I've got a job for you part IV
Of the 4 people occupying the bunkroom all were in relative good shape...everyone except for Standos. It appeared that Lei's haymaker had caused more damage then was thought and his jaw had a minor albeit painful sprain. Dr. Watson was more then eager to help and to the amusement of the rest of the group he wrapped a thick layer of duct tape around his chin and looping it over his head.
"Now then, we leave this on for a day or so and when I rip it off it'll hurt so much that you'll forget about your jaw."
Standos replied with a mumbled series of phrases that appeared at least from the tone were not very nice. Marcus offered him a straw from his first aid box to use and Nigel was enjoying cracking jokes at the Slavic mans expense, “Hey Standos next time I see you we’ll have to chew the fat and catch up. Standos could take it no longer and promptly scribbled on a piece of paper, "I'll be in my bunk!"
"I didn't hear you could you speak up a little bit louder." Nigel replied.
Even Martin could not avoid getting in a quip, "Well this'll make any negotiations a lot easier." To which Standos replied with a universal hand sign involving a solitary finger and stormed off amidst a sea of laughter. As the trio of martin, Nigel and Marcus made there way back to see Lei they caught sight of Antonio spray painting the McMurphy logo off of the van.
"Trust me.” He began. "If we are going to the docks we don't want to have anything linking us to the McMurphys. There's some bad blood between the families. So don't be saying anything good about McMurphy. Don't Say anything about working for McMurphy. On second thought just don't say anything at all. I'll do the talking just nod." Martin looked contemplative as if preparing his next move while Nigel and Marcus just shrugged their shoulders. "There we go, it’s all set and with the modifications I made to the van she'll have a lot more power. Mount up and let’s get a moving?" He barked out while pulling down the visor of his crash helmet.
Watson caught a glance of the van pulling out of his compound and just for a moment he could have sworn that flames were shooting out of the muffler. With shake of his head he commented to the wind, "Damn it Antonio, won't you ever learn."
"Hey doc, did I just see what I thought I saw?" One of his 'angels' yelled out from the roof.
"Don't worry Michael I saw it to." Watson replied.
"Doesn't that fool remember the last time that he did that to a car? I mean you barely had enough to put him back together doc" A different voice chimed in from the roof.
"I'm sure he does Raphael."
"Well he hasn't learned from it all." The final 'angel' commented as he walked away from the now closed gate. He was wearing a stained flak vest over combat fatigues that fit his six foot frame as if it were tailor made, but his face remained hidden behind the somewhat scorched visor of a riot helmet.
"Gabriel, don't worry they're still there." Raphael snorted a reply. "Doc, why didn't you ask me for any help with the pregnant women? I've delivered babies before."
"Elementary my dear Raphael, I always wanted a chance to bring some life into the world; I hope that you don't hold that against me."
"Not in the least doc. How is she doing?"
"Fine as I can tell. She's still resting but both she and the baby are doing fire."
"That's great news!"
"I just hope Antonio doesn't come back in as many pieces as he did last time. Oh that reminds me, would you like to take a look at the roughian they left behind?"
"What wrong with him?"
"He is suffering from a sprained jaw and soon to be severe follicle loss."
"Follicle loss, what the hell caused that?"
"Nope, duct tape applied to set the jaw. I'll be taking it off in a few hours." Everyone broke into a hearty laugh at his diagnosis...all save for Raphael.
His face was the perfect image of confusion, "Why the bloody hell did you use duct tape?"
Watson replied plainly, "His manor displeased me."
Shrugging his shoulders Raphael replied, "Fair enough. The operating room is a chapel and that as close to god as the lot of us are ever going to get."
It was several blocks to the harbor and 'Wheels' delighted in taking every turn as almost 90 degrees with the breaks squealing like a stuck pig. The passengers went back and forth from being terrified and amazed at his driving ability. As they rounded a final turn they were on a street that was remarkably clear of zombies. They were finally able to see the river and a heavy duty steel chain fence marking the border of the docks with a guard shack by a heavy duty gate, and that’s when the passengers saw something that had not seen before. ‘Wheels’ was seating bullets and trying very hard to keep a calm exterior, and failing badly.
He turned to face the other three, “Listen up good.” ‘Wheels’ began, “This is the last time I’m going to say this. Do not talk unless spoken to. Keep your answers to the point, and under no circumstance are you to say anything about Paddy McMurphy or any of his extended family. I’m going to walk over to the gate and hopefully not get shot.”
“What did you to do to piss of the Giovanni’s?” Martin asked with a look of concern.
“Its not so much what I did, its how I went about doing something. Stay in the car and don’t make any threatening gestures unless you want to lose whatever it’s attached to.” That said he climbed out of the van and walked towards the gatehouse with his crash helmet under his arm. They watched as ‘Wheels’ chatted with the gate guard and after a few moments he walked back to the van.
“All right.” He began.” They’ll let us in, but all our weapons need to stay in the van. We’ll be talking to Caesar.”
“We’re going to meet a salad?” Marcus asked confused.
“No you idiot, Caesar Giovanni, the family patriarch.” ‘Wheels’ commented in disgust
“Oh.”
“Anyways, leave everything we’re going inside the warehouse to negotiate.” That said wheels climbed back into the van and drove towards the gate, once they pulled up to it they could see a metal gate that was slowly being hoisted up by two pulleys and as they parked they were lead to a nearby warehouse. There they met a man in his early 60 who was wearing a designer suit that hadn’t been washed in several days.
“It has been a long time Antonio; it is good to see you in this troubled time my cousin. Now shall we get to business?” He asked in a kind but stern way.”
“Father, should we be discussing things amongst outsiders.” A new voice interjected.
“Ah Luigi, I’m glad you could make it. I’m sure you remember Antonio; he has a business proposition for us. We shall speak of this over lunch."
"I am sure that Antonio can couch for the members of his crew. Can't you Antonio?"
"Of course, I've worked with them before."
"There, you see Luigi. There is nothing to worry about." That said Caesar lead them to another warehouse where there were signs of a large group of people living there. A large garden was being maintained by two people and a number of cots were set up for sleeping quarters. He motioned for them to a circular table had been set up with a simple meal of pasta and salad laid out and motioned for Antonio to sit to his left while Luigi instinctively sat to his right. The rest of the group found appropriate spots but made sure to sit together. They ate their meal in relative peace with Caesar asking innocent questions to learn more about Antonio's companions.
He was able to quickly recognize Martin and commented, "Ah we've never had business before but I must say that I have heard a lot about you."
"I hope all of it good." He replied hastily.
"Quite the opposite actually, you've cost several people in my circle quite a lot actually. You truly are an exceptional mediator; I believe that we can do great things together. You should have Antonio bring you back to speak to me later."
Beneath his careful maintained negotiator's facade Martin was very worried as to what to do, he wanted to maintain good graces but he didn't want to become indebted to him as well. He spoke as placating as possible, "Pf course but first I must finish my current task and then hopefully we will be able to speak of things later."
Marcus and Nigel did not speak much and offered only the barest of information about them. Caesar deduced that Nigel was the muscle and that Marcus must be the sawbones of the group.
After the meal was finished ‘Wheels’ turned to Caesar and spoke plainly, “I thank you for your hospitality cousin.”
He cut him off with a raised hand, “Please Antonio I insist that you call me Uncle.” Luigi had a look of chock and disgust on his face that was easily seen by everyone except for Caesar and Antonio.
“As you wish uncle, as you know that I am not a man of many words cousin so I will quickly get to the point. I have been asked to retrieve some crates of medicine for the hospital and we believe that they are in your warehouses. If you would be willing to allow us to retrieve them we would do three jobs for you in return.”
Caesar gaze focused on the wine in his glass he swirled it back and forth for a moment, “Far be it for me to decline an opportunity to utilize the skills of individuals such as yourself and your crew. You have the shipping number?” He listened intently as Antonio repeated the number given to him by Brigid, and then turned to his son “Please help your cousin and his friends to find what they are looking for.” Then with a curt nod Luigi rose from his chair and walked to a nearby door.
He rejoined the group with a thick binder and after a few moments found the shipment in question, and his facial expression changed only for a moment but it was long enough for Marcus to catch sight of an almost joyful expression. “It seems father that the shipment in question never arrived in port. It is in all likelihood still onboard the Albatross.”
“Well that makes things much more difficult then I would have hoped for then.” He hastily replied.”
“So the ship never made port?” Martin asked concerned.
“Oh it arrived.” Caesar answered, “It’s just that it never unloaded its cargo.”
“That is not a very good sign is it uncle?”
“Luigi knows more about it and he can explain it better then me.”
“Thank you father, the ship arrived several days ago and dropped anchor in the river. They ignored all of our radio contact and instead launched two skiffs that sailed west of here. They would probably have made landfall at the park. They returned to their ship a short time later at great speed and that is the last contact that we’ve had with them. Her running lights are still on, but we haven’t observed anything on her weather deck.”
“Thank you Luigi. It would seem that Fortuna has smiled upon us in providing us with similar goals. I would like for your crew to investigate the Albatross and secure the ship. I will provide transport to the freighter and in return the crates you requested will be yours. I trust that this will be in agreement with you gentlemen?”
‘Wheels’ of course did not hesitate for a moment before agreeing. “I believe that it would work best if we were to leave as soon as possible uncle, but is it possible that we could procure a radio to use to distract the zombies.”
“Of course, Luigi will guide you to the boat and procure you a radio to use.”
Luigi promptly rose and made his exit from the building with the group following him…all save for ‘Wheels’ who tarried for a moment at the door. “Uncle I wish to speak to you for a moment.”
“Of course nephew what is on your mind?” ‘Wheels’ quickly spoke of the situation in the city and of the need to set aside old feuds in order to survive. Caesar looked troubled for a moment but offered to speak more with him after he returned.
As ‘Wheels’ was preparing to leave he turned back to Caesar and bluntly asked, “Is Luigi still mad at me?”
“Antonio, Antonio. It will be a long time if ever truly forgives you. Our family has ancient saying which dates back to the founding of Rome itself. It has always guided me in every one of my decisions. I am going to share this saying with you in hopes that it offers you the same guidance that it has done for me,”
Completely shocked by his statement ‘Wheels’ dumbfoundly nodded, “I would he honored uncle.” He saw the elder man pause for a moment as if pondering and nodding sagely he spoke with a clear tone of dead seriousness.
‘No matter what ills you have with any man. You should never break their nose the night before their wedding.” Then to ‘Wheels started dumbfounded as Caesar started to laugh uncontrollably for several moments till he paused and almost regretfully spoke, “Ah to be young and foolish again.”
“I wish I had known that before the party.”
“Something you only learn with age nephew, now I suggest you make your way to the dock before your crew leaves without you.” Their conversation over ‘Wheels’ raced out the warehouse door to see his friends driving towards the dock.
“Those ungrateful bastards didn’t even wait for me!”
As ‘Wheels’ fumed and ranted at his fate the rest of the group were parking near a small dock where a tug boat was tied up. Luigi left the van to chat with the captain a man named, Vinnie de Gama. Luigi had described as a man who loved trading but hated fees. His boat seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary, but Marcus and Nigel had suspicions. From what they deduced the “tugboat” was probably able to outrun most police vessels and even give the coast guard a run for their money. Martin was laughing quite loudly after seeing that the figurehead of the boat was a beautifully crafted snoopy, complete with flying goggles and scarf. The ships name was beautifully painted next to it pronouncing it to be the ‘Beagle’.
As they were examining the Beagle they heard a conversation that Luigi was having with someone that had a very odd accent, it wasn’t Spanish or French but it sounded familiar, “Argh tis be bad luck to go for a boat trip after eating a meal.”
The other voice belonged to Luigi, “Vinnie, that may be true but it is even worse bad luck to say no when Caesar asks you to.”
“Aye tis even worse bad luck to refuse Caesar. Take me to those unfortunate bastards that’ll be on my boat.”
A few moments later a midsized man with a brown leather holster standing out against the vibrant background of orange overalls and wearing a grey stocking cap appeared on board. He stared at the trio waiting on the dock and grunted, “Oh it’s a bad day to meet new people.”
Marcus glanced at his comrades not sure of what to make of their transport but refused to let it bother his cheerful disposition, if the undead could not break his mood then this surly sea captain had no chance. Martin began thanking the captain for the use of his ship and complimented him on his fine vessel, while Nigel was mentally preparing himself for the coming fight.
Just they were sizing up each other ‘Wheels’ wheezing and complexly out of breath after running after them, “Oh cousin Antonio.” Luigi commented with faked sincerity.” I’m sorry I must not have seen you as we drove off. Just keep breathing and I’m sure that you’ll be just fine.”
“It’s all right cousin, I’ll manage.” He managed between gasps of air.”
“Oh it’s a bad day to go for a run.” Vinnie commented while shaking his head.
After ‘Wheels’ was able to breath normally the group boarded the Beagle. Luigi waved from the dock and after a moments consideration threw a small parcel at them as the ship was pulling away from the dock. “I almost forget the batteries for the radio, take care cousin.” Luigi offered with a wave.
“Wheels.” Martin began, “What did you do to that man.”
“I’ll tell you later.”
The trip was relatively short as the tug made its way to the apparently deserted freighter. Martin and Marcus were scanning the vessel as soon as they could, but aside from the running lights being active they did not see anything on the deck moving…alive or otherwise. “Argh, tis be bad luck to be boarding a ghost ship.” Vinnie announced as they approached the Albatross. “Argh tis even worse bad luck to name a ship Albatross.”
As they were planning on how to board the freighter Vinnie was fount of knowledge and providing them with the use of grapple and a knotted rope to scale the hull. He also suggested that they keep a line of communication open, fortunately they still had the phone that Sean gave them and they quickly discovered that it was high quality satellite phone. With their preparations finished they group prepared to board the freighter, Wheels offered to go first to check it out and after stumbling a bit he was able to pull himself onto the deck. He quickly glanced left and right and found it completely deserted with the doorways to the bridge and to lower decks completely open, and discovered the holds were sealed and the cranes were deactivated. As Wheels was getting the lay of the land the rest of the group boarded the ship.
Marcus set out for the bridge and found it a mess with maps spread out over the floor, and after several minutes of searching he discovered the ships log. He casually flipped towards the end of the log searching for the final entries and what he found greatly troubled him.
16th day out of port: we are nearing our destination of Possum City and I will be eager to have this cargo unloaded and to make speed for home. Unconfirmed rumors have crew on edge and they want to make landfall.
17th day out of port: I have ordered the crew to drop anchor until we have ascertained the situation of things in the city. I was not hailed by the harbor master upon our arrival and there are several plumes of smoke coming from beyond the city proper.
18th day out of port: Crew is growing restless and several have organized a landing party to assess situation. They have armed themselves and are preparing to leave.
City in chaos, landing party was attacked by mob once they made landfall, several crew members injured and are below decks. The Vanderheiden Memorial Bridge has been collapsed downriver making usual route blocked.
19th day out of port: Those that were attacked at landfall have passed after suffering terribly. I am leery to respond to any communications from mainland. My god above the men that died have arisen and are attacking the rest of the crew, they are mustering in the engine room and have disabled several systems. I am arming bridge officers and will put down revolt, may god forgive me for what I am to do.
He began to feel an overwhelming sense of dread despite his cheery disposition and ran out looking for the rest of the group. A quick discussion took place and they agreed they had to go below decks and assess the situation. As they made their way below decks they found the hallway illuminated with ominous red light. The hallway was empty and as they rounded the corner they found a severed arm still clutching at a door that lead to a short stairway and a closed door. They surmised that the engine room was behind the door but before they could make any plans they became aware they were not alone.
Three new figures had made their way into the light and were preparing to attack the group but they backed down once they say that they were not zombies. As they lowered their fire axes and crowbars it rampantly became aware that communication would be a major problem as neither side could understand what the other was saying, they were at an impasse until Marcus remembered the cell phone and called Vinnie.
He responded with, “It’s a bad day to answer the phone.” It took several moments to explain what was happening and after being placed on speaker phone and conversing with a now joyful trio of survivors Vinnie’s tone dropped and lapsed into a series of, “Oh its bad bad luck. Oh its just plain horrible luck to have a crew!”
“Vinnie, pull yourself together.” Martin yelled, “What are they saying, how many are down there.”
“What’s left of the whole bloody crew is down there boy, that’s around 19 soulless wretches now according to the Portuguese speaking boys you found. Ah they might as well just call her the Flying Dutchman cause that’s all that’s left down there now.” Vinnie’s voice cut out as the group simultaneously stared at the closed door.
"Now then, we leave this on for a day or so and when I rip it off it'll hurt so much that you'll forget about your jaw."
Standos replied with a mumbled series of phrases that appeared at least from the tone were not very nice. Marcus offered him a straw from his first aid box to use and Nigel was enjoying cracking jokes at the Slavic mans expense, “Hey Standos next time I see you we’ll have to chew the fat and catch up. Standos could take it no longer and promptly scribbled on a piece of paper, "I'll be in my bunk!"
"I didn't hear you could you speak up a little bit louder." Nigel replied.
Even Martin could not avoid getting in a quip, "Well this'll make any negotiations a lot easier." To which Standos replied with a universal hand sign involving a solitary finger and stormed off amidst a sea of laughter. As the trio of martin, Nigel and Marcus made there way back to see Lei they caught sight of Antonio spray painting the McMurphy logo off of the van.
"Trust me.” He began. "If we are going to the docks we don't want to have anything linking us to the McMurphys. There's some bad blood between the families. So don't be saying anything good about McMurphy. Don't Say anything about working for McMurphy. On second thought just don't say anything at all. I'll do the talking just nod." Martin looked contemplative as if preparing his next move while Nigel and Marcus just shrugged their shoulders. "There we go, it’s all set and with the modifications I made to the van she'll have a lot more power. Mount up and let’s get a moving?" He barked out while pulling down the visor of his crash helmet.
Watson caught a glance of the van pulling out of his compound and just for a moment he could have sworn that flames were shooting out of the muffler. With shake of his head he commented to the wind, "Damn it Antonio, won't you ever learn."
"Hey doc, did I just see what I thought I saw?" One of his 'angels' yelled out from the roof.
"Don't worry Michael I saw it to." Watson replied.
"Doesn't that fool remember the last time that he did that to a car? I mean you barely had enough to put him back together doc" A different voice chimed in from the roof.
"I'm sure he does Raphael."
"Well he hasn't learned from it all." The final 'angel' commented as he walked away from the now closed gate. He was wearing a stained flak vest over combat fatigues that fit his six foot frame as if it were tailor made, but his face remained hidden behind the somewhat scorched visor of a riot helmet.
"Gabriel, don't worry they're still there." Raphael snorted a reply. "Doc, why didn't you ask me for any help with the pregnant women? I've delivered babies before."
"Elementary my dear Raphael, I always wanted a chance to bring some life into the world; I hope that you don't hold that against me."
"Not in the least doc. How is she doing?"
"Fine as I can tell. She's still resting but both she and the baby are doing fire."
"That's great news!"
"I just hope Antonio doesn't come back in as many pieces as he did last time. Oh that reminds me, would you like to take a look at the roughian they left behind?"
"What wrong with him?"
"He is suffering from a sprained jaw and soon to be severe follicle loss."
"Follicle loss, what the hell caused that?"
"Nope, duct tape applied to set the jaw. I'll be taking it off in a few hours." Everyone broke into a hearty laugh at his diagnosis...all save for Raphael.
His face was the perfect image of confusion, "Why the bloody hell did you use duct tape?"
Watson replied plainly, "His manor displeased me."
Shrugging his shoulders Raphael replied, "Fair enough. The operating room is a chapel and that as close to god as the lot of us are ever going to get."
It was several blocks to the harbor and 'Wheels' delighted in taking every turn as almost 90 degrees with the breaks squealing like a stuck pig. The passengers went back and forth from being terrified and amazed at his driving ability. As they rounded a final turn they were on a street that was remarkably clear of zombies. They were finally able to see the river and a heavy duty steel chain fence marking the border of the docks with a guard shack by a heavy duty gate, and that’s when the passengers saw something that had not seen before. ‘Wheels’ was seating bullets and trying very hard to keep a calm exterior, and failing badly.
He turned to face the other three, “Listen up good.” ‘Wheels’ began, “This is the last time I’m going to say this. Do not talk unless spoken to. Keep your answers to the point, and under no circumstance are you to say anything about Paddy McMurphy or any of his extended family. I’m going to walk over to the gate and hopefully not get shot.”
“What did you to do to piss of the Giovanni’s?” Martin asked with a look of concern.
“Its not so much what I did, its how I went about doing something. Stay in the car and don’t make any threatening gestures unless you want to lose whatever it’s attached to.” That said he climbed out of the van and walked towards the gatehouse with his crash helmet under his arm. They watched as ‘Wheels’ chatted with the gate guard and after a few moments he walked back to the van.
“All right.” He began.” They’ll let us in, but all our weapons need to stay in the van. We’ll be talking to Caesar.”
“We’re going to meet a salad?” Marcus asked confused.
“No you idiot, Caesar Giovanni, the family patriarch.” ‘Wheels’ commented in disgust
“Oh.”
“Anyways, leave everything we’re going inside the warehouse to negotiate.” That said wheels climbed back into the van and drove towards the gate, once they pulled up to it they could see a metal gate that was slowly being hoisted up by two pulleys and as they parked they were lead to a nearby warehouse. There they met a man in his early 60 who was wearing a designer suit that hadn’t been washed in several days.
“It has been a long time Antonio; it is good to see you in this troubled time my cousin. Now shall we get to business?” He asked in a kind but stern way.”
“Father, should we be discussing things amongst outsiders.” A new voice interjected.
“Ah Luigi, I’m glad you could make it. I’m sure you remember Antonio; he has a business proposition for us. We shall speak of this over lunch."
"I am sure that Antonio can couch for the members of his crew. Can't you Antonio?"
"Of course, I've worked with them before."
"There, you see Luigi. There is nothing to worry about." That said Caesar lead them to another warehouse where there were signs of a large group of people living there. A large garden was being maintained by two people and a number of cots were set up for sleeping quarters. He motioned for them to a circular table had been set up with a simple meal of pasta and salad laid out and motioned for Antonio to sit to his left while Luigi instinctively sat to his right. The rest of the group found appropriate spots but made sure to sit together. They ate their meal in relative peace with Caesar asking innocent questions to learn more about Antonio's companions.
He was able to quickly recognize Martin and commented, "Ah we've never had business before but I must say that I have heard a lot about you."
"I hope all of it good." He replied hastily.
"Quite the opposite actually, you've cost several people in my circle quite a lot actually. You truly are an exceptional mediator; I believe that we can do great things together. You should have Antonio bring you back to speak to me later."
Beneath his careful maintained negotiator's facade Martin was very worried as to what to do, he wanted to maintain good graces but he didn't want to become indebted to him as well. He spoke as placating as possible, "Pf course but first I must finish my current task and then hopefully we will be able to speak of things later."
Marcus and Nigel did not speak much and offered only the barest of information about them. Caesar deduced that Nigel was the muscle and that Marcus must be the sawbones of the group.
After the meal was finished ‘Wheels’ turned to Caesar and spoke plainly, “I thank you for your hospitality cousin.”
He cut him off with a raised hand, “Please Antonio I insist that you call me Uncle.” Luigi had a look of chock and disgust on his face that was easily seen by everyone except for Caesar and Antonio.
“As you wish uncle, as you know that I am not a man of many words cousin so I will quickly get to the point. I have been asked to retrieve some crates of medicine for the hospital and we believe that they are in your warehouses. If you would be willing to allow us to retrieve them we would do three jobs for you in return.”
Caesar gaze focused on the wine in his glass he swirled it back and forth for a moment, “Far be it for me to decline an opportunity to utilize the skills of individuals such as yourself and your crew. You have the shipping number?” He listened intently as Antonio repeated the number given to him by Brigid, and then turned to his son “Please help your cousin and his friends to find what they are looking for.” Then with a curt nod Luigi rose from his chair and walked to a nearby door.
He rejoined the group with a thick binder and after a few moments found the shipment in question, and his facial expression changed only for a moment but it was long enough for Marcus to catch sight of an almost joyful expression. “It seems father that the shipment in question never arrived in port. It is in all likelihood still onboard the Albatross.”
“Well that makes things much more difficult then I would have hoped for then.” He hastily replied.”
“So the ship never made port?” Martin asked concerned.
“Oh it arrived.” Caesar answered, “It’s just that it never unloaded its cargo.”
“That is not a very good sign is it uncle?”
“Luigi knows more about it and he can explain it better then me.”
“Thank you father, the ship arrived several days ago and dropped anchor in the river. They ignored all of our radio contact and instead launched two skiffs that sailed west of here. They would probably have made landfall at the park. They returned to their ship a short time later at great speed and that is the last contact that we’ve had with them. Her running lights are still on, but we haven’t observed anything on her weather deck.”
“Thank you Luigi. It would seem that Fortuna has smiled upon us in providing us with similar goals. I would like for your crew to investigate the Albatross and secure the ship. I will provide transport to the freighter and in return the crates you requested will be yours. I trust that this will be in agreement with you gentlemen?”
‘Wheels’ of course did not hesitate for a moment before agreeing. “I believe that it would work best if we were to leave as soon as possible uncle, but is it possible that we could procure a radio to use to distract the zombies.”
“Of course, Luigi will guide you to the boat and procure you a radio to use.”
Luigi promptly rose and made his exit from the building with the group following him…all save for ‘Wheels’ who tarried for a moment at the door. “Uncle I wish to speak to you for a moment.”
“Of course nephew what is on your mind?” ‘Wheels’ quickly spoke of the situation in the city and of the need to set aside old feuds in order to survive. Caesar looked troubled for a moment but offered to speak more with him after he returned.
As ‘Wheels’ was preparing to leave he turned back to Caesar and bluntly asked, “Is Luigi still mad at me?”
“Antonio, Antonio. It will be a long time if ever truly forgives you. Our family has ancient saying which dates back to the founding of Rome itself. It has always guided me in every one of my decisions. I am going to share this saying with you in hopes that it offers you the same guidance that it has done for me,”
Completely shocked by his statement ‘Wheels’ dumbfoundly nodded, “I would he honored uncle.” He saw the elder man pause for a moment as if pondering and nodding sagely he spoke with a clear tone of dead seriousness.
‘No matter what ills you have with any man. You should never break their nose the night before their wedding.” Then to ‘Wheels started dumbfounded as Caesar started to laugh uncontrollably for several moments till he paused and almost regretfully spoke, “Ah to be young and foolish again.”
“I wish I had known that before the party.”
“Something you only learn with age nephew, now I suggest you make your way to the dock before your crew leaves without you.” Their conversation over ‘Wheels’ raced out the warehouse door to see his friends driving towards the dock.
“Those ungrateful bastards didn’t even wait for me!”
As ‘Wheels’ fumed and ranted at his fate the rest of the group were parking near a small dock where a tug boat was tied up. Luigi left the van to chat with the captain a man named, Vinnie de Gama. Luigi had described as a man who loved trading but hated fees. His boat seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary, but Marcus and Nigel had suspicions. From what they deduced the “tugboat” was probably able to outrun most police vessels and even give the coast guard a run for their money. Martin was laughing quite loudly after seeing that the figurehead of the boat was a beautifully crafted snoopy, complete with flying goggles and scarf. The ships name was beautifully painted next to it pronouncing it to be the ‘Beagle’.
As they were examining the Beagle they heard a conversation that Luigi was having with someone that had a very odd accent, it wasn’t Spanish or French but it sounded familiar, “Argh tis be bad luck to go for a boat trip after eating a meal.”
The other voice belonged to Luigi, “Vinnie, that may be true but it is even worse bad luck to say no when Caesar asks you to.”
“Aye tis even worse bad luck to refuse Caesar. Take me to those unfortunate bastards that’ll be on my boat.”
A few moments later a midsized man with a brown leather holster standing out against the vibrant background of orange overalls and wearing a grey stocking cap appeared on board. He stared at the trio waiting on the dock and grunted, “Oh it’s a bad day to meet new people.”
Marcus glanced at his comrades not sure of what to make of their transport but refused to let it bother his cheerful disposition, if the undead could not break his mood then this surly sea captain had no chance. Martin began thanking the captain for the use of his ship and complimented him on his fine vessel, while Nigel was mentally preparing himself for the coming fight.
Just they were sizing up each other ‘Wheels’ wheezing and complexly out of breath after running after them, “Oh cousin Antonio.” Luigi commented with faked sincerity.” I’m sorry I must not have seen you as we drove off. Just keep breathing and I’m sure that you’ll be just fine.”
“It’s all right cousin, I’ll manage.” He managed between gasps of air.”
“Oh it’s a bad day to go for a run.” Vinnie commented while shaking his head.
After ‘Wheels’ was able to breath normally the group boarded the Beagle. Luigi waved from the dock and after a moments consideration threw a small parcel at them as the ship was pulling away from the dock. “I almost forget the batteries for the radio, take care cousin.” Luigi offered with a wave.
“Wheels.” Martin began, “What did you do to that man.”
“I’ll tell you later.”
The trip was relatively short as the tug made its way to the apparently deserted freighter. Martin and Marcus were scanning the vessel as soon as they could, but aside from the running lights being active they did not see anything on the deck moving…alive or otherwise. “Argh, tis be bad luck to be boarding a ghost ship.” Vinnie announced as they approached the Albatross. “Argh tis even worse bad luck to name a ship Albatross.”
As they were planning on how to board the freighter Vinnie was fount of knowledge and providing them with the use of grapple and a knotted rope to scale the hull. He also suggested that they keep a line of communication open, fortunately they still had the phone that Sean gave them and they quickly discovered that it was high quality satellite phone. With their preparations finished they group prepared to board the freighter, Wheels offered to go first to check it out and after stumbling a bit he was able to pull himself onto the deck. He quickly glanced left and right and found it completely deserted with the doorways to the bridge and to lower decks completely open, and discovered the holds were sealed and the cranes were deactivated. As Wheels was getting the lay of the land the rest of the group boarded the ship.
Marcus set out for the bridge and found it a mess with maps spread out over the floor, and after several minutes of searching he discovered the ships log. He casually flipped towards the end of the log searching for the final entries and what he found greatly troubled him.
16th day out of port: we are nearing our destination of Possum City and I will be eager to have this cargo unloaded and to make speed for home. Unconfirmed rumors have crew on edge and they want to make landfall.
17th day out of port: I have ordered the crew to drop anchor until we have ascertained the situation of things in the city. I was not hailed by the harbor master upon our arrival and there are several plumes of smoke coming from beyond the city proper.
18th day out of port: Crew is growing restless and several have organized a landing party to assess situation. They have armed themselves and are preparing to leave.
City in chaos, landing party was attacked by mob once they made landfall, several crew members injured and are below decks. The Vanderheiden Memorial Bridge has been collapsed downriver making usual route blocked.
19th day out of port: Those that were attacked at landfall have passed after suffering terribly. I am leery to respond to any communications from mainland. My god above the men that died have arisen and are attacking the rest of the crew, they are mustering in the engine room and have disabled several systems. I am arming bridge officers and will put down revolt, may god forgive me for what I am to do.
He began to feel an overwhelming sense of dread despite his cheery disposition and ran out looking for the rest of the group. A quick discussion took place and they agreed they had to go below decks and assess the situation. As they made their way below decks they found the hallway illuminated with ominous red light. The hallway was empty and as they rounded the corner they found a severed arm still clutching at a door that lead to a short stairway and a closed door. They surmised that the engine room was behind the door but before they could make any plans they became aware they were not alone.
Three new figures had made their way into the light and were preparing to attack the group but they backed down once they say that they were not zombies. As they lowered their fire axes and crowbars it rampantly became aware that communication would be a major problem as neither side could understand what the other was saying, they were at an impasse until Marcus remembered the cell phone and called Vinnie.
He responded with, “It’s a bad day to answer the phone.” It took several moments to explain what was happening and after being placed on speaker phone and conversing with a now joyful trio of survivors Vinnie’s tone dropped and lapsed into a series of, “Oh its bad bad luck. Oh its just plain horrible luck to have a crew!”
“Vinnie, pull yourself together.” Martin yelled, “What are they saying, how many are down there.”
“What’s left of the whole bloody crew is down there boy, that’s around 19 soulless wretches now according to the Portuguese speaking boys you found. Ah they might as well just call her the Flying Dutchman cause that’s all that’s left down there now.” Vinnie’s voice cut out as the group simultaneously stared at the closed door.