"Currahee"

by The Merry Prankster

Chapter Two: That Others May Live (Part1)

Grady Hospital

Atlanta, Georgia

0300 hours

June 30, 2000

Well, it had finally officially arrived. The authorities tried to keep the Superflu's existence in Atlanta from the public but the increasing number of people checking into local hospitals with flu-like symptoms was noticed by a reporter from FOX 5, Atlanta.

Hiram Edmondson had heard from his contacts that despite assurances from the government, the outbreak in Los Angeles and New York City had not been contained. In fact, the number of dead had risen to the point that local cemeteries were overwhelmed and mass graves had been dug on the outskirts of each city. Unfortunately, the number of new dead quickly filled up the pits as fast as they could be dug.

The reporter had been at Grady Hospital, covering the victims of a recent crash on I-85 when he noticed one section of the hospital had been sealed off and doctors in full suits were coming in and out of the room. There were also two armed guards at the door, making sure that unauthorized visitors were turned away. The reporter, turned to his friend, an orderly in the emergency room, and asked him what was going on.

The orderly, with a scared look in his eyes, grabbed the reporter into a empty supply closet. In a very quiet voice he answered, "Look, the Feds have ordered us to keep quiet but this is too big for them to cover up. That room is filled with victims from the Superflu."

Amazement covered the reporter's face as he countered, "Superflu, I thought the authorities had contained the outbreak to LA and New York?"

"As if," snorted the orderly. "We saw our first case three days after it had been reported in New York City. Now, we are getting them in by the tens every day. My friends at the other hospitals are saying the same thing."

"So, this is major then," surmised the reporter. "How close are we to fighting this?"

"Let me give you a piece of advice. Go home, be with your family and make peace with whatever god you believe in cause at the rate this thing is spreading, there won't be anybody left alive in the city in three weeks."

+++

Western Elm Tree Ranch

Snellville, Georgia

1500 hours

July 1, 2000

It had killed and still was killing. Its unseen presence could be felt in the empty, eerie silent Atlanta Streets. The sixteen-year-old boy walked down the street noting the lack of cars on the road. Something is definitely wrong. The Stone Mountain Freeway has never been this empty at midday, thought the Mike. He noted the stillness that seemed to linger in the air. No bird sang, even the wind appeared to have died down to the point that there wasn't even a rustling of limbs.

Ten minutes later he climbed over a fence and cut across the field to the ranch owned by Erica's grandfather. He walked up to the front door of the ranch house, quickly noting the lack of animals in the fields. He rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer the door. He was beginning to get concerned when nobody came after ten minutes.

"Where is she? She should be here," the 15 year old boy mumbled to himself. Remembering that liked to hang around the barn, Mike went around back. The sounds of digging drew the young boys attention. He followed the sound to the back and noticed the other members of their group standing next to a blue Dodge Ram. The teenager walked up to the group and asked Dena, "Where's Erica, I thought she said to meet her here?"

Dena responded, "I don't know. I just got here myself but I think I saw Gramps walking over to the restricted area."

Mike waited for the others to act but they just stood around. Finally, he suggested that they talk to Gramps and see if he knew where Erica was. Not having anything better to do, the others agreed and followed him to the shed.

Mike knocked on the door and a older gentleman told them to come in. As they entered the shed, Earl commented, "Did you notice that there doesn't seem to be much on TV anymore?"

Grampa Bob looked up from some kind of cart he had been tinkering with, "It's called a Black out.. They did it in NYC, LA, and now here."

Mike nodded in agreement, "Yeah, especially since all communication with California and New York has been cut off."

Dena walked over to the old man and asked, "Hey Gramps. Where's Erica?"

"She's over by her mom's grave burying Fanceata."

The boys were looking at some of the gadgets lining the walls when the old man's reply sank in. Mike turned back to Gramps and asked, "That little angle biter of a Sheltie? Damn, it's just not limited to humans."

"Nope.. I lost my best Bull and Stud yesterday."

Earl shook his head in resignation, "Looks like that Superflu is deadly to both man and beast. Any idea which animals are particularly susceptible?"

"Nope, but it does seem to hit the ones with the weaker immune system slower," answered the old man. "But they die none the less."

Mike nodded and thought for a moment, "On my way over here, I noticed that there weren't that many people out and those that were kept well away from everybody else. My mom took me up to Gwinett Place mall Sunday, to get some school clothes and the place was deserted."

Gramps sat down and sighed, "Instead of loading up on school clothes I stock up on supplies.. No telling if those Political Beast..."

The missing member of their group walked in and hugged her grandfather. "Gramps you promised not to cuss."

Mike agreed, "Yeah, tell that to Mom. She also got lost of canned goods, no telling how long the food shortages are going to last."

Grandpa Bob returned Erica's hug. "Sorry honey, it's I don't want to see your friends lack on anything that is a necessity," answered the old man. Bob got up and poured some ice tea, before continuing, "And those Pinheads in the White House more than likely have already cut off the deliveries to our area."

David remembered a story from last night's news, "Well the governor did put out the National Guard on the streets and imposed a dusk to dawn curfew."

Mike snorted, "Yeah, I saw them, they are wearing full MOPP gear, as if this was a normal poison gas attack."

"Nerve Gas may be bad, but this is much worse, I was in close contact with my cousin in New York. Last time I talked to her, she said they were having to dig mass graves to get rid of the bodies," added Earl.

Gramps added, "Well if it's any concern.. This thing is limited to the U.S. I being listen in on the Short Wave and other channels. Seems that USSR, Britain, Australia, France, Spain and several place in the Middle East are even worse then us.

David had been listening in growing horror to what was being discussed. Finally, he had to relate his latest bit of bad news. "I was over at Todd's house. His mom said he died last Thursday from the flu. She was upset over the doctors sealing the body in a plastic bag and incinerating him. She also didn't look too hot herself."

"Guys, we have to face the facts. We are in some serious shit here. If it gets any worse, there won't be enough police of soldiers to keep order"

Earl agreed with his friend's observation, "The masses will riot and start looting."

"So what are we going to do?" asked David.

Gramps put down the transmitter he had been fiddling with. Without looking back, he stated, "If that happens I got enough stuff here for you and yours. But no one else!! You kids are like my own and I know Erica wont left me live it down if I didn't offer."

"Gramps is right, we may have to move our families in here until this runs its course. I suggest we begin moving all extra food, clothing, and any extra necessities over here just in case. We might also want to consider planning to fortify this place."

Earl sat down and thought about what he was about to say, "Yeah, once the city goes completely to Hell, the sick and dying will come after anybody who appears to be healthy and owning anything of value."

Mike turned to the old man and asked, "Gramps, how much fuel do you have for your generator?"

"More than enough, and don't worry about fortify, it's all taken care of" He replies with smug smile.

Erica smiled as took the hose to rinse her hands, "Hey it's great to related to a Paranoid, Gun freak, who believe that the Green Berets are wimps when it comes to being prepared."

"Okay, it's decided once the crap hits the fan, we retire here with our families."



Erica stood beside Mike, adding, "Tell your family not to tell anyone."

"Also avoid crowds and anybody suspicious. Don't try confronting anybody just move out of sight."

Mike looked to Erica then back to the others, "Yeah, we can't afford to be around anybody but us and our families. Oh one more thing..."

Gramps finally offered, "I know you know how to shoot. So with your parents consent I'll arm you."

Mike thanked the old man, "We'll keep that in mind, but the authorities are still in control for now and the weekend warriors have itchy trigger fingers. Remember what happened to that group in Decatur who decided to rob the Publix"

"There wasn't enough left over to fill a coffin much less one for each person."

Gramps took a long drink, "Fine I'll equip you and yours with new bullet proof jackets."

Erica motioned for the others to come with her to a adjacent room. Opening the door, she told the others, "Come on in we'll get you suited up."

Mike held up his hand, telling her that wasn't necessary, "Don't worry we still have our BDUs from ROTC"

Erica countered the boy's argument with, "Gramps new jacket is just that a jacket. It looks like a normal jacket but is sprayed with a smell chemical gramps and his team were working on before the Superflu hit."

"Okay, let's do and get back home. I'm sure our parent's are worried and don't want us away for long."

+++

Two Weeks Later…..

A piece of abandoned newspaper floated over the deserted street. The rustling of the pages as it hit the ground was the only sound to break the silence. Where once stood a busy freeway, covered with fast moving cars, there was but an empty street with a few of those devices as dead as the drivers slumped over the steering wheel.

Mike held the blue neckerchief even tighter against his mouth and nose in a vain attempt to block out the stench of death. His mother had recently taken ill and the boy made frequent trips to the nearby Krogers for food and medicine. The last two trips to the store were take whatever you can carry expeditions. There had been no clerks to accept payment as they too were among the dead and dying.

Finally he made his way back to the beige split level home. Throwing open the door, he called out to his parent. "Mom, I'm back with the soup. Mom?"

There had been no response to his cry. Sensing something was amiss, he raced up the stairs to the bedroom and flung open the door. His mother was still conscious but slipping fast. He threw himself against her bed and hugged her, "Mom? Can you hear me?"

The woman in the bed turned to face him. In a sinking voice she told him, "You have to be strong. Don't give up, live. I have to be going now, I love you…."

Tears filled his eyes as he held his mother. Suppressing a sob, he laid her back on the bed and straightened the covers. "I promise mom." He placed one last kiss on her cheek as he said, "I love you mom."

The boy closed the door and walked into the kitchen. He picked up the phone to call Erica and noticed that there was no dial tone. Oh shit, the phones are out. Looking outside, he noticed a thick pale of black smoke hovering over where downtown Atlanta would be. Shaking his head, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the emergency communicator that Gramps had handed out to everybody. With a trembling finger, he placed the call, "Hey Erica, its Mike. Mom just passed away, uhn I'm coming in."

Mike began pacing in front of the cabinet. Finally he told Erica, "You get hold of Dena, I'll stop off at Earl's and get him before coming over."

Erica sounded as if something was happening at her place as she hesitated for a moment. "If you say so..."

"Are you alright?" asked Mike

"It' gramps I am not to sure how much longer he has," sobbed the girl.

It was obvious that Erica was on the edge of losing it altogether so Mike took charge and tried comforting the girl over the phone, "Looks like we need to be there for each other. Either way we need to get together."

Erica dried her eyes with a tissue, "Ok, but as for Dena she's already on her way."

"In that case, call David and let him know Earl and I will be by"

Before hanging up, she warned, "Mike, watch out for yourself from what I've heard from that DJ, Dan the Man. It doesn't look good."

Even though the girl could not see him, Mike nodded, "Yeah, I know. Don't worry; I'll keep to the woods and out of the open."

One of the features the Gramps had included on his communicator was the ability of each person in a group to get in touch without having to call in once the line was open. David, noting that the power and phones had cut off, had joined in just in time to catch the end of Mike's conversation. He quickly assured the two, "I heard everything. I'll be waiting."

David remembered that there were crazies still running around told Mike, "Do the normal knock to let me know it's you."

Mike didn't like that suggestion. Too many things could go wrong. Instead he told him, "Actually, let's go with the agreed sign countersign. I say Thunder, you say Flash"



"You got it."

Quickly interrupting David, Erica warned them, "Gramps special security will automatically come on by 2100hours you have then to get your asses hear."

"Will do, I'll see you guys shortly," answered Mike.

"See you than."

As Erica hangs up she heard her grandfather calling out to her from his bedroom. The old man was fighting for his life and sinking fast. In a fading voice he told his granddaughter, "Honey, I know I am dying. This place may not be safe for long so I set up special equipment at my lab at the base. The password is the nick name your mom gave you when you were 5 do you remember it?"

A tear fell onto Gramp's chest as Erica answered, "Yes sir, but I don't want you to die."

"I love you too, but my time is very soon. Just promise me if you live you don't live alone."

"I promise.... I love you too." Erica said as she watched her Grandfather close his eyes for the last time and slip away.

+++

With a heavy heart, the teenaged boy trudged up the deserted street. Off to the side, a blue 1975 Volkswagen Beetle had impaled itself on a roadside tree, the fire that followed the crash continued to burn. Mike took one look at the driver hanging halfway out the mangled wreckage, thinking, At least his suffering is over.

Ten minutes later, he stood in front of a large brick house. Walking past the vast yard, he noticed the curtains pulled back from a downstairs window. Taking a deep breath, the teen shouted, "THUNDER!"

From inside, another teenage boy gave the correct countersign, "Flash!" The door slowly opened and a lanky black haired boy moved from behind the door, his Remington 700 hunting Rifle pointing at the sky. Mike walked up the boy and simply said, "It's time."

"Your mom waiting at Erica's house?" asked Earl.

A hard look came over the other teen as he replied, "She passed away a couple hours ago."

"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"No, I'm okay," Mike lied. "We need to get going before nightfall. Erica said Gramps has the security system set to go active at nine o'clock tonight."

Earl picked up a backpack he had set be the door and slung his rifle. "Okay, I'm ready. Let's get out of here."



+++

The two teens walked down the silent streets for close to an hour. Earl lived on the other side of the Atlanta suburb and it was going to take them a while walking to Erica's. Before leaving his house, Earl suggested that they take the car.

Mike remembered the disabled cars clogging the streets leaving the town, answered, "There are too many abandoned cars out there. It would take an army of wreckers weeks before the roads can be clear enough to drive on. So our only option is walking."

As they walked, Earl let his mind wander, hoping to hear some sign of life around them. Just a sign that they weren't the only people left alive. He looked from left to right, at the deserted stores and the dead cars, Please God, let there be someone else alive. finally, he could stand the silence no longer, he turned to his friend, "I know you don't want to talk, but this dead silence is starting to freak me out."

Mike let off a harsh laugh, "Dead silence?" He pointed around at the dead bodies that happened to be in sight. "Look around you, this town, Hell this whole area is one big graveyard."

Earl was about to reply when his ears picked up a foreign sound. "Mike, listen."

The other teen stopped and tried to pick up the sound his friend had noticed. A faint cry appeared to be coming from some distance to their right. Pointing off towards where the sound appeared to be coming from, Mike suggested, "It appears to be coming from over there. Let's go take a look."

Mike and Earl sprinted towards the cry and soon found themselves in front of the Georgia town's many houses of worship, in this case, the local Catholic Church.

In times of disaster or imminent threat, people will often go to their church to make peace with whichever god they believed in and Saint Oliver was no exception. The sanctuary was filled with dead bodies of those who sought safety within the hallowed walls. The pews were filled with men, women, children, both single and with their families. But alas, the Superflu still claimed them. Many of these people had brought their children with them to the church, never to leave.

Both teens held cloths to their mouths and noses in a vain attempt to keep out the stench of death. They quickly moved from the back of the room to the alter, checking each row for any sign of life. Earl shook his head and commented, "There's nobody alive in here. Where did that cry come from?"

Mike was about to reply when another cry broke the silence. He turned to face his friend and both said, "Outside." Without another word the two ran outside. They followed the crying until they were at the entrance to a nearby playground. There on the playground were seven children, the oldest being no more than ten years old. One girl, a pretty black haired child, sat with her back against the fence sobbing. Another red haired five-year old was curled up on a bench, staring off into space.



Taking in the scene, Mike turned to Earl and said, "You know we can't leave them alone out here."

Earl nodded, "Yeah, let's take them to the ranch." They were entering the playground when the lanky teen spotted a figure in religious garb, still showing signs of life, on a bench overlooking the playground. Pointing towards the figure, he told his companion, "One of the sisters is still alive, we need to check on her."

Mike nodded and followed his friend over to the dying nun. The black haired woman opened her eyes and in a labored breath and pointed towards the children, "Their parent's brought them here while they made their peace with God. Father O'Brian asked me to take them away from the dead and dying, but it won't be long before I'll be forced to leave them as well."

Mike pulled out bottled water he had carried in a pocket and offered it to the sister. The woman continued, "The Lord is calling me home but he's been patient enough to wait for someone who can take over protecting the children."

Earl tried to comfort the woman, "Don't talk, save your strength."

Strength seemed to return to the woman's face, "I'm dying. There's no way around it but at least I can see that the children be taken care of when I'm gone. I sense that you are up to the challenge. Take them with you and see that they are safe."

Something clicked in Mike's head as he knelt beside the woman, "Sister, as God is my witness, I will see that your children find safe homes. I promise you."

The nun smiled and closed her eyes. Her chest rose twice then stopped. Earl turned towards the playground where the seven young children played or sat. He turned back to his friend, "Erica is going to enjoy this little surprise."

Mike placed his hand on Earl's shoulder, "I gave my word that I'll see them safe and I intend to keep it. You know as well as I that Gramp's ranch has more than enough room and supplies for an extra seven young children." As the two walked over to the gate, Mike pointed out, "Besides, helping those kids will take our minds off this nightmare we have been forced into. It will be good for use in the long run."

"Maybe so, maybe so."

+++

Western Elm Tree Ranch

Snellville, Georgia

Nobody said a word as the two teens led the children to the ranch. It took some serious talking to get all of the children to come with them. Two of the children, a pair of six year old twin brothers made it clear that they weren't leaving their parents. The little girl, Tina Reilly, who had been sitting catatonic on the bench, had to be gently moved to her feet.

Neither the rustle of branches, swayed by the wind, nor the chirp of birds broke the silence that hung over the dead city. The next hour felt like an eternity as the group turned up the road that led to the house. Mike turned to his lanky companion and whispered, "I still say it feels like we're walking in a cemetery."

Earl rebuked his friend, "Don't say it so loud. We don't want to make a big deal of it in front of the kids". He looked at the street sign and noticed that they were getting close to the ranch, "That's because it is. We're almost there why don't you announce our presence so that we don't end up getting shot."

Mike looked to the children, then back to the ranch house, "Good idea. Stay here with the little ones and make sure they don't get into anything." Taking a deep breath, he walked up to the front door. Upon reaching the door, Mike yelled out "Thunder!"

The front door slowly opened and out walked a teenage girl. Dena took one look at her friend before lowering her rifle and responding, "It's about Flash-ing time."

From the front lawn, Earl gave the girl a sheepish look, "Well we ran across some more survivors at the Catholic Church. A dying nun asked us to take care of the children"

Dena took a good look towards Earl and recognized his companions for the first time. Walking past Mike, she began talking to herself, "Shit let me take a look at them." The girl walked up to the nearest child, a blonde haired girl who couldn't be any older than nine and crouched down, "You kids look like you could use something to eat. Why don't you come with me and I'll get you some cool aid and supper." The pain of their losses still weighed heavily on the children and they meekly followed the teen inside.

Something is not right. Erica should be out here to meet us, not Dena. thought Mike. The teen looked around and asked David, who had just walked out, "Where's Erica?"

David had sorrowful look as he replied, "Burning Gramps."

The impact of this latest revelation began to sink. Finally, Mike shook his head and asked him, "Oh Shit, how's she taking it?"

"She's keeping her 21's birthday promise to her grams." responded David.

Earl thought for a moment, "You don't mean?"

"Yup so far it's only the Jack Daniels, but I got a feeling she not going to stop at that.

Mike walked over to his friend, "You want me to talk to her?" As he got closer, he noticed the faint smell of liquor on his breath. "It smells like you've also been drinking."

"I only had one shot with her cause she didn't want to have her first drink alone." Nodding towards the back, he continued, "She didn't want any help an hour ago but she might now. Just be careful she verbally lashed out at Dena, sent her away crying. "

Mike looked first to Earl than back to David. I know she's hurting but we don't have time for this crap. His anger rising Mike replied, replied, "Yeah we are all hurting. Hell I just lost my mom who was the most important person in my life and you don't see me lashing out at my friends." The teen took a deep breath to calm him self down, "I'll go talk to Erica."

Earl noticed the strain in his friend's eye and motioned for him to hold on a moment. "I see that look in your eyes; you're about inches from blowing up yourself. Don't go off on Erica, you will only end up hurting each other and say something both of you will regret later."

Mike sighed, "Okay I'll go easy on Erica. But we have young children who need all of us being cool headed and sober. We have to face it, we're the adults now."

David placed his hand on the teen's shoulder getting him to hold up, "Yeah but remember we aren't at our own homes to be reminded of the emptiness she is."

Mike went around back to the spot where his friend is kneeling over a freshly dug grave, an empty bottle of whisky at her feet. He walked over to her and softly asked, "How are you holding up?"

"I ant .... holding anything uuuup" Erica said with a hick up.

Mike grabbed hold of Erica and helped her up. In a soothing voice, he offered, "Here, why don't you let me fix you some fresh coffee?"

"NO!!!" She yelled back as she pulled away from him. "I have...." her sentence trailing off as she fell to the ground moaning... Seconds later, she lost what was ever she had eaten beside the grave.

Mike just shook his head, Looks like I have to be the leader and keep a cool head or we won't last long. the teen crouched once again beside the girl, "Erica, you have to be strong. Gramps wouldn't want to see you like this. Besides we have little kids here that need us to stay together for them."

"Fine!" She said after she wiped her face. She attempted to get up but she was not used to any liquor consumption, much less the amount she had just consumed. A wave of dizziness washed over her and she collapsed on the ground.

Mike picked her up and helped her to the house. "You have to be strong, we all have to. Don't think for one minute you're alone in your grief. There's nothing I would like better than crawl into a bottle and let the world go to hell. But I can't. I promised mom the I would live and the nun that I would protect the children. Not to mention look out for the rest of you."

"That was HIS JOB!!" Erica cried as she pointed to her grandfather's grave. "NOT YOURS!!"

"Well, I just got handed the baton and I'm going make sure that I live up to Mom and Gramps wishes."

Mike continued his talk, "He did good so far and remember your gramps was paranoid enough to make sure that if he wasn't around you would be ready. So don't let him down. You are ready."

Erica looked back to her friend, her familiar strength returning to her eyes. "Your right, but give me a little bit more time." Mike looked at her the concern showing on his face. She held up her hand to ward off the oncoming reply. "I just want to do one more thing that I promised to do with my grandfather. So give me some time alone."

Mike gave her a hard, but caring look, "How much time you need?"

Erica looked back to the grave, her voice beginning to crack, "Just enough to sing the national anthem."

Mike nodded and smiled, "Okay, just let me get some ear plugs first. You know how your singing reminds me of someone torturing a cat."

Erica gave him a small smile than smacked him softly on the back of the head.

Mike held up his hands, "Okay, I'll be waiting in the house. We need to have a meeting to see what we are going to do next."

Erica couldn't help but take one parting shot, "Okay... don't make coffee.. have Dena do it."

Mike gave his friend a look of disgust and shouted, "HEY!" as he walked off feeling a little better knowing that jokes where Erica's way of dealing with the pain and healing.

+++

TBC

Author's Note: Chapter 2: That Others May Live (Part2) will see the teens decide what to do, get equipped for their journey and leave the cemetery, once known as Metro Atlanta and eventually wind up in Middle Earth. Who knows what toys, the teens get hold of and how they use them. In any case, it will be a blast. So sit back and enjoy this ongoing journey to world of JRR Tolkien. I want to give a special thanks to Erica who continues to help with the dialog and keep this story on track.