“Okay, we’ll need to research how to create that as I have no idea, well, next to no idea, what that process entails. Bannerman, will you see if someone knows about that. I suppose we could raid a bookstore or library and see if we can come up with something there as well,” I say.
“Personally, I think we need to get the food supplies and greenhouse going. The sooner we can get that established, the sooner we can stay out of the buildings. At least to a greater extent,” Drescoll offers.
“I agree. I think that should be our priority. I believe we are in a good position now to start building for the long-term. I’m not in disagreement with our need to create alternate water and power supplies but we have that now. We need to keep in mind that the night runners may be adapting to this new world as well and we don’t know what that means. We’ve seen their ability to adapt quickly to situations in fights and don’t know how that will translate to other things. The timing is right for getting our food supplies in order before something else comes up. That’s what I think anyway,” Frank says in support of Drescoll.
“I’m not saying we don’t need that. We just need those other things as well and I’ll be more comfortable knowing we have a more long-term solution to getting our water supply. That could be the turbines or Bio-diesel. Food, we can hunt for if necessary but if we lose our water supply, then we may find most of our day spent around gathering enough of it,” Bannerman replies.
“How long would it take to get the turbines and water tower in place?” Lynn asks.
“Good question. Both Frank and I have discussed it to a degree and we think maybe three months all told. That’s disassembling one, hauling it back, and setting it up. That’s a conservative estimate but it’s better to plan that way. Another factor is that, as of now, we only have a little time left with usable fuel. After that, hauling anything is out of the question,” Bannerman answers.
“How many people do you think you’ll need?” I ask.
“Well, the nearest wind turbines we know of are down in the Columbia Gorge so travel there daily isn’t an option. So, we’ll need security, equipment; meaning cranes and transport vehicles, and teams to operate the equipment. The same teams could do the dismantling. The security is because they’ll have to stay down there until it’s finished. How long is anyone’s guess. I would say three teams minimum depending on how much security you want them to have. The security would have to include night shifts so my thinking is, one team dismantling and loading, one team for day security and one team for night security,” he answers.
“That would leave us with five operational teams here. I think we could get along with that. What do you think Lynn?” I ask.
“I think we can manage but, if we do this now, remember you’re taking one team with you. That leaves us precious little for any other operations. The people we picked up will be able to help with building and such but they won’t be ready for any combat-oriented aspects for some time,” she replies. “I also have to say I’m not all that keen on leaving those teams out for an extended stay. I mean, if I’m hearing this right, they’ll be gone for three months?”
“No, I don’t think they’ll have to be gone for that long. Most of the time mentioned will be setting the turbine up on this end and attaching it directly to the pump,” Bannerman answers.
“Then how long do you see them being out on their own? We won’t be able to respond quickly if they need help,” Lynn says.
“Honestly, I don’t really know what it will take to dismantle one. I can’t see more than a week. If it takes longer than that, then we’ll have a different set of problems and the project may be more complex than we’re capable of doing. We can always put a time limit in place and if they aren’t finished by that time, then they come home,” Bannerman answers.
“I’m a little more comfortable with that. If they do go, then we should head north and pick up some Stryker vehicles for them to hole up in during the night and for added protection,” Lynn says.
“I agree. I’m not terribly comfortable with them being so far away from help, especially considering what we just had happen. And the radios might be spotty if functional at all. We need to think about getting longer range, more effective communications set up prior to sending them down. Maybe set up UHF with remote antennas on a hilltop. The gorge itself will make it hard to get radio signals in and out of,” I add.
“That might work. I’ll talk to Corporal Taylor and see if he has other ideas as well,” Lynn says.
“Okay. So, is everyone in agreement about doing both then; looking into a wind turbine and finish setting up shop here?” I ask. Everyone nods in agreement.
“Lynn, I’ll leave you to it,” I say giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Greg, you’re with me. I’ll go find Red and we’re off.”
“Jack, can I talk to you for a sec?” Lynn asks.
“Sure, babe,” I answer. “Greg, find Red and I’ll meet you out there.”
“Sure thing,” Greg responds.
“What’s up?” I ask with Greg’s boots clicking across the floor on his way out.
“I’ll come right to it. You’ve been a little distant since Nic. I know that was hard and you’re still hurting inside, but you’ve shut me out, or at least starting to. I want to be a part of the solution, not someone to keep at arm’s length. I just miss being close like we were,” she says.
I sigh heavily thinking she’s right. It’s just the way I am to a degree. When something hurts like that, I tend to keep everything at a distance until the pain subsides. A defense mechanism I guess. And now with the kids, well, the walls are wrapped pretty tight. Lynn continues looking into my eyes knowing that I’m thinking. She knows I like to take my time answering questions like that.
“You know, you’re right and I’m sorry. I just don’t want to feel that kind of pain again and I’ve been insulating myself against it. And now, well, it’s doubly so. I’m sorry, hon, it wasn’t right and I’ll try,” I say wrapping my arms around her and bringing her close.
“I’m not so sure I really like this new world,” I whisper into her ear. “I’ve done nothing but make mistakes and it’s eating a hole in my gut.”
Lynn pushes away but not out of my arms. “Jack, you know very well that’s not true. We’ve all made mistakes but that’s expected with all of the unknown we’ve had to deal with. I think we, and that includes you, have done a fine job getting us to this point. We’re alive and that’s what counts.”
“Nic isn’t,” I say softly.
A tear forms in her eye. “I know, Jack, and I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean, well, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. I meant to say that we’ve come through a lot and I don’t think we’ve made mistakes doing it. We’ve just had to deal with some pretty majorly fucked-up shit and made the best decisions with what we knew. Ask anyone here and they’ll agree that you’ve made great choices. Now get the fuck out of here before you make me cry,” she says pushing away.
“Oh, and Jack, don’t go in there by yourself, please,” Lynn adds.
“I can’t promise anything but I won’t do anything rash. How’s that?” I ask.
“I guess it’ll have to do,” she answers leaning forward to give me a kiss which I happily return and hold her close once again. Separating, I tell her I think I’ll take all of Greg’s team along with Red to scout with if she thinks she can spare them.
“I’m glad you’re taking more and don’t feel you have to, or can, do this alone. We’ll be just fine here. What about taking a Stryker or two yourself?” She asks.