The Goodwills: Adventure in an Apocalyptic World

Chapter seven

Silence ensued, both Karl and Victor weighed down by the information.

After a while, Victor said, “I'll be going now, I'll gather the others from my end and come back here."

"Okay then.” Karl replied.

Victor got up, patted away the grass pieces on his clothes and walked towards the goodwills.

On getting to where Robert, Katie and Vanessa were, he sat, his face still looking solemn because of the information her got.

“I'll join Aunt May now.” Vanessa said, giving them privacy for their discussion.

Knowing Vanessa, Robert said “Take a good rest Vanessa. I know you like pushing your limits but these are dangerous time.” concern etched on his face.

“I will." Vanessa replied, as she walked away.

After Vanessa had gone away, Victor, who had silent the whole time began.

"The patrol’s name is Karl and he shared some basic information about the world with me.”

He continued, telling them all that Karl had told him. Robert and Katie's expressions darkened as they listened to Victor. Properly understanding the dangers this world possess, they understood much more the importance of power.

“Let's get out of this area first. When we get to the frontier, we will put in the actions necessary.” Robert said solemnly

Victor sighed, “Yeah, you're right."

After taking several deep breaths, Victor said “Katie, please call the other guys who are volunteering."

Katie nodded as she left.

"It going to be alright Victor. We are in this together, as a family." Robert said as he patted Victor's shoulders.

“I know uncle," Victor said “that's what is keeping me going at this point."

Katie returned with the other volunteers.

“Nathan, RJ, George you all should listen to Victor even when you're out. I want all of you back in one piece.

“Yes uncle(dad)!” The three replied.

Victor looked their faces one more time the said, "let's go."

He walked towards Karl for the second time tonight but this time he wasn't alone.

As they approached Karl, they noticed others around him.

“Volunteers?" Victor muttered as he kept on moving.

On get close enough, Karl opened his eyes.

“This should be all of the volunteers." He said, not as a question but more of a declaration.

"We can't accurately measure the time but this cycle will continue for days" Karl continued, looking at the sky.

“Ten of us will be divided into two groups, a group for a night and the next night the other group. This will ensure adequate rest and reduce accumulation of stress." Karl said after mentally counting those gathered.

"You over there!” Karl said point to a skinny man, he had cunning eyes and an intelligent grin.

"Yeah.” The man responded

“You'll join them, five of you will make up the second group. The rest of us are the first group.” Karl said as he pointed at Victor and the other Goodwills.

Not waiting for the man's response, Karl continued.

"The rule for the watch is simple. When it's your turn, stay awake and vigilant.”

"If you hear any sound, wake a fellow volunteer and stay alert until the source of the sound is found and deemed harmless. If the source of the sound is not found or the source is deemed harmful, wake all the volunteers. Proper actions will be taken from that point." Karl said as his Express showed seriousness

"Are we all clear?” Karl asked solemnly.

"Yes sir!” They all responded.

"I'll be the leader of the first group and Victor will be the leader of the second group.” Karl said as he pointed at Victor, not bothering to seek their opinion.

"The second group can go rest while the first group gather closer.” Karl said as he concluded.

"Yes sir!” Everyone said. Member of the first group got closer to Karl as members of the second group moved backwards.

"Hey everyone, I'm Derik” the skinny man Karl added to the second group said.

"Hello Derik, I'm Victor, this is Nathan, RJ and George.” Victor said as he pointed at the others.

"Please to meet you, I'll be in your hands for henceforth.” Derik said.

"Oh please! We're are all depending on each other. Let's have a wonderful cooperation.” Victor respomded, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

" See you tomorrow night then.” Derik said.

" You too. Try to be on time.” Victor said, still keeping a friendly grin on his face.

Derik went back on that note.

“ Seeing the great Victor at work truly is a work of art.” Nathan said teasingly.

" The proper blend of intimidation and friendliness, where did you learn this brother?” Nathan continued as he looked at Victor.

" Watch and learn my little brother.” Victor responded feigning arrogance.

" Pah! Arrogance really looks terrible on you.” Nathan said as he let out a little laugh.

" Flattery looks worse on you Nat.” Victor retorted.

They all chuckled as they walked back to the rest of the Goodwills. Looking at all the members of the Goodwill family, understanding dawned on Victor's mind.

“I'm not alone, and that's my biggest backing.” Victor said in a voice he alone could hear.