Ninety Degrees Out

The state trooper sergeant stood, making his way around the table. Chay listened intently as he spoke. The radio chatter he heard with half an ear at his house indicated there were serious problems with vandals, looters and other out of control citizens. Alicia had a log of serious complaints between amateur radio operators and he wanted to know if the only law enforcement left had any idea how bad the problem had become.

“In Anchorage, we have become a group of islands separated by flood waters which have not receded. Each island has residents who have banded together to defend themselves and pool resources. Like you, they are growing fruits and vegetables. Valuable articles like jewelry, art and surprisingly, meat are targets for theft.

“I’m sorry to say, the bike gang which was terrorizing the highway into Anchorage is back. They’ve picked up new members and have no intention of doing anything to support themselves. They have stolen fuel from the airport and are continuing their reign of terror by using jet skis and high power boats to run up and down the rivers running through all the low points in our city.

“Women are particularly vulnerable. I would suggest all of them be armed and ready to fight. Self defense training should be standard. I’m sorry to say Catherine’s experience is becoming the norm with these gangs.

“That being said, I have been authorized by a declaration of President Andrews to declare castle law upgraded. Intruders are to be considered suspicious and if they become violent or you catch them looting, shoot to kill. No questions asked. Make sure you have a system in place to identify your community members and be very careful about letting any strangers into your inner circle.” Sarge stopped to grab a glass of water and drank most of it before continuing.

“Are there any questions?”

“We are considering making the trek to Stargazer homestead,” Dasan said. “I’ve got enough fuel to fly back one more time on a personal mission. From here on in, our airplanes are strictly relegated to rescue missions on approval of the coast guard. We don’t want to leave our children and other vulnerable people unprotected, but I need all hands on deck at the ranch. We’re about to round up two herds of wild horses.”

“So, your worried about protecting the ranch while many of your strongest hands are gone?” Sarge asked.

“Exactly.” Dasan nodded his head, his greying braids sliding down his chest.

“I’ll let the coast guard know. Give me the route you’ll be following. I’ll make sure the military knows where you will be. Your horses will be incredibly desired. How many head?”

“We estimate close to one hundred. It will take some time to break them. These herds have been running feral since the gold rush. I doubt the state even knows they exist.” Dasan said. “I have a list of way points along our route. At least our GPS equipment is still working. The satellites were not damaged in the flip.”

“Get them to me before I leave. Anything else?” Sarge looked out across the assembled crowd and Chay raised his hand.

“I’ll teach anyone who wants lessons in self defense. We’ll meet in my backyard right after breakfast. Say around nine?”

“I’ll put a notice up on the bulletin board,” Hasan said.

“I’ll take those waypoints, Dasan,” Captain Whipper spoke up. “You and your family have been most cooperative. It’s the least I can do. I’ll make sure our surveillance flights cover your routing. We will speak to the navy and our counterparts in the army and send troops to the ranch while you are gone. All your time helping us track down missing persons has not gone unnoticed. I’ll see about having one of our radio technicians take the locks off your communication gear. That way you can call us directly. Consider yourselves part of the National Guard reserves as of today.”

“All of us?” Hasan asked.

“All of you. That’s why I’m here today. I’ve got paperwork for all of you. What you have here is important. This is the only place in the state with a functioning veterinarian clinic. Horses and other animals being raised for food and wool will need your help. We’ll be bringing our working dogs to you for help. We will also bring any medical supplies we find on our scouting missions.” Captain Janice Whipper’s passionate declaration brought cheers from across the crowd.

“Those who wish to sign up, see the Captain as soon as we finish. I’ll be first in line,” Hasan said when the raucous cheering ebbed into silence. “I would recommend anyone who hasn’t had self defense training gets it. Even the children.”

Armaruq nodded and smiled at Chay before saying, “I’ll help you, brother. We’ve been sparring together for a long time. No need for the ring anymore, we’ll use the grass in your back yard.”

“Keep your eyes open everyone. Those who are here today are those who should be here. Strangers need to be stopped and brought into the barn office. We can lock them into one of the horse enclosures if we need to. Erik will be in charge of security.” Hasan decreed.

“Let’s get everything ready for the trip up to Stargazer homestead. We’re going to have an old fashioned round up and get ourselves the horses we need to get around.”

Chay cheered with the rest of his new village. The faces as varied as a field of wildflowers in a high mountain valley and as beautiful, were united with purpose and determination.

His hand tightened around Alicia’s as Arimina crawled into his lap.

“Am I going to have my own horse?” Her piping voice was shrill with excitement.

“You are. Bingo and Dolly will have another friend. We’ll make another stall in the garage.” Chay told her.

“I’ll take care of him just like Jazz. I’ll even clean up his poop,”

Laughter erupted around the table.

“Horses make a lot of poop. Can you handle it?” Akira teased her granddaughter.

“I can too,” Arimina bounced down to the floor. “I even know where to put it. We have a compost pile behind the big log by the path to the pond.”