Rise Once More (4 page)

The first one to attack is the crawler. Both legs are obviously broken but that doesn't slow him down. The crawler lunges towards Roger's boot, clawing and biting at anything that moves. Roger doesn't miss a beat, sidesteps his attacker and fires a round into his skull. The next attacker advances forward and Roger fires three fast rounds into his abdomen. Pieces of rotting flesh fly into the air. Yet, the attacker advances without hesitation. Roger is caught off guard. He resumes firing into the attackers chest and fires four more rounds. Roger releases the spent magazine from the pistol and reaches for a fresh clip. Jerry steps up, delivering a head shot with his side arm, buying more time for Roger to reload.

Another infected stumbles towards Roger, arms outstretched and moaning loudly. Roger still hasn't reloaded his weapon. So he grabs the attacker and thrusts him over his shoulder onto the rocky ground. Roger presses his boot against the attackers neck, pinning him to the ground, aims his pistol and splatters his face with one shell. One of the infected grabs onto Rogers shoulder, his nails digging into his flesh and knocking Roger off balance. Roger stumbles a few steps but quickly regains his balance. Roger rushes the next infected with his shoulder, knocking him back into the shaft below and proceeds to fire rounds into the onslaught coming out of the tunnel.

“
I'm out of ammo!” Roger screams. The men advance towards Roger, shielding him from all angles in a circular group. Each man with his pistol raised, firing at the infected, each shot almost as ineffective as the last. Soon the group has spent all of their ammunition and is forced to go on the defensive.

The relentless advance of the infected, their lack of ammo and limited weapons has taken a serious toll on the teams morale. Roger can see the helplessness in his troops eyes and he knows he has to regain control of the battle. Roger knows that if he shows even the slightest sign of weakness, the entire group's ability to fight, will disintegrate and the hope of winning with it. Roger grabs the shovel with both hands and swings it at the neck of an infected. The severed head rolls on the ground, as Roger pushes the headless body over.

“I bow to no man, for I am elite.” Roger yells.

“
OMEGA PHI!” Jerry yells.

“
I answer to no man, for I am free.” Roger yells.

“
OMEGA PHI!” Frank yells.

“
Live or Die, forever OMEGA PHI!” Stan yells, as he limps out of the shaft, his large bowie knife in his hand and drenched in blood. The infected are now facing a two front battle and their numbers are dwindling.

“
We thought we lost you, Stan.” Jerry says.

“
How sweet of you, Jerry! You growing a set of boobs?” Stan asks.

“
Should have known better, only the good ones die young.” Jerry replies.

“
You two need a break? Kiss and makeup fast. We got business to tend to.” Roger replies.

Stan lunges forward towards an infected but his knife misses. Another infected slams into Stan, his knife flies from his hand and lands several yards away. Two more infected close in around Stan isolating him from the others. One grabs onto his leg and he struggles to shake them. Roger and the others are cut off by six more infected, rendering them useless to save Stan. Roger watches as another infected leaps onto Stan's chest and grips his throat.

BAM..BAM, BAM, BAM..BAM...BAM, BAM

Gun fire erupts from the upper ledge. Each shot is perfectly placed and timed for maximum effectiveness. Stan pushes the lifeless corpse off of him and stands up in total confusion. He rushes over to Roger, finding him alive and just as confused. Instinct takes over and Stan rushes for his knife. Just before Stan picks up his weapon, he is pistol whipped on the head and knocked unconscious. Jerry gathers his thoughts and rushes the attacker, only to be knocked onto his back with a swift stiff arm.

“That's one hell of an entrance... Glad to see you old friend.” Roger says.

“
What do you mean old friend? That son of a bitch is trying to kill us.” Jerry says.

“
Easy boys... He isn't trying to kill us. In fact, he just saved our sorry butts. Look around, all of them are dead and you are not.” Roger explains.

“
I tried not to interfere Roger. But you all, left me no choice.” Amos says.

“
Thank you, Amos. I would like to say we had it under control but you know that would be a lie. Jerry, Stan, and Frank form on me. I have someone I want you all to meet.” Roger says.

“
I was observing from a distance. Then I heard you recite the battle call and I had to act.” Amos says.

“
Boys, this is Amos Havana, a retired member of Omega Phi...”

“
I am no longer retired, Roger.” Amos says.

“
It's that bad now?” Roger says.

“
Worse....” Amos replies.

“
Well in that case, abort our mission and return to base. Everyone to the chopper!” Roger orders.

“
I'm not going, Roger...” Amos says.

“
Why not?” Roger asks.

“
My mission lies out here and the less you know the better.” Amos replies.

“
Whatever that mission may be, thank you old friend.” Roger says.

“
One more thing....” Amos says.

“
Anything you want!” Roger replies.

“
I know you came here for Haus and this is what you were sent to retrieve.” Amos hands a mutilated Dlink to Roger. “Tell Reese he died like a true soldier, but do not mention my name. I was never here and I didn't intervene. That is the only payment I ask for my assistance today.” Amos says.

“
You have my word, Amos!” Roger says.

“
I expected nothing less from you, Roger.” Amos says.

CHAPTER FOUR

Back In The Fold

“
As you can see Alex, she hasn't gone very far. Our intelligence tells us, they found the four wheeler abandoned just south of Moorcroft, Wyoming. We also believe that she is heading to seek shelter with relatives in Bighorn County. They may, or may not, be aware of her intentions. And, as far as we know, she is on foot.” Reese says.

“
She won't be for very long. That's over 250 miles to cover. I wouldn't underestimate the kindness of local civilians. Wyoming is a rural state, with a deep pride of doing the right thing and helping people in times of need. Also, being female, of non-threatening size, and dressed in uniform I have no doubt she is already being given a ride to her destination.” Alex says.

“
That wasn't taken into consideration, but then again, I called you out of retirement for that very reason. You could track down a flea, on a coonhound's back, sixty miles into the swamp and still hadn't finished your morning cup of coffee.” Reese says.

“
Let's hope that my gut feeling is right. It's been a while and I may have gotten rusty. We are already behind from the start. Let's use odds to regain the upper hand and then make our move. I-90 is a major shipping corridor, with Billings, Montana being the central hub. And given the area, she was most likely picked up by a sympathetic truck driver. The driver was likely heading to Billings and the most likely drop off point for her would be Ranchester. I would set up a checkpoint there, focusing on trucks with passengers and I doubt she would stick with Highway 14 through Bighorn canyon. Set another checkpoint at the Burgess Junction near Bear Lodge Resort.” Alex says.

“
I wouldn't call yourself rusty, son.” Reese says.

“
I need to gather supplies, contact an old friend and get my plan in order.” Alex says.

“
Where are you heading?” Reese asks.

“
We both have our secrets, but I guess now is the time to be honest. I am going to see my old friend Erik Peterson. He is in charge of Papa Whiskey Romeo, a small radar station for the Air Force southwest of Powell. It's a small operation but they have a landing strip and it's centrally located in the area of interest.” Alex replies.

“
Do you think he can actually help you?” Reese asks.

“
Yes. He is a local to the area and has many family members in the Bighorn Basin. Chances are really high that he knows Trixie's family and might even be related to them. He is my best shot, both in terms of location but also in the area of contacts. Like we agreed before, Eve goes with me and not a single objection otherwise.” Alex says.

“
You have my word and I am holding you to yours. I get to speak with Eve before you tell her what is happening.” Reese says.

“
Well that is settled and I will be on my way.” Alex marches towards the door and steps out into the hallway. Overhead Edith's voice calls out on the paging system.

“
Eve, please report to Director Reese's office immediately.”

Eve was enjoying a fresh cup of coffee when she heard the page from Edith. She almost dropped the cup when she heard her name come across the speakers. Reese rarely requests someone to his personal office. He prefers a direct interaction and when things are private he just waits until no-one is around. This is something out of the ordinary and has Eve in a cold sweat. What might it be this time? The last time he wanted to speak with her was to inform her of Haus's death and she isn't ready for any more pain. Eve swallows the remaining coffee and makes her way to Reese's office.

Alex walks down the hallway toward the firing range and stops suddenly at Room 26. He stands in front of the door, visions of the past flood his mind, the room he used to call home for so many years and no doubt repurposed since his retirement. The temptation to go inside overwhelms him and he twists the door knob. To his surprise, it is not locked. The door swings open but there is no light to see inside. Alex instinctively walks inside, his hand flips the light switch, and he is shocked at what he sees.

The entry room has changed very little, from what his memory serves him, and he walks further  inside. His leather jacket still hangs, with a pair of steel toed boots below it and a set of keys undisturbed. Alex advances further into his former dwelling the shock of the room remaining untouched comes as a surprise. Surely Omega Phi would have had better use of these quarters after his retirement.

Alex walks into the main study, and sees a votive candle still burning. The desk is covered with parchment letters, crumpled pieces of paper, dusty awards and a single yellow scratch pad, with many pages torn from it, most of which were meant for the garbage can. The room is decorated with childhood achievements, certificates, ribbons, and framed photos of him. Alex picks up a crumpled page and begins to read it.

Dear Alex,

I have no idea where to start. I have failed you in so many ways. I failed as a parent, father, and mentor. I wanted so much for you to be the man I never was, but instead I forced you to be just like me. My pride got in the way of letting you grow up and enjoy your childhood. For that I can't apologize enough and I want you to come home. I know these words will come as a shock, but not nearly as much as the following words. The doctor says

The letter abruptly ends, as it was never finished and Alex begins to panic. He looks around the room and the situation becomes crystal clear to him. Reese had dedicated this room as a shrine to his beloved son. The never-bending father that he had grew up with, actually had a soft side and more importantly loved his son. Alex is overcome with emotion, folds the unfinished note and places it in his pocket.

Alex opens the door and exits into the hallway. His mind was distracted so much that he didn't notice Eve walking down the hallway. A few steps later, he walks directly into Eve causing her to fall to the floor. Eve looks up to see Alex and is taken completely by surprise. “Alex? What the hell are you doing here?” Eve says.

“I knew I would run into you sooner or later. But I didn't think I would literally run into you.” Alex says jokingly.

“
I thought you were retired?” Eve asks.

“
You never said goodbye....” Alex says. Eve looks to the ground bashfully and refuses to make eye contact with Alex. Eve knows the reason why she never came to see him off to retirement. She struggles to explain her actions, but is interrupted by Alex. “Don't you think I deserve at least an explanation?”

“
Reese wants to see me...” Eve says.

“
He can wait.” Alex says sternly.

“
I gotta go. We can talk about this later.” Eve says as she lifts herself up from the floor. Alex grabs her arm to help her up but Eve tosses his hand away as she storms off towards Reese's office.

“
Eve WAIT!” Eve doesn't even pause, shifting to a brisk walk down the hallway, leaving Alex alone once again. “At least I can admire the view.” Alex says, as he stares at her rear end.

Eve pauses in front of Reese's office door and tries to calm her nerves before entering. Her hand rests on the French style doorknob and memories of Haus flood her brain. Little flickering images of the happy times, interrupted with static like a worn out television set. She is overcome with emotion. A tear begins to stream down her face, but she is jolted back into reality, by the sound of the lock mechanism clicking. The door swings open and she steps into the office.

“Eve, please have a seat. I have something I need to talk to you about.” Reese says as he gestures for her to sit down. Eve walks slowly towards the chair. Her gait is weak and her facial expression is withered. Eve sits, crosses her legs nervously and waits to hear Reese speak. “Eve we have a very serious problem on our hands.”

“
Yeah, I guessed that. Since when did Alex come back?” Eve says.

“
Alex has been re-activated.” Reese says.

“
Just what in the hell is going on around here Reese?” Eve says.

“
While Haus was working, he uncovered some disturbing intelligence and let me do my best to summarize it for you. A suspect has acquired a biological weapon, is currently in transit to release this biological weapon and is regarded as a terrorist.” Reese says.

“
What kind of a biological weapon?” Eve asks.

“
A virus to be specific.” Reese says.

“
Sounds to me like Alex can handle this terrorist just fine.” Eve says.

“
Yes, Alex could hunt the terrorist down. But that is when it gets complicated.” Reese says.

“
What do you mean complicated?” Eve says.

“
This isn't a simple mission, it has several layers and Alex has requested that you accompany him on the mission.” Reese says.

“
Why? So he can flirt and have control over me?” Eve says.

“
He feels that you will be able to give him an edge in this mission.” Reese says.

“
How could I give him an edge? Sure, I can dress his wounds, when he foolishly gets shot in action. Even then, aside from making him comfortable until paramedics arrive, I can offer nothing.” Eve says.

Reese sits silently, staring across his desk at Eve and adjusts his tie to allow more breathing room. He takes a few deep breaths and carefully selects his next choice of words. His fingers nervously roll across his desk and he suddenly sits upright. “The terrorist is your mother...”

“WHAT?” Eve exclaims.

“
Yes, Trixie has the virus with her and has every intent to destroy mankind with it. She has murdered several people in the process and is a key player in the death of Agent Haus.” Reese explains.

“
My mother couldn't hurt a flea, let alone be a terrorist!” Eve exclaims.

“
Eve, please calm down, I think you need to see this footage.” Reese plays the footage from Haus's Dlink on the screen behind him. As the footage rolls Eve covers her mouth and begins to sob. Anger, sadness, and disbelief bombard her thoughts. The video is damning evidence, Eve still can't believe what her eyes are relaying to her confused mind. Her body shivers when Trixie kicks Haus in the chest and she looks away as he falls down the air shaft.

It was one thing to accept his loss, but another, seeing it happen in real time. Eve didn't even recognize the camouflaged monster that her mother had become. Long lost were the memories of a soft, kind, and caring mother. The same guardian angel that cooked her chocolate chip pancakes on the first day of school and made a smiley face out of bacon.

All that remains is the defunct shell, of a woman that vaguely looks like her mother. The goodnight kisses have been replaced by bullets hitting their target. Tender embraces a thing of the past, nothing but stone cold salutes and uniform inspections.

The human has been removed, and all that remains is the primal animal deep down inside. Stripped of all emotion, and left wanting. A human can only live that way for a brief period, before they succumb to the madness, and after that, there is no coming back.

“What if I refuse to go?” Eve says.

“
Well, I guess that is a big problem. I already promised Alex that you are coming along.” Reese says.

“
It's not gonna happen....” Eve says.

“
I knew you would react this way, but if you are forcing my hand. I have no choice...” Reese says.

“
No choice?” Eve asks.

“
I have to authorize Alex to use lethal force, to neutralize the threat.”

“
You can't kill mom!” Eve says.

“
My hands are tied on this one, kiddo. I tried to offer you a way to save the day, yet you are defiant. I wish I could just wave a magic wand and make this all go away.” Reese says.

“
That's my mom! You heartless bastard!” Eve says.

“
Eve, listen to me sweetheart. As much as you hate the idea of being with Alex, you need to toss it aside for the sake of your mother. I know you don't want to go, but listen to reason on this proposition. You can save your mother. You, and you alone can convince her to abandon her plan. Otherwise, if I send Alex in alone, you might as well start carving your mothers tombstone.” Reese says.

“
Do you promise my mother will be unharmed?” Eve asks.

“
I will do everything in my power to assure her safety, but I cant promise anything. Reese says.

Eve contemplates the situation. She knows that the best chance to sort this mess out, is if she confronts her mother and keeps Alex from firing the final shot. Once Trixie is told the whole truth, maybe she will back away from her plan and ultimately save her own life.