Free Crossing Bedlam by Charles E. Yallowitz

self-destructive, which is why my city should be the capital. Just look at how you’re claiming everything in an attempt to start a fight. We should be fair and split things evenly. My men and I have seen enough bloodshed today.”
    “And mine are still hungry for battle,” Firestone replies like a fictional warlord. Unknown to him, all of his soldiers nervously cough and stop themselves from correcting their aggressive leader. “I will leave you the food and other items. Seeing as we got here first, the bulk of the spoils should go to us.”
    “Can the spoils in question have a say in this?” Lloyd asks, raising his hand and wiggling his fingers. The serial killer hops off the hood and straightens his shirt, the green-skinned monster on the front appearing to challenge anyone who looks directly at it. “The truth of the matter is that neither of us give a fuck about your problems. Who wants a soldier that couldn’t care less about the war they’re fighting in? Better to save yourselves some grief and pain by letting us go instead of making us mad. Besides, after escaping two rhinos and a sniper while in our underwear, this part of the journey feels rather tame.”
    With a visible limp, Noah walks to the jeep and sits next to Cassidy. He smiles at the young woman and signals for his men to stop rifling through the vehicle. Offering a granola bar to the prisoners, he shrugs when both refuse the food. Not wanting to seem like the bad guy, Firestone barks orders for his soldiers to take a break. Taking a handful of food off the top of the gathered pile, the muscular petty officer snaps his fingers for his men to follow his example. Watching the two squads, the travelers can see the gulf of difference in their mannerisms and skill levels. It is a bizarre contrast because the men working under the boorish Firestone appear hardened and experienced, but cowed by the presence of their leader. Those who follow Noah are meeker and most of the Pittsburgh citizens hold their guns in awkward positions unlike the more militaristic form of the Philadelphians.
    “Almost be a shame to kill them,” Lloyd whispers before returning to the jeep. The sound of several guns taking aim causes the man to put his hands behind his back. “I was only looking for something to help restrain us. Not a fan of guns, so you don’t have to worry about me grabbing any of your new toys. Ah, here’s the utterly harmless objects I was looking for. Consider these two sets of handcuffs a peace offering. My companion’s mother gave them to her, so they’re family heirlooms. She prefers the more battered one if you get my meaning. Not that meaning, but that she would appreciate you using this one on her.”
    “Why would we restrain either of you?” Noah asks as he takes the manacles. The smell of oil and perfume makes his sinuses ache, the pain subsiding when he takes a drink from an old canteen. “You are to join our armies. I do apologize for this being a harsh welcome to our ranks, but you have to understand our situation. Very little trade comes into Pennsylvania due to the war and rumors about our beautiful state. Thanks to travelers causing trouble and exaggerating the situation, we have a reputation for being a state full of bandits and thieves. So your supplies are desperately needed.”
    “Not to mention your bodies since our cities are starting to run out of willing and able soldiers,” Firestone interjects, the man refusing to sugarcoat the truth. When he sees the threatening scowl on his rival’s face, he spits at the older man’s polished boots. “Don’t pussyfoot around the facts, Sergeant. These two should know that they’ll be fighting for one of us. If you’re so determined to split things evenly, I claim the woman and you can get the wimp who hates violence.”
    “He definitely wouldn’t make a good soldier,” Cassidy claims, ignoring the belly-aching laughter from Lloyd. Holding out her hands to get cuffed, she stares