The Passage

Big Tom is leaning against a large tree trunk, his rifle resting on a lower

branch. The sound of a jeep is heard in the distance. The open topped jeep is

seen bouncing along a dirt road through the field, approaching. Big Tom

lowers the rifle, moving his eye close to the sight, bracing himself against

the tree trunk. A shot rings out as Big Tom jerks from the recoil.

Red has herded the group into a cistern room, where spring water is drawn and

foods stuffs are placed for cool storage - an old fashioned cooler. Red is at

the door, peering out through a crack, his finger to his mouth reminding them

all to hush. Red has his rifle resting along his leg, not cocked but there

just in case. He is standing in for Big Tom, second in command.

36

Martha has her two youngsters close to her, one under each arm and leaning

into her. Everyone is silent, scarcely breathing. Danny has his hand over his

hysterical girl friend's mouth, her wide eyes looking up steadily and

unblinkingly into his. He has taped her wrists and ankles and secured her to

a chair, taking no chances. Netty stands behind Red, peering over his

shoulder. Frank and Jane are in each other's arms, Frank running the fingers

of his good hand lightly up and down Jane's arm as she rests her head against

his good shoulder.

_______________________________

Big Tom is in the distance, walking down off the hillock, his purposeful

stride showing no tension or hurry. He takes his hat off and waves it in the

direction of the cistern room, signaling the OK. The door opens and Red

emerges as Big Tom comes within voice shot.

They won't trouble anyone anymore.

_______________________________

Behind what used to be the barn, the ladies are bathing, and a sheet has been

hung between the trough and the tent city, for privacy. Martha, dressed in a

bathrobe, is toweling off Tammy's head, while Tammy stands with a large bath

towel wrapped around her tiny frame. Daisy is complaining that the water isn't

warm, shivering and muttering as she quickly washes off with a wet cloth and

slips into one of her boyfriend's large wool shirts. Netty is washing with

relish, for the first time in days, soaping repeatedly and rinsing as though

she thought this day would never come again.

Jane has recovered from her scalp wound, but still has a thin strip of white

cloth tied around her head. She is being cheerful, or at least trying to be,

telling stories to Tammy about pioneer women, how brave they were, and the

hardships they bore. The obvious point is that these things can be survived.

Jane continues with her monologue.

They washed like this all the time, and in winter,

while standing by the stove! Never hurt them a bit.

Can be kind of fun if you think about it.

The ladies are walking back in a leisurely manner to the tent city from the

horse trough, a laugh now and then heard from the group, tension gone now that

the threat is past. Mark and Brian walking up the dirt road toward the group,

relieved to find others still alive and well. Martha breaks from the group and

runs toward the tent city, to warn Big Tom, with Tammy reacting to the sight

of two strangers approaching by standing stock still, staring in their

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direction, so that Netty has to return, taking her by the hand to lead her

along.

Mark and Brian are seen as limping, dusty, Brian almost staggering. Big Tom is

striding into view, coming from the direction of the tent city which the woman

are now jogging toward. He holds the rifle pointed straight up in a warning

fashion, clearly stating that the visitors are to stop and identify

themselves.

Mark is the larger and more handsome, is almost twice the bulk of the slender

Brian, who has a thin face and light fine hair which he wears on the long

side. Mark is dark haired and tanned, hair on the short side and a commanding

look about him. He's used to being in charge. Mark puts his hand up,

signaling to Big Tom that they mean no harm.

We're unarmed . . We mean you no harm . . We're just

trying to get to a phone.

At this point he glances past Big Tom and notices for the first time that the

farm buildings are devastated, scanning the view in silence. His question is

more of a statement than a question.

I don't suppose your lines are up, though.

Not yet at ease, Big Tom is on guard.

Put your hands on your heads. We've had some

unwelcome visitors and I'm taking no chances.

Red has come up behind him, hands him the second rifle to hold while he

quickly pats the visitors down, nodding at Big Tom when no weapons are found.

Big Tom hands the spare rifle back to Red and welcomes the two men.

Come on back and have some soup, you look like you

could use some.

38

-Stories-

It's suppertime, the last traces of the setting sun fading rapidly, and the

group is gathered around the coals of a small fire, kept small and low so as

not to attract attention. Martha is putting her outdoor kitchen away, stacking

chipped plates and dented pots and pulling a sheet over them as cover, to keep

them clean. The new guests ate everything put before them. Martha has