The Line of Departure by G. Michael Hopf

Author:G. Michael Hopf
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Dystopian, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic, Adventure, Military
Publisher: Plume
Published: 2015-06-01T12:00:00+00:00

Coos Bay, Oregon, Pacific States of America

Gordon looked at his reflection in the mirror. He bent over and splashed some hot water on his face. Water dripped down from this thickening beard. His pulled at the hair on his head, which was now the longest it had been since he was a child. He ran his fingers through the prickly hairs on his face and stopped when his hand touched the scar. Instantly his mind flashed to Hunter, then to Rahab plunging the dagger into his young son’s chest. He blinked hard to erase the thought, but it was impossible to forget. Rahab was correct—the scar would forever remind him of Hunter and of the choices he was making in his life. He pressed his eyes closed hard and focused on Haley and Samantha; he focused on their smiling faces till he blotted out the grisly image of Hunter’s dead body. He longed to hear their voices. The attempt yesterday had failed; the call had connected but there was no answer. He wanted to assume that the reason he didn’t reach them was innocent and simple. Maybe she had the phone off or maybe she was taking care of something important and didn’t hear it. He wanted to avoid thoughts of the worst-case scenario.

As he toweled himself dry, the door to the bathroom swung open.

Finley stood there, his clothes on and rifle slung. “Hey, your presence is being requested.”

“Who’s asking for me?” Gordon asked as he walked past him and into the berthing area.

“Some jarhead stopped by and said you’re to report to the quarterdeck.”

Gordon dressed quickly. He stepped past Finley and said, “I’ll see you in bit.”

“Fuck that, I’m coming with you.”

“They didn’t ask for you.”

“I’m coming nonetheless.”

Both men raced through the maze of passageways and ladder wells till they reached the quarterdeck, a space set aside next to the gangway that overlooked the dock.

Gordon approached a staff sergeant and said, “Hi, I’m Sergeant Van Zandt. I was told to come here.”

“Van Zandt, you’re to report to the police station. The Marine down there will take you.”

“Roger that,” he responded and began to walk down the gangway to the dock.

“Where are you going?” the staff sergeant asked Finley.

“I’m going with him, I’m—”

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“But I’m—”

“You were not requested. In fact, I was given specific instructions for you to stay.”

“This is bullshit. I’m with Van Zandt there, I need to go!” Finley yelled as his temper flared.

“Sir, I’m only going to ask once. Go back to your berthing and wait for Sergeant Van Zandt to return.”

Gordon turned and hollered, “Don’t get your panties in a knot, I’ll be back soon and hopefully we can leave after that.”

He stepped off the gangway and approached the Humvee. Inside was a young lance corporal.

“Hi, I’m—”

“I know who you are. Let’s go, I’ve been sitting here for over an hour,” the lance corporal shot back, clearly irritated.

An amused look stretched across Gordon’s face. He opened the door and climbed in. “Who am I meeting at the police station?” Gordon asked.

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