The E.M.P. Chronicles (Book 2): A Life Without Power

by McTatey, Zayden (Oz)

  The shorter man thought about it for a few seconds and then said, “You’re right, but they all had military gear on; they all looked the same.”

  The tall man began to raise his rifle, looked at the shorter man, and said, “I thought I heard a young voice say ‘nana’ as they passed. Something’s not right.”

  The HUMVEE only had to travel 300 more feet before they were off the bridge and in Kentucky. They saw the two men in front of them moving the barrels out of the way so they could pass. Unexpectedly, they heard the sound of a rifle followed by a clank as the bullet hit the metal tailgate of the HUMVEE.

  “Get down! BJ floor it!” Brian yelled.

  With only 100 feet to go before they were off the bridge, BJ could see the two men in front of them raising their rifles. BJ floored the HUMVEE. It had more torque than acceleration but it was enough to get the vehicle past the two guards before they could get a shot off.

  “Start swerving!” Brian shouted. “Elizabeth, hang on to Max!”

  BJ began turning the HUMVEE right and left, doing everything he could to keep the bullets from hitting the vehicle. Although the doors and vehicle frame were reinforced with plate steel which would stop most small arms fire, it would not stop a rifle round.

  The HUMVEE was now about one mile past the bridge when they saw a flare rising in the sky.

  “They’re signaling for help,” Brian said. “Go. Go. Go.”

  Before he could say another word, he heard Elizabeth shriek, “Brian, Max is bleeding! He’s been hit!”

  19

  SECURING ZULU PAPA

  The next morning, Oz was walking the property when Nicki approached him from behind. Without him noticing, she placed her Springfield XDM™ to his head. Oz was startled and caught completely off guard.

  “You never, ever walk outside or anywhere without a buddy,” she chastised. “That’s what you taught us and you’re breaking your own rules. What if I had been someone else? Someone who wanted to kill you?”

  Nicki lowered the gun and Oz looked as she reloaded it. The slide was locked back, no magazine, and clearly no round in the chamber. To further ensure the safety of the gun, she placed a stick in the open breach and into the barrel of the gun. In a rather dramatic move, she was trying to make a point.

  Before she could say another word, she heard Oz say over the radio, “Zulu 1 to Zulu 5, if your mom would have been a stranger what would you have done?”

  “Two shots center mass,” Randall said over the radio with a matter of fact attitude.

  To her surprise, Oz had in fact been with his buddy, Zulu 5, or Randall, who was in his ghillie suit camouflaged 30 feet from his dad.

  “Love you, dear,” Oz said as he continued checking the property.

  “Love you, Mom,” Randall added as Nicki searched the woods in vain, unable to find where he was hiding.

  Now embarrassed, she turned and walked back into the cabin.

  OVERALL, THE PROPERTY was in good condition. The vegetation was overgrown but that was not necessarily a bad thing. The majority of vegetation was intentionally planted and grown to be used as a food source. Vegetation included dandelions, mint, asparagus, cattails around their pond, clover, plantain, purslane, elderberry, and sunflowers. The families considered this “survival food”.

  Oz then walked to the north side of the property to check on the intermediate bulk containers (IBC) that stored 1,800 gallons of rainwater between six totes. The water from the totes had multiple uses including as a primary source of water for the outdoor gardens and hydroponics system, and a secondary water source for the families living in the cabin; the primary source for that being a 50-foot well.

  The water designated for the garden and hydroponics was filtered but not sanitized. The water flowing to the cabin was not only filtered but ended up in a 100-gallon holding tank that was sanitized with bleach before being pumped and used in bathrooms, the kitchen, a medical facility, and a decontamination room.

  He visually and physically checked the piping between the totes to make sure it hadn’t weathered or cracked. He checked the overflow spouts and air intakes to make sure they were free of debris.

  Once he was satisfied with the condition of the IBC totes, he walked around the cabin and checked the solar panels. The solar panels themselves needed to be cleaned of dust and debris which only took fifteen minutes. He checked the controller to make sure the panels were functioning properly. He then checked the battery bank and found everything was in order.

  The next task was to secure the outer 10-acre perimeter with the early warning tripwire system. Oz would use the same tripwire system that Lloyd had placed around their primary residence several weeks prior. The system was responsible for alerting the McTateys to an imminent attack that injured Cali and eventually Lloyd. At the end of the day, it saved their lives.

  The tripwire system was comprised of thirty hand grenade heads with springs and pins that Oz had purchased years earlier. In the military world, the grenade head is the triggering mechanism for the grenade. When the grenade pin is pulled and the spoon separates, a spring is released which generates energy that allows a pin to contact a primer causing the grenade to explode and fragment. In the prepper world, the grenade head could be used with a shotgun primer to create a perimeter signaling system or tripwire system. No matter where you were on the property, you would easily hear the denotation of the primer. Oz, with the help of Naomi and Randall, set about the task of setting up the tripwires.

  “Dad,” Randall inquired. “We have trip wires for the outer security and we’ll have the LP/OP for internal security. What if we put the tree stands up on the outer perimeter and use them as part of our security detail. If they’re placed high enough in the trees we could see for miles. Like I said, an additional security measure. Out of sight, out of mind.”

  “Not so sure about that idea,” Oz replied. “If the bad guys and gals see you, you’re a sitting duck. Nowhere to go if they start shooting. Probably not a good idea.”

  “Good point,” Randall said. “We’ll use them only for hunting.”

  ONCE THE TRIPWIRES were set, the group began scouting a location for their Listening Post/Observation Post (LP/OP). In all the years, the McTateys and Tregors owned the ZP property, they never took the time to establish an LP/OP.

  The LP/OP would be a hidden location within 300 to 400 yards of the cabin and ideally allowing a 360-degree view of the property. It would be manned 24/7 by two family members whose job it was to be the eyes and ears of the property. They would be tasked with constantly scanning and surveying all aspects of the property from this hidden location and, if necessary, engage threats whose intent was to harm the family.

  If something or someone trespassed on the property, the tripwires would be the first line of defense and the family members on duty in the LP/OP would be the second. The person on duty would identify the concerns and place a call to the cabin using the vintage EE-8A military phones that Lloyd and Oz rebuilt.

  Similar to the LP/OP, a communications station containing the other EE-8A phone would be established in the cabin and manned 24/7. This would allow constant communication between the LP/OP and the cabin. Based on who or what was trespassing on the property, the families would take appropriate action up to and including wearing full combat gear which meant they would be defending the property.

  Oz, Naomi, and Randall looked the property over, assessing the terrain and elevation. The property had a hill that would allow them to easily see the majority of the property, but Oz knew that the location would be easy for outsiders to find and, therefore, not suitable. The LP/OP had to be well camouflaged, provide cover and security to the family members on duty, and allow family members the ability to engage trespassers anywhere on the property with a rifle.

  As they continued walking the property, Oz noticed a location that would work and Naomi agreed. It was within the tree line, about 350 to 400 yards from the cabin, well camouflaged, and had a view of most of the property
. It was in between several trees and elevated but hard to see unless you knew where it was.

  Once Oz was satisfied that everything on the outside of the property was in good working order and with the LP/OP location identified, he, Naomi, and Randall went inside and began planning the steps required to build the LP/OP.

  THE NEXT MORNING, the three began the task of establishing the LP/OP. The plan involved Oz, Naomi, and Randall digging a 5-foot-wide by 5-foot-long by 4-foot-deep trench. The dimensions would allow the LP/OP to accommodate two people—one on duty while the other took notes or slept.

  In addition, these dimensions allowed for a small table to be placed in the corner which would hold binoculars, the EE-8A phone, paper, a pen, a pencil, extra rounds, and extra magazines. Even though it was no easy task, the trio set about digging the trench. The task would have been easier if they had used the bucket on the tractor, but given the noise of the tractor’s engine, they chose not to attract any unwanted attention. For the next ten hours, they dug the trench by hand, and two hours after sunset, they had finished.

  With the trench fully dug, their next task was to make sure that those on guard duty would not be detected while in the LP/OP in addition to ensuring they were protected from the elements.

  To accomplish this, Naomi and Randall dug four 5-inch x 5-inch holes in each corner of the LP/OP approximately one foot deep. They used a post hole digger to complete the task. They then placed an 8-foot tall 4-inch x 4-inch post in each of the freshly dug holes followed by a quick dry concrete mix to provide stability.

  Being a pack rat, Oz had collected many supplies over the years, one of which was an old truck topper someone had left on the property. It would be re-purposed to provide protection from the elements for those within the LP/OP.

  Oz, Naomi, and Randall placed the truck topper over each of the 4-inch x 4-inch posts extending out of the LP/OP. The topper was then secured to the post to prevent movement. To ensure it blended into the surrounding area, Naomi and Randall placed a camouflage net tarp over the truck topper.

  Randall put the final touches on the project when he returned to the garage and found an old pool ladder. He placed it in the LP/OP to make getting in and out easier.

  Now complete, Oz took a minute, stepped back, and viewed the work of the team. It was perfect and would serve its purpose.

  Oz now had confidence knowing that those within the LP/OP would have a great view of the property, be protected from the elements, and most importantly, have protection if a firefight were to happen.

  The final task was to dig a ½-inch to 1-inch trench from the LP/OP to the cabin. With a pickaxe in hand, Oz simply placed the point of the ax in the ground and began walking backward. Randall followed and slowly placed the phone line in the trench and covered it up with dirt. The phone line would be used to connect the EE-8A phone in the LP/OP to the same model of phone in the cabin. Once complete, the ends of each wire were connected to the phones, the hand crank turned, and the phones tested. Although Oz wasn’t surprised, the others were when the phone in the cabin rang and Randall said “Hello” from the other end. The phones worked.

  THE NEXT MORNING, Oz gathered the family and briefed them on the LP/OP and its operation.

  “The LP/OP is a critical security measure for this family,” he began. “It’s the eyes and ears that will keep us all safe. But most importantly, there are several things that must be understood and followed.

  “First, when you walk to and from the LP/OP, move carefully so your movement doesn’t give away its location. Never use the same route two times in a row. Second, when you’re in the LP/OP, make sure to adjust the tarp and branches so it constantly remains camouflaged. Third, two-person security teams are always to be used. One person observes while the second person records the observations. Fourth, the observer and recorder need to switch roles every 30 minutes. Looking through a pair of binoculars for an extended time can be taxing on the eyes. Fifth, the LP/OP is to always, I repeat always, be manned. The bad guys don’t care what time it is or what the weather is. They will attack when we least expect it. Sixth, never leave your post until properly relieved. Before you leave the LP/OP, notify the cabin so we can provide cover during the shift change. Seventh, in a firefight, never, ever leave the safety of the LP/OP. If you’re in trouble, defend yourself and a team from the cabin will come to your aid. Any questions?”

  Before anyone could ask a question, Randall and Cheyanne looked at each and Randall spoke, “Cheyanne and I will take the first shift,” he said.

  Oz proudly looked at Randall and shook his head in agreement as did Naomi. His young son and Cheyanne would be the first to secure and, if needed, defend the property. Stacey, on the other hand, gave Cheyanne a scowling look and then walked out of the room.

  20

  STRANGERS FIND STRANGERS

  Two hours later, after successfully crossing the bridge, Elizabeth turned to Max and said, “How’s your boo-boo?”

  She checked the bandage and the small scrape looked good. Max had cut himself on a metal cover while they were swerving to avoid gunfire. The cut was minor and he would be fine.

  “About one hour left,” Brian said as he continued to drive the HUMVEE using only his night vision goggles and no running lights or headlights.

  Brian reflected on what had just happened when he recalled seeing a flare being shot into the air as they left town. He was confident it was a signal to let others within the town, or neighboring towns, know that help was needed. Fortunately, no vehicles had followed them and no more rounds had been fired in their direction.

  Still feeling nervous, Brian stopped the HUMVEE and pulled out the map. He thought for a second and then said, “We’re going to turn off and drive on the Smith’s property. It’s about five miles from here. It will connect us to the Shaw’s property which will take us to Highway 14 and then straight to the cabin.”

  “You’re going to drive across stranger’s property? BJ asked. “Do you really think that’s safe?”

  “Your dad and I have a relationship with everyone I mentioned,” Brian answered. “The property owners gave us permission some time ago to drive across their property if needed. I believe it’s needed. Let’s not underestimate the desperate people we just upset in Brookport. Not sure if they would follow us, but why take the chance?”

  FIVE MILES LATER, Brian stopped the HUMVEE and put it in four-wheel drive. He took his night vision goggles off and turned the headlights on. He then reached into the HUMVEE storage compartment and pulled out a flare gun. He placed a large round shotgun-like shell in the flare gun, stepped outside the HUMVEE and shot it in the air. The flare was not the typical red color but instead was green. Brian waited five minutes before shooting another flare into the air. Like the first one, it was green in color. Several minutes later, and at a distance, they saw a green flare climbing into the sky before disappearing into the night.

  “We’re good to go,” Brian said and jumped into the HUMVEE.

  Driving on private property was much slower, but they all knew it was a safer route. After driving for twenty minutes, Brian stopped the HUMVEE and referred to his map. Just as he had done on the Smith’s property, he stood outside the HUMVEE and shot a green flare into the air. This time it only took several seconds before they saw a green flare in response. They had been given approval to drive on the Shaw’s property.

  Thirty minutes later, they exited the Shaw’s property onto Highway 14. They were lucky in that they really hadn’t had to use the four-wheel drive on the Smith’s and Shaw’s property, though the drive was bumpy and slow. At several points, Brian had to creep the HUMVEE over downed trees and in one instance crawl the vehicle over several large rocks. Those were small challenges at best. The HUMVEE had served its purpose and as a rugged and reliable vehicle, it would continue to serve them well. Before Brian continued down Highway 14, he turned the HUMVEE headlights off and placed the night vision goggles over his eyes.

  “We’re almost there,”
he said.

  AS THEY APPROACHED the turnoff to the cabin, Brian knew he needed to call in and alert Oz and the family of their arrival. Instead of using the channel that all family members could hear, Brian turned to Channel 5. Channel 5 was a unique channel that only he and Oz had access to. They had used that channel during training when they wanted to implement surprise tactics to better help the families prepare.

  Brian turned the radio to Channel 5, pushed the button on his radio headset and said, “Tango 1 to Zulu 1, a drunk dragon does not sleep. I repeat, Tango 1 to Zulu 1, a drunk dragon does not sleep.”

  Oz awoke as if he were in a dream and heard it again, “Tango 1 to Zulu 1, a drunk dragon does not sleep.”

  “Could it be?” he thought. “Is it true? Brian. Elizabeth. They’re here. BJ. He’s probably with them.”

  “Zulu 1 to Tango 1,” he began. “Unless you’re sleeping on a pile of gold. I repeat, Zulu 1 to Tango 1, unless you’re sleeping on a pile of gold.”

  “Oz, you’re alive,” Brian stated with relief in his voice. “You’re alive. Thank God. We’re here. Heading up the drive now.”

  “Do you have BJ with you?” Oz asked with concern.

  “I told you I would never leave without him, Brian said. “He’s with us and is fine.”

  Relief came over Oz and instead of letting his family know, he rushed out the door and watched Brian park the HUMVEE.

  AS BJ STEPPED out of the HUMVEE, Oz just stared at him. He didn’t know what to say or even how to react. He barely recognized him. His first born was standing before him in camouflage carrying an AR-15. This was a stark difference compared to the last time Oz had seen him. He was at SIU and had just started his second semester in graduate school. He was looking trendy with his freshly cut hair, sunglasses reflecting the bright sun, knee-length shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and a water nozzle connected to a garden hose in his right hand. He was tending to the greenhouse plants. Oz was frozen when his son hugged him and said, “I love you, Dad.”