Through Rough Times - A Zombie Apocalypse Adventure (alternate-timelines.com Edition)

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 4)
Date : October 30 (Z-Day +3), 2018, 8 : 12 am (14 hours earlier)
Location : near d’Aguel'hoc, cercle de Tessalit, Mali

Colonel Morel’s vehicle column had left Tessalit a day and a half ago. His convoy consisted of 4 VABs, 2 VBLs and 14 GBC trucks. Morel had not given any details to his men and had decided not to wait for the Lynx group, despite orders. What he knew was that the incidents for which they were being asked to return to Bamako were not just about Mali! The whole world was affected by a damn virus that turned people into rabid killers. The media called it the ‘Killer Virus’.

Morel hoped to return to Bamako as soon as possible and then to France. Things were going to get even worse, he was convinced. He had to find his daughters and quickly. Since the death of his wife Estelle, his daughters were all that still made him want to live. Suddenly the vehicles in front of him and the one he was in swerved. He raised his eyes to the window and saw a LAV stopped on the side of the road, soldiers seemed to be brawling inside.
—We’re getting out,’ he said in a neutral tone.

The men from his VAB and one of the VBL deployed and began to approach the vehicle. Inside, men seemed like they were fighting and screaming like crazy. Two soldiers approached the vehicle and opened the driver’s side door. A mad soldier threw himself on them to sprawl on the ground. The two soldiers had good reflexes had dodged the individual without any difficulty. He was already getting up, looking sick and crazy. He grunted like a beast, drooling on his lips and blood all over his face. It was the young Moreau, who had arrived the day before to replace a soldier who had returned to Metropolitan France following the death of his father. In the vehicles, whose doors were always open, horrible screams could be heard. Moreau threw himself again at one of the soldiers who pushed him back with his FAMAS rifle butt and knocked him down just in front of Morel. The latter aimed at the young soldier and shot him three times in the head in front of the amazed look of his men.
—Close that vehicle immediately, he ordered.

While one of the soldiers was running, Morel returned to his VAB to come back with an AT4 rocket launcher.
—Everybody get out!’ he said.
—But what’s going on, Colonel?’ asked one of the soldiers.
—Ask questions later, soldier!’ he replied in an irritated tone.

The men all moved aside and drove the vehicles about 50 metres away. The colonel did not know how, but the young Moreau must have been contaminated just before joining the Tessalit FOB and now he will have to face the questions of the hundred or so personnel who made up the convoy. Morel adjusted his aim, at only thirty metres from the target he was not likely to miss. When he pushed the trigger button, the short blast at the back of the tub was deafening. The next moment the rocket hit the side of the VBL, the shaped charge detonated and sent a ‘sting’ of gas at over 2500 °C. This ‘dart’ easily pierced the vehicle’s light armour, immediately ignited the fuel and ammunition and incinerated the passengers.
Morel through the tube of the used AT4 on the road as he was returning to his VAB on the run. ‘If the virus is already here, what was the situation in France?’ he thought.

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 5)
Date: October 31 (Z-Day +5), 2018, 3:50am
Location: National Road 18, near Anéfis toward Kidal, Mali

Everyone was exhausted, it was impossible to sleep inside the VABs shaken by the track. The men just closed their eyes and rested. Lieutenant Runberg tried, in vain, to clear his mind. The situation he’d experienced the day before made no sense. The whole thing sounded like some kind of zombie crap. Except it didn’t make any fucking sense. Zombies don’t exist.
Suddenly, Runberg almost fell out of his seat when the VAB suddenly braked. As he grumbled back up, he didn’t have time to ask what was going on.
—What’s that brat is doing here?’ Pécau spat into the radio while he was on watch in the turret.
—Tell him to get out of the road,’ Marazano replied on the radio.
—Come on, move away, kid!’ shouted Pécau.
After a moment, the radio crackled again.
—He’s not moving and I can’t hear what he’s saying. I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to run him over,’ said Pécau on the radio.
Runberg took over the airwaves.
—Drivers, keep the vehicles ready to move. Gunners, stay in your turrets. The others, spread out.

As soon as they got out of the vehicle, the kid ran towards the soldiers. Ben Hamar intercepted him and kept him at arm’s length, just in case.
—What’s happening to you, kid? asked the soldier.
—My father needs a doctor, quick!!! He shouted in panic, pointing at the houses a hundred yards away.
All the soldiers turned towards Runberg to find out what to do.
—It’s on our way. Let’s go and see, just say the lieutenant.

Fifteen minutes later, after inspecting the perimeter of the small housing group, the soldiers cautiously entered the house of the young boy called Boubacar. After inspecting each room under the stunned gaze of the rest of the family, Runberg and Bec’s team followed the boy who led them to his father’s bedside while Marazano’s team secured the outer perimeter.
A rotten smell was wafting through the room where the father was bedridden. The man moaned, his face tense with pain and a feverish look in his eyes. Private Adil Ben Hamar unpacked his first-aid kit and put on a pair of surgical gloves. Before enlisting, the young man, who had come from the working-class neighbourhoods of Lyon, had studied medicine. For lack of money, he had to interrupt his studies and then joined the army. His knowledge of medicine, of the Arabic language and Islam had been valuable assets for the team.
Once equipped, he removed the shreds of cloth that served as a bandage on the injured man’s leg.
—Damn it, it stinks!’ said a soldier behind his back.
—Shut up! Ben Hamar slammed. Show some respect.
He examined the wounded man’s leg. The calf was deeply slashed for more than 30 centimetres. A bite was present on the back of the foot at the level of the Achilles tendon. Another on the ankle.
—Lieutenant, Major, come take a look at this,’ Ben Hamar asked. He showed the bite marks.
—As in Aguel’hoc,’ Runberg noted. Do what you can to relieve him. Oh, and tie him to the bed first. Just in case.

Runberg returned to the living room where the young Boubacar was waiting with his mother while the house was full of soldiers.
—What’s your name, ma’am?’ asked the lieutenant.
—Aïssata, she answered shyly.
—Good, Aïssata. My name is Sylvain. Come with me so we can talk for a moment.
The woman stood up hesitantly while looking worriedly at her son.
—Don’t worry about him. My men are looking after him.
Runberg followed the woman into the next room. A mixture of a kitchen and a pantry.
—Aïssata, do you have a weapon? asked the lieutenant.
The Malian did not answer and seemed worried.
—Don’t worry,’ said the Frenchman. We’re not going to take it away from you. It’s just to know if you can ensure your own safety.
Aïssata walked to a recess where some bags of rice were stored and she moved them around. Behind it, she opened a wooden hatch in the wall. She took out an old Lee Enfield rifle and a box of ammunition.
—Major Bec! called Runberg. Have one of your men disassembles and grease that rifle,’ he said as the Major approached.
Aïssata was surprised by the turn of events. Runberg put his hands on the shoulders of the mother.
—Listen to me Aïssata. Something very serious is happening. A strange disease is turning people into rabid beasts. From your husband’s injuries, I think he was attacked and contaminated. Private Ben Hamar is treating him, but we have tied him to the bed for your safety and his own. Don’t let the boy go near his father. Keep the gun with you. If your husband is no longer able to speak and becomes aggressive, you’ll have to shoot him.
Aïssata almost lost her balance, shocked by what Runberg was asking of her.
—If strange and aggressive people approach you or your son, shoot them. Aim for the head,’ Runberg continued. Do you understand what I’m saying?
Aïssata nodded.
—All right. All right. Now I need you to answer a question. Where was your husband injured and when?
—Yesterday,’ she replied, trembling. He was in Kidal. He said that madmen were attacking others, that there was fighting all over the town. He barely managed to escape with his old motorbike, just after he was attacked.
—Thank you, Aïssata,’ answered Runberg. Listen to me carefully. What I’m about to tell you is terrible, but don’t untie your husband under any circumstances. Remain extremely careful when you approach him to give him something to eat or drink. I don’t know much about this strange disease, but I am certain that your husband has been contaminated.
Aïssata sat down, took her face in her hands and started sobbing. Runberg stayed patiently by her side.

A moment later, after Aïssata had calmed down, Runberg retrieved the old Lee Enfield which had been carefully disassembled, greased and reassembled. He loaded it and handed it over to its owner. Ben Hamar returned from the bedroom.
—So, how’s he doing? asked Runberg.
—I don’t know,’ replied Ben Hamar. He doesn’t answer when I talk to him. I gave him painkillers, cleaned and bandaged his wounds. With the equipment I have, there’s not much more I can do.
—Thank you Ben Hamar,’ replied the lieutenant.
Aïssata had listened attentively to the conversation. Runberg turned towards her.
—We’re going to leave. Take care and good luck. I hope h’ll make it,’ he said before leaving the room.


Three hours later, while Runberg had relieved Pécau from his post in the turret so that he could get some rest, he found that the huge plume of smoke he had seen half an hour earlier was still present. It was rising several miles towards the sky. Another five kilometres of track and the convoy will be on the heights, allowing a glimpse of the city.

It took about 40 minutes to travel the distance. Runberg ordered Pécau to resume his post in the turret and then ordered everyone to disembark except the gunners and drivers.
—Binoculars,’ he asked Marazano, who immediately carried out the order.
A huge plume of smoke rose above Kidal. He grabbed the binoculars and scanned the town. The huge plume of smoke was the result of the countless fires that ravaged the city. The smoke from the fires joined the smoke above the city and formed a huge black cloud many miles long.
—Delfosse, go back to your radio and try one last time to contact Captain Delaure.
The soldier returned to the VAB to carry out the order he had just received. Suddenly, fighter planes flew at very high speed over the city. Runberg and the others had just enough time to look up to see the silhouette of the Mirages 2000. Just afterwards, a series of explosions devastated the city, adding to the carnage. Niamey-based air force planes were bombing Kidal. French soldiers stood for a long minute watching the city burn to the ground.

—Lieutenant? Shouted Delfosse to Runberg, impossible to reach anyone.
Runberg grabbed his flask and took a sip of tepid water.
—Wrap it up! He barks at Marazano and Bec’s address.
—Lieutenant? Asked Bec.
—What, Major? What is it?’ Runberg replied visibly irritated.
—Is that all? Aren’t we going to look for them? asked Major Bec.
—This whole fucking town’s burning to the ground. Delaure and his men don’t answer. They’re probably dead. Our orders are to get back to Bamako and my job is to keep you alive. If we go to Kidal, we’re probably going to die there, so we’ll get back on the road and try to contact Bamako to find out what’s going on.
The men carried out their work without asking any more questions as Runberg took one last look at the burning city.

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 6)
Date: October 31 (Z-Day +5), 2018, 3:05am (3 hours ealier)
Location: Kidal, Mali

Delaure and his men had been fighting in the town for two days without interruption alongside Malian soldiers and MINUSMA troops. Communication was precarious, because in the general chaos, several units had lost their radios, or worse: their leaders.
Every time he closed his eyes for a moment, he saw the rabid ones throwing themselves at everything that moved. Biting, scratching, tearing. He’d seen his own men torn to pieces. At last count, 30 percent of his men were KIA. The rest were scattered throughout the city as the various units engaged in the city had lost all cohesion.
Taking refuge in the barricaded town hall, the mix of about thirty African and French soldiers was struggling to hold its position. For about ten hours, the Rafales and Mirages 2000 of Niamey had been bombing the city, sometimes guided by a Reaper drone, sometimes by Delaure.
The captain had managed to reach the Niamey base to request air support. However, no evacuation was possible and no reinforcements were expected. He had been given a detailed explanation of what was happening around the world. The virus. The ‘zombies’. The global panic.

The soldiers had run out of ammunition and water the day before. The barricades on the ground floor, which threatened to give way at any moment, were defended with knives, wooden stakes and iron bars. It was only a matter of hours or minutes, but they were doomed. Suddenly there was shouting in the building: ‘Fall back!!!! Fall back! Upstairs! Towards the roof! Fall back! “The rabiders had obviously managed to break through one of the barricades. Soldiers came running up and climbed the ladder to the roof from which Delaure was guiding the air strikes. The captain helped the soldiers and some civilians climb the ladder. In just three minutes the stream of refugees dried up, leaving dozens of rabidly infected people at the foot of the ladder.
—Grenade the bastards,” ordered Delaure. Wait for them to gather at the foot of the ladder before starting again.

Delaure approached the edge of the roof and began to empty his bladders by peeing directly on the rabid people a few metres below. Then he went back to sit by his radio and drank the last remaining sip of water from his flask. Meanwhile, every thirty seconds a grenade exploded in the swarming mass at the foot of the ladder. By radio, he contacted Niamey who confirmed that a pair of Mirages 2000 were on the way. He transmitted new strike coordinates for the pilots’ attention.

About 5 minutes later, as Delaure lay on the roof and contemplated a picture of his wife and children, the Mirages roared past the town. Moments later, their deadly cargo annihilated the town hall and everything around it. Pierre Delaure was delivered from his burden.

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 7)
Date: November 3 (Z-Day +8), 2018, 1:22am
Location: somewhere near Mopti, Mali

The Lynx group had travelled over 1000 km in three days. From Kidal they had done everything to avoid densely populated areas. This had forced them to make a detour across the Niger River. The fastest crossing point was National Road 16 via Gao, which was far too densely populated and the MINUSMA troops and the French army there had already retreated to Bamako. The other quick way to cross the river was National Route 33, which would have forced them to make a big detour to the west and Timbuktu, and again the city was too crowded. Not to mention the fact that they had no idea what was going on there. Finally, they had avoided Gao from the southeast and then they followed National Road 17 to National Road 43 near Assongo. There they had forded across the river and almost drowned the two VABS because of the depth of the river and the current. Then they had cut in a straight line through the desert to rejoin again National Road 16 near Hombori.
The village had been largely deserted by its inhabitants, the soldiers did not miss the chance to fill up with water and diesel. Technically it was looting, but under exceptional circumstances, exceptional measures.

Seven hours later, they had found refuge in the forest between Mopti and Sévaré. Despite the urgency of the situation, Lieutenant Runberg had ordered a stop for the night, no one had slept for five days, everyone was aching or hurting somewhere after more than 1,000 kilometres without a break inside the uncomfortable VABs. The men were complaining about the discomfort and discussions showed that they were worried, but he remained perfectly disciplined.

Four men stood guard while the others rested. Despite the unlikely situation they found themselves in, they were all so tired and worn out that it only took a few minutes for them to fall asleep, Runberg included. For the time being he had nothing to worry about his men and since he had no family left since his parents died ‘everything was fine’.

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 8)
Date: November 3 (Z-Day +8), 2018, 5:13am
Location: somewhere near Mopti, Mali

Runberg and the fourteen men under his command had all been awake for about ten minutes when the sound of the turboprops was heard. Because of their position in the forest they could not see the aircraft. The noise stopped in a loud explosion a few kilometres to the northeast. Certainly at Mopti Ambodédjo International Airport which, despite its name, was actually in Sevaré.

While packing up their beds and canteens, the men of the Lynx group came across civilians heading towards the crash site. If the Malians found it strange to see French soldiers heading in the opposite direction, they said nothing. After driving a few kilometers on National Road Six, which they had just joined, they came across a vulture feeding on a corpse. The VABs stopped, but Runberg went down alone to take a quick look. The vulture didn't even run away as he approached, merely flapping his wings a little to try to frighten off his visitor. Runberg was close enough to see that the victim had been shot in the head, but they couldn't determine for sure if she had been infected.
Suddenly screams could be heard further down the road. Runberg returned to the VAB and at the same time Private Foraga who was in the turret signaled "Civilians approaching".
– Spread out," the lieutenant ordered.
The men got out of the VABs and deployed along the road and, as usual, the drivers and gunner remained in the VABs. Runberg took a knee down and backed up his Famas FELIN to watch what was happening on the road. He then saw a young woman with a child in her arms running in his direction being chased by three men. He switched the display mode of his FELIN scope to infrared. He then noticed that the three men, although running, had a lower heat signature than the target they were chasing. He then wondered if the "zombies" were colder than the humans. He returned to normal vision and increased the magnification to see that the pursuers were clearly "infected".
This way!" he shouted to the woman, beckoning to join them.
The young woman, regaining hope of getting out alive, began to run faster, lengthening the distance separating her from the pursuers.
– As soon as she joins our lines, shoot down the rabid pursuers," ordered Lieutenant Runberg.
– At your command," his men answered in unison.

About thirty seconds later the young woman reached the position of the French soldiers and threw herself into the arms of Runberg who welcomed her with open arms. The next moment half a dozen shots rang out, startled the young woman. Her pursuers fell to the ground as Runberg handed her a bottle of water.
– They're getting up!" shouted Delfosse.
Runberg let the young woman drink quietly and walked towards the infected with a determined step while they were walking towards him with a clumsy step. He drew his PAMAS pistol and stopped to adjust his aim. Three shots to the head and five seconds later the case was closed. He put the gun back and returned to his initial position.
– Secure your fire. Aim for the head," he ordered his men to pay attention.

The young woman was crouching and giving her son a drink while catching her breath. "Thank you sir," she said to Runberg.
– You're welcome, he said without introducing himself. Are there any others?
– Yes, maybe ten or so in the village over there," she says, pointing to the houses to the south. People arrived from Segou in the night. This morning they attacked us. We took refuge in the houses, but they managed to get through a window. I fled and saw your vehicles...
– You've done well," said Runberg.
– My husband! We must go and help him! she exclaimed.
– To the vehicles!" Runberg shouted. Prepare for battle!
He accompanied the young woman and installed her in the VAB with her son. He took off his helmet and strapped it on the mother's head.
– It's pretty shaky in there, you might bang your head," he explained.
The Malian woman smiled tenderly at him. He grabbed his radio: "Foraga, I'm taking the turret".

A few minutes later, the two VABs of the Lynx group were at the entrance of the village called "Pérempé".

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 9)
Date: November 3 (Z-Day +8), 2018, 5:47am
Location: Pérempé, south of Mopti, Mali

The two VABs stopped at the entrance of Pérempé, side by side, occupying the entire width of the road. Runberg pulled out a foghorn that he had recovered from the VAB before settling into the turret. He pressed the button three times, for a long time, to release the compressed air, which was transformed into a sound audible from several hundred metres away.
About ten seconds later, a staggering man walked out of the village. Runberg grabbed his binoculars and found that it was one of the infected. Putting his binoculars away, he grabbed the M2HB machine gun, adjusted the target and fired a burst of three 12.7 caliber bullets. The bust of the infected man was literally torn apart by the impacts so he did not rise again.
About twenty seconds later the other infected people began to appear in the village's alleys. Runberg waited patiently for small groups to form and then released several bursts of 3 to 5 bullets that savagely shredded the infected. Then nothing more happened.
— Let's go!" Runberg spat into the radio.

A few minutes later, the VABs came to a halt in the middle of the village of Pérempé as the inhabitants began to leave their homes. Still in his turret, Runberg brought his hands to his face to make his voice heard:
— Are there any more Monsters?!
The word had come all by itself.
– No! No more fatò! said many of the inhabitants. Runberg had no idea what Fatò meant.
Thanks, shouts of joy and applause were beginning to be heard.
– Everybody get off! shouted Runberg in his radio.
This time even the drivers and gunners left the armoured vehicles. Marazano and Bec approached Runberg to get their orders.
– There aren't enough of us to sweep the whole village," asserted Runberg. Bec, you and your team stay here. Mazazano, with me. We're gonna find this woman's husband, but first...
He turned to the crowd and shouted, "Who is in charge here?! »
The crowd became agitated, people were pointing at a man and pushing him towards the French soldiers. An old man with a white goatee finally showed up in front of Runberg.
– Hossam Galam, introduced the man with a deep voice.
– Gather some men. Have them arm themselves with everything they can and check every building.
The old man was not outraged by the rudeness and authoritarianism of the French soldier and distributed instructions to the men around him. The latter began to scatter throughout the village.
– Sir," said Runberg, addressing the old man who turned to him. Where is the vehicle with which the fatò arrived?
The old man pointed to an old white Peugeot 205 parked on the side of the road a hundred metres down the road.
– Thank you sir," Runberg said before turning to Bec. Major, have one of your men retrieve an incendiary grenade and set fire to this vehicle. Marazano, with me.
Runberg, returned to the back of the VAB followed by Marazano and his men and addressed the Malian woman whose name was still unknown to him.
– Ma'am, let's get to your home.

It only took them a few minutes to reach the house. The door, which the woman had left open as she fled, bore the bloody marks of the blows that the infected had given in an attempt to break it down. The French entered cautiously, without a sound as Runberg stayed outside with the woman and child. The modest dwelling was only on the ground floor and was quickly secured.
– Lieutenant, called Marazano as the other soldiers left the house.
Runberg arrived quickly and found Marazano lying next to a corpse. It was not an infected person, so it was the husband of the woman waiting outside. His throat had been bitten out and he had bites on his forearms and face. The way the room was, he must have been fighting like a lion.
– Go get a bodybag from the VAB," he ordered the Major while kneeling near the body.
He then took out his combat knife and slowly plunged it into the poor man's head at the temple. He wanted to make sure the virus wouldn't make him rise again.
Coming out of the little house, Runberg approached the woman waiting for him outside, looking worried. He put his hand on her shoulder.
– I'm sorry, ma'am. Your husband didn't make it.
The woman let herself slide against the wall and cried silently as she hugged her child.
How many people would have to grieve the loss of a loved one? What was the magnitude of the crisis? The questions were piling up in the lieutenant's head.

After burying Felix, Aminata's husband, the men of the Lynx group had taken a quick meal of combat ration, fetched fresh water from a well and collected the diesel in the tank of the 205 before setting it on fire. Additional diesel had been requisitioned by siphoning off the tank of a pickup truck from a villager who had not enjoyed the maneuver too much.
The VABs were back on the road in the already suffocating heat of the late morning, passing through the middle of the villagers armed with sticks and farming tools as the Peugeot's from Ségou blazed along the roadside.
Another 600 fucking kilometres to Bamako.

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 10)
Date: November 3 (Z-Day +8), 2018, 4:53pm
Location: Ségou, Mali

On the road from Pérempé they had come across cars, carriages and mopeds all loaded with anxious-looking passengers heading north. How many of them were infected? How would they be received in Pérempé after this morning’s incident?

Runberg went headfirst through the hatch on the roof of the VAB and saw the plumes of smoke rising from Ségou a few kilometres away. He ordered a halt and got out of the VAB, the men took the opportunity to stretch their legs. The lieutenant consulted his GPS and then the paper map. Ségou was a large city, with a population of at least 100,000. That’s a lot of potential infectees. A track passed south of the town between less populated villages and allowed to reach National Road 6 without having to cross the town. He explained his choice to Majors Bec and Marazano, then summoned the drivers of the VABs to show them the way.
—You avoid going between houses. Slalom between small groups of houses. Bec, Marazano, I want you at the hatches to confirm targets for the turrets.
—My lieutenant? Asked Bec surprised.
—We don’t have a chance of saving this town on our own, but if any groups are heading our way, make sure they’re infected and then blast them out. This will always be a win-win for the locals. Short bursts, save the ammo. We’re gonna need them sooner or later.

Runberg had put his earplugs on and closed his eyes. He didn’t want to lead this manoeuvre. For nearly an hour, the VABs had thundered their machine guns on the chaotic road south of Ségou, not stopping, even when civilians waved at them. The Lynx group could not save this town.
As the sun began to set, the VABs reached National Road 6 at a point where it ran along the Niger River. The village on the bank and the agricultural facilities had no name on the map or GPS. Runberg did not hear the first ricochet, but Marazano pulled him out of his torpor.
—We’re being shot at, he says.
—Where is it coming from?’ asked Runberg, while the gunners were already retaliating.
—There’s a hangar 150 metres away.
—We stop and neutralize the threat,’ Runberg shouted on the radio.
As the VAB came to an abrupt halt, the men poured out, ready for battle.
—Cease fire,’ ordered Runberg to the gunners in the VABs.
No more shots from the hangar. Marazano and Bec’s teams leapt forward, 50 metres by 50 metres, to the target building. Inside, two Malian youths armed with AK-74s had been ripped to pieces. One of the assault rifles had even been cut in half by an M2HB bullet. The shooters were not wearing uniforms and did not appear to belong to a militia, so why had he fired at the VABs?
Suddenly the radio crackled ‘Movement. Hostiles approaching.’
—Infected or gunmen?’ Runberg asked on his radio.
—Infected.
12.7-caliber bullets began to whistle around the building.
—We’re retreating to the VABs,’ Runberg ordered.
When the soldiers exited the building, the VAB gunners stopped firing so as not to risk injuring their comrades. Two targets coming from the left side of the building were quickly shot down and the soldiers ran towards the road.
After about 50 metres, Marazano’s group knelt down to cover Bec and Runberg’s group. Three new targets were shot down. The two groups took turns covering each other until they reached the VABs. Eleven infected were shot down in the manoeuvre.
The soldiers re-embarked in the armoured vehicles and Runberg, despondent, ordered them to set off again immediately.

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 11)
Date: November 4 (Z-Day +8), 2018, 5:35pm
Location: near Bamako, Mali

They had bypassed Konobougou from the north. Apparently soldiers or civilians had taken refuge in the mosque and were shooting at infected people. Runberg had ordered a few minutes’ halt to provide support fire. At least a dozen of the infected had been shot down and then the French resumed their route.
Thirty minutes later, they had reached Fana, a town less populated than Konobougou but much sparser; it was also a road junction since it was possible to branch off onto National Road 36 and also two Regional Roads. Fires and also fighting raged in this town. Having a very bad feeling, Runberg preferred to make a big detour and his men had all decided to rely on him. So Fana had been bypassed by the north, 15 kilometres of hellish off-roading in the bumpy terrain. The VABs had reached the road just after the village of Warsala which seemed totally dead.
Another 25 minutes and the small village of Tingolé was crossed at full speed. Here the inhabitants had barricaded the buildings and some side alleys.
Then came Tongole, where the French had hoped to cross in the same way before being forced to branch off into an alley to go around the centre of the village which had been fortified around the mosque. The roofs of the buildings were lined with armed men, but they showed no sign of hostility.
Finally, came Zantiguila, where the inhabitants, a few policemen and soldiers had erected barricades. Runberg and his men had been welcomed with open arms before disappointing the hopes of the locals who thought they were receiving reinforcements. To calm them down, Runberg agreed to Ben Hamar’s proposal to hand over the AK-74 and the magazines recovered from Ségou. This was greatly appreciated.

Now the VABs were stopped in a grove an hour’s drive from Bamako Airport where French, Malian and MINUSMA troops were entrenched under the command of General Lafont-Rapnouil whom Runberg had finally managed to reach. The latter had assured him that the airport was totally secure, but that the routes to reach him were not easy. One of the options was to go through the southern suburbs of the city to reach the airport from the south, which would then only bypass the perimeter to reach the main entrance where an airlock had been installed to filter the arrivals. This choice would lead the VABs into a veritable maze where even the GPS could get lost. The other option was to continue along National Road 6 through the most densely populated and therefore potentially most infected areas, but gave the Lynx groups the opportunity to help several allied units to disengage and reach the airport.
It was a quick decision. The VABs would go through National Road 6.
‘We’ll drive fast. Besides the men in the turrets, I want two shooters at the hatches on top of the vehicles. I want you to light up every infected person that comes close. The others, we pass through them.’

[ukron]

"The Doomed Column" (Part 12)
Date: November 4 (Z-Day +9), 2018, 1:13 am
Location: Bamako Airport, Mali

They made it! They made it to the airport, but at what cost?!

Entry into the eastern suburbs had been relatively easy for the first 10 kilometres. The VABs had passed two roadblocks caused by cars that had caught fire in the fighting. The 12.7 and FAMAS rounds drew the infected towards them, giving relief to civilians trapped in some buildings. They then fled to other, safer positions or tried to catch up with the VABs before realizing that they would not stop.

The first objective of the Lynx group was to reach the police station located near March 26 Stadium. To reach it they had to cross a small portion of hell, because the National Road was cut off for a kilometre by a huge fire emanating from two gas stations. The French soldiers had locked themselves as hermetically as possible in the vehicles which, after backing up to gain momentum, had crossed the huge fire at nearly 100 km/h in a little less than 40 seconds. The hulls of the tanks had barely had time to warm up, but as they emerged from the flames, the French could see that they were being followed by the burning infecteds. Runberg had ordered them to be shot down to prevent them from spreading the fire any faster. After making their way through a group of vehicles abandoned on the road, the Lynx group was finally in sight of the police station.

The parking lot was overrun with infectious. Policemen and gendarmes had been taken by surprise and had had to retreat to the main building with a few civilians. In the courtyard, two BRDM-2s were abandoned among the other cars. The VABs entered the parking lot and ran over a pair of infected people. Bec’s group deployed lightning fast to close the gate before returning to the armoured vehicle cover. Then the French soldiers methodically eliminated the infected from their turrets and hatches. Twelve minutes later, the yard was secured and the men of the Lynx group disembarked safely. After thanking their rescuers, the Malians piled up weapons, ammunition and food in the BRDM-2s and the robust civilian vehicles for nearly 45 minutes. When it was over, the French soldiers supported by the VABs secured the exit for the column of vehicles that would attempt to reach the airport. As gunfire rang out around him Runberg was busy closing the gate, suddenly a series of shots slammed into the air next to him and an infected man collapsed in mid-course and came to rest at his feet. He turned around to see that it was Bec who had just saved his life. Two minutes later, the VABs got back on the road and passed by the stadium which seemed deserted, Runberg thought he was a cliché seen and seen again and again in epidemic or zombie movies where the authorities often hid in a stadium and where the situation always turned into a fiasco.

Two kilometres further on, they came face to face with one of the vehicles of the convoy that had left the police station. The burning vehicle had crashed into the front window of a pharmacy, the trunk was shaken by small secondary explosions due to the ammunition explosion crackling in the trunk. The intensity of the flames made it impossible to see whether or not the occupants of the vehicle had managed to escape. For the next three kilometres they drove past several official buildings that appeared to be abandoned, such as the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Suddenly, a group of civilians chased by several dozen infected people emerged from an alley next to a restaurant. It was impossible for the French soldiers to have a completely clear line of fire. The civilians then tried to climb on the armoured vehicles that were moving at a walking pace. The gunners at the hatches were struggling to prevent the infected from clinging to the vehicles. Only five people managed to climb on the speeding VABs. Thirty metres later, a woman came out of another alleyway, followed very closely, too closely, by a handful of infected people. She tried to reach the lead VAB, where Runberg had taken up position at a hatchway beside Ben Hamar. As she grabbed the hull of the vehicle, she was girdled by three rabid individuals and had just enough time to throw a bundle into the arms of Ben Hamar before falling onto the road with the infected. It happened so fast that the second VAB had no time to react and ran over the infected and their last victim. Ben Hamar soon realized why the woman had thrown the bundle at the risk of her own life, because it was screaming and moving. It wasn’t a bundle, but a baby only a few weeks old wrapped in cloths. ‘Holy shit! “Runberg said when he realized what had just happened. He ordered Ben Hamar relieved of his position to take care of the child.

A few dozen seconds later, the VAB was smashing vehicles to make its way through the roundabout in the centre of which stood the 46-metre-high Tour d’Afrique, which resembled a baobab tree. Runberg noticed that French, Malian and MINUSMA troops were emptying the custom warehouses and emptying the fuel pumps at the station across the road. The areas were secured by VBLs, VABs, BMPs and MRAPs as well as troops on the ground. A colonel, Mensard, came to meet the Lynx group and asked Runberg to place his VABs north of the perimeter to cover the road and the roundabout. African and French soldiers spent the next three hours killing infected people. When the column finally set off, two tankers and five semi-trailers escorted by a dozen armoured vehicles were on their way to Bamako airport. Runberg’s VABs closed the march.

The next few kilometres were more peaceful, as the density of housing decreased as they approached the airport. The column passed in front of the MINUSMA base, a fortress standing to the north of the airport. In his binoculars, Runberg noted that new fences reinforced with concrete guardrails and trenches provided the junction between the perimeter of the MINUSMA base and that of the airport. As the convoy moved along the northern fence of the airport, Runberg could see that trenches had been dug in front of the fences to prevent vehicles from driving over them and also to slow down the infected. In addition, cars had been pushed onto the roadside to provide some protection to the north side of the road. Tires had been meticulously slashed to prevent someone from moving the vehicles too easily. Shots were fired here and there, infected people were run over from time to time and finally the convoy slowed down and turned 90° south to enter the airlock. On the left flank of the convoy was a mosque, the top of the minaret hosted French gunmen. One was equipped with FRF2 marksman rifles, the other with a FAMAS and an AT-4. As the infected were very few in number, the vehicles were able to enter the perimeter covered by Malian soldiers who, with rifles slung across their shoulders, used steel spikes to eliminate the few infected who approached the gate. General Lafont-Rapnouil and all the men under his command had apparently managed a small miracle here.

Runberg and his men spent the next hour eating and resting near their VABs after Ben Hamar handed over the castaway child to the staff of the field hospital set up in the airport terminal. Then an officer came to pick up Runberg to report to the general. The lieutenant detailed their journey from Abéïbara to Bamako and was congratulated for having managed to bring all his men back alive; explaining to him that other columns had been less fortunate. The column that had left Gao had reached the airport three and a half days earlier, but had lost two tanks, three trucks and about twenty people along the way. Finally, the column that had left Tessalit without waiting for the Lynx group had disappeared body and soul in the suburb south of town three days ago. The Lynx group had managed to cover almost 2000 kilometres without losing a man and had even helped to save a few lives. The Lafont-Rapnouil’s plan was simple: launch supply raids in the vicinity, hold the perimeter and eliminate the infected whose waves would break over the airport like waves over rocks. If all went according to plan, the bulk of the threat would be eliminated in a matter of weeks. Runberg thought of his inner reaction when he arrived at the Tessalit FOB and found that their brothers-in-arms had abandoned them ‘Doom on you’ he had thought at the time. And fate had caught up with the Tessalit column.

The end.

[stevep]

Jun 17, 2022 18:37:13 GMT ukron said:

"The Doomed Column" (Part 12)
Date: November 4 (Z-Day +9), 2018, 1:13 am
Location: Bamako Airport, Mali

They made it! They made it to the airport, but at what cost?!

Entry into the eastern suburbs had been relatively easy for the first 10 kilometres. The VABs had passed two roadblocks caused by cars that had caught fire in the fighting. The 12.7 and FAMAS rounds drew the infected towards them, giving relief to civilians trapped in some buildings. They then fled to other, safer positions or tried to catch up with the VABs before realizing that they would not stop.

The first objective of the Lynx group was to reach the police station located near March 26 Stadium. To reach it they had to cross a small portion of hell, because the National Road was cut off for a kilometre by a huge fire emanating from two gas stations. The French soldiers had locked themselves as hermetically as possible in the vehicles which, after backing up to gain momentum, had crossed the huge fire at nearly 100 km/h in a little less than 40 seconds. The hulls of the tanks had barely had time to warm up, but as they emerged from the flames, the French could see that they were being followed by the burning infecteds. Runberg had ordered them to be shot down to prevent them from spreading the fire any faster. After making their way through a group of vehicles abandoned on the road, the Lynx group was finally in sight of the police station.

The parking lot was overrun with infectious. Policemen and gendarmes had been taken by surprise and had had to retreat to the main building with a few civilians. In the courtyard, two BRDM-2s were abandoned among the other cars. The VABs entered the parking lot and ran over a pair of infected people. Bec’s group deployed lightning fast to close the gate before returning to the armoured vehicle cover. Then the French soldiers methodically eliminated the infected from their turrets and hatches. Twelve minutes later, the yard was secured and the men of the Lynx group disembarked safely. After thanking their rescuers, the Malians piled up weapons, ammunition and food in the BRDM-2s and the robust civilian vehicles for nearly 45 minutes. When it was over, the French soldiers supported by the VABs secured the exit for the column of vehicles that would attempt to reach the airport. As gunfire rang out around him Runberg was busy closing the gate, suddenly a series of shots slammed into the air next to him and an infected man collapsed in mid-course and came to rest at his feet. He turned around to see that it was Bec who had just saved his life. Two minutes later, the VABs got back on the road and passed by the stadium which seemed deserted, Runberg thought he was a cliché seen and seen again and again in epidemic or zombie movies where the authorities often hid in a stadium and where the situation always turned into a fiasco.

Two kilometres further on, they came face to face with one of the vehicles of the convoy that had left the police station. The burning vehicle had crashed into the front window of a pharmacy, the trunk was shaken by small secondary explosions due to the ammunition explosion crackling in the trunk. The intensity of the flames made it impossible to see whether or not the occupants of the vehicle had managed to escape. For the next three kilometres they drove past several official buildings that appeared to be abandoned, such as the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Suddenly, a group of civilians chased by several dozen infected people emerged from an alley next to a restaurant. It was impossible for the French soldiers to have a completely clear line of fire. The civilians then tried to climb on the armoured vehicles that were moving at a walking pace. The gunners at the hatches were struggling to prevent the infected from clinging to the vehicles. Only five people managed to climb on the speeding VABs. Thirty metres later, a woman came out of another alleyway, followed very closely, too closely, by a handful of infected people. She tried to reach the lead VAB, where Runberg had taken up position at a hatchway beside Ben Hamar. As she grabbed the hull of the vehicle, she was girdled by three rabid individuals and had just enough time to throw a bundle into the arms of Ben Hamar before falling onto the road with the infected. It happened so fast that the second VAB had no time to react and ran over the infected and their last victim. Ben Hamar soon realized why the woman had thrown the bundle at the risk of her own life, because it was screaming and moving. It wasn’t a bundle, but a baby only a few weeks old wrapped in cloths. ‘Holy shit! “Runberg said when he realized what had just happened. He ordered Ben Hamar relieved of his position to take care of the child.

A few dozen seconds later, the VAB was smashing vehicles to make its way through the roundabout in the centre of which stood the 46-metre-high Tour d’Afrique, which resembled a baobab tree. Runberg noticed that French, Malian and MINUSMA troops were emptying the custom warehouses and emptying the fuel pumps at the station across the road. The areas were secured by VBLs, VABs, BMPs and MRAPs as well as troops on the ground. A colonel, Mensard, came to meet the Lynx group and asked Runberg to place his VABs north of the perimeter to cover the road and the roundabout. African and French soldiers spent the next three hours killing infected people. When the column finally set off, two tankers and five semi-trailers escorted by a dozen armoured vehicles were on their way to Bamako airport. Runberg’s VABs closed the march.

The next few kilometres were more peaceful, as the density of housing decreased as they approached the airport. The column passed in front of the MINUSMA base, a fortress standing to the north of the airport. In his binoculars, Runberg noted that new fences reinforced with concrete guardrails and trenches provided the junction between the perimeter of the MINUSMA base and that of the airport. As the convoy moved along the northern fence of the airport, Runberg could see that trenches had been dug in front of the fences to prevent vehicles from driving over them and also to slow down the infected. In addition, cars had been pushed onto the roadside to provide some protection to the north side of the road. Tires had been meticulously slashed to prevent someone from moving the vehicles too easily. Shots were fired here and there, infected people were run over from time to time and finally the convoy slowed down and turned 90° south to enter the airlock. On the left flank of the convoy was a mosque, the top of the minaret hosted French gunmen. One was equipped with FRF2 marksman rifles, the other with a FAMAS and an AT-4. As the infected were very few in number, the vehicles were able to enter the perimeter covered by Malian soldiers who, with rifles slung across their shoulders, used steel spikes to eliminate the few infected who approached the gate. General Lafont-Rapnouil and all the men under his command had apparently managed a small miracle here.

Runberg and his men spent the next hour eating and resting near their VABs after Ben Hamar handed over the castaway child to the staff of the field hospital set up in the airport terminal. Then an officer came to pick up Runberg to report to the general. The lieutenant detailed their journey from Abéïbara to Bamako and was congratulated for having managed to bring all his men back alive; explaining to him that other columns had been less fortunate. The column that had left Gao had reached the airport three and a half days earlier, but had lost two tanks, three trucks and about twenty people along the way. Finally, the column that had left Tessalit without waiting for the Lynx group had disappeared body and soul in the suburb south of town three days ago. The Lynx group had managed to cover almost 2000 kilometres without losing a man and had even helped to save a few lives. The Lafont-Rapnouil’s plan was simple: launch supply raids in the vicinity, hold the perimeter and eliminate the infected whose waves would break over the airport like waves over rocks. If all went according to plan, the bulk of the threat would be eliminated in a matter of weeks. Runberg thought of his inner reaction when he arrived at the Tessalit FOB and found that their brothers-in-arms had abandoned them ‘Doom on you’ he had thought at the time. And fate had caught up with the Tessalit column.

The end.

  Glad to see that despite the title they actually made it.   Very good mini story and hopefully they will have the supplies and ammo to hold out.  Would expect that as elsewhere their going to have to decide what to do with civilians fleeing to them.  Having to try and filter out any infected and also the question of if they accept everybody will their supplies by overwhelmed.  On the other hand, especially possibly for the local forces turning away civilians in need would be a big impact on morale.

[ukron]

Chapter 85: Aloha
And now back to the main storyline.
October 26, 2018 (Z-Day +9)
USS Makin Island (LHD-8)
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Honolulu, Hawaii

We all could not believe it. Five days on a floating tin can and finally we are here in Hawaii. Or about to arrive in that case. Standing on the flight deck as we were all invite in by the captain and the XO, we could see the ships from the fleet enter Pearl Harbor. It gave me chills, knowing this was the site of the Japanese attack the led to America's entry in World War II. The Makin Island passed by the USS Missouri - aka the Mighty Mo - one of the Iowa-class battleships that served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Persian Gulf War. It awed us seeing a big battleship right next to us. She was featured in the action film Under Siege, the RTS game World In Conflict (my favorite PC game btw), and the film Battleship I saw way back in Summer 2012. She stood there idly, guarding the entrance to the bay. Though obsolete in today's standards, the presence of a battleship is still awesome to look at.

"I can't believe it. We're here in Hawaii." Gabrielle said.

"Yeah, but not for vacation." Mike added the harsh truth.

"We'll enjoy what we can." Spencer said.

A few minutes later, the ship docked. Everyone was escorted down for processing. Spencer was right, even thought we are not here on vacation, we must enjoy the little things. Just like what the movie Zombieland said. It was definitely better than staying in a cramped ship. My group and I stayed near each other as we entered the processing counter set up by FEMA. Giving over some of my documents and all, the FEMA personnel asked what are my experiences and if I am traveling with a group.

"Yes, these people are with me." I said. My friends then registered in the system and were given volunteer work. Mike, Spencer, Darren, and I were tasked with sanitary work, Gabrielle was tasked with how to help ration the food and supplies in the hotel for the refugees (since she's an accountant), while Angela and Tamara were tasked with helping out with the hotel's daily services. Our shift was from weekdays only until we can go back to our home countries.

Hawaii has a trade-off: being isolated means that roughly 90% of its food supply comes from the mainland. It's been a week since the outbreak and the Hawaii National Guard has ordered a systemic rationing system now that trade by cargo planes and ships has ceased. There is some cattle on the big island plus some coffee, cacao, pineapples, sugarcane, and bananas on this island chain. To make up for this, the fishing fleet around the state has all been activated to feed some 2,000 additional refugees that are spread throughout the islands.

Yes, our stay here would not be so pleasant but still better than in the CONUS.

The FEMA personnel assigned us to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort in front of Waikiki Beach. It is directly in front of the Pacific Ocean. That is what is got us all excited.

"Wait, can you guys locate my parents?" Gabrielle asked the FEMA personnel.

"Ma'am, can you provide their names? I'm sorry but we've processed a lot of people many coming from other countries. Head to the board over there with all the names of the people there."

Disappointed, she then went over the board full of names. "Come with me guys." She said. We followed her. The board full of names was undeniably long. There were a lot of people too, just like us.

It took over 30 minutes before she said she found the names of her parents. And to our convenience, they happened to be at the same hotel as us! What a stroke of luck!

"What a stroke of luck!" I shouted. "Come on guys, let's go. Let's bring her back to her family."

We then rode the bus on the way to that hotel in Waikiki Beach.

[ukron]

Chapter 86: Enemy Mine
October 23, 2018 (Z-Day+5)
USMC Detachment at Camp Lemmonier
Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, Djibouti

The small nation of Djibouti was not spared of the outbreak. Being a third world nation, the outbreak took its toll as refugees and Infected from the Ethopia, Somalia, and Eritrea flooded the nation. The Armed Forces were spread thin trying to contain outbreaks and by the fifth day of the outbreak, the country essentially collapsed as every government official fled or were butchered by the hordes. News was grim as President Ismail Omar Guelleh committed suicide as it was apparent that the presidential palace was surrounded.

When it became hopeless, many terrified citizens fled to the seaport and the airport, catching a boat or plane elsewhere. They had no where else go. Others went to the safety of the foreign bases in the country. The Americans, Italians, French, Japanese, and the Chinese have set foot in Djibouti to combat piracy and use it as a stepping stone for America's war in the Middle East. Before the outbreak, most of these foreign service members were confined to their bases as a special permit from the host country was needed to set foot. Only the French were allowed to set foot out of their base. When the outbreak began, these personnel defended their base from local wandering Infected. They initially let the citizens of their own country in to seek refuge, but other locals came and with them a horde of Infected. As it became clear, the soldier had to open fire on both Infected and Uninfected alike. They held, until ammo became low and with their bases under constant attack, had to withdraw to other rally points.

The Chinese military base Oboch near the Port of Darelah was overrun, forcing the remaining PLA soldiers to seek refugee to large international airport where the U.S. Marines, the French 13th Demi-Brigade of the French Foreign Legion based out of the 5th Arms Regiment Overseas, the Italian Armed Forces based out of the Base Logistique De L' Armée Italienne to the south, a small contingent of Bundeswehr personnel, and the JSDF personnel from a nearby JMSDF base. Initially, the commander of the base was distrustful of the Chinese, due to increased laser attacks on U.S. aircraft as well as rumors of a hardline communist faction wanting to nuke Japan, Guam, and Taiwan as the reports say. However, with the enemy not caring what allegiance or ideology one fights for, the commander relented and allowed the PLA to enter, on the grounds that they submit themselves for the "benefit" of the lives of civilians in the airport waiting to be evacuated. Indeed the sight of Western, Japanese, and Chinese forces working together was sight to behold, knowing the recent tensions with China as part of what defense analysts say as the "Cold War II."

The Marine commander walked through the airfield seeing Marines and sailors pass by equipments while other Marines examined the Type 95 QBZ rifles the PLA troops were demonstrating. In another tent, the PLA and the JSDF were examining each other's weapons. The once bitter enemies were now working together. There were also several French, German, and Italian troops lending a hand, with a what few English they can speak.

"Funny isn't it?" A junior officer said. "We always saw the Chinese as a threat to our interests here in the Horn of Africa, but now look we work alongside them. Even the Japanese are getting along with them."

"These are mysterious times, son." The commander replied. He looked up to see a commercial airliner fly towards unknown destination. Looking over the city, he could see the smoke and raging fires. Reconnaissance was not great as the drones that were relocated from Chabelly Airport to the southwest before it was went offline showed hordes of Infected heading towards the airport. The Marines and the foreign forces held for now, but the fortifications would eventually fall. There were still over 500 civilians left, waiting to take the next plane or boat out of this doomed country.

"Sir, we made contact with the Essex Amphibious Group. They are en route to evacuate our personnel, our allies, and civilians here. They have left the Straits of Hormuz a few days ago."

"That's good. We should hold out until they arrive." The commander said. "What's the status."

"Right now, our Marines and our allies have been trying to conserve ammunition. Some have even resulted to using bayonets on their rifles at the Infected banging on the fences. However, the bodies would stack up, adding weight that would result in its eventual collapse."

"Can we hold?"

"Our best estimate is probably a day or two, but we need to bogey here eventually."

"God bless us all."
*************************************************
The next day, the Infected were too much to handle with bayonets alone. The Americans, French, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, Germans, and local Djibouti troops were forced to open fire at the Infected. They gunned down several, but the more and more came attracted by the sound of gun fire.

"Sir, some good news, the civilians have been evacuated. It's just military personnel here now."

"Well, we held out here. This would definitely go down in history. Think of it as the 21st century's version of the Alamo."

The gunfire continued for hours until the fence was about to collapse.

"Fall back! Fall back!" One Marine said as the defenders fell back, some cursing in their foreign language. And eventually it did, the Infected flooded in like a flood water. They fought back, putting down a lot but not stopping the flood.

"We must evacuate now!" The commander said.

However as this happened, they heard the sound of rotors approaching. As he looked up, he saw a group of AH-1Z Cobras descended upon the horde, firing away with their autocannons and missiles. The Infected were torn apart with body part flying in the air. This was followed by an airstrike of bombs coming from Harriers and the new F-35B Lightnings. These aircraft came from the USS Essex and her amphibious ready group and now they have arrived just in the nick of time to evacuate the defenders of Camp Lemmonier.

"Cavalry is late."

And then the LCACs came at the tip of the airport. The Marines and the foreign forces ran to the LCACs as the Cobras, Harriers, and Lightnings covered their escape. Some vehicles were salvaged but the rest had to be left behind for space. After all, human lives matter more than fancy toys. After that, the LCACs left and headed out to sea.

"Sir, we have Chinese on board? What do we do with them?" A Marine asked, obviously distrusting the Chinese aboard the amphibious vehicle.

"Well, they have agreed to cooperate with us so we press them into our command as with our French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Djiboutian allies. We need all the manpower we can get." The commander said as he looked in the direction of the now abandoned airport fading in the distance. The smoke from the nearby was visible but also fading. Looking back towards the sea, he could the LCACs were about to reach the USS Essex, supported by the USS Anchorage and the USS Rushmore.

As the LCACs arrived on the loading deck of the Essex, the Marine commander was relieved. The foreign forces were then debriefed as they were to put themselves on U.S. military command.

"Sir, I am here to congratulate you that thanks to your efforts of defending Camp Lemmonier and the airport, you saved 500 civilian lives and over a 200 military personnel." The XO of the ship said. "This will definitely go down in history as one of the successful evacuations during this so-called Killer Pandemic incident."

"Well, it's my duty as a Marine."

"So where we headed?" Asked the commander.

"Diego Garcia. Place is isolated in the Indian Ocean and is still unaffected by the outbreak. Both us and the British there are securing the waterways around it. Well, it's their territory after all."

"Fair enough. An isolated tropical island deep in the Indian Ocean is the best place to ride out an outbreak of walking corpses."

True to what the XO said, the defense of Camp Lemmonier would be immortalised as one of the successful retreats during the heigh of the Killer Pandemic. No lives were lost miraculously and all the defenders managed to make it through without any casualties.

Several years after the outbreak, many of the veterans of that took part in the defense of Camp Lemmonier would share their testimonies on books, documentaries, and TV interviews. The Simple History Channel on YouTube would release an episode on June 4, 2023 regarding this strange chapter in history entitled as "The Unusual Alliance that Defended Camp Lemmonier". A film called "Enemy Mine" would be released in 2028 - ten years after the outbreak - dedicated to defenders of Camp Lemmonier and those that perished in the outbreak.
********************
Author's Notes:
- Specifically, the USS Essex was deployed with F-35Bs. The amphibious assault ship and her ARG departed San Diego on July 10, 2018, heading for the Middle East (Source: USNI, July 12, 2018)
- The Essex Amphibious Ready Group was in the Persian Gulf area as of October 2018 so it would make sense that would stop by at Djibouti to evacuate personnel stationed there. (Source: USNI, October 29, 2018)
- Reference Article for foreign forces in Djibouti.
- Map of foreign military bases in Djibouti (From PBS):

[ukron]

Chapter 87: Our New Home
October 26, 2018 (Z-Day+9)
Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort
Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii


We unloaded the bus with whatever luggage we had into this fancy looking hotel that was converted into a temporary refugee camp for those 2,500+ that evacuated from California on the orders of FEMA. The hotel had a ton of security from Marines to Army National Guard to police officers from the Honolulu Police Department. We were told to line up in a single file as we were once again screened by dogs and having our blood tested which turned out as negative. They were not making any chances of anyone hiding the infection. Unfortunately, we were separated from the survivors we linked with from San Diego. We bid them goodbye and hope to maintain contact.

Francis and Jules reported for duty immediately to secure the hotel since they were personnel who had armed experience. These were necessary additions to the overstretched security forces securing the entirety of Honolulu. Those who could not be accommodated in the city where spread out among FEMA refugee camps placed north of Oahu or other islands.

Gabrielle asked the desk and showed the information. Moments later, she got a wind that her parents were two floors higher than our room.

"I can't wait to see them." She said.

Afterwards, we presented our assigned documents along with our assigned quarters. We were then led towards the higher floors.

"I'd be damned if we got a suite." Mike said.

The room we got was a big, not a suite but big enough to fit roughly six or eight of us. The room faced the beautiful view of Waikiki Beach. Too bad we could not swim. The beaches were close to prevent congregation or seaward Infected washing up ashore.

"Speak of the devil." I said.

We were told to rest up and report for our shifts tonight. As we got put down our bags, we could not help but think how lucky we got this place. Was it random or was FEMA's assignment based on how many people are per group? I don't know really. I wouldn't complain though. Not everyone has this luxury. For sure some got suites. The others were already lying down on their beds or about to go to nap.

"Think of it as a vacation." Spencer said.

"Yeah, but not my kind of vacation." Mike replied.

Grabbing the remote of the TV, I turned on to see that most stations have gone off the air. The EAS logo was plastered on the screen.


That's the same EAS alert that went off last January." Angela said. "Do you guys remember the false alarm when the Hawaii state government thought North Korea fired a missile towards the islands?"

"Fuck, I remember." I said.

"Oh shit, same here. It was crazy." Spencer said.

"No shit, as if the 1983 Soviet nuclear false alarm came back with a vengeance." I replied.

"I remember too. I was still college that time. I was in Plus 63 Music Festival that day. I was watching Showtek with my friends when he performed in Cebu that night."

"Partying while the world burns, seems to be a running gag this year." I jokingly replied.

"Well, still no TV guys. Not sure about WiFi here."

"WiFi is present but can't connect either." Spencer said.

"Gabby, let's get you to your family." I said. She nodded. "Let's go with her guys."

We then went filed out of the room to two floors higher where we were told they were in.
********************
We found the room they were in and rang the doorbell.

Then the door opened with a man in his 50s looking at us.

"May I help you?"

"Um, sir we brought your daughter with you."

"Gabrielle?!, where is she?"

"I'm here dad!" Gabrielle said, rushing to her father to embrace him. Her mother followed suit and they all went insude the room. All three broke down in tears as they hugged and embraced each other. Another group of people were there, presumably her cousins or relatives.

"Gabrielle, I'm so glad you're safe. I knew it you could make it!" Her mother replied. She knew her boyfriend was among those killed in the early stages of the outbreak during their brief phone call as they were luckily able to be accepted aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard as San Francisco descended into chaos.

For the rest of us, we felt happy for them knowing that she made it here safely with her family. Good for her. I thought. Mike, Spencer, and the rest still don't know what happened to our families across the globe. The rest of our friends from San Diego seemed to have accepted their family didn't make it. As for Angela, well I could see that she was somehow envious at Gabrielle who's family is more or less safe. Of course, she too was happy for her. Inside I felt good too since we completed Charles' dying wish that his girlfriend would make it safely here. He can be at peace now. I said to myself. It reminded me of the entire ordeal of the anime Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 where two siblings must traverse the entire Tokyo Bay Area to go back home after a devastating earthquake on the Japanese capital.

"What about Alexandria?" Gabrielle asked.

"No news. We can only hope." Her father said, trying to fight his tears. "We heard over independent radio stations that the infection reached the Philippines on the third day of the outbreak. I wish I could use a long-distance phone call but the lines are down as they are to be reserved for official use only. Your mother and I pray that she is safe."

She was then approached by her immediate relatives who embraced and consoled her. For a while, it seemed that she forgotten about us as the door stood open and we just stood there watching them.

"Oh I'm sorry, if you need privacy, we'll return back to our room." I said to her father.

Her parents then approached us.

"Thank you...thank you so much for bringing our daughter back. I...We can't thank you guys enough. If there's anything we can do for you guys, just say it."

"It's nothing. It's what friends are for." I said.

"Come back later tonight for dinner. We want to hear how intense it must have been." He said.

We nodded and then returned to our rooms as her father close the door behind us.

"I'm glad she's back with her family." Angela said, trying to keep herself from crying. "...and I hope her younger sister is alright."
********************************
His daughter was finally here with them, completely safe. He would never ever want to be separate from her again. That leaves one weight off the shoulder but there was still the status of his other daughter on the other side of the globe. They have not heard from her ever since and they could only pray she made it safely.

The whole time Gabrielle was reunited with her mother and father as well as some of her immediate relatives, they spent the whole time talking about their experiences escaping San Francisco in the north and southern California respectively. Gabrielle told everything: how her boyfriend attempted to drive her north to San Francisco only to get bitten, how she of all time and places bumped with a distant friend from college that accompanied her to escape, their near-death experience in LAX, the time in Huntington Beach, the death of Angela's family, the evacuation, the part where her college friend got shot, and finally their five days at sea aboard the USS Makin Island. Her parents and her relatives were awed. It sounded like a plot for a movie or a TV series.

"Even stranger. One of the survivors in our group is a reservist in the French Army who on holiday and was caught up on the outbreak. His story is more interesting and tragic to some extent." Gabrielle said.

"Why?" Her father asked.

"He was with his friend named Dylan who was a member of the French Air Force. They were visiting some French foreign students over at CALTECH when it began. Dylan and Jules were caught in the middle and Dylan was killed by a horde. That's what Jules told me." Gabrielle then told of LAX where it was the time she would have been killed by a horde too if not for the intervention of some remnant LAPD who drove a SWAT van.

"He's still trying to reach home and report to duty for his country."

"But Hawaii is a long way from France." A relative said.

"Yes, he will indeed circle the globe to get back to France. Maybe he will stop by at French Polynesia or New Caledonia along the long way home." Gabrielle said. "If ever he makes it back to his country, his story will be more worthy and interesting and even peculiar one must say."

"How did you guys escape San Francisco by the way?" Gabrielle asked.

"It was madness my dear. We were just one of the lucky ones." Her father said, memory still fresh from their chaotic escape up north.
**********************************
9 days ago
Date: October 17, 2018 (Z-Day)
Location: San Francisco, California

Her uncle pumped the gas of the car as they headed towards where Fleet Week SF was held. Their was a chaotic evacuation of the Bay Area. Compared to what is going on down south, this was much worse. San Francisco was hit badly when the Killer Pandemic popped out almost everywhere. Here, the city descended into chaos quickly. First it was reported in the Mission District[1] before spreading to other districts. Then it spread to Oakland, San Bruno, San Jose, and many other cities within the Bay Area. The police and California National Guard deployed within the area was overstretched. Orders were given to shoot Infected and carriers in the head. However, for every Infected killed, two more would take its place with the ratio how things are going to hell.

The car swerved trying to avoid an SUV counterflowing in their lane. One car that sped up the intersection was hit by truck, turning it over and making beyond repair. Everywhere people ran and looted. Some had nowhere to go, just letting their panic guide them. Shots rang out as police gunned down several Infected and looters that had weapons.

"We have to get out of here." Said one of the relatives.

"My daughter, she's in Los Angeles with her boyfriend." The mother said. "She hasn't called me back." Indeed, she tried several times to call Gabrielle's cellphone but there was no answer. The lack of signal due to all the panic calls happening at the same time did not help things at all.

"We can't wait any longer. I heard rumors that the military might bomb the city as this disease spreads."

"We can't leave her behind. She's does not even know her way in Los Angeles."

All the pleas fell to deaf ears as the car headed to a road leading towards the Fleet Week. The U.S. Navy was surprisingly accepting refugees to board their ships and other commercial liners, providing one of them was not Infected. There was a large crowd of people waiting to be ushered in line. These occured as more gunshots and explosions are heard in the background. The line was long but they made it. They were scanned and cleared of Infection as they boarded the USS Bonhomme Richard.

"Where is this ship headed sir?" Asked a random refugee. Gabrielle's parents overheard this.

"Hawaii. Whatever is happening has not affected that state yet."

They then entered the ship's landing dock and were processed by the Marines. There she got signal and called her daughter. This time, Gabrielle picked up. Her mother let out a sigh of relief.

"Mom! Mom! I'm safe."
"Gabrielle, don't come to San Francisco. It's too far and too dangerous. Luckily, we were able to evacuate to the USS Bonhomme Richard. We're enroute to Hawaii now. I heard the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine are evacuating Southern California to Hawaii." There was a lot of sobbing on the other line.
"Anak, are you alone Is Charles with you?" Her mom asked.
"He...He got Infected...and had to be put down. I'm safe thanks to accidentally bumping into a friend from mountaineering before and his friend. We are armed to protect ourselves from the Infected. His best friend is trying to drive down to San Diego. We're in downtown Los Angeles now specifically in Santa Monica Boulevard. Traffic is bad but I really hope I can make it."
"Your father and I are worried about you Gabrielle. Even your younger sister is worried about us being here in the States while she is back in Bohol. Please, I pray to God you will make it to San Diego safely."
"I really do, mom. I hope to see you soon. I gotta save power now. Bye and love you."

"Stay safe Gabrielle, we are praying for you." That was the last time they'd be able to communicate as the lines went down.

"She's safe. Met a friend that is accompanying her to San Diego." She said to her husband who comforted her as they both cried and prayed that their daughter will make it through. Distance was not their ally for sure.

Outside, the chaotic evacuation of the bay continued. The Golden Gate Bridge was filled with cars and some parts were burning. Those who didn't want to get torn apart chose to jump to their deaths at the freezing waters of the bay. Two container ships collied and sunk, killing at least 1,537 people. The Coast Guard and the Navy could not rescue all of them. Some ships were set ablaze as it was shown to have infected on the deck. The Navy had no qualms in sinking them.

Exiting the bay, the Bonhomme Richard cruised towards Hawaii at flank speed. San Francisco was gone. No hearts would be left there except for some survivors that managed to hold out until the reclamation.
**********************************
"It must have been bad, father. I'm glad you made." Gabrielle said.

"You too, my daughter. Your mother and I can never forgive ourselves for being away at this time of crisis."

They all embraced once more. Life is indeed a blessing.
**********************************
Author's Notes:
[1] Resident Evil: Extinction (novel) reference by Keith R.A. DeCandido. In his "Before" Chapter, the ground zero of the Global T-Virus outbreak started in Mission District of San Francisco after an Umbrella scientist reanimated there from having a T-virus sample enter an open wound.

Finally, Gabrielle has been reunited with her mom and dad, but her young sister's status in the Philippines is still in the question. However, at least the survivors finally brought her to parents, removing a large part of worry. Stay tuned to find out more and how our survivors will live as refugees in Hawaii. So it will be real slow.

[ukron]

Chapter 88: Giving Back
October 27, 2018 (Z-Day+10)
Honolulu, Hawaii

FEMA, the Hawaii National Guard, the Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and HPD had no shortage when it came to looking for people to volunteer for ad-hoc security forces. True Hawaii only had a minor infection in the big island of Hawai'i and the city of Hilo, but the Army units in the big island easily cleared of it. Still, they were overstretched so they needed to pick up anyone with experience regardless of nationality. Veterans were a precious resource. The same could be said for the overstretched medical community. Thankfully, there were a lot of tourists that happened doctors, nurses, medical technologists, radiological technologists, and PT/OT/SLPs[1]. They were given shifts to alleviate the situation in the Hawaiian Islands.

For Jules, this was another day, pressed into service and temporary U.S. Command (he's French for that matter), donning with him an HK-416 with his friend Francis, an LAPD SWAT recruited into service. Along with the civilian militia, they lined up for briefing. Each armed civilian was to be attached to an Army or a Marine fire team, taking orders from the commanding officer. In a way, there were "paramilitary" in nature. They would only fire their weapons if ordered to do so or unless extremely necessary. At the end of the day, these volunteers would turn their weapons over the armories. They were only allowed to have pistol with them for self-defense. Military rifles were to be kept stored.

"This has to be the craziest holiday ever." Jules said. "Wish Dylan was here to see Hawaii even this was not part of the trip."
********************
Washington Place (Governor's Residence)
Hawaii Capital Historic District
Honolulu, Hawaii

Governor David Ige was busy overseeing the relief efforts and the processing of refugees. Based on FEMA's census, there were exactly 10,648 refugees that settled within the islands. It was a big burden how to feed these 2,000+ individuals for a population of 1.4 million of the State's inhabitants, considering it relied 90% of imports coming from ships and cargo planes. Hawaii's isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean meant it was spared of the chaos that affected the U.S. mainland in a span of 72 hours. The minor outbreak in Hilo was dealt with extreme prejudice. Since then, there were no sights of Infected within the state. It was both a blessing and a curse.

"How are we holding?" The governor asked.

"Well to alleviate the food problem, we introduced a state-wide rationing system. We've increased incentives for those growing rice, pineapple, sugarcane, and bananas. The cattle in the Big Island is to be used for necessary emergencies only." Said one of the governor's aides.

"Great, it was told that this state only had a week at best should we lose our imports from the mainland." The governor said. "Do we have any alternatives? Like our fishing fleets?"

"Yes, all our fishing boats have been deployed to get as much as we can around the islands. It won't be a lot but at least we do not need to exhaust are cattle."

The office was full of activity from state government employees and soldiers providing security. The governor walked among them and encouraged them to continue on. He would also visit the refugees and the troops, a morale booster to a state having a rough time. Yet, they would not give up. They would hold resilient in the times to come. It was the true American and Hawaiian spirit.

"How is the Trump administration doing?" One aide asked.

"We are in contact with Highpoint SF[2] and NORAD. They are holding out surprisingly good. Only four cabinet secretaries have been unaccounted for: VA, Energy, Treasury, and Commerce. The rest made it so far."

"Even though I don't agree with the President, these are times there has to be a government in order to take back the country from the Infected."
******************************
She stood there in her U.S. Army uniform as she approached the governor's residence. For the past few days, she returned to her state and her branch where she served as a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard. She saw tours in Iraq from 2004 to 2005 and in Kuwait from 2008-2009. It was her home, she had to protect it along with the rest. After all, she swore an oath.

The flight from the evacuation of Congress from Capitol Hill was chaotic but thankfully she made it along with the representatives from Hawaii. Catching a flight from Ronald Reagan National Airport, they made it back to Honolulu a day before the White House was evacuated. She immediately got to work, donning on her fatigues and slinging a rifle. Her position as a major earned her respect among her fellow personnel as well as the civilian volunteers. It is rare to see a politician going back to fight in the front lines.

She walked in to visit the governor. For the past few days, they had been defending Oahu from any potential Infected coming from the Big Island. So far there were none. The governor and the staff was awed to see a member of the House of the Representatives personally visit Washington Place. Everyone greeted her with respect.

"At ease everyone." She said.

Shaking the hand of the governor, she then saluted and said"

"Major Tulsi Gabbard, United States Army. Reporting for duty sir."
*******************************
Author's Notes:
[1] PT - Physical therapists; OT- Occupation therapists; SLPs - Speech language pathologist.
[2] Codename for Mount Weather
Disclaimer: I'm not a Tulsi Gabbard fan in real-life since I am Filipino and I am not familiar of her policies. Hence this is not a political promotion. I just read since Tulsi Gabbard is in the U.S. Army, it would make sense if she would go on defend her state. Just got inspired from how the King of Jordan trains alongside his troops.

[ukron]

Chapter 89: Uncertain Future
November 2, 2018 (Z-Day+16)
Morvan, Burgundy, France

"Reports about a major combined European forces evacuation of Strasburg and Luxembourg have been dismissed by the German Defense Ministry."

"Due to the recent news regarding an 'Anti-Zombie' weapon developped and tested by the U.S. in Japan and South Korea, we have suspend all major military operations in order to concentrate and solidify our military reserves" declared Ursula von der Leyen in Munich yesterday."

"In Iran, Médecins Sans Frontières and local witness have confirmed the deaths of 1500 Pakistani refugees, shot dead by police following a "food riot" in Baluchistan. Iranian state media have called the 'outbreak' a joke designed by the U.S. and their Israeli allies in order to put a New World Order in place...this was the Emergency news programm of France Inter...be safe".

Lt. Grimbert from GIGN switched off the radio. Finally for once, those old machines have found a new utility in this apocalypse world.

"I am amazed that those sons of bitches of government are still operational, they let us die for covering their fucking retreat to their underground bunkers" says Franics Georgin, a 60 year old postman spitting with furor against the Lt.

"Where have you been when Paris and Versailles fell? Asshole...I have lost good friends for covering retreat of every civilians for those flesh eating monsters after overrunning the army defenses." the officer replied with anger. The other guy seems to be so surprised by the reply that no words can escape from his mouth.

It's hard to manage a large groups of survivors, especially when a large part of them think that you are a coward and that you let die the people you need to protect, thought Grimbert, but at least they are in one of the most protected area against Z: the mountainous massif of Morvan, a huge protected area full of forests and rugged reliefs. The zeks couldn't handle with the cold and high altitudes, however a new issue can strike: too much people found Morvan an ideal place. Thousands of refugees from Paris have escaped from the desolated capital followed by an huge swarm nicknamed the "Parisian wave". Every city or town on their path were wiped out: Créteil, Fontainebleau, Melun..only Orly seems to have hold for some days before being entirely besieged and invaded, a city fell to the infected and this is hundred, thousands of people making their way for a place supposed to be the most safest place in the Parisian region, flooding l'Yonne and la Champagne with an human exodus never seen since WWII.

At the latest news, Troyes and Sens are still keep under strict quarantine but without any force to defend it, it's a lost hope. What remained of the French army is a pity, they fight and die bravely but no one can take their job. Entire regiments were decimated, for the most lucky they are reduced to some guys tired and wounded with limited ammo and fuel. The French Air Force top officials seemed to have understood that it's nonsense to bomb out major urban centers and roads full of refugees. The sky was strangely calm without the aircraft trails, a kind of ironical contrast, right?

Lt. Grimbert was one the few lucky members of the famous GIGN that avoided death or worst. He could not understand how he made his way when most part of his squad is still roting on the burned roofs of the Versailles Palace. Destiny can be a bitch, right? He is the lone security force member among a 500 people refugee camp stuck on a camping car parking. His task to organize such camp is a nightmare and no ones want to takes it. Among this refugees, a large part of them don't trust governement and police for a while before outbreak but it's obvious that this mistrust is clearly now a hate and Lt. Grimbert thinks he's perfectly aware that he must have his eyes behind his back if he want to survive this week.