Dispatches (The Perseid Collapse Post Apocalyptic Series Book 4) by Steven Konkoly

Author:Steven Konkoly [Konkoly, Steven]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Stribling Media
Published: 2015-02-14T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Searsport, Maine

The entrance to the Searsport Marine Terminal looked secure enough to repel a platoon-sized attack. Alex recognized the distinct shape of 1st Battalion’s Matvees behind the razor-wire-topped fence. Alex wondered if the Marines had any influence on the tight arrangement. Eli Russell’s attack on Sanford Airport had redefined the RRZ’s assessment of the security threat in Maine.

A sentry from the portable blast-resistant guard post approached the SUV. The Marine standing in the nearest Matvee turret hunched forward, nestling into the M240 machine gun aimed at his SUV’s front windshield. He hated being on the receiving end of “the gun,” his fate in the hands of a nervous eighteen-year-old.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” asked Charlie, placing his hands on the dashboard.

“Not really, but it’s worth a try,” replied Alex. “You good back there?”

Ryan shifted in his seat. “Good to go, Dad. Everything is tucked away.”

The sentry, an Army specialist dressed in full combat gear, reached Alex’s open window.

“Sorry, sir. No unauthorized vehicles are allowed inside the terminal. I’m going to need you to back into the parking space behind you and head back out the way you came,” said the soldier, peering into the front and back seats.

“My name is Alex Fletcher, and I need to speak with the senior Marine on site. They’ll want to talk to me. Sorry to dump this on you, Specialist. Do you mind if I park and wait?”

The soldier thought about his request for a few seconds, which was a good sign. If he had no intention of passing along the information, he would have shut Alex down immediately.

“Why don’t you back into one of the spaces there,” suggested the soldier, pointing to a small parking lot on the other side of the access road. “I’ll pass your information on to the Marine garrison.”

“Thank you. I know you guys usually have your hands tied with these things, so I really appreciate your help with this.”

The soldier nodded and backed away, waiting for Alex to reposition the SUV. Once he had pulled them into the closest parking space, Alex shut off the engine.

“I don’t think you should have given them your name,” said Charlie. “You might be on their watch list.”

“I doubt it. The RRZ and state governor are at odds right now. The state controls these soldiers,” said Alex.

“Just saying, Captain Fletcher,” said Charlie. “You never know what kind of deals are being made.”

The reinforced section of chain-link fence on the left side of the guard shack jolted to life, squeaking along on its track. A few seconds later, the familiar squat shape of a tan Matvee appeared on the outbound side of the worn road inside the compound.

“Let’s step out of the car for easier identification,” said Alex.

They stopped behind the SUV as the armored vehicle cleared the gate. The Matvee pulled even with the group and screeched to a halt, the passenger-side door springing open. Staff Sergeant Taylor jumped onto the pavement, shaking his head.

“Never thought I’d see you again, sir,” said Taylor, reaching out to shake Alex’s hand.

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