by Ralph Gibbs
“There’ll be time for that when this is over,” Danica said savoring Toscana’s touch and then flinched when Toscana wrapped her arm. “Ouch, woman.”
Toscana smiled at her. “Stop your fussing and act like a grownup.”
“What are they doing?” Danica asked the sentry runner.
“Walking right out in the open, casual like,” he said. “David guessed they wanted to be noticed.”
“They don’t want to spook us,” Toscana said.
“Or get shot,” Danica added.
“How’d they look?” Toscana asked.
“Clean,” the runner said.
“That’s a good sign,” Danica said.
“Most of them have on fatigues,” the runner said. “Army, maybe?” He sounded hopeful.
“What army?” Toscana said. Most people claimed to have heard the army was active. Where precisely no one knew for sure. It was usually a case of meeting someone that met someone that claimed to have met someone that saw them . . . Somewhere. There was yet no direct evidence of a functioning army or government.
“Could just be hunters,” the runner said. “I saw at least one dressed in street clothes.”
“Hunting for what in the middle of the city?” Toscana asked.
“Weapons?” Danica asked as Toscana finished wrapping her arm.
“A mixed bag,” he said. “Mostly assault, pistols, a few shotguns, but they’re keeping them low key.”
“Which means they’re probably not a threat,” Danica said. “How long before they get here?”
“About ten minutes,” he said. “They’re making right for us.” That was the first bit of news Danica didn’t like. It most likely meant the group had scouted the neighborhood ahead of time.
“Best to be safe,” Danica said. “Get everyone to defensive positions,” Danica said to Toscana. “If anything happens . . .”
“I’ll watch over Matthew,” Toscana said.
“Well, then, I guess I’ll go see what they want,” Danica said.
When the five men rounded the corner, Danica was leaning against the open door of her father’s squad car waiting for them with a mic in hand.
“That’s far enough,” she said using the car’s loudspeaker when they were thirty feet away. All but one man stopped and raised their arms slightly. The tallest of the group, Danica guessed the leader, sacrifice, or both, walked a few extra paces and stopped. Who he eventually was would tell her a little something about the group’s intentions as the interaction seemed practiced. If he was the leader, chances were good they were telling the truth about their intentions. If the group’s leader was letting someone else act in his stead, it meant he was hiding something, and they would need to be watched.
“We’re not here to cause trouble,” the hard-spoken, clean-shaven man said. “We only came to talk, exchange information, make an offer, and maybe get a bite to eat. If you don’t have food, we’re willing to share.”
Danica put down the mic and said, “And if I say no?”
“We move along and try another day,” he said. “Look, there’s no reason not to talk to us. We’re survivors of the plague just like you. We’re just trying to get along in the new world. We’re no threat. If you want, we’ll only stay a few hours then be on our way. But, being upfront and honest with you, I can’t guarantee the next representative from my group in the coming months will be so friendly.” That made her cock her head in curiosity. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it to sound like that. Most of the other officers are good men, but a couple have the personality of a wet dishrag. I want to think I’m personable.”
“You’re a teddy bear, sir,” one man behind him said. Someone hit him. “Ouch.”
“Are you willing to come in unarmed?” Danica asked.
He seemed to think about it. “I don’t like it, but we will,” the man said.
“Wait, what?” the man said, louder than he probably meant. It sounded like the same person. “Sir, are you sure that’s a good idea? We don’t know the first thing about these people. For all we know they’re cannibals.” He looked over at Danica and realized she heard him. She smirked at him. “No offense ma’am.”
“None taken,” Danica shouted back.
“We don’t have to go in,” the nervous man continued. “We could talk right here.”
The leader, and Danica was now certain the man was their leader, never looked back. “If the trooper wanted us dead, private, we’d be dead already,” the leader said.
“It’s Corporal Tisden, major,” the man said.
“Not anymore,” the major said.
“Again?” Private Tisden said, almost whining. The rest of the group tried to stifle laughter and failed.
“I assume we’re covered?” the leader said to Danica.
“You are, major,” Danica said. “If you want proof, I can have one of them shoot that hat off your head. He’s been drinking, so I can’t guarantee his accuracy.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” the major said with a nervous grin. He removed his hat off and wiped his forehead with his hand. He hesitated and looked around before putting the hat back on as if replacing it might be an invitation for proof.
“Look, gentlemen, you have nothing to worry about.” She waved a hand at the group. “I’m pretty certain this isn’t all of you. Killing you would just invite trouble. Besides, it would be murder, and murder is against the law, which kind of goes against everything I stand for. Or, as Private Tisden suggested, we can talk right here. It’s up to you. I can have a couple of tables set up and bring you some food. It would be a shame, though. I’m pretty sure everyone here would like to meet and talk with you. Did I mention we have stew? It’s hot, tasty and light on human.”
“All right, gentlemen, you heard the trooper,” the major said after only a brief hesitation. “Start disarming.” Danica raised an arm high and extended her thumb and pinky. Ruiz came from behind a nearby house pulling an old-fashioned red wagon. He walked up to the men, dropped off the wagon and retreated behind Danica.
“Put your weapons in the cart,” Danica said. “All your weapons. Pretend you’re at the airport and we’re the TSA. I’m going to wand you. If I find a single weapon on any of you, I’ll have you stripped, and you’ll leave town in your birthday suit.”
“I almost wish this was a TSA screening,” the major said. “Hell, I’d willingly go through a TSA cavity search if it meant having the world back.”
“Agreed,” Danica said. “Any radios as well.”
When the group indicated they finished disarming, she motioned them forward and met them near the hood of her car. The major stuck his hand out. “Major Bill Barrette, currently serving with the first Alabama Militia,” he said. Detached. This is First Sergeant Bobby Wilfred, Sergeant Stephen Anderson, Private First Class Tony Tisden and Greg Fulton, a civilian and our scout.” Danica shook each hand.
“I’m Danica Justice,” she said when Major Barrette finished his introductions.
“I see you’ve already run into trouble tonight,” the scout said, pointing to her arm.
“Internal squabble,” Danica said.
“Greg also serves as our medic,” Major Barrette said. “If you want, he can stitch that up. We have antibiotics, as well.”
“I’ll take your offer for the stitching, but we have meds,” Danica said. “If you’ll follow me, Ruiz will see to securing your weapons.” Danica swept her uninjured arm forward. “Gentlemen, welcome to Terminus.”
“Oh har, har,” Tisden said. “That wasn’t funny.”
“It was a little funny,” Greg said to Tisden.
“I know,” Tisden whispered. “I didn’t want to encourage her.”
“I thought this place was called Goldilocks?” Sergeant Anderson asked.
“Terminus—”
“That’s enough,” the major said cutting off Private Tisden.
“I’ll explain later,” Tisden said quietly.
“Don’t be cross with him, major,” Danica
said. “I was just trying to break the ice.”
Major Barrett leaned in toward her. “I got it,” he said softly. “I would have laughed, but I have a reputation to uphold with the men.”
“Teddy bear,” a voice yelled, and Danica guessed it was Tisden again. The Major rolled his eyes, but he smiled, nonetheless.
“One of these days, when I run out of rank to take away from that man, I’ll be left with no choice but to shoot him,” Major Barrette said, leaning toward Danica.
“I heard that,” Tisden said.
“You were meant to,” the major said over his shoulder.
“You said your part of the First Alabama Militia?” Danica said. “Does that mean you’re not in the regular army? Are you National Guard?”
“We’ve always been part of the regular army, just not the one you’re thinking of,” Major Barrette said. That answer made her uneasy.
“How many people do you have here?” he asked, looking around as they came to the center of the community.
“How many people you have back at your camp?” she countered.
“It’s going to be like that?”
“Thirty-seven-and-a-half,” Danica said. It wasn’t like he couldn’t figure it out on his own.
“A half?” Major Barrette said.
“One woman is seven months pregnant.”
“That’s terrific news,” the major said.
“Under normal circumstances, it would be. She’s scared, though. No one knows if the immunity is passed on to the baby. The ancient Greeks were silent on that front. Not to mention, no one here knows how to deliver a baby.”
“I thought they taught that in trooper school?”
“They used to, but now there are too many liability issues,” Danica said. “Better to call for emergency services.”
“Liberal bullshit,” Major Barrette said.
“More like lawyer bullshit.”
“Mr. Fulton,” the major said.
“Yes, major?” Greg said.
“Do you know how to deliver a baby?”
“Don’t know, sir. I’ve never delivered a baby, before,” Greg said. “But I have some training in the how-to. There’s a lot of water boiling involved. As long as there aren’t any complications and the mother keeps pushing, should be easy enough.”
“You think you can teach some of that training?” Major Barrette asked.
“Be happy to,” Greg said. “I have a book back at the base.”
“Private Tisden,” Major Barrette said.
“Oh Goddamnit,” Tisden said.
“It’s on my bed, inside my pack,” Greg said.
“Miss Justice, with your permission I’ll send Tisden after the book, and Greg can go over a few things with whoever you appoint.”
“Thank you, major.”
“Tisden, be back in an hour.”
“The camp’s like five miles away.”
“Plenty of time for a scraping young man like you,” Major Barrette said, turning to smile at him. Tisden sighed heavily and then turned and sprinted off.
“We’ll save some stew for you,” Danica yelled to Tisden. He, in answer, raised his hand and waved, which for a brief moment seemed to turn into a gesture of flipping her off, though she couldn’t be sure.
“I think I like that man,” Danica said.
Major Barrette turned to her and smiled. “Don’t ever tell him I said this, but I’m not sure this army could function without him. He’s like our mascot. Not one of those bumbling ones, though he comes across that way sometimes. But I’m convinced it’s on purpose. It allows him to say and do things that other people couldn’t get away with. He’s clever, smart, and he knows it. Which also makes him dangerous. He gets along with almost everyone.”
“Almost?”
“Remember those dish rags?” the major asked. Danica nodded her understanding. “It’s why I keep him with me. Those idiots would get him killed, and I’m not convinced it wouldn’t be on purpose. Of course, I’m just as likely saving their life. If they got Tisden killed, they probably wouldn’t last the night. He’s that popular.”
Danica led the group to Wade’s old house. Considering the history, she didn’t feel right assigning the house to any of the residents, so she turned it into a guest house.
“Angel, how’s dinner coming?” Danica shouted to the woman now manning the stew pots.
“It should be ready in about an hour.”
“Major, would you care to join me for dinner?” Danica asked.
“It would be my honor.”
Danica pointed to her house. “That’s where I live.” She gestured toward wade’s house. “You and your men can stay there while you visit with us. It’s a three-bedroom, two-and-half bath with hot and cold running water.”
“You have hot water?” Greg asked.
“And electricity to a limited degree,” Danica answered. Ruiz came out of the garage, and she waved him over. “Would you start the generator for our guests?”
“It might take a few minutes,” Ruiz said. “It’s been acting fickle lately.”
“Sergeant Anderson?” the major said.
“Yes, major,” Sergeant Anderson said coming up to stand next to the major. Major Barrette put a hand on the man’s shoulder and turned to Danica.
“Sergeant Anderson used to run a small machine shop. He can help get it started. Maybe take a look at it.”
“That’s not necessary,” Danica said. “Guests aren’t supposed to work. I think it’s a rule.”
“We’re not guests,” the major said. “Think of us as envoys; here to help where we can.”
“In that case, Ruiz will show Sergeant Anderson where the generator is. Once it’s going, hot water will be available. That is one of the few houses with a tankless water heater, so don’t worry about using it all.”
“God, I can’t wait,” Sergeant Anderson said. “I haven’t had a hot shower in three weeks.”
“Is that how long you’ve been on the road, major?” Danica asked. The major nodded. “In that case, I’ll let you go rest. Your men can join us if they wish or they can mingle. I know everyone would be grateful to hear any news you might have.”
“If they are free to walk around, then I think they’d prefer to meet your people,” Major Barrette said. “They’re not much for formal affairs.”
Danica laughed. “Nothing formal here.” She thought about it. “Maybe I’ll break out my mother’s good dishes. We’ll be able to talk about whatever offer you have after dinner.”
“I look forward to it.”
“I should stitch up that arm before you sit down to eat,” Greg said. “Nothing kills an appetite like blood.”
**********
“How’s the arm?” Major Barrette asked as he and Greg sat down at the dinner table several hours later. Matthew was already seated. Danica lifted her arm across her chest as if inspecting the bandage for the first time and flexed her hand.
“It hurts,” Danica said as she sat down at the head of the table next to Matthew. “But Greg did good work.”
“The cut was deep,” Greg said to the major. “I think the knife may have touched a bone.”
“What about the blade?” the major asked.
“I looked,” Greg said. “I don’t think anything broke off.”
“Major, I’d like to introduce you to Matthew Chambers,” Danica said. “Until the plague, Matthew was my neighbor. Now, he’s our mascot.” The major stuck out his hand, but Matthew didn’t take it. “Matt, the major has his hand out.”
“Oh, sorry,” Matthew said, sticking out his hand and missing the mark. As he moved his hand trying to find the offered hand, the major reached out and grasped it.
“The plague?” Greg asked. Danica nodded.
Toscana entered the dining room carrying a pot, and both men shot to their feet. Danica noticed she’d dressed in something a bit more conservative and practical.
“Sit, sit,” Toscana said as she sat the pot in the center of the ta
ble. Ruiz followed her in carrying a large plate of biscuits.
“Salustio?” Danica asked as Toscana grabbed her seat next to Matthew.
“Secure,” Ruiz said, taking his seat near Toscana.
“This Salustio fellow, he give you that wound?” the major asked.
“He did,” Matthew said excitedly. “But Dany kicked his ass with her sticks.”
“Sticks?” Greg asked.
“It’s a form of martial arts,” Danica said as she filled her bowl. “Dig in major.” He didn’t need to be told twice.
“That’s not something they teach you in the academy,” the major said.
“No,” Danica agreed. “That was all me.”
“This is good,” Greg said between bites of the biscuits.
“It’s mostly canned,” Danica said. “But it’s still good.”
“You don’t have fresh meat?” Major Barrette asked.
“Most of the people here are city dwellers,” Danica said. “We’ve seen plenty of deer and other animals, but frankly, no one knows how to skin one.”
“I can help with that,” Major Barrette said. “Since you're generous with us, have your men bring in a deer, and my men can show your people how to dress it.”
“Thank you, major,” Danica said. “Everyone would be grateful.”
“I can take some men after dinner,” Ruiz said. “There’s a field about five miles from here where we’ve seen them congregate in the evening.”
“Oh, that reminds me,” Greg said, reaching into his shirt and pulling out a small pamphlet. “This should get you through most of the complications of childbirth.” He handed it to Toscana.
“Again, thank you,” Danica said. “How long can you and your men stay?”
“Is that an invitation?” Major Barrette asked.
“Absolutely,” Danica said.
“With a hot shower at my disposal, I’d like to stay a week, if not longer,” he said. “But the commanding officer, one of those wet dish rags I was talking about, will probably only give me a few days.”
“Well then, I hope you and your men will make themselves at home. This is a free community, so there are no restrictions on you or you men. You are free to walk and talk about anything you want.”