Slaton - Dead America The Second Week (Book 2): Dead America: Heartland Part 2

DEAD AMERICA: THE SECOND WEEK

BOOK 2

HEARTLAND - BOOK 2

BY DEREK SLATON

2019

CHAPTER ONE

Day Zero +9

The train moseyed at fifteen miles per hour. Bill sat at the helm, keeping watch for any obstructions on the tracks ahead.

Where in the hell are we, anyway? Corporal Bretz asked, squinting out the window as the sun peeked over the horizon.

Private Kowalski shrugged. Somewhere in South Dakota, I think, he replied, peering out himself at the desolate landscape surrounding them.

Southwest Wyoming, actually, crossed over the line sometime during the night, Bill cut in, stretching his neck from side to side.

Bretz wrinkled his nose. Well, that explains why there aint a damn thing out here.

Right, because South Dakota is known for its wide swaths of civilization. Kowalski snorted.

They all lurched forward, Kowalski nearly barreling into Sergeant Kersey next to him, as the train screeched to a stop.

Christ, what now? Bretz grunted, getting to his feet to stand over Bills shoulder. Im getting real tired of clearing the tracks of debris. Cant you just roll through whatever it is?

The engineer shook his head. Pretty sure that aint gonna work this time, he replied, motioning ahead.

The Corporal bent at the waist to look out, and his jaw dropped. About forty yards ahead sat a beastly train, stopped dead on the tracks. From what they could see from their position, it was a long string of cars, and they werent able to see the end of it.

What in the hell do we do about this? Kowalski asked from behind them, letting out a deep whoosh of breath.

Bill pulled a paper map out of the little nook next to his seat, spreading it out on his lap. If Im reading this rightand Id like to think that I amwere about twenty miles south of Moorcroft, Wyoming. With any luck, theyll have a siding there.

Siding? Bretz raised an eyebrow.

Yeah, think of it like a passing lane on a highway, Bill explained. If theres one there, I can get this big bitch out of our way and well be back on track. He stretched his arms above his head and yawned. Pun not intended. He grabbed his bottle of water from beside him and took a long swig, then splashed a little on his face.

Whens the last time you slept? Kowalski asked gently, putting a hand on the older mans shoulder.

Hell if I know, Bill replied, taking a deep breath. All I know is that Im definitely over my allotted hours for the week.

Bretz chuckled. Dont worry, we aint gonna report you.

Well thats good, the engineer said with a toothy grin, because snitches get stitches.

The Corporals eyebrows shot up. Youd actually stab me?

If its any consolation, Id feel bad about it afterwards. Bill shrugged, and he and Kowalski shared a laugh.

Kersey stood up from his quiet spot on the floor and cracked his knuckles. Kowalski, Bretz, escort Bill up to the engine of that other train. Im going to let General Stephens know about our progress.

On it, Sarge, Bretz replied with a salute.

Kowalski put up a hand. Wait, how in the hell are we gonna get both trains up to that siding, or whatever its called?

Youve been watching me to this for two solid days now, Bill said, pushing the throttle back and forth. Id hope you can step up and move this thing about ten miles an hour. You think you can handle it?

The Private straightened, puffing his chest out. Do I get a conductor hat?

Bill shook his head and chuckled. He didnt bother correcting the young man that he wasnt a conductor, but an engineer. Tell you what. He clapped him on the back. First one I find is all yours.

Lets do it, Kowalski replied with a firm nod, and the trio exited the cab.

Kersey turned away from the door and slid on a headset, leaning against the wall as he fiddled with the dials on his radio.

Heartland base, heartland base, come in, he said. This is Sergeant Kersey. He waited patiently for a few minutes, the silence stretching out on the other end. Heartland base, please respond.

This is heartland base, came the reply. We read you loud and clear, Sergeant Kersey.

I have a priority alpha update and need to speak to General Stephens immediately.

Please hold, I will get that set up for you.

Kersey nodded. I appreciate it. At the click, he turned and stared out the window, watching the horizon illuminating in the morning sun. After all theyd been through, he felt like he would never be able to truly relax, but the sight of the rolling hills with nary a corpse wandering around definitely gave him comfort. The train wasnt the most comfortable thing in the world, but it was nice to have a bit of a break from being on high alert.

There was a series of clicks, and then a familiar voice came through.

Sergeant Kersey, good to hear from you, General Stephens greeted him. Whats your current location?

General, were currently about twenty miles south of Moorcroft, Wyoming, Kersey replied.

There was an audible sigh on the other end. Youre going to have to pick up the pace.

I understand, the Sergeant agreed. Bill has informed me that we should be able to speed up for a while since theres not much between us and Helena, Montana. Hes just been playing it extra careful since the last thing we want is to get derailed by debris.

Level with me. Is he being overly cautious?

Well, were currently stopped because theres an abandoned train on the tracks, Kersey informed him. So I think hes taking the right amount of precaution.

I know you boys are doing the best you can, Stephens came back, and his subordinate could almost hear the pursing of his lips. But I cant stress enough that the pace needs to be quickened as much as possible.

The Sergeants brow furrowed. Has has something happened, sir?

The order has come down from the top, the General said. We have a target for the offensive against the enemy.

And Im guessing that since you havent ordered me to reverse course, Kersey prompted, that you were right all along?

Stephens clucked his tongue. Yes, thats right. Were going to Seattle.

I always did want to go to the Space Needle, the Sergeant replied wistfully.

The General barked a bitter laugh. By all accounts, its still standing, he replied. Which is more than can be said about some other monuments.

Is there a timeline for the assault? Kersey asked.

At least a week, maybe more, Stephens explained. Going to depend on how quickly we can move the troops up.

The Sergeant nodded, and then took a deep breath. And how is that going?

Better than expected, the General admitted. The path you boys cleared for us from North Platte to Salina has given us a staging area pipeline. We have a couple of trains running around the clock shuttling troops and supplies to North Platte. Although we could use another staging area further up the line, if you come across one.

I think were going to have to take some time in Moorcroft, Kersey said, so well give it a good once over and see if itll work.

Sergeant, Stephens replied sternly, what did I just say about picking up the pace?

Kersey sighed heavily, and pinched the bridge of his nose. Bill hasnt slept in two days, sir, we need to give him at least a few hours to recoup. And besides, itll give us a chance to restock.

There was a pause.

Understood, the General finally said. You boys doing okay on supplies?

Food provisions are decent, but could always use more, the Sergeant said.

And ammo?

Kersey half-smiled. Enough to make us dangerous.

Stephens barked a more genuine laugh this time. I have no doubt.

Ill be in touch once we head out of Moorcroft this afternoon, Kersey assured him.

Safe travels, Sergeant, the General replied, and there was a sharp click as the line went dead.

Kersey removed the headset and took a deep breath, stretching his arms above his head. He watched the last bit of the sunrise, enjoying the feel of the rays on his face, and the little bit of tranquility that he could grasp in times like these.