Starting Over

Militia

6 hours after the attacks started, Uncle Frank showed up with an arsenal of weapons and ex-military soldiers. They were all exceptionally fit men and women with extreme tactical skills learned on the battlefield. Uncle Frank was a retired colonel and was dads childhood best friend. they had kept in touch throughout the years, and Frank helped with the logistics and fortification of our homestead.

Uncle Franks' daughter Clair was born 5 days before me, so we always celebrated on the 3rd day, 2 after hers and 2 before mine. She has been my best friend all my life. Even though they moved around a lot while we were younger, when Uncle Frank retired, they moved within an hour of the homestead.

Dad met them at the gates and told Uncle Frank what happened with Matilda. In the next instant, soldiers were geared up and armed watching for enemies as the vehicles and trucks started to enter the gates.

I saw Aunt Gail first Uncle Franks wife, and then Clair got out of the 2nd vehicle. I ran and hugged her. "Oh my God, I was so worried. what the hell took so long." I scream whispered to her. I looked over at Gail and saw her frowning at me. So I turned and hugged her tightly also. "Aunty Gail, I was on pins and needles waiting for you guys. Thank the Lord you're here and safe."

"Jaq honey, we have Frank around. There was no reason to worry. Is your mom in the kitchen?" she said with a smile nudging me closer to Clair. "You girls go relax somewhere it's going to be hectic soon."

in unison, we said, " ok, see you later." we ran off to watch the Soldiers getting all their gear together and getting their assigned bunk houses

"We were just sitting down for dinner when our phones went balistic," I said to Clair

"I know we were too. Then Dad made some calls..." She paused."It's bad out there right now."

"Do they know who is attacking?" I asked

"I think it was our own." she looks at me with a sad smile

"What?" I asked."I heard that there are groups unhappy, but this would take strategy across the US. perfect timing and would have to be carried out in total secrecy. How is that even possible?"

"Jaq, it's not just here it's everywhere... around the world. World War 3 just started, and I'm....I'm ter...terrified." She hugged me and started crying. I couldn't hold my tears in any more either. So we sat there and cried together. For an uncertain future. For life that truly hasn't had time to mature. For two girls caught in a fight that was not their doing.

After they sat for awhile their tears dried and a new purpose formed in the girls. "there isn't much we can do but learn, learn to fight learn to live. we can learn so much from everyone here. The adults have so much knowledge. If we are the future generation then we owe ourselves and our peers to make it." I said

Clair looked as if she wanted to cry again but a new resolve was forming in her eyes. "no I won't cry anymore, your right we can be strong. We will learn and teach the younger ones what they will need to be productive also."

That night all was quiet and everyone gathered around a fire pit to discuss what paths need to be taken. After the 12th hour it was a complete media blackout. no internet, radio or television broadcasts. All the little kids were put to bed and we were told to stay in the house, we were not little but we were not grown either.

Mom came in to get some drinks and was headed back out when I stopped her. "Mom?"

"What's up Jaq?" Mom turned and looked at me

"I think Clair and I should be included in the planning and training. We could be useful" I said trying to be mature.

"Each of us has skills and talents that we have learned. I agree come along girls. But tonight is for listening and learning." Mom turns back to head outside with us following her. When we reach the campfire Dad and Uncle Frank look angry. Mom chimes in "Look I fully understand wanting to protect our baby girls, but let's face reality they are almost 17 and will be adults soon. The world we pictured for them no longer exists. They cannot be held in the dark with us hoping nothing will harm them." Mom wipes a tear from her eye. "I have been preparing myself my family and even uploading tutorials online to help people learn. Nothing can stop death if a bomb hits us. all the training and education can't keep you alive if you are in the path of destruction. They need to be here with us included as we are all one now." Everyone nods their heads agreeing with Mom.

"Alright girls bottom line is we are starting a militia to protect ourselves and our neighbors if they want to be a part of it. We will need constant watch at the gate posts and on the ramparts. Nothing tragic has happened in this area and may not. But there will be a call to arms and many of the younger men and women will head off to fight on the side they belive in. We are not only in a World War but also because of civil unrest we are now facing a civil war on top of that." Uncle Frank explains many of the details concerning the politics behind why this is happening and what steps and measures we need to accomplish to survive.

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