by West, Lee
“This is a broadcast of the United States Army. The East Coast continues to be held by U.S. forces. Repeat. The East Coast continues to be held by U.S. forces. The U.S. and Canada have pushed the Chinese out of the Pacific Northwest, securing the following states: Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming!”
Everyone erupted into a spontaneous cheer. The U.S. and Canada had finally made significant headway against the Red Tide. They knew these areas had been hit hard during the invasion. The Chinese plan involved occupying the entire North American continent. The U.S., Canada and Mexico scrambled to face the threat as a unified force, which they named the North American Alliance. Colloquially everyone called the alliance MAC for Mexico-America-Canada. People said those countries would hit the Chinese like a “MAC truck,” and they did. Once the countries pulled together, the Chinese never stood a chance. Unlike the invaders, the MAC forces fought for their homes and families.
“You can lower it now. He’s just repeating the stuff we already know. They always play the entire loop,” said Brett.
A shriek outside startled everyone, and they all ran to the window. Marvin had little Pete on his back. The old man made braying sounds as he slowly galloped around the yard.
“For a lifelong bachelor who said he never wanted kids, Marvin seems in his element with Pete,” said Nancy.
Marvin and Pete had been inseparable since the day Marvin arrived at the Jensen home. The two played for hours at a time, forming a special bond.
“Breakfast was delicious as usual! Let me clean the kitchen for you,” said Meg.
Sharon and Meg went into the kitchen while the others sat sipping coffee in the living room.
“Thanks for everything, Mike. It’s been really nice staying with you guys,” said Joe.
“We’d like all of you to stay for good or at least until this thing ends,” said Mike.
“No, we really can’t. You’ve been so generous, but we need to give you your house back,” said Nancy.
“A couple more days and we’ll leave. Marvin invited us to stay with him in the city,” said Brett.
“Marvin doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere,” said Mike, nodding to the outside. “Sharon and I really want all of you to stay. Frank said he would help us build a couple of yurts in the backyard.”
“Yurts? You mean like igloos?” said Joe.
“Sort of. They’re round tent structures. They take no time to put up. We have a couple of them in a kit we bought a few years ago. We used them to house extra friends one year when we hosted a high school reunion on our property. They worked out great. You’re welcome to stay in those or here in the house until everything blows over. Really, we’d love it if you did.”
“Thanks. That means a lot to me. I’m sure Meg would agree that we’d love to. Besides, I’ve never built a yurt before. This could be fun!” said Joe.
Later that day, Meg and Joe walked to the food-distribution hub for the area. They pulled a couple of little red wagons in order to haul the food back. The government provided regular drops of food and water to everyone at prearranged locations. Mike’s property had a well, but not enough food for the ten of them. Basic items like flour, sugar, grains and beans had been provided.
“I can’t believe how lucky we are,” said Meg. She tried to get a little closer to him to hold his hand, but the wagons clanked together, forcing her away.
“I know. We have each other and friends that are more like family. It’s all we’ll ever need.”
“Yes, we do. And pretty soon we’ll have our own family.”
She lovingly touched her belly, indicating that a little surprise grew inside her.
***
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IF YOU ENJOYED THE RECKONING BOOKS, I KNOW YOU’LL LOVE MY BLUE LIVES APOCALYPSE SERIES
THE BLUE LIVES APOCALYPSE SERIES—POST-APOCALYPTIC/DYSTOPIAN/ACTION THRILLERS
Sam and Jane Archer walk out of a backcountry-hiking trip into a living nightmare.
The electrical grid has been down for two weeks, plunging the world as they once knew it into complete chaos. Citizens live in helpless terror of violent gangs—the police hunted down and killed on sight. Food and essential resources have dwindled to nothing, taken by the wild bands of marauders that have risen from the collapse to murder and plunder at will.
Little hope remains, as Jane, a local police officer, and her husband Sam, a military veteran, start the harrowing journey home to save their only daughter Lea—before she is consumed by the madness.
SURVIVE AND ESCAPE (BOOK 1)
RESIST AND EVADE (BOOK 2)
PROTECT AND SERVE (BOOK 3)
About the Author
Lee West is the pen name for a well-known constitutional scholar and liberty advocate. Lee resides in the heart of “flyover” country, balancing a professional career with the joys of a hectic family life, two tireless dogs, and a community of friends. Lee particularly enjoys spending time outdoors with family, regardless of the weather! From snowshoeing to kayaking, cross-country skiing to hiking, mountain biking to recreational shooting, Lee brings (drags!) the entire crew along—even if the dogs are the only willing participants.
As a military veteran, Lee has spent countless hours advocating on behalf of veterans for increased benefits, better representation and more equitable treatment by employers and the government. Lee stands proud with the millions of veterans who have sacrificed in the past to preserve liberty at home and abroad—and all of those who carry that torch forward today.
Lee has also spent a significant amount of time working closely with the selfless professionals comprising our justice system—from law enforcement agencies to our courts. The Blue Lives Apocalypse series is dedicated to the “men and women in blue,” who show up without fail or question.
Lee encourages you to reach out with questions about the series at [email protected].
