Post by Mallory Faraday on Sept 29, 2020 7:03:24 GMT
Hearing out Jack Mal thought about what she could spare for the defense of the dam. She had brought people to hold it for a long time but by the sound of it, it seemed she could take about half of them back home with her.
"I'll leave my engineers and about half my soldiers here." Mal answered Jack. "My people will focus on fortifying the place and getting it up and running. It's only been two years so I've got a good feeling we'll get this place in working condition again. We'll rotate on a weekly basis and I'll send supplies and building materials every time. Claudia's also staying behind until this place is ready."
Jack then said it was an honor to meet her and that he had a very old bottle of Glenfiddich but Mal wasn't much of a drinker, and she honestly couldn't tell a two week old whiskey from a fifty year old one. Yet, she would've loved to see Coalport though, if only to see with her own eyes nothing fishy was going on there.
"That'd be lovely!" Mal said as she shook Jack's hand. "You know where to find us, and you and your people are always welcome. Also, should you find yourself short on food, we have the ocean and fishing boats. We can deliver fishfood on the regular should you need it."
Letting go of Jack's hand, Mal looked again at the map and nodded at Jack to come over.
"For now though, you should have your people map out the powerlines leading to your community." Mal said. "Make sure they're intact by the time we're ready to turn the power back on. As soon as we can, I'll send word for someone to come get you. Good luck Jack, we'll meet again soon."
Mal then took her leave, content that she could take half the people she brought back with her. A few weeks went by flawlessly, having found a good balance between rotations of the Mariners and Coalporters. By the time Mal returned to the dam, it had become a fortress. By this time the Mariners had their uniforms ready, and Mal and her people looked like they came straight out of a World War II movie, but Mal liked it. Now, they felt like an actual army too. Mal herself wore a Mariners' officer uniform, complete with the American flag and black trident patch on her sleeve. By now, the seasons had changed too. It was Spring, and it didn't feel as cold as the first time she had come here. Mal stepped out from the jeep and went inside, where a more permanent headquarters had been established, into the control room where Jack was waiting for her.
"Jack, good to see you again." Mal said as she shook his hand. "Historic day for both our communities isn't it?"
Bridget walked over and Mal had heard good things of her during the past weeks from Claudia and others. The small blonde had really established herself as a capable soldier and leader and never seemed to be shy of work, always finding something to do.
"Commander, just had word from Bar Harbor on the long range radio." Bridget spoke. "Safeguards are in place and they're ready for us to turn the switch."
"Good, excellent work sergeant." Mal answered. "Tell them to stand by."
Mal only called Bridget 'sergeant' when other people were around. Same for all of her people. Mal tended to be less formal when they were alone with her but for the sake of keeping a real army, she insisted everyone would keep with the formalities in times like these. Mal turned back to Jack, she wanted to make sure they were ready on their end as well.
"Jack, how are things on your end?" Mal asked. "We're ready when you are."