Families First: A Post-Apocalyptic Next-World Series Volume 6 Battle Grounds by Lance Ewing (ereader for comics .txt) 📕

“That Hanson guy is going to be pissed if we burn the Valley,” said Sergio to Mike later in the afternoon.

“Hopefully, it’s only the Rimrock, then,” said Mike. “We can’t control everything, but we have to win, at all costs,” he added.

“That’s true, plus I think the Colonel will have Ronna’s guys box them in from behind,” said Sergio.

“Unless they win, of course, they will have no choice but to die or surrender, and we won’t be harming the women or children, so the closest FEMA camp is about to get busy. But know this, Mike. I will fight, and all the way to the end,” continued Sergio, adding, “I’m not learning Chinese!”

“I don’t even like eggrolls!” joked Mike, getting a laugh out of Sergio.

“Do you think the higher-ups are joking around, like we do, with all this serious stuff going on?” asked Mike.

“Higher-ups like the Colonel and Ronna?”

“No. Like the President, Vice, and the rest of them.”

“Well,” replied Sergio, “I actually know the answer to that very question. Regardless of their affiliation, the President and Vice-President have to have some feeling of invincibility to do their jobs. There’s always someone who would like to see them six feet under. It was the same in the old days of Kings and Queens, wondering if they can trust their inner circle and the chef who prepares the daily meals. I was in Secret Service for a short stint, not for this President but the last one.”

“Really! How did that go?” asked Mike.

“It was exciting for about a month, then routine, and quickly boring after that—like a glorified babysitter that could maybe get a round to the head, as Brady did. Anyway, the way things ran, they were afforded a certain amount of built-in protection, with City law enforcement helping out during campaign stops or trips of any kind.

“Now they are all huddled together like cattle, and the threat is not some random shooter but entire countries—and powerful ones, at that. Half the Military did the same thing with law enforcement, like you did. They went home to check on their families and never went back to work. I don’t mean that as a dig, just facts.”

“Yeah, I get it,” replied Mike. “Lonnie and I did that exact thing, and I’m sure we weren’t in the minority.”

“So, the short of it is,” continued Sergio, “no, they are not joking, as we are. They are mice in a snake’s cage, hoping for a miracle to reach in and pick them out. We are the miracle sent by God above.”

“Do you believe in God?” asked Mike, for the first time ever asking anyone.

“Absolutely!” replied Sergio. “He is the Big Guy and doesn’t make any two of us the same. He does, I believe, use us in different ways. The Bible is an awesome book, and I’ve read it cover-to-cover twice. It’s also a violent story at times, and just because you and I have to do some of the more unpleasant things to help keep things straight on Earth doesn’t necessarily mean He doesn’t care about us. I fully plan on meeting Him on my last day.”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” replied Mike. “I hope you’re right.”

* * * *

A nervous tension filled the air in both the Saddle Ranch group and The West, with Samuel following John’s lead and informing his people about what was headed their way. A few asked Samuel if he was planning to waive the no weapons or violence belief the group was based on for decades.

His answer was a resolute “No! We will defend this Valley doing our part in preparations beforehand, during, and after the threat has passed. We will, however, not take up weapons or spill any blood on our ground or theirs. We will pray to help those close to us who have different beliefs and offer our hospital and doctors as necessary to anyone needing medical attention on either side of the aisle. We still have much to offer our neighbors to ensure the prosperity of all who reside within the entirety of this Valley.”

“But what about the Colonel and his soldiers or the Ranch people taking up arms? Isn’t that wrong?” asked another.

“No,” replied Samuel, as if he had answered this question a hundred times before. “What’s wrong is judging them for having beliefs different from our own. The Colonel I mentored once, and maybe still do in some respect. He has always known my ways, and I his. Just because he travels with helicopters and guns doesn’t mean he’s any less close to God than me or any of you. We’re just on different paths. Only working together with him and John can we make it to the other side of this test.”

* * * * * * *

Chapter Sixteen

Baker’s Group Leaving Camp

“Get hold of the forward observer guys!” Baker screamed. “I want to know what’s going on every minute. They have my land and my granddaughter. I’ll settle for nothing less than their heads on fence posts.”

His closest guards tried calming him. All of their well-intentioned advice and forethought fell onto deaf ears as Baker stomped around like a third-grader who missed dessert at lunch. Even those close to him, who had respected him always and promised to follow him, were having second thoughts, and he knew it. Nothing short of a spectacular victory and presenting a rich valley with all the spoils could bring them back to where they had started only weeks ago. If he failed, it would be him at the end of the spear, wondering how quickly his hold on his subjects could unravel. He watched intently from the middle of the long line of travelers as his followers led the way, mostly on foot and carrying the items designated by his enforcers. Men carried 50 to 70 pounds of gear, or