by Nathan Combs
Sara thought about it for a few seconds. “She had one clone, Wade. Maybe she had two.”
He shrugged. “I guess that’s possible. But, realistically, even if she’s not dead, she’s on her own. No weapons, no horse, no supplies. No Horst Nagel. Nothing. She damned sure didn’t hold her breath for half an hour and swim across the river. And none of her clan escaped. So even if she’s still alive, she’s no longer a threat to you or the baby. I’m satisfied.”
Sara knew Wade wouldn’t make a statement like that to placate her. She stood and wrapped her arms around him. “I believe you think you got her, Wade. But I’d feel a lot better if there was a body.”
“Well, I would too, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. Would you like her sword?”
“No, thank you. I’m not criticizing, Wade. I trust you. You know that. If you say you got her, that’s good enough for me. When are we going home?”
“Not later than the day after tomorrow. Get some rest, Sara. You need to take care of my grandson.”
She smiled. “Maybe it’s a granddaughter, Wade.”
Bill interjected. “Maybe it’s one of each.”
That brought smiles to everyone’s faces, and Sara, still grinning, left the room.
After Sara left, Stuart said, “She has a valid point, Wade. No body, no Nina.”
“Yeah, I know. Like I said, Stuart… even if it wasn’t her, she’s no longer a threat.”
“So… what? We can relax and get on with rebuilding civilization?”
Nodding, Wade said sarcastically, “Right! Randal, go get Nagel.”
Five minutes later, Horst stood obsequiously before Wade. His surliness was gone, but Wade found his new persona even more annoying. Tyler pushed him into a chair in front of Stuart’s desk.
“Nina is dead, Horst. And so are your brothers and sisters.”
“They weren’t my family, Captain. I did what I had to do to survive. I tolerated the lifestyle, but I wasn’t in love with it.”
Wade glared at him. “Personally, I don’t think you should be allowed to live, Nagel. And deep in my heart, I know I’ll regret letting you go, but a deal’s a deal. I’m cutting you loose, but you’ll be released on my terms. Not yours. Bill, mark him. Put The Light tattoo on his forehead. Give him Nina’s sword, a knife, and enough gear and supplies for two days. No weapon. On second thought, give him her horse too.”
Turning back to Horst, he said, “The mark of the beast will be visible on your worthless head, Nagel. If you show up anywhere in Olympia, there will be a standing order to put a dot between the T and the L. No questions asked.”
Horst simply stared blankly back at them.
Bill took Wade aside and said, “Just for the record, boss, this is a huge mistake.”
“I can’t argue with you, Bill, but we’re not going back on our word. Take a couple of guys with you and get his ass out of here.”
Bill escorted Horst thirty minutes west of Fort Hope and released him. When the cuffs were removed, Horst sat the horse looking straight ahead. His jaws were locked.
Bill said, “Personally, Horst, I never leave an enemy behind. Not alive. So before I disobey a direct order and off your worthless ass, you better go. Now.”
Horst rode south and never looked back.
When Bill returned to Fort Hope, he went straight to the control center. Wade looked up as Bill walked in shaking his head. “We’re gonna regret this day, Wade. Mark my words.”
Wade nodded. “Maybe so, but right now we have work to do. I want to get home, and I know you do too, so let’s take care of business. We’ll worry about Horst if and when the time comes.”
“What’re we doin’?”
“We’re having a meeting in the cafeteria. We were waiting for you to get back. Let’s go.”
The leaders of Olympia, all of the Terminators, and the officers of Fort Hope’s security team were present when they walked in. Wade had also summoned the doctors, a rep from the nuclear people, and the heads of other important departments within Fort Hope. He went directly to the podium, intent on not mincing words.
“By now you know The Light is history. I know I speak for everyone when I say a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders. It’s been a long and costly fight, and we lost a lot of people. But before you take solace in the knowledge we no longer have to defend against Nina’s attacks, I want you to be aware that there are almost certainly other groups who will replace The Light. We must never let down our guard or take our safety for granted.
“Beginning now and for the foreseeable future, we’re going to change the way we operate. I want everyone to put his or her security ideas on paper. I don’t care how outlandish they appear. Security is our number one challenge, and I guarantee your suggestions will not be taken lightly.
“I’m sure the fact that the weather has changed hasn’t been lost on you. It gets colder every year, and we’ve received triple the normal amount of snow this winter. And it’s only January. That’s probably a result of the nuclear war. I don’t think there are any Woolly Mammoths in our future, but then again, I can’t guarantee you there won’t be. Food may become a problem in the future. All departments are to submit a to-do list not later than 1200 hours tomorrow. Note issues you’re currently facing, as well as your concerns for the future. Itemize materials you need, construction you think should be undertaken, and anything else you deem important. That’s it. We meet here at noon tomorrow. Reps from Gateway and Zion, please remain. Stuart, you, your squad leaders, Tyler, and the Terminators remain too. Everyone else is dismissed.”
After the department heads left, Wade asked Stuart, “Did you bring the sat-map for Fort Hope?”
Pointing to a bare wall near the window, he said, “Yeah, I did. I’ll put it up.”
Wade told everyone to gather around. “You all know we’re not out of the woods just because we took down Nina and her clan. We need to prepare for the next moron that shows up with a cadre of derelicts. How long we have is anyone’s guess, but when they do, they’re not going to take us by surprise. And they are definitely not getting inside Fort Hope. I was hoping we wouldn’t have to turn Olympia into walled compounds, but hope isn’t going to cut it. We don’t have much choice.”
With the pointer Tyler gave him, he touched the map. “This area marked in red is the current configuration of Fort Hope. I want to expand the main gate to here.” He tapped an area one hundred feet from the present gate. “We’re going to build a secure passageway from the new main gate to the current one. In other words, there will be two checkpoints that have to be cleared to get into the fort. I want armored watchtowers built, replacing the current platforms. We’ll send a patrol to Knoxville in search of bulletproof glass. I also want the perimeter fences moved in, here, here, and here.” The tap-tap-tap of the pointer emphasized his orders as he continued. “Over here, here, and here, I want the fences moved out. That will give us a circular wall… more or less. That will be easier to defend than a square or a rectangle. Then we’re going to clear the woods around the entire perimeter. No cover for the bad guys. We’re going to erect a razor wire fence a hundred feet in front of the perimeter fence, and behind it, at the rear of the compound, we’re going to place claymores.
“Further, I want a high watchtower erected on top of the command center. We’re also going to maintain continuous, roving patrols up to five miles distant, and send out one patrol weekly to check outlying towns. Sniper hides will be maintained at selected points throughout the area. FYI, I was informed we should have a few small drones operational soon. Those could prove invaluable. I don’t know what their range is yet, or how they’re operated, but as soon as they’re available, we’ll put them into play. We also have the mortars we took from The Light.
“We’re going to discuss access and egress in a moment, but first, does anyone
have any questions or suggestions?”
No one did, so he continued.
“I’m confident we can secure Fort Hope, but Gateway and Zion present a different set of problems. Unfortunately, I see no recourse but to wall in both communities with defensive postures similar to Fort Hope’s.”
Turning his attention to the Gateway and Zion reps, he asked, “John, Tim, do you have alternate suggestions?”
Both men shook their heads no.
After a short pause, Wade continued. “All right. Construction on the new security configurations will begin tomorrow morning. Let’s talk about how we’re going to keep infiltrators out. Any suggestions?”
Bill said, “With all due respect, Wade, I’m going to use the same words you said not long ago. This is not the United States of America. Sometimes that’s difficult to remember because we lived under those laws our entire lives. I think, at least subconsciously, we tend to relate everything we do or don’t do to the old ways. I believe we need to change our thought processes. If we hurt someone’s feelings, step on their perceived liberties, or flat-out piss them off, tough shit. We’ve made one little dent in civilization. And if we don’t take care of it, we’ll lose it. I suggest we set parameters for those who want to live here. Or even visit. I realize we can’t perform background checks, pull a dossier, or use the old methods to check someone out, but we’re not stupid. We can come up with a viable alternative. We can’t just allow anyone who wants to come into Fort Hope to do so. We’ve already seen the results of that policy.”
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.
Wade looked at each man in turn, then looked out the window for a moment, turned back, and said, “Okay, here’s what I want everyone to do. It’s getting late. Take the time before you turn in to put your thoughts on paper. We’ll hammer out new procedures tomorrow. Sleep well. I’ll see you here at 0800.”
Mother Nature started slowly the next morning, but by 0800 was unleashing another snowstorm. It snowed almost every day now, but this one looked like the real deal. Wade was staring out the window, watching the snow accumulate, when the teams entered the cafeteria. While they stomped snow from their feet and removed their parkas, he walked away from the window and faced them. “Good morning. I assume you all have your suggestions and concerns on paper?”
They did. Among the recommendations was installation of a full body scanner they would pilfer from the Knoxville Airport and place at the first checkpoint. That would eliminate future anus bombs. Visitors would be required to check their weapons at the initial checkpoint. In addition, a small room or security hut adjacent to the first checkpoint, near the scanner room, would be constructed and everyone would be searched for The Light tattoo. Every inch of every bag would be searched by hand, and animals would be kept at an outside stable until it was determined they had nothing inside them. Visitors would be required to fill out forms stating the purpose of their visit, and would wear an ID badge to be prominently displayed showing the purpose of their visit, the time they entered, and an expiration date and time. In addition, they would be escorted to and from the area they were visiting. Applicants for residency would be required to fill out additional documentation and would be held in a secure area until a panel approved their request. The same procedures would be followed at Zion and Gateway, except for the body scanners. Strangers coming in to either community would be subject to a full body cavity search. There was no alternative.
Wade addressed the security force regarding the new security protocols. “These procedures will be a bigger pain in the ass for us than for future residents or visitors. But they should be effective. Let’s get these enacted ASAP. We’ll have a meeting with the entire population of Olympia and explain the new procedures. After what they just endured, they’ll understand.”
The meeting with the department heads continued for another hour. Non-security issues, including the creation of a substantial hydroponics farm that Sean would set up and oversee were discussed and agreed upon. Since the nighttime lows were consistently near or below zero and the daytime highs seldom rose above freezing, the weather was an increasing concern. They decided to create a wood-cutting crew and to send patrols to area houses to pilfer wood-burning stoves, accessories and to secure additional winter clothing. Supplies for the school and the hospital were running low, and additional patrols would go out with a list of necessities and orders to go through every building in the area to bring anything of value back to the fort.
The next morning, Wade informed Stuart and Tyler he would be commandeering one of the Hummers for commutes to Fort Terminus. “It’ll make the weekly trip a lot quicker. Plus, my butt’s getting too old to sit a horse for two days straight.”
Stuart laughed and said, “Bullshit, Wade. You’re in better shape than most guys in their twenties.”
“Yeah? Tell that to my buns after two days on the road.”
Stuart chuckled. “How long will you be gone?”
“Not sure. A week. Maybe two. I need to spend time with Maggie and Adam. Plus, I want to make a few changes to our own security. I’ll send Sean back in a few days to get started on the hydroponics and rotate a couple of our guys to help you out here. I’m confident you’ll get everything done. You’re a good man, Stuart—regardless of what Tyler says.”
Stuart and Tyler laughed, and Wade told them he’d see them soon.
Fifteen minutes later, Wade sat in a corner of the cafeteria with Randal, Chris, Sara, Bill, Cole and the other Fort-T warriors. No one spoke. The tension of constantly battling Nina was slowly evaporating. They luxuriated in their special bond, sitting silently for several minutes. The wall clock ticked loudly.
With a big grin, Wade asked, “You guys ready to go home?”
As one, Sara and the Terminators smiled back and nodded.
Although they were only gone a few days, it seemed like weeks. Having everyone home safely warmed the hearts and spirits of every one of the fifty-three souls at Fort-T. After a very brief meeting, families went their separate ways to do family things with the confidence they were safe.
Wade spent the day with Adam. They walked, talked, and played a game of Triple Yahtzee. It was an illusion, of course, but the boy looked as though he’d grown six inches. He seemed much older. More grown-up.
I’m sure that’s my imagination because I’m gone so much. Still… He couldn’t help but feel he wasn’t fulfilling his duties as a father.
Wade, Maggie, and Adam enjoyed a quiet family dinner at a folding table in their tent. After Wade tucked Adam in for the night, he and Maggie sat on their double bean bag chair and talked for almost an hour. A soft yellow glow emanating from the door of the small wood stove cast Maggie’s face in an angelic light. Wade stood and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her tenderly. Taking her hand, he led her to their sleeping area and wrapped her in his arms again. “I’m tired, Mags.”
Maggie touched his face and pulled him down to the double cot. She opened the top of the sleeping bag, sat, and removed her boots. When she was undressed, she slid into the bag and held out her arms. He smiled, undressed, slipped in next to her, and pulled her to him. Wrapped in each other’s arms, she asked, “Is the danger ever going to end, Wade?”
He hesitated, then said, “No, Mags. Not in our lifetime. We have to be ready for the next wave of bad guys. They’re out there. They just haven’t found us yet. We’ll have to handle that when the time comes. I’m more concerned right now with the weather. The averages are way down and snowfall is way up. Look around. There’s a foot of snow on the ground here. I hate to think a mini Ice Age is coming, but I can’t shake the thought.”
“That’s not exactly comforting, Wade.”
“I know. For the moment, keep this between us. Stuart’s working on a new weather station, and it’ll be operational soon. I want to check the numbers before I come to a conclusion.
”
They were silent for several minutes, enjoying the warmth of each other’s bodies. Wade propped himself up on one arm and touched her face. “I know this isn’t the life we planned, Maggie. I want more for you and Adam, and I hate being away from both of you. I’m so sorry.”
“Wade, a life with you—any life—is the best life I could ever imagine. And I wouldn’t trade it for all the world’s yesterdays. We have each other. We have Adam. And we have the rest of our family here at Fort-T. So many others weren’t so lucky.” She smoothed her hand down her husband’s cheek. “Wade, you’re the glue that holds everything together. Without you, there would be no Fort Hope, and probably no Fort Terminus either. Please, don’t apologize. If the weight of command is heavy, the weight of understanding from the commander’s wife is heavy too, and we’ll carry that burden together. I love you and I’ll always be here for you. Without you, I wouldn’t have a life.”
Her words brought tears to his eyes. Wade pulled her tight in his arms, then gently lifted her head from his chest and kissed her. Releasing her only enough to look into her eyes, he said, “Maggie, I can’t begin to explain what you mean to me. There are no words. I know this is going to sound harsh, but you, Adam, and then the residents of Fort-T are my first and second concerns. Don’t misunderstand; I care deeply about the citizens of Olympia, but my first responsibility is to you and Adam, then to those who live here. Always has been. Always will be. When the new security protocols are enacted at Fort Hope, I’m thinking maybe I should turn in my crown. Stuart can take over.”
“You can’t do that, Wade. I know you want a normal life—figuratively speaking, of course—but it’s not in the cards. I know you know that. And while it’s not profound, it is what it is. Olympia, and everyone in it, is your responsibility.” She pulled back and rose up on an elbow, resting her hand on Wade’s shoulder. “When are you going back? I’m curious to find out what the new weather station will tell us about Mother Nature.”