The Forgiven The Fallen The Forsaken

by S. M. Armstrong

  Once they had taxied to the executive terminal, Julie was very happy to stop and get out of the plane. There was a driver waiting for their passengers, so soon the two of them were soon on their own again. They strapped the plane down to prevent problems with wind, and were soon walking into the small terminal, itself.

  They found their driver, Tony, inside the terminal, planted in front of a television watching a replay of Jim’s inauguration and enjoying the air conditioning. Thank God for Hoover Dam, Julie thought. He started to get up but Helen waved him back down, enjoying the cool air. They watched the last few minutes of it with him.

  Afterward, Tony said, “Now this guy, I like. He’s not taking no bull from nobody. You know, he cleaned the criminals out of Phoenix without batting an eye. I hear his people are doing the same thing across the country. I got to meet him. He’s a good guy, I tell you.”

  Tony had to have been in his sixties and had driven a cab in Vegas for the past 30 years. He was lean, but there was no telling if that was the effect of months of short rations are if that was his normal state.

  Julie said, “I’m glad to hear that. It’s going to be tough times ahead.”

  Tony answered, “Are you kidding? Nothing could be worse than January. Nothing. But he’s gonna’ do okay for us. Just wait and see. Everyone I talk to thinks so.”

  Tony filled them in on the recent history of Las Vegas. Unlike Phoenix, Las Vegas had done reasonably well, considering. The freeways were closed very early to entering traffic, Metro, the local police department, hunted the gangs to near extinction, and martial law was enforced with high power rifles.

  When it became clear that the prisons could not be maintained, the inmates were abandoned in their cells and the guards took the remaining food home with them. The same thing happened with the county jail.

  Essentially, anyone who was a problem soon disappeared, whether the problem was excessive freeloading or criminal behavior. Yesterday’s juice didn’t mean anything today, as a few casino executives, celebrities, and attorneys found out the hard way.

  Overall, the no nonsense handling of things slowed the spread of the disease in the beginning, and caused it to grind to a halt in later days. Julie couldn’t imagine making those decisions. When she said that to Tony, he said, “This is a hard town. Nobody here has any time for stupid anymore.”

  Tony dropped them off at the front gate of Nellis Air Force Base. Fifteen minutes later they were at the house that Helen’s parents were using. It was huge.

  Helen’s mother, Emiko, came running out as they were dropped off by the base shuttle. She hugged both of them and almost dragged them in the house, where she was half finished making a light pasta dish for lunch. When Julie asked what it was, she said, “Pasta Surprise!” When asked about the ingredients, she said, “I don’t know. Whatever happens to be available, because that’s the surprise.”

  It wasn’t delicious, especially after months of eating Rita's masterful cooking, but the girls weren’t about to complain.

  Later that evening, they were driven over to the Officer’s Club where they had dinner with Jim, Susan, and Helen's parents. Jim and Susan looked good, but tired. Helen’s dad had always been the type to be energized by a crisis, and looked like he was truly in his element here.

  Helen hugged her dad for a long time before introducing Julie. General Whitman gave Julie a hug too and whispered to her, “Thanks for keeping Helen safe.”

  Dinner was simple but delicious. The conversation was cheerful. Julie asked, “So are there any perks to being the First Niece?”

  Susan answered quickly, “Doing the dishes?”

  “Knowing this crew, I thought it would be something like that.”

  After dinner they moved to the bar for drinks. Helen asked, “So where are we in terms of the big plan?”

  Whitman answered, “Well, public enemy number one ceased to exist a few days ago.” He held up his glass in a toast, “May they rot in hell.”

  Jim said, “I’ll drink to that!” and they all downed their glasses.

  Whitman said, “We’re making gains quickly across the country. We are in control of most cities, though there are a few that are a bit messy. About half of the survivors are the forsaken and the other half are the forgiven or fallen. Anyone with gang or prison tattoos is running for the southern borders or doing their damnedest to keep their tattoos hidden. We can’t afford a corrections system right now, so anyone breaking major laws is just being shot on sight.”

  Jim said, “I don’t even want to think about the history books, but I have a job to get done and I will do it, whatever it takes.”

  Whitman asked, “Would either of you be interested in the House or Senate?”

  Both girls said, “No!” at exactly the same time and Paul laughed.

  Jim said, “You would think that was funny, you sick bastard,” and Whitman laughed even harder.

  Whitman continued, “We have enough vaccinations for all of the military. In another few days we’ll have the entire remaining military vaccinated and moving in to take control of the rest of the country. Humanitarian missions have already started.”

  Helen said, “Wow, you make it sound so easy. What’s the catch?”

  Jim answered, “We’re essentially at war with the fallen and whatever is left of the gangs and drug cartels and we have taken the war to them. Those worms have killed more Americans than I care to think about and now we’re systematically killing them wherever we can find them.

  “Cuba is now a US territory and I’m not giving it back. Soon it will be the same thing with Mexico all the way down through Panama. We’re going to be controlling a much shorter border from here on out.

  “We’ve had boatloads of vermin dropping into our port cities and making themselves at home. They fight all the harder knowing that they don’t have a home to go back to. We’re exterminating them city by city.

  “Right now, everyone is being asked to do whatever they can do. Those who can but won’t are welcome to starve.” Julie sat there with her mouth open and Jim said, “You asked about the catch.

  “The bigger game is that the nations that remain intact are now dividing up what’s left of the world. Japan and Korea are now close allies and are occupying China and North Korea with our blessing. There’s not a lot left of the Chinese population.

  “India turned Pakistan into a radioactive mess after the ISI slipped a nuke into Mumbai, so at least we don’t have to deal with those assholes anymore, but the left over radiation is going to be a problem for a long time to come.

  “The EU has made it clear to the Russians that EU countries are off limits, though Russia doesn’t have the resources for adventurism anyway.

  “I’m not sure that there are many Muslims left alive in Europe. For better or worse, Islam will be remembered always as the religion that almost destroyed humanity. I’ve issued an executive order classifying openly practicing Muslims as enemies of the United States. Those who don’t give up their practices are being stripped of citizenship and deported.”

  Julie said, “Whoa, Uncle Stalin. What happened to religious freedom?” Helen kicked her under the table.

  General Whitman said, “Islam declared war on the rest of humanity. Allowing them to denounce their religion rather than just executing them is extremely progressive at the moment."

  Jim softened his voice and said, "Look, the problem isn't a belief in Allah, it's that goddamn jihad that they keep coming back to. It's hardwired into the religion to the point that you can't have Muslims without jihad. We've had enough and we're not putting up with any more, ever. They can do whatever the hell they want in their own homes, but they're not going to practice or promote Islam in public.”

  Helen asked, “What about other groups? Other freedoms?”

  Jim looked her in the eyes and said gently, “With the exceptions of Muslims demanding to practice their religion, anyone who is not being an impediment to the survival of the country won’t have a problem. Eve
n the folks with gang tattoos are, in practice, being given the opportunity to cover up and straighten up. We’ve left a lot of autonomy with the troops on the ground to target behavior. Most of them are being let go with directions to get their tattoos changed to something that’s not blatantly gang affiliated. Phoenix was the exception for good reason.

  “Overall, the goal has to be to return control of the country to the Federal government and to restore elections. The House and Senate are being filled with appointments as we speak and special elections will be held within the year.

  “I’m going to have to function as a de facto dictator for the moment and gradually let up as the country is safe within reason and institutions are in place to return checks and balances. Once my term is up, I’ll have to deal with the consequences of what I do now. That’s the deal.

  “In the meantime, I’m going to save as many lives as possible by doing whatever I have to do,” he laughed for a second, “even if it means getting dubbed, Uncle Stalin, and much worse for a while. For what it’s worth, you should know that the liberal in me is flipping out at the prospect of some of what I have done and still have to do, but if stomping on some toes gets me a functional congress sooner, then I’m for it. Fortunately it won’t be for more than a couple of years.”

  Julie said, “I’m sorry Uncle Jim, I didn’t mean that.”

  He smiled and said, “Yes, you did, but it’s okay.” He stood and walked around behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. “I’m going to depend on a lot of people, especially you, Helen, and Susan, to help remind me that the right path isn’t always the most convenient. I expect things will get murky before I’m able to turn this office over to someone more qualified.” He kissed the top of her head and said, “You know, you’ve always been my favorite niece.”

  “But Uncle Jim, I’m you’re only niece.”

  “Are you sure?” He asked with a wink. “Last I checked I thought we’d adopted about six.” They all looked over at Helen and laughed. “Who’s up for one more round before I have to call it a night?”

  The rest of the evening was much lighter, but Julie was happy to get as far away from that awkward moment as she could. Her shin still hurt where Helen had kicked her. Julie was relieved that she was staying with the Whitman’s that night.

  Before going to bed, Helen apologized for having kicked her under the table. “I just thought… I didn’t want to see you make… I don't want to lose you.”

  Julie hugged her and said, “It’s okay. I was wrong and it was awkward. You were right. But I get to kick you now when you’re wrong, okay?”

  “Okay by me.” They were both crying now.

  After a few minutes of holding each other, Julie said, “Look, this is a conversation we should finish at home, okay?” Helen nodded. “Now go to your own room before your parents forbid any more sleepovers!”

  Helen laughed, hugged Julie tightly, and kissed her on one side of her neck, saying, "I'm so sorry." She left, closing the door behind her.

  Neither of them slept well that night.

  Helen’s parents were both there for breakfast in the morning. Julie thought it was great to spend the time with them. Any awkwardness from the night before was long forgotten. General Whitman asked if they could stay for a couple of days. Helen told him that they had to take passengers back to Flagstaff that afternoon.

  “I can assign a pilot to cover that.”

  “Dad, thanks, but I have to do my part, too. You’re the one who taught me that shortcuts are always paid for later.”

  “Just know that I miss you and I’m so proud of you.”

  “I know. Thank you, dad.”

  Before leaving for work, he gave Julie a hug, too, and said, “You two keep looking out for each other, okay?” Julie kissed him on the cheek and hugged him back.

  Their driver was soon at the house. Both the girls said goodbye to Helen’s mother and Helen promised to return as soon as she could.

  The flight back to Flagstaff was beautiful. Helen flew over the Grand Canyon to the delight of her passengers and was landing in Flagstaff before they knew it. Once on the ground, she turned her passengers loose to find their rides and refueled the plane. After doing a safety check, she and Julie were soon back in the air. A few minutes later they were landing at the village runway.

  Helen parked the plane next to her hanger and the two of them secured the wings and tail to the eyelets in the cement that were there for that purpose.

  On the short walk through the village they waved and chatted as briefly as possible with the folks there, finally telling Frank and Rita that they had a lot of work to get done and needed to start. They made a bee line for their fifth wheel. Julie dropped their bags by the sofa as Helen closed and locked the door behind them.

  Once they settled in Julie brought out a bottle of wine and said, “You know, your mom said to me that as long as I understood that she expected grandkids from us she wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “Mom said that?! Did you tell her that we’re not a couple?”

  “I tried, but she just laughed.”

  “Uncle Jim and Aunt Susan were hinting pretty hard, too.”

  “What did they say?”

  “That they loved both of us and were thrilled to have me as part of the family. That and 'Will you two get on with it already?'”

  Julie’s expression was perplexed. "That sounds like Aunt Susan. I was putting things out of mind because I thought everyone would freak out."

  Helen caressed her face and kissed her.

  Julie asked “And they didn't care about it one way or the other?”

  Helen finished her glass of Chianti, stood up, and said, “I need a shower.” She walked toward the bath room, looked back, and asked, “Are you coming?”

  Julie downed her own glass and followed.

  Later, Julie asked, “How the hell did we manage to wait this long?”

  Helen answered, “It was worth the wait. I’m never leaving you.”

  "I'll hold you to that!"

  They snuggled and enjoyed the moment. It was perfect.

  Frank and Rita had seen them heading to the RV earlier. Rita said, “It’s about time. I didn’t think those two numbskulls would ever figure it out.”

  Frank laughed. “Oh, to be young…”

  “Who you calling old?”

  They both laughed and went back to feeding the livestock.

  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

  JUNE 22nd

  Jim was not happy. “What do you mean you can’t get Palo Verde running?” He paused, listening to the engineer on the phone. “Well, keep at it. We need some kind of power system up and running for Phoenix as soon as possible.” He hung up the phone and said, "Damn!"

  “Frustrating day?” asked Susan.

  “There’s so much to be done that I can influence, but can’t do much more than that.”

  “At least you don’t have congress blocking you yet.”

  “Hopefully we won’t see that kind of garbage again anytime soon. At least we’re making progress with the trains. Thank God for Canada.”

  “Canada?”

  “The EMP didn’t hit much of Canada at all. They’ve been sending down parts and sometimes even engines to help clear the tracks. They are much better of an ally than we probably deserve.

  “We’re even starting to get oil refineries back online, can you believe it?”

  Susan answered, “Now if we can just get the food produced and to the people who need it.”

  His phone rang again. “Gotta’ go! Love you,” he said kissing her. He then answered the phone as he walked out the door to go to work.

  IDAHO

  JUNE 25th

  Luke and Jamie were now an official driving team. This trip the convoy was hauling working generators, radios, TV’s, solar panels and satellite systems up to Idaho farmers and would be hopefully be making the return trip with a full load of produce. They still travelled armed and in small convoys, but there hadn’t
been any hijacking attempts in this area so security was lighter than on some of the other trips.

  While driving they would play recordings of college classes. It was about as alternative an education as they could get, but both knew that it would be crucial later. Today’s lecture was on the US political system. The lecturer was good and Luke couldn’t deny the relevance.

  At some point on their travels, Jamie had tracked down a couple of years’ supply of birth control pills and surprised Luke one night with a little more than a good night’s sleep. It felt right and, strangely enough, hadn’t changed things on most levels.

  She had waited until everyone, Rob and Denise included, had gotten used to the idea of them as a couple. Denise had even given her a wink, and Uncle Jim was thrilled with the idea of her joining the family. Still, it didn’t hurt to take their time.

  The lecture was forgotten as Luke started slowing. “Roadblock!” There were two cars in the road in the road ahead and several men with rifles using the cars as cover. Jim activated the video monitor on the dash, slid below the window, downshifted and hit the accelerator. From here, he would be driving by the monitor. Jamie was already on the floor in the passenger side chambering a round in her weapon.

  Bullets shattered the glass in the cab and dinged off the armor hidden around the cab. Luke accelerated more, just like in training, and hit the cars as close to the tires as possible. A couple of the men weren’t able to get out of the way fast enough and were crushed by the cars.

  The second semi team was right behind him, except they opened fire on the men who were now trying to find cover. The third did the same. The crew of the armored Humvee in the back of the convoy slowed and waited for the trucks to clear, then killed everything in sight. They called it in for the road clearing crew and double tapped all of the bodies.

  As in training, they drove for five miles after the ambush then stopped briefly to examine the vehicle. The worst of it is the destruction of the cab, thought Luke. I can’t believe those jerks. It’s not even like we’re hauling anything useful. What a flipping waste!