by Mark Goodwin
“A quarter of the population?” asked Emilio. “You’re talking about a couple of billion people.”
“WHO estimates that 500 million have died from the Red Virus alone. We’re well on the way.”
“Beasts of the earth? What, like you think cats and dogs are going to turn on their owners?”
Josh shrugged. “I don’t have a clue. If you think about it, the Red Virus is a living organism. No one said a beast has to be big to kill you.”
“Yeah, I suppose not.” Emilio followed quietly for a few minutes. Then, he asked, “Still, none of that says anything about crops not growing.”
“The sixth seal unleashes a world-wide earthquake. The sun becomes black after that one. Can’t grow crops without sunshine.”
“How would an earthquake blot out the sun?”
“A worldwide earthquake?” Josh turned back to look at his friend. “I would imagine you’d have several volcanoes erupting. It might even trigger the Yellowstone Caldera. Both of those are going to generate a significant ash cloud. You can beat your plowshares into swords at that point because the days of farming will be over with.”
“That’s really a lot to swallow.”
Josh picked his way through a group of bramble bushes in close proximity to one another. “Indeed, it is, but you can’t deny that it all sounds very familiar when you watch the news.”
“Okay, if we have a global earthquake and the sun turns to sackcloth, I’ll believe.”
“I hope you live long enough to get that chance.” Josh looked over his shoulder. “But times being what they are, you’re taking an awfully big gamble, my friend.”
Emilio said little for the remainder of the return trip. As they were approaching the back of the property, he said, “If that’s the case, shouldn’t we be trying to secure supplies while we can? Perhaps they’re hard to come by now, but if what you’re telling me is true, it’s never going to be easier than it is right now.”
“So, you believe?” Josh pushed down the top line of barbwire and stepped over the fence.
“I’m simply suggesting that we take action to sure up our supplies.”
“If there’s anything to be had, I agree, no time like the present.”
“What do you think about breeding the rabbits?”
Josh shook his head. “Not yet. I want to get an all-clear from the CDC on the animal population.”
“That may never come. We could starve before they give a green light.”
“If we get low on supplies, we’ll revisit the idea, but no unnecessary risks.”
Emilio followed him back to the house. “I’ll start monitoring the radio frequencies, see if anyone has heard about any trading posts popping up around here.”
“Sounds good. Let me know if you hear anything.” Josh sat on the swing and removed his boots. He was far too tired for sleep. He’d need an hour or so of TV to unwind.
CHAPTER 24
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.
Thomas Jefferson
After getting a shower Wednesday evening, Josh plopped down on the couch next to Micah. Josh clicked through an array of channels that were no longer broadcasting. In fact, few other programing choices remained besides WNN. As it was his best source for information, he put the remote on the well-worn end table once he arrived at the global news provider.
Lillian Lopez reported on the continuing global crisis. “The WHO issued a press release late this afternoon saying that the rate of increase for new cases of the Red Virus continues to fall. The health organization warns that they expect the number of deaths from the pandemic to keep rising as fatalities often occur up to two weeks after the initial infection.
“Basic food staples remain in short supply particularly in Australia, North and South America as well as Europe since those are the continents hit hardest by the outbreak.
“Secretary Alexander has appointed former US President Keith Winter as head of a new Global Union agency tasked with combating the famine-like conditions triggered by the virus. The new agency is called the Ministry of Welfare and will be a permanent fixture within the new Global Union government.
“In his acceptance speech this afternoon, Minister Winter reminded global citizens that the current food shortages are due only to a breakdown in the supply chain and can largely be addressed by employing GU peacekeepers to aid with logistic challenges. He went on to say that other than a few labor concerns with planting and harvesting, the overall state of the food production system within the GU is stable.
“Minister Winter also mentioned that he’d already spoken about the crisis with Monsanto CEO Robert Bane. Winter said that Bane ensured him Monsanto was capable of ramping up production of genetically-modified corn, wheat, and soybean seed, which will produce maximum yields even in the harshest environments.
“Reports on the latest genetically-modified varieties from Monsanto claim crops which previously could be grown only seasonally, except in the warmest of climates, can now be grown for up to eight to nine months of the year, depending on the region. Additionally, these new super crops mature in as little as a month whereas they would have required 90 days or more prior to the genetic alterations.
“Construction on the Jewish temple in Jerusalem has resumed. The holy city was one of the first to have quarantine protocols reduced and to have curfews dismissed. GU Minister of Religion Carl Jacobs says his agency’s top priority is to complete the temple in time for Passover this April. If the task can be finalized in time, this year will mark the first time in nearly 2,000 years that the Jewish people have had a temple where they can offer the Passover sacrifice.
“While secular Jews see the practice as archaic, orthodox adherents to the faith are looking forward to a grand celebration to commemorate the first sacrifice on the altar of the new temple this Passover. Of course, the festivities will depend on the project being accomplished on schedule.”
The camera switched from showing Lopez to video footage of a massive tent city being erected. Acres upon acres of cleared land with exposed dirt could be seen with piles upon piles of trees that had been bulldozed to make way for a colossal project.
Lopez continued her report, “Refugee centers like this one being set up in the Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve just outside of Chicago will soon be providing assistance to people wishing to move to an OASIS city but unable to provide for themselves in the meantime.”
“That place is going to be one big muddy mess as soon as the first rain hits it.” Josh shook his head.
“I miss Mom, but I’m glad you and I have this farm,” said Micah. “Thank you for everything you did to keep us safe.”
Josh put his arm around his son. “You’re welcome. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for Mom.”
“I don’t blame you.”
Josh summoned a faint smile. “Don’t blame God either.”
Micah grunted and continued watching the report.
“And don’t blame Lindsey. She certainly hasn’t done anything except try to help.”
Micah sighed. “I don’t blame her, but…”
“But, what?”
“This world—any one of us could die at any moment. I already have to worry about losing you. It doesn’t make sense to expose myself to more pain.” He sat up quickly. “I know that sounded selfish. But the same goes for her. I could get killed on any given day also. I’m mitigating her risk, too.”
Josh nodded. “Lucky her. She doesn’t even have to bother with the decision. It’s already been made for her.”
Micah slumped back down in his seat. “Can we just watch the news?”
“Sure.” Josh put his hand on his son’s shoulder, cherishing whatever time they had left together.
Lopez expounded upon the relief centers. “Camps will be open to global citizens who have already survived a Red Virus infection. The Ministry of Welfare will be working with the CDC to test new arrivals to make sure they h
ave Red Virus antibodies present in their blood. Tests are minimally invasive requiring only a small blood draw and results can be processed within thirty minutes. However, the Ministry of Welfare is expecting large numbers of applicants so the entire intake process may take a day or more.
“The Ministry of Welfare is also warning that all refugees will have to adhere to a calorie-restricted diet of approximately 1200 calories until the supply chain can be fully brought back online. For citizens who have adequate food stores, this would be a tremendous cut back, so it is recommended that those citizens continue to shelter in place until the OASIS cities can be made ready for occupancy.
“However, once reconstruction begins on the OASIS cities, citizens living in the relief cities will be first to be considered for those work projects. The first camps are set to open on March 31st. Alexander has expressed his desire to start spring off with a positive note.”
“Ah, what a glorious utopia it will be when completed,” said Josh.
Micah pressed his lips together. “Yeah, right. I’m going to bed.”
“Okay, see you in the morning.” Josh powered off the TV and turned in for the evening.
***
Thursday morning, Josh prepared a large pot of oatmeal. It was one of the staples which he’d stocked heavily.
“Oatmeal again?” Emilio came into the kitchen followed by Nicole.
“You’re welcome to forage for nuts and berries.” Josh stirred in some salt and tasted the concoction.
“I’m not complaining.” Emilio took a stack of bowls from the cupboard.
Nicole took some spoons from the drawer. Next, she took out a Mason jar of honey from the pantry. “A little bit of this goes a long way in improving the taste. Plus, honey has a lot of medicinal benefits. What would be really good in the oatmeal is some pumpkin pie spice: nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Makes me warm just thinking about it.”
“Maybe we’ll look around for some when we go to the trading post,” said Emilio.
“What trading post?” Josh let the large wooden spoon he’d been stirring with rest on an old coffee saucer.
“Supposedly, some people have one set up in the parking lot at the Cave City Convention center.”
“You heard about that on the radio?” Josh scratched through the cupboard. “Here’s cinnamon.”
“Thanks,” Nicole took the small glass bottle and sparingly shook a dash into the pot.
“Yep,” said Emilio. “It just started up, from what I heard.”
“Did you ask what items are available, what people need?” Josh spooned a generous portion of the hot cereal into a bowl and handed it to his friend.
Emilio took the bowl and sat down at the table. “I couldn’t communicate with that little handheld radio. It didn’t have enough power. I was limited to listening to the others talk.”
Josh served a second bowl to his sister. “Probably just as well. We don’t want to advertise that we’re here.”
Nicole sat next to Emilio with her bowl. “No need to tell people that we have the means to trade, either.”
Josh made a bowl for himself and took the seat next to his sister. “We’ll need to be prepared. I don’t want to go in there looking like a hayseed just asking to get rolled.”
Emilio asked, “What’s the plan?”
Josh looked at his sister. “I’ll go inside with Nicole. You, Micah, and Christina will stand overwatch.”
“That leaves Lindsey here by herself,” said Nicole.
“Mackenzie will be here,” said Josh.
“And a lot of help she’ll be if something pops off while we’re gone,” said Nicole.
Josh grimaced, knowing the statement was all too accurate. “I’ll talk to Mackenzie before we go. But I can’t leave the compound completely unguarded, and I can’t risk us not having enough support to get ourselves out of there if something goes wrong.”
“Let me come with you when you talk to her,” said Emilio. “I can be pretty persuasive.”
***
After breakfast, Josh and Emilio made their rounds to inform the members of the compound about the trip to the trading post. The last stop was Mackenzie’s RV. Josh knocked.
She opened the door. “Hey, Josh, Emilio, come in.”
The two stepped inside. Josh said, “We’ve learned of a trading post a few miles from here. Most of us are going to check it out. Lindsey and you will be staying here to keep an eye on things.”
“Okay.” She sat down on the short sofa.
Emilio took out Rev’s old .357 revolver. “This was your father's. If you don’t mind, I’d like to stash it under your mattress.”
She shook her head. “I’ve already had this discussion with Josh. I don’t want any guns in here.”
“I know, but hear me out. We’re not asking you to take up arms against enemy attackers. That’s not what this is about. It’s simply to provide you with some options in case the worst happens.”
Her forehead wrinkled into a look of bewilderment. “Meaning what exactly?”
“I don’t know what your idea of a good time is, but I’m sure it differs greatly from what these sickos have in mind if they get a hold of a pretty young lady like you. Josh and I were federal law enforcement agents before the world melted down.”
“Yeah, I know about that,” she said.
Emilio continued. “Then believe me when I tell you we’ve seen things that will make your skin crawl and heard about things that would make your blood curdle. Trust me when I tell you, it’s not something you want to live through.”
“So, you’re saying that if we’re attacked I should…”
Emilio held up his hands. “I’m not telling you to do anything. I’m simply suggesting that in a situation like that, where you know you’re probably going to die anyway, but only after they’ve brutalized you for weeks or maybe even months, it would be good to have a choice—another way out.”
She covered her mouth with her fist. Her eyes showed the horror she was contemplating in her mind. She glanced at Josh, then the gun, then back to Emilio.
“I’m just going to lift up the mattress and slip it right underneath. You’ll never even know it’s there.” Emilio spoke softly as he put his hand on her shoulder. “If you ever need to use it, pull the hammer back and place the barrel directly under your chin. Then, it only takes about five pounds of pressure on the trigger. You won’t even hear it go off.”
Her panicked eyes closed and tears streamed down both cheeks.
Emilio pulled her close and hugged her. “It’s okay. It’s alright. You won’t feel a thing.”
Mackenzie sobbed and pushed Emilio away. She dried her eyes with the sleeves of her sweater and composed herself. She stepped away from Emilio as if he were some kind of monster. She looked at Josh. Between her double breathing, she asked, “Can you…huh, huh, huh…teach me—how to shoot?”
Josh looked at Emilio, amazed at how effective his little pep talk had been at converting a dyed-in-the-wool Berkeley liberal into an instant gun enthusiast. He glanced back at Mackenzie. “We don’t have a lot of time, but I can go over the basics. A rifle is much easier if we’re talking about long-range self-defense. I have your father’s AR-15. Is that, uh—something you feel you could be comfortable with?”
She swallowed hard and nodded.
“Okay. I’ll be right back.”
She looked at Emilio with an expression of mistrust. “But can it be just you and me, Josh?”
He looked at his partner, then back at the frightened young woman. “Yeah, sure. I’ll be right back.”
The two left the RV, crossed the courtyard, and walked back into the house. Josh held the door for Emilio. “We should have booked you as a guest on MSNBC back before everything fell apart. You could have changed our whole country.”
“I call it the reality test.” Emilio gave a proud shrug. “Lefties quickly abandon their convictions when they see how ineffective sparkle unicorn cupcakes are in real-world circ
umstances.”
CHAPTER 25
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.”
Genesis 14:19-21a
The group going to the trading post was loaded into the vehicles by 11:00 AM Thursday morning. Josh and Nicole rode in the El Camino while Christina drove her Suburban with the rest of the overwatch team.
Nicole asked, “So, Mackenzie is a shooter now?”
“She can pull the trigger,” replied Josh.
“Can she hit anything?”
“About one in three shots are on the paper. Less than that are actually inside the target.”
“What distance?”
“Ten yards.”
“That’s about where I started out.”
“Yeah, with a pistol.”
“Oh, you’re talking about ten yards with a rifle?”
“Yep,” Josh said unenthusiastically.
“Well,” Nicole said. “It’s something that you even got her to hold a gun. Can she change a magazine?”
“She can remove the empty one. Trying to replace it with a fresh mag, she attempted to put one in upside-down, and another one with the bullets facing backward. I had a 40-round P-mag that I loaded for her before we left. Hopefully, they don’t have any trouble, because once that magazine is spent, she’s finished shooting for the day.”
Josh looked into the rearview mirror and picked up the walkie-talkie. “Keep back about a hundred yards. We’re almost there. Try to find a parking spot close enough so you can get to us in a hurry but not visible from the trading post.”