by Chris Hechtl
“I think for the safety of everyone here I'll not say who I am at this time,” Jean Claude said dryly as he rolled his eyes.
“That might be wise,” Colonel Harley said, picking up the conversation. “This is Colonel Harley. I'm glad to hear you, sir. We thought you were dead.”
“The rumors of my demise were apparently premature, ma'am,” Jean Claude said with a smile. Vanessa snorted. So did Kiki who was lounging on top of the hutch above the radio equipment. She flicked her tail in amusement and disdain.
“This is Harambe. I vouch for the caller,” a gruff male voice said over the radio. “Glad to hear you are alive old friend,” he said.
“Harambe? Good to hear you,” Jean Claude said. “We were in your area, and well, like this storm, things didn't work out as planned.”
“The storm in your area will lift by morning according to our weather forecasts,” Major Zedeal said.
Jean Claude glanced at Vanessa and the others. They grimaced but then nodded. “Good to know. My hosts thank you for the information.”
“We need to meet. All of us if possible,” the colonel said.
“I'm staying put,” Harambe said firmly.
“We don't want to overstay our welcome, especially with certain people around. Our hostess is planning a trip to town. If you can arrange someone to meet us at Al's Market?” Jean said suggestively.
“That we can do,” the colonel said firmly. She nodded to the major who made a note on his tablet, then turned away to issue the orders.
<)>^<)>/
“For safety's sake, I think I'd best keep this short and sweet then. Until tomorrow I bid you adieu, sweet mademoiselle, Major, Harambe,” Jean said with a smile.
“Thank you, kind, sir. It will be an … instructive conversation when we finally do meet in person,” the colonel said dryly as she signed off.
He heard Harambe's snort. “Night. Don't let the bed bugs bite,” the gorilla growled.
“Try not to. Oh, a certain little lady is here and sends her regards,” Jean said when he saw a handpaw dangle and spread her fingers apart in his view.
There was a pause. “Roger that. Tell her to get her act together and back here tomorrow,” he growled.
“Sheesh, what a grouch. Some piece of work he is,” Kiki growled. Jean Claude and Wade snorted.
“She said …,” Jean had to cover the microphone to keep her from saying anything. “Okay,” he said fast before he cut the channel.
“Spoil sport,” Kiki said. “One of these days, I'm going to give that damn overgrown chimp a piece of my mind. From a safe distance of course,” she said.
That earned a sputter of laughter from the group.
“What? I'm not a total idiot,” Kiki said crossing her paws in front of her. That earned a fresh titter from the group.
“Okay, well, we've got our work cut out for us. See you in the morning,” Jean said with a nod to their hosts.
“Definitely,” Vanessa said. “I think it's about time we all turn in,” she said, waving to the parents and kids. The kids awed in disappointment but went single file to the bathroom to get cleaned up.
<)>^<)>/
“ … Okay,” the familiar voice said.
The lieutenant scowled blackly. “It's him, it's got to be. I'd know that voice anywhere.”
“I'm pretty sure you are right, sir, which means we missed him,” Sergeant Adkins growled. “He's somewhere nearby though. He has to be if he was on foot.”
“He mentioned meeting them tomorrow at Al's Market. That tells us where he's going to be,” Corporal Fornell said.
“Fallbrook is a tough nut. No way we can get him if he gets there,” Sergeant Adkins said worriedly.
The lieutenant nodded. “Come on. We need to hustle. This rain should keep the drones at bay. They'll be up over the clouds to avoid this wind. If we move fast enough, we'll get to that farm before they leave.”
The sergeant recognized the lieutenant's firm hand and nodded. “Come on boys and girls, we've got a lot of hard riding to do,” he said motioning the group to pack up. “Pack ‘em up and move ‘em out in twenty,” he said.
“Make it ten. We're not going to miss this date,” the lieutenant growled.
<)>^<)>/
When they got to the crest of the hill at the intersection, the misty rain finally started to ease off. It was near dawn according to the lieutenant's implants. “Tie off the mounts and leave most of the gear here; we're going the rest of the way on foot. Brinkman, you are going to stay here and keep a watch on our shit. You better not sleep on the job,” the lieutenant growled.
The private nodded emphatically.
“Good. When you hear us call you, I want you to bring the mount train in. We'll need it for a fast getaway. Remember boys and girls, this is pretty damn close to Fallbrook. We need to be in and out and back into the hills and forest fast,” the lieutenant said sternly.
“We're not going to know if there is a drone overhead until it's damn near on top of us,” Sergeant Adkins warned.
“They won't fire in a farm. Too many civilians,” Vincent said snidely. “We'll use that to our advantage. If things head south, avoid the road. Get back here through the fields and woods,” he said, pointing to the spot. “Secondary fallback is our last camp sight. Understood?” he demanded. The group nodded.
“Good. We're going to hit them a bit after daybreak. If they are a normal farm, they'll be up and about.” He sketched the farm in the mud and used his flashlight to illuminate it. “Driveway here. Gate here. Don't touch it; it squeaks like a son of a bitch. We'll get it later. Here is the main house,” he said pointing to the house. “Barn here, outbuildings here, here, here, here …”
“There is a spring shed out near the creek,” Corporal Fornell said. The lieutenant looked up to him. The young man pointed. “I've been there. It's where they keep some of their excess meat to keep it fresh longer, also where they keep the skins they trap.”
“Okay,” the lieutenant said. “We secure the courtyard and buildings, then do a sweep. We find the bastard and take him and his family alive if possible.”
“Why alive?” Sergeant Adkins asked.
“Remember, I'm a bit of a history buff?” the sergeant nodded. “Well, I think the general could use him for disinformation. At the least publicity showing his execution should hurt their morale.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Good. Now …”
Chapter 44
“I hate the way my hair is so frizzy,” Clarissa complained as her sister sat behind her and did her best to braid it.
“It's the weather. It should go down now that the storm's cleared,” Gretchen said. She smiled to the sleeping babies nearby. “You let them sleep in here?” she asked.
“Yeah,” Clarissa said. “They are going to use some of my old clothes. They need them more than I do. I've grown out of some of ‘em. Besides, I doubt Alvin will want them,” she said with a sniff.
“Since he's a boy, probably not,” her sister drawled as she continued to work down the braid.
“That's his loss,” her sister said, lifting her chin with a lilt. Gretchen smiled indulgently.
“It should be a nice day. At least I hope it is,” Gretchen said.
“Me too. I know Pa won't let us shirk the chores till the mud dries out though,” Clarissa said with a grimace. “Ma is going to be upset at all the wash,” she said with a shake of her head.
“Hold still,” her sister scolded softly as she continued to work the hair with her deft fingers. “Otherwise, it'll be loose,” she warned.
“Okay,” Clarissa said.
They heard the clatter of footfalls in the hall. Gretchen turned to see Ronald in the open door. “Rain is done Pa said. We've got chores,” he said then took off.
The girls groaned. After a moment though, Clarissa brightened. “Hey, I know they are guests and all …”
“Don't even. They are about done in. Let them sleep,” Gretchen warned sternly.
<
br /> “Ah, shucks,” Clarissa pouted as her sister finished tying a red ribbon around the end of the braid to keep it secure.
<)>^<)>/
Lieutenant Lishman motioned for Sergeant Adkins to take a small team through the fence and berry bushes to hit one flank. He hand-signed Corporal Fornell to do the same with two privates, and then signaled they would all come together in a pincer. The noncoms nodded.
Sergeant Adkins went over the fence one leg at a time with his two privates. Corporal Fornell was a bit smarter, he ducked and went through the slats between the fence runners and his two privates followed suit. The lieutenant snorted and then waved to his remaining five men to jog the rest of the way up the road and into the drive.
They avoided the mud and puddles, but the crunch of gravel made the lieutenant wince. He unlatched the gate but opened it only enough to squeeze through. The others followed suit.
Homestretch he thought as they moved in to close the bag.
<)>^<)>/
“Sleep okay?” Jon asked gruffly as he nodded to Wade and Kadir. Both men nodded.
“Best sleep we've had in a long time. Thanks,” Wade said as he turned to see Jean Claude come out and stretch on the porch. The man scratched at his flanks and then came over to the men. “We've got what, a couple hours before Vanessa heads to town?” Wade asked.
“Yeah, after breakfast,” Jon said with a nod.
“Okay, so, put us to work. I know the rain did some damage. We can at least help you put it to right before we get out of your hair,” Wade offered. Jon looked over to Jean Claude and then Kadir. Both men nodded.
“Well, I checked the trapline with Kevin before the rain,” he said as he gathered up his rifle in his arms. “I need to check it again though, it's not right to leave an animal suffering.” All three men nodded. “If you can mind the farm here …,” he turned as Vanessa came up behind them. “Vanessa here can show you some of my chores. The kids will check the chickens, but if you can spot-check the feeding and help with the mucking out and milking, that'd be much appreciated,” he drawled.
“That we can do,” Jean Claude said firmly.
“Okay, I'll be …”
That was as far as he got before all hell broke loose.
<)>^<)>/
Vincent shot the guy with the rifle first, then the woman as she ducked and went to help the fallen man. He couldn't take chances that she was going to go after the rifle. A shot from his left hit the big chimera in the stomach. The guy doubled over and went down.
Another shot, this one from his right took out the other chimera, nearly blowing his head off.
“Spread out,” the lieutenant ordered as farm hands and kids bellowed and then dropped what they were doing to turn to run. Others came around buildings or out of them to see what was going on. “Round them up or kill them,” he said as a woman came to the door and then rushed back inside pulling kids away from the door as she went.
“Cover the farmhouse,” he ordered, pointing to Sergeant Adkins as he came into sight. “What took you?” he demanded, then snorted when he saw how filthy the guy was. He shook his head.
He turned to see Corporal Fornell shoot at a black streak headed into the fields.
“Never mind the stock. Kill the people,” the lieutenant said.
“That was a Neocat,” the corporal replied.
That made the lieutenant pause, then grunt. “Okay, good work then. You did kill it, right?” The corporal nodded. “Good man.”
<)>^<)>/
Kiki saw the invaders and beat a hasty retreat on all fours for the fields. She tried to focus on cloaking, but she couldn't concentrate and besides, with her respiration up it was a moot point. She focused on running.
A shot hit her in the lower back right near her hips, sending her end over end and then sprawling. The pain was excruciating at first and then it stopped. She remained still, sobbing softly to herself until she was sure that her attacker was gone or not paying attention to her. She glanced over her shoulder to be sure. When she was sure the coast was clear, she crawled into the field. For some reason, her legs wouldn't work though and she was very tired.
<)>^<)>/
Jon, not quite dead, managed to roll over and get off a return shot off, but it went high and wide. A second shot from one of the raiders killed him.
Jean Claude was shot in the side as he turned to run. The shot spun him, and he fell near the center of the yard. He gasped, one hand going to his wounded side. He pulled it away and saw mud and blood. He groaned and put his hand over it to try to stem the bleeding.
It wasn't like it was going to help him for long. He looked over to Wade and then Kadir. Kadir was clearly dead. He closed his eyes in pain.
“I'm sorry, my friend,” he murmured.
<)>^<)>/
When the yard was considered secured, the lieutenant motioned to Sergeant Adkins. The sergeant came trotting over to him.
“Secure the perimeter. Lock the woman and the kids in the closets. Prop a door up to keep them in. Grab all the goods, food, and the like you can, then we're torching the place,” Vincent snarled as he stood over Wade and Jean Claude. “Okay,” he said squatting over Wade as he pulled his bush knife. “Which of you is Debois. Don't be shy,” he said, letting the light flicker on his knife.
<)>^<)>/
Sergeant Adkins quickly rounded up the whimpering woman and kids in the house. It was easy for the kids; the brats gave themselves away. He dragged her by the hair to a closet. “Be glad we're not going to be here long,” he said as he threw her in. He tossed one of the brats in on top of her as she went into a fetal position. “Just shut up, and we'll be gone in no time,” he said grimly as he slammed the door and then used a handy chair to lock it.
He wasn't certain what that was about. The lieutenant had said he wanted the family of Debois alive. Apparently the plan had changed. He shrugged such considerations off as he did another fast sweep of the house. He even barricaded the other closets and the door to the cellar.
He detailed the house looting to two of the privates before he went outside to make certain things were still secure.
<)>^<)>/
The Marines on the perimeter of Fallbrook near the Smith farm heard the cracks of distant weapons fire. They used their implants to orient on the weapons fire and then used them to see if there were any of their units in the area.
Al's market had become something of a town hall for some of the folk. Given that they'd been cooped up in their homes due to the recent rain, it was human nature for some to congregate at the market and talk.
Isabel was one of those people at Al's. She'd come to talk to the Marines. But all conversations quieted when they heard the distant report of weapons fire. “It's coming from that direction,” Al said, pointing up the road.
“According to our map, it is the Smith farm?” Sergeant Jasmine Ivanovich asked politely, eying the group as she came over to them. “Didn't we get a report of someone coming to meet us from that direction?” she asked, turning to a red and black Neocat. The Neocat, Private Red Claw, shrugged. “Well, you're no help,” she drawled. The cat sniffed but then turned to look at her zone.
“The Smith family farm?” the sergeant asked, turning to Al. “They your suppliers?”
“The best in the area. They bought all three farms here,” Al said as he dried his hands on his apron. He pointed up the main road past the distant checkpoint. “They took on the Desmond place,” he then pointed to the right, “and Patterson’s distillery.” He pointed to the left. “They've been hiring a lot of people to help with the spring planting and farm chores. Jon finally realized he couldn't do it all alone.”
“Three farms? I'd be hard pressed to take on one,” Jasmine said with a shake of her head.
“Well, he's got a passel of kids including my godson to help. They are good, hard-working folks,” Al said loyally. He frowned as the shooting continued. “That's not hunting fire, is it?”
“No,” Sergeant Ivanovich
said slowly. “I don't think it is either.”
“They collaborated with the first invaders. They profited while the rest of us suffered,” Judith growled.
“They always had money,” Clarice agreed, eying Al sourly. “How'd they pay the toll and everything? They had plenty of food and even had food to trade when it was winter. They've never done that,” she practically spat with a shake of her head.
“That's bullpucky and you two know it,” Al snarled at them. Both women shrank away a bit before they lifted their chins and stood their ground.
“We need to do something. To help,” Isabel said as urgency of the situation overcame her.
“It's not our problem, ma'am. We can't leave the town uncovered,” the Marine said.
“But …,” Isabel thought long and fast. She looked over to Tessa and then Flo. Tessa shrugged. “They are a part of the resistance,” Isabel said in a rush. She didn't like making the plunge, labeling her friends, but they needed help now.
“First I heard of it,” Judith said staring at her.
“Given what Rudy did, no one wanted anyone to know,” Isabel said, leveling a gaze right back at the other woman.
“She's right,” Flo said from behind Isabel. All eyes turned to the Neochimp. “She and Isabel here helped me out. Isabel warned me that Rudy sold me out and that they were coming for me. I barely got out in time.” She shook her head. “I got my babies over to the road and Vanessa Smith helped smuggle me out of town. She took us on for a week, then she got us to the Borlin's place,” she said. “From there I got to the resistance,” she said.
“It's pretty much the same for me,” Tess said quietly. “And I heard they helped others,” she said lifting her chin in challenge. The three women turned to the Marines. “They helped smuggle a lot of people out of here and other areas. And they provided some food for the resistance during the winter. Please, if you can, help them,” Isabel implored.
Sergeant Ivanovich nodded sagely as she rested a hand on the butt of her rifle strapped to her chest. “This is Winchester One Nine to base,” she said as she turned away and put one hand to her ear. “We've got multiple shots fired at a local farm and requests for assistance from the locals,” she said.