Roger and Connor slipped out of the barn and disappeared into the fields to wait.
CHAPTER 5.20-Defining an Enemy
“Phoenix’s men are acting different, colonel.”
“How so, major?”
“I dunno. It’s subtle, but, I’d say they’re trying to ‘objectify’ us, you know? Kinda reclassify us as enemy combatants or something.”
“Hmmm.”
“I’m figuring they must’ve had a recent change in standing orders.”
“And you base this on what?” asked Colonel Starkes.
Sitting side-by-side atop the Hall of Fame rooftop, they stared at the front entrance. The sun cast long rays sideways providing exceptional clarity for a broad view of the city. A pack of wild dogs ran in the distance, quite large. Hunters pursued them.
“Communication levels, eye contact, reduction in interpersonal contact, and their restrained, yet increased covert surveillance.”
“Hah! Are you saying something’s about to go down?”
“Dunno about that, but something is happening I can’t quite put my finger on.”
“You think Phoenix’s showing his true colors?”
“Not sure.”
“Today’s September seventh, right?”
“Yep.”
“Must be it… they overheard someone talking.”
“You think, ma’am?”
“They know we’re sitting here on our fat asses waiting for this Colonel MacMillen until tomorrow.”
“You sure?”
“Makes sense. I felt the change, too. Shamus commented on it yesterday.”
“Yeah, I know. So… what’re your plans?”
“Prep the bird like every night. Let everyone know we’re leaving at first light and to be especially prepared for an assault tonight.”
“I’ll prepare the men. And… CJ and Nicole.”
“Make it happen.”
SECTION 6: The Attack
CHAPTER 6.1-Midnight Looms
“We attack at midnight, Phoenix.”
“Make sure you stick with your plan, uncle. It’s a good one.”
“Thank you. The men are ready. We’re at full capacity. I’ve listed 620 men active with reserves on call, if needed. That includes our cavalry, which is at full strength and 240 horsemen strong. They’ll stay out of the main fighting force tonight, but are available to catch any escapees from the surprise assault. I have five Pride Brigades set up with forty men apiece like we put in place two weeks ago. I think that’s working nicely. They’re in good fightin’ spirit and work well as coordinated units.”
“They are a hungry and violent bunch.”
“Yes, sir. For tonight, our 120-DPs (driver/passenger pairs) we usually use for the pickups will assist in the attack on foot for now. More in a secondary assist capacity since there’s no need for the vehicles. These men will compliment the five Pride Brigades. Luke Killington is heading up the twenty hunter/trackers and has asked that they be first in on the assault. I’ve authorized that request to see how he does.”
“Good idea. Luke’s been making quite an impression on the men.”
“That’s true.”
“I know it’s true. I said it.”
“Yep,” said Larry Reed, making a concerted effort to ignore the petulant remark.
“Anything else I need to know, Uncle?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Okay. Make sure you keep commanders Reggie, Swan and Bundy under wraps once the killing starts. Those Berserkers need a tight leash, you hear me?”
“Sure. I agree.”
“Assign Kaiden to keep them under wraps during the assault. He’s probably the only one they’ll listen to anyway. I told you who better live through this on Starke’s end.”
“Yeah, don’t worry. Nothing will go wrong.”
“Famous last words. Ever study Patton?”
“Who?”
“Never mind. Just don’t go fucking things up at this point,” said Phoenix. He lit a cigar, envisioning the assault.
“Have some faith.”
“Faith is in short supply, nowadays. Especially since all the faithful I knew started dropping dead at my feet when that bird shit came down.”
CHAPTER 6.2-Low and Quiet
“They passed us, Mr. Connor Mac. Didn’t even know we were here!”
“Excellent.”
“Why didn’t they check out the barn?”
“Cody, they probably check this barn nine times outta ten. Today, it seemed, they’re more focused on what’s going on in town, I think.”
“Yeah! I heard one of the guys say something about President Starkes,” said Rhonda.
“Heard that too, must mean she’s really there waiting for you,” said Amanda.
“Ah, huh.”
“Surprised how much chatter was going on with those guys,” said McLeod.
Roger agreed with a small grunt.
“You’re right,” said Connor.
“So, what we want to do now?” asked Marty.
“We wait until they pass us on their return trip in a few hours and follow ’em back into town. Let’s hope, Cody, they don’t decide to deep check the barn on the way in.”
“You think they’ll check?”
“Probably. At least a cursory run through. Anyone with any sense would.”
“Oh.”
“So stay low and hide. Locked and loaded.”
“If they don’t and we’re clear, then what, Mac?” asked Roger.
“I guess we find us our new president and see what’s what.”
“Copy that,” said Rhonda.
Everyone smiled at her spot-on impression of Marty.
“Not bad,” suggested Amanda. Marty basked in the extra attention.
“In the meantime, everybody grab a quick meal.”
CHAPTER 6.3-A View from Afar
John McLeod sat atop a piece of broken farm machinery until Connor drew near. At his arrival, McLeod handed the binoculars to Connor and they continued to take in the beautiful city. After a moment, Connor turned to McLeod.
“Every farm we see is well-organized and productive.”
“Yeah, they’re well-managed. A slew of ’em.”
“They sure are. There are plenty of horses at those two farms. Some livestock, too.”
“I know. I did see a few pigs if you can believe it,” said John.
“Pigs? No kidding?”
“Yeah.”
“Damn good to hear. Thought bacon was a thing of the past.”
“I agree. And, the farms are very well cared for. Even the roads around here are in decent repair.”
“Kinda risky setting up shop in Cleveland, though. Nuclear plants are on both sides, but aways out. And, though the wind patterns probably keep it safe… I dunno.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. Maybe they have some people that kept those plants from melting down? Maybe they did some containment?”
“Sure. It’s possible. But what are the chances of that?”
“Well, what are the chances you’d meet up with a professor who trained the military on the psychology of war? That’s some pretty narrow niche, huh?”
“I see your point.”
“I’m just suggesting stranger things have happened since the Sickness.”
“Hmm…”
“Hey Mac, I was thinking earlier. So, okay, based on all this what do you think? Im wondering if we have a real serious land boss in the area?”
“Go on… continue John, what’s your psych read on Cleveland?”
“Wow. My psych read? Ah, there’s the high quality scouting parties, the productive farms, the cleanliness, well-maintained roads, and plenty of horses. It speaks volumes that somebody’s definitely running a tight ship here.”