Gunpowder & Embers by John Ringo & Kacey Ezell & Christopher L. Smith

Author:John Ringo & Kacey Ezell & Christopher L. Smith [Ringo, John & Ezell, Kacey & Smith, Christopher L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: fiction, Science Fiction, Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic, fantasy, Military, Action & Adventure
ISBN: 9781982124281
Publisher: Baen
Published: 2020-01-07T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Jay, apparently napping next to the fire, opened an eye as they approached.

“I see you found ’em,” he said. “What happened?”

“I failed to maintain situational awareness,” Garman said. “Stupid. Novitiate-level stupid.”

He stared, frowning into the darkness. Jay raised an eyebrow at Jasmine.

“Scavengers,” she said, spitting the word. “Tried to grab a quick payday, or a meal.”

“Hmph. Those fellers been out in the badlands too much. That and collecting poisons for trade. Heavy metals and radiation ain’t good for unprotected people.”

“Like most vermin, useful in certain ways but not someone you’d want to be around,” Jasmine said, nodding in agreement. “Do anything for money and not above taking ethical shortcuts.”

“Do you think there will be more close by, waiting for that group?” Chuck asked, glancing at Ariel. “Is it safe to stay here?”

“No way to be certain,” Jasmine replied. “But my understanding is that they spend a long time hunting and trading. We’ll probably be fine; anyone associated with them wouldn’t be surprised if they were missing for a while.”

“Good, I don’t think Ariel is up to moving out again tonight,” Chuck said, scrubbing his free hand over his face. The adrenaline had worn off. He was ready to lie down and let weariness carry him into oblivion.

“I’ll take first and second watch,” Garman said, moving to the edge of camp. “Chuck, Jasmine, I owe you both a decent night’s sleep.”

Chuck didn’t argue. He made his way to the bedroll, lay down and shut his eyes. He felt, but didn’t stir at, Ariel climbing in next to him.

* * *

The sun hit them like a battering ram as it climbed higher in the cloudless sky. Quetzalith and Jasmine went out to hunt and reconnoiter. They returned with a pair of antelope and news that the surrounding area was empty of cultists, Gants and scavengers. Or, at least, if any of those were out there, they were holed up somewhere not visible from the air.

Chuck made several trips down to the creek, filling canteens and their cooking pot. Jay whipped up a stew from some of the antelope meat and Jasmine found some wild onions and mushrooms to actually make it flavorful.

Slowly, Ariel began to interact with the rest of the group.

Chuck brought her some of Jay’s stew, insisting she eat every bite. Garman sat not far away, breaking down and performing the cleaning ritual for each of his weapons.

“Why do you do that?” Ariel asked softly at one point. Chuck looked up, but the girl was watching Garman as he swabbed the barrel of his spotless rifle with a bore brush.

“To clean them,” Garman said, curtly.

“They do not look dirty,” Ariel said.

“They aren’t,” he said without taking his eyes off his work. “Because I clean them.”

“Be nice, Garman,” Chuck growled softly. Garman glanced at him with a raised eyebrow before turning to Ariel with a snort. It was the first time he’d looked at her since the conversation had started.

“It’s a ritual of my Order,” Garman said. “We fieldstrip and

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.