Righteous Gathering: Book 1 of the Righteous Survival EMP Saga

by Timothy Van Sickel

  "Mark, this is surreal. I don’t believe what I have seen with my own eyes. When this all started yesterday, I thought, as you did, an EMP. Because of my work in shale fracking, I've looked at how a massive power outage would affect oil and gas production. What I found out scared me. That is why I started my own simple preparations back home, a few guns, extra ammunition, an overstocked pantry, stuff like that. I knew transportation and manufacturing would grind to a halt, as well as food delivery. But I never imagined that societal chaos would erupt so fast!

  "When I realized what happened, while we were at the Memorial ceremony, I thought Kim and I had a shot at getting back home, especially after seeing the aid station in Central City. But after seeing what is going on in Johnstown! That blew me away. Then the drug freaks on the road here! This is Bible belt territory, and it's anarchy. I can't imagine what's going on in the bigger cities.

  "You all have guns to defend yourselves. And, out here in the country, you at least have the possibility of providing for yourselves. In the cities, where food will start to run out in another day or so, the biggest and the strongest will just take from the weaker and the helpless. It won’t be long until everyone in the cities start to move out towards the country, looking for food. I never really thought this through, it's bad, real bad." He looks back down at his feet and shakes his head again. He looks back up, and the stress on his face is evident, tears starting to well in his eyes. He wipes his face and eyes with his shirtsleeve, not wanting to show his distress, trying to be the strong man we all want to be.

  The sky has turned a deep blue. Wispy strands of reds and pinks fade to the darker oranges and purples of a beautiful sunset. We sit in silence for several minutes, sipping the cheap bourbon. The cardinal pair comes into the feeder for a last bit of sunflower seed as the light continues to fade.

  "I never figured on this either, my friend, didn't think it would be an EMP. Figured economic collapse, maybe social or political revolt of some sort. The dependent class getting tired of handouts, or the working class getting tired of just getting by. Look at the last election. That was a revolt against the Washington establishment, and the crony capitalism that has wrecked this country. People got tired of the regulations and tax codes that have fed the DC fat cats and Wall Street insiders while middle America slowly crumbled.

  "But on the other hand, an EMP doesn't surprise me. America has become weak, no longer respected. Both the Iranians and the North Koreans have wanted to bring the Western world to its knees. Radical Islam has wanted to do the same for centuries. Or maybe the crazy Russian dictator pulled the trigger, or the Pakistanis. Really, it doesn't matter who did it. We retaliated by now, that's for sure, all those nuke subs we got. You can be sure that what we are experiencing here is going on there, too. I'm kind of surprised we haven't seen ground level nukes going off, too. We would all be fried then, not just the grid.

  "But we are prepared here, Linc, we will live through this. I always figured, as a Christian, my duty is to help others. We have always done that. But I always figured that if things went bad, we needed to be prepared, able to take care of our own first. Only then could we be in a position to help others. How would we be able to help other people if we could not take care of ourselves? So for the last five years or so, we have been getting ready, getting this place ready, for something like this."

  "I can see that," Linc responds. "You have a lot going on here, more than just solar power and vegetable gardens, not to mention some chickens and a few pigs."

  "You have a sharp eye, and a keen mind, Linc," I respond. "I'm starting to like you." We chuckle a bit together. "And you stepping out, helping to protect our caravan, that helped out, too. You stepped out to help protect my family. I respect that.

  "Let me tell you how I think this is going to play out, Linc. We're already into day two. Those who have not figured it out, those who think the government is going to fix it, most of them are a lost cause, they are going to starve or get killed. That’s harsh, I know, but it's the truth. Fifty million people depend on the government to feed and house them. They have no clue about self-reliance, and will be lost. Within the next seven days, only the smart and the strong will survive. That’s sad to say. Within two weeks everyone will start to get desperate for food. The smart will have stored food or figured out how to get food. The strong will just take the food from the weak. But that will start to run out, too. Sickness will be a big problem as well. The water will start to go bad, dysentery, cholera and other diseases will run rampant. I hate to say it, but millions will die from diseases long thought vanquished.

  "Then those still strong enough or smart enough will start to move out in search of food. They will start to move towards the country where there are farms; cows, pigs, corn, potatoes. But what they don’t realize is that without power, even the farms will start to shut down. How will a dairy operation work without the mechanized milkers? How will a chicken farm work without the mechanized feeders, the regular delivery of feed? Even the farm industry will collapse without power. Unmilked cows dry up, unfed chickens don’t produce eggs and will die, crops not harvested feed no one, crops not being able to be sent to market rot.

  "Farmers will start looking to recruit laborers to help them run the farms, and the smart people will join up with them. But the thugs, they will just try to take what they need. That is where the conflict will arise. Between those willing to work to keep things going, and those who will just want to take what they need to survive. We saw the beginning of that today, with those Wagerly boys.

  "That's were you come in, Linc. I think you and Kim fall in the smart people category. Are you willing to pitch in and work? Willing to help out those who need it, who deserve it? I think you know you are going to have to use your smarts to help us all survive. We need your help, I hope I read you well."

  Rebecca and Kim have returned to the front porch with chili and corn bread for us. They have stood silently by, as Linc and I discussed the situation. Becca says slowly, compassionately, "Mark, that is a very grim outlook. Do you really think that is what lies ahead? I know we have talked about this, but will it really get that bad?"

  Kim sets the bowls of chili down before us and turns to Becca. She says sullenly, "You would not believe what we saw out there today, massive fires, people shot dead on the side of the road, roadblocks. Becca, I barely know you, but what your husband is saying, we have seen it. And I'll speak for me and my husband. Our home is five hundred miles away, we wouldn't make it thirty miles in the chaos we have seen. If you need help here, we will help you. I totally understand what your husband is saying. We have nothing but the clothes we are wearing, yet you have offered us help. For that you have our gratitude and loyalty. We aren't used to such rugged spirituality, but I do believe we all need God on our side. Linc and I will gladly take you up on your offer to stay here, and we will gladly help out as you may need. Hopefully, eventually, things will settle down, and we can make it home…" She begins to sob lightly, "Oh my God, I can't believe what has happened! I can't believe I may be stuck here in these mountains." She begins to weep heavily and clings to her husband. "Oh my God, Linc, oh my God, what has happened? Has this really happened?" She breaks down in tears, clinging to her husband, sobbing, the reality of the day finally hitting home, the desperation of their situation fully coming to light.

  We sit silently together. With a few loving words from her husband, Kim begins to regain her composure. I ask that we all hold hands as Becca and I recite our normal family grace before Linc and I have our meal. We both start to eat tentatively, but after a few spoonfuls, we realize how hungry we are, after all we have been through. Our bowls of chili and the plate of corn bread are finished off quickly. Becca goes back to replenish them as Kim and Linc quietly console each other.

  ===============================================================

  My mind is so full of things that need to be done. There are all the daily farm chores to do, and now we have to deal with cha
os setting in around us. We need to determine what systems have survived and what needs to be replaced. The security system and cameras are down, that needs to be evaluated, and brought back on line. How intact are the solar and wind systems? What about the battery bank and inverter system? That all needs to be checked over. We know it works, but are there any problems we don’t know about? What about the mundane things? Has anyone fed the animals this evening? Are the chickens locked in their coop?

  I hear Larson talking with his mom in the living room, and I holler through the screen door for him to have his mom and dad, Grace, Janie, Rusty and Blake come out on to the porch with us.

  Darkness has finally settled across our mountain retreat. Not a light can be seen anywhere. The blinking lights from the nearby windmills are off. No lights from the radio towers in the distance. No faint glow from nearby communities. Only the moon and the stars, and they seem brighter than ever with no manmade light to fade their glory.

  After Becca has returned with more chili for me and Linc, all the adults and mature children are now on the front porch of the old farmhouse. I size up our group, seven adults and four teenagers, eleven in all, with three youngsters that need looking after. I ask Janie about her young ones and she says they are settled down and should be all right, that she can stick around to hear what's going on.

  "It's getting late and we need to get some order here," I begin, my commander's voice kicks in from the few years I spent in the military, no discussion here, just state what's going to happen. "Y'all know that the grid is down. Bad things are happening in the world. You have seen it. And we can't let those bad things happen here. So we have to keep security up here, like Rusty and Blake did today, right boys." I say.

  "Yeah, Pap, we got it. Holler at strangers to stop and keep armed and alert," says Rusty.

  "What about the bell?" I ask.

  "Ring it loud and long, and shoot at anyone who doesn't listen to us," chimes in Blake.

  "Good. Y'all hear that? We can't let anyone in here that we don’t know. And we have to keep guard on the front gate all night, starting tonight, okay? Here is how it's going to work tonight. Becca, you, Britt, Rusty and Blake, you all make sure the farm chores are done tonight, and tomorrow morning, and make us all a good breakfast, too. Janie, you look after your young'uns. Linc and I will stay put on the front porch till 2:00. Ken, we'll wake you then. You and Larson will watch till sun up. Kim, you go with Becca, get settled in, and help her out any way you can. That will get us through the night, but we will need a regular shift set up. Ken, can you work on setting up a shift roster for us?" He nods his consent, still grim faced, a little tired looking around his eyes.

  "I can't tell you all how thankful I am that we got everyone here. I wish Zach was here too, hopefully he will be soon. But he is safe where he is. You all are tired, I'm sure, but there gotta be questions? Have I forgotten anything?"

  There is quiet for a few moments. Then Becca speaks up quietly, but with sincerity. "We need to pray, Mark. God will hear us, we need to pray." She is quiet for a few moments. "Dear God, have mercy on our family. As you have brought terrible times upon this world for turning against you, know that we still hold you dear. We love you for all you have provided us. We know, by your grace, that we are redeemed. Help us to be strong in our faith. May your hand of protection be upon us, and this farmstead. Help us to be a beacon to those in need. Grant us wisdom to make it through these trying times. Dear Lord, please continue to give us strength to proclaim you greatness. In Christ's name we do pray, Amen." Hands are squeezed and "Amen" is quietly repeated.

  Hugs are shared around as the unity in Christ is felt. Talk begins to divert and shifts to who sleeps where, who feeds the chickens, who puts out hay, which kid gets a flash light. A bit of normalcy is setting in. Becca takes charge, and gets everyone moving.

  Ken is standing off to the side of the porch, stoic. He responds to his kids’ and wife's questions almost robotically, with no emotion. After most people have headed off the porch, I walk over, and stand beside him quietly. We both gaze over the darkness in front of us.

  "I don't know what to say, Ken. What you did today, not many men can do, would do."

  He nods, silently, not taking his eyes off the country lane leading into the farmstead. He still has the scoped 30.06 gripped firmly in his hands.

  "Did you eat?" I ask.

  "A little."

  "What happened at your church?"

  "The priest was dead, shot through the head. Killed himself. Pistol was next to his hand."

  "Oh shit. Ken, I am so sorry, you looked for help, oh shit, I am so sorry."

  "Screw the church. God is God, he don't need no church. I don't need no church. What I did, I had to do. I'm okay, Mark."

  We stand quietly together for several minutes. I struggle, trying to find the right words to help my son-in-law deal with what has happened. Struggling to deal with what has happened myself. My faith gives me resolution. I find the words I hope will help Ken.

  "What you did today, Ken, by the bridge, that was an act of bravery, that took strength and courage. You stood up against evil. What the priest did, that was cowardice. You had the conviction that you have a life to live, more to give for our Lord, for your family. The priest did not have faith that he had more to give. You are a stronger man, Ken. You made a tough decision to protect your family. He was weak. You showed your strength, Ken. You did what needed to be done. God's grace and love knows that your actions were justified."

  Ken nods, as he stares into the darkness. After a few minutes of silence, he turns and gives me a warm hug. He wordlessly heads into the old farmhouse, and hopefully some sleep before his watch comes.

  I walk back to where Linc sits silently, looking into the darkness that is our front drive. A bit of moonlight allows us to see the dim outline of the nearby trees, and more distant cornfield. The cut in the line of tall corn where our lane comes through is very distinguishable, even in the darkness. We hear cackling and squawking as the chickens and ducks are fed, shortly followed by the grunts of pigs, and low mooing of our four steers, happy to be fed, even if it's late.

  Linc and I sit quietly. The stars are brilliant, the Milky Way clearly painting a dim swath across the night sky. We talk a bit of our pasts, a bit about the future. But mainly we are both consumed by our own thoughts of the past two days and what lies ahead. The night passes along, and we wake Ken and Larson to replace our guard. I am very glad to see that Ken was sleeping. I guide Linc to the new house, and his new bedroom. Then I disrobe, and crawl into bed with my wife. She snuggles against me, the warmth of her skin against mine comforts me.

  Chapter 19Moxham, Day 2, Herc's Story, September 12, 2018

  Herc wakes next to his soul mate, Leesa, after a fitful night's sleep. Her body fits well with his. Despite the troubles of the day before, they enjoy their love for each other. Herc's ebony skin glistens with sweat, even though the morning air is cool. His muscles are tight, but he feels the tension release from his body. He had walked almost ten miles to get home the day before. He is glad that he is home with his wife and child.

  He was on the jobsite the day before when everything stopped. The power went out; the power tools quit working, cars and trucks wouldn't run, cell phones were dead. After a few hours of waiting for things to come back on, he and the crew cleaned up, packed up and he started walking home.

  He got home at dusk. By this time he knew something bad had happened. Stalled cars everywhere, no power anywhere. Some people were starting to freak out. He was carrying his side arm, as always, and had no fear coming into Moxham, not the best of neighborhoods. He could see a bad fire had burned down a few buildings and some people were starting to panic. He saw fights breaking out in the parking lot of a Dollar General and watched as looters took over the store.

  Herc has never had fear, at least not from physical violence. He is a well-built man. Not tall, but very muscular. Fifteen years in the construction trade has kept him fit. He i
s a gentle and loving man, hard working and independent. But his intolerance to racist comments or insults to family and friends has put him in a few brawls. He knows how to take care of himself.

  As the dawn comes to full light, his senses are heightened, he can tell something is wrong. More wrong than the power being out. There is a tension in the air, distant sounds and foul smells. Something is not right. He urges Leesa to take care of their child as he heads outside

  The distinct acrid smell of burning vinyl siding is heavy in the air. A thick dark plume of smoke can be seen through the trees. The plume is big, and not far away. He heads back in and tells Leesa to pack up clothes fast, there's a big fire close by. He grabs weapons and ammunition. Five minutes later, with his girl and child, they head several blocks away, to his mom's house. Other people are doing the same, packing up what they can and heading away from the fire. More panic today than he saw yesterday. He keeps his family close, and hurries deliberately to his mom's house, away from the fire.

  His mom and stepdad are happy to see them, but are also concerned about the fire. The plume of smoke shows this fire is big. And no sirens, no firetrucks; what can stop this inferno? A fire the day before burned out after destroying an entire block. This fire looks bigger.

  Herc tells his family he is going to walk down the street and see what's happening. People are flooding away from the fire, but a few are heading towards it. Some are curious, they want to see the devastation, some are like Herc, they want to see if they can stop it, if they can help. He meets up with several friends and acquaintances as he heads towards the billowing smoke.

  A block away from the inferno, they can see that the fire is massive. People are no longer scurrying past with some possessions, people are running with what they have on their backs, some are pleading for help for trapped loved ones. The scene is surreal. Flames lick into the air, fifty feet above the homes. The smoke is thick, boiling black and gray. The old maples and elms spanning the street, are ablaze, allowing the fire to spread from street to street. This fire will spread across the entire neighborhood. One of Herc's friends says they need to get ahead of the fire, and start cutting down the trees, cut a firebreak. Herc has a chain saw, so does one of his friends. A guy listening in, says there's a backhoe in his neighbor's yard, who was having some sewer work done. They can use that to pull the trees away. They come up with a plan to cut a firebreak two blocks up; one block higher than Herc's house. But it's gotta get done.