“What laws? What precedents? Has anyone ever faced anything like this before? You think we should just let them go? We don’t have the ability to hold people for long prison terms. Just banishing them would only allow them to prey on someone else. You tell me, what do you think we should do?”
The Captain didn’t answer. He was deep in thought. What should be done with violent people? Even in the military they hold Court Martials and have the ability to put a person to death. Is it all that much different he wondered?
“Look, I don’t have all the answers, all I am saying is that you need to be very careful before you execute someone. You can’t take a mistake back.”
“Hopefully that will be the last time we ever have to use it. This one was pretty cut and dry. Witnesses saw it happen, the victim lived and had her day in court.”
“What about all the guns? I see a lot of people with them. Isn’t that a problem?”
“We see it as a deterrent. Half of the people you see that don’t appear to have a gun, have them concealed. Before all this happened, what cities had the most stringent gun laws? New York, L.A., and Chicago. Who had the highest crime rates? New York, L.A., and Chicago. When you outlaw guns from normal law abiding citizens, only crooks and thugs will have them. Criminals do not register their guns. It is stupid to think that taking guns from citizens will reduce crime. It has never done that so far. In this community, personal protection is an individual's choice.”
“The anti-gun movement would have hated you,” Greg said.
“Guess that pretty much makes us even. Hope they were all above ground when this happened,” Ben replied.
“You’re kidding right?’ Raleigh said.
“Am I?” was Ben’s only reply.
****
They spent the rest of the day talking about how the placement process worked, the food distribution system, and everything else that had gone on.
“I have to say, this is damned impressive. You guys are really organized. We aren’t as far along as you. We have been staying in the NORAD facility for most of the time and are just now moving out into Colorado Springs. It’s pretty primitive compared to what you have accomplished,” Raleigh said after they got back to the office.
It was starting to get dark and everyone was hungry.
“Most people eat in their homes but we have meals prepared for you guys over at the café across the street. It probably won’t be too fancy.”
“We have MREs with us. You didn’t have to go to any trouble for us,” the Captain said.
“Hey, how many guests do you think we get here? After we eat, everyone will meet at the high school auditorium and we will bring them up to speed on what we know, which so far, is damned little. We have been doing all the talking, at diner you get to talk,” Randy said.
"What do you think?” the Captain asked when the three crewmen settled in for the night in one of the houses.
“In some ways they have their act together. In others, well, let’s just say it bothers me some.”
“You mean the punishment system they implemented?”
“That and the no work, no food. You can’t just withhold food from people.”
“Why not?” Greg asked.
“Cause it ain’t right. It’s a basic necessity. Food as a weapon is just wrong,” Phil replied.
“I happen to like it. If you are too lazy to work and all you want to do is sit on your ass all day and take advantage of what the others are doing, then you deserve to go hungry,” Greg said.
“Anything else?” the Captain asked.
“The way they assign jobs. You get stuck in a shitty one and there isn’t a whole lot you can do about it,” Phil said.
“You mean it’s sort of the luck of the draw, not career choice?”
“Exactly.”
“On the other hand, letting everyone chose what they wanted to do would make it impossible for them to come as far as they have. Hell, they even have trash removal. Who in the hell would have ever thought that could be going on in the midst of all of this?” Greg said.”
“That may be okay for the military but for civilians?”
“All I’m saying is that I applaud them for taking a ‘can do’ attitude and just getting the job done no matter what the obstacles.”
“That’s easy to say because you’re not stuck here,” Phil replied.
“No one is stuck here. They can leave if they don’t like it.”
“Easy boys. We are just discussing this, not trying to change what they are doing. They have done pretty damn well without us. If anything we could use some of their expertise in getting a city going. Most of us at the ‘Rock’ haven’t been in the civilian world in a long time. I think Ben or Randy would be a big help in getting Colorado Springs up and running,” the Captain said.
“You’re kidding right? Colonel Webber taking suggestions from a civilian? I hardly think so,” Phil said.
“And I think he would welcome the input.”
“Twenty dollars says you’re wrong,” Phil said.
“Twenty dollars? What the hell good are dollars in today’s world?” he said laughing.
“Okay, make it a thousand.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
NORAD
Rachel stood beside Randy in the cornfield. She still had a few bruises and scrapes but she was healing pretty nicely. Her arm was still tender but she was in a soft cast now. Dark glasses covered her black eye. Randy had spent every free moment at her side.
She wasn’t particularly happy to be standing here next to the plane that was going to take him away from her once again. The last time had been bad enough but this time there was no mention of when he might come back.
“Look Rachel,” Randy was saying, “I’m not overly sure about this either. I hate to leave you after what you have been through but someone has to go and Ben can keep things moving along more smoothly here than I can.”
He had his head bent, not looking directly at her as he talked.
“Randy, don’t. No use sugar coating it. You think you can make a difference and so you feel you have to go. I can live with that. What I want to know is when are you coming back? Are you coming back?”
“Sure. Of course I’ll be back. What makes you think I won’t come back?” he asked, looking up surprised.
“Because I know you well enough to know you can’t just walk away once you start something. You will be there as long as you think you can contribute. You never know when to stop.”
“Damn it Rachel. You know I can’t just do something half assed. We have had this discussion before.”
“Yeah, that may be so but it’s stupid. Just once couldn’t you go out there, look around, make some suggestions and get your butt back here? What would be so wrong with that?”
“It’s not about right or wrong. It’s about doing things the right way. What we are doing now has a huge impact on what will happen over the course of...hell, who knows how many years?”
“And you have to be the one to do it.”
“And I have to be the one to do it because I’ve been asked and I’m needed.”
“You’re a dumbass Randy. Did it ever occur to you that I might need you here? Might want you here?”
He looked at her, mouth open. They had always been just friends. They had had some great adventures together but romance never crossed his mind. She was more like a sister.
“Ah...Geez, Rachel. I...”
“Yeah. I know. Never thought of it like that. Fine. Go do your thing. If you come back, great, if you don’t, then so be it,” she said and turned to walk off.
Randy reached out and grabbed her good arm, “Rachel Please. Just a minute. I...”
“It’s okay Randy. I’m proud of you really. I’m just being selfish and I suppose I’m a little scared. I’m a little more unsure of myself but I’ll get over it,” she said and put her hand on his cheek. It felt warm and soft.
“I’m a jerk Rachel. I didn’t even give it a though
t. I’m a really bad friend sometimes. I wish I had a good excuse for not even considering how you feel but I don’t.” He shrugged, “Just not very thoughtful I guess.”
“Said the guy who stayed in my room night after night while I was in the hospital.”
“That was different.”
“No, it wasn’t. Look, I’m not mad. Just promise you will come back just as soon as you can. Promise?”
“I will. I’ll get them started and then get my butt back here.”
“That’s all I can ask,” she moved in closer and he hugged her.
She kissed him on the cheek, “You be damn careful.”
“I promise. And I’ll be back. I think we have some things to discuss,” he said.
“That would be nice.”
“Time to go,” Phil said, tapping Randy on the shoulder.
“I’m ready,” he said and waved to Rachel one last time.
The flight was routine and boring for the Captain and his crew but it was amazing to Randy to look down and see everything from the air. Trucks, cars, and all sorts of vehicles were strewn across the roads and interstates. Large cities with no one in them.
“This is still hard to believe,” he said, sitting beside Phil.
“I know what you mean. My first trip hit me the same way. This is a hell of a big country and damn few people to rebuild it.”
“I guess we're the new pilgrims,” Randy muttered.
“Only no turkey dinner,” Phil replied.
They landed in Colorado Springs at Patterson Field just before dark. Three planes were lined up outside of hangers with several men working around them. Two others were inside the hangers. One had an engine dangling from a hoist.
“Well, well, well. The prodigal son returns,” A Staff Sargent said, as the men climbed out of the DC-3.
“I knew you would be surprised since you were the one that worked on this plane. I never thought we would actually make it back alive,” Greg said.
“Hell, neither did I,” the Sargent kidded back.
“So, looks like we got some more ready to fly,” Raleigh said.
“Got six out now. Two more leaving tomorrow and yours to prep and get ready to turn around. Say, who is this?”
“Sorry. This is Randy Boling. We found him and seven hundred others just outside of Pittsburg in a mining community.”
“Seven hundred? You've got to be kidding.”
“Nope. They have been doing the same thing we have but without planes.”
“Lord Almighty. Seven hundred.”
“Actually, a few more than that. Sargent...?”
“McMillan. Mac is good enough.”
“Nice to meet you, Mac.”
“Same here. Look, Colonel Webber is busting a gut to find out what you guys found. He wants you to beat it back to the city ASAP. He has set up an office down at the end of the runway by Airport Road. That first building when you cross over Highway 24,” Mac told them.
“Then I guess we will have to get our asses in gear,” the Captain said, heading toward the Hummer.
It was just a short drive and a MP with an M-16 was waiting when they drove up. He escorted them in to see the Colonel.
“Ah, the wondering boys return. Looks like you found someone new,” he said from his desk.
The room was once used as a car rental place and the front counter still had several rental agency signs on it.
“Sir, this is Randy Boling. We found him in Pennsylvania, just outside of a mining facility. What was it called?”
“Waynesburg Mining Company, We’re actually in the town of Herminie” Randy answered.
“Pennsylvania? I thought you were headed to the eastern seaboard?”
“We had a little change of plans. We did find Randy but he wasn’t exactly alone. Turns out he had over seven hundred other survivors with him,” Raleigh said.
“Seven hundred?” he said, sitting up in his chair.
“Yes sir.”
“Good God. Seven hundred. All at the same place?”
“Yes sir. Randy and several others went out and searched the countryside locating other survivors. He convinced them that they would stand a better chance if they all gathered in one place. He can tell you all about it. We brought him back because what they have accomplished is nothing short of remarkable. He agreed to help us get some of the same programs started here in Colorado Springs,” the Captain said.
“Excellent. That’s just great. Son, I can’t tell you how glad I am you all survived and even more than that, you have obviously persevered. I’m proud to meet you.”
“Thank you Colonel but I sure didn’t do it alone. It has taken the combined efforts of all of us to make the progress we have made so far. We still have a long way to go.”
“I appreciate your candor and modesty but I know Captain Raleigh well enough to know he brought someone that he thought could really help us and that’s good enough for me.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“I’m sure you will. You guys must be starved. Let’s head over to the mess hall. We put one in an unused hanger. I’ll have them round us up something good to eat. I forgot to eat lunch today. Too damn busy,” the Colonel said, leading them out the building and across the tarmac to a large hanger.
They talked about what had been accomplished at Colorado Springs and Randy was able to offer them several suggestions regarding things that they had overlooked. He also explained how they worked the food for work, job placement, and housing allocations. Colonel Webber was delighted to hear how each of the things had been accomplished and they spent two hours talking about how to best implement them here in Colorado Springs.
“You owe me a thousand bucks,” Randy heard someone whisper behind him.
If the Colonel heard, he ignored it, “How long can you stay with us?”
“For a while at least. I can help you get things up and running if you have some people that want to learn.”
“You bet I can get them. This list of jobs you brought along,” the Colonel said, tapping the paper, “We will have several others to add to that.”
“I’m sure you will. You have some things we won’t have for a long time,” Randy agreed.
“And having everyone armed. Tell me about that.”
“Not everyone is armed. They can be if they want to. The thought behind it is that if everyone has equal protection, fewer incidents will take place. I’m not sure how I feel about that part really, but so far it has worked.”
“I just don’t know about that part either. Seems like we could start having the old west mentality all over again.”
“Ben was convinced, and statistics back him up, that big cities with strict gun control laws for the citizens, meant only the bad guys had guns. They usually had the highest crime rates.”
“Can’t say I disagree with that but still...I guess I’ll have to give that some thought.”
“How many people do you have here right now?”
“I don’t know for sure. Around four hundred or so at the moment. Every time a plane comes back we get a few more. Over a hundred arrived from Mammoth Cave the other day.”
“Do any of those people have guns?”
“I don’t know. We never thought of it,” the Colonel said.
“I would venture to say, some do. Trying to take them away, would it really be worth it? I see your men have weapons. Is that so different?” Randy asked.
“Good point. I guess for now, we’ll just leave well enough along and address that if it becomes an issue.”
They sat in silence for several moments.
Finally Randy said, “Colonel, do you know what caused all of this?”
“Not really. We have our suspicions but we can’t prove a damn thing.”
“Then what do you suspect?” Randy asked.
The Colonel looked at him for several seconds before answering. He was trying to weigh out how Randy would react to the explanation he was about to give.
“You don’t thin
k this was a manmade accident do you?”
The Colonel rubbed his chin for a second, “No. No I don’t.”
“Something from someplace else?”
“That’s my best guess. I don’t know why. But actually, I’m pretty convinced that this was caused by some species besides man.”
“Aliens?”
“That sounds kind of trite. The kind of thing you see in movies but I guess you could call them that. Not of this earth that I am sure of.”
“Did NORAD pick something up?” Randy asked.
“Not at the time it happened, but a short time before we started getting blips that made me think something unexplainable was going on. As you can imagine, that’s not too popular in the military.”
“I would think not.”
“Anyhow, I guess the only thing that really matters is if or when they may come back,” the Colonel said.
“I hadn’t thought about that possibility.”
“I can tell you, it sure keeps me awake nights.”
The next two weeks went quickly for Randy. He helped them model Colorado Springs after what they had done in Herminie. They didn’t follow every suggestion but most of the basics, with a few twists were implemented
“I think I’m about done here. I can’t do too much more for you,” Randy told the Colonel.
“Anxious to get back?”
“Yeah, I guess I am.”
“What about bringing your people out here? I mean, we can handle three hundred thousand and at some point from what I gather, you aren’t going to have that luxury.”
“True, but I honestly think it’s better if we keep two separate groups going. At some point we are going to all have to spread out in different directions as we get back on our feet more and more.”
“It won’t be like before, in the early days of this country. I doubt we are going to have an influx of immigrants. If this hit all over the world, and I strongly suspect it did, our population is going to come from our survivors. I’m sure there are others, but not in the hundreds of thousands. Maybe not even in the tens of thousands,” the Colonel said.
“You may well be right. For now why don’t we just keep the lines of communication open? Send one of your planes out to check on how we are doing. I can fly back here every once in a while to see what is new with you as well.”
THE END - Book I - Of THE EVENT SERIES Page 31
