The Survivalistas

Chapter 4- Part 2 “Ok folks, first rule of collecting wild edibles is never eat a plant unless you know what it is without a shadow of a doubt. Which is why we're starting with some easy plants everybody should know.” Indie stood in front of a group of five women as Susan and Ryan handed out buckets. The women exchanged smiles. “So you all know what a dandelion looks like?” Heads bobbed up and down. “All right then I don't need to go over it. Did you know dandelion leaves are edible?” Bending over, Indie plucked several leaves from a nearby plant. “Plants without flowers are less bitter than those with, the plants also lose the bitter taste after the first frost. What we're going to do is take our buckets and pick just the leaves from plants with no flowers. These are going to be used as a salad for dinner tonight, but they can also be boiled.” As the women began picking leaves Susan approached Indie. “Are you serious?” “Mmm hmm. Once we're done, Mom's going to s...

Chapter 4- Part 1 “Dad, the last few bunks are full. Anybody else is going to have to pitch a tent.” Indiana flopped down in the chair next to the desk. Dan nodded absently, looking over some maps. She could sense the tension radiating off him. Over the past month and a half people had been turning up at the school. Mostly ex-trainees and their families. They relayed the latest news which kept getting weirder and weirder. Information had leaked to a news station that the virus victims who had returned to life had done so after being autopsied. The CDC had been spoon feeding the media what they wanted reported. From what folks were saying, everything was going all to hell, and fast. “Mom's worried we won't have enough canned goods to feed everyone. Also, she's getting low on baking stuff. We never expected to have this many people at the school at one time.” Her dad snorted, leaning back in his chair. “Some survival school this turned out to be.” Indiana frowned. “We were...

 Chapter 3- Part 3 Staring out at the still frozen lake, Indiana kept replaying how Ms. Weltner had acted and Mr. Benti. How had he gotten out of that truck and walked on a clearly broken leg? Were they zombies? She jumped when Ryan dropped down beside her. “Jeez, give me a heart attack.” “Sorry. You okay?” She shrugged, looking back toward the lake. “You already think I'm crazy.” “True.” He smirked as she gave him a quick glare. “Not nice.” “Come on, tell me what’s wrong.” Indie shook her head. “Things just aren't adding up. I mean even if Mr. Benti was in that weird state. He couldn't walk on a broken leg without being in pain. I can't even figure out how he got out of the vehicle with the trees all meshed.” “People do amazing things when hyped up on adrenaline.” “You didn't see them.” Indie shook her head. “It was like something out of a George Romero movie.” He chuckled. “I never should have let you watch those movies.” Indie grinned. “I'd already watche...

Chapter 3- Part 2 They rolled to a stop in front of the old metal gate. She glanced over at Susie. “Wanna get that?” “Get what?” Susan put on her dumb blond look. She glanced toward the rusted metal. “That?” Rolling her eyes, Indie groaned and threw the Jeep into park. “Never mind.” She yanked off her seat belt. She climbed out, unhooked the gate, got back in, drove through and then got out again to re-lock it. As she climbed back in, Susie asked, “Are we going to hike in?” “No. Too much stuff to haul, too cold, the snow’s too deep and god forbid you break a nail.” “So how do...?” “Hang on. It's going to be a bumpy ride.” Indie grinned, putting the Jeep into four-wheel drive. Susie grinned back. “How long have you wanted to say that?” “Since I got this baby.” Indie eased the Jeep onto the maintenance road designed for ATV's. Bare trees and bushes slapped the sides of the vehicle. Indie winced as twigs scrapped against the side creating a hideous screech. She was just glad h...

Chapter 3- Part 1 “So, this survival school?” Susan asked hesitantly. “Will we be sleeping in tents or on the ground?” Indiana glanced at Susie, then back to the road. Her friend had never really been interested in the survival school. Then again, unless it had to do with boys, fashion, or gossip, Susie didn't really care. “It's more of a compound. There's a bunk house and cabin. I'm sure mom will let you stay in the cabin.” Susan stared out the window. “What about you?” “This time of year, the cabin, since the weather’s still kind of unpredictable and it's freakin’ cold.” Wrinkling her nose, Susie crossed her arms over her chest. “I don't get why you like all this outdoor crap.” Indie shrugged, slowing down as red and blue lights appeared before them. The sheriff climbed out of his car. Pulling to a stop Indie rolled down her window and smiled. “Sheriff Perkins, what can I do for you?” He grinned, showing tobacco stained teeth, and glanced between her and Sus...