ROT Series (Book 4): The Savior Read online

  Novak kicked the dead vampire rotter off the major and asked, “Did he bite you?”

  “No.”

  Novak did not have time to look him over too carefully. More amblers in TMRT uniforms were coming his way. He put away the knife and pistol and drew the sick slaying stick from his back. The major did the same and they made quick work of the remaining four amblers.

  “The horde is going to be coming,” Novak said, “we need to get out of here.”

  “We will, but not via the Humvee,” the major said pointing at the TMRT transport.

  “Then I need to get Talbot. The horde will be coming and he won’t be safe out there long.”

  Novak did not wait for an okay as he hustled out the door. The horde had not arrived yet, but looking down the road Novak could see they were coming. He opened the door and motioned for Talbot to get out.

  “You are seriously going to leave me here?” Dr. Talbot asked as he climbed out of the Humvee..

  “No, we are just taking a safer mode of transportation.”

  Talbot followed Novak inside the garage. Once inside he locked the door behind them. The major with no name was leaning over examining one of the dead.

  “It’s my team,” he said.

  “All of them?” Novak asked.

  “Except you,” the major with no name said. He pointed to Talbot. “And him.”

  “I’m a scientist,” Talbot said, “My work is no longer in the QZ. I belong in a lab.”

  “I need three,” the major said, “I don’t see anyone else. My mission still needs to be completed.”

  “What mission?” Talbot asked, “Your team is dead. The mission has been scrubbed.”

  “The president never said complete the mission unless it becomes difficult. We are still going to get this done.”

  Talbot looked to Novak and asked, “Are you putting up with this?”

  “I did say I would do it.”

  “You know Thompson put you on this because you disrespected him yesterday don’t you?”

  “I kind of figured. He demoted me too. I still said I’d do it.”

  “Even though you don’t know what it is?”

  “I only know slightly less than I knew about your mission into the QZ.”

  “The gear is already aboard gentlemen,” the major interrupted, “We need to get going.”

  “I’m not exactly wearing armor,” Dr. Talbot said tugging on the lapels of his white lab coat for emphasis.

  “For your sake I hope someone wore the same size. Like I said the gear is loaded and ready to go.”

  As they followed the major onto the transport Dr. Talbot asked, “Since I am part of the mission can you tell me what it is?”

  “All in good time,” the major said as they climbed aboard.

  Novak went straight back to the cockpit, while Talbot examined the stainless steel boxes tied down on the floor.

  “Our destination is already plugged into the onboard GPS,” the major told Novak, “Be sure to turn on the transponder. Last thing we need is a drone seeing us in no man’s land and putting a missile up our ass.”

  Novak found the right switch and turned on the transponder. They now put out a constant sound wave, set at a frequency they could not hear but a drone could pick up. Whatever was sending out the signal would be off limits to the drones offensive capabilities.

  Satisfied Novak had everything under control in the cockpit, the major went the communication station and opened the direct line he had to General Doctor Thompson.

  Thompson’s right hand man Torrance answered the call, “Glad to hear from you Major.”

  “Glad to be heard from. The mission is a go. We are headed for the designated area as we speak.”

  “I hope despite the chaos everything on your end is going as planned.”

  “We had to improvise, but we got there.”

  “As long as it gets done Major.”

  “Can I speak to General Doctor Thompson?”

  “No, he is occupied. We had to declare a level six. As of now the camp is part of the QZ.”

  “Well, I was headed there anyway.”

  “Let me know when you have completed phase one.”

  “Will do,” the major said as Torrance broke the connection.

  Novak raised the big doors to the hangar with a remote in the transport. The open door revealed the horde he feared his gunfire had attracted was beginning to arrive. It didn’t matter now, the horde was no match for the armored locomotive style transport, he drove through them like they were a bunch of bowling pins. The GPS wanted him to follow the roads to the checkpoint exit, but Novak plowed through the wall instead. If they were at a level six it was not serving any purpose anymore anyway.

  Dr. Talbot pointed at the boxes on the floor, “Are those what I think they are?”

  “Do you think they are tactical thermonuclear weapons?” the major replied

  “Holy shit,” was all Dr. Talbot could think to say, followed by, “Do you think we should refrain from driving through the walls while carrying enough explosives to completely disintegrate us? Two times over.”

  Chapter 14 - Cam Carson’s Compound - Fallbrook, CA

  There was a knock on the door of the room Donna and Vance were sharing, followed by Fan’s voice saying, “Guys, it is time.”

  Vance looked out the window and saw the sun was just beginning to rise. “So much for sleeping in,” he said to Donna.

  “Speak for yourself.”

  Vance put on his clothes and gathered his gear quickly. He was headed out the door when Donna added, “Good luck.”

  “Thanks,” Vance said. Before he opened the door he said, “Keep your phone on. I’ll do the same.”

  “Is it safe?” Donna said.

  “Maybe, but if we need to suddenly contact each other it will be worth the risk.”

  “Consider it done,” replied Donna before closing her eyes and getting some more much needed sleep.

  Fan was waiting for him along with Clay and Cam Carson himself. His two bodyguards were also in the hallway, trying to look alert for threats but despite their efforts they looked bored and sleepy.

  “I bet it was nice to get some alone time with the missus,” Carson said.

  “We’ve been divorced for awhile,” Vance told him.

  “You still shared a bed tonight.”

  “Everyone had to double up,” Vance said, “It made sense we share. Donna and I have slept in the same bed many times while managing to keep our hands off each other.”

  “Bo and I managed to not have any sex either,” Clay said.

  “You sound almost disappointed,” Carson said.

  Clay shrugged, “I don’t think that’s Bo’s thing.”

  “Is it yours?” Carson asked.

  “Does it matter?” Clay replied.

  “No, it doesn’t,” Fan answered before Carson could, “We need to get moving.”

  They made their way around back to where the big black Hummer was parked that brought them into the compound. Next to it was a Jeep Cherokee. Leaning against the Cherokee was Ana along with Cletus, Chase Senior and Chase Junior. Ana and the younger Chase appeared to be having a pleasant conversation.

  She looked their way when she saw Vance and Clay looking at her funny.

  “Sorry to break up your sausage party, but I’m going.”

  “We need another gun and she is the only one with any real experience,” Chase Junior said.

  “It wasn’t my idea,” Chase Senior added.

  “I figured Dolan would be here,” Vance said.

  “He feels as leader he is more valuable coordinating with Carson here at the compound. Or as I would put it, he pussied out.”

  “Either way,” Fan said, “We need to get moving. The bombs are on timer, or possibly a remote detonator. We will let them place them and then we will disarm them. With any luck we won’t need any guns at all.”

  “What about the infected?” Cletus asked.

  “Like I said
, hopefully we get lucky.”

  “Be better if we can avoid using the guns anyway,” Clay said, “gunfire draws them in. Fire a shot and every ambler and vampire rotter within a mile in every direction is coming our way.”

  “We packed plenty of non firearm weapons,” Chase senior said, “Just to be clear though, if it comes down to saving either my ass or my boys I will be using everything at my disposal, including every gun I’ve got.”

  “Do what you have to do,” Vance told him, “Just realize there are consequences.”

  Chase Senior nodded.

  “I have a general location,” Fan said, “We head that way until I get more specific information.”

  “You want to ride with us Ana?” Clay asked.

  “Nah, I’ve spent plenty of time with you guys. I’ll ride with them to start.”

  Fan, Clay and Vance climbed into the Hummer with Fan taking the wheel, while the others got in the Cherokee. Fan had just started up the Jeep when Bo and Ben came outside. A moment later Katelin, with all four guns holstered on her sides and both swords on her back followed. Vance lowered his window.

  “Just thought we’d see you off,” Bo said.

  “Thanks,” Vance said. He looked at his daughter and her weapons, thinking she was going to ask to be part of what they were doing.

  She seemed to read his mind, “I’m not going to ask to go along. I’m just saying so long and good luck.”

  “You sleep that way?” Clay asked pointing to the guns and swords.

  “Yeah.”

  Ben looked at Vance, “I’m thinking I should be going. You know my dad taught me this survivalist shit better than any of these militia bozos.”

  “No doubt,” Vance said, “Which is why I need you to stay behind in case shit goes haywire.”

  Ben nodded before saying, “You want me to look after your family?”

  “They can look after themselves for the most part, just help them if they need it.”

  “We’ll do the same for you,” Katelin added as she looked at Ben.

  “You know I haven’t decided if I’m over being mad at you,” Ben said to Vance.

  “Stay mad at me if you want,” Vance said, “Just don’t take it out on them.”

  “Hell,” Ben said, “I’m not even taking it out on you.”

  “Can we go now?” Fan asked.

  “Yeah,” Vance told him.

  They drove out of the compound with Fan leading the way. Ben, Bo and Katelin helped open and close the big gate.

  “You thinking last time we split the group how things went badly for all involved?” Clay asked Vance.

  “Trying not too. But yeah.”

  “Me too.”

  Vance turned to Fan, “You still haven’t explained how we are going to find them. Once they are in the QZ it won’t matter who your inside man is. They will be on their own.

  Fan handed Vance a phone.

  “Are we going to call them?”

  “Tap the screen.”

  Vance tapped the screen and a map appeared. On the map was one moving bright red blip.

  “This is them?”

  “Yes.”

  “How?”

  “If I told you it was a state secret…”

  “I’d tell you to fuck off. How?”

  “Every TMRT vehicle in the QZ is equipped with a device that sends a constant signal…”

  “The transponder. You’re tracking the signal.”

  Fan nodded.

  “How did you know the frequency?”

  “This is the part where you can tell me to fuck off.”

  Chapter 15 - The TMRT Essential Officers Secure Facility - Escondido CA

  As the man recently removed from his post overseeing the failed Oceanside Evacuation, Dr. Barrington was not sure he would get a place in the secure facility. The facility was there for persons deemed essential to lock themselves in if any emergency over a level three were declared. Barrington still had the rank, but he was a lame duck at the checkpoint. He only stuck around to see if he could help Eric Vance and his family. No one saw Barrington as an essential person to keep alive.

  Given the way things seemed to be going outside the secure facility he was glad his rank still counted for something. Everywhere else was being overrun as the rot spread from person to person faster than they could get any of the buildings locked down.

  Thompson had declared a level six, which was a nice way to say they were surrendering and making a tactical retreat. Air lifts to get the so called essential personnel out of the area was being arranged.

  While they were waiting Barrington decided he should try to contact Vance. He had posted on the dark web message board they had been using and gotten no response. He hoped Vance was still alive and kicking.

  “There is no need for that,” Barrington heard a voice say from behind him. He sort of had private quarters in the secure building, though it was more like a cubicle than a room. It did not have locking door either.

  He turned to see Torrance standing behind him.

  “No need for what?” Barrington asked.

  “To contact Vance.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “No need to lie. I understand. You feel you owe him, I understand he saved your life once.”

  “He did.”

  “So you are helping him. If I were you I would feel the same way and act accordingly.”

  “Really? You don’t strike me as a rule breaker.”

  “You might be surprised. For now I’m letting you know he is fine.”

  “Fine?”

  “Relatively speaking. He’s alive. His family along with a few stray survivors were picked up and are in a safe place, or at least as safe a place one can find inside the QZ.”

  “How do you know all this?”

  “How is not important. All that is important is that you believe me.”

  “You’re not making it easy.”

  “No, I suppose I’m not. Ask yourself another question, Why would I lie?”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “To let you know I am on your side. All I ask is you hold off any plans you were making to get him out.”

  “What makes you think I have plans?”

  “You’re smart and loyal. I’d like to think I’m somewhat the same. If Vance were my friend I’d have plans.”

  Barrington was not sure how to answer, so he said nothing.

  “Things are in motion Dr. Barrington, I need you to trust me. Can you do that?”

  While Barrington was pondering the answer Torrence left his cubicle.

  Barrington still left a message for Vance. He let him know the safe transport Barrington had arranged in Oregon was still available. He was not ready to trust Torrance yet.

  Chapter 16 - The Quarantine Zone - Interstate 5 North, CA

  They made good time as Novak followed the trail they had cleared out on he and Talbot’s first foray into the Quarantine Zone.

  “You do know I am a researcher and not a soldier?” Dr. Talbot said to the major without a name as they made their way to the designated destination.

  “To be TMRT you had to go through some basic training.” the major replied.

  “Yes, but in the case of older science types such as myself it was not exactly like growing up in Sparta. For starters it was only two weeks long. Mostly they taught us how to handle firearms without shooting ourselves and did just enough physical training to make us all feel old and out of shape.”

  The major pointed at the steel boxes, “All I need is someone to help me carry the box. I think you can handle that.”

  “Makes it sound like a job for two, not three.”

  “Someone needs to cover our backs while we unload the ordinance. Since you’ve told me your weapons skills don’t extend beyond avoiding shooting yourself, I think Novak might be the man for that job.”

  “Well, I can’t argue with you on that point. Novak is an excellent soldier.”

  “I hope so.
I was supposed to have three trained shooters and a dedicated driver covering our backs.”

  “Are we going all the way to Los Angeles?”

  “Anaheim first. Then we go farther north”

  “Are we going to blow up an amusement park?”

  “That and a whole lot else.”

  “How far north?”

  “San Jose. I’m guessing with the lack of traffic we should make good time.”

  “You do realize by dragging me along on this mission you are keeping me from finding a vaccine?”

  “Sorry, believe me if I could have taken anyone else I would have. Besides,” the major said as he tapped one of the boxes, “there’s more than one way to administer a vaccine.”

  Talbot did not bother to reply. He had a feeling the way he was starting to think about the major was the same way the men accompanying him on his mission into the QZ thought about him.

  “Almost there,” Novak said through the intercom.

  “You’d better gear up Doc.”

  “I always hated the suit.”

  “Me too, but I like it better than being infected.”

  Talbot could not argue that point. He found a suit close enough to his size and donned the armor.

  “Should I take a gun?” Talbot asked as he found a helmet that fit him.

  “Your hands are going to be full, but if it makes you feel better go ahead. Just don’t shoot me.”

  Talbot nodded and put a pistol in the holster built into the suit under his left arm.

  Novak steered the transport off the freeway. Looking at the monitors giving them a view of the outside Talbot thought they might actually be dropping off the bomb at Disney Land when he saw the sign letting visitors know they were on the right road. Novak veered a different direction and Talbot saw they were headed for the baseball stadium.

  “We’re not dropping the bomb off at the stadium are we?”

  “Of course we are. Right in the middle of the field. It might not be necessary but the remote detonators work best if the ordinance is in an open area.”

  “Plenty of open area to the east.”