by Mark Church
“You taught me to take care of myself.” Hannah pulls back to look him in the eyes. “The cat’s dead, that’s what matters. The fact that I proved myself, well, that’s just icing on the cake.”
“I guess you’re right,” agrees Eli. “There’s only one problem.”
“What’s that?”
“You get bragging rights.”
“At the very least,” Hannah jokes. “Maybe the student has now become the master.”
“Oh.” Eli pulls her close again, “So that’s how it’s going to be?”
Eli kisses Hannah firmly on the lips before pulling back and saying, “Does that include in the bedroom too?”
“I guess we’ll see,” Hannah replies playfully.
“That sounds like a challenge.”
“Careful. I already have one notch on my belt today.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“I like a man who takes risks.”
“I’ll remember that later tonight.”
25 the enemy at the gates
Jake and John are taking a lunch break. It’s a nice day for early spring. The sun is out, and the temperatures are a balmy fifty-eight degrees. They are enjoying the down time when they notice a commotion at the north end of camp. A group has gathered around a vehicle that has arrived rather recklessly, the dust still billowing where the vehicle skidded to a stop.
“Wonder what that’s all about?” Jake inclines his head toward the commotion.
“Don’t know, but someone’s in a hurry.” John squints his eyes to try to see clearly enough to identify the people involved.
The crowd can be seen pointing in Jake and John’s direction just before the vehicle continues on towards them. The vehicle pulls to an abrupt stop within a few feet of the two men, who are now standing just outside the command tent. An anxious young man of about twenty exits the vehicle and approaches. John recognizes him as one of their scouts.
“Excuse me, sir.” The young man is clearly nervous addressing John, “I have important information to relay.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“We spotted a large government force camped nearby.” The young man steadies his breath.
“How big?”
“Around five hundred strong.”
“Where are they?” Jake wants to know.
“Near St. Louis on the Missouri side of the river.”
John glances at Jake before asking, “What about military hardware and vehicles?”
“They have enough trucks to transport their soldiers and we counted three artillery pieces,” the young man recounts. “They were being towed behind three of the transport trucks.”
“Tanks?” John presses for more details.
“None that we saw.”
“Anything else note-worthy?”
“They looked pretty organized.”
“Yeah,” John is deep in thought, “so were the British in 1776.”
The young man looks at him quizzically, obviously not familiar with this bit of history.
“Where is the rest of your scouting party?” Jake now asks.
“They remained behind to monitor the enemy.”
“Good!” John nods in approval. “You’re dismissed for now. Get some chow and see me before you head back to your unit.”
“Yes, sir!” The young man is clearly relieved to have given his report.
As the scout starts to head for food, John calls after him, “Good work soldier.”
The young man beams with pride and snaps a sketchy salute. “Thank you, sir.”
When he is out of earshot, Jake turns to John, “Artillery? That doesn’t sound good.”
“Likely M777 Howitzers,” John considers. “A few were salvaged after the war. They are effective but only if you know where your enemy is concentrated. If our strategy works, the cannons shouldn’t be a factor.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
“Then it’s going to be a short-lived battle. One that won’t end well for us.”
Jake looks out at his militia. The weight of responsibility settles heavily on him. It seems their moment of truth has finally come. He turns back to John, looks him directly in the eyes and mulls, “I hope we’ve done the right thing.”
“Without a doubt.” John has no doubt their tactics are sound and their preparation well under way.
“Are we ready?” Jake continues to press directly.
“Close. I’d like a few more weeks but it doesn’t look like we’re going to be afforded that luxury.”
“Besides more combat training, what’s left to do?”
“We need our explosive people to finish their work,” John admits.
“How long do they need?”
“At least a few more days.”
“Is that enough time?”
“It’d going to have to be,” John replies with a hint of reservation.
The two men stand in quiet contemplation. Their minds race through their checklists to see what needs priority.
Finally, Jake decides on his next step. “I need to send a request to the communities and ask them to send all available personnel to serve in non-combat roles such as medical assistants, spotters, and runners.
John nods his head in agreement before adding, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to personally check in with my explosives unit.”
“No problem. I’ll handle things here.”
Before he leaves, John reminds Jake, “Don’t forget about Hannah. We need her to ramp up the warnings about the impending offensive.”
“I’ll send Cole right away. Then I’ll have him stop by the Refuge and bring Amy and Kayla back with him.”
The two men share a protracted gaze before John offers Jake a smile and a vote of confidence, “We’ve got this.”
“I hope so.”
John gives Jake a wink and a thumbs-up before heading to his truck.
Jake watches him walk away. His stomach’s a little queasy. He guesses that queasy is as good as it’s going to get around here for a while.
✽✽✽
Jake and John’s defensive strategy is dependent on three main components. The first is deceiving the enemy into believing only disjointed pockets of resistance confront them. The second is to lure them into a killing zone, and the third is to split the enemy forces and catch them in a withering crossfire while hindering their retreat.
The third phase of this plan is dependent on the explosive engineers finishing their work and executing it perfectly. Failure to do either will greatly reduce their chance of victory. Because of its strategic importance, John takes personal charge of the explosive unit. There’s still quite a bit of work to do and the clock is ticking. Roads, bridges, and other targets still require rigging so they’ll have to work quickly.
✽✽✽
Hannah and Eli are having dinner when they hear a vehicle approaching. They grab their rifles and run to the front windows of the cabin.
They spot a truck driving fast from the direction of the highway. They quickly recognize it as one of theirs. They make it onto the front porch just as the truck skids to a halt in front of them.
Cole hops out of the truck. He’s alone.
“They’re coming!” Cole calls out excitedly.
“Who’s coming?” Eli is alarmed but still calm.
“The government army,” Cole hastily explains. “They were last seen camped near St. Louis.”
“That explains the clashes I’ve heard about on the radio,” Hannah informs Cole. “I’ve gotten reports of people having run-ins with government soldiers.”
Cole continues still excited. “My Dad wants you to notify everyone right away. We need to let people know that the offensive will come soon.”
“I’ll start right away.”
“Can we offer you some dinner?” Eli gestures toward the front door.
“I can’t stay. I need to get down to the Refuge and pick up Amy and Kayla. We need all able bodies on the front lines.”
Eli make
s a snap decision. “Hang on, I’m going with you.”
“You probably need to stay and look after things here.” Cole tries to think of what Jake would recommend in this situation.
“I don’t need protecting.” Hannah confidently points to the tree where the cat hangs. “Just ask your buddy over there.”
Cole looks at her quizzically and then questions, “When did you get him?”
“Got him a few days ago,” Hannah answers with a little bravado in her voice.
“Are you sure it’s him?”
“Pretty sure. He certainly fits the description and he had the motive.”
“What do you mean, motive?”
“He was old, and based on his condition, likely unable to hunt his normal game. It saw us as an easy meal.” Hannah’s confidence is persuasive.
Cole thinks this through before agreeing with her conclusion, “It had to be something like that since we usually aren’t on their menu. Anyway, that’s great news. It’s one less thing to worry about.”
“Yeah, but I’d imagine a five-hundred-person army marching towards you is a bit bigger fish to fry.”
“Hey, we’ll take wins where we can get them.” Cole is clearly jazzed.
“Give me a minute to grab my things.” Eli ducks into the cabin to stuff a few useful items in his pack.
While he’s away Cole fills Hannah in on the status of their defenses.
When Eli returns a few minutes later, he sets down his things and places his hands on either side of Hannah’s arms. “Keep your eyes and ears open. If any of their soldiers slip past us, they may find their way up here.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m the cougar killer, remember?” Hannah reassures him.
Eli pulls her forward and kisses her deeply before giving her one last hug and whispering, “I love you.”
Hannah is a bit taken aback because this is the first time he has said those three little words. She whispers back, “I love you too.”
Cole is also surprised by their show of affection. He had no idea that their relationship had become intimate.
Remembering that their relationship has been private, Hannah blushes a bit and apologizes, “I’m sorry, Cole, I forgot that you didn’t know.”
“No problem. You two together makes perfect sense.”
Hannah smiles warmly at Cole before turning her attention back to Eli.
Cole gives them some privacy by gathering up Eli’s things and loading them into the truck.
When the two lovers finish their goodbyes, Hannah approaches Cole and gives him a big hug, “You be careful too, we need all of you back safe and sound.”
Cole hugs her back warmly, “I will, you can bet on it.”
Hannah smiles and kisses him on the cheek, “Now go before I change my mind and keep both of you here.”
26 Final Prep
It’s after dark when Cole and the others pull into Camp Freedom. Cole shows Amy, Kayla, and Eli to Jake’s quarters.
As they walk up to Jake’s tent, Cole calls out, “Dad, I have some people here who would like to see you.”
The tent flap opens in a flash. Jake emerges with a big smile. He steps forward and wraps his arms around Amy.
After breaking their protracted hug, Jake hugs Kayla and then shakes Eli’s hand before saying, “Come in, come in.”
Jake holds the flap open to allow them to enter his tent.
“I’m guessing Gena stayed with the kids?” Jake secures the tent flap once they are all inside.
“Yeah, I thought it made sense that she be the one who stays with the little ones.” Amy looks around the military digs.
“Agreed. Is she worried about being there alone?” Like a good commander, Jake worries about the status of his troops.
“She didn’t act like it. She’s pretty confident with the Refuge’s remote location and she has the dogs to protect her and the kids.” Amy sounds so confident about the arrangements that Jake’s concern melts away.
“Good.”
“I feel sorry for anyone who threatens those kids,” adds Kayla, “she can be one mean mama bear.”
Everyone chuckles and nods in agreement.
“I’m sure Mike would like an update on Gena and the kids. Can you find him and let him know how they’re doing?” Jake looks at Cole.
“Sure. Do you need anything else before I get some dinner and call it a night?”
“If you don’t mind, find somewhere for Eli to bunk and then take him to dinner with you.”
“Will do. What about Amy and Kayla?”
“I’ve got them covered.”
Cole nods his head, “Come on Eli, there’s an empty cot in the tent next to mine. I’ll put you in there.”
As Cole moves to leave the tent, Jake adds, “I’m assuming that you gave Hannah my instructions?”
“I did.” Cole tells Jake Hannah’s response. “She said that she’d start broadcasting warnings right away.”
“Good. Is she okay up there by herself?”
“She’s tougher than she looks,” Eli chuckles with admiration, “she killed that mountain lion we think attacked Cole and Kayla.”
A surprised Jake asks somewhat incredulously, “She killed it? I thought you were hunting it?”
“I was.” Eli admits before stating, with pride, “But it made the mistake of hunting her.”
“Wow!” Jake is all ears. “How did it find itself in her crosshairs?”
Eli recounts the story.
When he finishes, Jake jokes, “I may have underestimated our Ms. Hannah a bit.”
“Underestimate us ladies at your own peril,” Amy reminds him wryly.
“Duly noted.” Jake can only smile at Amy’s gentle reminder.
✽✽✽
The camp is bustling with activity early the next morning. Final preparations are underway as the group of volunteers prepare for the defense of their garrison. The trenches that have previously been dug around the perimeter of the valley are supplied with water, food and ammunition. The lookouts move into place at their post on top of Pilot Knob, and the explosives teams do a final check on their booby traps.
Jake and John are going over their strategy while waiting for word on their enemy’s movement. They don’t have to wait long.
A courier arrives mid-morning reporting that the government forces have broken camp near St. Louis and continue south on Highway 21, which puts the militia directly in their path.
After the courier is dismissed, Jake turns to John, “I guess there’s no turning back now.”
“Nope,” John agrees, “we’re in too deep to change our mind now.”
“Then it’s time for you to take the reins. It’s your show now.”
John nods and lays out his first tactic. “We need to slow them down so I’ll mobilize our early engagement units immediately. We’ll make first contact in the town of Potosi. It’s normally about an hour drive from here but I plan on turning it into a two-day trip for them.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Break down camp and move all the medical units into Arcadia,” John directs. “That should be far enough away from danger but close enough to attend to our wounded.”
“What if they break through to Arcadia?” Jake worries.
“If they reach Arcadia,” John points out, “we won’t need a medical unit.”
John’s sober response is a gut punch. The possibility of losing had, until now, been nothing more than a distant nightmare. Now that the time of truth is near, Jake’s confidence is a bit shaken.
His doubts claw at him for only a moment before he steadies himself and responds defiantly, “Then we won’t let them make it to Arcadia. We will defeat them right here, on this battlefield.”
“We have to not only say it but believe it. The morale of our fighters depends on us. If we’re confident, they’ll be confident. If we waiver, they’ll waiver.” John warns Jake.
“Understood.” Jake is a little embarrassed that John picked up on hi
s momentary doubt.
“We’re basically asking civilians to confront and defeat a better prepared enemy.” John again speaks pragmatically. “Any odds maker would be betting against us.”
“You’re not helping my jitters a bit.” Jake looks grimly over at John.
“Let me finish. I’ve seen seasoned soldiers falter in combat, and I’ve seen relatively inexperienced soldiers do heroic things. I think our volunteers will do the latter. Their backs are up against a wall and they know it. The survival of their families is on the line.”
“Yeah, but will that be enough?”
“A cornered animal is far more dangerous than one that can flee. This is our edge,” John continues. “Grit, desperation, and toughness will see us through. All things considered; I like our chances.”
John’s pep talk does the trick. Jake’s nerves settle completely.
Jake spots George, the pilot, helping to take down tents. He whistles loudly. When George turns in his direction, he waves him over.
When George reaches the two men, Jake voices a request. “I’d like to get you up in the air to do some reconnaissance.”
“Be happy too.” George responds with enthusiasm.
“The government forces are coming down Highway 21,” continues Jake. “I’d like you to keep tabs on them and radio back their movements.”
“They’ll hear me coming,” George points out, “there’s no way to mask the engine noise.”
“Just stay out of shooting range,” John recommends. “I doubt they’ll consider you much of a threat, but they may decide to take a few pot shots.”
“Will do. When do you want me up in the air?”
“About ten minutes ago.” Jake appreciates George’s steady nerves.
“Then I’ll be on my way.”
As George turns to leave, Jake makes clear what he expects of him. “Don’t take any unnecessary chances, all we need is eyes in the sky.”
George pauses and turns towards Jake and, while walking slowly backwards, gives him an informal, two-fingered salute, “Roger that,” before turning once again and continuing on his way.
“Do you think the plane will tip our hand? I mean, if they know we have a plane will that work against creating the illusion of disorganized resistance?” Jake worries.
