Part 3
"At Dusk"
The walkers poured into the room once the chain snapped from there weight and pressure they applied to the door. A gear clicked in Phillips brain and without a second thought Phillip began to fire. With both berettas in hand, Phillip fired with precision that wowed Shane.
Shane, who had gun training since age 12, had never before seen anything quite like it. Berettas are naturally hard to fire with one hand due to their force. Compounded on the challenge of the weapon was Phillips ridiculously accurate headshot ratio. For Phillip to fire two, simultaneously with no issue and still manage to hit his target was astonishing.
Shane stopped firing his weapon because it was too many rushing towards them. He quickly grabs the long cafeteria table. "Do you plan on helping?!" chastised Phillip.
"I AM!" Shane shot back nastily. As Shane attempted to position the table effectively a walker attempted to strike, but the limber Shane manage to deliver a powerful kick forcing the walker backwards.
The table divided the walkers from Shane, Phillip, and their bag of goodies they stole from the kitchen. The walkers began to pile against the table as more and more entered the room. Luckily they were uncoordinated and all but trampled each other. This is the only reason both Shane and Phillip were still alive.
"Shane, the door" Phillip calls out, backing away from the line but continuing his fire. Shane grabs the black duffle bag and heads for the door. When Shane reaches the door he collides hard expecting the door would open but discovered that the door was locked. Desperately he fiddles with the handle but the door does not budge.
"Son of a fucking BITCH!" exclaims Shane.
Phillip didn't need to look back. He already knew. I will put a bullet in us both before I let these things eat us, thought Phillip. But that was plan D; hopefully he wouldn't need to do that. Shane returned to the line and began to fire over the makeshift barrier. It was only a matter of time.
The explosion of an assault rifle blared out as bullets tore the walkers apart. Shane turned around and there stood Austin holding open the door. "Move your ass!" Austin screams at the two men. He didn't have to tell him twice, Shane quickly grabs the bag and exits the cafeteria. Phillip followed, firing once more, just for good measures.
"What in the FUCK were you two thinking?" Austin screamed. His voice had the cadence of an enraged math teacher.
"Getting supplies out of the kitchen," Phillip quickly answering, completely falling into the role as teacher's pet.
Austin was somewhat interested in what they found. Even though he wasn't a fan of wasting bullets he knew that food could become an issue soon. Austin scanned through the bag and wasn't too impressed by the pickings. "This is it?"
"We almost died for that, fuck face," Shane spoke up. Shane, a bully, would not be bullied.
"And it would have been a waste," Austin said dismissively. "Seeing as you have my husband with you on this little suicide missions-"
"It was my idea!" Phillip spoke up. "I wanted to see what they had."
Shane and Austin were locked in a dark stare down. Neither man wanted to break the hold; two alpha's who not willing to back down. "You could have gotten yourself killed, Phillip." Austin replied, still focused on Shane.
Phillip could see the flames licking through Austin's skin. Austin was two seconds from exploding, Phillip could sense it. Phillip saw no value to the cock-off between Austin and Shane, Phillip decided to redirect Austin's rage to something more constructive. "There wasn't much in the food department, but I did come up with a way out of here."
Eyes still locked on Shane, "I'm listening." Austin's voice was stern and menacing, but that didn't intimidate Shane. Shane matched his stare, chest poked out forward armed with a smug grin on the officer's face.
"At dusk, Shane suits up and we make it look like we're leaving. We know they've been on surveillance since we got here but I doubt they've seen Shane. Chances are they'll try to engage us but nothing too aggressive, I doubt the RPG's will be in play. This is all about the PYTHON so I doubt they'll risk destroying it."
"Hold up." Austin interrupted, finally breaking his stare down with Shane. "This is all assuming they think this piss ant is me."
"Piss ant?" Shane echoed stepping forward, ready to bare knuckle with the giant Austin.
But Austin never moved not a muscle; small men like Shane need this extra posturing. But Austin wasn't above getting in the mud. "You don't want any of me, Sling Blade."
"Can we focus?!" Interjected Phillip, he was annoyed that though he was the youngest he apparently was also the most mature. "They won't be able to recognize him, hence why we are waiting for dusk. But we have to do this my way and to the tee."
If Phillip could do one thing it was definitely creating a strategy. He laid out the plan with great detail. Phillip and Shane would serve as a distraction and draw most of the fire while Austin serves as sniper. While the opposing group is focusing on Shane – with limited visibility, Austin would provide sniper coverage with night vision capabilities.
Phillip and Austin have tried this play before on a mission in Turkey, both men expected similar results. Shane and Phillip would also plant assault rifles near the field of engagement. Once Phillip's "big surprise" is launched, they are expecting a huge fire battle. With all that noise, Phillip anticipated this would agitate the walkers who have piled up to almost 60 at the front gate of the large estate.
"Once those things get agitated that gate is coming down," Phillip hypothesized.
"What are we gonna do about it?" Shane queried.
"Depends how fast we clear that group," Austin answered.
"That's why you're playing sniper; keep them off our dicks long enough for us to make an exit." Shane wasn't at one hundred percent; his body still ached from his stab wound - courtesy of Rick Grimes. But one thing Shane loved with intensity is the challenge of battle. Even when he sat next to rick in that squad car, Shane had a lust of violence. Often times Rick would need to reign in his unbridled partner.
Apart of Shane burned with excitement and anticipation to this plan. Sure he could die, but after the farm, the fear of death had diminished. Besides, Shane knew if and when he really die, he would go out shooting.
Phillip and Shane met at the PYTHON, Shane was surprised by the large black duffle bag that hanging from Phillips shoulders. The bag made heavy thud kicking up dust and sand as it fell to the floor. "There's your uniform."
"Why does it sound like a it a baby elephant in there?" Shane inspected the closer. He opened the bag and saw the intricate uniform, Shane noticed the uniform was actually a dark navy and not black. "What is this exactly?"
"Off the record: It's a double layer combat uniform. The first layer is form fitting, it moves seamlessly with your body. Interesting enough the body suit is made of a Fibre-reinforced plastic, similar to your favorite Chevy. Now I'm not too sure about all the science that goes into it, but the jest of it is your stab proof. If you had one of these on that night you would have felt a nasty poke, it may even break skin, but never penetrate.
"The second part of this uniform is somewhat standard Kevlar jumper; it looks like a flight suit to me. It's plated near the knees, elbows, and also the chest. Between the unitard and the jumper, your basically bite proof."
Shane's eyes immediately caught Phillip's, "What do you mean 'bite proof'? You mean to tell these things can't bite through this get up?"
"I mean, it still hurts like hell, but not the human bite – dead or alive – cannot yield enough force to penetrate the suit. However your face is still exposed and honestly, we've never tested exactly how durable these suits are. They were exactly designed for this kind of warfar."
"So how do you know it can take a bite?"
"I was bit on the arm, it left a mark because it was enough pressure to cause a wound. But there was no fluid exchange. I'm thinking it's something in it's bite that causes all of this. Like I said, it hurt like the dickens but I survived, intact."
Shane scuffed, " You mean to tell me you have a tank and a batman suit? Un-fucking-believable."
"Jealous?"
"Not if I get to keep one," Shane checked the elasticity of the suit. He found it remarkable how thick the dark fabric was, tracing his fingers along the stitching. "Who's suit is this?"
"Mine, I figured you were closer to 5'9 170 than 6'3 220. It is designed for my specific body type, so it may me snug in certain areas and lose in others. Get suited up, we roll out at 1745."
Shane quickly began to disrobe but then stopped himself before catching Phillip's gaze, "Don't you go getting any ideas."
"Yeah, eww. Look here sweetheart; you were probably hot shit when you peaked in high school. But it's not the 90's anymore. Get dressed. You've got five minutes."
Shane was only halfway kidding with his comment but what he learned from that little exchange is that Phillip goes for the jugular. In many ways Shane did suffer from arrested development, trapped as a perpetual 17-year-old. He still felt like the raging quarter back asshole who bullies those who didn't fall in line.
But in this scenario he wasn't running the show. Even though it was Shane's plan, Phillip has hijacked the plan and added additional layers. Shane was impressed by how intrepid Phillip was and how quickly he can adjust and contort to any situation. If this plan goes just right, Shane thought for a second, wait what happens once it's all over?
As Shane slid the form fitting suit over his body he called out to Phillip. "What happens after we're clear? Where we goin?"
"Ideally back to the 85, heading towards Richmond," shouted Phillip from the adjoining room. Phillip was making sure he had all the weapons he would need on his person.
"Virginia? Richmond, Virginia? What's there?"
Phillip returns to the room holding a black motorcycle helmet. "Family. We'll talk more about it once we get the hell out of here." Phillip noticed Shane was struggling with the uniform; he couldn't resist but tease him. "There not farmer overalls, you have to roll it up; one leg at a time."
"Holy mother of Christ," whined Shane. "How do you wear this thing?"
"Just imagine how much fun you're going to have when you have to take a number two. Come on, let me help you."
As Phillip help Shane zip up the snuggly fit combat uniform, Shane quizzed Phillip for more details. "You know anything specific about these guys?"
"Well the fact that they even know what the PYTHON is leads me to believe at very least they're high level military. They had RPG's so to be quite honest they could be just local survivors who managed to luck up with military supplies. They're story seems vaguely familiar?"
"Now they want your ride."
"Don't know their names, so I gave them nicknames. Asshole #1: White male, 35-40, dark hair, leaner build. He is clearly has extensive military experience. He was the one leading the convoy to run us off the road. I take it he's the leader."
"He just ran you off the road?" Shane was suspicious of these two, even if they did save him. After what happened with Rick, Lori, hell even Carl betrayed him. Shane knew that if a story sounds too convenient, it most likely was.
Phillip sensed Shane's suspicion but now wasn't the time to be divisive. For this farfetched strategy to be successful, he needed a united front. "Asshole #1 is backed up by Asshole #2 and #3, they're both white male, dark hair, #3 had a full goatee. It was all happening so fast and I was driving, Austin was providing cover fire."
Holy shit! thought Shane. They were literally engaging in high speed shoot outs with assault rifles. In all Shane's years as an officer, he never even observe such a thing. A shoot out is one thing, adding M16's and 90 MPH speed changes things dramatically. "And you saw the RPG?"
"Someone fired it, rather poorly might I add, in our direction. We were chased by three cars, it was hard to really decipher who fired the RPG, but it wasn't anyone in the front. No other rockets were fired after the one. It could be because they don't have any more or they didn't want to risk the vehicle."
"So I doubt they'll be in play this time," Shane concluded. "What's the helmet for?"
"It's like I told you, the suit protects you from bite to the body, and your face is still exposed." Phillips looks at his silver watch and realizes they have moments left. "It's time. Get in position. That black little earpiece thing connected to your suit is a radio, it patches you into me and Austin. All three of us will hear the conversation."
Shane held the black earpiece in his had for a moment; he reflected on how far he had come. From the sheriff's department, to the camp, to the farm, to here. Shane held his earpiece like held his badge for the first time, it was an honor. He lets out a small scuff before plugging the earpiece into the suit and placing it in his hear.
"Well let's test this baby out," Shane announces. Jovially and with cockiness Shane announces over the radio, "This is Sherriff's deputy Shane Walsh, making sure our line is clear and smooth as Heather Locklear 's legs. Now can you tell me one thing: do you copy?"
Shane waited for a response but could only here coarse static before Austin's deep Brooklyn baritone emerged. "Will you shut the fuck up and get in position?"
Phillip lets out a quick chuckle before replyin, "Copy."
Phillip may not have known but Asshole #1 did have a name and it was Donald. Donald was the leader of his group of 15. Donald had tracked the PYTHON to this location and now he had it cornered. Donald didn't know who Phillip and Austin were; he knew at very least they were military of high authority. Donald, an OIF Sergeant, ultimately went into the world of military contracts and that's how he was introduced to the power of the PYTHON.
Donald had 5 children with their group and they are the group's highest liability. But if they were in a secured vehicle, Donald could focus on other pressing issues. Donald justified his actions, he had children and those two men just had themselves. He didn't want to have to end anyone's life, but he would to protect his people.
"DONALD!" Asshole #2 or Chuck called out. "They're on the move!"
"Good, get Alexis and Thomas, have Margo and James meet us on the other side of the field. Remember, were taking out the front tire but were keeping any structural damage to a minimum. It will be useless if it's blown up. What are they doing?"
"It looks like they're packing up, trying to get out of here I guess," replied Chuck.
"Isn't the main gate still covered with Lame Brains? How the hell do they plan on getting passed that?"
Shane was nervous and for good reason. For all intents and purposes, he was waiting for someone to shoot him. Well, shoot at him. Armed with a cigarette and his small pistol he waited for Phillip to pull into the long driving path that led to the main entrance. This path wrapped around the large brick and sandstone building leading into the large forest where the opposing group waited to attack.
"You see anybody on that scope?" Shane asked Austin over the radio.
"Two so far, they're about to make their move. Phillip, how are you handling your situation?"
"Oh I'm fine," Phillip said, his words drenched in sarcasm. "I'm just doing fucking stupendous. Hey get off of me!"
"Hey, show some restraint down there," Austin chastised. "This was your plan, remember."
"Yeah, but I'm the one stuck with the Hungry-Hungry Hippos, so sorry if I'm not over the moon about this. Has Asshole #1 been spotted?"
Austin performed a scan with his binoculars, searching frantically for Donald. "Spotted, he's in the northeast. He's armed with a… revolver."
Rick? Shane thought. It couldn't be Rick, could it? No way, rick didn't have the balls to pull a move like this. But if it is rick, Shane may just get his chance to settle their score.
"Alright, Phillip, move out."
You didn't have to tell Phillip twice. Phillip was getting sick of his backseat drivers anyway, so the faster they could get this going the better off they would be. As Phillip pulled into the area of engagement he could see Shane standing in the field, holding the large black duffle bag. Phillip parks the vehicle and quickly exits, hoping not to ruin his surprise.
Phillip was wearing his helmet when he exited the vehicle, but before he could it take off he could feel a large bang collide with his helmet. And following that bang he heard a hiss a smoke poured from the small can thrown by the opposing team.
"Tear gas!" screamed Shane. It looks like it started. Shane quickly fires his pistol into the darkness, not really expecting to hit anyone. But there was no return fire.
"What's going on down there?!" Austin's voice frantic and hostile. "Phillip?! Are you ok?!"
Phillip removes his helmet and desperately inhales the cool air. Shane too is struggling with his vision as his nostrils fill with mucus. "HANDS UP!" Donald announces as his armed team descends on Shane and Phillip. Both men drop their weapons, Shane discards his pistol Phillip is a little more careful.
"You sure if I reach for my weapon in an attempt in surrendering you won't just shoot me in the face?" Phillip asked.
Donald aimed his revolver at Phillips head, "Not if you don't give me a reason. Drop your weapon nice and easy and no one will have to die."
He can't be serious, thought Phillip. But Phillip complied, releasing both his bowie knives and berettas that sat at his waist. "Now what? You execute us?"
Shane's eyebrow rose with confusion. Is he trying to piss him off? Shane observed the interaction even closer. So far things were going more-less according to the plan and now Phillip is tempting the fates?
"Like I said: no one needs to die." Donald signaled for the other members to secure Shane and Phillip. Asshole #2 grabbed Shane and placed a pistol to his kidney and asshole #3 did a similar move to Phillip. Donald however wanted to inspect the PYTHON closer, even thought the windows were so opaque the outside could not see the inside Donald knew there was an artillery inside. On the driver's side there was a numerical panel.
"What's the code?" Donald asks, not really directed to Phillip nor Shane but he still expecting an answer.
"You don't want the code buddy?" Phillip chimes in.
Annoyed, Donald points his gun in an intimidating fashion, "What's the code?!"
"It's my birth date," Phillip answers as if it was common knowledge. "12-13-1986."
"See, wasn't so hard?" Asshole #3 said to Phillip. Phillip noticed that his breath smelled like microwaved diarrhea.
Phillip put in the code "12131986" and just as he hoped the doors open. All five of the doors to the vehicle open and six walkers escape the vehicle. Told ya, you really didn't want that code. Two of the walkers descend upon Donald but he goes down fighting.
Shane and Phillip take advantage of the distraction; Shane delivers a thunderous left to asshole number two before retrieving his pocket knife and driving it in his throat. Phillip uses a nasty head butt that shattered Asshole #3's nose. Before he could respond Phillip pivots and cracks his opponent's neck with speed and ease.
"Make a run for it!" Shane announces as both men head towards the building. Bullets began to shower the field as the opposing team provides their leader cover fire. Both Shane and Phillip dive over a station wagon parked near the field. Shane and Phillip stored their weapons and night vision gear there.
The two men grab their assault rifles and began to return fire. Austin provided excellent snipers services, he cleared most of the belligerents in the forest and Shane and Austin made quick work of the remaining members who actually made it to the field.
Shane could hear the rattling of the main gate as walkers began to overload it. It was moments from collapsing. Phillip could tell that it was all clear but radioed Austin before moving towards the vehicle again. "Austin, get your ass down here. Those things have almost breached the gate."
"Copy, I'm coming back to you. Be near or in the vehicle."
"I hear you, Austin." As Phillip collected the discarded weapons he noticed that Donald was still alive and crawling towards his revolver. Phillip had no time for any last minute attempts at vengeance from Asshole #1.
Phillip kicks the revolver away from Donald's grip, "No, no, there will be none of that. Hasn't there been enough killing for one day?" Phillip took a good look at Donald, his face bitten as was his shoulder and arm. From the blood loss, coupled with the virus, his death was imminent. "For what it's worth, I don't take pleasure in any of this."
Donald lay there, shivering from his wounds; he could feel himself slipping into death. "We just needed a place for the children. We could be out here, but they needed to be safe." Donald could barely croak out that sentence, the oxygen was harder and harder for his blood to absorb.
"There's no bad guys here?" Phillip declares. "Just survivors. Did I kill any of your family today?"
"No," croaked Donald. "They're at the camp. Are you military?"
"Sorta. I started out in the Air force and Austin started off as a marine. Now we're something, more."
"You don't 'start off a marine' you either are or you're not."
"I take it you are a Leatherneck."
"Operation Iraqi Freedom, Fallujah."
"You men fought brave, just like tonight. Look what this world has done; it's turned people like you and me against each other. We both want the same thing, we want to live. I won't leave you to become like them, I think you're better than that." And with his recently retrieved berretta Phillip fired a bullet into Donald's brain. "Oorah."
Shane watched this interaction from afar. He didn't know what to make of it all. It was more than what he would do, if it was up to Shane he would have collected their guns and left into the night already. But Phillip felt a need to connect in this fashion with a stranger, an enemy at that. Shane wasn't sure if this made Phillip weaker or stronger.
Seconds later Phillip and Shane here a crash as the main gate finally gives way and 70 walkers pour into the field of engagement. Austin appears, holding a large bag filled with weaponry and gear. Austin was horrified by the large army of undead heading their way. But he didn't have the time or the luxury of gawking at them.
"We gotta go, now!" Shane announced before climbing into the PYTHON.
"We got to get past them first," Austin reminded. "Any suggestions?"
"Yeah, just one." Phillip declared. "Kill them all."
