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"We don't know exactly what they were doing other than gathering some supplies, but that's a little too close for comfort," Matt continues.
The weight of responsibility resting on Matt’s shoulders is a familiar one to Gage. He understands all too well the duty of protecting his community from the imminent dangers that loom just beyond the horizon.
Gage glances around the room, taking in his fellow Homani and clones. Some wear expressions of worry, while others look as if they are steeling themselves for what’s to come.
Without a word, Gage joins Matt at the front of the room. There is a surge of solidarity amongst this group, a shared understanding of the task that lies ahead. Their unity and unwavering resolve are the only things that can stand against the impending storm.
As Gage takes a deep breath, his gaze flicks to Lilly, and he silently vows to protect what’s his, to defend her and her home against the encroaching darkness.
Chapter twenty-five
Gagescansthebaras the people disperse after the meeting. Matt jerks a head at him toward the corner of the room. Jax, Lennon, Finn, Dawn, Lilly, and Brook quickly join them, pulling a couple of tables together to sit. Silence reigns like a heavy fog as each person seems to be lost in thought.
“Finn and I are going to do another supply and bring some to run Abigail and her daughter,” Brook says, breaking the silence, as she fidgets in her chair. “They’ve been radio silent for longer than they should, and I’m a bit worried. We may be gone for a day or two.”
Matt nods. “Be careful and watch your backs. At any sign of trouble, get your asses back here, pronto.” His gaze shifts to Gage. “You mentioned that you had some ideas for setting traps in the lake in case Vance and his men try to cross. What do you have in mind?”
Gage leans forward, his brow furrowed. He rubs his jaw while he collects his thoughts before responding to Matt's question. “Well, I've been brainstorming a few ideas. Firstly, we could strategically place underwater obstacles to impede their progress across the lake. For example, large rocks, tangled nets, or even submerged branches could snag their boats and make it difficult for them to navigate."
Jax interjects, "That’ll slow them, sure, but wouldn't they just find a way around them? We need something more... unexpected."
Gage gives him a mischievous smile. "You're right. We need to surprise them. I was thinking of rigging some concealed explosive devices near the lake's shallow areas. When triggered, they'd create a shockwave strong enough to destabilize their vessels, making it near impossible for them to continue."
Matt raises an eyebrow. "What if they manage to get past the lake? What's our backup plan?"
Gage slowly shakes his head before answering. "I've been working on contingencies. We'll set up tripwires and hidden snares along the forest trails leading to the back of town. The element of surprise will be our greatest weapon. Once triggered, it'll slow them down and give us a chance to regroup."
Lilly, who had been silently listening next to him, speaks up. "They’ll be armed. We need something to even the odds."
Matt's gaze locks with hers. "We'll arm our humans and distribute the weaponry amongst them. We can defend ourselves in either animal or human form if it comes to that."
Sitting beside Brook, Finn adds, "And in case things go south, we've already mapped out escape routes through the surrounding wilderness. So we won't let them corner us."
"Okay, that secures the lake, and I’m spearheading the forest," Matt declares, his voice filled with resolve.
Gage nods. “Matt and I agree the lake is crucial to our plans. Any vulnerability could jeopardize the farm.”
"I spoke to Harold and Pete the other day. The traps are coming along well, and everything is in place as planned," his mate says, matter-of-fact.
He drapes his arm across the back of her chair. A surge of relief courses through him at her words. The dam is a critical juncture in their defence strategy. If an attack on the dam happens, their defences should buy them the valuable time necessary to regroup and prepare for the next phase.
Matt leans against the wall, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Good," he says, "we need every advantage we can get. Those traps could make all the difference when the time comes."
Gage leans his elbows on the table and rubs his eyes. They are engaged in a battle against a tyrannical enemy that threatens their safety and the essence of their community. Every decision, every action is critical, and they must leave no room for error.
Matt looks out over the forest with Jax, his brow furrowing. The two of them stand at the edge of the woods where the threat had originated the last time, their gazes fixed on the dense thicket. The evidence of Vance’s first brutal attack lingers on the land, in the air, and on the faces of his people.
"What do you have in the works for traps in the forest?" Matt inquires. "The electric fence along the perimeter didn't dissuade them much the first time Vance attacked our town."
Jax rubs his chin, his brow drawn together as if considering Matt's words. "You're right. We can't rely on the same old tricks. Vance isn’t stupid," he replies.
"We need something more formidable this time, something that will stop Vance and his followers dead in their tracks." They wreaked havoc in their last attack. Buildings were reduced to rubble, and innocent lives were destroyed. Matt had sworn to protect his farm to ensure its safety from any future assaults. But, with the scars of the previous attack still fresh, he cannot afford to let his guard down.
With each trap meticulously designed and deployed, their defences will be bolstered, and their chances of repelling any future attacks heightened. He looks back at the farm, his heart swelling with determination and a fierce desire to protect what is theirs.
"Let's get to work," Matt says as Jax begins to cut away at the nearest brush. "Our farm will not fall again. We will defend it, no matter the cost."
He unclips the walkie-talkie at his side, barking out what he needs for supplies to be brought to various sections of the forest. He’s ready to turn the forest into a deadly barrier against the looming threat, prepared to confront Vance and his crew head-on.
