Dead States | Year Zero | Nebraska

by Marty Brockschmidt

  Sara strode over to Bill and Joyce determined to set things right. “William Parson what do you think you are doing?”

  Bill scowled at her. “Sara this is really getting tiresome, you know that whatever was between us you killed a long time ago.”

  Sara scoffed, “Whatever, your still my husband and you need to act like it.”

  “No I do not. Listen to me, we may not be able to lawyer up, but all the same we are over.” Bill spat back. “This act of yours is just pathetic. Joyce, I'm sorry you had to be in the middle of this, would you be so kind as to walk me over to the security office.”

  With the words dripping from her tongue like acid, Sara replied. “I don't know how and I don't know when, but you will regret this Bill Parson.”

  On the opposite side of the dining room, Crystal Grey sat with Hester Williams. Before the outbreak Hester had been a history professor and now sat on the compounds council. Crystal, until recently, had been the captain of the compounds militia. She was certainly an unorthodox choice, but she was quick to accept the reality of a world filled with the risen dead and had a clear vision of a plan of action. Due to a failed condom, she found herself pregnant and handed over the reins of the militia to Army Corporal Alan “Blade” Byrne.

  In her decision to leave the militia, Crystal chose to organize an education program for the compounds children. In the clearing of Lexington they had recovered textbooks for several grade levels. Crystals plans would definitely make sure the basics were covered, but also include lessons more in keeping with the current state of their world. As a starting point, the two women wanted to talk to the woman running the compounds daycare, Carol Nader.

  “Are you going on the big hunt?” Hester asked.

  “I'm not, I want to focus on the school program, but Tobin is going. I've never seen him so excited, I'm almost jealous.” Crystal replied.

  “I enjoy a good steak or roast, but I never had any desire to see where it came from, I'm just as happy to stay here and put up beans and tomatoes.” Confessed Hester.

  “Oh here comes Carol.” Crystal waved her hand to get Carol's attention. “Carol over here.”

  Carol was always a bit on the nervous side, but this morning she was a bit disheveled and the bags under her eyes gave witness to a lack of sleep, “I'm so sorry, Eddie was a little fussy and kept me up most of the night and I'm afraid I overslept.”

  “No problem Hester and I were having a nice chat. Why don't you hand Eddie to me and go grab yourself some breakfast.” Crystal replied.

  After a bit of hesitation, Carol reluctantly handed over the infant and went to get some food. While waiting for Carol to return, Crystal played with the baby letting him hold onto her fingers and stand up in her lap. “Who's a big boy?” She cooed. When Crystal buzzed his belly with her lips Eddie would burst into peals of baby laughter, causing both Crystal and Hester to laugh along.

  Carol arrived shortly after with her tray and barely picked at her food before starting to caution Crystal. “Careful his arms aren't strong enough for that.”

  Crystal adjusted Eddie to sit in her lap. “Carol we don't need to do this today, why don't I follow you back to your room and you can get some rest and I can get to know Eddie.”

  Carol protested, “Oh I couldn't ask you to do that, I'll be fine.”

  Crystal shook her head. “Not your choice Carol, you need some rest and we are here for you. At lunch time, Eddie and I will get your lunch and I'll ask Doc to take a look at Eddie to see if there is a reason why he has been fussy at night.”

  Back at the room, Crystal was a little shocked to see the disarray there, clothes seemed to be everywhere and there were even a couple of soiled diapers on the floor. “I'm sorry for the mess I just can't seem to find the time these days to get things done.”

  “Oh believe me I've seen worse, now off to bed with you.” Crystal answered.

  Carol did fall into a fitful sleep, constantly tossing and turning and several times calling out her son's name. Crystal busied herself straightening up the small room and when lunch time approached she took Eddie out with her to find Doc Linderman. Crystal returned shortly with the Doc and some lunch for Carol. On the way she filled him on her concerns for Carol.

  As Carol ate her lunch Doc looked over Eddie and talked with Carol and after a bit came out of the bedroom carrying Eddie. “You did the right thing coming to me. I'm no expert in post traumatic stress or postpartum depression, but Carol is probably suffering from either or both. She has an unnatural fear that something bad is going to happen to Eddie. I managed to slip her a little something to help her sleep, but we'll need a longer term plan.”

  “I can stay and watch Eddie, or maybe she and Eddie can move into our apartment for a bit.” Crystal offered.

  Doc nodded. “Thank you, I'm more in the mind of having Sue Anne move in here, hopefully a few days of rest will go a long way. I think it best we keep a close eye on Carol for a bit, we don't want a repeat of young Britney's mother.”

  The day to leave on the hunt was nearly at hand and Amy Landers was preparing to take the Brenner twins out solo. “Matt can't you come with us?”

  Matt Brenner gave her a wry smile. “Sorry Sweetheart, we are going to need the other freezers going once all the meat gets here, I need to make sure we are not going to overload the system. On top of that the greenhouses need extra attention right now”

  Amy nodded. “I understand. It's just that Travis still has a hard time accepting me and I thought it would be easier if you were around.”

  Matt did his best to reassure her. “I know Travis still really misses his Mom. I do think some one on one time, between you two, will make a difference...trust me.”

  Amy gave a nervous laugh. “I do.”

  Matt grinned at her. “I like the sound of that and once you bring Travis around, we'll talk to Pastor Jim about a service for us.”

  Amy looked at Matt in surprise. “Matthew Brenner is that a proposal?”

  Matt shook his head. “More of a promise, when the time is right, I'll do it up proper.”

  Mac busied himself packing for the hunt, he loved the anticipation. Dreaming about the game they would see, visualizing the shot. Sharing that with his wife and daughters was an extra bonus for him.

  “Dad do I really have to go? I'm not like you and Sherry, I just don't get excited about stuff like this.” Shelly pleaded.

  Mac looked at his oldest daughter and wondered when she had become a woman. “Honey, this is a chance for us to do something as a family. even in this tiny little compound I barely see you. We spend a little time with each other in the food line and five minutes before heading off to bed. I miss my girls.”

  Shelly relented. “Daddy, you know I can't say no to you.”

  Mac pulled his daughter into a bear hug. “ You and Sherry are growing up so fast, no telling how much time your Mom and me will have with you two at home, we'll be separated sooner than you think.”

  “Dad we live inside two miles of fence, how far away do you think we'll get?” Shelly laughed.

  Mac smiled, “Humor your old man, things have a way of changin.”

  The evening before the hunt the community room was a mixture of emotions. A lot of people were excited for the chance to be able to leave the compound, nearly as many were getting apprehensive at the thought of leaving the relative safety they enjoyed.

  Mac stood up to address the group. “Listen up folks and we'll try to address as many of your questions as we can. We'll finish packing up to leave here right after breakfast, so make sure you have your clothes and gear packed tonight. We posted suggested packing lists, if you haven't looked them over please do so after the meeting. Corporal Byrne will be along with three militia patrols. The militia personnel will be assigned to each vehicle and nobody leaves a vehicle without the okay of their guard.”

  Mac took a short pause to let this sink in before proceeding. “We should arrive at the reserve about midday, once Corporal Byrne gives the okay
, Mick will be in charge of camp setup and hunter placement. As game is taken, Hazel Thurman will be in charge of the crew handling the skinning and initial butchering. Hazel is also the camp medic so any nicks, cuts, scrapes, or other maladies will need her attention. Cynthia Cavendish will be in charge of camp organization, she is the most important person on this trip. She will make sure we are fed and our basic needs are met and If you are signed up for camp duty you will be reporting to her.”

  Mac opened the floor for questions, which by in large was a rehash of what he had just said. When the questions ran out, Mac turned the floor over to Crystal Grey.

  “To start with, Tobin and I want to extend are most heartfelt thanks for the wonderful wedding and reception you gave us. I've been thinking about this for some time and the wedding clinched it for me, this place has become way more than just a sanctuary. This is where we work and play, where we join for fellowship. The people around us are no longer strangers, they are friends and neighbors. In short, we are a community and this is our town. To occupy your time while you're waiting for a bison or elk, give some thought to a town name.”

  As Crystal took her seat, Travis Brenner stood up and raised his hand.

  “Yes Travis?” Mac asked.

  “I know I'm just a kid.” Travis stated and then paused to gather his thoughts.

  Amy encouraged him to continue. “Go ahead honey we're listening.”

  Travis stood up tall and spoke in a firm voice. “My Grandpa, Colonel Osgood, is why we are here. He always told me people know what is right and wrong, it is how you choose between the two that define you. If you screw up here and there you can still choose to do better going forward. He had a word for it, Timshel. In these times, here in this place, it is up to each of us to choose our path. In recognition of my Grandpa, as our founder, I think Timshel should be our town name.”

  Amy stood up and hugged Travis around the shoulders. “I served under Colonel Osgood for the past few years and the Colonel always lectured us on the power of the choices we make, I second Timshel as our town name.”

  Hester took the floor. “I think we can settle this with a quick show of hands. All those in favor?” Then a few moments later “All opposed?” Only Sara Parsons raised her hand in opposition. “All right then, our town has a name, Timshel.”

  Pastor Jim wheeled up to the front of the room. “Before you people of Timshel embark on our first community hunt, I'd like you to bow your heads in prayer to ask for the Lord's providence.”

  As the majority of the people bowed their heads and folded their hands, Pastor Jim began. “Heavenly Father we ask for your blessing as we head out to gather game to nourish our bodies through the winter. We ask that the hunters aim is true and the animals are taken quick and humane. We ask for your protection, especially from the plague of dead. As we venture into your world, we ask that you guide other souls to us who are in need of sanctuary. In your name, Amen.”

  Chapter 12 – Best Laid Plans

  “Mac good to have you back.” Stated Bob Ryker as Mac entered the council room.

  “Good to be back. Not to knock the rustic life mind you, but at the end of the day there is somethin to be said for a hot shower and warm bed.” Mac drew the exchange of pleasantries to a close. “Okay, I know we all have things to tend to, so let's just go down the list and see where we are at. Let's start with the emergency evacuation plans.”

  Hester responded. “We need to work on that more now that everyone is in town. Crystal and I have worked on this as part of the school program, kind of like the fire drills or tornado drills we’re used to. Everyone is divided into four groups and two militia squads are assigned to each group. Everyone has a bug out bag and each group has two meet up locations. We have four major resupply caches that are known only to this room and the militia. We have a fifth cache at the B and B that everyone in town knows about. The big problem is we haven't had everyone around to successfully drill this and I'm worried that the younger children or folks like Mae and Pastor Jim could be left behind.”

  Blade shifted uncomfortably in his chair, he was developing a new respect for Crystal and what she managed as militia captain. Like Colonel Osgood she kept forefront in her mind that the people of this community is why the militia existed. He was much more comfortable with the tactical challenges of clearing a city like Kearney, however, dealing with the townsfolk was all part of the job. “Hester why don't I sit down with you and Crystal and we can coordinate some drills.”

  Mac continued on. “So we'll plan on taking a temperature check on this at the end of the week and see how we are progressing. As I understand it our food stores are ample at this point. We have some fall crops still to get in and the greenhouses will provide some fresh greens over the winter. We also have sufficient winter clothes and blankets, which brings us to heat and energy.”

  “That is a bit of a guess.” Mick interjected. “The wood boilers are up and running, so as long as we have wood and electricity we have heat. We topped off the propane tanks to have as a back up. Right now the solar isn't keeping up and I need to get up in the middle of the night to get the wood gasifier going to run the generators. That is going to get worse as the days continue to get shorter and colder. We should plan on making a run for wood and I should train a couple of assistants to help me with the mechanics.”

  “Mick off the top of my head I can think of two or three young people who would be excellent candidates.” Crystal stated. “Mac if you don't mind I'd like to bring up the school.”

  “The floor is all yours.” Mac replied.

  “Thanks. Hester and I have come up with a rather different education scheme than what most of us grew up with. The skills these children need to have now is different than what children needed to have … well before. It is exciting in a lot of ways, but a challenge at the same time. We have completed skills assessment on all the school age children and they all get the three R's, as my dad liked to say. Added to that I've asked Percy to help with self defense training, Doc to provide first aid training, and I've asked Hazel to join us and bring her unique knowledge to the children. It will be up to these children to rebuild the world, if they lose to much of what we already know it will be a much harder task for them. Which is why Hester and I want to start an apprentice program, so the adults can impart their skills to the children.”

  “I think that is a darn good idea. The kids that went on the hunt showed themselves able enough and eager to pitch in, how do you see this getting started?” Voiced Joe.

  Hester responded. “To start with get the children involved wherever we can in the projects we have, it will slow things down initially and their work will have to be closely inspected. However, there will be a payback. We also need to look to our artist, musicians, heck any hobbies can impart some skills. I need to voice another concern, this first winter is going to be a real test of our town. History has shown that winter can be really tough on new settlements. We've dealt with the physical needs of our people, but the monotony and idleness of winter is going to be difficult for people. History is full of examples of individuals going mad during the bleakness of winter. The more we can get everyone involved in something, the better.” Hester took a breath and then chuckled as she looked over at Crystal. “Doc you had better prepare for more babies.”

  “Sounds like we need a town meeting. I'll talk to Cynthia, this is right up her alley.” Mac said. “Okay, now the 900 lb gorilla in the room, Kearney.”

  All eyes turned to Blade as he began to speak. “We've been able to clear the outskirts, but there are so many dead there we get swarmed every time we enter the city. The only way I see this happening is we set up multiple traps and lure the dead into them all at once. The problem is manpower, we simply don't have the troops to do this like we did Lexington.”

  “Focus on likely locations for survivors, like the university. Once winter hits we can do a more complete sweep of the city.” Crystal suggested.

  “Joe, you and Mick sit dow
n with the Corporal and see if you can figure out where to set the traps. We'll get back on this at the end of the week too.” Mac directed.

  As their meeting adjourned there was a knock on the door and Jason entered. “Corporal there is a message coming over the radio you should hear.”

  While the rest of the council waited, Blade listened to the message that kept repeating over the radio, “This is General Mathias Mayhue of the U.S. Army reaching out to survivors in Nebraska. We are on a mission to bring aid, please respond.”

  Jason updated Blade, “We've been catching this for the last thirty minutes or so. They've been jumping around to different frequencies, do you think this is legit?”

  “I know Mayhue, ran a special ops division. Sounds like the army has kicked this things tail and we'll all be getting back to our lives.” Blade replied.