A New Republic Chapter 1: Sacrifice, Part 3

The emissaries are greeted by Jae Kyu and Billy as they return to the prison. Dave asks Jae Kyu and Marci to gather everybody for a meeting as he sets the ice chest down on the table in the cafeteria. When everyone has arrived, Dave points at the ice chest on the table. “Here, they sent some food back for you guys.”

As everyone who stayed at the prison digs in Billy says “Damn Dave, next time I'm going and you can stay here.”

“There won't be a next time. They're leaving in the morning” Dave informs Billy. “but they're going to come by the prison before they go. I wish you all could have gone with us, but thank you for keeping an eye on the prison.”

Jae Kyu looks expectantly at Dave, then at Marci. “What did they want?”

Dave apologizes, “Sorry, I'm still trying to process everything. Well, they say they want to help, and I'm inclined to believe them, but I don't know if I can trust my judgment right now. They definitely wined and dined us real good, but I wouldn't say I'm in love just yet because I'm afraid I might feel like a fool in the morning, waking up with my panties around my ankles in an empty bed.”

Benji looks confused. “Huh?”

“Sorry Benji. They say all the right things, but I don't know if they're saying them because they're true or because they know that's what I want to hear. I want to believe what they say so badly that I can't really trust myself to be objective. Sometimes people tell you what you want to hear just to get what they want.”

Abraham intervenes, “So why did they say they want to help us, Dave? And how?

Dave thinks for a moment, “Well, that's what I can't get past. At face value, they say that they want to build a better world, but they can't do it by themselves, so they help other people. I guess if they want tomatoes, they believe it is easier to give tomato seeds to a farmer than it is to build a farm.”

“Well, that makes sense to me Dave. What's the harm in hearing them out?”

“I don't know, Abraham. As far as how they can help us, I don't know that either. Any way they can is what they say. I don't even know if we need their help or what the cost of their help is. I just don't know what their angle is, and that's what makes me nervous.”

Billy speaks up as he continues to ravage a piece of corn. “Do you still think they might try to take the prison for themselves?”

“No. The only thing I can say for sure right now is that if they wanted this prison, there wouldn't be a damn thing we could do about it. These guys are professionals, that's undeniable. They're smart, they're highly trained and they are well equipped.” Dave pauses for a moment for emphasis, “We definitely don't want to get on their bad side, but they'd be good friends to have for sure.”

Marci interrupts, “Dave, did you go inside the trailer at all?”

“No. I meant to ask you what it was like in there. Why don't you tell us about the trailer, I think they called it their mobile command center.”

“Yeah, well I don't know much about this stuff, but there was a map on the wall with a lot of markings on it, and there was what appeared to be communication equipment kinda against a wall. They had some computers too. There were all different sized doors everywhere that looked like storage areas, and everything was all stainless steel and rivets. Very industrial looking. There was a kitchen with a large table that seated ten people. Beyond the kitchen were two bathrooms on either side with hot showers big enough for two.”

“I noticed you girls were spiffied up” interjects Billy.

Jae Kyu raises an eyebrow. “Big enough for two?”

“Yeah, it was nice.” Marci went on, “Karen and I had showers. Not at the same time, Jae Kyu! Anyway, beyond the bathrooms was a door that led to a hallway with rooms on the right side. The first room looked like an examining room, and the next room had four bunk beds with footlockers and wall lockers and the other two rooms had queen beds with foot lockers and wall lockers also. So there were four rooms along the hall then there was another door in the back, but I didn't see what was in that room. It kinda reminded me of being on a ship inside, actually.”

Jae Kyu comments, “That sounds like a pretty big RV. Wonder where I can get one.”

Marci agrees. “You and me both!”

Dave looks at Jae Kyu. “It was a semi trailer, actually.” Turning back to Marci, “I noticed the outside was armored. I assumed it was something like what you described inside Marci, but it was smart of you to take notes. Anyway, specifics aside, they are well equipped for sure. I also noticed that there was a certain uniformity in equipment. They all wear body armor called dragon skin. From what I've read, it's made of an extremely light polymer and it offers protection from just about any bullet short of a fifty caliber. Before the fall, it was only available to elite military units. I had only read about it and seen pictures until today. They all carry variants of the G36 assault rifle, which is pretty much the pinnacle of the .223 platform. Their sidearms were all suppressed HK USP's. Their sniper carried a Sako TRG-22, but that was the only one I saw, so I suppose that could just be personal preference. But this uniformity tells me that they didn't scavenge their gear along the way, it was issued. The choice of equipment tells me a lot too. The standard military issue rifle is the M16, sidearm is the Baretta 92, sniper rifle, the M24 and if they are even issued body armor it's kevlar. Military personnel always tend to stick with standard issue equipment, even when superior equipment is available because their training and familiarity with standard issue gear gives them advantages that usually outweigh any advantages afforded by superior equipment. This group's equipment is superior in every aspect, so their choice of this equipment indicates they have received advanced training on this equipment as well. All this means that they're definitely not just some national guard detachment or even standard infantry. They are elite, even by pre-fall standards. Also, their leader told me that he was black ops in his past life. More specifically, he was part of a covert wetworks team. So, these guys are extremely deadly, any way you look at it. If you had seen these guys before the fall, you were in serious trouble.”

Abraham stirs uneasily. “So, Dave, do you have any idea who they are?”

Dave raises one eyebrow. “I know who they say they are. They say they are scouts for something they call “The Republic,” which they claim to be an organization out West that has power, water, food, a hospital, manufacturing... All the makings of a modern society.”

Jae Kyu is skeptical. “Doesn't that seem to be a bit of overkill for scouts? I mean, I thought scouts were a couple guys with beards and binoculars looking for water...”

Dave nods in agreement,“Yes it does Jae Kyu. Very much so. Moreover, it's always been my understanding that scouts, in military terms anyway, are usually detachments from a larger force, sent ahead to survey. If they are scouts, then I'd hate to see the force that is following.”

Abraham urges Dave to slow down. “Let's go back to this republic. When I think of a republic I think of Rome, which was a collection of city-states that answered to a centralized government of elected officials, but were otherwise largely autonomous. If we apply that to today's world, the goals of a republic would be consistent with the agenda they claim, wouldn't they? Do you believe it's real?”

Dave nods in agreement. “That's what I was thinking, but don't you think we would have heard something about this republic by now?”

Karen shakes her head. “He said they were mostly out west, right? That's pretty far away in today's world. And we are hearing about it now, right? It's not like we can read about it in the newspaper.”

Dave turns his attention to Karen. “That's true, and there are other things that he said that lend credibility to his claims. He talked about Cedar Sinai, Humbolt County and Laguna Seca Raceway with a casual familiarity that leads me to believe that he has spent some time in California at least. Their existence alone adds credibility to their claim of a republic, and yes, Abraham, it is also consistent with the agenda that he claims. It all makes perfect sense, right? I think maybe I'm still hung up on my concerns about being told what I want to hear. If something seems to good to be true it probably is, right? I guess I am inclined to believe him, but I need more empirical evidence before I pack my bags and abandon what we have here for greener pastures out west.”

Jae Kyu perks up. “Is that even a consideration? Heading west I mean.”

“No,” Dave shakes his head. “I was just saying that I'm not completely convinced.”

“So where does that leave us?” asks Abraham.

“Well, that's pretty much it for my report, unless you guys have anything else to add.” Dave looks to Marci, Karen and Benji. “We just need to talk about their visit tomorrow. I don't know who is coming or what time, but I assume it will be early, so let's be ready. I want y'all to think about anything you might need from them. They have offered to help, so let's take them up on their offer. We shouldn't let this opportunity pass us by.”

“How about a ride to this republic?” jokes Marci.

Dave looks at Marci. “Are you trying to hurt my feelings? Tomorrow morning I want Jae Kyu and Billy on the towers, but don't aim your weapons at anybody unless something goes wrong. I'll meet our visitors at the gate. Everyone else stay in the cell block. I will bring them to you. Everyone needs to keep their weapons holstered unless it's absolutely necessary to do otherwise. Be polite and gracious. If there's nothing else, let's get some sleep. We have an early day tomorrow. Everyone should meet for breakfast in the cafeteria at sunrise.”

The group sleeps restlessly in anticipation of tomorrow's visit. Half concerned and half excited, the anxiety is the same. Marci stirs next to Jae Kyu who lies awake. His concerns and his excitement are not for himself, but for the restless girl stirring beside him, who smells like soap. Karen smells like soap too, but there is no one beside her to smell it. Billy sits vigil at her doorway. Dave does not stir. He sleeps, exhausted, not physically, but mentally and emotionally. Benji sleeps too, like children do, especially a child who has tasted his first beer. Abraham sleeps like someone who is too old to be anxious. Sarah sleeps. Everyone sleeps eventually, but the sun comes too soon, through small window holes casting long shadows, too thin to escape the light. Daybreak comes too soon and not soon enough.

Abraham is the first to rise, like farmers are. He always is. Water still splashes out of the faucet here, when the handle is turned, and there is gas too, so the match lights the stove where the water begins to boil in the percolator, waiting to become coffee. Abraham doesn't wait long this morning to be joined by Dave in the cafeteria. The water hasn't had time to become coffee yet. By the time it has, Billy and Karen have joined them as well, and the coffee is gone as soon as it is made, so Karen begins the process again. By the time the percolator has finished it's song again the rest of the group has arrived, thirteen in all. Karen stands at the stove, and white powder and yellow powder and water become something resembling scrambled eggs over the fire. Under the fire, in the oven, flour and water become biscuits before Billy and Jae Kyu head to their posts in the towers. There is still a thin orange line on the horizon, but only from the towers, and it is gone by the time the low rumble of the diesel engine is heard and dust betrays the approach of the Humvee before it stops, fifty yards from the gate. The suppressed rifle fire sounds like so many doors being slammed in the distance and the ghouls that had been standing at the fence lay motionless on the ground before the Humvee continues through the gate that Dave has opened.

Three robed figures emerge from the Humvee, but a fourth stays behind in the driver's seat. It is impossible for Dave to ascertain the identity of the three robed figures standing ten feet away from him until they lower their hoods to reveal their ballistic masks. Dave immediately recognizes the one with the Peace sign from yesterday's encounter. The figure to Peace's left is smaller in build and shorter, and at the top of her mask is only a small golden circle, which Dave surmises to be a representation of a halo for Angel. Dave recognizes the symbol on the mask to Peace's right as the Rod of Asclepius.

Addressing each one individually, Dave greets his guests. “Welcome Peace, Angel, Doctor. Thank you for coming.”

Each guest nods in recognition as Dave welcomes them before Peace approaches Dave, presenting a gloved hand. “Good morning, Dave. I hope the gunfire didn't startle you.” Peace surveys the grounds. “It is indeed a prison, isn't it? It's not luxurious, but it's spacious, and it keeps you safe I hope.”

Dave apologizes. “We should have cleared the walkers before you arrived, but they have become part of the scenery around here and we don't concern ourselves with them usually so it slipped our mind. Life is enough of a luxury for us these days, but it's good to have some room to stretch our legs. The fences keep us safe from the walkers at least. As you can see, our crops are healthy. We diverted a stream under the fence over there for irrigation. Should we head inside?”

“We brought a few things for you. Let us grab them from the vehicle before we go in.” Peace walks around to the back of the Humvee, returning with an aluminum rifle case. Painless and Angel are carrying crates. “Lead the way.”

“Let me help you with that.” Dave takes the crate from Angel before escorting his guests to the entrance. Inside, Dave leads them to the cafeteria, where a table relieves them of their goods. “Please have a seat. I'll go get everyone.” Dave returns shortly with his people.“You already know Marci, Karen and Benji. This is my daughter, Lilly,” indicating the baby in Karen's arms. “Abraham is Marci's father, and this is her sister, Sarah. We only just met Chelle through a crisis we faced, but her assistance in that time of need was been invaluable. Jae Kyu and Billy are keeping watch from the towers.”

“Nonsense,” insists Peace “Sparky will radio us from the Humvee if there is anything that requires our attention. You should bring them down here with us.”

Dave looks to Benji, “Can you go ask Jae Kyu and Billy to join us?” Benji scuttles off with a nod. “Can I get you anything while we are waiting?”

Peace declines graciously.“Thank you, but no, we're fine. We can start with Abraham while we wait, you're a doctor, right?”

Abraham shrugs, “Of sorts. I was a veterinarian, but I do what I can these days.”

Painless nods at Peace. “That's a doctor in my book.”

Peace hands Abraham a bag. “Here are some tools for you. It should be everything you need for most situations.” Peace produces two large pharmacy bottles, a gallon of alcohol and miscellaneous other supplies from a crate. “And here are some supplies for you. Penicillin, morphine, bandages, tape, gloves, surgical thread... Does anybody in your group have any special needs?”

“Well, Billy's actually smarter than he looks...” jokes Abraham.

Peace smiles. “You know what I mean, diabetes, heart disease?”

Abraham nods, “Yeah I know. We're all pretty healthy as far as I know.”

Billy walks in “Somebody talking about me?” Benji and Jae Kyu follow.

Peace looks at Billy. “You must be Billy.”

“I heard that Abraham! If you weren't the only doctor in a hundred miles I might have to hurt you, but then there'd be nobody to stitch you up!” Billy smiles and turns to Peace. “Yeah, I'm Billy. I'm guessing you're Peace by the sign on your mask.”

“I am indeed, and this is Angel and Painless. You're in luck actually, Painless is a doctor if you feel the urge to hurt Abraham, but I wouldn't advise it. One day you might need stitching up and we just gave Abraham our last extra needle.” Peace turns to Jae Kyu “Jae Kyu, Marci speaks highly of you. You two were part of my welcome party yesterday if I remember correctly. Thank you again for not shooting me. So if everybody is here we should get started.” Peace looks at Dave.

“I believe this is all of us.” Dave acknowledges.

Peace addresses the group. “Ok, good, I don't know what Dave told all of you already, but let me just reassure you that we are definitely not here to steal your powdered eggs. It is our goal to help you be successful in your venture here on the farm. To that end, we have taken the liberty of printing a few copies of a map of this area that we prepared for you. It has the locations of several settlements in this area, but not all. Some of the people we have met along the way have asked us not to disclose information about them or their whereabouts, and we respect their request for discretion. The map is up to date with our most recent information as of today, but things change quickly out here, so don't depend on the information on this map for critical accuracy. There is a key on the map, but we have highlighted some key points of interest such as suppliers, medical aid locations, military outposts, and so on. We have also included all the information we have available on hostile territories, both ghoul and human, but again, do not assume that an area is safe because it is not marked hostile on the map. This is by no means a complete map, but the information on it is good information, not hearsay. We have only included information that has been verified by ourselves or other detachments from The Republic, so in this area that would be just us so far actually. We are also giving you this companion book, which includes more detailed reports on some of the key points on the map. We hope this is able to help you steer clear of trouble and establish trade and alliances with nearby settlements if that is your desire. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with this map while I prepare this next item so we can answer any questions you may have about the map before we leave.” Peace produces a sheet of stationary from a folder and proceeds to write a note while the group studies the map. When he has finished writing the note, Peace hands it to Dave and asks him to read it to the group. “I'm going to seal it, but I thought you would want to know what's in it before I do.”

Dave reads aloud:

“Dear friends,

I hope this note finds you well. Please treat these new friends of The Republic as friends of your own, as we are trying to help them establish themselves as a prosperous member of our community. Any aid you can provide to assist them in this endeavor will be viewed as aid to The Republic. Of particular interest would be a dairy cow and some chickens, but any additional aid that you might offer will be appreciated. Please accept these veterinary medications as a token of this appreciation. We remember your express desire for these items when we last met, so of course when we ran across them on our travels our thoughts were of you. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Peace”

Peace takes the note from Dave, inserts it into an envelope and seals it with a wax imprint before he hands it back to Dave. He then hands Dave a box full of various bottles of bovine vaccines. Finally, Peace produces a small green flag emblazoned with a gold phoenix. “This green flag signifies a friend of The Republic. A red flag like this means a full blown member, white is a republic under The Republic and a blue flag like the one we fly is for The Republic. Anyway, fly this small flag on your vehicle and take this note and these supplies to this outpost here on the map.” Peace points to a town with a picture of a cow, a green flag and a red cross on the map about a hundred miles from the prison. “Try to find a livestock trailer before you go, but if you can't they'll probably have one that you can borrow. They run a small dairy farm, and they have pretty regular trade with milk, butter and eggs primarily. They also have a veterinarian for the livestock who offers basic medical care for people if they need it, coincidentally. You might want to take Abraham with you. They should be flying a large green flag like this one. If they are not then you should approach with extra caution.”

Peace pushes one of the crates to the middle of the table. “Here, this is just some various items I thought you might be able to use. There is some whiskey, a little hash and opium too... There are some solar panels, water purification bottles, gloves, bug repellent, bleach, peroxide... That sort of thing.”

Peace reaches over and opens the rifle case to reveal a bolt action rifle with a black polymer stock and a barrel that is well over an inch in diameter. “This is the Remington 700/308 SPS. The barrel is internally suppressed, so when using subsonic ammo it's whisper quiet. It sounds like a bb gun, but you can shoot a ghoul through the eye at a hundred yards all day. You don't have to shoot them in the eye though. The bullets pack a very decent punch down range. Much past a hundred yards though and the bullet destabilizes and drops like a rock. The bolt has a nice quiet, smooth, positive action, and since it's not gas operated you don't have the 'ka-chunk' sound of the blowback action to give your position away either. It's one of our favorite weapons when silence is paramount. I've already fitted it with a nice 3x scope, so she's ready to go.” Peace reaches in the second crate and pulls out an ammo can. “This is five hundred rounds of subsonic 150 grain .308 ammo. Don't use anything but subsonic ammo in the rifle or you'll ruin the barrel.”

Peace pulls two plastic pistol cases out of the crate next and opens one to reveal a match grade 1911 with an attached suppressor. “We use 9mm because they are a bit quieter, but they require specialized subsonic ammo. We thought .45 would be a better fit for you because all .45 ammo is subsonic by nature. It does pack more of a punch than 9mm too and it's still pretty quiet. The sound of the heavy steel slide racking is probably louder than the shot itself. Anyway, we have two of these for you.” Peace pulls out another ammo can. “And here's some more ammo for you. One thousand rounds of .45 ACP JHP. I have heard tales of +P loads for .45 reaching supersonic speeds at high altitudes, but unless you're planning on climbing Kilimanjaro any .45 ACP ammo will work fine in these pistols.”

Peace digs around in the crate. “Let's see what else we have here... Ah, here are some pull through cleaning kits so you can keep your new toys working. By the way, you know you have to clean those cans right? They unscrew and come apart for cleaning, and so does the rifle barrel... there are instructions in the manuals. There are some holsters in here... Oh yeah, there's a rifle sling in here for the 700... extra magazines... a couple shooting vests... Here, this crate should have anything you need for your new guns.” Peace pushes the second crate to the middle of the table next to the first.

Peace begins to wrap up. “Well, I guess that's about it for us today. If you need anything in the future you can contact The Republic from the location on the map with the little satellite dish. The Republic can always contact us. Depending on the urgency, we can have a team here in as little as seventy-two hours. We will be working our way down to a town in Florida called Destin. We've received reports of a settlement there, a fishing village on the Gulf that seems to be doing very well. Do you have any questions or specific requests for us before I hand things over to the doctor?”

Dave stands up and looks around his group. “Do any of you have anything?”

Darryl is the first to speak up. “I can always use more arrows for my crossbow if you run across any.”

“We'll keep an eye out for you.” Peace takes notes on a computer tablet. “Any special type?”

Darryl shakes his head. “No, just regular arrows.”

Abraham speaks up next. “I hate to seem ungracious after everything you've already given us, but these crutches are killing me. If you run across any prosthetic supplies at a medical supply warehouse or anything like that I could be more productive here.”

Painless stands up. “I'm way ahead of you Abraham. I was going to suggest that you come back to our camp when we're done here so I can fit you with something for that.”

Dave looks around the group again. “Is that it?”

Marci speaks up. “I've been looking for a Starbucks with wi-fi. Let me know if you run across any of those, would you.”

Peace smiles. “We'll keep that in mind, Marci. The doctor would like to go over a few things with you while I do a walk around with Dave.”

***