by Newman, AJ
Froggy notified Jon and his man, Steve, that the new people would arrive within an hour. The drive through Lubbock was calm and almost surreal, with only a few people on the streets. Froggy’s team had swept the city for survivors and placed them in isolation until they were proven disease-free. Many survivors didn’t want to be in quarantine for the two weeks, even if it meant a better life in the end.
Jack saw Cindy and some of the others at the entrance of the subdivision and went to see her. Jon, Betty, and Barbara met the convoy at the detention center. Bob and Bobby Jr. were also there but busy prepping the isolation rooms. Bobby Jr. departed the fenced-in area in time to see the cute girl leave the bus with her family. Bobby Jr. walked over to Steve, almost too shy to talk. “Who are these people? I’d kinda like to meet that cute blonde haired girl.”
Steve cackled, “You have good taste. She’s about your age. I think around sixteen. Now, I have to mention that she’s Froggy’s granddaughter and knowing him, he’s a bit overprotective of her. You’ll need to ask her mom if you can talk to her before attempting to date her. If your parents are okay with it, I’ll let you deliver supplies to them and some other odd jobs.’
“Thanks, Steve.”
“Jon, Steve told me I could help with the quarantined people. I’ve had my second transfusion and will get my next one at the end of the week.”
“Of course, you can help, but you must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for about nine more days. If you can do that, I’ll let you help. Get your gear from Jill, and I’ll take you over to Barbara and get you started.”
Bobby Jr. was assigned to keep two–ten-gallon water containers full. He also had to slide food onto a shelf in the back of a yard barn. The barn was part of the fence isolating the people. This kept Bobby Jr. from being exposed to the people. Bobby Jr. waited until the woman called Grace was outside alone and approached her.
“Grace, I’m Bobby Jr. I’m Barbara’s nephew. Steve told me you’re Froggy’s daughter. I want to ask for permission to talk with your daughter when the isolation is over.”
“I’m glad you’re a polite young man, but maybe you should ask her. Her name is Janet. Did Steve tell you my dad would kill you if you hurt her?”
Bobby Jr. looked down at his shoes. She said, “Dad is a big old softy. Bobby, don’t worry about him. I have a sharp dagger and will cut your balls off if you hurt her.”
Bobby smiled when he heard not to worry about Froggy being nice but jumped a few feet from the fence and cupped his hands over his private parts when she threatened him. “Ma’am, are you pulling my leg?”
“Yes, Bobby,” she said, and then drew her dagger and acted as though she was cleaning her nails. “I’m a nice person unless someone messes with my kids. You can talk to Janet through the fence and see how it goes.”
Bobby backed away slowly and then ran back to the hospital to start his chores. Janet wasn’t outside, but Bobby made sure he was noticed by the adults and kids who came near to him. All were thankful for his help. He was also able to answer a few questions about the NAS, his family, and the quality of food. He didn’t see Janet that day.
Two days later, Froggy’s family had rested and was eager to explore the NAS but was told again that they had to stay in the containment area. Grace and Janet walked up to Bobby since he was the only one around. “Bobby, I want to introduce you to my daughter, Janet. Janet, this is Bobby Payne, and he’s Barbara’s nephew.”
Bobby’s face flushed. “Hello, glad to meet you. I’ll be helping to take care of you and your family.”
Grace left, and Janet immediately started working on Bobby to help spring her out of quarantine. “Bobby, I’m glad someone my age works here. This place is boring, and we need to get out and stretch our legs.”
Bobby gave the canned speech Barbara had given him. “Sorry, but the quarantine is important to keep us all safe from the virus. We know we have about a thousand people in the area, but only about six hundred are known to be infection-free.”
Then he deviated from the script. “And it would be a shame to lose such a beautiful woman like you. I’d like to be your friend.”
“Why do I want to be friends with someone who doesn’t care if I’m bored to death?”
The words pissed off Bobby. “Because you should appreciate someone who cares for your safety, even though you lack appreciation for their efforts to keep you alive. Goodbye.”
Bobby turned and left, even though she called his name several times.
Marcie and her siblings were released from quarantine after two weeks. She volunteered to work with Bobby, helping take care of Froggy’s family and an influx of new people who’d been found in a basement in Lubbock. Marcie and Bobby hit it off from the first day they worked together and were soon inseparable. He forgot about Janet and had to keep his mind on work when Marcie was around. Several days into their new relationship, she laid a bombshell on him but made him promise not to tell anyone.
Reese NAS – Two weeks later. November 2038
Two weeks passed quickly for Jon and his team as they scavenged for synthetic blood and other supplies. Froggy’s family complained a lot about the quarantine. However, Bobby and Sally gave the kids several board games, and Jon provided several decks of cards and well over a hundred books to read. Froggy dropped by every day to talk to his family from six feet away and preached patience to them. He told them they were being isolated on his orders and not to blame the ones caring for them. He scolded his daughters about being blunt with Bobby and the others.
Froggy said, “These folks volunteered to take care of you people they don’t even know and who might have a deadly virus. Quit yer bellyaching. They’ve given you their time, sweat, and soon their blood to make you safe.”
Grace started to ask about the blood. Froggy said, “You’ll get the answer in the morning.
Grace said, “We don’t need them after we’re released tomorrow.”
“Grace, you’ll change your mind in the morning.”
That evening, Jon called a group meeting to discuss the game plan for spreading immunity to their new community. He invited Steve and Froggy to the meeting. So they could finish developing their strategies for the blood donor and synthetic blood transfusions. They’d found enough artificial blood to give immunity to sixty people.
Barbara gave an update on where they stood on immune people since she’d declared Marcie, her brother, and sister immune. She only counted on Marcie, but adding her as an extra donor increased the number of immune donors to fourteen and resulted in an additional ten donors at twelve weeks. By starting the sixty people on the synthetic blood, they’d have one-hundred-and ninety-six donors by week seventeen.
Froggy’s mind swooned at the numbers. “How long to complete a thousand people?”
Barbara was prepared. “Twenty-nine weeks.”
“How long to do ten thousand people?”
“Forty-seven weeks for eleven thousand. I didn’t calculate beyond that.”
Steve’s face took on a smile. “That means everyone within a hundred miles could be done by May.”
Barbara said, “That assumes everyone is willing to take the transfusions, and we don’t find more synthetic blood.”
Froggy slapped his lap. “Why wouldn’t a person who’s been afraid of dying, not want to live?”
Jon stood up. “Because some won’t believe us. They’ve been hiding for months, afraid of outside contact, and here we come saying, “Trust Me, and let me pour our blood into your veins.”
Everyone was silent for several minutes when Jon slapped the tabletop. “We just have to be good salesmen and convince them one person and one community leader at a time.”
“Our first true test will be in the morning when we round up my family and try to give them transfusions. Grace is one of those crazy anti-vaxers.”
Barbara wanted to stay out of the debate but relented. “I’m a bit sympathetic to some of their concerns. It’s hard to tell a mother that a few k
ids might die due to complications, but the herd has achieved immunity. When it’s your kid who dies, it becomes damned personal. See y’all in the morning.”
Everyone’s heads started nodding, and the room quickly emptied.
Barbara walked in on Bobby and Jon having a private conversation. “Jon, Bobby and you need to bring the detainees to me at the hospital so we can begin the first round of transfusions. Froggy and Steve will be there to help maintain discipline.”
“We’ll be glad to do that, boss lady,” Jon said and started to leave.
Barbara caught her husband’s eye and motioned for him to stay. Jon patted Bobby on the back. “Go on over and see if they’re ready. I’ll be right behind you.”
Barbra waited until Bobby had left the room. “I got the feeling that was a father and son conversation.”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“Bull crap.”
“Look, beautiful, it was manly stuff that Bobby wants to keep secret.”
Barbara knew a secret also. She hadn’t told her husband. She was confident they both had the same secret, but neither wanted to break their word. “Could this have to do with the fact that Bobby has been courting Marcie and Janet is jealous?”
“No, men don’t deal with soap operas.”
“Could this have to do with Marcie gaining weight lately?”
“Oh, crap, you know,” Jon said.
“Remember, I told you Marcie told me something that would make your jaw drop?”
Jon didn’t like twenty questions. “Was she raped?”
“How long have you known?”
“Only a few minutes. Bobby just started to ask me how to decide which girl to see. One had some baggage, and the other was very bossy.”
Barbara laughed, “So, men deal in soap operas after all. Her ‘baggage’ is due in about five or six months. Oh, crap, have they been intimate?”
“I don’t think so, but it’s obviously on Bobby’s mind.”
Chuckling, Barbara said, “It’s not like she can get more pregnant, and it’s the end of the world. Bobby could die and never … well, …you know. Do it. Hey, what advice did you give Bobby?”
“I told him to imagine his life going forward without each of them. If there’s no difference, it’s just dating. If he can’t think about being away from one of them, then he’d better latch on to her.”
“Why, Jon, that was very romantic. Kinda makes me wish the kids were staying over at my mom’s place.”
“I also might have mentioned that if he chooses Marcie, he gets a baby and several months of abstinence all thrown in for free.”
Barbara covered her face with her hands. “Romeo, ya coulda kept that to yourself.”
☣☣☣
Froggy’s family was excited to look around the compound and the NAS in general but did not want to go into the hospital for an examination. His daughters thought they could do as they pleased and were giving Jon trouble when Froggy walked up.
“Grace, Jo, what’s going on?”
Grace replied, “He’s trying to force us to go to the hospital for a checkup. We’re not going now. We want the see the place and our new homes.”
Froggy smiled and looked at Jon. “Jon, there’re no favorites here. Either they do what you tell them to do, or they can draw a week’s supply of food, a car, a pistol, and a shotgun. Then they can leave the area. Let me know what they decided. I’m going into Lubbock with Steve.”
Jo was pissed. “But, Dad …”
“Jon, my daughters have authority issues. Girls, one more damn time, do as you’re told or get the hell out of our community. I’ll miss you if you decide to leave. Bye.”
Jon watched Froggy storm off. “Ladies, gentlemen, and kids, follow me or stop wasting my time. Your dad is a great man, but he’s our leader, and he can’t have dissension in the ranks. Follow and enjoy the visit or get the hell out of here. No one is catering to you. We’re too busy just trying to survive to deal with grown children.”
They grumbled under their breath but followed Jon to the hospital where Barbara took over.
“I think all of you know me, but just the same, “I’m Dr. Barbara Stone. I specialize in immunology, and I’m in charge of keeping you healthy and our quarantine programs. We’ll begin the day by giving by each of you a physical and then …”
Grace stood up and motioned for the others to follow her. Barbara raised her voice. “Sit your asses down and listen! Your dad told you that you’d do what we say when we say or get your asses out of here. I don’t mean just gone from Lubbock. I mean, at least a hundred miles away. Look behind you. There are several armed people ready to escort you to a bus and drop your unappreciative asses in the country a long way from here. Jon, try not to shoot the kids.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Grace sat down and shut up. Barbara continued with her introduction. “Have any of you figured out why Jon, Jill, Betty, and the rest of your caregivers who went into the quarantined area weren’t afraid of getting the virus?”
Several turned and looked at the others, but no one answered. Barbara then spoke. “We’re immune and can pass on our immunity to you and others, once we know they don’t already have the virus. Any questions before I go on with the discussion?”
They were all stunned, but Jo asked, “How did you become immune?”
Barbara told then about the synthetic blood, and how they determined to use it and donor blood to make others immune. “See, if you stay, you don’t have to worry about getting the virus. There is a drawback. You can’t tell anyone about your immunity. If it leaked out, people would show up to take your blood to make them immune. We want to pass on the immunity but also keep ourselves alive. Everyone above sixteen will have to donate blood per our guidelines, so we can spread the immunity to everyone in our community.”
Froggy’s family were quiet and in a bit of shock after having their world change so fast. Barbara asked for questions several times before Jo said, “I’m sorry. We just thought your group was on some kind of power trip and trying to run roughshod over us. We’ve had it rough since the shit hit the fan. We didn’t want someone pushing us around anymore. I’m sorry. What do we need to do now?”
Barbara answered a few questions and finished informing them. Now, they were much friendlier and less guarded once they realized Barbara and the others had their future in their hands.
“You’ll start receiving blood in about two weeks. We need to finish the current transfusions before we can add your group. We can do six adults in the first wave and then nine people in the next. Our donors grow by half with each transfusion. Transfusions are scheduled every three weeks. In three months, we’ll add the others who received only the synthetic blood in their transfusions, and then we’ll double our donors.”
Jon took over leadership of the meeting and explained the community rules. “My family and friends only recently joined the team, but already agree with the rules. Everyone works, everyone above twelve fights to protect the community, everyone donates blood, and Froggy makes all the big decisions until the crisis is over. If you can’t live with those rules, leave now.”
All pledged to obey the rules. No one left.
Jon smiled and added, “Everyone is also required to have fun. We’ll hold fun events once a week for adults, and Granny Jane needs volunteers to establish fun events for the kids. She’ll begin a class in old forgotten skills and animal care for everyone below sixteen. There’s a list of job vacancies on the board over there. Sign up for at least two jobs. Now, Bob and Pat will take you to your new homes.”
Chapter 17
Reese NAS – January 2038 Three months later.
Froggy began holding a staff meeting every week to give progress reports on their projects, and for Barbara to cover the Immunity Project. Froggy always led off the gathering with successes and failures. “We’ve added eight people this week, and that brings our total to six-hundred and twenty-three folks in our great community. Steve’s crew
rounded up sixty more cattle, Bob found a small herd of goats, and Granny Jane now has thirty children tending the goats, some calves, and a bunch of chickens. We only need to get to farming when the weather breaks. No failures this week. Barbara, your turn.”
Barbara shuffled her papers and found the list of the immune people. “We have seventy-one immune people from the transfusions, and we can now add sixty of the new immunes from the synthetic blood transfusions. That brings us up to one hundred thirty-one immune donors. In three weeks, we’ll add sixty-five more immunes. We’ve reached the point where we have enough immunes to make everyone in our community immune in eleven more weeks.”
Grace raised her hand. “Barb, didn’t you add sixty more people to the synthetic blood transfusions two months ago?”
“Thanks for reminding me. In one month, we’ll have two hundred and fifty total immunes who can donate. There was also another thirty started on synthetic blood a month ago after we found more of the synthetic blood. That means …”
Granny Jane said, “The darn math is making my head explode. Let’s just say we’ll have a shit pot full of immune people in two months. Then this gets to be a dangerous problem going forward. Froggy and Jon have done a wonderful job of slowly adding new people to our community who are a good fit. What are we going to do to spread this beyond our community? Maybe we’ll walk up to strangers and say, “Hey stranger, I’m going to poke a needle into you, give ya some of my blood, and make you immune. Trust me, I’m from Lubbock, Texas, and I’m here to help you.”
Everyone broke out laughing except Jon and Froggy. Jon raised his hands in the air, and everyone stopped laughing. “Before I attempt to follow Granny Jane’s magnificent oratory performance, I have to give you some good news. Bob’s scavenging group found enough of the synthetic blood up in Amarillo to make a couple hundred more people immune.”