Apocalypsis 02 - Warpaint

the reservation. We didn’t need to give the canners any more clues than necessary about our origins and home.
    “Thanks for coming, everyone . Please form three horizontal lines in front of me. Spread out so you don’t hit each other with kicks.” I waited for them to comply before continuing.
    “The purpose of this exercise is to gauge whether you have the skills and strength to accompany me and the chiefs on a mission into a nearby town to rescue some kids who are being held like Celia was, by canners … cannibal kids. Obviously if you aren’t interested in going on this mission, you should just step to the side. We don’t need anyone with us who isn’t dedicated to the task.”
    No one said anything or moved out of formation. They all just watched me, serious looks on their faces. Only the slight morning breeze caused any movement out in the group, lifting up some of their long dark hair and blowing strands across their faces.
    “The eight who are chosen will go through some intense training over the next five days, so you can pretty much plan on not doing any of your regular chores during that time.”
    Again, there was no reaction from anyone. I hoped this meant that the ones left behind wouldn’t mind picking up the slack, even though it really wasn’t my problem. A part of me didn’t want to be the one causing issues in this community, even if it were for a good cause.
    “I’m not going to sugarcoat this for any of you. We are going after people with weapons, who murder and eat kids. They are animals. We’d like to do this in a way that is safe, but to tell you it is going to be easy and that it’s a no-risk proposition would be a lie. Some of us could get hurt or killed. So, last chance. If you are not interested -and no one is going to think anything bad of you if you’re not-please step out.”
    Again, no one moved.
    “Fine. Let’s get started then. Forward punches, begin!” I started doing my own, a combination of three, counting them out, watching as the kids all fell into the rhythm, some of them faster than others.
    “Add this kick!” I ordered loudly, demonstrating a sharp kick to a kneecap. “Punch! Punch! Punch! Kick! And again! …”
    I walked down the rows vertically, watching them work. I could already see a few of them sweating. After five full minutes, I already had six who I knew didn’t have the stamina to hang with me.
    “Stop. If I walked by you and touched your shoulder at any point in that exercise, please step out.”
    The six heavy-breathers left the group, all of them with heads held down.
    “You can leave or stay, but you lack the stamina necessary for the team. I hope I’ll see you in my training sessions later so I can remedy that.” I didn’t mean to be harsh, but I didn’t have time to baby anybody through this. It was only my first session and I was already feeling the pressure. This was going to be harder than I thought, picking the best eight. Stamina was a good starting point, but there was so much more.
    The six I had pulled out stood off to the side, none of them leaving the area. I ignored them and continued with my evaluation.
    “If you’re taller than the person in front of you, tap him on the shoulder and move forward.”
    They all hesitated for a second, looking confused.
    “Do it!” I said loudly.
    Feet shuffled and they moved to follow my instructions, so the taller kids would now be in front. I was happy to see that they didn’t question it. It was good in that they knew how to follow orders, but bad in that it didn’t help me eliminate anyone who might cause us trouble on our mission. George had specifically said in his journal that troops who questioned orders all the time were the source of many casualties.
    “Turn to your right!” I waited for all of them to be facing the same direction before continuing. “If you’re taller than the person in front of you, tap him on the shoulder and move forward!”
    They moved faster this time. Now all the tallest kids were on my left and close to the front. Once more and they’d all be right where I wanted them.
    “Turn to your left!” They were all facing me again. “One more time. If you’re taller than the person in front of you, tap him on the shoulder and move forward!”
    When they were finished, I now had the group in size order, from tallest to smallest, from the front left corner to the back right corner.
    “Look around at the people on either side of you and behind