A minute later, the military convoy rolled up to the shopping mall codenamed Alpha.
The M939 Trucks neatly parked in the mall's sprawling parking lots, their engines rumbling as they came to a stop. Meanwhile, the combat-ready military vehicles positioned themselves in a strategic formation, forming a protective perimeter that would deter any approaching zombies from getting too close.
Inside the Oshkosh JLTV, Richard's voice cut through the tension, his tone authoritative and clear.
"Graves, you've got command over the street teams. Take out as many zombies as you can. I'll be leading the charge inside the mall."
"Copy that, sir," Graves responded promptly, acknowledging the order. He swiftly exited the vehicle, joining the ranks of soldiers who were dismounting from the M939 trucks. Together, they unloaded crates of ammunition and weapons, setting up a makeshift supply hub.
"Hey!" Richard turned, his gaze settling on the fire control officer seated in the JLTV, responsible for the remote-controlled M2 Browning mounted on top. "Your job is to back up our troops on the street."
"Understood, sir!" The fire control officer's reply was resolute as he gripped the controls. With a focused thumb press on the screen, the M2 Browning on the JLTV opened fire, sending rounds tearing through the oncoming horde of zombies.
With his orders executed, Richard swung the door open and stepped out of the vehicle. His eyes swept across the scene, taking in the well-prepared troops before him. They had formed a defensive line, bristling with assault rifles, heavy machine guns, and vigilant sentries. The formidable armaments of the JLTV Oshkosh Heavy Guns Carrier, the M242 Bushmaster 25 on the LAV-25s, and the M117 Guardian's 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher and .50 caliber M2HB were all aimed and ready.
Richard's lips tightened in a nod of approval before joining his forces who would infiltrate the shopping mall.
The composition of the troops is simple: 80 men will enter the shopping mall while the rest will fight in the streets.
"Alright, who's up for some apocalypse shopping?" Richard's voice rang out, carrying a touch of grit and an unexpected hint of humor as he rallied his troops.
His words were met with a chorus of determined affirmations and even a few chuckles from the soldiers.
"Lock and load, people!" he barked, the excitement in his voice contagious.
The soldiers began moving towards the main entrance of the shopping mall. Its once automatic gates were now toppled over thanks to the zombies who rushed out earlier after getting attracted to the noise of the helicopter rotors.
Richard led the team, entering first the shopping mall, his M4 Carbine on a swivel. He was followed by his troops, who immediately fanned out in every direction to hunt zombies who were still inside the shopping mall.
The scene that greeted them was a far cry from its former self. Broken glass littered the tiled floor, now stained red with the blood of vanquished zombies. Scattered clothing, food remnants, and assorted debris were strewn haphazardly.
As they moved deeper into the mall, Richard and his men remained focused. So far, no zombies have shown up. Until.
"Contact front!" a soldier's voice broke through the tension as a group of zombies emerged from a store, drawn by the commotion.
Without hesitation, the soldiers raised their weapons, fingers tightening around triggers. The sharp cracks of gunfire echoed through the air as the soldiers unleashed a precise volley of shots. One after another, the zombies fell, their bodies crumpling to the ground as bullets found their mark.
"Clear," a soldier's voice confirmed as they moved forward, the team maintaining their formation, eyes scanning for any signs of movement, which was hard to detect due to the army in the streets simultaneously firing off their weapons.
"Blackwatch to Eagle Actual," Mark's voice sounded in Richard's earpiece.
"This is Eagle Actual, send traffic," Richard replied.
"Eagle Actual, we've got waves of zombies converging on your location from three main streets. One is advancing from the northern side of the road, the second is approaching from the intersection, and the third is emerging from behind the road. Their numbers are substantial, possibly reaching a thousand."
Richard was not surprised as he had anticipated it would happen. The noises of their military hardware would attract zombies from one or two kilometers away from their position.
He glanced at his tablet, seeking visual confirmation. As expected, the display showed a massive horde of zombies converging from two distinct directions – one group directly facing the military troops on the street, and the other encroaching from the rear. Given that the intersection lay to the north, the troops stationed on the streets would need to allocate additional personnel to fend off this double-pronged assault while simultaneously safeguarding their rear flank.
"Blackwatch, prepare to deploy Jolly 2 for street team support. Also, get Viper 1 in action, raining down hell as soon as possible."
"Copy that Actual. Blackwatch out."
After exchanging a brief conversation with the command center, Richard focused on his mission.
"Sir…we are approaching the supermarket," One of Richard's troops informed him.
Richard looked forward and saw the supermarket, the treasure trove of the shopping mall.
"Keep your eyes peeled, there may still be zombies inside," Richard advised as they stepped closer to the supermarket. Good thing that the electricity hasn't gone out yet as they will be able to find the supplies they need fast.
Moments later, all the troops entered the supermarket.
"Okay, divide yourselves into squads. We are going to clear every aisle, every section, every corner of this supermarket of zombies."
The soldiers swiftly organized themselves into squads and fanned out.
Richard was in the meat section, and the smell of the spoiled and putrid meat was overwhelming, causing him to gag.
"Clear," came the call from one of the soldiers, indicating that the immediate area was secure. Richard nodded, acknowledging the update as his team continued to clear the supermarket section by section.
In the canned goods aisle, a scuffle broke out as a zombie lunged from behind a toppled shelf. The soldiers reacted instantly, their training kicking in as they neutralized the threat with a volley of shots.
As they moved through the different sections, the soldiers encountered sporadic pockets of zombies. Each encounter was swiftly dealt with.
"Bakery section clear!"
"Dairy section clear!"
"Produce section clear!"
The soldiers' voices rang out over the radio as they methodically cleared each section of the supermarket.
Richard's team advanced through the supermarket, aisle by aisle. They checked every nook and cranny, ensuring that no undead threat remained. Ten minutes later, they cleared out the entire supermarket.
"All station this is Eagle Actual!" Richard radioed. "Alpha supermarket is free of zombies. I repeat Alpha supermarket is free of zombies. Let's move on to Phase 3, grab yourselves each a shopping cart and fill it to the brim with supplies. Non-perishable food takes priority, second is water, and third is hygiene supplies."
The soldiers wasted no time, fanning out across the supermarket and grabbing shopping carts. The sound of wheels rolling echoed through the aisles as they hurriedly filled their carts with canned goods, instant noodles, bags of white rice, and other essential items.
They had to do it fast because the army in the streets was fighting for their lives to prevent a single zombie from breaking into their defensive line. Once the shopping cart was filled to the brim, they promptly took it to the awaiting M939 trucks, where the supplies were loaded.
As the soldiers shuttled back and forth between the supermarket and the trucks, a sudden realization dawned on him.
"What's the matter, sir?" One of his squad asked concernedly.
"We haven't encountered any survivors inside right?" Richard asked.
"On the ground floor? None sir. All are just zombies…" the soldier replied.
"Okay, let's find some survivors. There may be internal. To the second floor."
"Eagle Actual to all units designated at point Alpha. We are moving upstairs to look for survivors. Keep your eyes peeled and your head on a swivel."
After announcing his plan to his troops working in the shopping mall, he and his squad left the supermarket and climbed the escalators. They moved slowly and covertly, their rifles oscillating as they scanned the area.
Stepping onto the second floor of the shopping mall, Richard's squad began checking every retail space in the mall.
"Are there any survivors hiding anywhere here?!" Richard shouted. "Come out now! We are here to rescue you."
No one responded to Richard's calls. The squad continued their cautious sweep, moving from one tenant space to another. Clothing stores, restaurants, and various shops stood silent and abandoned.
As they cleared each space, Richard's squad communicated through hand signals and nods.
Entering a restaurant, they found overturned chairs and shattered glass. No signs of life. Moving to a clothing store, discarded garments were strewn across the floor.
Richard's radio crackled with updates from members of his squad, each reporting the same—no survivors.
They reached the central atrium of the mall, where the escalators intersected. Richard's gaze swept across the open space and furrowed his brows.
"There's no way there aren't any survivors hiding here," Richard muttered under his breath.
He gazed towards the walls, beyond is his army fighting the hordes of zombies. He checked his tablet to get a visual of his army and there, they were holding out on their own. The assault rifles, light and heavy machine guns, and the main armaments of the LAV-25 and M117 Guardian all worked together to create a wall of lead.
It was no man's land down on the streets. Richard's jaw clenched as he toggled the channel on his radio, connecting to the troops fighting outside. "Graves, this is Eagle Actual. Report on the situation."
A burst of gunfire punctuated Mark's response. "Eagle Actual, we're holding the line, but the numbers keep coming. It's getting intense out here!"
"Roger that, don't worry, I have told Blackwatch to send Jolly 1 and 2, and Viper 1 to your position. So hold your ground, Actual out."
Turning his attention back to the mall, he looked around at the vacant spaces that once buzzed with activity. He used to shop here before the apocalypse, to see it in this state saddened him.
"Spread out further," Richard ordered his squad. "Check every corner, every nook. There's got to be someone hiding, waiting for help."
With that, they resumed looking for survivors. At the far end of the second floor was a pharmacy. There, Richard realized another important thing. In the zombie apocalypse, food is as important as medicine.
"Once we clear this area, we will loot this pharmacy," Richard said.
"Copy that sir."
Approaching the counter, Richard's gaze settled on the barricaded roll-up. It was a solid barrier, presumably put in place to safeguard whatever lay behind it. A decision needed to be made – to breach it or not. A glance at the anxious faces of his squad members indicated their readiness for action.
However, before addressing the barricade, Richard's instincts prompted him to ensure the area was secure.
"Hello, is there anyone here?! We're from the military and we just cleared this shopping mall of zombies. If there are survivors, come out now!"
The words hung in the air, and then, a seemingly inconspicuous storage door swung open with a creak. Swiftly, Richard his M4 Carbine aimed towards the source of the sound.
From the shadows emerged a figure, clutching a cane that was wielded like a makeshift weapon. Tremors of fear rippled through the man's body.
"Survivors!" Richard exclaimed.
The pharmacist's eyes widened at the sight of military personnel.
"Oh thank god you have come!" The pharmacist quavered.
"Open this roll-up so we can help you," Richard ordered and the pharmacist promptly complied. As the roll-up yielded to the pharmacist's efforts, he climbed over the counter and embraced Richard graciously.
"Thank you, sir! Thank you!"
Richard chuckled as he pushed the pharmacist gently, breaking off the embrace. "Easy there brother…calm down. Are there others with you?"
"Yes, there are eight of us. Five women and three men, including myself," the pharmacist replied. "Hey guys! Come out it's safe. The military is here!"
From the storage room emerged the survivors, stepping hesitantly into the open. Among them, three men and five women, all looking at Richard's squad with a mix of relief and caution. Richard's team stood ready, offering a reassuring presence as the survivors slowly approached.
One by one, they climbed over the counter, and Richard's men conducted quick but thorough checks to ensure none of the survivors were injured. The tension began to ease as the survivors realized they were in the hands of the military.
Richard fell on his knee and asked them.
"Didn't you hear us shouting earlier? We were calling for survivors."
The pharmacists shook their heads in unison.
"We don't…we only heard explosions and loud noises…we didn't hear your voices."
Richard clicked his tongue, the noise of their military hardware on the streets drowning their voices. Which means, there are still survivors inside aside from them.
"I guess it's best that we take over the PA system of the mall," one of his soldiers suggested and continued. "We can use the speakers to broadcast our presence and instructions for any other survivors still hiding."
Richard nodded in agreement. "Good idea."
He shifted his gaze back to the pharmacists and asked. "Uhm…ma'am…sirs, do you know where the main PA system controls are?"
One of the pharmacists replied. "Yes, I do. The controls are in the mall management office, third floor, just down the hall."
"Great," Richard smiled as he glanced at his soldiers behind him. "You two come with me, and you remain here, watch over them."
"Copy that sir," the soldiers nodded in acknowledgment.
"Oh…before I forgot," Richard returned his gaze to the pharmacists. "As you are the pharmacist working here, can I ask you all a favor? Can you gather essential medicines and medical supplies from this pharmacy?"
The male pharmacist nodded. "Of course, we'll start gathering everything we can find. We've got some first aid kits, painkillers, antibiotics, and other supplies that might be useful."
Richard patted the pharmacist on the shoulder. "Thanks, that would be a huge help."
With that settled, Richard and his two soldiers made their way toward the third floor and the mall management office. As they climbed the escalators, they moved with caution, rifles at the ready, knowing that any corner could hide danger.
Reaching the third floor, they cautiously advanced down the hall, their senses on high alert. The door to the management office was slightly ajar, and Richard motioned for his soldiers to take positions on either side of the door. With a nod, he pushed the door open, sweeping the room with his weapon.
The room appeared clear, and Richard motioned for his soldiers to follow him in. The office was cluttered with papers and abandoned equipment. In a corner, he spotted the control panel for the mall's PA system. Stepping over a fallen chair, he made his way to it and grabbed the microphone.
Pressing a button, he cleared his throat and spoke into the microphone.
"Attention survivors! My name is Richard Gonzales, commander of a Private Military Company called Blackwatch. We have secured this shopping mall as a safe zone. If you can hear this message, come out so we can evacuate you."
Satisfied with the announcement, Richard pressed another button to loop his message. After that, they exited the control room.
Richard and his two soldiers looked around their surroundings, waiting for signs of movement. His voice, still playing repeatedly on the mall's PA system. Minutes later, figures emerged from retail spaces and hallways in a cautious manner.
"Oh my god…there's still a lot of them."
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