Free The Road to Macon: A Zombie Novel by Micah Gurley Page A

Secondary Command, there are people in the Command Center but...they're not…” the voice on the radio hesitated, not knowing what to say. “Kyle, Charlie 4 is almost to you, explain it to him.”
    Kyle had to laugh at that one, as he watched Sergeant Neil and Tim come running across the open pavement to rest beside him. They were both breathing heaving, sweat pouring from them.
    “What’s going on out here? We've been inside the vial area?” Neil said. He continued breathing heavily and seemed extremely put out that his world had wrinkles in it. Radios weren't allowed on inside the vital area, lest they affect the reactors, which explained his ignorance of the situation.
    “Neil, that virus we heard about is here, and it makes people crazy. It’s like rabies; it makes them crazy, taking away their pain receptors. I believe it kills them also.” He knew it wasn’t a clear and concise explanation but he wasn’t a doctor, nor could he prove what he thought. He also thought it wise to not mention the little bit about having shot three of their own people in the head.
    “That’s ridiculous Kyle, I would expect more from you than this. And you call yourself educated,” he said, with a condensing shake of his head. Kyle looked straight at him, eyes not wavering but demanding that Neil meet his. He wanted to jack this guy, but choked it down. He tried again.
    “Neil, you haven’t been out here. They’re dangerous and I think they're right inside that door. You don’t have to believe me, just wait and you’ll find out yourself when they try banging into the door again,” Kyle said, his words coming slowly through an almost locked jaw. He felt like he expressed his himself quite well, all things considered.
    “Let’s go. You can back us up. Maybe there was a fight in there. They may need help,” Neil said, brushing off Kyle's plea. He got up and started to walk to the metal windowless door where a continuous uneven banging was coming from the other side. The door was up four small concrete steps that would lead to a small square clearing surrounded by round guardrails to keep people from falling.
    “Negative Neil, I won’t stand near that door when it opens and neither of you should either, as a matter of fact.” He keyed his radio again, “Jasmine, live cover from your position please?” He looked up at the tower in the distance. The gun port facing him was already open. A quick response came back.
    “Copy that Kyle, I already am.”
    “You will not take your rifle down XR-1. We are not at Orange Alert anymore. I am the sergeant, I will call the play,” Neil screeched, indignation and hurt pride spilling out. His outburst caused Kyle to smile, but he kept his eyes on the door.
    “Copy that Neil,” came the sarcastic response from the tower. The gun port didn't close. Neil gave a huff and started to walk up the stairs.
    "Maybe we ought to wait for the lieutenant," Tim suggested, looking down at his boots. Tim was a guy that got along with everyone, and he would always follow orders that were given to him. He had never had any cause not to. He looked up at Kyle questioningly.
    "Tim, you don't have to go up those stairs. Trust me on this buddy," Kyle said desperately. He then turned to Neil. "You shouldn't either.”
    "Kyle, you're going to lose your job for this. Insubordination!" Neil yelled. "Tim, unless you want to lose yours as well, you'll go find out what's going on.”
    Kyle's anger began to mount but he would try one more time to stop this fool. He reached to take Tim’s arm but Neil saw him coming and put his hand on his sidearm. Kyle looked amazed at Neil, they weren’t close but he never would have thought Neil would pull a gun on him. Kyle took a step back and raised his hands. “He’s gonna get me killed,” Kyle thought.
    Neil smirked as if he had shown him who the real boss was and turned to motion Tim up the stairs.
    "Tim don't," Kyle pleaded looking at his friend. "Don't."
    "Got to