Paul Kirk - Devastation Point

“Yes, sir.” Tippy ran to Larry Reed and updated him as to Phoenix’s plans. Larry radioed the commanders, conveying the new orders. Phoenix raised a hand to gain full attention, waving his uncle and Tippy over.

“Uncle?”

“Yeah?”

“Once the entire army’s on the other side of the southern gates, I want you to send in a full brigade to level that town after they search for supplies.”

“Level it?”

“Yeah. You’re right that something’s strange. You got a good nose. Always have. And, I figured out why.” Phoenix studied the town with increased anticipation. The emerging grin beneath the predatory eyes delivered a spin-tingling shiver that Larry felt all the way into his toes.

“Why?”

“Uncle, they’re hiding everyone because they know who the fuck we are.”

“Not sure I understand you, Phoenix.”

Phoenix laughed, energized by his thoughts. “I think this town’s been fuckin’ coached by that Rat Pack colonel and his minions. I see it now—the bastard knows we’d strip any man, slowly of his hide, in front of his children if we have to, to find out where he is. Damn, he’s convinced this town that a complete evacuation was necessary in order to save his own sorry ass.”

“I dunno, Phoenix. A town this size wouldn’t do that. Not for one man. No offense.”

“It’s the only logical solution that makes any sense right now. We know this town’s way too fresh and active to have become a ghost town overnight. That is, without help.”

“Well—”

“Of course, if Kaiden and his men find a townie or meet any resistance in their search, my theory goes down the drain.”

“Oh, I see—and you think the townies just up and left, leaving it high and dry, ripe for us?”

“Well, they’re still alive and hiding out so that’s gotta count for something.”

“Oh.”

“Instruct Kaiden to keep an eye out for traps on the main road through town. Instruct him and his men to slip in a hundred yards or so. Have him run point. I won’t lose another bunch of men to that explosive shit.”

“Okay.”

“Go on.”

“Right.”

Larry and Tippy left and Phoenix stayed near his truck, waiting for Kaiden and his advance team to secure the area inside the gates. Puffing on his cigar, he caught the go signal and the army moved the 200 yards down Route 51, converging near the northern gates of Perryopolis. Taking a moment, Phoenix admired the human skeletons resting on pikes on each side of the road. He laughed to himself, knowing that a town that put up such warnings as this, would not readily vacate on a whim. He took a moment to examine his army on the move. It was an impressive sight.

“That’s what I’m talkin’ about,” he mumbled.

A vast display of white trucks, beautifully maintained cavalry and well-equipped and well-armed men on foot, all well fed, were ready to crush any resistance the town had in store. A new dawn had come and the noise of so many men, trucks and horses in such close proximity created an energy all its own. Men crouched on tailgates. RPGs or .50 caliber weapons were ready to blow away anything that moved. An impatience was building and all looked at Phoenix for the sign to let slip his crazed dogs of war. Stunned once again at the power in their hands, Larry Reed came to stand by his side, mesmerized.

“Look at ’em, Phoenix.”

“Yeah.”

“They’re at your command.”

“No, they’re at the command of the dark side—waiting to unleash the bloodlust hidden in all men.”

“A bloodlust you harnessed.”

“Hmm, we’ll see how much has been harnessed.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Order the commanders to have the men walk straight through town. There are to be no side trips into any buildings yet. I repeat , no side trips .”

“Got it.”

“Cavalry, trucks, quads, bikes, and men on foot. In that order. Let the men know that we will reacquaint ourselves with the town from the other side to take what’s ours—tell ’em to be patient for their spoils of war.”

“I understand. Makes sense.”

“But beware, uncle. I expect about a ninety percent compliance rate at best. They’re gonna be tempted to take because that’s what they’re good at.”

“Umm—”

“Keep to the back here with me for now.”

“Why?”

“Well, in case that Rat Pack commander’s figured out the weakness of such a large army in a conveniently vacant town ripe for the plucking. I’m sure the fucker left a surprise or two.”

“You think the colonel was here?”

“All signs point to his mark.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“You’re the one that was so gun-shy earlier.”

“Yeah, that’s before Kaiden told me we got the green light.”

“Oh, we have the green light to waltz through this town. It’s the not walking through that’s gonna cause us problems.”

“Then what?”

“In two words, uncle. Side. Trips.”

“You mean the buildings?”

“Ahh, yeah. Have two men send RPGs into a few buildings to try to get anyone’s attention that might still be hanging around.”

Phoenix studied the restaurant about fifty yards in from the gates. The gaudy sign, tacked above the main entrance, announced that you were entering Randall’s Restaurant .

“Take out that Randall’s Restaurant right there. Pick another building further in. See if it stirs any ants.”

“Yes, sir.” Larry Reed ordered the strike. Within seconds, two shoulder-fired missiles raced into the town hitting buildings, causing spectacular explosions. All braced for the town’s reaction. There was none. Fires began to burn.

“Hmm, I think we have us a veritable ghost town, uncle. I wonder—let’s try to make our way through Main Street. Again, no side trips.”

“I’ll order the men to do as you asked.”

“Hah! You do that. But, stick close to me on this. I’d like to keep you around for awhile longer. Hell, you too, Tippy. Watch and learn.”

“Yes, sir.”

Larry Reed and Tippy Cup left Phoenix mulling over future battle plans. Thinking hard, Phoenix figured to absorb at least a five percent loss of men simply pushing through Perryopolis. Based on his interest in military history and recent experience, he knew any town takedown was risky. And, a fresh ghost town scenario had its own peculiarities. In his bones, the current circumstances left him uneasy. In his gut, he sensed that he was dealing with a cold, and calculating man heading up the Rat Pack. Smiling, he realized a formidable opponent was playing the game against him. But, always the risk taker, Phoenix was willing to test the waters.

“Nicely done,” muttered Phoenix, “You may take your pound of flesh.” He watched his men flow into the town, knowing there would be an unfortunate surprise that would befall the weaker minded of his men. “Survival of the fittest. Can’t be helped. Darwin at his best.”

Phoenix laughed at his own thoughts, sitting back to watch the progress of his army. Comfortable in one of the three white trucks held in reserve behind the men on foot, he critiqued the small town, strategizing. With ease, men poured into the town like water through a sieve. Unfortunately, he was not surprised, when the majority of his men were halfway through the town and the first huge explosion came. Using binoculars, Phoenix studied the aftermath, seeing the newest building on fire. The bright red sign above the building said all that was needed: Saloon .

“Nice!” Phoenix laughed so loud many men near the truck thought him crazed. He continued to speak softly to himself. “Of course the men would enter that precise location despite orders. My compliments, Colonel Rat. What’s next?”