by Nikki Lewen
Caleb clears his throat and goes on, “My girlfriend died later that night…the next day, we buried the bodies. We took shifts, switchin’ between diggin’ and guarding each other. Our group was shattered, and…as another winter arrived, things grew even more dismal. We lost two more friends to a combination of sickness and starvation. Thousands died that winter…and bodies were stacked in what little snow covered the ground. When spring arrived there wasn’t enough manpower…or strength to bury everyone. Bodies were burned en masse, or left to rot. As the seasons changed, more people arrived searchin’ for water. The three of us left, decided…stayin’ in the cabin was no longer safe…we packed what we could carry…and disappeared into the mountains.”
Caleb shifts positions, trying to get more comfortable, and Sadie helps adjust his bedding while waiting for the rest of his story.
“Just as we moved out, the Splitter Nation arrived. At first, we thought they were gonna return order and some form of organization. They came in long caravans, with forces greater than we knew even existed. We watched from afar, trying to decide if we should return or not. They settled their troops along the shore and began policing the water. They set up barricades and…as people tried to get to it…they were turned away…or shot.”
“Skirmishes broke out everywhere…people fought to get to the lake’s edge. The Splitter solution was eliminating any and all resistance. As we traveled south around the lake…we witnessed the complete annihilation of survivors and the horrors the Nation brought. We kept moving. Not wanting to spend the upcoming winter trapped in the elements…we searched for someplace safe to hole-up, and…one day…stumbled upon a lone man huntin’ in the woods.”
Caleb shifts again, settles quickly, and keeps talking, “The tension was nerve-racking, as we stared each other down. We kept our rifles aimed, and…he did the same. Eventually…we exchanged words, and then…gradually, we lowered our weapons. For the next few days, we traveled together, gettin’ to know one another.”
Caleb, still not comfortable, tries ignoring it. “We gained his trust, and…eventually, he took us to a safe location…where he shared all the preparations he’d made. He’d spent the last twenty years of his life stockpiling food, water, and supplies, with a plan to make sure his family and friends survived…if anythin’ ever happened. He didn’t just want to survive, but…be in a position to help others. We met his family and the rest of the group at his compound. A majority of it was below ground…in bunkers. For the next few years, we lived as a part of their community and helped in any way we could.”
Caleb remembers those first days fondly. It was such a relief, and at the time, life seemed to be getting better. He takes a sip from his canteen then returns to his tale. “Even though the compound was self-sufficient…the ongoing drought made it difficult on the water supply…and…the well produced less and less...then…San Andreas erupted.”
Sadie shudders at the mention of the earthquakes. It brings up terrible images, and she tries pushing them out of her mind so she can focus on what Caleb’s saying.
Caleb, not noticing, keeps talking, “Considering the strength…and intensity of the quakes…the compound held up fairly well. One bunker cracked and partially collapsed…but…the well went dry and the only water left, was what remained in storage. We estimated…if we were careful…six months of water…but…we needed to find a new supply. So…we sent search parties, travelin’ in different directions. They’d carry enough supplies for one month and then return to report what they’d found.”
“Four parties of three, set out. The three of us that left Tahoe were grouped together and sent there. We returned to see what changed and…if it was safe to return. But…the Nation had been busy. They militarized the entire area, and we were shocked at the lake’s level. I never thought it possible, but…it was nearly gone. We tried findin’ a place to get close enough to get some water, but the entire area was heavily guarded and under constant surveillance.”
Sadie shifts, this time. She balls up her jacket and places it in the small of her back.
Caleb waits, before continuing. “We returned, just after a month, to share the news of our discoveries. Of the four groups that ventured out, only two returned. Besides us, the other team brought back a stranger…with news…that’s when we learned how bad the earthquakes had been.”
Images from the quakes once again flash across Sadie’s mind and a deep sadness fills her.
This time Caleb notices and he stops his tale. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just not used to sittin’ this long,” she lamely replies, standing up to stretch her legs. Sadie turns so he can’t see her face. “I need to go to the bathroom anyways. You okay taking a short break?”
Caleb can sense Sadie’s emotional change and isn’t sure how to act or what to say. “Sure, it’s not like I have anythin’ else to do,” he responds with a grin, trying to brighten her sudden mood shift. “Besides, I need to go, too.”
Sadie steps outside and walks away. She stops fighting back the tears and lets them fall. Sometimes, her emotions well up so suddenly, and with such force, that it surprises even her. She starts on a short hike, realizing she’s forgotten her crossbow, and cursing herself for being so careless and distracted, she returns to the cave. Inside, she grabs her bow and the bucket Caleb was using as a toilet, and heads back out. She returns just as quickly with the bucket and sets it back down near him.
“I dug a latrine,” she states, a little too abruptly. “It’s near the door on your side of the cave, further down between the logs. I piled the dirt nearby…to use as cover up…when you use it. It’ll keep the smell down.”
He stares at her, a little confused, and Sadie realizes she needs to back track.
“Sorry, that came out…kinda…gruff. When I’m here, it doesn’t bother me to take out your bucket. I’m just lettin’ you know, so…when I’m gone, you can take care of it.”
He doesn’t even try to hide his fear of being left alone, and Sadie realizes once again her mistake.
“Shit. Caleb…I’m sorry. I’m doing a terrible job of communicating, and the last thing I want to do, is make you worry. I’ve been really concerned…’bout those two Splitters I found with you. I’m used to stayin’ on the move, and patrolling regularly, makin’ sure no one sneaks up on me. Since I brought you here, I’ve neglected my normal patrols and…it’s makin’ me…a little…apprehensive.”
She comes to his side and sits down. It’s getting later and she’s hungry again. Caleb still hasn’t said anything and she feels bad about it. Wrapping her arms around her legs, she pulls them close, and rests her forehead on her knees. Sadie can’t find the words, and he can tell she’s struggling.
Leaning towards her, Caleb lightly places his hand on her arm, “It’s okay Sadie.”
This time, her eyes water, but with her head down, they’re hidden from him. They sit together not saying anything until a rumble from his stomach brings her back.
Lifting her head, she asks, “How ’bout…I make us some dinner…then, you finish your story.” He nods in agreement, as she moves away from his side. “Hope you don’t mind leftovers,” she says, pulling the generator’s cord, grateful for the distraction.
NINE
After finishing the last of the quail soup, a sly smile crosses Sadie’s lips. “You want dessert?” she asks, knowing her question peeks interest.
“Of course!” He tries to see what she’s up to, but Sadie turns her body blocking what’s being prepared.
When she comes back, Sadie hands him the bowl he’d eaten from earlier. Caleb looks into it and his mouth waters.
“Chocolate and peanut butter!” He tosses the first piece into his mouth fighting the urge to chew. Instead, he slowly lets it melt. Caleb moves his tongue around until every surface of his mouth is coated in the melted, gooey combination. “Yuuummmm…I can’t believe…mmm...you have choc-ohhh-let.”
He tosses another morsel into his mouth, while licking his fi
ngers, making sure none is wasted, as it’s too rare. The two of them take their time enjoying the treat and afterwards, Sadie makes them both a hot cup of tea as they settle to finish what they started earlier. They sit in silence, sipping from their cups, until Caleb is ready to continue his tale. Setting down his tea, he clears his throat and begins.
“When we returned from our search…I shared all we learned about Tahoe, the lake, and the Splitters. When our group finished…everyone anxiously turned to Gus, the newest arrival...the man who returned with the other search party, the one…who had actual news and…came to offer help. It was his firsthand account of the earthquakes that everyone was anxious to hear.”
She nods her head silently, understanding the feeling of being anxious. Sadie’s been without news for so long, she finds herself hanging on Caleb’s every word. The more she hears, the longer her list of questions grows, and Sadie finds herself fighting the urge to blurt them out and demand answers.
Unknowingly, Caleb continues, “Gus was a smoke jumper…he parachuted into forest fires to fight from positions the ground units couldn’t reach…he…was stationed in Yosemite when the tsunamis came. His team was called to help with the rescue efforts. They flew in and out of the Monterey Bay area and then moved north to San Francisco. The coast guard was pullin’ people out of the water as fast as they could, but there were just too many…all-available helicopter units were asked to assist. His team set a grueling pace…worked ’round the clock, only stoppin’ long enough to refuel and drop off survivors.”
“There was too much destruction...and too many people. The efforts couldn’t keep up with the demand. Gus described it as tryin’ to stop falling dominoes. One piece after another of the rescue strategies failed. Eventually, Gus and his crew were sent back to Yosemite…grounded by lack of fuel…since…every agency in the country demanded what was available.”
Sadie recalls hearing the activity in the sky all those years ago. She couldn’t always see the helicopters, but she heard them overhead as they headed over the mountains and along the coast. Caleb pauses again, sipping his tea, and she grows impatient.
“Gus told us that, after the rescue efforts failed, his crew stayed in the park. It was one of the few safe places left, and most of ’em didn’t have homes to return to anyways. They continued helpin’ those they could…and, even though it took a while, they managed to find more fuel. It was used sparingly…flying only to find resources to aid their survival. Whenever they headed out, they’d return with any survivors who wanted to join ’em. They set up a rescue camp…built a community of people willing to work together…grew food, hunted, and eked out a civilized colony.”
“Their numbers grew and…as the drought lengthened, the park’s streams, rivers, and lakes dried…then…the forest began to die. Eventually, they decided to use what fuel remained to find possible places to relocate. During earlier excursions, Gus noticed the coastal redwoods…up in the mountains were still thriving, so…they decided to start there. On the first flight back in the air, the earthquakes struck, and Gus…had a bird’s eye view…of…the whole thing.”
Caleb pauses to scratch his leg and pull up his blanket. Sadie can no longer resist. It’s too long a pause and she blurts out a bunch of questions.
“Lake Tahoe’s dry? How many people live in the colony? All of them need…relocating? Is Gus’s crew comin’ back here? He saw everything? From the air? What’d things look like?”
Sadie, breathing harder, can’t believe what she’s learning and needs to hear more. Caleb’s eyes widen. Momentarily confused by the flurry of questions, he loses his train of thought.
“Aahhhhh…” is all he lamely replies while trying to digest all she’s asked. “Yes, Tahoe’s almost dry…more…like dead.” He wants to answer all her inquires, but he’s lost track and struggles. “Ummm…I’m not sure how many are in the colony. It was still growin’ when I arrived. A lot of ’em want to stay…but…who knows what’s happened since I left.”
Caleb stops unable to recall what else was asked. Sadie, watching him struggle, realizes she’s caused him to lose his place. Still trying to control her patience, she attempts to jog his memory with a single question.
“Exactly what did Gus see?”
“Oh, yeah…he saw everything...and when he spoke about it…we hung on his every word. Getting legitimate news is rare, and what he witnessed…silenced us all.”
Caleb now gets a sense of how Gus must have felt when he’d told them. The look in Sadie’s eyes says it all. She’s hanging on his every word, just like they did then. It’s amusing, in a way, and he finds a touch of enjoyment as he continues.
“Gus took it as a sign...he believed he was up in the air, at that moment, for a reason. He witnessed the quakes like no one else…waves of rolling land...then…it all…sank and…completely disappeared.” He pauses, letting his words settle.
Sadie squirms with anticipation. “Caleb! What already!” She says, getting to her feet. “What happened? Wha d’yah mean disappeared?!”
Caleb, surprised at the force in her voice, doesn’t think it wise to delay any further.
“The earthquakes were worse than any of us thought. When San Andres went off…huge chasms opened as the plates shifted. What wasn’t destroyed by the floods…sank, and disappeared…while other landmasses rose. Gus was in the air in time to see the first major quake. He watched the landscape change in front of his eyes as aftershocks continued to shift the terrain. When it finally ended, he landed to check on the colony and evaluate the damage. The next day…he went back up tryin’ to see what options for relocation still existed.”
With a pounding heart, Sadie begins to relive her earthquake experience as adrenaline courses through her veins. Remembering that horrible day, she recalls how violently the trees shook as the tops of the redwoods were snapped off. Trees kept falling, as the ground convulsed and vibrated, making it impossible for her to stay on her feet. Sadie’s thoughts betray her, and she realizes Caleb’s stopped talking and is starring at her.
She barely whispers, “I was here when the earthquakes struck.”
Her face grows pale as the terror runs through her for the second time today. Caleb wants to ask, but thinks better of it. He gives her a few moments, and then decides to continue.
“The Tri-nami devastated the world and rearranged our coasts…and the Global Flood…made it worse, but…the earthquakes…finished the job. California’s…gone.”
Sadie’s attention snaps back to Caleb. “Wha d’yah mean gone? We’re here now.”
“Sadie, with the tidal surges and floods, almost half the state vanished under the ocean…Southern Cal pretty much disappeared. What was left, the earthquakes tore apart or sank. The ground kept opening, and…with each quake, more and more disappeared. All that remains are a few segments of land and…what’s thought to be a scattering of islands.”
Sadie’s face freezes with shock. In total disbelief, she’s unable to picture what he’s describing. As hard as she tries, it’s just not comprehensible. Caleb understands her confusion. It put him in a similar state when he first heard and it took seeing it to fully grasp the changes. Now he’s the messenger trying to explain the unimaginable. He tries painting a better picture.
“You’re on an island,” he blurts, “and…it’s not that big.”
The truths of his words slap Sadie across the face. She knew in her gut that things had drastically changed with the earthquakes, but she pushed it aside. His words tug at something deep, something she’s neglected, and it leaves her reeling. How could she fail to realize? She should have explored further, instead of limiting herself to her patrols and perimeter checks.
Thoughts and questions fill her mind and she can’t slow or stop them. Caleb notices her confusion and is at a loss. He was overwhelmed when he first heard the news, and at the time, he was living on the largest remaining portion of the state. He can’t imagine how she’s dealing with the realization that what once surrounded her,
is gone, and that she’s living isolated on a tiny speck of land. Suddenly, she’s on her feet, exploding with more inquiries.
“Scattering of islands? How many? How big is this one? How far away is the next one? How much land is left? Wait a minute...how did you get here? And…what about those two Splitters? Where’d they come from? Are there more of them!?”
Caleb’s taken aback as Sadie’s body language sends a shiver down his spine. The look in her eyes also sends a clear message. Sadie’s not someone to piss off, especially when she wants answers.
He regains his composure and voice, “I’m not sure how many islands there are. Gus wasn’t able to explore in depth and…the marine layer out here makes it difficult. Your island…as far as I know…sits by itself. It was hard to locate…I was surprised we even found it in the first place. It’s kinda small.”
Caleb reaches for his tea wondering; “Why does it feel like I’m being persecuted?” The intensity in Sadie’s eyes hasn’t softened, and he doesn’t risk making her wait any longer.
“Gus dropped us off here…in a small clearing, on top of a summit. I’m scoutin’ for places to relocate the colony.”
Sadie’s eyes narrow, which causes him to worry.
“The reason we’re considering this island is because…it exists. It’s still green, seemed uninhabited, and might be easy to defend.”
Sadie doesn’t even blink. “Wha d’yah mean, easy to defend?” Her hands become a part of the conversation and when they rest on her hips, Caleb nearly flinches. “Who’s us? Are there more people here?”
He responds quickly, “Flying here, we saw some of the land before the fog filled in. The shoreline has steep cliffs and…the terrain looked rugged and steep…making flights by helicopter the only way. There were only two of us, but...he...” His voice trails off thinking about his departed friend.