[Hinterland Farm & Supply], the big sign read. A warehouse-style building sprawling across several probably extrely valuable city acres, with tractors and other large equipnt visible through wide glass windows.
Posters covered the length of the storefront. Advertising everything from animal feed to generators, brand nas and sales. It rather reminded of Moontrail Outfitters... a surprisingly high end place that served people dealing with nature.
"Are you sure you would not like to drop you off sowhere first, dear?"
"I don’t mind walking from here, really. Mind if I tag along while you shop?"
I asked as we climbed out - and it made her raise a curious eyebrow. I don’t expect that everything here will be useful for the sort of world that should be coming, but much of it may be. Especially those water tanks... I’ve seen them on the [Equipnt Reviews]
"I’m curious about what a place like this carries and since I’m already here, may as well look. I’d rather keep the chicken cold in your truck as long as possible, so sticking with you so I don’t get distracted seed like the best choice."
> A bald-faced lie about my true preferences. I’d much rather shift and eat it right now, witnesses be damned! Then take my ti wandering. <
My wolf agrees with all parts of that. To the point that I begin to think we may have been in trouble without the new Composure keeping us calr. Already, I’m wondering how I got along without this warm feeling inside .
"Well, I don’t mind. Co along. They’ve got the best prices on bulk feed and Jake orders special vitamins for my hens. Though that’s probably not that useful for you. Still, he’s been helping keep my girls fed and healthy for fifteen years now. I’ll introduce you."
I was hit by so strong scented hay even before we stepped inside, probably stored around one corner of the exterior. tal, leather, fertilizer, and of course more of those earthy scented feeds. High ceilings and aisles wide enough for small vehicles.
Pallets were stacked nearly to the roof and tool displays stretched the whole length of one wall. A man na tagged [Jake] was walking over at speed - and if he’d been working with her that long must have been a teenager when he started. He wiped his hands on a work apron.
> Quite like she had done when I ca to the farm. Do these people think their aprons are spotless? <
"Martha! Right on schedule. Your layer feed ca in yesterday."
They began to shake hands firmly. Sothing I’d known people of this world did, especially for business. But also a gesture that I had not really seen since I arrived. I figured it might have fallen out of favor, but I guess it just takes a certain type of person?
"Jake, this is Citra. t her today, just looking around."
The dark haired man nodded politely before turning my way.
"Welco to Hinterland. If you need anything, just shout at an employee. Though if you’re planning to special order anything big, we’ll need a delivery address and your ID for the paperwork."
I filed that information away without reacting about my lack of such things. While she discussed technical farm talk and the winter season requirents with Jake, I let my eyes wander.
The sheer variety of technology was staggering. Professional-grade powered equipnt that looked like it could build a house or dig a lake. Portable generators humming loudly in a demonstration area.
"...thinking about expanding the coop next spring. Pasture raised is getting popular with the small popular restaurants in town."
"Smart move. I can set you up with everything you need - even move to so automatic door systems if you want to finally get fancy."
A plan for spring that may never co... I started ignoring them again and absorbed every detail of what was for sale I could. Wood-burning stoves, insulation materials, kerosene heaters... and lots of items that might be essential when the apocalypse cos were in a winter display.
"See sothing interesting?"
Martha asked when noticing my attention on the massive chest freezers that were lined up like white monunts. I’m not sure how cold it is going to get, but I have a feeling keeping things chilled will be the least of my trouble.
"Just thinking about food storage."
"People fill these freezers with venison and elk every fall during hunting seasons. Of course, you want so reliable power if you don’t want to risk it thawing."
I nod at the man’s advice and walk a little away from them... so that they don’t keep taking breaks to pay attention to . The financial aspect of all this wasn’t exactly the problem anymore.
Even the most expensive generator set up, whose price tag I see here, would barely dent the newfound wealth. But the logistics of it all are now what I need to think about. Where to bring everything I gather.
Installation also seems like a more technical thing than I might have ti to learn to do properly. And ID is a legal requirent that creates complications still. A month and a half seems like so much ti, but it’s not.
Jake eventually loaded the woman’s purchases onto her truck, a task that seed to be taking so long that I really wished I could help without seeming out of place... and he handed a business card when done. Another for the burnable pile.
"Feel free to co back anyti. We do consultations for larger projects - help folks figure out exactly what they need for their farm situation."
"I appreciate that. I suspect I’ll be back soon, at least for so smaller project purchases."
I tried to insist that I would be fine walking, but the old witch - and I an that more inoffensively than it sounds - wasn’t having it. Guilt tripped into taking better care of myself with the child on the way, I dutifully got back in the passenger seat.
The ride back toward the Oak Knot was another reminder that true independence might require so... strategic dependence first. Just like how things began with borrowing the CEO’s bankcard.
"You’re pretty quiet this ti. Sothing on your mind?"
"Just trying to figure out the best approach to... life and survival."
"Take your ti, think it through. Not too long, but not too soon. Proper preparation prevents poor performance, my late husband used to say. He was a lawyer... but because I loved him, I never held that against him."
> Seems like rather sound if trite advice. And like a lot more than I needed to know about her past.
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