Paul Kirk - Devastation Point

“We’re runnin’, sir?” asked Captain Daubney.

“No, captain, we’re simply choosing the battleground. One that gives us an advantage.”

“It feels like we’re running from a fight, colonel,” said Edgars. “Burroughs dies and we just fucking run away.”

“Yeah,” agreed Rice who had joined them outside.

Connor suppressed his anger, knowing these men were eager to exact revenge for their fallen comrade. “Right now, I know most of you want to choke the shit out of anyone associated with Phoenix Justice. I know I do. But, here’s the problem. You are under my command. That means I give the orders and you follow them. I will not have my orders questioned. Are we clear?”

There was a smattering of affirmative responses that did little to quell Connor’s rising anger.

“I said ‘Are we clear?’”

The men squared their shoulders and stood braced at attention. “Yes, sir!” they yelled in unison.

“Good. Now then, Captain Daubney?”

“Yes, sir, colonel?”

“When BB and Marty return, I want you to set an overwatch covering our six. We move now. Sergeant Rice, ask Rhonda if she needs any help with… Burroughs. His body will be transported on a horse until we have time to find a suitable burial place. Any man who was part of the rear guard in the last encounter with Phoenix’s army is under orders to be on horseback for the next ten miles.” Connor stared at Mickey, daring him to protest.

Jackson was propped against the side of a Buick, his legs, one of which sported a tourniquet, stretched out in front of him. Jason sat next to him, loosening the tourniquet at two minutes intervals and keeping the dozing Jackson upright. They had given him two of the codeine tablets for the pain and washed them down with a significant amount of whiskey. The kneecap, hit during the earlier skirmish was shattered at the joint and though Connor didn’t know much about medical procedures, he suspected the man’s leg, if he kept it, would be useless.

“Jackson will be riding as well. Each of you men are under my orders and you will follow me without question. You will not regret it. I have never failed in a mission and I don’t intend to start now. We will climb that mountain. We will set up our defenses. We will defeat this piece of shit following us. On my terms.”

“Hoorah,” said Mickey softly but with conviction.

“If everything goes as planned, we’ll have some help at the top of that mountain.”

The men looked confused at Connor’s last comment, Captain Daubney in particular, but nobody asked Connor what he meant and Connor didn’t feel the need to shed any more light on the matter.

He hoped that his long ago plans with Mark Harmon were put in place, at least at a basic level. If they were to succeed, he would need the help of his old friend.

“Colonel, this is Commander Italo Del Re—he’s the leader of about two hundred people who live in this town. Commander, this is Colonel Hannah Starkes, President of the United States.” Major O’Malley made the introductions and took a step back to let the two take stock of one another.

“Colonel, it’s a real pleasure meeting you,” said Del Re. He shook hands with excitement.

The commander’s enthusiasm was contagious, but Colonel Starkes needed to determine what the man knew. “Where are all your people, commander?”

“In a small cave, colonel. It’s northeast of the city,” he said, pointing back into the field he had run through.

“A cave?” she questioned.

“Yes, ma’am. It’s where we keep our ale and our cheese—nice and cool there. We’ve also had practice drills to use it as a hideaway and it worked—at least it worked today. It’s a little cramped in there, but it kept us outta harm’s way.”

“Did you say ‘ale’?” asked Major O’Malley.

“Major, please stay on task,” said Colonel Starkes.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Commander Del Re faced the major. “It’s a very strong ale, major—ABV of 6.9 or so. Sometimes it’s even higher.”

The colonel’s radio came to life. “Colonel, this is Shamus. Two men are coming from the same direction as the commander. They’re a hundred yards out, ma’am, but their weapons are neutral. They’re carrying rifles and they both have holstered handguns. Over.”

“Copy that, Professor. Stand by.” She turned to Del Re.

“They’re probably mine, colonel. Josh and Russ,” he said, shading his eyes from the rising sun. “Can I code them in?”

She used her binoculars to assess the two men. There were walking at an easy pace and everything about them appeared to be non-threatening. “Major O’Malley?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Take a few men and meet ’em halfway. If they relinquish their weapons and submit to being searched, they can join their commander.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Major?” interrupted Commander Del Re.

“Yes, commander?”

“Use the word ‘mongoose’. It’s our code word for the day and it will put those men more at ease.”

“Okay, commander, I will.”

“Colonel,” said the commander, as the major left to meet the two men, “my town and its people are at your disposal.”

“How many people in your town are alive? How many survived the attack?”

“All of us survived, colonel.”

“That means you knew they were coming. Was it Connor MacMillen who told you?”

“Yeah, colonel. Connor Mac showed up a few hours before that army came through and warned us in time to evacuate. He admitted that the army was following him and he apologized for it, but he convinced us to hide instead of fighting it out.”

“You saw Colonel MacMillen? He was alive and well?”

“Yes, ma’am. He mentioned that he’s taken command of the men previously under your command. He knows you’re looking for him, colonel.”

Colonel Starkes’ face lit up with a bright smile. “Please, commander, go on.”

“Okay. But do you mind if we go into my command post and assess the fire damage? This story might take some time, colonel.”

“I’m not sure, commander. Your town’s not secure yet.”

“The army that passed through here did just that, colonel—they passed through here. I’m certain there aren’t any stragglers. Besides, there’s some ale at my command post and I’m sure your men could use some refreshment. I know I’m feeling a bit parched.”

“You didn’t engage the enemy at all, commander?” she asked.

“No, ma’am. The army was huge—I’m sure we would’ve gotten our asses handed to us. I’m glad Connor Mac talked me outta trying to defend. Connor Mac and I had a few surprises for ’em when they came through.” Del Re began a slow walk toward the town’s northern gate and Hannah Starkes reluctantly followed.

“GT, take Scott, Daniels, and Amanda ahead to secure the area.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he answered and the four began a quick trot into the town.

The colonel glanced behind her and saw Major McLoy and Lieutenant Wahlberg covering their six. She hesitated near the gates, reluctant to expose herself to the multitude of potential dangers. She gently touched the commander’s shoulder. “Let’s wait here, commander. I want my team to have some time verifying the threat level.”

“Of course, colonel,” he answered amiably.

She noticed that the four-man team she had sent inside the town moved together very smoothly. The ease with which Amanda moved among the three others was impressive and the colonel recognized Amanda’s confidence and expertise in covering her sector. The men had accepted her into their clearing efforts and the knowledge vindicated her decision to include Amanda.