The Off Grid Survivor Box Set: Complete The Off Grid Survivor Series Books 1-4

by Connor Mccoy

  “Let me guess, he’s bird watching,” Conrad said, half-jokingly.

  Liam shook his head. “With all these people watching the skies, I think we definitely can say there’s a problem here.”

  “Hey!” A short man with a curly white beard walked up to the pair. “Conrad! Well I’ll be. We thought you were dead.”

  Conrad composed himself. “I guess it’s not common knowledge that I survived my run-in with Kurt’s boys. You’re Johnny Metz. The fella who runs a small farm on the west edge of town.”

  “That’s me, sir.” He then pointed to Liam. “This must be yours. He kinda looks like you.”

  “Liam.” Liam reached out and offered his hand. Johnny shook it.

  “So, what’s the deal around here?” Conrad asked, “I’m not saying I expected regular house calls, but it’s weird how everything out of Hooper City went dark.”

  Johnny nodded. “Well, we have been a little…” He rocked his hand back and forth. “…wary lately, if you catch my drift. We’ve been focusing on gun drills, protection measures, and things such as that. A lot of people don’t even want to leave town if they can help it.”

  “Really? Why’s that?” Conrad asked.

  Johnny didn’t get a chance to respond. “Well, long time no see!” Nigel called as he approached.

  Conrad quickly excused himself and walked over to Nigel with Liam close behind. “No kidding.” Conrad extended his hand. Nigel took it and gave it a shake. “I was wondering if everything was alright. I know we don’t have the postal service anymore, but I’m curious why no one has stopped by in the past few months.”

  “I guess we’ve been keeping to ourselves too much lately,” Nigel said.

  “And watching the skies, too. You don’t have a UFO problem, do you?” Liam asked.

  “Well, if you mean we may have a problem with unwanted visitors from the skies, maybe.” Nigel looked down the street. “Let me treat you two to a nice meal at my store, and then I’ll fill you in.”

  “At first, we started hearing rumors over the ham radio,” Nigel said as he walked toward the table where Conrad and Liam were seated. Nigel quickly had erected a folding table with folding chairs for Conrad and Liam to to enjoy their meal.

  “Someone would see a plane in the sky, or they’d hear about a convoy of trucks going up a country road to a big city. Last month, the stories kicked into overdrive. Soldiers with different accents would show up in the cities. A whole bunch of them swarmed into Chicago. Then, they started moving south. Two weeks ago, they hit St. Louis. One wave has broken off to head for Texas. Another…” Nigel bit his lower lip.

  “Well, another’s headed in our general direction. I figured maybe Kansas City on the Kansas-Missouri border, but the chatter says they’ll hit all fifty states in any case, even if they do it in small caravans.”

  “Who?” Liam asked.

  “A coalition army,” Jeff replied. “Military units from all across the world that still had functioning equipment pooled together. They declared themselves a world relief organization and started fanning out across the globe. Basically, it’s a one world government.”

  “Martial law,” Nigel added, “That’s basically what it is.”

  “They got the men and the technology. Nobody can stand up against them, even if they wanted to. The moment they show up, they’re the new kings of your city,” Jeff said.

  “Everyone in Hooper City’s heard about it,” Nigel said, “As you can imagine, we’re on edge here. Our town meetings are all about the latest developments, since, of course, we don’t get cable news anymore.”

  Conrad rested his chin on the top of his right hand. “Damn. To think I didn’t know anything about this.”

  “You couldn’t have,” Liam said.

  “Are you kidding? I could have fired up the ham radio and checked around. I’ve done that before. Shit. I was so occupied with getting things ready for Carla that I didn’t stop and look around at what was going on over my very head.”

  “Don’t feel too bad. I didn’t run over and give you any head’s up.” Nigel rested his head in his hands. “Maybe I hoped the stories would come to nothing. But now we have to prepare for the worst.”

  Conrad cast one more look at Liam talking with Jeff in the back room before returning his attention to Nigel. The pair gathered in Nigel’s back office to discuss some business that was for Nigel’s ears only.

  “Jeff should be able to round up what you need for the baby.” Nigel grinned. “I’ll be damned. I couldn’t imagine you chasing around your house after a little baby.”

  “He’ll be crawling before I know it, I’m sure.” Conrad gripped his right arm. “At least I hope so.”

  “Oh, come in, you’re in prime shape for a man your age. How many sixty-year-olds could take on a small army and win?” Nigel asked.

  “Yeah, so what will fate do but possibly dump a bigger army on my doorstep?” Conrad asked.

  “You heard Jeff. They may never show up here at all,” Nigel said.

  “Anyway, let’s get down to business. Did you gather all the supplies from my order?” Conrad asked.

  Nigel nodded. “I figured one day you’d show up asking for that package.” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a folded-up piece of paper. “I was planning on making the run over to your place once the commotion around here cooled.”

  “Forget about it. Just as long as it’s here, that’s all that matters,” Conrad said.

  “I slipped word to Reg to send it over here.” Just then, there was a knock on the side door in the hall. “Ah! Probably it now.” He rushed out to the door and opened it.

  Almost immediately, he shut the door.

  Conrad raised an eyebrow. “Nigel?”

  The store owner turned and glanced over his shoulder. “One moment.” He then quickly slipped through the door and shut it, to Conrad’s puzzlement. For the next few minutes he heard a series of harsh whispers on the other side of the door. Nigel was talking to somebody, but about what, Conrad couldn’t figure out.

  Then the door opened halfway, enough to permit Nigel through. His face was slightly bowed, but his eyes glared up at Conrad. “Delivery’s here.”

  “Alright. Let’s see it,” Conrad said.

  Nigel reached behind him and opened the door as if he didn’t really want to do so. He revealed a young, bearded man clutching a taped-up cardboard box. The man stepped inside until he was two steps from Conrad’s chest.

  “Thanks, son. I don’t guess I have to sign for this,” Conrad said.

  The young man’s eyes were locked in a tight gaze, as if the courier was studying Conrad. Even so, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. No reason presented itself to explain Nigel’s behavior.

  Conrad reached out and took it. “Thanks.” Conrad shuffled it around in his arms. “Definitely feels like everything’s here.”

  “Do you want to check it?” the man asked.

  “No, I’ll handle that later. Thanks a lot.” Conrad chuckled. “So, who do I have to thank for running this over here?”

  “Lance, sir,” the man replied.

  “Lance.” Conrad nodded. “Well, thanks a million. I apologize if I can’t shake your hand, but as you can see, I got mine pretty full.”

  “It’s alright.” Lance then turned to Nigel. Nigel just shot him a glare. Lance then turned and left through the door.

  Conrad strolled back to the office. “Fine service, Nigel. Hey, let me open this up with the door closed.”

  “Fine with me.” Nigel turned his gaze back to the door. “I got to take care of something myself. Nothing big. Just a little conversation with the courier.”

  Nigel did his best not to burst out in anger at Lance, but the sudden shock of seeing the young man at the door had set him on edge. He waited until he and Lance had trekked out to Hooper Feed’s parking lot before Nigel spoke.

  “What in God’s name are you thinking showing up here?” Nigel asked.

  “I had to see him,”
Lance replied quickly. “At least, I wanted to see him up close, in front of me.”

  “Well, thankfully, he doesn’t know jack about who you really are. Now that you’ve satisfied your curiosity, make tracks and don’t come back until I send word that he’s left town,” Nigel said.

  “You really that afraid that he’ll do something?” Lance asked.

  Nigel paced around in a small circle before answering. “I figured you wanted sanctuary. Well, I’m giving it to you.” Then he let out a breath that turned to mist in the cold air. “No, I don’t think Conrad actually will plant your ass six feet under. He might slug you hard. You may need to be fitted for gold teeth afterward. I’m just saying it may be more trouble than it’s worth.”

  “I know. Believe me, you don’t know how grateful I am for not saying anything about me.” Lance turned toward the store. “But maybe I should stop running from my problems.”

  “So, do you want me to tell him?” Nigel asked.

  Lance waved him off. “No. No. I’ll handle it if I want to do it. I won’t come back again until he’s gone.”

  Nigel nodded. “Alright. Good, good. That’ll help me out a lot.”

  As Lance started his march down the street, Nigel pondered the young man’s countenance. The courier willingly had sought out Conrad and stood before him without buckling or trembling. Indeed, this was not the same man who drove into town in a pickup truck stolen by a gang of marauders, who cowered in fear at the thought of being recognized by Kurt’s men.

  I never thought I’d be a community leader, Nigel thought. I guess Lance never thought he’d be anything other than just a layabout and a wimp.

  He walked back to his store.

  Chapter Seven

  Conrad flashed his light around the homestead. There was no movement, not so much as a squirrel running across the grass.

  “Looks good so far,” Liam said behind him as he flashed his light from side to side.

  Conrad slowly approached the front porch. Coming home in the dark like this may not have been the wisest course of action, but the trip during the last few hours had gone off without any problems. In fact, approaching the homestead in the dark might have been wiser, as they could surprise any possible intruders.

  As soon as his boots touched down on the porch, the front door suddenly flew open. Camilla emerged, shotgun in hand.

  “I see I get my usual greeting,” Conrad deadpanned.

  Camilla, dressed in a tattered old blue robe, rolled her eyes. “I saw the light beams outside and I freaked for a moment. I thought the men in black showed up.”

  “Well, I thank you kindly for not blowing our heads off,” Conrad said as Liam hurried up the porch steps while dimming his light.

  Camilla backed inside, permitting the two Drake men into their home. “So, I guess everything went alright?”

  “Diapers, toys, we got it all,” Conrad said. Then he placed his pack onto the floor by the sofa. “City was in good shape.”

  “Good shape except for everyone watching the skies,” Liam said.

  “Yeah.” Conrad quickly shut and locked the door. “Cammie, we might have some trouble afoot. Liam can fill you in. I need some time to do some checking over the airwaves.”

  “Is this another man from your past showing up to steal your ranch?” Camilla asked.

  “No.” Conrad started down the hall. “Much bigger.”

  As Conrad sat down in front of his ham radio, he fumed silently at himself. To think that he didn’t bother to turn on this little baby and see what was going on in the world. Was he so wrapped up with preparing for little Conrad’s arrival, or had he turned in on himself so much that he forgot there was a world around him?

  “I am one stupid son of a bitch,” he muttered as crackling sounded through the speaker. He steadied the microphone up to his lips.

  “Good evening,” he spoke, “This is Drake, just checking to see what’s going on under the stars tonight. I’m a man who’s been out of the loop lately. Anyone got the latest headlines? It can be local, national, whatever you’ve heard.”

  Conrad waited and waited. Nothing. He scratched his left arm. He didn’t like this. The last time he broadcast, it was no problem finding somebody to chat with. Did the silence mean something?

  “Easy,” Conrad said to himself, “Maybe you’re broadcasting into the wrong time zone. A lot of people may still be snoozing.” He almost laughed at himself.

  He was on the verge of getting up for a drink of water when the speaker crackled fiercely. “Hello?” It was a male’s voice, and it sounded a bit familiar.

  “Hey.” Conrad quickly spoke up. “This is Drake. You’re coming in loud and clear.”

  “This is Red,” the voice replied.

  “Red? Hey, I remember you! We chatted several months back, not long after the solar event. How are you doing, sir?”

  “Well, we’re managing,” Red said, “What about you?”

  Conrad wondered how much he should divulge, not only because his story might sound a little outlandish, but he was beginning to wonder if anyone could be listening in on his transmission. “Well, there’s been some local trouble, but we got through it. But I do have some good news. I’m a grandfather now.”

  Red laughed. “Well, congratulations. That’s amazing. I’m actually in the same boat as you are. My oldest son had a daughter two months ago.”

  “Incredible. Another hand for the farm?” Conrad chuckled.

  “Yeah, I guess we’re all farm hands now,” Red replied, “I hate to say it, but we could use the help. My brother got bit by a snake this past September. It was pretty ugly. We had to amputate his foot. That’s what happens when you can’t drive to a hospital.”

  “At least he’s still around. Sometimes you can’t ask for more than that,” Conrad said.

  “True that. So, what can I do for you?” Red asked.

  “I’m a man in need. Word on the grapevine is that a new army has come together and is occupying the big cities. Do you know anything about that, or is it just wild talk?”

  “No wild talk. A small force has occupied Pierre. That’s our state capital. But from what my friend told me, that was nothing compared to the party set up in Chicago. We’re so far off the grid that nobody’s come around here, but they’re definitely hitting the countryside. They move into the small towns in small bands. Many of the soldiers then start relocating people.”

  “Wait. Hold up. Relocating?” Conrad cut in.

  “Yeah. It’s a way of pooling everyone together. They say they can’t spread themselves out enough to provide for all the people they meet, so they do it this way to maximize resources.”

  “Relocation,” Conrad muttered, “Do the people go willingly?”

  “I don’t know. The army offers food and medicine, so I imagine no one wants to turn that down. But here’s the really scummy thing about it. The aid they’re delivering is coming from other people under their protection. They determine who has a surplus, take the excess, and distribute it to areas in need.”

  Conrad’s skin suddenly grew cold. A military with a self-declared right to take from others was one of the worst scenarios he could imagine.

  “And on whose authority do they do that?” Conrad asked, “Who’s giving the orders?”

  “Got me. I never got a name on who’s running the army. My friend passed along a story of an official with a Scottish accent, of all things. I asked him if he was wearing a kilt,” Red said.

  Conrad laughed. “Should have asked him if he painted his face and had long hair.”

  “William Wallace?” Red asked.

  “Yep. Guess you’ve seen Braveheart, too.”

  “Wore out my old VHS copy. But yeah, I got nothing on who’s leading them, but it sounded like it’s more like a U.N. thing, people with different accents, wearing different flags on their shirts.”

  “That sounds more like an invasion to me,” Conrad said.

  “Yeah. I feel that way, too.”

  C
onrad chatted some more with Red, but he received little more information. Still, between the news of relocation and the seizing of resources, it was enough to set him on edge. No wonder the folks in Hooper City were so nervous.

  His thoughts were interrupted when a jolt of pain struck his right arm. “Damn.” He had turned his arm only to receive a quick burst of agony. His arm had been bothering him for a while, but it was getting worse.

  He had to talk to Ron Darber as soon as possible.

  As usual, Conrad rose before everyone else did. He waited in the front room for everyone else to rouse from their sleep. He knew they’d be coming to see him before they started their daily chores. They all wanted to hear how the trip to Hooper City went. Conrad knew they’d be in for much more disturbing news.

  Conrad waited until everyone had emerged into the living room. Carla was among the last, cradling little Conrad. The older Conrad smiled at the sight of him. The newborn could lift anybody’s spirits.

  Conrad and Liam got started talking about their journey into town. However, Conrad then had to add what he learned about the military, specifically their relocation and supply redistribution efforts.

  Camilla reacted with intense interest, cutting in to ask questions, while Ron Darber, Sarah, and Tom listened carefully. Carla’s attention was wrapped up with little Conrad, especially when the little one awoke and cried for food. Carla excused herself into the kitchen to breastfeed her son, but remained within earshot.

  “Well, what a shock.” Camilla rose from her seat and walked over to Conrad. “Sooner or later the next world order was going to come along. Guess they saw the carnage and decided to take advantage.”

  “So, that’s it?” Sarah asked, sounding a lot more skeptical than Camilla. “I mean, it sounds as if you just heard a bunch of rumors. Has anybody around here actually seen these soldiers?”

  “No,” Conrad said, “I asked, but nobody in Hooper City encountered a single one of them, and I didn’t hear any first-hand accounts on the airwaves last night.”