Sunrise

Posted on Sun May 11th, 2025 @ 7:24am by Survivor Chloe Rouen & Survivor Kimberley Hathaway & Survivor Joshua MacCallan & Survivor Carmen Harris & Survivor Mackenzie Ellis & Leader Serena Reynolds M.D. & Council Member Vienna Quinn & Council Member Timothy Reynolds & Council Member Timothy Cotton & Council Member Jackson Dalton & Survivor Thea Matthews & Survivor Edward Harrison Jr & Survivor Myles Harris & Survivor Jack Harris & Survivor Kelly Cardona & Survivor Roman Quinn

1,142 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Winter's hope
Location: Kitchen of the Homestead
Timeline: September 30th, 2010

The morning sun had barely climbed above the treeline when Serena Reynolds stepped out onto the wraparound porch of the farmhouse, a steaming cup of weak coffee in her hand. The distant sound of chickens clucking, pigs rooting in the dirt, and the soft rush of the creek gave the illusion of peace — but peace was a fleeting thing these days.

She paused, scanning the yard as the first few residents began to stir. They had survived another night. That was something.

Inside, the smell of bread from Mackenzie’s early baking drifted through the halls, mingling with the earthy tang of soil and sweat that clung to every corner of the Homestead. The house — once her parents’ pride and joy — had been built to hold a large family, and now it cradled a different kind of one. Survivors. Fighters. Stragglers. All of them holding the fragile line between life and death.

Serena set her mug down on the porch railing and turned back toward the farmhouse, raising her voice just enough to carry through the open windows.
"Alright, let’s get this morning started. Council members and any active-duty folks, I want ten minutes of your time. Kitchen table. Now."

===
Fifteen minutes later, around the massive kitchen table that had seen years of family dinners, arguments, and now strategy sessions, Serena stood at the head, rubbing her temples as she glanced over her notes.

She looked up, eyes sweeping the group gathered.

“We’re stable — for now. But we all know what that means. It just takes one bad day.” Her fingers tapped the table lightly, pausing on a hand-drawn map of the surrounding area. “Security’s first — Tim?”

Timothy looked at his wife and smiled. Since Hale had left, she had really taken the yolk of leadership and was doing very well, in his opinion. Since they left Hale's home and moved next door, to the home that belonged to the three new kid's grandparents. Looking over at the map, Timothy pointed to several locations as he spoke. "First step, is to check and reinforce the current fence line and gate. Once that is done, I'll start working up a plan to build a stronger wall, to replace the fence line. I'm looking at the possibility of using timbers and steel plates of some kind."

"Once those are up, I have the idea of doing a double wall, and filling the space between with dirt. This would provide two bonuses. One the compacted dirt would be harder to bust through, and also flame proof." He took a breath, then continued. "While those are being worked on, I was considering the idea of building a few treetop observation points across the property, giving us a farther look outside our area, for safety against both raiders and those creatures." He looked back at his wife and nodded, indicating that he was done for now.

Serena nodded. "I think everyone will be able to help with that." She looked at Jackson. "You are a builder.. thoughts on this plan?"

"As far as security it sounds reasonable. A double wall can help, be best if it was slick this way no one can get a foothold. The other issue is housing, and unfortunately given the time of year permanent structures won't be easy to build as the ground will be frozen soon. So we need to get a few buildings together modest log cabins give us some breathing space." Jackson said sipping his coffee. "The wall is important I agree, and can take most of the people to work on it, a log cabin or two can be built with just a few of us. This should hopefully get us through, I do like your lookout idea, but with it being almost October and the leaves about ready to fall off most of the trees, not sure that they would be well hidden if that is a concern."

Serena nodded. "Agreed. I would suggest that the buildings can wait. Security first. If we fell trees now and dry what we can out for firewood, we can suffer through living in the house for the winter. The wall should be the first priority." She looked at the rest. "And weapons training."

Thea nodded. “I want to learn how to better defend myself, I can shoot but I’m not the best shot.”

Vienna offered a Serena a polite nod of her head in agreement. “If you want I can teach people how to use the bow and arrows, I’ve been using mine since I was old enough to hold a bow.”

"I can vouch for that." Roman spoke up from where he was sitting with Thea. "Furthermore, she is damn good with it." He looked over at Vienna, "You can teach me sis." he finished with a grin.

Serena wanted to roll her eyes. But instead she said "Morning chores of feeding the animals and checking the gardens then all hands to building. Jackson you and Timothy will lead this together. Everyone helps. We need to be secure as soon as possible."

Chloe raised a hand. "Carmen and I are going to make sure the cows are milked and chickens fed then we can help."

Serena nodded. "Sounds good." The cows had been discovered by the back fence the day before, and they had just claimed them.

Kimberley spoke up. "I have the scrap bucket for the pigs as well."

Carmen nodded. "Myles can do that."

The young boy looked up when his sister said his name. He hadn't spoken much to any of the adults yet, and stayed close to his big sister's left side.

Josh stood. "I will start firewood prep as well today."

Mackenzie who had helped Kimberley in the kitchen spoke up. "What time lunch for everyone? So we can make sure its ready?"

"Midday will be fine" Serena said. She took a breath. "Tonight after everyone has eaten and showered, Ronan and I are going to do health checks on everyone. No exceptions." Her tone brooked no argument. "If you hurt yourself you need to let someone know."

Timothy spoke up next. "I'm going to walk the perimeter, see about figuring out how best to build our defenses. I need two volunteers to walk with me." He looked over the group, waiting to see who would step up.

"I'll go with you sir." TJ spoke up instantly.

"So will I" Kelly offered a polite smile as she volunteered.

TJ smiled broadly as Kelly volunteered. "Looks like you have your volunteer's sir."

Timothy nodded to the pair, then led them off to begin the survey.

Serena waved them off. And ended the meeting, letting everyone get to their tasks. She, herself after getting PJ and putting him in her back sling, headed off to start gathering wood for the building.

 

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