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sanctuary. My damning sense of humanity prevented me from doing that.
    At the same time I felt excitement. There were people living - alive - right down the road from my house. I was planning on going back to the farm to survive. Now, I could actually be a part of a community. There was more of a future here than I could have hoped for.
    Later. I had one more big job to do.
    “You said ya had guns - ammo.” Cooper had walked inside my R.V. without knocking and stood there, looking at me sideways, with his jaw jutting out and his hands on his hips.
    “Up there.” I pointed to one of the overhead storage compartments behind the driver’s seat. “Big duffle bag, can’t miss it. Take it all.”
    I turned back around and got undressed without closing the door. There was no time for formalities, especially for some pathetic excuse of a survivor who wanted to demonstrate his manly superiority. I heard the duffle bag being dragged down to the floor and the zipper opening. For a moment, there was no sound while I slid on my leather pants.
    I threw on my tank top and then the Kevlar vest, strapping it on tight. I pulled a long black shirt on over it and grabbed the leather jacket, gloves and helmet before heading back out of the bedroom.
    Cooper was staring at me and didn’t bother to turn away when I looked at him.
    “What?” I asked brusquely. First he insults me, now he comes into my camper and ogles me?
    “A vest? What d’ya need that for? They don’t use guns.”
    “No, they don’t. Just added protection against the other weapons.” I stood directly in front of him and pushed him back against the wall. “Say I’m a homicidal and I’ve got you disarmed and down on the ground. You’re trying to push me away like this.” I pulled his hands up to my throat. “Even when they aren’t armed, they’ll do anything to kill you. The homicidal will just reach his arms down and eviscerate you with his hands.” I moved my hands down to his stomach as a demonstration. “I’ve seen it happen.”
    Cooper squinted at me, but didn’t say anything. He didn’t remove his arms from my throat either.
    “Cooper!” Solomon yelled. “What are you doing?”
    “Just a demonstration,” I said. I backed off and Cooper released his grip. He grabbed the duffle bag and handed it to Solomon.
    “This here’s e’rything she’s got.” I heard them go off together to inspect the goods.
    I peered out the window every few seconds, looking toward the road. They would be here soon. I put on the leather jacket and gloves, zipped up and pulled on my double scabbards. Then I grabbed another bag full of swords and my helmet and went looking for Solomon.
    They were set up on a picnic table nearby and I threw the bag at their feet.
    “This will help.”
    “What is it?” Solomon asked.
    “Swords. How many people are going to help fight?”
    “Just five of us. Me, Cooper here, Johnson, Brigham and Tasha. You make number six.”
    “Is the house locked up? Is it sealed?”
    “Let us worry ‘bout that, little girl,” Cooper remarked.
    “Cooper!”
    “What’s your problem?” I yelled. “My son is in there!”
    “Who does sh e think she is, Solomon? Comin’ in here and disruptin’ the place, tellin’ people what to do. And swords? Really?”
    “I don’t think she’s …” began the older man Solomon had identified as Brigham.
    “ Don’t talk like I’m not here. And I’m not trying to cause problems; I’m trying to help. If I hadn’t of come along here when I did, this herd would have snuck up on you. Christ. It’s not like I led ‘em here; they were already on the way. And I use swords because I know how and because I’m afraid of the noise guns make. Any homicidals close enough will hear the shots and come to investigate. Ever consider that? Trust me; I’ll be gone as soon as this is over.”
    “Yeah, sure.”
    “Whatever. You know what? Since it’s such an inconvenience for you to be in the presence of a woman