Surviving The Dead: Heartland Zombie Apocalypse Vol. 1 (3 page)

He pulled a couple of rifles from those stored on the truck, gave a short lecture on there workings and then a final warning “Don't be too quick to arm the rest of the passengers, if they are not experienced with firearms that could be more dangerous than Dee's, but if it comes to that there are plenty of weapons on-board.” 

Sgt. Andrews left and Ivan and Crystal took up positions standing guard, Crystal feeling a bit foolish standing there with the rifle slung over her shoulder.  She wasn't sure why she was being trusted with this responsibility, but by God she was going to do best best keep these people safe.  After a few minutes they could hear the vehicles starting up and beginning to move. 

Blade showed up and when he saw Crystal trying to look like she was standing guard he called out, “Well Ice I see we are in good hands here.  I've been delegated to tour guide and will be riding with you on this first leg to answer what I can.”

Shortly their driver gave the word they were ready to leave Ivan headed up first handing his rifle to his wife and then climbed into his seat.  Crystal followed handing her rifle to Tobin. 

As the truck began to pull out Blade cleared his throat.  “If I could have your attention.  I'm Corporal Alan Byrne and welcome to the zombie apocalypse.  I don't have a ton of answers as to what is happening, I'm not sure anyone does.  I'll tell you what I do know.  The Dee's truly are animated dead.  If they bite you, you die shortly after.  No matter how you die, you turn and become a Dee.   The only thing the risen dead want to do is feed on the living.  Dee's are not particularly coordinated or smart, but there are a lot of them and they herd up.  They seem to be attracted to loud noises, lights, and the smell of blood really jacks them up.  You can make them less mobile by breaking a leg, but the only way to stop them is to destroy the brain.” 

Blade stopped a minute to let what he just said sink in, “Our plan here is to move to a remote area where you will have a chance to secure yourselves.  The Old Man used to vacation at this resort that we are headed to, if he picked it it has to have something going for it.” 

Blade finished with a summary of the group, “There are ten soldiers traveling with the caravan.  They will stay long enough to see the group gets established.  From there each soldier will have the choice   to rejoin our unit, stay with the group, or strike out to find their own families.  There are 253 survivors in the group.  Breaking down to 61 children, ranging in age from 17 to a newborn.  Ten of the

children are orphans coming from three different families.  The remaining adults range in age from 60 to 20 years old and almost a 50/50 split of men to women.  The supplies we are bringing with us run the gamut of clothes, food, weapons, medicine,fuel, and even some solar panels.”

Once the conversation with Blade had run down Ivy Mcpherson turned her attention to Tobin and Crystal, “My don't you two make a charming couple.” 

Tobin in embarrassment stammered, “Oh no Ma'am we're just friends from back home.” 

Ivan chuckled, “Don't argue with her son once Ivy's made up her mind it is a done deal.  I was working third shift at the GM plant back in Flint Michigan, got off from work one morning and stopped at the diner for breakfast.  Ivy slipped me her number on my check and we were married a month later.” 

Now it was Ivy's turn to laugh as the petite women grabbed her husbands large hand, “As I remember it Ivan Mcpherson you came into that diner every day for three months, made sure you always got one of my tables and barely said two words to me.  I had to do something to get you to talk to me.” 

Ivan roared in an infectious laugh that seemed to lighten everyone's mood.  Ivy continued, “I guess some introductions are in order, this big lug is Ivan, though he prefers Mac, a retired factory worker now farmer, I'm Ivy an accountant, and these two trying to pretend they don't know us are our daughter Sherry and Shelly.  And You are?”

“Crystal Innes a journalism student, pleased to meet you.” 

Tobin joined in,”Tobin Grey, I just finished culinary school.  I had come back to open my own place.  I'm probably lucky I wasn't still back east”

Mac was a larger than life kind of guy and Crystal couldn't help herself from wanting to know more about him, “Mac do I detect a bit of an accent.”

Again Mac broke out in his roar of a laugh, “Hell I thought it was all of you that talked funny.  Yep we come from the other side of the pond, Flint Michigan to be exact.  I worked twenty years at the Pontiac plant and then the auto industry takes a nose dive and they shut down the plant.  Standing in the unemployment line I went a little nuts.  Met up with some militia folks.  At first it was shooting some guns, learning some survival and prepping skills.  Then things got a little extreme, lucky for me the accounting firm Ivy worked for opened an office here in Nebraska.  We decided farming might be a way to have a sustainable life.  Who knew the dead were gonna start walking among us.”

They drove on that way spending time getting to know each other and periodically making short stops to answer natures call and to stretch their legs.  As instructed Mac and Crystal were the first ones off the carrier and at their second stop Crystal spied one of the dead exiting the woods.  Crystal called 'Dee' and raised her rifle.

Sgt. Andrews came up and stopped her, “We don't know how many more are in those woods and this group is no where near ready to fight a herd, better we move on.” 

A couple of hours before dark they reached their destination. Mac and Crystal hopped out to take  their posts, but Slinger drove up in a jeep with Sgt. Andrews.  Sgt. Andrews asked Mac to join him on an inspection of the resort.  The lead jeep was down at the resort already talking to a man from the resort.

The resort itself has an idyllic appearance.  There are four buildings each three stories tall, together the four buildings formed a cross pattern.  Each floor had six rooms to a side and a large vestibule at the front of each building.  Behind the buildings was a lake.  There were also a handful of other buildings, two barns, a house and two utility buildings  Closer to where the convoy was halted was a small gas station and C store. 

“Sir this is Mick Canales the resort caretaker.”, Blade indicated to Sgt. Andrews when he approached.

“Like I was telling your men Sargent, the resort is empty and the new management never arrived.  So you folks are welcome to stay here.  We caught a little of what was going on and what little staff we had here this time of year vamoosed back to their families.  Its just me and one older couple that have been on kinda an extended stay here, but I got them bunking with me over in the staff quarters.”, Mick stated cordially.

A couple of more minutes of discussion then Mac clapped Mick on the shoulder and Mac and Sgt. Andrews climbed back in the jeep.  Sgt. Andrews began talking on the radio and then the supply trucks started up and began heading towards the resort.  The jeep stopped at the first passenger truck and while Sgt. Andrews began talking to the people in the first truck, Mac ran back to the truck where Ivy was waiting.

Ivy greeted Mac at the back of the truck, when he saw her he scooped her up in his powerful arms and gave her a long kiss. 

Mac then spoke to everyone on the truck, “Folks hang in there for a little while, but it will be worth the wait, we caught one hell of a break on this.  You are going to have hot showers and soft beds tonight.  Tobin would you come back with me I think we can put your skills to work.” 

The first three passenger trucks headed towards the resort.  Four of the jeeps took defensive positions around the seven remaining passenger trucks and the civilian guards took up spots at the front and rear of each truck.  After about half an hour four more of the trucks headed down and then finally the last of the trucks were called down. 

When we entered the building Mac greeted everyone, “Folks we are starting to get good at this it won't take long to get you a room assigned.  For safety reason we ask that you stay inside the building.  The soldiers will be patrolling the perimeter overnight, but we will be asking some of you to take turns standing watch at the exits.  Each of these buildings have their own well and septic and power  from an  emergency generator.  Please when you get to your rooms take short showers and use a minimum of lights, we need to stretch what we have until we can resupply the propane tanks.    Supper will be served in the dining room of this building, return here once you have had a chance to freshen up.”

Ivy invited Crystal to share a room with them for the time being.  Crystal was grateful for the quick shower, but still having no change of clothes she had to put back on the same underwear she had been wearing for the last four days.  Ivy offered Crystal something of hers , but Ivy is enough smaller that  the offer was impractical.   

Crystal followed the sounds of dinner conversation to the dining room.  Seeing Tobin in a chef's coat and looking quite pleased, she exclaimed , “Why Toby Grey you did all of this” 

Tobin nodded glad to make an impression on Crystal, but answered with modesty, “Well I had help.  Mick told me, the resort just got new owners who had planned on opening this place as a western themed getaway for families.  The place is stocked with non-perishables, just not a lot in the line of meat.”

After dinner Myles Cavendish made sure that his wife and daughter pitched in with the clean up, while most of the people returned to their rooms.  Out in the seating area of the vestibule Mac, Sgt. Andrews, and Mick  were chatting. 

Crystal walked up and could here Sgt. Andrews proclaim, “After a night like this these folks are starting to think they are safe we have got to make it clear that even here there are still dangers.”

Mac, always quick to assess a situation proposed, “I'd like to establish a council of sorts to make some plans not only for defense, but to make sure we are prepared for winter even though that is months away.”

Mick piped up “Well this resort was meant to be out of the way, for those folks wanting to escape for a while, we are pretty self-sufficient here at least for a while.  I've got a good shop and if I can't fix it, it ain't broke.  I know the area and we can figure out where to get supplies.” 

Matt, who had been eaves dropping, chimed in, “Sounds like you got your first council member.  I'd like to throw my name in the hat too.  I can definitely provide some ideas on food production and alternatives for energy.” 

“I hope you two understand what your signing up for.  Sergeant we'll want you on the council as well.  I have some ideas for some others, I'll talk with them tomorrow, for now I need some sleep”, Mac concluded.

Tobin came in and wearily sat down next to Crystal as the other men exited.  Crystal leaned over and placed her head on his shoulder.  Crystal was extremely pleased that Tobin had been in with this group of survivors.   As neighbors the two had grown up together and it was comforting to have someone she was so familiar with in this sea of strangers. 

The confusing thing for Crystal was the new feelings she was having for Tobin.  It might be with all her loss and loneliness he was someone she shared a history with.  It might be that in the four years Tobin had been away to school he had matured into a strong, confident man.  It might be that the feelings were always there, but Crystal had not allowed herself to feel them. 

Crystal was to tired to figure this out tonight she turned to Tobin and gave him a peck on the cheek, I'm exhausted would you walk me back to my room Sir?”

Crystal was up early, she had volunteered to keep watch on the last shift of the night.  Mac was up early as well, going to meet with Mick and Sgt. Andrews and plan out the day.  The pair walked down in silence, each consumed by their own thoughts.

As they parted ways Crystal asked Mac, “Are we going to be okay?”

Mac took a moment to reply,  “Honey I know we have lost a lot, but we're together and we are all trying are best. Yes I do think we're going to be okay.”

At the end of her shift Crystal went to the dining room, hoping to have breakfast with Tobin.  When she entered Mick was there with an elderly couple.  Mick was only a bit taller than Crystal, so he was standing on a chair obviously trying to find someone.

“Can I help you locate someone Mick?”, Crystal asked.

“Have you seen Mac or Sgt. Andrews, Percy here would like to speak to them.”, answered Mick.

“I passed them in the lounge area.”, replied Crystal.

“Percy I'll introduce you if you think Mae would be okay with the young lady here.”, Mick queried.

Before Percy could answer Mae tugged at his arm excitedly as she looked at Crystal, “Look Percy it's Dorothy.  Dot where have you been I haven't seen you in such a long time.  You must come and visit more often.” 

Crystal turned to Percy with a broad smile on her face, “Go along with Mick it sounds like Mae and I have a lot of catching up to do.”

“Sank you dear I von't be long”, Percy gratefully accepted Crystal's offer.

Mae was so animated and almost childlike in the way she saw things.  The simple breakfast was an extravagant feast. they were on a luxurious vacation not refugees hiding from a horrible world.  Between Mae's colored view and Mac's earlier pep talk Crystal was beginning to see the world a little brighter too.

Shortly Percy rejoined them, put his arm around Mae's shoulders, “Did you miss me?”

“Oh Percy you worry about me too much, Dot and I have been having a wonderful time.”, Mae admonished. 

Mac entered with Mick, and Sgt. Andrews and Mac addressed the group, “If I could have your attention please.  I'm sure that some of you are asking whats next?  The short answer is we circle the wagons and hold on.  The long answer is we get to work and we look after each other.  First things first we need to unload the supply trucks and Myles Cavendish has offered to organize that project.  The second order of business is to help out the good sergeant and his men keep this place safe.  We'll be taking you in groups of twenty or so for weapon proficiency tests.  Finally Sgt. Andrews and I are putting together an interim council to help with further plans.”

Crystal pitched in to help unload and store the supplies they had brought with them.  They had chosen to use the first floor rooms for storage, which meant the furnishings of those rooms had to be moved out.  Crystal used the opportunity to work with Cynthia Cavendish so she could thank her.

“Cynthia I want you you to know I appreciate the loan of the clothes.”, Crystal stated at their first break.

Cynthia retorted back, “Loan oh no my dear I don't want them back you may keep them.” 

“Well thank you for the gift then.  It really means a lot to me.  Money was always tight at home, but my folks were proud and the thought of me having to go begging for underwear would have mortified them.  However, if it wasn't for the kindness of strangers I'd be running around in my birthday suit.”, Crystal replied hoping to soothe the situation. 

Cynthia brightened beginning to understand Crystals and many others predicament.  “My dear I am pleased to be of assistance.” 

Trying to lighten the mood even more Cynthia went on to exclaim, “Maybe you could put in a good word with mon general over there,” nodding in Myles' direction, “that I am not the complete selfish sloth he's been acting like I am.” 

Crystal laughed and told her, “Well we better quit gabbing and get at it cause mon general is giving us both the stink eye right now.”  With that they both turned, saluted Myles and walked laughing into a room and began tearing it down.

When they gathered in the community dining room for supper Crystal could see that many like herself had gotten themselves some new clothes.  The sight of all the supplies that had been unloaded, the smell of a hot supper and no signs of the dead in the past couple of days had people buzzing with optimism. 

Crystal went to join the Mcpherson's for supper and spying Cynthia Cavendish, Crystal invited her and her family to join them.  Tobin slipped in silently next to Crystal, subtlety staking out his territory.  When Crystal saw Amelia smile and bat her eyes at Tobin, Crystal took hold of his arm and commented to him on how wonderful supper looked.  Mick arrived with the Braun's and they joined their group as well.

Supper was a treat indeed and there had been some pie fillings in what was unloaded, allowing  for some little fruit pastries for dessert.  From the dinner conversation you would have thought they were at a community supper at the VFW hall.  With the exception of a young man here and there raising an invisible rifle and recounting his prowess at the firing range today the horrors that brought them here seemed far away.

Amelia had chosen to sit on Tobin's right and sent a continual stream of flirts his way.  She repeatedly touched his hand or arm, laughed at anything he said that was remotely funny and at one point even brushed her boobs against him.  Tobin, to his credit, seemed unaffected by Amelia, choosing instead to dote on Crystal.

Once it looked like most everyone had finished Ivy gave Mac a meaningful look and a nudge.  Mac got up and asked Tobin to follow him up as he addressed the crowd. 

“Lets all give a big thanks to Tobin and everyone that pitched in with supper tonight.”, Mac stated as he led the crowd in a round of applause while Tobin waved in embarrassment. 

Ivy took the opportunity to move next to Amelia apparently to get a better view of her husband and this allowed Tobin to return and sit on the other side of Crystal. 

Mac continued, “I would like to introduce you all to Gunnery Sergeant Percy Braun.  Gunny would stand up please”