The Diverter

Chris and Commander Jenkins boarded the trailer that housed a surveillance camera system, laptop computers and a Ham/CB radio combo. The walls of the trailer were lined with big screen televisions. Each one displayed smaller screenshots of Houston’s freeways and city streets. Some pictures had motionless hordes on them. He could hear a hum from the reefers running that air conditioned the trailer.

 The commander introduced him to Mole. Mr. Mole was the techno-savvy member of the HAZMAT Team. Chris was impressed, ”Wow, Commander, you and Mole have one heck of a setup here.” The commander gave him a thankful nod and Mole didn’t even look up to acknowledge the compliment.

Commander Jenkins looked at Chris, “I can imagine you’re pretty tired. I’ll show you the barracks next door and you can get some rest there.”

Chris and the commander climbed up a short step ladder and crawled through the tunnel that linked the trailers together.  When they lowered into the next trailer, Chris’ weary eyes saw the inviting bunk beds. He felt it was much cooler in that trailer. Jenkins explained that they kept food nearly frozen behind the padded blue mats and the cooler air still makes its way into the sleeping quarters.

A crackle came over Jenkins’ two-way radio. “Boss, we got problems! The Zekes are still awake and they figured out how to get up here!”

Jenkins responded, “Affirmative, Watchtower. Mole, contact Chico and get the Diverter up here.” Mole responded by yelling through the crawlspace from the other trailer, “Okay! You know, I’m right here and you’re not the Army. You don’t have to act like George Patton. Just act normal, you comic boo-” Jenkins interrupted, “I got it, Mole! Just do it!”

Indiscernible grumbling could be heard through the tunnel.

Chris was confused and asked, “Question, what is the Diverter? Some kinda persuasive gun?”

“No, the Diverter comes in the form of a 1964 Chevy Impala armed to the teeth with eight 15” speakers and eight-thousand watts of sound. We use it to distract or, divert the zombies from our location. Chico procured it from a zombie gang-banger and thanked him by putting him down. Now, let’s go outside and watch the show.”

Chris and Commander Jenkins exited the barracks trailer and saw the horde heading toward their location. They saw the Diverter speeding up 288 on an interceptor course to the horde. The car came to a stop and the loud bass booming began. The zombies all turned their heads simultaneously and began stammering for the Impala. Chico exited the freeway with the dead heads in tow. He lured them into a parking garage on Almeda Road, turned the music off and hid the car until they went to sleep.

He couldn’t believe it, “Impressive, Mr. Jenkins. I’d never think to use noise to bait them away. Will Chico be okay?”

“Oh, yeah. Chico’s pretty smart with handling the zombies. He’s frickin’ crazy too. The Diverter was his idea; damn good one if you ask me. So, tell me Chris. Have you entertained the idea of joining HAZMAT? I know you’d be an asset to the crew.”

Chris tucked his right hand in his pocket and looked at the ground. He looked up and said, “Umm, I really appreciate your offer to rest here and the offer on joining the team, but, I have my fiancé to get back to. You said earlier that you guys would help me. Commander, I would really like that help now.”