Sunfall (Season 1): Episodes 1-6

by Meyer, Tim

  Sam studied Soren attentively. Each time someone spoke, he felt more alienated from the group. Sam's life was far from perfect, but it wasn't all that bad either. Now, he had way more responsibility than he ever cared to have. And not one person thanked him for taking on such a pivotal role. Except for Soren. The fact that he was the only one to acknowledge his sacrifices dug beneath his skin. He wasn't exactly sure why he didn't like the man. Hell, they were practically the same age. Probably had similar life experiences. Sam saw that they drank the same beer. He heard Led Zeppelin coming from a portable radio Soren had, which was Sam's favorite band. In another life, maybe they were friends. But not here. Not today. Something about Soren Nygaard irked him and Sam suddenly wished it was he who had walked out into the sun earlier that day.

  Exhausted, Sam thought about leaving the campfire, heading up to his office, and going to sleep. Don't forget about tonight's run, he reminded himself.

  “Alright everyone,” Sam said. “I think we've had a great night. A lot of bonding going on, and that's very important if we're going to spend the rest of our lives here together.”

  “Maybe we don't have to spend the rest of our lives here?” Chris Atkins said, his hand jutting into the air. “Maybe there's an alternative. Out there.” He pointed past Sam, at the giant sliding doors located at the store's entrance.

  Becky elbowed Chris in the ribs, but he didn't budge. She threw her hand over her eyes, muttering the words, “Oh my God,” over and over again.

  Soren winked in Chris's direction, folding his arms across his chest and arching his back, presenting himself with excellent posture. His eyes wandered back to Sam. “Kid may have a point, Samuel. I mean, as much as I'm grateful, and in agreement that this place is a prime choice for our survival, I'm also excited about what might await us elsewhere.”

  Whispers amongst the crowd caused Sam to shift uncomfortably.

  “This shouldn't be a discussion,” Sam said. “Not right now.”

  “I'm simply saying we should keep our options open. Maybe there's a place out there that is better suited than Costbusters,” Soren said, shrugging. “There is much still unknown.”

  “We can't deal in unknowns. We have to stick with what works for us, and that's making this place home.” Becky was peeking through her fingers as her father spoke. Sam turned to Matty, who shrugged when his father's gaze found him. Then, he glanced at Dana, who seemed bored to death, sitting on the counter where the cash registers sat, never to be used again. Sam realized that this place not only provided them with ideal living conditions, but it brought him closer to his kids. He had gotten to know them better in the past three months than he had their entire lives. “We're not leaving this place. It's safe.”

  Soren nodded. “If that's your decision, Sam, then we will remain here. But I'm only asking you to consider an alternative solution.”

  “You sound like you know something, Soren,” Chris said, as if he were reading from a script. “Why don't you tell us the whole story?”

  Soren grinned amicably. One by one, the crowd agreed with Chris's comments.

  “There's this place I've heard that exists. It's far away, and it would be nearly impossible to reach. Nevermind, I'm just speaking out loud,” Soren said, laughing. “Forgive me.”

  “Go on,” Craig said. “We'd like to hear some other suggestions.”

  “Even if they're not as realistic as, say, remaining here?” Soren asked.

  “Sure,” Craig said. He turned to the rest of the gathered. “I don't think anyone has a problem with that. Do you, guys?” he asked everyone.

  No one disagreed. Except for Sam. He opened his mouth to argue that listening to Soren's crap was useless, a complete waste of time. Time better spent prepping for the future.

  “What if I told you this place can offer us peace for the rest of our lives? What if I told you it's impenetrable? And built by the most brilliant scientific minds in the entire world? It's solar powered, has an unlimited water supply, state-of-the-art technology, and enough food to last hundreds of people for over one-hundred years.” Soren shrugged. “But it's much too far to travel, I'm afraid.”

  “That's a shame, because it sounds so perfect,” Sam said sardonically.

  “Doesn't it?”

  “Well, where is it?” Chris asked, smiling.

  Soren took a deep breath. “Alaska.”

  The air in the room deflated. People who had their hopes high slumped in their seats. Some nodded their heads toward the floor, others let out frustrated breathing sounds. The mood changed while Soren circled the area like a shark.

  “But if we could travel by day...” Kyle said, staring at Soren, whose eyes begged him to continue. “Maybe not under an umbrella—but something else—we could totally reach this place in Alaska.”

  “Don't be ridiculous,” Sam said. “No one is traveling by day. Especially across the country. To Alaska of all places. That would be a death sentence.”

  “But it's possible,” Chris added. “I mean, Matty, your own son, said it himself. Direct contact only. As long as we don't stick our necks out there, we'll be fine.”

  Soren nodded. “It's definitely plausible.”

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on,” Sam said. “Guys, what're we talking about here? Going outside? Didn't you people see what happened today?”

  “Yes,” Soren said. “We saw what happens when misguided people make very rash, very unwise decisions. If we are to relocate the camp, it will be a very cautious, very calculated move on our part. Don't you agree, Samuel?”

  “No,” Sam said. “I don't agree. Not one bit. This place—”

  “Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but didn't you say earlier that we are a democracy? That if we are to make a decision that affects us all, we would put it to a vote? That you're not our king?”

  Sam stewed. He bit down on his tongue, a coppery taste filling his mouth.

  “Yes,” he finally answered.

  “Then, let's have it.”

  “Now?”

  “No, not now. We are not prepared to make such a choice. Let's give it some time. Talk it out. We'll draw the right conclusion together.”

  “I know what's right. Staying here,” Sam said.

  “Possibly. But you alone cannot make that choice,” Soren said. He faced the crowd. “I invite you to think it over. As for myself, I'm fully aware the risks a journey like this presents, especially given the circumstances of the climate. But trust me, it would be worth it.”

  “How do you know for a fact that this place even exists?” Shondra asked, stepping to Sam's side.

  “Because,” Soren said. “I have faith. Something that has yet to let me down.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “As for the idea of cannibals, well, that doesn't really bode well for our safety.”

  “Exactly why we need to bunker down. Inside,” Sam told the crowd.

  “We'll see, Samuel. Whatever the people want.”

  Soren glared at Sam coldly as he turned his back on the group, disappearing down the aisle where dozens of racks containing DVDs and CDs stood.

  A chill ran down Sam's spine, violently shaking his bones.

  -4-

  “I know what you're doing,” Sam said. He had followed Soren into the hallway where offices had been converted into bedrooms.

  “Oh?” Soren asked. “And what's that?”

  “Don't play dumb with me,” Sam said, approaching Soren slowly. “You know, you seem like a highly intelligent, well-educated man. Am I right?”

  Soren smirked.

  “If these people leave this place, they will die. You have to see that.”

  “These people need hope, Samuel. This place—this box—you've trapped us in offers them nothing. There's nothing for them to look forward to. No glimmer of hope. Nothing waiting for them over the horizon. This place is a dark forest with no path leading out.” Soren pulled a cigarette from his breast pocket. “Without hope, these people will lose their minds. Considering what Clay did today, I'd say soo
ner rather than later. They need a plan. They need something to look forward to. They need a purpose. Or else you're going to have pandemonium on your hands. And something tells me that's something you're not prepared to deal with.”

  “This place does offer hope. We can build a community here. We can live normal lives.”

  Soren scoffed. “Normal went out the window three months ago, Samuel. We're swimming in uncharted waters. We need a lighthouse. Not to be left stranded on some deserted island.”

  “And Alaska is our lighthouse?” Sam asked, folding his arms across his chest. “Is that what you're trying to tell me?”

  A thin smile spread across Soren's face. “No, I am the lighthouse. Alaska...” Soren said, lighting his smoke. “Is the place that's going to fill these people with a sense of purpose. Give their lives meaning again.”

  “They won't follow you.”

  “Sam, you seem smart enough to realize what's happening here. Otherwise you wouldn't have approached me.” Exhaling a cloud of smoke in Sam's direction, Soren ashed on the floor. “People don't like staying put. Not in our nature. Ever hear of the term, 'stir crazy?' We are vagrant creatures. Even if we don't know it.”

  “Listen. If you want to leave, I'm not going to stop you. But I'll be damned if I let you drag innocent people down with you.”

  “Samuel, as much as I'm grateful for you taking me in, I must respectfully inform you that you're in charge of no one, and every single person living inside your so-called 'community' has the right to make their own choices.”

  “We'll see.”

  “Yes, I'm sure we will,” Soren said, dropping the cigarette onto the floor and stamping it out with his foot. “Goodnight, Samuel. Be careful out there.” He stepped into his quarters, gently closing the door behind him, locking it.

  Sam bent down and picked the dead cigarette off the floor. “Disgusting,” he muttered, tossing it into a nearby trashcan as he walked away, blood pounding in his ears.

  -5-

  “Okay. Who pissed you off?” Shondra asked Sam as he rushed past her.

  “Are we ready to go?” he asked Brian, ignoring Shondra's query.

  “The Jeep has a full tank. But that's the last of it,” Brian said.

  “Hey?” Shondra asked. “You're not ignoring me, are you, sugar?”

  Sam turned to her, rolling his eyes. “Who do you think?”

  “I figured that man was going to be trouble eventually.” Shondra pulled the straps of her backpack over her shoulders. “He has that look.”

  “Yeah, well. Apparently he's trying to stage an uprising.”

  “Shit,” Tina said, glancing out the lookout holes in the tarp covering the front door. “He's doing a pretty good job.” She turned back to the group. “We're clear by the way. The solar-powered street lights are on.”

  “What do you mean 'he's doing a pretty good job?'” Sam asked, sounding insulted.

  Tina sighed. “You know how it is. People talk.”

  “Well, what are they saying?”

  “That this Soren guy might have a point. That Costbusters is great for now, but what about the future?”

  “Jesus Christ,” Sam said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “And here I was, thinking everything was peachy.”

  “Relax, Sam,” Shondra said. “No one is giving up on you yet. You just need to talk to them. Show them the value of this place. You'll see. They'll follow you.”

  “I should've told them about the bodies we found,” Sam thought aloud. “Stupid.”

  “Don't beat yourself about that,” Noah said, carrying a case of water. “If it were me, I'd have done the same thing. Sometimes it's better not knowing.”

  Sam nodded. “Yeah, well, try explaining that to them.”

  “Hey, Dad,” Matty said, approaching his father. “Can... I come tonight?” he asked.

  Sam glanced at the rest of his posse, his eyes asking for a few minutes alone with his son. They understood and migrated toward the door, started pulling the panels apart, letting the refreshing, fall breeze in. Once they were out of earshot, he knelt down next to Matty, placing his hand on his son's shoulder.

  “I don't think that's such a good idea,” Sam said.

  “Please. I won't get in the way, I promise.”

  “It's not that, Matty. It's just... it's dangerous out there. And I'd die if anything happened to you.”

  Matty's eyes found the floor. “You mean... the cannibals?”

  “Yeah. The cannibals. Sure.” He ruffled his son's hair. “You have stuff to do, right?” Soren's voice echoed in his head. They need a plan. They need something to look forward to.

  “Not really,” Matty said somberly.

  They need a purpose.

  “Well, keep an eye on your sisters for me.” He patted his son's shoulder while rising to his feet.

  “Okay. Yeah, sure.”

  “Come on, Matthew. Don't be like that. I need you to help me out. Be my eyes when I'm not here.”

  “Really? Because it sounds like you want me to spy on Becky and babysit Dana.”

  “Yeah, well, we all have jobs to do. Please. You're the only one in this place I can trust right now. I need you to look after these people. Do whatever you can to help them.”

  “What if they don't want my help?”

  Sam stared at his son, his mouth slightly open. “Just sit tight,” Sam told him. “We'll be back before you know it.”

  -6-

  Brian tossed the bag in the back of the Jeep, the sound of metal objects colliding with each other gaining everyone's attention. Tina and Shondra hovered over Brian's shoulder, waiting for him to reveal what lay inside. Noah approached nervously, keeping a safe distance. Sam sat in the driver's seat, keeping a close eye on the store from the parking lot.

  “Is it safe?” Brian asked.

  “Looks like it,” Sam replied.

  “Anyone looking?”

  “None that I can see.”

  Slowly, Brain unzipped the travel bag, letting its contents spill across the backseat.

  “Christ on a fucking cross,” said a husky gentleman. “That's a lot of fucking firepower, motherfuckers.”

  “Now, Mort,” Sam said, glancing back. “You said we could trust you.”

  “You can,” he said. “I'm not going to say a fucking word to nobody.”

  “Yeah, right,” Tina whispered, loud enough that everyone heard.

  “Hey, now. I may have a big fucking mouth, I mean, that's my nickname after all,” he said, “but I know when to shut it every once in a while.”

  Mouth. That's what they called him.

  “You say 'fuck' a lot,” Shondra said.

  “Yeah, well, what do you fucking expect? The Navy will do that to you.”

  Brian distributed the weapons among the present. Mouth accepted the pistol and immediately checked the cartridge. Half a clip. “That's it?”

  “It's all we could scrounge up on previous trips,” Brian informed him. “Plus, we don't actually plan on using them.”

  Brian extended the last gun to Noah, who shook his head and waved his arms.

  “Hell no, man,” Noah said. “I don't do guns. Never held one, and I'm not starting now.”

  “Suit yourself.” Brian concealed the gun in his jeans. “We're traveling further tonight than we have since we started. According to the map,” Brian said, unfolding the local map he had gotten from a gas station during earlier trips, “we've hit every gas station in three of the four surrounding quadrants.” He pointed to the squared off section of the map that had no red marks on it. “There's a Super-GasCon neighboring Andrews. Sam thinks we can pilfer the entire gas supply and raid some nearby stores for more supplies before having to head back.”

  “What if the electricity is out?” Mouth asked. “I mean, shit. Won't that mean the pumps don't work?”

  Sam shifted in his seat. “After Hurricane Sandy, it became mandatory for gas stations in New Jersey to have a backup power supply separate from the main grid. As of l
ast week, that back up power still had juice in the three other quadrants.” He narrowed his eyes. “We won't know until we get there.”

  “So we could be driving there—risking our necks—for no fucking reason?” Mouth asked.

  Sam nodded. “Yeah. But it's worth it. We're out of gasoline, and we're going to need as much as we can with winter coming. People aren't going to like sleeping in the cold.”

  “Guess you're right,” Mouth said, shivering. “But what's going to happen once the whole area is dry and we run completely out?”

  “We'll cross that bridge when we get there,” Sam said, before suggesting they should stop wasting moonlight.

  -7-

  About twenty-five minutes later, they pulled into their destination's parking lot. Newspapers fluttered before them as the fall breeze picked up. Street lights stood in the corners like guardians watching over a secret treasure. Moonlight soaked the surrounding area, casting shadows over the empty land.

  “Well, looks clear to me,” Tina said, slipping the safety off her 9mm. “Although we can't be too sure, can we?”

  “Not after last time,” Shondra added.

  “What happened last time was a mistake,” Sam reminded them. “It won't happen again.”

  “What happened last time?” Mouth asked.

  No one answered. They only stared at each other.

  “Guess I'll stop asking questions,” Mouth said, staring out the window. “It's fucking weird seeing the world like this.”

  “We're going in quiet,” Sam told them. “You know the drill. Mouth, follow Tina. Got it?”

  “Hell yes.”

  Sam was the first to open the door. The others followed immediately after. Brian and Noah, who followed in Noah's Caprice Classic, followed their lead. The two of them carried barrels they intended to fill with gasoline. Sam pointed toward the pumps. Brian and Noah scurried over to them without wasting any time. One began unlatching the top of the barrel while the other started prepping the pump. They completed their tasks flawlessly, like they had done many times before.