After the Republic

by Frank L. Williams

  For a moment no one spoke. Keri broke the silence with a soft prayer from Psalms: “Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. Amen.”

  ***

  That afternoon, a loud rumble shook the forest as Joshua and Perry made their way up the path from the lake.

  “What in the world?” Joshua asked. He could feel the trail vibrating under his feet.

  “No clue,” Perry said. “Strange…”

  Joshua gripped his 9mm as they approached the clearing. His jaw dropped and he stared in bewilderment at a semi-trailer tanker truck passing in front of them. Thomas was at the wheel and Drew followed in Thomas’ Suburban. Drew grinned and waved as he passed. Speechless, Joshua and Perry watched as the truck wormed its way up the path past Drew’s cabin before pulling into the woods and backing into a cleared area on the opposite side of the trail. Several of Thomas’ contractors jumped out of the Suburban and began working to conceal the truck with a makeshift shelter. Drew disappeared into his cabin.

  Joshua pointed at the truck as Thomas climbed down out of the cab. “What in the world?”

  “Hey man,” Thomas said. “Let’s just say we won’t have to worry about where to get gas when the stations run out.”

  Joshua cocked an eyebrow. “This had to cost a fortune. How did you manage this?”

  “Drew took care of it.”

  Joshua shook his head in bewilderment.

  ***

  After dinner that night Joshua turned the television to a national news station. The chaos we have seen throughout the nation appears to have made its way to western North Carolina. A house and barn near Robbinsville exploded and burned to the ground yesterday. Two bodies were found in the barn and a third in the house. Authorities first attributed the explosion to an accident related to a meth lab in the house. However, a fourth badly burned body was found on the edge of Lake Fontana, several miles east of the dam. Authorities have identified this body as the brother of one of the two men whose bodies were found in the barn. While his body was badly burned, the cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound. Authorities now believe the two events are related. There are no suspects at this time.

  “Not good,” Joshua said. “I’d better go tell Bob.”

  ***

  The next night, Joshua called the camp meeting to order and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was a short one as there was little discussion of the camp rules, which were adopted without opposition. After the camp-wide meeting Joshua called the council meeting to order using the same gavel he had wielded as mayor. Rebecca, Jack, Jim, Ruth and Chuck stuck around to observe.

  Joshua outlined a standard agenda he planned to follow for council meetings, which included a review of outside news, discussions about security, the importance of developing a sustainable food supply, other needed supplies, health, Andrea’s plans to help the children continue their education, overall camp morale and any other issues that needed to be addressed from week to week.

  “I feel compelled to point out that most of the items on this list never showed up on our agendas when I was on the town council or in the legislature,” Joshua said. “It never seemed relevant to talk about security of this nature or our food supply. The mere fact that these items are even on our agenda is indicative of the unique situation in which we find ourselves. We cannot afford to get complacent or let our guard down. Yesterday’s events bear that out. Let’s start with security. Bob, can you give us an update?”

  Bob discussed the hedgerows that he and Kane were constructing around the camp border. He reiterated the need to avoid drawing attention to the camp and the importance of traveling in groups, with security, when leaving the camp.

  “That means you, boy.” Bob pointed at Drew. “Your unaccompanied trips outside of the camp put us all at risk.”

  “Don’t worry about me.” Drew pushed his glasses against his face. “I take great pains to stay low-key and ensure that I am not followed.”

  “Drew, I share Bob’s concern on this,” Joshua said. “Something could happen to you and no one would know.”

  “Again, don’t worry about me. If I don’t come back, give my house to Jim and his family.”

  “Boy, I don’t think you get it,” Bob said. “You’re putting ALL OF US at risk.”

  Drew turned beet red and waved his finger at Bob. “You need to consult your oracle and make sure you’ve got your facts straight before making accusations. How many times have you had to rescue me or come to my defense since this whole thing started? NONE! You’ve had to rescue or defend almost every man in this camp except me, and yet I’m the one you keep singling out. Something is wrong with you!”

  Joshua’s stomach twisted as Bob shot up from his seat, his fists clenched and his nostrils flaring like an angry bull, and took a step toward Drew. Drew turned his back toward Bob. Thomas stepped between them.

  “Man, let’s all take a deep breath and relax,” Thomas said. “Drew, I have to agree with these fellas. I was a bit too laid back about this whole security thing, and it almost got me killed yesterday.”

  “If I don’t come back, don’t come looking for me,” Drew reiterated.

  “Let’s move on.” Joshua’s brow furrowed. “Drew, I’ll talk with you one-on-one about this later.”

  The council discussed the camp’s progress toward developing a sustainable food supply. The trotlines were slowly beginning to yield fish and several of the men had begun fishing farther out on the lake using the canoes Drew had acquired. Kane’s hunting continued to yield a steady supply of meat and Joshua’s chickens were now producing eggs daily. The dairy cows Thomas had acquired were producing milk. While vegetables were in short supply inside the camp it would soon be time to begin planting a garden. In the meantime, Thomas had identified several places they could acquire fruit and vegetables from local farmers. Others in the camp were beginning to hunt and fish and many still had most of their non-perishable food supply.

  “So far, we’re hanging in there in regard to developing our food supply,” Joshua said. “However, this is something we have to focus on every single day. And we also have to realize that, if people outside of this camp who are struggling for food find out we are here, they could become a threat.”

  The council covered its remaining agenda items and adjourned.

  ***

  Drew caught up with Jack as everyone began to head their separate ways. “Jack, you seem like a decent guy. I was hoping to ask you for a favor?”

  “Sure, what is it?”

  Drew looked around to make sure no one else was in earshot. He swallowed hard. “Well, I’m almost embarrassed to ask this, but I was hoping you could teach me how to properly shoot a pistol. I bought one today while I was out. I’ve fired a shotgun, but didn’t grow up around handguns and have no idea how to use it. I don’t want to ask that Bob guy… I know how that will go.”

  Jack chuckled. “Yep, he’d give you a little grief. I’ll be glad to help. Where did you find a pistol?”

  “A guy Thomas introduced me to. Let me know if you want his name.”

  ***

  After breakfast the next morning the men in the camp got together for their version of a small group. Jim offered a prayer and opened the meeting. “Guys, thanks for being here. I want to start by saying that this is not some sort of support group. Proverbs 27:17 says, ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.’ That’s why we’re here, to sharpen each other as men and as leaders. Any questions before we start?”

  Joshua spoke up. “I don’t have a question, but do have a couple of comments. First, thank you to Jim for his willingness to lead this. This is important. Second, thank you to all of you for coming. Please take th
is seriously.”

  “I’ll take it seriously as long as it doesn’t turn into some kind of namby pamby girl talk session,” Bob said, blowing a puff of cigar smoke.

  Jim chuckled. “I don’t think there’s much risk of that with this group. However, I do think we can help each other. And for those who are willing, we should pray for each other.”

  “Guys, I’ll start,” Perry volunteered. “Please pray for me to be strong for Caroline. She seems to be on a bit more solid ground, but I’m still worried she may have another breakdown.” He choked up. “I’ve hidden all of the knives in our camper.”

  Several of the other men shared things their families were struggling with. Bob, Kane and Drew were silent.

  “It occurs to me that virtually all of these requests have one thing in common,” Jim observed. “They all relate to our families, and to how we can be strong for them. Anyone else?”

  “I have a couple of prayer requests,” Joshua spoke up. “First, pray for me in the leadership role you guys have entrusted me with. Second, pray for both Rebecca and me as we adjust. Third, let’s all pray for the safety of everyone here. Finally, we need to pray for our nation, or what’s left of it, as a whole. I fear we’re seeing America’s last days.”

  ***

  The violence has mushroomed into full-scale riots across America. In many areas federal Homeland Security police and military personnel are using extreme force to quell the violence – a move that continues to meet with resistance from some governors and local officials. President Armando continues to reject their criticisms as unwarranted.

  The newscast cut away to the Governor of Texas. The State of Texas does not recognize the right of so-called Homeland Security police to patrol our streets. We will not stand idly by and allow these unconstitutional federal agents to oppress our citizens, and our National Guard and local law enforcement stand ready to defend the people of the Lone Star State. Furthermore, I will pardon any Texas citizen who is accused of a crime for defending his or her freedom – or that of his or her neighbors – against this federal intrusion, which is nothing more than a blatant step toward tyranny.

  The anchor came back on screen. Several other governors have publicly said that they stand with Texas, including the governors of South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Montana and Ohio. This list is sure to grow.

  President Armando appeared on screen. These statements by the Governor of Texas and other governors are uncalled for, irresponsible, and downright un-American. This is a blatant act of rebellion against the United States. I call on these governors to renounce their statements and resign their offices immediately. Any shots fired against our Homeland Security police by the National Guard or local law enforcement personnel in these states will be considered an act of treason against the United States and we will respond accordingly. I will not stand idly by and allow this republic to be split by rebellion any more than Abraham Lincoln before me.

  The anchor again came on screen. The Governor of Texas offered some strong words in response to President Armando’s attempt to compare himself to Abraham Lincoln. The newscast again cut away to the Texas Governor. That is a completely ludicrous statement by an un-American, dictatorship-minded politician who is barely a shadow of the man to whom he is comparing himself. If he’s Abraham Lincoln, then I’m Bugs Bunny.

  “The country is falling apart at light speed.” Joshua shook his head and switched to a local newscast.

  We have more information about a story we first reported yesterday. Authorities have matched a bullet taken from the body found at Lake Fontana yesterday to one taken from the body of a federal agent killed in Chatham County two days after the attack on Raleigh. Both bullets were fired from the same .308 rifle. So far authorities have not been able to track down the owner of the rifle. The case has been turned over to Homeland Security police.

  Joshua looked at Rebecca, stunned. He found Bob and described what he’d heard on the newscast.

  Bob shook his head and frowned. “It sounds like those were the bullets fired from Martin’s rifle. The good news is that the weapon was acquired from a non-traceable source. The bad news is that these Homeland Security police will be nosing around this part of the state now. We need to get rid of the rifle before they stumble onto this camp.”

  As they were talking Thomas’ Suburban pulled up to Joshua’s cabin. Jack was in the vehicle with him.

  “Hey guys, we’re headed to pick up some things and ditch this vehicle,” Thomas said. “What are y’all up to?”

  After Joshua explained the situation and the need to get rid of Kane’s rifle Thomas said, “Man, I think I can help with that. I have a buddy who runs a gun store but also sells ‘em off the grid, if you know what I mean. He can get it out of this area. Where’s the gun?”

  Bob found Kane and they hid the rifle in Thomas’ Suburban. As they were doing so Drew came down the mountain and hopped into the back seat. He had a blue backpack over his right shoulder. Bob silently glared at Drew.

  As the vehicle headed down the mountain Bob said, “That Thompson boy still worries me.”

  “He worries me sometimes too,” Joshua agreed. “But he has a point that we haven’t had to defend or rescue him yet.”

  Bob sent a puff of cigar smoke in Joshua’s direction. “Yet!”

  PART III

  CHAPTER 9

  The full moon pierced the cloudless pre-dawn sky, illuminating the ripples atop the water like a million tiny stars. The mountains rose around the lake like walls on a stone fortress and the waves gently lapped against the canoe. Joshua’s breath was visible in the cold, pre-dawn air. The darkness was not defiled by man-made lights, penetrated only by the moon and stars.

  Joshua took a deep breath of the cold winter air. He scratched Reagan behind the ears and the now full-grown dog raised his head in response. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown, Joshua thought. For that matter, I can’t believe we’ve been here a year. Reagan was a best friend to everyone in the camp but was at the same time territorial, fearless, protective and always on the alert for anything that might pose a threat.

  Joshua’s mind wandered to the events of the past twelve months. So much had happened since they had made the trek to their new home in the mountains. On the one hand, it was hard to believe they had been in the camp a full year. On the other hand, it seemed like they had been here forever. Their farm, his time in the legislature – it all seemed like a distant memory.

  The terrorist attacks had left the United States a mere pale reflection of what was once a shining city on a hill. In their aftermath hunger had reached epidemic proportions. Grocery stores were cut off from their supply chains and few Americans had the knowledge or skills to grow or hunt their own food. This, combined with the abrupt halt in government benefits and the collapse of the nation’s financial network, left millions desperate for food and put the nation on the pathway to widespread violence that overwhelmed state and local governments and law enforcement. The death toll from the hunger and violence was nearly as incomprehensible as the number killed in the terrorist attacks.

  In Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, Mexican drug cartels had taken advantage of the chaos to seize control of the southern border. In many cases the remnants of local law enforcement and National Guard personnel were split between defending the border and sparring with Homeland Security police.

  Street gangs had claimed control of large chunks of territory in urban areas. In Texas and Arizona gangs were battling drug cartels for control of many cities’ streets. In the remnants of New York and Chicago the gangs’ primary opposition was newly emboldened organized crime.

  AIS had made good on its threats to launch ground attacks on American soil. The first came in Philadelphia, where they had seized control of a large chunk of the city, destroyed the Liberty Bell in a mainly symbolic victory and raised an Islamic flag over the city hall. The terrorist group was eventually defeated – not by local law enforcement or the American military, but by a well-org
anized, well-armed street gang that wanted the city for itself.

  AIS had launched attacks in other areas, primarily along the east coast. In Virginia, they surrounded and burned a Methodist church full of worshipers. A Catholic church in Maryland met the same fate. The terrorist organization launched an all-out offensive in New England, where they seized and still maintained control of significant portions of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

  Throughout the country AIS-affiliated suicide bombers had blown themselves up in crowded areas. AIS militants and lone-wolf copycat terrorists launched small-arms attacks targeting civilians. No one felt safe anywhere, and the peace and comfort so many Americans had long taken for granted was no more. Local law enforcement was ineffective or nonexistent in many areas. The American people had no one to defend them; they had to defend themselves.

  Closer to home, AIS had seized control of the port in Morehead City. The terrorist group had begun an inland move from the port before being met by forces from Camp Lejeune led by U.S. Marine Corps Major General Samuel Cloos. The conflict had not yet reached the mountains, but Joshua’s gut still told him it would in due time.

  While the teetering nation was reeling from the brutal attacks and lawless chaos on its streets, those living in the camp had gone relatively unscathed in the months following Thomas’ kidnapping. Most had learned the lessons of the incident and now willingly followed Bob’s security protocols.

  Drew was the only person who consistently left the camp without a security escort, and he was remarkably bull-headed on this issue. Though he had not yet caused any known security breaches, his secretive ways and obstinate refusal to follow basic security protocols frustrated Joshua and raised suspicions among other council members.

  Most camp residents had become adept hunters, fishermen, farmers or gardeners. Thomas had secured and planted several full-grown apple and peach trees, and they had already produced fruit. Camp residents had grown a variety of vegetables, including squash, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, collards and corn.