RIGHTEOUS BLOODSHED
Righteous Survival EMP Saga, Book two
By: Timothy A. Van Sickel
Text copyright @ 2017 Timothy A. Van Sickel
All rights reserved.
Places and charactrers in this novel are fictional and the creation of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real places or people are strictly coincidental.
Table of Contents
Contents
Author's Foreword
Roster of Main Characters
Chapter 1, Paul's Story
Chapter 2, John's Story
Chapter 3, John Home
Chapter 4, Paul Hunkers Down
Chapter 5, The Bounty
Chapter 6, John Arrives
Chapter 7, Paul’s choice
Chapter 8, Marauders
Chapter 9, Regrouping
Chapter 10, Reinforcements
Chapter 11, More People, Good People
Chapter 12, War Plans
Chapter 13, The Rescue
Chapter 14, The Refugees
Chapter 15, Pay Back Time
Chapter 16, The Battle
Chapter 17, Inferno
Chapter 18, Aftermath
Chapter 19, Medical Help
Chapter 20, Paul Trapped
Chapter 21, God Calling
Chapter 22, City People
Chapter 23, Recovery
Chapter 24, Paul Comes Home
Chapter 25, The General
Chapter 26, Farmers in Peril
Chapter 27, The Commune
Chapter 28, Organizing
Chapter 29, Chaos
Chapter 30, Zach
Chapter 31, Road Patrol
Chapter 32, Expanded Horizons
Chapter 33, Over Run
Chapter 34, On The Run
Chapter 35, The Horde
Chapter 36, Traveling
Chapter 37, Reunion
Chapter 38, Departures
Chapter 39, News Flash
Final Words
Author's Foreword
In the foreword of the first book, I stated that I am writing this story for two reasons. One, I was inspired by God to write this story, and two, because most novels in this genre do not deal with the Christian/religious/moral aspects that should play a huge part in surviving a societal collapse event.
As a Christian, this book is becoming more difficult to write because of the violence that unfolds. A true Christian will shun violence. We are told to "turn the other cheek," "Love thy neighbor," and even "Love thy enemy."
I have been struggling with the premise of a Christian soldier. The characters in this story defend their lands, their farms, their families, believing there will be nothing left to rebuild a civilized society if they don't. I believe that premise to be true. But I am a flawed man.
The problem, theologically, arises when violence is needed to protect one's person or property, which is an accepted premise in our society. A pure at heart Christian will rely on God to protect them. They will step out only armed with a loving hand and the word of God. Many people of faith have that conviction, and I hope at my time of trial I will have that kind of faith.
So there are two stories played out on the following pages of good versus evil. There are the defenders of the innocent, of the land, against those willing to do anything to survive, those willing to steal and murder to survive the day. Then there is the good versus evil within the defenders of the innocent; the decision to step out truly as Christian Soldiers, cloaked only in the armor of God, or to revert to man's flawed ways of violence to protect themselves.
As stated before, I am not a theologian. There are reams of information that discuss Christians in war and conscientious objectors. There is debate on the sixth commandment; thy shall not kill, or thy shall not murder. The Old Testament is full of warfare, even instances where God commands the annihilation of the Israelites' enemies. The laws of God as given to Moses call for the stoning of those who break certain laws.
The New Testament brings a new covenant, with God's love so greatt that he sent His son, Jesus to die for our sins. And it brings two new commandments, above all others: Love the Lord with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. Romans chapter 13 comes close to allowing Christians to follow the orders of those who govern them. But it also clearly states that we are to place God's law above man's law. I can find no scriptural evidence that Christians should commit violence to protect themselves. I have found the exact opposite.
But we are fallen. Some are stronger than others in their faith. Some cannot suppress the desire for self-preservation. Some will protect the innocent in ways that God does not condone. When Jesus does return, His army will be armed with God's word and cloaked in God's love. They will be victorious. I pray that I am in that army.
We all must make choices. I am not condemning Christians who are in the military. I actually pray for more Christians in the military. America has a strong tradition of being a moral country, with a moral armed forces. We have seen the atrocities committed by conquering armies that did not have a Judeo-Christian ethic. Lenin and Stalin, Hitler, (No, he was not Christian and this has been demonstrably proven) Pol Pot, Hirohito. And now ISIS. Is America perfect? No. Are Christians perfect? No. Perfection happened two thousand years ago, and it won't happen again until He returns.
Our world is a fallen world. Until Christ returns, there will not be peace on earth. Until that time there will be violence. The desire to follow Jesus in love is strong, but the desire for self-preservation is instinctual. Maybe that is why the Beattutudes are described as turning everything we know upside down.
But we all can have peace in our hearts, knowing we are redeemed. Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace.
With all that said, I hope you enjoy this book. The chaos grows as societal collapse expands. Those willing to defend the innocent stand against those who would impose tyranny. A realistic tale of survival with both trials and tribulations awaits you.
Feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Roster of Main Characters
Righteous Trials Book 2 of the Righteous EMP Saga
In this saga it will take many people coming together to survive the chaos. This is a list of characters carried over from book1 and some new characters introduced in book 2. This is not a comprehensive list of all characters.
Mark and Rebecca Mays
Britt & Bennie, Zach & Janie
Zach and Janie
Rusty, Blake, James (Jimmy), Mark, Sarah
Rocco and Katie (Janie's parents)
Britt and Kennie (Ken)
Larson, Grace
Reverend Wysinger Baptist Church Minister
Paul and Eva Mays (Mark's brother and sister in law)
John and Jan Mays (Mark's brother and sister in law)
Linc and Kim (travelers accepted into the farmstead)
Herc and Leesa, John Jr.
Jerry DeversLocal Deacon, Central City, gulf war vet, Lt., S4
John Fisher Army Ranger First Sergeant (retired), Central City Colonel, XO
Randy Hutchins Afghan Vet, Central CityCaptain, S3
Sgt. John Anders Former Lt Col, communications Lt, S2
Frank Wagerly Head bad guy
Hairy Large bad man
Georgia Gang Leader
Daneel, Security Marine
Niki, ER Nurse, Joe Carpenter Husband
Buck, E6 MP
Cy Yoder Grange Chairman
Ms. Hodge Somerset County Commissioner
Gloria Burns E-6 Somerset
George Hay E-8 Somerset
Sidney Burns E-8 Marines, retired, St Michaels
Captain John Albright Somerset Militia
David Jones Socialist insurgent leader
Trigger Warning!
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!
PROCEED WITH CAUTION!
This novel realistically describes a societal chaos scenario that many may find disturbing. It also contains characters that are openly religious. Their actions, words and thoughts are based in their Christian faith. In this novel people pray, and even quote scripture. The characters try to follow their Christian principles in dealing with very difficult decisions. They try to follow a moral code based on biblical teachings. If you find this offensive, you may not want to read this novel. You will also find minor swearwords and slightly objectionable language in order to keep the story real.
That said, the tale is action packed with normal people trying to survive the chaos of societal collapse. I hope you enjoy this nonstop action packed tale.
Chapter 1 Paul's Story, Day 1
Pittsburgh, PA
September 11th
Paul Mays sits on a log overlooking a large ravine in Frick Park. He sips a cup of coffee he bought at a local boutique shop, and pulls out the Danish that he bought with it. He is enjoying passing some time while his semi rogue dog chases squirrels, gets some exercise.
Retirement is treating him well. He thanks God for all the blessings in his life; a good home, great children, two grandchildren, and a loving wife. He ponders what needs to be done on his bathroom renovation project that he is working on. His mind quickly strays to wondering how soon he can get to Texas to see his new grandson again.
His cur dog, Badzilla returns, happy, panting. "You done Badzy," he asks the large rangy dog as it tries to lick his face. "You ready to go home big boy?" Paul pulls a treat out of his pocket, and the big dog gobbles it up. Badzy stops suddenly and begins to growl. Paul looks around, wondering if someone has wandered up behind him. Badzy starts to howl, then barks ferociously, seemingly at nothing. Startled, Paul stands, and looks around. He sees nothing unusual, hears nothing unusual. He tries to calm his canine friend, who continues to be on edge.
Then Paul realizes that he hears nothing. No noise from the nearby parkway, no noise from the business district where he bought the coffee, no noise at all.
A loud long distant boom echoes up the valley. Paul turns and looks to the west. Badzy's hair is standing on end, he is growling and snarling. Another echoing boom, then a few seconds later, a third closer echoing boom.
What the hell was that? Paul thinks. He puts the lead on Badzilla and heads back to the trail that will take him home. The silence returns, no car traffic, no distant hum of the city. Silence, only interrupted by a few more distant explosions.
Paul hastens up the path leading to the playgrounds and Hutchinson Avenue. As he approaches the crest of the hill, the sounds of civilization return. But not the sounds of cars and buses, not the sounds of jackhammers and a work crew. He hears the sounds of people arguing, the sounds of people calling out in distress, the sounds of confusion.
He crests the ridgeline and clearly sees the main road running past the park. He sees many cars, trucks and buses; all stopped. People are looking around in confusion, looking at their cell phones, looking at the wrecks they have been in or witnessed. A fight breaks out on a sidewalk only fifty yards away from him. Badzilla strains at his leash, but Paul commands him to heal; he does obediently, but reluctantly.
Something is wrong, Paul thinks, bad wrong. He glances at the light at the intersection where the fight broke out. The lights are dead. He quickly looks at the storefronts; all lights are out. He thinks back to the booms he has heard. A bit of panic wells up, it can't be! He thinks. I've got to get home. I've got to get home now!
He ignores all that is going on around him and starts a brisk walk to his home only a few blocks away.
Paul Mays arrives home to an empty house. No lights, doors locked, his wife, Eve's car is gone. He checks his desktop and laptop, both dead. Eve must be at her mother's house, only a few blocks away. She had no plans to go out that Paul can remember. He opens the small safe in his office and pulls out his Colt .45. He grabs his shoulder holster and a pocket full of extra rounds as he heads out the door. Locking everything up, he leaves Badzy as his security for his home.
Ten minutes later he is knocking on his mother-in-law's door. The day nurse, Georgeanne, answers and quickly lets Paul in. Eve is not there. His mother-in-law, Celeste, is doing poorly. The day nurse is in a bit of a panic, with the lights being out and all her equipment dead. She lets Paul know she thinks Celeste's pacemaker may no longer be working. Her heartbeat is weak and irregular. The nurse has not seen Eve and did not expect her today.
"George, things have gone bad, the electricity is down and may not come back on for a while. I don't think it will be safe for Celeste to be here. Can we get her to our house? It's only a few blocks away. Can we move her there with her wheel chair?"
"She's weak, Paul, I don’t think that’s a good idea."
Paul looks out the windows at the blighted neighborhood, literally on the other side of the tracks from his home. "Leaving her here is a worse idea."
"Well, we'll take my car then," says Georgeanne, "but we'll need to take everything Celeste will need." Georgeanne begins packing meds, and other home care supplies. "There's two more oxygen tanks in the closet, Paul, will you grab those? Pack some of her clothing if you think it's going to be a few days."
Confused about the car remark, Paul does as he is asked. He finds a large pull along suitcase and begins packing everything he thinks Celeste will need. He goes into her bedroom. Celeste is pale and frail, but she opens her eyes and looks at him brightly. "Oh, Paul, I am so glad you came to visit today! I think we should go for a walk together, I love taking walks with you and Eve. I feel a little weak, but I would love going for a walk."
"That sounds great Momma Celeste, we'll do that. As a matter of fact, we'll have you come and stay with us a few days. Okay?"
"Oh, I don’t know about that, Paul. You know I like my privacy, but I do want to go for a walk."
Fifteen minutes later, Celeste is in her wheelchair on the front sidewalk with a suitcase, two small duffels and the spare oxygen tanks. Georgeanne climbs in her Subaru and turns the key. Nothing happens, as Paul expected. "Georgeanne, all the cars are dead, anything with electronics is dead. That's what I've been trying to tell you. We can walk there. I'll pay you your normal wage to walk there with us."
"My car is dead? All the cars are dead? What do you mean? How am I going to get home?" She looks at Paul with a bit of indignation, a bit of disbelief.
"It's not my fault George! Don’t look at me like I caused this! Look, help me get Celeste to my house, then I'll find Eve, and then we can see if we can work out a way to get you home, Okay?"
Georgeanne looks at her car then looks around the neighborhood. People are starting to gather on their porches, around the dead cars with hoods up, and in the street. She locks up her car, grudgingly agreeing to Paul's plan. Hauling the luggage, the two portable tanks, and pushing Celeste in the wheel chair, they slowly make their way back to Paul's home. Thirty minutes later they arrive. Eve is sitting on the front porch with a cup of coffee, talking with two of their neighbors.
"It's about time you got home, Paul! Everything has gone to crap out there and my man was nowhere to be found! And, you brought Mom home!" She calmly rises and walks down the front steps and gives her mom a hug before kissing Paul. "So, you thought it would be social chaos or and economic collapse, but it turns out to be an EMP." She states flatly.
Paul stares at her in slight disbelief. Chaos is about to engulf their world, but Eve refuses to be shaken. He smiles. "Yep, EMP." His face grows more concerned as he continues, "I thought you might be at your Mom's so I went there. I decided we should bring her back here. She thinks we're just out for a walk. George thinks her pacemaker may be bad. She is wea
k, her heartbeat is irregular. Let's get her in the house and see if we can keep things calm."
Ten minutes later they have Celeste in the spare bedroom with her oxygen hooked up and a book to read. She complains a bit about not being able to watch TV, but they tell her no TV until the power comes back on. She thanks Paul for taking her on a walk, as they leave her room.
Back on the front porch, Paul, Eve and Georgeanne discuss the situation. Some neighbors walk by, disinterested, some walking their dogs. A few other strangers walk by, presumably trying to find their way home on foot. It is a quiet street of well-kept Victorian style homes, lined with one hundred year old trees, a prestigious neighborhood on the rebound.
Georgeanne is distraught, she lives in the North Hills and has no way of getting there. She is divorced with no kids, but still wants to get home. Paul and Eve have known her for three years now, since she began helping take care of Celeste. They discuss many options for her to get home, all of which include walking or using one of their bicycles.
Georgeanne refuses to believe that everything is shut down. The power will come back on, the cars will start running soon, or at least the busses will start running again. Her final decision is to stay with them overnight; hopefully things will get back to normal the next day. Paul and Eve are glad to have her overnight, especially since she can help keep an eye on Celeste.
The rest of the day is uneventful. But, that night, they hear sporadic gunfire in the distance; they can see the low dull light of what must be large fires burning in the distance. Eve's bravado has waned, Paul's worries have increased and Georgeanne's optimism of the power coming back on has almost disappeared.
Later that night Georgeanne is asleep on their couch, Celeste is resting comfortably in the guestroom. Paul and Eve quietly discuss the situation as they lay in bed, staring at their dark ceiling, which is normally cast with shadows from the city lights. "This is real Paul, isn't it?"
"This is real hon, this is lights out, literally. The power is not coming back on."
Righteous Bloodshed: Righteous Survival EMP Saga, Book 2 Page 1