The Beginning

When It all Falls Down

by    KEITH ADAMS

 

     Alex wakes to the Sun shining in the window, then looks at the clock which is showing 8:35. He gets dressed and heads to the kitchen to make the morning Coffee.  Barb, His wife for 33 years now is still asleep. Alex takes his Coffee out to a little table under the Maple tree, where he enjoys just sitting and relaxing, while he watches the day start. 

      Hummingbirds appeared to magically stand still in midair as they drank from the nectar filled feeder.  The wild Canaries were hanging upside down as they ate the Sunflower seeds.  Butterflies noiselessly fluttered around the flowers in the yard, as the songbirds sang their chorus to the rising Sun.

      The coffee in his cup got cold as Alex watched and listened to the beauty in the world around him.  He wished he was a poet so he could describe the amazing beauty he was watching.

  

     Barb and he loved this little town, it never got above 2000 people at one time except when they had the local fall festival.  The area where they lived was called the hill, because it was the highest spot in town.  It was only 3 streets wide here and 10 blocks downtown.  It had one grocery store, one gas station, a dollar store, a small hospital and 2 diners.  It was small town living at its best.

     Suddenly all the birds disappeared to the east, dogs all over the neighborhood started barking and howling, and then the ground jumped up at Alex.

     The noise is terrible as houses are shaken from their foundations, windows shatter, power lines snap, and trees fall.  He hears someone yelling Earthquake,  He hears the screams coming from the house, now he is sure that it is he that is screaming Barb, Barb as he runs for the door he just came out, but it is buried under the roof of the porch that has collapsed, so he runs to the front door, which has popped open from stress.  He finds Barb standing in the living room badly shaken, but unhurt.  They hold each other as they look at the shattered things that now cover the floor of their home.

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     At Lambert field airport at St. Louis, a dozen passenger liners were in line waiting to land.  Then the tremors hit, as the ground shook, and opened from the terminal across both runways.  The crack was 15 feet wide and severed the power cables to the tower.  Now with no way to communicate with the Pilots, the incoming had no way to know that the runways were destroyed.  The first jet on each runway hit the opening and exploded as they crumbled into the pavement.  The next jet was too close to avoid the smoke and flames by powering up and canceling its approach. As it flew through the massive flames, its right-hand engines choked out from the smoke.  It rolled hard to the right and crashed into the suburbs.  This lit the fires on the west side of a city already burning from ruptured gas lines. 

    Unable to contact Lambert field tower, the jets waiting to land contacted other fields.  The good news was they were directed to other fields; the bad news was some did not have the fuel to make it.  The jets were divided between Evansville, Indiana, and Kansas City.  Each group having at least one jet low on fuel and given priority landing status. 

   At Memphis, the tower there went silent.  The earthquake had taken Memphis too.  A low fuel jet tried to land on interstate 55 but hit a car and crashed killing all on board and several dozen people on the interstate.  

    An Amtrac train and a metro train both at St Louis went into the Mississippi river when the bridges they were crossing fell into the water below.  There would be no survivors.  All bridges from Hannibal Mo. to Louisiana crumbled into the great river, thus cutting the U.S. almost completely in half.

     Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi took the brunt of the quake, but it was felt over almost the entire U.S.  The New Madrid Fault had let go with an 9.5 quake.  At the southern tip of Illinois, into Missouri the land subsided so much it created a 500 square mile lake.  There were no survivors inside that area.    

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    Back on the hill Sam, the next-door neighbor is outside now yelling for Alex and Barb, and something about a fire.  They rush out into the yard and see the house across the street has almost fallen to the ground, and it is burning.  Alex hands Barb his cellphone and says call the fire department and stay here in the yard.  Then he joins Sam running to try to help the neighbor J.D. if he is in the burning house.  Before they reach the fire, Barb calls to them and says there is no phone signal, what should she do. 

    Then the ground jumped again.

     More screams now from all over the neighborhood, as people were caught outside looking at the damage from the first shock wave of what they would later find out was the New Madrid Fault giving them an 9.5 earthquake that was just the start of what could only be described as the beginning of one of the worst times in our history.    

     Everyone was thrown to the ground, as the aftershocks that hammered their community also shook the entire mid-west.  The only thing anyone could do was wait for it all to stop, and then help each other, if there was anyone left to help.

     By now J.D.’s house   was completely collapsed and burning.  With no way to stop it, all anyone could do was watch and hope he had already left for work.  Alex ran back to Barb to make sure she was ok. When he was sure she was safe, he had her sit at the little table in the yard, while he and Sam joined others going from house to house looking for what they hoped were survivors. 

Another aftershock hits.

     Three houses away Alex, turned his head sideways while looking at the partially collapsed building. Then they hear the calls for help from inside the splintery trap.  It's Jason Travers, and his voice is very weak.  Sam and Alex start digging into the wreckage and call for help.  They started grabbing and throwing anything they could but soon had to slow down when it started to slide and fall even more. By the time they got to Jason, it had taken almost an hour.  He was out cold and bleeding badly.  They gently carried him out, but he would not make it through the day. 

 By the time the search and rescue was over, 13 people had been saved, but 5, including J.D., had not made it through the first day. 

     7 of the 13 rescued had injuries, ranging from deep cuts to broken bones.  Yet there was still no sign of help from police or firemen.  Alex had been an Emergency Rescue Technician, for 9 years, and Sylvia Johnson, who lived one block over was an R N.  So, it falls to them to take care of the injured until help arrives. 

     Sylvia tells her 16-year-old son Jason, to walk to the Hospital and police station, for any help and information he can get.  It is a small community they all live in so downtown is only 10 blocks away, and they live at the edge of town.  He will have to walk, because the streets are all blocked with fallen power poles, and buckled pavement, that make them impassable by car.  Alex tells Jason that he can use an old bike in the backyard, that has a basket in front and 2 on the back.  Jason starts off when two of his friends show up and decide to go with him.  His mother tells him to be careful as he rides away, and the tears on her face tell you she is worried about her child.

     Sam comes up holding the hand of the little 7-year-old blond girl that lives on the other side of him, and says this little one is hungry, and it's going to take time to dig their food out, do you have something a little one might like?   Barb turns to Alex and says, “I haven’t even thought of food in this horrible mess.  We'd better see what we have left inside.  She tells the little girl, Alice, she can play in the yard while Alex and she go inside for something to eat. 

     The house is still in fair condition, all they lost was the back porch roof, the back door, all the nick knacks and things on the walls, 4 or 5 windows, and the front door would not close.   They started to get Peanut butter and jelly, but then realized that with no electricity, and no expectation of getting it back soon, they might as well eat what was in the fridge.  So, they took ham, bologna, cheese and bread out to the table under the tree.  Alice wanted Peanut butter and jelly.   As they sat there eating, Alice's mom and dad came over to join them, and they all started to realize that they had better start planning ahead.  

     They called more of the neighbors over to discuss what should be done about the night that was approaching, and the people who were now without a bed, or in some cases even a home.   As Luck would have it, it was mid-May, so it was warm enough to sleep outside, which several said they were planning to do anyway. 

     Almost 2 hours had passed when someone noticed Jason and his friends coming back.  Trying to hide her concern, Sylvia said, “I knew he could do it.  But what the boys had to say was not what anyone had hoped for.   They had gone to the hospital first, and it was damaged very badly in the quake, they were treating as many people as they could but were not taking anyone that was not in serious condition.  They gave the boys as much bandaging and antiseptics as they could spare and said do the best you can.  There was a police officer there also, who told them that as far as they knew now, the whole area was in the same shape and not to expect help for a long time.   Also, Johnny's, the only grocery store in town, had collapsed, and very little was salvageable.

     The quiet was deafening as the realization set in, and the people started to see that this was just the first day of a long and sad time to come.

     Alex and Barb sat under the Maple tree in their yard for a long time, just looking around the area.  Barb worrying about the families that had lost almost everything.  Alex holding Barb close didn't realize he was squeezing her so hard, she turned to Alex and said, Alex, Honey, you’re squeezing me too ---- then she saw the tear on his cheek.   It'll be ok hon, it will.

     All he could think about was taking care of her, and how their lives had just changed.  She was his life, and he knew now that he would do whatever he had to do to take care of her.

     Evening arrived without much ado, as everyone settled in for the first very nervous night.  There was no Electricity, Gas, Water or phones, but at least the shaking had stopped.   Maybe tomorrow the police would show up and tell the neighborhood what was going on, and how far it reached.

 

     Most of the people on the Hill, were awake to watch the Sun come up, no one had slept very much.   They had started seeing the reality of what was now staring them in the face.   No electric Coffee pots, no microwaves, no water and worse, no bathrooms.  This was a big problem.  

     They gathered as many of the neighborhood together as could come and discussed what had to be done.  No sooner had they prepared to start, than Jim Evers, a city Fireman came along.  He said he was told by the mayor to tell as many people as he could what was known about the disaster, and to find out how many survivors and fatalities were in the city.  When he added these numbers to what he already knew of, there were 43 dead, 18 with broken bones, 27 with minor injuries and a total of 87 who had survived altogether in the part of the town he and his crew had checked so far, with other crews checking the rest of the town areas. 

     The only sound for a long time was gentle crying, at the loss of life and friends.

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     Then as Jim started to leave, Mrs. Mary, an elderly lady from the block asked him, when will help arrive, Jim?   He looked back at her, and with a voice that sounded tired and full of years, said, “Help may not come, we've used emergency radios to contact other cities agencies, and they are all as bad as we are.   As far as we can tell, the New Madrid let go, there are no bridges left over the Mississippi, or lower Ohio rivers.  There is no power, water, gas or phone service within 300 to 400 miles, and it may take months or years to get it all back.  St Louis, Memphis and a lot of smaller towns along the river are burning, from broken gas lines, or are washed away, and some are just not there anymore.  Whatever you can do to help yourselves, maybe all you get for a while.  Then he turned and walked away.

     Tracy Lynn, a 14-year-old girl from the neighborhood explained.  We just studied about this in history.  The last time that New Madrid had an earthquake was in December of 1811 and January of 1812.  it was so strong it rung Church bells in Boston, 1100 miles away.  And the ground split open from north to south so bad, people cut down trees and let them fall the other way, you know east to west.  That way they could tie themselves to them to sleep so they wouldn't fall in the ground if it cracked open again.  The Mississippi river even run backwards for a while.   

     Now the crying was louder, and everyone feared what tomorrow would bring.

     Alex rang a bell he had mounted to the side of his garage.   Everyone turned his way, some of them with hope in their eyes, but most with a cold sadness, that hung heavy on all their shoulders.  He said, we must pull together now like a family, because we are all that we have right now.   We're going to have to dig pits for outhouses, because the sewers no longer work.  We're going to have to grow our own food or catch it.  We're going to have to boil water for drinking, and anyone who can help fix these homes, or can help anyone else, please do.  If you have a deep freeze, do not open it unless you must, it should keep the food for a couple weeks.  With no power, your refrigerators are useless, eat good out of them today.  Plant every seed you have in your gardens, and if you need help, just say so, we're all going to need food.

  Mrs. Mary, in a low sad voice asked, if no one is coming for the dead shouldn't we --- do something?

  Sam wanted to know; can we do that?  I mean what is the law about moving bodies without the police, a doctor or even a coroner?

  Alex's answer even surprised him.  I don't think too many laws are going to matter for a while.  We all heard Jim, we're on our own.  Let's find some sheets or blankets to wrap them in, then we'll take them to the cemetery.

     Over the next few days, many good ideas were brought to the table.  That's what they call the daily meetings, because they were held at a table made from old doors in the open lot by Mrs. Mary's.  The Hill was coming together, and people were remembering ways to do things the way they were done before all the modern marvels we so heavily relied on   Someone came up with a generator, so Alex hooked it up to his little 110 welder, and built several windmills, which were rigged with car alternators to generate 12-volt power.  Cars were not practical anymore, because gas was hard to get and there was no place to go.  So, the alternators were hooked up to batteries, that were hooked to wires, to 12-volt lights and fans in the houses.  The lights and fans were great, but what really helped more than anything was When they set up a series of C B radios to talk to others throughout the area.  

     Some of the ladies had no problem talking on the C B radios, and gathering information from others, setting up barters, or relaying messages for hours on end.  Barb was teaching some of the younger girls on the Hill how to sew, and being an excellent cook, was preserving all the extra food that could be found.  Since refrigeration is a thing of the past, they had to dehydrate, or cold pack anything they could to prepare for the winter to come. 

     A bunch of the younger kids took it on themselves to go pick wild berries, and even some edible plants that old man Ames told them about.  Like the leaves of the willow tree as a salad for vitamin C, Cat Tail roots that could be used like potatoes, and the stalk dried and ground as flour.   

     Jason and a couple of his friends grabbed their fishing poles, jumped on their bikes and headed for the city lake to see if they couldn't get some fresh fish.  They were back in less than an hour.   As they rode up, they were yelling, the lake was gone.  The lake is gone, the fish are lying on the ground, and it stinks really bad.

     Alex, the apparent leader of this small community stops working on a metal box for a dehydrator and calls the boys.

     Boys slow down come over to the lot table and tell us all what's going on.

    All the boys start at once.

    There is a big hole in the levee and almost all the water is gone, and there is a lot of dead fish lying in the mud.

    Trying not to sound worried, Alex speaks to the group collecting at the table.  Ok, I’ll take a couple of people with me, and we'll check on the river if some of you can check on the farm ponds north of town.  And it may be a good idea to invite some of the farmers to the meetings.   Maybe we can barter with them for some fresh meat or even veggies we don't have.

    Alex, Jason, and Tracy Lynn, all headed for the river hoping for the best.  For a change, that's what they found.  The river was a little higher than usual, but it was there, and it had always been a good place for fishing.  It was 4 miles to the river by highway, and a little farther by back roads but they decided to take the long way home so they could stop at a couple farms on the way. 

   The first place was the Dunbar Farm, where they raised rabbits and chickens. 

Jason and Tracy Lynn ran to the rabbit cages as soon as they saw them.

    Alex called out at the front steps.  Is anybody home. I'm Alex Becker from town.  A voice calls out from inside.  What do you want? 

    We just wanted to let you know we are having little get to gather’s at 1408 Boyer St. if you need anything or have any ideas about how to help others get through this disaster, you're more than welcome to come in.  Oh, there is no set time, there is usually somebody there.

    At this Bill and Sylvia Dunbar come out onto the porch.  Just what is going on, nobody has told us anything.

    Suddenly it dawns on Alex that a lot of people living out in the countryside would not know what had happened, so he spent the next several minutes telling them all he knew about the disaster that had taken mid America.  Sylvia held Bill's hand tightly as she gently wept at the news.

    We'll be coming in, maybe tomorrow. Bill said as he held Sylvia a little closer.

    And then Alex and the kids were off to the next place on the old country road.

They made 5 more stops before getting home, and in each place the reactions were similar to the first. 

    They told the gathering at the table what they had found and were told that the others had found many people who were eager to come in and work together with the others around them.

    Anna Lea Smart had made a Barter board and hung it on the side of a little gazebo like thing some of the men had built on the lot.  She explained that on the left side of the board people could list things they had to trade or barter, and on the right, they could list things they needed.  Everyone there thought this would help a lot and were already writing things on the board.

    Barb had the idea for a block get together, so that evening everyone brought something to contribute to the big pot of vegetable soup that they all shared.  Things were a little lighter for a while, people were laughing and joking and forgetting their woes.

    Then the police chief, Adrian Kincade, showed up.  Howdy folks, it looks like you're all doing ok.

     Grab yourself a bowl of soup Adrian. said Barb. 

     Adrian reached for a bowl and said, “I think I will that smells pretty good.  I like that fire pit too; it looks like you're adapting pretty good.

     Barb smiled at the compliment and spoke.  Yeah, we do most of our cooking right here, And the guys dug the well with a hand auger post hole digger.

    Alex came up beside him and asked, Got any news for us?

----    Adrian put down his spoon.   Yeah, we got trouble brewing.  There are gangs coming out of a lot of other cities looking for food.  And they're not picky how they have to get it.   There were 300,000 people in Evansville, so the food went fast.  Next the gangs started spreading out from Evansville.  Look, I know this is a lot to put on you, but you all need to put out some patrols to watch over each other up here.

     Mr. Ames jumped in with.  Why us, ain't that your job?  Where is all of them high priced deputies you done hired?

     Adrian feeling a little ashamed said.  I only have 2 left, and they're having to guard the hospital.  The National Guard should be here soon, I hope, but until then we got this on our own.  If these gangs come here, you do whatever you have to do to protect yourselves.

    Barb asked.  What do you mean whatever we have to do?  Are you sayin shoot them?

    I'm sayin I can't be here all the time, so if you must, yes you do whatever you have to.  And if that means hanging them from this tree, I'm just 1 cop, I have no way or resources to take care of a jail full of people.  I'm sorry, I don't know what else to tell you.

    With that Adrian got up and silently walked back toward downtown.  As he walked away only gentle weeping could be heard.

    Finally breaking the silence, Sylvia quietly asked.  Is this what we have become, is this what we've worked for all these years?   So now if some people come along that we don't know, we just kill them?  This is the 21st century, we are better than this.

    Yes, we are. Said Alex.  But I see his point.  We can't just let them take what we need to survive.  We'll put out patrols, and we'll give the gangs a chance to go away. ---------- No.  We can't.  If we don't stop them, we're just sending them to hurt someone else.   Any of the men who are willing to go on patrol around the area, let me know and we'll set up a schedule.  Oh, and tomorrow we need to visit the farms again and warn them to be on watch.

    As the men gathered to set up patrols, everyone else silently went home or to where they had been staying for the night.  Fearing what the next day would bring.

                                                                                      

    The Sun finally came up after a long night, and people were out early.  Jason and a couple of his friends had put their fishing poles on their bikes when Alex stopped them. 

    Where do you think you're going?  None of you leave this area anymore unless an adult goes with you.  There is no telling what these gangs would do to you if they caught you.  and when you do go to the river, you will go through the woods and stay away from the roads.   Now let's get some teams together and warn the farms what's going on.

    An hour later 4 teams of 3 people head out to warn the neighboring farms.  Three hours after that 1 team came back with an extra, and it was not good.

    Tracy Lynn went with Tom and Sharon Jones.  On their way back when they were in sight of town Tracy Lynn ran ahead yelling for help.

    Sylvia and Barb were at the table as usual when they heard Tracy Lynn. 

    What's wrong? they shouted.

    Tracy Lynn yelled.  They killed Mr. Hindershot and hurt Ilene really bad.  Tom and Sharon are bringing her in now, but it's hard for her to walk.

 

     Half the people in the area heard the yelling and came running to see what had happened.  Several took off to help with Ilene Hindershot.  Sylvia, Barb and Sharon took her to Sylvia's house to treat her injuries, while Tom told the others what they found.

    Ilene told us that it was a gang of about 6 guys that broke in and demanded food.  When her husband Elbert told them no and to get out, they beat him to death.  Then 2 of them took turns on her.  When we got there, she was tied to a tree in the front yard, out cold.   I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to put a rope over that tree limb.

    Sylvia talking to Barb said.  Anna Lea and I are going back to the hospital to beg for more supplies, and to set up a Barter Board downtown at the City Building.  With a board downtown we might get more people involved.  Could you check in on Ilene while we're gone.

    Of course. said Barb. We're all in this together. 

    A little over 2 and 1/2 hours later Sylvia and Anna Lea returned and went right to the group at the table. 

    Old man Ames was the first to speak.  Don't look like you got much from the hospital did you.

    Sylvia shook her head and spoke.  Very little, but that's not the worst.  I was hoping we would not run into a problem like this, but there are 4 people here on insulin that are running out.  We also have 5 on Oxygen, who're also running out.  Once they run out, we're going to have some very sick people who may not make it for long.

    Does any of those on Oxygen have one of those machines that make it?  Barb asked.  You know what I mean, one of those things that make oxygen and fills up tanks too.

    Old man Ames jumped in again.  The things er called an oxygen concentrator, and they run on electric.  My wife had one of em fore she died.

   Barb smiled at the country ways of the old man and said.  We got these inverters hooked up to these generators, why don't we just plug one of them oxygen things here?

    That solves the oxygen problem, but we have no way to help the diabetics. Sylvia sadly commented. 

    Tommy Williams, a 7-year-old boy who was there playing with some of the other kids, spoke up.   We can get Mr. Tompkins to tell the Army to bring some medicine.

    Alex had just walked up and caught the last part of the conversation then asked.  Who is Mr. Tompkins, and who are you?

    I'm Tommy Williams, I live over there on Cobb Street.  As he pointed toward the east.  Mr. Tompkins lives over there too, he's got a big concrete dog in his front yard. 

    Alex squats down and asks.  How would Mr. Tompkins talk to the Army?      

    Tommy wipes his nose on his sleeve and said.  He's got a radio he can talk ever where on. 

     Alex quickly stands up and speaks.  Can you take me over to see him right now?

     Tommy looks at the other kids then at Alex and says.  Sure, but then can I come back over here to play?

     You can play here anytime you want.  Barb and Sylvia said almost at the same time.

     As Tommy and Alex start for Mr. Tompkins, Tommy starts talking as a child sometimes will.

     Are you gonna sit on the concrete dog?  Mr. Tompkins will let you.  We all take turns sittin on it and pretendin like we're cowboys on a big horse not a dog.  You walk fast for a grown up, do you walk a lot? Was you scared when the ground shook and the houses all fell down?  I peed in my pants a little, did you pee in your pants?  Mommy said it was OK, cause I was scared and it was a accident.   That's his house over there, you see the concrete dog in the yard?

     You can have my turn on the dog Tommy, while I go in and see Mr. Tompkins. Alex said as he happily escaped the talkative youngster.

     He knocked on the screen door that was jammed open, and could see a man slowly coming toward the door.  Hello, Mr. Tompkins I'm Alex Becker.  I live over on Boyer St. We have set up a pretty good little group over there where we barter, trade and watch out for each other.  We have people that are running out of medicine, and Tommy tells me you have a radio that can talk to the Army.  Oh Dang, I'm talking as much as Tommy.

    Mr. Tompkins says.  Well, the boy does have a lot to say don't he.  I just tell him to go sit on the dog.  And I suppose you were hoping I could get the national Guard to bring in medicine.

    Yes, sir I sure was. Alex replied hopefully.

    Mr. Tompkins looked at the floor and shook his head.  Sorry Mr. Becker, but my generator is out of gas, and they won't do it anyway.  I've spent a lot of time on the radio and a lot of other people were asking for the same thing.  The Guard says their hands are tied.  They are slammed just trying to take care of the big cities.  St. Louis still has fires all over the place, so does Memphis.  Cape Girardo is almost gone, and that's just a start.  They estimate at least 1 and 1/2 million dead, which will take months to bury.

   Alex seems to shrink as he asks.  How far did this reach?

    Mr. Tompkins said.  Come on over here and have a seat.  There are no bridges left over the Mississippi from north of New Orleans to south of Hannibal Missouri.  That means that the U.S. has almost been cut in half.  The gas pipelines from Texas to the northeast ruptured and dumped gas, diesel, propane and more in the river and fields all over.  A lot of it somehow ignited and burned, and when it did it took a lot of homes and cities with it. 

    So that means that travel between the east and west has just about ended for a while.  Alex began.  If there is no gas in the northeast but what the refineries there can make, it's going to be hard for anyone to get fuel.  With the bridges collapsing, that means no river barges either.

    Mr. Tompkins slowly nods his head and speaks.  You're starting to get the picture now, aren't you?  No fuel, grain, coal, nothing is moving.  What we can grow, make or catch is all we can expect for a long time and I'm figuring maybe years. 

    I guess I better get back and let the others know what's going on. Alex said as he stood to leave.  I thank you for the info, and you sure are welcome to come over to our get to gathers any time you want.  We're bartering with some of the farms in the area and growing a lot of our own food, so don't do without.  We can all help each other, oh and we can probably get some gas for your generator.

   Thank you, son. that will help a lot and I'll be coming over.  Mr. Tompkins said as he walked Alex to the door. 

    Alex walked home a lot slower than he walked earlier with Tommy.  A new reality set in that was much worse than what he had even dreamed of before.  He stopped halfway home and sat next to a Maple tree just to try to calm his racing mind.  He wondered why he wasn't crying, but he was just numb. He wondered if he should even tell the others.  Would it be better not knowing for sure and holding on to what hope they had?  No.  They had a right to know, and he had no right to keep it from them.  Then he felt the tear run down his cheek.

    Half an hour later he got up and walked back to the table where several were waiting to hear what he had found out. The news was received better than he expected.  Then they all decided to get some sleep and meet back at the table in the morning and make plans for the future.

    A heavy fog covered the area when morning broke but started lifting by the time people started showing up at the table.  One guard patrol had just ended and came to the table, and the next patrol was waiting to go out until after the meeting.  Most of the ideas were about storing all the food they could get and trying to get houses ready for winter.

   Then old man Ames chimed in.  Now y'all keep talkin bout fixin up these houses, but right there only 3 blocks away is the old school.  Now they used to heat that whole place with a coal furnace in the basement.  Fer all the work y'all er gonna put into fixen these houses, you could make a place big enough fer everybody right there in half the time.

    They all jumped on that idea, as old man Ames would say, like a duck on a June bug.  The ideas started flowing like water.

    There are enough rooms, and they're big enough to hold whole families. Sylvia continued.  Then you got the Gym and the Cafeteria as well.  We could take one room for nothing but food storage.

    Then Alex jumped in.  Wait just a minute, has anybody even checked it out to see if it was damaged in the quake?  A few of us need to go up there and see if it's even safe.  Anybody up for a walk? 

    About 15 got up to go check out the school, while the next patrol got under way.

    As they approached the school, Tom offered.  We should check the outside first, to see if it's even safe to go inside. 

    They circled the building and found several cracks and a few broken windows, but decided it was safe enough to go inside.  As they walked up to the front door, Sylvia suddenly stopped and said there's someone in there.  I just saw a hand in that window.  As she pointed to the window of a classroom off to the right. 

    Alex said.  You ladies stay out here, we'll go in and see who it is and what they're doing in there.  Come on quietly guys, let's not take any chances.

    Slowly and carefully, they moved down the hall past the principal’s office, toward the room with the unknown people inside.  Alex peeked in the door and counted 7 people asleep around the room.  He turned back to the others whispering, they're sleeping, let's get as close as we can before they wake up.

    The ladies saw movement through the window and moved close enough to see what was going on inside.  They watched as Alex and the others crept in and stood over the sleeping forms.  With his index finger Alex reached down and tapped the forehead of the one by him.  This one smelled heavily of beer and seemed to be out cold.  Alex shook him hard this time, and it worked.

    The stranger woke up and mumbled.  What the crap do you want dude?

    Alex asked. Who are you and what are you doing here?

    But before he got an answer, he heard Sylvia yell through the window.  That's the one that violated Ilene.  As she pointed at the one over by Tom. 

    Tom grabbed the guy by the shirt and said.  Yeah, he's wearing the clothes she described.  Get up boys, we're all going to take a walk. 

    Then each of the men grabbed one of the sleeping gang and led them back toward the meeting table.  As the gang started waking from their drunken stupor, they decided they weren't too happy about the situation.  They noticed their complaints were not doing much good, so they started fighting as best they could in their condition.  That didn't work either. 

    Alex told the women to go ahead of them and find something to tie the creeps up with and get Sylvia to come out to identify them.  Tracy Lynn meets them about halfway home, and they told her to go ring the bell to get everybody she could out to the meeting table.  She ran as hard as she could and did just what she was told.  By the time the men got there with their captives the whole neighborhood was arriving at the table.

    Old man Ames was being himself.  What in tarnation is goin on out here? How come you're ringin that bell girl, ain't you got nothin better to do?

    Then he saw what was coming down the street.  Looks like somebody found trouble.  he said, squinting his eyes to try to see a little better.

    The men took the gangsters and made them get down on their knees, then tied their hands behind their backs.  Then Barb and Sylvia brought Ilene out.  As Ilene stood between the two women, she was shaking and trying not to cry.  She pointed to two of the boys, those are the ones that violated me.  Then she pointed at the youngest one and said.  That there is Ricky Thurman, he wasn't there but those others are the ones that killed Elbert.  She pointed at one and said he hit him with one of my kitchen chairs and it broke.  Then they took the chair legs and started hittin Elbert and laughing at him when he yelled.  They hurt him so bad, and they just hit him harder every time he cried out from the pain.

    Alex looked at Sylvia and asked.  Will you send Jason to get Chief Kincade? We need him up here. 

    Old man Ames started the questioning by motioning to Ricky.  Boy how does she know you? And what was you doin with these others?

    Ricky started crying and said.  Mr. Hindershot was my school bus driver, and I see these guys yesterday carrying beer and they said I could go drink some with them if I wanted, but I couldn't tell nobody where we was goin or they wouldn't let me have no beer.  I didn't do nothin bad, I promise. 

    Alex stood in front of the gang.  So, you boys think it's OK to kill an old man and violate his wife.  What do you think we should do about that? 

    The apparent leader of the gang tried to deny everything.  Man, we ain't done nothing that old woman said, and if we did she would'a liked it. 

    Then he made the mistake of snickering.

    Tom's anger got the best of him.  I say we castrate them before we hang them.  Let them feel a little of the pain they caused.

    Toms got the right idea. Old man Ames agreed.  But I guess we ought to wait for Kincade.

    The gangster started in again.  You can’t hang us man, we got rights.  You ain't no judge, and you ain't no cop.  So, you turn us loose right now.

    Alex knelt down in front of the boy and said.  Gag them, I'm sick of their lip.

    About an hour later Jason and his friends came back with chief Kincade.  This time he saw the criminals as he walked up.  He slowly walked down the line in front of them looking at each one in turn.  When he got to Ricky he stopped and said.  You're that Thurman kid ain't you?   All Ricky could do was nod.

    As Alex explained all that had happened with the boys, chief Kincade looked at each of them.  Showing his contempt for each one.  When Alex had finished and Ilene identified the gangsters, it was all Kincade needed.

   Chief Kincade looked at Ricky, then told Alex.   I'll take this one back to his parents, you deal with the rest any way you see fit.  I will tell you this, if you turn them loose, they'll be back and with help.

   Kincade pulled Ricky to his feet and then led him away. 

   Old Man Ames looked at the gang and spoke.  Well boys looks like ya'll done stepped in it good this time huh.  Better get ready to meet your maker. 

    A couple of the women started crying as the boys were led away toward the highway at the edge of town.  There was a big tree waiting there for them.  The women were not crying for the boys, but rather that society had back stepped to such a low point.  And maybe because they knew this was something that had to be done.

     When they reached the tree, Alex turned to the boys and said. If you want to say something, now's the time.

     All of the boys but the leader was crying, and he was shouting.  You have no right to do this, you let us go now or the law'll make you pay.  I mean it, turn us lose.

     At this Tom punched the boy in the face, knocking him off his feet.  Then said let's hang him last so he can see what he's gonna go through.

      So now it was time.  The gangsters were stood on a log that had been rolled under a big limb.  A rope was tied around their necks and thrown over the big limb and tied tight enough that the gangsters had no slack at all.  Then the log was rolled out from under them.  Their legs kicked and flailed, but not for long.  As the men walked away, the boys’ bodies were quietly swinging under the big limb.

    The rest of the day was quiet, no one sat at the table telling stories.  No one worked in the gardens.  No one worked on the simple machines they now used.  No one did much of anything.

    When the next morning arrived, people were slow to get out.  When they did though they got to work.  Now back to the schoolhouse, and to the repairs it would need. 

    The roof was the first thing to repair, it only had a few cracks from the quakes.  Luckily it was an old-style flat tar roof.  They used shingles from a house too badly damaged to repair, and a bucket of roofing tar they found in a shed.  They laid the shingles over the cracks then tared them in place.  Then on to the broken windows and cracks in the exterior walls.  Later they would check out the furnace and clean out the classrooms of anything they did not need.  It would all be put in one room for storage, so that if, no when the world returned to normal the school could still be a school.  For several days the work kept people busy, so they did not think about what had happened with the gang. 

    Mr. Tompkins came to his front door and started calling for Tommy.  Tommy, where are you?  Tommy, can you come here? 

    Tommy's house was just on the other side the street, where two small children were playing in the yard.  One child yelled.  He's on time out, his mommy won't let him come out. 

    Then Tommy's mom came to the door.  Hi Mr. Tompkins, Tommy had a little attitude problem this morning, so he is sitting it out.

    Mr. Tompkins called back.  I really need somebody to go get Mr. Becker for me, it's real important and Tommy knows him.

    OK Tommy's mom replied, but he needs to come straight home when he's done.  Tommy, Mr. Tompkins needs you to go get Mr. Becker for him, then you come straight home.  Do you hear me?

    Yes Mommy, I will.  Then he ran to find Mr. Becker.

    When he got to the table, he said Mr. Tompkins said Mr. Becker needs to come over quick, and it's important.

    Alex stood up and said OK Tommy, let's go.

    He said he wanted Mr. Becker, Tommy said.

    I am Mr. Becker.  Alex said with a little smile.

    Tommy was confused.  I thought you was Alex.

    Alex laughed out loud for the first time in several days.  I am, my name is Ernest Alex Becker. 

    Ooooh now Tommy understood now.  What does your mommy call you when you do something wrong?  Mine calls me TOMMY WAYNE WILLIAMS; he yelled.  She calls me that a lot, then I have to go sit down.  What do you have to do when you're bad?

    Alex thinks to himself, I have to listen to you.  Then says.  Let's run, this might be important. and they both take off, Alex trying to stay just ahead of Tommy and his never-ending mouth.

    As Alex walked up to Mr. Tompkins front door, Mr. Tompkins yelled.  Come on in Alex. 

   Mr. Tompkins was sitting at his ham radio station when Alex came in and sat down.  I'm afraid something bad is about to happen.  I've been scanning the hams and I found a military channel.  There's a lot of chatter about a sub being tracked off the west coast, and something's going on in Cuba.  Now I don't know for sure, but these quakes have crippled America, and the world knows it.  Like I said, I'm just guessin but if they was to launch against us now it would be worse than bad.

    It's getting worse all the time, isn't it?  A bunch of us are fixing up the old school for a warm place to live this winter.  There's lots of rooms, and we could fix one up for you and your radio equipment.  It's got a coal furnace that we can burn wood in, we can secure the place, and we are going to stock it with all the food we can get.  What do you say.

    Just let me know when you all start to move in, and will there be room for any others?  Tommy's Mom is all alone, and there are a couple others around here with little ones.  They are good people that I hate to think of being abandoned.

   We won't leave them behind, but they do need to start helping with what they can.  Can you get word to them to come to a meeting at the table tonight about 6:00?

   You got it Alex.  I'll get Tommy to ask them to come over.  That boy loves to talk.

   Oh dang it, Mr. T. you got something we can use as a muzzle for him?  then as Alex started out the door he turned and said.  Hey, I collect bells and I have one we could mount outside here on your wall.  Then if you hear something, just ring the bell and I'll come running.

    Good idea Alex let's do it.

 

    6:00 p.m. at the Table.  All the neighborhood was there plus Mr. Tompkins and the people he brought from his block.  Alex and Mr. Tompkins brought everyone up to speed with the info they had.  Then asked what everybody thought.

    Of course, old man Ames was the first to speak.  I don't think them Ruskies would miss a chance to take over America.  Now that our country dang near cut in half, and that idiot we got in the White House, they can probly jest walk in here an take it.

    Mr. Tompkins tried to add a little.  We don't even know that Russia is---

   Of course it's the Ruskies, who else would be in Cuba.  Countered Old man Ames.

   Alex jumped in.  We're not saying it's not the Russians, we're just saying we need more info to know for sure.  No matter who it is, we need to plan ahead.

    How do we even know something is going to happen, maybe it's nothing.  Sharon Jones said trying to hide the fear in her voice.

    Alex again explained.  We hope nothing happens, but if it does, we should be ready.  Can we really afford to wait till the last minute if something could happen?  I vote we get the school ready as fast as we can before something happens, or before too many people find out what's going on.

   What are you saying Alex? Sharon's fear now showing. Do you think people here in town would try to take what we’ve worked for?  No.  NO. NO.  We can't fight our own neighbors, the people we've known all our lives.  THIS CAN NOT HAPPEN.

    Honey. Mr. Tompkins started.  You don't know what people are capable of when their lives are in danger.  When their children, their parents, any of their families are in danger.  People who are normally quiet and laid back will go to extremes to protect the ones they love.  That's why no one here needs to say a word about what we're doing to anyone outside this group. 

    No one said a word for five minutes.  Then old man Ames said.  Look here, we need people chopin wood and gettin it in the basement.  Other people need to get all the food possible in there in storage.  And if you ain't thought about it, some way to store water in there, or knock a hole in the floor and dig a well.  sompun else, that their school is on a septic tank system.  It's a durn big un and the flow runs clean out to Weaver's creek.  Put your windmills up on the roof, they'll catch more wind and they'll be safe from attack.  Ya'll need to keep thinking bout anything else you might need.   And ya'll better move in as soon as possible.

    The next day, everyone pitched in.  even a few smaller groups were formed.  One went to town to write down everything on the barter board, to see what might be needed.  Another went out to the farms to see what could be traded for or salvaged.  Someone even mentioned that the back school yard was fenced in with 8-foot chain link.  This would be the best place to put a garden, and even fence in some livestock for fresh meat, milk, eggs and more.

    Everyone worked, and they worked hard not knowing what the next day or even hour would bring.  A large garden area was dug up in the school's back yard, then all the gardens were transplanted so they could be watched.  They made deals with the closest farms, for defense if needed.  This was in trade for meat and other farm products.  They built a makeshift Oven and cooking area in the basement by the furnace, so hopefully the aroma of cooking would not be too strong. 

    Using wood and materials from collapsed houses, they built shelves in one classroom for food storage.  This is when Barb and Sharon noticed the severe lack of certain items.  Items on the desperate list were, Flour, Sugar, Cooking Oil, Tea, Coffee, Toilet paper and bandaging just for starts.  When they told the others, they sent a team to the farms to find one that grew wheat.  Perhaps they could barter for wheat to grind for flour.  Maybe even corn to grind for corn meal. They were learning ways to do things the old ways.

    Mr. Tompkins told a couple men to get a metal trash can or two, line them with rubber or foam rubber to be used as a Faraday cage.  These they put extra alternators, Inverters and other electronics inside.  This was done to protect the electronics from E.M.P. if a nuclear bomb was set off in the air.  The E.M.P. would fry all electrical devices not protected. 

    As all the work went on for over two weeks, people slowly started moving in and setting up the classrooms for their living spaces.  There were 18 rooms, a Library, a cafeteria, a gym and a music room, plus the basement below.  They picked a corner in the principal’s office to cut a hole in the floor, to dig a well.  They picked it because it was high ground, and rainwater would drain away from it in the event of radiation in the atmosphere. 

    People were slow to move in, hating to leave the homes they had known.  Until the day arrived that Mr. Tompkins rang his bell hard, loud and fast.

    Alex and several others came running.  Before they got to his house, Mr. Tompkins was yelling.

    Somebody help me, we got to get everyone back to the school and in the basement fast.  A missile just launched from Cuba toward D.C., and that sub out west just launched 2 more inland over California.

                                                       

    The group fanned out and started yelling for all the rest to drop whatever they were doing and get to the school as fast as their legs would carry them.  As they were running some were crying, and others yelling.  What's going on? What's happening?

    Get to the basement.  Tom yelled.  We'll tell you there.  No time.

    As they all entered the school, Mr. Tompkins said.  There are at least 3 missiles headed for the U.S. right now.  1 for D.C., and two more for the west.  If they are Nukes, they will probably detonate in the atmosphere.  That will make the E.M.P. that I warned ya'll about.  Good chance we won't get no radiation, but let's not risk it.  We'll just stay down here for a couple hours, and hope for the best.

    Now the crying got serious.

   Wait.  yelled Alex.  We're going to be fine, we're safe down here.  If we had a Geiger counter, I could show you.  We're OK, we made it.

   Then Barb who was trying to stop shaking said.  There's a Dosimeter in the Principal's office, would that work?  Is it safe to go get it?  It's in a, oh, like a pencil box or something right there on his desk.

   Tom said.  I'll go get it, that'll work fine.

   Sharon grabbed him by the arm and loudly said, YOU WILL NOT EITHER GO GET IT.  You are not going to leave here until we know it's safe.

   It's O.K. Tracy Lynn said.  Jason already went to go get it.

   That's when Sylvia, Jason's mom had a high speed come apart.  NO. JASON, GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW.  JASON DAMN IT, GET BACK HERE.  SOMEBODY PLEASE GO GET HIM.

   Sylvia, Sylvia, it's ok he'll be right back.  He's young and fast.  Tom offered, trying to calm her down.

   And by this time Jason was coming down the stairs with the Dosimeter.  Sylvia grabbed him holding him close, then pushed him back a little she said. IF YOU EVER do something like that again I’m going to slap your face into next week.

   Mom, he said. look I got it.  you don't need to worry.

   Tom took the Dosimeter and holding the end toward the light looked through it.  It's good people, nothing at all yet.  The gauge is only a little under the 5.  We'll lay this at the top of the stairs and check it in an hour or so.

    Since we're all going to be here for a while.  Alex started.  Why don't we figure out what's left to do, and how fast we can get it done.  I'm afraid we just ran out of time. 

    What about our garden, and food upstairs.  Is it going to be radioactive?  Tommy's mom asked.

    Then Tom asked. The firewood outside, can we use it or will it be radioactive?  Will it poison us if we burn it?

    Alex holding up his hands to quiet everyone said.  We don't even have any radiation yet; we have to wait and see if it even gets this far.  We're a long way away from those missiles.

    So, for the next hour they talked about what must be done to finish up the school and get everyone moved in.  Then after the first hour the Dosimeter was checked, and it still showed no radiation.  The same after hour two and three, so it was decided it was safe to get back outside and get them all moved into the school.  The first thing done was to get Mr. Tompkins moved in so he could get his radio setup.  Everybody wanted, no needed to know what had happen to the U.S.

    It took over two hours to get him all moved in.  Most of the time needed was to take down his huge antenna and then put it back up at the school.  By dark everyone was at least setting up their beds in the rooms they were to use.  Many gathered outside Mr. Tompkins room, to listen as he tried to pick up something on his ham radio.  He scanned up and down the dial several times getting nothing. 

    It was Tom that finally broke the silence.  If you get anything, Mr. Tompkins could you send someone to let me know.  It's my shift on patrol, so I better get up on the roof.

    I wish ya'll would call me Frank; Mr. Tompkins was my dad.  It's just the kids that call me Mr. Tompkins.  It's been a long day; I think I'll be turnin in soon and try the radio again in the mornin.

    At this everyone slowly drifted away, some to their rooms others just wandering around in the school.  Sleep did not come easy this night, to a few not at all.  A low gnawing fear in the back of their minds kept seeping through.  What would tomorrow be like?  What would the future hold for the children?  Would there even be a future?

    As the Sun slowly came up in the morning, those who had been up all night gave a sigh of relief.  Now they would get back to finishing the move to the school.  Not everyone would see the new day.  Mr. Durant who had been without his insulin for several days, died in his sleep.  A few of the group took time to bury him before continuing the work of the day.  As soon as they were done at the cemetery, Ilene Hindershot said she had to go home to the farm.  She wanted to get a few things she would need, and more that the group would need at the school.  Tom and Sharon said it was not safe to go alone, so they would go along and help her. 

    When they got to the farm, they started gathering the things they had talked about on the walk there.  Tom went to the barn and found a W D 45 Alice Chalmer tractor.  These started with a hand crank and ran on a magneto which means it did not use a battery or generator.  Tom had to drain enough gas from the lawn mowers and pickup just to be able to get it to town.  Then it took almost half an hour of cranking the tractor to get it to fire.  Tom let it warm up before he even tried to move it.  One tire was low, but tom found a hand pump and used it to fill the tire.  Then hooked up to an old farm wagon and started loading the things Ilene had told them to get, and a lot of other things they found in the house and barns.

    Back at the school people were busy getting their rooms set up with all their possessions they were bringing from their homes.  Those who were finished with their own work, went back to chopping wood, working in the garden or helping others with what they needed to do.  Everything was coming together, and people were starting to relax.  A bunch of the kids were even playing basketball in the gym. 

    A lookout posted on the school roof yelled down.  Hey, there's a tractor coming down the road.  I think it's Tom and Sharon, and they got a wagon loaded down.  They pulled the tractor right up to the front door, where they were met by Alex, Barb, Sylvia and several others to help unload the wagon. 

    Alex was all smiles looking at the tractor.  And said, now we got something to work with.  We can haul some wood now.  Hey where's Ilene?

    Sharon started crying, Tom said.  She's gone, She cut her wrists in the bath tub.

    Barb yelled.  And you just let her?  Why didn't you stop her?

    We were loading stuff she stacked by the front door.  Tom replied sadly.  We didn't know she was going to do it, we didn't even miss her until it was too late.  She left this note.

    Alex took the note and read it as Barb and Sylvia looked over his shoulder.

        Please do not think ill of me, I can't take any more.

        This disaster has taken my husband, my home and

        my way of life.  I can't fight anymore, I have nothing

        left in me.  I give my farm and everything on it to you

        my friends at the school.  Use it as you will. Goodbye.

  

    Several people began crying, but not Alex.  Alex was becoming numb to new events.  He was not alone in this though, many of the people were being changed by the events set in play by the earthquake.  Calmly he said.  Let’s unload the wagon, then we'll go back to the farm and bury her. 

    Bury her, he thought to himself.  How many people had he buried in the short time since the quake hit?  How many more would he have to bury?  How many of these people who were now his friends and family were going to fall? 

    He felt like he was moving in slow motion as he helped unload the wagon.  It didn't even register that all the things unloaded would be very helpful to the group. 

    They had gas stored in drums behind the school, and some of it was pumped into the tractor. The gas had been taken from cars that were damaged in the quake, and there were still more to drain. Then four men and three women loaded on the tractor and wagon to go back to the farm. First, they had a grim job to take care of, with Ilene's burial, then search the farm, Barns and house for useful items. 

    It was only 2 miles from the farm to the school, but in those 2 miles there were 2 fallen trees and a collapsed bridge.  At each of these they had to take the tractor off road to get around the problem.  They were glad to have the antique tractor, for many reasons and this was one of them. 

    When they arrived back at the school and began unloading the wagon, Alex passed the word that he wanted to have a meeting.  They all agreed to meet a 6:00 pm.

    The cafeteria was set up for the meeting, as it had the tables and chairs enough for all the people.  As soon as everyone had arrived, Alex started the meeting.

    I'm glad we're all still here, look, considering recent events.  OK look it seems like the world, or at least the country is falling apart.  Well, with no help in the fore see able future I think we should form a council.  I have thought about it a lot today, and I think it should be an odd number to avoid ties on votes.  Also, men and women.  What do you all think?

    Mr. Ames was the first to answer.  Well, I'll tell you what I think.  I think it would be a good idea, so we could get different ideas on the table.

    I agree with Mr. Ames, but how would we decide who would be on it?  Said Sharon.

    People we are all goin ta be here with each other for a long time, just like family.  So how about we stop the Mr. Ames stuff and just call me Henry?  Now first, who wants to be on this here council?

    Sylvia asked.  What would we have to do on this council?

     Alex tried to explain.  If something happens that we need to vote on, the council will have the final say.  I would like to also say that I think you Sylvia as an R.N. Should be on the council.  Your medical knowledge would be very helpful in making some decisions.  Does anybody want to nominate someone else?

    Barb was next to chime in.  I think Mr. A-- I mean Henry and Frank, would be good ones because of their experience.

    Frank jokingly said.  That sure is a nice way of callin us old.  How about Sharon and Jennifer?

    Is there anyone else that would like to be on the council?  Alex asked.  No one?  OK.  Uh-- so I guess we just vote.  OK?

    Tom stood up and said.  I vote yes for all five, Sylvia, Henry, Frank, Sharon and Jennifer.  All in favor say Aye.

    The room resounded with ayes.

     All opposed so Nay.   No one said nay.

    Looks like we got a council.  Tom cheered.

    Sharon was confused, yeah but what do we do?

    Now Alex tells them.  You make up the laws we must live by.  You resolve problems between people here.  And you vote on the difficult decisions to be made. 

    There is a cassette tape recorder in the school stuff we packed away, and a bunch of tapes.  Barb offered.  You could use that to record your sessions, so someone could write it all down.  That way we would have a written record of what you decide.

    OK.  Frank pointed at Barb.  And you can be the secretary that does all the recordin and writin.

     I was afraid of that.  Barb Mumbled.  But I guess I can, I have already started writing a kind of a log of what we're doing.

     At this the meeting broke up so the council could sit down together and choose a leader and figure out just what they were in for.

    Everyone was so worn out that they slept good for the first time in a while.  The next morning, Frank took his cup of coffee with him back to the radio.  He then set about the task of going up and down the ham radio dial listening for anybody, anybody at all.  There had been nothing Since the missiles went off two days ago.  Today would be different.

    On his second pass up the dial he heard a voice.  He knocked the microphone off the desk he grabbed for it so fast.  He picked it up and started calling.

    This is Jungle Foxtrot Alpha 1--9--5--2 do you read me?

    This is Jungle Foxtrot Alpha 1--9--5--2 do you read me?

    I read you Jungle Foxtrot Alpha 1--9--5--2, this is Kilo Bravo Tango 7—1--3--4 do you copy?

    Yes, I copy Kilo Bravo tango 7—1--3--4 what is your ten twenty?

    Jacksonville Florida.  And what is your ten twenty?

    Norrville, Illinois Please stand by just one minute.  Then Frank rang the bell on the wall as hard as he could.  That was the signal for someone to come running.

    And they did.  By the time the bell had stopped ringing the room was half full of people.  Every one of them ready and eager to listen to whatever was on that radio.

    Jacksonville, can you tell us what's going on?  The last thing we heard was missiles were launched.

    10-4 Norrville.  I don't know who is responsible, but 1 missile came from Cuba and detonated over D.C.  The E.M.P. Blast took out the entire eastern power grid.  2 more missiles came from a sub in the Pacific.  One over Wyoming, one over New Mexico.  The whole country is without power now.   Man, it's bad everywhere and who knows if it will ever get better.  There are gangs here that are killing people over a slice of bread.

New York and all the big cities in the east are in lock down because of the riots, and there is no power there. You got anybody with you?

    Yeah, there are a bunch of us holed up in a school.  Most of our homes were destroyed in the Earthquake, when the New Madrid fault let go.  We are set up pretty good here.  We did have one gang come at us, but we took care of them with the help of an Oak tree.  Have you heard from anybody else?

    Only three others, that's how I found out about the west.  It's just me and my wife here, and I can tell you we're kinda scared.  We got enough food for a while, but after that I don't know what we're going to do.  I wish we weren't in the city, I wish a lot of things but I guess it don't much matter anymore does it?

    Everybody is living day by day now, you just gotta hang on.  I pretty much stay by this radio, any time you want to talk you just call.  I'm always ready to talk.  And if your wife wants to talk, we got ladies here that can talk your leg off.  I'll be back on this frequency straight up on the hour every hour.  When I'm awake, oh hell I'll just leave the thing on all night in case you want to talk.

    Thank you, friend, oh my name is Wally and my wife is Frieda.  I'll keep scanning the channels to, so maybe we can find more people out there.

    We thank you, you're the first person we've been able to talk to.  And my name is Frank.  I'll keep scanning the channels too, and if I find any, I'll get the frequency back to you.  You take care and we’ll talk again real soon.  I need to fill my people here in on the info you just gave me.

    You can bet on the talking; we need the sanity help.  Thanks again Frank.

    Frank turns to the group and speaks.  Well, you all heard that pretty much the whole country is down.  I guess we're better off than most people right now.  Like that makes us happy.  Anybody got anything they want to bring up or say? 

    Henry clears his throat and says.  I think you need to stay on that radio and try to find more people.  We only got that one fellers opinion, and I'm really hoping he' s wrong.  But on the chance, he ain't, we need to get all the info we can.  I hate to say this, but I think we need to start planning for the worst. 

    What do you mean plan for the worst?  Sharon said.  I thought we already were.

    Henry looked at the floor then rolled his eyes back up to look at Sharon.  No gal, we just been planning to get through the coming winter.  If what we just heard is true, we better start planning on several winters on our own.  And the first thing we need to do is convene the council and decide on our laws.

    You could hear the fear in her voice as Anna Lea spoke.  Look people I don't mind telling you I am scared spitless.  If that guy is right, what's going to happen to us?  Has a war started? 

    Alex jumped in trying to calm Anna Lea and everyone else.  Look, even if the country is being invaded, we live in a backwater hole.  We have nothing here they would want.  They would go for the bigger cities and military bases first, to try to gain a foothold. 

     If you was the one invading the country there Alex, is that what you would do? Henry wanted to know.

    Well, if it was me, I'd wait a week or so and let the food riots take their toll.  People here are going to be fighting each other for anything they can get.  And I hate to say it but a lot of people are going to die either fighting for something or defending it.  After a week or so the public will be so weak and tired, they'll not put up much of a fight.  Then we come to the military.  They are going to be spread so thin between this disaster area, the riots and the invaders that they 'll not be very effective.  Whoever the invaders are, they picked the perfect time to do it.

    You paint a pretty grim picture there Alex, but I have to agree with you.  Frank added.

    How about we all get out of here and get back to our chores.  Alex started.  And let the council get to making some decisions.

    With that all but the council and Barb headed off knowing that now chopping wood, working the gardens, catching fish, everything had become more than just important, it had become their very future survival. 

    Frank suggested the council members all stay in his room for the meeting, so he could also monitor the ham radio.   Worried that he may miss a message on the radio.  He stayed at the desk turning the dial as the meeting got underway.

    Jennifer asked.  What do we do now, how do we start this?

    Henry started with.  I think we should decide what to do when people show up and want to get in.

     What do you mean what do we do, we have to do what's right?  Jennifer responded her voice still shaky.

    Henry closed his eyes and spoke.  We can only produce so much food, and we have all worked too hard to just give it away to someone who has done nothing.

    What if it's family, Tommy is all I have but others may have children or family out there somewhere.  We can't just turn them away.  Jennifer said almost tearfully.  What if it's just children, or old people?

    That's what we're here to decide.  Frank said still scanning the radio.  We can't just take in anybody that shows up here.  If we did before long, we'd be out of room and food, and then none of us would survive. 

    I don't think I can make that decision.  Jennifer said, holding up her hands as if to say stop.

    Henry put his hand on her shoulder and said.  Do you want Tommy to survive?  If it comes down to Tommy or some stranger, who are you going to give the food to?

    I need time to process this all.  Jennifer said quietly.  I'm just not rea

    ALEX, SYLVIA HELP, TOM'S HURT.  Someone yelled from the back door.

                                                              

    Alex, Sylvia, Sharon and several others came running to the back yard.  Tom was laying on the ground rolling back and forth.

    As Alex and Sylvia knelt, Anna Lea said.  He was trying to crank the tractor when the crank handle thing bounced back and hit him real hard.  We were going to the farm to get some fencing for the pigs.

    Alex checking Tom for possible injuries told Sylvia.  His left wrist is broke, and crap, so is his left collar bone.  You ever set a wrist or collar bone?

    Yeah, the collar bone ain't going to be too bad, but the wrist is going to hurt.

     Is it gonna hurt worse than it does right now?  Tom growled.  Ah damn it hurts. 

    Has anybody here got anything strong for pain, I don't have anything stronger than Tylenol in the locker?  Sylvia called out.

    Henry answered, I got some whiskey in my room but that's about it.

    Tom yelled.  GO GET IT ALREADY.

    While Henry was gone for the whiskey, Alex opened Tom's shirt to check for bruises or other injuries.  Nothing was obvious, so they got him up and helped him to his bed.  Then Henry arrived with the whiskey.  They gave Tom a couple shots of it, then told him to grit his teeth.  Alex held Tom's arm while Sylvia grabbed his hand and pulled.  The wrist went back into place with a pop, and Tom Passed out.  They laid him down and covered him with a blanket hoping he would sleep for a while.

    It looks like the collar bone is ok, Sylvia told Alex.  I sure wish we had something more for pain.  You know we're going to have to find something before long.

    I Know, said Alex.  Hey, have you checked the library for books on homemade meds.  What do you call that stuff?

     Homeopathic medicine.  No, I haven't, but it sounds like I should.  I'm headed for the library. 

    Well then, I guess I'll take Tom's place and go get some fencing.

    Alex along with Anna Lea, Jason and Tracy Lynn Take the tractor and wagon to the farm.  Once there they find a second wagon that they hook to the back of the first.  Then they load fencing, lumber and some empty plastic barrels on the wagons.  As they walked around the house and barns, they also find bales of hay in a barn loft, and a grain bin with field corn. 

    They throw down a few bales of hay onto 1 wagon, then drive around to the grain bin.  Now they use buckets to scoop up corn and fill the barrels they found.  All this would be taken back to the school and unloaded so they could come back to the farm.  They would keep this up as long as they could to get everything usable before time ran out, or it became too dangerous. 

    When they got to the school, they unloaded all they had.  They dumped the corn into any type of box or tub they could so they could refill the barrels on the next trip.  They used some of the fencing to enclose one wagon, so they could haul the pigs and chickens.  The rest of the fence they left for a crew to fence off one end of the back school yard, for the animals.

    On the next trip to the farm, they took one other man with them for help in catching the pigs.  First, they loaded all the barrels with corn, then discovered that pigs do not cooperate.  The pigs were only about 100 pounds each, but it took over two hours just to catch them.  Loading them was no joy either, the bed of the wagon was three feet up.  So, it took both men to lift the pigs high enough to get them in the wagon.  The chickens were easy compared to the pigs, but they were still difficult.  By the time they headed home, they were all wore out and covered in mud and animal excrement.  The kids were laughing, the men and Anna Lea were not. 

    When they arrived back at the school, the pig pen was done but not the chicken coop.  It was easier getting the pigs out of the wagon, and into their new pens.  They tore into the fresh grass as soon as they were inside the pen.  The chickens they just let go in the yard for now, they would get the coop finished tomorrow.  For now, they would try to clean themselves up and hope the laughter at their appearance would let up.  But even they had to agree they looked mighty funny covered in mud and, that other stuff.

    As soon as he was done cleaning up, Alex went to check on Tom.  When he walked into Tom's room, Tom rolled his head on his pillow to look at Alex. 

    I hear you had a run in with some livestock.  What is that smell?  And then he broke into laughter, despite the pain of his broken bones.

    Alex trying hard to hold back his own laughter said.  Keep it up buddy, when you're all healed up you get to take care of them pigs.  And to think, I came in here feeling sorry for you.

    I think I'm the one who should feel sorry for you.  I just wish I could have seen you before you got all cleaned up. 

    Well, I could stay here and take all this love all day, but I gotta get up on the roof for my turn at guard duty.  You just try to rest, and I'll see you in the morning.

    Hey Alex.  Thanks for what you did for me.

    Not a problem buddy, you just get better.

    The night was a good one, the weather was good, and no problems popped up.  The next morning there were still a few laughs, but the best was when Tommy asked his mom.  Do I get to play in the mud with you today?  Then everybody in the room cut loose with laughter.  

    The laughter was the best thing that could happen to this group.  It had been a long time since any of them had a good laugh, and this one did more good than anyone could have imagined.  This would be the first day that everyone would go happily about their work.  Things went good for a few days.  After three days Tom got up and walked around the school property.  This helped to keep people cheerful, and it helped Tom too.

    It had been a week since Frank first talked to Wally and Frieda on the radio, Tom had his accident, and the Great Pig Incident.  Frank still talked to Wally a couple times a day, and a couple of the ladies talked to Frieda as well.  But this evening Frank stumbled onto a military communication on the radio.

    Echo 5 base to Alpha Control do you copy?

    Echo 5 Base this is Alpha Control we copy, go ahead.

    Alpha Control, we have lost contact with other units in Echo region.  Can you advise?

    Echo 5 Base, be advised send no one north into Echo 5 region.  At 6:03 pm a suitcase nuke was detonated in D.C.  Damage and loss of life are unknown at this time. 

    Alpha Control, Prevailing winds are moving toward us from that area, should we evac?

    Echo 5 Base, Negative, we do not think you are in danger at this time.  Monitor your rad counter and stand by.  Alpha Control Clear.

    Understood, Echo 5 Base clear.

    Frank was so caught up in the broadcast that he forgot to ring the bell.  He turned to ring it now, then stopped to try to calm his thoughts.  His mind racing at the things he had just heard.  It took him 5 full minutes to finally ring the bell. 

    When the others got there, he slowly related what he had just heard.  Then several people were crying, and others were just numb and shaking their heads.  But no one spoke. 

    Frank broke the long silence saying.  I'm going to try to contact Wally now and let him know. 

    Alex told the group that they needed to get everyone together, even the ones on guard.  This was too important not to tell everybody at the same time.  So, they called the guards in and broke the news to all.  The same questions were on every one’s mind, the questions that no one had answers for.  Why was this happening, who was doing it and where were they now?

    We have all been a little slack up till now, but from here on out we stick to the rules.  No one goes anywhere alone, for any reason.  We need to add more guards, and patrols around the fence.  And then, Alex continued.  I figure no one outside the school knows anything about this, which gives a little time to finish getting stuff from the farm.  And if anyone still has stuff at their homes they need, they need to get it fast.  As soon as the Sun is up in the morning I am going to the farm, and I need two or three of you to go with me.  I plan to make as many trips as I can tomorrow, we just don't know how much time we have before the Stuff Hits the Fan here.

    The next morning seemed to come too soon.  A lot of them were going to do that now.

    As Alex was starting the tractor, Tom, Al and Carl came out of the school. 

    Morning Alex. 

    Tom, what are you doing out here?  You need more time to heal.

    Time is something we don't have a lot of before people find out what's going on. We're going into town to see what's on the barter board.  There could be something we need. 

    OK Tom, but don't you go trying to lift anything.  Something you can do is try to find Chief Kincade and let him know what happened in D.C.  Just don't tell anybody else.

    Wouldn't dream of it.  And you be careful going to the farm, it's just a matter of time before it all goes south.

    Alex and his crew took off for the farm, and Tom and his started walking toward the center of town.  As they walked, they saw very few people outside.  Of those they did see, about half quickly ran inside when they saw the crew walking down the street.  The rest either ignored them or asked if they had any food.  When they arrived at the city building, there was nothing on the barter board that could be useful.  Luckily chief Kincade was in his office, so they were able to tell him about the war that had started.  He agreed that it would be best to not tell the general public.  But he did say he would like to check in at the school ever so often just to see what news they had. 

    As they walked back home to the school, they noticed dark clouds off to the southwest.  These clouds were coming up faster than they liked.  By the time they reached the school the clouds were almost overhead. 

    This is not good.  Carl said, Last time I saw clouds move this fast it was one whale of a storm.

    Let's get inside and see if Alex made it back yet.  And then let's get help in tying everything down, just in case this is a bad one.                                                                   

    Alex had not made it back, and he had Jeff, Dave, Jason and Tracy Lynn with him.  The wind was picking up faster and faster, as everyone worked hard and fast to save all they had outside.  The wind was so strong it was blowing things apart and knocking trees down.   Then the rain started.  Ten minutes after the rain started, they could see the tractor and wagons coming in but could not hear it because of the wind and rain.  Alex and the rest jumped off and ran to the school, as lightning hit a tree across the street.  They made a quick head count to make sure everyone was inside and safe, then sat in the cafeteria to wait the storm out. 

    The storm lasted about an hour and a half and brought three inches of rain.  But that was only the beginning. 

    Sharon said, I'm glad the wind has finally let up.  At least we can hear each other now.  Wait I smell smoke, do you smell that barb? 

    Yeah, I do. Said Alex.  It's probably just that tree across the street.  It got hit by lightning as we pulled in. 

    Jason got up and said.  Come on Tracy Lynn let's go look at it.  I bet it's blowed all to pieces.

    Some of the others were looking out the back windows at the damage.  Trash was all over the yard, things had blown off the wagons and the chicken coop had blown over.    Then they heard Tracy Lynn scream.

    THE HOUSES ARE ON FIRE.  HELP.  HELP.

    Everybody came running.  Lightning had struck something and lit it on fire, and then the wind just blew it from house to house.   It looked like there were at least two blocks on fire, but the fire was still spreading.  And there was no fire department to put it out.  All anyone could do was watch it burn and hope it did not reach the school.  Several of the people went out front to watch the front of the school to try to stop the fire if it made it that far.  The wind died down, and the fires burned all day and through the night.  By the time it was over, most of the houses on this side of town were nothing but ash.  An area about 4 blocks wide and 7 blocks long was completely burned. All houses, cars and trees were gone. 

    All of their cars and trucks had burned, which meant that they had no place to siphon gas for the tractor or generators.  All the houses had burned so they now had no place to get wood, furniture or other things they would need.  So, they spent the day cleaning up the yard and repairing what was repairable. 

   No one noticed the three people watching them from trees to the west. 

    Chief Kincade came walking up through the burned area and called to them a hundred feet or so out.  Hey, ever body in there OK?  It's Adrian.

    Tom was the first to greet Chief Kincade.  Hey Adrian heck of a mess out here ain't it?

    Wow, you people just missed getting it here.  I think it was a tornado that hit the other side of town.  Didn't lose anybody, but it took a couple houses and what was left of Arley's station. 

    Man, is this ever going ta stop?  Any more of this and I'm going to swear it's the end times. 

    You ain't the only one there Tom.  Oh, hey is your radio still working?

    I think, Old Frank stays right with it.

    Well Tom, you let me know if you get any more info.  I gotta keep checkin the town, things ain't gitting any easier.

    Take care there Adrian, come on back any time.

    Everybody kept working until supper time, when they all sat down to eat and relax. 

    Alex said.  Well, it looks like we're settled in, no more houses to get stuff from and no more gas for the tractor.  How bout it there Council, you think it would be OK to relax tomorrow?

    Frank looked at the other members and said.  I don't see why not, what else we gotta do?  Do you know we got a ball diamond out back? 

    After supper Frank got back on the radio to contact Wally and see if he could reach anybody else. 

    Hey Frank, how you doin? 

    Hey Wally, we had a storm here maybe even a tornado.  All our houses burned, I guess from lightning.  At least we didn't lose anything here at the school.

    I don't know how much longer we'll be here Frank, we're bout out of food.  We're going to have to leave and try to find some. 

    I wish we was closer Wally; we'd help if we could.

    I know, I'm going to go look around by myself first and see what I can find.  Hope to bring something back.  Frieda ain't doin to good.  It's her nerves Frank, she's going down fast.

    You just hold on, let's stay on these radios and see if we can't find anybody at all close enough to help.

    OK, Frank thanks.  Talk to you again in a bit.

    They sign off with each other, then start trying to reach others by radio.  Frank finds a compound in Flagstaff Arizona.

    This is Randy, in Flagstaff.  Where are you and what's it like there?

    Frank relates the story quickly and asks the same of Randy.

    It's kind of OK here, at least for now.  But from Phoenix south it's bad.  Drug gangs have come up from Mexico and are pretty much doing whatever they want.  They kill anybody that gets in their way and use anybody they can. 

    Hold your ground there Randy, I'd say it's going to get worse before it gets better.  Have you talked to any other hammers?  I've only talked to one in Jacksonville, Florida.  And I listened to one military channel where I heard about the bombing.

    Yes, I talked to one in Billings area, one in Tacoma, one in Omaha and one in Erie.  They are all in about the same shape as you guys. 

    OK, Randy I must keep scanning now, I'm trying to find someone close to Jacksonville that may be able to help Wally and Frieda there.  I hope to talk to you again.

    OK Frank you just take care and let's talk again.

    Then Frank started the process of scanning the channels again.  But did not find anyone near Jacksonville.  And did not hear from Wally or Frieda again.

    Late that night, he did get his first contact from outside the country, since the calamities began.  It was a woman north of London, England.

    Hello Frank, this is Trish, In what part of the U.S. Are you?

    Hello Trish, we are in the southern part of the state of Illinois.  Only a short distance from the earthquake center.  We are doing OK but have very little info about what's going on outside this area.

   I've been watching the tele here and it does not sound good for you lot.  You have had missiles launched against you from Cuba and a submarine on the west coast.  Then the bomber in your capital, and now those biological bombs. 

    WAIT, WAIT, WHAT BIO BOMBS.  We don't know anything about them.

    Oh Frank, I'm so sorry.  Those evil animals have set off biological weapons in New York City, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and oh yes Boston.  I am afraid there has been massive loss of life.  Several countries including Great Briton, France and others have ships stationed around the U. S. ready to help.  They are waiting for the Bio and radioactive areas to cool down. 

    Oh Lord. Frank said on the edge of panic.  We had no idea it had gone this far.  Have you heard of enemy soldiers being here in the U.S.?

    Not Infantry, if that is what you mean.  The only ones I know of are the suicide bombers that caused all the damage.

    Trish, I can never thank you enough for the information.  Can I give you the frequency I try to stay on, so if you get any more info, you can call me?

    Of course, Frank, I will keep in touch and search for as much info as I can.  Keep your head up old boy.

    Thank you so very much, and I will be talking to you again.

     They signed off and then Frank suddenly felt so old and tired.  He wondered if he should wake up the council, but then decided against it.  No reason to ruin a night's sleep for anybody else.  He finally crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling for a long time before sleep came to him.

    Frank awoke right at Breakfast time and felt no better.  He decided to tell the council first, because he was unsure whether they should tell everyone.  Once the council had the info they decided that all had a right to know what was happening.

    Sharon asked, The Rain, The Rain what about the rain?  Could it be contaminated?  Have we all been poisoned? 

    Alex tried to calm their fears.  No, the rain was OK.  The wind patterns over us don't come from any of the hot spots, so we're OK here.  I think we should just keep our guard up but go ahead with things as usual.  Look we are set up here pretty good, let’s not start worrying about anything until it happens.

    Alex, there is one more thing.  Frank started.  The council discussed this earlier, and well-------- we do hear by appoint you High Sheriff of the school.  Long live the Sheriff.

    Wait just a minute.  Don't I have anything to say about this?

    No. Too late.  We're the council and we've made a decision.

    Wonderful, we have created a monster.  Alex said laughing.  Can we go out back and have a ball game now? 

    Henry grumbled; I'll watch but I ain't playen.  I'm too old to be running.

    Well, If you go look in my room, Alex told Henry.  There's a set of horseshoes sittin by the door.  I guess you old coggers can throw them, if you can pick them up. 

    Any time you think you can handle the challenge there young’un you just bring it on.  Henry came back at Alex.

    The ball diamond was still muddy, but after the first few minutes no one cared.  They were sliding in mud and laughing all the time.  The whole day was a good one.  They had lunch on the ground and acted like it was the 4th of July.  Then they all sat outside and watched the sky change colors as the Sun slowly set.  This was a day they all needed, and they would all sleep good that night.

    However, the next morning at breakfast they were all moving slow and grumbling about bruises, aches and pains.  That is all but Tom and his broken arm.

    Jennifer pointed at her left ear lobe and said.  You see my ear lobe, that is the only place on me that don't hurt. 

    Tommy said. Yeah, Mommy made real funny noises when she was getting up. 

    Jennifer laughed and said.  OK so when's the rematch you bunch of wimps.  Ouch.

    Then everybody had a good laugh.

    Well, I think I'm going to take a little fishing trip.  Said Alex.  Who's up for goin along?

    Almost all the kids went with him.  They all grabbed poles, and Alex also grabbed his 9 mm pistol and a 410.  They went through the woods to avoid the roads and had a good time fishing.  They caught 12 large Bass, 14 Bluegill, 12 crape and 19 catfish.  On the way home was the Dunbar farm, so they decided to check in on them.  As they got to the front yard, Bill called from the front porch.

    Silvia come on out, that Alex Becker is here with a bunch of younguns.  I want you to look at the fish they're carrying.  Hello Alex looks like the river's been good to ya. 

    Yeah we got a pretty good catch today, how's things going on the Dunbar farm?

    Fair to middlein, how bout your bunch?

    Well Bill, it ain't too good for the country.  Have you heard anything about what's goin on?

    Sit down here on the porch and tell us about it.  You kids can go look at the rabbits over there at the barn.

    As they sat there Alex told them all that had happened at the school and the whole country.  Then asked if they were safe here at the farm, or wanted to come to the school?

    No son, we're goin to stay here as long as we can.  But I been thinkin bout them fish since you got here.  I'll trade you rabbits for fish, what do you think?

   I'd say you got yourself a deal.  The kids are gonna love that.  Let's go out there and let them know.

    By the time they were done, they had traded 4 Bluegill, 2 Crappie and 2 catfish, for a Buck and 4 does.  The kids were as happy as if it were Christmas time.  They laughed all the way back to the school.

    Alex smiled as he watched them almost dance their way home, taking turns carrying the rabbits.  He thought to himself, the kids were dealing with all this just fine.  He wished they could stay like this, and not have to deal with the way the world had turned out.  He decided then that he would do whatever he had to do to protect these kids. 

    When they finally got back to the school, the kids spent the rest of the day building cages for the rabbits.  The fish made a wonderful supper for everyone, and then night came to the second good day in a row. 

                                                                                    

    The next morning the Sun was warm, the sky was clear, and everyone looked forward to another good day.

    In town Chief Kincade went into his office as usual, but this morning he was met by Aaron Jackson and James Anderson.  They came into the office with him and let him know it was trouble.

    Aaron asked.  What's goin on up there at the school?  We saw you up there talkin to those people, now what's up?

    Those people are taking care of their selves, they are getting ready to make it through the winter that's coming.  And you should be doing the same.

    Well, why don't you just tell us what all they got up there?  James started in.  We ain't got nothin down here, and I ain't goin to starve if they got food.  So how bout you take us up there and tell them they gotta share?

    How about you just go home, started Chief Kincade.  And start working on your own winter provisions.  They didn't do all the work so you could lay on your back side and live off their work.

    Then Aaron jumped the Chief.  He punched him hard in the face, which knocked him backwards out of his chair.  James came around the desk and stomped on the Chief's left hand.  The Chief did not feel it, he was out cold from hitting his head on the wall as he fell.  Aaron said. That’s enough James let's go get some of the others and go get some of that food.

    When Adrian Kincade awoke, he knew his hand was broken.  The pain in his hand and in his head was incredible.  But he knew trouble was headed for the school, and he had to get there first.  He stood up but fell before he reached the door.  He tried again, standing slowly and giving himself time to adjust.  It helped, this time he made it to the school with his broken hand stuffed inside his shirt.  The guard on the roof called out to him, and then saw how bad off he was so he rang the emergency bell.  He collapsed at the front door as people were coming out to meet him. 

    Adrian, what the hell happened.  Sharon, the first one out yelled.  Are you OK.

   I got a broken hand, but you all gotta get ready.  There's trouble on the way.  A bunch of losers are on their way up here, they want what you got.

    Alex was on the Chief's left side helping carry him inside, as he said.  Well, if they want a fight, they're goin to get it.  Here Sylvia can you help Sharon get the Chief into the med bay?  Everybody else get ready, get to your stations.  Hell's coming to breakfast. 

   Alex then went to the roof and had a quick look around to see if anyone was coming yet.  Then he went to check on Chief Kincade.  They had already given him Whiskey and was letting it work.  So, Alex helped Sylvia try to set the bones in Adrian's hand.  The whiskey was not enough, everyone heard the screams.

    How did they break his hand this bad?  Alex asked Sylvia.  Every finger is broken at least once.

    Sylvia shook her head and said.  His hand must have been vertical to the floor, you know with his thumb pointing up.  Then they or the one guy stomped straight down on his hand.

    We need him to ID the animals that did this.

    I'm layin right here Alex.  I'll dang sure show you the ones that did this.  Can you do something for me Alex?

    Anything Adrian, just name it.

    Macy and the kids are alone at the house, can you have someone check on them for me?

    What kids? You don't have any kids.

    We took in three younguns after the quake took their momma, and their dad's a truck driver.  Last they knew he was in California.  Jerome he's 14, Ashley 11 and Lindsey I think she's 8. 

    You know we'll do it Adrian.

     I know them kids, said Tracy Lynn.  I go to school with Jerome.  I'll go get them.  And then she took off at a dead run for the back door.

    NO TRACY NOT NOW.  Alex yelled, but it was too late she was already out the door and running.

    She ran away from the open area in the front and toward trees at the edge of town.  This would take her around town and to the back of the Chief's house.  She made it there and back with the Chief's family in less than an hour.  But she really didn't expect the scolding she got.

    The town's low lives had not shown up yet, but everybody knew it was only a matter of time.  They doubled the lookouts on the roof, then they all relaxed a little.  The Chief slept while his wife sat with him and all the kids went into the gym to play.  Barely an hour later one of the roof guards rang the bell.

    Stations everybody, yelled Alex.  Then he ran up the steps to the roof.   What's up? He asked Carl, the guard that rang the bell.

    Here they come Alex, looks like about a dozen of um there on Cobb St.  Can’t tell yet if they got.  Wait, yeah, they do have guns.  Looks like a couple of them have long guns, just can’t see um too good yet.

    OK.  I'm going out front to talk to them, Alex started. You guys stay behind the blocks and keep them in your sights.  Do not fire unless they start something, we don't want to make this anything that don't have a stopping point.

    Alex went down to the front doors and told people on the inside of the school the same thing.  Don't start anything.  Then he went outside with his 9mm on his side, where he stopped at the end of the sidewalk.

    The people coming up were the bums and drunks that wouldn't keep a job if they had to.  So here they were doing just what the government had taught them to do, demand your handouts. 

    When they got about 80 feet away from Alex, he told them.  That's close enough, state your business.

    James Anderson took a step forward and said.  We know you got food stockpiled in there, and we need some.   It ain't right for you all to eat when we're starvin out here.

    Did you work for any of the stuff we got here?  Did you even get off your lazy butt and make a garden of your own?   We worked for everything we got and we're going to keep it.  If you want to eat, you need to go find a way to feed yourselves.

    I'll tell you what there Becker, you can give us some food or we'll take it.  It's your choice.

    You are in no position to demand anything; you need to turn your drunk butts around and head back to town now.

    The Chief had just stepped out the door and said.  Hey Alex, that’s one of them that broke my hand and he's got my pistol.  They probably got the shotguns from the office too.

    Alex, now a little madder, said.  You all lay down the officers’ guns, then you can leave.  But you are not leaving here with those guns.

    Then Aaron Jackson raised his shotgun toward Alex.  It was the last thing he ever did.  A bullet hole suddenly appeared in his forehead, and he collapsed like a wet rag.  James looked at Aaron then turned raising his pistol at Alex.  Then he focused on the gun barrel aimed at his right eye.

    Alex shook his head and said.  I told you lay the guns down or die.  Remember this, every one of you.  If you even throw a rock at this school or anybody who lives here, we will hunt you down and kill you without mercy.

    That was all it took; the mob all lay their guns down and started to back away.

    Not you James.  Said Chief Kincade.  You stay right where you are.

    No, I'm leaving too we all done laid down the guns and it's over.

    The law now is an eye for an eye.  You owe a debt to the Chief. Alex said as he held his 9mm on James.  Then he yelled at one of the men leaving.  HEY, you big boy, you came up here with him.  Pointing at Aaron's body.  You take him with you when you leave.

    The man grabbed Aaron's legs and started dragging.  Alex knocked James to the ground and said.  Come on Adrian, it's your turn. 

   Adrian told James to turn his hand up, he was going to get it the same way he gave it to Adrian.  James started yelling. I got rights, you gotta take me to court.  Then he screamed as Adrian stomped on his hand.

    Alex said. Wow, I heard those bones break.  Did that hurt James, cause it sure looked to me like it hurt?  You need to remember this, cause you do it to somebody you’re going to get it done to you.   Tell all your friends the criminal days are over.

    Then Alex and Adrian picked up all the guns, turned and walked back to the school as James lay on the ground crying in pain.

    Back inside the school, everyone but the guards on duty went to the cafeteria.  Alex went to the council and asked if they would approve moving Adrian and his family into the school.  He had not worked on the school or gardens, but he did stand up for the people there, and even in pain from a broken hand had come to warn them of trouble. 

    The council had no trouble at all with that decision.  They told Alex to get them moved in as soon as possible.  So, Alex went to Adrian and Macy and told them they should move into the school for their own protection.  Adrian was a little reluctant, but Macy changed his attitude.  She said.  We would love to; how can we get our clothes and belongings up here?

    If we can find some gasoline for the tractor, we can haul it up here easy.  Alex offered with a big smile on his face. 

    Have you tried the city garage?  The Chief asked, wincing from the pain in his hand.  There is a tank for diesel, it's green and the one for gas is silver.  There should be at least 200 gallons in each.

    You're just full of surprises there Adrian.

    You think, Alex.  Just wait till we get to our house. 

    OK, let me see if I can get enough gas out of the barrels to get the tractor that far.  I'll probably have to walk though and get a couple gallons in a can.

    It ain't even a mile right across the field.  The Chief grumbled.

    I know, but we ran the tractor dry coming home the last trip.  You just rest awhile, and I'll let you know when we get everything ready. 

    Alex could not find any gas, so he grabbed a gas can and got Carl to go with him to get enough to get the tractor running.

    When they reached the city garage, they found it had partially collapsed.  They decided to poke around inside to see what was still usable.  Breaking a few boards off around the door got them into the shed part of the garage.  Inside they found a Case 580 Backhoe, that part of the roof had fallen on.  Next, they found several things that would be very helpful.  They grabbed the gas and walked back to the school to get the tractor running again.

    It was almost 3:00 pm before they got it started, so they hurriedly got the crew on the way to Chief Kincade's house.  Macy went with them, because the Chief's hand hurt too bad to ride on the bumpy wagon.  As they were leaving, he told Macy to Surprise them with the basement.

    Carl asked Macy, What surprise?

    She said, just wait and see.

    It took longer to get there by tractor than it did by walking, because the tractor had to go around several obstacles and over rough ground to get there.  Once they got to the Kincade’s home, they quickly set to the task of loading up everything Macy pointed out, after they went to the basement for the big surprise.

    In the basement Macy reached up and pulled what looked like a clothesline.  The line pulled a pin that opened a hidden door in the back false wall.  Inside the hidden room was a years’ worth of survival food and supplies.  The Kincade’s were Preppers.  

    Carl went to the city garage, which was just across the creek from the Kincade’s.  There he picked up 2 cases of oil among other things they could use.  While the others loaded all they could from the house.  Then they drove the tractor to the gas storage tank and filled the tractor and 3 drums that were already loaded on the wagon.

    They got back to the school in time for a late supper before they unloaded the wagons.  This is when they realized they could not lift the barrels of gas that weighed almost 400 pounds each.  It was decided that in the morning they would unhook the wagon with the gas on it, then take the other wagon and a couple more barrels to get the gas storage tank.  Then they used a hand pump to transfer the gas from the barrels to the storage tank they stood up behind the school. 

   While they were getting the gas, Carl checked out the backhoe and the building that had fallen on it.

    Alex, I think we can get this thing out of here.  Carl told Alex. Look if we can get it started, we can use the backhoe bucket to move all the stuff on top of it.  There's plenty of diesel in the storage tank for it, and we can use it to open the streets.

    That's a good idea.  Alex started.  We made a few enemies; it wouldn't hurt to make a few friends.  We could use it to pull trees off the streets and off the roads to the farms.  Let's get after it.

    The backhoe started easily, but they did have to hand pull a lot of lumber out of the way of the tires.  It took a little over an hour to dig it out, but it was worth it.  They filled the tank, then used the backhoe to load the diesel tank on the wagon.  While Alex and the others took the tractor and very heavy wagon back to the school, Carl and Sam went through town back to the school clearing the street as they went.  Later they would go back and clean more streets.

    Once everything was unloaded and set up, they all sat down to rest and relax for a while.  Adrian came over and sat down with them.  He said. Alex, I need to keep patrolling the town.  There's a lot of good people there, who need to be protected from the likes of the gang that was here. 

    I know, I've been thinking of a way for the people there to maybe be able to work for supplies.

    Do you have enough food to pay people with?

    No, no not work here.  I've been thinking there are a lot of farms around that may not be able to get their crops in or take care of their animals without help.  Why couldn't we go talk to these farmers and see if they couldn't use some of the town folk to help them.  They could pay them with grain, milk, meat or fruits and vegetables.  You know just whatever they are raising. 

    Good idea Alex, tell you what.  You go with me to patrol the town, and I'll go with you to talk to the farmers.  I know a lot of them myself. 

    You got a deal Chief.  Let me know when you feel up to it.

    Let me go put on my uniform, and I'm ready.

    They walked through the town, Alex seeing the devastation for the first time.  He told the chief; this is worse than I thought.  Where are all the people?  Look there is someone over by the city building.  I'd like to check the Barter board anyway. 

    The Chief looked and said.  That's Mayor Watley, are you sure you want to talk to his highness? 

    Alex grumbled, NO, but he's already seen us.  Let's see if he knows anything good. 

    They can tell he's angry by the way he's walking toward them.  He starts in on them while he's still 30 feet away.

    Where the hell have you been Adrian, and what's going on up at that school?  James Anderson says they broke his hand and killed Aaron Jackson for no reason.

    NO REASON. Chief Kincade yelled.  Those bums are the ones who broke my hand and stole the guns from my office.  They came up to the school and demanded to be given everything they wanted.  Aaron is dead because he pulled a gun on Alex here.  And I broke James’s hand to thank him for breaking mine.  So, you can just back off, and try to get both sides before you pronounce judgment like you normally do.

    Who do you think you are?  You can't talk to me like that, I'm the Mayor of this town and that makes me your boss.  So, you better--

    Shut up.  The only reason you're the mayor is the old people here were taken by your bull.

    I warned you now, you go clean out your office.

    Alex let's leave before I punch his teeth out.  I don't want to hurt the only good hand I got left. 

    Then Watley yelled again.  Did you just threaten me? You idiot.

    That's when Adrian hurt his good hand, and the mayor lost two teeth.

    Just a few minutes later they met a group of 5 people standing in front of a house.

    Hi folks.  Adrian started.  Where is everybody?  We haven't seen hardly anybody out here. 

    Most everybody done took off for either Springfield, Peoria or Evansville.  They said the big towns ought to have food.

    Alex asked. You mean they just walked.  Springfield is 200 miles away, it'll take days.  And the big cities are worse off than we are, they're having riots and gangs murdering people for anything.

    What are we supposed to do?  Jane Woods asked.  We're almost out of food, and I got kids to care for.  We need help now.

    Alex stepped closer and tried to calm her.  The Chief and I are workin on a way to get food for everybody right now.  We should know something, maybe by tomorrow.  You all just hang on the best you can, and we'll come back as soon as we can.

    Please don't forget about us, Chief.

    We won't, we're going right now to see what we can do.  One way or another we'll be back here by morning to let you know.

    Alex and Adrian took off for the farms surrounding town.  They talked to each farmer they found, about using the town folk to work their farms.  Most of the farmers were happy to get the help.

    The next morning Alex, Adrian, Barb and Sharon all met with the people in town.  First, they had Tom drive the tractor and wagons up and down the streets, calling the people to come out for a meeting at the city building.  At the same time Carl was still clearing streets with the backhoe and telling others about the meeting.  There were only 71 adults, and their children left in town.  All the rest had either died in the quakes or walked away to find something better. 

    When the Chief heard this, he dropped into his chair.  Alex, we need to tell them everything, they need to know.

    Alex spent the next hour explaining what had happened since the quake.  The missiles, the Bio bombs, the riots, the radio contact with Trish the lady in London.   He told them all he knew.  Several of the town folk cried for quite a while.  Finally Chief Kincade spoke up.

    Now for what we hope is good news.  Alex and I spent yesterday visiting several farms around town.  They have crops that they will need help getting in.  They are willing to pay you in grain, meat, fruit and vegetables, just whatever they grow if you are willing to help.

    Everyone was happy about the news.  They wanted to know when and where to start.

    Alex said.  Well, the wheat crop is overdue now, so the sooner the better.  Then there is corn, soybeans, Pumpkins and Milo.  There's Abel's orchard, that is gonna have Apples, Pears, Peaches and Plums.  And if you ain't afraid of a little sh--- uh manure, there's some animal farms. 

    So, we're just supposed to live on corn or wheat?  Someone in the back said.  How long can we do that?

    No, you work in whatever crop you can.  You make as much as you can there and then you trade some of what you get for some of what others get.  And when there is no crop to work, you can do something else like fish or hunt.  That stuff can be traded to.  Look, the world we knew is gone. Alex continued.  We all have to learn how to make it in this new world.  What else can we do?

    They spent the next hour explaining how to use what was written down on the blackboard at the front of the room.  A map was drawn, listing each farm contacted and what help they would need and when.  Then Alex and the rest from the school went home to try to relax a little. 

    The next week was a calm one, no big problems came up.  Everyone went happily about the business of living.  Carl and Al even set about the task of building a moonshine still. 

                                                            

    Jungle Foxtrot Alpha 1-9-5-2.   Jungle Foxtrot Alpha 1-9-5-2.  From Zulu Tango Union 5-7-3-2.  Do you copy?

     Zulu Tango Union 5-7-3-2, this is Jungle Foxtrot Alpha 1-9-5-2, Is that you Trish?

    Hello Frank, I am so happy to reach you.  Are you and your lot Alright?

    Yes Trish, we are all doing very good.  How is your family?

    We are doing very well also Frank.  I was afraid that perhaps the flu epidemic had reached your group.  So glad you're all well.

    What flu epidemic, we know nothing about a flu epidemic?

    Oh Frank, according to the news on the tele there is some type of a disease outbreak all up and down the Mississippi river area.  Something about the contaminated flood waters and raw sewage causing several hundreds of deaths.  They say the death count is likely to skyrocket.

    Trish, this is the first we have heard of any sickness.  Can you tell how far it extends to the east of the river?  We are a little over 100 miles away from it.

    Yes, Frank, I have looked you up on the map, and you are at the edge of the watch area.  Many people are leaving the contaminated area, and it appears that some have moved in your direction.  The news also says that your National Guard is spread so thin, due to the fighting that they are unable to control the situation.

    What fighting?  Frank asked.

    Sorry Frank, I did not even think about you not knowing.  The invaders have attacked several of your major cities, and their suicide bombers do not seem to be slowing down.

    Thank you so much Trish, you are our lifeline to the outside.  I hope you know how important you are to us.  Please call me anytime you hear anything that you think we need to know. 

    Oh, I shall, and if you need to talk you just ring me up.  Ta ta love, talk to you soon.

    Bye bye Trish, and again thank you.

    Frank started to grab the bell, but then changed his mind.  Maybe this would cause panic if he just blurted it out to everyone.  He decided to go to the council to see what they thought.  After a lengthy discussion it was decided that everybody needed to know what was going on, for their own protection.  So, they got set to have a meeting at supper. 

    When they told the others about the sickness, Adrian said he needed to warn the town's people.  With so many of them working on the area farms, it would be difficult to catch them at home.  They began making notes to put on the doors of the houses where they knew people lived.  And explained what was going on to the ones they did find home. 

    People were told to boil all water used to drink or cook with. If any strangers came to town to stay clear of them but get word to the school as fast as they could.  They also put up a sign on each road coming into town that said.  All strangers entering this city must go directly to the city building to register.

    All was calm for a few days before the first stranger made an entrance.

    One morning before going to work on one of the farms, Gayle Young came to the front of the school.  The guard called down from the roof telling her to wait, and someone would be there.  It wasn't long before Chief Kincade was out front talking to her.

    Hey Chief, there's somebody in the Rosen's house.  I seen them duckin in the door early this mornin.  And you know the Rosen's done left a couple weeks ago. 

    I guess I better go see who it is.  Thanks Gayle, you go on to work and I'll take care of it.

    Thanks’ Chief, I guess I'll see you all later.

    Then Adrian goes back into the school to get help.

    Hey Alex, could I get a couple of you guys to go with me?  There's a stranger in one of the houses down there. 

    Carl, you got time to go check out a stranger with us?  Asked Alex.

    Yeah, Sure no problem.  Let me just go grab my rifle.  Do we need anybody else?

    I hope not. Chief Kincade started.  Maybe the three of us can take care of it.

    Then the men took off for the Rosen house, which was 10 blocks away.  They stopped a block away and split up.  Alex would go around to the far side of the house where he could watch the front, where the Chief would be and one side.

Carl would take the near side and the back of the house.  This way they would be able to see all sides and anyone who tried to sneak up on the Chief.  So now it was the Chief's move.  He walked up to the front door, knocked on it hard then backed away a few feet.  He waited about 3 minutes then yelled.

    Hey, whoever you are in there come to the front door.  I'm Chief of Police Adrian Kincade.  We need to talk.

    Alex and Carl watched for movement in any of the windows, and around themselves in the yard.  No one knew what to expect, if there would be trouble or friendly conversation.  Then someone calls out from the house.

    OK, I'm gonna come out.  I'm unarmed, don't shoot OK.

    Adrian called back.  Ain't nobody gonna shoot, we just need to know who you are and where you come from.

    A man looking to be in his 30s opened the door and stepped out.  I'm Rick Jordan, my wife and kids are inside.  We don't want no trouble; we were just looking for a place to try to get by for a while.

    Your wife and kids are all that's in there?  Nobody else?

    That's all officer, I swear.  My wife ain't feelin to good, we're kinda hungry.

    What's wrong with your wife?  This fella here's name is Alex, and he's a EMT.

    Can you come in here and check her out Mr. Alex?  Please sir?

    Yeah, but it ain't Mr. it's just Alex.  You wanna show me where she is?

    Yes sir, she's right here on the couch.  Her name is Janice, and the kids are Chuck and Jessie.

    Alex knelt next to Janice and started asking her questions about her problems.

    While Alex checked her out, the Chief questioned Rick.

    Where have you all come from?  And was there anybody sick there?

    We lived over by Collinsville, we heard people was getting sick over toward the river so we got out while we could.  I just don't know what to do anymore, we was trying to just get out of the quake zone so maybe I could find work and get us a place to live.

    The Chief led Rick out on the front porch and told him of the war that was going on in the rest of the country.  Rick sat down on the floor of the porch and leaned back against the wall.  With tears in his eyes, he asked Why?  What happens to my kids now?  What am I going to do?

    Alex came out and told them that he thought Janice was just weak from hunger and dehydrated.  She had no fever, so he didn't think she was contagious, but he'd have Sylvia look at her anyway.  I'm also gonna try to get you some food.  You just stay here, and I'll be back with a nurse in a little bit.

    As the three men walked back to the school, they discussed the family and the problem they presented.  From this first talk with them, they seemed to be good people just trying to survive.  Up until now Alex thought he would just tell strangers to leave, keep going.  But after talking to these people, he had a change of heart.  He wanted to talk to the council when they got back to the school.

    Adrian said he wanted to take them some of his survival food that was taken from his basement, if the rest didn't mind.  They all agreed that it was a good idea.

    Back at the school, they got the council together and started discussing the situation. 

    Sharon Asked.  Are we the council for the whole town now?  What happened to the town council?

    Adrian answered.  The mayor is the only one left of the town board, and you know he's an idiot.  I think that if we don't take control of the town now and keep control, things could get really bad.

    Then Henry chimed in.  Do we have the right to tell the townies how to live?  So far all we did was to help them get jobs on farms and teach them how to barter.  Does that give us some kind of special rights?

    No, no, Adrian jumped back in. I'm not sayin we got special rights.  What I am sayin I guess is that if we don't keep watch on the town, we could get gangs coming in takin over.  If that happens, we could find ourselves in serious trouble.

    I see what you’re getting at. Said Sharon.  This is just all so new, I just, I don't know.  I don't want us to get too big or dig ourselves into a hole we can't get out of.

    Barb said, I know I'm just the secretary, but can I ask something?

    Sure. Frank and Jennifer said almost at the same time. 

    We have several kids here and in town, how old are their kids?

    I'm not sure. Alex said trying to picture the kids.  I think the boy is maybe 7 or 8 and the girl maybe 10 or 11.  Why?

    Well has anybody even thought about school for the kids?  This place is a schoolhouse, and all the books are in the storeroom.

    Sylvia sighed heavily and spoke.  Oh my, I haven't even considered school.  Your right, we need to have classes for all the kids. 

    Frank stood up and spoke.  OK for now can you ladies get together and work up some kind of school plan for teaching?  Oh, and just who is going to teach, we don't have no teachers here.

    The ladies all agreed to work on that problem, and that Frank would not teach English.  As Chief Kincade said he was going to gather a little of the survival food to take to the Jordans, when he and Sylvia and whoever else went back to town.

    Sylvia grabbed her medical jump kit and went with Adrian, Alex and Barb to meet the Jordans.  When they got there, they discussed the farms and bartering system and prepping for the coming winter.  As Sylvia examined Janice, they also talked about having classes at the school.  Hearing this their son Chuck said.

    Why do we have to go to school, nobody else is?   It ain't fair.

    Janice said.  Of course, you gotta go to school, and you don't know anybody else cause we just got here. 

    Well Sylvia started.  I'm going to agree with Alex, you are very dehydrated and malnourished.  The food we brought will get you through a few days, so you can get started working on the farms.  If that's what you plan to do. 

    So, I guess we'll be on our way.  Adrian explained.  I'll be back later to introduce you to some of the locals, so they can tell you more about the work here.  Maybe get you started.

    The four started home to the school and talked about the new family all the way there.  They all agreed that their first impressions were that they were good people.

    Things were starting to look up for the people in this small town.  They were pulling together and working to survive in a world gone crazy.  Two weeks had passed since the Jordans came to town and had turned out to be assets.  They were hard workers and liked their neighbors as much as the neighbors liked them. 

    Then one day Chief Kincade came running up to the school from his office, where he stayed a few hours a day. 

    As he came running, he called to Tom who was on guard duty on the roof.  TOM, CALL ALEX WE GOT TROUBLE IN TOWN. 

    Tom rang the bell and called out.  What's wrong Adrian?

    By this time Alex was running through the doors to meet Adrian.  Adrian, are you OK?

    The Chief trying to catch his breath said.  There's a bunch of, I think they're gangsters breaking into stores.  And they got guns.

    How many did you see?

    I only saw 5, but I don't know how many are in the buildings.

    By this time several people had come outside and were listening to the conversation.

      

    Alex turned to the crowd.  Sam, John, Mark, Al, Darrel.  You guys grab your rifles and come with us.  The rest of you stay here to guard the school.  Everybody inside and double the guards on the roof.

    The group of men took off toward town, making plans as they walked.  Sam, do you think you can get to the roof of the Bank with that fancy rifle and scope of yours?

    You just watch me, Alex.

    John and Al, you go around to the left and see if you can come up behind them.  Mark, Darrel same for you guys on the right.  Let’s see if we can't sneak up on this problem.

    Giving the others time to go around, Alex and the Chief stayed back where they could see down the street.  Then they saw two people come out of one store and enter another.  They were wearing baggy pants, T shirts and bandannas on their foreheads almost covering their eyes.

    Alex looked at the roof of the bank and saw Sam looking through his scope over the top of the AC unit.  Then He and Adrian started to ease down the street.  They stayed on the right-hand sidewalk because the gang was on that side.  They were only 50 feet from the door when one of the gangsters came out with his arms full.  When he saw Alex and Adrian he froze where he stood and said.

    Looks like we got two brave individuals here.  He spoke with a Mexican accent.  You better turn around and walk away man, you don't know who you're messing with.  

    Alex and Adrian both had their hands on their 9mm's but not pulled.  Alex said.  Well boys I think you are the ones that made the mistake.  Now you have the rest of your people come out in the street.

    You just don't know when to run do you fool?  The gangster laughed.  My people are gonna come out, then you gonna see who's in charge.  HEY, EVERYBODY OUTSIDE MAN, we got a couple fools here need to learn a lesson. 

    A total of seven gangsters came out, and 4 of them had handguns, the other 3 had knives.

    Now who's in control?  It looks like it's me.  The gangster said still laughing. 

    I don't think you see the big picture there boy.  Adrian started in.  You came into my town thinking you could just walk over us. 

    I don't think you see this picture old man.  Then the gangster pulled his gun.  He almost got it up level but just before he did, his brain quit working.  It quit working because of the bullet that had just passed through it.  The other gangsters looked at him in disbelief as he fell to the ground.  Then they grabbed their guns and knives as they looked back at Alex and Adrian.  They hated what they saw.  Alex and Adrian had both pulled their 9mms and were pointing them at the gangsters.  Then they heard the bolts click behind them.

    Adrian said.  Now what we have here is a failure to communicate.  You boys need to lay down your weapons, all of them and then lay face down on the street.  Anybody want to argue, I'm sure our sniper has one of you targeted right now.

    The gangsters looked at each other and grumbled a little, but they all kissed the street.

    Adrian checked all of them for hidden weapons, collected all they had and then stepped back by Alex.  OK boys, you all need to go to Chicago, don't you?  Stand up.  As they stood like the Chief told them to.  He continued.  You are going to walk out of here and keep going till you reach Chicago.  If you even step off the road while you're still in our district, one of our people will put a bullet in your head.

    Hey man, one of the gang started.  You better watch your back man cause we got more people than you can ever have man.  We gonna come back here and teach you gringos a lesson. 

    Then he died too.  After that the rest of them were very agreeable.  One of them even said he always wanted to visit Chicago.  He thought he might hurry up and try to get there real soon.

    Now you boys understand that we can get you anytime we want.  Don't you?  Get on that highway and keep going north, if you don't your dead.

    We feel you man, we're out a here.

    Take these two with you and drop their bodies in the river when you cross it.  Alex told the boys, then turned to Adrian and winked.  OK Chief you want to go radio ahead and let them know there will be 5 coming through?

    I will when we get back to the office.  Adrian said trying not to smile.  OK boys take off NOW.

    The gangsters left and were happy to go, but fearful that they did not know where these crazy peoples district ended.  They argued over whether to run or try to walk in a very calm manner.

    Sam watched them through his scope as long as he could and swore that one of them destroyed his underwear before reaching the highway.

    With the danger over for now they gathered up the new weapons and started for the school.  Adrian started laughing, and the rest asked what was so funny?  So he told them about Alex saying he should radio ahead.  They all laughed.  Adrian told Alex, that was one heck of a good idea and bluff.  Those guys may run all the way to Chicago, and they're gonna see snipers behind every tree.

    Things went good for several weeks after that.  The garden did good, the pigs got fat, the chickens laid eggs and hatched a few. And the rabbits made lots of other rabbits.  The people got comfortable with their new lifestyle and living together as the family they had become. 

    When fall arrived and the leaves started falling, the conversations turned to the town people.  They thought they should help them find ways to heat their homes for the coming winter.  First, they talked to them about different families moving in together because of the problem of heating some of the older homes.   Also, because there were 32 families still in town after all the others had left to find greener pastures.  That was a lot of heaters to try to build, and there was a lot of arguing over who had to move into who's house.  The council finally told the towners to try to figure it out on their own and let them know what they come up with.

    Everybody thought they had plenty of time before winter got there.  Winter had other plans.  An early season cold front moved in and dropped four inches of snow on everybody, and the temperature stayed below freezing for five days.  In that time, several families tried to heat their homes by building fires in charcoal grills. Two houses burned when the fires got out of hand, in another house 3 people froze to death.  Then a serious flu hit most of those who were left.  By the second week there were only 12 families left, and 9 children with no parents.  Those who didn't make it were just too weak to fight off the flu and didn't have the medicine needed. 

    The Council decided to bring as many as wanted to come into the school.  They knew that the Winter was going to hit hard this year, and the first cold snap took over half the town.  The school rooms were big enough to be divided to make room for everyone, and no one complained.   The school cafeteria was used for school classes for all the children, and even for some of the adults.  They even had classes on raising gardens and animals.  The school library was full of books on edible plants, medicinal plants and how they were used.  The people were not only reading them, but they were also studying them.