The Redivivus Trilogy (Book 3): Miasma Page 7

  “Excellent,” L.T. said. “Let’s have a look at it.”

  The concern on L.T.’s face grew as he scanned the list. Two of the four crates contained weapons, while the other two contained assorted survival and tactical gear. It was the weapons containers that captured his attention. The first contained two M14 enhanced battle rifles, four M4A1 rifles, six M9 pistols, and enough 7.62mm, 5.56mm, and 9mm ammunition to supply an entire squad for the duration of a serious firefight. Filled with military-grade explosives, the second container’s contents were even more worrisome. The four M72 LAW rockets, a dozen M67 fragmentation grenades, and six blocks of C4 packed enough explosive punch to blow the entire CDC facility to kingdom come. Mind swimming with the implications of all that military hardware, L.T. was barely aware that the men around him were speaking.

  “If we pull Garza, who will lead the scavenging team when they head out in the morning?” Mother asked.

  Clearing his throat, Stack said, “I’ll do it, sir.”

  Mother thought about his options and realized he didn’t have many. He needed some of his men to remain at the CDC facility, and sending a scavenging team and a recon team out at the same time meant his meager squad was going to be stretched even more thin. Judge was a levelheaded soldier, but he hated not to utilize his true talent: long-range marksmanship. He always felt better when Judge was on overwatch. While Rooster was an excellent soldier to have on one’s side during a firefight, his unbridled aggressive didn’t make him the most ideal leader. That left Stack, and as much as he disliked the idea of not having him around to help defend the scientists at the CDC, Mother thought the soldier was the best option to replace Garza. He was about to respond when General Montes spoke.

  “I’ll go. I may be old, but I can still drive with the best of them,” Montes said with a wink.

  Mother hadn’t even considered Montes given that he was a General. It didn’t matter that he was a general in the Brazilian military; he was given the same respect as their own commanding officer. That he served with the Special Forces Brigade made him more than qualified for such a mission. Much to Stack’s chagrin, Mother accepted Montes’s offer without hesitation.

  Mother started down the hall toward the sleeping quarters. Just as he expected, he found Garza in his room. What he hadn’t anticipated was finding Dr. San there as well.

  “Sgt. Garza? Dr. San? Forgive me for interrupting, ma’am. I thought you’d be in the lab with the other research personnel,” Mother said in confusion.

  “It’s no problem, Corporal. I was just heading back now. Sgt. Garza, I will talk with you later,” Lin said as she flashed a knowing smile that Mother didn’t seem to notice.

  With an exasperated sigh, Garza said, “Sure, Dr. San. What can I do for you, Mother? I was just about to get that nap in before we head back out.”

  “That’s precisely what I want to talk to you about. We’ve got a change of plans. L.T. wants intel on whoever is responsible for the weapons cache you guys found. General Montes recommended you for the job,” Mother said. “L.T. agreed. He wants to send a two-man recon team out, and he asked me to find out who you want to go with you. You’ll leave with the Bearcat in the morning but will have to travel much of the way on foot to avoid detection.”

  The unexpected change represented a far more dangerous assignment, and Garza wasn’t sure whom he could trust his life to for such a mission. His thoughts immediately went to Rocha, and he wished he hadn’t been forced to put a bullet in the soldier’s head after Rocha had been infected with LNV. General Montes was highly trained and plenty capable, but Garza didn’t feel right about asking the older man to trek across the apocalyptic wasteland with him. He didn’t want to ask anyone else on the scavenging team, as that group’s mission was of the utmost importance. All of a sudden, it dawned on him whom he would ask.

  * * *

  Fortunately, most of the CDC’s inhabitants were eating dinner and couldn’t hear the heated argument between Lin and Garza. Glaring at him incredulously, Lin fumed at his suggestion. They’d had a similar argument, albeit less intense, when Garza had informed her that he planned to give the boy military training.

  “You can’t take him out there! He’s a child, not a soldier,” Lin snapped.

  Garza hadn’t been able to get a word in since mentioning that he was heading out on a scouting mission and was planning to ask Anthony to accompany him. The morning after they’d met up with the boy and his dog, Lin had reacted similarly when Anthony had volunteered to help Garza look for the vehicle that ultimately got them to the CDC. While she’d been correct in stating that he was only thirteen, Anthony had gently reminded her that it was not her choice to make. “It’s okay. I can help. I want to help. I don’t want to stay in this room forever,” Anthony had said, sounding far more like someone twice his age. The boy had beamed with pride when they’d returned with the Bearcat.

  Anthony’s instincts and innate abilities had immediately impressed Garza. Taken in conjunction with his dog, a remarkable cane corso named Charon, it was easy to see how the two had survived the apocalyptic plague. Soon after their arrival at the CDC, Garza began instructing the boy in everything he’d learned in the military. Anthony proved to be a diligent pupil, soaking up like a sponge everything Garza threw at him.

  “Lin, please. Just hear me out. I wouldn’t consider it if I thought it was too dangerous, or if there was someone else I thought I could ask. You have to remember that he has survived this plague for as long as we have, despite being on his own. I’ve seen how he and Charon work out there, and that was before the training I’ve given him. The mission is reconnaissance—strictly information gathering. It’ll be a lot of sneaking around, just like he’s done dozens of times before.”

  Garza’s words did little to defuse the situation. Lin simply didn’t want to accept the reality of the world they were living in—a world that would take an innocent boy and force him to become a soldier. She recalled what Anthony had said to her in the storeroom, and she knew it wasn’t her place to determine what he could and couldn’t do. Eyes tearing, Lin lowered her head.

  “Please don’t let anything happen to him, Garza.”

  He moved closer and wrapped her in a firm embrace.

  “I’ll protect him with my life,” Garza said.

  Sniffling, Lin replied, “I know, and that is something that also frightens me.”

  8

  The scavenging team—John, Reams, Plant, Animal, and Cujo with General Montes in command—readied themselves for another trip outside the wall. John, Montes, and Cujo looked over the map, plotting secondary routes as well alternate routes for those. The others loaded their gear into the Bearcat’s passenger compartment. Everyone was quiet as they prepared their minds for whatever the day would bring.

  Garza and Anthony would be joining them on the first leg of the trip. That meant Charon was going as well; the boy and the dog were virtually attached at the hip. Garza had fitted Anthony with a tactical vest and helped him load it with various items including a light, knife, food, water, camouflage gear, and spare ammo. Much to Garza’s surprise, he felt far more nervous than Anthony appeared. The boy looked as though he were merely getting ready to take Charon for a leisurely stroll in the park. Given what he’s been through, I suppose this isn’t much different than most days the two spent together out there after the plague hit. When everyone was ready, they all piled into the Bearcat under the cover of darkness.

  “Everybody good?” Montes called over his shoulder.

  Garza felt like he was speaking directly to Anthony and him. Seeing the boy’s steadfast expression, Garza replied with a terse nod. The heavy gate slid open, and the Bearcat departed without fanfare.

  The throaty sound of the Bearcat’s engine sparking to life filled the air just before sunrise. Although the noise drew the infected’s attention, there was no need for the distraction since the horde hadn’t yet congregated around the opening. After their departure, the steel gate clanged shut wit
h the finality of a judge’s gavel just after he’d handed down the death penalty. Silently, they stared through the rear window at the gate that glowed faintly red in the taillight’s reflection.

  * * *

  As requested, Bayani had held his position. The first hint of the rising sun was barely visible beyond the horizon when he heard the commotion around the armored vehicle. Though he couldn’t make out all the details, the night vision goggles Connor had given him allowed him to see the outlines of several people. He thought he’d seen the same woman from the day before, as well as a smaller man and a dog. Connor had been adamant about ensuring he would be informed if Sergeant Garza left the compound. Bayani had seen several patrols overnight, but he didn’t think Garza had been a part of any of them. Unless someone had departed from the far side of the building on foot, no one had left the compound.

  The sound of the Bearcat’s departure didn’t escape Bayani’s notice. He watched the truck pull away as dawn broke over the ravaged landscape. The same female sat in the passenger seat, but Garza wasn’t driving this time. Instead, it was an older man that Bayani hadn’t seen before. So there are others, but how many? And where’s Garza? He didn’t like being so far away from the action, but his orders were to remain hidden. Getting closer meant he was more likely to be spotted and more likely to have to engage, which was fine with him. Bayani kept his eyes on the departing vehicle as he clicked his radio’s talk button.

  “Come in, Puppet Master. The armored truck is heading out again. I don’t think Garza is on board this time.”

  A winded voice called back several seconds later. The low, growling rumble of death accompanied by the angry shouts of several other men could be heard in the background.

  “Are you sure?”

  “As sure as I can be from this distance,” Bayani replied in annoyance. “I didn’t see him among the people moving around the truck before it left, and he wasn’t driving. It was an older man this time.”

  Connor considered his options. He didn’t want to risk Garza escaping, but he also wanted to keep tabs on what the survivors were up to. Finally, he said, “Follow them and find out where they’re going. I’ll continue moving the army toward the CDC. We’re not too far away, but it’s slow going. I’ll keep you posted on our progress.”

  “Ten-four. Bayani out.”

  * * *

  As the Bearcat pulled away, the CDC faded into the last foggy shadows that lingered in the pre-dawn world. The sun continued its slow ascent oblivious to the mess mankind had made, and as if tied together with it, the fog receded in step with the darkness. Details that had been mercifully hidden became all too visible: burned-out storefronts, abandoned vehicles, and decaying bodies were swallowing the landscape like apocalyptic weeds. Though none if it was new to any of them, it never became less unsettling. A strange sense of foreboding blanketed everything like dust in a home long abandoned.

  When they reached the point where the scavenging team’s route veered away from the area the recon team intended to scout, Garza, Anthony, and Charon hopped out. John stared out the window as the trio hurriedly disappeared into the wreckage of urban Atlanta. Aside from Anthony being shorter than Garza, the two looked virtually identical. Garza led while Charon brought up the rear. John couldn’t imagine how Anthony could be any safer outside the wall than by being sandwiched between those two.

  The scavenging team’s objective was located several miles west of Atlanta. Based on previous trips, they estimated the entire mission could be completed in approximately twelve hours, assuming they encountered no snags. No one made such naïve assumptions anymore. As they worried about leaving the Bearcat in any one spot for too long out of fear it might attract the attention of those who wished to take it for their own, they gave Garza a four-hour window in which to expect them to pass through the area on their return trip. All he and Anthony had to do was get back to the rendezvous point and wait for them to show up. They quietly prayed that it would be that easy.

  Garza and Anthony had discussed the mission’s details at length prior to their departure. After marking out the locations of the infected barricade, weapon cache, and rev trap, they looked for nearby places that might serve as a base of operations for whomever was responsible for the activity in the area. They drew a three-mile radius encompassing these locations, hoping they would find additional information that would allow them to further narrow their area of investigation. Once in the field, Garza’s first order of business was to get to high ground so they could get the lay of the land.

  A strange quiet enveloped the urban landscape after the Bearcat pulled away. It reminded Garza of an old, vacant house in the dead of night—not silent, but rather devoid of the sounds of life. Something metal popped as it heated up in the morning sun, while a street sign creaked as the wind blew past. Behind these subtle noises, the ghostly breeze whistled between the abandoned buildings. As they approached an intersection, Garza heard a faint buzzing in the distance. He raised a fist to signal Anthony to crouch down. Even as the noise grew louder, Garza struggled to get a fix on which direction it was coming from. A sudden increase in its intensity gave the impression that they were under attack from a swarm of bees on their left. He turned in the direction of the sound and caught a fleeting glimpse of a dark shape flying through the air just before it vanished behind a building. What the hell was that? He scanned the sky around him but saw no trace of the thing as the buzzing noise steadily receded.

  Ahead, Garza saw a five-story building that looked as though it had been abandoned well before the plague hit. The trio crossed the intersection and climbed to the top floor of the darkened building. Hidden in the shadows of a corner room, he and Anthony scanned the surrounding area. It had been a primarily commercial district, with several shopping centers, parking lots, and a few larger stores set off by themselves. One such store caught Garza’s eye: a big box hardware store with the central section of its parking lot cleared in a way that looked peculiar.

  Pointing to the store in the distance, Garza said, “Check out the hardware store about a mile out. What do you make of the parking lot?”

  Anthony trained the binoculars on the area and quietly scanned from side to side before replying.

  “It definitely looks like the cars were moved after they were abandoned. Based on the tire marks I’d say someone pushed them to the side with a bulldozer or something.”

  Garza raised the binoculars to his eyes and immediately saw what Anthony was talking about. Tracks of dark rubber stretched perpendicular to many of the vehicles’ tires. He also saw several areas where it appeared treads had cut into the asphalt. Other than the occasional wandering rev, there was no motion in or around the large store.

  “I’d say that’s as good a place as any to start.”

  Thirty minutes later, Garza and Anthony were crouched in the tall weeds across from the hardware store’s parking lot. They saw no activity—infected or otherwise. The fact that Charon seemed completely at ease was also reassuring, as the dog’s agitation was usually a good barometer for nearby infected activity.

  “Let’s move in and get a closer look. We’ll approach from the side, close to the building. That should keep us out of the field of fire if anyone is inside. Stay low, and stay right on my six,” Garza said.

  Anthony nodded.

  Slowly and deliberately, they approached the building. Even though it was less than 300 yards away, it took them nearly a half hour to cover the distance, as they paused every few seconds to listen for any indication of danger. All was quiet, and that made Garza nervous.

  Emerging from the high weeds, they crouched at the edge of a small side parking lot. Garza motioned for Anthony and Charon to hustle across the clearing while he covered them. Once they were in position, he did the same. Pressed against the wall, they crept around to the front of the store.

  Chains with shackles fixed to the ends were anchored to the tops of the metal poles put in the ground to keep cars from driving too close to
the store’s main doors before the outbreak. The once yellow poles—now colored a deep crimson—were encircled by a dark, oily path that called to mind the barren ground around a dog’s tether. A crow sat atop the pole farthest away; its dark eyes filled Garza with a sense of foreboding. Knowing what had caused those tracks, he was glad the shackles were mostly empty. Garza tried to ignore the flannel-covered mess of sinew dangling from the closest shackle.

  Garza made eye contact with Anthony and motioned for him to send Charon ahead of them. The boy tapped the dog and pointed in the direction of the door. Charon advanced in a low prowl that made him look like a stocky panther. He sniffed around the entrance and showed no sign of alarm. Garza nodded to Anthony, and the two moved toward the front entrance.

  The store’s interior was dark except for the shafts of light streaming in through skylights set in the roof. Garza and Anthony ducked through the frame of a shattered door with Charon right on their heels. They knelt behind the cash registers as they waited for their eyes to adjust to the gloomy surroundings. The only sound was that of the building’s corrugated roof creaking as it warmed in the late morning sun.

  Without making a sound, Garza crept over to Anthony. In a whisper, he said, “Let’s head into the store and see what we find. Say together. If you see anything that looks out of place, give me a signal.”

  Anthony nodded, and they crept deeper into the building’s dim recesses. Not surprisingly, the store was in shambles. The shelves had been ransacked long ago. All that remained were useless items once deemed important by consumers. A cardboard display that had held chintzy Halloween decorations was overturned in the aisle, and they were forced to navigate around the plastic witches, black cats, and ghosts littering the path.

  When they reached the center, they paused and stood back to back as they peered into the darkness looking for any signs of danger. From their location, they had a clear view in all directions, including the store’s front. Although Charon seemed interested in something on the store’s left-hand side, Anthony didn’t see anything unusual. Light filtering in through one of the skylights highlighted something on the opposite side of the store that drew Garza’s attention.