THE MOMENT
"No, don't get up," Pa shook his head and gestured for everyone to remain seated. "They obviously have the wrong house, or it's an unwelcome prank. Either way, we don't need to engage," he said. The baker's dozen of the Rogers family sat quietly, with the youngest ones smirking at the development. The pounding at the door continued, and they were given permission to ignore it completely. It felt rude, given their polite and friendly upbringing; but, Pa Rogers had given the final word. They all sat quietly waiting for the pranksters to lose interest. Although, Pa glanced over and made sure his gun was in the cabinet; then, he looked over to the kitchen where the cabinet key was kept.
As he was developing a strategy, the front door was rammed open. Armed tactical officers filed in followed by a mousey man in a white lab coat.
"I'm really sorry about ruining your holiday folks," the one in the labcoat was quick to apologize. Pa Rogers started to rise from the table; but, he was getting up in age. By the time he was on his feet, he already had two guns aiming at him with the rest covering the family.
"What in the hell is all this about?" Pa Rogers asked. He remained on his feet with his gaze locked on the shorter, younger man.
"Believe me, it's safer if you don't know," the stranger said. "We're just here to confiscate your turkey, then we'll be on our way," he added. He scanned the table, then relaxed when he didn't see it. There was plenty of food; but, it was mostly side dishes and vegetables. "You weren't even close to starting on it," he smiled and gestured for one of the soldiers to search in the kitchen.
"You broke into my home and interrupted our meal, I do believe I'm entitled to some answers," Pa Rogers replied.
"You're really not," the man in the labcoat smiled broadly as he shook his head. "I'm not completely heartless though; I'm aware it's not the best timing. I'll give you a broad, general explanation that everyone here will deny ever happened," he gestured at his soldiers.
"My, uh.. secret.. government division was conducting genetic experiments on various animals. Yes, turkeys too," He nodded. "Someone wasn't paying attention and checked a wrong box. One of our animals got picked up by a turkey farmer, and it got processed. Luckily, all our other records are impeccable and we were able to track it down to the plant, closed that down, and tracked it to the market and finally to your lovely home," he said.
"Not paying attention, huh?" Pa Rogers laughed heartily with a shake of his head. "Seems to be a theme with your people," he said. The stranger tilted his head, and at the same time, the soldier came out of the kitchen empty-handed.
"No turkey," he shrugged.
"WHERE IS IT!?" the scientist asked Pa Rogers.
"You're the one tracking it, you tell me," Pa Rogers grinned and the family laughed.
"WE DON'T HAVE TIME!" His yell was surprising enough that the room immediately went quiet. It was great timing, because as soon as things went still, gunshots and a scream were heard from next door.
"I bought the Johnsons a turkey! Pa, I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Ma Rogers apologized to her husband. They didn't necessarily have the money to spend; but, it'd been a rough year for them, and Mr. Johnson lost his job shortly before the holiday. She wanted to help out, and knew Pa would advise against it for a host of reasons.
"They live next door," He pointed to the east side of the house for the scientist, and the soldiers ran out of the house.
"It's okay," Pa Rogers hugged his wife and gave her a sincere chuckle. "I'd say this is all your fault, but, there was literally no way for anyone to know. It's actually kind of ridiculous," he said. She squeezed him back and gave a light laugh. It was short-lived due to rapid gunshots happening outside.
"It doesn't concern us," Pa Rogers reminded the seated family as the youngsters, and even their parents, twisted around in their seats trying to see outside.
"Uh, folks," the stranger walked into the house again. He was alone, and carrying an automatic rifle. "Sorry for the trouble, but, it'd be a good idea for you all to come with us," he said.
"And why would we do that?" Pa Rogers asked. To answer the question, the stranger in a labcoat pointed at the window behind Pa. Everyone looked in time to see a zombified tactical soldier break through the glass trying to climb in.
"Because someone ate some bad turkey."