Tempest of Tennessee (Episode 2): Tempest of Tennessee, page 11
part #2 of Tempest of Tennessee Series
Annette went back to the roads. “We’ll need fuel for the vehicles. I’d bet there are stranded tanker trucks. Maybe we can find a tow truck powerful enough to haul them here.”
“How are we situated on armaments?” Jeffry asked. “What weapons do we possess?”
Annette said, “Between the weapons we brought with us, and those I’ve seen around here, we have rifles and pistols for everyone and then some. Ammunition is a different story. I don’t know what Jules has on hand, but with all of us armed, we’ll run through what Tempest has. Won’t the National Guard have ammunition and weapons?”
Jeffry said, “They will, but locked in a vault as strong as any bank. We’d need explosives to blow it open.”
I half-raised my hand for attention. “I have the makings for ANFO and do-it-yourself detonators.”
Jeffry smiled at me. “You’re an odd one, aren’t you? The detonation charge alone may be enough to do the trick, but it’s good to know we can go as far as ANFO.”
Vikas and Preeja had been silent, but Vikas joined in. “You will be surprised how much our Tempest knows to survive. She is the encyclopedia of knowledge.”
I know he brought a blush to my face. “Mostly I studied living off the land. This mega survivalist situation is more complicated.”
Jeffry again smiled and said, “As you’ve already proven, much of your knowledge is applicable to our situation.”
Jules said, “It’s getting late. Does anyone have more to add to the list?”
Preeja said, “More animals will need on the list; the pig, chicken, rabbit. Required is food for them. The dogs here need food. Maggie said they have eaten rice and oatmeal with waste from the deer Jules shot, but that is gone.”
Jules said, “Thank you for remembering my dogs. I’ll add that as a priority for tomorrow.” He paused and then said, “I’m sure there are dozens more things we could come up with, but let’s call it quits. Vikas, Abby, Annette and I will bring the water.”
Maggie requested, “Drop the first containers in here. Preeja and I have enough to start with the dinner dishes, but we’ll need more for rinsing. Jeffry, if any of the children needs to pee look for an appropriate place for them to do it outside until the pump’s running. Let them know that starting tomorrow they will be assigned daily chores.”
I asked, “What can I do?”
Annette pointed to the door. “Go rest. We need you well.”
I wasn’t going to argue that. I was beat and my headache was coming back. Walking to the bunkhouse it came to me that I liked the turn life had brought. I was excited about what we could accomplish. A sense of adventure was on me and I couldn’t wait to get started.
Then my mood took a swing. I knew I’d meet resistance if I voiced determination to ride out with them tomorrow. Oh well, there would always be battles to fight, at least that one would be bloodless.
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End Episode Two.
Thank you for reading. The final episode is complete is in editing. Episode three will be the final installment in the Tempest saga. It will center more on wilderness prepping and survival. Tempest takes a great step in coming to terms with herself on her journey of self-discovery.
McDonald, Terry, Tempest of Tennessee (Episode 2): Tempest of Tennessee
