Fandom WWZ - IC

[NanLia]

Ginny settled into the back seat with Jacks on her lap; the boy had a fever and was burning up but there was nothing much she could do. She knew she needed to break it but without having and cold running water there wasn't much. Glancing around to the contents of the truck she soon found a few things she could use. Gathering a pair of clean socks she rolled down the trucks window enough for her to hold the unrolled socks and a bottle of water out. She poured the water over the sock, soaking them through before setting them on top of the roof of the car.

She didn't want to leave the window open for long - Liza-May and Jon were still in the car and she didn't want them to get from exposure so she closed it and encouraged the boy to sip some of the remaining water. After a few minutes she retrieved one of the socks - now air cooled - and brought it to rest against Jacks forehead, the boy sighing in relief.

She continued rotating the socks through the night, doing her best not to disturb anyone sleeping and by the morning Jacks fever had broken. He slept contently in her arms, her head leaning back against the seat dozing lightly; ready to be up at a seconds notice if Jacks needed her.
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah awoke hours later, eyes rolling lazily open as he turned in his seat to check on Ginny and her children. He managed a meager smile to see Jacks was sleeping peacefully in the arms of his mother, who was likewise asleep. He quietly grabbed the radio transmitter from its cradle, checking in with the sentries and other vehicles -- keeping the volume down so as to not disturb the others. As expected, other than Miller's brief confrontation the night before, there hadn't been much in the way of hostile contact. Signing off, he slowly began to gather his things, hoping to get Doc Moore to at least check on Jacks before the convoy began moving for the day.

NanLia

 

[NanLia]

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Ginny stirred slightly hearing Jonah's movement; after hours of cautiously listening for any signs that Jacks or Liza-May might be waking it couldn't be helped. She kept her eyes closed as she listened to Jonah report in and received reports from the evening sentries though didn't listen to any details, unable to focus on much beyond just waking herself up. She sighed softly, leaning forward to plant a gentle kiss on Jacks forehead; his temperature had cooled and she was thankful the fever had broke.

Resigning to the fact that she didn't have a choice to stay snuggled with her kids, she shifted Jacks carefully in her arms so he could lie on the truck seat, opening the door and stepping out stiffly. She closed the door as gently and as quietly as possible, not wanting to disturb either of the kids while they still slept. She stepped to the driver’s side and opened the door, collecting the blankets and pillows she had collected for the night to return them to the bed, smiling to Jonah. "Good morning."
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah watched Ginny settle Jacks out of the corner of his eye. Judging by her relaxed body language, he assumed the boy was doing at least somewhat better. He let out a breath of relief he hadn't realized he'd been holding before setting the transmitter back in its cradle. As Ginny opened the driver's side door to lean in and greet him, he smiled at her warmly. "Mornin'," he drawled. He gingerly pushed his own door open with his good arm before climbing out and dipping back inside to help Ginny gather up the bedding materials. "How is he?" Jonah asked quietly, nodding toward Jacks with an arched eyebrow.

NanLia

 

[NanLia]

Ginny smiled to Jonah as he greeted her in the morning, she collected the rest of the bedding before closing the door quietly and heading around back of the truck to fold and put it all away. She glanced briefly to Jonah through the corner of her eyes. She felt nervous, like she had when he first met Joe. She tucked the bedding back beneath the bags she had packed for her and her kids before closing up tailgate of the truck. She turned to leave but paused, turning back swiftly to Jonah and stepping closer.

Cheeks flushed deeply she stood on her toes and kissed the corner of his lips, partly missing his lips, or his cheek It was swiftly placed before she back away a step or two and turned on her heel to head off to her morning duties.
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah busied himself with the bedding, pointedly keeping his attention on the task despite his subconscious urge to give Ginny a sideways glance next to him. A very long sideways glance. His heart fluttered slightly in his chest as he remembered the night before -- the kiss and his spur-of-the-moment confession to her afterward. He had no idea how to proceed from here or if she would be receptive to him... assuming he worked up the courage to do anything in the first place.

Ginny turned to leave without a word and Jonah pursed his lips, stifling a sigh of disappointment that was upon him without warning. However, she soon returned and he glanced up curiously -- about to ask if she needed something -- when she was suddenly on her tiptoes, leaning up to plant a kiss between his lips and cheek. His breath caught in his throat and he froze, unable to speak or move or even breathe until she moved away wordlessly. His cheeks flushed and he bit his lower lip, shaking his head to return some measure of clarity to his mind. Jonah was supposed to be leading these people to safety and here he was feeling -- and acting -- like a high school Freshman with his first crush... and yet he couldn't keep his eyes from watching the woman as she departed.

To save himself some measure of dignity, Jonah turned on his heel to march around the opposite side of the truck to head up along the convoy, checking in with the different vehicles to make sure each was ready to move out soon.

NanLia​

 

[NanLia]

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Ginny worked, labored, at her daily tasks. Running on just a few hours of disjointed sleep she felt like the cleaning and feeding and caring of the animals took her hours when in truth it took less than one. Marta and Katie both came to see her and check on Jacks after hearing what had happened - Miller didn't attempt to keep it hidden from Katie after his patrol; both and many others offered any assistance she could need and she thanked them for it but otherwise declined. Regardless of her dismissal for help Marta made a point of bringing the kids food, cleaning out the truck and swapping bedding with stored bedding; she had always been adamant about the act of clean bedding whenever any of them had become ill. Katie had made it her mission to find Ginny and Jonah coffee; a rarity on the trip so far and deliver it in two heated cups within the cab of the truck.

Done with her work, back aching and a serious throbbing within her skull, Ginny headed back to the truck to wash up the best she could. Using some of the grey water they had collected along the way she washed herself as much as she could in the rather public setting before putting on fresh clothing and climbing into the passenger seat of the truck with a sigh.
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah was glad to see the camp rallying around Ginny and her children at the news of what had happened the night before. He kept his distance for the time being, washing up before checking in with Moore who insisted on doing a brief check-up on Jacks while his mother was away: taking his vitals and confirming that his body was well on its way to fighting off whatever bug had taken hold. With all of the vehicles prepped to move, Jonah returned to the truck and -- noting Ginny in the passenger seat -- opted to take over driving duties. His shoulder was still sore where the metal fragment had embedded itself, but he was certain he could drive without straining himself.

Jonah climbed inside, turning to face Ginny with a smile before pausing at the sight of her: wet hair glistening slightly in the early morning sunlight streaming through the window, fresh clothes. He realized he was staring and forced himself to tear his gaze away, clearing his throat awkwardly. "You look nice," he said to break the awkward silence, though the comment only made his cheeks flush all the more. Eager to forget he had sad anything, he reached down to turn the key in the ignition, firing the truck up.

NanLia​

 

[NanLia]

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Ginny blinked at the compliment from Jonah, a light flush crossing her cheeks as she looked at the man in the drivers seat. However, before she could thank him there was snickering from the back seat as her two kids clearly couldn't keep it to themselves. "Hush you two." She said turning to give the pair a playful glare, happy to see Jacks in a better mood. Ginny rolled her eyes dramatically but adjusted the seat back down and shifted so she could very nearly curl up within in a fall asleep for the morning drive.

***

It wasn't until noon that Ginny woke, she would have slept on solidly until the afternoon if it weren't for the sudden loud bang and the sudden roughness of the road. She sat up as she watched Jonah expertly take the truck to the side of the road and stop, the radio already sounding off a halt to the convoy; Katie's voice commenting on shredded tires. Ginny hissed a curse, opening the passengers door and turning to her children. "Stay in here." She slipped out of the truck and closed the door behind her, already striding down along the truck to see the damage. One truck tire and two of the trailers had been sheered clean off, leaving only rims behind. She leaned in close to get a closer look - it was unusual for this to happen, given her tires were relatively new and reinforced due to the work she did.

She was distracted by shouts down the line - they weren't alone.
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah's heart had nearly leaped through his chest as the truck shook violently with a loud crashing sound, breaking the monotony of the drive that had lulled him into near-complacency. He reacted on instinct, fighting for control of the wheel before guiding the vehicle to the side of the road. He took a deep breath, turning to see Ginny already slipping out to assess the damage. He turned toward the backseat to look at the kids, "You two all right?" When he saw their nods, he returned the gesture before picking up the radio. From what he was hearing, it was clear that their vehicle was not the only one to sustain damage. He frowned, remembering an old saying he'd heard in the Marines: Once is bad luck. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.

Even the most pessimistic view on Murphy's Law couldn't account for what he was seeing up and down the line as drivers and passengers climbed out to inspect their tires. After sending out orders that any able-bodied personnel not needed to repair the vehicles keep active and armed watch, Jonah slowly climbed out of the truck, reaching down to unholster his sidearm and discreetly ensure a round was chambered before returning the weapon and rounding the truck. He approached Ginny, laying a hand on her shoulder and leaning in as the woman looked over the damage. "I'm going to have a look around. Something isn't right. Be careful, okay?"

NanLia​

 

[NanLia]

Ginny nodded as Jonah came around the side of the truck to check on her. It was discerning, to say the least, to see this much damage and to hear that plenty of the other civilian vehicles had been damaged as well. Ginny wasn't part of the military, never part of the travel plans but it was clear that this had been planned and calculated. With everyone assured that they were in good health and minimal damage the drivers of each of the vehicles met at the center of the convoy to go over the total damage.

"All military vehicles are undamaged: the first truck in the convoy lost an interior tire but it won't hinder it from continuing." Charlie maintained eye contact with Decker as he spoke, though was painfully aware of Ginny nearby; news spread quickly with nothing else to do on their long haul. "Katie and Ginny's trucks are undamaged - Katie's lost a single tire and the same with her trailer. Ginny's truck only lost a tire, but the trail lost 3 tires. Robert and Marta's truck critical - it broke a strut and twisted the chassis; it isn't going anywhere but their trailer is fine."

He paused as he regarded Ginny, knowing very well she would soon become upset. "If we drop Ginny's trailer, leave the horses and small livestock behind, hook up Robert's trailer instead and double up civilians in the remaining vehicles. We can salvage the spare from Ginny's trailer and Robert's truck and keep moving."

Ginny crossed her arms as Charlie detailed just how to move forward. "Small issue with that plan: horses are vital to tending to the herd. If we don't have them then we can't keep the herd mobile and that means they wander and we lose stock." She turned to Jonah, she knew the cattle were the priority but she didn't even want to consider leaving people or their supplies behind. "We're only, five- six hours by car to Nashville? That's ten to twelve on horseback. We do as Charlie says: switch the trailers, and load up the people. I'll ride in with the horses - I can be there by morning." She knew Jonah would argue with her, fight that she was an asset but she pressed on. "We need the horses and I'm the only person here that has enough experience to handle them all. If we take the others out of Katie's trailer then we won't lose any of the small livestock. I'll keep to the road as much as possible and when you get to Nashville you can unload Katie's trailer and come back for me and the horses."
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah was silent for several moments as he took in the report from Charlie. The gears in his head were turning, considering options when the younger Soldier made his own suggestion. Jonah grimaced slightly at the thought of leaving anything behind when they were so close to their objective. He briefly considered the idea of leaving a small team behind to watch over the livestock until an extraction team from Nashville could be sent to collect them all.

Jonah dismissed the thought quickly; the ones unlucky enough to stay behind would be left on their own for half-a-day at the least (assuming no delays), immobile, with no resupply and attempting to keep a group of horses and sheep calm even as night descended. Experience was proven: on the road, you kept moving or you died. Idleness was a death sentence. It wasn't a task he could or would ask of anyone in their group, military or civilian.

Jonah opened his mouth to speak when Ginny beat him to the punch. He eyed the woman, dumbfounded, as she made her suggestion. He could appreciate the pragmatism in the proposal, but shook his head. "No, Ginny. It's too dangerous and I don't want to l--" he stopped himself, all too aware of Charlie's eyes on him. Swallowing, he began again: "You're still not 100% with your ankle. And with the horses you'll be a big target for the infected... or whoever may have caused this." He gestured meaningfully toward the trucks pulled over to the side of the road. "This wasn't bad luck, it was sabotage." He sighed. "I hate to say it, but I think Charlie's right. We prioritize the civilians and the cattle -- we'll come back for the other livestock as soon as possible once we reach Nashville and collect what we can," Jonah said grimly, knowing all too well the likely outcome by the time they made it back.

NanLia​

 

[NanLia]

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To say Ginny was shocked to hear Jonah's decision in regards to her livestock, her animals, would be an extreme understatement. She felt a pit building up in her stomach, she knew very well their newly found relationship - if it could even be called that - would be at risk for what she was about to say. "No." There was no anger in her voice, no resentment, nothing but a simply reply. "While I respect your thought process and your obligations to your superiors I respectfully decline. I will not, in any way, be leaving a single living breathing human or animal here today; not alone."

She cleared her throat before continuing. "I understand it is your duty to ensure that the cattle arrives safely and of course that the people are, likewise, safe from being left behind, but in no way have I willingly turned over my right as an individual to make my own decisions. I thank you greatly for the protection you have offered thus far, Sargeant Decker, but I will be staying behind with my horses; I will continue on to Nashville as previously planned."

Ginny didn't have to wait long before Robert stood beside her. "All due respect, Sargent Decker, if you don't mind I'd like to stay and help Ginny bring in the horses with her. She's not wrong - they are necessary to our ability to tend herd in Nashville; and while I'm sure the horses you got there are fine, we don't have time to train them to do what we need and drive the cattle." He glanced to Ginny, seeing her appreciative nod, before looking back to Jonah.
Safton

 

[NanLia]

Nari let the hood close on their third modified car noisily - it didn't matter now if they were heard inside the center: they would be leaving soon. Over the past few weeks of preparation the horde size had only grown, increasing to nearly triple what they had drawn around the circuit in the beginning. They had done everything the could while they had the chance: cleared the road through the city so the caravan would be undeterred, set up the three cars that would be used to draw the horde away and gathered as many supplies as possible from their surroundings. It had become clear that more and more survivors in the city were either clearing out or falling to their mortal enemies; Nari hoped it was the former.

With the increase of constant guards around the circuit they had to call of any further exploration and salvage of and refocus on keeping their temporary home safe. It was a daily project, using sirens and lights around the building to draw the thickest portion of the horde to one side or another so they could make what repairs to the gates, service entries and garage doors they could and reinforce them. They were running low on resources and this past week had been the worst of it. It hadn't rained in Austin in weeks, full dought in effect followed by their mass water filter finally breaking down on them. They had all hoped it would last until they left but it had been on its last legs a month before and it was no surprise when it started to fail to produce clear filtered water.

She brushed her hands and stepped back looking over her cars like the master pieces they were - or so she thought. With the unforeseen issues with the horde they had a new issue: they would never be able to open the garage bay doors and take the decoys out without immediately being overwhelmed by horde. Even using lights and sirens a large chuck of the wandering dead still lingered close to the entry ways, almost as though they hoped they would be unnoticed by the living inside. Nari and her team had come up with a quick solution. They rigged lights and a siren to a tow truck and fixed, what could only be described as a 'cow pusher' to the front of the truck. When the time came the caravan would draw the horde around the other side the building allowing the drivers to open the garage and then lead the horde away.

Nari looked up at Henley stepped into the garage, looking pensive and annoyed, it was a feature on him she had started to grow used to seeing in the past few days.

"You don't have-"

"There was a vote," She said firmly. "And then I volunteered and took the short straw. So did Boo and Alex and Megan." The four of them, two officers and two mechanics, were ranked among the "D" class of the people within the would be caravan. "It'll be a walk in the park: Just make sure you pick up Megan from the tow before you head out on the road, the rest of us girls are going to party these guys down to the border and we'll meet you at the rendezvous spot." She could see Henley's face already working up another excuse and was thankful from the call of the sirens outside of the building - the signal that their day had started. "You better get your shit together. I'm not coming back here to double check." He nodded grimly and turned towards the back of the garage and the entry open to the circuit where the rest of the modified vehicles were waiting their cargo.

***​

With the horde as clear as it was going to be Nari, Boo and Alex prepped for their ride. At the rest of their only doctor, they stuffed their ears with cotton, put on noise cancelling headphones and a helmet. He had said, no matter how long they were in the car for, the abuse of that decibel of noise would be harmful and he couldn't begin to prepare for what sort of outcome from it. Of course they had all shrugged it off, but none were foolish enough to think they would come out of this unscathed. They tested their mics, climbed into their respective cars and waited.

The garage door opened and while Nari was directly behind the 'plow' she could immediately hear - and smell- the horde that remained behind. Megan rolled forward slowly, pushing a path through the dead and Nari followed. "Hey Nari?" She heard Boo speak through the mic'd system - the entire convoy was on the same radio signal but once the music started they wouldn't be able to hear anything else. "Yeah Boo?" She asked, glancing in the rearview to the driver behind her. "Just wanted to let you know I like you better than his real wife."

***​

With the path cleared and the doors safely closed behind them Nari flipped the switch to start the music. It blared through the speakers, immediately drawing the attention of the closest dead to turn on heel and slowly march back towards them. She could feel the bass rattle through her chest, making it difficult to breath at first, but she soon caught her breath and shifted gears.

[This is Captain Henley, calling Nashville. Please be advised the Austin Caravan is en-route with a hopeful arrival of twelve hours. Nashville, if you can hear us, please let us know if we can expect a rendez-vous. Over]
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah was taken aback by Ginny's response. He had expected an argument, of course -- shouting, even. But when her reply came, the calm, rational tone had Jonah reeling. For all the lack of noise and fury in Ginny's voice, the steadfast determination was as strong as ever. She held Jonah's gaze steadily, unwavering. His jaw clenched, returning her stare until the tension drained away slightly with Robert's approach.

Decker finally managed to tear his eyes away from her, but only briefly. He sighed, hands on his hips as he glanced down to the ground. "That won't be necessary, Robert," he said quietly. His eyes came up to fall on Ginny's again. "I'll be staying with you and the rest of the animals. Chahal and Moore can lead the convoy on to Nashville." His mouth curved into a small but sincere smile -- meant only for one person.

NanLia

 

[NanLia]

Ginny was horrified when Jonah thanked and dismissed Robert's offer to stay on the road with her for the duration of the time they would need to get to Nashville - or Nashville allowed someone to turn around and come back for them to finish the route. She feared the worst; the man had the power and capacity to arrest her under this new world regime - people had been arrested in the past for less. She blinked in confusion, then surprise as Jonah declared that he would be remaining behind and assisting her with the drive to Nashville instead. Lips parted to protest and argue but she silenced herself, thinking better of it.

With it announced those gathered left the group to return to their vehicles and get the required work done so they could continue on. Charlie lingered a moment longer, glaring at Ginny before turning to his duties. Ginny waited until the people had dispersed before stepping closer to Jonah. "Do you even know how to ride?" She asked leading him back towards her truck where her kids were waiting expectantly. She didn't doubt in the least that she was going to catch hell from them when they heard the news.
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah chuckled at Ginny's question with a shake of his head at her suspicious tone. "Yeah, I know how to ride," he remarked evenly. "I learned when I was a kid. My great uncle had a farm down in south Georgia, I used to spend part of my Summers there with my brothers," he said, though his voice trailed off at the mention of his siblings. He cleared his throat as they approached the truck, Jonah smiling reassuring at the two kids in the backseat. He remained silent, however, knowing it was Ginny's place to break it to her children. He could only imagine they wouldn't take it well.

NanLia

 

[NanLia]

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Ginny raised an eyebrow as Jonah spoke about learning how to ride when he was a kid, she didn't miss the sadness in his voice as he recalled the past and his family. She leaned against him and smiled softly. "In that case you'll be riding Jacks horse. She's old and doesn't scare easy." She said playfully, trying to rise a smile out of the man. "That way if you give an odd command she'll just ignore you and do what's best for the both of you."

***
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As expected the kids were worst to handle than Jonah had been, both arguing reasons (good ones, sadly) as to why they should be included in the ride; but Ginny wouldn't have it. There wasn't a chance she would give up their chance at safety in Nashville to try and get the horses there in one piece. At the very least, she had mused darkly, their futures had already been paid for by Ginny's agreement and the delivery of the cattle. They would have family, Katie and her son's, and a home to grow up in, which is all that Ginny wanted for them. She had managed to coerce the kids into packing their belongings from the truck and leading them to Katie's where they were immediate told they would listen and obey both Miller and Katie.

The farm hands, knowing what stresses were already on the convoy just trying to get the vehicles back on the road, took to transferring the animals that needed it, moving Ginny's truck to pick up Marta and Robert's trailer and saddling the horses. They made the point of saddling all of them, even though they were only two riders but Ginny knew it was simpler in a hurry to mount a horse with a saddle than without.

She bade her kids goodbye and lead Moose with half the horses on leads attached to him away from the convoy to where Jonah was already standing with Jacks mare and the rest of the horses, doing her damnest not to look worried or sad in front of her kids.
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah did his best to reassure Ginny's children that he would look after her. Predictably, the news did little to settle their nerves or calm them in any way. They were as terrified, confused, and frustrated as ever at the idea of their mother departing the convoy... and he couldn't blame them one bit. Jonah helped them move their belongings before turning away. The farmhands could handle their own tasks; Jonah went about delegating tasks to the Soldiers under his command. Doc Moore was placed in command, with Miller assisting. Both of them seemed hesitant at their new assignments and the circumstances dictating it, but neither protested... though it was hard to miss the scowl from Charlie as he stood several feet away, busying himself at a truck in an attempt to appear not to be eavesdropping.

After Decker gathered his equipment, Robert "introduced" him to Jacks' mare and Jonah went about getting to know the horse, lightly rubbing her snout as she leaned into his hand. True to Ginny's word, she seemed even-tempered. Jonah looked up to see Ginny approaching, giving her his best attempt at a reassuring smile. He stepped toward her, patting Moose lightly. With the horse blocking them from the sight of most of the others, Decker self-consciously reached forward to take Ginny's hand into his own, rubbing his thumb over the top of her knuckles. "It'll be fine," he murmured, gazing into her eyes for a brief moment before turning to look back at the convoy. "It's time."

NanLia​

 

[NanLia]

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Ginny squeezed Jonah's hand watching as the Convoy - and her children- pulled away. She held Moose's reigns firmly as the beast sidestepped and nodded his head; all of the horses were excited to be out of the trailer, with days on the road now they yearned to stretch as much as the people did, if not more. As the last of the convoy pulled away and into the distance, Ginny finally looked away, stepping into lean against Jonah and speak softly. "I'm sorry if this was a mistake." She knew the dangers, the risk she had put herself -and him, within by choosing to stay behind and ride in with the horses. She knew they couldn't linger long; whomever had set those traps would likely come by to see if they had caught anything and they certainly should be standing around when they did.

She stood on her toes and delivered Jonah a brief kiss before turning to Moose and climbing into the saddle..

***​

It had been decided that it would easier to have the horses walk along the side of the highway instead of the road directly; less likely any of them would throw a shoe and reduce the amount of noise they would make while they traveled. They had estimated it would take the convoy another six hours before they arrived at Nashville and another six before they could return; on horseback following the same route it would take them double that but they had hoped by travelling onward it would reduce the length of time Ginny and Jonah expected to be on the road at all.

Ginny rode along side Jonah after giving him the basics, making certain that he was comfortable in the saddle. "Let her have her head," She said, reaching over to loosen the man's grip on the Mare's reigns. "She'll keep you both upright, if you panic and pull you'll both go down." She had made it clear they couldn't run the horses too soon it could cause them the lather and blow and potentially kill them after being stagnate for so long.
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah, it turned out, had slightly overestimated his memory of horseback riding. He had never truly mastered it even in his youth. Luckily, true to Ginny's word, Jacks' mare was gentle and more than a little forgiving. The woman's advice also kept him steady as he nodded, easing up to let the horse take the lead as they cantered along the highway. Eventually, he settled into a steady rhythm acceptable to him and the animal alike, allowing his mind to wander.

Decker scanned the horizon slowly as he and Ginny trotted alongside one another. He knew it was likely unnecessary, but he didn't want to take any risks of their motley herd running into a horde of zeds... or getting caught in the open by whoever had spiked their tires hours before. When several vigilant minutes revealed nothing, he relaxed slightly in the saddle before turning to Ginny. "We've got a ways to go," he said with a smile. "I know it's been all business between us these last few weeks at the ranch, until..." his voice trailed off, unsure of what to say. Until they kissed? Until he confessed how he felt, or at least tried to?

Jonah cleared his throat before continuing, "What I mean is, maybe we should try to get to know each other better. If there's anything you wanted to ask..." he mentioned self-consciously, a hand rising to rub at the back of his neck.

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

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Ginny smiled seeing Jonah start to take comfort in the ride; his body relaxing and clearly moving better with his mount. She knew his shoulder would no doubt be sore with the movement but at least he could find a bit of comfort in the ride with Kit Kat. She was stirred out of her silent thoughts as Jonah spoke, almost hesitantly, about what had happened between them. They hadn't said much about it, though in all fairness to them both; they hadn't really had the chance or privacy to do so. She flushed slightly, glancing away to focus on the path ahead. He finally got out what he wanted to and she was a little surprised by it.

She had taken care not to bring up anything too personal over the past few months they had come to know each other, even after they had grown closer; she was aware that Jonah had suffered some very personal loss on his way to find her, though she couldn't be certain just how much of it was directly related to the virus or prior to that. "Oh, okay well ... " She trailed off a moment, considering her question carefully. "You ever married? Got kids?" She knew the man was currently single and though he never mentioned any before she didn't know what his marital status may have been long before all of this, if he had children and perhaps, had a wife, that had divorced and refused to let him have custody.
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah was initially worried if perhaps his question had been too abrupt, anxious in Ginny's silence as she averted her gaze. He pursed his lips, grip on Kit Kat's reins tightening as he fumbled to think up some kind of apology and a dismissal of the conversation, only for her to suddenly speak up. He nearly breathed out a sigh of relief, though he flushed slightly at her choice of question all the same.

Jonah shook his head. "No, never married. A few girlfriends, but nothing, uh, 'serious'. And no kids." He paused, a smirk forming as he added, "Not that I know of, anyway," though he was careful to make sure his tone made it clear that he was joking.

NanLia

 

[NanLia]

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Ginny nodded, smiling as Jonah commented about children, or his lack of knowledge if any had been fathered. She surveyed the ground as the rode, looking for any potential dangers they may need to avoid. She felt like she knew him, for the most part, after getting to know him better over the past few months but there had been plenty of topics she had outright avoided; some because she feared the answers, like the wife and kids question, and other because she had seen the pained expression when he'd mentioned family in the past. She knew he had at least one brother, possibly two but they had never talked about it. "What did you do before all this? " She waved her free hand abstractedly to reference the world around them. "You weren't in the military always, were you?"
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah shook his head. "No, I wasn't," he said before shrugging, though he immediately regretted the gesture as the pain in his shoulder flared up with the slight movement. He winced, but continued speaking. "In fact, before all this--" he waved his hand around in an all-encompassing gesture, "--I hadn't even worn the uniform in years. I grew up in a small town in north Georgia, in the mountains. Most of the men who stuck around ended up mining gemstone, like my daddy and my older brother." He forced himself to continue speaking despite the mention of his family, forcing the dark thoughts from his mind. "Before I graduated high school I already knew I didn't want any part of that. But I didn't have the cash -- or the patience -- for college yet, so I enlisted."

"I did six years on Active Duty before I went to the Reserves. Came back home and gave college a shot now that I had the money saved up... turned out I still didn't have the patience, though," he remarked with a chuckle. "Ended up moving around a lot, doing odd jobs in the trades: construction, welding, I even worked on the railroad for a while. None of it stuck until I came back to Georgia and got into land surveying. It's not always the most exciting work, but I enjoyed it. It's challenging and you get to be out in nature. Couldn't ask for much more."

He sighed, realizing that he was rambling. "Anyway. I had been doing that for a couple of years when everything started going to hell. Then one day I got a call from the Corps to bring me back into the fold. One of the things the recruiters don't mention is that even after you've done your time, there's a still a period where you can be recalled in the event of a national emergency. And here I am now," Jonah remarked evenly before turning in his saddle to grin at Ginny. "Guess I should have read the fine print, huh?" He paused, cocking his head but not taking his eyes off her, his eyes wandering slightly. "Still, it hasn't been all bad."

As if coming to his senses, he suddenly averted his eyes, the tips of his ears suddenly heating up as he flushed, suddenly taking a keen interest in the herd behind them. After a moment, he managed to clear his throat and summon the courage to speak again. "What about you? Did you always plan on the ranch life?"

NanLia ​