Hello again all. Next chapter below. Thank you so much your kind reviews. Hope you enjoy it!
It was Tom's job to collect the eggs from the hens in the old barn. It was his least favourite chore because the building was the furthest from the house and he had to walk some distance with his very breakable cargo, making sure not to crack any on the way or his mom would get mad. The old barn was also a bit spooky, with its shadowy hay loft and creaking timbers. He always collected the eggs as quickly as he dared and then walked briskly away, not slowing until he was back in the main yard. But now the barn was a special place for Tom. It was the place where a few days ago, he had discovered the visitors and where he met them as often as he could to leave whatever scraps of food he had been able to take from the slaughter house without his mom or the farm hands noticing.
The first time Tom had met the visitors they had scared him alot and he had stood frozen in fear as they emerged slowly from the shadows at the back of the barn, red eyes glowing like flash lights, clawed hands grasping, teeth bared in a hideous snarl. He had closed his eyes expecting to be seized and devoured at any moment but when nothing had happened he tentatively opened one eye and found them standing staring at him. There had been about a dozen of them and as he looked he noticed that they all had the same shaped eyes as Mr Wong, the man who ran the laundromat in town. They were also very, very snotty. In fact they were even more snotty than John Franklin at school who was the snottiest boy in Marfa and could blow the biggest snot bubbles in the world.
There also seemed to be both men and women visitors and it was one of the ladies who had slowly shuffled forward and knelt down in front of him. She had then started to grunt, at the same time pointing to her mouth. Tom hadn't understood to begin with but when she then pointed to her stomach realisation had dawned
"Are ya hungry?" He had asked "Ya want some food?"
The lady had nodded her head vigorously and then pointed to her companions to indicate that they were all hungry. Tom had dipped into his basket to retrieve one of the eggs he had just collected and offered it to her but the lady had shaken her head and pointed to an old advertisement poster on one of the barn walls which showed a herd of cattle with the slogan 'Buy American Beef'
"You want meat?" Tom asked
Again a vigorous nodding and Tom had said "OK, I'll see what we got cooked up at home"
However this had elicited a shake of the head from the lady and Tom had swallowed nervously "Y'all want it raw?"
All the visitors then let out an excited grunting sound which made Tom back away in fright.
The lady visitor, noticing this, had waved her hand at her companions to make them stop then turned to Tom and stretched her lips strangely in what Tom guessed was the visitor's attempt at a smile.
Tom had smiled back uncertainly then said "I better go. I'll come back as soon as I can".
He had then turned to go but a gesture from the lady had made him pause. She had looked at him with a pleading expression and raised a finger to her lips. She wanted him to keep their presence a secret. He too had raised his finger to his lips and nodded then turned and ran for home, breaking all the eggs in his basket on the way...
Sheriff Wyatt knocked on Mayor Hambleton's office door and entered on hearing the call "Come!"
The Mayor was standing in front of a display board, puffing on a large cigar and admiring a poster design which proclaimed 'Marfa Oktoberfest, by royal appointment'. He turned to the sheriff as he approached and said "Ah Jed, good to see ya. What ya think?" Gesturing at the same time to the poster.
"By Royal Appointment. Really?" Asked Wyatt
"Weeeell, nope, but this is politics Jed, can't see any reason why we should trouble ourselves with the truth"
Wyatt snorted "What you got planned now, you old swindler?"
"Oh, nothin' really. Just a few public appearances. Nates' barn raisin' this afternoon, the cactus festival tomorrow and guest of honour at the Halloween Hootenanny next week"
"And Major James, he's agreed to all this has he?" Asked Wyatt
"Sure has. Very happy to oblige he said" confirmed the mayor
"Too happy maybe?" Ventured the sheriff
"Now what's supposed to mean?" Said Hambleton puzzled
"Oh, nothin'. I just can't help thinkin' there's summin' else going' on around here, what with the plane crash and the cattle..."
"Now Jed, I know that look, don't go causin' trouble. These people could do a lot of good for this town, what with royalty and this Major James, ya know he's nearly as famous as the prince?"
"Really?" Said Wyatt doubtfully.
"Yep. I had Martha high tail it down to El Paso, do some research on that there inter web thingy. This guy is a big war hero. Saved London darn near single handedly from a terrorist attack six monthsback. Got a fan club follows him about called the majorettes. There's even these people who write made up stories about him and this SZS... called fin faction or such like..."
"But that's plain crazy" said Wyatt "ain't they got better things to do?"
"Seems not...Anyways my point is, there bein' here gets us on the map" continued the Mayor
"But they ain't lettin' any news out, Hiram. No one knows they're here"
"Oh that's just fur now, Jed. They dont want people floodin' the town. But once the operations done we can tell the world. People will flock to see where the SZS came to train, maybe take some photos, buy a souvenir. We'll become a place of pilgrimage. Get us one of them there USPs, maybe one day a zombie theme park like Disney Land..."
Wyatt frowned "I don't know Hiram, somethin' just don't sit right with me"
"Oh, just let it be Jed. It'll all be fine, just you wait and see" said the Mayor...
James looked around the tiny briefing room at three section who were sat on two rows of wooden benches facing his display board.
"Does everyone get the general idea?" He asked
"So basically you want us to help build a barn for one of the local farmers?" Said Brains
"That's right. Its a traditional community pursuit in rural areas, particularly where labour and financial resources are restricted. Of course these days it is also something of a social event as well"
Brains shifted uncomfortably "Does that mean that there might be some...barn dancing"
Three section let out a collective gasp and the room suddenly filled with troubled muttering.
"OK, settle down" said James, restoring order. "That is certainly a possibility Brains, and one we will need to be prepared for. If you turn to page 5 of your information packs I have prepared a short briefing on what to look out for."
James waited for the shuffling of papers to stop. "OK, a barn dance is a kind of dance involving traditional or folk music. In the US this normally means some kind of square or line dancing with a caller providing an indication of the dance forms to be undertaken using a patter or series of rhyming instructions. Everyone follow so far?"
James paused and noted a series of nods which prompted him to continue. " Now any of you who have experienced this art form before will know than it can be an extremely distressing experience so the important thing is not to panic. Yes Dangles"
"Sir, I've had to deal with this kind of situation just once before but found that taking out the caller was an effective remedy. The whole thing just seemed to break up after that."
"Noted Dangles but this is a very different context. I think we are dealing with people that actually enjoy this kind of thing and popping the ring leader may cause some offence, something we want to avoid at all costs"
"You're not suggesting we...take part are you sir" asked Mansfield Mike in a pained voice.
James took a deep breath "We have been through a lot together guys and you have always come through for me before. I know this is a big ask but I can see no other way out of this."
Three section fell silent then Mansfield Mike spoke up "We'd not do it for anyone else, sir"
James nodded solemnly and felt moisture prick his eyes.
Just then Captain Dwight entered the tent to say that Colonel Morley was on the video phone and James dismissed the section, asking Molly to join him in the ops room.
"Colonel" said James as he sat in front of the screen.
"James, Molly" responded Morley "We have the results back from the lab at Fort Bliss and they confirm the residue you found around those bite marks is heavily contaminated with the zombie pathogen"
"OK" said James "So we know they were still in the area up to a few days ago"
"No direct sightings yet?" Asked Morley
"None, although we have had two further dead cows turn up. Problem is, no bite or gouge marks this time, just the belly wound and the stomach removed" responded James.
"That's weird, any theories at your end?"
"Well, the lack of bites does tend to indicate that they are not killing the animals for food." Said James "So they must have another source locally, although we have no indication as yet of what that might be."
"And the stomach thing? I thought cows had four stomachs by the way" asked Morley
"Ah, now that's where your wrong" said James "But let me refer you to our cow expect for more on that" and he turned to Molly who elbowed him sharply in the ribs before addressing the screen.
"Sir, they have one stomach but four digestive chambers which they need to break down the vegetation they eat. Its the only thing that cow stomachs are good at. That and producing methane gas of course, which incidently they mostly belch out rather than...you know."
Morley frowned "Methane..."
"Something the matter sir?" asked James
"Sorry?...no, no, nothing. Oh James" said Morley changing the subject "I have checked out this sheriff Wyatt like you asked. Clean bill of health. Was in the Rangers and served in the first Gulf War. Exemplary record, Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart. Retired in '05 and became sheriff of his home town shortly after"
James nodded thoughtfully.
From behind the Colonel came the sound of a door opening and closing and a voice called "Sherman, oh Sherman where are you, you sex bomb? I need you to take me to bed or lose me for ever!" Just then the figure of Jonathan Beck appeared in the background and grew larger as he advanced towards the video camera.
"Oops, thought you were alone dear" he said, then when Beck spotted James and Molly he beamed "If it isn't my favourite straight couple! How are you both, having plenty of QS I hope?"
"Hardly JB" growled Morley "They are in the field"
"Oh, no better place for a roll in the hay" replied Beck and sat next to the Colonel, pushing him along the seat with his hip to make enough room.
James smiled at his former CO "I didn't know you were in the States Jonathan"
"Just flew in dear. New shop in Beverly Hills and you know how it is, if I'm not here nothing gets done properly. Now dear, a little bird tells me you popped into the San Fran shop and came away with one of the Antoine of Navarres. What did you think?" Asked Beck eagerly.
"Well..." said James uncomfortably "It was errr..."
"It was very, very nice" said Molly with a mischievous grin "Wasn't it Colonel"
Morley gave a start and nearly fell off of his half of the seat "I...that is we...that is...oh god Molly please explain for goodness sake."
Beck looked from Morley to James and back again in confusion. Molly burst into peels of laughter but then eventually regained enough self control to relate the story. Beck clapped his hands in delight as the story unfolded before dissolving into uncontrollable giggles. When he finally recovered his power of speech he asked James how the mission was progressing and the Major outlined progress to date including their efforts at ensuring the support of the local population, and the planned event that afternoon.
"A barn raising! Oh how wonderful, it will be just like 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'. I just love that musical" and so saying he burst into song:
"Bless your beautiful hide, wherever you may be
We ain't met yet but I'm a-willing to bet
You're the gal for me"
"I do love a bit of Howard Keel. Not a patch on you Sherman of course but...Anyway, is there going to be a barn dance?"
"Oh I do hope not" said James...
That afternoon, three section trooped into the back of their APC and headed out of the base towards Nate Williams ranch. As they approached the property the framework of the new barn came into view like the skeleton of a beached leviathon. Around it, like ants, swarmed a small army of workers, sawing wood and hammering nails. Close by the building site were set out a series of trestle tables loaded with food and drink while folding chairs and picnic blankets had been arranged on the surrounding pastureland.
The APC came to a halt at the edge of the eating area and three section piled out and formed up. On seeing them arrive Mayor Hambleton hurried over waving his cowboy hat, followed reluctantly by Nate Williams. Hambleton insisted on making an impromptu speech welcoming the SZS before James marched them off to the centre of activity where he reported to the foreman of works to be allocated tasks.
They worked steadily through the hot afternoon, carrying sawn planks and buckets of nails, helping to lift heavy rafters high up into the air using an ancient rope and pully systems and generally lending a hand.
The structure soon started to take shape and just as the sun was dipping low in the west, the last plank was lifted and the final nail driven home. A spontaneous cheer then rose from the work crew followed by a round of hand shaking and back slapping before the supper bell sounded and they all filed off to the trestle tables to have their fill of food.
Sheriff Wyatt joined the queue at the first table and looked along the line towards the plates piled high with cooked meets and freshly baked rolls, corn cobs and juicy slices of water melon. A team of women served food to the hungry men, smiling and chatting as they passed along the front of the table.
Wyatt had chosen this queue in particular because she was helping out at the table. Lizzie White. They had seen each other at high school for a time and gone to the senior prom together but then Wyatt had joined the army and she had got on with her life, got married, had a son. She had lost her husband in a car accident two years previously but he had kept his distance, conscious of her grief and preoccupation with running the family ranch and raising her boy, Tom.
When they ran into each other he would tip his hat and she would smile that smile, the one that made him feel eighteen again. But then he would become tongue tied, there would be an awkward silence and he would stutter a goodbye, berating himself afterwards as a lilly livered coward.
Now, as he approached, she caught sight of him and grinned so that her cheeks dimpled and her eyes sparkled. She was carrying two large green watermelons to the table ready to slice into bright red segments. She put them down and wiped her hands on her apron then looked up at the sheriff with flushed cheeks and said "Hi Jed"
At the sound of her voice Wyatt's mouth went dry and his palms began to sweat. His brain went into overdrive trying to think of just the right thing to say and in panic he blurted out "Those are a mighty fine pair of melons you got there"
The conversation in the queue suddenly stopped as people looked around in amused surprise while Lizzie blushed crimson and looked down. Wyatts face drained of colour as he realised what he had said "I didn't mean you're...I meant those...although yours are very...oh shoot just give me some of that ham and a cob please"
Once he had his food Wyatt beat a hasty retreat and sat down in the corner of the eating area to stew. He hasn't been their long before a small boy approached him. Wyatt looked up and smiled "Hey Tom, how ya doin'?"
"OK Sheriff" said the boy "What ya doin' over here by yourself." He asked.
"Oh, sometimes grown ups need a little me time" explained the Sheriff
"You goofed up in front of mom again, ain't ya?"
"Well, I wouldn't say I exactly...yep, yep, that's about the sum of it" admitted Wyatt
"I can put a word in for ya if you like" offered Tom
"Nooo, your fine young feller" said Wyatt
"OK" said the boy, then hesitated as if about to say something else
"You all right Tom?" Asked the Sheriff
"Yep I'm fine, see ya around Sheriff" and with that he ran off to join the other children who were busy chasing each other between the tables and chairs.
James sat at a table with most of three section who were tucking into a handsome spread. The Major only picked at his food and turned around frequently casting anxous glances at Mansfield Mike who had been lead away by Mayor Hambleton to the head table as the guest of honour
Molly glanced over at James and frowned "He'll be fine don't worry" she reassured him.
"I know, I'm being silly, what could possibly go wrong?...except Mansfield putting his colossal foot in his over active mouth, causing huge offence to the local community, jeopardising a crucial mission and sparking a major international incident with wide reaching repercussions..." said James
"Well if you put it that way..." Said Molly with a smile.
James returned the smile and turned back to his food. As he munched he looked down the table at the rest of his section. Baz Vegas was trying and failing to start a food fight with Smurf who sat eating steadily out of a Fireman Sam lunch box, and wearing the dark glasses which he always wore in public to hide his glowing red eyes
"Why is Smuroid eating out of a child's lunch box?" He asked
Molly looked up "He brought his own food 'cos the meat they are serving is unlikely to be rare enough for him if you know what I mean"
"I see" said James "but why Fireman Sam?"
"Birthday present from Mansfield"replied Molly "Apparently Smurf asked for something that would remind him of Wales"
Just then Mayor Hambleton called for everyone's attention. "I hope y'all are having a great time. It makes me proud to see local folk come together to help each other out. I'm particularly thrilled to have such an honoured guest join us today. I've been talking to his Royal Highness here.."
James stopped eating "Oh no.."
"..and he has graciously agreed..."
"...please, please, please don't..."
"...to stay on for the barn dance!"
"Oh crap"
"...and not only that...but to be our caller for the evening!"
"Oh double crap"
Molly looked at James "See what I mean? Nothing to be worried about!"