Emp Pitch Black

by Above Average Joe

  I get up from bed and give myself a sigh --- I am ready. I headed to the comfort room and headed to the showers for a quick refreshing bath. The refreshing aroma of cold fresh water sprinkles to my skin as I laid still. The cold dawn waters from the showers eliminated my body heats rising temperature. I grabbed some soap and swamp it all over my naked body. The shampoo’s next. I filled my hand with it and then applied it to my hair, rubbing my scalp by my hardened fingertips. The blazing mint feel on an anti dandruff formula added to my contentment and satisfaction as the waters spray my body rinsed and clean. I grabbed the towel to have myself dry. I move towards the closet to get some new clothes and as usual a pair of jeans and a white Hanes shirt to keep me cool and a pair of Caterpillar shoes to have my feet protected on this long working day.

  “Ryan! Breakfasts ready!” Farah shouts. Her voice vibrates and penetrates through the halls of the room making me act faster. “Come on down now! Steve’s here waiting.”

  I came down with speed. I don’t want to keep them in the waits. My steps blurred as I saw Farah and Steve already at pace to have their early coffee break. I looked on to the clock on my left. Its thirty minutes gone six, too early to start breakfast but this is much better. We have to tilt things in advance. I gave her a morning kiss and I pulled one of the chairs beside Farah and then I sat.

  “Good morning Steve,” I said while getting on some sugar for my cup of coffee which Farah prepared. “How are Carl and Nick doing outside?” I smiled while stirring my coffee drink. They’re just fine, I check on them a while ago and their eating their breakfast now,” said Steve while taking a slice of pancakes with a fork. “I also gave some pancakes to the RVs outside,” said Farah pointing at the window to the RV’s parked outside.

  Spoons and forks buzz in their clinging sounds as we eat and fill our appetites with contentment. Bacons and eggs mixed with pancakes would be enough to settle the score. “What about extending our garden Farah? I just want to add this up to my to do list, “I said while swallowing the pancakes in my mouth.

  “That is also what I am thinking about Ryan, expanding the garden up front allows us to have an alternative food source,” said Steve. “Yes, that is great!” Farah exclaimed with delight. “At least we are not going to be dependent on the hydroponics system we have.” She expounds.

  “Not only that!” Steve laughs while slightly pounding the table with his clenched fist. “With the extension of the garden, our asset will increase so that would mean that our stock value when it comes to trading will also be high.” He smiles while I smirk, crossing my legs a bit.

  “We have to think long term,” I said. “A part of the problem is having an alternative source with fuel.” Anxiously, I waited for them to talk. “Alcohol and algae could be pressed to make some bio-diesel alternatives to make Noah’s tractor and Lou’s backhoe. Their heavy equipments would help us fast track our security and supply upgrades.”

  “That would be possible because we are in a farm, a fertile location and we have stocks of alcohol as well,” Farah said positively. “I have to tell Herb’s and Nick’s wives about our ideas as well as to tell them to remind their husbands to continue working on the windmill installation. They already used Lou’s backhoe to dig up for the windmill’s steel posts.’” Farah leaves her seat and walked towards the front door.

  “Oh by the way,” Farah paused leaning her head towards my direction. “I already gave the tracing paper Carl because he asked for it. He said it’s your layout or something.” She said while scratching her head.

  “How long have they been up?” I asked with a grinned face.

  “4 AM, Darling, you are three hours beyond schedule.” She replied with a sarcastic smile.

  We finally finished eating our breakfast. So, it’s off to the races and on to our assigned tasks. The near end digging for the windmills posts is almost done. The early sunshine is up now and I see both Nick and Herb along with some other helpers continue to work on the windmills. Wholes are already excavated for the windmills as well as the bunkers; thanks to Lou’s backhoe and to its driver, Carl. It’s a quick install and hopefully before lunch, they could help me work on the bunkers and observation posts. Steve stacked up the rolls barb wires as well as electrical wires and connectors for the electrocution of the fence in the wheelbarrows. There were two wheelbarrows stuffed with barbs. Steve and his wife, Lee pushed it to their first location while Susie, a woman as she is, lifted the ladders like a body builder. It’s just simply amazing.

  I waited for Farah as we are now tasked to make some observation posts in strategic locations. Seven observation posts are set to be built as well as six defense bunkers. I must make the observation posts fast so that Carl and his family can build some shooting platforms on each of the observation posts. For the meantime that the platforms will follow as soon as the posts are built, Carl and his crew could be just in time to provide added force. Stacks of lumber are already provided and are stacked inside the barn. I save a lot of it after solar storm speculations came out. The barn is like a virtual one stop shop that has all the goods, and I mean all. This is the reason why I keep the barn secured at all times because literally, name it, we got it. I anticipated the possibility and indeed, saving for the worse in the earliest time certainly gave me dividends to work on.

  Carl’s boys loaded some gas to Lou’s backhoe parked just inside our compound. Lou left it in our custody because his residence is not fenced, hence protecting it from possible attack of the wagon robbers. As soon as the refilling of the backhoe’s tank is done, Carl hopped in the backhoe’s driver seat and started it to run towards the gate to excavate some foundation wholes for the two observation posts to be built on it. I followed the backhoe on to the gates --- this is our first stop.

  “Ryan,” Carl shouts as his voice get mixed up by the ramming engine sounds of the backhoe as its steel hoe slams into the ground for a decent dig. “I have already placed some shooting platform as well as spot lights in the tree house. Let’s put some snipers on it!”

  “Well done amigo! That’s fast!” I responded with delight and satisfaction --- such a hard worker indeed.

  “Farah gave me the tracing paper was the floor plan is laid out,” Said Carl while wiping the sweat off his face with the back of his forehead. That is why I already made some holes for the bunker.” He said.

  “Yeah, she told me that you asked for it.” Staying those words brought me shame; but how in the world did I not know knowing that the backhoe’s roar is beyond insurmountable? I just can’t believe how deep my sleep was. I just couldn’t imagine that I am three hours late; my buddies already drenched in sweat while here I am so fresh off from a perfect bath. No, it’s not too late. I just don’t want them to feel that I’m the king just because I’m the host. Everything is equal and we should work in equal terms.

  Carl’s crew manually transported some wood materials from the barn to the gate. We are going to build a simple one, sixteen feet observation posts in a tripod foundation with a four square meter platform. Protective shields will be placed to protect the man on duty. Roofing will also be provided against rain. A carpentry tool is not a problem. Each of us is armed with saws, chisels, nails and hammers ready to bring it on. Farah, on the other hand, stood up as our foreman supervising the synchronization of our duties. She also provides the materials needed as well as the snacks and refreshments we need.

  We work for straight hours against longstanding heat and fatigue. Missing to keep track of time speeds up the pace of accomplishing our divided tasks that is all for a common goal and that is to protect ourselves from potential attackers. Five hours have passed and we have already built three observation posts and five underground bunkers. It was a sweaty endeavor but we are making everything fast because we know that time is not on our favor. I am tasked to build seven sustainable observation posts with eventually seven personnel on each; a task which is stressful but I must do it. Good thing that I have accepted a handful of people as well as some
talented RV back riders to come along.

  I concentrated on the constriction of rough edged observation posts one at a time without rest. Good thing I have worthy helpers to help me out.

  “Ryan,” Farah called my attention by clapping his hand. I stopped and looked down on her. “Steve and his crew are already done installing the barbwires on the fences as well as putting some high voltage power on it. Steve wired the main switches inside the house for safety.”

  “Very good,” I said while I was sixteen feet above ground constructing the installed observation post’s platform on the hill. “Tell Steve to help me out here and tell Lee and Susie to the raised beds and transfer all the trees planted along with the berry bushes into smaller pots and wash tubs that can be connected to the drip system for minimum watering, okay?” I said while I am pounding the hammer against the nails to keep the platform floor sturdy and firm while Carl is busy finishing the protective shield maof wood as well as the roof.

  “Okay, I’ll tell them,” said Farah. I might as well help Susie and Lee for the transferring and the cooking for your food. We’ll just distribute it to all so that the work will be continuous. It’s a girl’s job after all so see you later.” Farah winks her eyes as she goes. The floor of the observation post is done. Only two more observation posts and were done. The bunkers are already finished, thanks to carl’s crew and family for the fast and efficient work. Carl then told his team to help Herb and Nick work on the windmills. Although there are just four to be installed, finishing it is not that easy given that both men are wind energy experts. Carl’s words were followed by his boys increasing the speed of completion at a dramatic level.

  Its fifteen minutes past twelve. The sun is up but with rage. Its rays stings like an ultraviolet substance has touched my skin. I looked up in the sky and can still see the shatter of green and red light sparkles. This could only mean one thing; the earth’s magnetic field is getting thinner and thinner keeping the glimpse of raw solar flares to be visible. We must work hard and fast because as the flares shoot up in consistency so does our morbidity.

  I see Farah coming together with Steve who just reportedly finished the installation of barb wires, fence electrocution and alarms as back-up. The Tupperware containers that are held by Farah’s grip could only mean one thing --- lunch.

  “We have already finished distributing lunch to all, you’re the last,” Farah said looking up at us.”

  We’ll be down there in a second,” Carl said while holding on to the on the ladder.

  I followed Carl to eat lunch. I do not want Farah and Steve waiting. It’s like a Sunday picnic out here. Farah setting up the red checkered mat, plates, forks and spoons, glasses, water pitchers filled with lemonade and the menu consisting of Juicy Garlic Rosemary Lemon-Roasted Chicken, Tuna Potato Patties, Delmonico’s steak and some Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing for dessert. It’s as if that we are eating for the last days of our lives. The picnic table is just so full of delicious mouthwatering goodies.

  We took our squatting positions making our butts touch the red checkered carpet forming a semi circle with all the goodies on the center. Farah, seated beside me distributed the plates, forks and spoons to us and in a matter of minutes, the festive lunch commenced.

  “I never thought that Lee is an excellent cook, she could be a good chef,” said Farah with a smiling face. She must have loved the cooking chefs we just had. Our hands gripped firmly on the utensils we have waiting patiently for the serving spoons and forks to turn to our favor. The late picnic gathering was accented by the sun’s noontime rays which caused glitters on the grass. A sparkle of spring gives life to all that was once dead into a resurrected vibe of life and future.

  “We have already finished installing the barb wires all throughout the fence as well as putting some voltage on it,” said Steve with his mouth filled with Delmonico’s. So where did you put the switches?” I ask while stabbing a piece of lemon roasted chicken with a fork. I placed it in the basement.” He said while drinking a glass of lemonade. “No wonder why Lee was able do her magic in the kitchen! This is awesome!” said Carl. “Maybe we can include Lee’s cooking heroics into our trade assets. I’m sure this is a huge hit!”

  I laughed at his words. The festive gathering continued as everyone enjoyed the juiciness of what we devoured. A simple case of appetite stretching of filling up ourselves because certainly, the weak workers make none so have to keep ourselves energized. The special picnic drifts away as it melts away the sands of time. Slowly, bones show up on the roasted chicken, the lemonade pitcher is already almost emptied, the dessert cupcakes is in a reduced population, the tuna specialty cleaned up and the steak literally gone. We ate like it’s our last an indication that we are hungry. Two hours past and indeed how time flies. We just stagnate altogether on the carpet butt flat against the grass canvass to give time for our digestion to process. This is one of the most beautiful social experiences that I have had in years.

  “How’s the wind farm going?” I said while gritting a toothpick between my teeth. They are fine. Steve said. “Nick and Herb are already done with the wind turbines. They are just working on the wires and electrical connections. They’ll run some test on it later in the day.”

  The wind turbines swirl in circles as the non-turbulent winds pass through them. Their synchronization is so amazing. Now with the sun up and the winds ultimately in our favor, the energy reserves add up one important piece of the alternatives. Our clear vision was more magnified due to the higher terrain where we are located as sounds of recurring clash of palms; applause. The cheers, standing ovation jumps and all sorts of rejoicing echoed through the limelight like watching fireworks display every New Year’s Day. The turning of the wind mills signified a symbol of hope and a new beginning.

  “How about the electrocution on the fences and the barbs, have you tested it?” ask Carl while leaning his back on one of the observation post’s column. “I have already run through a test and it came naturally,” said Steve while smiling as if he has accomplished something worth knowing. “Well, a cougar just dropped by and as soon as its skin touches the cyclone weaving, it got roasted in a matter of seconds just triggering the alarm with just half a second sound.” He laughs boldly leading us to clap our hands with delight. “The carcass is in the barn area, a few steps away from the sycamore tree house, I left it there.”

  That is a fast death. That’s the reason why we didn’t hear the alarm. Good job Steve,” said Carl while squishing his palm on Steve’s head. “So, we are the only team that has not done our job yet?” I said, with a laugh simultaneously nodding my head. “Well, let’s just wait for Herb and Nick to finish the wind turbine testing. We’ll work on it together; there are just two observation posts to build. The bunkers are already done anyway” said Steve while cracking on the last pieces of red velvets.

  The search light in the tree house beamed like mercury, its radiance sweep across the farm so vividly visible despite broad moonlight. “That’s Nick on the platform!” said Carl in a huge voice. “They must have already tested the wind turbines power! This is awesome!” We instinctively greeted everyone with hugs and handshakes all for a job well done. In a few seconds, Nick waved a cloth placed on a stick, a flag it’s a red flag signaling the success of the operation; all smiles for us now as our little wind farm is fully operational and fully protected with fully loaded bunkers and observation posts.

  “Farah.” I said in a low tone vice. “Call all the men and instruct them to finish the remaining observation posts that are to be constructed. We have until sundown to finish this.” “Okay, I’ll clean up the mess here first.” Farah just left the plates, spoons, forks bowls and everything in the middle of the mat. She grabbed the mats corners all together to create an improvised sack. She then tied a knot to have everything secured in place. The sounds of the plates and spoons banging resemble the clashing of kitchenware but not to worry. Nothing is breakable, they are all stainless steel. She carried the
mat turned sack over her shoulder like a modern day Santa Claus and off she go downhill to pass my word.

  When I looked at my back, no ones with me anymore as Steve and Carl are back on the platform to finish everything. Obviously, this is my last observation post for the day.

  “Steve, Carl, I have to go down and check on the two remaining constructions, I said. Keep safe.” I go down the hill leaving Carl and Steve to finish what was left on that observation tower. I jog with a sob as my stomach aches while my hard steps drenched the earth floors faster and faster. There is no time to waste. People swarm into the remaining observation post locations. Farah must have told them. Herb and Nick lead the way while Carl’s crew follows in closely. A division of manpower happened on each remaining posts. They start building on it.

  “Make it faster guys,” I said. “Carl is till going to install shooting platforms on each of them. Herb, Nick, help Carl do the shooting platform okay?. Herb and Nick just looked on me below, “No problem boss!” they smiled as if fatigue had not touched their bodies.

  The hours drift away like the wind slapping the turbines steel flat casing. The sun on a downslide showing the end of the day that is going to end soon. The three hour time table for the construction of the remaining posts is beyond my expectation for everything is done. Amazingly, all stood up as planned but it’s rough finish requires more revisiting in the coming days. Carl, Herb and Nick individually divided the shooting platform labor leaving one sniper and M-16 rifles on each post packed with convertible night vision telescopes, ammos and everything in between. Good thing that both Farah and I are firearm enthusiasts --- we have our own precious collections.