by Ellis, Tara
“Of course not,” Montgomery retorted, his voice dripping with contempt. “What kind of command do you think I’m running?”
O’Shane at least had the presence of mind to look chagrined at the reprimand. “My apologies,” O’Shane said with less vigor. “I simply meant that inaction could be taken as support, and when it takes days instead of hours to have a command carried out, that is how it can come across.”
General Montgomery made a point of slowly steepling his fingers together and then lowered the tips to rest against the top of the mahogany table. The air unit cycled on and off, clanking and echoing through the granite chambers of the mountain, reminding the five men in the room that they were far underground. It was perfect timing, and Montgomery noted that all but Admiral Baker shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Which is why I had Colonel Walsh prepare those documents,” he said, careful to use a neutral tone. Yes, he was the commander, but it would be wise to recognize the other men’s influences. “If any of you are dissatisfied with our response, I’m happy to listen to any and all suggestions. General Visor is correct in that it’s difficult at times to adhere to a strict interpretation of the orders, especially for those on the ground trying to implement them. This does not excuse any abuse of authority, though we may need to take these extraordinary circumstances into consideration before passing judgement.”
“Which brings us to our first point of order,” Colonel Walsh interrupted. It was a gentle reminder that the meeting had opened without following the official agenda. He rose again and handed out a single sheet of paper. “These are the latest estimates for survivors in the United States.”
Visor whistled and set the paper down slowly. “Only sixty-five million?”
Admiral Baker looked skeptical. “The census last year had us at around three hundred and thirty million before the flashpoint. How did you come to this figure?”
Walsh looked at the general and he gestured for the colonel to continue with the presentation. “This is based on new intel gathered from the ops sent to Mount Weather and Raven Rock.” Walsh pointed to the general’s map that dominated one wall of the meeting room. “As you can see, we’ve expanded the black and red zones, after personal verification of…one hundred percent mortality in over half the states.”
“Dear Lord,” O’Shane muttered.
Baker leaned back in his seat and spun partway around so he could get a better look at the map. “You’ve added some lines,” he noted.
“Yes,” Montgomery confirmed without relish. “We’ve got a rather clear delineation of radiation. The black, red, yellow, and green yarn mark the estimated radius of various levels of exposure. For example, you can see Colorado falls within the yellow band, meaning we’ve had a variable reaction, which seems to rely somewhat on age, health, and other unknown factors.”
“We’ve taken this information and then used Colorado Springs as an example of deaths in the larger populated areas in the yellow and green zones to then extrapolate the death toll,” Walsh continued. “Unfortunately, we expect another twenty-five percent to succumb to a combination of dehydration, starvation, and other illnesses by the end of July.”
“Another fifteen million dead in the next month?” Admiral Baker muttered, turning away from the map to stare blankly at the other men. “How is that possible?”
“Have you been outside the mountain compound in the past eleven days?” General Montgomery asked. When Baker didn’t answer, he tapped at the numbers on the census report. “We have millions in dire need at the moment. While it might look easy on paper, the logistics of locating, mobilizing, and moving supplies and manpower is almost impossible. But we’re doing it,” Montgomery added, leaning forward and staring intently at the Vice Admiral. “Soldiers who have been tasked with the intolerable burdens of digging mass graves, and being confronted with thousands of dying civilians when they can only help hundreds, are the main reason the casualties won’t be much, much higher.”
“It’s because of the joint efforts of all our men and women that this is possible,” General Visor said, smoothing over the rising tension.
Montgomery sat back and placed his hands once again in his lap. “Yes. Of course. Which is why it’s imperative that we all support each other. We have to be united in our efforts.”
“A perfect example of that,” Colonel Walsh said, handing out yet another paper, “is the ongoing confirmation of around-the-clock staffing and management of the nuclear missile silos. Obviously, we were in almost immediate contact with the one on base here in Colorado, but after some nerve-wracking days, we’re now confident that Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota are also secured.”
“Excellent,” O’Shane said approvingly. “And what of Mount Weather?”
“It was a successful mission,” General Montgomery said. “I’m expecting a personal debriefing tomorrow. However, I can say with confidence that there are enough caches housed at the facility to heavily bolster our rescue attempts.”
“And the list?”
Montgomery gave Baker an openly annoyed look. “As I said, the mission was a success. While we’ll be taking the list into consideration while organizing our response, I’m sure we can all agree it isn’t a priority.”
“Our last item of discussion,” Walsh intercepted the banter again, and passed around his last handout. “A scientific compilation of the gamma-ray burst effects. Broken down by the immediate, short-term, and long-term implications.”
“Acute radiation exposure appears to have run its course, for the most part. Those who were going to get sick, did, and either perished or are recovering,” Montgomery said, summarizing the first paragraph of information. “The impact on the atmosphere isn’t so clear. We’ve got some of our greatest minds working on it, and as you can see from the data, we’ve come a long way in understanding what the burst did to the ozone layer and upper atmosphere—”
“But we aren’t going to really know the full repercussions for months, or maybe even years,” O’Shane interrupted. “I’ve been working with the science committee on this,” he explained. “I’ve always had an interest in astrophysics and the biosphere.”
“That’s perfect,” Montgomery said with sincerity. “I was hoping that one of you would offer to head this up. Frankly, it’s beyond my understanding.”
The major nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely, General. I’d be more than happy to oversee it. The potential consequences are literally Earth-wide. Everything from acid rain, to plant die-off and climate change.”
Admiral Baker moaned. “Everything else isn’t enough? We’re also facing problems with growing food and harsh weather?”
“Not just harsh weather,” O’Shane cautioned. “The jet stream seems to be shifting, and the temperature is already dropping due to smog created by the conversion from the gamma ray of dinitrogen in the atmosphere into nitrogen dioxide. It’s subtle to the naked eye, but appears as an orange haze. We’re already experiencing the beginning of this phenomenon and it could lead to massive storms unlike anything ever before experienced in recorded history.”
“A more imminent threat is a new bacteria turning up in Montana and Idaho,” Walsh announced, wincing at the steely gaze Admiral Baker turned on him. “We haven’t nailed it down yet, but of course our research abilities are just as limited as everything else. What’s important is that it’s almost identical to cholera.”
“Why haven’t we heard of this until now?” Major Visor asked, paling in the already dim light. “I’ve seen it abroad and it’s a nasty, nasty bug.”
“For the same reason everything else is slow in getting reported,” Walsh said unapologetically. “There’ve been some documented cases of extreme gastric illnesses springing up, but everyone assumed it was from the radiation, since the initial symptoms mimic it. It wasn’t until yesterday that excessive deaths in Helena were recorded and we immediately implemented a quarantine at the shelters already erected. We’ve had a few cases at Shelter M4 and three of the four were su
ccessfully treated.”
“They either died or recovered in a day?” O’Shane’s mouth hung open and he looked to General Montgomery for confirmation.
“Yes. It’s incredibly virulent and progresses rapidly.” Montgomery stood then and approached the map with his hands clasped behind his back. It was a pose he’d found himself in a lot lately and it helped to settle his thoughts. “It’s yet another reason among many why it’s paramount that we move quickly into our next phase.” Turning, he faced the joint commanders and Walsh. “The shelters are only temporary. Even at full capacity, we’ll be helping thousands, not millions. That’s unacceptable.”
“The next phase being locating and invading small towns that meet your criteria for a sustainable community?” Admiral Baker asked.
It was a pivotal moment and General Montgomery recognized it for what it was. Instead of fear or intimidation, he felt righteousness. He knew then, without a doubt, what was needed for the continued survival of the United States of America and what was left of her people. “Yes,” Montgomery said with resolve. “And I am sure, Deputy Commander, that when the first of those communities are thriving in a world otherwise gone mad, you will gladly take up residence there.”
Chapter 17
DANNY
FEMA Shelter M3, Monida, Montana
“You look good in black.” Danny smiled at Sam before leaning down to give him a hug. Grace danced around his chair, whining, and then licked his hand when he offered it. It was a huge relief to see him not only up and dressed in the same uniform as the rest of them, but seated at a table, eating the last remnants of a late dinner.
“That’s what I’ve been saying,” Sam replied, grinning up at her. “Someone finally listened to me.”
Danny took the vacant chair next to him as Grace lay contentedly at his feet, and quickly surveyed the room. The infirmary tent was twice the size of the one they’d been corralled in for the quarantine period. There were three other patients, two of them sleeping in cots at the far end of the room, and a man who was playing a card game with the nurse at a table next to them. Three tables took up the center space, and a couple of shelves that were likely pillaged from the town bordered either side of the entrance, full of supplies. It looked like a MASH unit from an old war movie, and Danny figured it was enough to deal with most simple medical issues.
“I’m getting out of here in the morning,” Sam said while pushing around a dry lump of instant mashed potatoes. “It’s amazing what twenty-four hours on steroids can do. I’ve already been assigned a new tent in the men’s quarters.” He tilted his head sideways and raised an eyebrow at her. “You look like you’ve had a rough day.”
Danny glanced down at her dirty clothes and chuckled. “They’ve definitely kept me busy. I spent hours stacking firewood, collecting water for boiling, and clearing more space. It sounds like they’re expecting a huge influx of refugees from both the north and south, as far as Helena, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello. They intentionally set up camp here, in the middle of nowhere, so they’d avoid being overrun.”
“Smart,” Sam said. He pushed his plate away and leaned back in the chair. “Too bad the people who lived here didn’t have any say in it.” He pointed to one of the occupied cots. “The guy back there was injured a few days ago in a scuffle with Dillinger’s men. They requisitioned his house by force so the corporal could use it as his headquarters.” The nurse looked up from the cards in her hand and gave Sam a disapproving look.
Ignoring the woman, Danny scooted her chair closer to Sam and lowered her voice. “What are we going to do, Sam? They won’t let me see Tom, and every time I’ve asked about Ethan, I’m told he’s busy. I don’t believe Dillinger is going to just let Tom out, do you?”
“Ethan came to see me,” Sam said without any preamble. “That kid is more resourceful than both of us combined. He’s managed to get in the good graces of half the soldiers here.” Pausing, Sam looked over his shoulder and then gestured at the entrance with his chin. “I’m getting some fresh air, Ellen.”
Ellen squinted at Sam over the top of her cards. “Don’t go far. The cooler air could trigger another coughing fit and I’d like to avoid another breathing treatment tonight, if possible.”
Sam waved a hand at her in acknowledgement and then took Danny’s arm. Grace jumped to her feet and happily plodded after them as they made their way outside where it was already getting dark.
“Grace seems to be doing well,” Sam observed, petting the retriever’s head.
Danny wandered over to the nearest fire, noting the chill that was back in the air. The northern lights were already out in full display, despite the sun not being all the way down and she tipped her head back to look up at it. “She’s the only one having fun here,” Danny answered absently. “Sam, do the lights seem to be getting stronger?”
Sam moved up next to her, holding his hands out towards the fire. “Yeah, I think so. Funny how we’ve already become so accustomed to them that the subtle changes are being overlooked by most people.”
Danny ignored the psychological aspect of his response and instead focused on the more immediate concern. “Why? I mean, what’s causing it to get brighter? The gamma-ray burst was eleven days ago.”
Sam tossed another log on the fire before answering, and Danny wasn’t sure if it was because he had to think about it or if he didn’t want to say it out loud. “To put it simply, it’s caused a chain reaction in the atmosphere. Both with the destruction of the ozone layer, and also with the literal conversion of molecules into new ones. It’s ongoing, and I don’t know how long it will last, or how much the changes will affect us here on the surface.”
“It shouldn’t be this cold.” The chill Danny felt was from more than the cool air.
“The orange haze we’ve noticed increasing might have something to do with it.” Sam looked at her then and shrugged in resignation. “It’s simply impossible to know for sure.”
“The one thing we do know is that we have to get out of here if we ever want to get to Mercy,” Danny said, turning back to the fire. “I think we could still walk out tomorrow, but I want to wait and see what happens with Tom. We need him, and the horses. We still have around two hundred miles to go. What did Ethan say?” Danny looked at Sam and saw him grin at the question. “I hope you’re right and he was more resourceful than me, because I got pretty much nothing. They wouldn’t even let me near their radio. I was hoping to get some more information about Helena and maybe even Mercy, but I was told it was restricted to military use only.”
Sam took a moment to make sure no one else was nearby before answering. “Ethan was insistent that we leave first thing in the morning, while everyone is still at breakfast.”
Danny frowned. “That doesn’t make any sense. He wants us to leave without him or Tom? What about the horses?”
“There were some other people around when we were talking and someone came to get him before we could manage to have a more private conversation,” Sam explained. “It’s clear that he’s planning something, though. He did say for us to leave through the north gate and then wait a mile or so up the road for a day before leaving.”
Danny crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. “No way am I leaving them.”
“I think we should listen to him.”
Danny stared at Sam in dismay. “Sam, obviously the kid’s planning something and he wants us to have a head start in case it goes wrong.”
“I’m a liability.” Sam jammed his hands into his pockets at the same time that he was racked by a deep cough. Danny knew that while he was doing a lot better, in addition to the cold air, any sort of exertion would cause his airway to react. It’d be a few more days on the medication before things really calmed down.
“Maybe.” Danny knew better than to try and sugarcoat things with the older man. “But Ethan could also be considering the fact that having us on the outside might be beneficial. Especially if Dillinger has something else planned for Tom.”
<
br /> Sam looked sideways at Danny and narrowed his eyes at her. “Danny, Ethan said not to try anything and to just leave. He’s smart. I think we should have some faith in him and do what he says.”
“Sam!” Nurse Ellen was standing in the entrance to the infirmary, hands on her hips. “I heard you hacking out here. I told you what would happen, now get back inside!”
Grimacing, Sam held up a hand in acknowledgement before giving Danny a quick hug. “Six tomorrow morning,” he whispered. Kneeling down to Grace’s level, he kissed the top of her head. “Take care of her,” he said while winking at Danny. “She’s a stubborn one.”
Danny watched as Sam walked back inside with the nurse and then reached out blindly for Grace. Finding her friend’s furry ears, she absently rubbed them while mulling over the new information. Slowly, a strong feeling of resolution welled up in her chest as Danny thought about Tom’s last words to her as he was being led away.
She had no idea why Ethan and his dad had been thrust into her life. They both confused her, and most of the time, she wasn’t sure what she was feeling. The only thing Danny was certain of was that she wasn’t ready to have them taken away. Because through all of the chaos and confusion, whether it made sense or not, she needed them. As much as she needed Sam and Grace. They were a part of her new family.
Relieved to have made up her mind, Danny walked away from the fire with a satisfied smile on her face. It was a good thing she’d never been one to follow orders.
Chapter 18
RUSSELL
Less than 100 Miles south of Mercy, Montana
Russell paused with the water bottle halfway to his mouth and held his breath, listening. Sure enough, he heard the sound of a lone horse clopping up the road. If he hadn’t stopped for a break, he probably would have run right into them.
He leapt from his bike and hurried to roll it behind the nearest tree. He preferred to have the upper hand whenever he encountered someone new, and there was no need to reveal his form of transportation. People were killing for a lot less. Russell grinned at that thought and added an extra spring to his step.