“Rodger can you take me to the co-op to get some tack?” Nathan asked.
Shaking his head, Rodger held up his hand. “After lunch. I’m not moving till I eat,” he said in a firm tone.
“Hey that’s what I’m doing here,” Nathan said, laughing.
The food was set out and everyone fixed a plate. Sitting back down, Nathan watched Emma just lower her face into her plate, shoving her face into some mashed potatoes. “Are you guys just going to let her eat like that?” he asked the group as Emma came up for air.
“That’s how she eats off a plate. We’ve tried to feed her but when she sees a plate, she thinks it’s a food trough,” Jasmine told him as Emma dived back down.
Getting up, Nathan sighed and picked up Emma, who started yelling. He grabbed her plate and went back to his spot. “Hey! That’s enough!” Nathan snapped, shocking Emma and everyone else into silence.
With wide eyes, Emma looked at Nathan with more than a little uncertainty. Nathan picked up his spoon and started it towards Emma’s mouth. Having none of that, Emma turned her head and pushed the spoon away. “Fine, the hard way then,” Nathan said and put her between his legs, wrapping her up. Grabbing the spoon, Nathan guided it to Emma’s mouth as he held her head still. Emma wouldn’t open her mouth so Nathan pinched her nose closed.
When she tried to breathe through clenched teeth, Nathan shoved the spoonful of mashed potatoes in her cheek. This gave her a lopsided chipmunk expression. Dropping the spoon, Nathan held his hand over her mouth as she tried to push the food out but couldn’t. Emma fought so much she started swallowing the food. It caught in her throat, and she started to gag.
Hearing and feeling the heaves, Nathan removed his hand, letting her cough up the food, then sat her down and shoved a spoonful in as she gasped for air. Emma fought again and gagged. Nathan held her away from him as she coughed up the food. Ares caught on to this and ran up to them, eating what Emma spit on the ground.
The third time Emma fought she was weaker so she actually swallowed some food, but she still coughed and gagged. Repeating this process several more times, Nathan got Emma to eat. With watering eyes Emma realized Nathan wasn’t going to stop and it didn’t feel good. Reluctantly, Emma opened her mouth and let Nathan feed her.
After the potatoes were gone Nathan looked down at Emma, her eyes puffy and watering. “Emma, that was very good of you to eat without fighting me. I always win, so fighting me is useless. You will be the only one to lose,” Nathan told her, getting another spoonful. He looked up to find everyone staring at him. “What?” he demanded.
Seeing Emma’s head wobble on her shoulders from exhaustion, Jasmine gaped at Nathan in shock. “You could’ve choked her to death,” she accused.
“I’m a nurse, I could’ve gotten her breathing again,” Nathan said with certainty. “In case you’re wondering, once I got her breathing again, I would’ve made her eat some more. Resistance is futile.”
Watching the interaction, Bob and Rodger chuckled. Rodger leaned over the table. “You could’ve just taken her plate away till she ate like you wanted her to.”
“I prefer the direct approach, less time-consuming and less headache,” Nathan said as Emma continued eating. She was scared what would happen if she didn’t eat.
“Hey I’m just saying,” Rodger said as everyone else went back to eating. Ares looked up and moaned, seeing Emma wasn’t going to give him any more food.
“Ares, shut it,” Nathan snapped and Ares just laid down, giving Nathan sad eyes. Not able to take it, Nathan grabbed a chicken bone off Jasmine’s plate and threw it to Ares. “There, you big baby,” Nathan said as Ares snatched up the gift.
“Nathan,” Rodger said as he wiped his mouth, “what else do we need here?”
“A ham radio and someone who knows how to work it,” Nathan said, dumping another spoonful in Emma’s mouth.
“It’s that important?” Bob asked.
“Bob, it’s information. Information is what you need. They could run all the radios and keep up with what’s going on around you,” Nathan explained.
“I could see if Glen has his up and running,” Rodger told Bob.
“If it is, see if he wants to move his family out here then,” Bob said, nodding.
“Glen runs a computer store in town and has a nice radio set up. All I know it’s big with a bunch of lights and boxes,” Rodger told Nathan.
Feeling Emma’s little tummy getting round and seeing she wasn’t going to stop eating as long as he put food in front of her face, Nathan turned Emma around, putting her head on his shoulder. Emma was asleep almost instantly. Then Nathan picked up his fork and shoveled food down. “Is he someone that can be trusted and will work?” he asked between bites.
“Hell yeah, more than some of our family,” Rodger answered.
“You can’t let anyone ‘skate by.’ If they don’t work they have to be dealt with fast. It’s bad for morale and breeds resentment. It’s your family and farm, but that’s my advice,” Nathan told Bob and Rodger.
“They work or we will put them in a tent on the back of the farm and let them fend for themselves,” Bob snapped.
“What if that doesn’t work?” Nathan asked. Bob and Rodger considered what Nathan said. “Family can screw you just as bad but most of the times worse than outsiders. I’m just saying you need to think about it,” he told them as he finished eating.
“Let’s hope it never comes to that,” Rodger said looking down at his hands.
“You still need to expect it,” Nathan said, motioning to Jasmine to get Emma. “Rodger, can we take a truck to get the stuff at the co-op? I don’t think I can get everything in your Chevy.”
“Sure,” Rodger said, still thinking about what Nathan said.
Suddenly, dogs barked at the front of the house and everyone stopped eating. “Is anyone watching the place?” Nathan asked, looking around. Bob and Rodger jumped up, grabbed weapons, and ran for the corner of the house. Many of the men did the same, following them. “Guess not,” Nathan said, grabbing his rifle.
Running around the corner of the house, Nathan saw several men heading back to the table. Walking through them, he found Rodger and Bob staring down the driveway. Following their gaze, Nathan saw two people on horses leading several more. He stopped beside Rodger and Bob. “Know them?” Nathan asked.
“Yep, that’s the rest of your horses. That’s Glenda and Mark. They run a horse rescue down the road. She’s a vet and he’s a farrier,” Bob said, raising his arm and waving at the two.
“You really need to get some people on watch,” Nathan said as the two rode into the yard.
“We are. We already started making the guard areas but we didn’t have radios. With the stuff we brought back, we do now. The women cleared out my old office so we can monitor radios there,” Bob said, as the two stopped and climbed off their horses.
“Here’s the rest of your horses,” Mark said walking over to Bob.
“They’re his,” Bob said, jerking his thumb at Nathan.
Mark sized Nathan up. “None of your horses need shoes, they all have good hooves but you need to care for them,” he told Nathan offering his hand.
“I’m going to get some more supplies today,” Nathan replied shaking his hand.
Glenda extended her hand. “Bob told us you were going to ride them to Idaho, is that right?”
“If they’ll get us that far,” Nathan answered, shaking her hand.
“Only if you take care of them,” she said with a stern look.
Knowing she was worried about the horses, Nathan smiled at her, “Ma’am, I was raised with horses. If I had mine, I wouldn’t think twice about riding him that far. I have a lot of stuff and really don’t want to have to hump it on my back,” he said.
Glenda smiled, feeling better. “After Bob left, Mark and I talked,” she said, holding up
two gold eagles. “We want to give these back.”
“Keep ‘em, you’ll need them,” Nathan said, ignoring her outstretched hand and walking past her to look at the horses.
His eye immediately fell on a massive grey horse. “I like the Percheron,” Nathan said rubbing the massive neck. The horse regarded him with uncertainty, then enjoyed the stroking of its neck.
“Good eye,” Mark said. “She’s twelve years old and an excellent horse. The only problem will be buying a saddle and tack. They have some at the co-op but was expensive before this crap happened.”
Looking the horse over Nathan was happy with the horse. Each person in his group would have their own horse. They would also have one pack horse and two pack donkeys. “I can’t thank you enough,” Nathan said.
“With what you paid us for these, we will be able to feed the rest of them,” Glenda said, handing over a stack of papers. “Here are their papers and bills of sale.”
Nathan took the papers and Bob led the horses and Glenda and Mark to the back of the house. “Will you be ready to leave in ten minutes?” Rodger asked.
“Won’t be a problem,” Nathan said, heading to the back of the house.
He found Jasmine. “I’m going to town to get some stuff for the horses. No, you can’t come,” he said, seeing her take a breath to ask. “You and the kids have to start learning how to ride and care for horses. Bob is going to teach you, so start rounding up the posse. Remember your life and theirs will depend on how well you ride and take care of your horses.”
“Oh, all right. Just be careful,” Jasmine said, hugging him.
“I’ll make a special point to do that,” Nathan told her returning the hug. Letting her go, Nathan jogged over to the barn and grabbed his messenger bag. Walking around to the front, Nathan saw Rodger in a ‘74 Chevy quad cab at the front of the house. “Nice truck,” Nathan said, climbing in the passenger seat. Looking back he saw Howard and his two boys in the back. Everyone had their weapons between their knees.
Revving the engine, Rodger put the truck in first gear and pulled away. “Yeah, I remember when dad bought it. We almost sold it but instead we kept it in the barn.” He pointed to the brand new Chevy 3500 dually in the front of the house. “Bob just bought that three months ago and all it’s good for now is a lawn ornament.”
Nathan understood. “I have the truck my mom and dad bought me in the garage. It’s still in pristine condition,” he said smiling thinking of the truck. “How long did it take you to get this one running?”
“It just started up. Most of the older ones did. We had to replace the points in the ’57 but that’s it.”
“Have you guys tried the other vehicles in the barn?” Nathan asked.
“Just this one and the two small tractors,” Rodger said. “Why?”
“That big barn is metal, it could form a Faraday cage,” Nathan said.
“A what?” Howard asked from the back.
“Faraday cage. It’s basically a shield made out of conductive metal. Electricity travels around what’s inside,” Nathan said.
Rodger slowed down taking his foot off the gas, “You mean the combines, backhoe, and the other stuff inside might work?” Rodger asked hopefully.
“You mean you haven’t tried it?” Nathan asked, shocked. He had tried his truck at least three dozen times.
“Not that I know of. I mean, the big John Deere wasn’t working but it was parked outside,” Rodger said stepping back on the gas.
“When we get back, let’s see if they work,” Nathan said as they passed a family on bicycles. “Who knows, the barn may have stopped enough of the pulse to save what’s inside.”
“I’m going to start praying,” Rodger said as they continued on. It didn’t take long for them to reach town and Rodger pulled into a parking lot. Nathan saw it was a computer supply and repair shop. “Glen lives here, in the back with his family,” Rodger said, getting out. Howard and his boys got out and positioned themselves around the truck.
Walking over to the door, Rodger banged on it a few times and they saw a man’s face look out of the window beside the door. Then the front door opened to reveal a middle aged, lanky geek with black hair and thick glasses. “What can I do for you, Sheriff?” Glen asked.
“Glen, is your radio working?” Rodger asked.
“Sure, the solar panels are keeping the batteries charged,” Glen answered, and motioned them inside. When they were inside, Nathan almost hit the floor laughing. There was a woman and a small boy, both built just like Glen, complete with black hair and thick glasses.
“What have you heard?” Rodger asked as Nathan fought not to laugh.
Glen shook his head. “Nothing good. They’re putting the death toll in the New England states at six million. Florida is just as bad. California is a war zone; half of L.A. is burning.”
“What about the government?” Nathan asked.
Turning, Glen looked at Nathan with suspicion. “Glen, this is Nathan, a good friend of the family,” Rodger said as Nathan held out his hand.
Glen shook Nathan’s hand. “The government is holding back before sending troops in. It seems like they want some of the people to die. Rodger, they have set up relocation camps. You don’t even want to know what’s going on inside them.”
“I know, I’ve heard it from some travelers. The government calls them ‘Crisis Centers,’” Rodger said, nodding. “Have you had any trouble here?”
“Yes, we had someone try to break in two days ago,” Glen said, looking at his wife nervously.
“They couldn’t get inside?” Rodger asked looking around.
“No, I shot at them,” Glen answered nervously.
“Good for you,” Rodger said, making Glen and his family jump back. “Did you hit them?”
“I found some blood but I didn’t follow it,” Glen said, relieved.
“That’s smart, son,” Rodger said. “I have a proposition for you—,” Rodger stopped as Nathan put a hand on his chest.
“Sorry, I have to know,” Nathan said. “What did you shoot them with?”
“Tactical 870,” Glen answered, confused.
A grin spit Nathan’s face, “You are the coolest computer geek I have ever met,” Nathan said patting Glen on the shoulder.
Glen smiled at the compliment. “We may be nerds but we’re not ‘stupid’,” Glen said making quotes in the air. “The strong will prey on the weak unless the weak get an equalizer. We bought two AR-15’s, the 870, two Glocks, and some other stuff.”
“Rodger, may I?” Nathan asked. Rodger nodded, wanting to know what Nathan was up to. “Glen, did any of your computers survive?” Nathan asked.
“Of course,” Glen said, thinking Nathan was an idiot for asking a question like that. Apparently so did Glen’s family, as his wife and son snickered.
“That’s good,” Nathan said. “What Rodger was going to ask you was if you would join them out on the farm. You and your family would have to contribute but it will be a thousand times safer there then here. You will need to bring your computers and set up an inventory system, monitor the radios, and help design alternate power systems.”
“That’s it?” Glen asked, not convinced.
“No,” Rodger said, amazed at Nathan’s quick thinking mind. “If the farm is attacked you will have to help defend it. You’ll also have to help out around the farm.”
Glen looked at his wife, who was nodding yes. “When would we have to leave here?” he asked.
“When you’re ready,” Rodger said.
“It will take me till tomorrow morning to have everything packed up. Do you realize the antenna weighs over a ton? It retracts down to twenty feet tall but it’s heavy and I can’t move it without a lot of help,” Glen told them.
“I will have people over tomorrow to help,” Rodger promised.
“We can bring o
ur stuff?” Glenn’s wife asked.
“Yes ma’am. We will give you one of the rooms in the house,” Rodger said, which made her sigh with relief.
“Glen, can I ask you a favor?” Nathan asked.
“As long as it’s within reason,” Glen answered.
Nathan nodded. “I want to broadcast a message twice and tonight at eight p.m. I need you to write the response down for me.”
Glen shrugged. “Sure since we’re leaving.” He headed for the back of the store and his family followed. Nathan shot Rodger a questioning glance, unsure if they should follow. Rodger just shrugged his shoulders and followed anyway.
Walking into the back, Nathan saw a living area with a working TV and small kitchen off to the side. In the back corner was a massive radio set up. Along one wall was a built-in bookshelf taking up the entire wall. When Nathan got close he noticed many of the books dealt with computers, but two whole shelves were survival books. “Nice collection,” Nathan said. Glen turned around and Nathan pointed at the survival books.
“We have ten times that in flash drives,” Glen said, sitting down at the radio. “What frequency?” Nathan told him. “That frequency is supposed to be off limits,” Glen said, dialing the frequency. Over the speakers they heard a steady hiss.
Glen handed Nathan the microphone. Nathan closed his eyes, praying the guys were listening. “Yaba-daba-do,” Nathan said slowly. He waited five minutes and repeated it. Finished, he handed the microphone back to Glen.
“What the hell was that?” Glen asked.
“A code to let them know I’m alive,” Nathan said. It was a code telling his group he was alive and coming home, and he had guest.
Glen nodded, taking the microphone, “So you’re in the prepper game?” he asked.
“Oh yes,” Nathan said. “Thank you.”
“No problem. We’ll record what they send back,” Glen said.
Rodger pulled Nathan back to the front of the store, followed by Glen and his family.
“We’ll pick you up tomorrow,” Rodger said as Glen opened the front door.
Dark Titan Journey: Wilderness Travel Page 26