Restoring Law: An EMP Survival Story (EMP Crash Book 6)
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“Water,” she gasped in a hoarse whisper.
Grace rose and went to get some water, which she handed to Anna. Anna sipped it gingerly, her throat still raw. She winced in pain, then Mack took the cup from her.
“It'll take a while to get back to your best, but we've got a good set-up here and there are talented people looking after you. You're going to be fine Anna, and we can catch up. There are so many things I need to tell you, and so many things I want to hear. I just...it's been so hard without you, and now that you're here, I realize how much I've needed you all this time,” he said, clasping her hand, pressing his forehead against them as his body shuddered while the tears poured out.
Grace stood aside, letting them have this private moment. Anna still was weak, but she managed to utter Mack's name, and it was the sweetest sound he had heard in a long time. Her lips were dry, but he placed his lips upon them tenderly, and the kiss seemed to strengthen both of them.
“For a moment, I thought I was dreaming,” Anna said, and leaned her head back into the pillow.
Mack brushed the hair out of her face and stroked the back of her cheek with his hand, unable to wipe the smile from his face.
“Right,” Mindy said, interrupting, “now that you've said your hellos, I'm going to have to ask you to leave, Mack.” When he began protesting, she held up her hand.
“Anna needs to rest. Right now, the last thing she needs is the conversation you two are going to have. She's stable, and that's good. She's out of danger, so you don't have to worry about that. But I want to get her some food and water and make sure her body recovers. And, in my amateur medical opinion, you could use some rest as well. She's going to need you to be strong. So, the best thing you can do is take a break, go freshen up, and come back later when the two of you can talk properly.”
Mack smirked. “Okay, doc,” he said, and then leaned down to kiss Anna on the forehead.
“Sleep well, my darling. I'll be back soon. I love you.” She smiled, and looked at him with love-light in her eyes.
Grace escorted Mack out. Although hours had passed, people still were waiting outside the infirmary and Mack told them the good news.
“Wait for me,” Luis called out from behind.
Grace looked with delight to see him back on his feet, although he was hobbling along with the help of a cane.
“Why didn't you tell me?” she exclaimed, giving him a hug.
“I wanted it to be a surprise, and I wanted to make sure that I could go a few steps without falling over.”
“It's good to see you back on your feet,” Mack said, offering Luis his hand. Luis took it and shook it heartily.
“And I'm happy to see that your wife is recovering. I can't believe after all this time she was in the city. You must be so happy.”
“I am now that she's out of the woods. I just can't wait until she's well enough to have a conversation. There are so many things we have to say to each other I don't know where to start.”
“I'm sure you'll find your way through,” Grace said.
“Now, didn't Mindy say that you had to go get some rest?” Mack scratched the stubble that peppered his jaw.
“I don't know about that. I don't think I could sleep even if I wanted to. Like you said, there's a lot to discuss and we should get to that right away. Would you mind gathering everyone up so we can have a meeting at City Hall? There's no time like the present,” Mack said.
Grace nodded and went off. Mack and Luis walked toward City Hall, going at a slow pace to accommodate Luis, for he still was getting used to walking with a cane.
“I'm sorry about this,” he said, embarrassed.
“No need to be. Sometimes it's nice to take a slow stroll. Back in my old life I served with a lot of men recovering from gunshot wounds. You'll get used to it eventually. Did Mindy say how long you have to use the cane for?”
“She couldn't give me a certain time. It would be easier if we were in a proper hospital, but Mindy did the best she could and I'm glad for it. I wasn't sure I'd actually be up again. I lost so much blood and things were uncertain for a while. I'm just glad to be up on my feet, and she said I can do some light duty, so I actually can help instead of being useless.”
“It's good to have you back, but you never were useless,” Mack said.
“I get what you mean, but it sure felt like it. While there was so much going on out here I was left in there and couldn't do anything. I was sick of being stuck on the sidelines, although I hope nothing like that happens again. I'd be quite happy if we just lived in peace for the rest of our lives.”
“That would be the dream,” Mack said.
As they walked through the settlement a few people came up to him to talk about his wife, and he thanked them for their kind words.
He and Luis walked on toward City Hall until Mack said, “Luis, look around, what do you see?”
Luis, furrowing his brow, cast his gaze around the immediate area trying to look for what Mack was hinting at; but nothing seemed amiss, aside from a few wary glances from Gary, one of the council members of the other community. Luis shrugged and turned back to Mack.
“I just see people hanging about talking, making repairs. It's just life as usual.”
“But look closer. Look at the types of people that are clustered together. They're all from the same kind of groups. Even though we're together we're still separate. People are keeping to who they know.”
“That is natural. It's going to take a while for everyone to get used to each other.”
“But we have to be mindful of it and think of ways to bring everyone together, to become one whole community instead of these fractured pockets of people that are so afraid to trust again because they've been burned too many times.”
The two men made their way into City Hall, and halfway up the stairs Luis did end up taking the help that Mack had offered, even though it made him feel ashamed. Mack reminded him there was no shame in accepting help when it was offered, and that everything would run more smoothly if people let go of their pride. Both men let out a sigh of relief as they took their seats in the large office, and Mack felt better for being back here. So far, in the new world, this office had seen a turbulent time and Mack hoped that for the foreseeable future things would be a great deal calmer.
It didn't take long for the others to arrive. Grace, Maggie, Saul, Hank, and Freddie joined Mack and Luis, each one of them offering their congratulations to Mack for finding Anna, especially Maggie, who knew what it was like to be reunited with a loved one after so much time apart. Saul, too, knew the same feeling, but it had been different for him since he had not shared much affection for his brother, and even now he would rather not think about him. Mack made a point to thank Freddie for all he had done in helping Anna in the infirmary, and then thanked the rest of them for being able to count on them in these times of adversity.
“Grace told us that she was awake,” Hank said.
“Has she been able to tell you what happened to her, and how she made her way to the city?”
“Not yet,” Mack said, “Mindy wanted her to rest, but as soon as she's able I want to hear her story, and to tell her all about what has happened here and what we're trying to build. That's why I called you all in here. Grace reminded me there's still a lot to do. I had a chance to think while I was sitting with Anna. I realized we all should all be proud of everything we've accomplished and everything we've built here, but that doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels. We've suffered some devastating attacks and I'm sure there are other dangers lurking out in the city.”
At this point he rose from his seat and looked out of the high window at the city below, and all the secrets it contained within it. It looked so quiet from that vantage point, but they still only had explored a small percentage of the city and there was yet more to discover.
“Are you saying we should prepare for another attack?” Saul asked.
“Yes, but more than that,” Mack said, turning back ar
ound to look each of them in the eye, clasping his hands behind his back.
“We need to start thinking about the future; not just our own future, but the future of this place as well. So far, we've been so focused on merely surviving, because that's what we had to do, but now we can look to other things. We can make this settlement a real, living, breathing place. A place that has the best of humanity. We all know the world isn't perfect. It wasn't perfect before that EMP struck, and it sure as hell isn't perfect now, but we have the opportunity to build something here.” He spoke with great passion and zeal, which touched the others, but then he quieted somewhat.
“When the plane went down right at the beginning of this I only had two goals in mind. One was to survive, and the other was to find my wife. Everything I did was in service to those two things. I wanted to get to the city because I figured it'd be safer than the woods, and because I hoped there would be some way to make it back home, or at least a greater chance that I'd meet someone who would be able to help me. Instead, we found this place and we saw that the people here needed our help. We could have left them and carried on our way. I could have left them. I didn't know them, didn't owe them anything, but I put my own goals aside for the greater good of this place.
I saw something here that appealed to me, and I knew that if Anna could speak to me, she would have told me to put my skills to good use in protecting this place. And now Anna and I have been reunited. I don't have to go looking for her anymore. As I was sitting by her bedside, I was faced with the question of what to do now. What is my new purpose in life? And I must admit I'm actually a little glad Anna is here, because I've come to think of this place as home, and you all as family. There are going to be many challenges ahead, but I know we can face them together.”
As he stared around at all his friends he saw the same thing reflected in their eyes, and then they in turn looked at each other, smiling at the bonds that had formed between them, sometimes in surprising ways.
“While walking here with Luis we noticed that many of the new people still are keeping separate from the rest of the community. I'm aware this is natural and that it will take time, but I want us to look at ourselves as an example. None of us knew each other before this new world began, and even when our two groups first met there was some distrust.” At this he glanced at Maggie and flashed her a teasing smile.
“But we spent time together, and gradually we trusted each other, and I would trust each of you with my life. I want that same feeling with these new people. They're still going to be scared, and they're going to look to us for leadership and to set examples. So I want us all to be mindful of the way they feel right now. I want this place to be inclusive and welcoming, and I really believe that it can happen.”
“It's all well and good saying this Mack, but you can't just conjure all this out of thin air and hope for the best. It's going to take time and everyone is going to need to be willing to take part. We can't just make them all feel comfortable,” Saul said.
“I know, and that's why I called this meeting. I would like us to discuss the future, both for ourselves and for this settlement. I feel we have an opportunity now to settle down after the attacks. I have a few ideas already, but I'd like to hear what you think as well.” And with that he sat down and waited for someone else to speak.
Chapter Three
“You really do have a gift, Mack,” Maggie said, sounding appreciative for the speech.
“With regards to our future, well, I can't speak for anyone else, but I don't have any plans to go anywhere. I think it's suicidal to go out into the wider world, especially with winter approaching. There's strength in numbers,” she said, and her words were met with nods from the others.
“I've always said that I'm by your side no matter what,” Grace said.
Mack then looked at Luis, for he knew the younger man always had had a wanderlust.
“I didn't think I could settle down anywhere. I thought the best way to live was to move from place to place and never get attached, but I'm happy here with all you people. We had enough time on the road, and I wouldn't want to go back out there. Besides, it's not like I can walk that fast,” he said, and his joke was met with polite laughter.
“I'm glad you all feel that way,” Mack said.
“Regarding what you said about the other communities not feeling a part of this one yet,” Freddie said, placing his hands together in the form of a steeple, “it's safe to say some of them may change their minds. After all, they joined us in the heat of a fight and, as Maggie said, there is strength in numbers. But now that fight is over, and it's quite possible they don't like the reality of living here. But I think that's okay. We can't force anyone to stay or dictate the way they have to live. So, maybe it's worth giving them the choice again now that things have settled down. At least that way if they stay, then it's their choice, and they don't have to feel as though they're obligated or anything.”
“It also could help to have a celebration, too,” Hank chimed in. Mack nodded slowly.
“Those are both good ideas. You know, maybe we can combine the two. We should have a feast. After all, we have a freshly killed lion waiting to be eaten, and that would give everyone a chance to get to know each other. Then I can give the people a choice. I've also been thinking we should give this place a name. That would help, too, to properly cement the idea that we're improving our lives. For too long we've lived in the shadow of the apocalypse. I know winter is coming, but I want people to see there is hope,” Mack said.
“Do you have any ideas?” Saul asked.
“I've been throwing a few around in my head, but none of them sound quite right yet. I want you all to think about it, that can be the first task,” he replied.
“Now, the second thing on my agenda is what to do with Peter. Maggie, I know I've talked to you briefly about what we're going to do regarding law and order around here. I don't know if you've had a chance to give it any serious thought with all that's been happening, but we need to decide what we're going to do with him.”
“At the moment, he's locked up, so he's not doing anyone any harm, and we have a guard on him at all times, even at night. At first, he made some noise, but he mostly seems resigned to his fate now,” Maggie said.
“I'm inclined to let him rot there, if it wasn't for the fact that every prisoner is a drain on resources.”
“And that there are plenty of people around who don't think he's been punished enough,” Saul said, “They want something much worse than imprisonment.”
“We need to make sure people know they can't go taking the law into their own hands,” Mack said.
“And while I appreciate that he is a drain on resources, I don't want to just exile him out in the city. He's too dangerous to be let loose.”
“I can talk to him. Maybe over time I can rehabilitate him,” Freddie offered.
While this offer was well-received, the topic led to a wider discussion about how to deal with crime. So far, they only had had to deal with threats from outside the group. Yet, Maggie was sure it wouldn't be long until there were threats from within, especially with a lot of new people having to adjust to each other.
“It seems to me there's only one way we can keep this town in line, and that's to have a sheriff in place, someone tough, who can't be messed with. Maggie, are you up for it?”
“Yes, sir,” she said, smiling with glee, “but every sheriff needs a deputy.”
Almost as soon as she put the request out there, Luis volunteered. A look of surprise came upon Grace's face, but Maggie seemed happy with the option and welcomed Luis to the ranks.
“I think most of the laws we should have are self-evident,” Maggie said, “but it does beg the question of what we're going to do if someone does get out of line. I hope it never happens, but if we end up having too many people breaking the law, we're not going to have enough able bodies to keep the place running. To be honest, I don't know how else we're going to punish people.”
“You know, I'm reminded of something I read about an African tribe who had a unique way of dealing with members who broke the law. They believed that deep down everyone was a good person, and that instead of punishing them, they should remind them of all the good things they had done. So, they would gather in a circle around the guilty person, and each one of them would say something good about the person, to remind them their existence is not defined by the bad things they have done. I know this won't work for every crime, but for petty things it could work, if people are willing to try it. We have a chance to build something new here, and to avoid the mistakes of the old world. I think we should consider things that may seem unorthodox at first.”
“It'll take some getting used to, but I think the idea has merit,” Maggie said.
“I think you, me, and Luis should sit down at some point and work out how you're going to patrol the city and what things should be considered laws. We're going to have to tell people what they can and can't get away with, but I trust you and am willing to give you a lot of leeway.”
“I appreciate that,” Maggie said.
She and Mack hadn't gotten off to the best start. She was more than willing to admit that was mostly her own fault for being so cold upon meeting them. But now she saw him as a true friend, and was glad all of them were in this together.
“Speaking of rehabilitation,” Freddie continued, “we need to talk about the Lost Children. Many of them have been reunited with their parents, but some are orphans. Either way, they have been through a lot, and it's going to be a difficult process for them to adjust to being a part of this settlement. The early signs have been encouraging, but we’ll have to watch them closely. They've lived without adult authority for a long time, and it could be a while before they properly accept it again. I'd like to start counseling sessions, both for the kids and the parents. They'll need to have some support as well.”