End Days Super Boxset (196 page)

“Are we interrupting anything?” he said.

James and his crew dispersed to nearby bunks as the college kids went back to their business.

“Nope, just introducing ourselves to some new friends here,” James said.

“Excellent,” Kyle said. “I hope you can all get acquainted with each other.”

Shane and the others avoided eye contact with Kyle and tried to look preoccupied with other business.

“I sure am looking forward to a shower,” Janice said. “That's all I want.”

Kyle smiled. “Better get in there while the water's hot. Makes a world of difference.”

Janice began to rifle through her pack, trying to find a change of clothes. She and Mark picked the third bottom-bunk on the left side of the room. Christina and Paula picked the second, while James went to the first.

“You take the top, I'll take the bottom,” Christina said.

“Ah, man. That means I have to climb up there every time,” Paula said, pouting.

“Seniority has its privileges, honey pie.”

Kyle and Eli walked at a leisurely pace to the middle of the cabin, observing their new guests. Kyle then began his address to both groups. “I wanted to introduce, Eli, our facility manager.”

Eli waved and said hello. Like the others, he was dressed in camouflage. Unlike the others, however, he was very tall and skinny.

“We met earlier in the dining tent,” James said.

“Oh, you did?” Kyle said. “Wonderful. If you have any questions about our amenities, feel free to ask Eli. That includes issues with the showers, bathrooms, your living area, our clothes-washing station, water point, hygienic supply distribution, and so on. He does his job and he does it well, so please just let Eli know.”

Kyle pivoted around like he had finished his piece, but then raised his hand in the air as if forgetting something. “Ah yes, of course. Shane and Jeff,” he said, turning toward them.

Shane and Jeff looked up from their bunks. “Yes?”

“Bright and early tomorrow. We're going to get into some marksmanship training. A little at a time. It should be fun.”

“Cool,” Jeff said.

“Wake up's at five. And Danny?”

“Yeah?” Danny asked.

“Kitchen duty begins at six, but please show up ten minutes prior.”

In response, Danny offered a sarcastic half-ass salute. “Can't wait,” he said.

“Sally and Jacklyn?” Kyle said.

“Yes?” they said.

“Help our guests get familiar with the place tomorrow. Show them around some.”

“Sure, whatever,” Sally said.

“Thank you.” Kyle nodded and walked away, pleased. Before he and Eli got to the door, Kyle stopped at James's bunk. “Hey, James, can we talk to you outside for a moment?”

James looked around. “Uh, yeah sure,” he said. He finished taking his flannel jacket off, tossed it on his bed, and followed the men outside. The door shut and the cabin stayed silent for a moment.

“I don't care, that guy is a weirdo,” Sally said.

James followed Eli and Kyle outside. A faint moon had risen. They all stopped a few yards from the cabin as James kicked at some wood chips. “What's up?” he asked.

“You and your crew seem like good people, and we just want to be clear with you on how things work around here,” Kyle began.

“I think I get the idea,” James said. “Everyone pitches in, right?”

“Certainly,” Kyle said. “That's a start. But you see, every so often we get a group together to gather supplies from town and bring them back to camp.”

James thought to himself. “But isn't that--”

“Dangerous?” Kyle cut in. “Yes, to some extent. But it's our only choice. Logistics are a vital role in our safety and security out here.”

“Some might even say our survival,” Eli added.

“You see, James? Our next supply run is tomorrow. We generally leave early afternoon and search the town at night for what we can find.”

“Um, OK,” James said.

“It's like this,” Kyle said, leaning in. “Russell sees something in you. With your military background, you could be a big asset to the men out here.”

James waved him off. “Ah, nonsense. The men in this camp look like they've got it down pretty well. What the hell am I gonna teach them?”

“Leadership,” Kyle said. “We'd like you to accompany them tomorrow. You know this whole town better than a lot of them do.”

James thought to himself as Kyle awaited a response. “I guess there’s no harm in venturing out and getting an idea of how everything is,” he conceded.

“Exactly,” Kyle said.

“But my role needs to be clear. I'm not in charge of the men, or the mission.”

“That's fine. You can take an observer role, if you'd like,” Kyle said.

James nodded at Kyle. “I want to help you guys out, I really do. Why don't you just let me sleep on it? Right now, I'd say it's a definite maybe. I just need to make sure everything is OK with my group.”

“Of course, of course. Not a problem, James. Tell your people to get some rest and look forward to a nice breakfast tomorrow.” Kyle swung his arm around and gave James a pat on his back. “God speed, my friend. Glad to have you guys here.”

“Thanks for taking us in,” James said, tipping his hat at them. Kyle and Eli walked off into the night as James went back into the cabin.

The door creaked open and James walked inside.

“What was all that about?” Mark said, kicking his shoes off.

“Nothing. They need some help with some stuff tomorrow and were just asking me.”

“Already putting us to work?” Mark said with laugh. He lay down on the single mattress as the springs squeaked underneath him.

“Yeah, it seems so. Let’s just remember to stay on guard,” James said. He then looked over to Paula, lying awake in the next bed over. Christina and Janice had already left to use the showers.

“You stay close to your mom,” he told her. “And when y'all use the showers or bathrooms, stay in pairs.”

“You wanna be my bathroom buddy?” Mark asked James, followed by a hearty laugh at his own joke. It got Paula smiling at least.

“I'm talking about the females, blockhead.”

“What's the problem? We're all armed. No one is going to mess with us,” Mark said.

“Just be careful and stay alert out here. We're not out of the woods just yet.”

“You said it,” Mark agreed. He lifted the single pillow on his bed and covered his face with it.

James wasn't sure what to think. He knew they were better off at Camp Liberty than wandering the woods, and if his recent encounter with car thieves didn't prove that there were dangerous people nearby, nothing would. He marveled at the fact that they had constructed the entire compound in three months with only a handful of people. Where did they get the money? Was it a financed operation, and by whom?

Such questions could wait until tomorrow. James wanted everything to work out. He hoped he could trust Russell and his group. His mind raced with options as he lay in bed staring at the bottom of the mattress above. His eyelids became heavy and he drifted off to sleep without even realizing it.

Terrance and Tobias continued their journey through Macon with an unconscious stranger in the back of the van. It was possible that he would awake at any moment, and Terrance found himself repeatedly glimpsing into the rearview mirror. They were about halfway to Atlanta by Terrance's estimate. He kept a careful eye on the road, hoping to avoid a repeat of what had happened.

They were nearing the city of McDonough, evident by the high numbers of stranded vehicles in their path. Terrance was glad. The sooner they got the strange man out of their van, the better. McDonough was within the metropolitan area of Atlanta, and their main destination was only about thirty minutes away. They were making good time. Terrance had only used two of their four fuel cans so far and was confident that they would have enough to get back “We're close to Atlanta,” he said to Tobias. “Keep your eyes open.”

It was around three in the morning. They hadn't come across anyone since the accident, and Terrance wanted to keep it that way. But he knew things wouldn't be quiet for much longer. They were on I-75, and the abandoned cars on the road were plentiful. He could see the city of McDonough ahead, off the freeway.

There was a hospital three exits ahead. Terrance was relieved but also had no idea what to expect. It was their first foray into normal civilization since the day of the EMP strikes. They surveyed the darkened and troubling metropolis before them. Not a single light shone in the window of any building. There were no street lights. There were no moving cars. However, several small fires were visible throughout the city as if providing an ominous warning.

Terrance veered toward the exit on their right, leading into the city. “Be on the lookout for any signs telling us where to go,” he said.

“No problem,” Tobias said.

He got off the freeway and onto a city road. There were figures in the shadows, moving quickly into the alleyways.

“Keep your eyes open for anything and anyone,” Tobias said.

Terrance maneuvered around the motionless cars blocking their path. It was nothing new. The entire block ahead looked to be in bad shape. Stores were boarded up or locked up behind security gates. Vandalism was evident in the shattered windshields of cars, smashed store windows, flipped over dumpsters, and torched trash cans. The hospital was close, a few blocks away. If Terrance felt on edge driving on a rural state road, being in the city amplified his fears.

They were entering a new and dangerous place. Terrance feared an ambush, the deeper they got. He sensed they were being watched and almost wished that someone would jump out and try something. A handgun rested on his lap and he was ready to use it.

With no working traffic lights, Terrance carefully coasted through each intersection, surprised by the amount of destruction after a relatively short time, just two weeks. He wondered if Atlanta had fared any better but figured it unlikely.

“Up ahead, dad,” Tobias said.

A street sign directed them to McDonough Memorial Hospital, their next right. Terrance turned onto the next street, and they were met by their largest obstacle yet. The hospital, only a half mile down the road, had been cordoned off by the Georgia National Guard. Terrance pulled to the side, slowed to a halt, and turned off his headlights.

Tobias looked at him inquisitively, “What are you doing?”

“Can't you see in front of you, boy? They got the military out here in full force.”

“So?” Tobias said. “We're not doing anything wrong.”

All conceivable entrances into the hospital were blocked by barricades and guarded checkpoints. Beyond the security perimeters, the parking lot was full of cars, most of which hadn't moved since the EMP. There were the military trucks and Humvees blocking off the main entrance into the hospital. One of the trucks had its engine running and headlights on. The back of the truck was open, and a line of soldiers was loading equipment off of it.

Most of the activity appeared to be taking place inside the hospital building where there looked to be lights on.

“Look, they have power,” Tobias said excitedly.

His father remained calm. “That’s a good sign. Now we just have to figure out how we're going to get in there.”

As the van pulled forward, the sound of helicopters grew near. Terrance could see their lights in the sky. Tobias rolled down his window and leaned out in awe at the one sign of normalcy. They watched as the helicopters landed on the roof of the four-story hospital, and then flew back off into the night. There was no doubt a chaotic scene awaited them if they managed to get inside.

He moved the van closer to the entrance checkpoint, and was ready to get out when two young military police soldiers shined a flashlight through the windshield and approached them with rifles lowered at their sides.

“Halt right there!” the sergeant on the left said.

Terrance hit the brakes. The sergeant then went to his window and shined a flashlight inside, nearly blinding Terrance in the process.

“We have an injured man that needs medical attention,” Terrance said.

“All personnel must be cleared before entering the premises,” The sergeant held out his hand. “I’ll need to see your license and registration please.”

Terrance pulled out his wallet and fished for his license. “Do me a favor, Tobias, open the glove compartment and hand me the registration.”

He did as asked. Terrance then handed the man his driver's license and van registration. He didn't mention the handgun under his seat, and he hoped he wouldn't have to. The MP Sergeant examined his I.S. and then observed the large, rusty blue oddity in front of him.

“Damn. How old is this thing?” the soldier said with a quick smile.

“Says it right there on the registration,” Terrance said.

“1970?” the astonished sergeant said. “Hot damn. How do you keep a thing like this running?”

“I was wondering the same thing about your Humvees and trucks over there,” Terrance said.

The two MP soldiers looked at each other. “Let’s take a look at your injured,” the sergeant said.

The soldiers walked to the back of the van as Tobias opened the doors from the inside. Sure enough, an unconscious man lay on the carpet of the van.

They could see the bruises on his face, his near wheezing and contorted position on the floor, and determined that something was indeed wrong with him.

“OK,” the sergeant said. “Pull to the front and we'll transport you inside. But
you're responsible for him,” the sergeant continued. He closed the van doors as Terrance slowly drove forward to the front barricade of army vehicles.

Tobias opened his door and stepped out. Terrance stared at him lost in thought.

“What?” Tobias asked, looking up.

“We're gonna have a big conversation about this when we get home,” Terrance said.

They walked around one particularly large military truck to an idling Humvee waiting for them. The sergeant approached them and signaled to the vehicle. “That's your ride,” he said. “Good luck.”

“Let's get this over with,” Terrance said. He sat up front as Tobias sat behind where the man lay on a stretcher. The Humvee drove up the road, past the parking lot and makeshift tents to the front entrance of the hospital.

Once the vehicle stopped, the solider driving, a private, wished them luck. Terrance looked around, confused. “No paramedics? What are we supposed to do with him?”

“Sir, everyone has had their hands full ever since the power went out. I haven't even spoken to my parents in a week.”

Terrance didn’t know what to say. He turned his head around to Tobias. “Let's bring him inside the hospital.”

“OK,” Tobias said, opening his door. He looked around and saw a wheeled gurney by near the building entrance.

Terrance then turned to address the driver. “What have you heard? I mean, you guys must know something,” he said.

“Electromagnetic bomb. That’s what I heard. Governor declared a state of emergency and we were called to secure this hospital ever since,” the private answered.

“I see. Well, for what it’s worth, thank you,” Terrance said, extending his hand.

Terrance walked to the back of the Humvee and opened the tailgate as Tobias sped over to him, pushing the wheeled gurney.

They carefully pulled the man out and placed him on the stretcher's vinyl surface. They looked ahead beyond the open hospital doors and witnessed pure pandemonium. There were people on similar gurneys lined up against all the walls. Patients and personnel were packed in like sardines.

“Let’s do this,” Terrance said.

They entered the emergency room lobby and were met with confusion on all sides. There were so many people, they weren't sure where to go. A million different conversations were going on at once. Sickly elderly patients, families, sleeping children, groaning patients, fatigued hospital staff, and an overflow of vagrants off the street were moving in all directions.

Whatever security measures had been put in place seemed to have come far too late. Terrance and Tobias stood speechless in the middle of the lobby with the man on the stretcher. The overhead lights were dim and running at their most minimal setting. Most of the bulbs were out, but a few remained, enough to make a difference.

They looked at the crowd surrounding them and saw that people were stretched from beyond the lobby, down the dimly-lit halls, and into all the adjacent rooms. Terrance pushed the gurney forward, signaling Tobias to follow. “Come on,” he said. “Let's find a doctor.”

They moved past the lobby and down the hall where a sign indicated various hospital stations: prosthetics, prescriptions, radiology, and surgery, to name a few. They turned left where fewer people were gathered and almost ran into a female nurse.

“I'm sorry, excuse us,” Tobias said.

“Oh Lord!” the nurse said. “Y'all need to be more careful.”

“Very sorry, ma'am. Would you be able to help us? This man is badly injured and needs some help,” Tobias said.

The nurse flashed the most unsympathetic look imaginable. Her face was worn and sallow, her eyes tired. Terrance had known the drill before they even walked inside the hospital. They were on their own.

“You're going to have to wait, just like everyone else. We have minimal staff and resources to deal with all the patients at once. But we're trying our best.”

Terrance concealed his frustration and simply told the woman thanks as she scurried off down the hall.

“What are we going to do now?” Tobias asked.

“Follow me,” Terrance said. He pushed the man further down the hall toward two large double doors, looking for a miracle. Suddenly the doors swung open and a young orderly came through, pushing a cart with several stacked body bags.

“Coming through,” the man said.

They moved to the side and let him pass, but not before Terrance called out to him.

“Excuse me, sir!” he said.

The orderly slowed his pace but kept moving. “Yeah, what is it?

Terrance moved quickly to catch up with him. “Just a quick question.”

The orderly stopped and threw his arms down in frustration. “What is it, man? Can't you see I'm busy here?”

“I need a doctor,” Terrance said.

“Yeah, you and about a hundred fifty other people.”

Terrance pulled out his wallet using the only language they had left. “Here,” he said, pulling out a fifty-dollar bill. “Find me someone who can look at him. Anyone! I don't care.”

The man thought to himself, clearly considering it. Cash was a vital commodity, and Terrance knew it.

“Here!” Terrance said, placing two fifty dollar bills in the man's hand. “Find us a doctor.” He stared at the orderly in anticipation. “How about it?”

“Follow me,” the orderly said. He pushed his cart aside and walked toward the staircase exit. “You're gonna have to carry him. The elevators don't work.”

“Shit,” Terrance muttered, not knowing exactly what he had gotten them into.

Four floors and six flights of stairs later, they arrived to a relatively empty hospital hall. Terrance and Tobias hoisted the man onto a new gurney and fell back against the wall gasping for breath. It had been exhausting. The fourth floor was as dark as the first, only a little more quiet. Once everyone was situated, the orderly leaned in closer.

“All right, here's the deal. We got some doctors up here for the high priority patients. I don't know. You tell 'em this guy is the Duke of York or something, hand them some cash, and they'll take care of your friend.”

“How much?” Terrance asked.

“How much you got?” the orderly responded.

Terrance thumbed through the bills in his wallet—his emergency cash—and pondered how much he could part with.

“Just find me a doctor,” Terrance said.

The orderly went off and came back five minutes later with a tired-looking physician wearing a wrinkled gown with his sleeves rolled up. He was nearly bald and wore horn-rimmed glasses on the tip of his nose. He introduced himself to Terrance as Dr. Newton.

“My work is done here,” the orderly said, walking off.

Dr. Newton escorted them into an examination room. The overhead lights were as dim as those in the hall, causing the doctor to use a flashlight. He looked the man over intently, checking his pulse, and heart rate. He pushed down on the man's chest and felt along his neck.