First Encounters [Tag: AFB people]

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"Another day another patrol" The twenty eight year old brunette said to himself as he sat in the passenger seat of his Humvee,His driver Ramerez, A younger man maybe twenty or so as long as he did his job James didn't fully care too much in the end sat beside him. Their route would take them passed the old CVS and through the Northside Historical district before heading north by route 1220 through Stonehaven before looping back to head West via Ten Mile Bridge and Wells Burnett and Eagle Mountain before back to the highway to the Air Base. A sigh leaving his lips as he checked his weapon sleep still clawed at his eyes as the early morning sun shown like a red tented lamp through the window. Clicking on his radio he brought the radio to his mouth. "Base, Bravo." he said before hearing the person on the other end. "Patrol Two Five Seven ready and waiting."

Giving Ramerez the signal to turn the engine on he waited for it to roar to life before waving his hand out the window to signal the other two Humvee's to do the same, Hearing the radio chirp to life he listened as the go ahead to commence their route came through, "Roger that Base, Bravo out." With that James clicked the radio off and snapped the receiver back to his plate carrier. "Alright guys, you know the drill we've done this a thousand times. Stay sharp, keep your eyes peeled. And keep a lookout for any survivors." In unison the soldiers in the vehicle responded with a Yes Sir followed by the radio. As the vehicle veered to pull onto route 183 east of base James watched the passing buildings, this close to base there wasn't really ever any deadheads to be seen thanks to the clean up crews every few days. Wasn't until you got a few miles out that they started showing signs of their presence. "Alright Ramerez, you know the route." He confirmed in a mild uncaring manner. Pulling ahead they neared the first checkpoint. And old CVS pharmacy one of their scouts had mentioned seeing activity around a few days prior. Pulling into the parking lot James scanned the surroundings as they came to a stop, hearing the engine cut he popped the door open before signaling for his men to follow. Weapons in hand they made their way to stand near the closest vehicle. "Alright men, standard clear, We got dead knock'em, living, hold your fire unless they shoot first." Once again the men confirmed in unison that they understood the order. "Parks, you and your men stay here and cover the entrance, the rest of you with me." James then said before pulling the charging handle of his M4.

Taking the last few steps to close the distance between them and the door leading into the building they made their way through the door, James taking the lead Ramerez along with their two passengers Franks and Pickett tactically began making their way through the main area of the building, Spreading out they cleared the isles before regrouping. 

"Clear left." came Ramerez.

"Clear Right." Came Pickett.

"Clear front." came Franks.

Nodding to the men James signaled for them to regroup to begin sweeping the back of the building for any lurking Dead or otherwise. Nearing the door movement was heard from the opposite side of the door. James quietly signaled his men to hold their position before the group heard a small voice from the opposite side, a woman by the sounds of it they kept themselves composed as the door slid open and the barrel of a shotgun came to point in their direction, A Mossberg 500 by the looks of it James let his eyebrows raise in surprise that someone so frail looking could effectively handle a weapon with such a kick. Letting a soft smile form on his features as the woman looked them over James signaled for his men to lower their weapons. "Hello Ma'am, Just starting our patrol and we got word from our scouts that there was activity here so we were investigating. Everything alright? You look dead tired." James said, his voice never raising above a calm and understanding tone. "I'm james, We're from the air base close by. Anyway we can help ma'am?"