Shell cases scatter across the ground. Dried blood stains the bark of large trees. Fingers, ears, and other body parts occasionally surface above the dirt. Earl walks through this above-ground graveyard, emotionless. He knows he is getting closer to the site of Gumbo's death. He knows he is getting closer to the moment of Gumbo's resurrection.
Earl places his hand on a nearby tree. The tree bends forward allowing Earl to climb onto it. After Earl safely boards the tree, it returns to its original position about 50 feet in the air. Earl presses his hand against the tree a second time and it elongates. Originally 50 feet high, the tree begins to stretch 75, 100, 150 feet into the air.
Earl looks down and takes note of the camel caravan marching in the same direction he's heading towards. The uniforms of the Crimson Brigade and the setting gives Earl a sense of Déjà vu. His mind begins to reverse as he is overcome by the memory of prior events.
***
Earl and Zala hide behind a tree and watch a skirmish between four Crimson Brigade soldiers and four scientists. The sides fire at each other with guns. Body after body drops to the floor as one soldier remains standing. The soldier has blood dripping down his body as he looks down at his fallen comrades. The soldier spits into the dirt and charges forwards.
"What's happening?" asks Zala.
"War" replies Earl.
He lowers himself and points to his back.
"Climb up. If this is going on outside of the laboratory, then I can only imagine what's going on inside of it. We need to reunite with Gumbo and Amara" says Earl.
Zala hooks her arms around his neck and squeezes tight.
"It's going to be alright," says Earl before storming forward.
Earl weaves his way around confrontation and idle soldiers and scientist. He steps over the pools of blood and cadavers that welcome him at every open doorway and hall. The sound of gunshots alert him of where not to turn. The blood-curdling screams warn him not to open certain doors. After several minutes of frantic running and searching, Earl encounters two familiar faces coming from the opposite direction.
"Gumbo!" shouts Earl and Zala.
"Amara!" continues Zala.
"Earl are you insane?! How could you drag Zala over here?" asks Amara pulling her off of Earl's back.
"I thought you understood the plan? This ruins everything" says Gumbo.
Earl tightens his fists.
"I didn't know the plan accounted for gunshots and dead bodies!" says Earl
A dreadful scream echoes down the hall followed by the explosion of a round of gunshots.
"Did you find the pills?" asks Earl.
"Yes" says Gumbo.
Earl smiles.
"But, we failed to retrieve them" finishes Gumbo.
Earl's face sinks to the ground.
"Well, we didn't come this far to end up empty handed. Where are the pills?" asks Earl.
"You can't just go back there alone!" says Amara.
"He won't. I coming with him" says Gumbo.
Amara switches her focus between the two.
"But before we do anything, we're getting you two out of here" says Earl.
YOU ARE READING
Walking Dollar Bills
AdventureA story about four people, who make a deal with the devil, and end up with the power of God. This is "Walking Dollar Bills" Forget becoming a millionaire or even a billionaire. Jeff who? What happens when your wealth doesn't come from assets or skil...
