4- Big Day

Chapter 4 to Dead World

Hours of training became days, and eventually weeks. It was snowing now, but that wouldn't stop us. We did retrieve new gear and clothing. Most people got more ammunition, and in particular, jackets. It was cold. Damn cold. 

With all the training, and getting to know my rifle, I discovered a few things. While it looks like a normal hunting rifle, it has much more powerful inner parts. Premium stuff, too. Apparently it will be one of the few rifles performance's that will be affected in the cold. 

We were briefed, and basically we will make our way out to the warehouse. Camino led us. I wasn't quite sure how he was so good with the map, but it helps a ton when everything is the same white. It wasn't snowing, but it did a lot over the past few nights. Once we got close, I was told I will have to find a spot by some trees to setup with Zeus. He was there to spot, and watch my back. 

It was good for me to sit back and watch down on everyone on the ground. I see what they can't. It was a strange perspective.. Bear told me it was unlikely there would be any threats, but it was good that I be prepared.

We were heading out the next morning.

"Ace. Ace! Wake up. We leave in an hour. Get your gear together." It was Zeus. I thought I set a timer on my watch for 4 a.m., apparently not.

I got all my gear, extra clips, few free rounds, a couple of waters, gloves, and some sun glasses. Aviators. You quickly realize how reflective snow can be. 

Me, and the rest of Charlie Squad were prepped to head out. I put a strap onto my rifle, so I can pop it up on my shoulder. It basically pointed the barrel up into the sky.

Soon we left. 

We walked in silence for  about an our or two. 

"Just think boys," Bear started. "After this is over, we will have vehicles to make scavenging a lot easier."

"What will we do about gas?" A voice asked. I wasn't sure who it came from.

"I thought I remembered a gas station or something on that road near camp." Bear said.

"I should hope so." They replied.

After many hours of walking, I wasn't keeping track on how many, we were exhausted, and Bear decided we set up camp for the night.

I helped setup the fire, while others put up some tents. Once we were all settled, I tried heading off to sleep. But as expected, I couldn't. I sat next to the fire, and soon so did Bear.

"You ready?" He asked.

"I think. Since this is my first run I really hope I don't screw up." I replied.

"Don't clutter your mind with these thoughts, because it builds up and when the time comes, it makes things even harder than they need to be. Plus, I doubt anything will happen." Then I thought for a second, realizing he was right.

"Maybe I just need some rest. Thanks." After laying back down in the tent with Zeus, who was fast asleep, I quickly passed out.

I heard a noise, like a bag being unzipped. I peeked out of the tent, and there was a strange figure knelt down going through bags. He didn't look familiar. I quickly grabbed my colt and pulled the hammer back, slowly moving out of the tent.

"Hey, who the f**k are you?" I almost shouted, and aimed the 1911 at him. 

"Easy, easy. I'm not a threat." He replied. I immediately heard rustling in other tents, and soon gun barrels were sticking out of them.

"What are you doing here, and what did you take out of that bag?" I asked. He held up his hands, a duffel bag in one of them.

"Look man, I'm just looking for some basic supplies. I saw you guys were armed and didn't want to provoke anything or take any of y'all's weapons, only some food or water or something. Sorry to steal it's just-"

He was quickly interrupted by Bear, who quickly moved over to him, took the bag from his hand, and punched him in the jaw, then holding him down with his foot on his chest.

"Easy Bear, he could've actually just been passing through." I tried to calm the situation.

"Yeah, passing through our s**t. Could you imagine if he would've gotten a hold of one of our rifles? Could've put us all down real quick."

Zeus stepped in, "He would've already if he wanted to. He already said that he didn't want our guns, let's just let him go."

Something wasn't feeling right. Sure, he could've just been passing through, but by himself with no way of transporting everything? I dropped the hammer, but didn't holster. 

Tss! Tss!

"Shots! Get the f**k down!" I voice called. The looter quickly got up and ran into the trees, and I dropped down. Everyone went silent. 

Minutes passed, there was no movement, talking, or any other sounds. I was still just outside my tent, so I reached in and grabbed my rifle. I looked down the scope into the direction I thought I heard the shots come from.

"Anything?" Zeus asked.

"No. Anyone know where the shots came from?" I asked.

"I remember seeing a flash or two in those trees to the North." Bear replied, pointing. It was strange, we were all sitting ducks, just laying on the ground. It was dark, but the fire was still slightly burning. 

I looked around the trees Bear pointed at. They were far away and extremely dark, but the moonlight slightly helped to see. 

Even more minutes pass, but I was still looking. Then there was something. Something that stuck out. A moving light.

"Hey, hey, hey, I got something." I whispered as loud as I could.

"What what? Tell me what you see?" Bear said.

"Okay, it looks like.. a flashlight? Either way, it's moving, and that is where the shots came from. They are moving further up the mountain.. now it looks like two flashlights.." Then it was gone. Pitch black yet again.

"S**t, lost them. Sorry it's just so hard to see-"

"Don't be sorry. Now we know the direction they're going."

"Wait are we gonna chase them down?"

"They did shoot at us, Ace."

"Did they though? They knew exactly where we were, with the fire, shot only twice, and left." I replied to Bear.

"Maybe you're right. That could've been just a diversion to get us off of their buddy's a*s. And if we moved or went to attack him, they'd shoot. Those shots were likely just to warn us that they were there."

After all was settled, we went back to sleep. I quickly passed out.