"I'm just happy they're all right. Lots of others aren't. We've gotta finish our rounds."
"Hellos to the others."
The two soldiers moved away, greeting the next group of people before sitting down to talk.
"Your kids are sick?" Lana asked.
"They got a dose of radiation poisoning. We got here about five weeks ago from Georgia. My husband and I got separated. He came with the kids and I came alone. Thank god we all survived!" Kelli said. "But the kids were pretty messed up. Someone found the supplies and all the drugs. It's what keeps the hospital functioning, so we can treat everyone who comes this way. My kids are recovering."
Lana said nothing, dismayed. She'd never thought to open the supply points for the general public. Suddenly, she felt guilty for using the emerops depots for herself like a typical member of the elite.
"So, who do you lock up?" she asked.
"Who else?" Kelli said with a laugh. "Feds! They got us into this mess. Rumor has it they're trying to revive the East-West War. No love lost between us and them in any case."
"I don't blame you." Lana turned her attention to her plate. She placed it on the ground and watched Jack wolf down the rest. "They're all selfish bastards."
"That they are. Though I'm grateful they stashed stuff here, where it was found and my kids could get treated. So many other lives have been lost that might've been saved." Kelli's gaze grew haunted, and Lana couldn't imagine what she'd seen during her journey from Georgia to the small town of Randolph.
"I think I need some sleep," Lana said, feeling ill. "Is it all right if I retire to my room?"
"Of course. I'll come get you in the morning, so we can assess your skills. Everyone here has a role to support our little community. But we'll worry about it tomorrow," Kelli said.
"I'd be happy to help any way I can."
Kelli smiled again. Lana walked back to the town and to the storefront that was her temporary home. She retreated to her room and turned up the lantern overhead to hide the light of her micro. Jack stretched out on the floor, content after his dinner, while she stared at the screen of her micro. With a deep breath, she released the locks on all the emerops facilities east of the Mississippi.
The token seemed too small to make up for not thinking of it sooner. It did little to fill the emptiness within her. Lana tucked the micro away. Distraught, she lay down on the bed and stared at the flame in the lantern.