The Lethal Duo (The Snipers of the Apocalypse Re-write)

Puppies and Kittens Part 1

Warren met Garnett at the edge of the small lake that sat peacefully along Camp Blue Sky's North side, responding to his call for her over the radio. Both being ex-National Guard members, Warren could hear the seriousness in his voice without needing to see how tense his features had gotten while he sent out the call.

"What we got?" The woman questioned, accepting the binoculars her friend and leader had offered her.

"Not sure," he responded, "looks like two men; sent out some sort of distress signal."

"What're you thinking?" Warren questioned, handing the binoculars back as she adjusted the shotgun sitting across her chest, looking across the lake at the two disheveled looking men paddling along in a small row boat.

"I'll handle the meet n' greet, you cover me." Garnett relayed the plan, clicking his flashlight on and off to alert the men of his position.

"Don't worry," Warren started as she took a couple steps back, using the surrounding bushes and trees as cover, "things go South, hit the ground and I'll take care of the rest." Garnett simply nodded in response as the strangers rowed themselves up to the bank.

"That's far enough, gentlemen. Identify yourselves and state your business- a team of snipers has you covered, so no sudden moves." Charlie's calm yet assertive voice carried across the water as he held his flashlight steady at the new arrival's faces, his lie hidden perfectly in his tone.

"Lieutenant Mark Hammond, Delta Force. At lease I was, when there was still a Delta Force" The man at the front of the boat stated. He was a black man, still wearing his military fatigues. The second man stayed quiet, hugging himself around the waist and keeping his head down. "I'm on a mission for what's left of the government, and I need your help." Hammond finished, looking up at Garnett past the beam of the flashlight.

"What mission? And what government?" Garnett questioned, an eyebrow raised at the Lieutenant's ridiculous claim, lowing the flashlight so it was pointed more towards the ground between them.

"Look," Hammond started, with an annoyed and tired sigh, "I don't know if anyone that gave me the order is still alive. I do know that it is imperative that I get this person," he motioned to the second, still unnamed man, "to a medical lab in California- alive." Mark finished his introduction, tensing up slightly as Warren emerged from her cover.

"Well, I guess I won't shoot him- yet." Warren muttered as she stood next to Garnett, lowering her weapon just enough to be viewed as less of a threat, but only just slightly. She didn't take her eyes off of the man Hammond was escorting, eyeing him suspiciously as he remained quiet.

"Who is he, some kind of doctor?" Garnett interrogated, unsettled that the stranger still hadn't said a word.

"Eh, not exactly." Hammond explained, glancing over his shoulder at his friend. "His name's Murphy,  and he may just be the last best chance to save humanity." Garnett and Warren looked at each other, then back at Hammond, unsure if they even heard him right; and if they did, if they believed him.

They may not have known exactly what was going on, but they subconsciously agreed on one thing- this was bound to get interesting.

~~~

Back at Camp Blue Sky, Hammond talked to Garnett and Warren while Murphy stuffed his face with just about everything he could get his hands on.

"All we need are some basic supplies and transportation as far South as Tappan Zee Bridge. We're meeting a new team there, and they can take us the rest of the way to California." Hammond extended his request, looking up at the two leaders sternly, a hopeful look in his eye.