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 9: Secrets of Brasstown Bald
What secrets lie at Brasstown Bald, and what makes JL a "special refugee"? Embark on a captivating and tense journey as we follow JL, Lisa, David, and Marcy in the latest chapter of Countdown to Doomsday. With the mountainous terrain of North Georgia as their backdrop, the group faces both physical tests and emotional strains. Can they find the refuge and safety they desperately need? Tensions are high, and whispers about JL's unique status are just the start. As the group navigates the dangers of their path, Lisa's health becomes a pressing concern, and the looming threat of the militia adds urgency to their escape.
As they trek through the forest, bonds are formed and tested. Marcy and young Ben find solace in each other's company amidst the chaos, while JL uses humor to lift the group's spirits. Volunteer Barkley Noble provides cryptic hints about their mysterious destination, leaving the group and listeners with more questions than answers. Meanwhile, David's departure is bittersweet, underscoring the friendships formed under pressure. This episode intertwines the heart-pounding suspense of survival with the beauty of human connection, painting a vivid picture of hope, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of a future. Join us as we explore these themes and anticipate the next twists in their saga.
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 9, the Bald Looking ahead to finally reach the Brasstown Bald in North Georgia. Jail wrapped his journal and rejoined the others. Lisa handed him a coffee, thanks. Synthetic food keeps us awake. The water has skunk smell on the taste, but the coffee is great. How are you feeling, hon? I'm not as light-headed, but my balance is awful. I work hard at not falling. That's a good idea. David said as he joined them. We don't have far to go now. Rest while you can. You will stay at the vault for a time. Hopefully there's a doctor or nurse there. Marcy threw her cover off. Hey, what are you guys talking about? We need to hurry. David said they will have some authentic food there. Food there. Will there be kids my age, david? I'm sure there will be. Marcy, folding her sleeping Blankets, began crying. What's wrong? Lisa said All I have are some denim coveralls they gave me in Okeechobee and the kids there at this new place they're going to laugh at me. David assured her everyone at the Bald was in the same predicament.
Speaker 1:It's been a long, tiring journey from Florida, but you're about to meet refugees from other parts of the southeastern United States. Our team has been using the Bald as a marshalling point for over two years now. They assign guides for the next part. There were whispers back before I met you, jl. He paused. Some believe you are a special refugee. Jl asked why? Well, all I can tell you are a special refugee. Jl asks why? Well, all I can tell you are whispers Things I've overheard. David said Guides lead refugees farther, further, whichever, into the interior where the resistance can help set them up with a place to live, where the resistance can help set them up with a place to live.
Speaker 1:Robin, a guide returning from a trip to the ball, told me she saw a weird-looking man who said he was waiting for a refugee that matched your description, waiting for what they asked. Robin said it was difficult talking to him because of a language barrier. Some argued he's a Native American. A young boy suggested the waiting man look like the picture of an Eskimo in his school workbook. The man only would tell her he was waiting for four special refugees. Marcy scoffed. We learned at school that Eskimos are not called Inuit. We saw a documentary about people living in the Arctic. Well, I guess we'll find out.
Speaker 1:Jail said I'm uncomfortable with being called special. I'm anything but. Jail said I'm uncomfortable with being called special. I'm anything but. David laughed Well, you're not doing so bad for such an old man. Jail made as if to punch the driver Anytime. You want to find out, he said, raising his hand in a boxer stance. This will be our last time together.
Speaker 1:David said Time to go. Look around. We're getting into some pretty daunting mountainous terrain. Jihal told Lisa. David expected Lisa's next question. The trail that's balled beyond the next ridgeline has fallen trees blocking the road to the top of the last and the last time I was here. It's, but it's probably cleared. If not, I'll get us as close as possible. Then you'll have to walk. What's it like if we have to walk to you at last? I don't know how long Lisa can do that. I may have to walk jail last. I don't know how long Lisa can do that. I may have to take breaks along the way, but I can make it. Lisa said, not sounding convincing, to jail. David waved his hand at the view ahead. This is the highest mountain in Georgia. If we walk it's got to be all uphill.
Speaker 1:Marcy, listening intently, moved closer to Lisa and put a hand on Lisa's shoulder. I'll help. The girl said why is this place so important? Gail asked. A lane from the highway to the Bald is 11 miles. These mountains and forests are impenetrable. If the militia attempted a raid we'll get plenty of warning. The Resistance has someone assigned to monitor the highway at all times. And if the militia turns into this drive up to the Bald. And if the militia turns into this drive up to the Bald, the people at the top have time to implement an escape plan. So will we be safe there, marcy asked.
Speaker 1:David didn't answer his question, her question. He says I've seen evidence of other groups of refugees passing this way recently. Look, that's the turnoff ahead. That's the road to the bulb forking to the left, a sign for a town's country county, rather a sign for town's county. Tilted to the right, the green background faded from weathering and sunlight and David shifted to a lower gear. As they approached the first significant rise, there was a little debris on the road as they made a sharp turn. Marcy shouted Is that it? She could see, pointed to the lookout tower ahead. We've made it, jail said. We've made it. Lisa, slumped in the back seat, did her best to smile. It didn't fool JL. David told us there might be a doctor or nurse. I hope it's not too late.
Speaker 1:Reaching the ball, jl thought the scene looked ominous and menacing. He turned to Lisa and had a leaf inside it. It's like driving through a forest of toothpicks. The mountain ridges look like they're painted with shades of rust. It was amazing. Before the change, david said Black Birch, Mount Mabel Beach and Mount Nash, it was a riot of color when the leaves turned in the fall. Then it was as if the entire population of Atlanta would drive up to the ball to see the leaves changing color. Damn. He shifted into a lower gear, the engine whining at the steep hill. I have to pay attention.
Speaker 1:When they crested the ridge there was a steep drop to the holler, the brakes squealing in protest, the low gear holding the Jeep from racing to the bottom. That's Soapstone Creek, pointing out Riverstones ahead. Before the change it was often hard to ford this creek. Hang on, david said. The road made a sharp turn to the right as they approached the next ridge. I almost fell out. Marcy yelled as Lisa put a protective hand on the young girl's shoulder. This ascent wasn't as steep until reaching a sharp turn at the switchback Hairpin turn. David said Hold on tight. We have one more turn like this before we reach the top. Ah, we made it. David shouted. Not one for exuberance. His words conveyed excitement. David did what he promised he.
Speaker 1:They all knew it was something serious when they heard a loud clattering noise from under the jeep. The wheels locked in place and jill had to stop himself from plunging into the windscreen. Long accustomed to rattles and grunts from the vehicle, he wasn't prepared for the sudden jolt of silence. It's the gearbox, marcy said when the others looked at her in surprise. She added Papa was a mechanic before the accident. She smirked and pointed to the road behind. I don't think the driveshaft is supposed to be on the road back there.
Speaker 1:David crawled under the Jeep. The front U-bolt sheared off. I don't suppose you have a spare stored somewhere. Jail scoffed. I sure hope you're kidding. David wasn't in a mood to be teased, sorry.
Speaker 1:Jail said bad time for a joke. What do we do now? Lisa said Panic was lacing her words. What do we do now, david? In the meantime, marcy jumped out and started lugging the drive shaft toward the Jeep. It's shot, she said, her hands covered in grease and dirt. David took his hat off and wiped sweat from his brow with a shirt sleeve.
Speaker 1:I knew we were on borrowed time with this Jeep. I kept checking it every time we stopped. The good news is we don't have far to walk. The bad news it's all uphill just to get to the abandoned visitor center. Then another steep hike to the top.
Speaker 1:Jl Flinch 20 heard Lisa moan. Can you do this, lisa? Do I have a choice? Jl took charge to Lisa's surprise. We carry only the essentials water, food, whatever we have left. Marcy, you walk with Lisa Pausing in thought. We will walk in 30-minute intervals with 10-minute breaks between. He turned to David. You said uphill, how far Miles? Half a mile to the abandoned visitor center, maybe a bit more, I'm guessing, but maybe less. Then much farther, to the top of the bald. That's where David wiped a tear. I'm sorry. No need, david. You brought us all this way and we're so thankful that you got us as close as we are Under Jail's direction. David led the way and Jail watched them walking, marcy holding Lisa's hand, following behind, dropping back. He later told Lisa he couldn't shake a feeling they were being followed.
Speaker 1:Jail saw the effort Lisa put into walking. He called ahead to Marcy telling her she was doing a great job helping. He called for a rest after 15 minutes. They sipped at their water pouches, nobody wanting to talk Time to keep moving. Jail said, hearing a collective groan Rounding a corner. David held up his hand. We're almost there. I can see the parking lot, or what used to be a parking lot. I can make it. Lisa said, walking faster. Jl was back in the lead as they reached the kiosk once used to sell tickets to the parking lot and the ride up to the to the bald it was looking.
Speaker 1:Jail was looking at the remains of the visitor center when he saw a group of people coming in that direction. David, I think we have company. David laughed and ran ahead. Caleb, you're a sight for sore eyes. Jl relaxed the lookout, saw you walking, david, and alerted us the man. Caleb said we organized a welcome committee. A huge laugh following, he gave out some directions and three women greeted Lisa and Marcy. They carried a large umbrella and held it to shield the weary travelers from the sun.
Speaker 1:I'm Natasha, a tall, lanky woman, said Lisa, I'm a nurse. I came down to see if you need medical attention. I'm glad I did, because you do not look well. How did you make it this far? Lisa closed her eyes as the other two women bathed her with hand towels soaked in cold water. She couldn't hold back her tears. Oh, that feels so good. A young boy Marcy's age approached her. I'm Ben. What's your name, marcy? She said, suddenly timid. Let's be great friends. The boy said.
Speaker 1:After several minutes Natasha met Caleb in jail. Lisa's a lot sicker and she realizes I don't like the sallowness. She's pale and queasy. I'm uncertain what it may be, but I think we need to get her up to the bald as soon as possible. Take her to the room I use as a clinic. She looked back at Lisa. I don't want to say anything to the others until I know what's wrong.
Speaker 1:Caleb sent young Ben to the top with a message and it wasn't long before the boy ran back with a wagon. Brenda and the others gently lifted Lisa, putting her on blankets, cushioning the bed of the wagon. Jl tried to hide his concern as he walked by her side. Good trick, love, you got out of walking to the top. He knew it was a lame joke, but Lisa smiled anyway, the first time he'd seen her smile in days.
Speaker 1:At the top, jail stretched, asking Lisa if she was feeling any better. Oh, the nurse, natasha, gave me something to help me sleep and I'm not quite so tired. Lisa said to help me sleep and I'm not quite so tired, lisa said. She closed her eyes and in a soft voice, asked where Marcy was. I think young Ben is quite smitten with her laughing. Does anyone say smitten anymore? Anyway, he's introduced her to the other kids her age and I think she's basking in the attention. Are we really here? Lisa looked around. I remember nothing after we started this deep climb other than my head hitting the edge of the wagon on every bump. We were really, we are really at the top of Brasstown Ball. My legs felt rubbery by the time we reached the top. Not too bad for an old man, eh. What about David? Well, he has age on his side and the sacred resistance volunteers are awesome.
Speaker 1:They fed breakfast, proper food, and after we finished coffee and six others walked down to retrieve the jeep. They planned to repair it down by the visitor center and he acknowledged Marcy had correctly diagnosed the problem. I think he's even planning to ask her to help with the repairs. What will he do after it's fixed? Well, the guides keep that all secret. Jail said we had a long talk last night and he whispered that his next pickup was somewhere on the Georgia Atlantic coast. I couldn't. I could tell he was worried. He said the militia was dangerous in that sector along I-95. Jail stopped talking as Lisa's eyes had closed and he let her sleep.
Speaker 1:While Lisa was sleeping, jail strolled around the wraparound deck of the Brasstown bald, imagining being on top of the world. The view from the observation platform provided a 360 degree panorama as he walked, letting his hand trail on top of the wall that formed the edge of the circular deck. To the north, ridges looked like rippling waves, colors from purple to blue. The mountains to the west seemed to hold the sun in place, as if trying to stop it from setting. As if trying to stop it from setting. He could see remnants of a former town in the valley below. He tried to imagine deerskin-wrapped Cherokee hunters stalking among the trees, unaware they would soon be forced to walk what was called the Trail of Tears. That would take them from this beautiful forested mountain to the harsh landscape of Oklahoma, to JL, georgia was just a state to drive through as quickly as possible. He dreaded having to drive through Atlanta. He dreaded having to drive through Atlanta and just in that speed it prevented him from knowing about mountains and indigenous peoples.
Speaker 1:A soft, deep voice interrupted his thoughts. I'm sorry to intrude. Jl was gobsmacked. He'd never met anyone this lanky, with the appearance of a scarecrow. This man looked like an illustration of Ichabod Crane from the legend of Sleepy Owl. I wanted to meet you, mr Evans. My name is Barkley Barkley Noble. Will you spare some time to chat before the meeting tomorrow? By all means, please call me JL.
Speaker 1:Everyone else does what meeting? Well, there are seven groups of refugees. We use the ball to provide rest and preparation for the journey ahead. Each group will have their own guide and the destination. Tomorrow's meeting is the first step in planning for your trip ahead. Do you know my destination? I know it's hard to not have a clue, but I can't tell you. In fact, I don't know. Your guides only know their assigned sections where they will hand you off to the next person. They keep the destination secret on purpose. If they ever captured one of our guides, his words trailed off. Jl frowned his understanding. I'm grateful to get this far, but can you blame me for feeling nervous about what lies ahead? Please, jail, we will meet after breakfast meal. Enjoy your privacy and look up, he said. Raising his head, jail realized it was growing dark. The Milky Way lived up to its name Milky dancing lights Against an inky backdrop.
Speaker 1:The first night at Brasstown, bald sleep proved elusive. What meeting is it Bob Crane talking about? He's in charge. Where will we end up? Questions like that simmered like a pot of soup coming to a boil. He felt confused and realized the sun was up. He had watched it disappear on the northwestern horizon last night. Today he saw it making an appearance from the southeast. I need to prepare Lisa and Marcy. He thought. He spotted the two of them sitting under an overhang, whispering. They stopped when they saw him coming. Are you guys talking about me? He was joking, but maybe not. I feel finally rested. Lisa said For once I'm ravenous, me too. Marcy chimed in.
Speaker 1:Jl told them about Ichabod Crane. Marcy said who's that? So he told her it was a story for another day Ichabod. I'm sorry, mr Crane. Whatever his name was Said, another guy will take over from here, leading the next part of our curious pilgrimage. Did he say where we're going, where we will end up? Lisa wanted to know. He was vague, they all have been so far, but he said we will learn more at the planning session.
Speaker 1:Where's David? Marcy knuckled sleep from her eyes. He's leaving soon. If he hasn't left he wants to say goodbye. They went down and met David at the Jeep in the lower parking lot. Marcy ran up to hug him. I'm going to miss you, marcy. Are you sure you don't want to come with me and be my mechanic? Marcy looked like she was considering the offer. The four avoided tears when they parted but Lisa and Jail heard quiet sobbing from Marcy as they walked back to fold their blankets for the next step. You know there's hope knowing people like David and others in the sacred resistance. Jl said. Marcy and Lisa agreed.
Speaker 1:The mole, kellyanne, was in her mid-twenties. She checked all the right boxes when she interviewed to join the resistance movement. The sake of resistance grew in response to the authoritarian government that replaced the father knows best president. Most considered remnants of democracy were something to be ridiculed. It was nothing like the benign. Most considered remnants of democracy were something to be ridiculed. It was nothing like the benign show of the 1950s television sitcom. By 2035, the government told people what to do and what not to do. It was my way or the highway.
Speaker 1:Growing out of that red-blue civil war, the sacred resistance grew in opposition to the authoritarianism. Millions of volunteers retreated to huge parts of the country and the militia couldn't reach or control them as they morphed into an organized movement. It took the form of an underground resistance, similar to the underground fighters in Europe and Pacific during the six years of World War II between 1939 and 1945. Lacking the ability to stage full frontal military attacks, they gleefully developed the skill for sabotage and other disruptive tactics. But Kellyanne had a secret, and it was considerable. She'd spent nearly three years gaining the confidence of the leaders until they assigned her to the weigh station at Brasstown Bald. Kellyanne was an undercover agent recruited by Anika Carlson.
Speaker 1:Getting reports out of the sacred resistance zone was precarious. She couldn't risk electronic communications. The resistance were wizards and might intercept. The resistance zone was precarious. She couldn't risk electronic communications. The resistance were wizards and might intercept. So she often borrowed a motorcycle, claiming the excuse she wanted a chance to get away from some quiet and riding down the highway she would look for the prearranged location and signal. She left a coded message for her boss using a simple word cipher X-Y-I-R-N-E-N-G-L-S-I-N-S-O-L-S-T-I-N-S-W-L-E-k-h-e-i-o-n. When decoded and annika read the report, your two targets, john l evans and kalua balls, are currently at bb. Liquid clouds flowed, sandwiched between twin mountaintops.
Speaker 1:As Jail stood atop Brasstown Ball, the highest point in Georgia, he tried to hide his nervousness about Lisa. Yesterday she said she felt rested, but Jail knew his wife wasn't holding up well to the hunger, riding, hiking and he wondered if the altitude was a problem. She needs medical attention. But how? Where?
Speaker 1:Deepin thought Jail heard the unmistakable sound of a motorcycle echoing back from the surrounding mountains. Or a motorcycle echoing back from the surrounding mountains. He looked over the rim of the observation platform. A motorbike with two riders came into view. It wound its way up the lane, stopping beneath where JL stood. After removing their helmets, he watched the driver pull back long strands of ginger hair. The person riding on the back had jet black hair tied back. She didn't look a day over sixteen. They disappeared from his view when they walked under the stairs toward the deck. Shortly Ichabod stepped into view on Jael's level, trailed by the two riders. Jael watched them drop to sit on the ground, looking exhausted. Later Jael noticed the younger woman moving to sit apart. He sensed pain expressed by her grimace. Unable to resist, he walked over and asked if he might sit with her.
Speaker 1:Since leaving home, cat had wrapped herself in a protective emotional suit of armor and rubbing her stomach feeling the baby. The cat was suspicious, raped by a white classmate, getting pregnant by another, greg, her boyfriend. She tried to recall how she got her, why she ended up here the last days of blurred memory. She waved JL away. He understood how a towering older man posed a threat to a young woman like Cat. He sat next to her, keeping an arm's length distance. He spoke in low tones, trying to reassure her of his good intentions. She's like a feral cat at the kitchen door, too hungry to leave and too scared to accept any food offered. So he persisted in a soft voice Everyone calls me JL. That's my wife, lisa over there, wanting to assure her he wasn't somebody creepy. The girl traveling with us is Marcy. He kept talking in a muted, soothing voice and was surprised when she suddenly began to cry. It was a haunting sound. Her crying turned into a full-throated sobbing, a double bass keening.
Speaker 1:Jail sat patiently waiting for the young woman to talk or not. My name's Kalu. She said between sobs, I'm so frightened. She said between sobs, I'm so frightened. She blurted it out. Depleted of energy and emotions, she spilled out her story to Jail. I don't know who to trust, who to talk to. I'm terrified about what comes next. Do you have any idea? Jail shook his head. No, klua, that's an interesting name. How did you get it? She stifled a sob. Call me Cat, closing her eyes. My safta. My grandmother gave me the name Cat after African Black Panthers.
Speaker 1:Hearing enough pouring of her story, jl knew he would never abandon this troubled young woman. He waved Lisa and Marcy to join them. Can we make room for another member of our small new family? Marcy's empathy radar was on full alert. She clambered over to sit next to Cat, wrapping her arm around Cat, leaning her head on Cat's shoulders.
Speaker 1:Cat continued weeping until finally coming to a stop. I've been having these visions or dreams over the past two nights, having these visions or dreams over the past two nights. Have you ever heard of a place called Nunavut? I don't know where it is, but JL, lisa and Marcy said they didn't know what or where a place called Nunavut might be. Kat did not tell them anything about the secret book she carried, the one with the coded story of her Jewish lineage. There are some things best kept to me. She thought. Whatever Cat responded with adolescent sarcasm, whatever Cat responded with adolescent sarcasm, I won't be anything like the Bayous in Louisiana. She stopped talking and stared at Lisa. Mr JL, your wife looks poorly. Maybe I can help. Jl later described it as what he called jumping the shark, that moment where you leap beyond your ability. Still, he grasped at Cat's offer to help ease his concern about Lisa's health. A noisy racket broke the quiet, shouting from below what's wrong? Gl said, standing quickly, guides and refugees appeared at the observation desk. It's our worst fear. A militia approaching. There's a convoy of trucks that will soon enter the parking lot below. Ichabod said Militia will soon jump out and form ranks and we have no time to waste.
Speaker 1:Sacred Resistance guides assembled their respective groups. One leader wanted to put Kat, with a family, traveling to the mountains in the US West. Jail stepped in and the tall, lanky man who reminded Jail of Ichabod Crane, began giving orders in a firm, quiet voice. That young woman, the man said, pointed to Cat. Like Jail has a date with Destiny. He looked at Cat. You will travel with Jail, lisa and Marcy. The rest of you refugees need to gather your kits and leave at once with your guides. Jail stood with an arm around Lisa, whispering words of comfort. What does he mean? Date with destiny? Lisa wanted to know.
Speaker 1:Watching everyone else leave on the trails headed west, they felt danger and felt abandoned. They heard footsteps, a man from the top of the steps. There was no way to guess his age. He had one of those faces wrinkled with age and weather, and he was short but carried himself tall. Jl wondered if he was a Cherokee ghost, but this man somehow seemed different.
Speaker 1:We need to move fast. I speak a language you will not understand. English is much easier. Smiling. Call me Nuxuk. It means on the right path. Follow me. We walk fast down Jake's Knob Trail. It will take us to the Appalachian Trail. He waved his arm Come on, we have no time to spare. The sound of gunfire shattered the quiet, automatic weapons firing at a sinister rate.
Speaker 1:Militia must have caught up with the groups of refugees. It's over for them and a reminder for us to hurry. We don't have a minute to spare. He led them east into the woods, in the opposite direction from the other refugees. Jail watched Anouk's head walking quickly, yet without hurry. He watched Cat and Marcy walking on either side of Lisa when the trail permitted. Walking on either side of Lisa when the trail permitted it was one thing. Riding in a noisy Jeep. How will she keep going now that we must walk? Jl felt the ache in his right hip, silently cursing the surgeon who botched his hip replacement. 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.