After the Ice Storm
I have yet to figure out what it is about Oklahoman's and the fact they can't remember how to drive on ice year after year. I could understand it if this something that happened every few years. Its not, we get a ice storm every year. They last anywhere from a day to five days. And every year the brains of Oklahoma drivers seem to freeze and they forget all knowledge of how to drive. Okay enough about me and the crazy drivers. Because of the storm I ended up with two extra in the middle of the week off. And all I managed to do was watch TV. And nothing good.
So I've rambled enough. Tomorrow is shaping up to be a real winner of a day. So glad its Friday though.
For anyone actually reading this below you can find Chapter Three of my NaNo story "Through the Flames".
Lori
Title: Through the Flames
Pairing: Original Story
Rating: R, for same sex pairings, violence, and death.
Author: Lori Dragus
A/N: This is the first draft of my 2008 NaNo story. This is pretty much how the story went into the word count machine. I have made some spelling and grammar corrections. All mistakes belong to me. Some of the continuity is off in the story. I am trying to correct as I go.
A/N2: At the moment this story is being beta'd by three different people, and I hope to have their feedback sometime next month when I start on the second draft of this story.
Summary: It's been four years since the plague killed off every living male human and ninety two percent of the female population. In the midwest state of Oklahoma two different groups are trying to survive. The Amazons, who have taken over Oklahoma City and restored some semblance of civilization and the Freeholders that live in small family units outside of the large city. These two worlds are about to collide.
Chapter Three
General Steiner was furious. The morning had found a courier waiting for them when they all woke. The courier was now having breakfast with the Gold Unit while the General was yelling at her camp aides about the report that had been sent to the capital and the communiqué that had been sent to the General.
Alissa could guess what the General had been told. Leave the nun alone and to not enter into the Freeholders Territory. Alissa tried her best to hide the smirk that wanted to grace her face. It would not do for the Commander of the Gold Unit to be seen laughing at the General.
Jennifer walked over and sat down next to her sister, and offered a brief smile to the courier that was part of their little group at the moment.
“So Commander how long before the General has us pack up and head back,” Jennifer said as she took a bite of her oatmeal. “She can’t rant all day can she?”
Alissa looked at her younger sister and shrugged.
“I’m sure the General will let us know soon enough.”
Jennifer took another bite of her meal and like the others tried to ignore the yelling coming from the large tent.
“Everyone out,” Mel screamed as she finally ran out of things to call her personal staff. The ten women in the tent began to file out the door. “Except you Lt. Isbill.”
Lt. Stacy Isbill halted at the tent flap and let the women file past her. By default she was the new Captain of the Guard but the General had made a point of calling her Lt. all morning as if to emphasize her displeasure with Stacy. As the last woman left Stacy straightened out her 5’5’’ frame and thanked the goddess that she had pulled her hair back in a tight braid that morning. Turning from the flap she strode back to the General.
Mel raked her eyes over her new Captain of the Guard. The woman before her looked impressive in her field uniform of navy BDU’s. And Mel was sure the woman would look even better in her dress uniform. Mel finally looked at the woman’s face and noticed that the Captain was looking at a spot just over the Generals shoulder. That made the General laugh.
“So Lt. do you like your new duties?”
Lt. Isbill brought her eyes to rest on the General.
“Yes ma’am,” Stacy said wondering what she was going to be asked to do.
“Do you wish to keep your current job?” Mel asked turning to the small table set up in the room.
“Yes ma’am.”
“Good Lt. I have a job for you to do,” Mel said as she poured juice into a tall glass. “I want you to give this satchel back to the courier that came this morning. Let her know that it contains my reply to the Capital. Let her know that we will be leaving in a few hours. After she leaves I want you to follow her and see that she doesn’t make it back to the Capital. I don’t care who you make it look like did it, just see that she doesn’t get back.”
“And afterwards,” Stacy asked as stared straight ahead.
“Catch up with us. I plan to over take the nun today,” Mel said as she finished off half the glass in one gulp. “Don’t disappoint me Captain.”
Stacy stood in the middle of the tent as she ran through her mind how she would accomplish her mission.
“You may go Captain,” Mel said and then drifted off into her own little world and never noticed when the Captain saluted her and walked out of the tent.
Alissa watched as Stacy Isbill walked out of the Generals tent. The newly promoted Captain of the Guard had an unreadable expression on her face. Stacy stopped and spoke with one of the guards at the tent before heading in the direction of the fire. Alissa was a little surprised when she realized that Stacy heading in her direction. But relaxed when the Captain turned to face the courier.
“The General has a reply for the Capital,” Stacy said holing out the satchel that the woman had brought with her that morning. “She would like it to go back as soon as possible.”
The courier nodded her head and finished off the coffee she had been drinking.
“I’ll leave right away,” lithe red haired woman said.
“Good we’ll be leaving in two hours ourselves,” Stacy said taking seat beside the other women in the group. “And to be honest I can’t wait to get moving again.”
The red haired woman smiled and stood up from the group.
“Thank you for allowing me to share a meal,” the courier picked up the satchel and her ruck sack, saluted the officers at the fire and took of in slow jog toward the Capital and the Queen.
“So we’re leaving to go back to Capital Hill,” Alissa asked watching the Captain.
“I don’t know Commander. I’m not sure what was in that message.”
Alissa leaned back and wondered what the General was up to now. No the General hadn’t told anyone what was in the message. But too many had heard the yelling. But it was through a tent and a little muffled. But Alissa didn’t think so. The General was about to do something real stupid. And she was going to take them all down with her.
Sydney hadn’t realized how much stuff she had stored at the small ranch until her and the girls had started loading it on the old buckboard.
She had some of the parts she needed to hopefully get another one of the wind turbines up and running. More solar collectors. Seeds for the garden and canned meat to help with their fresh. Powered milk which Sydney could live without but Lindsey used it for cooking. Sydney had also found trinkets to give to the girls. Three more compound bows and arrows, two new crossbows and the bolts for it. Ammo for two of the riffles and three of the shot guns they had. Not to mention an assortment of knives and blades. There were even clothes in a variety of sizes piled in.
“You know Sydney the only thing it looks that you may have forgotten is shampoo, bath soap, tooth paste, and tooth brushes. Oh and a few other femine hygiene products.”
Sydney rolled her eyes and let out a huge groan. “Great that was what I was supposed to be getting,” Sydney said as she threw the large blue tarp over the wagon bed. “Hand me the rope would you Paige?”
Paige threw the rope to Sydney and helped the older woman tie every thing down.
“So what are you planning on doing?” Isabella asked as Sydney cinched down the last rope.
“What I’m going to do is take Paige here back into town. I know a pharmacy that was left alone,” Sydney said turning to look at Isabella. “I need to pick up some medications too. You and the other two girls will wait here for us to return. We shouldn’t be gone for more than three hours.”
“And if you’re late?”
“If we haven’t gotten back by noon hitch the horse up like I showed you earlier. Head down I-35 till you get to the Purcell exit. Take it then go west. There will be marker cairns along the way. Just follow them.”
Isabella laid her hand on Sydney’s arm and looked deep in her eyes.
“You will come back and you will bring Paige with you,” Isabella said making it a wish and a prayer at the same time.
“I will do my best Sister,” Sydney said grabbing her pack and looking over to the older girl. “You ready Paige?”
Paige grabbed her small pack and followed the older woman toward the gate.
Sydney whistled and soon the two women were joined by Sydney’s dogs.
Isabella watched long after Sydney and Paige walked through the gate. She hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that something was wrong the moment that Sydney she was taking Paige into Norman to get the rest of the supplies.
Isabella jumped when the small hand took hold of hers.
“Sydney will bring Paige back to us,” Haylie said tugging on Isabella’s hand. “And while they are out there they will have a very boring adventure.”
Isabella squeezed Haylie’s hand, “Your right they will be so bored they hurry back to us.”
Sara stood and watched the gate just as long as Isabella had been. When Isabella noticed what the other girl was doing she squared her shoulders and decided that they would not be standing there and waiting when Sydney and Paige got back.
“Okay girls lets see what we can do about cleaning and organizing this place a little bit.”
Haylie took off running for the house as Isabella walked over to Sara.
“She will be back,” Isabella said not really sure what to say to the younger girl. “Paige would never do any thing to leave you.”
“Do you like her,” Sara asked.
“Of course I like Paige,” Isabella answered not sure why the young girl was asking.
“Not Paige, I mean Sydney,” Sara asked as she continued to stare toward the gate.
Isabella had started to tell Sara that she liked lots of people, but she knew that’s not what the young girl wanted to know.
“Yes I think I do like Sydney.”
“I like Paige,” Sara said finally turning to look at Isabella.
“I know dear,” Isabella said putting her arms around the young girl.
“Do you think she likes me?”
“Yes,” Isabella said hugging the girl tightly. “I think she likes you a lot.”
“Good,” Sara said and pulled away. “We should go see what Haylie’s gotten into.”
Isabella smiled and followed the young woman toward the main house.
The trek to the CVS wasn’t too bad, it was a four mile walk and Sydney spent the entire time berating herself. She couldn’t believe that she had forgotten part of what she had come into Oklahoma City for. And she had no one to blame but herself.
Sydney glanced over at the young woman that was keeping up with the quick pace that she had set. Leo and Callie where walking about five feet in front of them when Sydney saw the dogs stop and the hair on Callie’s spine stand straight up. Sydney reached out to the side and stopped Paige. Sydney shook her head when Paige started to speak to her.
Motioning for Paige to follow her lead Sydney slowly walked to the nearest parked car. Crouching down behind the rusty piece of metal Sydney whistled for the dogs. Leo headed toward the two women first. Sydney whistled for Callie one more time. She released the breath she had been holding as the larger dog turned and walked toward her and Paige.
Paige screamed as a dark shape leapt out from between two of the parked cars and rolled Callie across the blacktop.
Sydney released the crossbow at her waist and had it in her hand before Callie or the panther had finished their rolling. Taking aim Sydney let loose the bolt and was up from her crouch as soon as the bolt let loose. She registered that the bolt hit its mark as she reached the panther and swung the heavy sword that was now in her hand.
Paige grabbed Leo as Sydney ran toward Callie and the large cat. Holding tight to the little dog Paige reached Sydney just as the older woman ran her sword through the cat’s chest. Paige dropped down beside Callie and began to check the larger dog.
Callie was breathing heavy but didn’t appear to be any major injuries.
Sydney pulled her sword from the panther and looked over to see Paige was already assessing Callie.
“How is she?”
Paige stopped running her hands along Callie’s short coat to look at Sydney.
“Doesn’t look like any thing is broken or that she was scratched,” Paige said rubbing the head of the dog lying on the ground. “I think she just had the air knocked out of her.”
Sydney knelt down on the ground beside the heavily panting dog.
“So big girl you okay?” Sydney said as she ran her hands over Callie. “Next time you’ll listen to me when I call you back, no.”
Callie whimpered and pushed her nose into Sydney’s hand.
“Alright girl lets get up then,” Sydney said moving her hand to Callie’s collar and pulled the bigger dog up.
Callie stood up and continued to pant quickly. Sydney took her collar and walked her around slowly to she how she moved. After about ten minutes Callie’s breathing was doing better.
“I think we should move away from here now,” Sydney said as she pulled the crossbow bolt from the large cat.
Paige picked Leo up from the ground around her feet.
“I can carry Leo for a while till Callie gets to feeling better,” Paige said settling the small dog in the crook of her arm.
“Okay we’re only about six blocks from the pharmacy that I haven’t cleaned out yet,” Sydney said while cleaning her blade off and walking down the road.
Alissa hadn’t been surprised when the General had called them all together to tell them that they had been ordered to continue south along I-35 toward Norman and beyond.
Jennifer looked at her sister as the unit trudged along the desolate highway. She couldn’t believe that her sister hadn’t called the General on the very blatant lie. So they didn’t have proof as to what the courier had brought, but they had all heard the yelling that morning. And to top it off four members of the Generals personal guard were missing.
Alissa turned to look behind the units when she heard running along the asphalt. Her stomach clenched when she saw that it was only two members of the Generals missing body guards. Captain Isbill and a private that she didn’t know where still missing and had been since shortly after the courier had left. Alissa had a very bad feeling about that.
Stacy watched as the courier stopped to take a break. It had taken Stacy longer than she had thought to reach the courier and now that her target was in sight she wasn’t quite sure how she was going to accomplish it.
Putting the small binaclers back on her belt she pulled the bow up and took aim at the woman sitting unaware below her. Pulling back the draw Stacy sent a prayer to the Goddess that her aim was true.
The courier pitched forward as the shaft pushed through her chest. The woman was dead before she toppled to the ground.
Stacy put the bow back in the case that it had been carried in.
“I want you to take the rest of these shafts and dispose of them,” Stacy said as she latched the hard case. “We don’t want to be caught carry shafts marked with the colors of the Techno Geeks.”
The private took the five shafts being held out by the Captain and ran off towards a man hole.
Stacy took one final look at the woman that wouldn’t be going anywhere and then began the long journey back to the General and the rest of the unit. She never saw the shadow as it moved away from the building across from the dead Amazon.
There was fifteen minutes left before Isabella and the girls were to leave and head for Sydney’s ranch. And if she wasn’t checking the gate Sara was. Sighing Isabella went back to the task of hitching the two horses to the wagon. She had just finished buckling the last strap when Haylie jumped off the buckboard and began running for the gate.
Isabella looked up to see Sydney and Paige hurrying through the gate. Isabella threw the three packs lying on the ground on to the seat and started the horses toward the two returning women.
Reaching Sydney with the wagon Isabella halted the horses.
“Good,” Sydney said out of breath. “We spotted some Amazons on the way back. They didn’t see us but they are working in a search grid.”
Isabella froze as Sydney talked. The Amazons where searching, they were just searching. They weren’t looking for her or the girls. General Steiner wouldn’t be crazy enough to come looking for her.
“I’m sorry,” Isabella said letting the reins drop to the ground. “I didn’t think they would come looking for us. I didn’t think she would come looking for me.”
“What,” Sydney asked as she put the final bag in to the wagon then lifted Callie and Leo on to the seat along with Sara and Haylie. “Who?”
“General Steiner.”
“Why would Mel be looking for you?”
“I think…” Isabella began.
“No, we need to leave now then. You can explain to me once we get out of Norman and far away from Mel,” Sydney said taking the reins and pulling the horses along. “We’re going to have to take a slightly out of the way route. The wagon will make to much noise on the main roads.”
Isabella nodded and followed along behind Sydney.
Paige watched the two women and shook her head. She sped up a little so that she could walk beside the seat where Sara was sitting.
“So you going to tell me what took the two of you so long?” Sara asked barely raising her voice above the noise of the wagon. “The two of you almost missed us.”
Paige scanned the area around the wagon. Sydney had taken them off across the fields going in a generally southern direction. And the two women hadn’t said a word since they started moving.
“We ran into a big cat. Sydney said it was a panther,” Paige finally said. “It knocked Callie over and I thought it had killed her, just knocked the wind out though. So we were trying not to push Callie to hard. Then we saw the Amazons and had to make a detour.”
“A panther,” Sara said.
“Yeah,” looking up at the younger girl. “A black one from a zoo.”
“You were supposed to stay out of trouble.”
“I was trying,” Paige said as she shrugged her shoulders. “I made it back didn’t I?”
“You did.”
The two girls fell silent as the group moved south across the land.
Jennifer stared at the shadows along the building that she was checking with her partner. She could have sworn that they had been moving a moment ago. Getting the attention of her partner she indicated that she was going to move toward the building on the far side of the street.
Moving along the wall Jennifer checked every nook and cranny. She was about to call it when a shadow jumped out and knocked her to the ground. She rolled up from the ground and spun around to kick her attacker as the mystery woman made a swing at her again. Pulling the knife from her waist Jennifer made a slashing move at her attacker. The attacker jump back and Jennifer saw the glint of a knife as it came toward her. She turned to the side and grabbed the arm as it slid past her. Pulling her attacker toward her Jennifer pushed her blade into the side of the woman. The woman dropped her knife and slumped to the ground. Jennifer stepped back as she heard feet pounding toward her.
“Lt. are you alright,” asked Jennifer’s partner. “I couldn’t get a good shot from across the street.”
Jennifer finally looked at the woman lying on the ground with blood slowly pooling around. The would be attacker was dressed in rags and as Jennifer pulled her hood back she could see that the woman’s face was badly scared and pock marked. Jennifer jerked her hand back quickly.
“Shit Lt. its one of the crazies.”
“Yeah I think your right,” Jennifer said as she picked up a stick and continued to move the woman’s clothes around. “I wonder if she even knew how stupid it was to attack me.”
“I doubt it. These people are pretty out of it.”
“I guess your right,” Jennifer said. “We should be getting back.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Jennifer took one last look at the woman that had tried to attack her and followed after her patrol partner.
They had finished the first part of their grid search when the General had told them to abandon it. And that they would just head south of the city. Alissa had noted when Stacy had finally rejoined the small group. The General had walked away with the Captain and spoke with the woman for some time.
Alissa was sitting with most of her Unit eating lunch when the General walked over.
“I wanted to let you know that I had Captain Isbill pick four of her officers and send them back to Head Quarters,” Mel said trying to read the expression on Alissa face. “The courier that came this morning brought us a variety of orders. And we will need assistance if we are to carry them all out.”
“What exactly are our orders,” Alissa asked never looking up from her food.
“To search out the south end of the city and bring glory to the Nation.”
Alissa nodded her head once and bent back to her food. “And until more units arrive?”
“We will move south along I-35 until I think we have moved far enough.”
“Yes General,” was all that Alissa said as she waited for the rest of her unit to show up.
Mel moved away from Alissa and her Gold Unit. The arrogant little bitch was starting to get on Mel’s nerves and at this point that was not a good thing. Especially since Mel was certain that Isabella had met up with Sydney and was now on her way to the Dragon Clan. And that was not something that Mel was going to let happen. Sydney Drake was a disgrace and once she had gotten rid of the lucky bitch Mel’s life would get better, she was sure of it. But know Mel just wanted to get to Isabella before the woman made to Sydney’s home.
The shadows around the buildings shifted as the group of women made their way to the interstate. No one seemed to notice the shifting shapes. And the shapes kept pace with the Amazon’s.
Alissa looked around them as the moved down the roadway. Pulling aside one of her Lt.‘s
“I think we are being followed,” Alissa whispered to Tammy as they continued to march along. “Our shadows have been with us since we began moving after lunch.”
“I know,” Tammy said never once breaking her stride. “I don’t think any of the General’s people have picked up on it yet.”
“So everyone in the unit has marked the movement.”
“Yes. And Jennifer thinks it has something to do with the crazy she disposed of earlier today,” Tammy said as she continued to search her surroundings. “I think we should be ready. They seem to be working up to something.”
“I agree. They’ve kept with us too long not to be waiting on something.”
Sydney had been surprised to see the two Amazons on the way back to join Isabella and the two other girls. She had only wanted to hurry because she didn’t want a lecture about how good life was in the compounds. That and she knew that Mel was still pissed at her. The old woman could hold a grudge. Then getting back to Isabella and having the nun tell her that the soldiers might be looking for her had pissed Sydney off and it had hurt.
Sydney had started liking the nun and now she was helping the woman to run from Mel. And she had told her that there had been nothing with the General. And if it was Mel she seemed to think that there had been something. Shit the Bright Lady didn’t make any thing easier.
Isabella couldn’t take the silent treatment from Sydney any longer, so she sped up to walk beside the brooding woman.
“I’m sorry,” Isabella said walking along side of Sydney. “I really didn’t think that General Steiner would go to all this trouble for me.”
“So where you sleeping with her?”
Isabella looked sharply at Sydney who still refused to look at the Latino woman. And the hurt in Sydney’s voice made Isabella’s stomach clench.
“No I never did,” Isabella said. “I am a nun. I still believe. And my vows are important to me.”
“Then why?”
“I really don’t know. I had meals with the General. I only thought that I was keeping the girls safe and the Amazons out of our life.”
“It had to be more than that.”
“Why? Because I am a woman and she has power.”
“No. I don’t know,” Sydney said as they moved along.
“I promised the General nothing. And she still assumed.”
Sydney opened her mouth to say something when she noticed that they had reached another fence. Dropping the reins she motioned for Paige to follow and the two of them began cutting the fence to allow the wagon to pass through. They had been moving for some hours now and Sydney knew that soon they would have to find some where to camp for the night. Going cross country was going to take at least a day longer. But Sydney had been thinking that tomorrow they could head toward the interstate and make up a little time.
“She really did think she was keeping us safe,” Paige said as she held the barb wire for Sydney to cut. “She never…”
“I know,” Sydney said as the wire cutters snapped the line in Paige’s hands. “I’ll apologize when I’m not so upset.”
“Why are you upset?”
“That I don’t know,” Sydney said as she placed the cutters on the next wire. “Lets just get somewhere safe tonight.”
Paige bent back to her task and left the older woman alone.
When the attack came it was swift and the Generals personal guards were caught unawares. Gold Unit was ready though. And as fast as the attack came it was over. Three more members of the Generals guard were dead, but six of their attackers lay strewn across the roadway. Not one member of the Gold Unit had a scratch.
Alissa walked amongst her people and made sure that no one was trying to play the hero and not report an injury. The crazies weren’t very clean and a cut could be come a death sentence if it wasn’t dealt with immediately.
Alissa spotted Stacy helping one of her junior officers that had sustained a cut across the thigh. Walking over Alissa watched as Stacy deftly stitched up the young woman.
“Remind me to let you stitch me up if I ever get cut,” Alissa said as the other woman finished with what she was doing in.
“If that is a pick up line Commander I would have to give you points for originality,” Stacy said as she put her supplies back in the small bag.
“I’ll have to remember to use it in the future,” Alissa said. “I’m sorry about your officers.”
“It is all part of why we are here.”
Alissa reached forward and helped Stacy get the younger woman to her feet.
“I don’t think this is the last we will see of the people from Norman,” Alissa stated as the other officer hobbled off.
“I thought all the reports we had said that most of the people that survived here were dead or had moved else where.”
“Seems the reports were wrong and Norman has a bigger population than we had originally thought.”
Both women started to walk back toward the rest of the soldiers.
“So what do we suggest to the General,” Stacy asked never looking at Alissa.
“I’ll suggest we find a place to hold until the reinforcements that the General sent for arrive. Then we can make an effort to set up a presence in Norman,” Alissa said as the reached the rest of the women.
“Good luck Commander,” Stacy said as she walked over to the rest of her squad.
Alissa noted the General’s stance and squared her shoulders for the fight that was sure to come.
General Steiner just couldn’t believe the run of bad luck that she was having. First the nun, then Sydney, followed by the Queen taking an interest in the Gryphon Brigade. And now the crazies of Norman had attacked them and for what. Who knew the women were crazy, diseased and barbaric. And as Mel watched Alissa head toward her she knew what the young woman was going to say. And she could almost agree. But no one made a fool out of Mel and got away with it. And Isabella would soon figure that out.
Sydney had been heading them back toward the main interstate for the last hour or so. And she had noticed that the horses were starting to drag. They weren’t used to pulling the wagon across uneven terrain for such an extended time. And Sydney could see that Paige and Isabella were both starting to lag further and further behind. Seeing a small grove of trees Sydney turned the horses and headed them for the only semi-shelter around.
Isabella sighed when she realized that Sydney was heading them for a small group of trees. She hoped this meant that Sydney was going to stop the small group for the night.
Paige caught up with the wagon about ten minutes after Sydney stopped it at the trees. She had done her best for the last hour to keep even with the wagon, but in the end had ended up being about ten minutes behind them. Paige was caught off guard when she walked up to the small group and Sara jumped in her arms.
“You should have asked to ride in the wagon when you got tired,” Sara said hugging the older girl. “I kept loosing sight of you.”
“I never lost sight of the wagon,” Paige said hugging the younger girl back and then finding it hard to let her go. “And the walking is good for me.”
“Not if you can’t walk tomorrow.”
“I’ll be okay,” Paige said then on impulse kissed the top of Sara’s head.
Sara blushed but did not pull away from Paige. “We’ll see tomorrow when you can’t walk in the morning.”
Paige smiled and let the younger girl go.
“Okay.”
Isabella watched the exchange between the two girls and wondered how much longer it would be before they acknowledge their new relationship with each other.
“So Haylie you want to help me unhitch the horses,” Sydney asked breaking Isabella’s thoughts. “Then we can get the tents set up.”
“We have tents,” Haylie asked as she jumped down from the wagon with Leo in her arms. Callie had jumped down as soon as the wagon had stopped moving.
“Yeah kid they’re small but they’ll keep us dry,” Sydney said grabbing a buckle and letting it loose.
“How small?” Haylie asked.
“Well one of them the three of you girls will be able to sleep in. The other one Isabella and I can share,” Sydney said sneaking a peek at Isabella.
Isabella almost choked on the water she had been taking a drink of.
“Cool,” Haylie said tugging on a strap. “Kinda not fair though.”
“Why’s that,” Sydney said moving over to help the girl.
“Paige snores and Sara likes to hog all the covers,” Haylie replied with a straight face.
“Hey shrimp I don’t snore,” Paige said coming around the back of the wagon.
“Well you do a little,” Sara said smiling at Paige.
“Wha…”
“See I told ya so,” Haylie grunted out as she finally got the other strap loose.
“Whatever,” Paige said jumping up on the wagon. “So where did you stow the tents.”
“Under the seat,” Sydney replied as she pulled the harnesses from the horses. “There should be a couple of tarps too.”
“Got um,” Paige called out. “Any thing else we need while I’m up here?”
“I think there is a small camp stove just behind the seat.”
“Okay. Could you take the tents Sara?”
Sara walked over to Paige and took the tent bags. She moved away from the wagons with the dogs following her.
Isabella went to the back over the wagon and dropped the gate. She pulled out the box of food that they had loaded last that morning. Paige was jumping down from the wagon when Isabella walked by.
“So you think we’ve lost the Amazon’s?” Paige asked.
“I don’t know Paige,” Isabella answered the girl. “I hope so.”
“You know that we know that you and the General weren’t a thing right?”
“I know Paige,” Isabella said as she put the box of food down.
“And for what its worth I think you did the right thing,” said Paige as she set the stove down and opened it up. “I mean I was thinking of joining the Amazons just because there was nothing else. But there is something else.”
“There is always something else,” Isabella replied. “Nothing says we have to choose something against our beliefs.”
“Do you still believe Sister?”
“I don’t know,” Isabella answered as Sydney and Haylie joined them in the small clearing.
“The horses are all set for the night,” Haylie said plopping down on the ground next to Isabella. “So what’s for dinner?”
“It’s a surprise,” Isabella said.
“Great more mystery meat,” Haylie said pouting.
“I don’t remember putting mystery meat in the box,” Sydney said looking over at Isabella. “Come on you two help me with the tents while Isabella and Sara work their magic.”
Sydney grabbed both of the tents and moved off a little ways to set them up. Paige and Haylie got up and followed.
Isabella watched as the dark haired woman worked with the two girls.
Pilar was in her private rooms when she heard her outer door open. Walking into the sitting area she smiled when she saw Sherri.
“So have we heard back from General Steiner yet?”
“No, but I expect something by tomorrow,” Sherri said removing her dress jacket. “The courier should have reached them this morning. And knowing Mel she would have sent back some scathing comment on how we are stifling the Nation.”
“True,” Pilar said walking toward Sherri. “But right now that’s enough work talk.”
Sherri held her arms out for the smaller woman to step inside.
“As the Queen wishes,” Sherri said as she pulled Pilar into a deep kiss.
Mel watched as Alissa set the guard for the night. They had been attacked twice more. And Mel was not in a good mood. They had lost the day to these crazy fucks. They thankfully hadn’t lost any one else, but it had been like having gnats buzz around your head, annoying.
And to top it off Alissa had this I told you so attitude going on. Which is why Mel could see why her daughter liked Alissa so much. They were alike. No respect for their superiors.
Moving around the camp Mel noticed that Captain Isbill had made sure that at least one member of her squad had been placed with one of the Gold’s. Mel made a note to herself to see that Captain Isbill was rewarded fro her fore thought when this little excursion was over.
Isabella went to the tent long before Sydney had finished what appeared to be her nightly ritual. Laying in the dark she couldn’t get her mind to settle. She was a little startled when Sydney finally came to the tent.
Sydney could see that Isabella was still awake. She had been thinking all day, and the only conclusion she had came to was that Isabella hadn’t lied to her. Left some things out but not lied.
Pulling her shoes off before crawling under the sleeping bag Sydney turned to Isabella, “I know it’s not your fault about Mel. She’s always been a crazy bitch.”
“I didn’t lie to you.”
“I know. I just get moody that’s all,” Sydney said as she lay back against the small pillow. “Why do you think my sister sends me out on these little trips?”
Isabella moved closer to Sydney. Sydney moved her arm and pulled the smaller woman into her side.
“I …” Isabella started to say.
“It’s alright Isabella,” Sydney said kissing the top of the nuns head. “Every thing will be okay.”
“But the General?”
“She’ll have to turn back soon; the Amazons have no say so outside of Oklahoma City. The Freeholds are just that free.”
Isabella threw her arm around Sydney and snuggled in closer. This felt good.
“Sydney I want to believe you. But the General was never an easy person to read.”
“She has to follow orders. Pilar won’t let her run loose. She will pull her in soon if not already.”
“I hope so.”
“We need to sleep. I would like to make up a little time tomorrow,” Sydney said trying not to think about the fact that she was holding Isabella in her arms.
Isabella leaned up a little and kissed Sydney lightly on the side of the mouth. “Thank you,” she whispered as she settled into Sydney’s arms.
Oh Bright Lady give me strength Sydney prayed as she tried to fall asleep.
So I've rambled enough. Tomorrow is shaping up to be a real winner of a day. So glad its Friday though.
For anyone actually reading this below you can find Chapter Three of my NaNo story "Through the Flames".
Lori
Title: Through the Flames
Pairing: Original Story
Rating: R, for same sex pairings, violence, and death.
Author: Lori Dragus
A/N: This is the first draft of my 2008 NaNo story. This is pretty much how the story went into the word count machine. I have made some spelling and grammar corrections. All mistakes belong to me. Some of the continuity is off in the story. I am trying to correct as I go.
A/N2: At the moment this story is being beta'd by three different people, and I hope to have their feedback sometime next month when I start on the second draft of this story.
Summary: It's been four years since the plague killed off every living male human and ninety two percent of the female population. In the midwest state of Oklahoma two different groups are trying to survive. The Amazons, who have taken over Oklahoma City and restored some semblance of civilization and the Freeholders that live in small family units outside of the large city. These two worlds are about to collide.
Chapter Three
General Steiner was furious. The morning had found a courier waiting for them when they all woke. The courier was now having breakfast with the Gold Unit while the General was yelling at her camp aides about the report that had been sent to the capital and the communiqué that had been sent to the General.
Alissa could guess what the General had been told. Leave the nun alone and to not enter into the Freeholders Territory. Alissa tried her best to hide the smirk that wanted to grace her face. It would not do for the Commander of the Gold Unit to be seen laughing at the General.
Jennifer walked over and sat down next to her sister, and offered a brief smile to the courier that was part of their little group at the moment.
“So Commander how long before the General has us pack up and head back,” Jennifer said as she took a bite of her oatmeal. “She can’t rant all day can she?”
Alissa looked at her younger sister and shrugged.
“I’m sure the General will let us know soon enough.”
Jennifer took another bite of her meal and like the others tried to ignore the yelling coming from the large tent.
“Everyone out,” Mel screamed as she finally ran out of things to call her personal staff. The ten women in the tent began to file out the door. “Except you Lt. Isbill.”
Lt. Stacy Isbill halted at the tent flap and let the women file past her. By default she was the new Captain of the Guard but the General had made a point of calling her Lt. all morning as if to emphasize her displeasure with Stacy. As the last woman left Stacy straightened out her 5’5’’ frame and thanked the goddess that she had pulled her hair back in a tight braid that morning. Turning from the flap she strode back to the General.
Mel raked her eyes over her new Captain of the Guard. The woman before her looked impressive in her field uniform of navy BDU’s. And Mel was sure the woman would look even better in her dress uniform. Mel finally looked at the woman’s face and noticed that the Captain was looking at a spot just over the Generals shoulder. That made the General laugh.
“So Lt. do you like your new duties?”
Lt. Isbill brought her eyes to rest on the General.
“Yes ma’am,” Stacy said wondering what she was going to be asked to do.
“Do you wish to keep your current job?” Mel asked turning to the small table set up in the room.
“Yes ma’am.”
“Good Lt. I have a job for you to do,” Mel said as she poured juice into a tall glass. “I want you to give this satchel back to the courier that came this morning. Let her know that it contains my reply to the Capital. Let her know that we will be leaving in a few hours. After she leaves I want you to follow her and see that she doesn’t make it back to the Capital. I don’t care who you make it look like did it, just see that she doesn’t get back.”
“And afterwards,” Stacy asked as stared straight ahead.
“Catch up with us. I plan to over take the nun today,” Mel said as she finished off half the glass in one gulp. “Don’t disappoint me Captain.”
Stacy stood in the middle of the tent as she ran through her mind how she would accomplish her mission.
“You may go Captain,” Mel said and then drifted off into her own little world and never noticed when the Captain saluted her and walked out of the tent.
Alissa watched as Stacy Isbill walked out of the Generals tent. The newly promoted Captain of the Guard had an unreadable expression on her face. Stacy stopped and spoke with one of the guards at the tent before heading in the direction of the fire. Alissa was a little surprised when she realized that Stacy heading in her direction. But relaxed when the Captain turned to face the courier.
“The General has a reply for the Capital,” Stacy said holing out the satchel that the woman had brought with her that morning. “She would like it to go back as soon as possible.”
The courier nodded her head and finished off the coffee she had been drinking.
“I’ll leave right away,” lithe red haired woman said.
“Good we’ll be leaving in two hours ourselves,” Stacy said taking seat beside the other women in the group. “And to be honest I can’t wait to get moving again.”
The red haired woman smiled and stood up from the group.
“Thank you for allowing me to share a meal,” the courier picked up the satchel and her ruck sack, saluted the officers at the fire and took of in slow jog toward the Capital and the Queen.
“So we’re leaving to go back to Capital Hill,” Alissa asked watching the Captain.
“I don’t know Commander. I’m not sure what was in that message.”
Alissa leaned back and wondered what the General was up to now. No the General hadn’t told anyone what was in the message. But too many had heard the yelling. But it was through a tent and a little muffled. But Alissa didn’t think so. The General was about to do something real stupid. And she was going to take them all down with her.
Sydney hadn’t realized how much stuff she had stored at the small ranch until her and the girls had started loading it on the old buckboard.
She had some of the parts she needed to hopefully get another one of the wind turbines up and running. More solar collectors. Seeds for the garden and canned meat to help with their fresh. Powered milk which Sydney could live without but Lindsey used it for cooking. Sydney had also found trinkets to give to the girls. Three more compound bows and arrows, two new crossbows and the bolts for it. Ammo for two of the riffles and three of the shot guns they had. Not to mention an assortment of knives and blades. There were even clothes in a variety of sizes piled in.
“You know Sydney the only thing it looks that you may have forgotten is shampoo, bath soap, tooth paste, and tooth brushes. Oh and a few other femine hygiene products.”
Sydney rolled her eyes and let out a huge groan. “Great that was what I was supposed to be getting,” Sydney said as she threw the large blue tarp over the wagon bed. “Hand me the rope would you Paige?”
Paige threw the rope to Sydney and helped the older woman tie every thing down.
“So what are you planning on doing?” Isabella asked as Sydney cinched down the last rope.
“What I’m going to do is take Paige here back into town. I know a pharmacy that was left alone,” Sydney said turning to look at Isabella. “I need to pick up some medications too. You and the other two girls will wait here for us to return. We shouldn’t be gone for more than three hours.”
“And if you’re late?”
“If we haven’t gotten back by noon hitch the horse up like I showed you earlier. Head down I-35 till you get to the Purcell exit. Take it then go west. There will be marker cairns along the way. Just follow them.”
Isabella laid her hand on Sydney’s arm and looked deep in her eyes.
“You will come back and you will bring Paige with you,” Isabella said making it a wish and a prayer at the same time.
“I will do my best Sister,” Sydney said grabbing her pack and looking over to the older girl. “You ready Paige?”
Paige grabbed her small pack and followed the older woman toward the gate.
Sydney whistled and soon the two women were joined by Sydney’s dogs.
Isabella watched long after Sydney and Paige walked through the gate. She hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that something was wrong the moment that Sydney she was taking Paige into Norman to get the rest of the supplies.
Isabella jumped when the small hand took hold of hers.
“Sydney will bring Paige back to us,” Haylie said tugging on Isabella’s hand. “And while they are out there they will have a very boring adventure.”
Isabella squeezed Haylie’s hand, “Your right they will be so bored they hurry back to us.”
Sara stood and watched the gate just as long as Isabella had been. When Isabella noticed what the other girl was doing she squared her shoulders and decided that they would not be standing there and waiting when Sydney and Paige got back.
“Okay girls lets see what we can do about cleaning and organizing this place a little bit.”
Haylie took off running for the house as Isabella walked over to Sara.
“She will be back,” Isabella said not really sure what to say to the younger girl. “Paige would never do any thing to leave you.”
“Do you like her,” Sara asked.
“Of course I like Paige,” Isabella answered not sure why the young girl was asking.
“Not Paige, I mean Sydney,” Sara asked as she continued to stare toward the gate.
Isabella had started to tell Sara that she liked lots of people, but she knew that’s not what the young girl wanted to know.
“Yes I think I do like Sydney.”
“I like Paige,” Sara said finally turning to look at Isabella.
“I know dear,” Isabella said putting her arms around the young girl.
“Do you think she likes me?”
“Yes,” Isabella said hugging the girl tightly. “I think she likes you a lot.”
“Good,” Sara said and pulled away. “We should go see what Haylie’s gotten into.”
Isabella smiled and followed the young woman toward the main house.
The trek to the CVS wasn’t too bad, it was a four mile walk and Sydney spent the entire time berating herself. She couldn’t believe that she had forgotten part of what she had come into Oklahoma City for. And she had no one to blame but herself.
Sydney glanced over at the young woman that was keeping up with the quick pace that she had set. Leo and Callie where walking about five feet in front of them when Sydney saw the dogs stop and the hair on Callie’s spine stand straight up. Sydney reached out to the side and stopped Paige. Sydney shook her head when Paige started to speak to her.
Motioning for Paige to follow her lead Sydney slowly walked to the nearest parked car. Crouching down behind the rusty piece of metal Sydney whistled for the dogs. Leo headed toward the two women first. Sydney whistled for Callie one more time. She released the breath she had been holding as the larger dog turned and walked toward her and Paige.
Paige screamed as a dark shape leapt out from between two of the parked cars and rolled Callie across the blacktop.
Sydney released the crossbow at her waist and had it in her hand before Callie or the panther had finished their rolling. Taking aim Sydney let loose the bolt and was up from her crouch as soon as the bolt let loose. She registered that the bolt hit its mark as she reached the panther and swung the heavy sword that was now in her hand.
Paige grabbed Leo as Sydney ran toward Callie and the large cat. Holding tight to the little dog Paige reached Sydney just as the older woman ran her sword through the cat’s chest. Paige dropped down beside Callie and began to check the larger dog.
Callie was breathing heavy but didn’t appear to be any major injuries.
Sydney pulled her sword from the panther and looked over to see Paige was already assessing Callie.
“How is she?”
Paige stopped running her hands along Callie’s short coat to look at Sydney.
“Doesn’t look like any thing is broken or that she was scratched,” Paige said rubbing the head of the dog lying on the ground. “I think she just had the air knocked out of her.”
Sydney knelt down on the ground beside the heavily panting dog.
“So big girl you okay?” Sydney said as she ran her hands over Callie. “Next time you’ll listen to me when I call you back, no.”
Callie whimpered and pushed her nose into Sydney’s hand.
“Alright girl lets get up then,” Sydney said moving her hand to Callie’s collar and pulled the bigger dog up.
Callie stood up and continued to pant quickly. Sydney took her collar and walked her around slowly to she how she moved. After about ten minutes Callie’s breathing was doing better.
“I think we should move away from here now,” Sydney said as she pulled the crossbow bolt from the large cat.
Paige picked Leo up from the ground around her feet.
“I can carry Leo for a while till Callie gets to feeling better,” Paige said settling the small dog in the crook of her arm.
“Okay we’re only about six blocks from the pharmacy that I haven’t cleaned out yet,” Sydney said while cleaning her blade off and walking down the road.
Alissa hadn’t been surprised when the General had called them all together to tell them that they had been ordered to continue south along I-35 toward Norman and beyond.
Jennifer looked at her sister as the unit trudged along the desolate highway. She couldn’t believe that her sister hadn’t called the General on the very blatant lie. So they didn’t have proof as to what the courier had brought, but they had all heard the yelling that morning. And to top it off four members of the Generals personal guard were missing.
Alissa turned to look behind the units when she heard running along the asphalt. Her stomach clenched when she saw that it was only two members of the Generals missing body guards. Captain Isbill and a private that she didn’t know where still missing and had been since shortly after the courier had left. Alissa had a very bad feeling about that.
Stacy watched as the courier stopped to take a break. It had taken Stacy longer than she had thought to reach the courier and now that her target was in sight she wasn’t quite sure how she was going to accomplish it.
Putting the small binaclers back on her belt she pulled the bow up and took aim at the woman sitting unaware below her. Pulling back the draw Stacy sent a prayer to the Goddess that her aim was true.
The courier pitched forward as the shaft pushed through her chest. The woman was dead before she toppled to the ground.
Stacy put the bow back in the case that it had been carried in.
“I want you to take the rest of these shafts and dispose of them,” Stacy said as she latched the hard case. “We don’t want to be caught carry shafts marked with the colors of the Techno Geeks.”
The private took the five shafts being held out by the Captain and ran off towards a man hole.
Stacy took one final look at the woman that wouldn’t be going anywhere and then began the long journey back to the General and the rest of the unit. She never saw the shadow as it moved away from the building across from the dead Amazon.
There was fifteen minutes left before Isabella and the girls were to leave and head for Sydney’s ranch. And if she wasn’t checking the gate Sara was. Sighing Isabella went back to the task of hitching the two horses to the wagon. She had just finished buckling the last strap when Haylie jumped off the buckboard and began running for the gate.
Isabella looked up to see Sydney and Paige hurrying through the gate. Isabella threw the three packs lying on the ground on to the seat and started the horses toward the two returning women.
Reaching Sydney with the wagon Isabella halted the horses.
“Good,” Sydney said out of breath. “We spotted some Amazons on the way back. They didn’t see us but they are working in a search grid.”
Isabella froze as Sydney talked. The Amazons where searching, they were just searching. They weren’t looking for her or the girls. General Steiner wouldn’t be crazy enough to come looking for her.
“I’m sorry,” Isabella said letting the reins drop to the ground. “I didn’t think they would come looking for us. I didn’t think she would come looking for me.”
“What,” Sydney asked as she put the final bag in to the wagon then lifted Callie and Leo on to the seat along with Sara and Haylie. “Who?”
“General Steiner.”
“Why would Mel be looking for you?”
“I think…” Isabella began.
“No, we need to leave now then. You can explain to me once we get out of Norman and far away from Mel,” Sydney said taking the reins and pulling the horses along. “We’re going to have to take a slightly out of the way route. The wagon will make to much noise on the main roads.”
Isabella nodded and followed along behind Sydney.
Paige watched the two women and shook her head. She sped up a little so that she could walk beside the seat where Sara was sitting.
“So you going to tell me what took the two of you so long?” Sara asked barely raising her voice above the noise of the wagon. “The two of you almost missed us.”
Paige scanned the area around the wagon. Sydney had taken them off across the fields going in a generally southern direction. And the two women hadn’t said a word since they started moving.
“We ran into a big cat. Sydney said it was a panther,” Paige finally said. “It knocked Callie over and I thought it had killed her, just knocked the wind out though. So we were trying not to push Callie to hard. Then we saw the Amazons and had to make a detour.”
“A panther,” Sara said.
“Yeah,” looking up at the younger girl. “A black one from a zoo.”
“You were supposed to stay out of trouble.”
“I was trying,” Paige said as she shrugged her shoulders. “I made it back didn’t I?”
“You did.”
The two girls fell silent as the group moved south across the land.
Jennifer stared at the shadows along the building that she was checking with her partner. She could have sworn that they had been moving a moment ago. Getting the attention of her partner she indicated that she was going to move toward the building on the far side of the street.
Moving along the wall Jennifer checked every nook and cranny. She was about to call it when a shadow jumped out and knocked her to the ground. She rolled up from the ground and spun around to kick her attacker as the mystery woman made a swing at her again. Pulling the knife from her waist Jennifer made a slashing move at her attacker. The attacker jump back and Jennifer saw the glint of a knife as it came toward her. She turned to the side and grabbed the arm as it slid past her. Pulling her attacker toward her Jennifer pushed her blade into the side of the woman. The woman dropped her knife and slumped to the ground. Jennifer stepped back as she heard feet pounding toward her.
“Lt. are you alright,” asked Jennifer’s partner. “I couldn’t get a good shot from across the street.”
Jennifer finally looked at the woman lying on the ground with blood slowly pooling around. The would be attacker was dressed in rags and as Jennifer pulled her hood back she could see that the woman’s face was badly scared and pock marked. Jennifer jerked her hand back quickly.
“Shit Lt. its one of the crazies.”
“Yeah I think your right,” Jennifer said as she picked up a stick and continued to move the woman’s clothes around. “I wonder if she even knew how stupid it was to attack me.”
“I doubt it. These people are pretty out of it.”
“I guess your right,” Jennifer said. “We should be getting back.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Jennifer took one last look at the woman that had tried to attack her and followed after her patrol partner.
They had finished the first part of their grid search when the General had told them to abandon it. And that they would just head south of the city. Alissa had noted when Stacy had finally rejoined the small group. The General had walked away with the Captain and spoke with the woman for some time.
Alissa was sitting with most of her Unit eating lunch when the General walked over.
“I wanted to let you know that I had Captain Isbill pick four of her officers and send them back to Head Quarters,” Mel said trying to read the expression on Alissa face. “The courier that came this morning brought us a variety of orders. And we will need assistance if we are to carry them all out.”
“What exactly are our orders,” Alissa asked never looking up from her food.
“To search out the south end of the city and bring glory to the Nation.”
Alissa nodded her head once and bent back to her food. “And until more units arrive?”
“We will move south along I-35 until I think we have moved far enough.”
“Yes General,” was all that Alissa said as she waited for the rest of her unit to show up.
Mel moved away from Alissa and her Gold Unit. The arrogant little bitch was starting to get on Mel’s nerves and at this point that was not a good thing. Especially since Mel was certain that Isabella had met up with Sydney and was now on her way to the Dragon Clan. And that was not something that Mel was going to let happen. Sydney Drake was a disgrace and once she had gotten rid of the lucky bitch Mel’s life would get better, she was sure of it. But know Mel just wanted to get to Isabella before the woman made to Sydney’s home.
The shadows around the buildings shifted as the group of women made their way to the interstate. No one seemed to notice the shifting shapes. And the shapes kept pace with the Amazon’s.
Alissa looked around them as the moved down the roadway. Pulling aside one of her Lt.‘s
“I think we are being followed,” Alissa whispered to Tammy as they continued to march along. “Our shadows have been with us since we began moving after lunch.”
“I know,” Tammy said never once breaking her stride. “I don’t think any of the General’s people have picked up on it yet.”
“So everyone in the unit has marked the movement.”
“Yes. And Jennifer thinks it has something to do with the crazy she disposed of earlier today,” Tammy said as she continued to search her surroundings. “I think we should be ready. They seem to be working up to something.”
“I agree. They’ve kept with us too long not to be waiting on something.”
Sydney had been surprised to see the two Amazons on the way back to join Isabella and the two other girls. She had only wanted to hurry because she didn’t want a lecture about how good life was in the compounds. That and she knew that Mel was still pissed at her. The old woman could hold a grudge. Then getting back to Isabella and having the nun tell her that the soldiers might be looking for her had pissed Sydney off and it had hurt.
Sydney had started liking the nun and now she was helping the woman to run from Mel. And she had told her that there had been nothing with the General. And if it was Mel she seemed to think that there had been something. Shit the Bright Lady didn’t make any thing easier.
Isabella couldn’t take the silent treatment from Sydney any longer, so she sped up to walk beside the brooding woman.
“I’m sorry,” Isabella said walking along side of Sydney. “I really didn’t think that General Steiner would go to all this trouble for me.”
“So where you sleeping with her?”
Isabella looked sharply at Sydney who still refused to look at the Latino woman. And the hurt in Sydney’s voice made Isabella’s stomach clench.
“No I never did,” Isabella said. “I am a nun. I still believe. And my vows are important to me.”
“Then why?”
“I really don’t know. I had meals with the General. I only thought that I was keeping the girls safe and the Amazons out of our life.”
“It had to be more than that.”
“Why? Because I am a woman and she has power.”
“No. I don’t know,” Sydney said as they moved along.
“I promised the General nothing. And she still assumed.”
Sydney opened her mouth to say something when she noticed that they had reached another fence. Dropping the reins she motioned for Paige to follow and the two of them began cutting the fence to allow the wagon to pass through. They had been moving for some hours now and Sydney knew that soon they would have to find some where to camp for the night. Going cross country was going to take at least a day longer. But Sydney had been thinking that tomorrow they could head toward the interstate and make up a little time.
“She really did think she was keeping us safe,” Paige said as she held the barb wire for Sydney to cut. “She never…”
“I know,” Sydney said as the wire cutters snapped the line in Paige’s hands. “I’ll apologize when I’m not so upset.”
“Why are you upset?”
“That I don’t know,” Sydney said as she placed the cutters on the next wire. “Lets just get somewhere safe tonight.”
Paige bent back to her task and left the older woman alone.
When the attack came it was swift and the Generals personal guards were caught unawares. Gold Unit was ready though. And as fast as the attack came it was over. Three more members of the Generals guard were dead, but six of their attackers lay strewn across the roadway. Not one member of the Gold Unit had a scratch.
Alissa walked amongst her people and made sure that no one was trying to play the hero and not report an injury. The crazies weren’t very clean and a cut could be come a death sentence if it wasn’t dealt with immediately.
Alissa spotted Stacy helping one of her junior officers that had sustained a cut across the thigh. Walking over Alissa watched as Stacy deftly stitched up the young woman.
“Remind me to let you stitch me up if I ever get cut,” Alissa said as the other woman finished with what she was doing in.
“If that is a pick up line Commander I would have to give you points for originality,” Stacy said as she put her supplies back in the small bag.
“I’ll have to remember to use it in the future,” Alissa said. “I’m sorry about your officers.”
“It is all part of why we are here.”
Alissa reached forward and helped Stacy get the younger woman to her feet.
“I don’t think this is the last we will see of the people from Norman,” Alissa stated as the other officer hobbled off.
“I thought all the reports we had said that most of the people that survived here were dead or had moved else where.”
“Seems the reports were wrong and Norman has a bigger population than we had originally thought.”
Both women started to walk back toward the rest of the soldiers.
“So what do we suggest to the General,” Stacy asked never looking at Alissa.
“I’ll suggest we find a place to hold until the reinforcements that the General sent for arrive. Then we can make an effort to set up a presence in Norman,” Alissa said as the reached the rest of the women.
“Good luck Commander,” Stacy said as she walked over to the rest of her squad.
Alissa noted the General’s stance and squared her shoulders for the fight that was sure to come.
General Steiner just couldn’t believe the run of bad luck that she was having. First the nun, then Sydney, followed by the Queen taking an interest in the Gryphon Brigade. And now the crazies of Norman had attacked them and for what. Who knew the women were crazy, diseased and barbaric. And as Mel watched Alissa head toward her she knew what the young woman was going to say. And she could almost agree. But no one made a fool out of Mel and got away with it. And Isabella would soon figure that out.
Sydney had been heading them back toward the main interstate for the last hour or so. And she had noticed that the horses were starting to drag. They weren’t used to pulling the wagon across uneven terrain for such an extended time. And Sydney could see that Paige and Isabella were both starting to lag further and further behind. Seeing a small grove of trees Sydney turned the horses and headed them for the only semi-shelter around.
Isabella sighed when she realized that Sydney was heading them for a small group of trees. She hoped this meant that Sydney was going to stop the small group for the night.
Paige caught up with the wagon about ten minutes after Sydney stopped it at the trees. She had done her best for the last hour to keep even with the wagon, but in the end had ended up being about ten minutes behind them. Paige was caught off guard when she walked up to the small group and Sara jumped in her arms.
“You should have asked to ride in the wagon when you got tired,” Sara said hugging the older girl. “I kept loosing sight of you.”
“I never lost sight of the wagon,” Paige said hugging the younger girl back and then finding it hard to let her go. “And the walking is good for me.”
“Not if you can’t walk tomorrow.”
“I’ll be okay,” Paige said then on impulse kissed the top of Sara’s head.
Sara blushed but did not pull away from Paige. “We’ll see tomorrow when you can’t walk in the morning.”
Paige smiled and let the younger girl go.
“Okay.”
Isabella watched the exchange between the two girls and wondered how much longer it would be before they acknowledge their new relationship with each other.
“So Haylie you want to help me unhitch the horses,” Sydney asked breaking Isabella’s thoughts. “Then we can get the tents set up.”
“We have tents,” Haylie asked as she jumped down from the wagon with Leo in her arms. Callie had jumped down as soon as the wagon had stopped moving.
“Yeah kid they’re small but they’ll keep us dry,” Sydney said grabbing a buckle and letting it loose.
“How small?” Haylie asked.
“Well one of them the three of you girls will be able to sleep in. The other one Isabella and I can share,” Sydney said sneaking a peek at Isabella.
Isabella almost choked on the water she had been taking a drink of.
“Cool,” Haylie said tugging on a strap. “Kinda not fair though.”
“Why’s that,” Sydney said moving over to help the girl.
“Paige snores and Sara likes to hog all the covers,” Haylie replied with a straight face.
“Hey shrimp I don’t snore,” Paige said coming around the back of the wagon.
“Well you do a little,” Sara said smiling at Paige.
“Wha…”
“See I told ya so,” Haylie grunted out as she finally got the other strap loose.
“Whatever,” Paige said jumping up on the wagon. “So where did you stow the tents.”
“Under the seat,” Sydney replied as she pulled the harnesses from the horses. “There should be a couple of tarps too.”
“Got um,” Paige called out. “Any thing else we need while I’m up here?”
“I think there is a small camp stove just behind the seat.”
“Okay. Could you take the tents Sara?”
Sara walked over to Paige and took the tent bags. She moved away from the wagons with the dogs following her.
Isabella went to the back over the wagon and dropped the gate. She pulled out the box of food that they had loaded last that morning. Paige was jumping down from the wagon when Isabella walked by.
“So you think we’ve lost the Amazon’s?” Paige asked.
“I don’t know Paige,” Isabella answered the girl. “I hope so.”
“You know that we know that you and the General weren’t a thing right?”
“I know Paige,” Isabella said as she put the box of food down.
“And for what its worth I think you did the right thing,” said Paige as she set the stove down and opened it up. “I mean I was thinking of joining the Amazons just because there was nothing else. But there is something else.”
“There is always something else,” Isabella replied. “Nothing says we have to choose something against our beliefs.”
“Do you still believe Sister?”
“I don’t know,” Isabella answered as Sydney and Haylie joined them in the small clearing.
“The horses are all set for the night,” Haylie said plopping down on the ground next to Isabella. “So what’s for dinner?”
“It’s a surprise,” Isabella said.
“Great more mystery meat,” Haylie said pouting.
“I don’t remember putting mystery meat in the box,” Sydney said looking over at Isabella. “Come on you two help me with the tents while Isabella and Sara work their magic.”
Sydney grabbed both of the tents and moved off a little ways to set them up. Paige and Haylie got up and followed.
Isabella watched as the dark haired woman worked with the two girls.
Pilar was in her private rooms when she heard her outer door open. Walking into the sitting area she smiled when she saw Sherri.
“So have we heard back from General Steiner yet?”
“No, but I expect something by tomorrow,” Sherri said removing her dress jacket. “The courier should have reached them this morning. And knowing Mel she would have sent back some scathing comment on how we are stifling the Nation.”
“True,” Pilar said walking toward Sherri. “But right now that’s enough work talk.”
Sherri held her arms out for the smaller woman to step inside.
“As the Queen wishes,” Sherri said as she pulled Pilar into a deep kiss.
Mel watched as Alissa set the guard for the night. They had been attacked twice more. And Mel was not in a good mood. They had lost the day to these crazy fucks. They thankfully hadn’t lost any one else, but it had been like having gnats buzz around your head, annoying.
And to top it off Alissa had this I told you so attitude going on. Which is why Mel could see why her daughter liked Alissa so much. They were alike. No respect for their superiors.
Moving around the camp Mel noticed that Captain Isbill had made sure that at least one member of her squad had been placed with one of the Gold’s. Mel made a note to herself to see that Captain Isbill was rewarded fro her fore thought when this little excursion was over.
Isabella went to the tent long before Sydney had finished what appeared to be her nightly ritual. Laying in the dark she couldn’t get her mind to settle. She was a little startled when Sydney finally came to the tent.
Sydney could see that Isabella was still awake. She had been thinking all day, and the only conclusion she had came to was that Isabella hadn’t lied to her. Left some things out but not lied.
Pulling her shoes off before crawling under the sleeping bag Sydney turned to Isabella, “I know it’s not your fault about Mel. She’s always been a crazy bitch.”
“I didn’t lie to you.”
“I know. I just get moody that’s all,” Sydney said as she lay back against the small pillow. “Why do you think my sister sends me out on these little trips?”
Isabella moved closer to Sydney. Sydney moved her arm and pulled the smaller woman into her side.
“I …” Isabella started to say.
“It’s alright Isabella,” Sydney said kissing the top of the nuns head. “Every thing will be okay.”
“But the General?”
“She’ll have to turn back soon; the Amazons have no say so outside of Oklahoma City. The Freeholds are just that free.”
Isabella threw her arm around Sydney and snuggled in closer. This felt good.
“Sydney I want to believe you. But the General was never an easy person to read.”
“She has to follow orders. Pilar won’t let her run loose. She will pull her in soon if not already.”
“I hope so.”
“We need to sleep. I would like to make up a little time tomorrow,” Sydney said trying not to think about the fact that she was holding Isabella in her arms.
Isabella leaned up a little and kissed Sydney lightly on the side of the mouth. “Thank you,” she whispered as she settled into Sydney’s arms.
Oh Bright Lady give me strength Sydney prayed as she tried to fall asleep.