“That is great news. We need your help to get some medicine. Over.”
“We will do what we can to help you out, Joe. I will discuss this with the senior officer in charge here, and we might be able to head in your direction. It all depends on where we are needed most.” He paused but continued before Joe could say anything, “I don’t think you should alarm your people about this, Joe. I wouldn’t want your people to expect us but then get disappointed. Even if we get the order, we are some distance out, so we wouldn’t be on your doorstep for a couple of days. Let’s talk again tomorrow, and maybe we can make a plan to establish contact without getting people too excited. Does that make sense to you, over?”
“Yes, sir!” Joe replied. “I will keep this to myself for now. No need to let the others know yet. Over.”
“I will go see my captain now. Stay safe, Joe — and hopefully see you soon. Over and out.”
Joe was so excited that he never noticed that the transmission had already been dropped. “Thank you, Brian. You men also stay safe and please hurry. Over and out!”
Joe couldn’t believe his luck. The army was coming to save them. They would get Rachel’s medications for her — he was sure about that. He quickly got up and made his way out of the room. He forgot all about keeping things to himself and couldn’t wait to tell the others the good news.
Chapter 9
Shaw
Shaw smirked.
What a fucking fool.
Private Molson, or rather Shield Brian Molson, looked up at his superior.
“That’s them. The ones Optio Ben told us about.”
“It sure sounds that way, Brian.” Shaw stroked his chin, noticing with mild annoyance that he had not shaved.
Can’t have that. Sets a bad example.
“Sir?”
“Hmm?”
“I was asking if we should send more than just a single squad. Nineteen is a large number.” Molson’s voice squeaked slightly with uncertainty and fear. Shaw had been a loose cannon over the last few days, and he had no idea how his superior would react.
“That’s right, Brian. And they’re sitting on a military drop.” Shaw caught himself rubbing his chin again and dropped his hand to his side. “They will be armed and probably organized. Also, did you notice him saying that they were ‘mostly’ civilians? Optio Ben wasn’t clear on it, but I suspect that they might have a soldier among them, maybe some veterans.”
He was silent for a moment as he mused. Shield Brian waited in anticipation.
“Yes,” Shaw stated. “We can’t ignore a group that size. They are probably organized and armed. We can’t allow that.” He started to move. “Brian, get Optio Ben on the line. Tell him to meet us at the school. He can help us take control of that rabble. Or take them out. Whatever is easier. When you’ve done that, you’ll need to get your radio packed up.” He stepped to the doorway of the tent and called his sergeant, “Philip!”
No, not sergeant. Shaw corrected himself. I have to start thinking in Rosae Crucis terms. I am a Captain, and Phillip is a Sword.
He nodded to himself, just as Philip arrived. He regarded the soldier for a second. The goose-egg was gone but he was sporting an impressive bruise on his forehead.
He got that from being pistol-whipped. I should really apologize for doing that, Shaw thought as he examined the fresh bruise.
What did I hit him for, anyway? The Captain couldn’t remember it for the life of him.
“Yes, sir?” Philip prompted.
Shaw had not given the soldier leave to speak, and felt his temperature rising. He managed to control his temper by taking a large breath in through the nose and blowing it out explosively. Phillip flinched slightly.
“Yes,” Shaw said, strangely satisfied by the other man’s show of fear. “Get everybody mounted up. We are traveling asap.”
Sword Philip saluted and turned away to carry out Shaw’s orders.
Watching the Sword retreat reminded Shaw of the insubordination that had resulted in the pistol-whipping incident.
Right. He had suggested that we go to the safe zone, as was originally ordered by the president’s office. Except we don’t answer to those fools.
“This school, though... Now that represents a good haul at minimal risk.”
Shield Brian blinked at him from his seat by the radio, but Shaw ignored him.
“We need to get over there as soon as possible. Maybe use the element of surprise...”
Chapter 10
November 6, 12:10 P.M., The Ren
The residents of the Ren tried to build a sense of normalcy into their lives. Communal meals were a large part of those efforts. Today’s lunch was no different, and everybody not involved in some other task was present in the cafeteria. The meal consisted of some of the last potatoes, mashed, on the side of the MRE of choice.
John considered the meal in front of him. Meatballs in marinara sauce. He’d had worse. He was about to take his first bite when Jack came running into the cafeteria. The young man had been on lookout duty, so his presence immediately alerted John.
“There are two vehicles pulling up to the gate. One of them is a military vehicle,” he exclaimed while panting for breath.
John sprang into action. He turned to his wife. “Mel, get Bill situated to provide cover.” Mel ran off without hesitation. John next turned to Emily. “Em, we need weapons.”
The British woman gave a curt nod. “On it, mate. Nat, Ern, you’re with me.” She quickly walked out of the cafeteria, the other two in tow.
“John, are you really sure we need to do this?” Craig interjected. “It could be those army guys Joe talked to last night.”
“Can’t hurt to be prepared, buddy,” John replied.
“Yeah, I agree. I don’t think it’s the army. They wouldn’t be getting here for a couple of days,” Joe added. “We don’t know if these guys are friendly.”
John nodded as if that settled the discussion. “OK. Craig,
