Surviving The Dead: Heartland Zombie Apocalypse Vol. 1 (2 page)

Slinger continued on, “This thing snowballed so fast that we just don't have enough troops to keep up.  In the matter of a few days the majority of the population of every city had turned into Dee's.”

Wearily Slinger drifted off, after a couple of minutes he handed Crystal his rifle.  “I haven't slept in days, Ice can you take watch while I grab some shut eye”.

They continued on without further incident, avoiding cities and towns.  Stopping just before dark  they refueled from supplies brought with them.  They buried Bill in a shallow grave with little ceremony, then in silence ate a quick meal of MRE's.  Driving on through out the night they came upon the encampment of the main group shortly after daybreak.   The camp was vehicles circled like wagons and neat rows of tents inside the circle.

Touching the shell casing with her new name on it helped to make Crystal feel less alone and more part of the group.  However, she also realized that she needed to act to take care of herself and not wait for someone else.  As they pulled up to the circle of trucks one moved to make an opening so they could pull inside.

Climbing from the vehicles Slinger began introducing Crystal to the other members of the squad.  “Ice our driver here is Blade, he's got a thing for knives.” 

Blade looked at the pistol Crystal had holstered to her hip and pulled a knife from his pack, “ I see Andrews has given you a pistol, this here is one of my spares, keep it sharp and it will never let you down.” 

Crystal thanked him for the survival knife and then Slinger introduced her to the female soldier, “Ice say hello to Flame.” 

The woman laughed as he said her name, “Landers, Amy Landers, I'm glad we got a chance to get acquainted proper like.  The boys all say they call me Flame because I'm demolitions, but I think its because I'm too hot to handle.”  Amy paused a minute and considered Crystal's appearance, “Honey, your clothes are a mess and a little to dainty for what's coming up.  I've got some spare fatigues.  I think we're close enough to the same size.” 

As Amy handed Crystal the clothes Sgt. Andrews approached, “Miss, Flame will take you to get changed and then you can join us for breakfast and then the Colonel will let us know whats next.”

Crystal hadn't showered in days and all she was able to do at the latrine was give herself a quick sponge bath.  Her blonde hair was streaked with blood and brains and when she washed my face some of her freckles turned out to be dried blood too.  Crystal was a little concerned about getting infected, but none of the soldiers she was with had shown concern so hopefully she would be okay. 

After changing Crystal met Amy outside, being left handed Crystal had the pistol on her left hip and the survival knife just behind it.  Amy had Crystal switch the knife to her right hip saying, “If you get into a pack of Dee's your going to want to be able to fill both hands.” 

Amy then led Crystal over to where breakfast was being served.  A tremendous number of people were gathered there the majority of which were soldiers. At the back of the food line was a young man Crystal believed she recognized.

“Tobin, Tobin Grey is that you?”, Crystal called.

Tobin had grown up on the farm adjacent to the Innes spread and had a crush on Crystal as long as he could remember, “Crystal, oh my word, your the last person I expected to see here.  I am so glad to see you.”

Crystal being a couple years older, never encouraged Tobin, so it was entirely uncharacteristic of her to run to him me and hug him close.  Finding such a familiar face suddenly reminded Crystal of  her parents and she broke down and cried into his shoulder.  Tobin did his best to comfort her, but secretly enjoyed the closeness of the woman he had desired from afar for so long.

Eventually Crystal gathered herself and released Tobin from her embrace, “Your parents, your sister are they here as well?”

“No they are gone, you and I and a handful of others are all that is left from our town.  What about you, are your parents here?”, Tobin answered sorrowfully.

Crystal just wiped back a tear and shook her head.

The pair got their breakfast, powdered eggs, toast, and coffee and found a spot to eat.  Tobin started filling Crystal in on what has been happening at camp, “I've been here a day and a half and there has been a steady stream of survivors trickling in.  The soldiers are pretty tight lipped as to what is going on, but I guess we all know it is not good.  They keep a steady watch and every once and a while you hear them shooting at Dee's.  Most of the survivors are pretty traumatized and stick to themselves.”

Tobin pointed out a large good-natured looking man, “The big guy over there is Ivan McPherson, he's a one man welcoming committee.  I think he was one of the first ones here and he makes a point of getting to know everyone.  There is something about him that seems to put people at ease.  His wife Ivy and their two teenage daughter are here as well.” 

Crystal spied an attractive young woman walking to the breakfast line showing way too much skin,  “Well there is an interesting choice of attire.” 

Tobin chuckled, “That is Amelia Cavendish, her dad is Myles Cavendish, some big wig executive type.  Her mother is here too and she is about half Myles age.  Myles isn't the worst sort, but Amelia and here mom, flirt, pout, and whine, just to get their way.”

Just then they called us over so the Colonel could address the crowd.  Tobin and Crystal made their way to the other side of the circle where the unit commandeer stood in the back of a truck waiting for everyone to filter over. 

When everyone had gathered Colonel Osgood's voice came over the loud speakers, “Please settle down and give me your attention.  I am Colonel Osgood and I wish I could give you all better news.  I can tell you though we do have a plan that is your best chance for survival.  You folks probably know this already, but the world as we knew it, is over.  However, you people and other groups like you are our best hope to reclaim this country.  The dead, what we are calling the Dee's have us outnumbered.  Fortunately many parts of Nebraska are lightly populated and that is your edge.  Over the past few days as my soldiers have worked to locate survivors I have had them gather as much supplies as possible.  We have had no contact with either other units or central command.  If any of you want to strike out on your own that is your prerogative, however, I recommend you stay together.  I'm taking the bulk of my troops in to Lincoln to search for additional survivors.  Some of my men will accompany you to provide additional assistance though.  Sgt. Andrews here has my total confidence and is handling the bug out plan for you.”

Sgt. Andrews began to speak as the rifle fire began to pick up. “Folks I'm going to say this quick, we are going to leave within the hour.  When we leave we'll have one jeep running ahead to make sure the way is clear.  One jeep leading the caravan and setting the pace.  The trucks will run in two columns using both lanes of the road that will keep the caravan from getting too long.   Last night most of you were assigned a truck to ride in and drivers for the trucks were selected.  Those of you that don't have an assignment wait here and we will find you a spot.  We won't be stopping very often or very long make sure to use the latrines before we leave.  We will do a nose count to make sure we got everyone, but once we are on the road make sure to keep your family close.  The same goes for those of you assigned the care of some of the orphans.  That is all I have get ready and head to your truck as quick as you can we will deal with any questions once the trucks are loaded.”

People began to drift off to gather their meager belongings.  Waiting to be given her truck assignment Crystal saw Colonel Osgood heading towards a man with a couple of children.  Before he could reach them he was interrupted by another man.

“Colonel a minute please.  Myles Cavendish”, declared the man as he extended his hand.  “Sir we are really grateful for all you've done, but my wife and daughter are really struggling with the thought of bouncing around in the back of truck.  If there was a private car, I'm quite wealthy money would really not be an object.” 

Crystal could see the anger rising in the Colonel at the stupidity and selfishness of this man, but before he could respond Ivan McPherson walked up and said he would explain the situation to Mr. Cavendish. 

Ivan then put an arm around the shoulders of Myles and took him aside. “Myles I don't think you understand, any money you had is of no value.  What is of value is what you can do to provide for the welfare of our group.  Are we clear.” 

Myles considered Ivan a moment then stuck out his hand, “Thank you, I understand.  I feel like an idiot and I appreciate your frankness.  We won't let you down”  He moved off to his wife and daughter who didn't take the news as well as he had.

Colonel Osgood continued over to the man with the children, “Walt hold up a minute.” 

Bending down he hugged each of the kids, “Travis, Cassie make me a promise to look after your dad, OK.” 

With tears in their eyes they nodded and in unison spoke, “We Promise”. 

The Colonel turned to the man, “Matt I've made it clear since my daughter married you that I would have preferred that she had a married a career man.  However, you've always done well by her and your twins and I want you to know I respect you for sticking with your convictions.  The world is going to need people like you that can look for a different solution.” 

The Colonel unbuckled his gun belt which holstered a pair of ivory handled revolvers.  “These pistols were handed down to me by my father and I want you to take them now and use them to keep my grandchildren safe.” 

Matt took the pistols, strapped them on and then shook the older mans hand.  Colonel Osgood shook his head, “A handshake is not going to make it” and pulled Matt in for a hug. 

The two children joined the two men in a family embrace.  After a moment Matt spoke, “Bryan thanks for every thing you've done.  Sarah was always proud of you and you will be pleased to know she went out saving others.  I truly hope we will see you again.”  Matt took his kids in tow and headed to the waiting trucks.

Crystal was so wrapped up with the scenes she had just witnessed that she had forgotten about Tobin.  Crystal became aware that Tobin was still waiting with her.  Crystal turned towards him and he smiled and then quickly gave her a hug.  At first Crystal stiffened in surprise but quickly changed her mind and hugged him back as he whispered, “Crystal I am so happy your OK.” 

Not wanting to encourage him Crystal broke off the embrace and told him to get to his truck and that we would catch up again later.  Dr. Lindermann, Ed and a handful of others were left with Crystal waiting to be assigned their ride.  Shortly Amy came up and directed them to their truck.  She told them to gather any belongings they had, use the latrine and get back to the truck as quick as they could.

Since all her belongings were on her back and the line at the latrine had now shortened Crystal was back to the truck in short order.  Reasoning that she would be sitting for quite some time Crystal waited outside of the truck as the others she was sharing the truck with showed up.  Somewhat surprising to her, Crystal was really pleased that Tobin was on her truck. 

The McPherson's were with them as well.  Sgt. Andrews showed up with the Cavendish family.  Myles was loaded down with luggage, his wife and daughter weren't used to packing light.  Sgt. Andrews asked Ivan, the Cavendish family and Crystal to wait outside.  He then instructed everyone else to get on board and showed them where to store their gear. 

When everyone was on Sgt. Andrews turned to Myles, “Mr. Cavendish you and your family will ride in the cab.” 

Myles protested, “Oh no that is okay we are perfectly happy to ride with everyone else.” 

Sgt. Andrews snapped back, “Sir I am not trying to do you any favors, we have a long ride ahead of us and if one of you spout off like you did to the Colonel these people are going to throw you from the truck.  Now stow what you can in the truck, anything that won't fit carry on your lap or leave behind.” 

Mrs. Cavendish  started to protest, but her husband shut her down, “Cynthia shut it.”

As the Cavendish family settled themselves Sgt. Andrews spoke to Ivan and Crystal, “We are asking to have two people help with security on each of the trucks.  You will be the last ones on and the first ones off.  No one else gets off until you give the all clear.  If we do run into trouble we will look to you to help keep the truck safe.”