by G. R. Carter
I’ll show them the old man can still get after it.
Shouts of commands and the sharp clang of wooden practice weapons echoed off the brick and metal stadium surrounding the bright green turf. Occasionally a young man would trot off to the side, holding an arm or leg. Medical personnel assigned from the two large hospitals here in the city quickly attended to the inevitable breaks, cuts and strains resulting from simulated combat. Walsh wasn’t one to immediately disqualify a cadet because of an injury; he suffered a few himself while sparring over the years. If you’re not hurtin’, you’re not tryin’, he smiled to himself.
Two veteran officers acknowledged Walsh’s entrance as he strode into the skybox that once held football coaches. Just as quickly, they returned to observing several hundred young men going through combat drills down on the field below. The observing officers furiously scribbled notes into composition notebooks printed for a now-defunct chemistry class. Several completed books sat in neat stacks on the work area. Large paper numbers hung from the backs of the most talented recruits on the field, signifying the best candidates for leadership in the new Legions. “Legionnaires,” they would be called. So much nobler sounding than “soldier” for the best of the best.
“Have we identified a large enough pool of candidates for Centurion status?” Walsh asked the men. Neither replied at first, too caught up in the evaluations. Each Legion would be made up of one hundred Guardsmen, split into ten-man squads. Each squad featured a Legionnaire in command, who then reported to the Lead Centurion. For now, only Walsh’s soldiers with previous combat experience would serve as Lead Centurions.
Finally, one officer turned with a shark-tooth grin. “You were right as usual, Sir. I didn’t think these college boys stood a chance of making it when things got tough. But a little hunger and a lot of competition brought out the best in them. I’d say you’re going to have plenty of candidates to choose from. Some of these Legionnaires are going to keep our Lead Centurions sharp.” The man eagerly returned to his work, comparing notes with the other as he leaned in.
In a very short time, spoiled American youth had volunteered to become something they could have never imagined when first heading off to school. When Walsh and the rest of his veterans were the age of the young men on the field, their first stop was basic training. Then they all ended up in godforsaken armpits of the world like the Sandbox. When the group of boys on the football field below first left home, they thought they would seek four to six years of pleasure and leisure. Maybe with the right connections they’d learn how to get a big-dollar job in DC or the Regional Capitals. Instead, they were now becoming hardened men willing to inflict pain on another person to get noticed by their superiors.
Walsh took the panoramic sight in, feeling a wave of optimism. The view from up here allowed him to see for blocks around. Many of the campus buildings almost had a Romanesque look to them. Perhaps this would be the Capital of New America, even after the rest of the country was reconstructed.
How long will that really take? Walsh asked himself. At first, I thought it would be my lifetime and more.
But if he could turn young men into Guardsmen and Legionnaires this fast, perhaps he was underestimating their abilities. What could New America accomplish in one year? In five?
Perhaps we might need to expand our goals.
Silicon Valley
The Tenth Day
“Rowan, Rowan, wake up. We need you now.”
The voice of an angel called to him. Mom, is that you? Cutting through the haze of a dream, he couldn’t figure out where the voice was coming from. No, that’s not Mom. He opened his eyes to see Angela looking over him. Her beautiful face looked weary. He could see concern fogging her eyes a bit. How long had it been? Days? Weeks? Even longer?
So I didn’t die? What about those bandits who broke in? How did Angela get through to me? Did she save my life?
“Hello, Angela,” Rowan smiled as he looked up at her. Not the smile he once used to seduce people with. That façade was replaced with his genuine happiness to see another person.
“I’m glad you’re here. We have so much to talk about,” he rasped.
“I agree, Rowan. And I’m glad to see you, too. I can tell you’ve been able to get back to the True Path. Now we need to get you focused on the future again,” Angela told him. He could tell she was nervous, forcing out words with little belief behind them.
“Of course, tell me how I can be of service to Continuity,” Rowan said sincerely.
Angela explained to Rowan that things hadn’t gone exactly to plan since the power shut off. One failure disappointed Angela and the leadership council of the shelter the most: people who took oaths to Continuity to be accepted into the basement shelter now refused to follow the Progressions. After the first week the stress of the Reset brought out their true beliefs or lack thereof. Poor adherence to the Path led to disputes among the group, Angela said. The thirty-seven men and women in the basement shelter were all still alive, but some were beginning to show signs of mental instability. Suffering the same menu for almost a month combined with being cooped up together in close quarters created a toxic mix of tension.
The bandit invasion Rowan witnessed caused bigger problems. A few of the flock had been upstairs when the invasion occurred. Now they were missing, and Angela had little doubt they’d tell their captors all about the well-stocked bunker.
Rowan paused to consider their next move. “Okay, Angela, how about we get the group together to consider our options? Do you think that would be a good idea?”
Angela gave a hopeful smile. She longed to believe Rowan had changed for the better, especially since so many others had done the opposite. Since Grapevine shut down the outside world, she watched him make the Progression from wired junkie psychopath to sniveling shell of a man to now calm and centered. The old Rowan would have been shouting orders by now, belittling anyone who didn’t move at his desired pace. But this new man seemed to genuinely want her opinion and her help.
“Of course, Rowan. I will gather everyone now. Shall we meet in the auditorium?” Angela asked. That was where company meetings had been before. She assumed he would return to that routine.
“No, Angela, I think I have a better place,” Rowan replied. “Let us meet outside the front entrance. Out on the walking paths. Let’s hurry, I’m not sure how much time we have.”
Angela paused, surprised again. Rowan never went outside when he could help it. Certainly not out on a walking path. Full Loop Incorporated spent millions to create a park-like atmosphere all around the Spaceship campus. Ironic considering devices designed by the company kept addicted consumers indoors most of their lives.
“All right, Rowan. I’ll get everyone gathered.”
Rowan sipped from a water bottle brought to him from the basement storage rooms. It was slightly stale tasting already, but still refreshing in its own way. While folks were gathering outside, he took the opportunity to quickly survey the supply list. There was more than enough for the thirty-seven plus him for years. Full Loop had billions in cash reserves before the Reset, and clearly millions of that money went to procuring these supplies. Rowan didn’t know how Angela cleared it past accounting, and at this point he really didn’t care. All that mattered was this priceless resource was available to use for his people, his people. He held his face to the sun’s rays… Thank you for enlightening my Path.
“My friends. I stand before you today to thank you for saving my life…and my soul,” Rowan said to the assembled crowd. “If not for your efforts, I would have died on this physical plane, and certainly my Profile would have rightly vanished from the Network.” Rowan paused, taking mental inventory of anyone belying their feelings of doubt.
He continued: “As you all know, I was a terrible person in my past. I took my talents and resources and used them for selfish gain, not caring to help others. I truly apologize to each of you. I took you all for granted, used you like a tool instead of treating you like t
he treasure you are. The last few weeks have torn away the shame of those deeds. I know now that everything has led us to today.
“Together we will fulfill the ideals you exhibited when you took the initiative to put Grapevine to sleep. Whatever reason led you to take your oath, to fulfill your part in the plan, today we stand on the precipice of a New World. A world we can remake through the first ever Societal Progression. Our ancestors didn’t have the tools we have at our disposal. Those poor unenlightened wretches had to start over every time. We have been offered the opportunity to reboot a system while possessing knowledge to skip over the initial phases.”
Someone from the back spoke up, “How are we going to do that without power?” When he saw that Rowan and the others were listening patiently, he explained himself further. “It’s like…what are we going to do, just sit around and enjoy nature? There’s no way to get us hooked back up to the reactor!” The voice was from one of the accountants who somehow made Angela’s survivor list. Perhaps he was the one responsible for hiding the purchases of the food and water from outside auditors.
“Ahmad, right?” Rowan did have an amazing memory, and he found that without distractions he could now call up the Profiles of almost every person here. “Ahmad, your concern is valid. I do not claim this task will be an easy one. In fact, that is how I found my path…through the past several weeks of pain that cleared my mind. I hurt when I tell you that each of you must suffer pain before you begin to understand the wonder that Continuity holds for you. The Progressions guide you as you experience some very nasty withdrawals. Fear not, the journey is most worthwhile!
“I do have a plan to restore power. But I tell you now we cannot do this until you leave the Old World behind, and are ready to begin anew. If this Path is not acceptable to you, you will have to go.”
He felt more than saw Angela shoot a glance at him. They didn’t discuss expelling members. To her credit, she did not say a word out of turn.
“You just climbed out of your cage, Rowan,” Ahmad said testily. “Most of us wanted to let you rot along with the rest of the psychopaths who ran this Valley. What suddenly makes you the leader of this group?”
No way is this guy a true believer, and probably no way he will ever see the True Path, Rowan thought.
“Because,” he said aloud, “you know deep down there is a purpose for the way I built this campus. I know how to fix this world and bring the Light back. You don’t believe, Ahmad, but soon you will see.”
Ahmad suddenly looked quite uncomfortable. Rowan’s expression projected something none had witnessed. Angela noticed it, too, but to her it was a miracle to behold. His stern face belied an almost supernatural strength.
Angela spoke as she slowly pulled her eyes from Rowan, “Ahmad, we will give you one week of food and water for your journey. We see now that you cannot make the Progressions the way our True Leader has described. We do not seek to make anyone miserable, or to hold anyone back. You may leave with the True Leader’s blessing, and a sincere hope that you will find the Progressions someday.”
“Are you insane?” Ahmad demanded, much the way Rowan had the night Grapevine shut down. “None of those goodies in the basement would be here if it weren’t for me. I hid all those purchases from the auditors and the mouth-breathers in accounts payable. Now you’re going to toss me out? Don’t we even get a vote or anything?”
Angela and Rowan looked out over the assembled group. If anyone wanted to stick up for Ahmad, they weren’t going to do it here. Not now. Everyone could feel the tide behind Rowan and no one wanted to face off against him. Not when it was clear that challenge meant expulsion and expulsion meant certain death. Maybe before Grapevine you could challenge a boss who paid you six figures plus stock options, but it was clear now who held the keys to life.
“Screw you all!” Ahmad screamed as he stormed down the walking paths.
Rowan returned focus to the remaining thirty-six.
“We are in danger,” he said. “Continuity provides us with the way to live, if we stay alive!” Sincere smiles met the first joke he’d made in years. He thought and thought, on the spot now in front of the whole group.
Fire. Of course! I shall cleanse the area and begin the Societal Progression through fire, Rowan thought as the group started to rehash the same ideas brought forth an hour ago. What better way to purify than by releasing the sun’s rays that are stored in the plants around us? The vegetation near the walking paths looked susceptible to any spark. The smallest ember might cause the whole area to burst into flames. Would the flames be far enough back to prevent damage to the Spaceship? I believe so. In fact, I’m sure the risk of wildfire led to the clearing around the building.
When the wind was right, they would start the surrounding vegetation on fire, and then whatever was left after the blaze would be what Continuity intended for them to rebuild with.
The First Progression for a society to integrate into Continuity would also originate from heat. This time through fire. A chance for the Earth to release the Solar Radiation stored by people in their buildings and the plants they cultivated. What another wonderful revelation!
He felt the wind on his face. Shall we begin now? We must, that will destroy those who threaten us.
While Rowan explained the next steps to the Assembly, even the skeptical ones held their tongues. No one spoke up for Ahmad before and now it was unclear who believed and who simply wished to survive. Rowan sent runners to retrieve lighters from the basement storage rooms. After receiving one, each person walked to a different area around the clearing. Starting on the east side to take advantage of the prevailing winds, they lit the dry grass and undergrowth of the walking paths.
The small patches of fire quickly gained strength and intensity, beginning to roll their way through the small scrub trees beyond. Rowan thought briefly of Ahmad, who had stormed off in that direction. Did he intend to come back and join The Progressions? It’s too late now, he will serve a greater purpose as a lesson to the others. The group backed away from the intensifying heat while Rowan climbed the stairs to the observation deck on the roof above The Spaceship. Perhaps he could get an idea of how far the fires would spread and what Continuity would like for him to accomplish next.
Once reaching the rooftop, Rowan found himself in awe. Angela joined him as he walked past meditation rooms, or what he now called in his mind the Solar Chambers. She gasped slightly as she watched the wall of flames roll from hill to hill, consuming the vegetation and buildings as it went. Behind the snarling beast of flame a charred mass of bent and broken pieces, both manmade and natural, was all that remained. Whoever remained out there in the blackened landscape would welcome physical and spiritual guidance. Survivors would gladly accept the Truth of Continuity.
He looked over at the angelic face next to him. Was she crying? “It’s time to start the New World,” he told her. “Continuity has given us the resources to help people find the Path. I have you to thank for this. I want to make sure that this world enjoys more of you to help guide it in the future.”
Angela, his angel, moved in closer and gave him a long kiss. Perfect spot to be, perfect time to think about the future.
*****
Rowan guessed right about the tinderbox surrounding the Spaceship. All it took was a little spark to get an epic conflagration. The fires would have been historic for the state of California, if there was still such a thing as California. No one remained to keep track of such things now, and no firefighters remained to contain the blaze started by the Assembly. After just a few days, the fire consumed all fuel within sight. Miles of charred landscape stretched far away from the observation deck. Rowan had someone up there now, reflecting one of the solar panels originally used to power the building. Tilting it back and forth, the signal flashed far and wide, letting people know their location. With no water, food or shelter, hundreds who previously hunkered down and survived the blaze now staggered towards the steady signal coming from high up on the def
oliated ridge.
The Assembly welcomed each group that straggled in, handing out water and food to grateful refugees. It was a calculated risk on Rowan’s part. Each new mouth to feed meant a day’s less rations for the group. How can I refuse the mission? To start people through the Progressions. To help Continuity gain strength and momentum. He assigned two members of the Assembly who were electrical engineers to attempt to get the solar arrays on the roof producing power again. Somehow, they would have to shield the system from Solar Storms that still filled the sky intermittently.
With a little bit of power, the rest of the rebuilding plan could commence. He knew from the original Spaceship plans there were natural freshwater springs here in the Valley. Life-giving fluids would allow irrigation of the gardens needed to feed his new flock something other than their emergency rations. California – no, let’s just call it the Valley, he decided. The Valley climate should squeeze out at least three crops a year. Angela brainstormed the plan. Her brains, and especially her motivation, got the whole operation moving almost as soon as he had explained the outline.
Gratitude was one of the greatest drugs the human mind could experience. What a great way to live! He soaked up the genuine thank yous and the crying and the hugs that came from the lost souls staggering onto his campus. They issued each person their own room in the Spaceship. Former offices and conference rooms now became apartments. Once settled, Angela’s selected Gatekeepers interviewed each person to identify strengths and skills. She created comprehensive Profiles for each person, ironically residing on paper for now.
