by Ison, S. A.
Zoe and Evie seemed to be taking it all better than the other women. It was amazing how each person took the news. He’d been mad as hell, and he’d wanted to beat the hell out of the car. He’d already stomped his phone to bits. He’d pretty much thrown a temper tantrum. He dealt with his fear, turning it into rage. He’d always hated feeling helpless. He was still pretty angry at himself for not putting a bugout bag together. But he’d been lucky that these people were willing to share. He was pretty sure that in a few days or even a week, things would change, but he had the Glock, and he had his longbow, so he could hunt if need be and help the group with food.
He looked up into the sky and saw the stars above. They were extraordinary, brilliant without the artificial light from the cities and towns to block it. He watched bats above, flitting and chasing flying bugs. He watched the wind move the leaves and branches of the trees around him. The soft snores reached him, he thought it was Zoe and smiled. She was a sweet woman, as was Evie.
He could feel the nigh air, it was cold now. He looked over to Zoe and he couldn’t even see her head. She’d pulled into the sleeping bag. He wondered how she breathed and almost laughed. Evie turned out the light within her tent and her soft snores reached his ears. He was sure it was only about eight, but with all the walking, everyone was tired. He knew he was. He was bone tired, and part of it was the worry and the knowledge of the EMP. He turned on his side and covered his head with the blanket, that helped keep the heat in. He grew drowsy and then he was gone.
XX
Lucas stared into the embers of the dying fire. He was sick at heart. An EMP. That meant a living hell for his country, and millions would die. Jesus, all of their friends and families were ill-equipped to deal with this. Neither he nor JP could do a damned thing about it.
“You okay Luke?” JP asked softly.
“No, not really. I was thinking about all our friends, and the hell that’s going to erupt in Norfolk over the next few days. Jesus, I can’t get my mind around it.”
“Me either. I bet the ship is going crazy. The captain too. Our sailors, Christ, especially the ones with young kids. Maybe the ship can help with its food stores. But getting that out to the people who need it, that might be impossible. It’s so damned spread out, there.” JP muttered softly.
“I know. It’s going to be a clusterfuck from hell.” Lucas said, shifting to get comfortable.
“You think my folks will be okay?” JP worried and Lucas placed his hand over his husband’s hand, trying to reassure him.
“I think so. Your dad is a hell of a fisherman. They live right on the beach. They get plenty of rain and your mom has an awesome garden. I’m pretty sure they’ll do fine. They are also in a gated community and your dad has that big ass shotgun. I don’t think anyone will want to screw with him or your mom.”
JP snorted, “Yeah, Pops is a real ballbuster. He’ll probably organize everyone and start a militia.”
Lucas sniggered; JP’s father made General Patton look like a pussy. He was larger than life and rough around the edges, but had a heart of gold. He’d kick ass and take names. No, he had no doubts what so ever, JP’s mom and dad were safe. They, on the other hand needed to get their shit together and figure out a plan. There was no way to get back to Norfolk, even if they wanted to. No. They needed to figure out what to do, where to go and how to survive. Jesus, a friggen EMP.
XX
Beckett woke up and was confused as to why his bed was so damned hard. Then the memory of the previous day hit him, like a punch to the gut. Painful. It was still relatively dark, though he could clearly make out shapes around him. The air around him was damp and chilly and he could hear birds in the forest begin to peep. Softly at first, as though they didn’t want to wake everyone up. Beckett sat up and scrubbed his face and felt the day’s growth of beard. The other’s had various growths, no one shaved, he guessed while hiking on the Appalachian trail. He looked around, he saw a few people shifting, beginning to wake up. It was still dark out and he looked up. The sky was beginning to lighten, it would be another hour before it was light.
He laid back down and turned onto his other side. The ground was hard and his hip hurt. Hopefully he’d be sleeping in his own bed tonight. He hoped that Milo’s truck worked. He still wondered about Milo, something about him, just didn’t set well with Beckett. He considered himself a good judge of character and something about Milo just didn’t ring true. He’d caught the man watching Zoe and Evie. He could understand, they were pretty women, but still, something lurked in those green eyes. He’d keep an eye on him.
He drowsed for a bit, his mind wondering. He heard Zoe shifting and heard her yawn. There was a soft staccato of farts from one of the tents. He’d been camping quite a bit when he was young. He and his father, and older brother, had gone on hunting trips. He’d enjoyed it, because his father had a small camper. It had been a hell of a lot more comfortable than this. He sat up once more and looked over, Zoe was sitting up, her face peeking out of the sleeping bag.
“Morning.” She said softly in a sleepy rough voice.
“Morning, how did you sleep?” He asked quietly, not wishing to wake the others.
“Good, I was really tired. I always sleep well when I hike. All that exercise.” She grinned.
“After carrying that heavy backpack, I’d say yeah.” He laughed softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“I was going to make some coffee, would you like some?” She asked softly.
“Sure, but let me set up the kettle. That’s really a neat piece of equipment. I’ll use the water in my bottles.” He said, getting up and reaching for the cylinder. He filled it with water as he’d seen Zoe do. Then he picked up the plastic bag that held the twigs and pinecones. That was smart, since everything felt damp this morning. He easily lit the twigs and the fire jumped to life. He fed in more twigs and sticks.
Zoe dug around in her bag and found a sealed plastic bag that held smaller packets of coffee. She took out two and shook them. He could hear the grainy swoosh of granulated coffee.
“We can share the coffee and make more. I hope you like creamer, since the coffee packet already has it in there.” She said, waving two small coffee packets.
“Sure, that’s fine with me.” He said and reached over and plucked the packets from her fingers. He got the small detachable handle and carefully removed the plug. Steam and hot water spit out from the hole. He carefully poured the water into the cup and then set the cylinder back over the dying fire. He dumped one of the packets into the hot water. Zoe handed him a spork, it was metal. He stirred the hot liquid and it smelled wonderful.
He carefully handed the cup to Zoe, who used her sleeve to keep the hot metal away from her flesh. She sipped it carefully and groaned. He fed the fire with more twigs; these twigs were damp and they would last a bit longer.
“Oh, that’s so good.” She whispered and handed the cup back to Beckett.
He took a sip, and was surprised. He was not an instant coffee fan, but this cup tasted damned good. Maybe because he needed the coffee so badly. He smiled at her.
“This is pretty damn good.”
“Yeah, it’s from Japan. I get it from Amazon. Guess we better enjoy it, cause I don’t think I’ll be able to get it again.” She shrugged.
“Yep, that sucks.” He agreed, wanting to hug the cup to his chest.
Around them, people were sitting up. No one talked or at least spoke loudly. Others still slept on. Milo and Carter were still snoring away and Evie had her light on, but had not opened up her tent. Zoe was digging around in her pack again and pulled out two packets of instant oatmeal. Beckett started to protest but she held up a hand and her dark brows went down threateningly. He chuckled softly and nodded. He handed her the cup back and she drank the last of the coffee.
“Let’s eat oatmeal before we have the last cup of coffee.” She suggested.
“Okay, would you like some beef jerky?” He offered.
She snorted sof
ty and shook her head. He took the pot he’d cleaned the night before and dumped the two packets of oat meal into it. He then poured the still hot water into the pot and mixed. He showed it to Zoe.
“Add just a little more water, if it’s too thick, I gag.” She grinned, her dark brows bouncing up and down. Beckett added a bit more water. It was brown sugar maple flavor. It smelled good. He scooted over next to her tent and he held the pot between them. They ate the mixture and watched as others began to stir. It was lighter out now; the shadows of night fading and the birds began to sing louder. Above them, the birds flitted from branch to branch, but didn’t leave the trees. He hoped they’d not poop in their food.
Evie unzipped her tent, looked out, grinned and reached into her pack and pulled out a bag of something and went back into the tent and zipped it closed once more.
“She likes to eat in bed, while she reads.” Zoe laughed gently.
“Oh, okay. Would you like me to make another cup of coffee?” He asked.
“Sure, it will help wash it all down.”
Beckett once more carefully poured the hot water; the fire having gone completely out. The water was damned near boiling hot and he marveled at the pot. He handed her the cup and enjoyed the easy silence between them. He had always been a slow riser. He’d get up, but it took him a while to get moving. He’d never enjoyed rushing in the morning. It would seem like Zoe and Evie were the same.
He took the cup of coffee from Zoe and sipped. He let the warmth of the coffee cup seep through his hands and into his body. It felt good, and with the blanket around his shoulders, it was a nice way to wake up. He could feel the beginning effects of the caffeine. He took another sip. He nearly spilled it all over when someone screamed.
three
Everyone jerked up out of their tents and looked around for who’d screamed. It was Rhena, she was running to Wyatt and fell. Everyone watched and Wyatt held his wife.
“What on earth is the matter, Rhena?” He asked, Beckett could see she was shaken, even in the low light, her skin was a sickening white pasty hue.
“There was a naked man over there, or at least half naked. I was going to the bathroom and when I stood, he was standing right there.” She said, stridently, pointing off into the trees. Wyatt got up and she clung to him. Beckett got up and picked up his Glock and started walking to where Rhena had pointed. He made his way around the trees and overgrown bushes. He could hear someone behind him, but he didn’t look. He followed Rhena’s tracks by the stream. He saw where she’d dropped the roll of toilet paper and he saw her trowel. He looked around but saw no one, he looked behind him, it was Carter and Wyatt.
“I don’t see anyone. He must have run off.” Beckett said, his eyes still searching around the area.
Wyatt picked up the small shovel and toilet paper.
“There’s no telling who’s out in these woods, maybe one of us should go with the women from now on, when they need to use the bathroom.” Carter suggested.
“That sounds like a good idea, Carter.” Beckett said, his eyes still searching the forest and low bushes that dotted the area. He saw no movement.
“Well, he might not have meant any harm, but just startled her. My Rhena is a bit flighty, and panics easily.” Wyatt said, almost embarrassed and shrugged.
“Still, I’d feel better if none of us went anywhere alone. As we get closer to civilization, I’m not sure what is going to await us. Better to be safe.” Beckett suggested. The other men nodded and they headed back to camp. They found everyone awake now at the camp and he saw that the women were clustered around Rhena.
Rhena seemed to be still shaken over the episode but he was glad to see that the other women were calming her down.
“We couldn’t find anyone, Rhena must have scared him off, as much as he frightened her. Carter suggested, and I agree, that we don’t go alone, out away from the camp and as we’re traveling, if you have to make a bathroom break, let’s all stay relatively close to each other and buddy up.” Beckett announced.
“So, you’re in charge now?” Milo smiled and it rankled Beckett. It was a shitty smile, belying the words.
“No Milo, just good old fashion common sense.” Was all Beckett said and he made his way over to his blanket and pack. Zoe walked over, her face filled with concern.
“Should we be worried?” she asked.
“Yes and no, yes, because people may just now be realizing that something very wrong has happened. But no, because perhaps it was just some kind of misunderstanding. I’d rather err on the side of caution, and that makes sense anyway.” Beckett shrugged, smiling.
Zoe nodded and began to repack her backpack. Others were doing the same, folding their tents and sleeping bags. Beckett looked over and noticed that Wyatt was encouraging his wife to ready herself. Lucas and JP went off with a roll of toilet paper as did the Alverez couple. Good, at least they’re listening, he thought. He once more wondered what bug had crawled up Milo’s ass? Why was the man being such a douchebag? Some folks were just anti-authoritarian, and perhaps he just didn’t like cops. Made Beckett wonder.
Within an hour the group was ready to begin another day of walking. They set off, mostly in pairs or threes, many times in single file. The path grew narrow in some places. It was quiet in the forest and the hushed voices carried over a soft breeze. The morning was warming up. Beckett felt himself heating up, he had Zoe’s backpack. It helped that she had helped him adjust the straps for an easier carry.
The birds were in full chorus mode and their loud and sometimes strident cries echoed around the forest. Beckett was enchanted. The distant call of the woodpecker echoed through the forest canopy, and then its resounding repetitive beat, as it hammered unremittingly against a tree. He now understood why these people made the trek. It was like stepping back in time, a primitive land. It made a person feel small, and on the level with nature. They had their gear and packs, but were essentially woodland creatures now.
Wyatt made his way back to Beckett and everyone stopped, some taking the opportunity for a potty break. It had been a good three hours or so. Since no one’s watch worked, except Wyatt’s, it was a little difficult to keep track of time. It was one more thing Beckett had failed at. An EMP proof watch. He mentally added that to the list of, just kick yourself in the ass for things you should have done.
“Beckett, can I speak with you and Milo a quick minute?” Wyatt asked, his calm visage holding a little concern, just behind brown eyes.
“Sure Wyatt, what’s the matter?” Beckett asked as Milo pushed closer. Milo was stepping perilously close into Beckett’s personal space.
“I’m not sure if we’re off trail, it seems to be either getting smaller or nonexistent.” Wyatt announced softly, looking back over his shoulder.
“Milo, how much farther to where your truck is parked? Do you know this trail?” Beckett asked.
“Honestly, I think we should have found it by now, but it may just be our pace. Maybe another hour, I’d not say more than that.” Milo shrugged, looking around as though he thought he’d see his truck.
“I don’t know what to tell you Wyatt, I’ve never walked this trail, and I figured you guys knew the ins and outs of it.” Beckett said, shrugging and feeling helpless. It wasn’t a feeling he liked. These people were supposed to be the experts.
“Well, remember when I mentioned that someone has been screwing with the signs and markers? I’ve not seen a marker since yesterday. Do you think it could have been that character that Rhena ran into this morning?” Wyatt asked, his head on a swivel now, as though expecting the man to run past them.
“I don’t know Wyatt. Might be or we might be off the main trail. Could that be possible? Are we going in the wrong direction?” A sense of dread filled him. It wouldn’t do to become lost in here. He wasn’t really good with a map and compass himself, and he’d not calculated their trek from the beginning. He had no way of knowing where they were heading and he was depending on Wyatt and Milo to get them all
to the truck.
“I don’t think so, I’m using my map and compass. As far as I can tell, we’re going in the right direction, it’s just that the trails seem to have changed or gotten smaller than when I was here last. Several of the other hikers agree.” Wyatt said.
“Christ, I don’t know. I guess keep going, using your compass and map. I have to stress, I’m not a hiker, and I’ve never been on this trail. I’m counting on all of you to get us to where we need to go.” Beckett said in restrained frustration. He wove his fingers into his long hair and pulled.
“I say we keep going. It doesn’t look familiar, but this whole place is the forest, so it all looks alike.” Milo pointing out the obvious. Wyatt turned and walked back to his wife and joined up with Lucas and JP, who were also looking at a map.
“I really think it’s only about an hour away, no more.” Milo smiled and shrugged and walked past Beckett. Carter came up beside Beckett.
“Problem?” he asked.
Beckett shrugged. “Wyatt says that someone has pulled up or destroyed markers. He thinks we might be lost, but says according to his map and compass, we’re going in the right direction. Milo says he thinks his truck is no more than an hour up the trail.”
Carter grunted and looked around the forest, Beckett did the same. It all looked the same to Beckett, unless you marked a tree, he couldn’t tell anyone where the hell he was, or where he started out from. If he closed his eyes and turned around and around, he’d not be able to orient himself. Except for following the sun, and that was hard to see in some parts of the forest. The forest was lush and dense and the canopy heavy above them. Light filtered through, but trying to find the sun was damned near impossible.
“Yeah, I kinda noticed that the markers were missing. Could we have gotten off trail?” Carter suggested.