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 10: Escaping the Brasstown Trap
What if the decisions you make today could lead to a showdown between ideologies both old and new? Join us as we unravel the intense narrative of Countdown to Doomsday, Chapter 10, where Harold Pryor wrestles with personal demons amidst looming threats. As his morning unfolds with haunting nightmares, his associate Anika delivers critical intelligence that sets the Atlanta Zone on a razor-edge path toward a dramatic raid. Meanwhile, Captain Ross revs the engines of vintage military trucks, readying his team for a collision course at Brasstown Bald, where history and ambition are poised to clash.
Travel along the Appalachian Trail with Marcy, JL, Lisa, and Cat as they seek refuge from an unseen menace, their journey marked by exhaustion but strengthened by the fierce loyalty of Cherokee warriors. In a lighter moment, the group shares a laugh and a meal while waiting for their next driver—hope hanging in the air like the distant hum of an oncoming vehicle. With camaraderie as their shield, they navigate an uncertain world, savoring every glimmer of warmth and support as the sun casts its light on a hopeful horizon. Discover how unity and resilience guide them through trials and triumphs, promising an unforgettable exploration of the human spirit.
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 10. The Brasstown Trap.
Speaker 1:Harold Pryor woke up in a bad mood, no different from every other day for him. Not one to laze about. He dressed and went to the kitchen. He viewed the perfect cup of coffee as a work of art, thus beginning with his daily ritual. His mood slightly improved looking at a high-end Breville espresso brewer sitting on his kitchen counter, hearing the machine hiss. He knew his cup was close to ready. He considered his coffee to be a work of art. His superpower, the brewer, sent him back a mere $3,500.
Speaker 1:Cup in hand, prior open the French doors, stepped out onto the deck, tilted his head back and closed his eyes smelling the freshness. As a slight breeze from the west brushed past his face, pryor lifted his free hand, as if to capture the gentle wind. He viewed the landscape. The landscape the Cherokees claimed as a sacred space, but a feeling of closeness as God. As for the less devout like Pryor, it was merely a panoramic beauty. He looked down at the empty cup on the deck railing, tried to erase the memory of his latest dream. Dream Nightmare said it better. In the vision, bailiffs were hauling him into a courtroom in handcuffs. The nightmare felt so real he could tell a gavel was tapping out his own death sentence in Morse code, embracing rage. Pryor threw the coffee cup, waiting to hear the sound of breaking glass below.
Speaker 1:Later Pryor opened the garage door. I need fresh air, he thought. He backed his car out. When he built this mountaintop home he demanded security and concealment. The cost of this mountaintop home was unadulterated hubris. If he was ever asked what hubris was, if he was ever asked what Hubers was, he might recall hearing the phrase as he was growing up in Brooklyn. You know chutzpah. He tried to ignore his nightmare. As he drove past abandoned farms down the hill, his Benz electric EQS hugged the road on every hairpin turn, winding down the mountainside to the village of Circleville.
Speaker 1:Once, on the highway toward Judy Gap, west Virginia, memories of his nightmares came rushing back. In his vision, peyton stood in the courtroom, judged guilty at being a fraud. They blamed him for dividing the nation between the militia and the sacred resistance. Each vision ended with a slow walk toward the scaffold and the waiting hangman's noose Phone. Annika Pryor activated the message center in his car Message app activated.
Speaker 1:A dispassionate voice said from the speakers Anika, we need to talk. He looked at his GPS. In exactly seven minutes yes, boss, I'm missing something important, he thought. The thought stuck like gum on the bottom of a shoe I want them in cuffs or debt, he shouted into his phone. Anika hesitated before knocking. When he got to the office, finally, she rapped on the door. Enter, pryor said. She instantly recognized the storm clouds that had gathered around the boss. She chose a direct approach, not waiting for a question. I know you want good news. Well, here it is. We know the location of two names on your most wanted list. Inwardly, she smirked, knowing she'd caught him back-footed. Evans and Bowles had both turned up at the Brasstown Bald. She watched anger drain from his face, replaced by a look of keen interest. Well, what resources do we have for their extraction? The Atlanta Zone is the best organized and equipped for an armed raid. If they move in time, they have a chance of catching them before they move on. How long will it take them to get an operation underway? Anika felt something like smug when she had the upper hand. It's already taken care of, boss. The convoy left Atlanta at 0500. Anika felt something like smug when she had the upper hand. It's already taken care of, boss. The convoy left Atlanta at 0500 and should be approaching the Bald as we speak.
Speaker 1:New old trucks in Atlanta. Tuesday in Atlanta, 1700 hours. At Tuesday in Atlanta, 1700 hours, Captain Ross watched four deuce-and-a-half trucks pull into the armory parking lot. He recognized them from photographs handed down by his grandfather. The captain's favorite showed his grandfather posing next to one dated 24 October 1944.
Speaker 1:Six weeks ago his supply sergeant set off to locate trucks that might be available. The sergeant had returned with these four trucks. Last Wednesday I came across ten sitting in a warehouse near Memphis. Sergeant Hedgepeth said the two and a half ton truck is a beast, weighing in at well over 10,000 tons. They don't get good gas mileage but they can hit 55 and handle just about any weather. They look nearly new. How old are they? They look nearly new. How old are they? According to the paper's cap, these belong to the Tennessee National Guard, built in 1999. Very low mileage. Luckily they have multi-fuel engines, because regular gasoline was going to be hard to find on the drive back to Atlanta, captain Ross savored the residents of the idling trucks' motors as he watched the drivers dismount and lower the tailgates.
Speaker 1:He commanded Stone Mountain militia, stone Mountain, georgia. In 1915, a Methodist preacher in Stone Mountain, georgia. In 1915, a Methodist preacher in Stone Mountain, created a new organization now recognized as the birthplace of the KKK. Captain Ross, also a Methodist, didn't notice the ironing of mixing religion with white supremacy. The trucks loaded, captain Ross called the sergeants in charge of each truck together. They gathered around one shining a flashlight. On the map. We will depart at sundown.
Speaker 1:Looking at his watch, in 37 minutes he looked at each man. The plan Keep it simple. We reassemble at the intersection with the town, a town creek road. He waited until he was sure they all heard him over the rumbling sound of the idling trucks. The same as we trains are Exactly At midnight. I will send a rider ahead to make sure our arrival is a surprise.
Speaker 1:Corporal Sonia installed a silencing muffler on her motorbike. He ordered flashlights turned off. When she gives a signal it should take us less than 10 minutes to reach the bald. What about sentries? Someone asked. They will be eliminated. Captain Ross said we have our men will be eliminated. Captain Ross said we have our men. It will be all hands when the time comes. Have your men, take a rest and these slackers eh, shoot them.
Speaker 1:Following their new guide, jl and the others wasted no time. They were soon underway. Jake's knob trail descended from the Bald in a southeasterly direction Nooksuk. Their guide said it was less than five miles to the junction with their next trail. With the trees stripped of leaves, the nakedness created an illusion of an ominous atmosphere. Jl gasped for breath, trying not to stumble Each time he jolted his hip walking downhill. His pain reminded him of that damned surgeon. He heard gunfire in the back, but it was fading in the distance to the west. The guide said drop back and stop. Occasionally Listen for anyone following.
Speaker 1:When JL saw Lisa stumbling, pickering her way past large exposed tree roots and outcropping boulders, he was relieved to see Cat and Marcy paying close attention and helping with Lisa's balance. Fifty minutes into the hike, nooksuk halted. We can rest for a bit. Marcy and Cat still looked refreshed, despite the nearly fifty pounds of supplies each carried in their backpacks. Jl caught up, dropping the two backpacks strapped in.
Speaker 1:Their. Guide was concerned about Lisa's strength and between them they had split Lisa's portion, each taking part. Marcy sat next to her adopted sister, stroking Lisa's shoulders. Sometimes Lisa winced when Marcy touched a sore spot. Jl did his best to maintain a cheerful face. He began thinking back to their time together.
Speaker 1:Now, watching Lisa's declining health over the past several days, was JL unconsciously preparing himself for the worst? It startled him when Kat sat next to him. Why hadn't I noticed it before? He said looking at her, you're pregnant. Were you a detective in your past life? She squeezed out a smile.
Speaker 1:They sat while their guide circled the area on the alert for anything out of place. What's that package you're holding? Safda told me it's a record of my ancestry back to Ethiopian Jews. Did you know there were black Jews in Africa? Can't say that I do, but there's a lot I don't know. Does that make you a Jew? I have nobody to ask Time to move. Their guard whispered when he returned and kneeled next to Lisa, his hand stroking her forehead. Fever, not good. Lisa glared at him, forcing herself to stand. I can make it.
Speaker 1:They rested again later when they reached the intersection with the Blue Mountain Trail. We'll take this trail then. Soon we will be turning north. This will be the hardest part Two more days of walking and we'll stay in. Well, I guess we'll stay the night at Red Clay Gap, in the valley below Spaniard's knob. Above he saw the puzzlement on the other's face it will be a safe place to stop. We call valleys a gap in these parts and a knob. If you look at the one is nothing but a rounded hill. It's all part of a smoky mountain chain.
Speaker 1:Jl thought he heard the sound of a drone. He thought it was his overactive imagination. Imagination and Uksuk started making more frequent rest stops. Jl knew it was because of Lisa. He thought he should talk to the guy later tonight. By the time they reached Red Clay Gap, jl's legs were burning. Yet it surprised him to realize how much his fitness had improved since White City and I kept letting my gym memberships expire without using them. He thought it was the faint sound of a motor that snagged JL from a deep sleep.
Speaker 1:What the Don't wake the others Looks like smoking, a hush voice. Was that a motor? Is it the militia? No, not the militia. But Lisa can't go on like this. She's holding us back and that gives the militia a chance to catch up with us.
Speaker 1:I made some contact and requested help with transportation Contact. How the hell is something like that possible? Jl asked what transportation? Well, we talked about stretcher bearers, but they decided it was more doable using an ATV. You know an all-terrain vehicle, one that can handle two passengers. How can it be small enough to manage the trail and be able to carry Lisa? Well, it's a customized quad ATV using silencing mufflers. The driver is called Waleda, her name is Hummingbird, she's close now and you can hardly even hear the sound. I'm afraid Lisa won't make it. Jl voiced his worst fear. I know you're worried. We need to wake the others quietly, please. The less sound the better. Awake.
Speaker 1:They gathered around a small, almost smokeless fire as Jail handed out breakfast bars and Anouk removed a tin from a fire and poured coffee into small cups. Lisa, until now, had tried to maintain her self-reliance. This morning she admitted a ride might be pretty darn nice. Nooks looked out at the fire spreading the coals, asked Marcy to gather debris and cover the ashes. There's Walla, walla, right on time.
Speaker 1:A quad ATV appeared from around a bend in the trail. The rider coasted to a stop in front of the others and removed her helmet. It revealed a head shaved on the right half. She ran her fingers through coal. Black hair draped to the left. The colorful tattoo was a hummingbird gracing the shaven area. Was a hummingbird gracing the shaven area? That's some superior ink, marty said, pointing at the tattoo. My name's Walega. You must be Lisa, she said, looking at Kat, holding Lisa, steady Looks like told me you aren't well.
Speaker 1:Suddenly the sound of another vehicle, the second quad ATV to arrive. Then two more followed and they parked the four vehicles in a circle where the fire used to be. Jl looked confused. You only mentioned one, atv. Nook threw back his shoulders and laughed. Then he turned. All business. We think the militia's close. These guys will take you to the tribal headquarters in the town of Cherokee, north Carolina.
Speaker 1:What about you, nooksep? Where's your ride? Marcy wanted to know and everyone knew Marcy had a crush on the muscular Anuxa. It's time for some classy misdirection. He said that's my job.
Speaker 1:Anuxa turned, walked a few steps into the woods leading up to the gap. Like an illusion he vanished and in silence they could hear him chanting in a language nobody understood. Marcy looked at Walela. He's chanting. An Inuit blessing Walela said, handing a helmet to Lisa. It's a prayer for your journey. A man with a deep voice. Translated, his prayer says may the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your house. May the great spirit bless all who enter there. May your mucklucks make happy tracks in many snows and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder. Nobody seemed to know what a muckluck was when Walayla started her ATV. It broke the silence following the blessing and she let the ATV idle, motioning Lisa to her, handing over a spare helmet.
Speaker 1:Once Lisa was ready, lala turned to Marcy. What's your name, young woman, marcy? Well, marcy, come and help Lisa up on the back. Marcy, kat and JL mounted the passenger seats on each of the other three vehicles, as JL waved a thank you to the trees where Anuk-Tuk had disappeared, leaning over to Lisa, he said I'm sure he's watching until we leave.
Speaker 1:Marcy hugged the woman driving the Appalachian Trail. Sure, twists and turns, the roots make it rough, won't be a problem for us. We were born here. By the way, we pronounce it differently. When you want to say Appalachia, just change it to someone throwing an apple at you. You know Appalachia. Just change it to someone throwing an apple at you. You know Appalachia. Inquietly, marcy asked what's your name? Adzilla, it's my Cherokee name for blossom. Hang on. Marcy wrapped her arms around Adzilla resting her head on the driver's shoulder. She was still hanging on hours later when Adzilla pointed at the sign from the Cherokee North Carolina town limits White letters again on a green background.
Speaker 1:I think we're finally safe, jl said, rushing to help Lisa from the ATV. Lisa faltered as she tried to steady her footing and, stroking her shoulder, he realized how much weight she'd lost her bones draped like translucent skin, barely covering the skeletal undercoat. He held her arm, guiding her to a shaded bench. If asked, people would have described him in the same way. Jl leaned forward, elbows on knees, holding his head. How much can we take, lisa? She didn't bother to answer. I love you, hon. It troubles me to see you so weak.
Speaker 1:Jail tried its best to keep worry out of his voice. I think I'm feeling better. Jail wasn't sure how much further she could walk. Yeah, that drive helped me rest and recover. Looking at her, jl knew she was struggling to placate him. Her appearance far from reassuring.
Speaker 1:Marcy carried water over to them and handing it to Lisa and JL and signed. She sat cross-legged on the grass watching them intently. Jl knew that she had an unasked question behind her eyes, watching a tear form Then gliding slowly down her cheek. Are we finally safe, papa? Jl didn't challenge her about her calling him Papa. He realized how much she'd gone through since leaving White City. In fact, he felt the growing bond between the three of them, I believe. So, marcy, he did his best to plant the seed of hope into his words as he felt Lisa's head on his shoulder. He was about to ask her if she wanted to arrange a place she could rest, even take a nap.
Speaker 1:One cat walked up. Oh it's strange, cat said, leaning against the tree. Nobody will tell me. If they know, nobody will tell us where we're going. They just keep telling me to trust the next guy. Do you think they know? But they're just not telling us. I wondered the same thing. Liz said, lifting her head from JL's shoulder. It's all so mysterious. I asked the lady driving that ATV. Marcy chirped in that cello, told me we were special chosen. What did she mean? The rest shrugged, not having an answer.
Speaker 1:Jl realized they all needed a pep talk. Marcy, look how far we've come, all the way from Florida to North Carolina. If anyone told me we could do this, I would have laughed in their face. Kat, kat, you got to Brasstown bald from the cane fields of Louisiana, yale stood gesture with his arms. What brought us together is beyond me. Where we are going is a mystery, but it made for good news, as our family first grew to three when Marcy joined, and then can grow to four. What about you, kat? Why not make it a family of four?
Speaker 1:Kat felt a pang. It came from her stomach, an instinct that caused her to rub her belly, as if offering reassurance, wondering how to answer the question. Overwhelmed with emotion, cat recalled her escape from Louisiana, how they were now offering a chance to be a part of a family. Jail saw Cat look around to see if anyone noticed her rubbing her tummy like that. He remembered Lisa doing that the same when she was pregnant. The memory of his daughter, vera's birth, was the best day of his life, her death the worst. He was about to say something to Lisa when they heard shouting and saw someone running toward them Follow me, there's no time.
Speaker 1:Three military victors' vehicles were spotted heading this way. Jl saw the fear on Marcy's face and as she stood frozen, he grabbed her hand and pulled her as they followed whoever this was, and Cat helped Lisa keep pace as they all entered the ruins of an abandoned Cherokee casino In here quickly, this new leader said, pointing to a metal door, a faded sign showing the way to a service and storage area. As the door closed, jl and the others heard gunfire, automatic weapons spitting out bullets at an obscene rate. That's our people. The young girl said, hearing the sounds from different weapons, providing a soundtrack of rapid fire and squealing tires. What's going on, jl? I wish I knew Kat. I don't want to hear any more shooting. Marcy's voice giving away her panic. Lisa put her arm around the girl to provide some reassurance. Just then a gentle rapping on the door and another young woman muttered it's okay to come out. There were three trucks, but they turned around and retreated. They didn't want to face Cherokee warriors with automatic weapons. The pride in her voice was obvious.
Speaker 1:Stepping into the sunshine, they saw what looked like a battlefield the body of a man dressed in black lay sprawled across the sidewalk, blood oozing from his body. He wasn't moving In the shade of the tree. A nurse wrapped a bandage on a young man from the tribe wearing a plaid shirt. That's Kenny, he'll be okay. It's only a flesh wound. Where did those guys come from? Jl said Not regular militia for sure. They were too well trained. They pulled back when they saw how we were prepared. They made a lot of noise but no one got badly hurt. Unless you look at that poor sap they left behind. I don't think black is his fashion statement. Another man walked up I just heard from someone in Nashville A jet, painted all black with no markings, landed there in the early morning hours and three vehicles backed down the ramp and at least 20 men exited and they're all dressed in black.
Speaker 1:It startled jail when a 15-year-old Ford Explorer skidded to a halt. Get in. The driver yelled, helping Lisa step up to the rear seat. Jl followed her placing a comforting hand around her shoulder. Marcy yelled shotgun and clambered up to sit next to the driver. Cat eased into the third row seat, her body tense. The driver touched his hat and sped off, watching the speedometer close to 80 miles per hour. They all admired the concentration of and his driving and respected his sounds.
Speaker 1:A marker showed they were driving north on what was once Highway 441. They raced past a faded advertisement for the Museum of Cherokee Indian. Then they passed a sign for a former goldmine roadside attraction long, long abandoned former goldmine roadside attraction long, long abandoned Snaking alongside the Okinawa-lufty river. The driver relaxed when he turned into a pockmarked road and stopped. A worn sign well past pristine condition marked the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, once a treasured tourist destination.
Speaker 1:The leadership told me about you guys, the driver said. Elders talked about seeing you and visions. They say you each have a special calling. My name is Harper and we'll meet another car and driver at the Rattlesnake Mountain Tunnel, slowing, he added. So far no drones. Soon we can stop inside the tunnel and wait. We'll be safe from drones and observation. Jail shuddered Rattlesnakes, rattlesnake Mountain. I hate snakes Standing in the tunnel's gloom. At Rattlesnake Mountain, jl tried to convince himself they were safe, had the militia team. This latest threat tracked them from Cherokee to this tunnel on the blue ridge parkway. Well, whenever he realized he felt safe, it seemed like the sand would shift under his feet. But he was a self-appointed team cheerleader and felt he hadn't been doing a good job lately. Jl also felt uncomfortable about a place called Rattlesnake Mountain, guessing there was a reason for that name.
Speaker 1:Jl's experience with snakes was mostly based on rumors, but, witnessing the stories of the exponential growth of reptiles following the catastrophic climate change, he didn't need to use his imagination. In florida, alligators and snakes outstripped their natural prey, moved up the food chain, finally reaching humans. Gators lurked in any water, ready to pounce before the earth changed on its axis. Male alligators in Florida averaged maybe 10 to 15 feet, females a little shorter. By the time they left White City he knew that people had seen gators up to 35 feet in length. Then the Burmese pythons he thought they're called the snakes that ate Florida. They went from an average length in 2022 of maybe 10 to 16 feet long, weighing 200 pounds. They were far beyond that size 13 years later, some reaching as much as 30 feet.
Speaker 1:Jl had no experience of changes in this part of North Carolina, but the prospect of a giant rattlesnake well, it rattled him. It was one more reason to keep moving. Jl remembered safe, feeling safe, reaching breasts on bald. Then they had to escape. Then they had to escape, drawing huge gulps of safe and free air that any pretensive safety shattered when the raid happened and he learned that militia headquarters in Atlanta had resources and inside intelligence that vastly outstripped their disorganized counterparts. They were well-trained. The sacred resistance held vast parts of the North Georgia mountains and beyond, but they faced a sophisticated enemy in this particular area Inside intelligence, how they knew about JL and Cat at the Bald.
Speaker 1:Jl, marcy said, suddenly, interrupting his thoughts. When will this all be over? Where are we going? We're all so tired. I know, marcy, but I don't know what to tell you. We had to get out of Florida and look, we've made it this far. I remember what Papa told me. People said he was a simple mechanic but he knew stuff he studied. He told me to leave, to get out of Florida. I don't know what to tell you, marcy, how to answer the questions. We all want to know answers to what you're asking. Everything we've done on this journey is trying to stay out of trouble, to stay alive. Gl wiped sweat away with his shirt sleeve. Your father was a smart and brave man sending you away. As sad as that is Lisa, as sad as that is Lisa, as sad as that is Lisa and I are so lucky to have you in our lives.
Speaker 1:Marcy gave a half-hearted smile, trying to convince Jail that she felt better. I wonder if Lisa's awake. She said this dark tunnel made me sleepy. Lisa's awake? She said this dark tunnel made me sleepy. Let's walk to the opening and see what it's like outside. We can peek out. Hand in hand.
Speaker 1:They walked the quarter mile to the opening, shielding their eyes from the daylight. What are you two up to? Surprised by Cat's voice, they turned and Marcy ran over to give her new big sister a hug, just stretching our legs. Jail said Marcy and I are trying to solve the world's problems. Care to share, or is this private? No, we need your help, cat. We were wondering where our next driver is. Marcy said or is this private? No, we need your help, cat. We were wondering where our next driver is.
Speaker 1:Marcy said when our last driver left to return a chair key, he said someone would be coming soon from the opposite direction, from the inside of the tunnel. Be patient, he told us. He saw one of Cat's famous eye rolls. I know, cat, but what choice do we have but to wait and see? If we don't hear anything soon, we must consider walking, and I frankly don't think that's possible. Am I missing the party? Lisa said, walking into the light. Jail swirled at the sound of Lisa's voice. It sounded like someone finally recovering their health and he smiled as he took her in his arms and kissed her. Eww, gross. Marcy snorted, but her broad grin gave her genuine feelings away. You yourself, lisa said, sticking her tongue out.
Speaker 1:The driver from Cherokee left them with ample food and water and JL suggested they have a picnic breakfast. They basked in the sunlight, thanking the people back in Cherokee for such a treat. Jl's eyes watered as he remembered the bravery of those who put up a fight, allowing them to escape. But escape to where? Jl wondered. Kat turned back to the tunnel. I think I hear something. It's a humming sound, an echo. Cat turned back to the tunnel. I think I hear something. It's a humming sound, an echo For real. Gl said I think so. I've got great hearing. They all tensed. Was it another setback? But it was the sound of an engine coming from the tunnel. Our new guide, I hope. Lisa sounded frightened Another one. Who are they and why do they volunteer for this sacred resistance? The sound of the engine grew louder. Headlights finally pierced the inky black tunnel. That sounds like a diesel. Marcy said All right. Jl said we forgot. You're a master mechanic, well, I know the sound of diesels. When the car came into view, they saw it was an old, rust-colored luxury car. Rust is the only thing holding a car together, cat said. When the car stopped, marcy walked up to the driver. How old is this car? The driver, who looked like he was in his 70s, stepped out, snapping his suspenders. He took off his straw hat to fan his face. Well, I'll tell you, young miss, this here is a 1974 Lincoln Conwell with a diesel. I knew it shouted Marcy, jell, walked up. How do you keep a car like that on the road? Walked up. How do you keep a car like that on the road? Well, I've had this car since I drove it out of the showroom. I've babied it, taken care of it like it was my child. The fundamental problem, of course, parks. I have to make my own, but I have a shop and I can make it myself if needed. There's a man in our community from Cuba and he helps me keep old cars running. I don't bother with minor details like the door hanging crooked or dents, they're just dents, but it runs like a deer, and I don't mean the tractor. You must be JL, the man said, holding out his hand. Jl sized the man up and said yep, that's me. This is my wife, lisa. The young lady is Marcy and standing back in the shadow, that's Cat. That's our foursome. How'd y'all meet up? Kat comes from the levee south of New Orleans. She came to us on the back of a motorcycle. Lisa, marcy and I started in White City on the Treasure Coast of Florida. Used to be popular with tourists and not so much now. Kat kept her face neutral and her arms tightly crossed, and she wasn't about to let her guard down quite yet. We met Cat, the brass sound balled and made our escape from there. We're a team. The different refugee groups went in separate directions but judging by all the gunfire, I'm Bob, just Bob. I'm a simple man, not a fancy man. Cooper is my last name, if you must know. I'm your guard for this next leg. Guide for this next leg. Well, where are we going now? Cat stepped forward, dropping her guard. We'll be driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's paved but still has a lot of damaged parts. We have to be careful about those. I have more than enough food and water in the trunk, and from this here tunnel we go all the way to the inn. His four passengers looked at him as if he was speaking an unfamiliar language. I've heard of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a two-lane highway stretching along the top of the mountain ridges. Gl admitted. Well, it's taking us as far as Charlottesville, virginia. How long will that take, lisa asked. Bob had anticipated the question. We're at mile post 458. Now we will exit at mile post 8.8. How's your math, young lady? Without missing a beat, marcy answered 449 miles. Bob grinned. Correct, we can hope for 20 hours. With the shape of the pavement, I'm lucky to average over 30 miles an hour. I was late at getting here because I had to stop and move two trees blocking the highway. The tunnel turned out to be not as lengthy as they had expected. Exiting the opposite end of the tunnel, they all blinked and sneezed. Driving out into the bright sunlight, a blue, cloudless sky stretched overhead. Marcy sat between Cat and Bob in the front, jail sat close to the left window and Lisa stretched out her head on his lap. They were all treated to some not-so-gentle snoring from Lisa. Jail closed his eyes. She needs all the rest she can get Once more, realizing how much his stamina had improved since they first left home. Bob pulled into the rest stop parking area at the Mills River Valley, overlook Time to stretch and maybe have a you know, potty break. Sounding uncomfortable, saying potty. From the beginning, any attempt at modesty was soon abandoned on this quest. Jail thought Marcy, cat and Lisa trotted to a cluster of scrub pines on their left. Jl smiled watching them reach the trees. He could hear laughter and it was a rarity since leaving home. Still, something was bothering JL, a sense he was missing something, something important. I'll be damned, he said, bobbling against the car, lighting a cigar. Say what. I focus so much on security and danger and escape. I hadn't noticed all the subtle changes around here. Sometimes that happens, jl, it's like being the frog in cold water, not feeling the danger until it heats to full boiling. White City is, or was a small town on the east coast of Florida. The pandemic took away almost a third of our population and without vaccination or cure it got even worse. The so-called Second Civil War started in 2029, but by the time it was over, many millions more had died. The Florida militia controlled all the state's coastlines in a swatch, 30 miles wide. I did not know the sacred resistance was so active in the center of the state. Well, it's sort of the same. Here Bob said Death during the war, death from the pandemic, but all paling compared of what followed because of those volcanoes in Russia. When they went off it was like pulling the thread on the climate sweater, if you permit the analogy. Once we started pulling the loose string, the sweater quickly unraveled. Bob continued yeah, the average temperature rose to an incomprehensible rate. We spiraled into a four-year drought. Polar ice melting supercharged the ocean's water level. That left us all feeling sucker-punched. Bob reached into a car and took out a jacket. Temperature can dip quickly when the sun goes down, especially at this altitude. He handed it to jail. One difference I noted on this journey it was unbearable hot back there. I do not know where, but yeah, it does feel cooler. We've noticed. Bob said the temperatures have almost returned to normal here, whatever that is. Well, that didn't happen back in Florida. The drop, intense heat and rising ocean levels brought famine. The militia set up massive greenhouses but it didn't work. I tried plantings and vegetables as such in our yard. Talk about a fool's errand. They looked over the cascading mountain ridges stretching in the distance. White clouds formed in the valleys like a tarpaulin. It looked like smoke, the reason the early settlers named this the Great Smoky Mountain Chain. I was admiring the view, jl said, when I suddenly realized I'd been looking at green vegetation, some flowers and birds. It's been so long I'd forgotten what a songbird sounded like, forgotten what a songbird sounded like. Lisa waved and smiled as they returned and Marcy and Cat held hands, swinging their arms. What's that smoke, lisa said, pointing to the southeast. Been watching that. Bob said it started out small. Now there are two or three more places. Jail stared at the smoke. Is that thunder? I don't think so Well, I recognize the sound of artillery Heard enough of that during the 2029 war. Is that the direction we're going? Lisa sounded tense, afraid, so Bob told her that's Asheville and this road goes straight through the middle of that mess. Cat stroked Mercy's head when the young girl began crying. Why does it all have to be so hard? It was a question everyone asked themselves since leaving home, approaching the outskirts of Asheville was like a scene from a 2029 war. Bob stopped so they could take the sight in Fleishes from exploding artillery. Shells made it look like the Fourth of July. Between the storm clouds gathering and darkness approaching, the flames were vivid, orange and red against the inky background. What next? Jill wanted to know. Bob placed his binoculars on the hood. We may have lucked out. I don't think there's much activity in the direction we're headed. I have a hunch. Later tonight we'll take our chances and drive through Asheville like the devil is chasing us and drive through Asheville like the devil is chasing us. They must be all tired after a day of fighting. We'll have the advantage of total surprise. Jail Didn't hesitate. Let's do it. It's going to be hot driving through that muck. Jail and Cat carry blankets to the stream, plunging them to soak, then carrying them back to the car. Take these, cat, we'll wrap them around us to help shield us from the heat. Marcy jumped up, eager to help her part longer. But it was only three hours later when Bob gave the word, despite the opportunity to do so. No one had slept, each person deep in their own thoughts, worried about getting caught or burned alive. There is no time like the present, bob shouted. He started the car, motioning everybody to hurry. He didn't have to ask twice. Jl told Lisa, marcy and Kat to get in the back seat and keep as low as possible, and he piled the steel-damped blankets over them. He couldn't help himself. He couldn't help himself. Shotgun Marcy, he said, closing the door to the front passenger side as he got in. Those damn headlines aren't much help in the smoke. Bot muttered but I'll just take my best shot. I think I see flames ahead to the right. Jail shouted. Bob sped aiming between the two smaller fires. They were almost through when militia guards started firing their weapons at them. There goes our surprise. Bob laughed. I can tell you which side they're on. Yeah, it looked like Militia, jail said, as a bullet shattered the rear window, stirring glass over the blankets. What was that? Lisa wanted to know. A lucky shot? Jail told her I think we're through the worst. Ten minutes later they emerged from the smoke into a light rain. Bob didn't slow the pace, even with flames receding in the rear. I've got to hold the speed for another 30 minutes, then it's time to refuel. I'm glad one of those bullets didn't hit our fuel cans. When it was time to stop, they all sighed in unison. It didn't take long for Cat to ignite a small fire and everyone shared their excitement at getting past Asheville. I think we left Asheville about 153 miles ago. Bob sounded pleased with himself. I know you all want to know what's next. He laughed when we saw them all nod in agreement. He teased them before saying we're headed to the Roanoke Valley. It's gonna be a long drive, so buckle up. Looking out the window, marcy screamed drone and pointed to the northwest. Bob reacted immediately, turning off the road and stopping under two trees that had formed a canopy. Stay in the car. He whispered as if the drone could pick up his words. Retrieving the binocular case, he eased the door open and stepped out. Why is he whispering? Oh, he's just being careful, kat. It may be overly cautious, yale said, but let's wait and hear what he finds out. Almost an hour passed before Bob walked back to the car. Here's my update. First, thanks to you, marcy. I think we found cover in the nick of time. The drone didn't appear to spot us. It seemed to be making general sweeps. We have to be on the alert for lack of vegetation, especially trees, because it's hard to find camel thawage. The drone finally turned to the west, so I think we're okay. Cat, do you need to rest? I know all the potholes and rough tarmac must bother you. Being in the family way, I'm okay. Cat responded. I don't want to hold us back. I'm taking one last. Look his Bob. The others watched him sweep in the landscape. When he suddenly seemed to freeze in place, he ran back and, after closing the door and starting the car, he said it's much worse than I thought. What Marcy said. What Marcy said. I only had a brief glimpse. Sunlight is reflecting off a vehicle windshield is my best guess. How close GL asked Hard to tell, I didn't have time for a good look. I don't think it's a coincidence, though a car or a vehicle arriving soon after that damn drone. I'm sorry, cat, buckle up tight. I want everyone strapped in. I intend to drive fast and I won't be avoiding potholes and other obstacles. Bob maneuvered like a professional race car driver, skillfully dodging road damage. I'm sorry when he heard Cat groan as he hit a large puddle. She'll be okay, lisa snapped. Cat is pregnant, not disabled. Jl watched Bob's face tighten at the retort, but the driver kept his eyes on the danger ahead. I need your eyes, jl. If you see any problem, let me know. A retort, but the driver kept his eyes on the danger ahead. I need your eyes, jl. If you see any problem, let me know. Jl turned, reaching back for Lisa's hand. What else will go wrong? Little did he know a lot. Welcome back to a new chapter, as always ad-free, curated just for you. 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