by G. R. Carter
The two-legged predators still possessed the craftiness of men, though, and occasionally surprised an unwary guard. With so many millions of acres making up SDC territory, not all ditchmen nests could be effectively rooted out. The night watch wasn’t enough to hold off a large raid by themselves, even with the walls and the concrete fortress. They numbered just enough to delay an attack until the entire levy of farm militia could be mustered. Every resident was required to keep a weapon beside their bed. This Fortress Farm likely was one of the safest places in the New World, or at least this part of the country. But complacency led to sloppiness, and sloppiness would still get you or your family killed.
Over the howling wind so common on the prairie, Alex could hear Samuel stomping up the wooden stairs to discuss the duty rosters for the week. Both brothers were ready for Sam to take over day-to-day operations of the farm when Alex began his officer training. The SDC wasn’t so big yet that the Founder’s son, or anyone’s son, could miss the duty all young men and most young women were tasked with.
Only the children of Land Lords were absolutely required to serve. All adults of the Okaw trained for the militia, but only families who might spare an extra person like the owners of the Fortress Farms were required to provide the soldiers necessary to have a standing force, a force that could respond to larger threats.
Predators were evolving quickly in the New World. Defenseless animals, two-legged and four-legged, provided plenty of food and emboldened the lions escaped from wildlife parks and coy-wolf hybrids to invade territory once thick with men. Both of these dangerous pack animals were more than just a menace to priceless livestock and the wild deer population that still provided a large part of the protein to the survivors of the Reset. These creatures were highly intelligent and utterly fearless. They avoided large groups of humans and the weapons protecting them, but lone foragers or guards were irresistible targets. Locating and eliminating colonies of these predators provided excellent skirmish practice for the SDC while providing an invaluable service to all the farms.
Learning to follow orders while on duty also provided Land Lord sons and daughters a rare lesson in humility. Children of those who survived the Reset in positions of leadership were growing up with dozens or even hundreds of people looking at them as a mixture between boss and king. Land Lords owned the Fortress Farms, and all Tenants worked for them until the time came to break off and form their own farms in the unclaimed territories.
In contrast, heirs to the Fortress Farms rotated into the SDC as low men (or women) on the totem pole. Duties included digging field latrines, kitchen duty, and cleaning weapons for senior officers. Peeling potatoes kept in check any egos that came with inheriting a farm based on parentage.
The Hamilton children were lectured repeatedly by their parents, Uncle Clark, the Wizards, and the Ten Vets about the dangers of succumbing to a feudal system after the founders eventually passed away. The brothers learned about the dangers of elite classes controlling a society. Elites were blamed by most of the SDC founders for the collapse of the Old World. Too much power and money concentrated in a few who lost sight of their responsibilities. A return to a true constitutional republic was the goal of the founders of the Okaw Valley, a goal they hoped their children would realize some day.
“Once the goal of staying alive was accomplished,” Alex and Sam had joked privately.
That survival still relied heavily on the School Shelters and fortified Churches in town. Craftsmen as well as factory workers in Decatur and Shelbyville produced the parts needed to assemble the Mark 2s and new Mark 3s. Just as important, they built tools needed to keep the Fortress Farms operating efficiently to feed for the growing population of the county. Alex was anxious to learn more about industrial production, well aware of the balance needed between industrial and agricultural means of production. Steinbrink hammered home the aftermath of the terrible struggles of the twentieth century, entire civilizations around the globe laid bare by wars fought over who controlled the keys to wealth.
Honestly, different governmental structures were all hypothetical to younger folks, Land Lord heirs or not. Alex and the rest understood only what they experienced. Everyone in his peer group knew that someday he would take over his father’s position as head of this farm. Since Phil was also considered the Founder of the Okaw Valley SDC, everyone naturally assumed Alex would take over the leadership of that someday, too. His advisors may not like it, but that’s what most Okaw residents seemed comfortable with. The workers on the farms felt the same way, Alex was sure. Hereditary titles were just human nature, and dominated the societies his parents forced him to study.
In his studies with Mayor Steinbrink, the one segment that stuck with Alex the most revolved around the creation of the German state in the 1800s. Crafting a common identity out of numerous smaller kingdoms, the Prussians forged a greater empire. Not unlike the old America accomplished with her numerous states, but without the confusing extra layers of government competing with one another for resources. Maybe he’d run that by Mom for her opinion, or even Uncle Clark when he saw him next week.
Samuel’s steps finally reached the office, and he stepped into the room smiling while pitching an apple at Alex’s head. Alex caught the fruit one-handed and took a bite with a look that taunted Sam to try again. Apples were one of Sam’s prized possessions, grown in a large orchard just outside the walls of the Farm. Alex loved the farm and everything about it, but Sam could actually feel the land. The brothers formed a perfect balance, both knowing that Alex couldn’t escape the gravity of being the Founder’s oldest son. Soon he’d be pulled into the governance of the SDC, and there’d be no turning back. Sam had less than zero interest in such things, and made it clear to his parents and anyone else who would listen he wished to be right here on the Farm, regardless of what they wanted out of him. Sam’s natural abilities for the SDC’s most pressing issue, feeding its people, allowed him the luxury of disobedience on the matter.
Sam’s other ace resided with the Wizards. Sam was the unofficial liaison between the Farms and the academy of engineers that continuously invented new weapons and tools to keep the Okaw one step ahead of the darkness surrounding it. On the rare times when Sam left the Farm, he could be found in the Wizard factories – or learning how to fly. The nearly ten-acre complex (with on-site runway) produced prototypes and updates to be replicated at the former Caterpillar tractor factories in the northern reaches of Cooperative territory. Every available laborer and Wizard Apprentice spent their waking hours in those factories, fitting out farm tools and weapons for mass-production. Since the victory of their forces over the Decatur National Guard, and the elimination of the GangStars, the hub of industry, commerce and technology for the SDC seemed to migrate there.
The strong backbone of the SDC would always be the Fortress Farms. However, the newly acquired factories, salvage and manpower that came with those industrial sites helped solidify the future against the storm building on their eastern border.
Spies under the command of Martin Fredericks had confirmed that New America, or what the SDC and her allies commonly referred to as the Grays for the camouflage pattern they wore, continued to build strength. Using the flag and emblems of the old American empire, the Stars and Stripes filled small towns and frontier farms with dread of New America’s Reconstruction Task Force. Alex and Sam’s tutors explained what Reconstruction meant 200 years ago after a different war on this same continent. This didn’t sound any less unpleasant. In essence, the choice was assimilate or die.
Alex could see the sorrow in the eyes of the elders when his generation spoke with disdain about the “Americans.” There was no doubt that until the new generation was completely in charge the older folks would still consider themselves Americans just trapped in some nightmare. Even with constant lectures about what the symbols of America originally stood for, Alex and his peers were citizens of the Okaw, and loyal only to each other. The Americans were a menace to be feared, and some
day defeated.
American citizens traded their family’s freedom for some food and security. Once that red, white and blue flag flew above your town or farm, all decisions were made from the Grays' capital city, just 75 short miles from where Alex now sat. Any dissent and you received a visit from soldiers clad in gray; detention camps or worse being the end result. Alex held no contempt for the conquered peoples. Though young, he was not one for strutting around to brag about dying for honor. He didn’t want to think about what it was like to decide between feeding his family and being a free man.
All he could do was help the Okaw Valley defend their home from groups like the Grays. Preserve his Heimat. The SDC had the luxury of allied communities and Fortress Farms west to the Flat Branch and the Free Cities of Little Egypt to the south. They were already trading biodiesel to them for fertilizer and other salvage items from their river ports.
Great Hall dinner conversation often focused on what would happen when all these forces collided, but Alex hoped out loud that the bad guys would run out of people long before they made it here.
“Deep in thought again, esteemed heir of the Founder?” Sam smirked at Alex as he finally plopped down in a chair beside his big brother.
“No, just disappointed that you weren’t my harem and servants. It’s time for my hourly sponge bath,” Alex replied sarcastically.
“That’s a disturbing thought, brother. In this cold barn? Why is it the King’s son sits in the cold when heat is available to him?” Sam asked, this time attempting an English accent for affect.
“Dad would punch you if he heard you call him that four-letter word.”
“That’s why I only do it around you, big bro. Just to remind you how we little people think of your royal self. And what our sons and daughters might start thinking, too.”
Alex tried to laugh, but the weight of current events darkened his mood. “All hypothetical if we don’t survive. We’re one big attack away from being crushed or starved out. What if we lose a harvest? Just feels like we’re at a constant sprint to stay even.”
Sam gave a thousand-watt smile, “Oh ye of little faith, Prince Alexander! We just have to trust the Big Man upstairs has a plan for that. Besides, you would feel a lot better if you visited the Wizards once in a while. You should see what they’re working on; we’re going to have our own Air Force!”
“Great, maybe we can use that to fly on vacation where it’s warm,” Alex huffed.
“No, man, I’m serious. Getting the Air National Guard base in Decatur was a gold mine. They found all kinds of airplanes we can shield from the Solar Storms. And after a blinding flash of the obvious, they found thirteen crop dusters sitting in hangars around the county. We’re looking for more now,” Sam assured him.
“That’s great, Sammy,” Alex replied. “But I don’t see how that helps our defenses. Besides, I thought all planes were useless because of the Solar Storms knocking out the electronics.”
“Those crop dusters were called flying tractors. They’re low-tech, no computers, and super stable at low speeds and low altitudes. The Wizards are fitting up the new 20-millimeter cannons they copied from the Archives. So our Mark 3 tanks will have air support, and before long we’ll have advance scouting!” Sam exclaimed.
The weight of Sam’s announcement sunk in. “Unbelievable! That could tilt the balance of power to keep the Grays honest. Or at least hold them off long enough to get the Mark 3s out in big enough numbers. With both of them, they’d be crazy to mess with us!” Alex exclaimed.
“What if the Grays get some too?” Sam asked, suddenly concerned.
“I don’t think it’s likely. The Ten Vets have friends still working for the Grays. Seems like all New America knows how to do is assimilate. They just keep repeating the formula as they move north and east. It’s worked for them to expand their power. But there doesn’t seem to be a lot of originality in their thought process. And they certainly don’t have the Wizards!”
Sam smiled, “I’m going to keep one here.”
“One what?”
“One of those attack planes. I’m going to learn to fly it, while you’re learning to drive a Mark 3. Someone has to keep an eye on you! I’ll fly over watch, keep you from getting blasted by the Grays,” Sam teased.
Sam shook his head and continued: “When Dad heard about the idea of an air force, he started singing some song called Dreams. ‘Higher and higher, straight up we climb’ or something like that. The old farts all got a kick out of the song, like we’re supposed to all get the joke. Old people are so weird.”
“Shouldn’t all the planes be kept together? For defense purposes?” Alex asked seriously.
“Naw, a few here and a few there. We’re building more anyway, and I want to lead the air force someday. That OK with you? I can do that and run Schoolhouse Hill at the same time, no problem. We’re going to keep the planes spread out on the farms for patrol purposes. If it comes to a big battle with the Grays we’ll all get called up anyway. Hey, what do you think of calling the new planes Raptors?” Sam asked.
“Sounds good, I guess it keeps with the theme. Hawk’s Nest, Raptors, and Old Main had a red hawk mascot before the Reset.
Sam replied, “Yeah, we need symbols. I really like the Greenfield Shield for the Okaw. But we’re getting more allies, and no one even remembers where the old county lines were. The Americans have their eagle. The hawk symbolizes our home a lot more than the eagle did.”
“Don’t say it like that, or they’ll all freak out on you. You know they still think we’re still Americans. Like magically they’ll put the old country back together again someday. I keep trying to tell them all they have to do is surrender to the Grays and they’ll get their wish,” Alex laughed.
Sam got his smile back. “Well, you keep them safe, and I’ll keep their bellies full, most regal of princes!”
“Speaking of,” Alex shot back, “why don’t you go get me some lunch, super farmer.”
“Can’t,” Sam said shaking his head. “I don’t want to take that job away from your harem. Knowing our roles, and all that.”
Sam turned to walk out of the room and down the stairs.
“Hey Sammy,” Alex shouted over his shoulder. “I love you.”
“You too, big brother.”
Okaw Valley Self Defense Cooperative
Martin Fredericks walked through the marble and limestone hallways of what had once been a rural county courthouse. Pictures of the county’s original settlers, along with now faded paintings reflecting farm life of nearly two hundred ago, constructed a timeline to the here and now. Martin wondered how these paintings would seem modern to upcoming generations. One catastrophe after another had brought “modern” society back to the same place this area started from well over a century ago. These old paintings reflected their current lives as much as the past; electronic connections with the outside world would soon seem like some kind of myth. Once again, all anyone would know was a connection to their neighbors and to the land.
A clop, clop echo bounced off the stone stairs towards the second floor meeting rooms. Fredericks lost count of how many times he had already trudged up these stairs. Who would have thought it…I miss elevators.
He passed under the centuries-old dark wood doorway into the main conference room wondering what this morning’s meeting would bring. Windows lined one entire wall of the long space, while maps of surrounding counties covered the other walls. People who met here took responsibility for the people of the countryside, not some political boundaries drawn in a bygone era. Referencing geography simply allowed planners a better grasp of the struggles faced in protecting the settlers.
The people of Okaw Valley treated Fredericks and the Ten Vets like their own children returned home after a long absence. Each man and woman settled into responsibilities in their adopted communities around the county. Soldiering had been their profession; thus each had been assimilated into the planning and implementation of the county defenses.
Two of the original Ten Vets had now moved on with the blessing of Founder Hamilton and Sheriff Olsen. One of the soldiers had family down further south in Little Egypt, in what was once again coal and timber country. The other man choosing to leave had family in the former Regional Capital of Chicago, and was determined to get there to rescue them. No one really held out hope that his family remained alive; certainly everyone respected why he felt it necessary to try. That left eight to help build defenses for ten thousand people in an area covering over a thousand square miles.
Fredericks was a welcome addition to Hamilton and Olsen’s inner circle. His help with immediate security concerns and long term strategic planning gave the leaders a hard earned perspective on defense. Plus, Fredericks’ recommendations to the Wizards led to dramatic improvement in the capabilities of the Snapping Turtles.
Fredericks suggested semi–truck running gear replace the pickup truck chassis previously used. Semis were nearly as prevalent in farm country as pickup trucks, and few were being used since interstate commerce was non–existent. The Wizards quickly figured out that moving the semi’s huge diesel engine from the front of the frame to the middle added balance to the heavier vehicle. The driver’s compartment went in front of the engine instead of above, lowering the profile and the center of gravity. Behind the engine, a large armored cargo area could hold six to eight fully armed SDC deputies or militia. The cargo area was topped with a hatch allowing a gunner to swing a mounted weapon in a 360-degree radius, all while protected by a curved steel shield.
Improvement of the Snapping Turtles allowed the armored bulldozers known as Mark 2s to focus on farm protection. The huge lumbering beasts were instrumental in the victory of SDC forces capturing Decatur, but the tracked dozers were just too slow to patrol and there was more ground to cover each week. Increases in fuel and food production required more equipment to service more acres, and the Mark 2s were welcome on the farms due to their dual purpose.