Deadland Rising (Deadland Saga) (S) by Rachel Aukes Page B

travel out of New Eden.”
    “You can count on me,” Clutch said, any humor gone from his voice.
    “Well, that covers the squadron then,” Justin said.
    My brows rose. “What, you’re not letting Jase or me serve as scouts?”
    Justin watched me for a moment before turning to Jase. “Jase, I’d like you to meet Zach. Zach runs the New Eden security forces, and you’ll be on his team.”
    Zach held out his hand. “Welcome to the force.”
    Jase didn’t shake it. Instead, confused, Jase looked from Clutch to me and then to Justin. “But, I’m with these guys. We work together.”
    Justin spoke first. “I know you’re more than capable to have survived out there for so long, but it’s New Eden policy to not allow anyone under the age of eighteen to serve on the squadron. It’s safer within the fence,” Justin said.
    “That’s bullshit,” Jase said. “I’m as good as anyone else out there.”
    “I’m not doing this to be difficult,” Justin said. “I can’t break policy for you. You—the youth—are our future. If we don’t work toward our future, we won’t have a future.”
    “The force isn’t some place for lackeys,” Zach said. “Our job is as important—if not more so—than the squadron’s. We’re the last line of defense for New Eden. These people are trusting their lives to our ability to keep them safe. We take out any danger that comes up to our fences as well as handle any problems within the fences. We also serve as backup support to the squadron. So, you see, it’s not going to be a walk in the park. You’ll see plenty of action, I can guarantee it.”
    Jase frowned.
    “Give the force a shot,” Clutch said. “Maybe they’ll reconsider later.”
    “We have more guns and more ammo than the squadron,” Zach added. “Marco mentioned you were pretty good with a motorcycle. We have ATVs on the force, but I happen to have a Honda 250 bike sitting in the garage that’s yours as a sign-on bonus if you want it. I won’t ever lie to you, we’re in desperate need of personnel. You won’t be treated like a kid here, I swear it.”
    Jase’s frown disappeared as he tried not to look excited. “Well, I suppose I could give it a shot.”
    Zach smiled and held out his hand again.
    This time, Jase shook it.
    “What about me?” I asked with narrow eyes.
    Justin’s lips pursed. “Just like we have a rule in place to protect our youth, we have a rule in place to protect our women. Have you considered an administrative job? Marco said you’re good with numbers. I could use help with the supplies tracking.”
    “That’s bullshit. You don’t need me behind a desk.” I pointed. “You need me out there. I can fly over the area and identify problems before they get close.”
    Justin shrugged. “We don’t have an airplane anywhere near here.”
    “I can find one. Then, all I’ll need is a fuel tank and a decent mechanic.”
    “Two things we have in very short supply,” he countered.
    I pursed my lips. “Okay, then. If I stay on the ground, I can still help. I can take down a zed from over a hundred meters away.”
    Clutch spoke first. “She’s right. Cash is the best sniper around. You’d be doing New Eden a disservice by not leveraging her talent.”
    “Unfortunately, we’re running desperately low on ammunition,” Justin said. “We’re down to our last boxes, and we’ve cleared every known armory and supply store in the area. None of us will have any ammo before long.”
    Exasperated, I nearly rolled my eyes. “Fine, Then use me to scout for supplies, survivors, and trouble. Just because I’m a woman, I’m just as capable in my own right.”
    It was the first time I’d seen Justin uncomfortable. "Look at it this way. Men survivors outnumber women over three to one here. Any loss of a woman or child kills morale. It makes sense for women to choose the safer jobs, and we have plenty of openings—”
    “No,” I said, and took a deep breath. “Listen. I’m not