United States Of Apocalypse 3: Divided Nation

By Mark Tufo and Armand Rosamilia

Can Darlene Bobich and Mike Talbot survive long enough to meet again? Can their family bond overcome the hardships of a crumbling country?

Darlene and Mike fight not only the foreign enemy on United States soil, but the foes within the populace of America in the exciting third book of this World War 3 apocalyptic tale.

Faced with chaos and disorder all around them, the survivors must not only reach Osceola, but make sure it stays outside of enemy hands in this epic thriller!

• Language: English
• Publisher: DevilDogPress
• Release date: Oct 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005346867

Mark Tufo

Mark Tufo was born in Boston Massachusetts. He attended UMASS Amherst where he obtained a BA and later joined the US Marine Corp. He was stationed in Parris Island SC, Twenty Nine Palms CA and Kaneohe Bay Hawaii. After his tour he went into the Human Resources field with a worldwide financial institution and has gone back to college at CTU to complete his masters. He lives in Colorado with his wife, three kids and two English bulldogs. Visit him at marktufo.com for news on his next two installments of the Indian Hill trilogy and his latest book Zombie Fallout

Book preview

1

Separation Day

Day 32

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I have another bad thought. Mike and the rest of the National Guardsmen were on their knees, their hands restrained behind their backs. A platoon of Marines with rifles drawn guarded them. Lieutenant Hindenbanker, who had turned out to be a Russian spy, was being brought into the base to talk to Major Kobalt. And the Russian that was working for the Americans, Alexis Papovich, maybe the only man alive who could clear their names, was nowhere to be found.

Worse than this? BT asked.

What if this Major Kobalt is in on it? Kobalt sounds pretty Russian to me.

Jesus. BT let his head hang down. And we drove ourselves here, willingly.

Stand up! the Marine closest to Mike said. All of you stand up! With his rifle, he pushed one of the Russian coconspirators forward. Let’s go, Boris. Got a nice cozy place for you to spend the war in.

Mike looked over at BT. He shrugged. Another Marine had come up behind and began to snip the zip ties off the guardsmen's hands.

Aren’t you going to apologize? Mike asked as he rubbed his wrists.

Go fuck yourself, sweetheart, the Marine told him before moving on to the next.

I’ll take it. Do you have food that doesn’t come out of a plastic packet?

The marine pointed with the snips. Chow hall has some chipped beef.

Chipped beef? Mike had no idea what that was.

Yeah, as in hard enough to chip teeth. Still better than most MREs. Through the gate, halfway across the base on the left. Welcome to Camp Okie.

Thanks. Mike waited until everyone was free, and they were heading in as a group.

Tracy looked around. I need to talk to this major.

Got a feeling she’ll find us soon enough. Right now, I want to eat. BT grabbed his stomach. A hot meal sounds delicious.

Mike and the rest had just sat down with their trays when a Marine detachment came to their table. Major wants to see... he stopped to read a sheet.

Take your time, sound out the words, Mike goaded.

The fuck is wrong with you. BT began shoveling food into his mouth, knowing that they were about to be interrupted.

Sergeant Yonts, Corporal Tynes, and Lance Corporal Talltwat," Sergeants Blanks said.

Funny. Your wife give you that name? Mike asked as he read the name patch.

What? the sergeant asked.

I was just wondering if they called you Blanks because you can’t hit anything when you shoot, or because you can’t impregnate anything when you fuck.

The sergeant’s cheeks flushed bright red and he looked like a blood vessel was going to burst in his temple. The staff sergeant with him coughed and had to take a minute to compose himself. Let’s go. He ushered them out before the pissing contest escalated.

I’m sorry, Mike said when he saw Tracy glaring at him. I can’t help myself. I lash out when I’m nervous.

They were halfway across the cafeteria when BT turned to look behind him. Seriously? he asked, referring to Mike, who had carried his tray with him and was eating as they walked.

Whaf? he asked with a mouthful of food. I’m hungry.

Dammit.

Mad you didn’t think to do it? Tracy asked.

Yeah, pissed, but I’m not telling him that.

Blanks, will you take care of this for me? Mike asked as he placed the now empty tray into the other man’s hands before entering the major’s office.

Me and you are going to dance later, Blanks threatened as he took the tray, he would have let it fall if not for the fact he was directly outside his commander’s office.

I knew you were sweet on me. That’s nice and all, but I have a girlfriend. Plus, I already have one angry black man in my life.

Come on, Blanks, let’s go. Staff Sergeant Fischer could not keep from smiling as they walked away.

Ah, Sergeant Yonts, come in. Major Kobalt offered a chair in front of her desk. I’m sorry to hear about your uncle; he was a good man. We talked a lot about you.

You knew my uncle?

Benford, of course. I repeatedly tried to get him to defect from the Guard and join the Marines. Never would; said the food was better on his side of the fence.

Might be on to something there, Mike said as he clutched at his roiling stomach.

Lance Corporal Talbot, the major nodded. Heard quite a bit about you as well, though not quite as positive as the sergeant here, but you seem to have your moments. Corporal Tynes…it says here up until recently, you were a police officer. Is that correct?

It is, ma’am.

You make a habit of running around with career criminals?

These are far from normal times, ma’am, and, as you just said, he has his moments.

Yes, she said after a moment of reflection. We are in great need of Military Police; how would you like to lead the division?

With all due respect, ma’am, I would rather stay with my team. Where they go, I would like to as well.

Admirable, but perhaps I shouldn’t have phrased it as a request. Staff Sergeant Tynes, you are now the head of my military police. Is that clear?

Crystal, Major, ma’am.

Warrant Officer Yonts, you will be commissioned tomorrow into the Marine Corps; is that acceptable?

Yes, ma’am.

I want to roll all of your personnel into the Corps; have them under one umbrella. I will leave you in charge of them while also assigning you a larger battle group. You will report directly to Captain Smoltz, whom you will meet tomorrow. And now to you, Michael. I do not believe you have a place in my military. Colonel Benford and I talked quite a lot those last few days, and your name came up constantly, and I was privy to some, frankly, hard to believe tales. However, although he said that your intuition and capacity to react to a situation were uncanny, you had zero ability to take or to follow orders—unless they were in line with your own objectives. While we value individuality in the Corps, it is the success of the team that must always be at the forefront of all of my personnel’s goals.

I, uh… Mike was at a loss for words.

Major Kobalt, I can personally vouch for this man’s heroism and acts of courage.

His personal fortitude is not in question. My mind is made up on this, Warrant Officer Yonts. Mr. Talbot, you are discharged. Tomorrow morning I will supply you with enough food for a week; sorry, that’s all we can afford to give away, and you will be escorted from the base.

Major, I request leave to go with him, BT piped up.

Staff Sergeant, we’ve been through this; your appointment wasn’t a request. This is a war, and all hands are needed on deck.

And yet you are letting go arguably one of your most capable? BT shot back.

You mean the same man that was, up until recently, part of an organized crime syndicate that broke into the National Guard unit with the intention of stealing their entire food supply? That man?

In case the notes you’re reading from aren’t completely correct, I was with him.

Staff Sergeant Fischer, will you please assign the Warrant Officer and the Staff Sergeant their respective quarters? The major had pressed a button on her call box.

And the civvie? Sergeant Blanks asked when the two came into her office.

Guest quarters. At sunrise, give him a case of MREs and bring him to the gate. I want a guard on him at all times. Thank you.

I’ll take care of it, ma’am. Not so funny now, is it? Blanks asked as he waited for the trio to leave the major’s office.

I’ll fix this, Tracy told Mike once they were out of the building.

BT, remember where I told you I was going?

A place your family owned outside of Osceola, Missouri? That’s not a lot to go on.

I’ll leave you a map at the post office. Find me when you need to, Mike told him as Blanks grabbed his arm and led him away.

Tough break, Blanks told him as they came upon a drab gray cinderblock building.

Sarcasm?

Not really. Trust me, I’d like to bust your balls, but you look like a kicked puppy right now. I heard you say you were headed to Osceola.

Yeah.

I can give you a ride; you don’t want to be out there on your own right now, not on foot.

I appreciate that.

I’m supposed to take your rifle. Blanks held his hand out. Mike reluctantly handed it over. I’ll give it back to you tomorrow. I doubt these serial numbers are logged in anywhere; no one will know it’s missing.

Thanks, Sergeant.

For what it’s worth, I think you would have fit in just fine, and now my dance card isn’t going to get filled. Blanks clapped him on the shoulder before opening the door for him. There were two armed guards in the corridor; a third sitting behind a desk waved Mike in.

Name? the guard at the desk asked.

Mike Talbot.

Room 103. The man was writing in his logbook as he handed the key up without looking. It’s behind the Marine with the gun on the left.

Is there room service?

There’s a bottle of Jack in there, if that’s what you mean.

That’ll do, thanks, Mike said as he took the key.

In contrast to the exterior of the building, the room was homey looking enough. A queen-sized bed dominated the space, a kitchenette to the left housed a refrigerator, a sink, and a narrow countertop. There was a chair and a desk on the far side of the room, and opposite the bed was a television and a stack of DVDs. Mike opened the fridge to find the bottle of bourbon.

I hate this shit, he said as he twisted the top off and took a swig. Two hours later, after taking a shower, he was passed out on the bed, the bottle still in his hand and Dances with Wolves playing on the TV.

2

Osceola

Day 33

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Talbot! You awake? Sergeant Blanks banged heavily on the door. When he got no response, he grabbed the spare key and let himself in. Come on, sweet cheeks, time to get going. He tossed a pile of clothes at Mike’s head.

What’s this? Mike sat up.

Clothes.

What about my uni…forget it. Mike stood and began to put his new clothes on.

Blanks looked at the bottle on the nightstand. Hungover?

Hardly drank any of it, can’t stand the stuff.

You mind?

All yours, Mike told him.

There was a knock on the door.

Wow, where was this party when I had booze? Come in, Mike said.

Tracy walked in. Sergeant, can you give us a moment?

Of course, chief. Five minutes, Talbot. I have to be back on base for a meeting at ten.

Thanks, Blanks.

Not sure how you do it; that guy wanted to knock you out cold yesterday, Tracy said.

You of all people should know. Mike took a step and pulled her close.

I’m sorry about this. Tracy looked up at him. If I had known this was going to happen, I would have gone with you to your camp.

I don’t think you would have, but that you even thought about it means a lot. This isn’t the end of us; I won’t be that far away, and you’ll have a place to come to if you need it.

This is a military base, Mike. People will be seeking refuge here.

And I hope it stays safe, but if it doesn’t, like I told BT, I will leave directions for where I’ll be inside the post office on the bulletin board, okay?

Don’t do anything stupid. She had a hand on his chest, she stood on her boot tips as they kissed.

Me?

I’m serious, I want all of the pieces of you in the right place when I see you again. She briefly glanced down. I’m going to miss having you around.

I’ll send you crayons on Valentine’s Day, Mike told her. They kissed again before he walked out and into the waiting Hummer.

So, is she available now?

I will hunt you down, Blanks.

I’ll take that as a no. The man was smiling.

Twenty minutes they rolled into what looked like a ghost town.

You sure you don’t want me to take you someplace else? Blanks looked spooked.

It’s all good. Mike opened the door. Even during its heyday, this place didn’t have more than a thousand people.

Where are you going to go from here?

I’ve got to figure out where the Talbot camp is. I know it’s close, five miles at most.

Listen, kid, I don’t like dropping you off like this, plus, I gave you way more than I’m authorized to, and there’s no way you can carry it.

How heavy is a case of MREs?

Blanks opened the trunk. There were five boxes of the packaged meals, four large water containers, Mike’s rifle, and five ammo cans full of 5.56 green tipped rounds.

Holy shit, Blanks, you ever decide to go into smuggling, let me know and I’ll help you out. Mike caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Well, if you’re serious about that, I think the post office is open. I’ll ask in there…if anybody would know it’d be them.

I’ll wait here.

The building was a nondescript brick structure. Looked like the majority of post offices around the country, though slightly more disused.

Hello? Mike asked as the door opened and a chime sounded.

A nervous young man was behind the counter, a small bun sat high atop his head, and sparse facial hair attempted, but failed miserably, to cover his chin.

Can…can I help you? He looked from side to side as if he were trying to find an avenue of escape.

You work here? Mike instantly became wary.

Last four years. The man took a step back.

Are you being held captive or something, Clifford? Mike read the man’s name tag as he leaned over the counter and looked around, trying to see if this was a robbery that he had interrupted.

I don’t have anything anybody would want! The mail hasn’t come in almost a month.

Then what are you doing here? Mike stepped back when he was confident they were alone.

I’m a representative of the United States Government. I will not abandon my post, sir!

You don’t have to shout.

I have a lot of work to do. Do you want some stamps? Just so you know, the mail isn’t going out, either.

What am I going to do with stamps then?

Stamps can be comforting.

Umm, okay. Listen, all I’m trying to do is find the address of the Talbot camp.

You serving a warrant for those crazy bastards?

Are there people there?

Not since I’ve been here, but I heard all the stories. They stopped delivering there when the old man that owned the property kept shooting at the postal trucks.

Sounds about right. No, listen, I’m a relative; I’m here to visit.

You’re a Talbot? That appeared to be the worst thing Mike could have said.

Mike raised his hands. Listen, Clifford, just trying to get an address and some directions, and I’ll leave you to whatever you need to do.

That’s it? You swear?

Sure, if that helps.

It will.

Okay, I swear. Where is everyone? Mike asked as Clifford began to scribble down notes.

Evacuated. Here.

Mike was impressed with the neat writing, and there was even a well-drawn map.

Thank you. And one more thing, could you copy this and post it on the bulletin board? There may be some people that follow me here, and I want them to be able to find the place.

More Talbots?

No, but one I hope to make a future Talbot, if you know what I mean. Mike winked.

I can assure you I have no understanding of what you’re talking about, but I will post another copy. And before you go, I have mail for you.

For me?

For the address. A couple of minutes later, Clifford wheeled out a dolly piled high with overflowing mail crates.

What am I supposed to do with this?

Not my concern once it has been delivered.

Clifford, wait.

Good day, sir.

But—

I said good day, sir.

No wonder he was shooting at the trucks, I said as I wheeled the dolly out and down the handicapped ramp.

What the hell is this?

Past mail, apparently.

You taking all this shit?

I think I saw a magazine called Jugs; I’m taking it.

Blanks helped him load it into the back seat. You’re taking the dolly too?

You don’t seem the type of person that’s squeamish with lifting items.

Just asking. You know where we’re going?

Mike gave him the map. I’ve seen atlases with less detail.

Not bad, Blanks said as they turned down a long drive and a quarter-mile later came upon a large log cabin. I was expecting a dilapidated double-wide.

I think that’s crackerism.

That’s fucking funny. I’ll help you get this stuff in, and we’ll do a quick walk around, make sure everything is good to go.

Blanks, man, I appreciate all this.

Life is hard right now, and yours just got a bit worse, so, anything I can do to help.

If it ever comes down to it and you need a place, my door is always open. The Jugs magazine is off limits, though.

A half-hour later, once the sergeant was convinced the place was safe enough, he got back into the Hummer. Mike stood upon the deck and waved as Blanks pulled out.

Well, fuck. What do I do now?

3

Homestead

DAYS 34 thru 53

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Mike had been alone for nearly three weeks. The first few days had been busy as he cleaned the place up and repaired some of the things that had broken due to neglect. He didn’t know exactly how long the home had been vacant, but the layer of dust would imply a year or more. It was in surprisingly good shape, considering. And the Talbot name must have still carried weight around the area because it had not been vandalized in any way. Bored after everything was done, he’d decided to go through all the mail. There were more notices of Failure to Appear, Summons, late fees and court notices than he cared to count. He wasn’t sure, from a scientific standpoint, but he suspected criminal behavior could be an integral part of his DNA.

I think I’ll go into town; maybe Clifford and I can get some lunch. Mike stuffed some basic supplies into an old backpack he’d found in a closet, grabbed his rifle, and headed down the driveway. He was almost to the street when he heard a low, menacing growl. His first thought was that the mystery cat from BT’s house had found him and was going to exact revenge for abandoning him. Instead, a large black dog stepped out of the woods and into the middle of the overgrown driveway.

Whoa there, boy. Mike backed away as he reached behind to grab his rifle. A savage spittle-filled bark erupted. Well, you’re either a girl or you know what I’m reaching for. Okay, okay. Mike raised his hands to show he didn’t have a weapon as the dog growled louder. You look a little mangy; you hungry? I’m going to get some food out of my backpack. Don’t eat me, okay? he said as evenly and as calmly as he could. The dog watched intently as Mike slowly removed his rifle, then his pack. The dog crouched low, as if in preparation to launch. Food, buddy…I’ve got food. Sort of. He ripped open a pack of chicken and rice. The dog whined as Mike held his hand out.

Okay, okay, I’m too close. I’m going to put this down and go about my business. You eat and then go find someone else to terrorize. Deal? Mike put the bag down and headed toward the roadway. He hadn’t gone more than twenty feet before the dog grabbed the bag and bounded back into the woods. Well that was terrifying. A mile of walking later, he’d put the ordeal behind him. By the second mile, he realized that not one car had passed by going either way. Yeah, Osceola had never been a hub of anything, but that was unusual. The farther he walked, the less of a good idea it seemed. Maybe the black dog had been an omen, a warning to stay home. That’s crazy thinking, he said aloud, hoping to dispel the notion. Another mile passed before he heard the approach of a fast-moving car. For a brief moment, he thought about melting into the woods, instead, he turned to face it.

Shit. Should have dipped. The blues and reds of a cop car flashed their angry message as the vehicle approached.

Keep your hands where I can see them! came from the loudspeaker under the hood.

Come on, I’m just out for a walk.

Did I say talk? the woman had a distinctive southern drawl.

Wait, I know that voice. Payt? Mike shielded his eyes, trying to look into the car.

I will shoot you in your pecker if you move!

It is you! Mike smiled broadly as he went to the car.

A smiling woman exited. She put her arms out and wrapped them around him.

Wow, you grew up, Payton! Mike twirled her around before putting her down and looking her over.

Just because we’re cousins and this is the South, don’t go getting any ideas.

Mike hugged her again. So good to see a friendly face.

Sorry I couldn’t stop by sooner; been busier than hell.

Yeah, this place looks like a hotbed of activity.

I’m a Statie, asshole, I go wherever I’m needed.

A Statie? How’d you get in? Lied on the application, didn’t you.

No shit.

How’d you know I was around? The only person that knows I’m here is bun boy at the post office.

Hey. That’s my boyfriend.

Are you kidding me?

Slim pickings these days.

You’re the only person that uses sarcasm more than me; I can’t tell if you’re screwing with me or not.

Nope, we’re engaged. She showed her finger, which had an impossibly large diamond on it.

He could afford that on Postal salary?

The day after the nuclear attack in Wyoming, Yanke’s Jewelry store got robbed, I was sweeping the crime scene looking for clues when I stumbled across this in the alley.

Far be it from me to tell you how to do your job, but I don’t think that’s what you’re supposed to do with evidence.

Enough about me; what are you doing here?

Mike told her all about what had happened in New York, the escape from the East Coast, and his subsequent discharge from the military he’d never wanted to be a part of.

We’ve heard it’s bad on the coast, but news is spotty and unreliable. The military has been coming into the state non-stop for the last few weeks now. They’re stationed all across it, near as I can tell. Martial law went into effect two days ago; it won’t be long until I’m either rolled into a military unit or told to go packing. That’s why I’m here. She opened the trunk of the cruiser to reveal rifles, shotguns, handguns, and plenty of ammunition. I have some riot gear in the backseat and a bunch of tear gas canisters. I was going to bring them back to the camp, then I was going to head home and grab all my food and animals.

Great. I’ve got the place all cleaned up. I could use the company.

You’re not allergic to cats, are you?

Seriously? Mike groaned.

You going into town?

Yeah, was getting stir crazy and was going to see if Pa’s General Store is still open.

When’s the last time you’ve been back? Pa’s is now a 7-Eleven, only they closed up shop a couple of weeks ago. Lucky for us I have the keys to all the businesses, you know, to keep an eye on them. She smiled.

You grew up around here Payton, how short are these people’s memories that they would give you the keys to the city?

Seems I turned over a new leaf.

A marijuana leaf.

Speaking of, do you have any?

Nah, I lost sight of my dealer when the North Koreans went swarming through Central Park. Aren’t there some local kids you can roll for their supply?

Little bastards usually run when they see me coming, they know I hate chasing them.

Payton drove Mike into town, where she confiscated a few supplies from the 7-Eleven for the camp. They talked the entire time on the ride back. She assured him that she would be there within the week as they unloaded her haul from the State Police weapons locker

Are you going to get in trouble for this? Mike asked, his arms laden with ammo cans.

Not at all. The Police Chief sanctioned this, said he’d rather us use it than any of them commie bastards. Oh, and you should check out the old root cellar. She wore a wry smile. They hugged again before she left. Good to see you, Mike! She pelted him with dirt and pinecones as she peeled out. He flipped her off.

Later that day, Mike was sitting on the porch drinking a beer and eating some beef jerky. He sat up when he saw the dog from earlier about halfway down the driveway, looking his way.

Got you something! Mike yelled as he went inside and grabbed a bowl to pour some dog food into. By the time he got back, the dog had shied away, back into the woods. You’ll be back. I’m told no one can resist the taste of kibbles! he shouted. He looked at the food and popped one in his mouth then immediately spit it back out. Gross. Hey dog, you might want to round up a rabbit or two!

4

somewhere on Route 80

Day 46

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"How long until