They circled the RV twice before Dan said, “We'll have to dig the RV out in the morning. Right now we are safe, but I worry about tomorrow.”
“Dad, do you think the world has changed a great deal?”
“I'm sure if we both saw an updated world map, we’d not be able to name some of the countries. The tsunami move inward from a coast a good 200 or more miles. That means, Mississippi's coast is probably just north of Jackson right now.”
“Do you think most of the people who lived there were killed or do you think they finally evacuated?”
“Evacuated won't save you, unless you’re a good two to three hundred miles from the coast. If they waited too long, they're dead.” He moved to the exhaust pipe and brushed the reddish brown sand away from the steel pipe. He didn't want a carbon monoxide problem, because that could kill all of them.
“What now, I mean for us? I'm scared and not sure what to do. I guess I'm normal for most kids, huh?”
Giving a light chuckle, Dan waited until he grew sober before he said, “I'm scared too, so its not because of your age, son. The situation we're in now is an emergency and our lives depend on the next moves we make.”
“Let’s go in, if it's okay with you. Maybe the TV is working now.” Dave said and Dan realized his son was concerned and that was good. No one knew what tomorrow would bring, but whatever it was, they'd face it with or without fear.
Inside, with the TV on, they were glued to the set as a news anchor covered the destruction of many nations in the world.
“Thank you, John, and that was John Macy reporting from Frankfurt, Germany. Also in the news today, William James, the head of FEMA gave us a rundown of the changes a little closer to home.”
A television camera zoomed in on Mr. James' face as he said, “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I come to you with problems and bad news, but I cannot ignore it, because it will not go away. Currently our nation is experiencing our greatest chaos in our short history, due to a tsunami that hit our coast with 800 to a 1000 feet waves. This tsunami is the result of the largest asteroid ever tracked striking approximately twenty miles off the coast of California. Places like Miami, Galveston, and New York no longer exist. Most of the state of California is gone and our west coast now starts in Arizona and ends with Oregon. So, from Arizona to Oregon our coast line is now changed. We will have new port cities in Jackson, Mississippi, Pittsburgh, and Asheville, North Carolina. The geography of our nation has been greatly changed. So have the country to our north, Canada, and Mexico to our south. Both are reporting millions of deaths and, like us, both countries are still removing dead and injured from the earthquakes. I won't even guess the number of dead we have, but will say there are millions.
We have established a curfew and martial law that is in affect until further notice. If you are out after night fall, you will be shot and killed, without question. We are taking our current situation deadly serious, so with that said, we will meet all who are up to no good with deadly force. We already have reports of thefts and murders. This looting and killing must stop, as we concentrate on rebuilding our country, and caring for countless injured and dead. Remember, we are all Americans.”
“Now I will take three questions and then I must return to my control center. You, the woman with the blue dress.”
“I'm Nancy Gross from WRRQ, Memphis, I wondered if you have any idea of how many people are without power at the moment?”
“Ms. Gross, Americans who are without power are the least of our problems. We have hospitals running on generators, police stations with four or five men working in large cities, because the other officers are either dead, injured, or elected not to show for work. The last count I read was approximately 28 million people without power.”
“How many are without water and shelter?” Gross pressed on.
“I already answered one question for you Ms. Gross, now Tom, how about you?”
“Are inland countries and cities available and able to provide emergency assistance to those nations with long shorelines?”
“We have received tons of food from Germany, Russia, and even Laos. While most of the countries that were spared the tsunami would appear to be okay and normal, they too have experienced earthquakes and dust storms. I think it was Germany that even got snow and this is summer. Now, I have to leave. Please pray for America and keep strong in the days ahead. Thank you.”
The camera returned to the studio, where the anchor was taking a sip of his coffee. He quickly lowered his cup and said, “Now for your local area weather, with Bob Porter, Bob?”
“Thank you, Thomas. Our weather is in for a big twist and it will be a change that will confuse most of you. I realize it's August, but my forecast for overnight is for snow, approximately 8 inches, and the temperatures will be in the lower twenties almost every night in the coming week.” The large image of a snowflake popped up on the screen, along with the suspected temps and winds.
“Tomorrow we will have dark cloud cover, again some snow, and a chance of a sand dust storm after 10 pm. Now, if you look at my map, about every 50 miles, the weather is different. Out near Fort Lenard Wood we'll find ice storms and near Springfield the temperature will be 110 degrees with the heat index. Why such a difference? The weather folks are telling me the impact from the asteroid has our weather doing things it has never done before. We're not exactly sure why, so bear with us until we get this all figured out. In the mean time, dress for the cold tomorrow and the coming days as well. Back to you, Thomas. I suspect some of the issues are caused by the dust in the air that is blocking the moon and I say that because we've had no high or low tides since the rock's impact in California. I . . .”
Dan turned the TV off and said, “We'll sleep here overnight and then move tomorrow, if the snow or sand isn't too deep. I suspect that asteroid upset the air currents and with the sun blocking the dust, we may have some really different weather. Then add the tsunami and the world is a mess. I never thought of the inland countries having severe earthquakes around the world but it makes sense now. I think our weather will be move difficult because we are closer to the impact point.”
“Honey, what are we going to do once our food runs out? We have a lot, but I have no idea of how much we should try to save.”
“I had cases of food and weapons, with ammo, and it was all on my SUV trailer. Now, both are under Rolla, in that huge crack in the parking lot, doing me no good. We'll worry about food if the need arrives. Don't forget, I know the woods like most of you know your computers. We'll survive but maybe not eating what you're used to eating. Our biggest concern will be protein.”
“I think we were lucky to survive at the store here and I have to admit, I was terrified the whole time.” Mary said and then gave a very weak grin.
“There will probably be more quakes in the future and I said a few prayers at the time too.”
June said, “I hope no severe ones like at the super store visit again. I've never been that scared in my life. I was real close to peeing my pants.”
“I was too,” Mary said, “but I didn't want to say anything.”
“I wonder if they have most of the people from the collapsed store out by now?” Dave asked.
“Oh, I don't think so, because that place was huge. I think it will take them a week to get everyone out.” June replied.
Dan suddenly had a sharp pain radiate from his jaw down his neck on the left side. It took him by complete surprise, because he rarely had tooth pain. As active duty military, his teeth and physical condition were top notch. He got an annual physical exam, dental appointment annually or when needed and could see a doctor or dentist night or day by using the emergency room or visiting dental sick call at 0700 each morning. He did not need a bad tooth now, when they were alone.
“You okay?” June asked.
“Yeah, just had a sharp pain radiate down my neck from a jaw tooth. I rarely have dental problems.”
“Oh, dad, that's not good out here.” Mary
said.
Dan smiled and said, “I've been trained on emergency dental procedures too. See, it we were forced down in an aircraft and had to survive or were taken prisoners for months or years, tooth problems were expected. It'll go away or I'll pull the tooth.”
“What?” Dave asked. “That seems extreme when you don't know what the problem is, don't you think?”
“It's not a big deal. I'll give it a couple of days and then see what needs to be done. If the pain becomes constant, I'll pull it then. I have no other options, except remove the tooth. Now, we all need to get some sleep and I want us up and moving at daylight in the morning.”
“Don't you think we need a guard?” Dave asked.
“Why?” June asked.
“He's talking sense and I should have thought of it too. Since we have no idea what is going on in the states today, we need to be prepared 24 hours a day. Mary, you take the first guard and for two hours. Do not go to sleep, please. We need to keep an eye on the weather, any movement of the earth, and to watch for visitors.”
June asked, “Visitors? What do you mean?”
“I don't expect anyone near us out here, but keep in mind, some people have just lost all they own, including food or medical supplies. Now, soon, if not now, the people who need things will start taking what they need from others. We all have a long gun and a pistol, so have them with you starting tonight. Keep the pistol on you at all times, except when taking a shower. If you need to use a weapon, shoot to kill and I'm being serious. I don't think FEMA or MEMA, the state equivalent, will last long with the numbers of folks that need help. They will be overwhelmed.”
“Both agencies?” June asked.
“Baby, I don't think a single family in America has escaped this asteroid emergency without losing something. For some it was death, but others lost homes, food, vehicles, loved ones, or something. We all have needs and it's just too many people needing too much. Things may actually turn rough before they turn better. Now, Dave, you sleep in the overhead compartment, Mary, make your bed with the cushions from the dining room benches. You know how it folds down and out of the way. Your mother and I will be in the bed. As you guard, listen, look and smell. If anything seem different, wake me immediately. Any questions?”
“Who is after Mary on guard?” Dave asked.
“You, and then your mama. I want the last shift, so I can be ready for anything come sunup. If someone tries to get in or threatens you, shoot to kill and don't hesitate. I know that seems extreme, but we have no laws right now, not a one, and no one to really enforce them if we did.” Dan said, stood and moved toward the bedroom.
“I don't like this,” Mary said, “because it's like some stupid cheap movie or something.”
“It's very real, and your father meant what he said.” June replied and sat on the bench seat making up the dining room table.
“Mama, I don't know if I can shoot someone. To kill is serious.”
“They may want to kill us, have you thought about that?”
“No, not really. Why can't things be like they were before?”
“The world has changed and the United States is in a survival mode. We'll stay this way until all of us get our act together and things improve. Remember, hunger or the need for medical supplies, can make people very desperate and they'll do things they'd never even consider doing when things are normal.”
Dave added, “It's us or them that will survive and I will be a survivor.”
“Oh, I understand, Dave, but I just don't like it, is all.”
Dave move to the overhead bed and stretched out. Within minutes he was asleep.
“Do you want me to sit up with you a while?” June asked.
“Yes, that would be nice, but I think you need your sleep more than sitting here yapping with me. I'm okay, just shocked to be in a survival mode, when yesterday I was drinking soda pop and eating pizza with my friends. I've prayed this is all a bad dream, only I'm not asleep.”
Standing June leaned over and kissed her daughter on the forehead. She smiled and said, “We'll get through this. Your father is an intelligent man and he'll see we survive this, but it may turn really rough. You're tougher than you think. Besides you know we're always here if you need help or have a problem. Now, I'm going to sleep, but give thought to what I just said. Night, baby.”
“Goodnight, mom.”
Mary found guard duty extremely boring and when she booted up her notebook, she was surprised to find the internet still working, but it was slow. She checked her email and discovered no one had sent her anything, not even her usual SPAM was in her box. It was as if the world stopped turning when the asteroid struck. There were no comments on her social sites, some of her usual sites were down and not working, so she pulled up a book and began reading an ebook on her phone as the time slowly passed. Two hours later, sleepy, she woke Dave and went to sleep.
Dave's shift was uneventful too, but he didn't do much except sit and think. He wondered about their future and saw nothing but darkness ahead of them. He knew times were going to turn rougher than anything he'd ever faced in his few short years of life, but he would face things as they happened and not worry about tomorrow when today was still in his face. It was near midnight when he heard a noise outside the RV. It sounded like someone moving around and he found that hard to believe considering where they were and following the sand storm. Like Mary, he'd been sitting on the edge of the folded down dinner table, which was now her bed. He moved to his parents and woke his father.
“Dad, I hear a strange noise outside and sounds like someone moving around.” He said in hushed tones.
“Uh, oh, Dave. A noise? Does it sound close?” Dan whispered.
“Just outside the door actually.”
“Okay, you get back to guarding and I'll get dressed and see what it is. You did the right thing waking me, son.”
“I was going to check it out on my own, but then thought that wasn't something I was prepared mentally to do.”
“It's okay, now move to the door and wait for me. If it is a bad man, they might just break in and you'll do us no good at the other end of the RV. If they try coming in, shoot to kill. I'll be there as soon as I'm dressed.”
“Okay, dad.” Dave said and move back to the door. Shoot to kill? I don't know if I can kill another human being. I might have to do the job, only it's something I won't like doing. I suspect as I grow up, there may be many things, especially now, that I won't like doing in life. I've hunted many times, so I have the ability to protect my family and will do it, if force to do so.
“What did Dave want?” June asked, rubbing her sore eyes. They felt as if they were full of sand and she knew she needed some eye drops.
“He's heard a noise outside. It may be just an animal or it might be a person. If it's a person, they are up to no good. No one who is honest and law abiding will sneak around an RV this time of the night, unless they are looking for something to steal. A good person would knock on our door, no matter the time.”
“Oh, Dan, please be careful. The world isn't like it was just 24 hours ago. Other people scare me and we have a lot here, compared to some others. A desperate man or woman might kill to get all we have.”
“I'll take no chances so relax. It could just as easily be a deer, coon, or possum out there.”
Dan dressed quickly in jeans and a black tee, the same clothes he'd worn yesterday, pulled his 30.06 rifle and chambered a round and made sure the safety was on. He then put his boots on, laced them up and the pulled his .45 Ruger pistol. He slid a round into the chamber and placed the pistol in his holster, and then donned his harness, which placed the gun under his left arm. He checked his sheath knife and found his razor sharp 8 inch blade ready for use. He put his brown felt cowboy hat on and then walked to Dave.
“Dad, the noise is still there. Do you hear it?” He whispered.
“I hear it. Lets listen to it for a few minutes, before I go out there.”
Silence filled the
inside of the camper, while the outside noises continued.
“It sounds like digging or scratching, I think.” Dan said.
“You going out there?”
“I am, but out the emergency window in the bedroom. Remember, the front door is blocked by a fallen oak tree. I'll drop down behind the RV and then when I round the corner, I'll turn my flashlight on. If you hear a shot, wait until I speak to you before doing anything. If I don't call out after a few minutes, wake your mother.”
“Okay, but be careful out there, please.”
Dan then grinned and said, “I'll try to be safe, because I don't want to die either. Okay, I'm going out now, so stay attentive.”
He moved to the window in the bedroom and June asked, “What now?”
“I'm going out, but not using the front door, because it's locked. I'll drop out this window, once I remove it, and then see what is causing the noise.”
“Dan, honey, be careful out there.”
“Oh, I will and you can be sure of it.”
He reached up, pulled the window from the frame and placed it on the bed. Stepping on the bed, he went out the window and dropped to the ground, were he landed standing. He waited a minute as he checked his weapons by feel and then pulled his flashlight. Moving to the corner of the RV, he waited a minute or so before he moved. He had to be prepared to shoot or speak, depending on what he discovered when his light came on.
Finally, he took a deep breath and turning the corner, as he moved, he switched his flashlight on.
Chapter 6
Terry looked around at his family, who were seated at the dinner table, and said, “We're on our own. The Federal Government has closed down due to the emergency and will remain down until an unknown date in the future. From the President on down, they've closed. So, we have to handle this emergency on our own. We're lucky, we have food, water and shelter, while many folks in towns and cities have lost everything.” He knew living on a farm was a real blessing when compared to town or city living; at least he had food.
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