by T A Williams
He nodded. “We have a transportation truck on the street nearby. There is more food and water there.”
Jess looked down at Ally who was looking up at her waiting for permission. She really didn’t have much of a choice. It was obvious that she wasn’t capable of taking care of either of them. The man seemed nice and his story made sense.
“We’ll come with you.”
“Good to hear.” He said and turned around to talk to someone that Jess wasn’t aware was even there. “We find anyone else?”
“No sir.” Said the unseen person.
“Round everyone up and let’s head out then.” He turned back to Jess and Ally. “Grab what you need and I’ll meet you in the street.”
They walked outside and what had once been a deserted street was now full of activity. A block down was a large truck with a covered bed that was two to three car lengths long. Just behind it were several military Humvees and a few men in military gear were standing near the trucks with their attention towards them.
Wash pointed towards the large truck. “There is one other person inside, an older lady we found earlier today. She’s a little dehydrated but is in good condition and can take care of herself. We have one more stop before we head back, there is a little town just 30 minutes east of here we need to check out. The journey home will take a little less than an hour, any questions?”
Jess didn’t know where to start, so she told him no.
Wash yelled for the men to load up and they followed his orders without hesitation. By the time they walked to the transportation truck the street was empty and the Humvees were roaring and ready to go.
Half of the bed of the truck was open to the elements and the other half was covered by a tarp. Sitting under this was an older lady, looking to be around forty or fifty. She wore a tank top that was weathered and soaked in sweat and her skin looked aged like someone that had tanned entirely too long.
Jess pulled herself up into the back first and the woman gave her a tired smile but her face completely transformed when Ally jumped up into the back. The woman’s eyes filled with tears and the look on her face told of a past event that Jess didn’t want to know about, she had her own burdens to bare. Ally didn’t notice the woman fighting back the emotion and waved at her then sat down next to Jess.
“Everyone good to go?” yelled one of the soldiers in the cab of the truck.
Ally gave the window a thumbs up. “Good to go sir.”
Jess laid her head back against the side as the truck lurched to life and headed down the road towards an unknown destination.
Jess
The sun had disappeared under the horizon well before they finally made their way to the soldier’s base camp. Everything she had been through was because the world had descended into darkness but as they approached the camp she saw something that she thought was gone forever, artificial light.
The hastily put together military base was surrounded by a chain link fence that was twice her size and topped off with rolls of barbed wire. There were light poles standing near the entrance and the light that poured out of them was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
“Look.” Ally said as she noticed the lights.
“I see honey, I see.” She said with wonder in her voice.
They drove through the gates and past several soldiers guarding the gate. They nodded towards the driver as they went by. Past the gates were more buildings, some that had been there for a while, as the colors in the bricks had long since faded and others that had obviously just been put up to serve military means.
Their truck pulled up next to a large building and stopped. Jess had gotten so used to the vibration of the truck’s engines that her legs felt numb when it finally stopped. The soldiers got out of their vehicles and began to file out causally in different directions. Their day, for now at least, seemed to be at an end.
Wash came around the back of their truck and stretched. “You all make it back here?” The man’s face was haggard and worn. The bags under his eyes seemed to stretch down to his mouth and his eyes were tinted red with exhaustion. “Come on down.”
As the three of them got out of the back of the truck Wash handed each of them a water bottle. “Someone will be around to get you all something to eat. This is our base, we will keep you all here for a day or so then move you out to one of our camps for something more permanent.”
“You have power.” The old lady said as she looked around in awe.
Wash nodded. “Yes ma’am. They work off solar panels that are placed up around the camp.”
“How?” Jess asked. “Everything went black.”
“They were provided to us courtesy of Uncle Sam. Whatever happened initially fried out all the electronics, but since then they’ve been doing everything they can to either fix or replace what was destroyed.” He looked out over the base. “We only have enough for our main area of operations, still nothing over in the barracks or other areas, but we’re getting there.”
A younger soldier walked over and saluted Wash who returned the salute. “Welcome back, sir. Just these three?”
“Just three, everywhere else we went was either empty or the people ran off before we could say anything. Hoping to get a day of R&R then we can take them to Camp B.”
“No can do sir, Camp B is bingo on space.”
Wash raised an eyebrow. “Since when?”
“One of the patrols went through Shreveport and found another 100 civies in need of a place to stay.”
Wash didn’t say anything for a second and was deep in thought. “What’s the status on Camp C?”
“They have close to forty shelters up and ready to go but those spots are already filled thanks to that last sweep.”
“Why are we going out looking for more survivors if we don’t have a place to put them?” he asked agitated.
The soldier said nothing.
Wash ran his hand over his head and turned to them. “Looks like you all are going to be stationed here for a little longer than we thought.” He turned to the soldier. “Have some of the men set up one of the large temp tents for tonight then tomorrow we can clean out one of the trailers to use as a more permanent residence.”
“Yes sir.” The soldier hurried off.
Wash turned to them and somehow looked even more worn down than he had just a few minutes prior. “We have around 150 military personnel stationed here along with probably 30-40 civilians, most are family to the soldiers. We’ll feed you now and help you get settled in, tomorrow they will hand you a meal card. If you enjoy eating keep track of yours. Most everyone here has a job or chore the have to do, we expect everyone to chip in to keep things going, understood?”
Jess nodded and Ally did the same next to here.
Wash’s voice softened. “I’m glad you chose to come with us. Things aren’t easy here but your chances of surviving are higher. Keep your nose clean, help out, and you’ll be ok. Ready to eat?”
Ally smiled, “Yes sir.”
Alec
Alec grabbed the squirrel from the snare and placed it in the bag along with the rabbit he had trapped earlier.
He leaned back against a nearby tree in order to catch his breath and looked out over the empty field. They had been there for nearly a week and to Malcolm, if not the rest of the town, it was about a week too long. At first he took the looks as one of suspicion but they seemed to be something else. He wasn’t sure exactly what they were, but they were definitely lacking in the friendly department.
He had to admit it was nice having a soft bed to lay in every night, but every night before he closed his eyes he couldn’t help but wonder where Ally was. The few people who would sit still long enough for him to talk to had not seen a young girl traveling with a woman. So once again he had no leads on where to look for his sister. He wasn’t even entirely sure he should continue looking.
If it hadn’t been for Trevor and Jamie he would be dead, he had no doubts about that. That would have left Be
n back at home all alone waiting for a family that would never return. Didn’t he at least owe it to him to come back and give his brother a choice? He didn’t want to drag Ben out into this world but at least they would be together.
“Catch anything?”
Deep in thought and on autopilot Alec had walked back into the town and nearly walked past Trevor who was on his hands and knees in the dirt pulling up weeds. Jamie was on the far side of the yard and waived at him as he approached.
Alec laid the bag down next to Trevor. “A rabbit and a squirrel, it should help provide some meat in our veggie diet.” Trevor smiled. “You think Malcolm will take this as a peace offering?”
“Peace offering for what? Didn’t realize we were at war.”
“Peace offering for being around apparently.” Answered Alec. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so unwelcome in a place before in my life.”
Trevor stopped what he was doing and wiped some sweat from his brow. “I don’t know what the hell is going on here. But they are providing us with food and shelter, and haven’t asked us to leave, yet. To be honest that is not even the thing that is bothering me the most.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t you think it’s a little weird that there are only women, children and old men here?”
Alec was about to disagree when he realized Trevor was right. Per Malcolm’s request they had stayed near his house but they were still able to see everyone going about their daily duties, and Alec couldn’t remember seeing a man that didn’t appear to be on the other side of the hill.
“What does that mean?”
Trevor shrugged his shoulders. “Hell if I know.”
Margie walked up from in front of the house. As she walked past Jamie she ruffled the girl’s hair, much to the kid’s delight, and stopped next to them.
“Alright, looks like there is something in that bag.”
“Squirrel and a nice size rabbit.” Answered Alec.
“Better than nothing.” Margie looked out at the horizon and looked like she was having a moment of Zen. “All things aside it sure is fucking beautiful out here.”
Alec pretended to appreciate the view but he continued to go through the list of people he had seen since being in the town hoping to be able to prove Trevor wrong.
“I appreciate you all helping out.” Margie said. “Regardless of what my father may say we can always use another helping hand.”
Alec wanted to ask her about the strange demographics of this unwelcoming town but wasn’t sure if he should. Was this something that Trevor had just mentioned in passing and was ok to ask, or was this something they needed to keep quiet about until they were able to investigate more?
Trevor spoke up. “It doesn’t seem like it’s just your father who has a problem with us being here.”
Margie’s face grew serious. “With everything they’ve been through they’re just not trusting people. Give them time.”
“Is that why Malcolm wants us to stay inside the house 23 hours a day?” Alec asked.
She seemed to hesitate just slightly. “Yes. Once everyone gets used to you they won’t have a problem with you walking around town. Until then it’s probably best for you to stay nearby, so they don’t think you’re snooping around.”
Trevor and Alec shared another look. Alec didn’t think the man bought her story either. Before either of them could push the issue an older woman in dirt covered overalls came running around the house.
“There’s a car coming about a half-mile back.”
Margie instantly tensed up. “A car or a truck?”
“I think they said a car but I’m not sure.”
“Where the hell is the bell?” she said under her breath. Margie grabbed Trevor by the shoulder and pushed him towards the door. “You all need to get inside and stay hidden.”
“What do you me-“ Trevor attempted to ask.
“Please just get inside and stay quiet.”
Trevor grabbed Jamie’s hand and Alec followed them inside the house. Margie led them hastily to a side room and closed the door and then the curtains. The room was plunged into darkness.
Margie sat next to the window and peeked out.
Trevor came up beside her. “Margie, look you’ve got to-“
“Do you want to stay here Trevor?” The anger in her voice was evident. “Because if so I need you to do what I say without asking questions, understand?”
Trevor was quiet for a moment and glanced over at Jamie. The girl was sitting on the nearby bed and seemed on the cusp of tears. Trevor went to her and wrapped her in his arms.
“I’m sorry,” Margie started. “I want you all to stay here. You seem like good people and we could always use the help, but,” She took in a deep breath and composed herself. “I understand you have questions but I can’t give you answers, at least not right now.”
“Are we in danger?” Alec asked.
“Not if you do what we say.” They sat there in silence for a few seconds. “Give me a week. Keep helping out where you can and showing that you can be trusted. I’ll talk with the others let them know you all are staying regardless of how they feel and then I’ll let you know everything, agreed?”
Alec looked to Trevor who simply nodded.
Margie peeked back outside and a look of relief passed over her face. “They gave the all clear; the car must have turned down a different road.” She got up and dusted herself off. “What do you say Alec, want to help me cook up some grub?”
As if nothing had even happened.
Alec nodded and went with her, what other choice did they have?
Jess
It took her a couple of weeks to get used to the new routine. The base came to life just before dawn, the soldiers said at 0600 but she had no idea how they knew what time it was. Most of the soldiers ran around the base while the civilians ate, then the soldiers would eat and the civilians cleaned up afterwards. After this everyone went about their assignment duties.
Jess’s job was easy enough, she, along with a few others, had laundry duty for one of the smaller barracks that consisted of less than twenty men. There was a small river just outside the base where they would go and wash the clothing, always accompanied by two or three soldiers, and then return to hang and dry the clothes. They usually got started just after meal clean-up and were normally done by lunch.
Ally was one of three other children and they went to daycare, or as Ally called it school. Ally was the youngest by far but the other kids seemed to accept her well enough.
Jess had enjoyed the transition of going from a constantly empty stomach to one that always had something in it. The soldiers always grumbled about their food choices, which ranged from packaged M.R.E.’s, various meat stews, or protein bars and shakes, but to Jess it was heaven. She had stopped being choosy after her first night of trying to sleep with constant hunger pains.
The sun was beginning its inevitable decline towards the horizon and she was waiting in the civilian line to eat. Ally was late, which wasn’t uncommon, but when Jess saw the little girl jogging around the corner the look on the girl’s face was one of worry.
Ally ran up and was in near tears. “I can’t find it.”
“Can’t find what honey?”
“My food card.”
They line started moving and Jess felt her stomach clench up. Outside of not stealing the biggest thing the soldiers stressed was not losing your meal card. They had been pretty clear of what would happen if you lost the one they gave you every morning.
“Did you put it back in your room before class like you were supposed to?” she asked.
Ally nodded emphatically. “I swear I did. I put it by my bed like always but it’s not there. I swear it’s not there I looked.”
The line continued to move forward and before Jess could say another word they were standing next to the soldier that collected the meal tickets. He stood there with his hand out waiting for the ticket while his attention was focused on a cli
pboard lying on a podium next to him. For a beat Jess considered handing him her ticket and trying to get by with Ally, before she could fully formulate her plan he looked up at her.
“Ticket, you know how this works.” His voice was filled with disdain and it was obvious this wasn’t his first choice for a daily chore.
“I have mine but my daughter lost hers. It’s my fault I should keep track of it, it won’t happen again.”
The soldier’s tired eyes didn’t even blink. “Your daughter can stand out here while you collect your portions, new meal tickets will be given out in the morning, next.” He said gesturing towards the people behind her.
“You, you don’t understand she just can’t go without eating.”
The soldier’s eyes went from fatigued to angry. “Then feed her your portion, or share, I don’t really care. No ticket, no food.”
Jess stood there dumbfounded.
“You’ve got to be fucking shitting me.” Came a gruff voice that was rapidly approaching them. Jess turned around and was met by an older man that had a dark beard with streaks of white interspersed throughout that hung from his face. The man had a dirty plaid shirt on and while he didn’t look fat his pudgy midsection suggested he hadn’t been missing many meals.
“This is how you’re treating people now?” he asked.
The soldier’s face showed that he wasn’t used to being questioned. He took a set towards the older man and puffed out his chest. “This isn’t rocket science, no meal card, no food. Now if you’re here to eat get to the back of the line.”
“You honestly think people are trying to get seconds of the slop you people are serving? You just started serving dinner do you really think this woman and her daughter have already eaten and are now trying to slip past you? Is this the level of intelligence you want people to think you are working with?”
The soldier’s face turned red and he laid his hand on his side arm. Jess pushed Ally behind her and stepped back until the bearded man put his hand on her back and stopped her.