Invasion Day: An Oral History of the Veech War by Micah Gurley (good books for high schoolers .TXT) 📕

my boy look up the owner, local folk, and I had someone drive me right to their house. I told them I wanted to use their house since there won't no tours anymore. They asked me why, and I told them directly. They gave me the keys right then and there. Don't tell me the Lord doesn't provide.

So, we packed up and moved everyone out here. This old place has some seventeen bedrooms, and they're all full to the brim, but it's kept us dry and safe. It's got a big kitchen, and that old front yard gives them plenty of space. Now this here house was built by slaves, but the Lord took what was used as evil and turned it for his purposes, and you can believe that young man.

Oh, I'm not going to say we haven't had some hard times, but those were promised, weren't they? Food has been scarce many a time, but we've always pulled through. When you needed something, the Lord provided. A lot of good people have helped us out, dropping by what they could. Times were tough all over, young man, as I'm sure you know.

And my fool of a husband, that's who you hear talking so loud in the house, can make corn grow in the desert. We've always had a lovely garden to help us along.

There's a young man down the road, about twenty-five now, I believe. Well, he lives alone now, lost his parents in the attack, poor boy. He likes to hunt and always drops some meat by. I told that boy to come stay near us, but he won't. He likes to come sit and watch the children play though. He's dealing with things like we all must, but I hug him when I see him. There's not too many hurts a good ole hug won't soothe.

Were you concerned about the Veech?

Not worried at all, young man; the Good Lord will keep us and protect us. Now, I'm not some ole crazy woman saying that. Even at the best of times, nobody came to this place, cause it ain't that easy to find. Besides that, young Jackson Thompson told me it shouldn't be a problem.

He put some of his boys in the town anyway to keep a lookout for them devils. A forward watch or some such. We heard the fighting early in the war, but it never did come to our doorsteps and these brick walls kept us safe.

You know "The Ancor" General Thompson?

I've known that boy since he was walking at my knees. His family is quite well known in these mountains, used to control and run all the moonshine in these mountains for hundreds of miles. Bet you didn't know that, did ya? Well, they're a good family, always took care of the locals best they could. But I told him I didn't want to leave this here house, not with all these little ones. He said, "Yes, Momma Keets," just like a good boy should.

He also had his boys drop by meat regularly. Good boy that Jackson.

The door opens, and an older black gentleman walks out, holding a cane. Though bent forward, he still stands almost six feet tall. His pure-white hair is a mess and sticking straight up. Standing next to him is a strapping young white man the same height as Mr. Keets. His spark plug like frame of corded muscle easily reflects the Marine uniform he wears. His eyes, a light shade of blue, stare directly at me.

Mr. Keets: Who's this young man sitting and talking to my wife? You rascal; I'll take a switch to you.

Momma Keets: You shut your mouth, old man. Lord, would you look at you, what a handsome boy. You come here and hug your momma.

The young man doesn't move.

Mr. Keets: (Laughs while pointing at me.) He's gonna get you, son, you better run.

Momma Keets: (Stands.) I said, shut your mouth! Ben, we were just talking about you. Look at me son, and he's a reporter, now come on, I didn't teach you rudeness like that. Now give me some sugar, and you can go back to those demons.

Ben turns from me and hugs Momma Keets.

Ben: The Red Devils momma, my squadron. You know that.

Momma Keets: I don't know any such thing. I don't know why anyone would want to be named after the devil. Nothing good can come from it, I'll tell you that. Now, It's been good having you back, son. You got everything loaded for Star Trek?

Ben: (Laughs.) Space, momma, and yes ma'am.

Momma Keets: Tell me who loves you?

Ben: You do, momma.

Momma Keets: that's right, son. I love you to death, and so does the Good Lord, don't you forget that.

Ben: I won't.

Momma Keets: Go on and say goodbye to your brothers and sisters, then this old coot will take you to town. You keep in touch now. Now go. And Pappa, you head on home directly. I've got things for you to do.

Mr. Keets and Ben walk down the steps to the front yard. Momma Keets sits down.

Now, he's grown into a fine young man. Just finished high school, and now he's going to a school up there in space. I'll miss him, but he'll be okay now.

What do you think about the TSC and children leaving so young?

Well, I just don't know. At first, I thought it was a terrible idea, taking children from their families. A child should be with their family, not growing up in some home or such, but I understand their thinking. I just don't know.

Those kids get to visit every year until they finish high school and go into space. Ben there is the first one to join the TSC. I had him for six years, and I gave the boy as much love as I could. When the choice came up, we sat him down and told him the straight of it. We tried to be honest, and I told him he didn't need