The Pulse Omnibus by Roger Hayden

Author:Roger Hayden [Hayden, Roger]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: DBS Publishing LLC
Published: 2015-06-22T04:00:00+00:00

They entered the bright tent, which was illuminated by several encased long bulbs handing from above. Under the lights were two long plastic dining tables, with several bearded men sitting there eating slices of ham and mashed potatoes. Most of them were decked out in camouflage gear and armed with semi-automatic rifles. At the end of the tent sat a makeshift kitchen station where the ham was being cooked and served.

The distinct aroma caused James’s group to stop and breathe in deeply. Russell took notice and stood next to James, speaking in a boastful tone.

“That ham is as good as the day it was cut from the pig,” he said.

“How do you get your food? Do you guys hunt?” James asked, staring ahead.

“Sometimes,” Russell replied. “But you'd be surprised by the shelf-life on some of this military-grade canned meat.”

James wanted to ask Russell if he had been in the military, but he appeared so pale and sickly that James didn't want to put Russell on the defensive. The conversation died out gradually, and before James and the others knew it, all eyes were on them. Russell stepped forward with a smile.

“Gentlemen, meet our guests for the evening.” Russell glanced at them and then back to his men. “They're going to be staying with us for a little while, so I want you to clear out some space in Cabin B.”

James and Mark waved to the men as Christina and Janice looked over their heads, trying to scope out the area.

Russell turned to address James. “We had a new group come here the other week, some college kids. They're eager to fit in as well. You guys would probably get along great with them.”

Paula was disappointed not to see any kids her age anywhere.

“Is this everyone?” James asked.

“Pretty much,” Russell said, waving his third in command, Eli, over. Eli seemed a tad frustrated from having to get up and stop eating, but walked over nonetheless.

“Yes, Russell?” Eli asked.

“Where's Shane and his crew?” he asked.

“I'm not sure. They haven't shown up yet.”

Russell gripped Eli's shoulder, making direct eye contact. “Eli, you're slipping,” he said in a humorous tone. “What do we say when people don't come to dinner?”

Eli thought to himself. The black bandana on his head ended slightly above his eyebrows. “There must be something wrong?”

“Bingo! That's correct; now why don't you check on them and make sure everything is OK. Also tell them that we have some company.”

“Roger,” Eli said, walking off.

Russell then swung around to address James. “Please, grab a plate and get some food. You're welcome to sit anywhere you want. We can continue our conversation after you get some food in your bellies.”

Before they could respond, Russell left the tent, vanishing like a ghost. They had no choice but to remain in the tent and at least introduce themselves.

The men in the tent stared at them with indifference, and it was hard to gauge whether they were welcomed. Mark didn't really want to sit with them but figured it was worth it for a hot plate of food.

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