Their Bit
Page 19
M1's, and their personal weapons, as soon as you and your charges are away. I don't want the children scared people. Wait until they're outside before coming out armed. Let's move! Lauren, Braden, a moment please."
Before anyone could move Mrs. Glass's voice came over the intercom. "Headmaster KWKP is playing a looped message from Mayor King. Shall I pipe it through?
"Yes. Please make doubly sure it's only received in here."
"…your Mayor Herman King. The city of Schonefield and all out- lying areas are currently under martial law. All residents are hereby immediately ordered to remain indoors, whether at home or at work. All vehicular traffic as of 11:00 am, that's thirty-five minutes from now will cease. All children currently in school will remain there until further notice. I have been assured that no one will be harmed unless those troops currently in control are attacked. I urge all citizens within the sound of my voice to comply with all orders issued by the controlling authorities. Keep you radios tuned to this station for further instructions. This is your Mayor Herman King. The city of Schonefield…"
"Never heard his Highness sound so stressed before," one of the teachers remarked, sparking a spatter of nervous laughter.
The teachers moved out. Before the cafeteria was empty the Headmaster was addressing Lauren.
"Heck of a last day for you seniors. I'm sorry. Listen. Once you're over the hill, stay the way of least resistance. There's a gully that will get you down about midway to Breakers Road. Take it, but be careful. Move too fast and you risk sprained ankles or worse. After the gully plays out the going gets rougher. Keep heading down. Once you hit the road, take a quick head count. Any child says any classmate is missing assure them that the Rifles will look for them. Make a game of it if that helps. Probably the best way to keep them occupied. Once you're on the road keep heading down to Highway 31 until you run into our forces. That will be the route they'll be taking. Lauren, take charge of the upper class and make sure they know you're in charge. Make them help you. Move quick, but careful. Rhoda Delcum will be a great help with the little ones. They know and trust her. Take her off to the side first chance and fill her in. But always keep moving."
Then he did something so uncharacteristic that Lauren was stunned. He gave her a hug and whispered. "God bless and keep you."
"And God bless you Headmaster," Lauren said, hugging him back, her voice choking. "Braden. The Rifles are to help with crowd control. No strays. If a child comes up missing you cannot, cannot, spend time looking for them. I know how that sounds. But even with the Rifles helping there will be five children for ever one of the upper class to watch them. Any child that breaks away from the group is to be considered a loss do you understand?"
"Yes sir," Braden said.
"Lauren, you need to get started. Colonel O'Day, see to your command sir."