They screwed around in the hayloft a bit longer, before eventually getting themselves together to go inside for lunch. Stumbling into the house, Sean and Mark couldn't remove the smiles from their faces. It was the most fun they had in months. Mark tossed his soaked shirt in the laundry room sink as they passed by it. He'd clean it off later. Venturing into the kitchen, Mari nearly ran into Mark's sweaty chest as she snapped something about chores to Kenny. Yelping as she bounced back from him, she told him a little startled. "Jesus, Mark put a shirt on before you put someone's eye out!" The others at the table chuckled quietly to themselves. Sean shied away to slip into a seat and Mark joined him. Nate took plates off the counter to serve them, trying to be discreet as he commented out bluntly. "You boys have fun?" Kenny and Zero snickered to themselves as they ate their sandwiches. Mari smacked Kenny's back, blushing a little herself. Sean began to wolf down his food, oblivious to their banter, when he stated out around a mouthful. "Sure. I guess. Almost got the barn clean. We'll have to separate the sheep that we're going to... dispose of."
Zero flashed Mark a smirk but told Sean confidently. "Alright. I know a few older ones that are getting up there. We can take care them." Mark narrowed his eyes on Zero, trying to change the subject to something else as he said. "So, Kenny. Those sprinklers working?" Kenny wiped the soup off his lip, answering coolly with a blush. "Ya. Didn't you see them running?" Sean downed his glass of water, then coughed a little before saying. "That's great! What about the windmill outback?" Mari groaned, interjecting dryly. "Not so good... It's old. Some of the wood is just falling apart." Nate set his sandwich down, telling him seriously. "I think if we hook up one of the horses to it though. We might be able to get some electricity to the house. But if we want the wind to power it... We'll need to do repairs." Kenny removed a card from his shirt, telling them all seriously. "I was telling Mari. I want to take Zero and Nate and go here." Sean slid the business card to Mark, while Zero added in quickly. "We found it in one of the drawers. Kenny and I think they bought supplies there. If we take the truck, we can be there in a few hours. We'll load it up with as much as we can."
Mari shook her head, curtly rushing in. "No! The truck only has so much gas left. We should use it sparingly." Kenny shrugged, retorting back. "It's a risk that I think is worth it. A place like that wouldn't have been raided during the outbreak. It could have more feed for the animals. Seeds. Farm equipment. Even animal meds. We NEED to check this out. It could make all the difference." Mari shook her head, but Mark gruffly said aloud. "I have to agree. We don't know what we'll need." Mari slumped in her chair, stating out sternly. "So, you'll leave this farm defenseless while their out hunting?" Kenny pointed to Mark and Sean, saying firmly. "They will be here with you." Mari pointed at Zero, snapping out. "Zero is the best distance shooter! We need him here! What if someone tries to rub us?!" Kenny rolled his eyes, opening his mouth to say something, until an unfamiliar voice called out. "Hello? Anybody home?" Everyone froze for only a moment, before rushing to snatch their weapons.
Kenny removed his gun off his leg holster, moving out into the hallway with Zero behind him with his bow. Mark grabbed Becky from the hall, moving out in front of them to reach the open front door first. He held Becky tightly, noticing a horse and wagon that didn't belong to them. A young man sat on the wagon, looking no more than fifteen or sixteen. An older man backed off the porch with his hands raised in surrender. Mark stepped out onto the porch, asking firmly. "What do you want?" Mark saw the gun at the man's hip and grew more tense. Behind him, both Kenny and Zero kept their weapons aimed at them. The older man backed up farther from the porch, calmly addressing them. "We're from the farm a few miles up. One of my boys saw your truck and we came to talk." Mark shrugged, saying bluntly without letting his guard down. "Fine. Talk. Why are you here?" The old man pointed to the barn, saying hopefully. "Originally, we were coming for the sheep. But seeing as how you've moved in... I have a feeling we are going to have to reach a compromise."
YOU ARE READING
The Last Colony
FanfictionThe outbreak at Pax was lethal. Within hours the entire western seaboard was overtaken. Within a week; the world. With no cure and no hope. All that there was left to do was simply survive. Then a small glimmer of hope inspires Mark and Sean...
