“Well that definitely sounds better than a warrior class, Denise said. I don’t want our children turning into fighters and always putting themselves in danger.”

“Oh absolutely,” I agreed, not feeling the need to tell her that artificers are some of the most powerful force multipliers. Especially if they focus on combat skills instead of crafting skills. I was quite sure Travis, if not Jace too, would be pointing himself towards combat. I’d cross that bridge when it came, preferably AFTER they chose their focus.

“So what’s our next step?" Denise asked. We have maybe a month's worth of food and a week's worth of water.”

“Well, I began. We’re basically going to have to start raising crops and animals. And we need a steady water supply. More importantly, we’re going to need a place that is both defensible and livable. And I think I know just the place. Better yet, if what I’ve read about EMP’s holds true, this place should still have power.”

“And what place is that?" Denise asked.

“The new high school on the east side of town," I replied. It has plenty of land for farming and raising livestock, and it has its own water well. Most importantly, they installed a giant solar farm on the overhead covers in the parking lot, which if my memory serves, is EMP hardened.”

All of a sudden, a quest notification appeared in my vision:

-Quest gained, A Place of Power: Recover the location known as “The High School” and turn it into a viable location for your family to thrive.

-Quest rewards: a place for your family to live and thrive; moderate EXP

Remember, power takes many forms, if you’re strong enough to take it. Shareable.

“Oh snap!" I exclaimed. I just triggered a quest. It seems I am on the right track. But the quest says we need to recover it, IF we’re strong enough to take it. That means there are most likely people already living there. It also said the quest is sharable.”

“What does that mean?" Denise asked.”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“It means I have to build a team,” I replied.

“Who are you going to build a team with?" she asked.

“I need to find Joe,” I said.

Joe Garcia has been one of my closest friends for fifteen years. He was also an Army infantryman with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also had a few years of experience in private contracting for some unknown private security force that did some things, in some places, somewhere that he’s not supposed to talk about. I wasn’t sure if he couldn’t talk about it because it was sensitive national security issues; or if it was something the security company didn’t want to see the light of day due to fear of litigation. Either way, Joe was a highly experienced combat veteran. And more importantly, Joe and I had gathered a small group of friends that were all prior military. We were also like-minded in our endeavors in prepping and survival.

“Do you know where he is or how to find him?" she asked.

“Yeah, I explained. He literally lives just two blocks around the corner. And if he’s not there, he will be at his property just a few blocks down the street on the outskirts of town. That’s where he keeps his livestock. Last I checked he had about thirty chickens, a couple of pigs, a goat and about seven heads of cattle.”

“I’m assuming you’re planning to leave now,” she asked.

“Just as soon as I gear up," I responded. Where are the kids?”

“Where do you think?" Denise replied. They’re out in the side yard playing with your newly adopted pet. Wait a second, you’re not bringing them with you are you?”

“No," I replied chuckling. I was just going to say good morning.” With that, I kissed her on the cheek and headed back into the room to grab my tact vest and weapons.

After gearing up, I walked into the side yard and saw Dog lying on his back with his paws in the air. He was letting all three kids rub his belly. I dropped my head, placing my hand over my face. Lifting my head back up, I said “you know, you’re supposed to be this vicious attack dog right?” Dog just looked over at me with what I was sure was a look of “giddy pleasure.”

“You realize you lost that dog as soon as you brought him home, right?" came Denise’s voice from behind me.

“Yeah I know, I replied. But I still need to take him out with me.” Raising my voice to the kids, I said “so if you’re done pampering him, it’s time to go.” With a chuff, Dog rolled over to his feet, stretched his back in a deep long stretch, and lumbered over.

I turned to Denise and said, “I’ll be back soon, I love you baby.” And pulled her into an embrace.

“You better,” she replied.

“Better what, I asked? Be back soon or love you?”

“Both,” she said.

“I will and I most certainly do,” I responded, then kissed her.

“I love you too, my love,” she replied. I turned to the kids and gave them hugs as well, then left through the side gate with Dog by my side.