Free Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (Escaping the Dead) by W. J. Lundy

and a
car.  It would be really nice of you if you could get us back home, and not
just leave us on this street.”
    “Yes friend, that is a
very real possibility, but I need you to also allow my people into your home,”
said Junayd.  “We have seen that you have taken the customs compound; you
must take in our people. This city is not safe for them.  Take in my
people, and we will safely bring you home.”
    “Well it’s not my place
to negotiate over, I’m only a guest there Junayd” answered Sean.
    “I see” said Junayd
frowning, “It appears you men will have a long walk home.  You should hurry. 
It will be dark soon”.
    “Hold up, I think we
have room, just get us back to the warehouse and we can work this out,” said
Brad.
    “Wait Brad, we can’t
trust these people, maybe we should just get out here, I think we’re better off
on our own,” snapped Turner.
    Junayd glared at the
insult and turned to walk towards the cars. Brad quickly jumped from the bed of
the truck and walked over to Junayd. “Junayd, if you get us safely back to the
customs compound, I will open my doors to your people.  We’re all in this fight
together now,” Brad said extending his hand.
    “Agreed,” said Junayd
briefly touching his hand to his heart before grasping Brads in a tight
handshake that quickly turned into a hug.
    The ride back to the
compound was quiet and uneventful.  The vehicles pulled into a narrow
ravine that twisted around and behind the customs compound.  The large
truck lurched to a stop and the small man dropped the tailgate of the truck. 
The men jumped out, stretched, and looked around.   “Go through that hole in
the fence,” said Junayd pointing. “If you go through and follow the fence till
it ends you will see the railroad track that will lead you back.”
    “How do you know that?”
asked Brad.
    “My cousin and I have
been raiding and smuggling things from this customs yard for years.  We only
asked your permission to stay here to be polite,” Junayd said, giving Turner a
cold stare.  “We have plenty of work fighting those things in the city; we
really do not need to be bothered with fighting Americans also.
    “Get back to your
warehouse and prepare your men.  We will be at your gates shortly after the sun
sets,” Junayd said.
    “Why not wait till
tomorrow?  You know they are more dangerous at night,” asked Brad.
    “More dangerous? Yes,
but also more predictable.   We will use distractions to move the packs where
we want them while we deliver the people to you.  Be ready for them,” Junayd
said as he turned and walked back to his car.  Shutting the doors, the engines
started and the vehicles drove back down the ravine leaving the soldiers. 
    Sean walked by and
patted Brad on the shoulder; a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by
Turner.  “You did good Brad, now let’s get back to the hooch” said Sean as
he lifted the hole in the fence while the men went through.
     
    They made their way
back to the warehouse, and received a warm welcome from the waiting men. 
Brad briefed them on what had happened and that they were about to receive
guests.  Sean and a couple of the soldiers cleared the warehouse next door
so that it could be set up as lodging for the incoming civilians.  
Brad took Sergeant Turner on a tour of the compound and helped his men settle
into the building.  They were happy to see the flush toilets and running
water.  Brad got Cole started on preparing the evening meal and he told
them all to get some rest.   As Brad was leaving, Turner called him
over. 
    “You have done well
here Brad, and you did good getting these men here safely.  I just want you to
know that I won’t step on your feet,” said Turner. “It seems the world has gone
to shit quickly.  I don’t know where that leaves the military, but I am a Platoon Sergeant and it’s going to stay that way.  However, I think you have
proven yourself, and you should be the acting