The Event Trilogy (Book 1): Life After the Meteor

by Larson, Thomas

  In sitting with the group I was picking my head up out of the misery that I had been allowing myself to experience over the loss of Anne. I thought about the lost that Cyril was suffering over Arcelia’s death. I knew what that was about.

  I noticed that there were other pair bonds that existed like Frank and Teckla, they had existed long before the end of the world and continued even now. And I saw from the early days of the post escape from Camp Danahee there were bonds that had grown out of that, like Fred and Jan. There were connections made with the union of the groups from Hinsdale and Peru with Mark and Michelle or Doc and Charlene, Margo and Cody as well. It appeared Lance and Delaney seemed to be heading toward that type of a relationship.

  I even think that the working in close proximity had created a bond between Nick and Grace, which could be a problem down the road with Armand. It came to me that there is a basic human need to be in some form of a bonded relationship. Although we like to think that we might be able to survive effectively alone there has to be something, someone. What was the old Simon and Garfunkel line about “I am a rock, I am an island, and a rock feels no pain, and an island never cries”. I tried that and it still hurt, and there were tears, sharing those pains and tears made it easier to live with.

  After breakfast I started to consider where I was going to put my tent. Then I realized that the effort that would go into it was really more of a waste of time than anything else so I stopped. I rolled the plans up and put them away. I would spend this winter in the cottage that I had.

  It was wonderful day weather wise and I tracked down Asuna and asked her to join me at my fishing spot. I wanted to see if I could finally out think the trout that were taunting me. And it would be a good chance just to spend time with someone, well actually I could talk Frank or Ron into going but, well we were both kind of alone.

  She accepted even though she quickly said that she had no idea about fly fishing. As it turned out, we never even really got into the stream but rather we spent the day just talking, walking and remembering. It was a good remembering about days before The Event and happy times when we were growing up.

  Sept 29th

  We had some Zoms hit the wire last night, and that was quickly resolved. Overall the camp is secure and we have not had much in the way of trouble at all. And now I am wishing I had not said that. There is a tendency for Easy Street turning to shit very quickly. So hopefully I am just being superstitious on this and nothing bad is going to come out of it.

  One of the things that have come out of The Event is that we all seem to be a lot healthier. I am unable to produce specific statistical data on this, but it just seems that we have fewer colds, flu bugs and those common aches and pains that we had in the past. We all get more exercise and eat much more moderately. We do not have many of the same sugary, floury based foods available to us. I think that is huge. Salt is also an item that is used much more sparingly than it had been in the days of a Big Mac and fries.

  We are still prone to injuries like cuts and bruises and need to be mindful of infections as a result. But with the limited supplies of antibiotic medications they are used much less frequently. I remembered reading about various virus and bacteria developing resistance to the antibiotics that were so easily and often over-prescribed before The Event.

  Even so, I have to check with Doc Barkley and see if he wants us to make a scavenger run on the infirmary at Waterlveit. It would be a little hot getting in and out, but it may be worth it. The Doc thought it was worth the trip, but he also felt that it was important that we also try to salvage the communications equipment that was there. If there were other bunkers or command centers that had been established, there had to be some that were still up and running. We could have a means of talking with them, and we could join in the rebuilding of civilization.

  The weather was good today and the Fly-Boys took off to get some readings on the radiation. Today they are going to head to the west and northwest to get base readings. This is to start developing some basics of the radiation readings. The plan is for them to each head out for one hundred miles in a straight line from due west to due north with 30 degree spokes on the wheels. Then tomorrow they will do the same thing from due west to due south. Every five minutes they will take a reading from the GPS and also from their radiation counters. When they get back the plan is to plot the data and see what, if any differences it indicates. The maps will be updated each week for the next month noting weather and wind conditions. I am not sure what it will all tell us when we are done. But it is something.

  A little spat today at cabin # 8, the cabin that Grace and Armand live in. It did not seem like much more than a shouting match and I have no real interest in what it was all about. When you have people living in such close proximity, there are bound to be some issues. It could be something as simple as leaving the toilet seat up or as complicated as “I hate you and get your hands off me”, as long as no one gets hurt.

  Sept 30

  Asuna and I had breakfast this morning and in the course of it I mentioned the idea of going to the infirmary at Waterlveit. It was initially not received well, and after being the sole survivor I could understand her not wanting to go back. I tried to explain what I was thinking and why. She said that there was a pretty good supply of medical goods there.

  “I had not expected you to go after what you went through. Besides, before anything we needed to talk it over with The Three and with Doc Barkley.”

  Based on the look I got I think I may have said something wrong in there and I am guessing that it had to do with her not going.

  We approached The Three later that morning and told them what we had come up with. They seemed to think it was a good idea from the standpoint of the medical supplies and perhaps a few other things that we could obtain but the risk factors were not something that they were happy about. The book run that killed Anne and Billy was brought up and I had to admit that I saw where they were coming from. But those supplies could do so much good and were really needed.

  “Well here is my plan. We will have Steven fly a team of four into the base and we would enter the building. While we were in there he would hover the chopper in the front of the building and make a distraction.”

  I figured that should take care of the Zoms on the outside. Once inside, we grab what we need and then radio Steven to come get us.

  Asuna said, “There was a hatchway to the roof and we could get in and out from there.”

  We would be in the building for at most 30 minutes. It was left that The Three would consider the plan and get back to us on it. It was not something that needed to be done immediately so there was no rush. Right now everyone was focused on the radiation issue.

  The Fly Boys were grounded today, the weather was not great and it seemed that there might be rain coming in so it was a plane maintenance day. It also gave Lance and Ethan time to make a grid map to add data to trace the direction of the radiation. Margo, Delaney and Cody went out hunting. They were looking for another pig to butcher and brine/smoke. Taylor is doing an inventory of supplies and trying to project out what we need as a bare minimum for food, power and water. Nick and Grace were helping them. Fred and Jan were working on the planes, as was Ron, Frank Armand and Ethan. Steven was also helping out with that.

  I spent the afternoon talking to Asuna about the layout inside the infirmary and what we were looking at for a Zom sweep before we could start digging around. We worked out a little map to show the inside of the building. Stephen and Doc joined us because I knew that Doc wanted to see if we could somehow get the satellite link. But that part might be just to photo the area and then once we knew what we were looking at it could be a second trip.

  Later in the day I looked at my watch and well it was still 2:37. I guess that the battery had finally given up the ghost. I had not thought about it rather just taking the whole watch thing for granted. I am regretting having left my Rolex in the drawer when we packed up from down in Connecticut. But t
hen having been retired and no set places I had to be I really did not need a watch. It was something that I had forced myself to carry after The Event. I guess I will have to find a new one.

  There was not much else of significance that took place.

  Oct 1st

  The weather was good today and the Fly Boys did the second part of the trip, this time the spokes of the wheel went West to South. It seemed that it was going to be a milk run after the first trip, but something happened. About an hour into the flight, which would have been the turnaround point we got a Mayday from Armand.

  “I am losing hydraulic pressure, his plane was becoming unstable.” He radioed in.

  “Can you make it back?” Frank responded.

  No, I don’t think so, I am losing altitude, looking for a place to set down.”

  Steven began to warm up the chopper for a rescue mission. Charlene and Matt were going to go with him. That would give fire support as well as medical skills if needed.

  The last message that we got from him was his location and a request to tell Grace “I’m sorry, I really do love you.”

  He was trying to make an emergency landing at Vans Airport, just south of Moravia NY.

  Steven was up and on his way within 5 minutes of that last transmission, but it was already too late. Vans Airport was actually a field as in a farm field. The “airstrip” was grass. By the time the rescue team arrived there was little left of the plane, it had burned badly, with pieces scattered about the field. It appeared from a couple of snapped trees that Armand had come in low, and just clipped the tops of them.

  One can only guess what happened from there. The rescue team could not even get close enough to the plane’s main frame because of the fire. As much as they wanted to recover our friend they could not remain on the ground long. The crash had awakened or alerted the Zoms in the area and there were about 25 or so converging on the plane. The first few got close enough that they burst into flames. When that first bunch stopped the others seemed to take that cue and also just stood.

  Nick and Tanya were the ones who told Grace what had been happened. I had expected Tanya to be there and with her faith in God to help her through the notification. But Nick kind of was a surprise. I think that the loss of Lauren had made some changes in him. But then he and Grace had also been very close of late and it did seem he would be a good choice.

  It was a quiet night for all at dinner. We have lost a few people of late and that took some getting adjusted to. We had a spaghetti dinner. It was easy to make.

  Oct 2nd

  Steven and I flew out to the crash site this morning to see if we could recover the body. Asuna came with us as did Matt. There was not enough left of the plane, or Armand to recover. I doubt we will ever know why the failure took place. Of all the planes, Armand’s was the newest, and in the best shape. Matt did a few words over the site and what was left of Armand, a few bones, that was it. We took the bones and would place them in our special place with the remains of Lauren, and Anne and some others.

  We all were shaken by the loss and the dread of the losses yet to come. We are giving or trying to draw strength from each other; all of us have experienced losses and with each added grave we become more aware of the world as it has come to exist.

  I was reading when I heard a gentle knock on my door. It was Asuna. All she said was that she needed a hug. I think we both did.

  Oct 3rd

  I awoke this morning and Asuna was still here. We had slept together, but had not “slept” together. We headed over for breakfast and as we were having coffee Margo and Cody come over and joined us. Smiling, Margo told me that in the future I should put a “Do not disturb” sign on the door. I tried to explain but all I got was an “Oh Tom”.

  I am worried about Cyril. I mean more worried. He has not showered in a week or so and has been skipping meals. I think he has given up. The loss of Arcelia has been hardest on him. He had been with her for 60 something years. He is lost. I do not know what to do. Margo and I have talked about it but we have no answers other than try to give him what attention we can.

  I talked to Nick about Grace. She seems to be doing okay but he said that she is really feeling guilty about Armand’s death. That the spat we had heard the other day was her telling him that she was moving out. Their relationship had hit bottom and she needed to move on. He did not take it well and Grace thought that maybe the plane had not malfunctioned but rather Armand had crashed it to kill himself.

  Margo, Delaney and Cody are off hunting today. Matt, Frank and the Fly Boys are going through the rest of the plane to make certain that there is nothing wrong with them and they are all airworthy.

  The Three is still a little hesitant about the mission to Waterlveit after Armand’s crash. But Doc and I pitched the need of those drugs and medical supplies again. Doc Barkley was able to prevail over The Three and we were given the green light to make the flight to the Arsenal. If the weather is good, we will make the run tomorrow.

  It will be Steven flying us in. I will lead the ground mission with Charlene (medical), Asuna because she knows the place and Mark for fire support. While we are there we will also check out and photograph the communications room and equipment for Lance. He can hopefully figure out what we need to grab for that Satellite Comm thing. We can make a second run to get that and see if we can make any contact with any other camps or outposts.

  Oct 4th

  The weather was good and the mission actually went pretty well. We changed up the plan a little and had Steven set us down on the back side of the building where Asuna had made her escape. The doors were still open, which was both a blessing and a curse. It meant that we would likely engage Zoms on the inside; but we were ready for that. Once we got in we could lock the place down and even if we start shooting, we would only have to deal with the “guests” already inside.

  The flight out to the Arsenal was really kind of quiet. I cannot speak for Mark or Charlene; they both seemed pretty cool about what was going on. Both were battle tested and there was no doubt or fear about them cracking under the pressure. I know that Asuna was nervous because what happened at the place and the fact that she had almost died in there. I had a little concern about her.

  I had my edge back. I was nervous like I used to get before a go-kart race or giving a lecture but that was just natural for me, as soon as the flag dropped, or the class started, I was into it and firing on all cylinders.

  The plan was to hit the door, get in and grab what we needed and then get out. We were looking for antibiotics, just about any drugs or medications we could find, oxygen bottles if we saw them and anything else that looked important or useful. We each had duffle bags, those big military types to fill up. We also would make mental notes of anything that might be useful when we needed to make another trip.

  Once we were in Charlene headed straight toward the dispensary while Asuna and I headed to the Comm Center. We took a bunch of pictures and while there found some sort of device that looked like a funky little hand held satellite dish. We grabbed it along with the laptop that it was connected to and we headed toward the dispensary.

  We only encountered a couple of Zoms on the way. The rest was easy. Mark and Charlene were already loaded and helped us fill our bags then it was off to the roof. Steven swept in and as he did I could not help but break out laughing. He had hooked a PA system up to the chopper and as he came in to pick us up he had Flight of the Valkyrie playing loudly. It was from a scene from an old Vietnam movie, how fitting. Before coming to get us he had used it to draw the attention of the Zoms that were wandering the base.

  We returned safely and unloaded. Lance was all over the new toy we brought him back. He was like a kid at Christmas. Delaney was looking over his shoulder. The Doc and Charlene began sorting through the medical stuff that we had brought back. Taylor was giving them a hand by doing a sort of inventory of the new supplies that we brought in and consolidating it with the supplies that we already had.


  Steven was just sitting with the chopper. It was kind of weird. As people saw him there, they walked over and thanked him for what he had done and how much they appreciated his efforts.

  We are a family, or a community, we have suffered, but we have risen up, faced each sorrow and just kept on going. Dinner this evening was a kind of happy one. Nick, with the help of Grace had cooked up a winner. It was good therapy for her.

  After dinner Asuna and I took a walk out by the lake.

  Oct 5th

  Henry and I walked the fence line today to see that it was all up and secure. It all was intact so we should be good for a while there. It has been dry and warm for the last week or so. I remember that we used to call it Indian Summer. I remember that we had them for many years in a row back in the days of “Global Warming”.

  All the crops are in and we are just about finished with the canning, or should I say putting up the mason jars. Matt and Henry have finished building the ice house. So come winter time we should be able to harvest some of that. As time goes on, we will revert more and more toward the pre-electric days.

  From what Lance and Doc Barkley have been able to figure out we have all the pieces that we need from the Sat Comm (Satellite Communications) Unit. So now we need to figure out where to point it and on what frequency. Lance is searching the laptop that came with it to see about the actual operating instructions and coordinates. Asuna and the Doc are trying to help because of their military background. So is Steven, he actually has the best handle on a lot of it being a military pilot and all.

  The computer that was attached to the Stat Comm had the command codes to reach the various bases that were located throughout the US and I am guessing much of the world. What we were able to figure out is that many of the military bases that had been fall back points or last stand point; some were command and control centers that are no longer operational.