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said.
    “Fucking A, we know Oscar.” Tom said exasperated, this was the constant talk with them, about ammo running low. Everyone knew they needed more, it was just how would the acquire it. They even, by some random chance, stumbled across the machinery and fixings for making bullets, the old school way, but they lacked the crucial ingredient of gun powder. They were always on the lookout for this.
    “You know we should try and hit the army base.”
    “Oh here we go again. Are we gonna have this same run around Oscar? Just because you were some sergeant or major . .  . ”
    “Lieutenant.” Oscar interrupted
    “Whatever. It doesn’t mean dick anymore. You said yourself that place is a good 3hrs north of here, and it has probably been picked over.” Tom finished.
    “But we don’t know that.” Kurt added.
    “So we risk more lives and fuel for a trip were unsure of?” Silence met this comment.
    “Don’t we do that every time we leave the building?” Casey said quietly.
    “You know what I mean Casey. At least we have good intel for most of our other trips. We’ve got no info on this place.”
    “We have 3 soldiers that use to be stationed there. I think that actually says a lot.” Casey replied. “I’m not saying we go tomorrow, this will take planning and time, but it’s something we should consider.”
    “What if there are other survivors on the way?” Kurt added for extra measure.
    “I just worry, that’s all. It’s nothing against you Oscar.” He indicated towards him. “I guess I just don’t want to risk not coming back to my family on a fool’s errand.” Tom put in.
    “Well we won’t add you to the list of volunteers for that gig. I’m going to get supper.” Kurt stood and walked away.
    “Kurt wait up.” Oscar hustled after him.
    “You know what I mean right Casey?” Tom tried appealing to him.
    “I know what you’re saying, but you make it sound like us single guys, or anyone else without a family, that it’s ok for us to go out and risk it all. Hey I don’t want to die any more than you. Just because my family isn’t here with me doesn’t mean I have a death wish, and I shouldn’t have to be sacrificed to save you.”
    “That’s not fair, I didn’t say that. Don’t make me out to be the bad guy here.”
    “I’m just saying that’s how it sounded when you were saying it. Look Tom you’re my best friend I don’t want to fight. But we might just have to face the fact we’ll have to start taking greater risks in order to survive.” Casey put it plainly.
    “I know. You’re right.” Tom put his elbows on his knees and held his head up with his hands. “I just want them to have a decent life, as much as can be with the situation.”
    “I’d feel the same way if they were my family.”
    “They are your family Casey, we’re your family.” The guys gave each other a nice manly pat as the situation deemed, because it was obviously becoming far too emotional.
    “Casey, Tom, they made dinner if you interested.” One of the younger men, Mike, came up to inform the rest of the people on the roof. “Thanks, I’ll be down soon.” Casey said as he stood to stare at the smoke, now grayer and slowly lifting into the air.
    “Hey what’s that?” Mike said quickly pointing over to some houses that were heavily covered in a strategically built wooded area to make the place looked nice at one time, but was now overgrown. It made a natural looking separation between the businesses and residents.
    “What?” Casey now curious asked. Trying to see where the boy was pointing.
    “There, under the trees, I saw a flashing.” Mike now insistently pointing, knowing he saw something. Tom stood too next to them looking.
    “I don’t see anything.”
    “I think you need some rest kid, maybe some time inside away from the videos too.” Casey, putting his hand on the boys shoulders to direct him back downstairs for some much needed rest.
     
    “Damn it you idiot, look again.”