“Get Bravo fed and cleaned up, X,” Mitch said.
“On it. Come, Bravo.” The mastiff happily joined the young man. Man and big-ass dog walked off.
“Lisa. Brandon. Get the vehicles fueled and put away. The sun will be down shortly.” Mitchell continued.
“You hungry?” Nadia asked Joshua. He nodded as his stomach growled at the thought of food. “Come with me,” she said as she led the young man to the house.
Mitch said “Wait,” in a plaintive tone as he met her halfway down the stairs. The delay to their private homecoming ritual suddenly became apparent. “You need a looong shower anyway,” she said knowingly. “That was all part of my plan…” he smiled. She smiled back and kissed him. “I'm taking care of your stray.” He laughed. “I can bring him back,” Mitch said, only half joking. She walked away smiling, escorting Joshua into the house.
She passed Carl and Tommy on the porch. They were both looking at Mitch. Playful disgust on their faces. Tommy stated derisively at his father “Nasty.” Then, turned and walked into the house for dinner. “Quit begging,” Carl said as he joined the younger man inside. Both men got a big laugh at Mitch’s expense.
The man of The House and his loins were left alone on the stairs.
Chapter 8- Family
Everyone was seated at the large table in the dining room. Mitch at the head with Nadia to his right and Tommy to his left as the eldest son.
The newbie Joshua was at the far end of the table and he seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. How could this family have so much love, warmth and normalcy in the apocalypse? They laughed and joked as they enjoyed fresh food and clean water.
Mitch broke the stood.
“I want to welcome Mom and Pop back to The House. Welcome home! Cheers.”
Everyone echoed “Cheers!”
“I also want to thank Joshua for risking everything to protect my parents. Cheers.”
A chorus erupted.
“Welcome to The House, Joshua Jackson.” Everyone applauded and hooted, clapping the large youth on his wide back. He was uncomfortable and wary, but he was definitely warming to the Ransoms.
From time to time he would sneak a glance at Lisa, only to meet the glare of one brother or another. Not smart, but he could hardly help himself. Lisa was a beautiful young woman with an amazing head of curly hair and her mother’s smile. She was turning heads long before everything ended. Stunning was an understatement. Poor Joshua was powerless. The boys knew it, but they did what big brothers do, especially, Xander.
“More good news! Carl tells me his ankle is healing quite nicely. Full training should resume shortly,” Mitch said with a smile. A groan of disappointment (or fear) issued from all the boys.
“Excuse me?” Carl stated in a deep growl. Time froze. The younger men stopped chewing. Swallowed hard. Almost in unison, they all said “Nothing, Sibak” and then fell silent. Tommy chimed in weakly with a small, rather insincere “Glad you're doing well, Sibak…” The silence was broken as Carl began laughing and soon the entire table joined him.
The kids addressed Carl by his honorific title of “Sibak” when discussing martial arts and training. It roughly translates to Kung Fu Uncle. Mitch was called “Sifu,” Kung Fu Father/Teacher by his kids. Carl being Mitch’s Eldest Kung Fu Brother (Mitch’s Dai Sihing) he was duly addressed as Uncle by Mitch’s children and grandchildren. Uncle Carl, Carl Sibak or just plain Sibak; Carl was given the utmost respect, love and admiration.
The kids were first taught Wing Chun Kung Fu, a close quarter Chinese fighting system, by Mitch. He learned from his teacher, Friedel Sifu in Europe who was one of the best in the world. Mitch and Carl were both taught by him, but Carl was an entirely different beast. He is Warrior Class. Like their Sifu. Mitch was a technician in their world: not-horrible technique and a good teacher. Charles is the best student Sifu ever had and among the best instructors in the country. When he got to The House, Mitch asked him to take over the training on the compound, and he graciously accepted. The kids blossomed under Carl Sibak.
Carl also teaches them Arnis (stick fighting), improvised and bladed weapons. The kids train together. Mitch has private, 1-on-1 sessions with Carl. This practice is a matter of maintaining respect in Mitch’s household. Carl trains all of them hard, very hard. The boys don't enjoy it. But, results are all that matter. They have grueling two-hour sessions, three times per week. Brutal, hands-on, teeth-rattling workouts.
Carl had cracked his ankle a few weeks back during the battle with the sheriff and his team, and he’d been in a stabilizing “boot” for three weeks. With another two weeks to go he was still training everyone, but it wasn't the same. The boys, however, were enjoying the respite. The news of Sibak’s ankle healing received decidedly mixed reviews. Lisa and Maria, Tommy’s wife, were training partners. Not much changed for them, even though all the adults trained together. They would be happy to see Sibak issuing out ass whoopings to Tommy, Brandon, and X again. Ahh. The good ole days.
Chapter 9- Trip
The night had passed without incident, and Mitch and Carl discussed the overnight report after breakfast.
“Got a call from Sifu. They are all safe, but things are getting tough,” Carl said. Mitch funded and helped plan a similar facility to The House in Europe to support 10-15 close friends and family. Sifu was in charge of it. There were 12 people there, including Nadia’s parents.
“We knew this time would come. It's here now. We have to plan this trip,” Mitch said. “Have you started tracking our pilots?” the leader queried.
“Yes. I found 3-out-of-5. Only two are ready and willing. Next step is commandeering a fueled airplane. We need fuel on the other side. It has to be a turn-and-burn. Can't leave The House short of bodies for too long. Hope Joshua sticks around. We could use him.” Carl responded with his usual insight.
Mitch agreed. The kid could be a major asset for a long time. He could have really helped in their battle with the sheriff a few weeks back. That fight is still impacting the group. Those types of events never really leave a person.
Chapter 10- Morning
Chores were done. “Thirty minutes!” Mitch bellowed in the main house. It was nearly time for the kids’ training with Carl. They went to put on their gear, specially-designed combat outfits. “Train as you fight, fight as train” as the saying goes.
Joshua was on the porch watching the comings and goings of the people on the compound, marveling at their efficiency.
“How is it going, Joshua?”
“Ok, Mr. Ransom. Just wondering how or if I fit in here.” the teen said.
“Right now, you’re a guest. You earned that. You can remain here as a guest as long as you like. If you decide that you wish to stay or even just want to just give it a shot, I'll tell the Boss, and she'll put you to work. For now, head on over to the school for training.” Mitch pointed to one of the larger outbuildings.
“Training?”
“Yes. Hand to hand combat training. Wing Chun Kung Fu.”
Joshua giggled at the named.
“I'm good,” he said. But when he saw the two younger generations heading to the building and that Lisa was also making her way to class, his skepticism disappeared suddenly. He headed down the steps and froze at the bottom as Bravo and Bootsie, Lisa’s mastiff, ran up to the girl nearly knocking her over playfully. Bootsie was even bigger than Bravo and Reign. His head was massive. He was every bit of 170 pounds. Not an ounce of fat. A pure working dog.
He occasionally caught glimpses of the third young mastiff- Banger. He was the largest, by far. Tipping the scales somewhere around 190 pounds. He was a little more aloof than his litter mates. He belonged to Tommy, but he spent most of his time around Tommy and Maria’s daughters.
Joshua also heard about another one of Reign’s puppies named Bruiser that used to belong to Brandon. When he realized that all the younger dogs had names that started with the letter “B,” he couldn't decide it was corny or really cool. He was told that Bru
iser was killed during a fight they had with the local sheriff. The battle seemed to be a sensitive subject for everyone in the group.
Joshua knew he was a guest and under the protection of the Ransom family, but the sheer size of the dogs was unnerving. The fact that they roamed the property freely meant that they were trained and tame enough. He doubted Mrs. Ransom would endanger her grandchildren by letting wild dogs run free. He also knew that any aggressive move toward any member of the group could end in a mauling. Not fun.
He headed to the out building, giving the young woman and her canine companions a wide berth. As he entered the building, he saw a clean, sparsely-decorated rectangular room. The far wall was covered with large mirrors, making the room seem bigger. On the shorter wall to the left, there were two wooden dummies. He had seen similar ones in movies. But, he had no idea how they worked. On the wall to his right, what he would later learn, were wall bags. Square leather or canvas bags, usually filled with sand.
Other than that there was only an unfinished, uncushioned wooden floor and people. It was Carl in the front of the room with his back to the mirrors. The rest were facing him in lines broken down roughly by age. Tommy’s daughters, Asia and Africa, were in front with Maria, Lisa, and Brandon next, and Tommy and Xander in the back. Everyone was dressed in full battle gear, minus firearms. Those were placed neatly on a rack on the back wall, near the door.
Back on the porch, Nadia and Reign joined Mitch.
“You sending him to class already?” Nadia said.
“He's a big, strong kid. He thinks he can whoop all of us in a fair fight. The confidence is a plus, but it will cause him to make a mistake. A young man that size, with his pride and raging hormones will get into trouble around here- quickly. The kind you don't recover from,” he said in a serious tone. “It's better that he finds out now.”
He then turned to his wife, smiling at her beauty as he often did. “All the chores are done. Kids are busy for the next two hours…” he said as he wrapped his arms around the woman. “You got your welcome home last night.” she smiled. He turned, ran down the stairs and back up. “Honey, I'm home!” he exclaimed with his arms opened wide. She laughed, grabbed his hand and led him back inside.
“You are abusing your privileges, Mr. Ransom,” she said.
“I'm going to abuse something alright.” he shot back, laughing. Reign just walked away.
Chapter 11- Enemy
A stranger watched this display on the porch, viewing the Ransoms through a scope from nearly two football fields away.
“Nigger and his little race traitor bitch,” he spat venomously. “We go in three hours. We're taking everything they got and stretching nigger-necks for fun.”
He looked back at his team of ten men—all hardened road bandits. They called themselves “Black Top Pirates.” They had eight bikes and one truck, and their last headquarters , just outside Chattanooga, had gotten overrun by the dead and burned to the ground.
Two of their recent victims, a couple, told the Pirates about a place in Jackson County that had food, electricity and clean water. The leader had not believed it until just now. The man's name was Digger, and his band of men had been happily raping and pillaging ever since the end began. They wanted a new home base. They planned to take the Ransom compound. The dead were not the only dangers in this new world.
Chapter 12- School
Joshua mustered his courage (the dogs were outside) to stand next to Lisa. Xander saw his intentions and moved to intercept. Brandon stopped him and pointed to the front of the room. Carl spoke up “Young Joshua. Welcome. Please come to the front line. You are our honored guest.” Carl shot a glance at X, and that was all it took. The young man got back in line with his brothers. Brandon and Tommy shook their heads. Tommy murmured “Dumb ass.”
"What was that?” Carl said.
“Nothing, Sibak.”
They all bowed partially at the waist with right fist in left palm held out front. The class had begun. The group went through the first form and foundation of Wing Chun Kung Fu called Siu Lim Tau. Nearly all the movements were unfamiliar to Joshua. He only recognized the straight punch in the form which was very similar to an upshot in boxing. Everything felt awkward and foreign, but Carl told him that part was natural when first learning the system.
“It will come,” he said serenely.
They did some partner exercises, and because of his size, Joshua had to practice with the brothers. X was looking forward to hitting the newbie. Carl instructed him to work with Asia and Africa to avoid the conflict. X wasn’t happy. He adored his nieces, so he cheered up immediately.
Tommy and Brandon were both tall. But where Tommy was a rangy, long-armed 6’ 3”, Brandon was 6” 1’ and built a little more solidly. Still, neither of them came anywhere near Joshua’s 6” 4’, 270+ frame. Joshua was also quicker than his size indicated. He wasn’t as fast as the brothers, but he still moved at a respectable pace. Brandon and Tommy were patient, friendly teachers. They worked Joshua through several drills, calmly correcting errors and stressing particular techniques.
Lisa’s presence had Joshua off center. More than once, sneaking a peak got him hit. Accidentally , of course.
When the class took a break, Carl checked in with Joshua, knowing the response that was coming. The seasoned instructor had heard it thousands of times over the years from frustrated new students.
“This is all cool. But, how does it apply to a real fight?” Joshua queried.
Carl smiled. “It all has a purpose,” Carl stated as he headed for the door taking Asia and Africa with him. “Enjoy your break. The girls need a snack. We will be back in about ten minutes. You are in charge, Tommy.” Tommy smiled, knowing that Carl and Mitch predicted this and knew what had to happen. “Yes, Sibak,” he said as he gave the traditional bow. Maria and Lisa followed Carl and the girls to the house.
Joshua was now alone with the brothers. “Ok. I knew all this good shit had to be a trap.” Joshua said getting into a streetfighter-adapted boxing stance. Xander stood by. Brandon and Tommy chatted, ignoring Joshua.
“He’s pretty big. Maybe we should just talk to him,” Brandon said with a smile.
“Talk to me about what, Nigga?” Joshua said bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“You asked Sibak a question. We are about to give you the answer, big boy,” Tommy said calmly. The calmness was a little unsettling to Joshua, but he continued his grandstanding. Brandon stepped toward the would-be pugilist. Tommy stopped him with a hand on the chest.
“Let X do it.” the eldest brother said. “It's going to happen sooner or later. Better they do it in a controlled space. You know Xander. It won't take long.”
X stepped up. “Ok, big boy. Here is how it will go: attack, defend, big, over, done.” His brothers nodded in agreement.
“What does that mean?” Joshua asked angrily, his mind furiously calculating. He turned to the much smaller Xander.
“Remember: attack, defend, big, over, done. Ok, take your best shot.” X said.
“Really?” the muscular youth said. He then turned to the elder brothers and said: “No jumping in, right?”
Brandon flatly responds “Only to save you, big boy.” The look of confusion on Joshua’s face was priceless.
Joshua shrugged and turned back to X. He quickly threw a right, hoping to surprise and eliminate the primary threat in case this fight was indeed a trap. The punch was fast and accurate, but the smaller man wasn't there. He was six inches to the right of the punch, watching the ham-sized fist go by- smiling. It was a simple shifting Wing Chun turn. Not yet understanding how he had missed the first punch, Joshua threw a left out of sheer panic.
“Attack,” X said. Joshua retrieved his right a little too slowly, which was an invitation to trap his hands, and Xander gladly obliged. He shot out his right tan sau, deflecting the second punch, quickly turned it into a chum sau, and drove Joshua’s left arm down on top of his too-slowly retrieved right arm. A perfect trap.
With both of Joshua’s hands now pinned at his waist, X struck with his free left, driving in a crushing straight punch- dead center of the big kid’s chest. Joshua audibly exhaled from shock and pain, and Xander struck several more times in the same spot before Joshua could react. He felt his body giving in. It was an alien feeling. It happened so fast, he didn't realize his hands were free. He finally lifted them.
“Defend,” Brandon said. Each time Joshua attempted to stop a strike, X hit him. Hard. The punishment the bigger man was taking was far more than he expected. He was panicking. He needed to do something and fast. He stepped back with his right foot to make room for a haymaker. He drew his elbow back. “Big.” Tommy and Brandon said in unison. Joshua knew his body couldn’t take many more of the surprisingly jarring blows from the smaller man. He swung his right with all he had.
What happened next was poetry-in-motion: Joshua stepped hard into the punch. A little too hard. “Overcommit” X said as he threw out a tan sau with his left hand while stepping forward. He then subtly shifted to let the younger man slide by so that X ended up behind him. Xander kicked the back of Joshua’s lead leg. As he began to topple, the young Ransom reached up with his left hand and grabbed a handful of afro on top of big boy's head, pulling back sharply. This movement drove the big kid’s weight back and pulled his chin up, exposing his neck. Xander used his right hand to draw a blade from a shoulder sheath. Joshua was suddenly on one knee, face to the ceiling and cold steel on his neck. There was no recourse. “Done” Xander whispered.
They Were Ready: The Zombie Apocalypse in Black- Book 1 Page 3