Surviving The Dead: Heartland Zombie Apocalypse Vol. 1 Read Free Page A

worked to locate survivors I have had them gather as much supplies as possible.  We have had no contact with either other units or central command.  If any of you want to strike out on your own that is your prerogative, however, I recommend you stay together.  I'm taking the bulk of my troops in to Lincoln to search for additional survivors.  Some of my men will accompany you to provide additional assistance though.  Sgt. Andrews here has my total confidence and is handling the bug out plan for you.”
     
    Sgt. Andrews began to speak as the rifle fire began to pick up. “Folks I'm going to say this quick, we are going to leave within the hour.  When we leave we'll have one jeep running ahead to make sure the way is clear.  One jeep leading the caravan and setting the pace.  The trucks will run in two columns using both lanes of the road that will keep the caravan from getting too long.   Last night most of you were assigned a truck to ride in and drivers for the trucks were selected.  Those of you that don't have an assignment wait here and we will find you a spot.  We won't be stopping very often or very long make sure to use the latrines before we leave.  We will do a nose count to make sure we got everyone, but once we are on the road make sure to keep your family close.  The same goes for those of you assigned the care of some of the orphans.  That is all I have get ready and head to your truck as quick as you can we will deal with any questions once the trucks are loaded.”
     
    People began to drift off to gather their meager belongings.  Waiting to be given her truck assignment Crystal saw Colonel Osgood heading towards a man with a couple of children.  Before he could reach them he was interrupted by another man.
     
    “Colonel a minute please.  Myles Cavendish”, declared the man as he extended his hand.  “Sir we are really grateful for all you've done, but my wife and daughter are really struggling with the thought of bouncing around in the back of truck.  If there was a private car, I'm quite wealthy money would really not be an object.” 
     
    Crystal could see the anger rising in the Colonel at the stupidity and selfishness of this man, but before he could respond Ivan McPherson walked up and said he would explain the situation to Mr. Cavendish. 
     
    Ivan then put an arm around the shoulders of Myles and took him aside. “Myles I don't think you understand, any money you had is of no value.  What is of value is what you can do to provide for the welfare of our group.  Are we clear.” 
     
    Myles considered Ivan a moment then stuck out his hand, “Thank you, I understand.  I feel like an idiot and I appreciate your frankness.  We won't let you down”  He moved off to his wife and daughter who didn't take the news as well as he had.
     
    Colonel Osgood continued over to the man with the children, “Walt hold up a minute.” 
     
    Bending down he hugged each of the kids, “Travis, Cassie make me a promise to look after your dad, OK.” 
     
    With tears in their eyes they nodded and in unison spoke, “We Promise”. 
     
    The Colonel turned to the man, “Matt I've made it clear since my daughter married you that I would have preferred that she had a married a career man.  However, you've always done well by her and your twins and I want you to know I respect you for sticking with your convictions.  The world is going to need people like you that can look for a different solution.” 
     
    The Colonel unbuckled his gun belt which holstered a pair of ivory handled revolvers.  “These pistols were handed down to me by my father and I want you to take them now and use them to keep my grandchildren safe.” 
     
    Matt took the pistols, strapped them on and then shook the older mans hand.  Colonel Osgood shook his head, “A handshake is not going to make it” and pulled Matt in for a hug. 
     
    The two children joined the two men in a family embrace.  After a moment