Martin
(© Michael W. Bailey)
Page 2 kills or weapons training, were the first to die. Their enemies were both the hoard of flesh eating creatures, and the violent survivors. Those who were once the scourge of society now served as the reigning inhabitants of it. Dale and his peers had little chance. Playing on the still present greed in people, Dale found that dollars still ensured services from humans. At the first sign of trouble the crafty Dale raided the bank's vault and made off with most of the money he spent his life stealing from people. Years of high interest rates, oppressive mortgages, and subtle bank fees had created a chest large enough to ensure the survival of its collector. As the days turned to months and hope of resurrecting the dying corpse of humanity dwindled Dale and his money became more of a burden than an asset. Under the cover of night Dale had stolen the last of the food and munitions from his previous group and left them with only the remainder of his contribution…piles of now worthless dollars."Survival of the fittest." Dale concluded snickering to himself at the almost certain fate of the people he had recently parted company with. "Right on brother!" Al said punching his chest with his free hand. "Martin used to say that all the time…he was right. That's why we are here." "Who is Martin?" For the first time Al lowered his rifle causing Dale to feel more like a friend now than a prisoner. "Martin is the guy who runs all this. He taught us all about how to survive this thing. How to hunt, forage, hide, you name it he is the best at it.""How many is us?" Dale asked. "About a dozen…including me and Jesse, and plenty of food to go around." Realizing he had lost his previous posture Al quickly shouldered his rifle and assumed his posture near the door. "But every man's got to earn his keep here, no slackers." His face shone with a conditioned sincerity. "Anybody who can't kick in gets kicked out." At this Al shook with excitement. "If you wanna stay here Mr. Bank Manager, you're gonna have to prove that you can do a lot more than count money."The two shared a moment of silence long enough for Dale to contemplate his merits.Jesse came into the room with a tray of food. The smell quickly dispersed through the air causing Dale's undernourished body to yearn. The tray was placed before him and steam rose from its hot contents. The words Al had spoken moments ago fed Dale's reluctance to eat the food. "Go on son," Jesse urged, "eat." At the door Al lightly nodded his head as Dale received the first spoonful offered by Jesse's extended hand.
In a few days Dale was nursed back to health. The compound provided all he needed to regain his strength. There was food of all varieties and freshness (thanks to a garden and livestock), an assortment of antibiotics, and most importantly the company provided by each of the 12 members. It had been some time since Dale parted ways with his "friends". The art of conversation was almost forgotten for whenever Dale engaged with others it was only to work out payment arrangements or issue orders. He had spoken on a self-inflated level above people for so long that simple statements of equality and general sincerity were rare. Now, with no bargaining chip and a growing awareness of his uselessness, it was Dale who had to re-learn words like "sir" and "please"…his place of old no longer carried any prestige. These were times were different merits were rewarded, and each man in this compound was more than possessive of each. Martin had in his wisdom bestowed upon this rag tag group qualities and talents that assured survival.
"What do ya think?" a large hand patted Dale on the back pulling him from his thoughts. "Huh?" "The guys. What do you think about the guys?" "Oh," Dale said turning to face Jesse, "great." "I knew you'd like it Dale, a lot of people do. Some don't, but not many." Dale noted how the look of mercy had slowly faded from Jesse's eyes as each day past his sickness transpired. The older man who once fed him when he was too weak to move, and who introduced him to all the members of the group, began to lessen his assistance. It was growing time for Dale to return the many favors shown by Jesse and the others, and he more than anyone knew that even in times were kindness was a necessity, people seldom did something for nothing."I think it's time I let you in on a few things around here." [ Continue to page 3 ] |
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