All the King's Men

Region: The Badlands

Sally Haley

All the King's Men

(One Shot)

Sally wiped the bar down with a dirty rag that was saturated in stale beer and whiskey. Looking over the hazy air towards the dirty window that showed a hint of the evening sun, she pondered better times. She thought of days when a band played loud music intermingling with the sound of men and women laughing in unison as they drank. She remembered times when patrons partied until the night drew to a close and the dawn began. She envisioned couples dancing really close together, breathing each other in, not knowing that things would soon change way beyond any of their darkest dreams. Sally continued to work the old wood into a soft shine as she remembered yesterday, lost deep in thought. “Evening Sally.” Sally glanced up at the young girl standing at the bar, all dressed in black, the usual uniform for the town’s volunteer female army, an army that now held women of all ages and ill repute, especially those that felt it necessary to hunt men down and use them for breeding. This was something Sally did not agree with one bit but as with the trait that goes with a bar owner you keep your opinions quiet and smile, just listening, never making comment or scaring off the paying customers, no matter who they were.

“Evening Shannon what can I get for you?” Sally threw the cloth into the sink to her right while wiping her hands on her three day old jeans. “I’d kill for a nice cool beer, but a warm one will do” Shannon stated despondently. Sally grabbed a glass from the dirty shelf and opened the tap on the wooden cask. The warm molasses colored liquid filled the beaker slowly and when it finally reached the top Sally placed the glass down in front of the soldier. Shit, I hope she hasn’t noticed it. Sally thought to herself as she casually walked over to her ancient lap top and closed the lid. She turned back to Shannon this time ready and willing for small talk. “Hey Sal how’s that recipe coming on for the new beer?”Shannon asked. “Oh not bad” Sally responded as she tapped the top of her computer absentmindedly. “Just needs a few tweaks here and there and hopefully should have a good drink in a week or so.” Sally then turned and picked up her laptop carrying it with her as she walked, eventually placing it on a shelf under the bar. “I have also been working in the piping system it’s really old but some of the pumps still work and it may be able to work without needing too much electricity. So that chilled beer you crave may not be that far off.” Sally offered a smile as she said this. The women calmly stared at one another as the soldier drank her beer.

“This bar will be the best in town soon Sal” Shannon said keeping the conversation going. “This is the only bar in town Shannon” Sally answered shortly. “I know that, but it will be like the bars that all the older women talk about, real bars” Shannon quickly responded afraid she offended Sally. This will never be a bar like they used to be. God I miss the smell of stale cologne and cigarette smoke in the mornings. I miss the masculinity, the testosterone flowing around and the macho contests that occurred when one man wanted another man’s woman. Well not any more. Sally thought to herself and sighed deeply. “Yeah well you never know what may happen… I was thinking of having a party. No occasion, just a bit of fun. Some loud music, flowing alcohol. Do you think anyone would be interested?” Sally asked Shannon with a bit of grain her voice. “Hell yeah, I’ll ask around, see who’s up for it and let you know” Shannon quipped as she drained the rest of what was in her glass and put it back on the bar. Shannon turned and headed to the door muttering some sort of thanks for the beer as she was leaving.

Just as the solider placed her hand on the handle she turned and looked back at Sally. “Hey you need to be more careful what you’re looking at on that thing” Shannon remarked pointing to a place on the bar which was shielding Sally’s laptop. “The bounty is growing each day; the word is that those who are supporting him will have all privileges removed.” Sally didn’t bother trying to hide her scowl or the fact that she knew what Shannon was talking about. “How do you know that the Curator is a Man” Sally asked a bit perturbed. “It’s obvious with the things he comes up with. Only a man would be stupid enough to come up with that kind of drivel” Shannon said with humor on her breath. “Well I can assure you that I’m not interested in the Curator but only on finding out how to fix my cellar. I can prove it of you like?” Sally responded openly. “Whatever Sally, I’m just warning you Ok?” Shannon said with a raised eyebrow. “Well thank you for the warning Shannon. I trust you will find out who wants a fun evening at my bar and let me know?” asked Sally hoping they were done with the previous topic. “Of course I will. Have a good night Sally” Shannon said as she walked out of the bar.

Sally watched as the soldier walked past the dirty windows and out of sight and then quickly moved behind the bar and picked her laptop from under the bar and opened the lid. Sally tapped a key or two a key and the screen pinged to life showing the ever present, 8th day graphics. “Fuck that was close.” Sally said out loud while shutting the laptop yet again looking toward the window one last time. She then picked it up the computer and walked out the door at the back of the bar.

Sally opened the cellar door and carefully walked down the steps into the darkness. A light from a head torch bobbed along the back wall, casting light and shadows this way and that along the plastic tubing and old beer lines. “So how’s it all coming along?” Sally asked cheerily trying to hide her concern from her exchange with the soldier just moments ago. “Well it seems to be working fine, just need to find some gas to help chill the beer down and we’re up and running.” responded a deep male voice. Sam turned to look at Sally and as he did so lit her up with his headlamp. “I heard Shannon in the bar, are you worrying about if we’re safe? “you and those damn dog ears yours babe. I think we are still ok though. I think she thinks I’m some kind of activist… Sam I think she may even think I’m the Curator or something.” Sally said as she laughed. “Naivety. how I wish we could be that ignorant again.” “Me to babe, me too. But at least they haven’t found me yet huh? And I don’t think they ever will thanks to you.” Sam smiled as he spoke standing in front of his wife. He wrapped her in a hug and softly kissed her forehead. “I love you sweetheart, always will but we may have to consider leaving this place.” They both stood in silence holding onto one another wondering about their future and what their next move should be.

Region: The Badlands

The All the King's Men Tavern

Sally Haley

Sam Haley

Shannon Wood