by Rachel Aukes
“Let me get this straight,” Justin said. “You guys fell apart and now need help from the same people you’ve stolen from and tried to kill. Did I get that right?”
Neither answered for a long time, until finally, the taller man spoke. “We’re hungry.”
“You should’ve been making friends rather than enemies,” Justin said. “Let me guess. Those ‘crazy survivors’ that attacked you fought back because you attacked first.”
“It wasn’t like that,” the shorter man named Jim said. “It was self-defense.”
“I find that hard to believe,” Justin said. “Since twice in as many months you people tried to kill me and take over New Eden. I imagine you got what you had coming. Now, if you don’t leave, you will be arrested or shot.”
Jim’s face darkened into red, and he burst toward the sentry standing outside the gate. I fired a shot, but the taller man jumped in the way, and the bullet meant for Jim hit his compatriot in the chest. He went down. More shots fired from around me. Before I lined up a second shot, Jim had somehow managed to get behind the sentry, who he now held at knifepoint.
The bandits’ vehicles, except for the empty lead vehicle, raced toward us. Shotgun barrels poked out from their open windows. I homed in my sights onto Jim’s left eye, the only clear shot I had. Even then, if my aim was even the slightest off, I would be killing one of Justin’s men.
“We have nowhere else to go. You gotta take us in!” Jim yelled.
I fired.
Jim collapsed, and the sentry ran toward the gate. Charlie grunted as he pulled it open.
The four vehicles were nearly upon us, but their driving was erratic, causing their shots to fly everywhere. As soon as the sentry was through the gate, Charlie pushed it closed. Instead of running away, once he latched the gate, he slid down. As he turned around, I noticed the red stain widening on his shirt.
“No,” I gasped before yelling out, “Charlie’s down!”
A sentry ran for the injured man, but gunfire forced him back. As the vehicles approached, we all focused our efforts on the occupants within. Windshields shattered. One SUV drove off the road and crashed into a tree. Of the three remaining vehicles, the first one slammed into the gate. Metal wire screeched and buckled under the impact, but the gate held. Charlie had managed to pull himself a few feet away; inches closer, and he would’ve been killed in the crash.
The other two vehicles stopped to the side and laid down fire while the first SUV backed up. With a loud clank of shifting gears, it launched forward. Blood splattered its broken windshield the second before impact. The driver’s foot remained on the gas pedal. Metal cried as the SUV tried to force itself through the layers of wire fencing and wood boards.
Clutch ran past me, and my eyes widened. Crouched, he weaved through gunfire and stopped at the bumper of the SUV, on our side of the gate. He raised his rifle and shot through the fence at the vehicle’s occupants. The engine immediately slowed but the SUV still pressed against the gate.
Metal clanged, and the top part of the gate fell inward. Clutch grabbed Charlie and pulled him clear, and two other people carried the injured man away. I focused on laying down cover fire, and I saw at least one of my shots find its target when one of the passengers dropped his shotgun and collapsed over his open door. Gunfire slowed, and then stopped from the two vehicles.
“Cease fire!” Justin yelled, waving his arms. He motioned to the sentries who’d been on duty.
I continued to scan the area as three men moved to the gate and pushed their way through the bent door. One pulled the dead driver from the SUV that had rammed into the gate and cut the engine. He held up his thumb.
Justin turned to the other two vehicles peppered with bullets. “Lay down your weapons and step out slowly. Any sudden moves, and you will be shot.”
No one emerged, and I took advantage of the silence to swap magazines. After an endless minute, Justin nodded to the trio on the other side of the gate, and they moved slowly to the closest vehicle. With two holding their rifles, the third man checked the entire vehicle. He stepped back and shook his head in Justin’s direction, and they moved to the last remaining vehicle.
I was careful to scan the area, to make sure there was no one else sneaking around, but everything seemed quiet. It was the eerie kind of silence that followed a gunfight, where my ears were ringing like after a music concert, yet everything felt muted.
At the last vehicle, the sentries dragged out a man who showed no resistance. His eyes were closed, and I couldn’t even tell if he was conscious. Two of the sentries dragged him back to the gate and through the small door.
Justin met them inside, and I moved closer.
Justin came down on a knee. “Why did you attack?”
The man’s head rolled weakly. “No—where else—to go.”
I swallowed, knowing the feeling all too well. Desperation.
“If you hadn’t shot at us, we wouldn’t have shot at you,” Justin said.
The man struggled and lifted his hand, only to drop it, and his last breath puffed from his lungs.
Everyone stood around, and then someone cheered. The sentries chanted out, “New Eden!”
Justin joined in. “It’s over. New Eden is safe. Anyone who attacks New Eden will suffer the same fate.”
I didn’t join in. I’d never found anyone’s death a time for celebration. Not Hodge’s. Hell, not even Doyle’s. There were too few of us left. With every death, I knew humanity was taking one step closer to the brink.
Clutch stepped up to me, and I looked into his eyes. “How’s Charlie?”
His lips tightened. “We’ll see.”
I sighed. “Is there no safe place left in this world?”
Clutch didn’t answer. Jase and Griz walked over.
Jase slung his rifle over his back. “It feels good to have my rifle back.”
“Yup,” Griz said without looking up from reloading one of his mags.
I spotted Justin watching us. He didn’t come closer, but I knew what he was thinking. I chewed my lip before speaking. “We’ve got a decision to make. Stay or go?”
Griz clicked the mag into his rifle. “These guys sure could use our help. Even today, it was sheer luck they didn’t have more casualties.”
“They need our help. But, do they deserve it?” Clutch asked.
I thought for a moment. “Of all the roads we could’ve taken, and all the places we could’ve ended up, somehow—a full state over—our paths still managed to cross. I don’t believe in coincidence. I think we’re meant to be here, at this time.”
Clutch breathed heavily and then nodded. “We should stay.”
I turned to Jase and Griz.
“You know where I stand. I’m in,” Griz said quickly.
Jase shrugged. “It’s cold out there. We have electricity and food in here. I’m in. What have we got to lose?”
TEMPTATION
Chapter VIII
All of New Eden gathered around us, and I found myself fidgeting. My breath circled in tiny wisps of fog in the freezing morning air, and I hugged myself to keep from shivering.
Justin held up his right hand, and the conversations hushed. “Repeat after me.”
The nine sole Fox survivors raised our hands.
“As a citizen of the New Eden province …”
“As a citizen of the New Eden province,” we answered in chorus.
“I pledge to defend and support our province, with all that I am…”
“I pledge to defend and support our province, with all that I am…”
“With the highest level of integrity and honor, I give this oath of fealty.”
“With the highest level of integrity and honor, I give this oath of fealty.”
Justin smiled. “Welcome to New Eden.”
Cheers erupted. Someone patted me on the back, and we found ourselves swarmed by people welcoming us into the community. I glanced to Clutch at my side, and he wore a genuine smile. He wasn’t exactly a
people person, yet there was no mistaking his demeanor. He looked at me, and I returned his smile. He shrugged, and I knew why he was happy. I sensed the same happiness.
We belonged somewhere.
It wasn’t Camp Fox, but it still felt good. Safe.
Even Jase looked happy, though he was a consummate extrovert and handled attention like a fish in water. He still wanted to return to Fox Park, but like everywhere we’d been, he’d quickly acclimated to New Eden. It seemed the younger the person, the more easily they adapted to change, and it made me wonder what we lost as we aged.
Justin made his way down the celebratory line and stopped in front of me. His smile was wide as he held out his hand. “New Eden is lucky to have you.”
I accepted his hand. “We’re lucky to have New Eden.”
He shook Clutch’s hand next. “We have the start of something good here. I know it. We’ll talk more later. I need to get back and send your names to the capital. We keep track of all citizens. Seeing the lists grow gives everyone hope.”
“What’s the number up to?” I asked.
“Four hundred and seventy-three at New Eden, counting you. We’re one of the smaller provinces. Colorado has the largest with nearly ten thousand. Over eighty-seven thousand across the new, combined country. We’re hoping to have found and tracked at least a hundred thousand by the first of July.”
“You think that many made it?” Clutch asked.
Justin nodded. “I’m sure of it. The problem is we’re all scattered right now. We need to pull together to build a foundation.”
“How’s the rest of the world looking?” Clutch asked.
Justin shrugged. “Australia was the least hit. They’re still at twenty-plus percent, and they’re the ones who reached out to us and are connecting the rest of the world. They’re still trying to get data on Europe, Asia, and Africa. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”
He bowed out and headed down the street.
“A hundred thousand,” Clutch said softly.
“Yeah,” I added, just as softly. “The human race might have a chance after all.”
“Why the long faces? Today’s a big day.”
I looked over to see Sarah pushing Charlie in a wheelchair.
I frowned. “Shouldn’t you still be in bed? It’s been less than a week.”
“That’s what I told him,” Sarah said. “But, Charlie will never miss a party.”
Charlie waved a hand. “Oh, I’m fine. Just a little tender.”
“You were shot,” I said.
“And, the bullet missed everything that needs to keep working,” he countered.
“Still,” Sarah added. “You have to be careful. There’s only so much medicine lying around.”
“I know, I know,” Charlie said in a rush. “Enough about me. Have you picked your new roles? Today’s your last as free agents.”
Clutch chuckled next to me. “By picking new roles, you mean signing up for jobs?”
Charlie shrugged. “Roles, jobs, whatever you want to call them. But, seriously. Have you picked your role yet? It’s important to select the one that’s the best fit for you. It won’t feel as much like a job if you enjoy it.”
“So you say,” I said with a smirk.
“Well, whatever you picked, I hope you enjoy it,” Sarah said before placing a hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “We need to grab on to any joy we can find nowadays.”
Charlie held her hand, and they gazed into each other’s eyes. She then backed up the wheelchair, and the pair departed without another word.
The crowd had thinned. People had returned to work or home.
“I suppose it’s time for us to head to work,” I said.
“See you after dinner,” Vicki said, and I waved to her and Deb as they walked away.
Last night, we’d each settled on our roles, which we’d start today. We were all assigned the first shift since we were newcomers, though I suspected we’d each be assigned different shifts as we earned their trust.
Once a school dietary aide, Vicki volunteered to help with rations. Deb volunteered to serve as a medical aide after she went for a prenatal checkup with New Eden’s only doctor and saw he had no help, but a waiting room full of patients with jammed fingers, splinters, and minor cuts. Dr. Edmund likely had agreed so he could keep a close eye on her health.
“Be careful,” Hali said, eying Jase.
“I always am,” Jase replied with a grin.
She jogged to catch up with Vicki and Deb, since their workplaces were all in a close vicinity to one another. Hali signed up as soon as she found out New Eden had no one to manage the distribution of clothing and non-perishable supplies.
Frost and Benji had long since disappeared. Frost, with his general contractor experience, had signed up for silo renovations, while Benji had full school days.
The rest of us had signed up for security. When we arrived at the security building, Justin, along with another man, was already waiting for us.
“Already report us to the capital?” Clutch asked, and I noticed a hint of something hard in his question.
“All done,” Justin said, sounding pleased. Then he looked to each of us: Clutch, Griz, Jase, and me. “I was hoping a couple of you would choose the squadron. With you, we have a full team again.”
He pointed to a SUV parked near the gate, where Marco leaned against the side of the vehicle and waved in our direction. “The squadron is meeting in about ten minutes from now. Clutch and Griz, they’re expecting you. Clutch, since you’re the senior-ranking military vet here, Marco proposed that you command the squadron.”
Clutch pursed his lips. “A sergeant isn’t exactly senior ranking. There’s a reason sergeants aren’t commanders.”
Griz chuckled. “Yeah, they’re too cranky to be one.”
Clutch flipped him the bird. “It’s yours. You’re the only other soldier in this place.”
“Oh, hell no,” Griz said. “I might have more of a personality, but the last thing I want to do is babysit amateurs. That’s up your alley.”
I scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Griz smirked.
“This is important,” Justin said, not giving Griz time for a witty comeback. “After losing Marco’s squadron to the Black Sheep and the capital claiming our other squadrons to locate survivors in the south, it’s crucial we keep our only squadron running in tip-top shape. This is our only crew equipped to travel out of New Eden.”
“You can count on me,” Clutch said, any humor gone from his voice.
“Well, that covers the squadron then,” Justin said.
My brows rose. “What, you’re not letting Jase or me serve as scouts?”
Justin watched me for a moment before turning to Jase. “Jase, I’d like you to meet Zach. Zach runs the New Eden security forces, and you’ll be on his team.”
Zach held out his hand. “Welcome to the force.”
Jase didn’t shake it. Instead, confused, Jase looked from Clutch to me and then to Justin. “But, I’m with these guys. We work together.”
Justin spoke first. “I know you’re more than capable to have survived out there for so long, but it’s New Eden policy to not allow anyone under the age of eighteen to serve on the squadron. It’s safer within the fence,” Justin said.
“That’s bullshit,” Jase said. “I’m as good as anyone else out there.”
“I’m not doing this to be difficult,” Justin said. “I can’t break policy for you. You—the youth—are our future. If we don’t work toward our future, we won’t have a future.”
“The force isn’t some place for lackeys,” Zach said. “Our job is as important—if not more so—than the squadron’s. We’re the last line of defense for New Eden. These people are trusting their lives to our ability to keep them safe. We take out any danger that comes up to our fences as well as handle any problems within the fences. We also serve as backup support to the squadron. So, you see, it’s not going to be a walk in the park. You�
��ll see plenty of action, I can guarantee it.”
Jase frowned.
“Give the force a shot,” Clutch said. “Maybe they’ll reconsider later.”
“We have more guns and more ammo than the squadron,” Zach added. “Marco mentioned you were pretty good with a motorcycle. We have ATVs on the force, but I happen to have a Honda 250 bike sitting in the garage that’s yours as a sign-on bonus if you want it. I won’t ever lie to you, we’re in desperate need of personnel. You won’t be treated like a kid here, I swear it.”
Jase’s frown disappeared as he tried not to look excited. “Well, I suppose I could give it a shot.”
Zach smiled and held out his hand again.
This time, Jase shook it.
“What about me?” I asked with narrow eyes.
Justin’s lips pursed. “Just like we have a rule in place to protect our youth, we have a rule in place to protect our women. Have you considered an administrative job? Marco said you’re good with numbers. I could use help with the supplies tracking.”
“That’s bullshit. You don’t need me behind a desk.” I pointed. “You need me out there. I can fly over the area and identify problems before they get close.”
Justin shrugged. “We don’t have an airplane anywhere near here.”
“I can find one. Then, all I’ll need is a fuel tank and a decent mechanic.”
“Two things we have in very short supply,” he countered.
I pursed my lips. “Okay, then. If I stay on the ground, I can still help. I can take down a zed from over a hundred meters away.”
Clutch spoke first. “She’s right. Cash is the best sniper around. You’d be doing New Eden a disservice by not leveraging her talent.”
“Unfortunately, we’re running desperately low on ammunition,” Justin said. “We’re down to our last boxes, and we’ve cleared every known armory and supply store in the area. None of us will have any ammo before long.”
Exasperated, I nearly rolled my eyes. “Fine, Then use me to scout for supplies, survivors, and trouble. Just because I’m a woman, I’m just as capable in my own right.”
It was the first time I’d seen Justin uncomfortable. "Look at it this way. Men survivors outnumber women over three to one here. Any loss of a woman or child kills morale. It makes sense for women to choose the safer jobs, and we have plenty of openings—”
