“You had me at flushing toilets," Pete said.

“Explain,” Joe said. I took the next few moments to give them all the rundown about my mom, her years of experience in manufacturing electronics, the tools and materials in the storage container, Jace’s tinkering ability and the fact that they could get a couple of Artificers out of the deal. Of course they didn’t know what an artificer was, so I had to explain that as well. I thought Johnny, being much younger than the others, would at least know that much, but Artificers don't exist in Call of Duty I suppose.

“You’re painting a really pretty picture," Johnny said. All full of sunshine and rainbows. But I see two issues we need to address.” I was actually getting annoyed at this younger man and his reluctance.

“And what are those?" I asked.

"One," Johnny started. We’re probably going to need a lot of firepower, not just to take the place if things go south. However, we'll need to keep it once people learn there’s power and running water. And two, these deep cycle batteries, whatever they are, how many would we require for battery banks big enough for the school? Where would we even get them anyway?

“Listen up, oh ye of little faith," I began. Let's work on getting the place before worrying about keeping it. As far as the batteries, they are marine and RV batteries. Do you know anywhere in this town we could find lots of those?”

“I don’t know, Walmart,” Johnny said.

“Well they might have a few," I said. But no, how about the RV dealership on the southeast side of town, that has a couple hundred RV’s for sale on their back lot. As far as firepower is concerned. I can think of one place that has a fair amount of ammo for AR’s, shotguns and 40 caliber handguns. They may also have spare firearms in their armory. Probably more than a few. They also have vests, helmets, black BDU’s like the ones I’m wearing and even extra duty belts and equipment.”

“You’re talking about the cop shop aren’t you?" Joe said.

“I sure am,” I replied.

“There’s no way we can do that,” Johnny replied.

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“Of course we can," I responded. I know most of those guys. Over half of them live out of town and won't be there. Half of those that live here don’t give two shits about this place and will be home defending their families like we are. And the ones that miraculously come to work will probably still try to keep the peace in the city. Though how they’re doing that on foot, who knows.”

“Still seems risky," Johnny said.”

“Look, " I said, obviously annoyed. If you aren’t buying what I am selling, you can see yourself out the side door. There isn’t anything in the world right now that isn’t risky. Sitting here in the garage with it open to the street is risky, but here we are. If you’d like me to make it better for you, the ammunition and equipment aren't even in the department’s main building. The ammo is in a storage container in the back lot secured behind an easily breakable padlock.

The uniforms, gear and equipment are in an old run-down house used as storage. And the front of this house opens onto the street. The house's rear opens onto the back lot. And that will be our way in. If we don’t want to risk the firearms that will most definitely be in the armory inside the PD, we won’t.”

Johnny said "I'm not out, I’m just saying what my concerns are.”

“Well are you in or out then?" I asked.

For a long moment, Johnny didn’t say anything, but after giving it some thought he replied, “I’m in.”

“Great, I replied. What about you Pete? You’ve been awfully quiet.”

"Toilets bro, toilets." Was all Pete said with a smile.

“Awesome,” I responded.

Turning to Joe, “it will probably take at least today and probably tomorrow to get those drones fixed, if they can be fixed. I say we hit the school tomorrow night. In the meantime, we hit the PD tonight. No sense leaving valuable supplies out there any longer than necessary.”

“I agree, Joe said. How many people should we bring for the job?”

“I’d say the four of us right here. But for the school we will have to play it by ear, but I imagine we will need a few more people.”

"That sounds like a plan,” Joe said.

“Okay cool, I replied. You know where my father-in-law lives around the corner right?” Joe nodded his head. “Be there around dark. I’ll have my wife cook us something to eat before we head out. She has a nourishment ability that gives you a ten percent boost to strength and constitution that lasts four hours. Might come in real handy tonight. In the meantime, let me get those drones and I’ll get them out to my mom’s place and have them looked at.”

I collected my bow and placed two drones in a small pack Joe gave me. I left back down the street with Dog at my side. When I got a couple houses down, I radioed in and had them open the side yard. When I got there, Dog walked right inside the gate and right up to Denise who bent down and started petting him. “Oh what?" I exclaimed with a chuckle. You can't even greet me before the dog, huh? WOW.”