffee?”

Nelson laughed. “Not a drop. Just be thankful you’re alive after all the excitement last night.”

Zach nodded absently and walked to the other side of the Humvee. As they bounced along the grass back to the highway, Zach noticed a multitude of cars, trucks and tents on the other side of the road, in what had once been a pasture. Many of the people that swarmed about wore dust, paint or similar masks over their faces. He pointed. “What’s that?”

“Refugees from Morton that have friends or family in Hansen. The soldiers are keeping them over there while they do medical checks, then if they’re not sick they’ll be allowed in town. Only military that haven’t been exposed to the virus are getting through right now. The nurse said we’re the first to get across the bridge today. ”

“I’m a civilian.”

Nelson shook his head. “Just barely, and don’t tell anyone until we’re through the checkpoint.”

“Checkpoint?”

Nelson pointed. “See the unlucky shmucks in full MOPP gear?”

Zach nodded, and looked at the soldiers stationed on their side of the bridge.

“On the east side of it they have two bulldozers forming a blockade.”

As they drove along the short stretch of highway to the span, Zach recalled the other camp that had formed north of town after the Seattle nuke blast. That camp sprang into existence very quickly, like this one. Then the people of Hansen had barricaded a bridge to keep out desperate and lawless people. This new camp appeared to be full of similar people.

The crowd along the road shook angry fists at Nelson and Zach. Some cursed.

“Why can’t we go through?” a woman shouted.

“What right do you have to stop us?” A balding man with graying hair and beard yelled, “Why are you special?”

Near one of the soldiers at the west end of the bridge, an older woman sat in the dirt crying. “This is crazy.” Zach shook his head.

Nelson nodded slowly. “This has been a hard year.”

The Humvee rumbled onto the bridge.

Gunfire erupted.

* * *

Hansen Armory, Thursday, September 24
^th

Caden didn’t bother with sleep. After negotiating with Scruffy and talking with the sheriff he came to the armory and did paperwork. As the morning sun rose above the nearby hill he checked his watch and waited until he thought General Harwich might be in his office, and then he phoned. It surprised Caden when the secretary put him straight through.

When the general came on the line, Caden briefed him on the events since he left the meeting in Olympia.

“You’ve had a busy few days.”

“Yes, sir. I wondered if there is any further guidance on containment procedures or … well, things are moving so quickly.”

The general sighed. “Ah … yes, we should have passed information to area commanders more rapidly. From coast to coast the situation is tense and very fluid.”

Caden felt relief at not being alone, but concern that the situation might be worse than he thought.

The general breathed deeply then continued. “You’re correct to emphasize law and order. Let the medical people treat the sick and dying. The pandemic is moving swiftly and … well I can’t say more over the phone, but—”

Brooks bolted into his office. “Gunfire at the bridge east of town!”