Defending Home

by Jeffrey Miller

  “Good boy,” Nate said, ruffling the thick mat of hair around his neck and shoulders. The dog had become a real asset to the family. He often wondered whatever became of his owners.

  Nate looked at his watch and saw the time. Today he wanted to go do a perimeter patrol, especially to the east, to see if he could spot any movement. But there was something else he considered that may be more important. He wondered if there was anything left that he could salvage from the Russian jet that crashed after the paratroopers jumped out of it. Perhaps there was some information on board that could tell more about their mission. He would talk to his father and Gene about it before making the decision.

  Nate changed his clothes and washed up. The well water they used had to be hand pumped for now until they were able to finish hooking up the solar system to the water pump. So everyday drinking water and washing water had to be pumped and brought inside. It wasn’t that big of an issue because everyone knew that most people didn’t have even this luxury. Nate still couldn’t imagine what it must be like in cities like Chicago, or in Houston, during the hot summers. Yet, these were just a few of the many enormous population centers that would need water daily.

  Nate tipped up the small gallon jug and stood in the shower stall with the curtain pulled closed. He slowly poured the frigid water over his tall frame. He only poured enough to give the bar soap something to help him lather up. Once he covered the vital areas, Nate poured the rest of the jug over his body. Everyone had a jug to use, and it was their responsibility to pump the water. Nate stepped out and reached for the towel, looking at himself in the mirror. He wanted to shave, but figured with winter here, he would hold off.

  Nate looked over his body. He could see the scars from times past and a few from recent times. He wondered how many more scars were to come. He slipped his t-shirt on, followed by a flannel long sleeve. Nate finished getting dressed and walked back in to the bedroom. Ben was now awake and sitting on the edge of Nate’s bed.

  “Can we spend some time together today?” Ben asked.

  Nate could see the sincerity in his son’s eyes, and the question hit him in the gut hard. He knew that since they had arrived, he had not been spending enough time with Ben. In fact, he really needed to train Ben on some things to at least get him familiar with some possible hard realities that they could face, but do it in a way that would enable both of them to have some fun.

  Nate walked over and sat down beside Ben.

  “Yes…I’m sorry, Ben. It has been difficult the past few days. I didn’t mean to ignore you,” Nate said, trying to correct his mistake. Ben smiled as usual.

  “I’m not mad, I just want to feel more like a part of what we do here. When those bad men shot up the house, I thought you were gone. I wanted to fight back, but I don’t know how to do it like you do,” Ben replied.

  Nate realized that in normal times, he would be looked down upon by most of society for even thinking about his current thoughts. Showing a kid with a mental disability how to use a firearm would be highly discouraged. In the past, there were so many school shootings committed by individuals with evil and mental disorders. Society didn’t want to truly address the issues; instead it kept ignoring the solutions and avoided facing the truth. The truth was that no matter how hard society tried, evil would always find a way to prevail.

  Modern American culture permitted the placement of metal detectors at airports, courthouses, and many other places were some deranged individual could pursue a cause toward mass casualty. Most of the time, those that had intentions of attacking a large amount of people at those kinds of places never got past perimeter security. Yet, for some reason, society didn’t feel it a need to install these basic forms of protection in the nation’s schools. Instead, people went after the gun owners and the Second Amendment. However, times were now far removed from the politics of American society. There was no law, or government to speak of; just survival. During times of real survival, everyone needed to be equally trained, even Ben. Besides that, Nate knew Ben wasn’t like society labeled him.

  “Ben, I understand. Today I want you to come with me. We can go do some exploring, and you can help me with some things we need to get done,” Nate replied to a grinning Ben.

  Nate explained that they would be on foot going out to the far reaches of the perimeter of the property that led to the high cliffs. He asked Ben to get dressed for the conditions, and to use layers of clothes. He wasn’t sure how long they would be out.

  Nate walked into the small closet and rummaged through one of his long bags. He pulled out an older lever action Marlin 30-30. It was one of his favorites growing up. He didn’t realize his father had brought it along, until they arrived in Wyoming. Ben had already become a good shot with the .22 rifle, so Nate wanted to see how he could handle the Marlin. He found a few boxes of the ammo, and carried it out and laid it all on the bed. Ben was still getting dressed.

  “I will be back in a few minutes. I need to go talk to your grandpa,” Nate stated.

  Ben nodded, trying to pull over a hoody he wanted to wear under the parka that was given to him by Gene after they arrived. Living in Colorado, Ben owned a winter coat, but he had left it behind when he and Nate set out for Texas.

  Nate walked into the small room where his dad was sitting and fidgeting with the Ham base station they had set up. Henry recently heard some radio chatter concerning the arrival of the Russian troops from operators further south. The news was much better than either could hope. Apparently, the troops airlifted in – unsuccessfully – a few of their own smaller troop carriers. However, the U.S. Air Force was apparently still up and running to some degree. The Russians had not come in low enough to avoid radar detection. This was not limited to their area. One good source indicated that the same thing was tried in a few other states, but local militias and U.S. military forces had destroyed most of the invaders. This was the same fate of those who dropped into Wyoming. Warren Air Force Base, along with the U.S. Army National Guard units, made little work of the Russians. Henry discovered the radio contact to be living very near Warren Air Force Base. His son was a pilot in the Air Force and flew the A-10 Warthog.

  When Nate heard the news, he realized this explained why they had not seen or heard anything else in the area. One less thing to worry about in a world of worries. The only question Nate still had about the invasion was the why. What was the objective? Everyone knew Wyoming wasn’t a densely populated state, so he understood why they choose Wyoming. Yet, what was the goal? With the small numbers of people, what did they hope to achieve? It was a question that might always go unanswered.

  The news gave Nate a sense of relief. He was glad that he didn’t go in pursuit after they initial encounters. He was but one man and knew the realities of such a move. The main reason was his new responsibility to his family and new friends. Changing the training mindset he had acquired wasn’t easy; but this time he made the right choices.

  “Dad, I’m going to take Ben out and do some training with him. Ben spoke to me about some things, and I think it’s time I show him a few things,” Nate said.

  Henry sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. He didn’t say anything at first.

  “Something wrong?” Nate asked.

  Henry grinned slightly.

  “No, it’s about time, Nate. That boy is as sharp as a tac and only needs encouragement,” Henry stated with his typical sarcastic tone.

  Nate was taken aback by his dad’s tone, but he knew his dad was just that way.

  “It’s not like I haven’t been busy since we arrived,” Nate replied with his own defensive tone.

  Henry took note of the agitation in his voice.

  “Sorry, you are right. I just see him during the day more lately with you going out to check on things. How did he respond to you wanting to take him out and do some training?” Henry asked.

  Nate turned and looked down the hall to see Ben coming.

  “Good,” Nate replied, walking away – sti
ll aggravated with his father. Nate was correct as well, he hadn’t had much time since they arrived. The first week was spent working on the house and setting up the solar system. The next week they hooked up the radios and figured out when they could run what little electricity per day they generated. Additionally, he had to quickly learn the lay of the land, hunt for food, and set up small game traps. Winter was coming, and with Randy’s advice, Nick tried to get ahead on preparations. Just when he thought they could relax some, the Russians arrived.

  Nate felt justified in his efforts to provide. He wasn’t the only member of the family working hard. Everyone had their specific chores, and helped Gene’s family when needed without question. They were kind enough to provide a home, so obviously they felt a debt needed to be paid.

  Nate grabbed up the Marlin rifle with the ammo. He and Ben walked out the back door of the house. Both were dressed very warm for the very cold day. A few snow flurries were starting to come down. Ben was smiling because he hadn’t seen snow in some time.

  “You miss the snow?” Nate asked.

  Ben was trying to catch some of the flakes on his tongue.

  “I love snow. I used to make my grandma snowmen that stood so tall, taller than you,” Ben replied.

  Ben was doing a good job of keeping up with Nate’s stride. He was walking fast on purpose – testing Ben’s overall physical capabilities. Of course, Ben had no idea he was being tested.

  “Really? That’s cool, Ben. Maybe if we get enough snow here, you can make some snowmen for us,” Nate replied.

  Ben looked at him with a funny expression.

  “I did that as a small boy; I’m a man now, dad,” Ben replied as a matter of fact.

  Nate slowly shook his head with a humorous chuckle that followed.

  “Oh, you are? Ok, let’s jog then to our shooting spot that I have picked out, but first you need to carry this rifle,” Nate said. He handed the rifle over to Ben.

  “It’s not loaded yet, just hang it over your shoulders like mine is,” he stated, pointing to his own lever action 45-70 guide gun.

  Ben slowly flung it over his shoulder and held on to the strap.

  “Ok Ben, let’s jog,” Nate commanded.

  Nate slowed his pace to Ben’s pace. Ben was doing a good job and started to run a little faster. He was wearing a pair of older boots that Randy had given to him – they wore the same size shoes. After about ten minutes of jogging, Nate didn’t detect any slowing down from Ben, but they had reached their predetermined spot. Nate came to this location a few times to practice his own shooting, mostly site-in all the rifles. They had to conserve ammo. To everyone’s delight though, Gene was a prepper and stowed away several cans of gunpowder, shells, and primers. He had everything and many dies for different calibers. Nate and Henry had brought many dies and supplies for their own weapons, but it was still wise to go easy on target practice.

  Nate had Ben waited at the log which they would be shooting from. Nate then walked about fifty yards to the large rock cliff that would pose as a backdrop for them. Nate had five targets on six-inch-wide logs standing on their ends, placed on the ground. He picked up the old coffee cans that were on the ground and sat them on each log.

  Nate walked back to Ben who was watching every move his father made.

  “Ok Ben, let me show you how to load your rifle.”

  Ben removed the rifle from his shoulder and handed it to Nate. Nate handed the rifle back to him.

  “No Ben…it’s your gun, I will let you load it as I tell you how,” Nate said handing the gun back to his son.

  Ben looked at Nate.

  “My gun? I thought grandpa said this was your gun from when you were my age?” Ben asked.

  Nate smiled.

  “Yes, that’s true. But I am giving it to you now. This isn’t like a .22 rifle. It’s far more powerful. You need to know how to shoot big guns; especially the ones that belong to you,” Nate replied as he removed three shells for the rifle from his coat pocket.

  Nate explained how to load the rifle and use the safety. He went over how to use the sights and basic gun safety. Before Ben shot his rifle, Nate removed his own and engaged the lever action; showing Ben how it should be done. He then stood in front of Ben and aimed for the can on the left. One shot and the can fell. The loud noise echoed off the cannon walls.

  Ben said “Wow” but he couldn’t hear his own voice.

  Nate realized he should have brought some ear protection, but he forgot to do so. It wasn’t so bad outdoors though. He wanted Ben to experience the full effect of shooting.

  Now it was Ben’s turn.

  After Nate explained the basics of gun safety, and how to aim, he watched Ben as he used the lever action to place a round in the chamber. Ben raised the rifle as Nate had instructed and took careful aim. Nate watched as Ben slowly controlled his breathing like Nate spoke of and squeezed the trigger. The can Ben was aiming for flew off the log. He had a look on his face of amazement. Ben turned to grin at Nate while still aiming down range.

  “Great shot, Ben; try another,” Nate remarked.

  Ben had done a good job for the first time shooting a high-powered rifle. Once again, Ben cocked the rifle and shot another can. Nate was impressed with the fact that Ben seemed to be a natural with the gun. After about twenty minutes, Nate figured it had been a good first day.

  “Ok Ben, let’s wrap it up here. I want you to always keep a few rounds in the rifle. If there is ever a question as to how many you have, just unload it like I showed you,” Nate reminded him.

  “Now what do you want to do?” Ben asked, enjoying the quality time he was having with his dad. Nate planned to go for a hike. He wanted to get Ben out and moving more to build up his endurance. Since they arrived home to Fritch, Ben hadn’t gotten much exercise.

  “How about we go for a long hike, it is still early. We can go out to the property line and then head back,” Nate replied.

  Ben nodded in agreement.

  Gene’s land was not as big as the land they left in Fritch, but it wasn’t small either. During normal times, the four-wheeler would be used. However, Nate and everyone else decided to conserve them for now, as well as the fuel for it which was not easily found. Nate and Ben headed out walking at a quick pace toward the small trail that would lead up the side of the mountain – taking them to a higher elevation. The trail had a slight slope that quickly gave way to more of an incline. Ben was starting to breathe a little harder now. Nate smiled.

  The climb was nearly over. The plateau Nate wanted to reach was about 1,000 feet above where they were at prior. The area was covered in Lodgepole pines and Douglas firs. It was silent with the occasional sounds of a far-off elk. Ben was in awe of the national forest. Where they lived was further down the mountain in more of a sparsely tree lined valley that had a good view off to the east. The area they now ventured into was to the northwest.

  Nate estimated they were about five miles from the homes and at higher elevations. Right after they arrived at Wyoming, Gene, Nate, and Henry went hunting up into this area. It reminded Nate of some of the lands he saw in Montana at his friend’s cabin. Nate was headed to a site that opened with a view. It had been cleared some time ago for campers, and had a fire pit ring and even a picnic table. It was the perfect location, after a good hike, to relax and eat a late lunch which Nate had brought.

  “Over there, Ben…we will make a fire over there,” Nate said, pointing to the barely visible cleared area through the trees.

  Ben was looking in the direction in which Nate pointed, then gazed back up at the tall trees that surrounded them both.

  “This place is pretty. It’s cold, but it’s pretty,” Ben said.

  Nate nodded in agreement. It was getting colder. Ben and Nate made their way to the clearing near the cliffs. The view was spectacular with pine forest stretching as far as the eye could see. The distant mountain peaks exhibited the snow that had recently fallen. This view was even better than the view off toward
Sheridan near the homes. The landscape of mountains trailed off to the northwest up and into Montana. Walking up to the picnic table, Nate laid his rifle on the table, removed his pack, laid it on the table, and unzipped the side pouch. He removed a small thermos of hot coffee and a small bag of deer jerky. Ben smiled, he seemed to love any kind of jerky.

  Ben laid his rifle next to Nate’s and removed his small backpack. It had a few gloves, a scarf, and head protection from the cold. He also brought an extra pair of socks. Nate watched as Ben began to dig through his bag. He had told Ben what to bring, and was glad to see that he listened to the requests. Ben finally removed the small canteen full of water. It was the old school type with the plaid wool fabric on the sides, and a long strap. Ben opened the canteen and drank some of the cold water. The hike made him thirsty, but Ben was enjoying the adventure.

  They both sat down to eat and relax. It was nice to get away, Nate thought. Just being outdoors, away from reality, gave it all a feel of normalcy. It was hard to feel, or know, that around the nation everything was far from normal. The basics of everyday life had returned to a time that a majority were not prepared to handle, let alone, live. He would take this moment with Ben. They had shared similar moments on the way to Fritch, but that was under high levels of stress.

  Nate was feeling very relaxed for the first time in a while. He noticed, however, that around him, on the ground where the vegetation turned to dirt, were footprints leading up to the old picnic table. The prints were freshly made; Nate knew them because of the boots they wore. About four feet away were two sets of boot prints that also looked very fresh and larger than Nate’s. It was then that the relaxing feeling changed; his sense of danger was late in coming to him. He sat up, leaning now. A sense of being watched poured over his body.