Although they'd all been around the last time Ned visited, Raul had never spoken to the man or introduced himself and he doubted Carrie had either. Lewis made introductions now and handshakes were exchanged. Raul was a bit impressed to see that the older man didn't so much as blink at the young woman's scars.
“Ned's offered to look through our trade goods and give his best estimate of what we can get out of them,” Lewis said.
“Purely theoretical, at least until we get to San Antonio and I can get a feel for the market,” the trader added. “But I'll at least help you separate out the junk from the treasure.”
Considering how much effort had gone into this trip, and how vital its success was for the town, Raul sincerely hoped they hadn't brought any junk.
Luckily it seemed like the work the town leaders had done picking out trade goods was sound. Ned didn't get excited by most of their goods, aside from their store of guns and parts, Lewis's bullets and car parts and his archives and especially his idea to copy their contents onto other devices for a fee, their small supply of valuables, and a few other things.
But the trader assured them that with some savvy selling and trading they had more than enough here to fill their truck and trailer with food, medicine, and other necessities, and maybe even some trade goods to bring home with them for local barter.
After that they spent a while chatting about the winter, the spring, a bit about where they'd all been during the fight against the blockheads, then went on to the Retaliation. Ned knew a surprising amount about where the nukes in the US had hit, the location and size of the fallout zones, and how the people in the areas had fared. Apparently the man had made a study of it during the winter, using military and civilian contacts.
After about an hour the trader pantomimed glancing at his watch. “Well I've probably left Paul on the hook watching the truck for long enough.” He offered another round of handshakes as he continued. “Let's get in touch again once we reach the trade summit, okay? We can probably funnel business to each other, for instance people who want to tap your archives, and I'd be happy to reassess your goods based on my judgment of the market.”
“Absolutely, thanks again,” Lewis said. He walked with Ned to the end of the lot before returning.
“Seems like the sort of friend you want to have,” Carrie observed as Lewis settled down in a camping chair and gulped down some water.
“Sure does.” Lewis smiled. “It helps that he seems to think everyone is the sort of friend he wants to have. He's happy to make connections, get people together, and pass along any business he doesn't need or isn't interested in. The sort of person who's figured out that he isn't losing anything if everyone else prospers along with him.”
Raul wasn't so sure. Ned hadn't exactly bragged, but he had mentioned more than once that he stood to make a fortune on all the precious metals he'd traded from starving people desperate for the food he offered. Maybe he was being a bit harsh, but to him it sure stank of profiteering.
Lewis capped his canteen and sighed contentedly, looking up at them. “So, what've you two been up to?”
* * * * *
Lewis's walk and Ned's visit had eaten up a few hours, but it was still early afternoon and the day was stretching out in front of them. From what Carrie had overheard in the headquarters building they were still waiting on a dozen or so trucks, and the trucks they'd sent south to scout their route had yet to return. Faraday's estimate of a departure after noon the next day seemed accurate.
With nothing to do but twiddle their thumbs around their unlit campfire Lewis was starting to get antsy. He'd brought along his phone for entertainment, but after a year and a half in fairly rough conditions the battery was starting to go, and he didn't want to run the truck or drain its battery just to recharge it. Just for this situation he'd also brought along a paperback novel borrowed from the town's meager library, but after only ten or so pages had decided that he'd have to be a lot more bored than he was to keep reading it.
With nothing else to do he asked Gutierrez if he wanted to do some sparring, boxing and wrestling. Over the winter Lewis had kept up the previous winter's practice of getting exercise and training in with Trev and occasionally Jim and even Uncle George, much to the amusement, impatience, and finally disgust of the rest of the family who had to spectate.
But it was always fun to have a new sparring partner, and given how antsy his friend looked Lewis thought it would do him some good to work out a bit of tension. Gutierrez seemed to agree, probably more out of boredom than interest, although he definitely put up a fight after they'd pulled some gloves and other safety equipment out of Lewis's pack and got started.
Most of Lewis's experience was either self taught or practical, while the former soldier had military hand to hand combat training and had also taken martial arts for a bit in high school.
Even so it was more even than he'd expected; they didn't keep score or anything, but Lewis thought he might've actually made a slightly better showing. His friend was shorter and more solid than him, which helped a bit with the wrestling but worked against him with the boxing. More importantly, Gutierrez seemed to have a lot of aggression to work out which made him more wild and less tactical. In spite of Lewis usually being in better control of the fight, that wildness in his sparring partner meant he found himself constantly on the back foot struggling to keep his lead.
When it got to the point where he was trying to keep the bouts friendly instead, specifically after nearly getting an illegal elbow to the face during a wild right hook, Lewis called things off.
The former soldier nodded and accepted his handshake, no hard feelings. They headed over to their campsite, where Carrie was sprawled on a camp chair reading the book Lewis had discarded. Although Lewis couldn't help but notice her eyes followed Gutierrez as he retrieved his T-shirt and pulled it on.
He wasn't the only one. “Enjoy the show?” Gutierrez asked with a crooked grin as he grabbed his long-sleeved overshirt and started buttoning it. Moab was a lot warmer than up around Aspen Hill and it was afternoon, but the day was still cool enough that outside of exercise they all needed to dress for it.
The scarred young woman flushed and looked away. “I've seen better,” she muttered, pretending to be intent on her book again.
“Seen better, meaning you still like what you see?” Gutierrez shot back. “No shame in admitting it.”
Lewis had kept on his own tee for the sparring. As he was zipping on a jacket over it he caught the young woman's expression and decided to intervene. “Let's keep this friendly,” he chided. “We're going to be crammed into a cab together for a long time.”
“Yeah, maybe you can shower first,” Carrie groused, going back to her reading. “Oh wait, Faraday said no water except for drinking or hand washing. Probably should've thought of that before rolling around in the dirt like big kids.”
Gutierrez grinned. “My BO seems like your problem, not mine.”
Carrie didn't respond, focusing so hard on the book Lewis was surprised it didn't burst into flames.
Honestly he couldn't tell whether the two were about to claw each others' eyes out or if this was some sort of aggressive flirting. He'd always been the aloof, socially awkward kid in class so he hadn't done much flirting himself, and he'd never been able to see the point in the barbed, hostile flirting he sometimes saw classmates engage in.
Although it was probably something he should address before it got out of hand. So while Gutierrez was in the back of the truck, wiping himself down with a rag and some of the water they'd brought with them, Lewis pulled Carrie aside.
“Listen,” he said, scrambling for a way to phrase it that wouldn't embarrass any of them. “If he's getting on your case the option's always open to travel with the Colonel's staff.”
The young woman gave him a startled look. “Am I causing a problem?” she asked.
“No!” Blast, he was bad at this sort of thing. “I was just concerned you might not want to spe
nd the entire trip arguing.”
“You call that arguing?” Carrie grinned. “I grew up with three brothers, older and younger, and that was the language of love for us.” Her smile abruptly faded into grief for a moment, obviously reminded of lost loved ones. After a quick breath she gave him a firm look. “Thanks for the concern, but unless you've got your own problem with our banter I'd appreciate if you stayed out of it.”
Okay, definitely looking more like flirting. Lewis supposed he should be happy for his friend, although he hoped whatever this relationship was got more agreeable over time. “Sure,” he said.
Not too long after that Gutierrez hopped down from the back of the truck. He'd taken the time to clean up surprisingly well, which suggested that in spite of his earlier comment he was trying to impress Carrie. Or at least not actively repulse her.
Either way Lewis was happy for the opportunity to escape for his own wipe down.
As the sun started to go down Gutierrez and Carrie insisted on lighting the fire. Since none of their food needed to be cooked Lewis wanted to wait until it was dark, get the most out of the light and warmth, but the other two vetoed him. They both wanted to turn in early anyway, since Lewis was on first shift watching the truck, so they'd like to get full use out of the wood they had before then.
That was fine, Lewis supposed. They started the fire and he got out his kettle and got some water boiling, sharing a few packets of herb tea around. That gave them something hot to go with their jerky and stale crackers.
As the sun began to set the entire desolate landscape became a breathtaking panorama. Lewis always appreciated the view when he was down this way, but for Carrie it was a real wonder. She forgot about an early night and sat up with him for hours, just watching the view change as the light faded. And it turned out since Carrie stayed up Gutierrez decided to as well, so they all just sat around the dying fire enjoying the view and not saying much until finally full dark settled in.
And out here that could be dark. Especially tonight, with just a sliver of a crescent moon. And shockingly cold, especially after the almost mild day. Lewis went to retrieve his coat and hat, while his two companions finally left him to his watch and fumbled their way to their tents. Once they were gone he sat with his night vision goggles and weapons ready and mostly kept watch by keeping his ears open to any suspicious noises, occasionally getting up to make a circuit around the vehicle.
His shift was uneventful. A few hours later he woke Carrie up and handed over the goggles, then crawled into his tent and gratefully shivered his way into his sleeping bag.
* * * * *
Raul was actually glad he'd drawn the morning shift.
There was no sky like a desert sky at night, with no light pollution to dim the almost dizzying array of stars slowly moving across the expanse. But some views stood out even from that celestial display, to be treasured in the memory for the rest of your life.
Specifically, the brilliantly clear line of the Milky Way hovering on the horizon as the predawn glow around him gradually brightened, to the last moments before the edge of the sun peeked into view.
He'd relieved Carrie a few hours ago and she was sound asleep, as was Lewis, and he wasn't about to wake them. Still, he wished they were both up to see this. Although as it stood he was content to have this moment to himself and burn it into his memory.
All too soon their neighbors in the lot began stirring, those who hadn't taken the precaution of setting their own watch that was. People began getting up, a few started fires with wood they'd saved from yesterday's ration, getting water boiling for coffee or other hot drinks. The smell of that coaxed more people out into the open, until finally Lewis emerged from his tent, then a few minutes later Carrie.
Lieutenant Faraday came around not long after that, stopping by each truck to check in, see if they needed anything, and give an updated report on when the convoy would be moving out. “Our goal is still noon, but it'll probably be a few hours later if we're lucky,” he admitted. “Although if it's too much after that General Erikson may make the call to just camp another night and get an early start tomorrow for a full day.”
At their groans the junior officer held up his hands. “Probably not, though. The General wants to get to San Antonio sooner rather than later, and he's willing to leave behind any stragglers if necessary. They can either catch up to us on the road or turn back and try again on our next convoy down, assuming this one goes well and we do it again.”
“So you want us all ready to go just in case?” Lewis guessed.
“Exactly. We've got a schedule set up with every vehicle's position in the convoy, depending on order of arrival. Starting immediately we'll have the first in line drive around to our tanker and fill their tanks, then on to the next until everyone's topped off. We'll also be having our mechanics perform maintenance on each vehicle now while we're stopped, to try to minimize breakdowns or other issues when we're finally on the road.”
Faraday quickly showed them the schedule and their place in line, as well as estimated timing. “Make any other preparations you need to while you're waiting,” he warned. “We'll try not to leave anyone behind once we're actually on the road, but if you're not ready to go when we leave you're SOL.”
Raul nodded and immediately started packing up their simple camp, while Lewis hung back shooting the breeze with the lieutenant. To Raul's surprise Carrie came to help him.
“Spend the night drinking?” she asked, smirking. “I've only seen eyes that bloodshot on hungover buddies.”
“Pfft, I wish,” he replied. As far as he knew the town had been dry for as long as he'd been there. Maybe even before then: most Aspen Hill residents didn't strike him as the drinking sort.
To score points back he silently ran his hand through his short hair and indicated hers, which was shoulder length and seriously tangled and bunched from sleeping. From the way her face flushed slightly he knew he'd landed a shot.
Lewis said his goodbyes to Faraday and came to help, and before too long they had the camp broken down, had checked over the truck and trailer to make sure everything was looking good, and were ready on their end.
From the sounds of it they were near the end of the list when it came to refueling, and the mechanics would come by whenever they came by. So with nothing else to do they settled down on camp chairs and on the driver's side step of the truck and resigned themselves to waiting.
It didn't take long to exhaust most of their conversational options, but the silence they settled into was fairly comfortable. Raul was contemplating climbing into the cab and taking a nap when Lewis, probably out of pure boredom, pulled two quarters out of his pocket.
Now that was an odd sight to see, since those would be less than useless as currency at this point. But it turned out his friend had a different use for them: flipping.
Not exactly regular flipping, though. Raul had seen Trev spending a lot of his idle time doing this, too. According to his friend he mostly used the exercise to keep his fast twitch muscles loose and well honed. Raul supposed that if good reflexes were your thing, which they definitely were for Trev, it was probably smart to stay on top of them.
It was apparently Carrie's first time seeing it. She watched in fascination as Lewis started out with one hand, flipping a quarter high into the air, watching it drop, and then at the last possible moment flicking his hand out to catch it and snapping it back in close. All done so quickly you'd miss the motion if you blinked.
Lewis alternated between hands for a minute or so, then started flipping the coin with one hand and catching it with the other. From there he went to flipping both coins at once. That was a bit trickier since it was almost impossible to flip them both straight upwards at the same speed, so he had to track both coins as they fell and catch them properly.
“Nice,” Carrie said after an especially tough one.
“Thanks,” Lewis said, still concentrating on flipping the coins as he spoke. “Starting out I missed a lot even w
ith the one-handed catching. Can't count the number of times I bounced a coin off a fingernail or knuckle and sent it flying across the room. And believe me, that hurts more than you'd think.”
“Good incentive to not make mistakes,” Raul pointed out.
His friend just nodded and kept going. From the looks of it he'd practiced it enough he never made mistakes anymore. He moved on to flipping both coins and using the opposite hands to catch them as they fell. That was as pretty impressive, although Raul had seen Trev do three coins by catching two early, transferring one to the other hand, then snapping his free hand out to catch the third.
“Can you do three?” he asked his friend.
Lewis snorted. “Nah, I've managed it once or twice but it's tough.” He caught the quarters and glanced over. “Trev show you that? He's also somehow figured out how to juggle four balls at once while I'm still stuck on three, the showoff.”
Raul couldn't help but think his friend was doing a bit of showing off himself. Although to be fair he kind of wished he could do that, considering how entertained Carrie looked.
After a few minutes Lewis tried something Raul had never seen Trev do, flipping the quarters with a pause between flips and then catching them one after the other. It must've been harder than it looked, because it seriously threw off his friend's timing and he finally missed a catch, sending the coin flying in Raul's direction while he shook his hand and cursed softly to himself at the stinging in his second knuckle.
Raul caught it, proud of his own reflexes. “Seriously though, man,” he said as he rolled the quarter across the tops of his fingers. That was something he knew how to do. “You've got terabytes full of stuff to read, watch, and listen to, and you and Trev spent the winter flipping coins?”
Lewis shrugged. “Everyone gets those times when there's plenty you could be doing but aren't interested in doing any of it.”
Carrie snorted. “Actually, these days I'd say you guys are the only ones who get those.”
That wasn't exactly fair. Lewis was actually pretty generous when it came to charging other people's devices, as was the town with their panels and batteries. His friend was also happy to share his archives, and often invited people over to watch movies. Even Raul had stopped by regularly for that when he'd been seeing Mary.
Nuclear Winter | Book 2 | First Spring Page 22