Station Hope (Book 1): Humanities Last Stand (3 page)

   “Ya, those perimeter alarms are tough to sleep through. What all happened up there this morning? I heard a lot of shooting again.”

   “A small group rushed the wall, none even got close to getting over. I shot a small one dead center in the chest. The funny thing about it was he was dressed in regular clothes and so were some of the others.”

   “The shit you say, dressed like we are? I ain’t ever seen a creature dressed before. Did you give it to old Doc Frankenstein?”

   “Ya, I'm sure the Doc and Ivy are examining him now.”

   “What ya got planned for today little guy?”

  I looked over at Spencer and saw that little boy smile on his face as he waited for my reply. We teased each other good but when the shit hit the fan everyone knew I was in charge and Spencer followed. Spencer was smart enough to know that he wasn't smart enough to lead. He trusted me and I trusted him. We were a good match, often anticipating what the other was thinking or about to do. I was the brains, the leader while Spencer was the muscle.

   “Thinking of doing a little hunting, some venison on the table would be great but I'd be happy with a few squirrels.”

   “Well let me get that big old Dodge running first and I'll go with you, should only take me half an hour.”

   “OK, I'll grab some food, water, and my shotgun and meet you at the main gate.”

   Spencer walked past me on his way to the Dodge, giving me a quick slap on the ass and saying, “sure thing little buddy, I'll be there in thirty.”

   I shook my head and smiled as I walked out of the sally port. The long central corridor lay before me. It ran down the middle of the old jail, the cell blocks branched off the north end while the kitchen, sally port, workshops and other rooms branched off the south. Old administrative offices, now used as the courtroom, meeting rooms for the Board of Elders and my father's official office were on the second floor. Also, up there was the gym and locker rooms. All things considered, this was a pretty good place to live.

I could see the unmistakable figure of my father at the far north end of the corridor. From this distance, he looked like a small child walking towards me. I began walking and met him almost at the mid point, just in front of the staircase that lead to the administrative offices.

   “Billy Boy come upstairs with me to my office.”

   I could tell by his tone that this was more of an order than a request.

   “Sure thing, what's going on?”

   My father started up the stairs and continued, “It's been a long winter and our supply's are down. We are going to have to plan a scavenging trip.”

   We entered the familiar office, my father took his seat behind a massive oak desk. The nameplate read David Steffins. My father's name was Henry so it was always odd for me to look at it. The desk was the type that everyone noticed as they walked into a room. Its leather top was still in good condition, the wood itself had a few scratches but for its age it was a beautiful piece of furniture. I figured it had once belonged to the local Sheriff or the Jail Administrator. The office had a large window just behind the desk that overlooked the main courtyard. From this vantage point, you could see over the wall and into the tree line. At the opposite end of the room was a large leather couch that had seen it's better days. I sat down and began to pick at the peeling leather on the armrest.

   “Stop picking at that and pay attention.”

He was spreading out a map across his desk. At the top it read 'Wisconsin, a red circle indicated the compounds location. Smaller blue circles indicated areas we had already conducted scavenging trips in.

   “We have covered most of the outlying areas of the city, the only thing worth revisiting might be the hospital. I think it's time to move further into the city.”

   I moved to the edge of the couch and pointed to a city about 40 miles to the south.

   “What about trying a trip to Appleton, you know it could have a lot for us.”

   “That's too far right now, we don't have the equipment or men for that.”

   “I just spoke to Spencer yesterday, he has two cargo trucks, three 4x4 trucks and two old armored bank trucks that can make the trip. We would just need to make enough biofuel to make it there and back.”

   “I don't think it's a good idea, that's at least a day there, a few days to scavenge and a day to drive back. We don't know where the creatures are around here and we for sure don't know where the hell they are in Appleton. It's been over eight months since anyone has even been close to that area and they barely made it here alive.”

   “That was a small group of poorly armed people running for their lives. We can be a well armed, well equipped, organized team. You can't seriously compare us to them.” I paused while my father debated silently in his mind. “You know as well as I do that we are going to have to venture out further to get the supplies we need.”

   I could see that my father's mind was not made up yet, after another few moments of silence I attempted to persuade him further.

   “If we get into trouble we can used the armored bank trucks to protect ourselves.”

   My father looked up at me, paused and said, “how many will you take with you?”

   I filled with excitement knowing we would soon be off on a long-awaited adventure. A chance to prove myself to both me and my father. I couldn't help smiling while still maintaining a serious demeanor. This, after all, was going to be a long and dangerous trip. The compound would be depending on us to bring back the supplies they all needed.

   “I will take ten along with James, Ivy, and Spencer. I'll select the ten from the wall defense team.”

   My father looked back down to the map and said, “Your mother is not going to be happy about this you know. I'll smooth it over like I always do. Oh ya before I forget, Eddie wants to go with you. He says he needs some specific parts that only he can find.”

   “That little prick, I'll take him, but I don't like it.”

   I didn't really dislike Eddie that much. I even thought we could become friends if it wasn't for his damn arrogance. His I'm greater than anyone because I fix the items most valued by all attitude was very off putting.

   My father cleared his throat to cover his laugh. “You know how important he is, you can't let anything happen to him.”

   “I know, I know.” I stood, most of the excitement had passed now. “That little shit has got to start teaching someone else how to fix all that stuff before something does happen to him.”

   “You're right and we will work on that after this mission. For now, meet up with Uncle Phil, he is compiling a list of what we need. Coordinate that with him and make sure Spencer gets his wish list ready. I figure it will take you a few days to get ready so let's plan on you leaving at dawn three days from today.”

   “That sounds about right, with any luck in less than two weeks we can be back in this office discussing how successful the trip has been.”

   “Alright, Billy Boy, get going now I have a lot of other work to do today. I'll see you for dinner.”

   “OK, and thank you.”

   I walked out of the office not sure where I was heading. My mind was whirling, so many things to think about and plan for. A mix of excitement and fear filled me. Who knows what we might find out there excited me. While at the same time what we might find out there filled me with fear. First things first, I had to find Uncle Phil and get that list together.

3

A few days passed, the entire compound was busy preparing for the group to leave on the scavenging trip the following morning. The trucks were packed and fully fueled, weapons cleaned, plenty of ammo, plenty of food. I was busy double checking supplies when my father approached along with Uncle Phil.

   “Everything ready Billy Boy?”

   “I think we are all set, we have food, water, ammo, fuel everything we need.”

   “This is your first trip as the leader so you watch yourself Billy Boy.”

  I stood close to my father, feeling the uneasy awkwardness that often accompanies a son and father at pivotal times in their lives. He reached out and grabbed my shoulders, pulling me into his chest while holding back a tear. I knew he was proud of the man I had become; I only hope I can live up to his expectations. I also knew he would always fear for my safety no matter what age I was.

   “Here you go Billy,” Uncle Phil handed me a small hand held radio, “Eddie just got these working. He said they should reach as far as ten miles. So you can keep in contact with us for part of the trip.”

   “Thanks, Uncle Phil.” I took the radio attempting to wipe my eyes without anyone seeing the tears.

   “And here are two others he got working, he said these only have a range of a couple miles. You can use them if you need to separate your team.”

   “Great, I'm sure they will come in very handy.”

   “Well I think that about does it Billy Boy, let's head to the mess hall and join your mother and brother for dinner.” Father gave me a reassuring hand on my shoulder as we headed down the long corridor.

   It was the custom to have a party the night before a scavenging trip. A little extra food, some music, some dancing. It was a way the community thanked those who were risking their lives for them. It was a welcome distraction for those who were about to leave the relative safety of the compound. I walked into the mess hall and scanned the crowd looking for Ivy. I wanted to find her along with James and Spencer so we could eat together then finalize a few last minute details. I scanned to my right, attempting to see over and around all the people. The crowd seemed to magically separate as Ivy came into view. There she was standing near the north wall. I had a full view of her as she looked my way, our eyes met and that funny feeling hit me as it always did. Even in her camo military style pants, calf high black boots and black turtle neck she was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I quickly walked over to her and asked, “All set for tomorrow morning?”

   “As set as I'll ever be, Billy.”

   “have you seen James or Spencer?”

   Ivy moved closer to, she smelled so clean, so nice. I lost my train of thought for a moment as I looked down at her jet black hair. A slap in the back of the head brought me back to reality.

   “Hi, big brother, mom is looking for you.” James had a cocky ass grin on his face. His mood was upbeat, but I could tell he was just as scared as I was.

   “You slap me in the head like that again and you'll never see mom again.”

   Both of us laughed and knew neither meant it.

   “Have you seen Spencer?” I asked.

   “Ya, he is in the sally port working on one of the 4x4's.”

   “Is there a problem with it?”

   “No, I think he is just nervous so he's double checking everything. He said he would find us later.”

   “OK, let's find Mom and Dad, get something to eat and go over a few things. Then we should all try and get some sleep. I want to be on the move at first light.”

   James snapped to attention and gave a condescending salute.

   “Yes Sir! right away Sir!”

   “Watch it, James, I don't want to kick your ass in front of all these fine people.”

   “You two are so childish,” Ivy said slightly perturbed, “I can't believe I have to go on a mission with two children in charge.”

   With that, she pushed her way through the brothers and headed for the tables. James and I looked at each other and broke out laughing.

   “Oh no, your girlfriend is mad at us now,” James said joking.

   “Don’t worry about her, she's not really mad, just scared, like we are.”

   “Who's scared? Not me big brother.”

   “Ya, right.”

  I gave James a slap on the back shoulder and we followed Ivy. We soon found Mother and Father enjoying what was one of the better meals ever served in the cafeteria. The deer Spencer and I managed to harvest the other day was being enjoyed by all. The cook had put together a thick, rich stew that was quite delicious. Once everyone was almost finished, Spencer decided to show up.

   “Where have you been numb nuts?” I said affectionately.

   “Just making sure the vehicles were all ready to go.”

   “Any problems I should know about?”

   “Nope, nothing, everything is in tip top order Chief.”

   “Great,” I could see the grease and dirt on Spenser's hands, “wash up and get some grub, I want to meet in cell block E and go over a few things.”

   A half hour later we were all assembled in cell block E. I had a map laid out across one of the metal tables. The mood was somber as the reality of what we were about to embark on sank in. James was studying the map intently; he would have to navigate if anything happened to me. Spencer was to his right; he wasn't really paying attention but I didn't mind. Spencer was the muscle not the brains of the outfit. Ivy was to Spenser's right and I was next to her.

   “We will take the old highway 41 south, that means we have to cross the bridge downtown in order to hook up with it. It will take some time but with any luck we should be in Appleton by late afternoon.”

   James looked over the map, he was trying to memorize some of the old side roads. He wanted to be prepared if highway 41 was impassible at some point.

   “Where are you thinking we will spend the night?” asked Ivy.

   I pointed to a small blue 'H' icon on the map. “This must be a hospital on the north side of the city. We will make our way there, secure it and send out scouts. We will spend the night and start scavenging first thing in the morning.” I paused, “any questions?”

   No one said a word, it was getting late and everyone was exhausted.

   “Alright then, let's try and get some sleep.”