Error 43 (Book 6)

Jackson

- Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Feb 20th, 2043.

"Are we sure this is a good idea?". Twenty three year old Luca Price - Baker asked for what was probably the hundredth time as he and the rest of the group finally arrived at the gates of Joel, Tommy and Ellie's old community.

"It's kinda too late to turn back now kid". Thirty year old Owen Moore remarked with a laugh, watching as Joel and Tommy walked up to the gate.

"On my count". Tommy said, nodding at his older brother as the two of them got on either side of the tall wooden gate and gripped each handle.

"1... 2... 3!". Tommy counted as he and Joel rushed to open the heavy doors and ushered the group inside the community without issue.

"What the hell happened here?". Twenty seven year old Cedar Baker asked, looking around at the oddly quiet town.

"Doesn't look like Maria's here, everyone else must have left once they figured she wasn't coming back ". Tommy guessed as he led the group forward.

"Three hundred people just up and left? Something doesn't feel right with that". Joel remarked with a shake of his head.

"At least we still have electricity". Tommy remarked as he led the group inside the dining area and flipped on the light switch.

"How could the power still be on? I don't see any solar panels around". Cedar asked in confusion.

"The dam draws enough power to keep the lights, sewage and water heater on". Tommy explained.

"So this place actually works". Cedar said as he looked around.

"It ain't much, but I think we'll finally have a chance at thriving again, not just surviving". Tommy replied with a satisfied nod.

"What are we gonna do about all the leftover buildings? I can't imagine we'll be using all of them". Rocky Reyes suddenly asked.

Tommy leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "Well, since we got a schoolhouse, I think the kids should start up lessons this coming Monday through Friday".

"Considering Rio is the only kid here, I'm assuming the rest of us are exempt from going to school?". Cedar asked hopefully, pointing between himself, Luca, Ellie and Lev.

"Nice try". Tommy smirked. "None of you are properly educated, and since Tony has volunteered his services, I'm requiring that all of you attend lessons every Monday through Friday".

"Hey! I'm pretty well educated". Ellie mumbled, shooting a glare at her uncle.

"Yeah sweet pea, I don't trust whatever that FEDRA school taught you, so lessons with Tony it is". Tommy replied as Ellie groaned in annoyance.

"What about patrols and stuff?". Owen asked.

"We'll go in pairs, I'd say five thirty from six thirty in the morning and then seven to eight in the evening". Tommy rattled off. "Owen and I can take Monday's".

"Boone and I can take Tuesday's, the morning patrols won't interfere with the kid's school schedule". Tony volunteered as Boone nodded his agreements.

"Miguel and I can take Wednesdays". Rocky offered.

"I'll do Thursdays and Fridays with you". Luca piped up as he looked over at Tommy. "What about a hospital area for if any of us get hurt?".

"Maybe you can designate part of your house as a medical area once you're settled in". Tommy suggested as Luca nodded.

"Speaking of the houses, what are our living arrangements gonna look like?". Cedar questioned.

"Owen and Cedar, you guys can take the first house on the left side, It's closest to the gate in case we have to evacuate for some reason". Tommy rattled off.