Chapter Fifty-Seven - Collateral Damage

Chapter Fifty-Seven - Collateral Damage

Chapter Fifty-Seven - Collateral DamageT/his chapter is updated by nov(ê(l)biin.co/m

Collateral Damage is my middle name!

--Tracy Collateral Damage Weiss, Tier 3 Samurai, defending herself in court after excessive property damages caused during the Lancashire Incursion

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The truck might have been a bit of a clunker, but it was in good enough shape. I could spot patches of paint over rusted bits and could tell that a few of the exterior parts had been replaced. Growing up as I had, it was easy to tell when something was old but well-maintained. Myalis had picked out something that wasnt terrible.

I shouldered Whisper and pulled out ahead of Speedy. The womans only weapon was a handgun that she was holding out ahead of her. I had to keep her safe until we could get moving.

We came around the front of the truck and stopped. There were Model Threes rushing around, an entire pack of them, their clawed feet clicking across the pavement.

Speedy was quick to snap a shot at the nearest.

Not to be outdone, I fired at the next in the line and watched as the bolt Id fired split apart and crashed into the Model Three Id aimed at.

Seeing the alien get shredded was satisfying, but there were a lot more of them behind it. Fire! I called out.

My Lancejets started spitting out thin rows of missiles that pelted the nearest aliens. I joined in, firing until my Whisper clicked empty. By the time that happened I was out of xenos to target.

A look towards the far end of the street showed a couple of them coming around the corner. Not just Models Threes. I spotted a few of those worms and some Model Fours in the lot too. The tide was rolling over towards our position.

Get in the truck, I said.

Speedy nodded, a spent magazine falling behind her as she rushed to the drivers side and hopped up to the door. Its locked!

Myalis? I asked as I slotted the concussion bolts back into Whisper.

Unlocking the truck now. And Im deactivating all of its safety systems for good measure.

Speedy was in the truck a moment later, its engine revving to life. The window rolled down. Where to?

Get closer to the others, I said. Empty the back and load the civilians in.

Yes maam!

The truck backed up a bit, then turned to head closer to the others. That was one thing done. It only left a whole bunch of aliens to deal with. Myalis, how are we on ammo? I asked as I moved away from the others. I crossed under a spot where there were no bridges above and let the rain splatter across my hood.

You could use a few more magazines for your shoulder mounted weapons. Your handguns are fine except for one partially used magazine in your Trench Maker. You are not carrying any additional ammunition for your Whisper.

Damn near every window in the street exploded, raining glass down in sheets. Then the air returned with a great gasp and a second wave of heat, far hotter than the first but also not as heavy, rushed out behind me.

I coughed a few times and stumbled away from the truck.

When I turned around and looked over the street it was to find it covered in foot-tall flames. Bits of aliens burning up all over. A few of the Model Sixes at the back had survived the initial burst and were wiggling around on fire. The bit of rain coming down into the smoke barely did anything to stop the fires.

I looked over to the others to make sure they were safe, and was happy to see that theyd been more spooked than anything. Most of the glass had missed them, and while the stack of toilet paper they had been throwing out of the truck was on fire, they all seemed okay.

I was the only idiot that had been standing in the blast radius when my little bomb lit up.

Trying to speak had me coughing more than anything. Water, I croaked.

A NutriPack appeared in my hand and I slung Whisper over my shoulder so that I could poke it with a straw and drink. Once I was done and the pack was left behind, I coughed a few more times to clear my throat.

That was dangerous, I said.

Fuel-air explosions usually are. Yes.

I jogged over to the others. We need to get going, I said. They might have heard that.

I dont doubt it, maam, Monroe said. His soldiers were helping the old lady into the back of the truck. Theyd kept some of the paper rolls inside as padding on the floors and walls. Probably a good idea.

When the last of them were in, the soldiers rammed the door shut and rushed over to their cars. One ahead, one behind, Monroe called out. Maam, if youd come with me.

I nodded and moved with him over to Speedys now-vacant car. Monroe jumped into the drivers seat and I hopped on the other side. A moment before I closed the door, Dumbass jumped in and tried to poke holes into my thigh with its little legs. Almost forgot you, I said as I placed the drone on the floor.

The sergeant floored it and we shot ahead of Speedys truck just as she started to take off. Wheres our next objective, maam? he asked.

I raised a finger in a one moment gesture. Myalis. Can you put the next shelter on his GPS?

Certainly.

Thats still in the orange zone, Monroe said.

Thats a thousand people. Or maybe a thousand zombies. Either way, its something we need to take care of.

He nodded slowly. Well need to steal more trucks, he said.

Im sure there are a few people who can drive in that shelter. They ought to be thankful enough, I figure.

***