Genetic Drift by Martin Schulte Page B

even closer, “on the, oh my God…”
    Marcus’ phone had three beeps at the same time as the orbs met with the Earth.  He fell to his knees and his heart emptied as all emotion drained from his body.  Okoye was still watching the horizon for any signs that anything had changed and did not notice Marcus fall.  Marcus’ heart fell out of his chest.  He knew what had just happened.
     

DAY 276
    TRANSPORT LOADING AREA
    CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
     
    Maynard was sitting in his truck waiting for the transport convoy to start.  The convoy consisted of seven pickups, three SUVs, and a dump truck filled to the top with all of the metal from the bunker.  Seated in the other pickups were Paul, Andy, Kyle, Zeke, and Alan’s other lieutenants, with the exception of Ben.  Alan was leaving town but he still wanted his friends as close as possible.  He knew how important it was to be surrounded by people that he trusted.  Each vehicle had either one or two gunners, depending on the seating arrangement. 
    Marcus was assigned to the SUV that would be transporting Mac, Barron, and Maddie.  He sat in the passenger seat while Booby, Alan’s nephew, drove.  Booby did not have high intelligence or even average intelligence.  He was downright dumb and was quick to tell everyone that he was.  But Booby listened and was loyal, two qualities that suited Alan and his needs.
    Alan was the last one to get into a vehicle.  He entered the SUV that would be in front of Marcus.  When he placed his foot into the cab and transferred his weight, the entire thing listed to his side.  After he closed the door, he lifted his right arm out of the window and rotated his forearm as the signal to start moving.  Engines began to rev and Booby started to jump in his seat. 
    “Call me Big Booby, call me Big Booby!” he kept yelling and bouncing.  Marcus looked out of the window.  He was stuck with this guy and he was struggling with his new situation.  This trip was already five seconds longer than he wanted it to be.
    With headlights on and all engines turning, the pack of vehicles started to move away from the militia headquarters.  Ben looked out the window as Alan and his entourage were leaving, a pair of headlights at a time.  He curled his lips in disgust and then walked away from the window, slamming his finger on the map. 
    “I need people here and here,” he said, and pointed at two high vantage points on the map.
    “Yes sir!” one of the scavengers replied.  Ben continued to plan without a full armament of soldiers.
    As the company of SUVs and trucks headed away from headquarters, they drove through Charlottesville for what could possibly be the last time.  Alan was already missing the feeling of being showered with praise from all the locals, imported or not.  It was the praise he loved.  They reached the medical clinic and Booby slammed his hand down on the horn to get their attention. 
    “Would you knock it off?” Marcus said sharply, irritated by everything Booby did or said. “It’s dark outside and you’re making a calling card for the Trolls.” 
    Booby let go of the horn. “I dare ‘em to come, they don’t know what they’re dealing with here,” Booby said, and he flexed his bicep, which was not as daunting as he thought.  He pushed it toward Marcus and Marcus turned his head. 
    “I don’t think you know what you’re dealing with… Anyways, do you think your uncle would appreciate you calling the Trolls before we get out of town?” Marcus asked.  Booby stared silently at Marcus, slowly blinking as he processed Marcus’ last comment. 
    Then Booby rolled down his window.  He climbed on the ledge and sat on the door of the SUV.
    “Hey y’all need to hurry up,” he yelled. Movement started to stir at the medical clinic.  Noticing that his passengers were on the move, he smugly told Marcus, “You see, that got ‘em.”  Booby returned to his seat and leaned toward Marcus.  Six inches