Jeff led a quick recon of the hot springs area, finding most of the children and several of the women enjoying the water while one man stood guard. There were no infected anywhere in the vicinity and he resolved to urge Melly to bring Mike for a swim. Being cooped up in the APC all day had to be rough for a usually active boy. Mike didn’t complain and kept himself busy with games on his handheld but he might as well grab some exercise while he could. The dog too.
“They can’t swim you know,” said one of the women as she watched Jeff and his soldiers do their perimeter check.
“How did you figure that out?” Jeff asked, pausing in his sweep.
“A couple of us were enjoying the water shortly after we got here and an infected wandered up, out of the woods.” She pointed at the trees nearby. “He walked right over the edge of the pool but once he hit the water it was like he short circuited. We were screaming and trying to stay in the deep end but he forgot all about us. His face was awful to see let me tell you. The water was only waist deep there but he couldn’t even stand up. A couple of our guys heard us yelling and came on the run, shot him in the head.”
Jeff scanned the water, biting back his distaste. “And it’s still in there?”
“Hell, no, we dragged the body out and buried it under the trees over there,” the man with the rifle said. “Now we post a guard any time people are in the pool.”
“Good idea.” Jeff barely kept himself from rolling his eyes. These seemed like nice but pretty clueless civilians. He appreciated the new fact which had been added to his mental database about the infected, of which he’d not been previously aware. The knowledge might come in handy at some point in the future.
He led his team to the two cabins he’d chosen and the waiting APC’s. Adding Trent to the subaural circuit, he issued his orders. One man on duty in APC 2 at all times. Ryan will stay on mechanic duty until he’s done. One man roving guard. Cody, keep the drones’ focus on the camp and the swarm. Still ten miles away?
Drifting slowly in this direction but at the rate they’re going, it’ll take a few days. If nothing distracts them.
Our first job is to get the doc set up in the meal hall with her kit and take a case of survival rations down there as well,” Jeff went on. I’ll be accompanying her and Tamsyn but I want you there too, Cody, to act as the guard for the ladies. I need to have a long talk with Chalmers soon. All right, any questions?
There were none. He and his team had served together for so long in conditions more arduous than in the present situation and knew their jobs. He left Cody and Trent opening the cargo compartment of APC1 to get at the medical supplies and the rations and went inside to talk to his civilian team members.
“Camp is clear now,” he reported as soon as he was inside, weapon slung. “We’re going to get you set up in the community dining hall, doc. It’s pretty spacious. The guys are accessing your equipment now so in a minute you can go outside and tell them exactly what you want. I need Trent for roving patrols so Tamsyn, you’re up as Melly’s assistant. Okay with you?”
She was as calm as ever, which was an aspect of her personality he very much appreciated. “Whatever Dr. Jericho needs.”
Melly gave her a big smile. “Your hands-on veterinary experience as a rancher certainly comes in handy. Although we won’t tell the patients where exactly you gained your skills. Once I can assess and triage the patients I’ll know what I need you to handle for me.”
“I can help,” Mike said. “Dad made me learn first aid stuff, remember?”
The doctor squeezed his shoulder. “You can help me get organized and keep things running smoothly.” She left her seat and took a step toward the door. “What are we waiting for?”
“My ultimate goal here is to get these people moving again,” Jeff said. “The park isn’t a long term solution for them.”
“Did you want me to tell them that?” Melly asked.
He shook his head. “No, merely adding a factor for your situational awareness. If the topic does come up in discussions with the group, I’d appreciate you reinforcing the idea they need to move on. I’m going to give them enough rations for the group to have dinner tonight. If they agree to leave in the morning, assuming Ryan can do his tech magic and get them a couple of vehicles running, I’ll kick in enough rations for two or three days but I’m not telling them yet.”
Tamsyn didn’t know the protocol but she raised her hand. Suppressing amusement, Jeff nodded at her. “May I make a suggestion? We brought plenty of synthcaff with us from my stock at the ranch. Maybe we can brew up a few big pots in this mess hall or whatever the room is and give them a treat. Improve morale a bit.”
“Good idea. I’ll leave you in charge of it unless Melly needs you fulltime to help with patients. Get the local ladies to make the brew.”
“I’ll donate some of my candy,” Mike said. “For the kids. They look so sad and I remember how I felt when I was stuck in the shelter after—after our parents died. I pigged out on the sweets. Nothing else tasted good.”
Melly gave her brother a hug. “That’s so generous of you to offer to share.”
“One last thing. Be conservative with your meds.” Immediately Melly protested but Jeff held up one hand. “I’m not trying to tell you how to practice medicine, doc, but we have a long way to go and I’m betting you’ll have more patients you’ll want to be able to treat, And we don’t want to make another supply run in a strange hospital—that was a nightmare.”
“I hear you,” she said. “I’ll keep that in mind but be aware I’ll do what’s medically necessary with what I have.”
“Now we can go.” Jeff activated the door controls and left the APC.
Melly, Tamsyn and Mike filed out, Cody bringing up the rear and Buddy barking as he joined them. Jeff was pleased to see Trent and Zach had the first crate of rations he’d authorized out on the pavement and had cleared access to her supplies for Melly. She indicated which instruments and supplies she expected to need and soon the group was making their way across the compound to the meeting hall/dining room.
The Chalmers party was waiting in a line at the building. Jeff counted twenty-five people including two babies in their mothers’ arms. He introduced Melly, Tamsyn and Mike to Ned, who shook hands vigorously. “I’m so glad to see you, doc. We appreciate this more than you know.”
“Does everyone need to see the doctor?” Jeff asked, eyeing the line.
“No, but you did mention there might be rations.” Ned’s voice was hopeful.
