Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Somewhere in the Midwest
Present Day



The former Vice President, newly inducted President rubbed his stubble as he paced around the busy studio. Armed soldiers and his few remaining secret service were on high alert as they waited patiently for him to give his first and probably only address to the nation. A war had been started, and the United States of America had lost, just like every other country. President Graham liked to think that it wasn’t their fault, that the outbreak that plagued the nation was inevitable. He wished the virus had been a new strain of the flu, or even mad cow disease. Graham would only by lying to himself if he truly thought that. No, the nation’s epidemic was man-made, and everybody was to blame. Nations and allies began pointing fingers at one another when the first reports of infection came to. A third world war would have probably erupted had the infection not spread like wildfire.

“We’re live in five, sir.” A young telecommunications officer informed him. President Graham tilted his head slightly in acknowledgement as he pulled a pair of thin wire-framed glasses from his breast pocket. They looked fragile, like they could easily be broken at any given moment. They matched the owner they belonged to. With the flick of the wrist they popped open, and slid smoothly across the bridge of his nose.

Seven nations, seven thriving nations had invested into the project. Billions of dollars had been spent, taxes had been raised to fund it. This was all top secret, of course. Hell, even some of his own staff knew nothing about it, or that it even existed. For all they knew, it was Ebola all over again, except on much greater proportions.

President Graham looked over at Robertson, the rookie of his personal security team. Graham remembered the kid from inauguration the previous year when he’d joined. He’d been CIA previously, and a federal officer before that. Through all his extensive training though, he seemed to be more on edge then anyone else in Graham’s staff. In fact, he seemed to be the only one on edge. That wasn’t such a bad thing these days though, it had probably kept Robertson alive.

President Graham walked over to the kid, tilting his glasses to the brim of his nose as he approached him. A soft hand rested on the man’s shoulder.

“What’s troubling you, son?” Graham asked. Robertson looked up, stiffening up as Graham removed his hand. Robertson cleared his throat and straightened his tie.

“Nothing sir, nothing at all.” Robertson looked him straight in the eyes, following protocol. Graham could see right through the act as Robertson’s eyes wavered slightly, ever so slightly. He knew the man had something on his mind, and he was going to find out what that was. President Graham reached inside his suit and pulled a cigar from the inside pocket and handed it over to Robertson. The secret service agent gratefully accepted it as Graham flicked open a golden Zippo and lit the cigar for the man. Robertson took in a puff of smoke and blew it out hastily, taking in a deep breath before speaking.

“Thank you, sir.” Graham nodded, pushing the wire-framed glasses up his nose.

“Don’t mention it. Now Robertson,” Graham placed his hand on his shoulder again, giving it a slight squeeze. “I’m not going to ask you again. What’s troubling you? Cut out the formal bullshit, some things just don’t matter anymore.” Robertson sighed and took another puff off the cigar before blowing the smoke through his nose. He shifting uncomfortably, causing the leather strap of the Uzi on his side to droop ever so slightly.

“It’s just…” Robertson trailed off, the lit cigar dangling from his fingers caused trails of smoke to slowly twirl their way through the air.

“Go on.” The President urged.

“Things will never be the same after this, will they?” Robertson finally said. The President rubbed his temples for a moment before answering.

“No, I guess they won’t.” Robertson grimaced. “But that doesn’t mean this is the end. We are Americans, citizens of the most powerful nation in the world. We’ve overcame various obstacles throughout life. We will conquer this epidemic, and we will do it with vigor. Then… then we will rebuild. A lot has been lost, but this is not the end. It’s a new beginning, a wake up call. As Ulysses S. Grant once said, “In every battle there is a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack and wins.” Well Robertson, we will not stop until this war has been won.”

Robertson opened his mouth to speak, but the telecommunications officer cut him off.

“Sir, we’re live in thirty seconds!” Graham turned back to Robertson.

“We’ll talk later.” Robertson nodded as President Graham walked over to the broadcasting station and took a seat in a plush leather chair and positioned himself in front of the recording microphone.

“We’re live!” An officer whispered. President Graham took a deep breath and began, choosing his words carefully.

“My fellow Americans, this republic faces a crisis like no other in its history. While the lights across this great land dim, and the darkness of an uncertain future descends… let us not forget the words that led our country through another great challenge.” President Graham stopped for a moment to dab his brow before continuing. “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself. We will endure, we will rebuild, we will drive away the night and warm our children in the dawn of the new day… God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America.”





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Katharina sat idly on the bench, watching off in the distance as a fuel truck pulled up beside the Chinook. The breaks squealed as the truck came to a halt, and Barnes and Jake hopped out of the truck. Looking over at the Chinook, she saw LaRouge and Reese chatting amongst themselves casually, although they were probably taking jabs at one another. They always were. Her long brunette hair became disheveled and flowed in the wind as a light breeze rolled in.

“Come on, Tom…” She mumbled, wondering what was taking him so long. Katharina looked over at a small hangar and saw Nick leaning against the side of it, his legs folded and a smoking cigarette in his hand. Nick watched her as he slowly raised his hand and inhaled a puff of smoke. Katharina looked away, kicking her feet at the dirt. She looked down at the worn green converse sneakers. Oh, were they worn. The once vibrant greens and bright whites were now faded and encrusted with dirt and probably some dried blood. The laces were split at the end, and caked in dirt as well.

Back at her apartment, she had a closet filled to the brim with shoes. She didn’t remember a point in her life when she’d been satisfied with a pair of shoes for so long. It wasn’t like she really had much of a choice, but even if she did, Katharina probably wouldn’t have traded in her pair of converse. No, they probably contributed to saving her life back in New York City. Can’t run with heels, that’s for sure.

A slight bump from the inside of the diner caused her to jump on the bench. Katharina firmly stood up and looked through the slightly closed blinds and into the diner, trying to spot Tom. She didn’t see him. Katharina slowly turned around and sat back down on the benching, her feet kicking away at the dirt again. She felt bad for Tom, he’d probably caught a bad cold from the storm the other night.

A cold, she smiled at this. Katharina was looking forward to nursing him back to health once they arrived in Tunica. It was only an hour’s flight away, maybe less. Hopefully there would be some fresh vegetable gardens there, so she could make him some homemade soup. Yeah, he would like. Tom had been long due for a massage as well. One of her friends had been a masseuse, and had given her a few private lessons in the past.

“Hey,” Katharina yelped as Nick limped over and stopped beside her. “it’s just me, calm down.” He said, flicking his cigarette aside.

“Oh… hi.” She scooted over on the bench, making room for Nick. Nick pulled the strap of his rifle and took it from his shoulder, resting it against the side of the diner before he took a seat.

“He’s still inside?” Nick asked. She nodded, brushing hair back with a hand.

“Mhmm, he’ll be out in a minute.”

“Fair enough.” Nick leaned back and pulled another cigarette from his vest and lit up.

“Those things will kill you, ya know.” Katharina smirked as Nick blew smoke from his nose. The former sniper laughed as he took another hit.

“Kath,  if I live to die from lung cancer… I’ll consider myself lucky.” He chuckled.

“If you say so.” Katharina noticed that Nick had been constantly smoking since they’ve departed the air base. She wondered numbly if he was purposely trying to smoke himself to death. She wouldn’t blame him, the man had lost everything. Shrugging it off, she sat in silence until Nick finished his cigarette.

“He’s been in there a while…” Nick trailed off, watching the Chinook as the others fueled it up.

“I’m actually going to check on him.” Katharina said as she stood up once again- and that’s when they heard Tom cry out in pain. What if something had happened? What if… what if one of those things were in there? What if that bump she heard earlier- oh god, no!

“Katharina, wait!” Nick stood up and blocked her from entering the diner, his .40 handgun drawn.

“Let go of me!” She cried as she struggled with Nick, whose arms were wrapped around her.

“Just wait- damn it Kath, stop!” Tom had been in there way too long. She was now certain that the bump she heard earlier was something bad- if he was hurt… she didn’t know what she would do. Each second spent out here was another second Tom could be dead.

“Get off!” Across the air field, Barnes looked over at the commotion. “Let go!” Katharina screamed as she slapped Nick across the face, causing his grip to loosen and giving her the opportunity to slip from his grip and run into the diner. The bell on the door rang as she stumbled into the small diner. Her eyes danced around wildly as she saw a small pool of blood on the floor.

“Tom!” She screamed, her sneakers slapping against the floor as she ran to the opposite end of the diner.

“Kath, wait!” Nick yelled. She heard the bell on the door as Nick pushed the door open and stepped in. A bloody hand print on the wall did little to calm her nerves.

“Tom!” Her voice cracked as she screamed for him again. She heard Nick stumbling after her, his injured leg slowing him down.

“Don… don’t come in! I just need a… a minute!” Tom weakly called from the inside of the men’s restroom. Katharina ran for it- then stopped suddenly outside of it. The last time she’d been in a men’s restroom, she’d caught her ex screwing another chick… what the hell would she find now?

Taking a deep breath, Katharina pushed the door open and stepped into the bathroom just  as Nick hobbled over behind her. Blood, there was blood everywhere. The sink had small droplets of gore splattered inside it, small puddles of blood underneath it. A small smudge of blood lined the open stall door, and a pair of legs could be seen sticking underneath the stall.

Katharina slowly walked in, her footsteps slightly echoing throughout the restroom.

“Honey?” Katharina came to the entrance of the stall- and screamed.





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“Holy shit!” Nick cried out, his .40 now aimed at Tom’s chest. Tom barely noticed as Katharina ran over to him, dropping to her knees and taking him into her arms. He lazily slid down against the wall and fell into her chest, her arms wrapping tightly around him. Holding back a violent coughing spree, Tom wiped his forehead. He’d broken out into a feverish sweat, his skin felt clammy and cold. Then again, he was beginning to lose feeling all throughout his body… god damn it that couldn’t be good.

“Tom? Baby? Come on… we gotta go.” Her hand rested on his cheek as she spoke. Oh man, she couldn’t honestly believe everything was going to be fine, could she? Tom felt a slight wave of happiness wash over him. He’d come this far, and everything had been for her. While he hadn’t done the best job keeping himself alive, he could at least feel some relief knowing she was going to make it. Yes, Katharina Ziesmann would live, and she would live a long life.

“Tom- why didn’t you tell us?” Nick asked from the doorway, his handgun still aimed it his chest. A bead of sweat dripped down Nick’s face as the gun wavered in his hands. Ah, Nick Barron, probably his best friend throughout all of this. They had each other’s back since day one, and both of them probably wouldn’t be where they were today without each other’s help.

“I didn’t know…” Tom croaked, his voice sounding rather hoarse. Katharina slowly rubbed his shoulders as she pulled his head closer to her chest, as if trying to cradle him like a baby. A brief whiff of the perspiration on her chest caused Tom’s eyes to slightly widen. Oh, that sweet aroma! His mouth watered a bit as he took in another whiff, causing his stomach to growl- STOP. Tom pulled his head back, afraid of what he’d almost done.

“Kath… you need to leave.” Nick said, taking a single step closer to them. Katharina’s head shook back and forth as she squeezed Tom, causing Nick to raise his voice. “Now!”

“No… no way, he’s coming with us. Right?” Tom felt Katharina shake him slightly. “Come on, we need to go…” Tom lightly wrapped his hand around hers as he heard the familiar bell ping as someone entered the diner.

“I-I can’t Kath… you and I both know that…” He trailed off, shooting Nick a glance. He saw tears in the man’s eyes, the gun in his hands shaking violently as it was aimed at his friend. Katharina sniffled as she herself began tearing up.

“No… no, you’re coming!” She wept, burying her face into his chest. The door to the bathroom opened, and Tom saw that it was Barnes, Nick’s rifle clutched in his meaty hands.

“Christ, Williams…” The Sergeant trailed off as he looked away. As much as Rex probably disliked Tom at the moment, he could still see the worry in eyes. Tom sighed, he didn’t want anyone to worry about him. When he took in a deep breath, Tom convulsed as he broke out into a violent coughing fit. Katharina cried as she held onto him, cradling him until he stopped.

“Kath… you need to get away from him…” Nick said softly as hot tears flowed down his face. Tom slowly nodded, knowing all to well that this was the end of Private Tom Williams.

“Hey, hey guys… take me outside… I-I” Tom coughed up blood onto the bathroom’s floor. “I want t-to see the sun rise one… one last time.” Barnes sighed and handed Nick his rifle before taking a kneel beside them. “Kath,” Tom said to his lover who was losing it. “It’s going to be fine… really.” Katharina squeezed his hand tightly as Barnes went to rest a hand on his shoulder. Katharina jumped at him.

“Stay the hell away from him.” She hissed. Barnes held up his hands.

“Relax… I’m just going to help him up.” Rex slowly went to reach down again, this time Katharina allowed him to. Tom weakly threw his arm around Barnes as he was helped to his feet. “Can you walk?” Barnes asked, his voice soft with despair.

“Y-yeah, I think so.” Tom croaked as he took a step forward. His legs wobbled as he fell weakly to the ground, causing him to let out a painful moan.

“Shit.” Barnes leaned down and hefted Tom up with ease, one arm under his legs and another under his back. Katharina held onto Tom’s hand as Barnes slowly carried him out of the restroom and back into the diner. He became dizzy, and began seeing spots as Barnes carried him across the diner. His combat boots clacked loudly on the floor as he reached the entrance. Nick held the door open for them, and Barnes quietly walked out with Katharina trailing close behind, her grasp never letting go.

“Where do you want to go?” Barnes said as he looked down at his fallen buddy. Tom drunkenly raised his head.

“Back of the diner.” He whispered. Barnes nodded, his dog tags hanging loosely from his shirt and lightly blowing in the wind. Rex’s boots crunched loudly on the gravel as he began making his to the back, Tom limp in his massive arms.

“Whoa, whoa! What the hell happened?” LaRouge yelled as his slow jog turned to a walk. A hand was held at his side, clutching the bandages. Jake and Reese followed close behind. Tom moaned in agony as his ear drums pounded. Everything was becoming too loud, and LaRouge yelling did little to help.

“Quiet!” Barnes barked at the pilot as he rounded the diner. LaRouge held up his hands.

“What? I just-” Barnes cut him off, spittle flying from his mouth.

“Shut up!” Barnes roared as they came to the back of the diner. Tom cried out in pain as Barnes gently propped him up against the back of the small restaurant. Tom groaned as he slid against the wall and down on his ass, his back resting against the diner. Katharina rushed to his side, once again taking him in her arms. She felt warm, very warm.  Once again that sweet aroma of her skin made Tom’s mouth water and his nose tingle. No, stop it. Breathe through your mouth.

“Oh man, you were bit?” Jake asked as he stood over him.

“Heh… something like that kid.” Tom wheezed. Barnes held up his hands and gently ushered the others back.

“Give him some room.” He mumbled. The others slowly back away as Tom gazed off into the horizon, the sun would be rising soon. Tom saw Nick with his back turned, rubbing at his eyes.

“How bad is it?” Reese asked as she knelt beside them. Using a pair of tweezers she gently lifted Tom’s sleeve, he barely felt it. Reese gasped when the convulsing veins surrounded a wall of rot came into view. Katharina quickly slapped the tweezers away, causing his sleeve to lower back down.

“He’s fine.” Katharina said through grit teeth. Reese backed away, holding up her hands.

“Think what you want girl… Tom, if you truly cared about her you’d end this…” Reese trailed off as she looked down at them. “You’re a good man, you don’t deserve this.” And with that, Reese turned around and walked off. Guess that was her way of saying goodbye. Goodbye… heh, that’s exactly what it was. That’s what he’d be doing right now, saying his goodbyes.

“Hey, Tom? Sorry I like… broke into your house and all…” Jake mumbled. Tom chuckled softly.

“Should have… shot your ass.” Blood dripped from his mouth; his chuckle turned into another coughing fit. “Nah, just… kidding. You’re alright, Jake. You’re alright…” Katharina’s fingers played with his as the kid smiled.

“Hey kid, why don’t I walk you through the Chinook’s handbook? I’m pretty sure there’s one up front.” LaRouge said as he shot Tom a wink. Jake nodded with a grin. “Good, go on ahead I’ll catch up with you.”

“Sure! Well Tom, I’ll see you back at the chopper.” Jake said as he walked off. See him back at the chopper? Heh… if only. LaRouge turned back to Tom as Jake walked around the diner and out of site.

“Haven’t know you long… but you’re one hell of a soldier. God speed, Williams. God speed.” He gave a crisp salute despite his injuries before taking off after Jake. Tom felt himself tearing up as Katharina continued to weep into his shoulder. He loved her so much it hurt, and it pained him that this would be the last time he’d get to see her. Off in the distance, a bird chirped a beautiful harmony, and the sun began to rise. Tom said nothing as Barnes rubbed his face and took a kneel beside Tom, whispering in his ear so nobody else could hear what was being said.

“I forgive you, both of you.” Barnes stood up. “If you need me… I’ll be around front.” Barnes pulled a cigarette from his vest and lit it up before walking back around, Tom couldn’t help but feel it was the last time he would ever see the Sergeant. As the gravel crunched and Barnes disappeared around the corner, Nick himself lit up a cigarette.

“Well Tom, I’m not sure any of us would be here without your help.” The silver Zippo snapped shut with the flick of a wrist, and was shoved back into his vest. Tom slowly nodded as Nick drew his handgun and held it loosely at his side. Trails of smoke drifted off to the sky as the cigarette dangled from his lips.

“Nick… give me ten more minutes… just-just ten more…” Tom moaned, closing his eyes and resting it against the wall. His entire body ached, it felt like thousands of needles were sticking through him, piercing every fiber in his skin. His breathing was becoming shallow.

“If you wish…” Nick spun the handgun in his hands, handing it over to Katharina butt-first.

“Get that away from me.” She whimpered. Tom opened his eyes and looked up at Nick, who was hovering over him.

“Do-don’t worry… I’ll call ya…” Tom croaked. Nick’s head slowly nodded as he holstered his gun.

“I’ll be out front, buddy.” He lightly squeezed his shoulder before walking away. Tom watched the sniper walk, noticing a slight limp in his stride.  Tom inwardly wished that the limp would go away in time. Katharina lightly rubbed his chest as the sun slowly rose over the horizon. It felt good, and actually soothed his upset stomach a bit. Sunlight drifted on his face, making him slightly squint.

“Look Tom.” Katharina said through tears. “There it is.”

“Y-yeah, heh, yeah…” They held each other and watched as the sun rose high in the sky, flooding the airport with light. In an essence, it was beautiful. It was one of those things Tom had taken for granted his entire life, something that he regretted not paying any attention to in the past. But now, now he realized just about everything had been taken for granted. Katharina, oh Katharina. He looked over at the beautiful woman in his arms. He wondered what fate bestowed the woman he loved.


“It’s beautiful.” She said, her slender hands intertwining with his. A tear streamed down Tom’s face. The vibrant colors of orange and yellow filled the sky as a flock of birds rose from the trees and flew off in the distance, the flaps of their wings resounding throughout the airport.

“Yeah…” More tears. “You’re beautiful, Kath.” She smiled, looking over at him. She wiped away his tears and kissed his cheek.

“Tom…” She began. “I’m not leaving your side, I’m staying with you.” Tom began to weep as he pulled her closer. Oh, why did she have to be so loving! So naïve!

“You can’t do that… you can’t Kath.” He said between sobs, causing her to weep even more.

“Yes I can, and I will. I… I’m not going to have you be alone. I won’t!” Tom stroked her hair as the flock of birds disappeared off in the distance. Moving along to survive, that’s all everybody was doing now. Surviving, and that’s what Katharina needed to do. She needed to move along, and live her life. Tom barely had the courage to shoot his own father. He knew that she wouldn’t be able to put him down, and he didn’t want to bestow that burden on his companions.

“Baby, I need you to be strong.” He comforted her as he reached around his neck and pulled free his dog tags. “Here.” She leaned forward as he gently placed them around her neck. They clanged together as they drooped over her chest. She raised the dog tags and ran her fingers over his information.

“I love them.” She said, gently releasing the tags and letting them clang together as they fell down.

“I love you.” He told her. She smiled.

“I love you more.” He chuckled, coughing again.

“No way Kath… no way.”

“Yes way.” She nestled even closer to him, now sitting on his lap. Tom ran his hands across her slender back, relishing the feel of her soft skin.

“Katharina… do you remember what I told you a couple weeks ago?” Tom’s chest heaved, it was becoming harder to breathe.

“No… what was it honey?” She asked, her eyes watery. Tom smiled as he lost it, completely breaking down.

“I… I promised you that I would never let anything happen to you… I… I told you I would die before that happened…” He choked between sobs. Katharina cried as she tightly grasped his hand.

“Yes, yes I remember. You’ve done a great job, Tom. You have.” Tom sniffed as he lightly rubbed his hand across her face. He wouldn’t allow the woman he loved to be harmed, no way. This had to be done.

“Well… I’m keeping my promise. Katharina, I love you more then… then anything in the world… I’m sorry.” Tom drew his Taurus handgun, the very gun his father had given him. No regrets.

Tom stuck the handgun in his mouth, hesitating for just a moment. This was for her, Katharina Ziesmann, the woman he loved- Tom pulled the trigger. His grip tightened on Katharina’s for a brief moment before going limp. The gunshot echoed throughout the valley as Tom’s head jerked back and gore splattered against the back of the diner. He let out a sigh and slumped to the ground, leaving a smear on the wall behind him.





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Katharina shook violently as Tom slumped to the ground, dead. Her breathing became shallow as Tom’s grip loosened, her eyes dancing around the scene frantically. No, no, no!

“Tom!” She cried out, crying her eyes out. “Tom! No!” Her voice cracked as she pulled his body into her arms, holding his head into her chest. “No….” She cried, not caring that he was bleeding all over her. Katharina screamed and screamed at the uncaring heavens, praying for them to bring her lover back.

She didn’t notice the others when they came running. They tried pulling her away from the scene, but she held onto Tom. She wouldn’t leave his side, she wouldn’t-

A small needle was plunged into her arm, the small prick of pain barely noticeable as she scratched and kicked at the others as she was pulled away.

“Tom!” She screamed. “Tom!” He remained motionless. Katharina’s movements became sluggish as she was gently laid down by Barnes, and Reese pulled the sedative needle from her arm.

“Tom…” She cried softly as darkness consumed her and everything went black.





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Rex gently laid Katharina down in the back of the Chinook. He took off his vest and placed it underneath her head as a pillow of sorts before walking back to the diner. Shit, he felt bad. Real bad. The one person who had given two shits about him, his life, was now dead. He’d risked his own life and went against direct orders, and spared his life. And what had he done?

Barnes grunted as he violently kicked the side of the diner, leaving a small dent in the metal finish. Rounding the corner, he saw Nick struggling to dig the grave.

“Give it.” Barnes said, taking the small shovel from his hands. They’d found it in a small shed beside one of the hangars. Nick nodded, stepping out the shallow grave he’d already dug.

“You sure?” The former officer asked.

“Yeah.” Barnes hopped in the grave, grunting with effort as he shoved the shovel deep in the ground and took out a large shovelful of dirt. He tossed it aside, plunging the shovel deep into the grave and pulling out another.

“You alright to do this?” Nick asked, rubbing his leg where he’d been shot.

“I’m fine, Barron.” Nick sighed as Barnes continued to dig.

“Well, I’ll be at the chopper. It’s ready to go when we are.” Barnes ignored him, only concentrating on each shovelful he took out. Nick waited a few moments before shrugging and walking off.

An hour passed, the sun beat down against his bare back. His shirt had long been discarded on the gravel a few feet away.

“That should do, Williams.” Barnes mumbled as he stabbed the shovel down in the pile of dirt beside the grave. Climbing out of the hole, he walked over to Williams… his friend. Kneeling beside him, Barnes slowly ran a hand across his face, closing his eyes forever. The glint of Tom’s gun shined brightly in the sunlight. Barnes reached over and shaved the gun in his belt, he’d give it to Katharina when she awoke.

“What else do ya got in here?” Rex mumbled as he rummaged through his vest. “Ah, what’s this?” He pulled a small photo from one of Tom’s pockets. It was the one of him and Katharina. Rex let out a deep sigh as he place it in his back pocket. Handling Tom’s body like a mother with an infant, he gently lifted his friend and walked over to the grave. Tom was laid flat on his back, and his arms were folded over his chest.

“Well buddy… I’ll look after her. Don’t worry… I won’t let anything happen to her.” Barnes sighed again, holding back a tear as he looked down at his only friend. “Thank you.” Grabbing the shovel, he began filling the grave. It only took a few minutes, since the dirt was loose.

With a heave, he jammed the shovel down in the dirt above the grave, giving Tom a makeshift tombstone. He gave the grave a final look as he grabbed his t-shirt and put it on before heading back to the Chinook.

“Be at peace, Williams.” His head hung low the entire way back to the others. The helicopter had already been fired up, the twin rotors kicking up a small cloud of dirt. Hopping in, he slid the door shut.

“You ready?” LaRouge called from the front, seated beside Jake. Barnes simply nodded, not bothering to answer. He reached in his back pocket and pulled out the small photograph. He smiled down at it before bending over and placing it in Katharina’s hands. She moaned slightly as the Chinook lifted from the ground, her fingers lightly closing around the picture.

“Tom…” She moaned in her sleep. Barnes rubbed a strand of hair free from her face as the Chinook took off.

As the helicopter flew took off into the horizon, a hand shot out from the shallow grave.





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Gus Valudes stroked his thick moustache as he watched the new group of survivors being led from the Chinook. Well, that was a surprisingly good find. Dozens of armed men and women momentarily looked away from their posts around the extensive concrete walls and fences that lined the community to see who the new faces were. His grip on his rifle tightened when he saw familiar faces.

“No shit…” He laughed heartily. “Small world, eh?” He watched the group of survivors were led over to him. All new faces were directed to Gus, the head of security.

“Not really.” Nick Barron mumbled as he handed over the map Gus had given them almost a month ago. Gus laughed as he searched through the faces of the newly arrived, trying to spot the soldier. A few people were missing, and a few new faces were seen.

“Williams? Where’s Williams?” He asked curiously as he folded up the map and placed it in his vest. Nick sighed as Gus was distracted by a woman crying softly. Ah yes, he remembered her. Katharina was it?

“He uh, he didn’t make it.” Nick said with a sigh. Gus cursed and shook his head.

“Well that’s a damn shame…” Gus had actually liked Tom, and felt a slight bit depressed knowing he’d never get to have a beer with the man. Gus turned around, slowly spinning as he held his hands up in the air, revealing the vast community before him. “Welcome to Tunica.”