Countdown to Doomsday Begins: A Tale of Hope and Despair
Will this be how the world ends? JL and his wife, Lisa, are on the run as if their lives depend on it. And it does. Navigating through a world of famine, death, war and pestilence, they search for a safe place, as their Florida home becomes too dangerous. In Louisiana, a young woman is on the run for her life. Will their paths ever cross? Stay connected for each new chapter.
Countdown to Doomsday Begins: A Tale of Hope and Despair
Chapter 8: Prophecy and Destiny:
What if the survival of humanity hinged on a prophecy from a wise medicine woman? This episode takes you on a gripping journey through a dystopian future where Lisa, David, JL, and Marcy grapple with political chaos and environmental havoc. As they navigate the treacherous path to Fort McCoy, they encounter Yehola, a Seminole elder who offers them a glimmer of hope and guidance in these turbulent times. The warmth of the Seminole community provides a refreshing contrast to the adversity they face, highlighting the strength found in cultural exchange and community bonds.
We journey through time, reflecting on the chilling events that led to a totalitarian regime in America. Through personal stories and historical parallels, we delve into the rise of hate and violence that paved the way for a despotic ruler. Within this fractured world, Billy Osceola's prophecy emerges as a beacon of hope, challenging our characters to embrace resistance, survival, and destiny. Join us as we uncover the power of human spirit amid chaos and question whether the seeds of change can truly take root in such a blighted landscape.
Welcome back to a new chapter, as always ad-free, curated just for you. Those of us at the Leaping Cat Studio want to thank a new sponsor helping produce each episode of Countdown to Doomsday, keeping it ad-free. And now follow the journey. Countdown to Doomsday, chapter 8. In all my life I never imagined I'd be pushing a jeep through this muck. Lisa said I'm winded. What about the rest of you? David and Jail were both stooped over with hands on their hips, gasping for breath. I'm poop, jail said, which of course caused Marcy to giggle. So, david? Jl said what's next? You got us to this side of I-4. I don't expect any problems now. There will be the usual obstacles, broken pavement and, with this rain, probably some small streams overflowing a bit. But I'm guessing we'll be there in another two hours, maybe three. We're out of food, lisa said. I know we're on emergency water rations. We'll get replacement supplies. Lisa, when we get to Fort McCoy we're going to meet Yahuila. It's a traditional Seminole's name, meaning cry of the Florida Panther. If it's safe, she will lead us to Blackie's Swamp. It's a freshwater lake and home to some pretty large gators. I'm afraid of gators, marcy said, moving closer to Lisa in the back seat.
Speaker 1:Jl looked over at David. That boy's more exhausted than he'll admit. Would it violate your sensibilities, david, if I relieved you at the wheel? David immediately stopped to change seats. Violate your sensibilities, david, if I relieved you at the wheel? David immediately stopped to change seats. Thanks, he could hardly get the words out. All but driving clearly drained him of energy. I don't need to sleep, but my legs are cramping something awful on me. Two and a half hours later, david sat up. That's Fort McCoy ahead. The abandoned library should be on your left. The sign for the library has somehow survived.
Speaker 1:Marcy was in awe when she saw a woman wrapped in colorful cloth, skin, the texture of a raisin, as if each wrinkled line represented the hardships she had faced. Marcy leaped from the jeep and ran up to the woman. Are you a Seminole or a Miccosukee? I'm a press girl. Call me Yehola. How did you know there was a difference? Well, it was my favorite subject in school, ma'am, I'll walk with this old Seminole what's your name, marcy? Taking Yehola by the hand. Well, marcy, let the oldest of us and the youngest of us lead the way. Marcy looks starstruck. Lisa said who wouldn't be? That old woman has a dominating presence Approaching the camp.
Speaker 1:They saw the chickies and Marcy turned to JL, lisa and David. There are five chickies One is for cooking, one for eating and the other for three for sleeping. She seemed pleased with herself. Don't worry about any gators, grandma Eola told me she put a hex on them with her stink eye. Jl chuckled. Now I'm stuck with two women with stink eye superpower. Once in the camp, women surrounded them, showing them where they could bathe and rest. Yohola, at an inch over six feet, stood up from the other Seminoles. Jl admired her poise as she walked away with Marcy and Lisa, but he was startled when a young woman appeared at his side. I'll take you to the men's cheeky. Follow me now, please. Exhausted by the past few days, jl's limp made it difficult to keep up as the woman waved them ahead. This is the men's cheeky. The others will be back at sundown.
Speaker 1:Chief Vihola has called for a tribal meeting after we eat. David and JL didn't bother cleaning or undressing. They were soon flat on our back as David kick-started the snoring contest. The snoring contest. What the JL felt? Rough hands shaking him awake. David and JL both protested that wake-up call, surprised to see their room crowded with men all staring at them.
Speaker 1:One man stepped forward, looking more like a working cowboy from Texas than an indigenous Floridian, breaking into a broad smile. He said welcome, I'm Nakasa, kevin. The man said Kevin was my grandfather's name. Nakasa is my seminal name. It means bear. He laughed. He laughed, matching his deep, booming voice. I know you've had an arduous journey to get here. This will be a place where you can rest before the next part of your journey. The other men behind expressed welcome and hospitality.
Speaker 1:Chief Yehola has invited the four of you to join her in the dining cheeky at sundown. Jl. Thank Nocasa Kevin for the invitation. Is there a place to clean up? Well, after the rains, the water level in the lake is rising. It's still very low, but I'll have some men be on lookout while you bathe in the lake. The gators and snakes around here can sometimes be pretty aggressive. David turned to jail. I don't think he's kidding.
Speaker 1:Bathing on Etchera felt refreshing even with the warm water and the two were grateful for fresh, new clothes spread out for them. Refreshed, they walked with Nocasa Kev as they came to know him to the dining chickie. Jl smiled and held out his arms when he saw Lisa you look rested. He said I was getting worried about you. Well, the woman carried water in and bathed me and Marcy. It felt like oh, I don't know, like a long forgotten dream. Speaking of Marcy, the almost 13-year-old Marcy. The almost 13-year-old Marcy pretended to be pouting. Hey you, jl, said Chief Yehola, entered the chickie and greeted them warmly.
Speaker 1:We bless our food and good fortune with the ancient words, as well as Christian and spiritual. The four travelers were stunned at the display of food. I haven't seen meat in so long. I hardly recognize it. Lisa, said chief yola nodded. I know people living in the militia controlled zones are slowly starving. We try to help but thanks to nature's benefit, we eat well and plainly. But it's hard to get food through to the people that really need it. She winked at marcy. It's best if you don't ask what you might eat tonight. Marcy nodded with a puzzled look, not sure what chief yohola was saying. L Lisa leaned over to JL and whispered I think it means we could be dining on snake and gator and whatever other treats. Young boys and girls began serving food and afterwards all pitched in to clean. And the biggest surprise to JL was coffee. I haven't tasted real coffee for so long. Enjoy, chief EL said. Let us get comfortable. We want to hear your story. The children sat quietly behind the elders, leaning in to hear. Lisa stood first being a teacher and all, and began pacing. I remember JL and I arguing not meanly, it was more like she paused.
Speaker 1:In 2022, it was the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic Mask or not mask, vaccinate, not vaccinate. It looked then as if the virus might fade away until there was, yeah right, variants and sub-variants, but people winked and pretended the pandemic was over. Jl held up his hand. We knew better, but we couldn't stand up to the face of ignorance. That was the part of it, lisa continued. By that year, masks and vaccinations were political statements, both sides weaponizing their opinions. I wasn't good at expressing myself like Lisa. Jl said I learned to turn turtle, pulling my head back into my shell Whenever someone mentioned politics. We chose our vaccination and our masks. In the face of derision and sneers, jl looked around the room. Those of you old enough to remember you know what I mean. Chief Vihola and the elders nodded who could we trust? Who could we talk to? Lisa frowned.
Speaker 1:The insurrection on June 6, 2021 provided fuel for the bonfire. The crazies, then Sir Orange lit the match. I was eight years old, david said I didn't know who to believe or what to think. Even in school, classmates faced each other down with a mirror of what their parents believed. Yeah, lisa was a teacher and told me how difficult it was when fighting broke out in her classrooms. Jl said Then that election of 2024 happened and to everyone's surprise, me included. And to everyone's surprise, me included, the Democrats managed to pull off a loss, something everyone thought was impossible. You know, that year turned the milk sour, chief Yehola said.
Speaker 1:The day after the elections, military trucks carrying uniformed stormtroopers spread throughout Washington DC and they seized the White House occupants anybody, taking them to secret prison camps nearby in Pennsylvania. The orange Contra Cristo Antichrist appointed himself as president for life and quickly declared martial law. Record numbers of armed forces, men and women, along with police officers, walked away from their posts and joined the new national militia. What followed jail was civil war and a fractured country. While the militia claimed control over large parts of the country, a resistance movement was a seed that grew and continued to harass them from their sanctuaries. The militia conscripted me, david said. Authorities ordered me to report to the nearest militia armory for uniform and training. I shagged off as quickly as I could, joining the sacred resistance, and that's why I'm here. Let's take a break, stretch and have something to drink. The chief said there's more.
Speaker 1:Eh, conversation continued well into the night. Soon attentive children became bored, started falling asleep. None of what you were talking about was as destructive as the catastrophic transformation of our climate, chief Yehola said. Lisa jumped in. She was passionate about the topic. Yeah, we all buried our head in the sand while people exploited the Earth's resources, spewing toxicity into the atmosphere. The doomsday clock was a millisecond away from the end. Scientists warned us. She turned to JL and said as if we weren't killing the climate quickly enough. Those four volcanoes erupting in Russia made a pretty quick work of finishing things off.
Speaker 1:One of the Seminole men got to his feet. You all know my views. I still believe this is part of some grand scheme or I don't want to use the word conspiracy, because as an educated man with a scientific background, I still didn't expect the shift in the Earth's rotation to have such a catastrophic impact. As he looked around at heads nodding in agreement First too much rain, not enough rain, then more rain, then years of drought. There was no way to feed everyone. Draconian rationing didn't work, trying to grow the needed food in gigantic greenhouses. That wasn't enough. I know JL said. Lisa and I have experienced severe hunger for so long we've almost come to accept it as the new normal.
Speaker 1:A young woman in the back raised her hand. What about COVID? Charlie Tiger's sister told us about the urgency. The seminal man answered. She warned us there would be a time when there was no cure. Vaccines would become useless. Indigenous peoples around the world began walking in the spirit ceremonies to help our people stay alive. Among the dying it wasn't just our country, the chief said. The combination of violence, famine and wars took place everywhere, until national borders and law morphed into tribal societies.
Speaker 1:Suddenly, silence filled the chicky when an old woman appeared. Oh, it's Billy Osceola. Someone whispered how long did it take her to walk here? Another person wanted to know. Jl leaned over to lisa. She looks like she's at least 110. Oh, look at all those wonderful lines on her face. Lisa said All talking and whispering stopped when Billy Osceola raised her hand To the Seminoles.
Speaker 1:Her reputation as a famous medicine woman was undisputed. With a voice that seemed to rise from the bowels of the earth, she began chanting as she walked toward the four travelers. When she placed her hand on their heads, they reacted as if getting an electrical shock. Billy O'Sullivan spoke in a language from the past, while Chief Yohola translated. Billy is describing a vision from two weeks ago and that's when she started her long walk here.
Speaker 1:The chief stunned JL and Lisa, telling them that the medicine woman said that well, this is what Billy Yojola says. You will meet a young woman of destiny. Later she told them about a long journey ahead that will decide the fate of the world. That person you're about to meet will be the fulfillment of a prophecy. I don't know how, but I understood her every word. Jl later told Lisa when she talked in that language. I understood her. I must do everything in my power to keep us safe.
Speaker 1:Billy Osceola motioned David to the stand. They will recognize you for the role you played in guiding these three to the next station. Then she turned to JL, lisa and Marcy. A special guide will be there to lead you onward. Go with God and good spirits. Billy Osceola smiled at the gathering, waved goodbye and turned. They watched in awe as the dark, silent night swallowed the medicine woman as if she had never been there the next day. Refreshed, the four travelers bade goodbye to Chief Yehola and thanked them all for their support.
Speaker 1:David and Marcy carried provisions and attached it to the back of the Jeep. Jl and Lisa watched while resting in the shade using palm fronts to fan the heat away. You feel hot to the touch, lisa. I don't know what the problem is. She said Lately. I get tired from any exertion. You know that's not like me. You don't have COVID symptoms. Are you feeling up to going, or should we ask David to wait? That made Lisa angry and she assured her husband with a look that said she could go on. That said she could go on. Jl didn't believe her, but he kept that to himself and was startled when David joined them. Is everything okay with you two? Lisa and JL nodded yes, the way we always do in answer to a question like that. Jl saw the look on David's face. I don't think he's buying her story either.
Speaker 1:Jl and David traded off the driving and Marcy stayed in the back with Lisa. When JL looked in the mirror he could see Marcy seemed worried about Lisa too, sitting in the open. They were grateful for sun umbrellas a gift from Chief Yohola and traveling northward they encountered no problems crossing I-10, looking in both directions, not a militia patrol in sight. We should be at the Florida-Georgia line in one hour. I needed to stop and stretch JL. The roads are in pretty good shape in this part of Florida. I think the smooth ride is good for Lisa. Jl said During the rest stop. Jl and Lisa watched Marcy's driving lesson Several stops ago. Marcy asked David to teach her how to drive. Lisa laughed. She changed his gears without grinding them at all. David heard sadness in his wife's tone. I look at her and remember our daughter, vera, learning to drive. You were so patient.
Speaker 1:Jail took his turn behind the wheel when they started again. There were fewer potholes to avoid and he felt complacent until he glanced at David in the passenger seat. He seemed to be looking back over his shoulder. Is there a problem? David didn't answer right away. Pull over at the top of the next hill. Jail eased to a stop and David said I think we're being followed. Jail turned to look back. Are we being followed? Who? It's not a coincidence, jail. They're being very careful, staying well back.
Speaker 1:I glanced in the mirror and saw one movement. I saw them cresting a hill this road, which bypasses the valtas and i-75 spaghetti bowl. I have to admit, we've had problems in this part of the drive to Brasstown Ball. Before. They kept their voices low and Jail didn't want to alarm Lisa and Marcy, both asleep in the back, jail stood up in the Jeep and turned around, holding onto the windscreen to look back. I see nothing. Was it a car or Jeep like this? No, it was two motorcycles. They're leapfrogging each other so only one gets exposed at a time. Who or what do you think they are? Militia? Jail kept looking back. He still couldn't see anything.
Speaker 1:After we crossed the Florida-Georgia state line, we had a good visibility Small hills and a few dead trees, mostly peach trees. I'd wanted to bypass Macon, that spaghetti hole of interstate highways with a shortcut to Atlanta and the other one leading to Savannah. We're not going to Savannah, are we? David ignored the question. The bikers haven't tried to close on us. The militia controls the interstate corridors. That's why crossing on one is dangerous. I can't put my finger on it. The bikers don't shout militia to me. Militia or rogue? Jail said Getting caught by either that must mean execution on the spot. David slowed the jeep and looked in the mirror Nothing. He pulled off the tarmac and stopped when Our what Marcy said using her loud outside voice.
Speaker 1:Lisa sat up alert to something wrong. What is it, j jail? We need to take a break and let the engine cool off. Aware he never answered her questions With no day, but long enough to realize he takes our safety very seriously.
Speaker 1:Lisa and Marcy made a dash for a clump of trees. Men, marcy pouted they don't have to squat down like this and pee. Marcy said, pulling a face Are you hungry? Lisa pulled a food chip from her pocket. Thanks, there was a long pause. I've been thinking about something I want to ask'. "'what'? Lisa laughed. "'spit it out. Marcy ran to hug Marcy. Er Lisa, "'i want you to be my mommy' "'Tears began flooding her eyes'. Lisa knew the best for Marcy right now was a hug and a good cry. Jail was right. Lisa thought. He said the bond was becoming obvious.
Speaker 1:Lisa used that time to think of the best response to a question like this. She took Marcy by the hand and they walked towards some shade. What you said was very, very special, but you had a mama and a papa that loved you and wanted you to have a future. I know it's sad. I have a daughter and I wanted her to have a future too. Lisa couldn't go on and soon they were both crying.
Speaker 1:Then Lisa pulled Marcy's head to her chest. A mother and daughter develop a special bond. She felt Marcy still crying. But sisters also have a tight bond and I've never had a sister, sisters tight bond and I've never had a sister Sisters. Marcy let that word roll from her tongue as Lisa held out her hand and Marcy made an amazing transformation from sad to happy. Oh yeah, I would like to have a sister. This should be fun telling JL tonight, feeling good about the way she handled the mother-sister request from Marcy.
Speaker 1:Will my sister tell me what getting my period means? You never asked my question earlier, remember? Getting my period means you never asked my question earlier, remember? Marcy's question was interrupted by the roar of two motorcycles approaching. She grabbed Marcy's hand in protection and the two ran back to the Jeep. David and JL stood like statues, neither moving a muscle.
Speaker 1:The four watched the first rider dismount and removed her helmet, displaying blonde hair. The second rider followed suit, both wearing yellow helmets. When he hands up his shirt jacket, rather, david saw the logo on the T-shirt. Maybe it's all right. David whispered. Are they with the sacred resistance? I'm Jenna. The woman said this is Conrad.
Speaker 1:We've been tracking you since you passed the Cross Creek Fish Camp. Back near Fort McCoy we got a message from the Bald that the virtual vultures are circling and the head of the Operation, viper Bites, is taking it personally. Our contact tells us that the director of that operation has vowed to arrest you himself. Did they know how close the vultures are? David asked, knowing they likely didn't have a good answer. I don't know. We'll ride with you until you get to the ball. Then two more riders are waiting on the road ahead of us. If they see any danger they'll give us a warning. How much more can I take? Lisa said and collapsed on Jail's shoulder. Lisa and I are sisters now.
Speaker 1:Marcy announced Jail had carried a notebook as a journal since leaving White City. Even with the stress of making an escape and the Soul Trek North, he snatched moments to record his thoughts. He sat with an hour of light ahead, apart from the others. David told him now that they were so close they were almost to the bald. He says one, two hours tops. He kept his journal wrapped and opened it to start an entry, but he felt distracted. Lisa was looking somewhat better, but he saw fatigue lines on her face that I don't know. Marcy was always at Lisa's side and Marty C had admitted to David. I'm worried that Lisa's going to die. So, instead of writing, jl opened the journal and read through all installments written up to today.
Speaker 1:Up to today, it hadn't been just one incident contributing to the approaching apocalypse. When we first heard about COVID-19, everyone seemed to have opinions about the severity as a public health threat. The virus would go away. We were just dreaming about it. Each newscast reported fresh cases and deaths. I should know. Our daughter Vera was a month soon when we all realized it was far more serious than the flu and the debate about masks, vaccination. Anger soon became fueled by disinformation, misinformation and fear-mongering. Our president even took to the podium and suggested we would all be all right if we just drank bleach. Fifteen years later, the virus had gone through scores of variations, each learning new ways to avoid. Detection and cure, vaccine and treatment. By 2033. Eh, no more treatment. The virus was not as widespread, but once diagnosed, it was a death sentence. In 1962, rachel Carson investigated the use of DDT and how it entered the food chain.
Speaker 1:Her report, silent Spring, became famous for raising the alarm about climate change Few. Remember it, by 1920, the evidence was emerging to back her claim Snow-capped mountains lost their caps of snow, polar ice lost pieces of ice the size of major cities and, faced with overwhelming evidence, most acknowledged climate change until the newscast moved on to other topics. Who won the basketball game last night? Americans 60 years later, after Silent Spring? Hmm, any discussion about a warming planet has been turned into talking points. What climate change? I will admit I didn't think such a catastrophic change would occur in my lifetime. Sure, average temperatures kept rising at the fastest between 23 and 29. And sea levels kept rising and the climate change deniers came out in full volume. 2022, yeah, I remember that year.
Speaker 1:From the midterm elections it turned into a shitstorm of rage, lies and violence around polling places. One of my journal entries notes that common sense, like Elvis, has left the building. Reports of private militia groups attacking voters soon became commonplace. Jl stopped reading and recalled the developments between 1922 and 1924, and he turned the page where he wrote about that time. With Christian nationalists in control, hate, anger and violence grew exponentially. After his inauguration in 2025, he appointed himself to office ruler. Overall. The president declared martial law and became a totalitarian despot answering to no law Can civil war be far behind. Thank you for listening to another episode of Countdown to Doomsday. What's in store for JL, lisa and Kat in their next episode? We welcome your comments and you may contact us at chuck at chuckwaldroncom. Narrated by me, chuck Waldron. Produced by Edna Francis.