Michael and Ellen both loved their daughter, but neither had the close emotional attachment to her that Mel had; Ellen less so than Michael. As an only child Kathleen had grown up spoiled, headstrong and, to some extent, estranged from her parents as both of them pursued their careers. But, to Ellen’s credit, she noted something in Kathleen’s eyes that alerted her that this was important.
“What’s going on?” Ellen asked.
“I have something I need to tell you and I don’t want you to get mad,” she responded. Her defenses were already breaking down and tears welled in her eyes and began rolling down her cheeks.
Michael, who couldn’t stand to see his daughter cry said, “Whatever’s bothering you, it can’t be all that bad, sweetheart. We’re here for you so just let it out.”
Mel clasped Kathleen’s hand and slowly and deliberately Kathleen related the same story to her parents that she had related to her grandmother. When she finished Mel hugged her and her parents sat there for a few seconds in shock. To her parent’s credit, neither of them asked the standard responses that Kathleen expected, like: Why? How could you? What were you thinking? Why did you lie to us about where you were going that night? How did this happen?
Instead, both grasped the immensity of courage that Kathleen had summoned to tell them the story. Tears welled in their eyes, as well.
Michael said, “Sweetheart, are you all right?”
“Yes, Dad,” she responded, “I’m all right, I’m just pregnant. I’m ashamed at myself for having put myself in the position for this to happen, but Nick didn’t hurt me. And, I haven’t seen him since that night and, thanks to this CME thing, I won’t ever have to see him again.”
Ellen turned to Mel and said, “You knew, didn’t you Mom. You knew and you didn’t tell me.”
“Yes, I knew, dear, but it wasn’t my place to tell. It was Kathleen’s.”
“Mom, don’t be upset with Grandma. I just told her this afternoon and I agreed I’d tell you both right away. This was the first opportunity.”
“I’m not upset with Grandma,” replied Ellen, “I’m just, well, speechless, so I lashed out. I’m sorry, Mom. And, Kathleen, like your Dad said, we’re here for you. We can’t change what happened but you’re our daughter and we’ll stand by you as long as you want or need us to.”
“I’d strangle this Nick if I could,” said Michael, “but hopefully time and circumstances will take care of that for me. In the meantime, I love you, Sweetheart. I’m going to be a grandfather,” he blurted. Michael and Ellen both came around the table and the four of them had a group hug.
“I’ll be her personal physician,” said Mel, “and we’ll all do our best to see that Kathleen has a strong, healthy child. It will be the first true Duwanian; the start of a new generation in Duwa. Now, let’s get some rest. It’s been a long day and tomorrow won’t be any shorter.◘
Chapter 21
No Rest for the Weary
They were awakened again by the smell of coffee and sweet rolls. The sun was not yet up and most wore jackets or wrapped themselves in a blanket as they trooped to the bathroom for their morning constitutional and to splash their face with cold water, to better wake them up. The morning chill was a reminder of the cold they would face when fall and winter arrived in the Arizona high desert, even if it was only a mild winter.
Besides being cool, the air had a little crispness to it and the sky was unusually blue and clear, with some white puffy clouds but no smoke haze. Small birds were singing in the junipers but, as Carly noticed, there doesn’t seem to be any of the large birds: the ravens, hawks, or buzzards that normally float lazily on the air currents above the mesa. How unusual!
They gathered quickly in the Meeting Hall, drawn by the tantalizing aromas. Maria had worked her magic with the sweet rolls again and Michael had a choice of ham or cheese omelet MREs for the main course.
The group ate ravenously, like they hadn’t eaten in days. Even the children cleaned their plates and then licked the sweet roll icing from their fingers. The ladies talked among themselves, ostensibly about the things they needed to make the living quarters more pleasant, while Bishop, Travis, Jack, and Tanner talked animatedly at the farthest end of the tables.
Travis was saying, “I’m sorry I was so cynical last night while we were listening to the President’s speech of little encouragement; well, there I go again, but you all know how frustrated I’ve been since I learned at the USDA meeting in Tucson that our top brass knew about the approaching CME and did nothing to warn us until it was too late.”
“I think we all felt the same way,” admitted Bishop, “we just weren’t as close to it as you were. But we’re all feeling the consequences.”
“I wanted to tell you something else I learned at that meeting,” continued Travis, “but under the circumstances I thought it was best to keep it to myself. But, I think now it may be stating the obvious. In 2008, a congressional commission was given the responsibility of investigating what effect an EMP, an electromagnetic pulse, attack would have on our civilian infrastructure, the major component being the nation’s electrical grid. As you may already know, an EMP would result from a nuclear explosion in the atmosphere above the U.S., possibly perpetrated by a terrorist organization or rogue state. At any rate, the effect is basically the same as a CME, as we’ve just experienced.
“The commission’s report, which was available online, was chilling. They estimated that ‘only one in ten of us would survive a year into a nationwide blackout, the rest perishing from starvation, disease, or societal breakdown.’ We’re only a week into the blackout and I think we can say the commission was right.”
“Well,” responded Jack, “that means that somewhere 252 people will perish because there are 28 of us and I’ll be damned if any of us are going to succumb to this thing.”
“You got that right,” the others echoed.
“I think we best keep this information to ourselves—because it doesn’t serve any useful purpose to talk about it. It is what it is,” said Bishop.
“I know,” said Travis, “it’s just another example of how our wonderful government knew what could happen and decided not to spend the money to help protect against it. I think that’s why, when they learned a CME was headed our way they chose not to say anything to us—they already knew what the potential outcome was. It’s interesting to note that the commission’s report was produced during our present administration’s reign,” he added.
“Okay, but we still say nothing,” Bishop reiterated. “I think we need to get on with the tasks that lay before us today, so let’s get everyone together for a little community forum,” he said with some levity to break the somber spell Travis’ statements had created.
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
Everyone gathered in the Meeting Hall and all seemed unusually attentive, given the radio report most had heard the night before. Even the children were quiet, sensing a certain unease among the adults. Kiera sat next to Carly, holding Chloe in her arms and stroking her gently, the first time Chloe had been out of the Westin tent.
“I know the radio report last night caused concern among us, and rightly so, so I think we need to deal with that first,” started Bishop.
“We’re about as secure up here as any place we could be. We’re well armed and we know how to use them. If we’re at risk at all it will be when we go down to the Village; that’s why we will always carry firearms with us. We’ll avoid confrontation if at all possible but, if we should encounter some we’ll just do what we think is right under the circumstances. Always walk away if you have the opportunity. And, whatever you do, make sure you’re not followed back here.
“We have plenty of fuel and some reserves both at the Ranger Station and in the tanks at the two service stations. I think we can fill one of the 250-gallon water tanks Matt brought back from Casey’s Corner, with gas, and move it up here so we have a ready supply, if for any reason we can’t get down from the mesa to reload our jerry cans, lik
e bad weather. It’s only a two-hour hike, each way, but I’d hate to have to carry even one of those jerry cans back up here,” he chuckled while bending over and walking like he had a bad back. “This could be a good time to try out Philip’s idea of pumping gas at one of the service stations using a generator. And, speaking of generators, we have six so I don’t think we’ll have a problem generating electricity or pumping water for as long as there’s a need—and we have fuel. So, the problem of generating electricity for our needs, mentioned in the President’s speech is really not a problem—for us.
“We have plenty of water and the availability of more from the golf course until we have our own system up and running. The golf course water comes directly from the aquifer, so it doesn’t need to be boiled. Jack tells me that our own system should happen within the next week or so unless we run into problems. That water comes from the Munds Mountain wilderness and springs, away from any contamination source. Right, Jack?”
Jack nodded his head and gave Bishop a thumbs up in response.
“As you already know,” Bishop continued, “we have plenty of food stores, although the more we can salvage the better off we’ll be. So, we don’t have to worry about food and water, another major concern in the President’s speech.
“We also have plenty of vehicles capable of hauling goods up the mesa trail as long as we do it before the rains begin. After that we’ll only have a couple of four-wheel drive vehicles that will be able to climb the hill; and if it gets too muddy, even they might not make it. Also, once the rains start, Oak Creek will begin running and we’ll have difficulty driving across it to get in and out of the Ranger Station yard. We’ll have to leave our vehicles in the yard, carry any goods across the creek, and then reload them into whatever vehicles we can park on this side, or carry everything up here on our backs like the Sinagua did.”
That comment elicited a groan from the ladies.
Colby said, “I think the ATVs will be able to navigate the actual Woods Canyon hiking trail all the way to the Ranger headquarters and pull one of the small utility trailers, unless the conditions get extreme.”
“Well,” continued Bishop, “that will help, but I think it goes without saying that we have plenty of work to do before the rains come. And, I think it should go without saying that the longer we wait to make our trips back to the Village, the greater the chance that folks from the cities might find their way into the Village. For that reason, even though I know we’d all like to take a break today, there’s no rest for the weary and I think we’d better organize ourselves for a major excursion into town.
“The ladies have already said that they want to gather all the drapes and curtains from our homes and they’d like some comfortable furniture for our tents and Meeting Hall, isn’t that right Carly?”
“Absolutely,” she replied, “and the more furniture the better; particularly couches, over-stuffed chairs, and recliners, if that’s not asking too much. Oh, and we’d like our potted plants—all of them.”
“Well, I think we should take whatever we can haul in one trip and not press our luck,” Bud suggested. “If we take my truck and Cole’s we can haul the large flatbed we left down at the trailhead and the ATV trailer. They should handle quite a bit of furniture. Of course, we’ll have to off-load the larger trailer down at the trailhead and bring the furniture up here in smaller loads on the ATV trailer.”
“Good idea, Bud,” Bishop interjected. “Why don’t you, Tanner, Travis and I plan on taking care of the furniture, draperies, and plants along with Carly, Celeste, Mel, and Jen, since they know what it is they want? In addition to the trucks, which we can all ride down to the Ranger yard in, we’ll take my Wrangler, Jen’s Explorer, and Philips truck, which one of the women can drive. Also, Tanner can drive his Jeep and pull one of the utility trailers.
“I know that Colby would like to finish up the tent doorways, so he and Tate can stay here. Does that work for you Colby? Tate?”
They both nodded and Colby said, “Don’t forget I need some more exterior doors, Dad? At least five or six.”
“Can do,” replied Bud.
“Okay, that’s settled,” said Bishop. “What else do we need?”
“I’d like to make a pass through the Ace Hardware,” Jack said, “just to see if there are things remaining there that we could use.”
“Good idea, Jack,” said Colby, “I could use a good amount of paint for all these wood surfaces I’m building, the doors, and the new greenhouse when it’s done. Might as well do that now if you can. Get earth tones,” he said with a smile. “I also need all the rolls of heavy plastic sheeting you can get, too,” he added.
“Okay,” said Bishop, “Jack, why don’t you, Matt, and Philip take care of Ace? You can use Travis’ Blazer and the other utility trailer.”
“One more thing,” said Jack, “I want to go to the Oak Creek Golf Course cart storage area and get all the batteries we can find. We’ll need them for our solar system later and who knows what will be available later.”
“That’s fine, Jack,” replied Bishop, “and don’t forget the batteries on our golf carts. What about the solar panels from your, Travis’, and Philip’s houses?”
“Bud can get the batteries, if he will. I think the solar panels will require a separate trip with the big trailer,” Jack replied. “We can get them all in one trip with four of us working on it.”
“I can handle that,” Bud said. “Maybe in the next day or two once we’ve moved all the stuff from today up to Duwa.”
Michael, who had, up to now, been silent, chimed in. “I’d like to check out the three restaurants in Tequa to see what I can find. There’s bound to be commercial-sized food containers at the Full Moon Saloon, Cucina Rustica Restaurant, and the Juniper Grille, up at the Golf Resort, and lots of useful cooking utensils.”
“I’d like to go with him,” chimed in Maria. “Maybe we can find all the things we’ll need there so I don’t have to make another trip back to my house for my cooking stuff.”
“That’s great,” responded Bishop. “You two can do that with Maria’s mini-van and Jason can go along with you as your lookout.”
Jason beamed at the idea he’d be the armed escort for his mom.
“Any other needs?” asked Bishop.
“What are we going to do?” Tara and Ellen asked.
“I have a special job for the two of you,” said Bishop. “We know there have to be groups of people in the Village who have some of the same needs we have, and we have to be on the lookout for them. That’s why, as I said earlier, at least one person in each group should be armed and assigned as a lookout. But our biggest concern needs to be that groups, like the Scorpions, may come into the Village, cutting us off from getting back here and/or creating a serious confrontation. I don’t think we have that to fear from our former neighbors, but outsiders are a different story.
“I would like you, Tara and Jessie, to be our lookouts. If you post yourselves, with binoculars and a two-way radio, at the end of Horse Mesa, just before the trail starts downhill, you will be able to see both approaches to the Village. I’d suggest that Jessie take the overlook to the northwest where she can see anyone coming down 179 from Sedona, and you, Tara, watch the southern section of 179. You’ll be able to see all the way to the Beaverhead Flats Road junction and to the Dry Beaver Creek bridge beyond. You won’t be able to see the Ranger Station down below you because the last part of Horse Mesa will be in the way, but if they get there it’s already too late. You can take one of the ATV’s and make sure you take water, power bars, and hats. You could be out there for several hours and we’ll really be counting on you to give us a warning if you see anything questionable.”
“We can do that, can’t we Jessie?” responded Tara. “We’ve got eagle eyes,” she laughed.
“Ellen, I’d like you, Mattie, and Kathleen to stay here with the children and also continue removing the debris from the pueblos. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but keeping the ch
ildren safe and continuing the clean-up is important too.”
“No problem,” replied Ellen. “We’ll keep the home fires burning.”
“What about me?” asked Kiera. “I want to help too.”
“You have one of the most important jobs,” responded Carly. “You need to keep an eye on Chloe. We’ll put her in our tent before we leave and roll up one side of the tent so she can look out through the mesh siding. You’ll need to check on her from time to time and pet her so she knows she hasn’t been left behind. And you can help Aunt Ellen keep an eye on things here.” The children had taken to calling all the adults Aunt or Uncle as if they were all related.
“And you can keep an eye on Jackson and Belle, too,” said Bishop.
“Okay, everyone, I think we know what we have to do. Make sure each group has a radio and firearms. The radios are all set to the same frequency so we’ll all be able to communicate with each other. Colby will have a radio, too. Let’s get our things together and get started so we can be back here as soon as possible.”
“Before we go,” Mel shouted, “I want each of you to wear a medical mask once we get down to the Village. We don’t want to take any chances with airborne infections. It might be a little uncomfortable with the masks on, but a lot better than getting sick and spreading it to the rest of us. I’ll have a supply of them at the vehicles when we’re ready to leave.”
“Okay,” said Bishop, “get your stuff and let’s get going.”
◘ ◘ ◘ ◘ ◘
The caravan headed out behind Tara’s ATV, each person with a white medical mask on their forehead or around their neck. When they arrived at the place where Tara and Jessie would be stationed Bishop pointed out the vistas to each of them. He also mentioned that it was possible, though not probable, if they could see someone with their binoculars that someone could do the same to them. “So stay near the juniper so you don’t stand out,” he said.
Sinagua Rising: A story of survival after a worldwide catastrophe Page 24