Russell began to slowly stand up from his chair. He coughed slightly into a white cloth clenched in his hand. “Got work to do. I have to talk with our new recruits.”
“You think they'll come along eventually?” Kyle asked.
Russell paused and then took a deep breath. “They're getting there. It isn't going to be quick or easy though.”
“Russ, I have to ask. What's your overall plan with these kids? I mean, I've talked to them for the past week, and I just don't know about it.”
“Break 'em down and build 'em back up. That's what we do. How do you think real progress is made? We take all that they know now and flip it around. We have to convince them to convince themselves that joining our cause is the right decision.”
“You know, I always trust your judgment, but I've been watching those kids. True, there are divisions among them. Stuff we can exploit, but the general consensus is that they want to leave,” Kyle said.
“You know that can't happen,” Russell said.
Kyle thought to himself and then responded. “You know, they're only kids, Russ.”
“All the more reason,” Russell said. “No one leaves here. Period. That's the rule.” Russell read concern and anxiety in Kyle's face. He took a deep breath and paused before walking out the door. “Things are going to get better soon. They'll come around, I promise.”
“I know. I just hate to see good recruits go to waste,” Kyle said.
Russell put his hand up. “Kyle. That's not going to happen.”
“Whatever we need to do, we need to do fast. The men are infatuated with those two girls, Sally and Jacklyn. I don't know how much longer we can keep the status quo here.”
“Hey, you're the military expert, get the men under control. We're at war here. Tell them to get their minds out of the gutter and focus on the big win.”
“OK, Russ.”
Russell grabbed his hat from a nearby nightstand and put it on his head. He then opened a pair of sunglasses and put them on. “Now get a supply team together. I'm going to have a talk with our young recruits.”
“No problem,” Kyle said.
Once outside the small cabin, they went their separate ways. Kyle headed to the obstacle course as Russell walked toward the guest cabin. Outside, behind Russell's personal cabin, Chris—the journalism student—was hiding in the bushes. He had been eavesdropping on their conversation the entire time and was shocked to hear of the plan to turn them into recruits.
I have to get to the others, Chris thought. They have to know what these people have planned for us.
Shane and his crew were in the guest cabin. Danny was lying on his bunk reading a book. Shane was on his bunk with Sally lying on his chest. Jeff was sleeping, Jacklyn was using the portable toilets outside, and Chris was nowhere to be seen. It was a quiet morning, and they felt fortunate that Russell offered them their own space and privacy. Divisions, however, were growing within their own small group, all by design.
A polite knock came from their cabin door. Before anyone could respond, the door opened slightly and Russell stuck his head in.
“Rise and shine, everyone. I hope you're all decent,” he said with a smile. Russell took a look around the room, noticing some of them missing. “Not everyone is here?”
Danny looked up from his book. “Jacklyn's in the can. I haven't seen Chris in a while.”
“You're so crude, Danny,” Sally said.
“We're serving breakfast soon,” Russell said.
“Awesome,” Shane said.
“We could certainly use some help,” Russell said.
“Oh,” Shane said, looking down. “Sure. Of course. What do you need?”
Russell walked closer to the group and took a seat on a nearby bunk. Each bunk resembled those from military boot camp, comprised of a metal frame and a single flat mattress covered by a green ill-fitting blanket.
“I want to be honest with you guys,” Russell said. He cleared his throat and continued. “We need all the help we can get here. So far, you've been our guests, and we've been fine with that. But I imagine you'll want to push along pretty soon.” Russell looked around the room. No one was outwardly responsive.
Shane finally spoke up. “Our families are worried sick about us. It's probably best that we leave soon. Even on foot, and even with all you've talked about with this EMP and everything. We appreciate all that you've done for us, but we don't want to burden you and your friends any longer.” Shane thought he made his point fairly well, though Russell made the group nervous, even at his most cordial.
“You're not a burden. We enjoy the company.” Russell coughed slightly, then caught his breath. “As I've explained before. This place, the very cabin you're staying in now is safe. The world out there, however, isn't so hot right now. In my opinion, you're much better off here. At least for the time being.”
Danny threw down his magazine. “Look, man, I know you're trying to help us. We have school. We have jobs. We all have commitments. I think we're just gonna have to take our chances out there.”
“But the rioting, the looting?” Russell began.
“So you say,” Danny responded.
Russell feigned offense. “Do you not believe us? Trust me, Danny, we've been out there. It's not a pretty picture. Stores cleaned out. Basic necessities nonexistent. People turning on one another for a loaf of bread. It's madness.”
“I don't believe it,” Sally said, causing Russell to go silent. She got off the bed and stood up, facing him directly. “People aren't like that. They don't turn into animals during a crisis. It's quite the opposite. When bad things happen, people band together. I've seen it happen before, why would it be any different this time?”
All eyes were on Russell, and he knew it. He looked down and smiled. After a brief pause, he looked up at Sally and spoke. “I admire your positivity, I really do. The thing is, Sally, the first couple of days of any disaster are just like you described. But this isn't some random blackout. This is war. With the snap of a finger, we're back in the 1800s. How long do you think people are going to put up with that? How long, after being used to the highest standard of living in the world, do you think people will remain civil? A week? Two weeks? A month?”
“I don't know,” Sally said defensively.
“It took a week. One week for the rioting to start. If you kids were smart, you'd hunker down like the rest of us until this thing blows over.”
“I'm not going to leave my mom and brother to be worried sick about me. And if things are as bad as you say, that gives us even more reason to get to our families,” Danny said.
“If they were smart, they would have fled town too,” Russell said. “What I'm saying is that you need to be sensible here. Everyone else here has family, just like you. We're building up a force strong enough to get our loved ones and bring them back here safely. We're not just going to run out there half-cocked and get attacked by roaming gangs. It takes time and patience.”
Russell felt like he was reaching them. No one immediately objected, so he continued. “We can train you here. Each one of you. We can ensure that you're able to defend yourself and your loved ones should it come to that.”
“How long?” Jeff asked.
“How long what?” Russell asked.
“How long would it take to train us?”
“Maybe another week or two,” Russell said.
The group groaned in unison except for Jeff.
“Sorry, Russell, can't do it,” Danny said. “I think we can take care of ourselves just fine.” Danny looked to Shane. “Right, Shane?”
Russell glared at Shane, causing him to look down. “I don't know, Danny, I think he has a good point. Why needlessly put ourselves in danger when they can help us?”
Danny jumped off his bunk, fuming. “Have you lost your mind? You think that they're going to turn you into Vin Diesel in two weeks?”
Suddenly the back door of the cabin opened, and Jacklyn stepped inside.
“What?
” she asked, annoyed. They turned away and looked back to Shane. Jacklyn walked to Danny’s bunk and sat next to him.
“That's not what I'm saying at all,” Shane continued. “I say, give 'em a chance.”
Danny looked to Russell. “Russell, nothing personal. You guys are good people. We owe you our thanks and gratitude.”
“What are you guys talking about?” Jacklyn asked.
“Russell asked us to stay a few more weeks,” Danny answered.
“What?” Jacklyn said, surprised. “I need to get into town and call my folks. Make sure they're OK.”
“Exactly,” Danny said. “We've missed over a week of school as it is.”
“There is no school, don't you understand?” Shane said. “You think all of our cell phones just happened to go dead at the same time? Laptops too? Were all those radio broadcasts we heard made up? A hoax?”
“An EMP happened, I get it. What does that have to do with staying here?” Danny asked.
“It has everything to do with it,” Shane said. Sally put her hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him. Russell simply observed, quiet as can be.
Danny got up, taking Jacklyn by the hand. “You guys do what you want. We’re leaving.”
“Whoa!” Russell said, holding his hand up. “Let's not jump the gun here. You guys make whatever decision you want. Talk about it. Reach an agreement. But first, we need your help with breakfast. We need everyone to pitch in.” Russell stood up, signaling everyone to follow. “Come on. You guys can cool off over some scrambled eggs.”
Shane, Sally, and Jeff followed as Danny and Jacklyn trailed behind. Russell opened the cabin door and everyone walked out. It was a gray, cloudy, and overcast day. They could see Russell's men walking back from the obstacle course toward the dining tent where the food was often made and served.
“Where's Chris?” Jacklyn asked.
“Not sure,” Danny said. “Haven't seen him all morning.”
Suddenly, Russell stopped. “Jeff, Shane, can I talk to you one moment? Danny, Jacklyn, Sally, can you go see what they need help with, please?”
Danny looked at Russell suspiciously but was met with a cold stare in return. “Fine,” he said. “Come on, Jacklyn.” The three walked off, leaving Jeff, Shane, Russell.
“What's up?” Shane asked.
Russell looked around. A gust of wind blew across his stringy, black hair. “You both are pretty sharp guys, so I don't wanna bullshit you. There comes a time when you have to consider something greater than yourselves. We are family here, and we're growing. But what we don't need is a bunch of deadwood.”
Jeff looked at Russell curiously, and was met with a slight smile in return. “Jeff, you're awful quiet lately,” Russell said.
“I don't know, I'm just confused by all of this.”
Russell put his arm around Jeff. “Don't be, my friend. This is one place where things make sense.” He slowly released Jeff and took his place in front of the two. “You both have what it takes to be a part of what we're doing out here. We have food, supplies, all that you could need. It's not the same in town, I can guarantee you that.”
“How long are things going to be like this?” Shane asked.
“By my estimates, two months. Maybe longer.”
“Good God,” Shane said.
“Think about it. Half the men here couldn't even aim a weapon a few months ago, let alone fire one. Some of them never even went hunting before. Now they’re experts. We'll teach you everything we know.”
Shane and Jeff nodded. “Go get some grub,” Russell said. He turned away from them as they walked off to the food tent. They weren't entirely sure, but Russell had them thinking.
***
Chris was continuing his investigation of the encampment. The perimeter of the compound was enclosed by fifty-foot walls that had recently been constructed. Russell’s men had taken logs and bound them together with rope. They had filed the tops, pointy and sharp, like something from the frontier times of the 19th century. The layout in the camp was simple: Four large cabins, forty-feet long, Russell's private cabin, and several aluminum storage sheds. There was the dining tent, an obstacle course, a running trail around the camp, and a fire pit.
The only way out was through the front gate, and it was guarded by two armed men twenty-four hours a day. They were also in the process of building lookout towers at each corner. The posts had been set, but there were no platforms yet. Russell’s men were quick and efficient in carpentry.
Chris continued his stealthy search through Camp Liberty. He had been suspicious of Russell and his men ever since his group had arrived. His curiosity had been piqued. He was looking for a story, imagining something he could present in journalism class. It appeared that everyone was at breakfast. Chris could smell the eggs and bacon. His stomach growled, but breakfast offered one of the few opportunities for moving around the camp undetected.
He knew that Russell wasn't being straight with them, but it wasn't a simple matter of leaving. All of Russell's men were armed, and there was no way out of the camp on their own. They were prisoners, just as Chris had suspected. He wanted to gather enough evidence to prove to his friends that they were in danger. During the past week, Chris had begun to realize that they had made a mistake in going to the camp. Now they needed a strategy.
He tried to open the doors to the storage sheds, but they were all secured by thick padlocks. Voices came from within the dining tent, and it sounded like everyone was enjoying themselves. Inside the tent were two long dining tables, big enough to seat thirty people at one sitting. They also had a grill and propane stove for cooking. A hearty meal could be smelled from afar. However, Chris didn't see any livestock on the premises. Other than hunting, he wondered where they were getting their food.
Walking away from the storage sheds, Chris decided he had investigated enough for the morning. It was time to grab a plate and blend in with the others. He would tell them what he heard Russell say in due time. As he passed one of the cabins, he heard the voices of two of Russell's men, who were standing to one side, engaged in conversation and smoking cigarettes.
Chris stopped immediately and backed up against the other side of the cabin. He tried to breathe quietly and remain hidden. The men were dressed in camouflage militia gear and brandishing M4 carbine rifles. Chris strained to listen as they continued their conversation. One had a distinctively Southern accent, while the other spoke like a longshoreman from Rhode Island.
“You know it's going to happen, right?” the longshoreman asked.
“What's that?” the cowboy asked.
“A fuckin' purge. What else do you think? We're gettin' low on supplies. Hunting season is a bust. We're gonna have to go into town and stock up.”
“I don't know. Last time things didn't go so well. I thought Russell said no more purges,” the cowboy asked.
“Don't think we have a choice in the matter. He's waiting to get the green recruits on board,” longshoreman said.
“Hell, good luck with that,” the cowboy said.
Longshoreman laughed. “May be true, but I tell ya, I'd love to have a few hours alone with them pretty girls.”
Cowboy got even more animated and laughed along. “You ain't kidding. I call the blonde one.”
“Not so fast, buddy. Let's flip a coin on it. I kinda like her,” longshoreman said.
“Hey, there's nothing wrong with the other one. I'd take her just the same,” cowboy said.
“Got a couple pounds on her, but nothing a few laps around camp won't fix,” longshoreman said. The two men laughed together and gave each other a high five.
Chris pushed his back against the cabin hard. Sweat beads dripped from his forehead down his face. The men laughed, flicked their cigarettes to the ground, and began to walk away. They walked in the opposite direction from where he was hiding. Once their voices were out of range, Chris closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
“Hello, Chris,” a voice said.
Chris
froze and opened his eyes. Standing right beside him were Russell and Kyle. He couldn't muster a word. He had no idea how long they had been standing there.
“We've been looking everywhere for you,” Russell said with a smile.
“Yes, your friends are very concerned about your whereabouts,” Kyle added.
Chris opened his mouth but couldn't think of anything to say.
“Cat got your tongue?” Russell asked. Chris grew more nervous as Kyle left Russell's side and slowly moved next to him.
“I was just, um, I was just walking around. I was on my way to breakfast,” Chris said.
“Were you at my window earlier this morning?” Russell asked.
“Me? No. I have no idea what you're talking about,” Chris said. In reality, he wanted to demand answers, beginning with how Russell knew he was at his window listening.
Suddenly, Kyle grabbed Chris from behind, holding his arms behind his back like a police officer would.
“Can't trust liars around here, Chris. Honesty is our main policy. It's the only way we'll survive together,” Russell said.
“Honesty?” Chris said. “You're full of shit. You've been lying to us from day one!”
Russell walked closer to Chris and then sucker-punched him right in the gut. The intense pain nearly sent Chris to his knees. As he coughed and gagged, Russell continued.
“No need to make a scene, my boy.” Russell stopped and shook his head. “It's a real shame. We could have really used your skills. But if we don't trust each other, nothing can possibly be gained.”
Drool flowed from Chris's mouth in a long spittle. He struggled to catch his breath but felt nothing but searing pain.
Russell looked to Kyle. “Get him the hell out of here. Don't let anyone see you.”
Chris was on his knees. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and he still could hardly breathe. Kyle looked around, pulled a handgun from his side, and hammered it down on Chris's head, knocking him unconscious in a flash.
Aftermath
Thursday October 1, 2020, 11:35 p.m. Milledgeville
The bug-out house wasn't completely burnt to the ground, but it was no more inviting than sleeping under the Georgian pines which surrounded them. James, Mark, Janice, and Christina tiredly roamed the perimeter of the house, looking for anything salvageable. The house itself was in ruins. Paula attempted to run toward the house, knowing she had left some inside, but Christina stopped her before she even made it to the driveway.
End Days Super Boxset Page 189