Chapter 5: Change of Missions

The next day, after talking to Joseph, their Commander gave the go ahead to take on the Beast. Bill, after being released from the care of Dave the Medic, immediately started hunting for Buck. It took quiet a while to find him, since Bill had no idea where anything was. Even though Dave had released him, he was still moving very slowly.

A young lady by the name of Betsy had caught his eye and motioned for him to come over. "I understand you're looking for my husband," she said. Betsy had seen the worn and weary older man leaving the medical building and watched with interest as he stopped everyone inquiring where someone named Buck was. Sensing no evil intent from the stranger, she finally caught his eye and motioned for him to come over where she was working on one of the hydroponics machines in the garden.

Bill looked at the young woman who couldn't be more than twenty-five years old. Betsy was wearing old jeans and an old camo shirt. She was a little over five-foot seven inches tall. Beautiful red hair flowed like water across and just past her shoulders. Her eyes were emerald green and matched her fair, flawless skin perfectly. Bill felt so filthy just standing there next to her. The medics had cleaned him up some, but his clothes were shredded and tattered. Realizing he had been staring at the young lady, he shook himself back to reality replying. "Yes ma'am I'd like to talk to him as soon as possible."

Betsy felt pity for the strange man. Maybe it was her empathic powers passed down from her family's side. She could feel that the stranger had a destiny that still needed to be fulfilled, and it was not to be done here. Smiling she stepped off the rotation machine and took Bill's trembling hand. "Well, let's go find him then."

Bill wasn't used to such kindness from a stranger, although he had already sensed that this place was much different than anywhere he had been before. "I'd really appreciate your help ma'am. This place is huge!"

Betsy laughed. "Well I guess we kind of forget that since all of us were born here. Kind of old hat you know?"

They first went to the cafeteria, and got some lunch. "Mary, can you call around and see if anyone has spotted Buck lately?" She asked the young woman serving them.

"Well sure." The pretty young blonde said adding. "It's about done here now, and that will keep me out of the dishwashing." She laughed seeing the look on Bill's face. "You two take your time eating, and make sure you try the carrot cake sir. Its an old family recipe handed down by my great grandmother."

Bill had never seen so much food spread out in front of him. The young lady serving piled chicken, beefsteak and all kinds of vegetables that Bill didn't recognize on his plate. It must have been four pounds of food he was holding! "Ah, yes ma'am. I'll sure come back and try your carrot cake," he stuttered.

Betsy winked at Mary, "Now we'll be back for seconds and probably thirds too. Bill's a growing boy you know."

Nodding, Mary teased back, "Well it's dying down here now, maybe we should just put a table right up on the line here."

Hearing this Bill shook his head, "No Ma'am, I doubt I'll be able to even eat all this on my plate. I've never seen so much food at one time."

Mary's heart broke as he spoke, looking at the hollowed eyes and sunken cheekbones of the quiet man. Clearing her throat and wiping the mist building in her eyes, she gently spoke, "Well my friend, you eat whatever you can. This kitchen is always open for you, just ask for me, Mary."

Except for his own family, Bill just wasn't used to someone showing any kind of love or even common manners to him. This was such a strange place; it would take some getting use to. Bill had just finished his second piece of Mary's famous carrot cake when she walked over to them. "I finally tracked down your hubby Betsy. He's in the Weapon's room testing out something new with Adam," she said resting her hand on Bill's stomach. "Any more room in there Bill?" she asked joking.

More at ease now, Bill shot back, "Do you have a wheelbarrow around here? That's the only way I'll be able to move now."

Betsy cracked up laughing and Mary joined in. Finally Betsy slapped Bill on his scrawny back saying, "Let's go find my husband before you just explode right here."

Groaning for real now, Bill stood up. "I've never eaten so much in my entire life," he said. Looking at Mary he added, "I really do want to thank you young lady. Such a kind heart is rare outside this place."

Mary started tearing up again and leaned up to give Bill a peck on his whiskered cheek. "You're always welcome here Bill. I'll see you at supper time tonight." And then she left going back behind into the kitchen, where she cried for the loss of this strange man's family.

Bill saw the emotion in Mary's face as she left. "Did I say something wrong to Mary?" he asked Betsy.

She too was tearing up. "No Bill, you didn't. We just forget how different it is out there." Taking the older man's hand, she said, "Now let's go find Buck before I start bawling like a baby too!"

On the way to the Weapons room Betsy showed Bill the different areas of the Sanctuary. "This place is fantastic!" Bill said over and over again.

At the door of the Weapons room, Mary pushed an intercom button. "Hey Adam, Is my hubby still in there?" she asked.

After a few moments the speaker cracked back, "Hang on Betsy, I'll get him for you."

Four minutes later the door opened and a smiling Buck stepped out. "Well to what do I owe this pleasure young lady?" He asked. Then seeing Bill his smile faded. "How are you doing Bill?" he asked, stepping up to the man, and offering his hand.

"I'm a lot better now. Your doctor has cleared me. He says all I need is to get a lot of food back into me, and Miss Mary did a fine job of that," he said smiling.

Buck let out a hearty laugh, "Yep, Mary will feed you till you founder like a horse if you let her." Knowing that they didn't come here just to chat, Buck asked, "So what can I do for you Bill?"

Bill's heart raced as he tried to get his thoughts and needs into order. "I hear you'll be going out soon, I need to go with you when you do." He said looking Buck right in the eye.

"Why Bill? You just got here, and you're not totally recovered yet," Buck questioned.

Bill's thoughts ran through his head trying to find a reasonable excuse to go. "Well, I've been over most of the area you're going to. I could act as a guide and keep you out of the really bad hot spots. I know you have some great weapons and all, but why get in a fight if you don't need to."

Buck knew there was much more that Bill wasn't saying. On the other hand, Bill made a valid point. If he could keep us from having to go through towns that wanted a fight, we'd save our ammo and learn where to avoid danger at the same time, Buck thought.

"You understand our mission is to get medical supplies right?" he asked Bill.

"That's just it Buck, I've been scavenging for medicine for my animals and our family for years. I know where everything is that's good and where everything is that's been cleared out. It will save you a lot of time searching empty buildings and putting your lives on the line for nothing," Bill added.

Buck could see the valid points, but he would need the go ahead from his commander to take a civilian along on this trip. "O.K. let me talk to Daniel, my commander and see what he says. But He has the final say on this you understand. All I can do is present your case to him."

A glimmer of hope sprang to life in Bill's eyes. "That's fine Buck, I'll live by whatever you two decide."

There was something in Bill's eyes that mad Buck just a little uneasy, but he couldn't figure out what it was. Still, Bill would be a valuable asset to the mission. After saying goodbye to his wife and Bill, he went to find Daniel.

"Hell no!" Daniel shouted at Buck in his office. "The man has no training except as a farmer, Buck!"

Buck had anticipated this reaction from his boss. "We don't need another warrior, we need a guide Daniel. Think of him as a local Scout, the military have used them throughout history," he added, trying to get past the negative view of Bill's lack of training.

"True," Daniel replied seeing the Buck's determination in this matter. "But the man was almost dead two days ago Buck. How do you know he can hold up for the trip?" he asked.

Hearing the concern in Daniel's voice, Buck softened his own, "Look boss, we're gonna be in the Beast. He's not gonna be walking the two hundred miles, so he'll be fine."

Daniel sighed, "It's just that it's the first mission on the ground too. We really don't know what to expect out there."

Buck knew he had him now. "That's just it boss, Bill does know what to expect on the ground. Until he was picked up by the other team, he had never been in the air before."

Daniel understood where Buck was leading him, "So, Bill would be a real asset on the ground then, huh?"

Buck didn't want to lie to his boss, "Well, not at first Daniel, but once we get out fifty miles or so then yes. You've got to remember that he was passed out when they brought him in, but we know the area around here anyway." Then closing in on his boss he finished, "It's the areas outside those fifty miles that we've never seen from the ground. That's where Bill's experience will pay off Daniel."

Daniel knew Buck was right. It made good military sense to use a local scout. They had just never had to count on an outsider before, and it worried him. "O.K. Buck, but get him outfitted. I don't want him outside the beast without full protection on him."

Buck smiled, "Yes sir, I'll take care of that personally sir." He saluted his commander and beat it out the door.

Bill and Betsy were back at the garden. Betsy was explaining to Bill how hydroponics worked. " I can't believe you grow stuff without dirt!" Bill said in wonder.

Betsy laughed, "Well, we used to use soil, but after a while we ran out of room to grow enough for our people. Pointing at the massive flotation bins. "These allow us to grow continuously year round, by rotating them as the grow from seedlings to mature plants."

Scratching his head Bill asked. "But how do they grow without dirt? I know they still need nutrients and such."

Betsy reached down and took a head of lettuce from the bin she was working on. "We add the nutrients to the water, and the plant lights take care of the rest. All we have to do is rotate them into different bins as they mature." She showed Bill the roots coming out the bottom of the little plastic box.

"Well there you two are," said Buck as he walked up to them. "Giving Bill a lesson Betsy?" he asked.

"I've been farming my whole life in the dirt, breaking my back taking out stone and rocks." Bill said shaking his head. "All that time, all I needed was just water."

Betsy laughed patting him on the back, "Well it's a little more than just water Bill, but I'd be happy to help you get set up some day on your own place."

The generosity of these people confounded Bill. It was like books he had read as a child, when people were supposed to have been kind to each other. He had always thought that was just a fairy tale that his mother used to read to him. His throat caught a little, "I'd really appreciate that Betsy, if the time allows for it."

Buck wrapped his massive arm across the skinny guy's shoulder, "Well for right now, we need to get you suited up for the road Bill." Seeing the surprise on Bill's face, Buck added, "I got the go ahead from upstairs to bring you along on our trip."

Bill was torn in his heart. He had a chance to live a wonderful life here. Betsy had already told him that he could stay here forever if he so chose. Still the memories in his recent past haunted him. With the battle over, his conscience won out, "Ok Buck, let's get started on my suiting out or up or whatever you call it."

Thanking Betsy again for her kindness, Bill followed Buck back to the Weapons room. Buck typed in the pass-code and the door opened. Hesitating Buck looked at Bill, "What you're about to see is the heart of our protection for our family Bill."

Bill nodded. He understood that Buck was taken a chance on him, a complete stranger, and sharing secrets that if used wrong could hurt this sanctuary. "I understand Buck. You're taking a chance on showing me this, but you have nothing to fear from me," he said quietly looking into Buck's eyes.

"Good enough," said Buck, holding the door to allow Bill to enter.

Two steps inside the door Bill's jaw dropped. "Ho, ho, holy shit!" he stammered. Everywhere he looked the walls were covered in weapons. Most he did not even recognize. Then his eyes went to the middle of the massive cavern, and fell on the three Blackhawk helicopters. "Is that how I got here?" he asked pointing at them.

"Yes sir, you hopped a ride on the dragonfly," said a white haired man that was approaching. Offering his hand, he said, "I'm Adam young man, what's your name?"

Bill took the offered hand shaking it. "Bi, Bill Cartwright sir," he stuttered.

"Well, let's get you set up with some gear Bill," Adam smiled, putting his hand on Bill's shoulder and guiding him to the lockers.

Bill had never owned real boots or pants made of cloth. He had always worn buckskins made by either his mother or himself. These clothes are really light and airy, he thought to himself as he tied up the new boots. The black vest type thing he had on under his camo shirt surprised him the most. He had thought it would be heavy and cumbersome, but soon he forgot he was wearing it at all. "Well how do I look?" he asked Buck and Adam.

"Good son, now walk around a bit, see how the boots feel," Adam replied.

Bill walked around the main room getting a feel of the boots. He tried not to look at all the weapons on the walls, but he sure missed his own guns he had lost. Coming back to the other two men he said, "The boots are great sir, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done."

Adam waved off the comment feeling embarrassed. "I heard you lost your own weapons out there son. What kind did you have?"

Bill frowned thinking of the guns that had been passed down from father to son for so long. Now they were gone, he felt like he'd let his family down. "Well compared to what I see here, they weren't much. I got them from my father, and he got them from his father and so on." Still he missed them. Sighing he said, "I had a model 1895 Winchester 30 Cal. The stock had been replaced six times over the years, and the bluing was pretty much worn off from cleaning it so much. My pistol was an old S&W model 686. The cylinder was loose but it served our family well for generations. I miss them both now, but at least I've alive," he sighed.

Adam and Buck both smirked trying not to chuckle. Still, they knew that the guns had been family heirlooms and that saddened both men. Adam looked at Buck nodding, "Call Tex and get his mangy hide in here Buck."

Smiling, Buck got his radio out, "Hey Tex my boy, where are you at over?"

On the radio they heard some cussing, "Hang on a sec..." After a few seconds the radio came alive again. "Damn Buck! Your timing is for shit!" said an angry Tex over the radio.

Buck could picture what had been going on. "Sorry bout that, but Adam needs you down here like yesterday," he chuckled.

"Ahhh, on my way now," came the reply.

Bill hearing the conversation was a little worried. The last thing he wanted was to have someone mad at him here. Adam saw the look on Bill's face and said, "Don't worry son, you're in good hands with Tex."

Buck quipped, "Yep, but I bet Sue's hands felt better just now to Tex."

Bill caught the joke and was still laughing with the other men when Tex came stomping in. "Ok old man, this had better be good. I was so close to heaven, I could hear the music playing," he grumbled. The men just started all over as tears flowed from their eyes from laughing. Tex not being a bad sport finally cracked up too.

"Well he ain't no Sue, but Bill here needs your attention too," said Adam wiping the tears from his eyes.

Tex stepped over and shook Bill's hand. "What's up pard?" he queried.

Bill, taking in the man's stance and the way he moved, understood he was looking at a walking, talking dealer of death. Tex's relaxed attitude put most people off guard, but Bill could see the signs. This man didn't need to act tough on the outside. His attitude exuded it from within.

"Tex, I'd like you to help Bill pick out two rifles and two pistols," ordered Buck.

Bill couldn't believe his ears. "Now hold on Buck, I can't afford to pay for those." Bill's mouth was dry at the thought of owning such a fine firearm as any of those that surrounded him here.

"Ah hell Bill! It's just a tool to us. Although I do like to match the tool to the job," joked Tex. "Let's start with the pistols first, what's your pleasure a wheel-gun or a automatic?" asked Tex as he led Bill over to the wall covered in thousands of pistols.

Bill's mouth went from dry to drool, as he looked at all the different varieties of pistols. "I've never fired anything but my own pistol so I really don't know Tex," he said. "What would you recommend?"

Tex studied Bill for a few seconds. Bill was so skinny a good wind could blow him over. Tex noticed Bill's wrists were thick and heavy compared to the rest of him. Must be from running a plow so much, thought Tex. Looking at the different Semi-autos and even some of the full autos, Tex picked out a set of matching Browning Hi-Power Mark III's. "These little jewels might be perfect for you bud," said Tex as he handed one to Bill. "This is a Browning Hi-Power Model Mark III. It shoots a .40 caliber S&W round with ten in the magazine and one in the tube."