by Mark Church
“Very cool.”
As everyone files in, Amy looks around in surprise, “Oh my goodness – you guys told me there were there supplies up here but I had no idea to what extent.”
“There are enough here for a small army,” Eli comments approvingly.
Amy finds the stock of supplies very reassuring. “Good thing, because we just happen to have one.”
✽✽✽
Amy and Kayla make it back to the refuge as the sun is setting. They enter through the back door where they find Gena busy preparing dinner.
“Where are the other two?”
“They stayed at the communication outpost so they can take inventory and prepare the facility for permanent residents,” Amy explains.
“Where’re the kids?” asks Kayla.
“In the living room.”
The words are barely out of Gena’s mouth before all three kids excitedly burst in to the kitchen. Luke and Emily rush in to hug Amy and Kayla. Grace hangs back.
When the commotion dies down, Grace whispers shyly, “Where’s my daddy?”
“Your daddy says he’ll see you tomorrow and that I am supposed to give you this.” Kayla assaults Grace with exaggerated kisses and hugs until she is giggling uncontrollably. She follows up with, “Now go play with Luke and Emily until dinner is ready.”
Grace, reassured, responds by skipping off happily with the other two children to play in the living room.
“You handled that well,” Amy compliments Kayla.
“You’re a natural momma,” Gena agrees, “That’ll come in handy someday.”
Kayla beams. The very idea of being a mother someday is both elating and terrifying. For the time being, she’ll be happy getting her fix through the kids they already have.
“Where are the dogs?” Gena turns from the stove to look around the room for the canines.
“They went into the barn,” Kayla informs her.
“I prepared something special for them.” Gena seems very pleased with herself. “I butchered the deer that Mike shot the other day and there was plenty of carcass left for the dogs.”
“Oh, they’re going to love that. Where is it? I’ll take it to them.” Kayla is ready to run out to the barn with the treat.
“No need, I left it by their bowls in the barn. I’m sure they’ve found it by now.”
“How’s Kate?” Amy hopes for good news.
“She’s resting peacefully. She slept a lot today which is good for healing.”
Amy nods wearily.
“Do you need any help in here?” Kayla offers.
“No, I can handle dinner,” Gena replies, “you two look pretty tired. Why don’t you just relax?”
Gena doesn’t have to tell them twice. They both hug her from behind as she stands at the stove before making a beeline to their respective bedrooms.
Gena turns her focus back to the evening meal. Her thoughts go to her husband, Jake, Cole, and John. While she’s happy that Amy and Kayla have returned safely, she won’t completely relax until the other four come through the door.
Jake and the others return an hour after dark. Dinner is ready so they all sit down as a family, maybe not a family in terms of blood but rather in terms of their commitment to one another.
Some would argue that their version of family comes without deep feeling and unbreakable bonds, but every person at this table would vigorously refute that notion. It’s one for all and all for one, and it doesn’t get any more family that that.
They instinctively know it will be some time before they’ll all be together in one room, sharing a meal and this realization makes this time together, all the more special.
They share, they laugh, and they reaffirm. Most importantly, they live each moment well.
22 ready for transmission
The breaking dawn gently pulls Hannah from a deep sleep. She rolls over and snuggles even deeper into her blankets. The luxury of a soft, warm bed is more appealing than the cold room air waiting to greet her.
From under the blanket and through her closed bedroom door, she gets a whiff of coffee, “I must be dreaming.” She pulls the covers from her face and inhales deeply, “I’ll be darned – it is coffee.”
The enticing aroma of the fresh brewed coffee is too much to ignore. Hannah gathers all the will power she can muster and throws back the covers. The frigid air takes away her breath.
Hannah leaps off the bed and reaches for her socks. The cold floor prompts her to dance from foot to foot as she scrambles to pull them on. When the socks are securely in place, she races to put on the rest of her cloths.
She notes the cloud coming from her mouth as warm exhales greet the chilly air. The visual display of the cold room causes her to shiver even more.
Hannah pauses to look in the mirror. Her hair is a mess and there’s residue of a drool line coming out of one side of her mouth.
She wipes her mouth with the back of her sleeve as she begins searching the dresser drawer for a brush or comb. She finds a few of various shapes and sizes in the bottom drawer. She selects one and begins running it through her tangled mop.
The sting of knots releasing temporarily takes her mind off of the cold. She winces as she pulls and tugs at the tangled mess. When she’s finished, strands of liberated hair litter the floor around her.
She takes one last look into the mirror and shrugs while thinking to herself, “That’ll have to do.”
Hannah eagerly follows the fragrant scent of the brewing coffee. She opens her bedroom door, allowing a rush of warm air to hit her face.
She turns left into the short hallway and continues down the corridor, which eventually opens to the main room.
Eli is busy at the kitchen counter. He looks up as she enters and grins brightly. “Good morning, sleepyhead.”
“Good morning.” Hannah’s face carries a questioning expression as she turns to look at the roaring fireplace in the great room.
“I trust that you slept well?”
“I did. And you?”
“Like a baby! I’m just guessing you like coffee.” Eli holds out a steaming cup of the fragrant brew.
“You guessed right! Where did you get it?” Hannah warms her cold hands on the cozy cup
“The storage cellar, along with the freeze-dried eggs and potatoes I’m about to cook.”
“What a nice surprise. How long have you been awake?”
“A couple of hours.”
“An early riser, huh?”
“You know, the early bird and all that stuff.”
“Got it. Can I help?”
“Nope, I’ve got it under control. You just enjoy your coffee and I’ll have everything ready in a few minutes.”
“I think I can manage that.”
Hannah takes her steaming cup and curls up on the sofa in front of the fireplace. She hasn’t been pampered like this in a long time and it’s kind of nice.
It’s not long before the sound and smell of potatoes frying get her stomach rumbling. “How do you like your eggs? Scrambled, scrambled, or scrambled?” Eli teasingly asks her.
Hannah goes along with it, “Hmmmm – how about scrambled?”
“I was hoping you would choose scrambled,” Eli nods smiling, “Cooking powdered eggs over-easy may be a bit challenging.”
“Yeah, that’d be quite a trick.”
The fire draws Hannah’s attention as she sips at her steaming brew. The burning coals mesmerize her as they alternately glow and then darken, creating the illusion of metamorphosing face and animal shapes.
Hannah is soon snapped from her semi-trance when Eli calls out, “Chow time!”
She rises from the couch and makes her way across the room to the kitchen table where a plate is waiting.
“Smells delicious.” Hannah smiles in appreciation as she sits down across the table from her breakfast mate.
“Eat up, we’ve got a busy day ahead of us.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Hannah assures Eli, “I�
��m starving.”
During their meal they discuss their plans for the day. Moving a week’s worth of provisions into the main house is their first order of business. They also plan to pack medicine and other essential items to deliver to the Refuge when they go to pick up Grace later this afternoon. And last but not least, they need to check the propane furnaces and other appliances to make sure that they are in safe working order.
Hannah doesn’t plan to begin the radio transmissions until tomorrow but, once they start, she understands it will be her full-time job. She doesn’t take her task lightly. Warning free communities across the globe is vital to everyone’s survival. It’s a critically important job that may very well prove to be the deciding factor in the success of the resistance’s efforts.
Eli will support Hannah’s efforts by doing all of the daily chores. If something is broken, he’ll fix it. If food needs to be prepared, he’ll prepare it. If wood needs to be chopped, he’ll chop it.
The two make a potent team. Both are motivated and both are unselfish. They are lucky to have found each other, and they are lucky to have found the Refuge. Both feel renewed by that sense of belonging and purpose.
✽✽✽
Fort Davidson, now commonly referred to as Camp Freedom, is bustling with activity. Jake and John have tasked their recruits with setting up the tents and equipment delivered by Cole and his volunteers.
Their inventory includes six replica cannons along with a hundred pounds of gunpowder, two hundred two-person heavy canvas tents, five large community tents, forty large tarps, rope, bedding, folding tables and chairs and various other camping supplies and equipment.
Much of the first day is spent setting up the barracks. John orders the tents to be placed in rows of twenty on the southwest side of the field. He has chosen this location because of the large stand of mature evergreen trees growing just to the north of the soon-to-be bivouac. His rationale is two-fold. He understands that the trees will block the cold winter winds while concealing the encampment from those approaching the valley from the north, which is the direction from which the enemy will most likely enter.
The nearly four-hundred militia members need to work quickly because these newly erected tents will serve as their accommodations for this night – and many nights to come.
When that work is done, teams are organized and tasked with erecting the larger tents while others are assigned to dig latrine pits and build makeshift wooden structures to cover them.
The day goes quickly. It’s nearly four o’clock and they’ve been hard at it for close to eight hours. The sun has dipped below the mountain and the temperature is starting to drop. Cots and blankets are issued to the volunteers as they’re assigned to quarters. Afterwards they are dismissed.
After checking out their new accommodations some begin building fires while others scavenge for things to help make themselves more comfortable.
Feeding the militia is top priority. Jake’s last order of business for the day is to organize hunting parties that will begin operating first thing in the morning. These hunters will supplement the food stores donated by the engaged communities.
If they are to be an effective fighting force, they have to be well fed. While the old adage, ‘an army marches on its stomach’ is undeniably true, this is one area where local knowledge and their ability to hunt and dress existing game gives them a decided advantage.
✽✽✽
Bull runs out to greet Hannah and Eli as they make their way to the main house.
“Hey Boy, where’s Shadow?” Eli scrubs at Bull’s head by way of greeting.
The dog weaves back and forth between them while whining and affectionately nipping at their hands.
“He seems a bit out of sorts,” observes Hannah. “Odd that Shadow’s not with him, I hope nothing’s wrong.”
The barn door opens suddenly. Gena emerges and begins walking briskly towards the main house.
“Hey there,” shouts Eli.
Gena stops and turns towards the approaching couple. “You’re just in time.”
“In time for what?” Hannah feels an apprehension upon hearing the determined note in Gena’s voice.
“In time to get us some more water and rags.”
“What’s going on?” Eli ignores the dog now pawing at his legs.
“The stork has arrived! Six times so far.”
They understand her reference right away. Eli directs Hannah, “You go ahead. I’ll get the water.”
Hannah rushes to catch up with Gena, “How’s momma?”
“Doing great.”
“Where are the kids?”
“Witnessing the miracle of birth.”
“How wonderful.”
“Don’t let Bull into the barn,” commands Gena as she partially opens the barn door and squeezes through.
Bull looks up at Hannah hopefully. Before entering, she bends down to give him a pat on the head, “Sorry buddy, you have to stay out here.”
Bull cocks his head to the side as he tries to understand. After Hannah disappears inside, he whines a few times before lying down in front of the door.
The scene in the horse stall is relatively peaceful. The kids are uncharacteristically quiet as they focus their attention on the momma and puppies. Kayla is sitting next to Shadow stroking her head as she labors to bear a seventh puppy. Amy and Gena are attending to the newborns.
Hannah approaches quietly, whispering so as not to distract the laboring animal, “It looks like you have your hands full”.
“Just a bit. How did it go up there?” Amy sits back on her heels and gazes up at Hannah.
“We’re all set up. We’ll start transmitting tomorrow.”
Noticing Hannah for the first time, Grace asks, “Where’s my daddy?”
“He’ll be here in a minute; he’s getting us some water.”
Satisfied with the answer, Grace turns her attention back to the puppies.
“Seven pups, huh?” Hannah smiles. “That’s quite a night’s work.”
“We thought she was done at six but then this little guy decided to make an appearance.” Gena explains just as Shadow births the seventh puppy.
The newly arrived puppy remains motionless until Shadow nudges it with her nose. As if on cue, the pup takes its first breath.
Shadow uses her front teeth to snip off the umbilical cord and then proceeds to lick the puppy until it is clean.
Eli enters the barn. “Daddy!” Grace exclaims as she rushes to greet him.
Eli sets down the water and drops to his knees to catch her in his arms. “I missed you, sweet pea.”
“I missed you too, Daddy.”
After a long, satisfying hug, Grace pulls back and informs her father, “Shadow had puppies!”
“Really?” Elli feigns surprise.
Grace grabs Eli’s hand and drags him over to the horse stall serving as a makeshift delivery room.
Grace points excitedly, “See – I told you.”
“You sure did.” Eli kneels next to her to examine the litter.
“Aren’t they beautiful, Daddy?”
“They sure are, Gracie.”
“I’m pretty sure that we’re done here,” Amy announces. “Shadow has relaxed which leads me to believe all the puppies are out.”
“I think your right.” Gena agrees as she starts to stand. “I’m going to go ahead and tidy up a bit.”
Gena fetches the water that Eli brought and uses it to begin cleaning up the area.
“Can I help?” Hannah offers.
“I think we have things under control here, but I’ve got the makings for stew laid out on the kitchen counter and that needs to be put together for dinner. Do you mind?” Amy is torn between staying with Shadow and her duties as head chef.
“Not at all,” Hannah replies.
“I’ll help chop.” Eli is ready to pitch in on the chore Amy had to abandon when Shadow went into labor.
“I won’t turn down that offer.” Hannah smiles at
her breakfast chef.
“Can I stay here with Luke and Emily a little while longer?” begs Grace.
“You sure can. I’m sure Shadow would like that.”
Hannah and Eli head to the kitchen duties as Gena and Amy clean up the stall. The children watch over Shadow and her puppies like hovering cherubs. A sweet moment of calm they all enjoy, however brief it may be.
23 basic training
Once eradicated, elk were reintroduced into Missouri at the beginning of the century. These large animals have flourished, especially since the war. They now provide an important source of protein for all predators, including humans. Their numbers are especially high in the Ozark Mountains, which bodes well for those living there.
A hunting party returns from an early morning outing with two large bull elk carcasses strapped to their trucks. Even field dressed they still weigh well over five hundred pounds each.
The hunters will skin the two animals and then turn them over to the cooking detail for butchering before reporting to their combat units.
The garrison’s general population has already reported to their respective units. Most are in fighting units but some that would better serve non-combat roles are assigned accordingly.
Those with prior military experience are either designated as unit leaders or assigned to elite, forward operating units designed to draw the government troops into the valley. The performance of those in both roles needs to be high if the militia hopes to be effective.
“So where do we stand?” Jake feels the need to take stock of their progress. There is so much to do and so little time in which to do it.
“I’m organizing our volunteers into two companies and they will be broken down into five platoons each.” John lays out what he has accomplished so far.
John is well versed in military hierarchy. He understands that smaller units, trained by capable leaders, will be required to turn these civilians into an effective fighting force.
“If my math is correct, that’ll give us ten or so fighting units.” Jake verifies his understanding.
“Platoons,” John confirms with a chuckle.