Zombie Fallout 20: Shores of Despair

By Mark Tufo

Michael Talbot and his crew are sailing happily along aboard their nuclear aircraft carrier, The USS Jimmy Carter, building an ideal community, saving the planet from zombies and madmen in ports far and wide and.... Nope. That's some other book. The gang's out to sea alright, but under the worst possible meaning of the phrase.

Vague rumors of budding discord now take an ugly, violent turn, pitting the squad against mutineers and malcontents from every sector, and some of the plotters are from Talbot's own House.

What's worse than a bloody uprising at sea? Zombies! Though command assures us they have everything under control, total Hell breaks loose as Colonel Eastman's secret pets mutate, escape, and wreak murderous havoc on all decks.

These new monsters are smart and nearly impossible to kill. The carrier and crew can no longer survive the brutal assault on it from both sides. Can The Talbot gang possibly overcome battling terrorists, super-zombies, and a hopelessly damaged ship?

As the Demi-Goddess Poena has been known to say: "Let's throw a hurricane down upon them."

Doomed, you say? Quite possibly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark Tufo
• Release date: May 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215607749

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

MIKE JOURNAL ENTRY 1

Oh my fucking head. How much did I drink? I tried to sit up, got nowhere. and realized I couldn’t; figured I was pinned under Henry. I would have preferred being pinned under Tracy, but sometimes you don’t have a choice in the matter. Dog, you need to move. I went to move my legs to nudge him off and realized I couldn’t, and that every small movement was accompanied by the clang of metal on metal.

Woman, I don’t like this game! My arms, which I now realized were handcuffed above my head, made the same rattling noise as I tried to pull free. This was a prank of some sort, right? And a damned good one. I couldn’t see anything as the room was as dark as my sister’s soufflés, and smelled like one too. Best description would be feet and old meat, not a great combo. Then I heard smacking, the kind of thing a bad boy gets on his ass from a playful wife with a paddle. I briefly hoped prank it was, but no. This wasn’t that.

So, you’re awake, a gruff voice intoned just as a bare overhead bulb flickered to life. I had to turn away even though I didn’t think the thing was any stronger than forty watts. The man looking down at me was a big guy, like bouncer big. One meaty hand was holding a club and smacking it into the palm of the other; any fantasy I may have been entertaining was officially stomped out.

What’s going on? Who are you? He looked vaguely familiar, shape-wise, I mean, full identification was impossible as he was wearing a ski mask over his face. There was a moment of panic where I thought that the women on my squad had set their mutiny in motion and were sidelining all the officers; it wasn’t me I was concerned about as I could think of no situation in which they would harm me much. But I was concerned about what would happen to them should the plan fail.

Mutiny, dumbass.

Huh. I was not expecting to have my fears confirmed. It was all coming back to me, heading down the hallway, the glimpse of Nermal eyeing me with a smug look the blistering pain to the side of my head.

And if I told you who I was I’d have to kill you. He pulled his mask off and placed the tips of his fingers against his mouth as he made a mocking astonished look. Oops.

I didn’t recognize him, and with the splitting headache I had, it was unlikely I’d remember him in a line-up. Don’t you remember me, Captain?

I must have been looking at him questioningly.

Jojo.

I shook my head.

You’re thicker than a bar of lead.

Fair enough, I told him.

Jojo, asshole. Mechanic’s Assistant First Class. Although that’s all about to change. You can just call me boss until I kill you.

Sure thing.

Aren’t you going to beg me to let you go? Beg for your life?

I get the feeling it wouldn’t do any good. Why waste our time?

Hardcore; I appreciate that. In my previous line of business with the mob, it was always ‘please, no, don’t do that,’ or ‘I have kids;’ sometimes they just beg for mercy. The blubbering beggars were the worst. Had a few that would scream obscenities non-stop until I zip-tied them to a pipe, crazy how polite they would get then.

I’m sure.

But something’s different about you. Like you couldn’t give two shits. I bet when I go to slice your neck, you’ll tilt your head for me.

Happy to help.

You fucking with me? He pointed the club at my head. ‘Cause I could ring a little sense into you.

How stupid do you think I am, Boss? I’m handcuffed to a bed with a burly dude holding a meat tenderizer in his hands and threatening to use it. I am cooperating here. I was wondering how long it would take Tracy to report me missing. I might go for the occasional walk about the ship, but not coming home at all was unheard of. The next question would be how long would it take Eastman to respond. Would he be in any rush to have me found? Me tucked away like this would be the most peace he’d received in a minute. As soon as BT found out though, he would turn the ship upside down. At that point, Jojo and I might have some issues that needed attending to.

That’s what I thought, he said after an intense stare-down.

Any chance I could get some water?

Nope. He opened a hatch, clicked off the light, headed out and closed the door behind him. I was once again in pitch darkness. That was bad, like shitty bad, but was made a hundred times worse as the itch on my face that grew more intense with each passing second. This was rivaled only by the feeling of my pants riding straight up my ass. An itch I couldn’t scratch and a wedgie I couldn’t pull free. All I needed now was Henry locked in here with me after a hefty dinner of egg salad and cat-box beans.

Typical to being chained up good, my shoulders were hurting from their unnatural position and the cuffs around my ankles were beginning to chafe. Plus my head hurt so fucking bad; Jojo had to have cracked my skull when he knocked me out. I couldn’t remember a time in my life being so absolutely miserable with no way to alleviate some of the symptoms. I didn’t think it was possible, but I fell into a fitful sleep. Most of my dreams revolved around hanging by my arms, dangling from ladders, ropes over chasms, helicopter landing gear, and some other scenarios that faded into dust as I was awakened by the dim light snapping back on.

Brought you some food. This wasn’t Jojo, though it looked like he’d borrowed the ski mask; couldn’t have been too many on the ship. He set the plate that contained a hot dog, a spoonful of mac and cheese, and more importantly a canteen of water down on the small nightstand next to me. Then he was heading out.

I’m cuffed.

He stiffened, unsure of what to do. He left. At least he’d left the light on. It felt like four hours, though I don’t think it was more than a couple of minutes, (amazing how misery can drag time out) when the door opened back up. Not Jojo came back with Jojo, and the man was still holding his nightstick. I had a feeling he slept with it.

Jonesy here—

We said no names! Jonesy cried.

Doesn’t matter, Jojo told him.

I, along with Jonesy, knew what that meant.

Listen, Talbot, we both know you’re never leaving this room breathing. I need you to accept that fact. Your remaining time here, while not enjoyable, can be tolerable. You don’t need to eat or drink, you don’t need to get circulation back into your extremities. But if you cooperate we can make those things happen. Understand? Jojo asked.

I would have promised to give an oral book report on War and Peace right then just to pull my pants free my clenching ass cheeks. Understood.

Jojo eyed me for a moment. My associate here is going to undo the handcuffs for your arms, if you do anything I don’t like I am going to beat you senseless. You might survive; I’ve heard you’re something of a badass, but I guarantee you will be fucked up to the point that that pretty little wife of yours will have a hard time recognizing your body. Capisce?

I nodded.

Do it. Jojo motioned.

I noticed Jonesy was shaking as he leaned over me. I had a feeling that Jonesy was in deeper than he’d intended. Maybe I could play on that, maybe not. Right now I needed to move my arms. Jonesy moved back quickly when the cuffs were undone. My body sagged as my shoulder blades touched the bed. I was in a sweet agony; relief flooded into me even as the pain flared.

You’ve got five minutes, Jojo warned as I slowly tried to move my arms, each inch its own special brand of hell. My time was halfway through before I could even think of reaching for the plate, but I did scratch my face. Jonesy looked like he wanted to cuff me back up then realized that meant he would be within arm’s length and decided against it. Right then I don’t think I could have pulled the wings off a fly, but he didn’t know that. I shoveled the food in, not because I was overly hungry but because I wanted to keep my strength up. Plus I knew I was running out of time.

One minute.

I don’t as a rule cry in public, but I was thinking of making an exception. I wasn’t sure I could go through the pain of having my arms raised over my head again.

Are we sure my arms need to be cuffed? I can’t go anywhere.

And this will make double sure. Jojo nodded to Jonesy.

I stiffened; Jonesy stopped and Jojo stepped forward raising the heavy stick slightly. I debated cracking Jonesy’s neck but didn’t think there was much I could do to stop the savage beating Jojo would deliver. I grimaced and winced as I was again cuffed up.

One thing, Talbot, Jojo said before he left, I don’t think you’re so tough; seem like kind of a pampered pussy, if I’m being honest. All of you officers are.

I didn’t even have the desire to bait him with the standard When I’m free I’m gonna kick your ass statement. I was trying to figure out how I was going to keep my fragile mind from snapping under the strain of the prolonged discomfort and pain. Then I figured Jojo wasn’t the type to rise to words; he would just beat me into submission for suggesting such a thing.

What about if I have to go to the bathroom? I asked Jonesy before he could follow the other man out.

Guess you’ll have to go where you are, Jonesy answered. He shut the door but again left the light on.

How am I going to take a shit with my ass pressed against a bed? I don’t crap out leaflets!

I swear you’d better shut the fuck up in there or I’m going to tape over your mouth and nose! Jojo shouted.

I shut the fuck up. At the moment number two wasn’t an issue, but the more I thought about it the more pressing numero uno became. Shoulder pain was now neck-and-neck with bladder release on the racetrack of displeasure. Would have been nice if they canceled each other out instead of egging the other on to greater heights. I was on the verge of letting loose a torrent of fluid; I wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of laying in the wetness, but I couldn’t think of any viable option. I’d thought about scooting my pants down enough to free my junk then I could turn to the side and get most on the floor, that was acceptable, the only problem was whether I could scoot my pants back up. I was in a vulnerable state, no two ways about it, but having my manhood exposed seemed to make it tenfold.

Nermal came in next. He also was wearing a ski mask, but I would have known that bony frame and reedy voice anywhere.

Ah, Captain Talbot. I do hope you are enjoying our accommodations.

At least I’ve been fed. I wanted to play nice in the hopes of currying small favors. But now I really need to use the head.

I’m afraid that’s not possible.

How long are you planning on keeping me here?

A few days at the most. Once our victory is assured you will be released.

Are you planning on letting me live? Because your muscle has other plans.

"There does not need to be further loss of life than what you military people would consider acceptable. After the regime change, it will still be imperative that we have soldiers willing and able to perform their duties. It’s no secret that you and Major Eastman have an adversarial relationship. His next words were chosen carefully; he knew now was his chance to lord it over me, but he also hoped I’d be on his side. If it weren’t for our…personal history, I feel that I could have approached you to take part in what needs to be done. You would have been an invaluable asset in the upcoming battle."

I didn’t like that word. The ship was a closed environment, any fighting would be up close and personal and far too dangerous for non-combatants. I needed to get out of here.

What are you doing? We’re essentially the last bastion of humanity and you want to have a gunfight?

I don’t want to Captain, I need to. Major Eastman has made this ship a military dictatorship. I understand that the military must adhere to very rigid standards and decorum, but that should not apply to the very substantial civilian population. I, and many like me, do not wish to live in a militaristic state under martial law. In our nation, the military are held accountable by the citizenry, not the other way around.

I don’t mean to throw a wrench into your thinking, but these aren’t the States. We are smack dab in the middle of an apocalyptical scenario, and as much as I hate to say it, we very much need to have the military in control.

I am saddened you see it that way.

I wasn’t under the impression he was.

I have found that aboard this ship, most of the men and women of the armed forces are bullies, and worse yet, they are armed bullies and far too dangerous to have ultimate power over everyone else.

Life’s a bitch right now; we’re all doing things we’d rather not, I told him.

Yes, maybe you see it that way. I, however, don’t feel the need to be ordered how to live my life.

It won’t be forever. It’s not ideal, but for now it’s a necessary evil.

Perhaps. We’ll have to wait and see how history views these events.

Can we move past the charade, Nermal?

His eyes opened up wide. That’s unfortunate, he said as he pulled the cap off. Although, it was getting stifling under there. If we are unsuccessful in our bid to rule this ship Captain now that you know who I am, you will not survive this room.

Shows you what you know, I told him. Jojo is not planning on letting me out no matter the outcome.

Jojo is my soldier and he will do as he’s told.

You seeing any irony there? I asked.

Be that as it may, I am running things.

Did you tell your people to keep their identities disguised? Because he couldn’t wait to let me know who had beaten me in the side of the head, and he really wants to get another few shots in. Odds are, Nermal, you tell that one to do something he doesn’t like and you’re going to end up on this bed too. Hopefully not at the same time.

We’re done here.

I need to piss! I told his retreating back just as the door closed. Between the restraints on my hands and those on my feet, I had about two inches of movement I could make. It wasn’t much, but after five, grueling, sweat-inducing minutes, I was able to get my little buddy to poke out from beneath my pants. It’s times like this I’m thankful I’m generally in commando mode. I shifted my hips, aiming towards the door, and sighed as I sent a steaming stream heading out. With the force, I figured for sure I’d be splashing the wall. Didn’t quite make it, but I was able to mostly clear the bed and soak the floor. I hoped the next fucker that came in was only wearing socks.

Damn near orgasmic, I mumbled as I finished up. Just as I thought, getting my pants back up was more work, and I was twisting my shoulders around to the point I wasn’t sure if it was worth it. By the time my pants were more or less in place, I was exhausted and in agony. I was going to seek the retreat of dreamland.

Motherfucker, you are about the dumbest person ever, I muttered right before I closed my eyes. My heart was slamming blood through my ventricles as I thought one word over and over. Tommy.

I don’t know how I forced myself into a slumber; I wished I’d taken notes.

Tommy, Tommy, Tommy…. I sounded like a hyper toddler in overdrive trying to get the attention of his mother who was on a video conference call.

Hey Mr. T! People were beginning to get worried…

I cut him off, Tommy I’m in trouble. Then I proceeded to tell him everything I knew about what had happened and where I was, which wasn’t much. Although I felt like I’d narrowed the search parameters; it wasn’t likely that Jojo and his compadres would have dragged me too far from where I was attacked. Before you come and get me, make sure the family is safe. I’m not entirely sure, but I think Nermal is going to put his plan into action soon.

Will do, Mr. T. And with that, he was gone. I was sad to lose his company but thrilled that something was going to happen where I got to twist Nermal’s head off. It’s the little things in life that make it worth living.

Yo, dipshit, wake up. Jojo’s stick came down moderately hard on my midsection. I tried to sit up fast and jerked the fuck out of my shoulders. The pain was immediate and debilitating. That’s some funny stuff right there. Even funnier than Jonesy stepping barefoot in your piss.

Sorry I missed it, I said breathlessly.

He was pissed off. Then Jojo began to laugh. Apparently, his not-so-great pun was the funniest thing ever. I didn’t agree. One thing I’ve got to know, how did you manage it?

Huh? I didn’t care enough to pay attention.

How’d you manage to not get soaked?

Prehensile.

What?

My dick, it’s like an elephant’s trunk. I can grab and manipulate things with it.

What?

Yeah, can even give myself a handless hand job, should the need arise. I was just tossing one off thinking about how I’m going to fuck you over when I get out of here.

I never was good at making friends and influencing people; the sharp crack to my lower leg was an indicator to that fact. I howled in pain.

This is a lot more fun for me than it is for you, but feel free to keep saying funny shit.

I grunted. My shin hurt, and right then I wanted nothing more than to rub it furiously because as everyone knows rubbing an injured spot furiously makes it feel better. Sort of like swearing when you smack your thumb with a hammer. It’s all common sense.

The pain began to ebb, and Jojo just stood there like a sentinel, his head cocked to the side like he was waiting to hear something. I debated asking him what he was doing, but I wasn’t being hit currently, and I had no desire to change that status. He began to lightly strike his palm with the nightstick.

You know Talbot, I haven’t killed anyone in a while, not even a zombie. Not in cold blood, anyway, and not someone I’d enjoy killing, that’s for sure.

Easy enough to see where this was going.

Usually kill degenerates; know what I’m saying?

I, in fact, did not know what he was saying.

Compulsive gamblers, junkies, thieves, liars...that’s my usual fare. People whom society as a whole aren’t going to miss and are better off without. I’m kind of a watchguard for good.

I couldn’t help myself. I don’t think that’s how it works.

He didn’t hear me or didn’t want to. My bosses would tell me who needed to be dealt with and I dealt with them. Shitheads that couldn’t pay their debts or had robbed from the bosses, had to be some of the stupidest people walking the planet. Crossing the mob...who does that? It’s not like defaulting on a bank and getting your car or home repoed. When I showed my face that was it. The idiots knew their time was up. All warnings were exhausted, if any were given, that is. The mob is, for the most part, zero tolerance.

Okay, I said when he paused.

Most of them looked shocked, like they didn’t see this as a consequence, but some had resigned expressions like they knew all along this would be the outcome. One thing they all did was beg, beg for forgiveness or mercy, neither of which I could supply, because if any of those dipshits lived, it would be me waiting for a knock on the door and that same consequence. I never understood why none of them fought back. I mean sure it made my life easier, but not one ever threw a punch, grabbed a knife, or pulled a gun. It’s not like they had anything to lose; why would one be so willing to accept their fate?

I thought it might have been a rhetorical question, but he kept staring at me like he expected, or maybe just wanted, an answer.

Most people aren’t violent, I finally said. Maybe that was bullshit just to fill in the empty space devoid of noise. But maybe there was a hint of truth to it. Though that was a hard premise to wrap my head around, especially in the world we now inhabited. Military people aside, I was thinking about my friend Paul. Here was a guy that once showed up to a schoolyard fight with a mouthguard, that was what, the fifth grade? In all the years I knew him after that I don’t believe he ever threw a punch at another human. We were too civilized for that, there was HR, anger management, the police, the court system, and civilization in general, not to mention our moms. We weren’t supposed to punch, bite, scratch, kick, head butt or generally molest those we didn’t like or had felt wronged us. It had been programmed out of us. Hell, an entire iconic scene would be re-written if the good guy dared shoot first. If you have an issue call the police and let the justice system take care of it. When faced with violence, there was a part of our over-enlightened minds that couldn’t believe it was happening and that surely the person that proposed brutality wouldn’t actually do anything as they were of the same beliefs and under the same constraints. But people like Jojo had no such compunction to follow those societal norms.

Then they’re fucking stupid. If someone was coming to kill me you can bet I’m going to do everything I can to make sure they’re the ones that get planted. All the begging ever did was make me angrier. I would make their deaths that much more painful for making me listen to their insufferable whining.

Watchguard for good, check.

Another strike to my midsection; he’d somehow landed it in the same spot as earlier. I’m going to be beating you to death shortly and I’m kinda hoping you beg, but you don’t seem the type. You’ll scream, though, it’s just what happens when your bones are broken by sharp impacts, you won’t be able to help yourself. But I don’t see you begging me to stop. I can respect that. Two hard hits to the head and I could cave your skull in. Unfortunately, for you, it has been a long time, and, like those fucking junkies, I’m going through some withdrawal symptoms, and you’re going to be my fix.

Yippee.

He eyed me. You’re a hard motherfucker, aren’t you. I wonder if that will hold true once I start. I’m going to start with the bottom of your feet, like stepping on nuclear Lego, then I’ll smash the tops of them. Most people are pretty broken at that point, but the fun, for me, (again this is for my enjoyment) the fun is just getting underway. Odds are you’ll hardly be able to register the difference when I break the bones in your lower legs. Trust me though, that all changes when I get to your femurs. There’s nothing that can compete with that, or so I’m told. Odds are you’re going to pass out for a few minutes, and most likely you’ll even go into shock, so from there on out, I’m going to have to work fast. I’ll do what I can to make sure you get the full experience of having your pelvic bone shattered, and then? Up to the ribs. Got to be careful here because too much damage and I start sending bone shards into vital organs. Most folks are long gone by this time, and even if they’re still alive it’s a pale version of themselves and they’re completely unaware...but I’ve got a good feeling about you. I think you’re going to stick around for the duration, so when I finally bring this stick down upon your smug fucking face you’ll get to witness your death firsthand.

Wouldn’t I have to witness my own end? I asked.

Jojo smiled and pointed at me. Hard motherfucker. I love it. Don’t let me down, Talbot.

You know how some people say there are no stupid questions? I have challenged that statement to its very foundation. Not that I’m trying to speed things up, but what are you waiting for?

I guess it doesn’t matter if you know, the only people you’re going to be able to tell will be dead. Today is the day the leadership of this ship changes, and I’m just waiting until I hear confirmation.

You’re seriously going to ride out your fate on the back of Nermal? The guy’s an idiot.

Looks like we have some common ground. My plan is to let him do all the heavy lifting, then once it’s done, he’s going to find himself on this very bed. I’ve been a foot soldier for far too long; time to be a general. I’m sick of being an underling.

Not going to lie, Jojo, I wouldn’t mind being around to watch Nermal get his due. I should have kicked his ass when I had the chance.

What are you doing? Jonesy had come into the room.

I’m letting Talbot say his last words.

What? Last words? Jonesy asked.

He’s planning on killing me. I figured it was better to cut to the chase; it didn’t look like Jonesy was going to catch on any time soon. Perfect example of not expecting violence.

Goddamn, Talbot! The mob doesn’t generally do a buddy system when it comes to enforcers, but we would have made a good team.

Nermal said we weren’t supposed to kill him.

I don’t give a shit what he said and he’s not here anyway.

But…

That was the last word Jonesy was going to be able to utter for quite some time as Jojo backhanded his face with the club, fracturing his jaw—I’d say in a few places by the way the bottom of his mouth hung askew. It was a sickening sight, and I was thankful he fell to the ground and out of my limited field of vision. I could hear his moans of pain. Jojo began to kick the man in the ass until he was forced out of the room.

Insufferable prick. Been listening to him bitch about every goddamned thing for the last six months. Food’s not good enough, shower isn’t hot enough, women don’t like him, people look down on him, blah de fucking blah. Constantly. Nothing is ever good enough. Can you imagine living your life like that? Never once stopping to appreciate what you have?

If you need the space to put him up here, I’m willing to switch.

I’d keep you around just for the dark comedic relief. We need more of that zero fucks attitude. Most of the pansies around here are too afraid to say shit. Listen, this won’t mean much to you soon, but when Nermal is ‘getting his due,’ I’ll do you a solid for what he tried to do with your wife. A couple of hits to the nuts before he’s too far gone to care. Fair enough?

You know about that?

I can’t tell you how many times I heard that adulterous asshole talking about the one that got away. I don’t believe in messing with the sanctimony of marriage.

But murder is okay? I asked.

He shrugged. Man’s got to have boundaries. He had a very strange set of moral values.

An ear blistering alarm blared throughout the ship, three blats followed by a message that warned that we were under attack and this wasn’t a drill and to be wary of any suspicious activity. That was it. Not very informative as to who the enemy was or where the attack was happening. Off in the distance, I could hear the chatter of small arms fire.

Fucking Nermal, what a dumbass, I hissed. We were riding out an apocalypse in a semi-Utopian society, Utopian for those that didn’t need to go ashore, and he decided that wasn’t good enough.

That’s my cue, Talbot. Got any last words?

Normally I wouldn’t, I’d just tell you to get on with it. I hate to be all cliché, but you should look behind you.

To his credit, Jojo didn’t smile and tell me I almost got him or something along those lines. He immediately turned around and encountered Tommy’s fist at full acceleration. The kid hit him with just about everything he had, if the snap of Jojo’s head whipping back was any indication. I don’t think he was dead, but I also wouldn’t have given a shit if that was the outcome.

Took you long enough, I told him.

You’re lucky I found you at all. You’re not really close to where you said you were. If not for the maintenance chief crawling along with his jaw scraping the floor, I wouldn’t have found you for a while longer.

Looks like Jojo being a psychopath worked out in my favor. Can you get me out of here? I have a wedgie that if I don’t pull free is going to drive me crazy.

That’s the thing that has you the most upset about this, Mr. T?

"It’s like having an itch you can’t reach, or maybe a mosquito in your bedroom. Or shit like waiting for an important package to come that says it’s out for delivery but doesn’t get there that day. It’s like that. And where the hell did the package go? That’s what I want to know."

Tommy pulled a key out of his pants pocket and undid the cuffs.

You always walk around with those? Do we need to have the birds and bees talk? Although, restraints do travel into the realm of advanced play, maybe I should ask you about them.

No time, Mr. T.

He undid my cuffs and I proceeded to furiously rub the areas where they had made contact. That was after I was able to move my shoulders and finally get rid of that wedgie. If my life permitted it I was going to devote a significant amount of the time I had remaining on the planet to inventing wedgie-proof clothes.

You okay now? he asked.

Better, although I think I’m going to have nightmares about this for weeks.

The part about being kidnapped and tortured? he asked.

Sure. I subconsciously yanked on the back of my pants again. Tommy handed me a .45.

It was getting bad out there.

Is there any way to tell who’s who?

Tommy shook his head. No uniforms, if that’s what you’re asking.

I would have taken armbands to signify the bad guys, maybe skins and shirts. How are we going to combat this?

I’d say shoot at anyone pointing a gun at you, but that could be problematic with your reputation. We’re definitely at a disadvantage; they’re going to know who to target while we’ll be fumbling around.

Eastman?

I warned him as I was getting everyone to safety. The bridge should be locked down.

The problem with that is we don’t know if Nermal has anyone in place up there. What about Stenzel?

What about her? Tommy was peering out the door.

She approached me that if we ever needed to take over the ship she had a plan in place.

Tommy turned back and paused. "Stenzel? You think she’s in on this?"

In my heart, I can’t see a scenario where she aligns with Nermal, she knows the history I have with the man. But to counter that argument, she’s been learning everything she can about running the bridge.

And now she’s on it, Tommy finished.

What would I do if and when the insurrection was quelled and Stenzel comes out the wrong side of it? Eastman might have her shot as a traitor; at the very minimum she would be jailed for life or lowered onto a lifeboat. Could I allow that? Would I fight for control of the ship just to make sure she wasn’t harmed? That would be insanity. So was it a good thing I was