Each time Randy saw two or more young males, he would slow down. Three people with at least two firearms is a little intimidating. Randy now was entering the safe zone. Anything beyond Atty. Schiller’s house is almost like being in the green zone.
Dropping off one passenger and picking up another one gave a hint to Randy. Perhaps he was qualified to be an Uber driver. Ah, no cell phone, no use of credit cards. Scratch that idea. Still, the red Buick is one of the very few cars running. It is still a very classic ride that only gets better with time.
At the moment, there is peace at the Randal residence. Everyone can be themselves. It is still going to take a long time for Jessica, Alice, and Ben to bond again. Emotional scars take longer to heal than physical scars. Many times they never heal.
Sarah exited the car first. Next, it was Camille. She grabbed her duffel bag and headed for the Randal house. She is getting used to sleeping on the sofa. Unlike at her apartment complex, Camille always sleeps soundly at the Randel’s. There are dogs, a fire pit, and many collaborative members with guns. At her apartment, Camille is the posse.
First things first: a hot meal and a hot bath. God, what a life. After chowing down, Camille spotted Mr. Henderson and walked toward him. Mr. Henderson was just sitting, enjoying the sunshine. Seeing Camille approaching him, he bowed his head. And, with a slight smile, he muttered, “Guess break time is over.” Like a club med groupie, Camille was determined to pamper herself.
After her hot bath, Camille decided to get dressed and mingle. Dusk is starting to cover the landscape. The day has been evolving. There may not be any electrical light switches that work, but there have been emotional switches which were triggered.
Both Jessica and Alice made small gestures toward Ben. If one could step away from the fray, it was obvious that Ben was isolated the most.
Alice and Jessica still had a quasi-relationship. Jessica had Joshua and Vivian (if she chose to). What about Ben?
We all have breaking points. As strong as Ben is, he could not stop the onslaught of an emotional tidal wave. Seeing him break perhaps made the others understand his viewpoint. Jessica is now going to go on with her life. Hopefully, it will be a long and healthy marriage with Joshua. Time will tell.
She is young and can spring back no matter what is thrown at her. It is Ben’s self-esteem that needs repairing. Alice is a strong Christian women.
In the end, she carried on with her motherly instincts.
Alice and Jessica feel they must help in that repairing. This is done with a few kind, gentle gestures: washing a few of his clothes, bringing a plate of his favorite food, making a positive compliment. Small and genuine—that’s the key. The old saying “Time heals all wounds.” We will see.
Our society has programed us to think, that it is okay for a women to cry. For a man to cry is a sign of weakness, yet any man who attends the funeral of a loved one (i.e., wife, mother, spouse, etc.) will most likely also break down. For me, I cry every time the postman comes. More bills!
The die has been cast. Camille headed off to the sofa at the Randal’s house. A night to sleep well, resting her body and soul. It will be like charting a new course. How to pivot through the obstacles that an EMP strike has laid waste to? Still within Camille’s inner self, she feels both anger and excitement: anger toward the thugs who killed her nephew; excitement that she will be traveling with another strong woman.
The venue at William’s household is different. William’s wife will be left alone. She has told William countless times she is uneasy about the trip.
Maybe she had a premonition, or she just does not want to be left alone.
William wanted to spend his last night at the fire pit. His wife said no. Like a condemned person’s last wish, she deserved happiness.
William did have a talk with Randy. Now, Randy and Sarah will make it a point to look after his wife. Randy has also come up with the idea of letting Vivian sleep over. It would really be a win-win situation. If nothing else, misery likes its own company.” Despite the many thoughts in her mind, it was time for some shut-eye. For most in the collaborative, it will be a normal night’s sleep.” For others, maybe not so normal.
In the morning, the sun shone brightly. Already, there is humidity in the air. Hard to sleep without a fan or air-conditioner. Waking up in a sweat is extremely uncomfortable. I wonder how the pro tennis players can battle in ninety-degree weather with high humidity. At least they do not have to worry about their diet as much as the spectators in the stands.
Camille is up early. After a little coffee and breakfast, she went to get a bucket of water. She wishes to sponge herself down. As she grabs a bucket of water, she notices the rabbits. They have plenty to eat. Everywhere you look, there is tall grass. The rabbits are accustomed to feasting near collaborative members. As long as one does not get too close, they chomp away and occasionally look up.
Behind the tarp, Camille sponged herself. She could hear other members starting to arrive. It is a very important and exciting morning. To hear Ben and Jessica exchange pleasantries gave Camille and others a smile. After wiping herself dry, she got dressed. There were a few dirty clothes she wishes to hand wash. They should dry quickly in this heat.
Slowly, more members came for their morning gathering. It became a bon voyage sendoff. It was mid-morning before William and family arrived.
What a contrast of emotions. Fred is joyous that he is going on a trip; he sees it as a vacation. William, well, he always has a poker face. It is his wife who has a sad and hapless look. Carrying Fred’s bag with two hands, she has tears running down her face. She looks like little orphan Annie on her way to a homeless shelter. It must be painful for William. This is real a causality of the EMP strike. Many millions have suffered. Thousands have died. The elderly, homeless, handicapped, many who were dependent on the government. It certainly wasn’t the best of times. But, for many, it was the worst of times.
This road trip gives hope for survival. Ann really feels she will make a difference. With a wealth of information, she will give the big government power player’s valuable insight. Countless people are dying each day; the government needs to be bought up to speed. It is Ann’s opinion that the common folks can act as an auxiliary. The two collaborative are proof of that.
Just supply the jeeps, firearms, food, and medicines at the local level to ordinary folks. They have a better feel and understanding of the people’s needs. In the large apartment complexes, for example, the elderly, disabled, and sickly can be helped more efficiently in groups. There are local nurses and medically trained people who are capable of triage. The glass is always half-empty and half-full. The collaborative provide safe zones, a buffer from evil. Many towns have volunteer firemen. Even Arthur Fiedler of “the Boston Pops” was an honorary captain of the Boston Fire Department.
During World War II, the French resistance consisted of ordinary people who wreaked havoc on the Nazi regime. Just have key state police and military personnel deputize or appoint certain volunteers. Ann feels strongly that it will work. Taking Camille, Fred, and William with her makes the trip even more vital.
It was late morning and everyone is antsy. They are all waiting for Ann (Officer Ryan’s wife) to show up in a Humvee. Maybe one of the young kids can climb a tree. Up there with binoculars, the young kid can give out a signal. One if by ocean, two if by—oh, scratch that. How about one if driving slow and two if driving moderately?
Finally, when all seems lost, a new and strange sound is heard. Off in the distance, the sound is getting louder and louder. Nearing William’s house, this new and strange vehicle is approaching. It is a Humvee in standard desert camouflage. A vintage Canadian vehicle used in the Iraq War. It is a lot larger than a jeep and looks fearsome.
Now, if the collaborative had a band, they would really welcome this new arrival. Trouble is, Daniel is at the other collaborative with his accordion. Smiles were on everyone’s faces, except that of William’s wife. Too bad Vivian is not here.
She could give her some support. Ann drove up near the fire pit. She was wearing a pair of army fatigues. Along both sides of the Humvee were two large words: Military Patrol. The air base is really trying to give Ann every advantage for her to be successful.
Ann tried to get a Humvee with a turret gun on the top. The brass at the air base has decided it is too much of a risk factor. One, they were afraid of collateral damage to innocent civilians; two, if Ann were to lose the Humvee to the wrong people, it would cause a great backlash.
Still the Humvee that Ann has is large. It sits four people comfortably. With a large and extended trunk, there is room for sleeping bags, tents, duffel bags, food, water, ammunition, etc. With a grate in the front and large tires, it is well-equipped to handle many crisis. At the air base, she had to go to the quartermaster’s barracks. She was given several supplies. Eventually, the base commander gave her four firearms and three rifles. One of the rifles even had a scope on it. It was a daunting task that took Ann several hours.
She explained she is taking two adult males and one female. It gave the base commander a little sigh of relief. She did not tell them that Fred is challenged.
Even her husband bit his tongue on that one. Sometimes, silence is golden. Ann had a whole checklist of supplies that were packed. Tire kit, tire inflator, oil, toilet paper, jumper cables, first-aid kit, shampoo, soap, towels, flares, laundry soap, small toolbox, lighters, flashlights, medicine box, and ammo. The air base has been through this many times. Sometimes, going by the numbers works.
William and Camille loaded their duffel bags. William has one for Fred. His pants are cleaned but wrinkled. Around William’s waist is a long sleeve shirt. The day is extremely warm. Having a tall but slender body, William is always paranoid about cold weather. One wonders why he remains in the cold climate of the northeast.
Camille is the polar opposite. She is always conscious about her looks. In her younger years, she carried a lot less weight. She was a stunning-looking woman. Perhaps the closest resemblance would be the woman in the animated film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? an hourglass shape. As years went by, children, stress, and gravity had an effect on her. She is still happy with herself and remains upbeat. Camille always wears a cross on her neck. To her, it is the beauty of one’s soul that is important. If only the rest of us would look at life that way.
There is no expensive bottle of champagne to break on the Humvee, to launch their journey. Only good wishes and a tearful separation between William and his wife. As William climbed into the back of the Humvee, his wife really broke down. This sight tore William apart.
Even though he had a stoic personality, he loves and respects his wife.
Camille is riding shotgun. She turned to William and said, “God will be with you. He will keep you safe.” The palm of her hand was behind her cross. She brought it to her mouth and kissed it in a sign of reverence.
As these last few emotional minutes expired, William remained silent. For one of the first times in his life, a tear ran down the side of his face. There was some real evil in his early years. The experience relegated him to a protective shell. Yes, he has seen a therapist and a physiologist.
William has an extremely high IQ. Every time he saw a professional, he knew what they were going to ask and how they were going to treat him. He decided to find answers within himself. He reads self-awareness books, and the book Journey of Souls by Dr. Michael Newton.
The closest thing to peace for William was, first, his marriage to his wife, and then taking care of Fred. William is a kind and sensitive person. Fred is living with a walking time bomb. He really needs a doctor to monitor his blood pressure and diabetes. It is a gamble. If anything did happen to Fred, William’s fragile state of mind might be his undoing.
Ann started up the Humvee; everyone is waving, except William’s wife. As they pulled out of the yard, the divorcee came up to stand by her, putting her arms around and rubbing her shoulders. I am sure the first few days will be very dramatic and painful.
Randy and Sarah watched William’s wife with great sadness. Randy turned to Sarah and commented, “I think I will give her two days, then I am going to see if Vivian can stay with her. It will really be comforting to both of them.” Sarah, with her arms folded, nodded in agreement.
The journey is afoot. Ann passes her own house. Her husband, Officer Ryan, is working at the prison again. They have been really short-staffed. The state police really need him for other pressing duties. They also sent a request for support to the air base and National Guard. Everyone is short-staffed. Getting supplies and protecting government installations is sucking up all their personnel.
Officer Ryan made a request of Ann to stop by the prison on her trip. The prison is in the middle of the state. The easiest and most direct route is traveling west on the Mass Pike. When the EMP strike went off, most were traveling east on the Mass Pike toward Boston. The route she is taking is often traveled by government officials with an armed escort. The gangs know it well and stay clear.
Since she does not have access to a GPS, Ann installed an old-fashioned compass on the dashboard of the Humvee. She had her dossier and a US map in the front seat. After an hour’s drive, they were going west on the Mass Pike.
Like a baby in a candy store, William, Fred, and Camille were in awe. The destruction of the EMP blast was in full view. Thousands of cars littered the Mass Pike. Military bulldozers and tanks had pushed them aside.
Definitely beyond the scope of Triple AAA. There were a few pedestrians walking and some others on bikes. The cars and trucks that were pushed had been damaged by the bulldozers. Many of the pedestrians were still looking for items that could be useful. Some were hoping for a ride, or help from the government.
As Ann was driving down the Mass Pike, Camille, William, and Fred noticed the sad looks on the faces of nearby pedestrians. If there was not a sign on the side of the Humvee, I am sure some of the onlookers would have pestered Ann for help. Overhead, they heard the noise of a large cargo plane. It was on its decent, about to land at the air base. There were no other commercial planes in the air. It was eerily reminiscent of 9/11, when President Bush ordered all airplanes to be grounded.
Ann had been on the Mass Pike for forty minutes; her exit was coming up. Her husband had taken this ride several times since the EMP blast. The only saving grace was the perks he now received. He gets his clothes cleaned and pressed, haircut done, home-cooked meals prepared, and the use of a push lawn mower. It is a strange atmosphere. All the prisoners are aware of the EMP blast; most are happy to be taken care of.
The Humvee entered into the main gate. As a guard pushed the gate open, Ann showed her license. The guard was expecting Officer Ryan’s wife to show up. Ann was instructed to wait. It would be a good ten-minute wait. Officer Ryan showed up with a few goodies. A few of his friends were army reservists and donated their fatigue jackets. Might as well look the part. He also had a meatloaf casserole and a couple of other side dishes.
Ann turned to Camille and William and asked them if they needed to use a bathroom. It took only a few seconds; everyone thought it would be wise to use one. They entered the main office. The prison had generators for backup. What a strange and familiar effect. It was warm, and there was a fan going! Camille stood right in front and felt the breeze. It felt like heaven.
She turned to Ann and said, “No wonder your husband wants to work this detail.”
After they used the bathroom, they all went back to the Humvee. It is getting on to early afternoon. Ann wanted to put in several miles before nightfall. She and her husband hugged and kissed (no salutes). Starting up the Humvee, Officer Ryan waved goodbye to the whole crew. Fred is impressed. He always had respect for police and firemen. They had given him a real fireman’s hat and a few badges.
The prison was now out of sight. It is official—all four have separated from their families and friends. Like a Lewis and Clarke expedition, it was time to head off to the unknown. Traveling the Mass Pike
is the easy part. The military and local authorities took great efforts to open up a path. Instead of plowing snow, they were plowing vehicles. It was like the great blizzard of 1978, when Governor Dukakis received federal help by flying in bulldozers from Ft. Benning, Georgia, to plow the snow away.
Watching out for debris and possible gangs, Ann drove cautiously. Game plan is to take an exit that is marked for New York City. Officer Ryan also gave Ann a digital camera. The air base has been receiving supplies from Canada and the western US. Taking pictures for the government will add value to this trip. Like Hurricane Katrina, there will be valuable lessons to be learned. If and when Ann feels that a picture should be taken, she or Camille will take it.
In the back seat, Fred was wearing his army khaki shorts. He had a short-sleeve shirt with a Pinkerton badge pinned on. Today, he was wearing his cowboy boots. Fred dresses to be happy. William has to pick his battles. Fred always puts his dirty clothes in the hamper; he enjoys being clean. He also had his headset on. It ran on triple A batteries. With several packages of batteries at his command, Fred is good to go. Ninety degrees outside and Fred is listening to “Jingle Bells.”
Mid-afternoon. Ann finally reaches the exit for NYC (New York City). There were not as many vehicles on the road. When the EMP went off, it was early in the morning; most commuters were on the way to work. Leaving Boston the traffic was a lot lighter. Still, it is a shame to see some high-priced beauties bulldozed to the side.
While driving, they did encounter some light traffic. It usually was military (US and Canadian), a few bicycles, antique cars, and old motorcycles. They could not stop for the people walking. Ann cannot save the world. The pedestrians walking were looking for food and supplies. Almost all of them had a knife or stick for protection. It was not only the thugs they were wary of, but also packs of dogs set free by their owners.
It had been over an hour since they took the exit to NYC. Fred started to nag William. He is used to a regiment, and now he is hungry. Three squares a day. Just like the military (or prison life), William, being sensitive to Ann, kept putting his two fingers to his mouth and saying, “Hush.” It wasn’t long before Ann looked in the rearview and noticed what was going on. They had been driving several hours. It was time for a pit stop.
EMP Causality Page 14