Disclaimer: Written slowly. I finished this chapter originally on October 7th but with things going sour around the world I haven't had much time to edit. Hopefully things will get better. I plan on getting through a ton of writing in November so stay vigilant and tune in.
THE LAST
OF US
PART III
(Music to go with certain scenes)
(transliteration/translations)
Written text
Chapter 12: Behold, A Black Horse
The sun hung low in the sky as Blue emerged from his slumber. He passed out only wearing his underwear, underneath two warm comforters on a spare bed. Red yawned awake, and Blue realized his quandary when he saw around ten heavily injured people in bunk beds. They were occupying the beds the Dam workers usually slept in. They had rough arrow injuries in their torsos and upper chest. There was blood everywhere and he heard Ms. Judy, the camp cook, crying on a bed, barely alive from a gnarly bullet wound in her chest. Blue rushed out of bed and changed faster when he heard the noises getting louder. His clothes were a little dry as he made sure to place them without any weapons near the heaters. Whirring hot air soothed Blue's legs, but he'd rather face the discomfort of slightly wet clothes than hear any more screaming.
"Come Red, let's get out of this tomb," said Blue while adjusting his poncho over his Lupara now strapped to his back. He tilted his cowboy hat at every worker he passed by. "Parden me." He walked down dimly lit and dripping concrete passageways. Dam workers gave Blue nasty looks but he still tried to be courteous. "Parden me, sirs."
The Jackson Hydroelectric Dam wasn't anywhere close to being as massive as the Hoover Dam. Still, for a massive project back in 1911 and finished in 1916, the Dam held up. Built to raise Lake Jackson to 9 meters above its natural elevation for water storage, irrigation of the Snake River, and later under FDR a power source for Teton County. It was a modern marvel built at a time when other modern marvels outshined it. Blue found it ironic the 130-year-old dam was holding up better than most buildings in Jackson-Hole. There were 30 constant residents who lived inside the Dam all year round. Only two families with grimy frightened children, everyone at the dam was on edge.
There was a general store and a tiny three-man fishery at the top level of the Jackson hydroelectric dam. That was exactly where Blue was heading as his clanking cowboy boots echoed in the concrete stairwells of the facility. Red followed his master up the stairs until both were relieved to see sunlight once again. A great whoosh of wind tore through Blue's body. The cold air started picking up until Blue moved down the rusty iron walkways below his feet.
"WOOF! WOOF!"
Red ran across to the other side of the dam on the north side of the Snake River. Blue followed his dog and tilted his hat to Murphy who was talking with several other old timers gathered around a roaring fire inside of an aluminum trashcan. The men all stopped talking as Blue walked by. He saw at the far end of the dam Tim sitting alone on a bench overlooking the West. The boy's eyes were focused on the sinking sun casting his porcelain face in crimson.
"Blue, where are you going?" The question came from another old timer next to Murphy who wore a Shuba furred coat and had a red fox-tailed Ushanka hat. The old man gestured for Blue to come over and he did. "Please sit," said the man with a smile. "My name is Nicky Reed brother of Nikolas Reed."
"Really?" Blue took a seat next to the old man. He couldn't believe Nikolas Reed, an electrician and Communal Council member in Jackson had a brother. "Name is Blue," said Blue while shaking Nicky's hand. "To answer your question, sir, I needed some fresh air."
"Horrible isn't it? One second, we're all walking in the forests, the next a horde and those savages," commented Murphy. Blue shook his head. He didn't want to think about what happened. Murphy continued, "Without you, we would have been overrun. Even though we failed in our mission, Blue, you saved many lives."
"Not enough," said Blue sadly. "No justice in the world can bring back a human life. This whole damned mess was started by the Communal Council. That ambush didn't need to involve us lumberjacks, damned fucking bastards! Those Comanche raiders had every opportunity to attack the fur traders."
"Come on Blue, they're a bunch of savages who rape and pillage everyone they come across. Maybe they just wanted to kill as many of us as possible," replied Murphy, which caused Blue to shake his head.
"You guys have any liquor?" Asked Blue, feeling down and in pain.
"Got a spare flask?" This came from a very old white-bearded mountain man who mumbled every word. He pulled up a large jug of moonshine and then said, "People just call me John Jeremiah Garrison Johnson the fourth. Heard you are named after a damn color."
Blue took out his empty liquor flask from his CrossFit bag. He looked at the man confused and just said, "Yeah so what?"
"Hand me that der flask."
Blue handed his flask to the old-timer. John Johnson started pouring Blue moonshine into the flask while Blue got up and saw Tim still watching the sunset. The boy was away from all the tired, wounded, and alcoholics. He couldn't blame the kid, but he grew out of sulking alone long ago. In the Jackson Republic, there were enough sulkers that he rarely drank alone even during church service.
"I'd like to thank you Nicky for allowing us shelter after that massacre. We finished the job and the south side of the dam is cleared five hundred meters south. Half-mile from each side of the dam, which damnit means we may need medical transport to South Park," said Murphy, he was standing in as overseer in Kaiden's place. "Now, I already sent Aran out to Jackson to ask for reinforcements of at least forty experienced soldiers."
"Before we get to any of that. We are allies. However, the world is a strange place these days, and as someone who lives here, I must ask. Have you checked every one to make sure they aren't infected? Have you followed the procedures after someone has encountered a horde?"
"Well, er, uh, I know Blue came back wet and with a bonk on the head. Most of us got wet and bumps and bruises. The ones in the barracks are the ones all banged up. I'll do a checkup in half an hour."
"I want it done now. Up here and outside, so that we can all safely have a good night's sleep," ordered Nicky the threat looming in the air.
"If anyone's bitten, they're dead," said Blue catching Nicky by surprise. "I made sure of that and if anyone was kissed by a smiler they would have turned by now."
With that Blue left the old timers. The sun was descending over the meridian, and the puddles on the concrete were blood red. He walked slowly over to Tim who stood vigilant over the railing overlooking the Snake River. Blue made it by Tim's side, and both just stood side by side watching the sunset. Tim was still covered head to toe in dried blood. The boy's eyes were still puffy pink, his face covered in grime, and his red hair disheveled. Tim craned his head over to Blue and said, "It's beautiful isn't it?"
"Sure is," said Blue while placing his gloved hands on the ice-cold railing. "Just came to check how you're holding up. You're a tough kid, tougher than most adults, and I must say you've held it together well."
"Bullshit! I was hiding under the wagon half the time," said Tim, his voice defeated. With loud whimpers, Tim started crying. Blue hugged the young boy. "I can't get their screams out of my head. I heard while running back, one of the fur trappers. I went to help her out, but she was being… by a bunch of Co-Comanches!"
Blue wrapped his right arm around Tim. He noticed the boy was bleeding from his right arm. Blue froze as he held the crying boy in his arms. No! Wait? No, it couldn't be. Blue remained silent as his weary mind came to terrible conclusions. A long line of blood flowed slowly down Tim's right arm where a lone drop of blood fell to the ground.
"Blue, do you know what it is like to fall in love?" Tim looked up at Blue. More tears fell from the thirteen-year-olds eyes onto the icy ground.
"Love, it's the most wonderful thing in the world."
"I wish I had experienced something like that. Never got to meet my parents. Both died from a pack of Runners and I, I, just wanted to be loved," said Tim he cried harder against Blue's chest, and Blue only tightened his embrace. Tim started getting hysterical. "Please, please, please don't go."
"You're infected," whispered Blue, he looked around noticing more people popping up onto the top of the dam. "Are you?"
"It-it, it happened while I was crawling from under the wagon. It was a stalker and I promise it was just a little bite. I have this headache and know soon that... But I'm scared, and I don't want to die," explained Tim while sniffling snot and trying to get his tears under control. "I'm only thirteen. I've never been kissed or got to see the world. It can't just end like this."
Blue wasn't sure what he could say to soothe the scared infected boy. He simply tightened his arms and hugged Tim with all his might. He was hugging an infected monster, but for now, Tim was still just a thirteen-year-old boy. Blue felt like the universe was taunting him. He knew what he needed to do, but that didn't mean he wanted to do it.
"You ain't done nothin' wrong Tim. I wish the universe treated you better, but the real journey is just going to begin. You've hurt no one, done nothin' bad, and you've touched the hearts and minds of so many people. Us lumberjacks love having you around," said Blue somberly with his sapphire eyes turning cloudy. "Don't be afraid, it will be better very soon."
He left Tim immediately who started crying harder. Tim clutched his head in pain and made many sickening sounds from his throat. He had little time before the kid would turn into a monster. Rushing over to the gathering bodies of men. Blue went to Gavan McDaniels.
"What is going on?" The Scotsman looked annoyed. "Saw you over with Tim, get him over here."
"No can do, gotta problem," whispered Blue. He made sure no one else could eavesdrop. "Tim got bit."
"Oh, but how's that possible… You sure?"
"Positive. I'll take the kid for a walk. Keep him company until he turns. Just in case something happens or if people ask questions. You tell them the truth."
Blue didn't wait to hear Gavan's response. He rushed over to Tim and started escorting the boy quickly to the rusty metal steps leading to the north side of the Snake River. The sun, a blood meridian of doom brought orange, red, and purple light across the sky. Red started growling as Tim's tears started falling to the ground. Blue pushed the kid forward until they started walking toward South Park, Wyoming.
"This can't be it!" Tim started crying harder. He felt hot, cold, felt stronger by the second, but he couldn't think well. His mind was becoming mushier, nothing but fear and hate made sense. "Blue please don't leave me! Please, please, don't go!"
"I'll be with you until the end. It'll be quick, I promise you, and no matter what. Remember that by morning you'll be engulfed in never-ending love. You'll see your parents, you'll find a girlfriend, and have a normal life."
"Will it be warm?"
"Yes, and there will be endless bounties of the most delicious food in the universe. You'll never feel too hot or too cold. Everything will be alright. You'll see all the people who've loved you. Your family will be happy to see you again," said Blue as a tear rolled down his left cheek to his chin. "You're about to get the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Everything you love will be there. There are no monsters in heaven."
"Will you be there too?"
Blue brought Tim to a rocky ledge that was facing West. He knew the kid wanted to see the sunset one final time. Tim's body started shaking. He was turning into a monster right now. Blue grasped the handle of his right holstered Chiappa Rhino revolver. The icy cold handle made his body twitch. Blue pulled the gun out and dropped the empty rounds into his leather pouch. Tim started crying louder as Blue reloaded his gun. Fully reloaded he swung the cylinder left, chambering the bullets. Raising his gun and pulling back the hammer. Blue started crying.
"No."
Jackson
Ellie spent the last day and a half horny, frustrated, and worst of all worried. It was the same sort of torment she felt back in Yellowstone. Thoughts of Blue dying bombarded her head all day long. When she awoke feeling cold and alone a day and a half ago. Ellie marched with fury straight to Tommy and Maria's home and every snow-crunching footstep felt like divine retribution. She thought she could argue and defend Blue's position before the delivery job. She explained that he was depressed and had spent his whole life as a slave. She even proposed riding Daisy south to bring Blue back home, but Tommy and Maria were adamant that Blue was safe. They argued that it was the Communal Council's decision and that it had been set in stone. No matter what, Blue would be back in Jackson by November 21st. Ellie begrudgingly relented, and she thought little until her nightmare last night.
In her dream, she was alone yet again. Below her feet were bones that crunched and snapped with every step, until she eventually came to a cold creek. Blue was alive clutching his torn bloody stomach. He was rabid like a recently infected runner. Ellie raised her Remington 700 and pulled the trigger. Ellie spent the rest of the day thinking about that horrible nightmare. It felt so real, and she couldn't help but remember almost killing her lover days back. Back then she wanted to kill him. Now, the thought made her sick.
CLANK! CLUNK! DINK!
Ellie threw more empty liquor bottles into a waste basket. The bottles clanked and clunked against each other, bringing Ellie away from her thoughts. She was inside Blue's apartment, he left her a spare key on top of her nightstand along with a quick note.
Dear Ellie,
I had to write this very quickly. I love you so much and you mean the world to me. Every night and waking second I'll be out in the wastelands. You'll be in my thoughts. Please don't worry, but if anything does happen, you're welcome to everything in my apartment. I don't have much, but it all belongs to you. I left the weed under the bed inside my leather bag along with my AKM. Please know that I miss you already and I didn't leave without kissing you goodbye. This isn't goodbye, it's only a see you later.
Cleaning Blue's apartment had eased her mind of her worries. Ellie brought a small clear vase filled with water and placed four blood-red Indian Paintbrushes she had acquired earlier in the day. After helping to set up the music podium, Ellie was on her way back home when she bumped into Eddie. Eddie was a Shoshone sheep herder who settled in Jackson a decade earlier. He was handing out Indian Paintbrushes to every woman in Jackson. Eddie found the mythical flowers growing under the valleys surrounding Teton and he thought they'd be a great good luck charm for every woman hoping to find love during the upcoming Thanksgiving Festival. Ellie looked at the flowers in the vase and smiled. The sun in the sky was starting to sink below the horizon. The clouds outside were turning pink and purple around an orange sun with a red hue.
Ellie looked around and smiled at her handiwork. Everything was cleaned up. All the empty liquor bottles were discarded, Blue's bookshelf was dusted, and his clothes were now folded and put away. Ellie had only to look underneath Blue's bed where he kept a multitude of stockpiled ammunition and his large leather duffle bag filled with numerous treasures. She slid the closed leather duffle bag out from under his bed and sat Indian-style on the floor. The soles of Ellie's feet were pitch black and she sighed at the thought of another shower. Shaking her head, Ellie unzipped the duffle bag and gasped.
Inside the bag were three scavenged gun cleaning kits, less than half a pound of weed in a stinking Velcro pouch, three stacks of books, one rusty bowie knife fashioned from a deer bone, and Blue's brand-new AKM at the very top of the completely full duffle bag. Ellie dragged the duffle bag out to the middle of Blue's apartment. She started to unload the entire duffle bag completely curious about the hidden treasures inside. She placed most of the items from the duffle bag on his cleanly made bed. There were eighteen ammo boxes filled with unused cartridges they acquired from Yellowstone and from Blue's past travels. Ellie scavenged further and found a small ebony box that had been polished so shiny, Ellie's curious eyes reflected from the wood. It was the size of her palm and no deeper than half an inch.
Creak!
Inside was a silver diamond ring with numerous sapphire gems etched around the large cut diamond at the center. There were two cheaply made leather bracelets with markings woven together. The bracelets reminded Ellie of something one of her students would make over the weekend. Ellie's right hand trembled as she saw a sickening solid gold eagle with ruby eyes clutching a snake in its beak. It was intricately made with dozens of pointed ends attached to a blood-red ribbon. The metal had a dull color, but Ellie felt cold as she examined the almost archaic artifact in frightening fascination before closing the box. Ellie wiped some sweat from her forehead and sighed before saying, "What a weird memento."
"Feels like I'm going through Blue's dirty closet," muttered Ellie to herself. She had already gone through his dirty laundry, quite literally, but her curiosity had gotten the best of her.
Ellie found several things that looked like currency in the form of minted gold and silver in two tiny canvas pouches. She found two machetes, a gun case containing a 1911 Colt, and a photo. The photo was weathered and had a beautiful blonde-haired woman with stunning sapphire eyes. Her head was wrapped around a black shawl and her skin was flawless like untarnished porcelain. Wearing a long yellow summer dress, she looked like a proud happily married woman. She had her left arm wrapped around a very tall and strong man. The strong man had bronze skin and stunning brown eyes, he was wearing a brown Stetson hat and a dark green poncho. The woman was clutching a small brown-haired boy in her right arm. The boy in question was no older than five years old and beside him was a much taller girl who had long black hair like her father and stunning brown eyes. Ellie turned the back of the photo and read what was on the back.
My life before everything went to hell. Miss you so much Samantha, you were the best sister a brother could have. Not a day goes by that I don't miss you and Mom. I even miss you too papa.
Ellie felt a tinge of guilt as she closed the gun case and placed it on Blue's bed the only thing left in Blue's leather duffle bag was a mysterious book. It was titled A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Ellie smiled as she picked up the book and started reading the back cover and became engrossed by the synopsis. She was always impressed by Blue's reading selection, which included nothing but amazing reads. When Blue wasn't working or drinking, he was busy reading a book. Ellie opened the cover and was about to read when a photo and a folded-up letter fell from the book.
The picture was a boy, probably the age of thirteen dressed in USAF army clothes. He was smiling all proud and holding an AR-15 across his chest. He had on a red bandana in the form of a scarf around his neck and a simple olive-green military cap. Ellie knew it was Blue, but even back when he was young, he was very cute and handsome. Blue in the picture looked to be on top of the peak of a large mountain. Hills, streams, and arid rocky valleys were in the background. Clutching Blue's body and giving him a kiss on the cheek was a young pretty girl who had stunning black hair and breathtaking light brown eyes. She was developing nicely in the photo with blossoming breasts and a lot of curves. The girl was dressed in a modest white skirt and a dirty white blouse that accentuated her flawless olive-complexed skin. Ellie had to hold back a laugh at how Blue was trying to look cool and serious in the photo despite him blushing and smiling a wide toothy smile at the girl's kiss. Ellie turned the over photo and read the back.
Enchanted Rock, Texas 2031
This isn't goodbye, it's a see you later.
Sophia
Ellie sighed as she placed the photo back where it belonged. She started packing everything up better than she left it. She stared at the unopened letter. Snatching the letter in her cold hands, Ellie felt the hairs on her neck stand as she opened the carefully folded letter. She held in a long breath as her eyes scanned the letter.
December 27th, 2033
I am writing this in hopes you will get it before the end of the year. Things are going well in the East, the Imperio is giving Fedra oil and natural gas from Port Arthur for medicine, steel, and ammunition. I just hope this alliance will allow you to come home. My dad thinks of you as nothing more than a slave, but I've heard you're already an officer in the Legion, and to top that off you're a Texas Ranger. I still can't believe you're following your father's legacy, even my father is impressed at how much recognition you're bringing to the house of Del Valle. Malak, I don't think of you as a slave, I think of you as that sweet boy who gave me flowers and kisses every day. There's not a day I don't wear the band you gave me. I know you wear yours as well, according to Nahuatl legends if we wear our bands, no matter how far we are from one another, nothing will separate us. I've been praying to the gods and the emperor that you will come home. How are you doing?
I saw Sancho coming back from the front lines in Texarkana. He told me you are stationed in Amarillo and are fighting the Comanches and other Plain tribes. The stories I've heard make me so worried, but I know you are strong. You were a deadly fighter even at a young age. I remember you coming home at age eleven covered in blood and a war hero. Father is happy for all your accomplishments, but he's also worried you may become a freeman once your required military service is over. I can't wait for that day. I'm counting the days as well. I think father is ridiculous. Your love of Empire is second to none, you told me you are chained to the battlefield, but not forever. With the new laws our loving emperor passed, eventually, those chains will be broken. Until that day happens, I'll forever wear our marriage band and I'll whisper your name in my prayers at night for your safe return home.
Your love,
Sophia Del Valla
Ellie folded the letter back and placed it back inside the book where it belonged. She wasn't sure how to think after reading that letter. She couldn't believe the torment and war Blue had to face in his youth. While Ellie had gone on her journey with Joel all those years back, Blue was fighting for his life in Texas and Oklahoma. In a strange way Ellie felt guilty, not the typical guilt she felt when someone she knew or loved became infected. No, this guilt was different. All the many times she yelled, berated, and threatened Blue to work harder came rushing back to her. Blue would then work harder with his head hung down like a whipped dog. Never in her life did Ellie feel more grateful to be raised in a Fedra-run orphanage, she never had to experience slavery firsthand nor the hardships of being a child soldier. Blue wasn't lazy, he was miserable, and an unfortunate soul forced into a life of war and bloodshed. She was just an unfortunate soul cursed with the knowledge that she could somehow save the world.
Deciding she had done enough, Ellie turned off the lights and turned off the power and water. Before heading out Ellie, looked back at Blue's room hoping he was there. Clutching A Thousand Splendid Suns between her breasts she fled back to her apartment. She had the book, the photo, and the letter in her possession, and she intended to keep them. Ellie also made off with Blue's old M1911 Colt. She found an unused magazine full of still intact .45 ACP ammunition inside Blue's duffle bag. Loading it into the pistol, she snapped back the slide causing the receiver to chamber.
KOK!
Ellie placed the pistol on her nightstand next to the book. She smiled, then left her apartment.
TuTxTuT UTU TuTxTuT
Christmas lights shined from almost every rooftop in Jackson. Green, Red, Purple, Blue, and white lights glowed like stars under the setting sun. Christmas wasn't but a month away, but Jacksonites were already preparing for the next festivity. Sweet cinnamon and delicious mulled wine drifted across the city of Jackson, mixing smoothly with the autumn smell of burned leaves. Ellie moved down the nearly desolate streets of the Squatters Quarter past the old Teton County Library, which was now renamed the Bunkhouse. There was a loud commotion at the entrance to Jackson just a mile away. Dressed in her warm winter clothes, Elie drifted slowly and wearily past dilapidated yet still festive motels and renovated hotels all along Maple Road. Children were laughing and forming snowmen near the loud hard-drinking joint known as the Picnic House. Even some of the abandoned buildings in the Squatters Quarter looked festive with snowmen and blow-up Santa Claus blowing in the wind. Large tent cities were set up near torn remnants of the past such as the Jackson Rodeo Arena, which had turned into a trading bazaar.
Ellie quickly made her way to the entrance to Jackson. The humming electric fences were barely audible over the screaming, cheering, and happy arrival of Yellowstone's citizens. Over five hundred people were traveling in a long wagon train with refurbished Humvees from the C-5 Galaxy rolling with the caravan. There were numerous people on foot stumbling through the open gates. Ellie stood at the edge of the crowd watching Zhukov waving to the awaiting crowds of people. The old Russian general was waving from the top of one of the Humvees that had an open hatch with a Browning M2 machine gun at the back. Children were throwing hard candies at the awaiting crowds from the back of the long wagon train.
"Zhukov, sure knows how to make an entrance," said a familiar voice.
Ellie became started as Dina hopped off a slow-moving buggy with JJ in her arms. The little seven-year-old boy quickly ran out of his mother's arms to hug his godmother. Ellie couldn't help but smile at the affectionate touch of her godson and said, "JJ you are getting stronger by the day!"
"Dina, I wasn't expecting you. What's going on, why are you here?" Asked Ellie completely taken back by Dina and JJ appearing in front of her and in Jackson of all places.
"Well, Zhukov wanted to bring five hundred people with him to Jackson for the upcoming festival. I've accrued enough time off for a two-week vacation. We wanted to see you guys again. Especially after your visit to Yellowstone with Blue, Cat's bickering, and JJ's constant begging!"
"Mom!" Shouted JJ in protest.
"Enough JJ, honey follow the caravan to our hotel in Jackson Central please," said Dina with some amusement in her voice. JJ simply pouted with his arms crossed across his chest before climbing back onto the slow-moving caravan going into Jackson. Dina made sure her son was secure before going on, "Been hearing all kinds of rumors about you Ellie. Heard about you and Blue. Is it true?"
"Uh, about that, who is the asshole who keeps spreading rumors about us having sex? I promise you, I won't kill them, but it is getting to the point now where it is starting to become unbearable! Is nothing even private anymore?"
"Well, if I find them, I'll help you get your revenge, but is it true? You know that you and Blue are a thing," said Dina with glistening cinnamon-brown eyes.
"Well about that… let's just say its well," began Ellie unsure how to follow. She investigated Dina's sparkling iris' reflecting rainbow-colored light and couldn't help but fall for that familiar loving look. She was always powerless under it. "We're together. I just… we've both missed you and Yellowstone so much. I know our visit was short and we got sidetracked by the Communal Council. I just wanted you to know that even Blue of all people had a wonderful time." Dina smiled, which caused Ellie to smile back. Both women's eyes glistened, they were once lovers, partners, and married together.
Dina held her ex-wife by the shoulder, and both walked alongside each other with Zhukov's moving caravan of visitors. Ellie noticed numerous Native Americans with dark brownish-red skin wearing headdresses and moving faster on horseback. She was positive these weren't anyone part of the Shoshone Nation as they were taller, slenderer, and had bloodthirsty looks on their faces. Their headdresses had dark black magpie, raven, and crow feathers mixing with the night as some charged forward. Dressed in thick parkas, holding manmade sabers with their right arms while with their left arms, they were waving at the crowds watching them pass by. These strange Native Americans possessed M1 Garands and AR-15s in their saddle holsters. Accompanying them were thirty more tough-looking Montana cowboys who drew more gasps from the impressed Jacksonites.
"Who are they?" Ellie asked, she couldn't help but gaze at them just as awestruck.
"They're part of the Crow Nation and those cowboys were once called the Bull Moose Riders of Montana. The Crow Nation annexed their territory. They now want to form an alliance with the Jackson Republic. You and Blue left a day too early. The Crows are already setting up a trade network in Lake Village," explained Dina. They traveled further down the road all while Dina explained their intentions, which to Ellie sounded reasonable.
"You're telling me that the Crow are scared of a war with Fedra and the Fireflies?"
"Ellie there's so many wars breaking out across the United States and even Canada. A Crow warrior was explaining how there's some dictator in Quebec calling himself Napoleon. Dude is a nut, but he has already conquered Montreal and is looking to expand across Canada. So many wars have broken out across America since the Fireflies have officially come back. The Fireflies have claimed New Reno as their capital."
"New Reno? I've seen Las Vegas and it's infested with nothing but infected. Did someone rename Reno?"
Ellie couldn't comprehend what was happening outside of the Jackson Republic's borders. It sounded almost like a twisted Grimms Fairy Tale. Last she traveled West past Las Vegas she went through the outskirts of Reno but avoided Reno due to the porcupine web of armed brigades of various armed groups. Even 8 years ago the city was still called Reno.
"I've traveled near Reno before. Never got close to the city there were too many gunfights, rocket fire, and shell attacks. I must have been twenty miles from the city and could still hear all the noise. You sure this is the same Reno?"
"So, I've been told, but it's Reno no more, it's now New Reno. Danila told me just the other day he might visit New Reno on his way West to California."
"The rest of the country is at war, and here we are celebrating Thanksgiving," said Ellie with some amusement.
They both walked through whooshing winds and light flurries of snow. Jackson-Hole became a winter wonderland with the bright white lights of the city center two miles away. Dark sinister lines carved through the skyline, the dark lines were Rocky Mountains surrounded Jackson, but the most sinister of them Mt. Teton, stood to the north. There were faint yellow-orange lights from Outpost Teton that shined through the light white blankets of flurries. Ellie and Dina made their way to the Picnic House and took a spare table. Cat and JJ were settling in a hotel in the New City right down the road from 7/11. Ellie found it strange sharing a warm cup of glühwein holiday wine. The steaming hot cup of wine smelled of hard liquor mixed with sugar and cinnamon.
More and more people were filtering in through the front doors of the Picnic House as Dina started explaining how much she enjoyed seeing Ellie and Blue. It was right at this point that Dina noticed the obvious. Much to Ellie's anger and detriment.
"Ellie it's so good seeing you in the flesh. Where is Blue? Is he getting drunk without us?" Pondered Dina while looking around the restaurant for any sign of the man. Dina smiled a wide toothy smile and her pronounced nose hovered over the edge of her cup of steaming gluhwein. "Is something wrong?" Ellie's cheeks turned crimson just thinking about Blue. If she could get away with shooting the entire Communal Council, she would pull the trigger in a heartbeat.
"Dina, everything was going so wonderfully, but Blue's been terminated by the Jackson Express and now he's off chopping trees by the Jackson Dam. I just wish he was here," explained Ellie while biting her cheek. Right when she thought her Aunt and Uncle were starting to understand her, they pretty much curb-stomped her heart. "I love him. I really fucking do, and I feel so powerless here in Jackson. I keep thinking he's in trouble or something has gone wrong."
"Oh Ellie, Blue will be fine. He's a tough jew. He survived a Grizzly Bear attack and even you. Not even Abby survived fighting you and that says something," said Dina enthusiastically trying her best to cheer her ex-wife up.
"Please don't bring her up," snapped Ellie venomously. Just the thought of Abby still roaming the US made Ellie's skin crawl. "After what she did to Joel and Jesse… I'm sorry."
"I understand. I still think about Jesse every other day, especially when I look at JJ. He's got his father's eyes and looks. Remember how cute he was when he was just a baby?"
"I remember like it was yesterday. Just you and me living on a ranch outside the city. Things were looking good back then," replied Ellie. Her eyes started glistening and she had to bite her cheek again. She wouldn't shed a tear in front of Dina, but the memories were still painful. "Dina, do you think it could have worked out between us?"
Dina looked slightly taken aback by the question. Ellie had always wanted to ask her ex-wife this question. She knew the exact day their marriage ended. It was the day 7 years back when Tommy arrived at their ranch house with the news that Abby was in Santa Barbara. Dina argued, hollered, and eventually begged for Ellie to stay in Jackson with JJ. It was her greatest regret, she not only lost someone who loved her, but also her son. Dina took several gulps of her gluhwein wine, then settled her glass on the polished table.
"Maybe. You may not have realized this, but at the time it felt like I was taking care of two children. I knew you were suffering from severe PTSD. I never said a word about it," explained Dina. Ellie looked down at her lap in shame as she heard Dina continue, "I had to put up with so much back then. You would stare at sheep for hours like a scarecrow in the field. I sometimes had to shake you by the shoulders for you to come back home. I remember you waking up in the middle of the night screaming like a Runner, you even woke up JJ too. I loved you so much that I looked past that, and I tried to remember that wonderful woman who decided to kiss me in the Chapel. Even with all that we fought every other day, I still wanted things to work out. I didn't want to leave you, but you abandoned us. You chose Abby over your own wife and child that was when I had enough."
"I'm sorry. It may sound pathetic all these years later… I wish, I really wish I could have done things differently," said Ellie. She looked straight up and saw Dina's cinnamon-hued Iris's then said confidently, "You had every right to leave, right then and there. I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't have done the same."
"I forgive you. I'm sorry about not helping you with your PTSD and not understanding what you were going through. You were in so much pain, it pains me just thinking about it. I guess part of me wishes I was there when you went to Santa Barbara, for once someone could have been there. I could have been that angel on your shoulder," said Dina, much to Ellie's surprise. Ellie took a large gulp of her wine finishing her cup. Right as she heard Dina continue, "I wish I was there. I don't know what you did to that boy who was with Abby in Seattle. I truly don't wanna know, but I want to know. What was it like when you killed her?"
"I thought, honest to god. I thought once I killed her that everything would go back to normal… I thought people would be proud of me and for once happy. She killed Joel and Jesse. She crossed our borders to kill him in that way… and then Jesse and my Uncle's eye. She almost killed you!" Ellie was close to tears as she remembered all the terrible memories and events of the past. In some ways, she wanted to run back home and cry or scream and lash out at everyone in the restaurant. Instead of breaking her cup and causing a scene, Ellie just said, "You wanna know the truth? Nothing good came from her. She's poison, she ruined our lives, and if I saw her again, I'd lynch her with her own intestines. Killing her didn't solve anything, I still have PTSD, and I still am that hot head who rushes into things she isn't supposed to."
Dina finished her cup of wine right as a crowd of Gypsies and Crow Nation were gathering outside. Both women pondered out the windows of the smokey establishment only for Dina to ignore the commotion. Ellie was calming down from months of practicing anti-anxiety exercises. Ellie peered and saw through the window more people gathering outside right as Dina caught her attention once again.
"We both know we won't be alive forever. With so many wars breaking out across the continent and some of these new infected evolutions. We could be dead tomorrow, if not from monsters or the cold. We could die from each other, that is why I made you JJ's godmother," began Dina with a serious face. Dina leaned forward across the table and whispered into Ellie's ear, "Cat and I were discussing making Blue JJ's godfather. Just in case something happened. What do you think?"
"Blue? I think he's one of the best men I've met in my life. He's so good with children and JJ really gets along well with Blue. But why Blue?" Ellie couldn't believe what she was hearing from Dina. It was almost as if her ex-wife was presenting her final will and testament to her. "Is something going on?"
"No nothing's going on, Cat and I are just scared. I really didn't expect to like Blue so much. When he woke up at the Yellowstone hospital, I thought about shooting, because he tried to kill you. Then we talked, I found out how loyal he is to you and that he's also Jewish." Ellie saw an odd glean in Dina's cinnamon-colored eyes. Dina sighed a dreamy sigh and said, "Seeing you two together was mesmerizing. You and Blue look inseparable and he's so handsome. I've never seen you so happy since JJ was born. In some ways, I'm kind of jealous. Of all the people you chose to fall in love with it's the only Jewish cowboy in Wyoming. There aren't that many good men left and you caught yourself a damn good one."
Ellie wasn't sure how to take Dina's comments about her boyfriend. She smiled and thought about making a comment about it, but she also knew Dina had always been very religious about Judaism. In some ways that often contributed to their arguments in their marriage. Dina never understood why Ellie wasn't religious, and looking back Ellie wished she could have been a little bit more understanding of Dina's perspective on religion. Ellie felt proud and confident she had made the right decision to date Blue.
"I think he might be the one. We've already been discussing how we both wanna start a family. He's been weaning himself off booze and he's already given me so much. I ah read his letters from his dead wife."
"Oh really, did she like his big dick too?"
"Dina!" Exclaimed Ellie, completely baffled over her ex-wife knowing about her boyfriend's cock. "How do you know about that?"
"Ellie, I'm a doctor. When I was treating Blue's pneumonia and all his Grizzly Bear wounds, I saw everything. You're lucky that I'm married, and I love you so much because if I was in your shoes, I'd already be riding him like a cowgirl at the rodeo," said Dina dreamily and with amusement. Dina smirked mischievously like she would do just that. Ellie huffed a strand of auburn hair out of her face in annoyance. Dina smiled and quickly said, "I'm sorry, I know he's your man. I just like messing with you. Do you know when Blue's coming home?"
Ellie was about to reply when a very loud shout came from outside. People were rushing out of the Picnic House to see what all the commotion was about. A massive crowd of close to three hundred formed out in the streets. Ellie and Dina followed the stream of people who were all congregating by a large black horse. Ellie's heart started thumping as she started pushing her way aggressively through the crowd. She started muttering over and over, "No, no, no, please god no." She went up to the horse and to her horror she realized whose horse it was. Sitting on top of Blue's black stallion was a sixteen-year-old boy with dark chestnut hair. The boy was covered head to toe in blood, and grime, and looked like he had seen hell unleashed.
Ellie felt her heart sink as her worst fear came to light. Bells started ringing out as Ellie watched the boy riding Ricky through the crowd toward the Old City. Ellie wasn't sure if her cries came first or her tears. Dina rushed to her side trying to comfort her, but Ellie simply fell to her knees. People started questioning the boy on Blue's horse.
All Aran could say to the crowd, "Comanche!"
Tommy's Residence
Tommy was enjoying one of his homebrewed beers in his study. He had enjoyed a good dinner with Maria, she made chicken fried steak, which was once Joel's favorite dish. He remembered all the good times he had with his brother back in Texas. Joel would go to HEB and bring back two cases of Lone Stars while Tommy went to downtown Austin for some chicken fried steaks. The memories warmed his weary heart as he heard loud shouting coming from downstairs in the kitchen. Maria was busy slaving away in the kitchen with several high school girls. They were making pumpkin pies and preparing stuffing for Thanksgiving. It was weird to celebrate such a holiday during the apocalypse.
Watching his favorite Cowboys game on his studies VCR. Tommy took another swig of his beer and had to suppress a cheer as he saw one of his favorite interceptions of the game.
- "Michael Irvin number 88 is going! He has the ball! Down twenty-five yards forward! Coach Jimmy Johnson couldn't be happier this Super Bowl XXVII!"-
"Back before the Cowboys went to shit!" Commented Tommy.
SLAM!
The front doors to his home came slamming down. Before Tommy could pause the TV, he heard a loud spinetingling shout of someone in despair, "WHERE IS HE!"
"What now?" Tommy settled his beer down, paused the ancient recording, and walked down the hallway of the second floor. He made his way faster downstairs as the screaming turned into sobs. As he made his way to the living room, he once again became startled. Wrapped in Maria's arms was none other than his niece.
Ellie looked like a mess her eyes were puffy pink. Sweat covered her face as if she ran a marathon straight to his home, but worst of all she seemed to have gone insane.
"H-how could you let this happen? After everything he's done…" Ellie started screaming harder into Maria's shoulder. The high school girls were staring at the sight uneasily. Tommy noticed their worry and he knew Ellie would want them gone.
Tommy brought the two high schoolers over to the foyer and whispered to both, "Sorry about that. Thank you both so much for helping Maria, but I think the cooking will have to wait."
"Understood!" Said both girls before slipping out the door into the snowy night.
Tommy made his way over to Ellie and his wife. Maria was trying her best to calm down his niece, but she was failing miserably. Ellie stopped crying and screaming. Her cheeks turned redder, and her emerald eyes became the incarnation of dread and fury. Maria froze under Ellie's cold death glare. Tommy exhaled a deep breath, unsure if he'd survive whatever Ellie had to say. He walked over to his niece and bravely said, "Ellie, what is going on?"
"A boy rode into Jackson from the Jackson Hydroelectric Dam. He was part of Miles Strauss' Lumber Company, the same one you two ordered Blue to be part of. That boy was riding Blue's horse…" Ellie couldn't say much more before breaking into tears once again. This wasn't like her to cry like a baby, yet Ellie could barely withstand all the pain, depression, and torment seeping into her soul. Tommy placed a hand on Ellie's shoulder, but she writhed at her Uncle's touch. "I loved him, and you took him from me." Ellie rose to her feet, feeling a moment of clarity in the poisonous cloud of dread that had overcome her just a moment ago. "After everything I've done for you! I was with you in Seattle, I killed Abby in Santa Barbara, and I went to war believing once Colter fell, they'd come for us too. I went through all of that just for you to repay me like this. You both knew."
"Knew about what? We didn't intend for Blue to be in harm's way, the Council made the decision back on the 17th… if I had known you cared so much about him, I would have done it differently," Tommy said trying his hardest not to fuck anything up, but he knew he was fucking up the moment Elli's death glare intensified.
"You knew I loved him! He could have been back here, I begged you, my own family, for just one small favor."
"Ellie, it'll be alright," said Maria while wrapping her arms around Ellie. "Blue could still be alive. We're just now hearing about this. I want to know about this boy who rode Blue's horse. Where is he? Why was he riding Blue's horse?"
Ellie slid from her aunt's grip. Slowly she backed up out of the living room into the foyer. To Tommy, his niece looked half hysterical, yet he knew she had every right to be angry. Ellie had lost so much from friends, lovers, and even family. He couldn't believe he may have inadvertently sent Blue of all people on a suicide mission. Maria started crying as she watched her niece running away from her.
"Ellie, please come back! I didn't know!" Maria's begging fell on deaf ears. She saw her niece pause with her black-gloved hands on the doorknob. "I want to help you."
"You both have done enough. I'm going to save Blue. The Comanche better pray he's alive because if he's not I'm going to kill every Comanche woman and child until they are wiped out," said Ellie, surprising even herself by her own words. Wiping away her tears, her rage returning in full force, Ellie could only say, "The boy is at the stables. You two better pray Blue is alive, because if he's dead..."
Ellie didn't say anymore, she ran, before Tommy could register what had happened. His niece slipped out of their home in such a rush the front door sounded like it would crack. SLAM! Ellie had always been a hothead, but the display of such unhinged behavior even unsettled Maria. She started crying harder and Tommy felt like he needed to do something.
Tommy wrapped his hands around his wife's waist and soothingly said, "Don't worry, it'll be alright. I'm going to go after her and set everything right." Maria looked at Tommy with tears in her eyes.
"Did we really set him up for death?"
"We don't know if he's alive or dead. All I know is that my niece loves that damned man. So, I'll do everything in my power to set things right. She's Joel's daughter and the only family we have left," said Tommy while shoving sweaters over his torso, and another layer of pants over his legs. "We shouldn't have let her move into the Squatters Quarters, nor should we have set those up together for the delivery job." Maria started wiping away her tears with her hands, but Tommy wasn't sure if she agreed with him. She didn't respond, she stared blankly as he fumbled with his heavy winter boots and other winter clothes. "Ellie is upset now, but by tomorrow I'll set everything right. So, help me god, for once things will work out."
"How can you be so sure?" Questioned Maria in disbelief. Tommy had finished getting dressed and she wasn't sure it was wise for her husband to go searching for Blue. He wasn't as strong, levelheaded, and quick on his feet as he was before his disfigurement in Seattle. Not only had Tommy gained some belly fat, but he rarely ever left Jackson unless he truly needed to. "If Ellie is right that the Comanche attacked the lumber party. We might be sending more people to their deaths. Tommy, you must bring Ellie back home, if she goes to the Dam right now, we could have another Seattle." Maria looked like a hysterical mess just like his niece. "I've heard about what these Comanche do to women. Please, you need to stop her!"
Tommy gave Maria a quick reassuring kiss. He looked into Maria's teary brown eyes that looked so pained and all he could say was, "There won't be another Seattle. You have my word on that. No matter what happens I love you."
TuTxUtUxTuT
Ellie marched through the snowy streets of Jackson angrily. There weren't too many people or riders on the roads as Ellie passed through the bright lights of Jackson Central. She couldn't believe her own family sentenced Blue to death. Why? She kept wondering why. Why did Blue need to go to the Dam? Why did Miles Strauss want her boyfriend down by the Dam? Why did that damned party of fur traders decide to make their way to Jackson today of all days? In a twisted spin of fate, her curse had, yet again gained another victory.
"Ellie!" Screamed several loud voices.
Ellie turned and saw Bear and Danila exiting the Tipsy Bison. Both men were armed with Kalashnikovs strapped to their backs and wearing thick winter clothes. Danila and Bear were smiling wide toothy smiles, and their eyes were slightly glassy from drinking. Several Ushanka-wearing Yellowstone guards walked out of the Tipsy Bison to observe the exchange.
"Ellie it is so good to finally see Jackson for the first time," commented Danila happily like a boy getting extra rations of food after dinner. "Bear was just talking to our friends about you and Blue. Where is your boyfriend?"
Ellie tried to smile and respond. Instead, she bit her cheek to keep from crying before painfully saying, "Blue isn't here. He was with a party of lumberjacks and fur traders, and they had just been attacked by the Comanche. I don't know if Blue is dead or alive, but I'm going to go to the Jackson Hydroelectric Dam. If you guys want to help, you're more than welcome to." Bear and Danila exchanged worried glances. Ellie was about to move but Danila held her in place with a warm hug. Bear rushed inside the Tipsy Bison and started yelling in Shoshoni and then Russian. "What is he doing?" Danila didn't answer her question, he just soothingly continued hugging her and said, "We have your back!"
Ten heavily armed and ready Russians exited the Tipsy Bison with six heavily armed Shoshone warriors right behind them. Bear barked another order and like that, Danila stopped hugging Ellie. She couldn't believe Bear could convince sixteen people to ride to war with her, but he just did. Still shocked by Bear and Danila's actions, Ellie stood in the dark snowy night petrified. All eyes and ears were on her. Was she supposed to say something?
"They are waiting for you to lead us to the Jackson Hydroelectric Dam," said Bear nonchalantly.
Ellie saw Seth closing the Tipsy Bison, then she turned to the south and began walking. She couldn't believe that 18 heavily armed soldiers were following her, but no one protested as she led them south. As they walked further south random citizens armed with rifles started mixing in with her party. As Ellie made it close to the Jackson Stables, she couldn't believe how many people were following her. There had to be around forty separate and heavily armed individuals. One of them was Lilah Strauss who emerged from the dark with her father's AR-15 rifle strapped to her back and dressed in a cute red fox-furred parka. Even Seth from the Tipsy Bison emerged with ten armed Jacksonites bringing the total party to over fifty people.
The most she ever commanded were thirty elementary school kids and even then, she had trouble. Bear and Danila hadn't smiled even once after she told them the news and they both acted like her lieutenants commanding everyone to fall behind in formation. More people started emerging from their homes in their pajamas. Most looked at the mob marching south completely baffled by what was happening. By the time Ellie marched to the stables she saw around sixty fully dressed and heavily armed followers. Lilah Strauss marched next to Ellie. She noticed that Lilah had puffy pink eyes and looked like a trainwreck herself.
"Grandfather is upset," said Lilah Strauss in a near whisper. She looked up into Ellie's emerald eyes and frowned, "Blue will come back home. I promise you or I will…" Lilah crashed against Ellie's breasts and started crying. She held Mile's Strauss' granddaughter in her arms as the militia started preparing horses to drag wagons and buggies. "They can't all be gone, they just can't."
"We will bring them back home, don't you worry," said Ellie soothingly. "You know Blue?"
"I was the one who hired him. He was always so kind, and generous, and was a handsome foreigner. I hired him not long after he saved those kids," said Lilah Strauss so passionately it made Ellie smile. "I didn't want him to die by that Dam. I thought he would be safe. My grandfather and the Communal Council were thinking of sending Blue to outpost Teton for a whole month. I convinced the Communal Council if Blue just chopped trees for a couple of days he would change for the better." Lilah started crying harder into Ellie's shoulders. Her cries and screams made Ellie feel bad for the younger woman.
"It'll be alright, we will get him home," said Ellie not believing a single word she said.
Aran emerged from the stables with Nikolas Reed, one of the communal council leaders of Jackson and the main electrician who had powered up the entire Jackson Republic. Nikolas Reed was a finicky old man who rarely showed his face, yet when he did show up everyone in Jackson gave the old man his respect. He walked directly to the center of the angry militia. People stopped preparing to give the old man some space to talk.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"We're preparing to aid the people in South Park and the hydroelectric dam," said Seth angrily with his .30-06 M1 Garand strapped to his back. Ellie couldn't believe Seth decided to help, yet here he was speaking for the mob. "Our friends, loved ones, and allies have been attacked by savage Comanche. They could all be dead for all I know, but I'm prepared to lay down my life. Ellie has been a citizen of the Jackson Republic for many years, and she's done so much for the community. If she believes we can save whoever is left and get justice, I'll follow her until the ends of the Earth!"
Numerous citizens and even bystanders started cheering and shouting in approval. Ellie blushed and smiled at Seth's comments. She once hated him and called him a bigot. Now he was one of her strongest supporters amongst the growing mob. The only thing missing from their mob were torches and pitchforks.
"I spoke to Aran. He rode here straight from the Dam. The party of fur traders and lumberjacks was ambushed earlier today. However, I must stress there are still many survivors of this terrible massacre," replied Nikolas to the gasping crowd. "As the man who has helped maintain the Dam for many years, it is my duty to respond to this crisis in a rational manner."
"We're responding right now! This is an act of war!" Screamed Danila. The wild Russian took out a metal flask of vodka from his dark black military suede overcoat. He started chugging the vodka down then handed the flask to Bear, then he sharply said, "I don't see you responding!"
"I'm going to radio the dam. If you really want to help, you need to calm down and get some sleep because it's snowing and pitch fucking black out there. Let's not waste any more lives," said Nikolas, he had several blood vessels showing on his head and neck.
Silence.
No one moved or said a single word. Danila glared harder at Nikolas. Lilah Strauss broke that silence with more tears and screams. Ellie tightened her hold on the hysterical young lady in her arms like Blue would do to herself. Murmurs and odd chatter emanated around her. Heads started towards the North. Loud snow-crunching footsteps echoed across the silent, cold, snowy night.
Tommy Miller walked through a gap in the angry mob. Tommy's eyepatch and his warm winter clothes made him look more dangerous and capable than usual. Her Uncle glided across the snowy ground right next to Danila and Nikolas Reed. He spotted his niece holding Miles Strauss' granddaughter who was crying hysterically in her arms.
"I know everyone is upset. I'm upset too. Whoever wants to help please remain by the Jackson Post Office and the Stables at a moment's notice. We will leave as soon as the snow stops falling, but if it doesn't, we will move out at the break of dawn!" Tommy noticed Miles Strauss had emerged from the darkness.
Half of the mob fled after that. Ellie continued holding Lilah Strauss, who was now being annoying. Lilah kept mumbling about Blue and repeating the phrase, "he's okay!" It made Ellie uncomfortable hearing her talk about Blue as if they were lovers. Several women in the crowd noticed her odd behavior. Lilah clawed her nails against Ellie's back causing the redhead to shriek in pain. Ellie glared at that dirty blonde-haired spoiled princess. Lilah glared back at Ellie as she was dragged away to her grandfather. Miles looked at his granddaughter and grabbed her by the hand, but Lilah screamed, "This wasn't supposed to happen!" People snapped their heads towards the noise, but no one dared say a word.
"I know, I know, I'll fix it," whispered Miles into his granddaughter's left ear. He looked at several of his workers who arrived at the scene. "I promise he'll be back by the morning." Lilah looked at her Grandfather's fierce brown eyes and calmed down. "When have I ever been wrong! Let's go home."
"But grandfather I was going to help Ellie with rescuing the survivors."
"These aren't Hunters. They're Comanche. Bloodthirsty savages who will stop at nothing to get what they want. There's plenty of men who will gladly risk their lives than let you be near those monsters," said Miles Strauss.
He took Lilah by the hand and ordered a few lumberjacks to help him escort his daughter back home. Ellie felt relieved she wasn't being dragged away. The mob started to break apart as Ellie made her way through the crowd to her Uncle Tommy who was giving commands to Danila and Bear. The three men were taking charge of the rescue operation under the bright spiderwebs of Christmas lights. Tommy was shaking his head while explaining the intricacies of how they should approach it.
"You mean this happened because the fur traders were coming from South of the Snake River?" Questioned Bear with a raised eyebrow. "This attack happened so close to home. Are you sure this attack isn't a diversion?"
"I'm not sure of anything. All I know is that the Dam hasn't fallen. If it did then we would have lost power ages ago," answered Tommy. He noticed Ellie listening in on them. He smiled and then frowned as Ellie walked in front of him. "You three follow me."
TuTxTuTxTuT
Ellie sat on an old leather sofa in her Uncle Tommy's office. Bear and Danila were sitting down. It was very warm inside the Jackson Post Office. She was exhausted emotionally and physically. Her Uncle placed two warm-furred blankets over her body as her weariness overtook her. Danila and Bear kept drinking with her Uncle Tommy. All she wanted was Blue. She wanted to jump into his arms see the whites of his eyes and hear his voice. Turning her back to the three men, she stared dazedly at the worn leather sofa cushions stitched against the sofa. The voices of her friends and Uncle echo behind her.
"So, you two are Blue's friends?" Asked Tommy wearily.
"Yes," said both men simultaneously.
"He is a hero of Yellowstone. He helped feed Grant Village during the War of 43 and he saved those kids. Blue was the first Mexican I ever met. A good man, isn't he?" Said Danila much to Tommy's displeasure.
"Maybe with you," said Tommy with pure disgust. "There was a time I thought he would have been a good soldier for the Republic. He turned down every position I threw his way. If it involves hard work and responsibility, Blue is the last man I can count for either."
"He's a good man, but has many demons," replied Bear. "If you don't mind me asking. Why do you hate him so much?"
"My brother Joel was just like him," said Tommy his lips quivering as he prepared to say the rest. "Joel was born back in the Autumn of 1981. We grew up together in Arlington, Texas and we weren't well-to-do. Unlike me, Joel had opportunities, he was strong like an ox and was a linebacker for our high school's football team. He was smart and mastered the acoustic guitar in just a few months. Hell, Joel even received a scholarship to TCU, but he fucked it all up when he met Julia Simmons. They hadn't even been together for more than a week and the next thing I knew. They're riding down to Travis County to get married. Joel had Sarah and to make a long story short, it's September 26th of 2013. Outbreak Day, the day Sarah died. My whole life Joel always looked out for me, but he had a dark side to him."
Ellie's eyes narrowed in on a torn part of the sofa. She wanted to dissociate herself from existence, far away from her Uncle. There wasn't a worse curse than listening to her Uncle discuss not only Blue but her own father too. Tommy was describing them as nothing more than fuckups. The years she knew Joel he had always been there for her even when she turned her back on him.
"I know you have a lot of mixed feelings concerning your brother. Blue is a different man. He never went too into specifics about his past, just that it was better left unsaid. I have yet to meet someone with a spotless closet," replied Danila.
"Gentlemen, let us be quiet," began Bear with a nearly silent tone of voice. "Ellie is trying to get some sleep."
The door to Tommy's office opened. Erik entered and shouted, "It's stopped snowing, and is a bright moony night!"
Ellie rose from the sofa. Before she could even grasp what was going on Tommy had fled along with Erik and Bear. Danila was out of the room before she could make it to the door. SLAM! CLINK! She twisted and turned the doorknob but no matter what direction she twisted it. The knob stood firm. NO! She started banging against the door to break free.
"You fucking bastards!" Ellie released a spinetingling scream in anguish. "Let me go!"
"Erik, stay here and barricade the door. If you can keep my niece contained until morning, I promise you a week of no work. Could the rest of you give us a minute," said Tommy loudly from the other side of the door.
Ellie slumped against the cold door. She felt powerless. Footsteps echoed from the stairwell.
"Why?" Ellie's question was met with half a minute of silence.
"For your own good. I'm not going to allow you to be kidnapped by a bunch of savages. I'm going to bring Blue home, and I promise by morning everything will be set right," explained Tommy as tenderly as possible.
Ellie heard her uncle's footsteps echoing down the stairwell. His footsteps echoed in her head for hours as she cried herself to sleep. They were silent echoes she hoped would go away. She prayed once again her Uncle was right, but there were doubts. All she could do was sleep and prepare for the worst. Joel often said, "hope for the best, prepare for the worst."