Wiping his face with a gritty hand, the blond went on like it was still there. "Put the ends under the tires and heavier stuff. Make sure it's secured right. Everything else has to be broken down and shoved into the outer trucks to add weight. Cover the livestock and dogs. They go in the very front."
Kenn was copying - orders and the map - and those nearby watched alertly in the gritty dimness as the wind increased. The sense of something big about to happen was starting to spread.
"The sheep in the center trucks?"
Adrian's blade flashed through the dirt again, ringless fingers nicked, scarred. "Yes, here and here. Make the weight as even as possible. Do the best you can. One bag allowed and put those stickup dome lights inside, so there are no fumes or flames. Gear: goggles, boots, ski masks, orange safety vests - all Eagles on shift inside the area."
Kenn finished writing, looked up. "What about the guards on the perimeter?"
Adrian's eyes went back to the brownish black wall of sand that was noticeably closer, vaguely aware of raised voices as people started to see what he and Kenn already had - danger heading their way.
"Only in the front trucks - anywhere else is voluntary, and I don't recommend the rear. Even inside cabs, there'll be flying glass and debris if the windows go, and they probably will. Make it clear that anyone crazy enough to do it, better bring the right equipment."
Still writing, Kenn wanted to volunteer just for the credit, but he also knew Adrian would need him to help with the herd. Waving Eagles over, Kenn barely hid a grin of excitement. He thrived on shit like this, couldn't wait for it to begin.
2
The dust storm bore down on them like an angry swarm, first invading with fierce winds that ripped tent pegs from the ground, then hitting them with a thick wave of sand and grit that blanketed everything. The sky darkened, turning almost black as it came over the last ridge. It smothered the land like night falling and they watched in amazement as great chunks of buildings were torn away from their foundations and sent flying.
It raced toward Safe Haven like a missile looking for a target, and Adrian felt his stomach churn even as his heart thumped. He hated it that his people weren't safe, but loved the fury of Nature. There was nothing else like it.
"Here it comes."
Adrian and the three levels of Eagles were in the much smaller Mess, thick telephone poles a great anchor. The tarps kept out a lot of the grit, but all the men wore the gear they'd been given, ready to assist wherever Adrian told them to.