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“Well, sir, our helicopter has some mechanical problems, and we landed here to see if we could repair it or maybe find another aircraft,” Priest answered.
“Well, there is nothing left here, but I could look at what you got out there.” The old man said.
“Thank you, Sir.” Doc ran out and motioned for Doug to shut it down. They all walked out as Doug and Allison exited.
Priest motioned to the old man, “Doug, this is… Sorry Sir, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Names Henry Gerald Thompson, but everybody calls me Tug.”
“Tug, I’m Priest, this is Doc, Shaw, Doug our pilot and finally Allison.”
“Hmm, Miss Allison, you look familiar.” He looks at the helicopter and sees News Channel 8 on it. “Ah, that’s where I’ve seen you.”
“Oh, you watch our news?” She asked.
“Sometimes, you’re all right, but that Steve Atkins fella on there is a complete jackass. Don’t know is ass from a hole in the ground. Just saying.”
“You’re not wrong, Tug. He’s an asshole in actual life.” Tug’s eyebrows went up. He showed something that could pass for a smile and tipped his hat to Allison, “Ma’am.” He walked over with Doug to survey the damage.
Priest addressed the Team, “Get some chow and check your gear, one stays on watch.” Shaw motions for Doc to eat and that he’ll stand watch until he’s done. Priest pulls out a protein bar and offers it to Allison. She takes it and then he pulled out one for himself. Doc gives one to Doug and offers one to Tug, but he turned it down.
Priest watches as Doug and Tug talk about the damage and then walk over to him. “So, where are we with this?” he asked the two.
“Well,” Tug started, “That shaft is done and I would
n’t get back in the air with that damage.”
Doug added, “Yeah, it’s much worse than when we inspected it on the highway.”
“So, it looks like we will go the vehicle route and drive the rest of the way. Tug, do you have a vehicle we can borrow?” Priest asked.
“You know, I had a nice pickup with 4-wheel drive and a crew cab. Funny thing is, with all the low crime we have here, I always left my keys in it.” He takes his hat off and scratches his head. “When people were bugging out, some sum bitch stole it.”
“Damn, sorry about that,” Priest said.
Tug shook his head, “Shit, my dumb ass fault. You know, there is one vehicle I have here, but it’s not the best for traveling. It runs and I guess with what is going on with the world, you all could take it.”
“Great, where is it?” Priest said.
“Follow me.” Tug walked over to the right-hand hangar and entered the pedestrian door. Seconds later, the hangar doors opened, and a loud sound like something being started reached their ears and the next thing they know, a huge bright lime green truck rolls out.
“What the fuck?” Shaw exclaimed.
Tug steps off of the truck. “Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the E-One Titan 4X4 Airport Rescue Fire Fighting vehicle. It has a 675 hp Cummins diesel, with 4-wheel drive, self-sealing tires and room for 6 if you squeeze in tight.”
The Team looked at the vehicle in awe. The tires alone were five feet tall, and the vehicle looked like something the US Army had, which they called a HEMTT.
Tug was beaming like a father showing off his newborn baby. “They use this for firefighting at the Indianapolis International Airport. They sometimes deliver the vehicles here to get checked out, serviced and graphics applied before they ship them down to Indianapolis.” There was just silence as the team just gawked at the truck.
Shaw was half drooling as the beast mesmerized him. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” His eyes were full of wonder.
Doc was snapping his fingers at Shaw. “Hello, hello? He’s gone.”
Priest turned to Tug, “Well, it’s not a Ferrari, but I believe it will serve our purposes, especially if we run into any infected. Ok, team, mount up, Shaw, you’re driving.” Shaw let out a giggle like a little schoolgirl and the rest of the team looked at him with confused looks.
Priest motioned to Tug, “Sir, I really would like for you to come with us. You said yourself there is nothing here for you anymore and we don’t know how soon the madness will take over this area. We have been through its multiple times and it ain’t pretty. There is no way I could have a clear mind if we leave you…” Priest stopped because Tug had walked away. “Tug, where are you going?”
“To get my bag and my guns. You going on long winded like that, we’ll be dead by the time you shut up,” Tug grunted.
