by Zack Finley
The heavy rain gave way to scattered showers. The time between rain events stretched out. By the time we transitioned to TN 154, the sky was overcast with only occasional downpours.
Grady and I discussed sending out scouts again, but neither of us felt compelled to do it. The area around Jamestown felt like my back yard. Seeing the little green Oneida road sign with an arrow pointing to the right sent a ripple of anticipation through my whole body. Just to come down to earth when I spotted the horrific crash where TN 154 met TN 297. It looked even worse in the daylight, but we still had room to get by.
Allie announced it was 22 miles to Oneida. I repeated her message over the radio.
Grady asked, "What does that mean?"
"That means it is 28 miles to the Valley," Allie said. "We should be able to radio Huntsville when we get closer to Oneida."
Even without stalled cars, I drove this road often enough to know it had too many sharp curves to drive quickly. It would take more than an hour to reach Huntsville.
"Do you remember where we put that Valley radio?" I asked Allie.
"Joel probably stashed it in a safe place," Allie said. "I just hope he remembers where that is."
"Does anyone know where our FRA radio is?" I radioed. "I'd like to phone home when we get to Oneida."
"It was in one of the ninja saddlebags," radioed Joel. "Don't remember which one."
"It will take us longer to find it than it takes to drive from Oneida to Huntsville," radioed Mike. "Might as well use our personal radios, with the booster they could reach nearly as far."
"Good idea," I radioed.
"Sorry," Allie said. "I should have checked this morning."
"No need to apologize, it was my responsibility," I said. "The rebroadcast unit should give us enough range that no one will shoot first."
A drumbeat in my head kept repeating, almost home; almost home. My foot wanted to push the speed, but the wet pavement and a series of 10 mph curves dissuaded me. Add in the stalled cars and things could get hairy. Most of the stalled vehicles stopped either just off or in the left lane, with only an occasional surprise in my lane. Toss in the minuscule shoulders, and I made sure I had enough time to stop if needed.
I persevered. The lack of any conversation suggested I wasn't the only one on the edge of my seat. Seeing the Oneida city limits sign spurred me to radio, "Prodigal son to Justice. Can you read me."
When I got no response, a chill ran up my spine. I took a deep breath and repeated the message.
"Jeremy, we don't know how far the rebroadcast unit works on the bus. I'm sure we have hills in the way. Just be patient," Allie said softly, trying to reassure me without engaging anyone in the back seat.
"I know, I'm just ready to get home to my girls," I said. I was also dreading the meeting with Roger and Carmine. Part of me wanted the next 10 miles to go on forever, and part wanted it over. My eagerness to get home was winning.
"Prodigal son to Justice, can you read?" I repeated 10 minutes later.
"This is Justice, what is your situation?"
"Jeremy Breckinridge, three trucks and one church bus, inbound from Oneida with more than 30 souls. Request clearance to go direct to Valley. We have wounded," I radioed.
"Thank God, you are back, I'm calling the Valley right away. Hold on I'll get back to you."
After two minutes by Allies' watch, we heard, "Go direct to Bravo, they are waiting for you, Dr. Jerrod is standing by."
"Roger, that. ETA less than 10 minutes," I radioed.
I wondered what the atmosphere was on the bus. Were they cheering or stunned?
Grady and his two men were talking quietly behind me, but I couldn't concentrate on what they were saying.
The easiest way to the Valley was to drive by Justice, so we stayed on US 27 until turning left on Mecklin High Drive. Then we turned onto Old Brimstone Highway and home, Allie drew my attention to a crowd gathered in front of the Justice Center. They were waving, and some even brandished purple flags. I honked the truck horn and noticed those behind me did the same. Allie was waving wildly, and then we were by.
I slowed for the approach to FOB Bravo, fighting the tears welling up in my eyes. The sentries, all with purple armbands and helmet swatches waved us through. I steered carefully through the serpentine barriers and drove toward the Mecklin River bridge and my home.
◆◆◆
Chapter 15
I was a coward. I wanted Jules to tell Roger and especially for him to tell Carmine about Andy. I just wanted to slink home, kiss my girls, and crawl in bed for a week. I knew it was a pipe dream, but I could hope.
Tom was already directing people to carry the wounded sentry in to see Dr. Jerrod by the time I got out of my truck. Lois was beside the stretcher talking to the soldier. Ben followed that parade holding onto Jamie's good arm with Craig limping along behind.
Grady and his men milled around, without a purpose and Juanita looked lost.
Someone grabbed me from behind in a huge bearhug and nearly belted my dad before I figured out it wasn't a threat. "Andy was killed yesterday," I whispered in my dad's ear. "But Jules and Andy's three kids are here."
My dad went completely still, saying, "I'll find Roger and Carmine, don't worry, I'll handle this." He squeezed me one more time and jogged off to find them.
I slid down onto the ground, leaning against the front wheel of my truck and wrapping my arms around my knees. I guess I was trying to be invisible. But I trusted my dad to break the news to Roger and to Carmine. I was a coward to shove that onto him like I was still a little boy.
That was where my granny found me. She brought my girls to me. Within seconds my girls covered me in kisses, followed only a few moments later by comments from Jennifer about my personal hygiene.
"He smells better than some of those boy goats," Melissa argued. "His whiskers aren't that bad."
"Dad, why are you sitting in the mud?" Jennifer asked.
"I'm pretty tired, honey," I answered. Melissa was trying to squirm into my lap without getting muddy.
"We have perfectly nice chairs at the house," Jennifer said. "You can't come in the house until you shower. Supper is still being served, though I think everybody is over here."
"If you two will run and get me a change of clothes. Meet me at the shower, and then we can catch up on stuff while I eat supper," I said.
They dashed off to the house, leaving me with granny.
"Thanks, granny, I really needed to see them. It was a tough trip," I said.
Granny reached down to help me up, but I stood up on my own, causing her to "mmph."
"I know you are as strong as an ox, but I can still stand up," I said, reaching down for my helmet. "Are they still serving supper?" I asked.
"Oh yeah, don't worry, we intend to feed you all," she said. "Is it true about Andy?" granny asked.
"Yeah, he was shot and killed yesterday. I nearly got him home," I said.
"You got his babies home, that's what counts. He died protecting his young'uns," granny said. "You can't forget that."
Granny tucked her arm under mine, and we strolled to the food hut.
I was in luck, no one was in the shower, yet. Then I was nearly the first in line for a late supper. Granny and my girls kept me entertained as they brought me up to speed on all Valley happenings. I knew I'd get a completely different briefing from my mom, my dad, and Zeke, but I needed this briefing first.
My mom slid beside me on the bench. I still had that mom "radar" working and knew it was her. Her arm darted around my waist and pulled me tight to her.
Once my mom arrived, granny nodded and went back to her job in the kitchen. I was being handed off like a baton in a relay race. They conducted the handoff flawlessly. Both would deny it represented anything except happiness at my return. I was lucky to have them, but I also knew one of them would remain underfoot until they concluded I was emotionally stable.
Eventually, my girls wound down, and now that I looked physically norm
al, both Jennifer and Melissa had things to do. After assuring them, I was sleeping at home tonight they both skipped off to get back to their chores.
Only after they were out of earshot did my mom say anything.
"How did Allie do?" she asked.
Of all the things I expected that wasn't even in the same universe, but it was something I could answer. "She was phenomenal. I doubt we would have considered taking a towboat if she hadn't come with us. She is a very competent navigator and no slouch as a warrior. Why do you ask?"
"Some on the council were worried. You know George wants her to train as a vet and Amelie has her training to be the next generation doctor," mom said.
"She could do either one, but I don't think she wants that," I said.
"Does she want to be a Ranger?" she asked.
"She doesn't want to be a victim," I said. "But ask her what she wants. She fits in well with my team, follows orders well but takes the initiative, too. I think we need women in our ranks, they bring different strengths. Whether we protected her more because of her rookie status or her gender, I don't know. She can hold her own, and she did her job."
The noise level in the food court increased, and I looked up. Most of the expedition was coming in to eat. They still needed showers and clean clothes. Juanita had four of the kids with her.
"Juanita seems like a gem," mom said.
"You have no idea; she had that group running like a well-oiled machine," I said. When I realized no one had showered and most were still damp, I stood up saying, "They need showers and clean, dry clothes. When Dr. Jerrod has time, they need medical exams. Tom did what he could but not a lot you can do about starvation."
"That is all being taken care of. We asked them what they wanted first, and they said food, so a bunch of people are pulling clothing, towels, and toiletries together as we speak," Mom said. "Sit down, they aren't the only ones who have had it tough."
"I need to tell my guys about Razor," I said.
"Mike and Joel took that on. We are organizing a ceremony for him tomorrow and one for Andy, too," she said.
I tried to say something and then just sat down heavily on the bench.
"Jules told Roger and Carmine a lot of what happened," my mom said. "All that needs saying right now, anyway. They've taken Jules, and the children to their house and Audrey and Jim are with them. They will need our support as time passes, but having the kids is a blessing for everyone."
I nodded, knowing Roger wouldn't be satisfied with Jules' rendition of what happened. But it wasn't Roger that worried me. Carmine was like a second mother to me, and I knew the agony she had to be feeling.
"Did you know Jules is a pilot?" my mom asked.
"I did. Dad won't have to advertise for one on the HAM radio, now," I answered.
"I'm so glad he is home. Lots of our people got home before the crap hit the fan because of his warning. I'm not going to let Aaron send Jules off on some crazy recon mission," she said.
She didn't have to say it, but I heard it none-the-less. My dad couldn't send Jules off on a crazy mission because his only brother was dead.
"How is Justice settling in?" I asked, trying to cloak my emotions in the routine.
My mom masked her irritation with my diversion and answered, "Expanding nicely. Some of those from Huntsville who came in with our allies think they will be happier there. I'm hoping those you brought from Arkansas can help with the education process. Too many people think we are exaggerating conditions on the outside."
"Yeah, Allie said that her dad seems to think that. He won't listen to her, so why would he listen to strangers?" I asked.
"I don't know, but we have to find ways to show doubters what you've seen. In many ways we've kept them too safe," my mom said.
"Too safe?" I asked, not believing what I was hearing.
"Yes, even some of our long-term allies, especially spouses, are like Allie's dad. They never bought into the whole preparation thing. Since the CME, all they've done is follow orders, work, work, work, and give up one meal a day. Many think we are exaggerating the threat outside of the Valley," she said. "They are like little kids who don't believe the stove is hot."
"I'm okay with kicking them out and letting them fend for themselves," I said.
"That is a very short-sighted perspective, Jeremy, you aren't thinking this through," mom said.
"I will think about it," I promised, standing back up. "Thanks, mom, for the therapy, but I have to get my ruck and clean my gear." I hugged her as she stood beside me. "I don't want to be late getting home," leaning over and kissing her on the cheek.
She trailed her fingers down my whiskery cheek and patted my shoulder.
I strode over to get a cup of coffee and took it to the table where Grady and most of the crew were eating.
"Are you guys getting what you need?" I asked.
"This food is great," John said. "They said we would have dry clothes, soap, and towels for a shower when we are done. Then someone will show us our temporary quarters."
"Good, it sounds like everything is moving along," I said. "The next meal is at dawn, right here. At dark, this place turns into a recreation hall, feel free to hang out here if you want."
"Do we have to boil the water?" I didn't see who asked that but answered anyway.
"No, the water is from a clean spring. Some water used for the animals is from the creek, but anything you turn a faucet to get is drinkable."
"We expect to earn our keep," said Juanita.
"Yes, ma'am," I said. "First things will be to make sure Dr. Jerrod sees everyone tomorrow, I don't know the schedule, but someone will tell you. Probably at breakfast. We hand out a lot of assignments at breakfast. I suspect most of you will get a token to show at mealtime. That means Dr. Jerrod is concerned that you are underweight. She wants everyone lean and healthy. The kids get milk and different supplements."
"What about our work assignments?" Juanita asked again.
"Someone will interview you to find out your skills and what you prefer to do. I suspect Lois already has her assignment at the hospital. Jimmy will find more mechanical challenges than he can handle. My uncle George will welcome anyone with experience with farm animals or horses. Everyone, including kids, works from sunrise to sunset. Kids go to school as part of their workday. My little girl, Melissa, has a chicken coop and a small goat herd she is responsible for. We try to match jobs as best we can with what you want to do."
"Do you just soldier," Jumper asked.
"No, I just do that in my spare time. Mostly I'm a jack of all trades, everything from splitting wood to moving hay," I said. "Everyone who can be taught to handle a rifle has defensive duties. Those 17 and older must carry their rifles and a light load of ammo everywhere they go as part of our defense force. The defense force handles routine guard duty. In an emergency, everyone has assigned duties or assembly areas. Roger Carlton leads the defense force."
"We found we needed specialists for more offensive duties. My 20 Rangers," I stumbled over the word 20, since it was no longer accurate, "comprise Force Beta. Force Gamma has 20 handpicked warriors from the defense force. Force Gamma receive advanced military training and conditioning so they can fight alongside Force Beta. Allie is a member of Force Gamma."
"Military duties are in addition to other assignments," I reminded them. "We are moving into spring, and everyone's future depends on the food we can grow. Nearly everyone will be assigned to some aspect of planting in the near term. Then we will be harvesting and preserving until winter."
"I can drive a tractor. Do you need someone to do that?" Tiny asked.
"We plan to use diesel-powered equipment to get as much planted this year as possible, so I guarantee you will spend a lot of time driving a tractor this spring," I said. "Just be honest with whoever comes to document your skills and be sure to tell them what you prefer to do. They try to match that with assignments if possible. I can almost guarantee if your dream job is to wash dishes, do laundry, or tu
rn compost beds, you will get your full share of that."
Some kidding and arm punching followed my speech. I waved off further questions and left for the armory guessing someone dropped off the trucks there. I could have radioed, but I turned mine off when my girls found me. By now my guys all knew about Razor. I suspected anyone assigned to the Valley gathered at the armory to get the details.
All 19 of my Rangers and Allie were at the armory. I learned the trucks from our trip were empty and already parked in the surplus vehicle lot. I had expected some awkwardness, but these were my brothers.
