Station Hope (Book 1): Humanities Last Stand Read Free Page B

I said,
       “you know we captured one this morning, a young one, dressed.”
       Ivy turned and looked at me, her expression was a mix of excitement and annoyance, “why didn't you tell me that right away?”
       “I just thought of it now.”
       “What do you mean, dressed?”
       “It was dressed like you and me, but even better.”
       Ivy threw her book on her bed, slung her rifle over her shoulder and headed for the laboratory, mulling over what I had just said.
       “Does Doc Hendricks know?” she asked. “I’m sure he will want to start work right away.”
       “I don't know, but I'll go find him.”
       “OK good, I'll see you later for lunch.”
       With that, she was out the door and off to the laboratory.
       Before finding Doc Hendricks I headed down to the old sally port, I hoped to find Spencer. Along with James and Ivy Spencer was one of my closest friends. He just turned 18 and is the largest man in the compound. Just over 6'4” and 260 lbs, mostly muscle, he is an imposing figure. He has rugged good looks and thick blond hair, overall a fine specimen. He was a genius when it came to anything mechanical, he could fix any engine. Outside that realm he was not know for his smarts. Always well meaning but doesn't possess good old common sense. Spencer and I became instant friends several years ago when Spencer wondered in from the wilderness. He never speaks of his time alone in the wilderness, I never ask. Both of us have been on several scavenging excursions together. I have witnessed Spencer utilize his size and strength on several occasions. I entered the sally port looking under and around several large tucks, no Spencer. I knew to check the back office, that's where Spencer liked to spend much of his down time. He had an old television and DVD player back there that still worked. He would get lost in several old movies we had found during our trips to the city. Spencer was leaning back in his chair, his dirty size 13 boots resting on an old wooden desk in front of him. He didn't hear me enter, Raiders of the Lost Ark was blaring. I crept up behind him, grabbed his shoulders and yelled:
       “Hay there old buddy!”
       Spencer jerked and swung is feet to the floor knocking over his cup of coffee in the process.
       “What the hell you doing there shit for brains?” Spencer was now towering over me looking down with a perturbed expression. “I ought to kick your ass for that, I just got that coffee from the kitchen.”
       “Sorry big guy, I couldn't resist. I see your up early along with the rest of the compound.”
       “Ya, those perimeter alarms are tough to sleep through. What all happened up there this morning? I heard a lot of shooting again.”
       “A small group rushed the wall, none even got close to getting over. I shot a small one dead center in the chest. The funny thing about it was he was dressed in regular clothes and so were some of the others.”
       “The shit you say, dressed like we are? I ain’t ever seen a creature dressed before. Did you give it to old Doc Frankenstein?”
       “Ya, I'm sure the Doc and Ivy are examining him now.”
       “What ya got planned for today little guy?”
      I looked over at Spencer and saw that little boy smile on his face as he waited for my reply. We teased each other good but when the shit hit the fan everyone knew I was in charge and Spencer followed. Spencer was smart enough to know that he wasn't smart enough to lead. He trusted me and I trusted him. We were a good match, often anticipating what the other was thinking or about to do. I was the brains, the leader while Spencer was the muscle.
       “Thinking of doing a little hunting, some venison on the table would be great but I'd be happy with a few squirrels.”
       “Well let me get that big old Dodge running first and I'll go with you, should only take me half an hour.”
       “OK, I'll grab some food, water, and my