The Reaper: No Mercy (31 page)

*****

Janet smiled as she heard Rodriguez speak. He made perfect sense, and the decisions announced were acceptable to her. More than acceptable, for she had talked to many of the former captives and learned there were two sides to every marauder. Those who had attacked her were already dead, and she had no axe to grind. She would slowly recover, and would gladly help with the rebuilding. For this was now home.

*****

The Reaper nodded as they made the final plans for evacuation of the intensive care patients and the Special Forces teams the day after tomorrow. Sokowski needed that much time to finish the interrogations and interviews, and they needed to ensure those few marauders that had escaped did not return for vengeance. Patrols would go out in the morning with the intent of elimination, not capture.

For the exfil, they decided it would be simplest to clear Highway 15 just south of Paris City. It could be done within hours, and then there would be no need to contend with the tens of thousands of zombies in Mexico City. The evacuation of their wounded would be quick and simple also, as the distance would be less than a mile from where they were currently being cared for. The only concern was whether the highway would be clear enough for the C130E to land. The following day would see them pushing vehicles well away from the improvised runway and cutting down any power poles that might interfere with the wings as it came in. These things they would find out, and if the highway wasn't a viable option, there were other straight roads nearby that could be used.

Jason dismissed everyone and went in search of the cot they had assigned him. He had praying to do, and what he had read in the bandit leader’s notebook had disturbed him greatly. He needed to think on that also.

*****

The floor tilted as the plane came in, and everyone braced themselves for a rough landing. The unevenness of the highway required the landing to be a short one with maximum braking, and it needed to be handled carefully. The away team was on board, comprised of two engineers and assorted other personnel designed to get this new community off to a healthy start.

A hard thump and the sudden surge of deceleration pushed everyone sideways, but they were all strapped in and rode it out until the plane rolled to a stop. Then a heavy whine filled the air as the back cargo hatch lifted upward, the ramp sliding down, and early morning sunlight filtered in.

Lieutenant Purcell unbuckled his safety harness and, after helping some of the away team loosen their straps, strode forth into the dawn. He was in search of one particular individual and quickly found him. The Reaper was standing to one side of a large group of vehicles with a soldier by his side. That soldier he recognized as Captain Sokowski of the 9th, and he gave a quick smile in remembrance of past actions. A quick glance confirmed the area was saturated with security as evidenced by the four M-ATVs, assorted ambulances and trucks with gun-bearing guards spread out against any threat. As Purcell approached the Reaper, men bearing stretchers ran past to load the critical-care patients to be taken back to the facilities in Newaygo. Purcell ignored them, as there were plenty of flight and medical crew on board to see the patients safely strapped down and their conditions stabilized.

Purcell saluted smartly, which Sokowski returned and the Reaper did not, causing both Purcell and Sokowski to grin at Jason. Purcell then lowered his hand and held it out to the Reaper, who immediately raised his, and their grips met tightly.

"Great job, both of you. Words from the commander, and as for myself, I wish I could have been here." As he withdrew his hand from the Reaper's, Purcell reached inside the breast pocket of his coat and withdrew a cellophane envelope which he handed to the Reaper. Inside its clear plastic wrapping was another drawing, this one of an older man with a beard, a young girl holding his hand as they walked, and another, even smaller child holding the hand of the first. The Reaper smiled and pointed to the tiniest form in the picture.

"Who's that?"

"The commander told his kids that Jean is pregnant and they'll have a baby brother or sister soon," Purcell responded with a grin.

"I see." However, the Reaper was smiling, regardless of the simplicity of the drawing. Little Emma had sent gifts for the Reaper, and he had one of his own for her. Turning, he opened the bag behind him and withdrew a brightly wrapped package and handed it to Purcell.

"Hmm." Purcell hefted the small package and looked quizzically at Jason. "Kinda heavy. Let me guess, depleted uranium rounds?"

"Very funny, and how did you manage to sneak into the officer corps again? See that she gets it, and you might want to radio Jay to have a couple presents ready for the other kids so they don't become too jealous, but I only had time to find the one," the Reaper growled in response while Purcell held up his hands, laughing.

"Kidding, OK? Sure will, Reaper, you have my word. Captain Sokowski, I did not intend to show disrespect. It's good to see you in one piece, and I understand it's still touch and go with Captain Hewitt?"

"Yeah kid, he did the job though."

"From what I read of the after action report transmitted last night, I concur, sir, and don't let that vicious killer fool you," Purcell jabbed a thumb at the Reaper before continuing,"he has a habit of making others perform. The reports were amazing."

Sokowski rubbed his chin in thoughtful introspection for a moment before responding. "He's a lot like Jay. The commands come through at the right moment and the tactics we used were solid. We couldn't help charging near the end to take the fight out of them. Granted, we are lucky as hell we didn't suffer more casualties, but it was a good op against the odds we faced."

"Well, Robinson, your CO, and Jay will want to debrief you when you return, but their primary concern is the viability of this community. We're expending quite a bit of resources giving them a kick-start."

"I think it's good. Solid people in charge. Some loose cannons here and there, but all manageable. Good location," Sokowski responded.

"Are you guys going to ignore me as if I wasn't here?" growled the Reaper while he traced a finger over the drawing Emma had given him, then looked up, the scowl on his face causing Purcell to laugh again.

"Reaper! You should see your face when you're looking at Emma's drawings of you and her. The Reaper doll is still a major hit by the way, and Jay is still complaining about there not being a Commander doll," Purcell quipped.

"Well, they wouldn't be able to make it anatomically correct from what I've heard, something about too much material or something," deadpanned Sokowski. The commander, or Jay to his friends, was widely known to have been a 'gifted' player in the Newaygo community. He’d done a lot of growing up, but it had taken a zombie incursion or three along with an attack by marauders and also rogue government agents, including an airstrike that did not succeed. Throughout those ordeals, he had earned the respect of the military that had joined him and the community at large. He was one of those true commanders you read about in the history books in school.

"You're both think you’re too funny, don't you? And if I hadn't seen you in action, Sokowski, I would question Congress for approving that commission and promotion."

"There's a Congress left?" both Purcell and Sokowski said simultaneously, then high fived each other as the Reaper simply rolled his eyes.

"Actually I need to talk to you, and it's important. Sorry, sir," Purcell was now addressing Sokowski, "but I don't have clearance to inform you of developments. I’m sure they'll fill you in upon your return." But Sokowski was already shaking his head.

"Don't worry about it, kid. Reaper?" As Sokowski turned to the Reaper, he saluted with precision—a salute the Reaper returned just as precisely, and then both men shook hands, strong and hard. "As always, sir, it's been a pleasure, and with the commander’s permission, please call on us frequently."

"I will, Captain, and thank you," responded the Reaper. Sokowski waved to his waiting men and they all boarded the plane as the Reaper turned to Lieutenant Purcell. Jason had already both thanked and congratulated all the men of the Red and Blue Teams, and now waited patiently for Purcell to fill him in. The young Ranger officer waved the Reaper over to a nearby truck hood and, after pulling a large topographic map from an inner pocket, spread it out.

"Here is the projected staging area, Reaper." Purcell used his finger to indicate the city of Topeka, Kansas. "Any chance you're going there next? Intelligence indicates quite a few survivor groups in the area. We need that airport. It will support our air wing elements for the last push against the shadow government, and it's also the maximum distance Blackhawks can fly with external tanks."

"That would take some time, Purcell, but no. I'm heading
here
next.” And the Reaper laid out his own map of the area, with quite a few red circles covering its surface. "Macon, Missouri is my next destination."

"May I ask why, sir?"

"Because they purchased a large number of captives already from this marauder group, and my sources indicate they’re crucifying the people that refuse to worship their particular god."

"I see." Purcell was nodding with immediate understanding.

"Is there a timetable I need to be aware of?" the Reaper inquired.

"Well, Jay says spring, so you have time to secure Topeka, but that's relative." The Reaper was nodding.

"If he's attacked, he'll counterattack, is what you're saying."

"You know him better than I do, Reaper."

"That I do. OK, well, I have some wrongs to right first. My first mission is to the Lord, as you know, Lieutenant."

"Yes, sir! We all get it, and support you. In five months I'm sure you'll be in Topeka and that you’ll have the airfield and surrounding facilities under control."

"We'll see. I go where the Lord tells me, but ..." and now the Reaper slapped Purcell's shoulder, as he was looking a bit worried. "The Lord has been telling me to move in the direction Jay needs to reunite humanity."

Purcell visibly breathed a sigh of relief. The Reaper was not only a friend and brother-in-arms, but also Newaygo's advance scout against the last stronghold of the shadow government that had started this whole 'end of the world' mess. He nodded thoughtfully as he looked at Macon on the map, before looking back up into the Reaper’s eyes.

"Call if you need anything. That's only about ten miles and well within field radio distance. You can contact Paris and they can get a hold of us."

"I will, thanks! Now get on that plane and take those wounded to better facilities. Don't forget Emma's present. I won't forgive you, though the Lord might."

"Got it, Reaper. You take care and make a small attempt at staying safe." Then Purcell was shaking the Reaper’s hand again before loping back to the plane, Emma's present safely tucked away in his jacket.

The Reaper stood back with the others and watched as the plane started up, then turned a hundred and eighty degrees. Rodriguez stood beside him, and together they watched as the C130 made a rapid ascent before curving gently east and finally disappearing into the distance.

"You're leaving soon, aren't you," spoke Rodriguez and it was not a question.

"I'm needed elsewhere," responded the Reaper.

"We can never repay this debt and this hope you've provided for us."

Slowly the Reaper turned to Rodriguez and frowned. "There is no debt," he growled.

"Yeah there is, on my books anyways."

"I'm going to Macon next."

Rodriguez pondered that for a moment before responding. "It's only ten miles away or so. We can go with you." But the Reaper was shaking his head.

"I work alone, I go in alone. The Lord will protect me or call me home to be with my family."

"If you need us then, we'll be there! Count on it."

Slowly the Reaper smiled as all the events over the last month came into sharp focus within his head and nodded. "I'm counting on it!" The Reaper wasn’t going to hold their hands. They were capable of making it on their own ... and if he needed help in the coming days ... he knew whom to call.

*****

Heidi had been moved to a nearby home that had been cleared, and others with similar psychological conditions were in adjoining rooms. Rossi would get to all of them, but right now, Heidi needed his attention the most.

Dr. Rossi entered the smallish room slowly so as not to alarm the young girl within. The door he left open, and made sure he did not block her path to it. In his hands he held a small children's book. Slowly he moved around the room and viewed the various drawings, pictures, even snapshots of strangers she had used for decorations. He had been watching her now for several days. Heidi hid in her room, only going to the cafeteria for meals when forced to do so, and many of the staff had started bringing them to her. He glanced at her small desk and saw breakfast dishes sitting there. It was obvious the child was sinking into depression, and it was past time for him to act. He had wanted to meet with her in a more generic room, one without a bed, but it was proving difficult to get her to leave what she now perceived as familiar surroundings. With luck, they would soon be in a more hospitable environment, but in the here and now, he worked with what he had.