Ryder stood to his full height with his arms raised. He noticed he wasn’t directly under the LED lights, probably making it hard for them to see him clearly. “Darby, it’s me, Ryder!”
Darby stopped, squinting at him. “Ryder?” asked Darby, still not sure it was his friend. Darby continued to close the gap.
“Yeah, it’s me, and Levi.” He pulled Levi up to stand beside him.
At first, Darby was still in disbelief and then a huge smile spread across his face, rushing to meet Ryder. “It’s so good to see you, buddy.” He took a long look at Levi, seeing he was in bad shape. “Is he going to be all right?”
“Sure, he just needs a little rest and time to recuperate.”
“Gant and John were coming to get you out. Have you seen them?”
Ryder motioned to the others and they all stood up. “They did get us out. We were just about to make our escape when your men came in. At first, we didn’t know who they were, so we decided to stay hidden until they’d gone. We didn’t want to get shot accidently by startling one of them. Then we heard one of them mention your name.”
“And then they came and got me,” said Darby.
“Exactly,” confirmed Ryder. “So, now I suppose we can all leave together.” Then something occurred to Ryder. “Why are you here?”
“I thought you were going to wait at the camp,” stated Gant, also wondering.
Darby paid no attention to Gant, his sons, or John, speaking directly to Ryder, “Did you know the Guard told us they wanted to leave here with their families?”
“Not until just a while ago.”
“Well, it was true. They did just like they said. They’re gone and that left no one here to stop us from taking the supplies we wanted. So, we decided to help ourselves. Look, there’s plenty to take back to the others in Paradise and Haven. Perhaps we can even take over the entire compound.”
“We don’t need this place,” said Ryder in a soft and reasoning voice.
“But here we can be safe, we already have all these supplies, there’s plenty of water, livestock, crops in the fields and workers to tend to them.”
“So, you’re going to force the people to work for you instead of the governor?” asked Ryder.
“No, I …”
Ryder continued, “And where is Governor Davis? Is he still here?”
“As far as I know. No one has seen him. I suppose he’s barricaded himself inside his office.”
“And what do you intend to do with him?” asked Ryder.
“Perhaps we could place him in one of the cells to show him what it’s like,” Darby suggested.
Ryder didn’t know whether to take him seriously or not. He’d never seen Darby like this. Since his capture, he was sure Darby had replaced him as temporary leader of the Raiders. Perhaps he liked being in charge a little too much, and it had gone to his head. In the past, Darby had been perfectly happy to let Ryder make all the decisions, shying away from having any leadership role. At least that had been the norm in the past. Something had changed.
The others, both those with Ryder and those with Darby, stood in an awkward silence, wanting no part of what appeared to be turning from a meeting of old friends into a confrontation. Tension seemed to be building.
Ryder had always believed himself to be a level headed person and he wanted to get out of there as much as anyone else, but under the circumstances, there wasn’t really a rush. The former threat, the Guard, was no longer there and far down the road by then. He had the time to attempt to reason with Darby. He was as certain that taking over the compound was as bad an idea as Darby thought it to be the thing to do. He was glad to see Darby and his men lower their weapons. It was a good sign they weren’t willing to let this difference of opinion escalate into something more.
“Who would live here?” asked Ryder calmly. “There isn’t room for everyone. That’s one of the reasons why there’s a Tent City outside these gates.”
“There wouldn’t be anything wrong with living outside the walls, said Darby, “and we’d be close to these supplies. We could use it as a depot of sorts.”
“So, it would be like Tent City, except much larger, all around the compound. I personally wouldn’t want to live that way. We have established our own community back in the valley.”
“Don’t you think you should leave it to our people to decide what they want to do?” asked Darby testily.
“Absolutely. I have no intention of telling anyone where they can and can’t live. I just know I won’t be staying. I’m going home to Haven. But, I have no problem with any of our people coming back here to live. What about you?” asked Ryder. “Would you live here?”
There was a pause of silence between the two. Ryder spoke again before Darby could answer, “I’d like it if you’d come back with me.” A smile appeared on Ryder’s face, lightening the moment. Ryder looked at the other Raiders. “I’d like all of you to return with me. That’s our home, not this place.”
Darby’s posture became less rigid as he took a deep breath. Ryder had wisely made it easy for Darby to reconsider his plans. He glanced at each of the Raiders, looking for a response. They looked at each other then back at him, nodding.
“Okay,” said Darby, turning to face Ryder. “It was just an idea. But, I think we should load up and take everything we can.”
“I won’t argue with that. At least our fair share.”
All tension in the room evaporated away. Darby stepped close to Ryder so only he could hear him, “I don’t know what I was thinking.”
Ryder placed his hands on his friend’s shoulders. “You were trying to make things better for all of us.”
Darby smiled. Once again they were compadres.
“We need a couple of wagons to load this stuff into,” stated Ryder to everyone around him.
“I can show you where they’re kept,” volunteered Gant. “They’re in the old garage area. We can load them through the freight doors above us on the first level. We’ll have to use the stairs though. The freight elevator doesn’t work.”
Ryder looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“There’s not enough power to operate the elevators,” explained Gant.
“Okay, you two, go with him,” directed Darby.
“John, do you want to come along?” asked Gant.
“No, I have something else I need to do. I’m ashamed I hadn’t thought about it until you were talking about Tent City. Those people should be told what’s going on if they don’t already know. They should be given a choice of whether they want to stay there or leave. They don’t have to work in the governor’s fields any longer. They’re free now with the guards gone.”
“Wait a second,” said Gant, “and I’ll go with you.” Turning to his sons, “You boys, show them where the wagons are. We need two.” Then he turned to Darby, “Let my boys show you where things are in here, too. It was their job to organize and store things away. They know better than anyone where everything is.”
Darby nodded. Gant and John left the others to go to Tent City.
Ryder stepped close to Darby while steadying his brother, “I think I should get Levi out of here.”
“I’m okay,” said Levi, pushing Ryder away, attempting to stand on his own, reaching to steady himself against a stack of boxes. “I can help and then we can all get out of here together. And that’s the end of it.” He set his jaw, with fire in his one good eye.
Ryder didn’t want to argue. If he tried to force Levi to go, he knew he would fight him the entire way. He decided it wasn’t worth it. Some help would be better than no help. Everything they took would have to be carried up the stairs to the next level.
“Okay, stay, but I want you to sit down over there and rest until we’re ready. Okay?” said Ryder.
“Yeah, whatever you say,” said Levi sarcastically, moving slowly over to a stack of boxes, tearing open the top to discover what was inside.
“How long do you think this is going to take?” Darb
y asked Ryder.
“Not too long, but it’s going to depend on how long it takes to pick out what we need. With only two wagons, we’ll have to be selective. If we duplicate items in the wagons, Paradise and Haven will receive the same supplies. That should make everyone happy.”
***
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Damon sat in front of the short-wave radio with the governor sitting at his side. Peck stood behind them, carefully watching every move Damon made.
Damon called repeatedly for several minutes without any response, only static.
“Why isn’t anyone answering?” asked Governor Davis, frustrated and impatient.
Damon didn’t have an answer. Then, just as he was about to give up, leaning back in his chair, a response crackled from the speaker. “Go ahead, Sector 4.”
“Governor Davis of Sector 4 would like to speak to Chief Governor Grayson. Repeat. Governor Davis of Sector 4 would like to speak to Chief Governor Grayson.”
There was a moment of silence. “Please stand by, Sector 4.”
Damon and the governor exchanged a look of satisfaction, the governor showing a nervous smile. Even Peck was happy, even though he didn’t completely understand the repercussions that could come from the call. He was just glad to be included. Damon handed the mike to the governor.
Even before the first wave of quakes had struck, a fortress-like mansion was under construction in southwest Missouri, rivaling the size of the White House. It had been designed to be resistant to earthquakes, tornados, insect infestation, and fire, as well as being bullet proof. The owner, Charles Grayson, had foreseen that such a structure would be needed to survive an apocalyptic event, whether natural, economic, or political, and he chose to be prepared for the sake of his family and friends. And having a very successful business, he had the means to fulfill his dream and begin construction. As it took shape and its size grew, it became known appropriately as the Grayson Castle.
As destruction from the earthquakes flooded over the Midwest, there was a breakdown of the infrastructure, communications, and all forms of government and law enforcement. It soon became apparent that the castle was much more than a single-family residence.
Security became a priority as fencing was installed topped by razor wire and guards posted around the perimeter of the property. The estate became a beehive of activity. In the early days, numerous individuals arrived, but few left. Two helipads were constructed in haste and soon thereafter occupied by two Blackhawk helicopters, offered by the failing base at Leavenworth to help Grayson with humanitarian efforts. Both had come with .50 caliber machine guns already mounted, but were removed by Grayson, not wanting to send the wrong message while distributing supplies.
It didn’t take long for rumors to spread that the estate was now the regional headquarters for what appeared to be a new government. After the earthquakes had stopped, it quickly became evident that the old government had become non-existent. There would be no help or support of any kind coming to them. The people initially began to panic, but then became hopeful when they learned someone from the private sector was taking control and offering help. It brought relief with the anticipation of things getting better. And things did get better, gradually. Grayson did everything he could for his neighbors and surrounding communities. And seeing the good that was being accomplished and having the means, he began to spread out his efforts, establishing new aid centers across the region.
Having been one of the few to prepare for a catastrophic event, Grayson was praised not only for his willingness to help, but for acting on it.
From bringing what had been a time of chaos under control, the people of the region began to refer to him as Governor Grayson, and the title stuck. There were no remaining remnants of pre-existing law enforcement or government. Someone had to step forward and he’d been happy to fill those shoes. Several of those who had been in positions of authority began to surface at his gates offering to help. Grayson knew how adversity affected some people. The majority of those who showed up out of the blue were looking only for a way to help themselves. Some of the local officials or representatives he had known from personal experience, only acquaintances really, showed up expecting favors based only on facial recognition alone. They were turned away without consideration. Relying on friends and family, he gradually added to his staff.
Grayson, successful with his aid efforts in southwest Missouri, reached out over the next few months to establish headquarters in other regions. Hearing of his plans, some reached out to him. The men chosen to lead the aid efforts in their own sectors were also given the title of Governor and together they formed the Board of Governors with Grayson as Chief Governor. He hadn’t planned on it going this far, but as long as it was benefiting the survivors, and he was able to provide support, he was willing to keep it going.
The in-coming warden for a prison in western Oklahoma, unoccupied and undergoing renovations, had reached out to Grayson. For emergencies, the prison had been equipped with a short-wave radio. Since the earthquakes had caused such devastation, the prison had been abandoned and he was out of a job.
The location, the size of the empty facility, and a willingness to help the locals had all been favorable factors in Grayson’s consideration. One vital consideration was that the location had to be within range of the helicopters. The distance from Springfield to the Oklahoma site was right at four hundred miles one way. Fitted with an extra fuel tank the Blackhawk’s range was extended to 1200 miles. The site seemed to fit the initial criteria.
Before offering to set up Davis and to provide support, he made a trip to the facility. The trip proved to be fruitful with Davis making a good impression, appearing to be a capable leader. Anxious to initiate aid for the area, Grayson had crates of supplies unloaded from the helicopter. He spent the rest of the day letting Davis know what was expected from him.
Grayson stayed until he felt Davis understood his responsibilities. Though he felt uncomfortable saying so, he made it clear to Davis that if he failed to serve the people, he would be replaced. Before Grayson left, Davis convinced him of his sincerity. Governor Grayson, satisfied and excited to have another aid center established, also had a sense of doubt, an uncertainty about whether Davis was the right man for the job. There was something about the man that didn’t seem quite authentic.
During the days to follow, Davis made contact with Grayson on an almost daily basis, Grayson coming to the point of dreading each and every one. Finally, Grayson was instructed to handle things as best he could, on his own, unless absolutely necessary. Grayson still requested a monthly update by radio. Since then, Davis had done just that, reporting only how well things were going and how well the citizens of Sector 4 were doing. Grayson assumed everything had worked out.
Now was one of those ‘absolutely necessary’ situations, justifying an unscheduled call to Chief Governor Grayson.
“Governor Davis, here is Chief Governor Grayson,” announced the radio operator.
Waiting impatiently for ten minutes, Governor Davis’ and Damon’s smiles had faded away.
“Governor Davis?” asked Grayson.
Instinctively and unconsciously Davis sat up straight in his chair. “Yes, Governor. It’s good to talk to you again.” That was as far as he was willing to take pleasantries at the time, cutting right to the reason for the call. “We need your help.”
Based on past experience, Grayson had a suspicion that the problem in question probably wasn’t as serious as Davis believed. However, as chief governor, he felt it was his responsibility to be available and to listen patiently. “What can I do for you?”
“All of the Guard have quit, packed up their families, and walked away. And now we’re being overrun by scavenger’s intent on stealing all of our supplies.”
“And why would the Guard leave? Were they provoked?” asked Grayson. “I tried to tell you to govern fairly.”
“I did nothing wrong.”
“Well. Evidently they left for
a reason. What was it?”
This was not the line of questioning Davis wanted to hear. He didn’t call to be chastised and given the third degree. Damon had warned him.
“I did exactly as you recommended,” said Davis. “I don’t know why they turned on me. But, right now scavengers have entered the compound and we’re in danger, barricaded in my office. They could bust in at any time. How long will it take you to get here?”
Davis knew Grayson could be there in about two and a half hours if he chose to come right away. He would like nothing more than for Grayson to catch the Raiders in the act of looting his supplies. He grinned at the thought of it.
Grayson was taken aback slightly at Davis’ presumption that he would come running whenever beckoned. “How many of you are left?”
“Three. Myself, my counselor, and one remaining member of the Guard.”
Grayson knew it didn’t make any sense to rush to the aid of three men, probably arriving too late to help. But, if one of his governor’s was in trouble, he needed to make the effort. And then there was the matter of the supplies. He’d provided supplies from time to time, but most were supposed to have been obtained through scrounging from abandoned home sites and businesses, with the intent to redistribute as needed. “How many supplies do you have?” asked Grayson.
“Our lower level is, or was, full,” answered Davis.
This caught Grayson by surprise. “Haven’t you been distributing them to your citizens?”
“Absolutely. But I like to think of it as rationing.”
Grayson was beginning to see what the problem might be. “How long do you think you can hold out?”
“We’ll do our best to hold out until you get here if you can come right away.”
Grayson believed the trip would most likely be an act of futility, but he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. After all, he’d been responsible for setting him up in the position. If he didn’t go, there was no one else who would. And if they were unable to provide aid, the entire sector could suffer.
“Okay, try to hold out and stay where you are. We’ll be there as soon as possible,” Grayson relented. “Grayson signing off.” He didn’t wait for a reply, motioning for the radio operator to break contact. He turned to his vice-governor and friend, Bill Hanes, who’d heard it all. “Bill, can you have my helicopter fueled up? We’ll need the extra fuel tank. And I’m going to need four men from security to go with me as a precaution. And make sure they’re armed.”
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