The Fracturing: Book 2 (The Culling Series)

by Tricia Wentworth

  When we have all settled down, the stuffy, very intelligent looking man and October begin our tour.

  “Welcome to Fermi,” October says with a smile.

  The other man, who introduces himself as Professor Billings, begins talking, walking, and explaining how the nuclear power plant works. October pitches in here and there and explains things in simpler terms. I know immediately why they had her come along. She is great about cutting through all the verbose terminology and explaining things in simplest terms, like she did for me when I was struggling with my decision between Lyncoln and Henry.

  “So instead of using and burning a valuable natural resource, the heat used for turning the water into steam comes from fission,” Professor Billings says as we finish walking around and looking at a bunch of different container looking things, ending up in a room with a bunch of different computers and types of monitors.

  I’m beginning to understand the basics, the turning of water into steam for electricity, but when looking at all the different parts, I realize I don’t, and probably never will, understand how it all works together. It’s just one gigantic machine with a bunch of smaller working machines within it. It’s impressive, really, that they all work together to accomplish what they’re telling us.

  October seeing the blank stares at the term “fission” breaks it down even more for us, “Fission is just radioactive decay where the uranium atom splits into smaller parts.”

  Maverick almost cringes at this. He drilled them with questions about the uranium earlier. His background in chemistry taught him how deadly radioactive material can be. I confess that even I am hesitant and scared of this element. I understand it saves us a lot of precious fuel, but if not watched over properly, it could very easily wipe out the population of Detroit. Is it really wise to take such a risk?

  “How were there not any radioactive leaks or damages when Trident happened anyway? We have all of these nuclear plants around the country and not one had an issue? How is that possible?” Maverick asks intelligently, interrupting again unable to help himself.

  While Professor Billings rolls his eyes as if he has already clearly explained this, October nods her head as if she understands where he’s coming from and takes over speaking. “The plan the U.S. government developed if a pandemic like Trident were ever to happen involved the closing down of the plants and cooling of the cores. The military also had personnel in place to come in afterward and switch out the fuel rods and check and clean the coolant passages. So as long as they weren’t still running with no one alive to do a system shut down, the uranium remained properly contained. Once the pandemic news spread, they were all immediately shut down, before the virus had even really spread from the East coast.”

  Maverick’s face drains of blood while he thinks of something. “So the uranium from the other plants is all just sitting there?”

  Professor Billings looks annoyed. “Some have been moved to storage facilities across Michigan so we can monitor them. With others, we have traveled to the plant and used what was there in generating electricity. We can now monitor every single nuclear power plant from here at Fermi. The odds of someone getting a hold of uranium and understanding what to do with it nowadays are slim.” He pauses a moment. “Plus, we have a military base with personnel specifically trained to protect our township because of the importance of the uranium, not necessarily as a weapon, but as a primary source of our electricity across the country. We have more of a military presence here than most of the other townships.”

  We all look at each other knowing where Maverick is coming from. We have an enemy that was originally smart enough to create a deadly virus that killed 99% of the population. So why can’t they use the uranium for nuclear weapons? It seems farfetched if you think about it, but when we studied the past nuclear bombs and their destruction, it’s a pretty scary thing to even consider. The thought of one being used now is beyond terrifying. Our gene pool would be devastated if anything like that were to ever happen.

  And though they may have more military here, they also are in the dark about the very real threat that’s out there. How can they know how to protect Detroit properly if they don’t know there is something to protect it from?

  Professor Billings is obviously distressed with our lack of confidence in his explanation. “Do you really think someone would be trained and intelligent enough to get the uranium?” he asks haughtily.

  “Did anyone really think anyone was trained or intelligent enough for Trident?” Maverick challenges.

  “Valid point,” Professor Billings says after a moment. Maverick isn’t vocal on a lot of topics, but when he is, he is usually correct.

  We finish our tour of Fermi and Professor Billings is oddly more pleasant to deal with. It seems he understands we may be smarter than he gave us credit for. The most interesting part of the tour, other than what the plant itself looks like, are all the monitors for all the remaining nuclear plants. We are told that Fermi, the wind turbines in Galveston, and the few working plants at dams are all that we need to power our current population. It’s crazy to think about.

  We have two more stops on our way to our luncheon with the council and leadership. We first stop at the military base that Professor Billings told us about. I’m pleased to find there is always a team of five to ten men working there. Lyncoln, of course, is relaxed and at home being at the base. He seems to know quite a few of the officers in charge. I’m reminded again how his reputation is known throughout the townships. Maybe we have a small chance at this after all.

  The other stop is at a civil engineering firm. We talk to the engineers in charge of checking the stability of different roads and structures, such as the bridges for train tracks still in use, as well as all the old dams across the country.

  I find everything about Detroit completely over my head but interesting. It very much reminds me of Vegas. People are just as smart here, just maybe not so hyper-driven. Or maybe it is a different kind of smart, a different kind of drive. Medical intelligence and mechanical intelligence seem to be two completely different breeds of genius.

  The luncheon with the leadership and council goes quickly. Two of the military officers in charge of the base in Detroit are there and Lyncoln and I spend most of our time talking with them and their wives. Well, more like the men ask Lyncoln all sorts of questions, and so by default, I chat with their wives. One wife shows me pictures of their three-year-old daughter, and the other looks about eight months pregnant. Though she makes it look easy, I feel a pang of nervousness at this. Good thing I only got engaged just yesterday. I still have lots of time before I have to worry about that.

  We finally arrive at the location for our speeches. I’m delighted to see that we will be speaking outdoors in front of the Detroit River. It is quite chilly, but the afternoon sun makes it tolerable. I’m just enjoying the fresh outdoor air while I can. It reminds me of how locked up we are in Denver.

  Our speeches go quickly and then we are standing among the people, which is my favorite part of the tours. I won’t cure cancer. I won’t develop an algorithm for structural safety. I won’t design a more efficient and cleaner means for refining and moving oil. I won’t be able to lead our military or hunt down the enemy like Lyncoln. What I am good at though, is people. Talking and listening to people.

  “Well, look who the cat drug in.”

  I turn to see Joshua talking to Lyncoln. I walk over and give him a hug. It seems like just yesterday that the three of us were working on our group project with Henry and Oliver. I can barely contain my anger that Joshua probably doesn’t even know what happened to Oliver. For that matter, Oliver’s own mother doesn’t know the truth of it either.

  I put on a smile and try to enjoy talking with Joshua. He seems not at all surprised we are together. He does ask about Henry, just like October did, and I become cognizant of the fact that no one who really knows Henry is buying into their act. Joshua doesn’t ask any uncomfortable questions, which confir
ms he has no idea about Oliver’s death. That’s even more disturbing and sad than if he would have. We say our goodbyes and promise to keep in touch.

  Thinking of October, I look through the crowd for her. She told me she would bring Lucas over to meet us. I miss her! We aren’t at all similar, but because we are so different, I appreciate her opinions and presence that much more. She may have been my most unexpected friendship within the Culling.

  After getting to chat with Cadence briefly, I meet the three-year-old little girl named Natalie, whose picture I was shown at the luncheon. This girl is just bubbling with life, and I immediately adore her. She reminds me of Wyatt in her abundance of energy. Her mom isn’t there, but I know she is somewhere in the near vicinity, so I gladly chat with her while we wait for her mom. She is telling me about her favorite book when a loud boom makes the ground shudder slightly.

  I automatically turn in the direction of the sound while grabbing Natalie in close, picking her up.

  What was that?

  Next, numerous things happen at the same time. Natalie clings to me scared and starts to cry. I feel Sarge and Jamie’s presence by my side as they move in closer. The military officers, one being Natalie’s dad, look panicked and immediately come forward to find Lyncoln. It dawns on me their base was the direction of the explosion we just heard.

  Oh gosh. Did the drifters attack it? As Detroit military men talk to Lyncoln, I look around as if in slow motion.

  People are scared, chatting amongst themselves, and going every which direction. Things like this just don’t happen. Was it the drifters? Are they after us?

  Then it hits me that none of these people even know about the drifters. They must assume it was some sort of accident, or they’d be more panicked. As I look around, I see many people watching Lyncoln and myself. When I look for Henry, I almost want to laugh out loud. Marisol has her guards surrounding her and is madly gesturing with her hands for Henry to protect her too. Typical.

  As the sound of the crowd gets louder, I reason that this is chaotic and far too coincidental to happen while we are here. The drifters are after us. They must be here. These people aren’t safe, and we have to do something about it. We need to get them out of here. Thinking of that and keeping everyone safe, I snap back to reality and my mind starts working in real time instead of slow motion.

  What should we do? What can we do? Where do we go?

  I turn to Lyncoln at the same time he turns to me. I notice he is in hunter mode and already has a gun in his hand. Lord, he is quite a sight when he is in assassin mode though. And where was that gun?

  “You have to go,” I state. It isn’t a question. I know he has to go. I know he knows those officers and has to help them if he can. Detroit isn’t prepared for a drifter attack. Lyncoln is one of a handful of people here who know what they are truly dealing with.

  “Yes.” He nods and stares me down with his strong blue-brown eyes. “Go with Sarge and Jamie. Do you want me to have Rodgers stay with you too?”

  “No. Take him with you, please. And I can’t just leave, I have to help get these people to safety,” I say, shaking my head no. I won’t just bail on these people that have no idea what’s going on.

  “Fine. Just keep Jamie and Sarge with you at all times. Sergeant Adams will be here helping too.” He says it like a suggestion, but I know he’s really bossing me around. He stops a moment and looks at me, pleading with his eyes, and adds, “Please, Regs.”

  I nod. As I turn to talk to the officer he referred to, so we can get all these people out of here, I am spun back around and kissed soundly, despite the fact that I’m still holding Natalie on my hip.

  Lyncoln looks at me a moment with that intense stare as the other officer picks his daughter up and gives her a quick hug. He puts her back down and she clings to my hand for dear life again. Sergeant Zimmer looks around for his wife, but I tell him not to worry, that we will find her and that I’ll take care of Natalie until then. He gives me a smile of relief and appreciation. Like Lyncoln, he is in hunter mode and has to go do what he has to do in order to make sure his family is safe; he has to go.

  Lyncoln reaches around the back of my neck and rests his thumb on my cheek, looking at me one last time. “I love you. Stay safe.” Those are the last words out of his mouth before he and a slew of men, including Rodgers and Joshua, head into danger.

  I’m relieved Rodgers is going with him. Not knowing how much training and how much the other men know, Rodgers is the only one other than Lyncoln I really trust. That’s why I wanted him with Lyncoln though I know he would have preferred for him to stay with me.

  The last time Lyncoln went into danger like this, I was frustrated with him for being so risky. Now, I not only allow it, but I urge him to do it. Something isn’t right and we need to protect these people. He’s the only one that can. I know he’ll come back to me. I just know it.

  I’m coming to realize there will be times where he just has to take the risk. Our country needs him that bad right now. That’s just the harsh reality of the world we live in.

  ****

  Frank and Gertie make their way towards Sergeant Adams and me. Our professors are quickly coming to round up the Culling candidates. Professor Bennett, military instructor that he is, tries to get me to evacuate with the rest of the Culling members, but I refuse. Out of my peripheral vision, I see Marisol and Henry already getting into an SUV going towards safety. Bennett soon finds out I’m not going anywhere. Zax tries too but gets nowhere and then leaves to be with the other candidates, wherever they are going.

  Dougall tries her luck with me as she walks over and commands, “Reagan, just get in the vehicle.”

  “Dougall, these people need help. Look around. They have no idea which direction to go,” I say, stopping her. Then I add in a whisper, “They have no idea what they are up against and we are just deserting them.”

  “I realize where you are coming from, but you have to think of your own safety too,” she nods. “Whether you like it or not, you are not just a regular civilian anymore.”

  I roll my eyes for a response. Then I turn to the Adams guy, “Where are you sending everyone? To their homes or a different location?”

  “We should probably all just go to the stadium for now. Until we know what is going on. If it’s an attack or otherwise. The stadium is totally enclosed and set up properly to form a line of defense, so we can protect all the people at once. We can be on lockdown there.”

  Okay. So he at least knows about the drifters. I’m glad someone here does.

  “How far is it? Will they be able to walk there?” I ask.

  He finishes barking orders to another military official, then turns back to me and says, “Yeah, it’s less than a mile. We are already ushering people that way. We need to move quickly.”

  “Okay,” I nod to him. “You lead the way.” Then I turn to Dougall, an idea hitting me. “Wait. Is the sound system still up? Could you go make an announcement and tell everyone where to go? Or let Adams? So we can speed up this process?”

  “It is, but you should be the one to do it,” she says with a sly smile and a wink.

  I quickly look around. I’m the last Culling member still here. How can everyone just leave these people like this? Maybe it was the way I was raised, but in Omaha, we stick together. What kind of a message does it send these people if we value our own lives above theirs?

  “Okay, whatever,” I say, rolling my eyes again. I’m not in the mood to use this to generate more votes. I just want to get everyone to safety. The longer I stand here and argue, the longer they’re at risk.

  They have no idea about the drifters. No flipping idea. They would be completely blindsided. This isn’t about the stupid Culling, this is about the drifters and the real danger that these people don’t even know they are in. For the first time, I see how extremely devastating it could be by having the general population in the dark.

  Clearly annoyed, I turn to do as she says but am stopped when a
small hand tugs on mine reminding me that she’s there.

  “Ms. Scott,” the small voice says scared, borderline crying.

  “Natalie, sweetie, where is your mom?” I ask, dropping to her level. “I’m sure she’s here somewhere, but where did you last see her?”

  “I don’t know. My daddy left,” she says sadly. I know she is trying hard not to cry.

  “We will find her, sweetie. Will you come with me for now? We have to get these people safe while your daddy is busy. I’m sure your mom is trying to help people too. Do you want to help me while we wait for her?” I ask.

  She just nods so I pick her up and walk to the stage. Bennett quickly hands me a microphone.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” I start. A few people quiet down and look at us. Some that were leaving stop and turn around. More people chatting in groups to figure out what’s going on also stop and turn towards us.

  Bennett then lets out a very loud whistle and the quietness spreads like a ripple over the crowd. Soon we have everyone’s attention.

  “I’m sure you’re just as scared and confused as I am,” I start. “For right now, until we know the cause of the explosion we all felt and saw, your very own Sergeant Adams has asked that we make the walk to the stadium where we can safely wait for more information.”

  A few people mumble and look at one another.

  “I know this isn’t convenient, but it is for our safety,” I add with a smile, “I’m going to head that direction now as some of you already have. If you will follow Sergeant Adams,” I point in the direction of the man as he is already trying to get people moving, “he will lead the way and we can all go ahead and get the long walk over with. Thank you.”

  I’m relieved when lots more people start to walk towards him.

  I add one last thing with a smile, “Oh. And Mrs. Zimmer, your daughter Natalie is with me and will be helping me until you can get to us.” I want her to know I have her daughter without scaring little Natalie by telling everyone she has lost her mom.