The killing was something Maisy felt that she could leave up to Trevor. As much as Maisy despised banditry, it was something that the Fort Stevians were good at--perhaps more so than the rancher herself. Right now, they had their place, and Maisy had hers. Imagining Trevor trying to rope a bucking horse brought a smile from Maisy, who awaited the signal to approach with the other troopers that accompanied them. Whilst Maisy knew about all there was to do with ranching, the rancher couldn't quite think Trevor would be the most skilled at her profession.

Then, the signal came. The silence that had once filled the air was replaced with the screams of pain from those that survived the initial onslaught by Trevor's group. "Up and at 'em, boys. Time to show them from Fort Stevens a Lasthope rodeo." Maisy explained, motioning with her slouch hat to move forth towards where the horses were being housed. Snatching her lariat, Maisy readied herself in position while the bandits were distracted by Trevor.

It was going to be easy, for the most part. Most of the horses appeared malnourished, almost unwilling to even fight back, but there was one knew all too well. Leaving one of the troopers to round up the weaker horses (which were mostly gathered in one corner), Maisy set her sights on the lonely bronco that stood out alone. Dismounting her horse, Maisy cast the lariat onto the horse, keeping it secured and away from the rest of the horses.

The horse began to stir, kicking and bucking as Maisy sought to tame it for the time being. Holding onto the rope just tight enough to keep herself on her own two feet, Maisy waited until the horse would either tire itself or calm down as it paced the enclosure. "Easy, boy, easy." Maisy spoke to the horse as she waited for it to relax. Getting it to relax would be difficult with the screams of the dying, but it was possible--at least Maisy would make it so.

Once the horse settled down, Maisy took a radio and called Trevor. "Horses are almost ready to be removed from the area. Make sure to keep 'em from being Crazed and see if you can find anything useful before you come back, Trevor. Guns, ammunition--that sort of stuff." Maisy explained, turning to her troopers to escort the horses outside and back in the direction of Arlington. It was going to be long walk with sick and weak horses, but there wasn't much Maisy could do without Petra.

The killing and screams of the unfortunate few that dared claw out a living by taking the lives of others simply for their own pleasure and to gather resources. The death and killing that surrounded the lives of these men could barely compare to the shit storm that was raining down upon them from the nearby berm. Confusion struck with the loss of morale from not only losing their strongest within moments but also watching as this force that seemed superior to theirs just walked in and stole their horses. Was for some a breaking point as they turned and fled east or abandoned their position entirely, taking nothing with them the men jumped into the cold water trying to swim to the other shore.

The few that ran or tried to swim were ignored as long as they didn’t turn around, the current pulled at the men who tried to swim away after they left the safty of the man made cove. For some the simple struggle to stay afloat after the cold shock of the water was too much as they disappeared beneath the surface. Pulled down by exhaustion and heavy packs. The fate of those who stayed where grim, either fight these ghosts in the woods or fight the dead who were sure to wake and take the place of their friends who were killed first. Yet somehow they still found the courage or madness to stay and fight, but one by one they were slowly picked off. The few who got to the small patch of trees were taken apart piece by piece with the combined effort of those who waited.

Until finally everything went silent, the only sounds were those of the wounded and the dead. The small unit in the trees waited patiently for the next ten minutes, the horses were gone with the others and only a few of the first killed had gotten back up and rooted up a few of the living who were in hiding. After a few more minutes the unit began to move from their position, making sure those who were killed wouldn’t rise again. Only a few of the bandits had escaped on foot to the east but had little to no gear on them and none of them could make out anyone above water or who had made it across.

The six man squad moved carefully, spread out with 4 in front with spears and the 2 in the back with bows ready. They were able to dispatch any fresh risen that wandered close to them with practiced ease. Yet, through all their training and confidence they remained steadfast and careful, using mirrors to peak around corners and into the containers for any sign of movement or others that may be hiding. Amongst the wooden crates that were still packed tightly in the containers, a few had been opened or were missing, the few that had been opened and were not full of random junk were filled with small portable solar panels that looked to roughly be a couple feet wide and a couple more feet long.

Another thing to come back to, he thought while his team called the all clear on the barge and began looking through their supplies. “Sir” Siren called out, “No hostages here, just an outpost with a few supplies around” Trevor walked out of the rusted red container and into the rusted blue one. It was the same in this one as well, wooden crates with other boxes in them. By the condition of the interior this hadn’t been open for very long. These crates were full of electronics, mostly looked like cameras, was a shame most of the batteries would be dead by now would be nice to have a photo of Maisy.

“Guru and Xena grab a crate of the solar panels and let’s go, there’s nothing left for us here.” The team seemed to all be in agreement, the bandits had little in the way of supplies or usable weapons other than two break action shotguns that had no ammo. The squad made their way back to Maisy and the horses with the crate and poorly cared for guns, as well as a few items of food but it didn’t look like these bandits had been there for long. These solar panels where a good find but were not what they were looking for. That with the ever setting sun, Trevor didn’t want to stay out in the dark at least not with these horses and a few bandits still out and about.

“Hey Maze, looks like you had fun, no hostages down there I don’t think this was the right barge but hey.” He smiled as his team brought up the crate, “one of those open containers down there has crates of solar panels in it though, thought we might bring this one back and give it to Arlington, you know get our relations a bit better.” He turned to make sure everyone had made it back to the horses while a few of his men made a makeshift drag sled for the crate. “Looks like we are ready when you are Maze”

@Poi

@NarcissisticPotato@Polaris North@Dnafein@Poi@FortunesFaded@ReusableSword@Lord Orgasmo@Yahrlan

---

How do you measure the passage of time when your best friend keeps you in a slight haze making the days seem to melt into one another; Binding you to another of their choosing.
She’s a pretty girl and equal to Circe but my heart isn’t there.

Now to important matters

Troopers in Good Spirits and the Ladies of Arlington very friendly: Need to make a support call for Arlington, I think some of the ladies got their wishes.

Scouting the track showed that it is clear all the way back to the John Day River Iron bridge: Need to send bridge inspector to make sure

The Mayor of Arlington was tickled pink when I asked her if she’d want to enter into negotiations of alignment. She said and I quote “I’d be a dam fool to turn down the right to host a railroad station when most people are walking”

Vicky took a group of troopers up the east ridge and explored the airport: Tell Riker we got two light aircraft and one was already converted one 4 seater appears complete and already converted to LP and a second larger one part way through and a 12 seater at that. They appear to be a Boeing sponsored University project and lucky for us all the papers and hard drives appear intact for the most part and a treasure trove of tools.

Suggest that the Council send two company of garrison Troopers here mostly singles or those with liberal spouses and an Engineering company to build a watch tower at the point of April ridge: note on map, Oregon 97812
45.722129, -120.192270 .

Will be moving out in three days and I don’t care that the docs say I should wait another week; wasted enough time already 2 ½ weeks.

Maisy will be Expedition Command and I’ll assume a Flag roll till I am at 100 percent as I cannot trust my judgement in hasty situations: Petra managed to build an aluminum tube two wheel suspended cart for my use at local bicycle shop, dam thing is fun cause she used long travel monoshock motocross rear ends as wheel mounts.

---

---

Wrap up any and all business within the next two days

Maisy is now Expedition Commander and her who’ll be giving any further orders till such time as the Doctors and High Command Lasthope decide Jain Roe is fit for duty.

Trevor Stevens 3rd Pioneers is to assume position 1st officer under Maisy Palmer

The Expedition will make the Palmer ranch by one week or less and any parts not able to meet those conditions turn back for Arlington or wait at an established hard point till relieved by Follow Up Command 4th Regiment, 6th Engineers.

PALMER RANCH

Secure the family ranch Palmer and any of the surrounding ranches if feasible; If opposed withdraw and await 4th Regiment.

Scout 45.252197, -119.697725 ID. Riggs gas field confirm the stability and operational condition of wellheads, count 9 last draw 14,745 liters average

Secure and inspect any Wind plants and access for eventual shipping or use in support of Railhead and surrounding ranches.

Inspect any and all power lines from plants to power junction points

Tinker hopped from the cart and gave both wolfish dogs a small treat. The hermit techie didn't know what to make of these strange new “troopers” in town; they were armed--militant almost-- but friendly. It was just odd.

Pushing into the shop and nodding a greeting, Tinker silently picked up a few odd and ends- payment from repairing some street lamps. The woman at the counter smiled; she knew the tall hermit was uncomfortable with the new people in town. That many were men wouldn't help since so much of Arlington was female. “There's a witch woman with them,” she whispered conspiratorially as she wrote up the tab. When the tech rolled his eyes, she giggled. “She's been helping some of the girls-doesn't even ask much in return! Maybe she can get you your voice back.” The hermit shook his head, but grinned. With a touch to the brim of his cap, he gathered his purchases and went back out to the dogs.

Leaving the supplies in the cart guarded by the large shaggy dogs, the teen followed a few children that were chattering about a woman with ravens and magic medicine. Thumbs hooked at the base of his suspenders, the tech tilted his head and watched the tiny woman laughing with the children for a few minutes. She certainly seemed approachable enough. Coming closer, he pulled the cap from his slightly-purple-black hair with a little flourish to hopefully catch the woman's attention.

Summer paused and looked at Tinker with an odd smile.

Summer's small frame made her appear doll like but her eyes made her seem old and wise, her demeanor was relaxed and her stance balanced. What stood out most though was a solid white bird that was actually a Raven that looked at Tinker and said {Stranger} in a raspy voice.

Tinker's eyes lit with surprise and curiosity as he looked at the white bird and smiled, taking the acknowledgement for an invitation closer whether it was or not. He made funny faces at the kids- most knew him since he gave out candies during his winter visit to town. With a shooing motion, he sent them off, at least for a little while.
Once the little ones were out of ear-shot, he spoke. The voice was raspy from disuse and quiet, "Might we talk, Ma'am?"

"Call me Summer and feel free" Says Summer in a cheerful tone her eyes now as gentle as everything else about her.

"Who are you people?" It was blunt, but Tinker wasn't one to mince words. "You could've taken this place easy, but you didn't."

"We are Lasthope as in the Lasthope to keep the human race alive, our Lasthope at staying a step above the skinwalkers who prey on others. The troopers are raised to understand that we were once a great nation and can stay one only by sticking with the right of law. We want to reopen the train line up to here." she said as she motioned Tinker sit with her as she simply sat on the ground where they were.

With a quick glance down where the dogs were waiting patiently, the tall teen practically folded up to sit with Summer. "So y'all are who Dad meant. He'd heard of you, but it was too far to chance." A nervous scratch on the head was the first indication that the hermit wasn't exactly confident in his words; "Need a tech? I- uhh- I'm kind of tired of being by myself..."

"Lasthope has a special place for technicians, part of our goals is to maintain as high a tech level as we can; take myself for instance. I am sort of a tech except I am a medicinal maker, a herbalist though I am a rarer sort." her brown eyes seem to glow as she talks about her people.

Tinker grinned, recognising the look of someone passionate about their craft. "I'm more mech-tech, but you-- uhh..." the grin turned sheepish, "you aren't so intimidating."

"I never tried to be intimidating, I am how I am perceived but I must add that I am also poisonous" she says finishing with a giggle.

"Better than venomous," the hermit answered with a little chuckle that turned into a cough; this was more conversation than he'd had in the last couple years combined.
Clearing his throat he managed to coax his voice back. "Do I...have to meet anyone else?"

"You'll have to meet the boss but don't worry too much Jain is actually a sweet Lady as long as you aren't her enemy; then you have a problem" Said Summer with a smile
The White Raven near her stirs its wings and makes a bit of noise causing her to turn and look at the bird and ask
"Are you sure?" which seems addressed to the bird and not Tinker.
The strange bird makes a few more noises as if it were speaking to the little woman then it launches into the air stirring up about 20+ others dressed all in their normal black feathers.

Tinker watched the bird's sudden flight a little warily, "I figured I'd have to meet the boss...uh...what was that about?" he nodded toward the ruffled murder.

"Oh Touches Cloud was saying you're a girl, I trust his estimation. If you had been male he wouldn't have left me alone with you.
Also the dogs told me " Says Summer pointing to the various sleeping dogs nearby.
"They would have been watching you as we talked if you were a male; I am sure your reasons for hiding your sex are good ones so don't worry about me disclosing it though I wouldn't suggest play acting around Jain; she hates people that lie to her."

Tinker tilted- yes- her head not unlike one of the indicated dogs may have, then nodded again. She had been in the woods long enough to understand certain tells from creatures as well, so didn't question the little woman's explanation. "I do appreciate that, Ms Summer. And the heads up for the boss. It's just safer to be a lone boy than a lone girl. Another reason I thought I'd talk with y'all. By your leave and hers, I'll be back in town tomorrow to meet Ms Jain if she's recovered enough from that shot."

"Look me up and I'll take you to her, she's already about to bounce off the walls so I am sure she's recovered as much as she'll allow herself" laughs Summer speculating on her stubborn friend's sense of drive and worth.
"If you have a large amount of tools or goods you need to transport we can then see Petra the Muleskinner Ramrod after."

Tinker grinned, Summer's laughter was infectious and it sounded like she would like Jain. She'd keep her 'tools and goods' quiet until she talked to Jain, but this seemed like it would be good.
"Thank you, again, Ms Summer." The lithe teen stood and offered a hand either to shake or help the woman stand if she wished.

"It's just Summer and no need to thank me, we need all the techs we can find"

Tinker tipped her hat, more masculine manners ingrained after so many years. "Then I'll see you tomorrow, Summer."

Heading back down to her dogs and cart, Tinker took a deep breath. Tomorrow would be the start of a whole new life.

The last few days had been busy for the Fort Stevens crew, mopping up the last of the raiders and getting the solar panels to Arlington really seemed to make the last bits of suspensions leave the local rumors. The engineers were even able to expand the walls of Arlington, improve irrigation pipes for some of their farms, as well as train some of the town’s people with basic hand-to-hand and weapon skills.

Everything seemed peaceful for the most part, Jane was recovering well enough, Hector seemed to be holding up alright but never seemed to be around much, and Maisy was taking on her new role in stride. For now everything seemed to be doing alright and for the most part the expedition was going well enough, a few expected casualties but plenty of new friends. Our next stop should be Maisy’s family ranch, truth be told she hadn’t spoken to Trevor much about her old place. He figured she was getting stressed out about it and simply didn’t want to talk about it.

For now, we go to Trevor who is currently instructing a portion of the local lady’s and some kids on self-defense and basic combative drills with his squad. This was a class he volunteered to put on for the towns folk who wanted to join, for many it was optional but for the best fighters in town, whether they were male or female, it was mandatory. The mixed martial arts and military combative class was being held in a dirt patch just outside the main wall of Arlington, fenced in with a few roving patrols nearby so security was not an issue.

For the last few days he was instructing one person personally while his squad went over the basics with the rest of the group. He knew he wouldn’t be here forever, that’s why he was training this strong Burnett named Alex and going over a few military combative training manuals for her to go over with the others. There was talk that Hector might be staying behind to command a small garrison here at Arlington while he worked out his personal issues, but Trevor couldn’t rely on rumors. Alex was strong, and fast, and brave. But she had an easy temper and had an awful habit of being clumsy when she was angry.

For the most part she seemed able to accept criticism and showed great interest in being a combat instructor, her ability to absorb and replicate the subject material was also very useful. Trevor liked her, in time if she got her own issues down she would make a fine soldier. But that thought was pushed aside, as there was still a lot of training to do in the short amount of time before they left again.

They were nearing their lunch break when Trevor found himself pacing through the small crowed while they practiced punches and learning how to fall and roll. Now and then he would correct someone who was doing it wrong or show them the proper way to do one thing or another. Something outside the fence did catch his eye for a moment, someone he didn’t recognize wearing suspenders, the person was tall and slim but from this angle he couldn’t quite make out their gender. The tall figure also was leading a couple of dogs who were pulling a red cart behind them, “Trader perhaps” he thought as he turned and continued watching his men conduct the combat training.

@RumikoOhara@Poi@Yahrlan

Tinker buttoned up a pale blue shirt over the bindings that gave her a more masculine figure and adjusted her suspenders. Normally, the androgynous girl kept a nice patina of dust and maybe a smear of grease or two to help look more boyish on trips to town, but she decided to clean up this morning. Besides, Summer had mentioned that the Captain of the troopers wouldn't take kindly to deception.

She brushed the fluffy dogs and checked their paws before buckling the harnesses on them. The tall tech checked the little revolver before putting it back in its hidden compartment in the cart. A bag of hard candies joined a few tools in a case which was pushed up to the front, right behind the dogs. A full canteen and pan for the dogs was last, though Arlington wasn't terribly far.

She lead the dogs to the bunker just as the sun broke the horizon and checked the locks and camouflage before heading for town. Since the hermit had taken the same path yesterday, her trip into town took less time than usual. She had already scavenged what she could from the area.
Outside the gates, troopers were teaching some of the Arlingtonians fighting. A knot dropped into Tinker's stomach; she'd always relied on traps and tricks rather than actual combative skills. Hopefully that wouldn't count against her when she met with Jain.
Shaking off the anxiety trying to form, she waved to some of the kids that were taking a break and gave a handful of candies for them to share with the ‘class’.

Once in the town proper, Tinker parked the cart in front of the general store again. She filled the pan with fresh water for the dogs and looked around the rooftops. When she didn't spot the ravens, she wandered back toward the gate and the sparring class. If nothing else, the troopers there could point her toward Summer or Jain.

@Yahrlan



When Tinker asked about Summer and Jain a tall Carrot topped young trooper ofered to take her direct to the boss as he called her.

It wasn’t long before Tinker found herself outside of the Riverboat that was docked near the Grainary that made the tallest structure in town. The trooper opened the door to a deck room where the mayor of Arlington sat with a tall pretty redhead whose eyes were green and strangely calm.

The trooper didn’t just leave her and stood with her as the Mayor and a woman obviously his boss.

Lorna I tell you it will be here this afternoon, and actual train and they are bringing a squad of engineers, doctors and the Teamsters here to negotiate trade in grain, cattle, salvage, and power. It’s run off of natural gas and your town is one of the first to be contacted on the line partly because you sit on the junction and the other because it would be rude to motor through without stopping by says Jain before taking a sip of the local wheat beer.

The older Lorna mayor of Arlington can only blink as if she’s being told they’ll fly in on elephant wings till she regains her composure.

And your people say if we allow you to take the Riverboat you’ll electrify the town put lights and even a community hot water bath an washing machine house in along with electric stoves. Teachers and a fire fighters setup? she says as if out of breath

We believe in keeping as far ahead of falling back into the stone or iron age as we can manage. And that includes all humanity as wants to keep their humanity; “The more hands we got on a problem the more we can be sure it will be solved.”

I’m not here to preach to you Lorna, that’s Petra Wintergarden’s pleasure and your’s to listen to if you want or not. No I’m just a Scout wantin to see what’s still out there. I got involved in your fight because we don’t stand by as animals that walk like men have their way; make of that what you like.

I’d love to see your town become part of our expanding community and could bend you ear for days on how good the people of Lasthope are but it seems my other appointment has popped up

Lorna turns and recognizes Tinker and has to suppress a smile as she considers the odd fixer following the Troopers, then she gets thoughtful remembering all the tech marvel the Troopers have...hell last night she talked on a phone for the first time in over 12 years. No wonder the little tech head wanted to go there.

She stood and smiled at Tinker before shaking Jain’s hand in farewell and asking the commander take good care of Tinker.

Once the mayor has left Jain makes a subtle motion and the trooper leaves.

After the door closes and they are both left alone Jain smiles looking Tinker up and down

Well Summer said you were cute and she was right; do you like dressing like a boy and do you bind your boobs down so it's hard to breath under certain conditions

I know such personal questions Jain chuckles briefly

You can dress any way you like but please don’t dress because you are afraid; women have nothing to fear in regards to their sex in Lasthope.

Also about the breathing...I mean it; can’t have your clothes making you slower than you are.

You want to come along I’m good with that; might as well.

We feed good in my command and we all do our share of the work as is our skill or capabilities and you being a tech are a support position less you prove your military skill.

We have rules and we should follow them as these rules are there to keep us breathing and the rizen down; we all know these rules and we will teach you.

I’m going to assign you to the Teamsters under Petra who you’ll find a strange mix of culture and farmhand.

Any Questions?

@RumikoOhara

Tinker was a bit nervous. Too many people out and about in town- especially men since she was so used to solitude and mostly-female Arlington. She'd have to get used to it, though, so took a deep breath and forced herself not to edge away from the trooper escort. At least she looked masculine enough, even cleaned up, that he didn't try to take her arm or offer a hand on the gangplank like men seemed prone to do; that would probably have been too much for the hermit.

Initially, Tinker felt a bit guilty when they boarded the boat and she saw Lorna, but eavesdropping a bit, she felt better. Lasthope was sending engineers and others that would more than replace her. It sounded like the town would soon be like a whole new city. And preserving and resurrecting technology always made her techie heart happy. She grinned and waved to the mayor as the older woman left.

A faint blush rose, obvious on pale and not-smudged-for-once cheeks, when Jain called her cute. It was one thing for some of the girls in town to tease like the androgynous tech was their brother; it was another coming from a pretty outsider. She murmured an awkward “Thanks…” then gave a little shrug in response to the ‘personal’ questions. Tinker had never seen the point of hemmin’ and hawin’ around silly stuff like bodies and their functions. She liked that “the boss” was fairly direct about it.

“These clothes are just convenient, Ma'am. It's hard to get into the guts of a machine with frills--or honestly, boobs-- in the way. The ruse is just a bonus since bandits aren't so civil as your folk. You don't have to worry about me keeping up, wrapped or not, though.”

The tall tech straightened up a little bit and absently hooked a thumb in her suspenders. “I'm no stranger to work or putting walkers back in the dirt… Though I wouldn't claim any military prowess; I mostly just blow ‘em up anymore.
When and where should I find Ms Petra?”

Rafe abused his scouts in the days since their arrival in Arlington.He ran them through every drill, every exercise, and every form of training he could think of. In part it was punishment for the mistake that was made; It was also done to establish himself as leader. The only two who escaped relatively unscathed were the marksmen.

It was a surprise when they were added to his scouts. A most pleasant surprise, because they gave him another person to assign to the rookies Rafe’s predecessor brought with them. It still left him with an odd man in his crew but Raphael had figured a way to make it work. At least until he heard an interesting rumor.

Rafe strode through the door to the riverboat as if he was expected. He would have even if the room was Jain's personal quarters; He’d known her forever, and they had been scouting partners. ”Are you serious? What the hell was the point of kicking my scouts into shape if we’re just gonna float down the riv…. Errr… Am I interrupting?”

Rafe blinked and studied the unfamiliar individual visiting Jain. After a moment he smirked. ”Not really your usual type; Seems a little shy? Should I come back after tryouts?”