by Angela White
“What?”
“We under attack?”
“Where’s the coffee?”
Adrian whistled cheerfully and disappeared down the farthest path.
Kendle ignored the whining men around her who had mistakenly thought sleeping in would be their life now. If she could get ahead of Angela on enough things, Marc would like her, but more importantly, he would respect her. If she could pull off something big that way, she could earn real points and Marc would be forced to acknowledge that publicly. It would settle down some of the more outspoken people who hated her associating with a traitor.
The sky rumbled loudly and Kendle slowly went back to camp, deep into planning lessons that would give her successes that would be noticed. Safe Haven had a number of problems. How many of them could she fix?
Adrian knelt by the small creek and fished out the now cool Cokes he’d dropped in last night. It wasn’t the same as ice from the mess, but it would do.
He wiped off a stump and flopped down, now feeling the small amount of alcohol that he’d consumed. An empty stomach and drinking were not a good mix.
He lit a cigar, wincing a bit at the thought of how the doctor would react to him smoking and drinking so soon after a heart attack. That lecture would be long and graphic.
Adrian only spared a brief moment thinking about the way he’d evaded and manipulated Kendle. She was a babe in the woods, even compared to how Angela had been when she’d come to Safe Haven. Kendle needed a daddy, not a lover, and Adrian still wasn’t happy to have to be both. Marc had known it would take a lot of time, energy, and focus to help Kendle and he’d also known that if Adrian failed, Angela would be disappointed. She wanted Kendle to settle in and be happy, but Adrian already knew that wasn’t possible with him. Kendle needed a mate who would only love her. Adrian was confident there were men who could do it, but not until she recovered from her illness. Few Eagles would know what to do with her violence. It was a wonder that Marc had, considering the way he’d coddled Angela.
Adrian listened to the camp, to the voices and the sounds of an existence that he was no longer a part of. He’d given them up, like he was supposed to, but this living afterwards hadn’t been in his plans. He had no idea what to do with himself now, but he’d also predicted this issue back when he was busy scribbling in notebooks daily. Angela would read those notes and if she cared about him it all, she would cover it.
And if not?
“Then it’s over.” Adrian sighed deeply and tilted the bottle up. There was nothing more he could do to influence her. She was the boss and he was a traitor. His life was hers to use, give, or leave behind.
3
“Save us a table,” Tonya instructed the rookie females she’d chosen from the list in the mess. The contest board was going to be handy for keeping track of people and locations. “I’d like hot tea with whatever sweetener we’re being offered.”
The rookie females, all happy to have been picked for something so fast, rushed off, each planning a way to curry favor. Tonya was on the boss’s team, had fought in the war, and she had their respect.
Tonya knew they’d eventually discover that she wasn’t on the team anymore, but wasn’t worried about their reactions. Angela would help her keep the place she’d earned.
Tonya spotted Kenn near the entrance to the cave and hurried to catch up. “She has me working on the pharmacy today. Where do you want it?”
“If she sent you to me now, it goes in the main row. Give me an hour and I’ll have the spot marked.”
“Great.” Tonya lingered, staying with him as he measured and taped off a large square of rocky, weedy ground. Angela wasn’t wasting fuel or energy on mowing, insisting that the weight of their tents and vehicles, and traversing the areas every day would keep most of it down.
They both looked over as a silence fell among the laboring people around them. They found Samantha, Jennifer, and Cynthia headed for the training tent, with Kendle a few grudging paces behind. The front females were joking and chatting, while Kendle’s sullen expression screamed worlds.
To backdrop this image, Allan’s voice droned through the radios, “Rookie signups are now halfway full. Get in line soon. Everyone wants to be one of us.”
Kenn and Tonya exchanged glances of misery and annoyance. Kenn knew she was resigning and approved of it, even sympathized with her, but Allan’s boring dialogue was a concern to them both and it overrode her misery. Getting new people into the Eagles was still one of Safe Haven’s top goals and that lifeless call wouldn’t be responded to.
“I’m on it as soon as the pharmacy is up.”
“Good.” Kenn stood up to view his work, aware of her edge of unhappiness. Now that it was done, the sense of loss was hitting her. “Why don’t you go eat first? Then, you can help me until I get to the pharmacy.”
Tonya smiled gratefully and went to the mess. She wasn’t looking forward to what she would have to do now, but it wasn’t the worst thing she’d done here by far.
“You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of,” Kenn called. “You pulled your weight and then some.”
Tonya stumbled at the praise and Kenn laughed.
“Easy there, little momma.”
Tonya loved the playful banter and continued to the mess in a much better mood. Kenn was right. She hadn’t reverted. She’d done well.
Kenn watched her vanish into the crowd that was about to enjoy their first post-apocalypse breakfast of steak and eggs, then got to his duties. Kenn wanted to be on the pharmacy by the time he’d told her. At four, Brady would take over Point and Kenn would be free to shower, eat, and sleep. Angela had them all on a rough twelve-hour schedule starting today, but the results would be worth it. To combat the fatigue, the shifts began and ended at odd hours and Kenn approved. Keeping people awake between four and seven was hard.
Kenn noticed Theo’s group approaching the cave entrance and didn’t make eye contact. He did not intend to waste Angela’s time by passing Theo’s message. He wouldn’t have for Adrian,. The boss was busy, and he or she didn’t need the naysayers taking up their precious hours.
Kenn glanced upward, toward the cliff that Adrian had chosen for his banishment. He would stay there, where he could observe them all and mourn the life he could have had among them.
Kenn still wasn’t sure that Adrian deserved such a punishment, considering the outcomes of his plots and schemes. But the choice had been made and all that was left was to find a way to get him allowed back in. Kenn knew there had to be one. There was no way Angela had left that out.
Kenn wondered what Adrian was doing right now, but then forced his mind to get on his current chore so that he didn’t miss any details or lag behind the others who would be coming soon to erect structures in these slots. There would be time to worry over the future later.
4
“We’re not spending enough time worrying over the future.”
Angela’s opening sentence sent concern through the training tent and the females gathered there settled down to listen as she got their meeting rolling.
“Get your notebooks out and don’t leave this tent until you’re clear on what I expect from you.” Angela dropped into the chair behind the small desk she’d had placed in front of two picnic tables. She would be in here off and on for the next two weeks, updating teams and going over new plans, and she would need the space.
“I’m assigning some quiet work. Not all of you will be involved in all parts of it, so even though you know the basics of what’s going on, keep your mouths shut. Don’t even talk to each other about it if you can help it.”
Angela opened her notebook. “I’m passing around a sheet of items I need you to collect above all others. Pay attention to the notes at the bottom of this list, ladies. It will tell you what we’re doing and please keep in mind that you already have the perfect cover for it. I promised to send descendants out for luxury items.”
The women got the hint, and shared nods at the simple setup.
>
Angela handed the page to Jennifer, who read the notes at the bottom first and her smile sent relief through the tent.
Jennifer set it between her and Samantha, and both females began to copy it into their notebooks.
“During each of these activities and chores, you will be helping train the rookies. As you do this, do not give special treatment to the females. None of us received it. We earned our place and it has to be the same for them. Someone tell me a reason we can’t do it.”
“The men will rebel,” Tracy stated from the back of the class.
“Yes. Another?”
“It isn’t right or fair,” Becky offered, mind only able to go so deep because of her age.
“Yes. Another?”
“We’re weak when we’re divided. It has to be the same for everyone,” Cynthia said, taking the paper the front row had finished with. She placed it between her and Becky, and started copying.
“Yes. I need you to pull in those with the ability to do the things we’ve done and to train the others to the best of your own ability. Reach out and bring the teams together during meals and events, refuse to tolerate badmouthing other crews. I want us united.”
All the females were busy writing down her instructions or copying her first paper, and Angela handed over a second page.
“If your name wasn’t on the board, I have other work for you. This is a copy of it. Once we get into the caves, all of you will be on this, so copy it word for word and keep each other up to date on anything concerning this one–especially security. A patrol team will meet you there, but you’ll have to be able to work and watch out for each other.”
“Who’s in charge?” Samantha asked. Her name hadn’t been on the board under the gatherers like Angela had said it would be.
“It could still change, so you’ll have to figure that out when you get there. They’ll keep you alive and help with the labor. You ladies do the same, huh?”
“You know it,” came the reply from each of them. As long as they weren’t helping an enemy, it didn’t matter.
“Next is replacing team members.”
The tent instantly became tense.
“I’m getting a lot of questions and I know you are too. I’ll handle that. Until I do, tell people I’m evaluating every member of the Safe Haven population for that one slot.” Angela sighed. “And that brings me to the next topic. We’ve actually lost two members. Tonya resigned this morning. She’s in the mess now, waiting to give me her Eagle jacket.”
Angela knew it wasn’t a surprise to most of her team and made it clear where she stood. “As far as I’m concerned, it didn’t happen. She’s working on other things for now, direct stuff for the boss.”
“So you won’t accept her jacket?” Candy asked, curious as to who Angela might pick for that slot.
“No. Next is last. Here are your personal assignments. If you’re not scheduled for anything when you leave this tent, it’s because you need sleep–whether you want it or not. Go eat and then crash.”
Angela shut her book and beckoned to Greg, who had come to the flap and waited for a break. “We’re finished. Come on in.”
Greg joined her at the table as the women finished copying the papers and passing around their assignment envelopes–white, they were all glad to detect. Those brown envelopes wouldn’t be used by anyone again for a long time unless there was no other choice.
“I’m caught up.”
“Great,” Angela praised. “Ready for the next list?”
Greg obligingly took out his notebook, barely awake.
“Tell Seth to take Allan, Donald, and three rookies from the a.m. shift to the nearest golf course. Use trucks–load up all the batteries, carts, and the rest of the items on this list.”
She handed him the sheet and waited for him to finish writing.
“I want Neil, along with these people, sent to a few local power and lighting stores. Locations are on the list. Find one that’s stocked and clean it out–every bulb, every wire, every tool.”
Greg stored the list with the first one and completed the notes, wondering briefly if Angela had even slept. She certainly didn’t look like it.
I want a complete fence up around the third QZ area, Zone C. It will be finished by morning, no matter what else is on Brady’s list.”
“I’ll make certain they know,” Greg promised, thinking that Zone C was going to become a problem or else Angela wouldn’t have given that order. He would also tell the Eagles on duty near there to stay alert.
“Kyle should take Whitney and five members from the pm board to heating and air conditioning stores. Pick one and strip it. Give this sheet to Kyle. It has possible locations and other details. Everyone leaves after mess tonight.”
“Got it.” Greg left while still noting her orders and Angela glanced around the tent. Most of the females had already opened their new envelopes and vanished. Only Samantha remained.
Angela sighed. She hadn’t expected any of them to figure it out so fast.
“Why?” Samantha demanded. “I understand the cover is that we’re out gathering, but I have to know your true motives.”
“It’s needed,” Angela answered honestly. “In more ways than you want details on right now.”
“As long as it’s not for him,” Samantha stated in contempt, standing.
“It is in ways,” Angela admitted. “He’ll benefit, the same as the rest of us. There’s no avoiding that.”
“So long as you aren’t setting it all up to have him forgiven,” Samantha warned, stopping at the flap. “I won’t ever forgive him for betraying us. Neither should you.”
Marc entered the tent as Samantha left. Clearly, he’d heard their short conversation, but he didn’t hassle Angela over what he had put together from it. If she wasn’t lying to her team, she wasn’t lying to him, either. She didn’t want Adrian in Safe Haven. Marc didn’t care why.
“I have those reports you wanted on food, fuel, water.”
“Great. Stuff it in this notebook.”
Marc put it where she indicated and she snapped the band around the book before depositing it in her deep pocket. She would go over it later, when she had time to run the numbers.
“You ready?”
Angela slid an arm through his. “Starving.”
Marc chuckled and led her to the mess, where he had things ready to go. Li Sing would bring her fresh plate out as soon as they sat down and he’d been instructed to keep it coming. He’d also told Shawn to wake him three hours early tonight so he could relieve her during afternoon chow. She hadn’t slept yet and that wasn’t good.
Angela leaned against Marc’s heat as they entered the mess, soaking up his presence even though they were only going to be apart for a little while. She hated any time away from him.
“Got a minute?”
Zack sounded like he hadn’t slept either and Angela turned to confront him with stiff shoulders hidden under Marc’s big arm.
“Zack, I’m going to ask you a question. After that, we’ll cover your latest complaint. Ready?”
“Go on,” Zack drawled, set to embarrass her in front of the eating camp.
“Do you want me to accept it or refuse?”
Zack paused, stuttering. “I, um…”
Angela nodded. “Check the board, Zackie.”
Zack did and Doug pointed at the name Angela had drawn there last night on the way to her tent after the ash storm.
Head of camp security–Zack
“I have great and terrible work for you. Accept or refuse? Pick now.”
Zack couldn’t keep playing the emotional game and caved, shoulders slumping “Accept.”
Angela smiled. She hadn’t been sure. “Sweet. Come have a steak with us and we’ll discuss some of the details for the next few days on basic issues, while Marc eats. When he’s done, you can escort him to our tent. Then, go brief the security team now gathering in the training tent.”
Zack was shocked, grateful, and finding i
t very hard to stay resentful.
Angela took her seat and beamed at Li when he placed a large, rare steak in front of her.
“Eggs comin’, Missy!”
Angela thought about the odor and said, “Just the beef, please.”
Those around her chuckled lightly, but Marc worried over it. He would have to find vitamins to give in place of the things she wouldn’t eat now.
Angela didn’t tell him she thought she could keep it down. Knowing they were low on eggs had made her refuse. Her smell aversion because of pregnancy was simply a convenient excuse. Her people came before her, even now.
Chapter Five
One Bright Afternoon
1
“Why are we doing this?”
Quinn was the only one of their crew with enough breath left to answer, “We’ll need water. After it snows, we’ll collect it, melt it, boil it, and be flush all winter long.”
After his trek with Marc, Quinn was now in the best shape of his life and the rocky, treacherous ground was giving him little trouble.
The others weren’t so fortunate, but Josh’s confusion was at least distracting as he continued to push Quinn for an answer he could accept. “I mean now. Why worry about it so soon?”
Assuming his leadership role for this run, Quinn replied, “You give me the reason.”
Realizing he was being tested, Josh struggled to come up with the correct response. “Even she doesn’t plan things eight to twelve weeks ahead, so I don’t know.”
“There’s your mistake,” Quinn corrected. “She plans things out as far as she can. There is no limit on the future.”
“So why, then?” Josh demanded angrily, using the conversation to help him ignore burning lungs and a slightly dizzy feeling.
“Because bad shit happens,” Quinn stated. “We know it. If we don’t prepare for it, we don’t deserve to survive. Why wait until it snows to get ready? What if someone screws with our water again? Or if we have a leak? We’re doing it now because we can. There’s no guarantee of later.”
