Paul Kirk - Devastation Point

“It’s Mike. And, no problem. Glad you’re feeling better.”

“Yeah.” Amanda studied Scott and Cassie standing nearby and continued her efforts to settle into the situation. With self-discipline taught by Connor, she quelled the blossoming anxiety building in the pit of her stomach.

“And, you? Mr. Soft Green eyes? What’s your name?” Amanda’s sudden bright smile, blue eyes and courteous demeanor had its intended effect.

“Umm…”

“That’s Scott. And that’s Cassie,” said Major O’Malley, “They took care of you round-the-clock from day one. Especially Scott.”

“Oh… wow.”

“I don’t think Scott left your side at all for the first five days; slept at your door when he was forced to sleep after that.”

Amanda refocused on both Scott and Cassie. Registering the realities of her time spent here, she understood the commitment they both had to her recovery. She sniffed herself to find she smelled as fresh and clean as mountain air. Humbled, her intensity softened. “Oh. Well… Scott, Cassie. Geez, thanks so much.”

“Not a problem,” said Scott.

“Sorry I’ve been such a bitch to you all since I woke—”

“Ah, we’re glad to see you’re finally back with the living,” said Cassie.

“Yeah, you keep healing, Amanda,” said Scott, “If there’s anything you need, anything, just let me know.”

“Okay. I will. Thanks.” Amanda blushed at the attention. She reached to touch the bandage on her head and slipped her hand to the back of her neck, feeling light stubble. Smiling slightly, she sought Scott’s attention.

“Who do I thank for the new hairstyle?”

“Ahh, that would be me,” said Scott.

“I see.”

“And, you have some stitches under that bandage that I hope will end up covered up when your hair grows back.”

“Great… you think I should cut off the other side and go full Mohawk?” Amanda’s attempt at humor was well received; all laughed.

“Get dressed, Amanda,” said Colonel Starkes, “Cassie will help you. When you’re ready, come downstairs. We’ll see what we can work out in prep for a Youngstown trip.”

“Right.”

“We might even be able to find you some solid food to help gain your strength back.”

“Hmm.”

“Yeah, I know that soup broth that Scott’s patiently hand fed you the past seven days isn’t enough for you and the baby.”

Ravenous, Amanda touched her belly and thought of her unborn child and the need for substantial food. The level of care in her twenty-four hour round-the-clock treatment during the past eight days sank in.

“My goodness. Thanks again for taking care of me, Scott… you too, Cassie.”

“Don’t mention it,” said Cassie.

“Yep. No problem,” said Scott.

“No, truly , I’m humbled by your attention, I am.”

Scott blushed at her appreciation. “We have a good squirrel stew for lunch downstairs. I hope you like it.”

Mildly amused, Colonel Starkes studied Scott’s schoolboy shyness around the young woman. But, hearing about the stew, Amanda edged to stand with both feet on the floor. Pleased, she found she could stand, but was surprised at her overall fatigue in trying to do so. “Wow. I’m weak as a newborn kitten.”

“Yeah,” suggested Scott, “You would be.”

Thoughts of squirrel meat chunks dripping with broth filled Amanda’s head and her mouth watered. She waved everyone out the door.

“Okay, you all. Please get outta here so I can remove this silly shirt and put on my own clothes… I’m starving!”

The team turned at her request and began to leave.

“Wait!”

“Yes?” said Colonel Starkes, glancing back.

“Anyone know what happened to my rifle?” Bracing for the worst, Amanda stood at the edge of the bed, staring like a forlorn puppy.

“You mean a 30.06 Remington with a Leopold scope and walnut stock?” said the major.

“Yeah.”

“We have it.”

“No way!”

“Mickey’s team scooped it up during the firefight.”

“Wow! I can’t believe it!”

“Sergeant Burroughs grabbed it when he and Mickey dragged you from the front entrance.”

“Oh… wow. Oh my, that’s great! You guys are so great!”

“You’re welcome.”

“Okay, okay now get out, please.” With a sudden urgency, Amanda used trembling hands to unfold her pants, discovering the ability to stand on one shaky leg, but just barely, as she slipped into her pants.

“And, make sure you save me some of that stew!” she yelled toward the door. Cassie was still standing there waiting.

“Oh, hi Cassie.”

“I’ll wait to walk you down.”

“Uh, huh.”

“There’s no way you’d make it yourself.”

“Okay… you might be right.” Amanda wobbled side-to-side as she spoke, feeling lightheaded. Cassie came to help.

“And, there are no working elevators.”

“No elevator service? Even for the president? What kinda college are they running here?”

Surprised, Amanda found it difficult a minute later to even make the first few steps without Cassie’s outstretched arm.

“Pittsburgh took a beating, McLeod.”

“I wouldn’t know, Mac. Didn’t come this way my trip out west.”

Connor handed the binoculars over on a gorgeous September twentieth morning. Golden yellow sunlight cut across the clear sky above Pittsburgh, reflecting off countless cars and trucks discarded and abandoned on the cluttered Veteran’s Bridge. Edging into the city from the north, they were tucked in at a good defensive position on the elevated access ramp. Sunlight sparkled across a slew of unbroken skyscraper windows spattered throughout the city. Fifth Avenue Place, a newer landmark in the center of town had remained mostly intact with its protruding center roof antenna still sticking defiantly out the top. And, the centerpiece of the city, the famous U. S. Steel Building stood tall, black and sturdy, aside from a fire that had obviously burned inside on several floors. Long scorch marks ran up the sides and many windows were blown out. But, even damaged, the beautiful city looked ready for rebirth.

“What a kick-ass city.”

“Ahh, I wouldn’t know.”

“Nah, no problem. It’s not your city, John, Pittsburgh’s mine. Born and raised here.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yep.”

“Huh.”

Connor studied the city noting that several intense military battles had certainly taken place downtown. Discarded military vehicles were scattered everywhere, plugging up many downtown streets. But, right now, there was little in the way of human activity. In fact, Pittsburgh was a ghost town.

“I think the ’Burgh’s taken the Sickness harder than most,” said Connor. He stared at the city, saddened.

John McLeod decided to explore the obvious emotions bubbling beneath the surface.

“In what way? What are you referencing?”

“Nothing specific yet, but most of the buildings here are pretty banged up. From what I can see, the majority of bridges are destroyed. There were tons of military engagements. And, I don’t see too much in signs of life right now.”

“Oh. Yeah, there is that,” said McLeod, “No regrouping of people into an evident population center.”

“Least not from what we can see from here.”

The team caught up fast, except for BB, Marty and Jason, running the protective bubble behind them. Jackson and Jude rode horses as rear cover while Rhonda and Roger strolled with the reins of McLeod’s and BB’s horses fifteen yards in front of them. Focused and intense, Rhonda was peppering Roger with comments on some subject. And, off to their right Cody rode Jason’s gentle palomino, wide-eyed, as he caught sight of the huge city visible above the Veteran’s Bridge guardrail.