From Within (13 page)

“It would take longer to get in,” Beth said. “It would give Will more time.” She paused and then groaned. “Why would they burn it down? That is a stupid plan. Of course they wouldn’t burn it down. They’d be sitting around forever for those logs to burn through.”

Lea didn’t say anything. Her face scrunched up in worry.

*****

Will’s lungs burned as he sprinted up the hill. He was abeam the patch of trees that their driveway curved through when he decided to jump the fence. Once over, he continued along the fence. He was slowing once he got to where the land leveled off and their house was just beyond the clearing. It wasn’t by choice, it was due to his lungs grasping for more and more oxygen. He made no effort to avoid the plants as he cut across the yard directly to the house and crossed the gardens. They wouldn’t need to care for them anymore.

He reached the porch and leaned forward, placing his hands on his knees. It was all he could do to draw in as much oxygen as his lungs desired. He looked back down the driveway for the first time since sprinting up. He saw a glow illuminating the trees from a distance. He thought it was the gate being set aflame. He had a little bit of time before it burned enough for the trucks to drive through but still wanted to hurry. He didn’t want to be anywhere near the house when they came up the hill. Drawing all the energy he could, he opened the door and rushed inside.

The go-bag was in the closet by the front door. He pulled it out and placed it on the floor in the middle of the room. He went back to the closet and grabbed an empty canvas bag that had been used for grocery shopping. He pulled all the boxes of ammunition from the shelf above down, placing them in the bag. He pulled two rifles that leaned against the back wall of the closet as well and placed everything on the floor by his go-bag. He ran back to his room and into his closet. He pulled out the tub of camping gear and carried it out to the living room and placed it next to the other items. Looking at all the things piled together, he wished he could use his Jeep. Maybe he could. He could load all the things and drive the Jeep across the back yard and to the back corner of the property. Beyond the back lawn, it was all trees again. There should be room in between the trees to get his Jeep through, he hoped. They had thinned the trees on their property to help prevent wildfires from burning through the area. The worst case scenario would be to hide the items there and come back with the others to get everything all at once. Perhaps he could break through the fence at some point up there and they’d have an easier way to travel.

He swung the go-bag on to his back and secured the front buckle across his chest. He took one of the rifles and put it on his shoulder. He picked up the tub of camping supplies and quickly went towards the back door. He wasn’t sure how he had any energy to carry one of these items, let alone being weighed down by everything he decided to pick up at once. He went around to the side of the house where his Jeep was parked. He paused for a moment considering the noise it would make. He could hear vehicles running from down the hill, presumably the truck that was there before and at least another. He thought he would be safe since their loud exhaust would conceal any noise his Jeep made. He opened the back of the Jeep and loaded the tub, go-bag, and rifle. He ran back in to get the other rifle and the ammunition and glanced out the large window as he picked everything up. The trees were getting brighter. It definitely wasn’t light from a fire. It wasn’t flickering. Were they already through? It seemed way too quick.  He rushed to the back door. He had wanted to get more things. He got half way to his Jeep when he remembered he hadn’t carried his keys for at least a month. He turned and ran back in. He swiped the keys from the hook in the kitchen and rushed back out.

As Will approached the Jeep he saw headlights through the trees where the driveway curved. Not just one set, but several. He threw the bag of ammo and the rifle across onto the passenger seat and he jumped in. Some of the boxes of ammunitions spilled onto his lap. He put the key in and the engine turned and turned as it attempted to start. He could see the vehicles moving slowly, still in the trees. Will thought they must be making sure no one was about to ambush them. He wished he could.

“Come on,” Will said out loud to himself.

Will turned the key again. The choking sound was all he heard again. The Jeep hadn’t been used in over a month. It was another thing to add to the list of things he wished he would have done. This situation was eye-opening. All of his prepping and planning didn’t mean much for this situation thrown at them. He wished he would have started his Jeep every few days. Wishes weren’t getting him anything right now. In about thirty seconds he would have to bail and run. He could probably only get the go-bag and maybe one rifle and one box of ammo. He wouldn’t have time to get anything else. He would be too slow if he tried to carry everything with the vehicles nearing the house.

The engine finally caught and he threw the transmission into reverse. He backed up steadily, making sure not to have too much noise until he was fully hidden by the house and turned around. As he shifted into drive and started moving forward he saw all the trees on the edge of the yard become illuminated. The vehicles must have reached the leveled out front yard. He would have to stay in the shadow of the house. He hoped they kept their vehicles running so they wouldn’t hear his Jeep. He guessed they would since they were keeping all the lights on. He turned to what he thought would be the widest opening in the trees. He wished again, hoping for a more satisfying outcome compared to the last wish, that there would be a wide enough path all the way to the far corner of the property. There should be with the tree clearing they had done.

“Thank you, Jesus,” he whispered as he reached the corner section of the fence.

He brought the Jeep forward until the front bumper was up against the fencing. He slowly continued ahead waiting for the fencing material to break away from the posts. The Jeep struggled slightly and finally broke through. He passed through the opening and drove straight ahead, away from their property for a few hundred yards. He would hide the Jeep before heading back on foot to everyone else. He considered the possibility of this group noticing tire tracks across the gardens in the backyard and following them to find the broken fence. From there, they might be able to find the Jeep. He decided he would have to take the risk. He would take the go-bag and continue on foot.

*****

“Shoot. Shoot. SHOOT,” Beth said rapidly.

Beth, Lea, and Juana were all watching as the long procession of vehicles, cars and trucks now, turned onto their driveway and slowly started up the hill. About a dozen men walked along with the first couple of vehicles. They all had some type of military style rifle with long magazines protruding below them. They kept the rifles ready, sweeping both sides of the convoy. Several of the vehicles at the front had spotlights trained at the trees on either side. The three of them felt helpless as they watched all this unfold.

“Is that a semi-truck?” Juana asked, pointing down the road.

“Looks like a fuel carrier,” Beth answered. “I bet that’s how they can keep driving.”

“And we can’t,” Lea added.

“Will, you better be out of there,” Beth said openly with gritted teeth, staring at all the vehicles occupying her property.

The three were now all standing back up, feeling they were safely hidden in the trees. The noise of all the cars and trucks luring them into a sense of security where they could speak openly. The chances were so small that they would be seen. They didn’t realize how brightened the forest had become from all the headlights and spotlights. There were no lights directly pointed at them, however, the light found its way. It would snake through the trees unexpectedly. Every time a vehicle made the turn from the road on to the driveway and brief flash of the headlights would illuminate where they stood. Someone would have to be in just the right location and know exactly where to look through the trees to see the three women.

*****

The truck that had gone further down the road towards Lewis’s farm was returning to their comrades. The driver let off the gas as he approached his group. The passenger glanced up the hill into the trees just as another vehicle turned from the road to the driveway. He reached over to the driver, grabbed his shirt at the elbow area.

“STOP!” he yelled. “I see people in the trees. It doesn’t look like they’ve seen us.”

“Where?” the driver asked.

“Right up there,” the passenger said pointing into the trees.

The driver turned off his headlights and they both exited the truck. They left the doors open, presumably not to alert the people they saw in the trees. The driver joined the other man and they both kept their eyes and weapons trained on the people in the woods as they quickly crept up the slight hill into the trees.

Beth, Lea, and Juana were too focused. All of their hearts were pounding, palms sweaty, eyebrows involuntarily lifted in worry as they waited and wondered if Will was in the clear. The constant engine and exhaust noise overpowering all other sounds.

“All three of you hands up,” a voice said.

All three, startled by the voice, jumped in surprise. Juana, seeing the two men, started and suppressed a scream, holding a hand to her mouth. The blood drained from their faces as they all realized there were two men with guns trained on them. They couldn’t make out their faces as they stood in the shadows of the trees. They could easily assume these were the two men from the other truck.

“We could always use more women,” the driver said.

The other man laughed. “Use. That’s for sure.” He paused for a moment. “Say, look here. I call the young one. That’s some nice tan skin.”

“I’m sure Gerard might have other plans than you have,” the driver said.

“Gerard doesn’t have to know about them quite yet. He’s busy anyways,” the man pointed at the vehicles crawling up the hill.

Tears were now streaming down the faces of all three.

“Now don’t cry about something so fun,” the man said, still with his creepy smile. “Come on. What’s your name? Come with me.” He extended out his hand as if he were about to help Lea.

The three were in shock, frozen. The only thing moving was their eyes and the tears that fell from them.

April 2037

Marcus sat on the bed in his Conex container, laptop perched on his legs. He typed out a message for Thomas.

I’m in. 100%. Whatever your plan is. Millions around the country dead. CMA doing nothing about it. CMA purposely hiding this news from me and everyone. It sounds like they want people dead. Will find out more soon. Heading West this week on assignment.

Marcus clicked through the few options as he was instructed. He entered his password to run the encryption software. He copied and pasted the resulting gibberish onto the memory stick and then placed it in the breast pocket of his suit.

Marcus quickly walked in between the containers, turning left and right, weaving back and forth to head as direct as he could towards the camp exit. He concluded that he would just pretend it was his day off hoping they’d let him out of the camp so he could get to the cafe. He paused next to the last container before crossing the dirt road to reach the pedestrian exit. He was clearing his head before approaching the guard.

A nervous sweat broke out on his forehead. It wasn’t that hot out so he couldn’t blame it on any heat. It was actually a gorgeous spring day. His palms began to sweat too. He wondered how he could be so comfortable on t.v. in front of millions but nearly broke down when it came to hiding one little secret from the guard, a stranger. No time left now, he was only steps away from the guard.

“Howdy, sir,” Marcus said to the guard.

The guard nodded his head and said, “Marcus.” He reached into the small toll-booth sized guard shack and retrieved a clipboard. “Heading to the cafe again?” he asked as he looked down at the clipboard.

“Yes, sir,” Marcus said. “I want to get a cup of their fine coffee before they ship me out of here for a few days.”

The guard flipped through a couple of pages attached to the clipboard. “Hold on now. It looks like you were off base earlier this week. Is that right?”

Marcus raced through several options in his mind. None of them seemed to mesh well with his plan to stay off the radar for a little while. Lying could very well bring more attention to him.

“Oh,” Marcus said. “Maybe I was. I’ve been so busy that I couldn’t remember when the last time I was off. What day does that say I last went to the cafe? You know, I actually am not sure what day today is,” he told the little white lie thinking it wouldn’t hurt him.

“It says you went two days ago on Sunday. It’s Tuesday. Sorry, Marcus. I’m not going to be able to let you off today. Rules are rules.”

“My mistake,” Marcus said with a slight chuckle. He hoped he was acting well enough. “I’ll just grab a coffee from the mess tent. I just like the cafe’s coffee so much better. Have you been over there? They just always seemed to have the freshest coffee. Maybe they buy whole beans and grind it themselves. Maybe I’m just too used to the coffee here.” He laughed.

“Nope. Haven’t been there,” the guard said straight-faced. He wasn’t joining Marcus in any of his laughter. “Maybe I’ll make it in there the next time I’m out and I’ll give the coffee a taste. I’ll let you know what I think.”

“Yes, thank you,” Marcus said. “That’ll let me know if it’s all in my head.” He smiled. The guard forced a smiled back. “I’ll see you next week then.”

“Bye, Marcus.”

Sometimes Marcus wished people didn’t recognize him so easily. He had no idea who the guard was. He had probably seen him before, but there always seemed to be a different one every time he left the camp. He wondered if his nervousness showed too much. If he was too awkward in the exchange the guard would easily be able to report who he was.

Marcus walked towards the mess tent as not to alert the guard. He would have to pretend he was on his way for the cup of coffee. Now he had to come up with a new plan. Maybe he would get a crappy cup of coffee from the mess tent. He was already heading in that direction anyways. He had to figure out some way to get to the cafe and thinking over a cup of coffee might do the trick. Then the thought crossed his mind. He had passed a few tents by now and was out of sight of the guard. He turned abruptly towards the center of the camp, making a B-line to the administrative tent.

He walked into the administrative tent. It technically was a work day for him and he should probably appear like he was working. There was a tent next door for the WWNL personnel but he still had business in this tent from time to time. He went to Anthony’s office along the side of the tent. His door was open but the office was empty. He remembered seeing Anthony in some of the other offices some of the times he came in here to find him. He peeked his head into the open door next to Anthony’s office. This office was empty as well. He moved on. The next office was empty as well. All of their doors were left open. He had never seen Anthony’s or any of these other doors left open, ever, not even when their habitants were inside. He wondered if the had been called away in a hurry.

Marcus looked towards the center of the tent and saw there were plenty of people looking busy in the open desks that surrounded the center conference room. The conference room. He could see through the window into the room. From where he stood all the way across the tent he could tell there were people in the room. Anthony must be in there. He turned back to the open office. He saw some papers on the desk. He thought they had ‘TOP SECRET’ written across the top. He looked back around. Satisfied no one was watching him, he darted inside.

Once inside, he noticed a coffee maker with a full pot of coffee sitting on a table that wasn’t visible from the open office door. He thought for a moment that he could use the excuse of stealing some coffee if he got caught.
So much for laying low
, he thought. He would have to be quick to not get caught. He looked down at the page.

TOP SECRET Level One Security Only. STEP TWO Procedures

He felt adrenaline rush through his veins. His heart began to pound. This must be the ‘next step’ Mara almost spilled in that meeting. The sense of panic that overwhelmed him caused him to quickly skim over the document.

...eradication of mobs and generally violent regions.

...acceptable non-violent civilian losses…

Non-nuclear option only

Avoidance of CMA assets and Level One Security interests is HIGH PRIORITY

...acceptable CMA asset losses…

Planned option: MC-150A 30,000-pound SAT-Guided Ordnance

Marcus couldn’t believe what he was reading. The last half of the page was five columns of the smallest font size legible. It was a list of different cities. There were so many cities from all over the country. They were planning on bombing nearly every large city in the United States. They not only didn’t care that millions had already died, they wanted all those people dead. They wanted millions and millions more dead. What could be the reason? Marcus was unable to comprehend it. His head began to spin. He felt dizzy. He looked down again, there was another page. He looked at the door. Now that he was in the office he couldn’t see out the partially open door. He didn’t hear anyone nearby.
Here goes
, he thought. He figured he could always play it off like he knew what the ‘Next Step’ was all along. Kenneth had said they were keeping him out of the loop so he could only hope it would work. He slid the top page aside.

Reestablishment plan named STEP THREE. Summary of plan follows:

Marcus skimmed down the list.

-Remaining population, assumably from camps, will conform to CMA plans and work schedules.

-New population centers, as defined in STEP THREE document, to be established.

-Utilities and services to be wholly owned assets of CMA.

-Laws and duties of government will be set in regulatory document, currently named 1000.1 (to be renamed),

-CMA founders, Level One Security, will set areas of governance, and will be the governing body.

-All non-conforming subjects will be either be reeducated or terminated, depending on law or decision of governing body.

-Time frame: currently set for Spring/Summer 2037.

Marcus thought he might be sick. He wasn’t sure if he could read anymore. He reached into his pocket and brought out his personal phone. He opened up the camera and quickly snapped a picture. He quickly returned the phone to his pocket. Stepping back, he turned and leaned his forearms against the table, trying to slow his breathing.

“Mr. Braden, what are you doing in here?” a voice said.

Marcus nearly jumped. He stood up straight and turned to see General Bryce, the military commander for the Northeast Region. He was quite the intimidating man. Marcus thought anyone who reached the status of general would have to be.
Did he see me taking the picture of the document
?

“Oh General,” Marcus said. “You startled me. I...uh...apologize for being in your office. I was looking for Anthony.” He was trying to collect his thoughts.

“Well he clearly isn’t in here, Mr. Braden,” General Bryce said. He made a sweeping motion across his office with his arm after completing the statement.

“Yes, I know,” Marcus said. “I came into your office to see if Anthony was in here. I’ve seen him in here before when looking for him. I assumed he could be since he wasn’t in his own office.” Marcus was worried he was rambling, which might make him look even more suspicious than he already did. “Anyway, I saw your coffee and was going to steal a cup. Is that alright with you? I was hoping that you, being a General, that you’d have more premium coffee than the mess tent.” He smiled, hoping to lighten the mood in the room.

General Bryce narrowed his eyes at Marcus, studying him. “That would be fine. I can’t finish a whole pot anyway. I’m a bit of a coffee snob. I take it you are too?”

“Oh yes,” Marcus said. “I make it out to the cafe in town the once a week I’m allowed just so I can get some different coffee.”

General Bryce stepped to his desk and saw the pages he had left out. Marcus took a styrofoam cup and poured himself some coffee.

“Would you like me to pour you a cup?” Marcus asked.

“No, thank you, Mr. Braden,” General Bryce said. “I’ll get one after we are finished with our meeting in the conference room.” He paused, looked down at the pages and then back to Marcus. “Anthony is busy in the meeting as well. What did you want to see him for?”

“I overheard about a supply issue,” Marcus said. “I thought it would be some decent news as filler for when I’m gone. I was going to get permission from Anthony for a vehicle or the helicopter.”

The General pushed the two pages back together and pursed his lips. Marcus thought he no longer looked like he was in any mood to chat about coffee. He was trying to conceal his growing fear.

“I’m sure it would be no problem,” General Bryce said without looking at Marcus. He took the pages along with another folder from the top of his desk and stepped to the door and opened it wider, a clear signal for Marcus to leave. “I’ll let Anthony know that you were looking for him and that you’ll be leaving the base to cover a story.”

“Thank you, sir,” Marcus said and he stepped towards the door.

“Mr. Braden,” the general said as Marcus passed him, “make sure I am in here before you come in next time.”

The General, only slightly shorter than Marcus, stared directly at him. Marcus was drawing from every ounce of his being not to show any fear. General Bryce was trying to establish himself as greater and more powerful than Marcus.

“Of course, General,” Marcus said. “I do sincerely apologize. I shouldn’t have come in. I was tempted by the coffee,” Marcus laughed, hoping humor would settle the General down.

General Bryce smiled. Marcus was fairly sure it was a fake smile, perhaps to conceal the anger he felt towards him. Marcus wasn’t sure if the General figured out that he had read the document or took a picture of it.

“Feel free to stop by for a cup of coffee whenever,” General Bryce added. “There are just too many high-security items in my office for people to be in here without me. I’m sure you understand. We wouldn’t want you to get into trouble.”

General Bryce was still smiling. Marcus thought the smile might actually be sincere. Maybe the General would let this go and not tell anyone that he had caught him in his office. Most importantly, he was beginning to become fairly certain the General didn’t see him take pictures of top secret documents.

“Thank you, General,” Marcus said. “I definitely will. Very good coffee, by the way,” Marcus said holding up his now half-empty styrofoam cup.

General Bryce smiled and nodded. He stepped out of his office and closed the door behind himself. Marcus turned and walked towards the tent exit, not looking back. After exiting the administrative tent he breathed deeply and quickened his pace towards the WWNL tent. Now he would somehow have to gather a team that he could fool into letting him make a stop at the cafe.

Reaching his desk, he tossed the now empty styrofoam cup into his trashcan and dropped all his weight in his chair, letting out a long sigh. He sat for a moment trying to catch his breath and collect his thoughts. He wasn’t out of breath from rushing from one tent to the next or from facing the General. He was out of breath due to all the information he had learned. Marcus unlocked his desk and started to gather the few things he always brought with him when he went out for a story. He looked around the tent to try to spot Blake.