by Eric Vall
“We’ll have sentry duty as well,” Anna interjected.
“That brings me to another point,” I nodded. “You have some time to do this, but think about your skills and the skills of those in your group so everyone can be assigned some specific tasks they’ll enjoy.”
“What do you mean our skills?” Donna asked, and her black brows pulled together.
“Well, for example,” I started, “we’re not going to put people who aren’t comfortable with a rifle out on sentry duty.”
“Okay,” Joanna nodded. “Should we write that down too?”
“Not tonight,” I smiled at the young sandy blonde girl. “But if it helps you, you can make a list of your own skills as a reference, and if anyone isn’t sure where they belong come talk to me or Anna, and we’ll help you figure it out.”
“I have a question,” Jenny said, and she raised her hand. “What exactly is sentry duty?”
“It’s like in Mulan,” Tara smiled, and Jenny responded with a puzzled look.
“Like the guy on the wall who lights the fire,” Paige explained.
“Oh,” Jenny nodded. “So, we’re a lookout?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “A lookout that is further from base camp.”
“That makes sense,” Jenny said.
“We want to use people’s strengths for their positions,” I said.
“So, we’ll have the same job every day?” Jeff asked.
“No,” I shook my head. “We’ll rotate jobs so nobody gets stuck in one place, but we’d like to be able to assign you more of what you will like doing.”
“How do you assign jobs now?” Paige asked the group.
“Well we go off of size and strength a lot,” Mike said.
“Yeah,” Jeff agreed. “Like the men will go hunting for deer since we don’t want the women to have to carry them back.”
“Are the men a better shot than the women?” Bailey inquired.
“Donna is a hell of a shot,” Jeff conceded.
“Maybe it would be more prudent for her to be the hunter,” Anna suggested with a shrug.
“Yeah,” Tara nodded. “You could always have a guy go with her to help carry it back.”
“That brings me to my next point,” I said. “The buddy system.”
“You mean like the school field trip buddy system?” Jenny asked with a smile.
“One and the same,” I grinned. “Everyone needs a buddy at all times.”
“Even just when we’re doing things around the land?” Cathy asked.
“Yes,” I nodded. “There’s enough of you that you should be able to have two people doing a task.”
“It’s especially important when you go out to hunt or check traps though,” Anna added.
“Right,” I said. “We should be checking traps daily, and first thing in the morning is best.”
“Betty, I know you have chickens,” Paige said. “Do you think there’s any way you can get chicks?”
“Well I’d just need a rooster,” Betty nodded. “Justin, do you have one?”
“I do,” the black-haired man said. “And I was planning on getting more chicks myself.”
“That would be great,” I said. “What will the chickens need as far as daily care?”
“They’ll need a coop,” Betty said. “And we’ll need feed for the winter.”
“And the cows?” I asked.
“The barn should be fine,” Justin answered. “But they’ll need to be let out during the day to exercise.”
“Will it be a problem for the horses and cows to share a barn?” Paige asked.
“Shouldn’t be,” Dan answered. “They don’t really care as long as they’re warm and fed.”
“Will there be calves to take care of?” I asked.
“Not until spring,” Betty answered.
“Okay,” I nodded. “We have a solid plan to go forward with, but there’s a couple more things I want to discuss tonight.”
“What’s up?” Mike asked.
“We need to talk about food distribution and problem solving,” I said.
“What do you mean food distribution?” Jenny asked, and she gave me a puzzled look. “Aren’t we going to all share?”
“Yes,” I confirmed. “But I’m talking about daily intake.”
“You mean we have to make sure we aren’t overeating,” Jeff said.
“Right,” I told him. “We should be eating enough to sustain us and give us enough energy, but we don’t want to eat huge meals and waste food.”
“A good rule is to eat whatever you prepare for the night,” Paige said. “So, make sure you prepare just enough, and if there is any leftover, you can eat it for lunch or a snack.”
“How do we know what our daily intake should be?” Cathy asked.
“That depends on your body size and the amount of work you do,” Paige told her with a smile.
“But when you’re doing a lot of work, you’ll notice that it’s easier to eat the right amount,” Tara added.
“So, everyone just tries not to be wasteful basically,” Anna nodded.
“That’s doable,” Jeff said.
“Yeah,” Donna agreed. “It’s hard to be wasteful when you’re working so hard to survive.”
“Good,” I smiled. “Now we should talk about problem solving amongst ourselves.”
“We should all be a team, right?” Joanna piped up.
“We are a team,” I confirmed.
“Teams normally have leaders though,” Anna said quietly.
“Well isn’t Tav the leader?” Betty asked, and she gestured to me.
“I’m not appointing myself leader,” I laughed. “I would like everyone to have a say.”
“So, like a democracy,” Cathy nodded.
“To a degree,” I said. “We will take into consideration people’s knowledge on various subjects as well.”
“Like relying on an expert opinion and making a decision from there,” Donna said.
“Yes,” I nodded.
“Well that seems fair,” Justin said.
“I’m glad we can all agree,” I smiled, and I looked around at the group in front of me. My girls would always be my priority, but it felt good to have a tribe to help each other, and these were good people that I was beginning to feel that I could count on.
“Was there anything else for the night?” Briar asked.
“Paige, would you grab some paper and pens?” I asked the brunette.
“Sure,” she said, and she got up and headed toward the back of the library.
“Okay,” I said when Paige returned with the pens. “Everyone should write their name and their shirt, pant, and shoe sizes, as well as two comfort items.”
“What counts as a comfort item?” Jenny asked.
“It could be anything,” Anna told her. “Maybe some crackers, or a pillow, or even a board game or something.”
“Anything that you think would make the winter more bearable,” I said.
“We will be spending more time inside than we do now,” Bailey added with a smile.
“Yes,” I smiled back at the blonde. “Girls, you should write down your comfort items as well.”
“With pleasure,” Tara grinned.
“Everyone just remember to make it something small,” I said, and then I chuckled. “We can’t be picking up mattresses left and right.”
“We’re already so grateful,” Cathy said. “We wouldn’t think of asking for something so large.”
“I appreciate that,” I smiled at the sandy blonde-haired woman. “But we’re all a team now too, so we’re helping each other out.”
The group was quiet as they filled out the paper with their sizes and comfort items, and it had grown dark outside by the time everyone was done. We sent the civilians and farmers home, and I threw another piece of wood on the fire and sat down.
“I think that went well,” Anna said, and she plopped down next to me and stuck her boots out toward the fire.
“I thin
k so,” I smiled.
“I’ll draw up some plans for that chicken coop in the morning,” Rolly said, and he sat down across from me.
“That would be great,” I nodded. “Tara, you’re with me in the morning.”
“Oooh, you know I’ll come with you anytime,” the platinum blonde replied with a wink.
“We’re going to make a run,” I chuckled.
“We can do both,” Tara grinned, and Rolly rolled his eyes.
“Don’t worry, Rolly,” Anna laughed, and she patted the old man on the arm. “Betty will be here for winter soon enough, then you’ll be the one making jokes.”
“No,” the old man chuckled. “Somehow I think that will still be your job.”
“I’ll take it,” Tara laughed.
“It’s not too late,” Bailey said. “Do you think we can have another drink before bed?”
“I don’t see why not,” I smiled at the blonde hippie.
“Yay,” she said and she got up to retrieve the vodka and cups.
Winchester perked his head up when Bailey stood, but he laid back down after she returned.
“Do you think we could get in some range time tomorrow?” Anna asked, and she took the cup that Bailey handed her.
“I think that’s doable,” I answered. “But we’ll have to really limit the rounds we use.”
“I would love some range time,” Tara grinned, and she took a drink of her vodka.
“Me too,” Bailey smiled. “It feels like forever since I’ve gotten to shoot.”
“We’ve been doing a lot of live shooting,” Paige chuckled.
“True,” Bailey nodded. “But I do love target practice.”
“If the internet was still up, you’d totally be a sensation,” Tara grinned at the blonde.
“She’s right,” Paige agreed.
“You are fun to watch,” Rolly smiled.
“I just like shooting,” Bailey said, and I could see her face grow red in the firelight.
“And you’re damn good at it,” I complimented my small, blonde sniper.
“Alright,” Rolly said, and he stood up. “I think I’m off to bed.”
“Goodnight Rolly,” Bailey smiled.
“I think I’m right behind you,” Anna yawned.
“Me too,” Tara said, and she and the redhead both stood up and headed toward the dorms.
“Are you guys okay to put out the fire?” Paige asked, and she stood up too.
“We got it,” I nodded.
“Okay,” the brunette yawned, and she downed the last of her drink. “See you in the morning.”
Bailey and I sat quietly for another minute after everyone else had gone to bed, she was always shy, but the way she stared into the fire made me think there was something else on her mind.
“How do you think today went?” I asked the pretty blonde.
“I thought it was good,” she responded with a small smile.
“Do you want to tell me what you’re thinking about?” I asked, and I smiled back at her.
“I’m just thinking about the people in the camps,” she sighed. “It just sucks to not be able to help people.”
“That’s true,” I nodded. “It’s not my favorite thing either. But think about all the people you are helping.”
“Yeah,” Bailey smiled, and it seemed a bit more genuine. “We do have a small community that we’ve helped.”
“Yes,” I smiled. “And we have a dog, and two horses that we saved too.”
“I don’t know if we saved the horses,” Bailey laughed. “I imagine they were treated better than Winchester was.”
“Probably true,” I chuckled. “But we treat them far better here.”
“I do love horses,” Bailey grinned, and she took a drink of vodka.
“Where did you learn to ride?” I asked.
“My mom got me lessons when I was a kid,” Bailey smiled. “I never did competitions or anything, but I would go a few days a week after school to just ride.”
“Your mom must have been nice to support you like that,” I commented with a smile.
“She was,” Bailey smiled back at me. “I miss her.”
“I’m sure she misses you too,” I said, and I reached over and grabbed the blonde’s hand.
“She’s probably in some camp taking care of everyone,” Bailey chuckled.
“What do you mean?” I asked, and my eyebrows pulled together.
“My mom is a nurse,” she said.
“I’m sure she’s helping a lot of people then,” I smiled. “Just like her daughter.”
“Thanks,” Bailey smiled at me. “I’m sure we’d all be making her proud.”
“Come on,” I said, and I stood up. “Let’s get up to bed.”
“That sounds good,” Bailey smiled, and she stood up as well.
We put out the fire then headed into the dorm rooms. The other girls were already fast asleep, so Bailey and I found a spot in the middle of them all, and the small blonde curled up against my side while Anna scooted closer to me in her sleep. I smiled at the women I was surrounded with, and I reached over to stroke Paige and Tara’s hair, just so I could touch them all at once.
So far everything was going according to plan, but there were bound to be hiccups along the way. Whatever came my way, I was happy to be surrounded by so much beauty, at least for the night.
Chapter 5
The next morning I was the first awake, so I headed to the firepit with Winchester in tow and started breakfast. I was surprised to see that even Rolly wasn’t awake when I went to the library to grab some coffee to make, so I did my best to brew it as strong as he did, and I pan fried some deer and canned corn. I fed Winchester some raw deer pieces as I cooked, and petted his dark black head.
Once breakfast was done, I spent a few minutes playing fetch with Winchester, then I crept back into the dorm room, woke the girls, and knocked on Rolly’s door to wake him up as well.
“Breakfast is ready,” I called out as I headed back outside.
“Oh yes,” Paige groaned. “I’m so hungry.”
“Well, come and get it,” I hollered as the door closed behind me, then I made plates for each of my team members and poured coffee from the pot.
“Oh, that smells heavenly,” Tara said as she exited the dorm building, and all the girls followed behind her.
Tara was dressed in ripped jeans and a black tank top that barely covered her breasts, the perky white rounds pushed up from her bra and practically popped out of her top. Her hair and makeup were beautiful as always, and I wondered how she managed to do her makeup so quickly.
“Is it venison?” Anna asked, and the redhead took a seat next to me. She had on an athletic tank top and a pair of workout pants that showed off her curves, and her long red hair was pulled back in its usual braid, but a few strands fell around her face, and they swayed gently as she spoke.
“Yes,” I smiled at the redhead.
“Yum,” Bailey piped up. The blonde hippie wore dark blue skinny jeans, her usual Chuck Taylors, and a bright green tank top. Her chest wasn’t nearly as well-endowed as Tara’s, but the pretty blonde wasn’t wearing a bra, and I could see her small, hard nipples trying to break through her shirt.
“Hey buddy,” Paige said to Winchester as she took a seat on the ground to pet the dog. She was dressed in a casual pair of jeans, hiking boots, and a gray college T-shirt, her hair was up in a messy bun, and her thick glasses framed her face. Despite her casual clothes, Paige’s beautiful face still stood out, her mouth opened in a yawn, and I thought of her full pink lips wrapped around my cock.
“Let’s see if you’ve learned anything,” Rolly smiled, and he took a sip of the coffee I had made.
“How is it, old timer?” I grinned.
“Not bad,” he grinned back. Rolly wore his gray newsboy cap, and a semi-dirty work shirt with matching work pants.
“Thanks for breakfast,” Bailey smiled, and she took a bite of her food.
“No problem,”
I told the pretty blonde. “I figured we could start the day on a high note.”
“Breakfast is always the best way to start the day,” Tara said, and she moaned as she bit into her venison.
“I can think of a few better ways,” Anna smiled, and she winked at me.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have time for those,” I laughed.
“When do we leave?” Tara asked through a mouth full of food.
“We’ll head out after breakfast,” I chuckled at the platinum blonde.
“Is there anything specific you want us to do today?” Paige asked.
“You and Bailey should ride to check the traps,” I told the brunette. “I want you to practice, and Bailey is experienced.”
“We’ll stop by the river and let the horses drink for a bit too,” Bailey smiled.
“Good idea,” I smiled back. “We do have the hose set up now, so no need to take them out multiple times a day.”
“Anything you want me to start on today?” Rolly asked, and he took another drink of his coffee.
“Draw up the chicken coop designs,” I told him. “We’ll see what materials we can get to fix up the barn today.”
“You got it boss,” Rolly smiled.
“Bailey,” I started. “Once you’re done with checking traps, I want you to keep working on the garden. And Paige can help.”
“Does that mean I’m with Rolly for the day?” Anna asked.
“Actually,” I thought for a moment, then I turned to the redhead. “You can help Bailey. Paige, I want you to make an updated list of our supplies.”
“Aye aye captain,” Anna said, and she gave me a sloppy salute before she took another drink of her coffee.
“Captain?” Paige asked with a raised brow.
“Yeah,” Anna said. “I’m the major, and he’s the captain.”
“Isn’t that, like, for a ship?” Tara asked before she picked up the last bite of food on her plate.
“It is,” I laughed. “There are captains in the Army too, though.”
“I like it,” Bailey chuckled.
“I think I’ll stick with ‘boss’,” Rolly said with a laugh.
“Boss works too,” I grinned, then I turned to Tara. “Okay, let’s go get packed up for the day, everyone else, I want you to put someone on guard duty while I’m gone.”