Saturday Survival Serial – Volume 3, Week 19

This is week 19 in volume 3 of the Saturday Survival Serial. To learn more about what the Saturday Survival Serial is, click here. To start at week 1, click here.

Shannon walked into the Food Commons with her ration card safely tucked in her pocket. She was surprised that there was actually more food on the shelves this time than there had been before. She jumped when someone spoke behind her.

“You have to wonder how long it will last. They can’t possibly keep this kind of stock up for long.”

She turned and saw Pako smiling at her. She found herself returning the smile.

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. At some point, even all the stuff they ‘appropriated’ will run out or go bad.”

They moved out of the doorway to get shopping carts. They went down the aisle together, making their choices and chatting about all the new items they saw. Shannon watched Pako closely out of the corner of her eye, looking for any hint of pretense or hidden agenda. She decided to follow Joli’s advice and go on the offensive.

“Did you hear about the garden area? They finally got enough seeds to plant the rest of it and there are half a dozen head of cattle. Three of them are milkers! Fresh milk and cheese….I’m drooling just thinking about it.”

Pako laughed and he nodded. “I saw ‘em with my own eyes! Five heifers and a bull. Two pregnant. Along with the garden, they also got the hay seed in and fields are being cleared now to plant those next.”

“I wish we could get some seeds, plant our own little gardens. It would be cool to have a little homestead or something somewhere…” She eyed him while pretending to look at a can of beans. If she hadn’t been watching for it, she wouldn’t have noticed his pause. When he hadn’t answered after a good five seconds, she turned and looked at him in the eye.

Pako returned the look and it was plainly obvious he was sizing her up. After another moment he said in a low tone, “You know, that kind of talk could get you into trouble.”

Shannon’s face revealed nothing, even as her stomach clinched. “A person can dream, can’t they? Here, now, of all places and times, dreams are important.”

Pako smiled widely and nodded. “Yes, they are. Personally, I like the sound of your dream. Growing food, raising livestock and just living. A community would be nice but…” he looked around, both indicating where they were and checking to make sure no one was close enough to hear their conversation.

Shannon exhaled with relief. “Since we’re speaking plainly,” she said as she continued down the aisle, “What was with all those questions?” She picked up two cans of carrots and checked her list.

He chuckled. “Well, since we’re speaking plainly and all, it was two fold. First, to see where your head was about your situation and second, to get to know you better. I had to see what kind of person would have done what you did to help those people in the flooded river.”

She stopped and turned to look at him, a playful hint in her eyes. “And what did you come up with?”

He grinned back at her. “Tough to say. I think I need more time to assess the situation.” He reached down and picked up an expensive can of beef, tossing it in his hand. “How about dinner at my place?”

Shannon laughed and replied, “Canned beef? How did you know the way to my heart?”

They continued their shopping, Shannon finishing first. They agreed to meet up the day after next for dinner.

---

 

Available in paperback and on Kindle, Books I and II!

 

---

Shannon was in line to check out, ration card in hand. She was recounting the stuff in her cart when she felt something bump against her ankle. Looking up, she saw Joli there grinning at her like the Cheshire cat.

“What’s got you in such a good mood?” Shannon asked.

“Watching you flirt, unaware that you were being watched. I have to say, it was both disgusting and adorable at the same time. An odd combination.”

Shannon scowled at her friend and pretended to throw a bag of noodles at her. They finished checking out and walked home with their food, laughing and talking about day to day stuff. Joli teased her a little more about her upcoming date before getting serious.

“So, are you playing an angle or do you like the guy?”

Shannon grinned mysteriously and said, “Maybe a little of both?” She told Joli about the conversation they had and her new impressions of Pako.

“I think he knows he’s in a prison without walls and I think he would like to leave, too. I was never one for dating but when’s the next time I’m going to have beef? Canned or otherwise, I’ll take it! And ya, it also gives me a better chance of seeing if he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing or the real deal.”

Joli laughed. “Mm-hmm. And maybe get some, too. You can’t fool me!”

Shannon smacked Joli on the arm and informed her that a goldfish could fool her before going into her home.

Later that night, Shannon was woken up to someone pounding on her door and calling her name. She got up, her mind racing in a thousand directions at once. What if Pako was baiting me? What if someone was listening? Where could I possibly run to? She shoved the panic down and listened to what the person was actually saying.

“Shannon! A water line busted and we’ve lost at least twenty-five hundred gallons! Get up!”

Shannon realized it was Leslie and called out. “I’ll be right there!” Moving quickly, she got dressed and unlocked the door, flinging it open. “What happened?” She started tugging her boots on.

Leslie was soaking wet and breathing heavily. “One of the couplings failed and sent water flying everywhere! It was that section we piped behind Crusty Row.” Crusty Row was the nickname they’d give a particular stretch of housing where the ‘upper crust’ of the community moved into. They’d named it while they were installing the water and sewer lines.

Shannon cursed under her breath as she put her jacket on. She followed Leslie out to one of the smaller UTVs (Utility Vehicle) with a flatbed that were used by those who worked in the settlement infrastructure system. This particular one had been converted to solar and electrical power. They took off with Leslie driving.

When they turned onto Crusty Row, Shannon’s jaw dropped. There was water everywhere; soaking into the dirt, running in rivulets along the road and gutters. Further down the road, she could see where the water was coming from, pouring down the driveway of a single story home. There were at least eight people running around and as they stopped in front of the house, Shannon could see just as many trying to stop the flow of water. She whirled on Leslie.

“Why the hell hasn’t this water line been shut off?!” She demanded.

“I sent the guys to do it right before I came to get you! It should be off by now!”

Shannon was just about to get back in the UTV when the noise from the rushing water began to subside. Shannon walked toward those who had been trying to stop the water by plugging it with various things people had grabbed. They looked at her, water dripping from their hair and clothes.

She took a deep breath and thanked them for responding and trying to help stop the water. Looking around, she saw the Mayor of the settlement standing there in his robe that was wet up to his chest.

“I am so sorry, Mayor, Sir, I will-” she was cut off by his raised hand.

“Honestly, these things are to be expected. We live in a place we’re trying to rebuild with less than ideal materials.” He smiled magnanimously and patted her on the shoulder and said loud enough for everyone to hear, “Let’s show our thanks to those who keep the water running!” He began clapping and others followed.

“I do believe the carpet is a loss, though,” he chuckled and gestured to the front door that had water trickling out over the threshold still. The others gathered there laughed along with him. Shannon wanted to gag at this slimy politician’s act and excused herself, saying she should get to work. The mayor went off with others who lived on the road just as Nick and Tuckert pulled up.

“Why did it take so long to get the water turned off?” Shannon looked at Tuckert. As a military guy, he should have known to cut the water at the closest valve. If he’d done so, they wouldn’t have lost thousands of gallons of water.

“Valve failed that feeds this line. Had to shut the main off.” Shannon groaned. She was in for a very long night.

Hours later, after they had gotten things under control, Shannon went into the Mayor’s house to inspect the plumbing. With the pressure that was let loose, it could easily rupture other, smaller pipes. She slopped over the soaked carpet and rugs, shaking her head at how nicely the place was decorated. She saw eggs in a wire basket on the counter and scowled. Crusty Row indeed. Elitist bastards, making the rest of us wait two months for eggs.

After checking the kitchen, she went into the bathroom and saw the cold water line had busted, pushing the cabinet door open. Soaked stacks of papers were all over the floor. She kneeled down and turned off the water feed to the sink. Turning on her flashlight, she was inspecting the line more closely when she noticed a booklet tucked under some papers. It looked kind of familiar and she pushed the papers aside.

Her eyes widened as she read the words,

“United Nations Mission, Settlement Camp NM-01-A, Mayor Manual”

She quickly glanced behind her to make sure no one was around and strained to hear if anyone was coming. She looked back at the dripping booklet and made a decision. She was already soaked so the water it would add to her clothes didn’t matter. Though she hated to, she rolled it and stuffed it into her jacket sleeve.

She scooped papers out of the way to make it look like she moved it to get to the pipe and made sure to rip some of them with her boots. Make it look like some careless citizen was in here, she thought.

Schooling her face to make her look as tired and annoyed at the night’s events as she felt, she walked outside and called out to Nick, telling him about the pipe in the bathroom.

“There’s papers all over the place. Get one of the cleanup crew to get it picked up and tossed before they start soaking the water up. I’m heading home.”

Nick nodded and waved, calling a couple people to come help him get the mayor’s house all cleaned up.

Shannon did her best not to walk away too fast. The adrenaline was pumping through her veins.

You’re playing a dangerous game now, girl.”

*************

Jimmy, Jessica, Al, Marcus, and Denise were gathered in The Hall at Center Camp. Marcus had stayed overnight and was thankful for the comfortable bed he’d slept in. Anything was better than the floor – forest or otherwise.

Jimmy had sent a runner to get someone from Main Camp shortly after Marcus had told the initial story. They had talked a long time, Jimmy and Jessica both asking numerous questions. Many of them couldn’t be answered, especially the most important one: “Who owned the drone?”

Jimmy sighed heavily after Denise had been mostly filled in. “Since we don’t know who controls the drone, it would be best to focus on what we can do about it. We want to find out, of course, but it would be a good idea to consider things we could do to shoot it down if needed. Camo for the buildings would be nice, but the clearing for the garden alone would give us away.”

Al chuckled. “Jimmy, you of all people should know that they could probably be 10,000 feet up and still record everything going on down here? We wouldn’t know it was even there! Wouldn’t be able to see it very easily, let alone hear it.”

The others nodded as Jimmy replied, “If that’s the case, then why were they flying so low to the deck? Show me again where you were when you first saw it. Which direction was it coming from?”

Marcus showed him on the map and traced a path. “We saw it come from this direction and after Candy shot it, it went this direction. Right to where we saw all the tracks. I really think it’s safe to say that it’s the United Nations in some form. If we prepare for them, it’s a good chance we’d be prepared for most other human threats.”

Jimmy shook his head. “Never, ever underestimate the power of guerilla warfare.” He took in a deep breath and blew it out.

“OK, we need to get word out about the sighting to Liberty Teeth. Discreetly would be preferred – we don’t want to give away what we know in case they’re listening in or coming directly for us. Also, we need to improve our alarm system. Damn! I wish I knew where that group was. It’s killing me not knowing if they’ve made it to the camp at Plymouth or are dead or what.” He sighed in frustration again.

Denise spoke up. “We all feel the same way, Jimmy, but let’s focus on what we can do something about – like you said. I suggest we talk about it at Gathering. We are still having Spring Gathering, right?”

Jimmy chuckled, “Wouldn’t be for much of a tradition if we quit doing it, right? Yes, plans are moving forward. It’s what, ten days away? My wife would kill me if it was cancelled now!”

Denise and the others laughed good naturedly before she continued. “We need to have extra security patrols at least a mile out from the grounds. Also, I think it would be wise to change the code word from apples. Preferably nothing food related.”

This time, everyone laughed loudly and started making a game plan for safety and increasing security from whoever it was out there.

*************

Miller was staring at the helicopter on the landing pad. It was a good distance from Reed City and Miller had been shocked when he’d first heard the noise. It had taken him an eternity to recollect what the sound was. When he’d realized it was a helicopter, he’d jumped into his jeep and driven to the area, barking orders out that no one was to follow.

He pulled up just as it was landing, getting out of the jeep without taking his eyes off those seated inside. He had a hard time making out faces but caught glimpses of uniforms. He waited as the bird powered down and the doors opened. The first thing he registered was the ranks shown on the uniforms. All considerably higher than he’d ever been, he immediately snapped into a salute as they came forward.

A man walked up with the rank of major and a last name of Burowelk, according to his tag. He stood in front of Miller, giving him a lazy return salute and asked, “You Miller?”

“Yes, Major, Sir! I wasn’t expecting anyone. There were no messages over the-”

“That’s something I’m afraid you’re going to have to get used to. I trust you’ve read your confidential packet thoroughly?”

Miller nodded, already annoyed with the man’s tone and self important air.

“Excellent. I’ll have you show me to the accommodations, then.”

Miller felt a little panic. “Sir, we’ve only just gotten here ourselves. As I said, I wasn’t expecting anyone so soon and we don’t have anything ready just yet.”

The major gave him a look of disapproval and sighed. “I figured it would be too much to expect. Fine, then, I will give you a few hours to get something together. Be mindful of the protocols regarding my presence.”

Miller clenched his jaw together, saluted and did a sharp about-face toward his jeep. As he pulled away, his thoughts were running red. What a pompous ass! A few hours…no warning whatsoever…”

Thankfully, he had chosen a place already for those who came in on the helicopter and already had it cleaned out of the larger garbage. He grabbed three soldiers from their duties and ordered them to finish cleaning up the main floor of a two story office building. When he told them they only had a few hours, he could tell they weren’t happy about it.

Heading back to Reed City proper, he went to his office and slammed the door shut. Getting into his secret spot, he opened the booklets and envelopes again, trying to find something that would tell him what power he had here and whether or not this would be ‘normal.’

After scanning through the envelopes, he started flipping through the booklet that was for his eyes specifically for this camp.

“The mayor shall provide a safe place for those arriving by helicopter. They are to maintain the utmost confidentiality at all times. The mayor shall serve as a tie breaking vote when required, provide insight and assistance in strategic implementation of the United Nation’s mission from this specific camp.

“Officers arriving to this location shall not infringe on the authority of the mayor’s ability to handle the day to day logistics of….”

Miller had a rare smile on his face as he read further. It seemed that, at least for his particular camp, he had the ability to put on report any officer or other military personnel that acted unbecoming. Furthermore, he was given a rather broad hand with the wording and wondered if it was an oversight or by design. After putting everything away in it’s hiding spot, time ticked by while he was lost in thought. A bang outside brought him out of his stupor. Just as he was about to confront the uppity major, there was a knock at the door.

“Enter.”

The door was open before he had finished saying a word and in stormed the major, which surprised him greatly. It must have shown on his face because Burowelk began barking at him about things taking too long and how his incompetence would be reported.

Miller sat there, listening to it for several good minutes. When Burowelk finally paused to take a breath, Miller asked, “Are you done?”

Major Burowelk’s face went through several emotions rapidly, settling on enraged anger in the end. He was just about to explode when Miller cut him off at the last second.

“I have, indeed, read the information I was given and it occurred to me that perhaps you, yourself, don’t know all that was contained therein. For example, did you know I could have you put on report for the treatment you’ve given me already?”

“Report? That’s absurd! I am a Majo-”

“Pain in the ass. I agree 100%. The fact remains that though you outranked me when I was still a serving military man, I was chosen for this particular camp. If you claim to know so much about the purpose of this place, perhaps you could take it a step further and consider why I would be chosen. For this place.”

A shadow of doubt flashed across Burowelk’s face. Miller continued. “You have already put yourself into a precarious situation. You’ve alerted not just one or two people to your presence, the entire camp knows about you now. It would also be wise to remember that we’re on the same side. Our job is to save the human race. Now, I was just about to come check on the progress for your accommodations when you so rudely came in. If you’ll excuse me.”

Miller grinned as he walked out, not caring what Major Ass or anyone else thought. He thought he might actually check on the progress of the office building. Eventually.

*************

Eugene watched Miller walk out of the building and across the parking lot to his jeep. Eugene had been heading to meet him and talk about getting some information on Jimmy Walker within the first week of the new arrivals. He figured they would have at least one person to spare for it and Eugene would go with them.

He was taking a shortcut across a backyard when he saw Miller tear into the parking lot and stomp into the building. He’d decided to sit there and wait to see what happened and it had paid off. A man in a military uniform had come trotting down the road and went directly to the elementary school building that Miller had turned into offices and a local gathering place after there were more settlers.

Eugene had never seen the man before. He noted the man was well fed, had good shoes, was older but fit. He also looked pissed off. He was thinking about just going in and seeing what was going on when Miller came back out, with a smile. In the year since he’d known Miller, Eugene had only seen the man come close to smiling once. He wasn’t even sure that counted.

A couple minutes later, the other man came out and walked to the road. He looked both ways and seemed unsure what to do next. Eugene’s curiosity got the better of him and he walked into view.

The man eyed him a moment before turning and walking down the way he’d come from without a word. Eugene noted the rank and self important way the man walked. He knew about the helicopter pad, of course, and assumed that the man had been dropped off. The noise it had made coming in was unmistakable and impossible to hide in the quiet world they lived in now.

Since he knew there was no way he would be talking to Miller about his plans today, he decided to go see what was going on at the helicopter pad. With all the extra time he’d had on his hands, he already had a spot picked out where he had good views of just about everywhere in the populated area of town, a couple key areas outside of town, the helicopter pad, and the place that would house special people and hold secret meetings in.

It didn’t take long to get into position and he was certain he wasn’t being followed and no one had seen him. There weren’t enough people around to be overly worried about that yet. From his vantage point, he could see several people standing around, listening to the man he’d seen in town. The guy was waving his arms, obviously agitated. Though Eugene couldn’t make out the words, he could hear snippets of the man’s tone.

His eyebrows raised as the door to the helicopter opened and a man stepped out. The newcomer had to be eighty if he was a day old. His uniform was a much older style and had pins on it that Eugene didn’t recognize. As soon as his feet had touched the ground, all conversation had stopped.

The older man walked over to the major and looked to be chastising him. An interesting turn of events, he thought. The major nodded once, then twice, and saluted before turning away to the edge of the landing pad.

Movement on the edge of his vision made his head turn and he watched as Miller came into view. The older man smiled amiably and offered his hand for Miller to shake. Eugene had been around Miller long enough to know he’d been caught off guard. The scene turned boring as they talked and then Miller gestured back the way he’d come. The office building that had been converted over was less than a mile away.

As they moved out of his line of sight, Eugene considered all he’d seen that day. There may be some interesting possibilities here. Miller is a politician now but with all these military coming through, I just need to convince one of them that Jimmy Walker is a threat worth eliminating.

An almost zealous light shone in his eyes as he daydreamed about confronting the man. There were so many scenes it could play out, he’d taken to spending hours imagining it. It was a great way to kill the time.