War Zone: Homefront

by Thomas A. Watson

  “We will not start using child soldiers here, Rusty,” Libby announced, but her words felt more like a plea than a proclamation to her husband.

  “We’ll try to avoid it, hon, but the choice might not be up to us. If we get hit by a big enough force, the decision could be out of our hands,” Rusty replied philosophically. “All of us, all the families here, have been extraordinarily lucky so far. You know how I dislike relying on pure, blind chance. We must keep adapting our plans to the circumstances if we want to continue to thrive here.”

  “Luck? No, this’s all due to planning, like you said. And sacrifice. Well, except for Floyd and Anita. They really are lottery winners.”

  “Yeah, but leeches is more accurate,” Rusty replied sourly, the country Missouri accent slipping in as it rarely did.

  “You think Tim had a chance to talk to Nathan about the sheriff and those other deputies yet?” Libby asked cautiously. She wasn’t afraid of what Rusty might say, but she felt guilty for leaving that unfortunate bit of news to be delivered by the young man. Just the thought of a ‘Nathan tantrum’ made her shiver.

  “If Jasmine’s let him come up for air yet,” Rusty countered with a laugh, drawn out of his temporary funk by the idea of that beautiful young woman finally taming their elusive Nathan. And all those children in tow as part of the deal. Heck, the youngest might only be two years old, Rusty thought.

  Thinking about those children made Rusty think of his own two boys, Randal and Shane. Randal, at fourteen was becoming quite the cowboy, and didn’t seem to mind their somewhat-forced relocation, but Shane still suffered infrequent withdrawals from his electronic world of gaming and playing around on the internet. The slightly-built and bespectacled twelve-year-old looked like the prototypical science nerd, but his mother insisted the boy had a real honest-to-goodness talent for computers. Not just for fooling around on, but for writing his own programs or apps. Rusty had learned long ago to accept Libby’s opinions on the matter, so he tried to be understanding.

  “I was thinking,” Rusty mused aloud, and Libby waited. By now, she knew Rusty better than anybody on the planet.

  After a minute, watching Rusty’s lips move as he seemed to be talking to himself, Libby knew it was finally time to speak up.

  “What’re you thinking about, hon?”

  “Just doing some figuring in my head. I think we need to get the boys busy with some new drills. Randal for sure, and Tyler, if Bill agrees. Maybe some of the other older teens as well. Work with them on some of the defensive schemes we’ve established here, so they know the proper codes and such.”

  “What about Robin and Gina? And you can’t leave out any of Nathan’s ‘Little Posse’,” Libby asked, naming Bill and Aiden’s daughters. “They’re both teenagers too, and Gina is a top shooter in her age bracket.”

  “Gina’s only thirteen, Libby!”

  “Yes, dear, and so is Amanda. Don’t forget, Nathan trusted her to watch his back.”

  Libby’s words made Rusty pause. Thanks to his boys, the security chief knew most of the teens in their age range at the retreat and for the most part, he held a favorable opinion of these teenagers. They routinely shot together, and Rusty recognized that Gina Conklin, Aiden’s only child, might be the best long-distance shot, not only in her age group, but in the whole under-eighteen crowd. With nineteen core members or families, and almost that many added as members brought in close family or friends, there were quite a few.

  “Okay,” Rusty acquiesced. “It can’t hurt to talk to their daddies, anyway. If we can use them in the least dangerous positions watching the valley, that should free up some of our older, more experienced folks for other activities.”

  “Like taking out the trash in this county,” Libby continued. “That’s what you want to do next, isn’t it, honey?”

  “Yes, Libby, that’s what I want to do next.”

  “Well, maybe that’s why Nathan wanted to talk to you and the other two stooges tomorrow.”

  Rolling his eyes, “So, we’re the Three Stooges now? How do you figure that, woman? Just because we call Nathan and all the kids ‘The Little Rascals’?”

  Libby’s smile grew at Rusty’s fake indignation. Rusty, Bill, and Aiden were, despite their external differences, like peas in a pod when you put them together. And just like their kids, when they were with Nathan, mischief was afoot. Nathan was the true ‘child’ of the posse and she couldn’t even classify him as a real-life stooge in her mind. Larry, Moe, and Curly were much more mature compared to Nathan.

  Trying not to laugh at her realization, “Easy. You’re Moe, with your big ideas and insistence on a plan. Bill is Larry, with the good heart and a desire to get things done, but never seems to pan out, and well, then there’s Aiden...” Libby paused.

  “Yeah, well, he’s our Curly, so don’t make fun of the differently-challenged,” Rusty snarked back.

  Actually, Libby couldn’t think of anything wrong with Aiden Conklin, except sometimes his exuberance for some new thrill exceeded his ability. And truth be told, his common sense. Aiden reminded her a bit of an older Nathan at times, especially when he started talking about his teenage years spent riding bulls and bucking broncos. Statistically, Libby knew the actual number of rodeo riders coming out of Texas remained small, given the overall population of the state, but somehow, you did end up with the occasional stereotype. He even looked a little like a younger Sam Elliott, with the full mustache and prematurely graying head of hair.

  “Whatever Nathan wants to talk about, I have a feeling there’s more to the story of their trip across country than he’s already shared,” Libby said, getting back to the more serious matters at hand.

  “I’d have to agree with you, hon,” Rusty replied. “I can tell he’s got a lot on his mind, and it ain’t just that girl of his, or those kids. Our boy’s done seen some mighty evil things in his travels. You can see it in his eyes.”

  “Well, you’ll just have to hear all about it later, but for now, you’ve got chores to see about and I need to lay out some lunch for this pack of carnivores before we head to the common room for breakfast. Tomorrow will just have to take care of itself.”

  “Okay, okay,” Rusty agreed, hauling himself out of his chair. “but, does this mean I’ll get to play with your pom-poms tonight?”

  “Git, you letch,” Libby scoffed, and then when she reached the door, she struck a little pose, leaning back against the doorjamb, and continued with her voice dropping to a silky purr, “and we’ll see what happens when the lights turn way down low.”

  Rusty hopped to it, eager as a kid in a toy store, with all his grim ponderings banished for the time being.

  CHAPTER THREE

  After working out, Nathan let his group get cleaned up and dressed before he gently woke up Emma to avoid her wrath. Because they were still on light duty, Amanda and Casey were not allowed to work out very hard. By the time Nathan led them out of the house to head to the common room for breakfast, he was ready to leave on his own. Not the valley but the planet.

  “Amanda, pestering me doesn’t make me give in,” Nathan snapped. “In fact, you know it does the exact opposite to me.”

  “I feel fine,” Amanda whined, and Nathan came to a stop. Slowly, he turned around and Amanda jumped behind John.

  “Oh, no! Don’t get me in the way!” John cried out, quickly moving so Amanda couldn’t hide behind him.

  “So, Amanda,” Nathan said, moving Emma to his left side. “You hate me and despise everything I’ve done for you? You think my love and caring for you is just a crock of shit?”

  Amanda’s mouth fell open, along with the other kids. Raising her hand, “I didn’t say anything, Nathan,” Casey said in a little voice.

  Letting out a cry, Amanda flew at Nathan, wrapping her arms around him and bawling her eyes out. “I love you, Nathan!” Amanda wailed. Jasmine was holding Chip and like the others, they had their mouths open in shock. Thinking the statement was beyond harsh, Jasmine made a mental n
ote to talk to Nathan about tact and young girls’ feelings.

  Reaching down, Nathan tilted Amanda’s head back until she was looking up at him. “Amanda, seeing you and Casey shot was almost more than I could bear. I haven’t hurt like that in a long time. You may feel better, but until I’m convinced both of you are okay, you two will stay on light duty,” Nathan told her. “I can’t even describe how much that hurt me.”

  With tears in her eyes, “I just don’t want people here to think I’m lazy!” Amanda wailed. “You think so much of your friends!”

  “Amanda!” Nathan snapped, and she stopped wailing, but tears still ran down her face. “For one, I really don’t give a shit what anyone thinks. But I can tell you this, none of my friends would ever think that about you, knowing I’m the one who said you couldn’t do anything. Sherry asked if she could spank you because you tried to carry your backpack inside.”

  The tears stopped immediately as Amanda gasped. “Sherry wanted to spank me?!”

  “You’re damn right, I did,” Sherry snapped, walking up behind them. “Nathan told me I couldn’t because he wasn’t sure what you could handle. But you try shit like that again, I’ll fight Nathan. It won’t be the first time.”

  Leaning closer to Jasmine, Tim whispered. “Sherry bites if she starts losing. Just warning you, and it hurts. She grew up with two older brothers and two younger so she can fight, and won’t hesitate to do it.”

  Burying her face in Nathan’s chest, “I love you, Nathan. I just want you to be proud of me,” Amanda said into his chest, muffling her voice.

  “I am, firecracker. Just please do what I ask,” Nathan sighed as Emma leaned down, patting Amanda’s head.

  “We have,” Tom said quickly.

  Turning to Jasmine, Nathan saw her snap her mouth closed. “I’m making one request in our relationship,” Nathan begged. “I want sons only. The daughters I have now are going to drive me insane.”

  “You decide the sex of the offspring, babe,” Jasmine laughed out, then walked past him.

  “Amanda, please. Don’t keep on after I’ve told you no. I know how tough you are,” Nathan said, rubbing her head.

  “I won’t, I promise,” Amanda said, but Nathan was finding he really didn’t believe her.

  “Let’s eat, guys,” Nathan said, turning around and pushing his AR under his arm, pulling Amanda to his side.

  “Wow,” Tim gasped, holding Sherry’s hand and following the group. “Never in my life would I ever believed a woman would land Nathan, much less he would adopt a passel of kids.”

  “He still has a learning curve, but we’ll help,” Sherry beamed, following everyone inside.

  Walking in, Jasmine stopped, looking around the large common room and it was packed. Seeing Bill and the others at one of the long tables, Jasmine waited on Tim and Sherry to pass, making sure that’s where Nathan would sit. There was no doubt in her mind, Nathan would sit close to them.

  As soon as he came in, Nathan put Emma down to hang up his AR and Emma took off squealing, chasing Ares and Athena. Looking over at Tim and Sherry as they sat down, Jasmine shook her head glancing at Apollo.

  Ares was huge for a German Shepherd, but Apollo was so massive, he made Ares look small. The playful look on Ares’ face never crossed Apollo’s and Jasmine didn’t want to admit it, but Apollo scared the shit out of her. Apollo always looked pissed-off and Jasmine was sure if he ever bared his teeth, she would wet her pants.

  “He won’t bite you,” Sherry said, and Jasmine realized she’d been staring very noticeably at Apollo.

  “I think Apollo could take down an elephant,” Jasmine said, setting Chip in a chair.

  Before Amanda sat down, Jasmine reached over to grab her arm, guiding Amanda to sit down beside her. “I want you to point everyone out and tell me their names again,” Jasmine whispered.

  “Emma!” Nathan shouted, and everyone in the common room stopped talking and turned to see Emma standing in the center of the floor, looking back at Nathan. “Go get to the table, so we can eat.”

  “No,” Emma snapped, putting her hands on her hips and started babbling.

  When she stopped, Nathan put his hands on his hips. “Don’t you sass me, Emma,” Nathan snapped.

  Furrowing her tiny brows, Emma looked up at him and started babbling while her head bobbed side to side. “Hey, you’re the one who climbed in bed with Tim and Sherry!” Nathan barked at her.

  Stomping her foot, Emma’s babbling became louder. “I didn’t lock the door! You talk to Jasmine!” Nathan popped off.

  Dropping into her chair and trying not to blush, “We have got to separate Nathan and Emma,” Jasmine sighed while Emma continued on, her babble getting louder.

  “Emma, I wanted to take a dump alone!” Nathan shouted, and Emma jerked back. “I finally have a toilet and a door! I wanted peace, but I see a little eye peeking under the door with little fingers wiggling in the gap?! I don’t need someone to wipe my butt like you do!”

  There were several snorts and stifled laughs around the common room as Emma cranked up again. “Emma,” Nathan said, keeping his right hand on his hip and held up four fingers of his left. “I have four bathrooms in the house! Four! You could’ve got anyone else to go with you!”

  Raising both arms and jumping in the air, Emma stomped both feet down still jabbering loudly.

  “Emma, I’ve taken one daughter down this morning, and I’m getting ready to take another down,” Nathan warned.

  “I would like to see that,” John scoffed, leaning back in his chair. Nathan’s six-foot stature towered over Emma’s tiny frame. Clearly not intimidated, Emma put her hands on her hips again and looked up at Nathan with a glare, the top of her head barely reaching Nathan’s knees.

  With a stern look, Emma babbled, “La, bac ta.”

  “Of course, I’m going to feed you with the airplane,” Nathan gasped, clearly feeling insulted.

  “Wah na toh mi tenk,” Emma babbled, looking at Nathan with hard eyes.

  Holding up his hands as he shrugged, “Okay, I may have forgotten a few times on the trip here, but in my defense, I had a lot of things to worry about,” Nathan told her. “But when I was reminded, I started the airplane, did I not?”

  “Oof,” Emma said, looking at Nathan but pointing at the table.

  “Emma, Apollo has to get used to you. You climb on him like you do Ares and Athena, and I will kill Apollo when he growls at you,” Nathan explained, and now many in the common room were staring in awe at the exchange.

  Poking her bottom lip out, Emma looked down at the floor. “Paa lan teek neoo gri,” Emma babbled softly.

  “Emma, Nolan is almost as big as you are, but if you eat really good, when we get home, you and I will hold Nolan in the chair. But you are never to try to pick him up by yourself, understood?” Nathan sighed.

  Lifting her head, Emma clapped her hands and gave Nathan her exposed teeth smile. Closing his eyes as he let out a long groan, “Emma, I’ll give you five thousand dollars right now if you stop smiling at me like that,” Nathan begged, and Emma squealed before running over and latching onto his leg. “You want it in hundreds or twenties?”

  Emma looked up, babbling. “Okay, I’ll hold on to it. Now, can we eat, doodlebug?” Nathan asked, and Emma let go of his leg before holding her arms up to him.

  At the understood command, Nathan picked her up. Nathan turned and saw the entire room was silent with everyone looking at them in utter awe. Only the group he’d arrived with didn’t have the look of awe. “What?” Nathan asked, walking over to the table.

  “Nathan,” John sighed. “You have got to quit talking to Emma for a few days.”

  “I haven’t talked to her, except begging her to let me take a dump in peace,” Nathan scoffed.

  “Um, Nathan?” Bill said, clearing his throat. “You were just talking to her like you understood what she was saying.”

  “Pfft,” Nathan scoffed. “I’ve tried to understand what she’s saying, but I’m not
smart enough.”

  Seeing Bill take a breath, Amanda leaned over the table to look at him. “Don’t,” Amanda warned. “You keep on and Emma will unload on you, then Nathan always unloads next, and you can damn sure understand what he says. Nathan always takes her side.”

  Bill sat back in his chair, looking down the table at Nathan and Emma talking to each other softly. “Bill,” Jasmine said. “I’m telling you, I don’t know how, but I’m convinced Nathan gave birth to each of these kids. I’m still trying to figure out how to cut the umbilical cord to the one in his lap.”

  “Yeah,” Casey said, cutting her eyes toward Emma. “She gets mad if you want some love. You have to trick her.”

  “The line’s open!” a woman shouted.

  Reaching over, Jasmine grabbed Amanda’s arm, pulling her up. “Okay, one more time. Tell me who everyone is,” Jasmine whispered, leading Amanda to the front of the common room where the food was laid out.

  Giving a long sigh, “The older man and woman serving the food are Isaac and Ruth. They’re over the kitchen,” Amanda said as Jasmine followed her to the food line. Grabbing a tray and then plates, Jasmine stared at Isaac and Ruth while silently repeating their names as she moved down the line, filling her plates up.

  “The black man with the brown-haired lady is Lanny, the pastor, and that’s his wife Regina. They’re talking to Vince and Leslie. Vince is the one with the silver hair and he’s the doctor.”

  “Okay, I remember him,” Jasmine said, grabbing utensils.

  “See the Asian man and woman with red hair?” Amanda asked, putting bacon on her plate and Jasmine nodded. “That’s Greg and his wife, Cathy. They’re over inventory for the compound.”

  Picking up her tray, Amanda waited as Jasmine loaded three plates. “You’re getting everyone’s food?” Amanda asked.

  “Hardly,” Jasmine huffed. “This is mine, Chip’s, and Emma’s.”

  Stomping her foot, “Why didn’t you tell me, so I could fix Nathan a plate?” Amanda grumbled. Carrying her tray back to the beginning of the line, Amanda stepped in front of John. “Excuse me.”