A set of barks and what sounded like dogs playing came from around the corner of the house.
Lexi walked to the edge of the house to see what was happening. Her eyes widened with joy when she saw Beau. He was running circles around the smaller dog.
“Beau!” Lexi yelled as she ran towards her beloved friend.
When Lexi’s voice hit Beau’s ears, he stopped and looked. Seeing Lexi, he sprinted to her.
Lexi dropped to her knees and opened her arms.
Beau ran into her at full force, almost knocking her over.
“Oh, Beau, I’m so happy to see you. Where have you been? Huh, boy? Where have you been? God, how I’ve missed you,” Lexi said, tears coming down her face.
Beau was excited and kissed her back with big licks across her wet cheeks.
The French bulldog ran over and got into the lovefest by squeezing in between Beau and Lexi and snuggling up.
“And who are you, huh?” Lexi asked the French bulldog. “Who is this, Beau? Is this your girlfriend, is it? I think it is, you stud.”
As Lexi ran her hands over Beau, she felt the loose skin and bones. He was suffering from malnutrition. “Come, let’s get you two inside and fed.” She stood and turned to see Katie near the house. Her arms were folded and a huge smile graced her face.
The trio walked up.
Katie smiled and said, “Isn’t this something.” She looked down at Beau and said, “Hi, Beau, I’m your mommy’s friend, Katie, nice to meet you.”
Lexi led the way back inside.
Katie went one step further and opened the dogs a can of chicken and served it with the stale crackers.
The dogs devoured the food.
“Do we have enough food to handle two extra mouths?” Lexi asked.
“Yeah, but come spring, we’ll get the garden up again. We should be okay, but there’s no place for waste.”
Lexi was healthy and began to wonder about long-term survivability. She needed to start thinking about finding scavenging close by so they could add to their food cache, but that would be a thought for tomorrow because today she was going to enjoy the homecoming with an old friend.
McCall, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
When Luke heard the knock at the front door, he ran to get it.
“Who is it?” Samantha asked from an upstairs bedroom.
Luke opened the heavy alder door to find Sanchez standing in the cold. “You ready?”
“For what?” Luke asked with a snarky tone.
“Training of course. I’m not here to grab ass. Go get your gear and meet me outside,” Sanchez said.
“I don’t feel like it,” Luke said.
“No, go get your gear,” Sanchez insisted.
“I’m tired, no, not today,” Luke grumbled.
“Are you tired, or you don’t feel like it?” Sanchez asked.
“Both.”
Sanchez put his right hand under his chin and said, “Hmm.”
“What?” Luke snarled.
“I smell…what is it? Oh, I know, a whiney brat,” Sanchez joked.
“Not funny, I’m tired. Now go home,” Luke said and closed the door.
Sanchez shoved his foot in and stopped the door from closing, “Nope, not going anywhere. Your dad, my president and yours too, ordered me to keep training you and also ordered you to keep training, so go grab your shit and meet me outside in five.”
“What good is training if I can’t do anything with it?” Luke complained.
Sanchez looked up and rolled his eyes. “Are you done with the teenage drama? ’Cause I am. Go get your shit, now.”
Samantha heard them chatting and stepped out of the upstairs bedroom and called down, “Luke, do as Corporal Sanchez says.”
“But why, huh? You won’t ever let me do anything with it!” Luke shot back before he marched off grumbling to his bedroom.
Samantha came downstairs and went directly to the front door. “Good morning, Corporal, he’ll be out in a few.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Sanchez said and turned away.
Samantha closed the door and mumbled under her breath, “Kids.” She went to Luke’s bedroom to find him lying on his bed. “Get up now and go see Corporal Sanchez. You’re being rude.”
“I’m not going,” Luke protested.
Samantha walked into the room and went to his closet.
“What are you doing?” Luke asked.
She rummaged through until she found what she was looking for. “Here, put this on and go outside and get your training.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
Samantha tossed it on the bed and said, “I’m not going to sit here and argue with a teenager. I know you’re mad at me because I don’t want you out there right now. It’s not because I don’t trust you, I do, I just…” she said. Her eyes welled up and she bolted out of the room.
Luke sat up.
Haley came into his room and asked, “Why is Mommy crying?”
Luke sighed, got up and followed Samantha. “Mom, stop.”
“No, not now,” she said waving him off.
He stopped a few feet away and asked, “Are you okay?”
She turned to face him. Her eyes were red and tears flowed. “I lost my little boy Hunter because he wanted to act grown up before he was. I’m just worried is all. I know you’re different than him. You’re older and more capable than he was, but you both have a spirit that is so much alike. I just don’t know if I can handle losing you too. So please, please bear with me as I deal with this. It was a lot for me to let you even go out on those security patrols, but I know you’re mature for your age and that you’re strong and talented. You lost your family, you saw them die, you’ve even shown you’re able to protect us, but I just worry. We’ve all lost so much, I just…I’m just not ready to lose you too,” Samantha cried.
Luke walked up and embraced her. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, sweetie. I’m just worried, but I do need you to know how to fight. I need you to go outside and continue your training. It’s not just for you, but for me and Haley. When Gordon is gone, you’ll be our protector.”
“I’ll go get my stuff and go,” Luke said.
“I love you,” Samantha said.
He looked deeply into her eyes and said, “I love you too.”
Two miles north of Donnelly, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
Gordon walked past the assembled troops of the First Idaho Infantry, the Republic of Cascadia’s first official army. It was a mash up of the Marine Corps units, locals and any former military from Idaho. To appease the other states, two additional military elements were created, the First Washington Infantry and the First Oregon Infantry. The Washington outfit was made up of elements from old US Army units in Fort Lewis who decided to stay and fight with Cascadia. The Oregon unit was small and their mission was to provide support and they were basically a combat replacement battalion. All three infantry units were composed of ground combat troops and their support elements. Gone was the confusion of all the different military units, Gordon wanted cohesion, everyone was on the same team but had different jobs. The assembling and activation of the units was done in quick order so that there was one clear chain of command. Before they were using only the Marine units left over from Colonel Barone with a sprinkling of civilians. However, Gordon wanted something new, something uniquely Cascadian. It was tough for him to eliminate and fold up the old Marine Corp colors, but he immediately had a new ensign created because all troops need a flag to rally around.
Gordon did keep two Marine Corps units where the men could still call themselves Marines. The first outfit was called the Cascadian Marine Raiders; it was a company-sized unit whose mission geared towards special operations missions. The second was also a company-sized unit whose primary mission was to protect the city of McCall as well as provide personal protection for the council and president. They were designated the Cascadian Marine Guards. This was the unit C
orporal Sanchez belonged to.
In total, Gordon had managed to cobble together an army of over seven thousand. The problem, though, was all seven thousand weren’t marching north. The twenty-five-hundred-man-strong First Washington Infantry was heading west and would stay in eastern Washington in case Gordon lost against Jacques. It was a compromise he had to make with the council. He was also leaving the Marine Guards and reinforcing them an additional company to protect McCall. This left him with less than five thousand men. He had a larger army, but he was going on the offensive, and anyone who knew military history knew the army in the defense had a huge advantage. This was the one thing that plagued Gordon’s everyday thoughts. How could he flip roles on Jacques?
“They look good, Gunny?” Gordon said as he admired the men all standing tall at attention.
Gunny leaned in and said, “Getting some of these ready reminded me of the old documentary about the Korean War, where the troops heading over on ships were shooting for the first time. Some of these guys are fresh little turnips and I’m not referring to their ages.”
“I understand, but how is their spirit?” Gordon asked.
“High, they’re ready to fight,” Gunny said proudly.
“Sometimes that’s all you need,” Gordon said.
“I hope you’re right.”
“I know I’m right. Mind-set is everything. Of course, training, skill sets and knowledge in the hands of one who has the mind-set makes for a lethal warrior, but we don’t have much choice. Our way of life is now on the line, and as soon as the winter snows subside, Jacques will move south.”
“I’m shocked he even invaded when he did,” Gunny confessed.
“That was tactical; it was strategic,” Gordon replied.
“Strategic?”
“Yeah, he was mind fucking us.”
“Ah, yes, but now he just sits. He has to know we’re preparing to fight him.”
“I think he thought I’d race up there and lock horns right away, so I do think I’ve outplayed him there. However, it does sting when we have a chunk of our new republic occupied by someone like him.”
“True, I hear the whispers all around town, and those whispers turn to shouting once you pour a few drinks down someone’s gullet,” Gunny quipped.
Gordon stopped and looked around. “Um, where the hell is Simpson?”
“He’s not feeling well. He’s still in his hooch,” Gunny replied and pointed to a large GP tent at the far end of the expansive field where the men were assembled.
“Too much fun last night or something?” Gordon asked.
“No, he doesn’t look good.”
“Answer me honestly, is he pissed off that after promoting him to sergeant major I ordered him to remain and stay in command of the Guard?”
“Nah, he seems okay with that.”
“Hmm, I’ll check on him before I leave,” Gordon said.
“Um, I heard what happened yesterday. Horrible, just fucking horrible.”
“Yep, they’re savages.”
“How are you holding up?” Gunny asked a tone of concern in his voice.
“I’m good. Why do you ask?”
“You’re just a bit different since you returned from that ordeal in Banff.”
“Like how?”
“A bit more on edge.”
“Oh God, I thought I was already on edge.” Gordon laughed.
“I heard you took one of those fucks out with your old trusty Randall,” Gunny said, referring to Gordon’s sheath knife.
“Yeah, what’s new?”
“And that the old windbag was there and saw it,” Gunny said.
“What are you saying? Just spit it out,” Gordon urged.
“Just be careful, and if shit’s bothering you, know you can always talk to me, anytime. My door is open for you, brother. You’re not in this alone,” Gunny offered.
Gordon raised an eyebrow and said, “I’m good, brother, but thanks for the offer.”
Gordon walked ahead, stopped, and faced the sea of men before him. Pride welled up as he looked upon his what could only be described as ragtag-looking army. They weren’t wearing the same uniform, but they all had the same purpose. They were Cascadia’s Army and quite possibly her savior.
McCall, Idaho, Republic of Cascadia
Luke walked into the house. He was beat. Sanchez had changed up the training. It went from tactical to physical training. By the time Luke had done his thirtieth eight-count body builder, in the final stretch he was on the frozen ground, panting like a dog. He knew why Sanchez wore him out, but he hated it the entire time it was happening.
“How was your training?” Samantha asked from the kitchen.
“He killed me,” Luke replied.
“I saw. He really worked you.” Samantha chuckled.
Luke stepped up to a bar stool and plopped down next to Haley, who was busy coloring.
Samantha poured a glass of water and put it in front of him.
“Thanks,” Luke said and gulped down the chilled water.
“Yucky, you’re sweating everywhere,” Haley squealed.
Luke put his glass down and stuck out his tongue.
“Mommy, Luke stuck his tongue out at me,” Haley complained.
“Oh, Haley, you’ll survive.”
Haley closed her coloring book and stomped off.
“What’s she grumpy about?” Luke asked.
“She knows Daddy is leaving tomorrow and she’s going to miss him,” Samantha explained. She stepped around the kitchen counter and sat next to him. “I’ve been thinking and I’m okay if you go back out on patrols.”
“Really?” Luke said shocked.
“Yes, but you need to be extra careful.”
“I promise!” Luke exclaimed.
“Good, then it’s a deal.”
Luke grabbed Samantha and gave her a hug. “Thank you.”
“One more thing, your first day back must be the day after Gordon leaves. Does that work?”
“Sure.”
Samantha stuck her hand out.
Luke took it and shook it. “Deal.”
***
Gordon looked at his watch and frowned. Where is Simpson? he thought.
Elizabeth tapped her pen on a thick pad of paper while Michael Rutledge fiddled with a set of keys. They were getting impatient and rightfully so, Simpson was late and he didn’t have time to waste. He leaned over to Gunny and asked, “Where the hell is Simpson?”
Gunny shrugged his shoulders.
“How much longer do we have to wait?” Elizabeth asked.
“I’m waiting on Sergeant Major Simpson so he can give his plan for the updated defense of McCall while we’re deployed north, but I’ll start and he can brief you when he gets here,” Gordon said.
“Very well, but maybe we should discuss the incident yesterday first,” Elizabeth said.
Gordon had stood but sat back down the second she mentioned the meeting was starting with what happened yesterday. He glanced at Michael, who gave him a wink. How odd? Gordon thought.
“I briefed everyone on the tragedy and we’re all appalled,” Elizabeth said. Her hands were folded in front of her and her hair was pulled back tight with a head band.
To the left of her sat Demer and on her right sat Michael. To the right of Michael, Lecter sat and had a look like he’d just gotten in trouble with the principal. The final council member was an elderly gentleman from Cascade; everyone called him Ole Jake. He was a good man by Gordon’s standards.
Elizabeth continued, “What I witnessed yesterday was horrific. It was a scene unlike I had ever seen before.”
Here it comes, Gordon thought.
“Something I think that must be mentioned is the conduct of our president.”
Gordon lowered his head and shook it.
“He stood out as a man of courage. He and the men of the Guard found two of the murderers. Gordon conducted an interrogation on site and through this interrogation he discovered a plot to kill not
only him and his family but us as well. What I saw firsthand was the barbaric nature of our enemy and I can’t stress enough that we must give all the support we can to President Van Zandt so he can go forward and defeat Jacques and the Western Canadian army. I for one want to thank you, Mr. President. I know you and I have had our disagreements, but you have changed my mind.”
Gordon’s jaw dropped. He looked at her and didn’t know what to say or think. Her response was the opposite from what he’d encountered yesterday.
“That’s all I must say on that. Now I think I must mention something that happened today. Council members Demer and Lecter took it upon themselves to remove the prisoner from the jail and house him in an unsecure location. That is irresponsible, outrageous and dangerous. I do want to thank you for returning the prisoner, but never do that again. We are fighting a war that we must win. This isn’t the wars we protested before when our enemy was thousands of miles away. We are in a struggle for our very survival. I believe most people are good and make mistakes, so we’ll forgive you for your actions, but it can never happen again. Do I make myself clear?”
Both men nodded.
“Good,” Elizabeth said. She looked at Gordon and said, “Okay. You may present your plan.”
Gordon was stunned. He wondered if he was dreaming or suddenly dropped into a parallel universe.
The door opened and Simpson came in. His skin was glistening with sweat. “I apologize for being late.”
“Come on in, Sergeant Major,” Gordon said. He was concerned by Simpson’s appearance.
Simpson walked in slowly and almost stumbled when his foot brushed against the foot of a chair. “Oops.”
“Are you okay?” Gordon asked.
Simpson sat down and exhaled heavily. “Ah, no, I’m not.”
“You look like shit. Go, get out of here. I’ll cover your portion of the briefing,” Gordon said.
“You sure?” Simpson asked.
“Yes, go. Plus, you’re a walking, talking contagion,” Gordon quipped.
Simpson got up, coughed heavily and left as oddly as he had entered.
“Sorry about that,” Gordon said.
The New World (Book 7): Those Who Remain Page 5
