EMP

by Jonathan Hollerman

  “What kind of temperament does he have? Is he super friendly? Is he the serious type? Can you tell me anything else?” Sean rattled off questions, trying to get a better feel for Kenneth’s character.

  “Well... he’s been really nice and friendly every time I’ve been here,” Nathan said, but not very convincingly.

  “I’m also sure you weren’t backing a hay wagon up to the back door of his business at four in the morning either,” Sean pointed out sarcastically. “Well, what do you think, Uncle Nathan? Do you want to take a walk with me?”

  Nathan was quiet for a few moments and looked around at the others before turning back and saying, “Alright, let’s go.”

  “I’m going too,” Maria said.

  “You can’t, Babe. I need you here to cover my back if we have to book it.” Sean could see her getting ready to protest and he scrambled across the short distance to where she was hunkered down. “Baby, it’s going to be alright, I promise. You just wait and see. I need you to be strong and I need you to be focused. I need you to think about your magazine changes, think about your safety, get in the zone, okay?” She nodded in response. Sean held her close for a moment then took her face in his hand in looked her in the eye. “I love you, Sweetie. Everything will be just fine,” Sean said.

  Maria nodded once more and they kissed briefly. “I love you Sean, don’t take any chances and hurry back.” Sean winked at her then turned and called Bug over from his crouched position behind the tractor. Sean unbuckled his tactical vest and handed it to Bug along with his SU-16 and took the shotgun.

  “Ok guys. Here’s the plan: Nathan and I are going for a walk. I don’t want you guys pointing your rifles up there in case they have a better view of us than we think they do. I want all safeties off though, and if things go bad, we are going to need some serious cover fire while we book it back. If we are face to face or close to someone, make sure you guys with rifles have a clean shot at the guy, but I’m guessing the shotgun I’m carrying should do the job. Maria and Bug are going to have the semi autos and their job is to lay down a wall of lead at anyone shooting at us either from the woods on either side or from the house. If we are running back here, you guys need to keep a steady barrage of bullets heading towards them until we get back.”

  Sean quickly walked Bug through the operation of his rifle. That was another reason Sean had picked the SU-16. Unlike the AR it was very simple to operate. Once Sean was confident Bug was ready, he stood up and turned to Nathan. “Alright. Let’s go.”

  They walked up the gravel driveway with their weapons pointed at the ground and their other hand up in the air. “I hope this is a good idea,” Nathan pointed out.

  “Are you kidding me, Nathan? This is a terrible idea,” Sean said sarcastically. “I sure hope this guy recognizes you.”

  Sean could hear his heart beating in his ears. His adrenaline was pumping to the point that he felt slightly euphoric. Time slowed down and Sean concentrated his eyes on every shadow. The problem was that with the overcast skies and the darks woods only twenty yards away to both sides of them, everything seemed to move. It felt like the walk took forever, but eventually they were standing on Kenneth’s front porch. Sean knocked on the door loud enough to wake someone up but at the same time he didn’t want to sound too aggressive. “Kenneth, it’s Sean Marlin and Nathan McCormick! We come in peace and would like to see about bartering for some ammunition and a few rifles!” They stood in silence for about a minute, waiting for a response or some kind of movement from inside. Sean knocked again. “Kenneth, we really need to speak with you. I’m not sure if you know what’s going on, but we really need to talk!”

  “Start talking then.” Even though Sean was mentally prepared to be taken off guard, he never expected that the voice would come from five feet behind them. Sean slowly turned towards the voice keeping his hands visible and trying to be as non-threatening as possible. Kenneth was kneeling on the ground below the porch in a full ghillie suit. He must have been under the porch before they even got there. He had an M1A with a twenty round box mag pointed at Sean’s chest. Sean tried to act as if he wasn’t concerned but deep inside his blood was pumping. Kenneth was positioned directly between them and the wagon, preventing anyone from down below taking anything but the most precise shot. Not to mention that even though Sean had the shotgun in his hand, he didn’t want to go up against a semi automatic .308 battle rifle.

  Sean settled his nerves and began. “Hi, Kenneth. I know our presence here at this time of night has to be unnerving for you, but I ask that you bear with me and hear me out, ok?”

  “I haven’t shot you yet, have I?” That wasn’t the answer Sean was expecting and he couldn’t tell if Kenneth was joking or serious.

  “I doubt you remember me, but you know my dad, Samuel Marlin, and my Uncle Nathan here.”

  “I know who your family is, so get to the point in telling me why you have that wagon pulled up to the back door of my shop.”

  “We need guns and we need ammo is the short of it. Do you know what’s going on in the world right now, Kenneth?” Kenneth didn’t answer so Sean just continued, “America has been hit by an EMP weapon. Kenneth, the power isn’t coming back on, probably not for years. An EMP is a nuclear warhead that is set off above the atmosphere and basically fries everything electronic. Even if they could get power restored someday, everything electrical is fried. There is no internet, no banking system, no interstate shipping so the grocery stores will be empty in the next day or two. There is no army, and there...is...no...police.” Sean emphasized the last part. “In other words, it’s every man for himself for the foreseeable future. A large percentage of our population is going to die from starvation, cold, sickness, and violence. The cities are going to burn to the ground around us from massive rioting and looting. Once the grocery stores are cleaned out, where do you think they are going to loot next?”

  “I can take care of myself,” Kenneth said, jostling his rifle.

  “Kenneth, I fully respect your abilities with that M1A, and you may succeed in running off the first couple groups of looters. But eventually, you will be overrun. You can’t stay inside forever and eventually a large enough group will come along and it only takes one bullet from some good ol’ boy’s deer rifle and you’re dead. I can promise you only one thing out of all this and that is if you stay here, you are going to die.”

  Kenneth was quiet for a moment then softy said “I have no choice. That store is everything to me. Besides, I have nowhere else to go....”

  “That’s not true. You can come and stay with us. We have a small farm miles from town with cattle and enough seed to plant this spring. We have a lot of able bodied individuals there but our ability to protect the farm is in big jeopardy with just a handful of hunting rifles. What do you say you come and stay with us? We can move a large portion of your store to the farm. They would still be your weapons and would be returned if things ever get back to normal. With your help, we could really lock down that farm and have the ability to fend off even a large gang of looters.”

  “I’m... I’m just not sure...,” Kenneth slowly said.

  “Well, Kenneth, I don’t see where you have much of a choice here. We just cleaned out Giant Eagle, and literally have a ton of food on that wagon. I’d be happy to trade you a month’s worth of food for a half dozen AR’s and some ammo, but I really don’t want to do that. You seem like a really nice guy and I honestly don’t think you will live long enough to eat the food we give you. Please, Kenneth,” Sean pleaded one more time.

  Kenneth though about it for a moment then answered, “Ok, but only under one condition.”

  “What’s that?” Sean asked him.

  “That my boy can come along too,” he said.

  “That’s fine. Is he here?” Nathan asked.

  Kenneth took his ghillie hood down, turned to the left and raised his hand over his head and waved. A shadow separated itself from the dark and hurried across the open ground to where they
were.

  “What about your other boy, Kenneth?” Nathan asked.

  “He’s at college in Florida right now,” Kenneth responded solemnly.

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Nathan said.

  “He’s a smart boy. He’ll be ok.” Sean could tell that Kenneth didn’t sound too sure of himself. Kenneth’s other boy came to a stop next to his father dressed in a matching ghillie suit. He was carrying an HK 93 with open sites. “This is Brian.”

  “Hello,” Sean said as he nodded his head.

  “Hi Nathan,” Brian said with a smile. “I see you still have that shotgun we sold you,” nodding in Sean’s direction.

  “Sure do,” Nathan answered. “I’m runnin’ low on shells though.”

  Sean was starting to get anxious again, thinking about the dawn that was rapidly approaching. “Okay then, Kenneth, Brian. Welcome to the family!” Brian looked at his dad, confused, but Sean kept on. “The next serious problem we have, Kenneth, is that we only have about an hour and a half to load that wagon before we have to pull out. It’s real important that we make it back to the farm while it is still dark. We don’t want our neighbors seeing all the goodies we’re bringing home. Pack as light as you can but bring enough clothes to last, you may not be coming home anytime soon. How do you want to work this? Do you want to come down with us and help us get started then come back to pack or pack first...?”

  Kenneth turned to his son. “Brian, go inside and pack your suitcases. We’re moving to Nathan’s farm and we’re taking the shop with us. We may not be coming back so bring everything you think you may need for the next few years. Mostly clothes, son.”

  Brian looked at his dad, totally confused. “What’s going on Dad?”

  “Bad times are coming son, bad times. Just hurry up and pack, then bring your stuff down to the shop.”

  “Alright Dad,” Brian agreed, though not totally convinced.

  Once Brian was inside, the three of them started back towards the wagon and the rest of their group. Sean made introductions to the group while he traded the shotgun with Bug for his tactical vest and SU-16. As Kenneth was unlocking the door, Sean hoisted his rifle and said, “You wouldn’t happen to have any of these in stock, would you?”

  “What is that? The new Kel-Tec?” Kenneth asked as Sean nodded. “No, I had some in a month or two ago, but they sold pretty quickly. How do you like it?”

  “I absolutely love it, to be honest.” The door was suddenly open and Sean could barely make out what looked like a back store room. He took out his SureFire flashlight and shined it inside. “Jackson, you’re on first watch! Take cover somewhere where you have a good view of the road. If anyone starts up the drive, throw some rocks to alert us.” Jackson nodded, then hustled off around the side of the shop.

  “Do you have any lanterns in stock?” Sean asked.

  “Yeah, there should be a couple Coleman lanterns over by the camping supplies. Follow me.” Sean followed him inside and shone the light as they wound their way through the store. They found the lanterns and after a couple minutes they had most of the shop illuminated. They started with the semi auto rifles like the AR’s, AK’s, and Mini 14’s. Kenneth’s shop had always been geared more towards hunting rifles but since the election of 2008, demand had gone through the roof for “assault style” weapons. Kenneth had certainly met that demand. For the next hour they loaded everything they could: handguns, rifles, ammo, holsters, gun cases, camouflage clothing, fishing supplies, deer lure scent, everything. It was starting to get difficult arranging the overflowing hay wagon, but neither Sean nor Kenneth wanted to leave anything to the looters.

  “Kenneth, we are running short on time here. What do you say you go pack your stuff?”

  Kenneth nodded, “Make sure you grab those two matching break open shotguns still sitting on the end there. They are a matching pair and worth a lot of money to the right buyer.”

  “Kenneth, we have to be practical here. There’s not a lot of room left for decorative shotguns.”

  Kenneth shook his head, “Make room.”

  Sean chuckled, “Ok, we’ll make room.” Kenneth left and they kept loading at a rapid pace. Despite the cold, Sean could feel the sweat running down his spine. He looked at his watch again. Time was running out.

  Shortly after, Kenneth was back. He pulled Sean aside and pulled a hidden latch where a section of shelving swung out, revealing a large safe. Kenneth spun the dial as Sean waited to see what lay in store. Sean felt like a child on Christmas morning when your dad brings out the big box after all the other presents had been opened. “Now for the good stuff,” Kenneth grinned. With a clank, he turned the latch and swung the door open. Sean saw what looked to be another dozen weapons.

  “Are those two MP5’s in front?” Sean asked, amazed.

  “Yes, sir,” Kenneth smiled.

  “Full rock?” Sean asked, hopeful.

  “Nothing but the best for my new friend,” Kenneth said as he handed Sean one of them. Sean turned it back and forth in his hands, inspecting it. It was obviously used with a few scratches here and there, but having two fully automatic MP5’s at the farm would definitely step up their security quite a bit. “I’ve got something better than that.” He moved a couple other guns out of the way and pulled out a large rifle with wood furniture.

  “Noooo way,” Sean said in disbelief. “Is that an original BAR?” Kenneth nodded, watching Sean turn it over in his hands. “Full rock also?” Kenneth nodded again with a big smile. “Wow, this thing’s a lot heavier than I thought.”

  “Weight is a good thing for the size round you’re throwin’ down range. You definitely seem to know your guns Mr. Marlin. I noticed your kit. Are you former Army? Marines?”

  “Nope, Air Force,” Sean said with a chuckle, which brought a laugh from Kenneth.

  “2nd Infantry myself... in Nam.” Kenneth pushed up his left sleeve to show Sean his squad tattoo on his forearm. “So were you a paper pusher or fly boy?” Kenneth asked with a wry smile that was normally directed towards the Air Force from the Army and Marines.

  “Neither actually. I was a SERE Instructor,” Sean said with his own wry smile back.

  “SERE huh? I can respect that. My cousin had to go through that school. That’s some hardcore stuff.”

  “Not as hardcore as dodging booby traps in Nam, I’d imagine,” Sean said, giving the old man his due. Kenneth nodded back and grabbed a large duffle bag off the top of the safe. Sean helped him load the duffle bag with the weapons and then filled an entire backpack with magazines and spare parts. The main compartment of the safe was empty, and Sean noticed Kenneth’s sideways look at him as he opened a smaller interior door inside the safe. Kenneth pulled out two boxes, both the size of a cigar box. Sean could tell they were heavy by the clunk they made on the top of the safe. Kenneth grabbed a black camelback he had kept aside and removed the bladder from the main compartment.

  Sean watched as Kenneth poured a mixture of gold bars and silver coins into the pack. Kenneth looked Sean in the eye and said, “This one stays with me.”

  “I agree. I also think it best that you don’t tell anyone else about this. I don’t believe any of my relatives would steal from you as they are all honorable people. But at the same time, the fewer souls that know, the better. When we get back to the farm, we’ll need to find some secure place for you to hide that.”

  “That would be good,” Kenneth agreed.

  The next half hour was spent trying to figure out how to fit anything else on the overloaded wagon. The only place to sit was atop the pile of supplies and weapons. It was a precarious situation as it was hard to get comfortable, and Sean was sincerely worried about the load shifting as they travelled and sending people flying out the back. Sean took one last look inside the mostly empty store, grabbed the lantern and made his way out the back. “Nathan, how softly do you think we can get this wagon rolling?”

  “I don’t know, Sean. This is an old tractor meant for plowing, not cruising dow
ntown.”

  “Just do your best then. I’d rather not have to reload the wagon on the side of road. Not to mention we haven’t really allowed time for that either.” Sean looked to the east where the sky was beginning to look a bit lighter. “Let’s just take it a bit slower than the ride here.”

  “I’ll do my best,” Nathan said as he climbed up to the driver’s seat.

  Sean boarded the wagon by climbing over the side bars. Once seated, he was probably ten feet above the hard pavement below.

  “Here we go!” Nathan hollered as he started up the tractor. “Everyone hold on!”

  Nathan let out the clutch and the tractor lurched forward. Sean held his breath as he felt everything below him shift and settle into place. Nothing fell out and they were soon turning back onto the highway headed back to the gas station. Once there, it was tricky getting the hitch lined up to the sprayer. The tractor lurched forwards and backwards while trying to get the ball and hitch lined up. This caused some shifting and a few items fell from the wagon, but they were quickly reloaded. Eventually they had the sprayer hooked up and once again they were rolling down the road, this time heading home. It was an uneventful trip and they pulled into the drive just as the eastern sky was taking on a faint orange glow. They pulled the tractor up to the basement door of Nathan’s house where it couldn’t be seen from the road. Each member of the party was exhausted with the night’s work.

  “We should probably get some rest before unloading the wagons. Everyone is spent,” his Uncle Lawrence mentioned to his nephew.

  “I agree, but at the same time we need to relieve the watch. Sitting in a cold bus all night is just as hard as what we did.” Sean turned to the group as they were dismounting. “We need two volunteers to take over first shift on watch. One will need to relieve my dad in the bus and I’d like to have one roaming watch which will also keep an eye on the house and wagon. There is no guarantee that we weren’t spotted by neighbors and I want to make sure nobody wanders in uninvited.” Jackson and Bug volunteered immediately. “Great, thank you guys. Danny and Nathan, would you guys take over in about two hours?” They both nodded. “Ok, two hours after that Uncle Lawrence and Kenneth will take third watch, ok?” They nodded as well. “Brian and I will take the last watch six hours from now then we’ll unload.”