March 26th, 2013

South Dakota state line

1

Danger to the herd!

Adrian woke to the ground beneath his tent grumbling, groaning in protest. He grabbed for his boots as the tremor strengthened and the panic started.

Things were falling, breaking, feet were running, an engine started, and radios crackled, but the silent roar of the quake distorted the sounds somehow, making his ears vibrate.

Adrian pulled his jacket over his bare chest and ducked outside as he zipped it up, sharp eyes finding those of the nervous, unsure guards. They'd had tremors before, but not as strong as this, and he keyed his mic. "Hold your posts, Eagles."

Adrian waved Neil and Kenn over, the two black-clad men roughly the same height. They came to him quickly, dodging camp members in robes and slippers who were fleeing - most toward the parking areas.

He hit his radio again. "Empty your clip, Doug. Turn 'em around!"

The towering, red-vested giant didn't question, just fired into the air above the small mob of about 30.

Ground no longer rumbling, the gunfire got immediate attention. The panicked herd of sheep pulled up short and stopped, eyes wild with fear.

Doug's heavily-bearded face was full of disapproval, but he only waved a beefy hand to where Adrian stood, before limping back to his post.

The crowd slowly turned, staring at the sight of Kenn and Neil hunkered down to let Adrian stand on their shoulders. It was such an unexpected thing that it instantly captured the twitching crowd, and the red-vested giant watching it all had the thought that Adrian had expected this, had planned his reaction perfectly. It was simple - distraction.

Seth, a quiet shadow ready to protect the boss, had the same thought, and he shared a grin with the Eagle on point, Kyle, who knew where he was hiding. Nearly everyone was watching, the crowd growing as more people came out of their tents.

Adrian tapped the dark heads below him. "Up."

The Eagles moved slowly, but there was little teamwork, and Adrian swayed dangerously - amusingly. His wild face and arm movements drew small titters from the calming group of nearly sixty, most of them refugees from Cheyenne who had broken their quarantine.

The leader grinned as they lifted him up and the watching people gave a small, uneasy cheer in return.

"We had a tremor. This is how it feels." Adrian lowered his voice. "Walk, guys, and do it together for God sakes or I'll break my friggin' neck!"

He raised his voice, "We survived it." He swayed, almost fell, and the two tall Eagles grabbed at his legs, pulling more laughter from the people.




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