Fandom WWZ - IC

[NanLia]

Charlie stiffened as he was being called by his superior. He listened in silence, seething as he was chastised for his actions. He waited, and nodded at Sergeant Decker’s orders. "Yes, sir." While he wanted nothing more than to argue his point; that he had been assigned to Ginny’s care and the care of the farm, not anyone else, he knew he and his men were already losing this battle. Norman had made that clear the night before when they had been ordered to restore the house to the civilians; he would need to bide his time and wait for the right opportunity to share his side of what happened here. He left, down the steps and away from his Sergeant.

Ginny had not missed Jonah calling her out over his shoulder, but she had enough sense to keep her mouth closed while Charlie was still present; she didn’t want Charlie to think there would be any kind of rift between her and Jonah. Mostly for show, she had little doubt the military man wouldn’t appreciate her way of doing things. She watched Charlie stride away and didn’t utter a word until the other man was out of sight.

"As much as bed rest sounds appealing I need to continue taking care of your assets; otherwise this entire adventure was a waste for you and me." She stated simply. "Your men, Charlie’s men, have made it clear that we need to keep the perimeter safe ourselves; which doesn’t leave any give when it comes to taking care of the herd. So my farmhands and those that I employ are doing the work your men are supposed to be doing instead of the work they should be doing."

She regarded him carefully, not wanting this to start on the wrong foot. "I can’t. No, I won’t let my herd be decimated by starvation or ghouls so long as I can prevent it. If it means working while injured, then so be it. You don’t have anyone else here that can do what I do, Ser-Jonah."
Safton

 

[Safton]

Jonah watched Wheeler as he stalked away, obviously less than pleased at being confronted. Turning back toward Ginny, he listened as the woman defiantly shot down the idea of bed rest. He resisted the urge to wince at the mention of the shirked duties by the Guardsmen, keeping his face impassive until after she was done speaking. Jonah sighed, relaxing his posture now that Charlie was out of sight and leaning against the railing of the porch.

"That herd is no good to any of us if you're not healthy enough to do your job when we reach Nashville," he said calmly. "And you won't be, not if you overdo it hours after--" he paused. "...what you went through. You said it yourself: you're the only one who can do what you do. I'm aware that Charlie and his men were... ah, 'lax' in their duties. My guys aren't. We're doing our best to spell your watchmen, but our first focus has to be reinforcing the perimeter. I don't have enough men to do it myself -- we'll need some of your people. Anyone able-bodied and willing to help that isn't needed elsewhere, like helping you run the farm so you can recover."

Jonah raised a placating hand in an effort to avert any initial protest. "I know it's a lot to ask, but once we get this place relatively secure, it'll mean you can focus more on day-to-day operations. And don't you worry: Charlie and his men will be pulling their weight this time."

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

Ginny momentarily glared at the raised appendage as Jonah clearly knew she was rather argumentative; and rightly so, so far as she was concerned. This was her home and her stock and like it or not she had a contract with the government to uphold her end of the deal; no where within the signed paper work -items she knew well enough meant nothing now, did it state that they were obligated in any way to help her keep her end up. They had been, up until a few months ago, keeping their end until Charlie and the rest of the Reserves had clearly thought there was no hope of reinforcements or rescue.

She sighed after a quiet minute of contemplation before nodding. "You'll have our help and whatever you need to in the ways or resources to reinforce the perimeter, but you'll need me. There was only ever one person who knew this land better than myself and that was my late husband. I can point out any vantages, positive or negative that will help in your goals, and I want you done more than anyone else." She glanced out to where the rest of the military were settled, men already starting their day. "I'll agree to bed rest after this is done and I am assured my men are back to work for me ready and able."
Safton

 

[Safton]

Jonah felt a pang of guilt as Ginny mentioned her "late husband". That hadn't been part of the mission briefing. She had mentioned a mother-in-law and the fact that she didn't go by her maiden name had narrowed down the options for Decker, but hadn't wanted to make assumptions. All the same, his impassive demeanor as he stared at Ginny slowly gave way to an appraising smile. The woman was trading rest for herself in exchange for the well-being of her people. It was the kind of work ethic and dedication that Jonah had nothing but respect for, the kind that would have had his late father matter-of-factly labeling her "good people". More importantly, she was willing to work with him.

Jonah nodded. "You've got yourself a deal, Miss-- ah, Ginny. O'Donovan chose well," he remarked sincerely. "Are you ready to head out now? The sooner we get started, the better."

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

Ginny had feared she had pushed too hard. Jonah stood before her silence and impassible and she cursed herself internally for pushing Jonah and breaking what little ties the two had held. She was about to speak, apologise for her distrusting manner and find some way to explain her reasoning without defaming Charlie completely.

She paused as he started to smile and the confusion was evident on her face. He spoke and a calm settled over her. Like she didn't need to worry about trusting him. I could have been due to their adventures the even before but there was something about Jonah and his mannerisms that made her feel at ease. She nodded then. "Yes, let's go." Work always came first on the farm, she trusted in Marta and Katie to watch over her kids while she was gone.
Safton

 

[Safton]

Jonah nodded, turning to lead the way back toward the military camp, though he spared a glance over his shoulder to make sure Ginny made her way down the stairs safely. He set a slow pace as they walked, only a few feet ahead of her in the event she needed help. As they neared the camp, Jonah heard an undeniably annoyed female voice calling out, "Sergeant!"

He turned to see Sergeant Moore approaching them with an obvious look of displeasure as she looked pointedly at Ginny's ankle before returning her gaze to Jonah. "She really shouldn't be up and about, Sergeant," she said.

Jonah nodded, "I told her the same thing, Doc, but she's insisted on helping us complete our task first. I'll take the truck so she stays off her feet at least," he offered in way of compromise.

Moore bit her lip, before sighing with resignation. "All right," she said stiffly. "But don't overdo it. I'll check in with you later," she remarked to Ginny before turning on her heel to continue on her way.

As soon as the medic was out of earshot, Jonah turned toward Ginny. "Sorry about that. She really lives for her job, taking care of people and all. This way," he said, moving further into the camp. He was pleased when he saw that his two engineering aides had gathered much of the supplies needed for the project along with a few early risers among the civilians who might be willing to help. He saw more than a few of Wheeler's troops standing in the work detail as well, obviously less than pleased about it. Moving toward the truck, he opened the passenger side door for Ginny and stood back, ready to help her inside. "We'll drive the perimeter and I'll show you what I had in mind. Any input you have is appreciated."

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

Ginny followed Jonah determinedly, there wasn't a chance she was going to let her ankle, injured or not, stop her from her goals. She was far slower moving than she had been the night pervious, the swelling still evident and the flesh around the muscle that had been torn now bruising. She knew Jonah was walking at a slower pace to accommodate her injury and she appreciated he let her walk on her own unaided.

She winced as the Medic from the night before stormed her way to the two of them during their progress. She was about ti speak up, keep the blame from Jonah himself but he seemed to have things under control. She smiled to him, "Don't apologize for that." She said simply. "Dedication and passion made the best of workers, no matter the field."

Ginny followed behind Jonah to the truck, the door was opened for her and, with some effort, she climbed inside to sit. She was thankful for the reprieve, her ankle had started to throb beneath the wrappings. She waited patiently for Jonah finish what he needed to.
Safton

 

[Safton]

Jonah shut the door behind Ginny, crossing over to the driver's side and opening it up, placing his rifle in the backseat before climbing behind the wheel. Finding the keys laying on the dash, Decker fired the truck up before steering it out of the camp.

Over the next several minutes, he would drive them at a modest pace around the perimeter, laying out the plans he and his team had in place for reinforcing various sections, showing rough sketches where he had any. Jonah would remain fully attentive and open to any suggestions Ginny had in the process.

At one point, seeing Miller up ahead in a pasture with Royce on a leash, Jonah abruptly brought the truck to a stop. He turned to Ginny with a smile, "C'mon, there's someone I want you to meet."

Miller and Royce were already making their way to the truck, the latter happily wagging his tail as he waited for the human visitors to step out. Jonah obliged, crossing over to open Ginny's door for her before pointing at the MP and his K9.

"That's Specialist Miller, the crazy bastard in the truck from last night. Next to him is Royce; we couldn't have tracked you down without his nose. I think he and Moose got along pretty well," Jonah said with a grin.

Miller nodded politely to the woman. "Good to see you're well, ma'am."

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

Ginny rode alone with Jonah as he laid out his and his engineers plans and thoughts for reinforcing the perimeter, most of which she made no comment though here and there she would input a suggestion; moving the fence line in or out of where it laid currently. Areas prone to flooding when it rains, or sand pits that would offer no foot holds should it come under attack. Neither of these an issue for the previous use of the fence.

He brought the truck to a stop before a man and a dog clearly on a patrol of sorts. She gingerly climbed from the truck, the throbbing in her ankle had subsided some after resting it a while in the truck. Jonah made his introductions and she smiled to both man and dog. "Your the mad man in the truck?" She questioned but didn't expect and answer. "I thought I was hallucinating! No one would ever be that crazy but obviously I'm wrong." She stepped forward to shake his hand, giving it a squeeze. "Thank you so much, you let me see my kids again."

She was turning her attention to Royce as he sat patiently, tail thumbing the grass behind him. "And you!" She knelt down to ti stroke both hands through the dogs fur, part petting part hugging the hero dog. "I'm willing to bet you made that knobby kneed knuckle head more nervous than happy." She glanced back to Miller. "Come by the house later, with Royce, we'll get you three the breakfast you deserve."
Safton

 

[Safton]

At Ginny's offer of breakfast, Miller briefly turned to look at Jonah. Decker smiled, nodding. "We may take you up on that," he said, "...once work is done." As much as he enjoyed the idea of a decent breakfast and perhaps a chance to get to know Ginny and her family in a situation that wasn't rigidly formal, he knew that other matters took priority before that could happen. He reached out to give Royce -- already thrilled with Ginny's affection -- a scratch behind the ears. "Carry on, Miller," Jonah said in a polite dismissal.

"Roger, Sarn't," the MP said, turning to look at his canine. "Rechts," he said softly. Immediately, the hound returned to his side, ready to continue their foot patrol.

Jonah would wait to help Ginny back into the truck, shutting the door behind her before climbing behind the wheel. He reached for the gear shift, but paused. "Miller's a good guy. So is Doc Moore and most of the others on my team... from what I've been able to tell in the half-day that I've known them," he began slowly, knowing he was about to broach a sensitive subject with her. "I don't know what happened with Wheeler, but I'd like to. You can tell me now, if you want. You don't have to worry about saving face or burning bridges or being diplomatic -- I just want the truth."

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

​

Ginny was happy to hear that Miller and Royce would attend the house for breakfast after she invited. It was the very least she could do for the two, and Jonah, for getting her out of danger from the night before. She managed to get back into the truck with minor difficulty but no necessary assistance and waited. She smiled as Jonah spoke about his team, clearly new to him, but even she could tell they were good people, but when he didn’t start driving again a cold feeling of fear settled into her stomach. They were a long way from the house and anyone else at this point, and she hadn’t told anyone where she would be.

Jonah pressed the issue between Charlie and herself, not honestly giving her an option to avoid or deflect the inquiry. She watched him carefully, she wanted to trust him, wanted to believe that he was good people like Moore and Miller, but Charlie tarnished her view of what military command was. She cleared her throat, choosing her words carefully. “Charlie and I have been friends a very long time.” She spoke softly, maintaining eye contact with Jonah as she did so, attempting to get a read on how he would react to what she said.

“He, Joseph –my late husband, and I all grew to up together, inseparable. There was a time when I had to choose between the two of them and Charlie was hurt for it, but it didn’t change my love for him, it doesn’t now, no matter how much it hurts. He stood by me and Joe, and he was there for me when Joe got sick. He helped me with the funeral arrangements, got me through the dark places and kept me on the road. He reminded me that I have my kids to take care of and that’s all that mattered.” She sighed quietly, shifting in the seat to cross her legs, bringing her sore ankle upwards to hold at the calf, the throbbing returning. “This is not Charlie, that man back there is not the one I knew. Not the one I know is there. After Sergeant O’Donovan left Charlie in charge of the Reserves and protecting the farm it went well, we worked together. But he became possessive, a bully. I didn’t help in matters, I’ll admit it. I don’t take well to being told what I can and cannot do in my own home. I think he felt like his position was threatened, maybe the other Reserves would think less of him that I didn’t obey and things went from bad to worse.”

She looked back at Jonah then, sadly. “It started early on, with small things. The Reserves knocking off early, asking my men to take their shifts on patrol. We didn’t think much of it, given they were helping around the farm then too. But after a while even that stopped. Jacks birthday we went out, Charlie tried to stop us but I fought back.” She gave him a weak smile. “I wanted to try and make the kids day normal, what it used to be, not stuck in the house terrified of the world. When we came back he and the Reserves that didn’t come with us, had taken over the house, burning the fuel in the generator, and ate all the food we had in stock. All that’s left is their MREs that they keep under lock and key.” She bit her lip then, unable to read him at this point, uncertain how he was taking it, but she pressed on. “I’ve been going out during the day to scavenge, I have a stash in the barn of food for the kids, but even that has been limited. I’ve cleared out everything within 20 miles of here except for the towns, there are too many of them to deal with there. The kids and Katie have been watching the herd as much as they can while I’m out, but the bulls don’t really like being kept in the farm pen and break through the gate. Yesterday I was foraging and letting the herd roam when I was injured and caught up the tree.”
Safton

 

[NanLia]

​

Nari sighed, annoyed with the chirping noise on Henley’s wrist watch; their only form of alarm. Cell phones had been cast aside months prior, no one willing to waste the energy to charge them for the minimal use they would be, and given the location of their hidden bedroom, there were no windows to indicate the time of day. She reached across him and shut off the watch with a groan of discontent before sitting up and stretching in bed.

There was a long list of items ahead of her for the day, she was on salvage duty which was always a stress filled day on its own, and then of course there was the problem with their plans to evacuate. While their noise and light show worked for the interim it wasn’t a practical solution for their transit to Nashville. They would be dragging the dead horde behind them all the way to the gates which left more problems than just that. It meant they would never be able to stop during their trip; any road snares would be a death trap. She started to formulate a plan, staring off in the low light when she felt Henley’s arms wrap around her, dragging her back into the warm sheets and makeshift mattress. “I have work to do.” She complained.

“You know, I’m the captain of this ship,” He murmured quietly, slowly rising above her to pin her beneath him in the bed. “I can decide who does what and when…” he leaned down to kiss her lips and received a playful bite instead. He winced and drew back with an annoyed groan.

“And what about when people talk….” She watched him, knowing the answer, or at least suspecting what it would be. Henley had been consistent to say the least, he did not want anyone to cry favoritism when it came to Nari, and not that he favored her above others regardless. He was ‘on duty’ as O’Donovan had instructed and he needed to conduct himself in a professional manner after all. She waited for the predicted response: the resigned agreement but was surprised and delighted when he uttered. “Fuck it.”

 

[Safton]

​

Jonah did his best to keep his expression impassive as he listened to Ginny's explanation of the situation with Wheeler. He kept eye contact, nodding periodically to offer her what silent encouragement he could. He wasn't surprised to hear that Ginny and Charlie knew each other long before the outbreak; while that information hadn't been part of his briefing, it went far in explaining the apparent contempt that only familiarity could bring. As Ginny continued to list what had happened -- particularly Charlie's apparent breaking point in which he had squandered resources and shirked his duties out of spite, he caught himself reacting without a chance to stop it. His jaw clenched, fist tightening on the steering wheel as he listened. The man had let a personal disagreement endanger the lives of men, women, and children in his charge... and used the opportunity for his own benefit.

The thought of it brought an anger boiling up in Jonah's chest -- it flew in the face of everything he wanted to believe in. On a purely practical standpoint, the man had wasted valuable strategic resources and poisoned the well when it came to civil-military relations in the future. It was little wonder the civilians stared at his team like would-be warlords in a third world country, eager to prey on them at the drop of a hat. His expression softened when he heard why Ginny had been so far out yesterday. She was doing her best to take care of her people when the ones charged with protecting them had reneged on the contract she had signed. Jonah's anger with Wheeler hadn't abated, but it was cooled by that returning sense of admiration for the woman in charge of the farm. He knew fairness and due diligence dictated that he should treat Ginny's claims with healthy skepticism until he could confirm it through other sources, but he knew the bias was affecting him. In any case, her story added up with what he had seen so far: the patrols undertaken by civilians, lax discipline among Charlie and his men, the atmosphere of distrust. Meanwhile, Decker hadn't seen anything to back up Wheeler's claim of an attempted insurrection... just scared people being lorded over by those entrusted to protect them.

Finally, when Jonah trusted himself enough to speak, he sighed. "I'm sorry, Ginny -- for what he put your people through... and that you had to lose a friend in the middle of all this. I understand you probably don't trust me. That's fine, I can't blame you after what you've been through," he said earnestly. "But I hope I-- we can earn that trust. I'll make sure Charlie and his men stay away from you and yours, you have my word." He paused, fingers drumming idly against the steering wheel as he considered how to broach the subject. "If you want him punished, I can arrange for a court martial. For him and his men that took part. To be honest with you, I don't know how far it would go. Chances are we'd have to wait until Nashville for anything formal. You and your people would probably have to give statements. But... it's up to you."

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

​

Ginny was far too aware of Jonah’s growing anger for her own comfort, as she waited to hear his reply, her hand slipped down the door to the handle, ready to pull the lever and escape out into the fields if need be. She didn’t know him, wasn’t sure how he would react to what she told him; she had taken a chance that it would work in her favor, or at least level the playing field between herself and Charlie. They had been two opposing forces over the past few months, with Charlie slowly gaining power over her. She watched his knuckles turn white as he gripped the steering wheel, his face losing the kind curves she had seen earlier.

She waited, breath held, until he finally spoke, issuing his reply she exhaled suddenly, relief pouring through her as he apologized for the acts of his subordinate. While she didn’t hold him personally responsible or even O’Donovan for that matter, Charlie was his own man, and made his own decisions. He was offering punishment and she was slowly shaking her head. “I don’t need vengeance or retribution from Charlie, like I said this isn’t who he is and maybe if the world was different he would never had become this man.” She leaned back in the seat, relaxing slightly. “But I will open the offer to my people; I won’t prevent them from seeking their own justice because of my feelings. If we need to give statements then I will on their behalf.” She offered him a polite smile. “Thank you, for listening. I meant it last night when I said that I hope we can build a better relationship moving forward. I am still upholding my end of my agreement with the Government; regardless of the circumstances.”

She paused a moment, before speaking plainly. “I can’t trust you, not yet. You still represent the same foundation that Charlie does and he’s the only example I’ve had of what Nashville has to offer. I don’t doubt, however, that you’ll be able to turn over the feelings of distrust with myself and my people. And I welcome it.”
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah continued to be impressed by Ginny. Even after everything Charlie had put her and her family through, she still resisted the urge to pursue retribution because -- of all things -- she felt sorry for the world forcing this transition onto him. Despite that, she was aware of the fact that not all of her people might feel the same and had the presence of mind to accommodate that. He returned her smile as she offered her hopes to establish a stronger future relationship; he didn't know if she was being sincere or simply diplomatic, but it felt good to hear her say it all the same.

The mood was dampened slightly as she stated, rather openly, that she didn't trust him. He couldn't blame her, in all honesty. After what had happened, anyone would be left with a bad taste in their mouth for the uniform. Still, she seemed genuine enough in hoping that he could turn that lack of trust around... even if Jonah found himself anxious at the prospect of being the one to do it. He nodded, shifting the truck into drive. "I hope to live up to those expectations, ma'am," he said with a nod before steering the truck down the fence line in order to continue the "tour".

After it was finished -- Jonah's notepad filled with brief notes based on Ginny's recommendations and remarks -- he returned to the farmhouse, bringing the truck to a stop outside. "Thank you for your help, Ginny," he said. "I'll go see how my guys are doing; hopefully we can round up some volunteers to help out." He paused, looking down at her ankle with a sympathetic glance. "Let me help you inside," he said, climbing out and moving around to the passenger's side to assist her.

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

Ginny smiled as Jonah expressed his want to correct the mal feelings his uniform represented, she appreciated the gesture, enough so she didn’t correct him when he called her ma’am once more. The remainder of the tour had been slightly sullied, while they still worked well together, that was clear, there was an air tension between them now, like something had been left unspoken but she didn’t know what. Upon returning to the house she waited patiently for him to come around the car and assist her. As Jonah opened the door and was helping her out, Katie appeared in the front door of the home. “Gin!” She exclaimed, coming down the steps to take up Ginny’s other arm and help her towards the house. “Why are you out of bed?”

Ginny gave her sister a smile then, “Working with Sergeant Decker.” She replied, giving emphasis on the formality, “He needed some help with the lay of the land and I gave it.” At the top of the steps on the porch she turned towards Jonah once more. “The offer for breakfast still stands, come back when you’re done and you’ll be fed.”
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah almost feared that Katie might turn her anger on him as Ginny's sister ran from the house to help her back inside. However, Ginny seemed to brush off the woman's concern and covered for him in the process. Nonetheless, Decker noted the formal title and resisted the urge to frown, wondering if he'd done something to upset Ginny or otherwise convince her to put distance between the two of them. Even so, as Jonah helped her to the top of the stairs and released her to Katie's support, she reaffirmed her offer of breakfast, prompting Jonah to nod. "I'll do that," he said with a smile. "Thanks for your help. It'll really make a difference. Get some rest, okay?" he said. After giving Katie a polite nod, he turned and climbed back into the truck, making the short drive over to the camp.

He was glad to see that his engineers had already gathered up a small working party... including more than a few of Charlie's men, intermixed with civilian farmhands and the like. Resources were being gathered and responsibilities delegated by the looks of it -- timber being carried on shoulders along with tools in bags as they scrambled to finish their assignments. Climbing out of the truck, he called his aides over and went over the notes with them, complete with Ginny's input and his own rough sketches. Once he was sure they understood, he dismissed them to lead their own work parties before grabbing a pair of heavy-duty gloves from the truck, slipping them over his hands as he made his way to the fence where two farmhands were struggling to assemble a plywood barricade.

"Let me help with that," he said politely, stepping in to help lift the material. He knew it was the beginning of a long and arduous project, but it didn't bother him. This was what he enjoyed -- having a purpose, doing honest work and in this case actually making a difference.

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

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Ginny and Katie went into the house once Jonah was off. Katie naturally giving her sister trouble for having wandered off, she attempted to get Ginny to go back to bed but the younger sister refused. "We both have work to do, and you know we can't spare hands under we get back to normal. Jonah promised it would just as soon as the perimeter was fortified." She knew if Moore came to the house and saw her up and about she'd hear no end of it, nor would Jonah for that matter. "You check on the herd, grab the stuff I picked yesterday from Moose's saddle bags and I'll get breakfast started. We don't have to worry about Charlie and his gang any more." She could see her sister's skeptical look but eventually Katie nodded and went to do as directed leaving Ginny in the kitchen to work.

Ginny was taking a leap of faith that Jonah would keep to his word and work with her instead of against her. She needed to show the rest of the civilians on her farm that Nashville was to be trusted and things would get better. She cooked, and as the morning went on come of the adults under her care came down to the kitchen at the scent of fresh baked food: something none of them had had in a very long time. She organized them, feeding them breakfast and sending them to their new tasks. Some she sent to the fields, the herd needed to be taken care of, but those she could spare she sent to find Decker. Each she spoke to privately telling them if they wanted to seek recourse for how Charlie had treated them, they could once they arrived in Nashville, she told them that she didn't need an answer soon, but to think on it. Then provided them with their breakfast: a Johnny Cake, and send them on their way.

With the last person sent to see Jonah she sent a basket filled with Johnny Cakes for him and his men to eat: it wasn't much, but she knew the MREs were likely terrible, or that they hadn't eaten breakfast at all. "Mr. Decker?" A young man called out, Ginny's nephew as it happened, "Ginny send me and my brother to come help you with the wall." He held out the basket with wrapped food. "Said that your men need to eat something decent for breakfast if you expect them to work as hard as they do."
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah hefted the sheet metal into place across the fence, Roberto -- Ginny's farmhand -- assisting him by holding it in place as Jonah pinned the metal into place with heavy-duty nails and washers hammered in along its edge and into the wooden fence posts behind. When he was finished, he stepped back to observe his work. It wouldn't have passed a general contractor's muster before the outbreak, but it was good enough to keep a rotting corpse at bay. He and the others had been hard at work fortifying the perimeter using the agreed-upon plan: secure the area surrounding the farmhouse and barn first, with a focus on choke points.

Any area of fence that appeared to be damaged or neglected was repaired conventionally using the sparse fence-mending materials in the barn and typically reinforced with plywood or sheet metal barricades. Wooden stakes were emplaced, their crudely sharpened tips facing outward in an intimidatingly dense row of spikes. Trenches were dug along much of that same perimeter -- the cattle would avoid them instinctively, but Zack wouldn't know any better. Ginny's notes and recommendations had been invaluable for revising their plans, saving them blood, sweat, and tears that would have originally been spent on lost causes.

Ginny had helped in another way, as they all soon found out. The troops -- particularly Charlie's men -- had given him dubious but silent looks after he had returned, telling them that the woman would be sending able-bodied help along. He could tell they didn't expect to see any civilian help beyond the small collection of farmhands they had already gathered up outside. It hadn't taken long to prove them wrong as adults began filing out of the farmhouse. Some went to the fields, but others reported to Decker and his aides and were promptly put to work. The investment paid off noticeably. Many of the civilians were self-sufficient by nature and familiar with the tasks of fence-mending and land maintenance; with their added manpower and expertise, major headway could be seen along much of the interior perimeter.

Jonah was surprised when he heard his name being called, turning to see the source. A teenage boy, not even out of high school yet he imagined, was presenting a basket to him alongside his younger brother. Both of Ginny's children were much younger, so he assumed these were her nephews. "Thanks, bud," he said with a smile, his Southern drawl leaking through. He took the offered basket and looking inside to see a stack of baked cornbread inside. His grin widened at the sight of the "hoecakes" as he and his brothers had grown up calling them. He gratefully took one before passing the basket to Roberto. The flatbread was a welcome departure from MREs and canned food and he savored every bite of it.

He placed a hand on the older boy's shoulder, "I'm glad you guys came out. We could use some extra muscle out here. Need you to show these lightweights how it's done," Jonah joked, hoping to set their minds at ease. "You boys ever mend a fence before?" Seeing their blank looks, he chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Tell ya what, just watch me and Roberto for a bit and then I'll let you fill in for me. Deal?" Seeing their tentative nods, he proceeded to grab another section of sheet metal, nodding to Roberto who had just finished his own hoecake and had passed the basket along. Affixing it in place several feet down from the last, Jonah once again nailed it securely to the posts before giving it a solid tug in order to make sure it was properly secured.

"Pretty simple, right?" Jonah asked. It wasn't long before the teens joined in, helping with simple tasks under Decker's watchful eye. After another hour passed, he turned to look up at the rising sun in the sky, knowing that noon wasn't far off. A bead of sweat rolled down his head despite the morning chill still lingering in the air. Many of the workers were taking small breaks, though it wasn't late enough for lunch. Jonah decided it was as good a time as any to see if Ginny's offer of breakfast was still on the table. Peeling off his work gloves, he managed to find Miller behind the barn, shirt stripped off as he hammered a fence post into the ground at the direction of several farmhands. Royce was resting on the tailgate of a nearby pickup truck, watching his handler with curious brown eyes. Seeing Jonah approach, his tail thumped audibly against the metallic bed of the vehicle. It didn't take much convincing to get Miller and his canine to follow him to the house, the MP hastily putting his shirt back on as they made their way to the home and ascended the steps, Jonah knocking on the front door.

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

​

Within the house there was noise. The only way it could be described is: children at play. Screaming and laughing, small feet pounding along hard wood floors as they tore through the house in delight. After Jonah's knock an odd silence would fall on the other side of the door, though occasionally a voice would be heard calling out, and the call repeated drew further, after a minute the door would open and Liza-May would stand, chin raised, looking both men firmly in the eyes. "Yes?"

Her question would go unanswered as Jackson pushed his way between his sister and the door frame to see who it was at the door knocking so politely. "Oh," he said then looked back into the house as Ginny's voice was asking who it was from the back. "It's the man and the other man with the dog." He shouted back. Liza-May, annoyed with her brothers intrusion attempted to hip her brother out of the doorway as he called back. He grunted but elbowed the older girl in the ribs, giving a satisfied grin when she winced and yelped.

Once more Ginny was calling from the back of the house, giving instructions of sort. Liza-May narrowed her eyes at the men, holding the door partly opened as Jackson attempted to push it open. "Liza-May," He whined, unable to defeat his older sisters strength. "Mommy said to let them in, they're here for breakfast. "He grunted, but she won out, Jackson scrambling out of the way as the door swung closed. "I'm telling mommy!" He shouted and pounded down the hall to the kitchen.

Liza-May swiftly swung the door back open, shouting after her brother. "Nothing to tell! I let them in!" She was soon chasing her brother down the hall to the kitchen. Within the living room, just to the right of the front entry, the living room was disheveled, as the remainder of the children stood quietly eyeing the two military men in the door way warily. They weren't alone, Marta was seated on the couch, on the only couch cushion remaining. "Staring is rude." She said quietly, to which the kids started to return to their play. "She's in the back, Sergeant Decker, she won't go back to bed, said she's been expecting you."
Safton

 

[Safton]

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As the door swung open, Jonah was surprised to see Ginny's daughter of all people on the other side. She greeted him and Miller with a sort of defiant air that brought a smile to Jonah's face. "Hey there," he said. "I'm here to--" he began only to be cut off as Jackson muscled his way between his older sibling and the door frame. He watched the ensuing scene between the brother and sister play out, barely able to stifle a laugh. Miller had no such compunction and rattled off a deep chuckle at the scene while Royce watched the children with confusion, head cocked.

As the door swung open and Ginny's children retreated, Miller turned to Royce and murmured a quiet command. With some small measure of disappointment, the canine laid down in front of the door as Jonah and Miller entered the house. Decker glanced around at the living room, giving the children a friendly wave as they stared at him. It wasn't the first time he'd seen children enamored with the appearance of military men -- as far as he could tell, that was the same the world over. The kids in Iraq and Afghanistan had done the same thing.

As the woman looking after the children informed him of Ginny's whereabouts, Jonah nodded gratefully. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll see to it that she gets some rest," he said, before turning and making his way self-consciously down the corridor after Jackson and Liza-May before entering the kitchen. "Ginny?" he called out. "I hope that offer still stands."

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

"Oh! Jonah, you remember my name now!" She chided as the two men stepped through the hallway into the kitchen with her. She was seated at the old wooden table at its head, leg propped up on the chair beside her on a pillow with a cool pack wrapped around her ankle. She smiled to the two that had come for breakfast as she had offered. Liza-May stood next to the table, watching the two men warily, bouncing back against the table top and catching herself before pushing herself back up again. Jackson snuggled on Ginny’s lap, though the boy was growing tall so he was mostly just leaning against her leg, holding onto her arm. "I know Jonah has met both my kids today, but Liza-May, Jacks, this is …. Specialist Miller." She shook her head apologetically, "Sorry I can’t remember you rank, not very good with the titles."

She reached forward and gave Liza-May a nudge. The girl took a step forward, turning to scowl at her mother then immediately regretted the look she received in turn. She turned back to the two men, eyes on the floor she mumbled. "I apologize for how I acted at the door." She said nearly beneath her breath. The girl made to move from the room but Ginny stopped her. "Again and look them in the eye. It means nothing otherwise." The girl huffed, but she obeyed. She met Jonah’s eyes, "I am sorry for being rude."

Ginny let her suffer a moment longer before speaking, "Go and see Marta, I’m sure she has some chores for you to do." Liza-May took the opportunity to bolt from the room. Ginny gave Jacks a squeeze and leaned in to whisper in his ear. The boy giggled and he whined. "Moooom." Before she was shooing him from the room as well.

With both kids gone, she shifted in her seat, collecting the ice pack from her ankle, "Come sit, you two look exhausted and it’s hardly even lunch." She rose from the table, moving to the counter to start prepping a meal but paused. "Where’s Royce?"
Safton

 

[Safton]

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Jonah glanced at the floor, shuffling his feet like an admonished child as the woman remarked on his use of her name. As Ginny introduced her children to Miller, the man smiled broadly. "Hey guys. And don't worry about it, miss. My parents made the mistake of naming me Ronald and I never heard the end of it through school. You can call me Miller."

Jonah chuckled at the exchange, shaking his head. Ginny nudging her daughter forward caught his attention as the girl put forth two apologies that had the distinct feeling that they had been coerced by Ginny's steely gaze. Nonetheless, Decker smiled. "Don't worry about it," he reassured her before she rushed from the room, followed shortly after by her brother. Jonah took a seat at the table, thanking Ginny as he did.

At her query about Royce's whereabouts, Miller's eyes widened in surprise. "On the front porch, I wasn't sure if he was allowed inside."

NanLia ​

 

[NanLia]

Ginny blinked in confusion at Millers reply, not understanding exactly why the four-legged beast wouldn’t be allowed inside her home, but she smiled. "Of course he’s welcome inside; I let the kids in here after all. Besides he deserves a treat as well, if I’m allowed." She gave Miller a playful wink, but started across the kitchen to the counter, collecting items from the cupboards: some fresh plants she had collected the day before, prior to being treed, some canned and jarred, boxes of food and a few dried items. "How did the work go, on the fences?" She questioned then, as she started to prepare breakfast for the two men as promised, while she knew it was more like lunch at this point, it didn’t matter to her.

As she stood at the counter to work she balanced easily on one leg, letting the injured ankle hook behind her knee. "I hope my sister’s boys didn’t delay you too much, they want to help as much as the adults, but it’s hard to find them something to do all the time that makes them feel useful." She glanced to Jonah and Miller with an apologetic look. "Neither of them are particularly good with the cattle, or farming and neither is Katie, but I just don’t have the heart to tell her she spooks the hell out of the bulls."

Soon enough the scent of bacon filled the kitchen as the cast iron pan heated over the wood burning stove. She was happy she had won the argument with Joe when it came to renovating the house. He had wanted to get rid of the giant thing but Ginny had liked it, even though, at the time, she never thought she would ever need it. She started working on a bowl next to the stove, pouring in a powder and adding some fresh milk. The bacon was, in actual fact, dehydrated venison but into strips, almost like beef jerky but with no seasoning, Ginny had dumped two spoonfuls of pork fat into the pan to rehydrate the strips and give it the same flavor that bacon would have. Within the bowl she mixed dehydrated eggs she had found in one of the other houses as with fresh milk from the adopted dairy cows and added some herbs and wild greens she had collected.
Safton

 

[NanLia]

Nari felt her heart pounding in her chest, through her ears, adrenaline coursing through her veins. This feeling, this pure chaotic feeling had become commonplace to her now; no longer startling it was welcomed as it had saved her life several times in the past. She waited, hands gripping the steering wheel of the armored police truck as she waited for the sign to advance. She loved and hated recon and scavenge duty. Love because it got her out of the complex, into the surrounding wilds and a little bit of peace. She hated it because of the danger, the unknown and the frustration that came with trying to find parts. She was partnered with one of the Police Force, Boo. The formative woman was a force to be reckoned with. More time that she could count Boo had dragged her out of certain death and kept them both alive.

It wasn’t to say that Nari was at all careless with her duties or awareness with her surroundings, that’s just how dangerous Austin was. During the Fall and events afterwards many had flocked to the city as it was designated as a "safe haven" for refuge, but in the early days after the government fell silent the safe zone started running out of supplies and power. Soon with it rioting started, people killing people by the masses in an attempt to take whatever they could to survive. Nari had witness it unfold from the safety of the racetrack, her and her family well hidden. Few had come to the gates seeking to loot, but failed to bypass the metal doors. It left Austin filled with the dead roaming looking to fill their insatiable hunger.

The light at the bay door started to flash, indicating that the garage doors would soon open and release her and Boo, plus three other cars into the city. Already the thump of the bass could be heard in the distance; the music and light show chain drawing any dead away from the opening doors and the scavengers that would soon leave. She and Boo were on their way an hour outside of the city to a car dealership and manufacturer. The site had long since been closed, but they knew that the materials and equipment were still available there; the Circuit had been long time customers of the dealership, purchasing supplies to make repairs to their racing cars.

The door ahead of them started to roll open, brining in the sunlight with it. Nari was momentarily blinded by the brightness of it, but as her eyes adjusted she turned on the car and slowly rolled out of the garage towards the city beyond; just another day at work.