Disclaimer: The Rat Patrol is not my property. They come out to play sometimes, then I send them home.

Author's note: Coronaviruses were first discovered in the 1930s when an acute respiratory infection of domesticated chickens was shown to be caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). In the 1940s, two more animal coronaviruses, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), were isolated. It was not realized at the time that these three different viruses were related. Human coronaviruses weren't discovered until the 1960s, so this is when creative license comes into play. Oh, and you can thank tullyfan for this idea.

Desert Pandemic

By Suzie2b

The Rat Patrol had been off base for more than two weeks doing recon and taking out a German supply line. The four Allies were tired and looking forward to getting back to Ras Tanura for showers and rest.

Late one night, while Hitch was on watch, he heard the radio in the jeep crackle to life calling for Sergeant Troy. Hitch went to where the sergeant was sleeping and woke him, whispering, "Sarge, you're wanted on the radio."

Troy rolling to his feet and went to the jeep. He put the headphones on and picked up the mic.

While Troy took the call, Hitch did a circuit around camp. When he returned to the jeep, he found Troy lighting a cigarette and looking concerned. Hitch asked quietly, "Anything wrong, sarge?"

Troy blew smoke as he simply said, "Go wake Moffitt and Tully." Then went to build up the fire.

When they were all sitting around the fire with blankets draped over their shoulders to ward of the cold night air, Troy said, "We aren't going back to base any time soon."

Moffitt asked, "What's happened?"

"According to Captain Boggs there's a severe virus going around. It's highly contagious. It's hitting every base in North Africa."

Hitch asked, "What're we going to do?"

Troy said, "Nothing … at least not yet. Boggs has ordered us to stay away from any Allied outposts."

Moffitt said, "This is quite serious, Troy. Does this virus have a name?"

"The captain called it a coronavirus."

"If it's hitting our people, then the Germans and Italians must be fighting it as well."

Tully added, "Don't forget the Arabs."

Troy nodded. "Boggs said it looks like a pandemic."

Hitch asked, "What're the chances that we have it?"

"The main symptoms to watch for are fever, dry cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Other than that the symptoms are like having the flu … a really bad flu."

Tully said, "We haven't been around people, except at a distance, since we left base."

Troy said, "The captain said that people started getting sick a week after we left, so he thinks we may be clear. Which is why we're to stay away."

"So what're we gonna do? Go find a cave to hide in?"

"That's an idea."

Hitch mentioned, "We're getting low on supplies."

Moffitt said, "There's a German supply dump not far from here."

Troy said, "Yeah, we'll check it out tomorrow. Do you know of any cave systems we can get to?"

"I think so. I'll check the maps."

Hitch asked, "Could this virus be the reason we haven't seen any German patrols or convoys lately?"

Troy replied, "That's definitely a possibility. We'll head out at first light."

#################

As the sky lightened the next morning, the Rat Patrol headed out for the German supply dump that was in a small cave in the side of a hill.

When they found it, Troy said, "We're in luck. They must've restocked not too long ago. Tully, you and Hitch get food and whatever else we need. Moffitt, see if there are any medical supplies and blankets."

Troy went up the hill above the cave's entrance and stood watch while the other quickly packed the jeeps.

With the supplies loaded, Moffitt and Tully led the way to a local cave system that even had a spring fed well. They went in and checked things out, then Troy said, "Home sweet home."

Tully said, "There's even enough room to bring the jeeps in so they're outta sight."

"Yeah. You and Hitch go get them and start unpacking."

Moffitt said, "I'll start collecting wood for a fire."

It wasn't long before their cozy camp was set up.

Hitch looked around and asked, "How long do you think we're going to have to be here?"

Troy replied, "There's no way to know for sure. We'll keep in contact with base to see how things are going. That's about all we can do."

Moffitt suggested, "There's a German base about fifty miles east of here and a battalion set up to the north. We could check on them. It might tell us if this virus has spread to the Germans."

"Good idea. You and Tully check out that battalion. Hitch and I will take the base."

Hitch questioned, "Shouldn't someone stay to keep an eye on our stuff?"

Troy said, "I really don't think there's anyone around to even know we're here, let along take anything."

#################

Troy and Hitch made quick work of the miles it took to get to the German base. It was buttoned up tight. There wasn't even a guard at the gate and no one on the wall.

Hitch asked, "Are we going to check the inside?"

Troy said, "No guards anywhere. All indications are saying the Germans are fighting the same virus we are. It's probably best if we keep our distance."

"So are we just going to head back?"

"Not yet. Let's keep an eye on things for a couple of hours."

#################

Moffitt and Tully were in the hills above the battalion. It was so quiet, one would think the camp had been abandoned. The only people moving about were the occasional doctor or nurse wearing surgical masks and gowns.

Tully said quietly, "Looks like they have it."

Moffitt nodded. "Yes, it does. I have a feeling that the war in North Africa has been put on hold."

"Think we should keep an eye on things for a while?"

"I don't think there's a need to. A camp this large should be bustling with activity this time of day. It's apparent that things aren't right at the moment."

#################

While Troy and Hitch watched the German base, the gate slowly swung open. Troy quickly looked through the binoculars and saw that the man opening the gate was wearing a kerchief over his mouth and nose.

First an excavator moved out of the base, then a truck followed. The two Americans watched as the excavator moved sand to create a long, fairly deep hole. Then the truck pulled up next to it. Men wearing makeshift masks began offloading wooden boxes into the hole.

Hitch asked, "What are they doing, sarge?"

Troy slowly lowered the binoculars. "They're unloading caskets."

Hitch frowned, but said nothing as ten wooden caskets were lowered into the hole. Then the excavator pushed sand over them.

Once the two vehicles were back through the gate, Troy said, "I think we've got all the information we need. Let's go."

#################

Tully was standing at the mouth of the cave when he saw the jeep coming. He used binoculars to confirm who it was, then turned and said to Moffitt, "Troy and Hitch are back."

A short time later, Hitch backed the jeep into the cave and stopped next to the other one. Moffitt joined Tully as Troy and Hitch got out of the jeep and asked, "See anything interesting?"

Troy replied, "Looks like they've got the virus. There were no guards anywhere and the base looks to be closed up tight."

Hitch added, "Except when they came out to bury ten caskets."

"What about that battalion?"

Moffitt said, "The only activity we saw were a few doctors and nurses going from tent to tent. It's a safe bet they're infected as well."

Tully asked, "So, what do we do now?"

Troy sighed. "I'm going to contact base with this information. We'll do regular patrols and keep an eye on the area. Tully, get a fire going. Hitch, start some lunch."

Moffitt said, "I'll fetch water for coffee and tea."

#################

Days turned into weeks, and then a month had passed. The four Allies did the best they could with what they had. They each had one change of clothes and used bar soap to wash out one set every few days. Baths consisted of well water heated on the fire and a secluded corner of the cave where one of the camouflage tarps had been draped over a rope for some kind of privacy.

However, their supply of rations was running low and Troy contemplated hitting up that German supply dump again. That's when Boggs sent word that desperately needed medical supplies and blankets had been flown in. The Rat Patrol was tasked with picking up the crates at the airfield and transporting them to the base at Ras Tanura.

As they stood around and listened to the radio conversation, they learned that things were grim at best. People were dying and the virus was still not contained. The Arab community was being hit the hardest.

Troy told the radioman to inform Captain Boggs that they would be there with the supplies as soon as possible. He also told him that they were running low on rations.

They left the next morning for the airfield. The desert was eerily silent and they hadn't seen any signs of the enemy in all the time they'd been in self-isolation.

When the Rat Patrol arrived at the edge of the airfield several hours later, Troy used the radio to let them know they were there for Ras Tanera's supplies. He was given instructions and turned to his men. "Okay, they're going to send out a truck with the stuff. Tully I want you to drive. Use your kerchief to cover your mouth and nose. Moffitt, you do the same."

They watched as the loaded truck and a jeep was driven out about halfway between where it had been parked and where Troy and his men waited. The truck's driver got out and quickly moved into the jeep's passenger seat. Both men were wearing surgical masks.

As soon as the jeep was well away from the truck, Troy said, "Moffitt, Tully, get going."

With their kerchief masks in place, Moffitt drove out to the truck. Tully hopped out and then into the seat behind the wheel. Moffitt circled the truck and followed it back to where Troy and Hitch, now wearing masks themselves, waited to join them.

#################

It was late afternoon when the little convoy reached the gates of Ras Tanura. A lieutenant wearing a surgical mask with a bullhorn appeared on the wall above the gate and said to the four masked men, "Leave the truck where it is. We'll bring it inside after you leave." Troy waved his understanding and Tully got out of the truck. Then the lieutenant said, "Captain Boggs had your ladies pack a few things for you. He's also sending you off with a full complement of rations. You'll find it all in the guard shack."

Again Troy waved, then sent his men to the shack to quickly collect what had been left for them. As soon as the jeeps were loaded, the four Allies left to head back to their sanctuary.

It was dark by the time they got back to the cave. Using a flashlight, Moffitt went to light the lantern while Tully got a fire going. Then the four of them sat on the ground to check the packs.

In each pack they all found fresh clothing, which was welcomed. There was also razors, toothbrushes, a couple of towels, and other personal items. For Troy, Diane packed a letter she'd written, packs of cigarettes and matches, and two decks of cards. Linda had also written a letter and had packed books for Moffitt. There was a letter from Daisy in Hitch's pack, along with a bag of bubblegum and hard candy. From Charley, Tully had received a letter, and a bag of her Aunt Emily's chocolate chip cookies. They sat in silence for a while to read the letters. They were very upbeat and didn't mention anything about the virus or how bad things were getting.

Tully finished Charley's letter with a wistful sigh. "I miss her."

Moffitt smiled slightly and said, "We all miss the ones we love. However, this pandemic won't last forever."

Hitch said, "I wish Daisy would've mentioned something about how things are going on base."

Troy replied, "I'm sure that was Captain Boggs' doing. There's nothing we can do for them out here, except run supplies."

Moffitt agreed. "No need to get us worrying about what's happening on base."

Tully said, "I'm already worried."

Troy said, "Tully, rustle up some dinner."

#################

Their days were fairly routine. After breakfast, Troy and Hitch would do the first patrol. Moffitt and Tully would do the next after lunch, and they would flip a coin to see who got the last patrol of the day. However, there wasn't anything to see in the desert. It was like the four of them were the only ones left in the world.

Once a week they would check on the German base and battalion. Things seemed to be getting worse. There were always more graves.

Every two weeks a call would come from Ras Tanura needing the Rat Patrol to pick up supplies at the airfield. It was always an exchange – a truckload of supplies for those left in the empty guard shack.

Then one day during one such call, Troy was told both Major Gleason and Captain Boggs had come down with the virus. And with the next batch of supplies came the news that Charley and Daisy were sick.

Hitch said, "We have to go back to base, sarge. Daisy's sick."

Tully added, "So is Charley. She's been quarantined at the hospital."

"Daisy's in the hospital too. I guess there's an area cordoned off for the virus patients."

Troy said, "I'm sorry, but we can't go back … not yet. There wouldn't be anything we could do anyway. You wouldn't be allowed to see them. The doctors and nurses are doing everything they can."

Moffitt said, "You wouldn't be doing yourselves or Daisy and Charley any good if you were to come down with this virus."

Both privates sighed. Hitch stood up and said, "I've got laundry to do."

Tully stood. "So do I."

#################

One afternoon Moffitt and Tully were out on patrol when they spotted circling vultures. Tully got them close enough so Moffitt could check things out with the binoculars.

The sergeant stood up on the passenger seat to survey the scene. He saw several camels, then spotted the bodies on the ground. "Looks like it may have been Arabs."

Tully questioned, "May have been?"

"The only signs of life I see are the camels."

"Wanna go take a closer look?"

Moffitt sat down as he said, "I think we should." He pulled his kerchief up over his nose and mouth. "Put your mask on."

What they found, besides the camels, was what appeared to be a family – a man, woman, and three children. All dead.

Tully asked, "Think they died because of the virus?"

Moffitt nodded. "I'd be willing to bet they did. They probably left their village when their neighbors became ill. It doesn't look as if they've been here very long … no more than a few hours."

"Should we bury them?"

"If they did die of the virus, it would be best to cremate the bodies. If any animal were to dig them up, there's no way to know if they could spread the sickness."

Moffitt and Tully both wore gloves as they moved the bodies next to each other. Then the sergeant had Tully douse them with gasoline. Moffitt then set them ablaze.

While the bodies burned, Tully took the gear and leads off the camels and set them free.

When they returned to the cave, Troy met them. "You took longer than usual. Did you see something?"

Tully replied, "First people we've seen out here and they're dead."

"What?"

Moffitt got out of the jeep as he said, "We noticed vultures circling and went to check it out. Turned out to be an Arab family of four with camels. It looked like they may have been trying to get away from the virus, but it killed them anyway."

Hitch asked, "Did you bury them?"

Moffitt answered, "I thought it best to burn the bodies."

Troy gave a nod. "Good idea. Can't take a chance of the virus spreading further than it already has. What about the camels?"

Tully said, "They weren't showing signs of being sick, so I set 'em free. They should be okay on their own."

#################

One morning Troy awoke to see that the fire was going and the coffee was on. He looked around and saw that both Moffitt and Hitch were still sleeping. After pouring himself a mug of coffee, Troy wandered over to the mouth of the cave. That's when he saw Tully sitting cross-legged on a flat-topped boulder with a mug of coffee and his machine gun lying next to him.

Troy walked out to where the private sat. "Morning."

Tully didn't look at the sergeant. "Mornin', sarge."

Troy noticed a melancholy look on the private's face. "You all right?"

Tully nodded slowly. "Just thinkin'."

"Care to talk about it?"

"I was just wonderin' how Charley's doing. How things are going in Ras Tanura and on other bases. Wondering if we're going to be stuck out here forever."

Troy smiled slightly. "That's a lot of thinking. I can't say much as to how Charley's doing, but she's a fighter. As far as Ras Tanura goes they seem to be holding their own. Remember that last note we got from headquarters said the spread of the virus seemed to be slowing down."

Tully sighed. "But what's that mean for us, sarge? When can we go back to base?"

"That I don't know, Tully. I suppose when people stop getting sick, and sick people start to recover."

There was a sudden crack and a bullet ricocheted off Tully's boulder. His quick reaction had him sliding off to take cover next to Troy where he'd ducked down.

Tully asked, "Where'd that come from?"

Troy replied, "Don't know. Do you see anyone?"

"No."

The shot woke Moffitt and Hitch, who were on their feet in an instant to grab guns and move to the mouth of the cave.

They spotted Troy and Tully as another bullet hit the boulder. Moffitt called, "Are you two all right?"

Troy called back, "We're good." He pointed. "That last shot came from that direction. See if you can spot anyone."

Hitch moved slowly and carefully to where he could get a look around. He tried to pick out any sort of movement. Then he saw it. The barrel of a rifle sticking out of some scrub. Hitch said to Moffitt, "I can see where he are. Do you want me to take him out?"

Moffitt gave a nod. "Take the shot."

Hitch looked out at the scrub and again spotted the rifle. With one quick move he stepped out and sprayed the bushes with machine gun fire. A second later they saw two halftracks speeding away.

Troy stood up and ran for the cave with Tully on his heels. The sergeant yelled, "Let's shake it! We can't let them get back to where they came from!"

It took less than a minute for the jeeps to catch up with the Germans. Hitch and Tully maneuvered expertly around the two vehicles so Troy and Moffitt could get clear shots with the 50s.

Both halftracks were sprayed with volleys of the large caliber shells. With the drivers dead they quickly slowed to a stop. There was no signs of life as Troy and his men approached with kerchiefs covering their faces.

Troy and Hitch found only two men and the driver in one of the halftracks, all were dead. Moffitt and Tully found just one man in the back of the other. He and the driver were dead.

When they met back at the jeeps, Troy asked, "Do you think the virus is easing up?"

Moffitt said, "Could be, but from the looks of the men we saw they're still sick."

"So their commander is starting to send out anyone that can stand and hold a rifle out on patrol."

"Looks that way. I'd say they were heading for that battalion."

Hitch asked, "Do you think they radioed our position?"

Troy replied, "Let's hope not. We're going to have to be on high alert from now on."

Tully questioned, "Do you want us to bury the bodies or burn 'em?"

"We'd better play it safe and burn them. You and Hitch get started."

Once the privates had piled the bodies like cord wood, Moffitt splashed gasoline on them and Troy used his lighter to start the flames.

They watched as the blaze engulfed the dead Germans for a few minutes, then Troy said solemnly, "Hitch and I will patrol the area in case there's more of them out here. Moffitt, you and Tully go back and take care of that last body."

#################

Tully dragged the German's body well away from the scrub he'd died in. A splash of gas and match set it ablaze.

When the private returned to the cave, Moffitt said, "You'd better go on watch."

Tully slung the machine gun he held over his shoulder. "Right, sarge." He hesitated, then said, "Sorry about earlier."

"Sorry? About what?"

"I was sittin' out there, but I wasn't paying attention. I almost got Troy and me killed."

Moffitt smiled a bit. "We've been here two months without seeing the enemy until now. I suppose we've let ourselves get a bit complacent. But you and Troy are fine and we can remedy our lack of vigilance starting now. You go ahead and I'll bring your breakfast shortly."

Tully nodded silently and went to stand at the mouth of the cave.

#################

A little over an hour later, while Tully was watching the landscape, he spotted the jeep coming. "There back."

Moffitt said, "Good. Just in time for some breakfast." He started dishing eggs and spam onto plates as Hitch parked next to Tully's jeep. When Troy and Hitch joined him, Moffitt handed each of them a plate and asked, "See anything?"

Troy took the plate gratefully. "Nothing. I thought for sure we'd see something of the Germans if they're starting to patrol again."

Hitch said, "Maybe that patrol was a trial run. What's going to happen when they don't return to the battalion?"

Moffitt said, "They may send another to look for them, but it's hard to tell."

Troy mentioned, "It's going to depend on how many men are well enough to do anything." He looked at Moffitt. "Did you and Tully eat?"

"Yes, we did."

"How long has Tully been on watch?"

Moffitt looked at his watch. "Nearly two hours."

Troy said, "Hitch, when you're done with breakfast go take over. I think we should start doing two hour watches again. We still don't know if those Germans got word to their people that we're here."

#################

When Moffitt and Tully returned from their afternoon patrol, Troy informed that there was another load of supplies waiting for them at the airfield. "We'll take care of that first thing in the morning."

Hitch said, "I hope there's good news when we get to base."

However, when they returned to their cave home with the usual rations and packs of goodies, Tully found Charley's letter wasn't written by her, but by Nurse Vicky Lawson. It was short and to the point. Charley wasn't doing well, though she had been showing small improvements. She still has a high fever, a cough, and was still on oxygen. Tully relayed the news to the others and asked, "How's Daisy doin'?"

Hitch sighed. "She's on oxygen, but her fever is slowly going down."

"Did she get to write her own letter?"

"No. Nurse Vicky did it for her."

Tully nodded. "She wrote for Charley too."

Troy decided to get off the subject and said, "Okay, here's what we're going to do. Hitch and I will go check on the German base. Moffitt and Tully can take a look at that battalion. Maybe we'll get lucky and see some improvement."

#################

At the German base, Troy and Hitch noted that there were now guards on the wall. Not as many as there would've been in normal conditions, but there was a presence.

Troy said, "Looks like there's a little bit of improvement for them after all."

Hitch was studying the area where the German's had been burying their dead. "Yeah, there's only one new grave site and it's smaller than the other mass graves."

"I hope our people are doing as well."

"Maybe we'll be back to base sooner than we thought."

Troy gave a nod. "Let's go."

#################

On the hill looking out over the German battalion Moffitt and Tully watched as some of the men busied themselves around camp.

Moffitt said, "That's not even a quarter of the men that should be there."

Tully agreed. "And there's still no perimeter guards, but it looks like things are improving some."

"Yes, it does." Moffitt swung the binoculars around to look at the makeshift cemetery. He counted the graves and said, "There's only three new graves since we were here last." Moffitt lowered the glasses. "Let's get back with the news."

#################

When they were together again back at the cave, Troy and Moffitt discussed what they'd seen.

Troy said, "If the German's are starting to make a recovery, then the Allies should be too."

Moffitt nodded. "I hope so. I have to admit that I've been craving a hot shower for quite some time now."

Troy smiled. "You and me both. I'm going to report what we've seen to headquarters. Maybe there'll be an update."

Sure enough, Troy got an update. He and his men were gathered at the mouth of the cave as he said, "People on base are starting to get over the virus. Progress is slow, but the rate of deaths are way down and a few people are starting to get back to work. No one's allowed to come or go yet." He looked at Hitch and Tully. "Charley's steadily improving and Daisy is sitting up."

The privates both gave a relieved sigh and Moffitt asked, "Did they give you any sort of idea when we can return?"

"They're playing it by ear now. When we go back with supplies in a couple weeks, they should have a better idea when it'll be safe for us."

#################

It had been the slowest two weeks of their lives. But finally they rolled up to the gates with the usual truckload of supplies.

As Hitch and Tully grabbed the packs and supplies from the guard shack and leaving the empty packs behind, the gate opened just enough to allow Lieutenant Hildebrand to step out. It was the first time anyone had come out to meet them.

Troy asked through the kerchief mask he wore, "How are things, lieutenant?"

Hildebrand adjusted his surgical mask and said, "Better, sergeant. The doctors are guardedly optimistic."

"That's good to hear, sir. Any idea when we can come back to stay?"

"The doctors say that if there are no new cases within the next month…"

Troy's eyes frowned above the kerchief. "A month?"

Hildebrand continued, "Or there are only a few with less severe symptoms, they will consider starting to open things up."

Hitch and Tully had stowed the packs and supplies in the jeeps and waited with Moffitt for Troy to join them.

When the lieutenant turned to head back to the gate, Troy walked up to his men and Moffitt said, "There's certainly some improvement going on."

Troy gave a nod. "Yeah, some … he said the doctors are 'guardedly optimistic'."

Hitch said, "And that translates into…"

"If things go okay over the next month, they'll 'consider' letting us back in."

Tully said, "Another month … and with no guarantee."

Troy sighed. "Yep, but at least it's something."

#################

As the days passed, the Rat Patrol began to see some life come back to the desert. Their patrols revealed the Germans were beginning to pick up where they left off as they started to see small groups of them patrolling.

Two weeks later found the four Allies back with more supplies, but there was no new update.

As they waited another two weeks, German patrols were seen on several occasions just a few miles from the cave. Luckily they didn't appear to be interested in checking into it.

The Rat Patrol began to be more cautious on their own patrols. They wanted to avoid engaging the enemy or taking a chance they'd be followed back to the cave.

Finally the news they'd been waiting for came. They were told they could pack up their gear, pick up another truck of supplies, and come back to base to stay.

#################

When the Rat Patrol arrived outside Ras Tanura, the gates were pushed open and Lieutenant Hildebrand stepped out. The first thing they noticed was that everyone was still wearing masks of one sort or another.

Troy asked through his kerchief, "Everything still a go, lieutenant?"

Hildebrand gave a nod. "It's up to you really. The virus is still here, but it's on its way out. If you choose to stay on the outside, no one would blame you. If you wish to stay, you'll be required to wear a mask outside of your quarters. And there will be other stipulations as well."

"Give me a minute to talk to my men, sir."

"Of course."

As Troy went to the jeeps and joined Moffitt, Hitch, and Tully, a soldier got into the truck and drove it onto base. Troy explained, "Lieutenant Hildebrand is giving us a choice. We can stay, but we'll have to wear masks among other things. Or we can go back to the cave."

Without hesitation Tully said, "I'm for staying here."

Hitch agreed. "I'm done living in that cave, sarge."

They all looked at Moffitt and could see the smile in his eyes. He said, "I can see that I'm outnumbered here. But I must agree I'd much rather be here than there."

The four of them went to Lieutenant Hildebrand and Troy asked, "What are the stipulations, sir?"

The lieutenant replied, "The masks are required whenever you are outside your quarters. None of you will be able to visit with anyone sick with or recovering from the coronavirus." Hitch and Tully looked at each other, but said nothing. "And the only time you can leave this base is with permission from the officer in charge. Since you've been the team picking up our supplies that will remain your main job. Are we in agreement?"

Troy looked at his men, who nodded. The sergeant turned back and said, "Yes, sir, we're in agreement."

Hildebrand then looked at Tully and said, "Private Pettigrew, your wife is now recovering at your apartment. You'll be assigned other quarters until she's completely recovered."

Tully sighed. "Yes, sir."

Hitch spoke up, "Lieutenant, when we left here I didn't have a roommate. If that's still true, Tully can bunk with me."

Hildebrand said, "I'll have it looked into."

"Sir, is there any word on Daisy Moore's condition?"

"She's recovering in her quarters."

Moffitt asked, "If I may ask, sir, how are Major Gleason and Captain Boggs?"

"The last time I checked, the major was recovering in his quarters and the captain is due to be released for duty any day now."

Troy asked, "Who do we report to, lieutenant?"

Hildebrand replied, "Until further notice you'll report to Captain Goddard."

#################

Hitch and Tully took the jeeps to the motor pool for some much need maintenance while Troy and Moffitt went to report to Captain Goddard.

As the privates left the motor pool, Hitch asked, "Shower first or eat first?"

Tully said, "I'm goin' to see Charley."

"But Lieutenant Hildebrand said…"

"I heard him. I'm just gonna slip a note under the door to let her know we're back."

Hitch smiled. "Hey, that's a good idea. I'll do that for Daisy."

Tully said, "I plan to take a hot shower after that."

"I'll meet you at my place then."

They separated and Tully walked quickly through the eerily quiet streets of the Arab quarter to the apartment he normally shared with his wife. He went around to stairs at the back of the building and stopped. After digging a small notebook out of his pack, Tully sat down and wrote a quick note to Charley. Then he left the pack and went upstairs, down the hallway, and slipped the folded note under the door. He rapped twice before turning to hurry away.

Charley opened the door, thinking it was probably the usual visit from one of the nurses, but there was no one there. She happened to look down and noticed she was standing on a piece of paper. Charley picked it up and read the note. With a gasp she slammed the door and ran to the window. Looking down at the otherwise empty street, Charley spotted a masked Tully waving at her. She grinned and waved back, ecstatic to know that her husband and friends had finally returned.

#################

Hitch hurried across base, stopping just long enough to write a short note to Daisy. Then he took the stairs two at a time to get to where her quarters were located in the women's barracks. He pushed the paper under the door and knocked before he hurried to the end of the hallway. After a few seconds the door opened and Daisy stepped out.

Hitch smiled and said, "I just wanted to let you know we're back. I love you, Daisy Moore."

Daisy returned the smile. "It's so good to see you again … even with the mask. I love you, Mark Hitchcock."

"I'll be by as often as I can to leave you notes."

"I'll do the same. I'll tack them to the door."

#################

Hitch was getting ready to hit the showers when Tully walked in. He dropped his pack on the second bunk in the room and said, "Thanks for letting me stay here, Hitch. How's Daisy?"

Hitch picked up his shower things and towel. "She looked a little tired, but she seems okay. I stopped by the showers and found out there can't be more than four of us at a time in there. There wasn't anyone there so I put our names on the list."

"Thanks. I'll be there shortly."

#################

After checking in with Captain Goddard, Troy and Moffitt separated to go find Diane and Linda.

Sometime later, Moffitt walked into the quarters he shared with Troy, who had just returned from a shower. Moffitt pulled his mask off and said, "Did you find Diane?"

Troy nodded as he began to dress. "She was working so it was just a quick 'Hi, we're back.' Hopefully, I'll see her a little later. How's Linda?"

Moffitt smiled. "She's fine. We had a bit of a conversation."

"Good. Why don't you go put your name on the list and get a shower?"

"List?"

Troy said, "There can only be four people in there at any one time. But there wasn't anyone there while I was showering."

Moffitt said, "Well then, I think I'll take advantage."

"When you're done, we can go to the mess hall together."

#################

So, as the pandemic wound down over the coming months, things on base began to get back to something close to normal. The infected patients steadily recovered and there were no more coronavirus patients coming in.

Both Major Gleason and Captain Boggs recovered and eventually resumed their duties, as did Charley and Daisy.

It was never discovered how the virus started or who patient 0 was. Hundreds had died and fresh recruits were to be shipped in.

However, it wasn't until the first wounded arrived at the base hospital that it was realized that the war was back and the fighting would continue.