The Changing Earth Series (Book 1): Day After Disaster

by Hathaway, Sara F.

  Erika’s thoughts wondered off to her mother as the line began to move. Vince and Erika dug in their heels and began to pull the cart. Normally Erika called her mom on her cell phone every morning to say hello and see how she was doing. Never before had so much time passed without talking to her. They were always good friends, sharing all their thoughts and stories together. Erika couldn’t wait to see her. It made all this pulling worth it.

  “This is Earth, calling planet Erika,” Vince chimed at her, trying to get her attention.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, what?” Erika asked startled.

  “I was just saying I wish this rain would stop, and do you really think all this stuff is worth all this work?” Vince questioned.

  “I agree about the rain, but I think Rob is right about the supplies. No group would take in all these people without a huge incentive. The group from the river was way smaller and the Cool group still didn’t want to take them in. It’s all about food and numbers now, Vince. More mouths means less food, so I have to agree with Rob. The more these people can bring to the table the better, literally,” Erika said thoughtfully.

  “I guess you’re right, but it still doesn’t make this cart any lighter,” he said sarcastically.

  “I hear that,” she returned his jest.

  Much to their relief, the caravan came to an abrupt halt. Most people headed to the front of the line to see what the problem was. Erika and Vince took an extra moment to rest before they too went to see what was wrong. As they were walking to the front, Vince saw someone unusual at the rear of the line. Two men approached from behind some rocks. They looked dirty and their clothes were little more than rags. They were peeping under the tarps of the last three carts.

  “Erika, ready your rifle!” Vince commanded quietly.

  “Why, what’s up?” Erika replied. She hadn’t seen the men yet from her side of the cart.

  “Just do it and cover the left side of the carts,” Vince commanded, pointing his rifle down the right side.

  Erika unslung her rifle and looked at the man down the sight through the pouring rain.

  “Maybe they’re from our group,” Erika cautioned Vince.

  Carefully eyeballing the strangers, they needed to be sure. The raggedy men started loading their backpacks with canned goods from the cart. There was no more doubt. Their actions were those of thieves who were watching the caravan proceed, just waiting for an opportunity to pounce.

  “On the count of three,” directed Vince, peering down his rifle. He was already calculating the shot. Erika followed his command, “One. . .two. . .three.”

  Their guns fired, bang, in the same instance and the two men fell dead in unison.

  “There’s a third,” Vince yelled as the man ran out of his view. Then, bang, Erika fired a second shot and the third man was down. Rob, along with a group of fighters, including Michelle and Randy, came running back to them. The rain was pouring down.

  “What are you guys shooting at?” questioned Rob.

  “Three guys trying to rob us,” Vince answered in a cold tone of voice.

  “Let’s go check it out,” Rob said amused. He always did love a good fight. He spread his team out and rifles were at the ready as the team closed into inspect the thieves, but there was no need. Two men lay dead taken out with extreme precision and the third was clinging to life. Rob stood over him.

  “We. . .just. . .wanted. . .to eat,” the man said in a weakened voice.

  “Should’ve looked somewhere else,” Rob said, firing his gun and killing the man.

  The team felt a mix of feelings. They were happy to have protected their goods, but it was horrible to have killed these men. Maybe their only crime was hunger, Erika thought, riddled with guilt.

  “Vince, Erika, good job. Don’t look all sad. You made the right choice. We can’t save them all,” Rob said, trying to quiet their minds.

  “Did we?” said Vince, confused by his own actions. His first instinct was to shoot them and that horrified him a little. “Not too long ago, we were the thieves,” he told Rob, reflecting on the supplies they carried.

  “No, we weren’t,” countered Rob. “We went to save people and maybe get some stuff in the process, but our intentions were completely different. We would never have been there if it was solely to steal. We were in the right then and we are now, and as long as we continue to do what is right, we are still good people.” Rob explained, trying to convince himself as much as Vince. Decisions needed to be made and none of them were going to be easy. “Now, Michelle, Randy, and Tom you three stay back here to watch the rear. The rest of you come with me.”

  “It’s okay, baby,” Erika grabbed Vince’s hand. She was feeling the same guilt over the decision. Erika tried not to show it. The choice was made. “Anyway, that was an awesome shot we made!” she noted, impressed by their combined accuracy and teamwork despite the outcome.

  “How can you say that? We just killed those guys. I can’t believe my first instinct was to kill them. Not to ask them what they were doing or try to deter them,” Vince explained, struggling with the rationale of his decision.

  “Yeah, they’re dead, but they killed themselves, babe. They didn’t come and ask us for food. They were going to rob us or kill us, or rape men’s daughters. They can all die for all I care. I’m done feeling sorry. I’m done wondering what if. Fuck them, baby, fuck them all!” Erika raged. She had snapped. All this death and maliciousness was too overwhelming.

  “Kill ’em all and let God sort them out,” he commented with a chuckle, accepting this new reality.

  “Exactly,” Erika agreed.

  Maybe she was right. It was time to quit wondering and just keep on doing, “Well, I guess it really was a good shot, wasn’t it?” He smiled at her.

  They finally reached the front of the line of carts and saw the dilemma. The quakes completely ravaged the landscape ahead. Normally, this area was filled with rolling hills that could be easily skirted if you followed the highway. Now it was full of cracks and crevices with rocks teetering in unstable positions. In the pouring rain, it was difficult to see to the bottom of this particular crevice. The people were discussing a rather obvious trail of tracks that skirted the crack in a direction that headed left. But the earlier group that traveled through here, which included Erika’s children, hadn’t faced this decision in the rain. The rain runoff was channeling through the crevice and no one knew what the top looked like. Plus, the wildfires that had cleared the landscape created a perfect environment for mudslides.

  All kinds of scenarios were discussed. If they turned right and tried to blaze a new trail, they had no idea how far they would have to go to find the river and then backtrack all the way up through land that didn’t have any kind of road before the quakes. Even with the road before them in shambles, at least they were more familiar with the route.

  It was also suggested that they just wait out the rain. It was a valid suggestion because usually in California the rain wouldn’t last more than a couple of days. But, with the threat of mudslides looming, they weren’t willing to risk the possibility it would get worse. People were living in terror, and waiting for anything normal to happen didn’t really make sense right now.

  In the end, they turned left, following the tracks in the mud, hoping against all odds for survival. The giant ravine loomed in darkness on their right and the flow of the mud pushed them toward the edge. The horses snorted deeply as the mist from the rain blasted through the air. Everyone was back in position now and it wasn’t long before Vince and Erika turned left and began their fight with gravity and the pull toward death.

  Finally, the caravan halted again. Most people were afraid to leave their carts on the edge of the cliff to go forward and see what the holdup was now. Erika left the cart in Vince’s care and went to find Rob. As she passed the horses she saw that the ravine did indeed have an end. It ended right into the side of one of those huge rolling hills. To get around the top of the ravine the carts would have to
be put almost completely on their sides. Her eyes followed the line that a cart would fall down and to her shock there was a cart down there. Then her worst fears were realized, she knew that cart! It was the same one Kit had pulled with her kids in it!

  “Oh my God!” she screamed. She immediately started down the crack, but she was stopped short.

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Rob said as he grabbed her by the arm. “I already sent Taylor down there. There’re no bodies there, not even a horse’s, so calm down.”

  “My God, Rob, I was so freaked,” Erika sighed as she realized the implications of his statement.

  “I knew you would be; so was I, honestly. Now the biggest problem is, how do we get past this? Our carts are way bigger than that.” He pointed to the cart in the ravine.

  Now that the shock was over, Erika focused on what could be done. The rain poured down relentlessly. She was so tired of being wet and cold. The water was driving down into the ravine, which made the crossing even more perilous. Everyone knew the supplies were too precious to leave behind, but they were running out of options. To make matters worse it would be dark soon.

  Rob gave them all two options. They leave the supplies behind and continue on, or they could hunker down on the edge of the cliff for the night and dig. The rain was already cutting the hill and if they could make the crossover flatter they could get the carts by safely. They would take shifts digging and sleeping all night until it was passible and with any hope that would be sometime tomorrow. This would have to be a group decision, though, so Erika went back down the line of carts and informed them one by one of the options. When she reached the end, she turned back and asked what decision they made. No one wanted to leave the supplies. They all knew that this was their ticket into a community or their key to start to a new one. They came so far already. There was no way they were going to leave it all.

  It was a horrible night. They were constantly adjusting the carts to stop the mud from sucking them into the ravine. Anyone not tending to carts was digging at the hill. Mud caked everyone, and the rain continued at a steady downpour.

  When the morning light shown, it was through fierce clouds with an eerie green hue. The rain halted but the clouds threatened. Food was distributed, and everyone took a small rest before they were ready to start the crossing. Suddenly, a buzz ran down the chain of people on the cliff. Steve and Randy came looking for them from the Lotus Camp. They already completed their mission of passing the message, but they knew that this crossing would be difficult, so they had ridden back. They ensured the group that after this crossing the road ahead was manageable. They also informed them that a large group of people were coming from the Lotus Camp to help but they were on foot, so it would take them longer to get here. Relief ran through all of them. They would be accepted, and they would have help.

  It took about another hour before the people from the Lotus Camp showed up, and even though people wanted to mingle it was all business. The rain had started again, and it was time to move. All the carts made it past the ravine safely, and hopes were high as they trudged the carts through the mud toward a new home. Nearing the river and their destination Erika noticed snipers on the hills. These folks were organized. Soon they reached high wooden walls with guards posted on top. The walls were recently constructed from old buildings and fallen trees. Erika was impressed as the gate opened.

  Chapter 28

  Erika’s heart raced as she went through the gates. With no idea what this camp would be like, she entered. Her mom and kids were in there. She could tell everyone was nervous. A lot of these people were living under the rule of a monster for months. Hopeful that this place would be different, they were corralled into a large area on the other side of the gates. Men with guns stood watch from the fences over the top of them. Erika was beginning to feel like a cow in a cattle roundup when a militant-looking man with sandy-gray hair took center stage in front of them.

  “My name is Andrew Bingham. I’ve been chosen by the people of this community as their leader and, as such, let me explain some things to all of you. You’re a very large group and we just took in the group from Cool, so obviously things are getting a little tight around here. But Steve and Randy have informed me that you have brought an extraordinary amount of supplies with you, so for that effort we thank you. Plus, I hear you have a doctor and medical supplies, and we have many here in need. To get to the point, we can make this work if we all work together. The supplies, minus your personal belongings, will be stored in our central supply area across the bridge. When we’re done here you can take the carts there to be sorted and stored. The families here have already divided tasks among themselves. Some provide wood, some provide food, some security, and so forth. We’ll make a line over by the supply area and each newcomer will provide their skill set so they can be placed into the appropriate occupational group. They’ll show you your new home and explain things to you. Anyone not okay with this can leave now. If you cannot be of use to the community, we have no use for you. We’ll work together and survive together.” A murmur went through the group, but no one headed for the gate. “Okay, now that we have that straightened out, welcome, everyone!” Andrew said joyfully, “and congratulations on surviving!”

  The crowd cheered and started to mobilize the carts toward the bridge as Andrew had instructed. Men that were standing idly around now smiled brightly and jumped in to help with the gear. Vince and Erika hung back as the caravan continued on toward the storage area. Erika approached Andrew and saw the two men near him with guns perk to attention.

  “Andrew, right?” Erika questioned tentatively. “My name is Erika.”

  “Erika Moore?” Andrew said, smiling.

  Erika nodded in confirmation.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you,” Andrew smiled wide and the men with the guns relaxed. “I bet you’re looking for your mom.”

  Erika was relieved. “Yes sir, I am!”

  “She’s waiting for you at the supply area. She’s helping organize the food stores. You can head over there. Oh and it’s very nice to finally meet you,” Andrew said, warm and welcoming. Erika could understand why he was chosen as their leader.

  As they approached the bridge, Erika felt her heart pounding out of her chest with excitement. Greg mumbled stubbornly in the cart while Erika and Vince pulled it across a suspension bridge. The bridge creaked with the weight of the people and carts. Looking down, Erika saw the river flowing across the remains of the old bridge beneath them. As soon as they reached the other side Ripper came running up to meet them. The mud could not cover their scent from the dog. He barked and danced at their feet, as Vince and Erika showered him in pets and praises. Tons of tents and shanties dotted the hill to the right. They were constructed from wood salvaged from an old hotel that once stood there. Some waved with smiles. Some were attending to tasks with grim faces, sweating in the heat. They continued to follow the caravan.

  Lotus and Coloma were side-by-side towns with very little distinction between the two. Coloma was where gold was originally discovered in California, and a historical area was erected there to remember the past. Ironically, it was mostly these buildings that survived. The area they were taking the supplies to had once been a museum filled with tools from the past. The people were putting them back into use, and horses pulled the historical carts around the camp, busily rebuilding a town for survivors. There was a clang, clang, clang coming from the old blacksmith shop, which was now back in full operation. Erika couldn’t help but feel that she had stepped back in time.

  “Mom!” Erika said excitedly to Vince, nudging him and pointing. She saw her mom up by the supply house, but she was met by another family member first. “Dexter!” she yelled, as he ran to meet them. Erika was almost breathless with joy as she reached out to hug him, spinning him around in the air. Vince jumped in and wrapped them both up in his arms. They all fell on the ground laughing.

  Greg poked his head over the side of the cart and watched with a smile at the
three of them all wrapped up and laughing on the ground. “What about Uncle G?” he questioned, “Where’s my hug?”

  Dexter got up in the cart and tackled Greg, giving him a huge hug.

  “Where’s Star, Dex?” Erika questioned with urgency.

  “She’s in helping Grandma. They said I was too little and should just go play with the other kids but I’m not too little, Mom. I’m strong and I can help,” he insisted in a pouty voice.

  “I know, Dex, you’re my big boy, right?” Erika said lovingly.

  “That’s right!” Dexter said confidently.

  “Let’s go see where they are,” Erika declared, smiling so widely she thought her cheeks would bust.

  “Come on, Mom, I’ll show you,” Dexter said, grabbing Erika’s hand. He began pulling her along.

  Erika looked at Vince, asking him with her eyes if it was all right to go.

  “You guys go ahead. Greg and I can get in line with this stuff. I’m sure we can find someone to help get the cart over there,” Vince told her, understanding what her look meant.