Righteous Sacrifice
Righteous Survival EMP Saga, Book 3
By:
Timothy A. Van Sickel
Text copyright: Timothy A. Van Sickel
2017
All rights reserved
Cities, towns and places in this series do exist. Google them to find their actual locations. The characters in this book are completely fictional as are any specific locations and, or businesses cited. Local surnames are used, such as Cashaw, Hasselrig, Mostoller and Gindlesperger to name a few. This is only done to keep the local aspect of the book true to life. Any resemblance to any real person is strictly coincidental.
Table of Contents
Author’s Comments
Roster of main characters
Map of the area
Chapter 1, Home Coming
Chapter 2, Do What You Can Do
Chapter 3, Movement
Chapter 4, Uprising
Chapter 5, My Land
Chapter 6, Meeting Neighbors
Chapter 7, Moving Forward
Chapter 8, Progress
Chapter 9, The Resistance
Chapter 10, The Missionary
Chapter 11, The Conference
Chapter 12, Peace Talks
Chapter 13, No Deal
Chapter 14, New Beginnings
Chapter 15, Scouting
Chapter 16, The Bazaar
Chapter 17, Traps
Chapter 18, Meeting Neighbors
Chapter 19, Betrayed
Chapter 20, The Brain Squad’s Reality
Chapter 21, The Conspiracy
Chapter 22, Coming Home
Chapter 23, Community Unity
Chapter 24, Trading
Chapter 25, Acquiring Intelligence
Chapter 26, Stuff
Chapter 27, Chaffed
Chapter 28, Over There
Chapter 29, Reality
Chapter 30, Red again
Chapter 31, Who’s Stuff
Chapter 32, Elitism
Chapter 33, New Deal
Chapter 34, Go Time
Chapter 35, Ain’t Workin’
Chapter 36, Bug Out
Chapter 37, New Sunrise
Chapter 38, Ambush
Chapter 39, Destruction
Chapter 40, Contacts
Chapter 41, Mountain Top
Chapter 42, Move it now!
Chapter 43, The World
Chapter 44, First Contact
Chapter 45, Move Now
Chapter 46, Levers and Knobs
Chapter 47, Oath Keepers
Chapter 48, Assembly
Chapter 49, Occupied
Chapter 50, Converging
Chapter 51, Engaging
Authors Final Words
Author’s Comments
The story of Mark Mays, his family, and his companions continues in the third volume of this epic saga. The Mays family will always be the center point of this story, but to tell a complete tale, other characters will be brought into the story. They may be brought back later on, or they may just fade away. Every character is brought in to bring about a significant point.
For the EMP purist; I am not an electromagnetic pulse scientist. In this scenario, I assume all microchips get fried. I assume that if microchips are stripped away from a generator or motor, that the generator or motor will still run if properly modified including figuring out a timing belt for firing pistons. I have had an electronic engineer confirm my thoughts. But there are many opinions on this matter. In this book, stripping away electronics brings about a usable generator or motor with proper modifications.
Many local establishments are referenced in this saga. The towns and cities are real places, but any local establishments are fictional places and any resemblance to a known establishment is strictly coincidental.
The author has taken a bit of literary license about the Letterkenny Arms Depot. It does exist, and it is massive, check it out on google maps. Its location has been depicted more remote than its true location, and while in reality it is mainly an air defense facility, again, I have used a bit of literary license in describing what it contains. But did I? Look at it on google maps. There are miles of roads leading to underground bunkers and clearly visible acres full of equipment and vehicles.
A Christian ethic will continue throughout this book. It is why I decided to write this epic saga. It is not meant to convert anyone to Christianity. It is meant to make you think. There are many opinions on a Christian’s use of force. There are the pure pacifists, those who condone self-defense, defense of family and property to those who condone violence against anyone who threatens freedom. Each individual must act as they see fit, make choices that they will need to live with. I am not trying to make a statement for any position. I do hope it makes you think about it.
One last comment. This book is about 300 pages long, 100,000 words. At that length, I can offer the print version of the book at a fair price using Amazon’s print on demand feature. So the story ended where it did because of economics! If a major publisher offered me a contract maybe that will change. Lol, hell no! I’ll keep my freedom.
Thanks for reading this new twist on an EMP event.
I can be contacted at [email protected].
Roster of main characters
Righteous Sacrifice, Book 3 of the Righteous Survival EMP Saga
In this saga it will take many people coming together to survive the chaos. This is a list of characters carried over from books 1 and 2, as well as some new characters introduced in book 3. This is not a comprehensive list of all characters.
Additionally, some characters are brought in to carry out a specific objective, and then may fade into the background once their story has been told. Mark Mays and his family will continue through the entire saga.
Mark and Rebecca Mays
Brit & Bennie, Zach & Janie
Zach and Janie
Rusty, Blake, James (Jimmy), Mark, Sarah
Brit and Kennie (Ken)
Larson, Grace (Grayson)
Reverend WysingerBaptist Church Minister
Paul and Eva Mays (Mark's brother and sister in law)
Herc and Leesa, John Jr.
Jerry DeversLocal Deacon, Central City, gulf war vet, Lt., S4
John FisherArmy Ranger First Sergeant (retired), Central City Colonel, XO
Randy HutchinsAfghan Vet, Central CityCaptain, S3
Sgt John AndersFormer Lt Col, communicationsLt, S2
HairyLarge bad man, converts to Mark’s side
Daneel, Security Marine
Buck, E6 MPFamily in Orlando
Ms. Mary HodgeSomerset County Commisioner
Gloria BurnsE-6 Somerset
George HayE-8 Somerset
Sidney BurnsE-8 Marines, retired, St Michaels
Captain John AlbrightSomerset Militia Commander
Chief FleegleSomerset Police Chief
Sgt MostollerE5 MP, Somerset
SarahDurrantMark’s Sister
Mary DuganRefugee Doctor
Captain RegisJennerstown Militia
Terry BarnesLocal Evangelical Christian
Lt Jerry HasselrigJohnstown refugee clan leader
Big PaulieJohnstown gang leader
Sheriff OwensBedford County Sheriff
JuliaRefugee Pastor
Lt Colonel AdkinsPA National Guard General Staff, Bedford militia leader
Sgt MerkleBedford County NCO, promoted to militia captain
Dean ChaffeBillionaire banker
Carl ChaffeDean’s son
Major JeffersChaffes hired security, retired special forces officer
Red, HandeleIndian born American translator/ mercenary
Derrick DurantMar
k’s well connected brother-in-law
Lucas ThomasIndepedent Farmer
Mr Ted ZearfossFulton County Commissioner
Captain WarfieldFulton County Militia commander, oath keeper
Cpt. Sheila MathewsSpecials forces, Major Jeffers’ XO
Prof. DombroskyCollege Dean and Richland area leader
Map of the area
Chapter 1, Home Coming
Somerset, PA
September 23rd
The supply convoy of four ragtag farm trucks, three days over due, rolls south down Center Avenue. The late September dreary rain has most people holed up, out of the weather. Darkness is setting in as the day turns to night. The bustling town they left four days ago is quiet, eerily quiet.
The group is expecting a hero's welcome considering all they have been through, and what they are bringing back to the poorly armed and isolated town, which has been besieged by stragglers and random bands of renegades.
The convoy cleared through the town's northern roadblock easily; the guards had been expecting them. They where greeted warmly, but things seemed off. A brash E6 had told them to report directly to Captain Albright, not to talk to anyone esle.
Their arrival in town is expected, but no one has come to greet them. One of the County Commissioners and one of their leading militia leaders are coming home after a four day saga to bring needed arms and ammunition to the town they love, and no one comes to greet them? The streets are vacant? Sergeant Hay, with twenty-eight years of military experience, knows something is off. He senses it. The town they left four days ago has changed. He has his convoy pull off and set up security at the big intersection with the Pennsylvania turnpike where there is a small local roadblock.
* * *
It has been twelve days since the EMP hit. Sergeant Hay and Commissioner Hodge left the community four days ago with a small convoy to attain needed supplies. At that time, the people of Somerset where already starting to pull together. Somerset is a self-reliant farming town and the hardy stock of people, after the initial shock, got organized setting up a militia with a civilian governing body. The local farmers started to help out too. But they lacked arms and ammunition to protect their sprawling farming community against the growing threats they saw mounting around them.
A scouting mission from the Murtha Airport in nearby Johnstown, lead by Sergeant Zach White, offered them arms and ammunition in return for an alliance. The local leadership agreed to this. But as the Somerset crew was loading up their supplies at the airport, the airport was overrun by desperate locals from Johnstown.
In the three-day journey back to Somerset, the convoy overcame many trials. They also made new allies, including a group in Central City lead by Mark Mays, Zach's stepfather. Finally back home, the convoy carries enough ammunition to turn their small militia into a well-armed force. The area that was protected by deer rifles and pheasant guns can now be protected by M16s and SAWs.
But Sergeant Hay senses that the town they left is not the same town they are returning to. If the Somerset area is no longer under the control of the civilian/militia leadership that had been set up, then allowing their cargo of arms and ammunition to fall into the wrong hands will bring more chaos.
* * *
His group is approached by a local tradesman from the small roadblock.
"Sergeant Hay, man am I glad to see you!" he says. "Things are starting to go off the rails here and we need to get it sorted out."
Sergeant Hay and Ms. Hodge walk out to greet the man and shake his hand. "It's good to be back Frank, good to see you. It's a bad situation out there. We had a rough time getting back. What's going on here? Things seem to be off," states Ms. Hodge.
"Captain Albright is what's going on here. He's on a power trip and no one will stand up to him. It started the day after you left. There is a broadcast coming over one of the HAM radio channels stating that the president has instituted martial law and that all active duty and reserve units are to take control of their immediate areas and prepare for future orders. Captain Albright clamped down hard when he got that order.
"He locked up the town council yesterday, because they tried to maintain control of the markets and food distribution. Half the militia has either left or is regrouping in Bakersville. At least a half dozen people have been shot for desertion, and many more locked up for disobedience."
"Who's following him and his martial law orders?" Sergeant Hay asks.
"He has about thirty soldiers, and as many civilians with him. He took over the Georgian Place mansion as his headquarters. There is a dusk to dawn curfew, and all food and supplies are to be sent to him, so he can distribute them 'justly'.
"This all just started, and most people don't think its’ right; those who’ve heard about it. We were just talkin’ about it ourselves, and are thinkin’ of headin’ to Bakersville too. A few Reserve NCO's and officers, and two council members have gathered a large group out there. But we got no way to get there except to walk. Captain Albright is confiscating all runnin’ vehicles and assigning them to people loyal ta him."
"We got company comin’, sarge," one of Sergeant Hay’s men hollers from their perimeter.
They turn to see a pickup truck and an old Bronco heading their way down Center Avenue. The guard hurries back to his roadblock position as Sergeant Hay and Ms. Hodge scamper back to the relative safety of their convoy perimeter.
The Bronco rolls right up to the convoy while the truck stops a few hundred feet away. Sergeant Hay takes notice of this security discipline, these are soldiers, not locals.
Police Chief Fleegle steps out of the Bronco, and with a broad smile places his hands on his hips, his right hand just above his service weapon.
"So glad to see y’all made it back, Sergeant. We got the news you were okay. Captain Albright is lookin’ forward to seein’ what you managed to bring back."
"We’re just about to head out to the armory," Sergeant Hay starts. "But Ms. Hodge wants us to drop her off at the County Courthouse first, so she can check in, let her people know she is okay."
"No need for that. Captain Albright moved the headquarters to Georgian Place, to be closer to town. I'll take care of Ms. Hodge for you. You just follow the pickup to HQ and I'll take Ms. Hodge to meet with the rest of the town council." The chief smiles broadly as he opens the passenger door of his Bronco.
"I'd like to accompany Ms. Hodge. We want to round up the council, so we can report on what we've seen. You and Captain Albright should be there too. How ‘bout we all meet at the chamber offices in an hour?"
A scowl crosses Chief Fleegle's face. "The captain told me to have you go straight up to HQ. You have important cargo. I'll take care of Ms Hodge. We can all meet after you report to the captain and get your convoy unloaded."
"Chief, it was the council that sent me on this mission, you were there. I intend on reporting back to the council."
The chief tries to maintain his composure. He is used to dealing with punks that need to be man handled. Sergeant Hay is no punk. The Chief knows he needs to be tactful in this situation. Still, he is not used to being confronted and he grows a little red in the face.
"You don't work for the council, sergeant you work for the captain. You are ordered to report to him."
"You got that wrong chief, I’m retired. I don't work for the captain."
The chief smiles. "No, Sergeant you have that wrong. Martial law has been implemented by the new president. Under martial law, you now report to the captain. So please step aside while I take Ms. Hodge into custody."
It is make or break time for Sergeant Hay. For twenty-eight years he did as he was ordered. Sometimes those orders were inane. But he never did anything unlawful or immoral. More often, what he was ordered not to do was immoral, trying to follow flawed rules of engagement that put his men and civilians in danger.
But today he is his own man. He saw what happened at the Johnstown airport when the unit was given immoral, irresponsible orders. He saw the mobs
of people out for "justice". He has seen his own town rally together without federal help or directives. And as far as he knows, there is no president. There is only now, and what is right, what is wrong.
In a flash, the chief finds the barrel of Sergeant Hay's M16A2 pointed right at his forehead. Sergeant Hay is no longer retired from the United States Army. He is now an active member of the Laurel Highlands Militia.
Chapter 2, Do What You Can Do
Central City
September 23rd
"We need a plan to deal with the refugees coming from Johnstown, and a plan to reclaim the farms that have been overrun in Davidsville," I state to the group of civilians and soldiers that elected me General of the Laurel Highlands Militia, "First priority is dealing with the refugees. No sense in bailing out the boat until you stop the leak."
"So you are talking about extending the work for room and board program?" the Mayor begins. "We have run that to capacity here. Our farmers and the community have taken in all we can with the Flight 93 refugees and the people coming out of Windber."
"So the program needs to be expanded to other areas," states Reverend Wysinger.
"Ms. Hodge was fully on board with taking in people to help the farmers around Somerset, and for general cleanup and rebuilding in the town," states Dr. Mary Dugan, MD, who is a representative of the Flight 93 refugees. "Their food resources are much greater than ours, and so is their need for help."
"So we need to convince our neighboring towns to put our system in place. To bring in refugees willing to help while keeping out the renegades," states the mayor.
"And it needs to be done right away," I state grimly. "The hooligans and trouble makers are heading this way, and the starving masses are right behind them. Mayor, Dr. Dugan, Reverend, you and your people need to set up a plan by tomorrow morning. Tell us what you need. There are a lot of intelligent people in town that can be put to work on this. Come up with something that we can work with. If needed, we will work out the details as we go. I assure you, wherever your people go, we will provide security. We will also make sure that there is coordination with Ms. Hodge and the people from Somerset."
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