“Mac… I’ll go last, said Judy.”
Mac wasn’t prepared for deep thoughts after wine. “I must say… what we’ve found here is worse than I’d hoped… stripped, plundered and left to the ravens! I guess I wasn’t facing reality. But damn… this is a rural town. Imagine what cities are like? God only knows what we’ll find south of here… and going north doesn’t make any sense at all.
“Think back a month or so ago… remember what we looked like then? Now we look like a bunch of ruffians, afraid of strangers, and living hand to mouth. We did what we needed to survive, but it’s time to live again. Let’s go find out what’s left of Alaska. Other good people must still be living. I want to settle somewhere we can live peacefully … and be happy. Where, you ask? Maybe along the Kenai coast on a farm where it’s warmer, but I don’t have a solid answer, either. I’m thinking farming might be a rewarding life. Sometime soon, I want to say ‘life is good’ again and be confident we’re making progress...” Mac trailed off.
Judy began emotionally, “Boys, I love you all and Cap, I’ll always welcome you as grandfather. Let’s open another bottle while I dry my eyes.” The mellow merlot and the comforting fire were having good effect.
Judy brought back warm canned fruit, surprising the men. With another log on the fire, Judy began. “Dear boys, I’ve learned from the Inupiaq people the healing value of gathering together after each day…
“This year has been the most wrenching sadness of my life. Craig’s hanging body was a shocking reminder of that miserable camp. Had I been left behind with Sister Helena and her devilish animosity, I would have dreaded living another day.
“I’m happy all of you want to move on, because my reason for leaving is entirely personal and selfish. That may sound like a turnabout, but it’s not. Some of you said you hadn’t thought much about where we should go from here, but I’ve thought about a refuge nearly every day since I was rescued. I daydream of a place to raise my baby, safe and secure, among family and friends… a village with trusted and loyal people… somewhere our children can be closer to the land and to us… where we can still teach them science and medicine, and most important, how to act respectfully… to give substance to our existence.
“And Tony, you’re right. There has to be a reason we survived all this.
“Maybe candid talk is too soon for some of you, but a mother has a right to think of the future, and so I have a personal request. I’m due about the first of February. I do not want to be caught on the road. We’ll need a safe home long before then... a farm would work, but most of all where other people can join us and enjoy fellowship. This building seems perfect to build a community, but if food is scarce as…”
A wolf howled forlornly and was answered nearby in a random chorus.
“Those wolves or that pack of dogs?” asked Jack.
“Doesn’t matter to me,” Mac said. “That sound always gives me the willies.”
“Wolves ain’t afraid anymore and that’s why we should mount all the seats as high as possible,” replied Jack, “and not just for the wolves.” Tony glared a reprimand and Jack fell silent. The two weren’t giving up any more clues.
Judy, frustrated that discussion of the future had again been interrupted by concern for the present, said, “Guys, can we get back to our discussion?”
“Judy, can we finish some another time?” asked Tony after a wide yawn. “The wine and the sandman are workin’ on my head.” The merlot had taken its toll and the moment was lost on more than just Tony.
At breakfast, still having seen no threat, the miners agreed to return alone to finish alterations to the cat. No one else wanted to sit idle all day at the hangar. Judy organized everyone to scavenge the hotel for useful supplies: cookware, utensils, dishware for six, blankets, towels, linens, candles, soap and toilet paper topped the list. They found everything but toilet tissue. The kitchen pantry yielded a precious twenty-pound bag of flour, a box of corn starch, potatoes, and a hoard of condiments but little else. Food in the travel packs had thawed, so Judy pressure-cooked the meat to extend its life.
Once assembled, Mac thought their stock of gear and provisions had improved, but not nearly enough for a long trip. “Seems like food is driving everything we do,” he said. “Not a surprise, I guess. No one’s making any more.”
“I’ll bet driving that big machine won’t last long either,” said Pappy. “That cat must suck up diesel big time.”
The miners returned at dusk without the motorhome. “Ran outta gas,” said Jack. “And we need daylight to finish the work.”
After a light dinner, everyone retired to the lobby with more wine by the fire. Jack warned, “Can’t be sure, but on the way up here, I thought I saw someone duck into the trees to avoid being seen. Couldn’t find anyone though.”
“We haven’t been very cautious with our activity,” said the Captain.
“I think we ought to keep a watch tonight, just in case,” said Jack.
“Then we shouldn’t separate in the morning, either,” said Judy.
“Good thinkin’,” replied Jack.
“Why don’t we pack our personal gear and the weapons along with us?” said Tony. “I’ll drive the cat up here when we’re finished to load everything else.”
“So Tony, I gather you’ve made a decision,” said Judy.
“What’d I ever say ‘bout that?” asked Tony, flustered with the challenge.
“I thought leaving here was settled last night,” said Jack. “Didn’t hear one objection… not even from you.”
“That’s because you interrupted me to discuss wolves. Remember?”
“What I remember was everyone wanted to find someplace better.”
“Jack, sometimes you hear what you want to hear. I heard doubt from everyone and where sure didn’t get settled last night. Otherwise, name the place!”
“I’ll know it when I see it. I don’t know where yet. Why are you pushin’ this?”
“Because pushing is what it takes to get through that thick head of yours!”
“Well then, I’m back to keepin’ my trap shut. Been a long day anyway.”
They awoke to clearing skies and set off for the airport two miles distant on foot. As they reached the hotel entry barrier, everyone halted. Someone had haphazardly rebuilt the sandbag gateway. A fur-clad head poked up. Jack shouted, “Wide!”
Facing the barricade, the miners spread apart holding spears. Jack held the pistol behind his back. Tony’s shotgun remained sheathed over his shoulder. Pappy grasped his sawed-off shotgun under his coat. Mac dropped his back pack and hefted a spear.
Two boys dressed in camouflage carrying rifles climbed atop the barricade. Sweeping his arm, one of them motioned them to move closer together. The miners stood unmoving. Mac wondered whether the boys’ wavering manner intended to be threatening. But he felt foolish facing rifles with a spear.
The Captain calmly said, “Boys, you’re asking for trouble brandishing guns.” Dressed formally, he appeared like conventional authority facing off the pair unarmed.
“These’re guns, them’s spears. Drop ‘em… all of ‘em,” the older said with slurred speech. To Mac’s surprise, the miners surrendered their spears.
“Careful, he’s shit faced,” said Pappy. He withdrew his shotgun and aimed at the talker’s head. Tony unsheathed his shotgun and Jack brandished his pistol.
“Boys,” said the Captain, “stoned as you are, you must realize you’re both about to get hurt… or worse!” The captain lowered his voice and commanded calmly, “Now drop those rifles or you’ll give us no choice.”
“Shit, I told you there was six of ‘em,” the younger boy said dropping his rifle. Talker hesitated, but reluctantly followed. Jack casually mounted the barricade and picked up the two rifles. “Clear on the backside,” he said.
“We don’t smoke. You’re outta luck,” said the Captain.
Judy surprised her companions by saying, “Captain, I have a couple of hotel cigars to give them, but only in exchange for some information.”
The bandits staggered forward until the Captain said, “That’s far enough!”
Judy asked, “You two live here?”
“Fuck no, not in this shithole,” said talker.
“Clean up your mouth,” said the Captain.
“Then how long have you been in town?” asked Judy.
“Too fucken…” The Captain raised his hand for silence.
“Okay, okay… ‘bout a month.”
“Don’t you know?” she asked.
“Lost track… been keepin’ low.”
“Not low enough. Dope bring you two outta your hole?” asked Jack.
“Jack… please, allow me,” said Judy, and then asked, “Why were you hiding?”
“Man, there was some bad ass dudes ‘round this town. If they didn’t like you, man, they just shot your ass.”
“What happened to them, do you know?”
“Croaked, I ‘spec.”
“See anyone else in town recently?”
“Just two dudes last night.”
“Did you ever get sick?”
“Yea, sick of the crummy food. Hey, you got anything to eat?”
“You didn’t get sick like everyone else?”
“Naw… with everybody dying, we just stayed high.”
“Did either of you ever cough up blood?”
“Naw… When do I get that smoke?”
“Here you go, but keep talking, or no match.”
“Sheeeit.”
“Where did you come from?”
“Houston.” Looking at his companion, he added, “Henry’s a rich dude from Homer. Got here in his daddy’s airplane.”
“Why did you leave Houston?”
“People croakin’ all around, man.”
“So why did you come this way?”
“Bikers in Houston were trashin’ and burnin’. Me and my brothers found a jeep and just kept movin’. Had to pay to go around the blockades… blow or booze, wouldn’t take nothin’ else. We just wanted outta there.”
“This is a dead end road. Why come here?”
All the while, the boys shifted restlessly, staring nervously at the armed men, and constantly scratching vermin. The boy said, “Gimme a match, man!”
Tony stood patiently looking on, but Jack was growing visibly frustrated with the delay. “Judy, we’ve got things to deal with. Let’s get going.”
“When I’m finished, Jack.” Turing back to the boys she said, “Tell me the whole story and I won’t ask so many questions.”
“The bridge over the river was blocked. Stiffs in cars everywhere. My brothers got sick. I didn’t want to die, so I followed some dude walkin’ to town.” That seemed to be the longest train of thought the boy could manage.
“Were you with them when they got sick?”
“I told you we were in a jeep.”
“Together in the same jeep?”
“Yea… man, we had only one.”
“So after your brothers got sick, you walked from the highway all the way here?”
“Yea, but this place was stripped… no food. People pissed off at anyone tryin’ to find somethin’ to eat...”
“You said you were keeping low… how’d you do that?”
“Saw Henry break into this old cabin. We found this huge stash and food, too! Musta been a dealer or somethin’ ‘cause he was dosed.”
“Henry, what happened to your father?”
“He was sick when we left Homer. Died on the way. Landed by myself.”
“Can you tell me what he looked like when he died?”
“Awful… had blood and gore all over. Kept coughing up more. He croaked before we got here.”
“I’m truly sorry, Henry, I’m sure his death was awful,” sympathized Judy. “Guys, give them a light and some food to take with them.”
“Judy…” said Jack.
“Jack. They’ve earned it.”
“Where’d you find the guns?” asked Jack, addressing the boy.
“With the stash, but only one of ‘em has any bullets.”
“Pretty stupid, pointing an empty gun at someone… quick way to die!”
“Who cares? I just wantta find some more good shit.”
“Then guns won’t matter… give me the shells you have in exchange for food,” said Jack firmly. Talker emptied his pocket of a few shells while Jack fished out a few strips of venison jerky from his coat.
Henry asked, “Where are you all goin’, anyway?”
Jack answered emphatically, “We’re leaving, but you’re not coming with us… and boy, point a gun at us again, well… as the man said, you’ll leave us no choice. So… stay away from us.”
As the little band climbed over the barricade and departed, the two defeated bandits sullenly stared after them without a word, and without their rifles. Mac doubted the pair would long survive and said, “Those boys just want to escape reality.”
Tony asked, “Why all the questions of those low-lifers, Judy?”
“They’re survivors, Tony, and they were both exposed to the worst of it. I wanted to be sure I fully understood the circumstances. They both seem to be naturally immune. Shortly, we’ll have an answer to one of our questions about the disease.” Mac didn’t need to ask which one.
Inside the hangar, the four uninitiated got their first glimpse of the mystery project. The miners went to work gas welding a high appendage to a yellow taxi that looked like it flew in from another world.
Modified for its new function, the tall side wing blades were missing while the leading vee-shaped snow blade remained. The stout hydraulic wing arms were now topped with electric winches. A steel framed cargo carrier affixed to the top of the cab extended forward on braces. Aircraft landing lights surrounded the edge of the frame with dozens of rope cleats mounted to secure cargo.
The riding accommodation was Tony’s most inventive creation. An aircraft cabin framework attached above the engine housing created a flying bridge cantilevered on either side of the cat. Five upholstered aircraft passenger seats secured in the framework provided both a riding shroud and a secure foot well. The outside seats swiveled for an unobstructed side view front to back. Tony explained they would be ‘watch’ positions. A bimini style cover welded above the shroud was nearly finished. Inside the cab, a small aircraft seat welded behind the driver would be an accommodation with heat for Judy in bad weather.
As the morning progressed and the work wasn’t finished, Tony allowed help. He directed Pappy to unfold the army tent on the high platform as Cap laced its perimeter to cleats. Mac shaped and sewed fabric for the bimini top from a blue vinyl tarp. Tony welded a ladder to access the bridge while Jack sprayed yellow primer on hundreds of previous welds.
Mac felt enthusiastic about the creation which was so far beyond expectations. The machine begged only a more flamboyant paint job. Judy’s finishing touch was office flags for the new booms perfectly arranged for her purpose. She asked Tony to lower them within reach where she attached the Stars and Stripes to one and the blue Alaska State North Star flag to the other. They would have their wild colors after all.
Presently Tony switched the starter and the cat rumbled to life. He opened the hydraulic lever raising the booms with their flags. Rising out of the plundered remnants of town was the symbol of their resurgence, and Mac took pride in such an optim
istic showpiece.
Tony moved the machine into the afternoon breeze. The flags fluttered to life and everyone climbed on finding a lofty new perch. Tony drove the cat across the tarmac. The cat didn’t have a limousine ride, but had an observation deck better than the finest limousine bus. From the ‘bridge’, they wouldn’t miss much, and couldn’t be missed either with colorful flags waving.
As they ascended the road leaving town, the distant view of Denali emerged in afternoon splendor, free of its frequent shroud of clouds. Wispy bridal veils of snow streamed from distant peaks in slow motion. A remarkable jewel of a mountain and a buoyant sight to send them on their way, thought Mac.
Tony drove the cat under the hotel’s timber portal where they found the front door ajar. Pappy was never without his shotgun and stood guard while Jack peered inside. The contents of their travel packs were strewn across lobby furniture, but no one was within sight and they heard nothing.
Tony and Jack conferred on a plan. Near the entrance, a low beamed roof rose to high windows overlooking the lobby. Tony moved the cat so that Jack could peer through the windows. Seeing no one, Jack remained on watch while others entered the lobby.
Tony found the stumblebum boys of the morning comatose on the dining room floor surrounded by empty wine bottles. The would-be bandits had also consumed a shocking portion of the pressure cooked meat and left the rest carelessly unwrapped.
“Guys, this meat is marginal,” said Judy. “I’m going to fix a thick stew tonight to rescue the meat and salt the rest. Fresh food is getting short.”
“Not a good beginning for our trip,” said Mac.
“We oughtta barbeque these two and bring ‘em along,” said Jack straight faced.
Flight To Pandemonium Page 28