Blue Plague: War: Blue Plague, #6

By Thomas A Watson

The ultimate battle for humanity and freedom begins—and ends—right here.

On one side: the ravenous, unending and undead hordes of the Infected—insanely fast blue zombies who can think, heal, and even reproduce. On the other: the vicious, hyper-violent and desperate remains of the U.S. Government, obsessed with destruction of the real America. Only Bruce and his brave clan of battle-hardened warriors will stand and fight for the future.

But there is hope. Bruce and his clan have gathered an awesome array of weaponry on the ground and in the air. They commandeered most of the country's satellite assets. And they have a bold plan for wiping out the traitorous Presidential forces. What's more, they have an advantage that the corrupt POTUS doesn't even suspect: a man on the inside who's willing to risk everything to save the lives of the troops. Nothing less than the future of the human race is at stake. And Bruce is ready for the fight.

It's high-tech military action and zombie madness in a wide-ranging post-apocalyptic vision that will thrill and inspire you. And for many of your favorite characters, it comes to a head—and ends—right here.

The ultimate war at the end of the world is finally here! Don't miss the other volumes of The Blue Plague Series, available now!

OTHER BOOKS IN THE BLUE PLAGUE SERIES
The Fall
Survival
Sacrifice
Rage
Decisions
War
Hope

Other series by Thomas A. Watson: Forgotten Forbidden America, The Bonner Incident, Blue Plague, Dark Titan, Forsaken World, Vengeance in Blood, Thanos, Viral Misery that he co-wrote with his wife Tina and Stolen Liberty he co-authored with William Allen and M.C. Allen, authors of Walking in the Rain series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A-Poc Press LLC
• Release date: Oct 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393873198

Thomas A Watson

Watson writes in several genres. Check out his fantasy books, Thanos, his dystopian books, Dark Titan, Forgotten Forbidden America, The Bonner Incident, and zombies in The Blue Plague series and Forsaken World. 

Book preview

Chapter One

Mike stepped out of the bathroom dressed in his lounge pants, drying off his head as Nancy put on one of his t-shirts and moved toward the bed. Then, they heard something hit the floor hard and felt the floor shake from Bruce’s room next door, and they looked at each other. That’s when they heard Stephanie and Angela scream, Bruce!

They both took off running toward Bruce’s room. Throwing the door open, they saw Angela and Stephanie on each side of a comatose Bruce. What the hell did y’all do to him? Mike shouted, moving over to Bruce.

Nothing. We told him something, and he passed out, Stephanie said, rubbing Bruce’s face.

That’s impossible; nothing can make Bruce pass out, Mike said, kneeling beside Bruce. Angela scooted over, letting Mike get closer to examine him. Did you hit him with something? Like a bat?

No Mike, we didn’t hit him, Stephanie snapped as she leaned over Bruce. Bruce, baby, are you okay?

Well, what the hell did you tell him? Mike asked, finding Bruce had a strong pulse, his breathing was good, but his eyes were rolled back in his head. Not hearing an answer, Mike stopped his exam and looked at each of them and found them blushing. If it’s something kinky, I’m leaving, Mike said as Nancy slapped the back of his head hard. Knowing he deserved it, Mike didn’t say a word.

Mike, keep on, and I’ll knock you out, Nancy said, kneeling with them next to Bruce.

Mike just gave her a sour look as Angela looked at Nancy. We’re pregnant, she said.

Shock spread across Nancy’s face, then she lunged toward Angela, wrapping her arms around her then pulled Stephanie over Bruce, hugging both at the same time. I’m so happy for you two, Nancy told them.

Shocked to the core, Mike fell back on his knees and hit the side of the bed. That’s the only reason he didn’t hit the ground. Finally getting his power of speech, back Mike muttered, Well, yeah that would knock Bruce on his ass.

Stephanie pushed back from Nancy. You don’t think Bruce is mad, do you? she asked.

Nancy kissed Angela on the cheek and turned to Stephanie. Are you kidding? How can he be mad? This is just the kind of information that takes men by surprise.

Ah, Nancy, he has kids, so it’s not like he hasn’t heard this before, Stephanie said, looking back down at Bruce.

Before Nancy could answer, Mike pushed them away and leaned over until he was over Bruce’s face. Slapping Bruce’s face, Mike yelled, Bruce! Bruce, you’re being a pussy. Wake up! Nancy popped Mike on the back of the head again.

Ignoring the slap, Mike continued to pop Bruce on the cheeks till he heard a groan escape Bruce’s lips. Cracking his eyes open, Bruce saw Mike over him. Hey Mike, where am I? he asked, shaking his head.

In your bedroom, brother, Mike answered with a grin.

I know that, but what happened? The last thing I remember was I need to paint the ceiling.

You don’t remember anything else? Mike asked, grinning wider.

Closing his eyes, Bruce started to think as the fog cleared his mind. His eyes flew open. Holy shit! he screamed.

Mike grinned as Bruce sat up and scooted away from them. Chuckling, Mike said, Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Nancy popped the back of his head again, harder this time.

Looking from Mike, he turned to Angela and Stephanie and could see shock on their faces. How could that happen? Bruce asked.

The smile dropped off Mike’s face as he brought his fingertips together. Well, you have two bees—

Mike, shove it! Bruce snapped and looked at Angela and Stephanie.

Shaking his head, Mike started to grin again. Bruce, you should know by now how babies are made, Mike said.

Mike, I had a vasectomy! Bruce yelled at him.

Reaching out, Mike grabbed Bruce’s hand, making him look in his eyes. I know, Bruce; I had one also. But Debbie was always on Depo, so you could’ve been fertile since the operation, Mike said. Vasectomy has a one in a hundred failure rate, Bruce, and you are spunky monkey.

Sweat started beading on Bruce’s forehead as he turned to look at Angela and Stephanie. He could see alarm on their faces and tears in their eyes. They lunged forward, wrapped their arms around him, and started crying. Bruce, I’m sorry, Stephanie blurted out.

Reaching up, Bruce pushed both back and put his fingers on their lips. First, there is nothing to be sorry about. Don’t think I’m mad, girls—just shocked, Bruce said and pulled them close, wrapping his arms around them, hugging them tight. Seeing Bruce hold them tight, Mike pulled Nancy close and hugged her.

Taking a breath to say something, Mike looked at Nancy. Nancy put her hand over his mouth. If it’s a smart ass comment, I’m punching you in the mouth, she said. Knowing Nancy meant it, Mike turned to look at the three, keeping his mouth shut.

After holding the two in his arms, Bruce blurted, Holy shit, I’m going to be a daddy. Again.

Angela looked up at him with a dubious expression. You aren’t happy? she asked.

Yeah, just shocked, floored, numb, flabbergasted, and stunned, Bruce said.

Letting Bruce, go Stephanie looked at him. Those all mean the same thing, Bruce.

Not right now they don’t, Bruce said. Because I can feel each one, he added, shaking his head and stuttering.

You only fell down to your knees when Debbie told you each time she was pregnant, Stephanie said.

Closing his eyes and dropping his head he said, Stephanie, I thought my baby making days were over. I’m sorry, but I’m a little shocked.

So you’re not mad, only shocked? Angela asked, smiling.

Lifting his head up with a nervous smile, he replied, I can’t be mad over something like this. But shocked, oh yeah.

Angela started snorting as she laughed. I’m glad because if you would’ve said something about us sleeping with someone else, I was going to shank your ass, she said truthfully.

The emotion fell off Bruce’s face as he looked at her. You really thought I would’ve said something like that? he asked in a monotone.

Shrugging, she said, No, but if you would have, Mike would’ve had to stop the bleeding.

Bruce pulled both of them to him, wrapping his arms around them again. For better or worse, he said and looked at Mike and Nancy. Nancy had tears coming out of her eyes, and Mike was just grinning. I’m going to have a grandchild older than some of my kids, Bruce said. I’m an old fart fixing to be a daddy again, he chuckled.

Stephanie burrowed her head in his shoulder. Call yourself an old fart again, and I shank you. Mike is still here to sew you up, she said.

Mike, will you stay in here tonight? I might slip up, Bruce asked.

That is a negative, Ghostrider. If they cut ya, I can make it over here before you bleed out.

Bruce looked down at the top of Angela’s and Stephanie’s head. I take it you haven’t told the rest of the family yet? he asked.

I thought you said he was smart, Stephanie, Angela said, not looking up.

He is, but when he listens to the boy side of his brain, he loses a lot of IQ points, Stephanie replied.

Laughing, Bruce struggled to his feet, holding the two in his arms. Then, he looked at Mike. Mike will you and Nancy help gather the family in the kitchen so we can tell them?

Excitedly, Nancy clapped her hands. I know something before the kids do, she said, standing, and pulled Mike to his feet.

Nancy and Mike left to get the kids as Bruce stripped and put on some lounge pants. Then, holding hands with Angela and Stephanie, he led them downstairs. When they reached the kitchen, everyone was there. PJ was beating Dani, wanting to get down, and the twins were sitting in Jake’s lap. Cade was with his buddy Mindy, sitting in her lap, resting his head on her shoulder.

Further down the table, Steve was quietly arguing with Tonya that it was his turn to hold little Debbie. Tonya and Nathan just ignored him. Nathan was in Tonya’s lap, and they were talking with the baby. Seeing the family around the table made Bruce smile.

Dani looked up at Bruce and saw the shit eating grin. Dad, if you’re going to go crazy again, I want a vacation first, she said with a straight face.

Blinking rapidly, Bruce took a step back, not even sure how to address that statement. So he shook his head and did the next best thing: ignored it. Everyone, we have something to tell you, he said in a firm voice.

Everyone turned to look at Bruce, who was still holding Angela’s and Stephanie’s hands. He pulled them close and put his arms over their shoulders. I’m going to be a daddy again. Angela and Stephanie are pregnant, Bruce declared. The shock on the faces at the table was absolute with everyone’s mouths falling open.

Breaking his shocked trace, Steve chuckled and asked, That’s a good one, Dad, but why did you call us down here?

I’m serious son, Bruce said, and Steve’s face froze in his chuckle.

Dani leaned over the table, letting PJ go. PJ climbed out of her lap and crawled across the table to Stephanie, laughing. What!? Dani yelled. Stephanie moved over to grab PJ before he made it to the edge. He still had no fear.

Starting to get irritated, Bruce nearly shouted, How many times do I have to say they are pregnant and I’m the daddy?

Dani jumped to her feet. How!? she shrieked.

Bruce looked from Dani to Mike then back to Dani. Putting his fingertips together, Bruce started, Well, you have these two bees—

Slapping the table interrupting him, I know how they are made, but how could you make them? Mom said you got clipped so there wouldn’t be anymore, Dani snapped as Matt put his hand on her shoulder.

Well, it doesn’t always work, and your mom was on the shot, so we have no idea how long it hasn’t worked, Bruce informed her.

Dumbfounded, Dani blurted, I’m eighteen now, and I’m married.

With PJ in her arms, Stephanie looked at Angela. You would think that since he gave birth to Dani, we could at least find a scar on him, she said.

Angela laid her head on Bruce’s chest. He had a good doctor, she said, grinning.

Bruce closed his eyes, wishing this would go over easier. Dani, no one is more shocked than me, and yes, I know all that, but I hope y’all are as happy as we are.

Just staring at her dad with her mouth open, Dani finally found her voice. Of course I’m happy, just a little taken back, she said.

I said almost the same thing.

Try floored, flabbergasted, shocked and stunned, Dani said, dropping down in her chair.

Angela reached down, pulled up Bruce’s shirt, and started rubbing his belly. Quit that, Bruce said, slapping her hand away.

I don’t care how good that doctor was, I should at least be able to feel the scar, she said.

Buffy got out of her chair and ran over to Stephanie, wrapping her arms around her waist. I’m going to be a big sister again, she said as she kissed Stephanie’s belly and went over to Angela, doing the same thing.

Moving as one, everyone at the table stood and went over to embrace the three. When Jake made it to his Dad, he grinned. You know, it’s supposed to be the other way around. We have the kids, and you babysit, he said.

Bruce shrugged. Hey, I didn’t know.

Jake laughed as he hugged his dad. The family talked and laughed then headed back to bed. Dani, Jake, and Mindy kept the little ones as Bruce led Angela and Stephanie back to bed. They climbed into bed, and Bruce pulled the two close as they talked for several hours until Angela and Stephanie drifted off to sleep.

When the two were asleep, Bruce climbed out of bed and dressed. Looking back in the bed, Bruce smiled and opened the drawer to the night stand, taking out two sheets of paper. He folded two origami swans with their wings out and put one on each side of the bed. Grabbing his vest and rifle off the rack, he eased over to the bed, kissed both on the forehead, and left the room.

Coming downstairs, Bruce headed to the game room and stopped. He stared at the mantle over the fireplace at Debbie’s urn. He moved over and stood in front of it. I really think you had something to do with this, and I don’t think it’s all that funny, Bruce said out loud, and he could swear for an instant, he could hear Debbie laughing. He shook his head and looked at the urn. Debbie, I told you I would love them no matter what; I was just getting used to the newlywed routine. Now, I have to go through not one but two pregnant wives at the same time. That’s so uncool, Bruce said as he closed his eyes. Then, he could smell Debbie and could feel her close by.

You must continue to live this life and not just wander through it, a whisper sounded in Bruce’s mind.

The worries washed away, and Bruce smiled. I don’t know the reason, but this is still uncool. I really think my life is fixing to get very complicated, he said, standing in front of the urn. How long he stood there, he didn’t know, but when he opened his eyes, he couldn’t smell Debbie anymore. I miss you and will always love you. I think I understand now, Bruce said, turning around.

Walking outside, Max ran up to him. Where have you been? Bruce asked, rubbing Max’s head. Max just looked up at him like he was saying, No one let me in. Slinging his rifle over his shoulder, Bruce walked to the west fence around the farm. Climbing up on the berm, he looked out across the field and could see work lights as crews readied the vehicles to leave the next day for the scavenging patrols. They were heading to the military bases in Alabama and Georgia to empty them out. Looking at his watch, Bruce saw it was close to 0500 hours. Lowering his arm, he stared out across the field as tears ran down his cheeks.

***

Coming out of the Center, Father Thomas saw someone standing on the berm and headed over to see who it was. When he saw it was Bruce, he almost turned and left but continued toward him. Hearing someone walking up behind him, Bruce looked over his shoulder. You don’t have to make it that obvious, Debbie, he thought. Hello, Father, Bruce said, turning back toward the field.

Hello, Bruce.

What are you doing out now? Bruce asked.

I was heading over to pray with the teams before they left this morning, he said, stopping beside Bruce. Father Thomas looked over at him, and from the lights in the field, he could see tears on his cheeks. Is everything all right, Bruce? he asked.

Bruce closed his eyes and sighed. Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned, he said.

Chapter Two

It was Friday evening over a week later when the command group met in mission control. As everyone sat down Bruce moved to the head of the table. Now, let’s get down to business, he said as everyone took out notebooks, and Paul took out a bottle of Tylenol and set it on the table.

Grinning at Paul, Bruce started, Angela, how long until the scavenging crews are done?

At our current rate, we will have all the bases in Alabama emptied of what we want in four days, six at the most, she said.

Now, that’s what I want to hear, Bruce said, smiling at her. Stephanie how, is the supply inventory coming? he asked, turning to her.

Everything we have stored has been logged, and what is taken out is marked off. From this moment, we can eat for five years if we only eat canned food we have stored here. We have enough food put up to last forty thousand for that long. The refinery is ready to start when we need it, she said.

Oh yeah, Bruce said and looked at Paul. Paul, how goes the building world?

All towers are fully operational, and the walkway around the inside of the wall is up. The lake is almost full, and the hydro station will be online in two days. We did a test run, and it works great. The road system you wanted for the compound is underway and should be finished in a month. The air crews asked if we could build some hangers for the aircraft, and I have started that. The barracks are up in Hope. We can now take seventy thousand people here. We will have the dining halls and rec areas completed in a month, Paul said.

I said fifty thousand, Bruce clarified.

Yes you did, but at least this will buy me some time before you ask for skyscrapers, Paul answered. Bruce shook his head, looking at Paul. What? I’ve learned if you want something, always do more to save myself a headache later.

Fine, Paul, your point is taken, Bruce said, grinning.

Paul looked at Bruce for a minute then started talking. Bruce, I remember when we were fighting to just keep control of a few miles around us. Where we were going to get food and fight a battle with every blue in northwest Louisiana. Now, we are fighting blues over the Midwest and Eastern seaboard. I remember being stuck in a tree with my family thinking we were going to die up there. You come along and start a war on a scale few can imagine and try to save humanity. That is forward thinking on a scale few are capable of. Everyone in the command group nodded.

Paul, I’m not the one you should be thanking, Bruce said.

Looking Bruce in the eyes, Paul said, I know Debbie asked you to keep this going, but you were doing it.

No, that’s not what I meant. Debbie asked me to save everyone I could and rebuild. I’m still not the one to thank.

What the hell do you mean? Paul asked.

Bruce sighed and looked at Paul. Paul, it was never my plan to bring people here that were not already an asset to the family. If I would have followed my plan, we would be dead.

What the hell do you mean, Bruce? Nancy asked.

I asked Angela and Alex here because they were an asset. They work hard and grew up on farms. It wouldn’t take much for us to invest in them. I never asked Susan and them to join; they just followed. It was after the school Mike and I hit to get supplies that I started to think. I was going to leave Maria and Lynn with those kids; Susan and her two were slowing us enough already. It was Mike who convinced me I was wrong. If people wanted to survive and could live by our rules, then we should save them. That’s not what Mike said, but it’s what he meant. I didn’t understand at first, but if I wouldn’t have listened to him, we all would be dead now. If Maria and Lynn wouldn’t have been there to pass us their magazines when that mob hit us in the woods, we would’ve been overrun and died. The rest I leave to your imagination. Maria and Lynn didn’t know anything, but they tried and it saved us. If anyone needs thanking, it’s Mike. Without him, I can honestly say we would all be dead several times over.

Mike gasped, looking at Bruce, then everyone at the table turned to look at Mike. Mike’s face started turning red as everyone stared at him. Nancy hugged and kissed him on the cheek. Thank you, Mike, Paul said.

Conner nodded toward Mike and looked at Bruce. Well, since we have diverted off the subject, I want to ask. Do we have enough to fight this war now? he asked.

Not really. It will take us two decades to fight it, and even then, it would just be a stalemate, Bruce said.

What? Willie asked.

We need to have a five thousand strong attack group out at all times fighting this war. Right now, that is half our total strength, and you can’t keep men out under constant combat conditions.

When did you come up with this? Willie asked.

A few months ago, Bruce replied. During my insane run through Texas, I realized I had to have a shit load of troops to fight this war. The best I could do there was run and gun. Granted, it worked, but as Stephanie pointed out, all we could do was hold them in check in that one area. To win this war, we need a lot more troops.

That was why you wanted to be ready for fifty thousand. You were planning on getting those in the government camp, Stephanie said.

With a slight grimace, Bruce said, No, to be honest, I was going to nuke them. Everyone froze hearing that. What? I’m not going to lie. They are bigger than we are and have more troops. Why is it so hard to imagine my reaction? Bruce asked.

Bruce, we hit that group in Grenada, and they were a lot bigger than we were, Conner blurted.

Untrained with very little knowledge on the military weapons they had. We had the advantage. If they would’ve been a little larger or I would’ve known just how large they were, I would have just wiped them off the Earth, Bruce answered.

Damn, you play for keeps, Adam said, glad he had left Colorado.

Make no mistake, I’m going to save what I can, but I won’t risk what we have to do it. If Walker can pull off his plan and get those troops join us, we can win this war in ten years. If not, we will pass this war off onto our kids, Bruce answered.

Do you think Gene can pull it off? Stephanie asked.

I give it fifty/fifty, Bruce answered, shrugging.

Adam looked at Bruce with hesitation. If he can’t, are we going to kill those troops? he asked.

Down to the last man, Bruce replied. That is the commitment I asked for and you gave.

I know, and I will, but it’s not fair. They are just doing what they are told. They know if they don’t, most have families there that will be hurt if they don’t follow orders, Adam said.

I know that, Adam, but nobody is going to hurt this family or this clan as long as I have a breath left in my body. You really think the clan would have a chance if those idiots up there were in charge? Bruce asked.

Adam sighed. No, Bruce, I know we would all live in a state of terror. Just like when I left. I will do it, but I won’t like it.

None of us like it, but we will do it, Bruce replied. We have a week left in November. I want all the crap from those bases here now. The weather is getting nippy, and the blues aren’t pulling up like they did last year. I feel they are going to be active longer this year. If Walker can work his magic, the government won’t roll till January. That gives us a little over a month, Bruce said.

Can we beat them if Gene can’t work his magic? Mike asked.

Without a doubt, Bruce replied.

Raising his eyebrows, Mike added, Without popping a nuke?

Yeah, I’m not popping a nuke unless I have no choice, Bruce said.

How can you be so sure? Mike asked.

I have more planes than they have anti-aircraft missiles.

Well. how is he going to do it? Angela asked.

Have no idea, but I’m talking to him tonight. He’s been busy, so we haven’t been able to talk, Bruce told her.

Jake looked down at his notebook. They have been scraping up fuel and sending out patrols, getting more. It’s been colder up there, and they have very little movement of blues around them. They will be coming at us with seven thousand troops. Three regiments of two thousand each and a command regiment of a thousand. The three regiments are going to be in flying wedges with the command regiment in a reverse wedge behind them. Their principle is if we hit them, they can drop one wedge back to form a circular defense while two regiments attack us. They have twenty-five choppers in support. Twenty of those are Apaches. They don’t have fuel for prolonged operations for the rest. They will have six Patriot systems, ten MRLS, fifty artillery, a dozen tanks, and several dozen Bradleys. The rest will be Strykers, Hummers, and troop trucks. All track vehicles will be driven down on trucks along with the choppers, Jake said and looked up.