The End of the List


Tom recognized three of the names on the list. He flipped the pages on the clipboard over; there were easily a dozen pages.

"There's got to be 300 names here!" Tom said. The Lieutenant nodded, a short, curt, dip of his chin.

"There's 352," he said. "And that's just our list. Every other team has a list that's at least that long." He let the words sink in for a moment. A fleet of trucks pulled up, and the driver and his assistant hopped out of each one and opened the tailgate, ready for loading.

"I'm not sure I can do this," Tom said.

"Then add your name to the end of the list," the Lieutenant said, with a shrug. "The time for second thoughts was over a long time ago. You know that; we all do." He patted his pockets absently, looking for a pack of cigarettes. Then he remembered that had been banned as well, and he grimaced. Tom understood; nicotine would steady them for what lay ahead, but they'd have to face the task without the crutch.

"What are we supposed to do with them all?"

"Do you think they tell me, Sergeant?" the Lieutenant replied. "The guys who make decisions don't much care what second lieutenants and sergeants think. They never did. Now, you take the first squad and start in that building, and I'll take the second squad and start here. Remember: they can get a coat and put on their shoes, but that's it. Everything else is to be left behind."

"What are we supposed to tell them?" Tom asked. He could imagine the pleading and begging, already. It wasn't a happy thought.

"Tell them that everything will be inventoried, and they'll get a list of their effects in due course," the Lieutenant told him. The colour had faded from his face; he didn't want to do this any more than Tom did.

"Is that the truth?"

"How the fuck do I know?" the Lieutenant replied. "Oh, make sure one of the men goes back into each apartment to kill the dogs and cats, after each floor is cleared."

-- 30 --

Comments

  1. Eolas PellorMarch 24, 2024 at 10:38 AM

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    1. Eolas PellorMarch 24, 2024 at 10:39 AM

      That got dark, very quickly. Still, I think it's a good opening: why are the people being rounded up? Why can't they bring anything? Why are they killing the pets? There's a degree of callousness, even monstrousness to it, but the characters are obviously caught up in it, and can't escape. I think the unanswered questions lead to heightened interest, or am I lying to myself?

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