EMP Causality

by Michael Kravitz

  As the convoy stopped, an army ambulance truck arrives. It is there to transport William to a medical unit. Camille insists that she stay with William. This gives a little relief to Ann. She can now register with command post. Fred is blown away by all of the military personnel. He has always had an admiration for the police and military.

  Ann and Fred arrive at command post. She carries an important dossier from the military at the air base in Massachusetts. She is given an audience with the commander. Fred is asked to wait in the lounge. Fred is happy. He has his headset with him. While listening to Christmas carols, he also has one of his puzzles with him. It really does not take much to keep him occupied.

  Ann shows the dossier to the commander. She asks that a call be made to the air base in Massachusetts. She wants the commander there to contact Officer Ryan, to let them knows they are all safe and will contact them in a few days. The commander obliged. The commander seems a little short and overweight. On his desk is his family picture. His wife looks stunning—a tall blond with a haircut that makes her look Swedish.

  What drives a beautiful woman to marry a man who is not very attractive? Could it be power, money, talent, or a combination of many things? Was Anna Nicole Smith a beautiful thirty-plus woman really in love with an eighty-year-old man? Or was it greed?

  * * *

  When I was young (I really was), my dad took me to a summer stock in Rhode Island. There I saw Sammy Davis Jr., one of the Rat Pack. To see him live was exciting. At my first glance, Sammy Davis appeared short and very thin. With a glass eye, I imagined him to be a cowboy, playing a bad man in a Mexican villa. He would have to shoot a few innocent people just to prove he is tough. You know, the Napoleon effect (short-man complex); instead, he sang “Candy Man.”

  During intermission, I witness several young women approaching the stage. They were throwing their contact info for Sammy Davis to see. A few also threw some off their undergarments on stage. Stunned, I asked my Dad what was going on. Basically, the answer I got was a need-to-know basis. I was too young to know.

  Later in life, I went to the Bosch Belt, a resort in the Catskill Mountains, southeast of New York. I saw Buddy Hackett perform. He was funny in the movie It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

  First his son (Sandy Hackett) sang a few tunes. His talent seems mediocre and the audience booed (tough crowd). His son said, “If you hire my dad, it’s a package deal.” More boos. In a sick way, I thought it was funny. After a few drinks, who cares?

  Up front there are several young women sitting. Now looking at Buddy, to me he seemed round. With a squinted-eye look, he could be a human buoy, bobbing in the ocean. Buddy began his performance. The jokes were about passing gas in elevators. From there the jokes seemed even raunchier. I did not see the humor. I would have rather had his son come back on. The audience loved it, especially his group of young females.

  The show ended and quickly Buddy exited the stage. The back of the stage emptied to a hallway that led to several hotel rooms. Like a Macy’s day sale, the young females chased after Buddy. I don’t know what they would do if they caught him. If I was allowed to give Buddy advice, I would tell him to just stop. You’re too out of shape to run. Just put your hands up (signaling the girls to stop) and say: “Look, girls, my twigs and berries are for show. They don’t work anymore. You want my son? He is practicing his new song, ‘All Night Long,’ He’s three doors down.”

  Fast forward to today, equal rights. Imagine Susan Boyle under the same circumstances. She became famous in spite of Simon. For argument’s sake, let’s say Susan has a following of several young bucks (you know, strapping young men). They throw their briefs or jockstraps on stage with their phone numbers. How would Susan react?

  Not being a Vegas odds maker, I would guess it would be ninety nine to one that she would be horrified. She would either cancel further shows or maybe insist on chicken-wire fencing. It is the type of fencing they used in early barroom performances. If the audience disapproved, they threw beer bottles or food at the entertainers. Really, though, Susan may not have the typical Hollywood looks, but inside she is a beautiful person and definitely has talent.

  * * *

  It’s only been a few days at the air base, but William seems strong enough to travel. It is a half-day ride to Tent City. The base commander is impressed with Ann’s dossier and is sensitive to what they have been through. He arranges a military escort for them to finish their journey. The information in the dossier is vital to command central.

  Reunited again, the four of them are in the Humvee. Even though it is still hot and humid, there is joy. The closer they get to Tent City, they notice a multitude of road signs and convoys on the road. They are now in a safe zone.

  Bureaucracy finally seems to have gotten a foothold.

  Excitement fills the air. Like driving across the desert and entering Vegas, they all see a massive city of tents. The tents are donations from corporations and countries from all over the world. Each tent has a sign on it that has its donor’s name on it. Entering the main gate seemed like Disneyland. Several rows of people and trucks are all trying to enter the city. At each row, there is a security guard and an official with a clipboard. Checking for weapons and contraband always slows down progress. If you will, it resembles a TSA checkpoint. Driving her Humvee, Ann is given special treatment. Just the same, she had to relinquish her firearms. Her personnel gun will be issued back to her when she leaves Tent City.

  After entering Tent City, they go to the main reception. It is the largest tent in Tent City. Processing took several hours. Ann’s reasoning is simple: she had orders to go to command central. William and Fred needed medical attention. Camille is different; she needed to get transportation to see her sister.

  They have all gone through pain to arrive. It is Camille whose journey is still not over. How do you tell your sister that her son was killed by a group of thugs?

  They got a family tent so that the four of them could stay together. Electricity has been brought in from the outside. Ann had her meeting at central headquarters. They are impressed with her insights. The command headquarters released new directives. There are a few hundred armories serving the masses. They now have a plan with the aid of local citizens to help themselves. The collaborative model is a good model. It will save hundreds if not thousands of lives. It is to this end that Ann felt she had pioneered a new way to handle a massive crisis. Of course, she owes this brainchild to Ben.

  After power is restored, the US military will have a new manual, a way for the common folks to help survive a major crisis. If Ann had her druthers, she would name it after Ben. That is not the army way. I am sure it will have its own name.

  Tent City is the largest in modern history. It expands for miles. The government really is trying to restore the East Coast. To steal an old phrase with a twist, “To make things great again,” they need to restore old jobs and the masses need to go back to their original homes. Tent City is a buffer zone. To allow resettling in the west would create a huge vacuum. Nature may abhor a vacuum in a constructive way, but we know that biker gangs and thugs will take advantage in less charitable ways.

  Camille took out the digital camera. The four of them had multiple pictures taken of them. The camera does belong to the US government, but I am sure they will be allowed to keep the pictures. There are no sensitive areas that would whet the appetite of the Russians.

  On the last day, the four of them stayed close together. Each of them will never forget their experiences. William and Fred needed two more days of medical care. With Ann’s meeting completed, she decided to stay around until William and Fred get their releases. For Camille, it is a different story. She book a bus ride to her sister. She is going to stay with her for a week. The military will give her a flight at the end of her stay. When she does receive a flight back to the air base in Massachusetts, I am sure Officer Ryan will be there for a personal escort.

  The commander of central headquarters gave Ann, Will
iam, and Fred a military escort to the air base. Before they entered the military vehicle, the commander gave Ann a citation. Then he looked at Fred and gave him a special military hat. Fred is totally overjoyed. As Fred put on his military hat, the commander gave Fred a salute. A military PR personnel took pictures. They will be forwarded to the air base in Massachusetts.

  Aboard the military plane, Fred, Ann, and William reflected on their trip. They also had a moment of silence for all those who perished. On this flight, they bring hope for their friends. William, William’s wife, and Fred will again be reunited. Officer Ryan and Ann will continue as police officers. What is more important is that they continue as husband and wife.

  * * *

  Officer Ryan drove his antique bike up to the fire pit. The sound of the motorbike was heard by everyone in the collaborative. It’s kind of like a Paul Revere warning. Everyone rushes to the fire pit. Desperate for news, they huddle around Officer Ryan. Officer Ryan is almost never a show boater. Today, just this once, he looks for the drunk. Sarah and Vivian are holding on to each other as if a violent storm is upon them. He walks over to the drunk and asks for a shot of whiskey.

  Officer Ryan holds up the glass and pivots his body so as to see everyone.

  “Today God has truly given us all a blessing. I have gotten word that all four have arrived safely at Tent City. Fred, William, and my lovely wife Ann should be arriving in three days. Camille will be staying with her sister for a week. She has already received a flight pass on a military plane. It should be here in a week after the others arrive.”

  Although everyone is overjoyed with happiness, Officer Ryan interrupted the joyous occasions with one more statement:

  “As a state police officer, I have witnessed a lot of hardships and sadness. I wish to give a special recognition to the countless innocent people who have lost their lives. Lastly, I give my heartfelt appreciation to Ben. It is he to whom we owe a debt for our survival.”

  It is this last statement from Officer Ryan that gave Ben his salvation. Both Alice and Jessica had to reflect on their own actions toward Ben. Truth always wins in the end. It is within the deep emotional wounds carried by Ben, Alice, and Jessica that the light of truth needs to shine.

  Officer Ryan stayed to enjoy some food and a few drinks. The collaborative is honored to have him. Being a classy guy, Officer Ryan circulated and talked to everyone. I always admire a seasoned law enforcement agent; they not only have to act properly under a major situation, but they are trained to check their emotions. A heated exchange really resolves very little.

  As far as the Randal family goes, all parties should share a little blame. To be brutally honest, the only way for wounds of this family to heal lies with Jessica. Yes, Ben could have handled himself with more sensitivity. Taking a step back, he only cares for a solid footing in his daughter’s future. Jessica needs a little more growing in her life. Someday, if God blesses her, the light will go on if she has her own child.

  There is always a back door (your computer geeks know this). Joshua, although infatuated with Jessica, is a little more level-headed. It is something Alice senses. Strange how females are more in touch with other people’s vibes. I guess it goes all the way to the Neanderthal man. The man of the cave spent his time hunting big game. When he came with the dinner (probably many meals with one kill), he could pound his chest and savor the moment. Now the woman of the cave had to deal with a lot of emotions. What if one of the young-ins act up? What if one family member was ill? She also would have to worry that he isn’t the food for a large animal. What happens if he fails to bring home the bacon (or bison)? What happens if he is too successful? Will another woman try to steal him away? So many emotions.

  I think you get the picture. Many times men can be simple little creatures: food and sex. Somebody, please turn off the lights and stifle the narrator.

  In time, it is Alice who must broker a solution. When the time is right, she will have a good talk with Jessica. Alice is shrewd. Like a good poker player, she will observe the courtship between Joshua and her daughter. She feels Joshua will rein in her daughter. At least he was man enough to face Ben. He also seems to have enough talents to be a good provider. Everything has to play out. We can only be hopeful.

  Ann’s trip is very fruitful. Central command sometimes needs someone from the outside to see things from a fresh prospective. Millions of people were affected by the EMP blast. The military is extremely strained. Not only are the threats from hostile adversaries causing a heightened alert, but now there are more domestic threats like biker gangs and thugs. On top of all these problems, the military needs to supply food, medicines, and supplies.

  What Ann proposed makes sense. Orders were given out. All the armories were advised to use locals in helping with distribution and protection—not a vigilante group, but just protection.

  In the following weeks, Vivian greeted her mother. That is one scar that can never go away (Camille’s sister’s son). Losing your only child to evil is the worst event any parent can go through. It did make the bond between Vivian and her mother even stronger. In time, Camille had extended an invitation for her sister to stay with her. But why not wait until there is electricity? I am sure they will.

  Officer Ryan did bring back William and Fred to the collaborative. William’s wife is so excited, she could not control herself (as long as it is not a puppy they would urinate everywhere). She ran to the Humvee. When William stepped out of the Humvee, she immediately put her arm out and hugged William. As she started to cry, William shouted out with pain.

  “What’s wrong?” William’s wife exclaimed.

  “I was in a bad firefight, and I was hit,” William said as he opened up his shirt.

  With her hand over her mouth, William’s wife is speechless. I guess she needs to be bought up to speed. William knew he could not tell her until he arrived home. Now they are home, William, his wife, and Fred make three. It is three that makes this family complete.

  Within a few months, news spreads fast. The power grid is being restored in Massachusetts. In the army, the saying is “As you were.” It will never be the same, but perhaps it can even be better? If we don’t learn from history, then we must repeat our mistakes.

  To take a hot shower, make a phone call, turn on the TV, dishwasher, how about sitting down in a riding lawn mower? Driving in your car with the radio on. “That will be a hot coffee with a croissant.” Simple pleasures that the Neanderthal never experienced.

  As Ben was stroking the hot embers in the fire pit, he hears a military jet overhead. Maybe it’s a symbolic gesture, or a reconnaissance flight. Taking pictures of the damage, whatever it is, it does show the government is starting to get a handle on everything. In a few days, the fire pit will go as the horse and buggy. At least when the fraternities have their annual bonfires, maybe they can honor the survivors. Nah! That is too much to wish for.

  With a smile on his face, Ben knew the trials and tribulations have finally come to an end. He picked up the family Bible. He looked at trails of the passing jet. He gave thanks to the almighty—tomorrow is the begging of another journey.

  An EMP Causality: Epilogue

  There is excitement in the air. Fred is outside waiting for the state van to pick him up. It has been a little over a month since the electricity has been turned back on. Instead of a young couple seeing their child off for his first day of school, there are middle-aged caretakers seeing off their elderly client. William and his wife were all smiles. William is healing nicely from the wounds of the firefight. Fred can hardly wait see his girlfriend, Lou Ann.

  Jessica is officially engaged to Joshua. They both agreed to wait until she is finished with college. Like bookends, both Joshua and Jessica’s mom have been reining in Jessica. Both of them really want to give proper guidance to a young bride-to-be. The emotional scars between Jessica and her dad, Ben, have begun to heal.

  Officer Randal and his wife, Ann, have been real heroes. Donations of police vehi
cles are coming from many allied countries. Law and order has finally come to Boston and the eastern US. The state police are now able to take over as the military is slowly withdrawing. It is with great pride that the commander of the state police award the first vehicles to Officer Ryan and his wife.

  The union man has been called to a union hall meeting. Now that public transportation is established, most arrive for the meeting. There is an overwhelming amount of work to do. Although he is now distrustful of the government, he still remains a loyal Democrat. The only caveat: the union man will not allow any lawn signs or bumper stickers for any candidate.

  It took a year, but Randy and Sarah are finally married. Truly, a marriage made in heaven. That Sunday afternoon, as Randy and Sarah left the hall, they went outside for their first ride as husband and wife. Please! No limousines, horse and carriage, or any other typical wedding protocols. It is Randy’s classic Buick: red and buffed as it always is. Their chauffer? You guessed it, Officer Ryan. For the first time, Randy has to sit in the back seat. Feeling the clean seats, he looks out at all the well-wishers. On the back window of the Buick were two signs: Just Married and the other: This Vehicle Survived the EMP Blast. There was another sign along the side of the Buick: Please Don’t Touch. Only kidding! But I am sure Randy would have liked this one.

  Instead of dragging traditional beer cans, there were several empty plastic gallon water jugs. Officer Ryan, with a big smile, took the newly married couple to an unknown destination. Let’s hope it’s not an antique auto show. “Cheers! To a long and healthy marriage.”

  Camille is finally rising up. No longer living in an apartment complex, she has purchased her own piece of the American dream. She owns a home in the suburbs. She was given a large advance from a publicist. Camille is now doing a book tours on her new book, A Journey into the Wastelands.

  As for the drunk, the EMP blast gave him a purpose. He was needed to lift the spirits of the collaborative. Now that the electricity is on, he walks to the abandoned fire pit. He raises his glass for the last time. He wishes everyone well. He is alone and the time has come. He had picked his wife’s wedding dress from the dry cleaner. After writing a note and “last will,” the drunk calls for an Uber driver. As the Uber driver arrives, he meets him and he leaves the front door of his house wide open. He knows his neighbors will enter to find out what is wrong.