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 11: The Wytheville Detour
What happens when a government pursuit goes head-to-head with the unexpected agility of a vintage car? Join us as we uncover the high-stakes chase led by Harold Pryor and his team, who find themselves outmaneuvered by a seemingly unbeatable driver in a souped-up antique Lincoln. Despite their advanced technology and armored vehicles, the team struggles to keep up, especially as the chase takes a surprising turn onto challenging secondary roads toward Wytheville, Virginia. As tensions rise, a poignant moment unfolds when the team pauses to listen to an unborn baby's heartbeat, reminding everyone of the deeper stakes at play.
On another front, we follow Bob and his group navigating a perilous journey from the intersection near I-77 to the conflict-laden city of Pittsburgh. Armed with old-school tech to avoid compromised systems, Bob’s reliance on a pager becomes essential in steering clear of militia strongholds. Alongside these harrowing obstacles, a chilling revelation from Mother Ross about Lisa’s health adds an emotional edge to their journey. Themes of survival and human connection pulse through the narrative, culminating in a gripping scene where JL and Lisa confront the fear of separation amidst their grim circumstances. Tune in for a compelling exploration of resilience and the bonds that sustain us in the face of adversity.
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 11, pryor Sets a Trap and the Wytheville detour. Harold Pryor surrounded himself with a team of elite experts specializing in electronic surveillance. They used the collected data to analyze the location and movement of those considered a threat to the government. A threat to the government. One look at the boss's red-faced expression of rage was enough to send all of them scurrying for a hiding place. Except the only person not intimidated was Annika. She doesn't take any shit from him. Someone once said Well, today was no exception. What the hell happened? Spittle flew when he asked the question. We should have had them by now. The driver must know the area. The drone managed a photo shot of him, but nothing came up we could use for facial recognition. He appears to be making random decisions turning off the parkway when there's an intersection, then jumping back at the next corner. It's a challenge. Pryor held up his hand Enough. I don't want any excuses. It's not an excuse, boss. We've spotted him and ordered our closest team. They just turned onto the parkway about two or three miles behind. So what's the problem then? Well, the driver is using an antique souped-up Lincoln. We have the advantage of firepower, practically armored vehicles. What we can't match is the speed. One tech radioed. We're losing the race. Harold Pryor stomped around the room. Where is our drone analyst? I want him here now. And Annika looked around when she heard the door open and Cranston came in, a genius at analyzing information from the drone, but he looked paralyzed with fear as he walked in, taking a deep breath. He walked to a wall map. We have one unit assigned 21 miles to the north. We have people from behind and they're going to set up a roadblock. So what are you waiting for? Prior roared. Anika almost laughed at how fast Cranston ran back to his computer station.
Speaker 1:An hour later, an armored truck backed out of a garage at Ward's Gap before turning south on the parkway. The man in the passenger seat was in charge and beside him were three others sitting with automatic weapons at the ready. We'll set the blockade at mile post 197, clear, loud and clear. The others chanted. They met their new guide. Hand me the binocular case, bob.
Speaker 1:Bob said the motor pinging as it's cooled after a long drive. It'll be dark soon. This is a high point on the parkway and I should be able to get a look in both directions. Well, I gotta pee. Marcy said same here. Cat Kat and Lisa said in unison.
Speaker 1:Jl opened his door and stretched his aching muscles. Thankful he wasn't, he was riding and not walking. He joined Bob at the rock wall. Anything See, anything? No, but that's what worries me. This old Lincoln outran their heavy armored trucks. Well, isn't that good news, I guess. But what I'm nervous about is what if they have somebody coming from the other direction? Oh my God, I hadn't thought about that. What do you have in mind? Bob didn't answer right away. They could hear the laughter of the other three walking back to the car.
Speaker 1:Well, bob said we get off this fucking parkway. It's too easy for them the longer we stay on it. I poured some water, lisa said, handing JL a sandwich and a glass. What's Bob thinking? Jl? Well, he's studying a map. He said we have to get off the parkway. Bob spread the map on the hood of the car and motioned the others to join. It won't be a picnic. Looking at the map, I only see one choice I'll get off the parkway and take secondary roads to Wy, withville, virginia. Bob took out an old phone Not smart, this phone, but it still works, he said. After a brief conversation he turned back to the others. They've instructed me to take you to Roanoke, but plans change. Eh, now we head to Withville. A friend with a raggedy Volkswagen van will take you from there to Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1:Our break is over. Buckle up. These roads are in a notoriously poor condition. Lisa and JL exchange glances as if we hadn't seen anything on notoriously bad roads before. Jl watched Bob scanning the road ahead. Finally he pointed I'm taking that road to the left.
Speaker 1:Cat let out an impulsive shriek as the car plunged on a gravel road. The road was so steep everyone thought Bob was driving off the edge of the earth. Jl said he had to admire Bob's driving skills. The ancient Lincoln responded to Bob's every turn of the steering wheel. Rocks and debris scattered as they descended nearly 2,500 feet in a series of pretzel-like turns.
Speaker 1:Jl heard Cat grunt in pain before they stopped at the stream in the valley. Are you okay? Bob asked her. I think so, but I felt a twinge. Lisa reached over and pushed gently on Cat's belly, then leaned over to put her ear over the baby's bum. I can hear it. She said oh, I want to hear it too. Marcy said oh, that is so cool. Lisa tapped JL on the shoulder. Let Kat sit in the front, she needs room to stretch her legs.
Speaker 1:Bob opened the door and walked to the edge of the stream. It's not that wide. He shouted back. The others watched him pick up a large stick and test the depth of the water. He carefully stepped in and waded across. Doesn't even come up halfway to my knees. Did you hear that? Marcy said Yep. Bob said, holding his hand to his ear. At least two vehicles back up on the parkway traveling fast. No choice now I must take a chance and forward the stream and hope they didn't see us make the turnoff. Don't see it. They didn't see us make the turn off.
Speaker 1:The four? The four sat in silence as bob eased the car over the stones, the water coming up to the top of the tires. The tired look of the old car forded the stream with ease. Once the tires gained purchase on the dirt lane on the opposite side, he reached over to comfort. Cat, keep the belt as tight as you can tolerate as they began to ascent to the top of the next bluff. When we get to the top I need to look back at the parkway and where our militia friends are Finally reaching the top of the rock face, bob wheezed I need to rest.
Speaker 1:I'm taking a beating in the same for this old car. I'll look, jail said. Reaching the glove box for the binocular case, he turned back and raised his glasses. Damn, that was some challenge. I've never seen a road like that. Tell me what you can see. Bob said It'll be dark too soon. Well, there are two cars that were following us, meeting up with a third truck coming from the other direction. That's the one you were worried about. I think you got us off the parkway in the nick of time. Does it look like they've spotted the road we took? I don't think so. A guy has a phone to his ear ordering men in all directions. Frankly, I don't believe the road you chose looks accessible to them. I was desperate. Bob said that was an old horse path I hiked once, not a place for a car like this.
Speaker 1:The temperature changed, with a gust of wind preceding lightning as it profiled against the inky black clouds. Thunder followed close behind the flashes of light. You know a storm is going to provide suitable cover. We'll be on our way at first light, bob told them. Lisa and JL made a bed for Kat in the back seat. Bob lifted the trunk lid and pulled out a tarp, creating a shelter for Marcy to sleep. If it rained, you two lovers take the front seat. What about you, lisa asked. Bob wrapped himself in an oil skin coat, pulling it tight. I'll be okay. They watched him walk into the darkness.
Speaker 1:Bob was all smiles the following morning. This stuff looks like coffee. But Marcy jumped from the trunk. It was what I imagined camping was like. I loved hearing the rain on the tarp. Cat stretched and curled like a cat. Well, I needed that rest for sure. Bob stood pouring the drugs of his coffee on the ground. Buckle up, pilgrims. Next stop Withville, god willing. I guess I don't need to tell you to expect a rough ride. Cat groaned and the rest all nodded in compassion for her.
Speaker 1:Lisa overheard Bob talking to Cat Pardon, an old man for being nosy. I've never been to Louisiana. What's it like? Why did you have to leave? Cat didn't respond immediately, gathering her thoughts. Well, I grew up with my softa, my grandmother. I remember holding her hand and walking on the levee. She told me wonderful stories about the great river. Cat wiped a tear away. Old Jim lived next door. He got some rope and made a swing for me under a small tree in front of the house. I would swing and dream I was flying Lisa snuggled against jail as they listened. I'm old-fashioned Cat and would never ask a lady her age. But I can see you can't be 20 yet pregnant alone.
Speaker 1:And on the run Cat seemed to decide. I'm not sure I would go through with an abortion, but once I discussed it with my doctor my name went on a waiting list, it seems, or wanted list, it seems. The new government doesn't see the irony in a death sentence for anyone seeking information about abortion Makes no sense to me, bob said as he placed a comforting hand on Kat's arm. What about the father? Oh, we were so in love. She managed between sobs. He didn't care that somebody had raped me before we met. But what chance did a girl like me have thinking about marrying a white boy, the son of the mayor? Cat couldn't continue.
Speaker 1:I was told you have a special destiny, cat. Old, you have a special destiny, kat. Bob said. We were told to do whatever it takes to get you to your destination. The same for JL, lisa and Marcy. I never heard what they meant by special. I don't feel special. Kat told him it's strange. I grew up alone and wrapped in my grandmother's love. I thought I lost it all when I had to leave. She turned and looked at Marcy, asleep next to Lisa. I was cautious when I met them at Brasstown Bald. I hurt and I couldn't trust anybody. Jail simply sat and listened to my story. Then, without judging me, lisa accepted me without reservation. Then I ended up with a new sister, the sassy Marcy. We never knew when bad weather is coming our way, but the calm after the storm can provide rare opportunities. It's like finding a new family. Kat.
Speaker 1:Bob's insight surprised Lisa. She'd misjudged what appeared to be an uneducated Appalachian man wearing a plaid shirt and overalls. They drove on in silence, lisa drifting into a twilight sleep, half awake listening to the hum of the tires. Marcy poked JL to wake him. I think that's Withville ahead. Look at all the smoke. Oh, it's getting worse, bob said. I wonder why we haven't seen any militia patrols. It looks like a major battle ahead. I don't like the looks of this.
Speaker 1:Jl used some of their precious water supply to dampen cloth rags, handing them to the other for some protection from the smoke. He showed them how to hold the cloth in their hands, covering their mouth and nose Like one of those N95 masks from the pandemic. He said it's burning my eyes, marcy said. Lisa used her cloth to wipe Marcy's eyes, squeezing them for extra water as eye drops. Cat worked hard to stop her coughing. Oh, thanks for the wipes, jail. Jail was about to say you're welcome when Bob interrupted him. This seems like a good place to stop.
Speaker 1:Most of the fighting seems to be taking place where the truckers and tourists use the intersection with I-77 heading northwest to Beckley. And then Cat leaned over Bob's shoulder to look at the gas gauge. How long can you keep going on this much fuel, she whispered. Bob said I've been able to locate. He reached for a pager fastened to his belt. You know this is old school technology, he said their programs can't hack into it. Bob got up when they reached an old van on the side of the highway. It was so old, it still had flower decals, like hippies from the 1960s used to paint, post it, paste it on. He came back to the other. Well, the VM, the VW Vans that are right off the driver's dead On the ground next to the van burned alive by the militia.
Speaker 1:Bob stared at the latest message as the pager pinged again Heavy fighting ahead. These battles have broken out in all the malicious stronghold cities. A last message gave him direction to a detour around the fighting at the intersection with I-77. And I guess we have a place where we can get some fuel and supplies. Lisa leaned in. What do you think our chances are? It's time to improvise. Bob said. I have new orders to keep driving. Our new destination is a map-coordinated coordinate on the St Lawrence River near Lisbon Town, new York. That's on the US side of the St Lawrence River, near Lisbon Town, new York. That's on the US side of the border.
Speaker 1:That shook JL out of complacency, hearing Bob. He says what, the when are we being taken? Lisa sounded demanding. I don't know. Bob said. I only know my part, but each guide has been told of a special destiny for you guys. I know nothing beyond that, I promise.
Speaker 1:Bob started the car and followed directions from Detour Inn around the fighting. He drove them north on a side road. That smoke cleared but the smell lingered. Is that her Marcy wanted to know. I think so. They told me she was old, but look at all those wrinkles. Mother Ross was indeed old but still had most of the strength of her younger days. She told Bob to drive to a shed behind the barn and help them load fuel, water and food they prepared to leave.
Speaker 1:Mother Ross called JL aside. That be your missus, lisa. Yes, why do you ask? I'm blessed with visions. The old woman told him. I see things. Your missus ain't well. There's a growth that rocked JL to the core. Still, he kept it to himself.
Speaker 1:As they headed to Beckley, west Virginia, he kept looking at Lisa, trying not to stare when she was sure Lisa was sleeping. Cat nudge. Jl, I've noticed the way you're looking at Lisa Is something wrong. Jail snapped Leave it alone. He immediately regretted his outburst but couldn't bring himself to apologize. He saw the hurt look on Cat's face, the way she chewed on her lip in a grimace.
Speaker 1:The silence felt surreal. The chunks of buckling tarmac were the only obstacles and it didn't seem to bother Bob as he carefully steered around them. The big question on everyone's mind was the absence of militia checkpoints. When Marcy asked if they were finally safe, the others told her not to ask a question like that in case it brought bad luck. They all tensed when they approached a tunnel. I've only been here once. Bob said it's the big Walker Mountain Tunnel. Keep your fingers crossed. Pieces of the wall tile are reportedly breaking away and falling on the hard highway. Bob broke hard as they exited the tunnel.
Speaker 1:On the West Virginia side, a driver and three other armed militiamen sat on a pickup. Bob expected to be pulled over but to his surprise the driver raised his hand and waved them on. Unbelievable Jail said. With another detour around the sounds and sights of battle in and around Beckley. The next stop after their turn north was Pittsburgh. I wonder what it's like there. Cat closed her eyes as her tension eased, then fell back asleep.
Speaker 1:Approaching Pittsburgh from the south, bob received a new message. The city is a powder keg, battalion-sized units engaged in fierce street-to-street fighting, especially in the warrant of shops and restaurants called the Strip. They want me to go around, but there are few options. Following instructions, bob took the third off-ramp. The old Lincoln slid sideways, tires screaming in protest as they came to a halt at the bottom of the ramp. Four cars, blue lights flashing, blocked them.
Speaker 1:Shit was all, bob said, in the county jail jail sat on a street cot attached to the wall, steel cot attached to the wall. He couldn't stop worrying about Lisa. He asked to see her. His answer was a rifle butt between the shoulder blades. This is it, he thought. Tugging at the handcuffs. Our greatest fear was dying alone. Has it come to that? Finally, he heard her voice shouting I love you. At the top of his voice. It didn't matter. With his voice, it didn't matter. Dank concrete absorbed his message as he shouted in return, lisa, lying on her back, threw the small blanket to her chin, feeling her health worsening. She wanted to get a message to JL, tell him I love him. But the guard simply turned without a word.
Speaker 1:The key clanking in the lock behind Marcy proved to have more resilience than anybody expected. She realized crying was getting her nowhere. She forced her sobbing to a stop. I won't let them see me cry. Papa, I've done what you asked Me. Jl and Lisa have taken good care of me and, papa, I have a new sister, cat Marcy started with deep breaths, slowly letting air out through her lips.
Speaker 1:She tried calling out their names JL, bob, cat, lisa. No response. She curled, drawing her knees to her chest. She didn't realize she was sucking her thumb. As she fell asleep, cat paced herself like a captured feline in a zoo. She tried to ignore the stomach cramps. My baby's letting me know she's getting ready. There was nothing she could do. Well, I guess we'll likely be dead by this time tomorrow. She was thinking about what she heard at their arrest. We have our orders. Take them to separate cells, all of them. No, I'll take the driver with me. He'll be dead after the interrogation, especially a traitor like him. Kat was relieved there wasn't a body search revealing the coded record she kept wrapped securely under her breasts revealing the coded record she kept wrapped securely under her breasts.
Speaker 1:In that moment, between sleep and awake, jl heard the rattle of a key ring. He knew it wasn't mealtime. Without a way to keep time and no window to the outside, he could only go with his intuition. He turned, planting his feet on the icy surface of the cell. Something fell off.
Speaker 1:The guards usually enjoyed banging on the door, making noises to keep him from sleeping. He listened as a key opened his cell door without the usual banging. A giant old man stepped through the door, checked all the boxes of what a militiaman should look like Long tangled red hair matched a spectacular beard. Jl Hedges held his hands in a defensive position. Then he saw something different in this man's eye. The other guys seemed to have indifferent eyes, reptilian eyelids adding to their menace. This man was grinning blue eyes sparkled in the dim light as he ducked his head to enter the cell. We don't have time for introductions. Grab whatever you can and follow me. Jl learned later that the man's name was John Dixon, commanding officer of the First Allegheny Sacred Resistance Brigade.
Speaker 1:For now, jl shuffled behind as the man led him down several hallways. Approaching a door, jail heard a voice Lisa, he shouted. Quiet, his guide said. As he opened the door, jail wanted to smile when he saw his wife, but Lisa's pallor was chalk white. She was holding her arm close to her side to hide the tremors. Okay, I can fake it, he thought to hide the tremors. Okay, I can fake it, he thought. Holding Lisa in a tight embrace, jl realized she had a fever, almost too warm to the touch. Oh, it has to be just a setback, he said, trying to convince himself. Before he could ask about the other, jl heard hushed voices and shuffling footsteps Pushing their way through the door. Kat stood as Marcy raced to Lisa, threatening to bowl Lisa over with momentum. They embraced, looking around as if trying to make sense of this turn of events. Ah, this is the best birthday ever. I'm 13 years old. Today A teenager, jl, gathered them together for a group hug and a happy birthday.
Speaker 1:Greeting Commander Dixon, a woman said we need to move quickly. What's happening? Jl asked Well, a major battle is taking place. Our battalion has occupied a large portion of downtown Pittsburgh, this side of the Fort Pitt Bridge and tunnel. I just heard from our people holding Duquesne Heights at the southern end of the tunnel. They are holding firm, but we need to get the four of you there as quickly as possible. But what happened back at the police station? How did you Greed? Commander Dixon said Bribery is a great motivator for hungry men and women.
Speaker 1:Dixon looked around and called to a young woman Drive my van. A team will wait on the other side of the tunnel. Jail, lisa, marcy and Cat huddled together in the back of the van. As the driver eased around fallen and falling shards of tile, it started, she said over her shoulder. We've been storing weapons and we're ready to take back all the cities the militia consider theirs. Another civil war. Marcy sounded excited. I hope so. The driver said the sunlight was startling after the long stretch of the tunnel. Squinting, jl saw a gathering of vehicles, men and women wearing camo holding weapons at the ready, and the sound of gunfire echoed from the tunnel. Commander Dixon will hold them back as long as possible. Someone said Fight or flight.
Speaker 1:Jl noticed something else, a sight he certainly didn't expect A small aircraft sitting on the tarmac just past the vehicles. Three cars blocking the highway backed up to allow the van carrying the frightened passengers. Their driver pulled alongside of the plane. I'm Samantha. Sam, the pilot said. Holding the door open. She helped them squeeze into place. Don't bother with the seatbelts. Hand in them sandwiches and water. You, she said pointing to Marcy, will have to squish in. Sorry, but no choice. Jail saw the dazed look on Marcy's face. The four of them still didn't fully understand how they were suddenly free and he realized they all shared Marcy's thousand-yard stare. Sam, the pilot steered between debris on the highway and Jail felt his body thrust back as the plane sped to takeoff speed. He admired the pilot's skill as the plane became airborne.
Speaker 1:Where GL asked, I've programmed a phone app. It's not a GPS, but it's better than man. The pilot corrected for a downed raft. There's a grass field on the American side of the St Lawrence River. If I see the correct code flashing, we land. If not, jl couldn't keep the alarm from his voice. We keep going north. Do you have any idea where our destination is? We are guides to help you along the way. We don't know each other's orders in case we're captured. Jl thought about Bob. I know they killed that man that brought us to Pittsburgh. He wasn't even supposed to be with us that far. White City was a faraway, thought in the background. I estimate three hours, maybe a bit more. Sam the pilot tapped on one instrument. No GPS to help, but I was top of my class in dead reckoning. I'm aiming at Lake Ontario, which is pretty hard to miss. Then all I need is to make a starboard turn and follow the river to our landing strip.
Speaker 1:The droning of the engine was hypnotic and JL was feeling drowsy. When he heard Lisa cough he twisted around. Cat and Marcy were sleeping. Then he saw the blood Lisa was wiping from a nosebleed. She tried a reassuring smile but didn't conceal her own worry.
Speaker 1:The first two and a half hours of the flight from Pittsburgh were uneventful. Jail couldn't sleep, but he enjoyed listening to the three in the back seat snoring in unison to sleep. But he enjoyed listening to the three in the back seat snoring in unison. He relaxed watching lights twinkling as they flew over some small towns. It ripped him, however, from his complacency when he heard the pilot say Uh-oh, what's the problem? He asked keeping his voice low to not disturb the others. Problem, he asked, keeping his voice low to not disturb the others. Pilot pointed to the west. A menacing line of jet black roll clouds stretching along a line from northwest to southwest, that's the sweeping storm is approaching the plane at an alarming speed. I have to get us down before the storm hits.
Speaker 1:Jl began scanning the farm fields below, but dust and debris were already impeding his view. The plane gave a violent lurch before dropping over 100 feet in a down draft. Sam was in control, but the tightness of her face told JL she was close to losing it. We should be near the landing strip, she said with a nervous glance at the imposing cloud line. There, a glint, I hope it's our signal A flashlight showing the landing strip there. It flickered again. I saw it too. Jl said it flickered again. I saw it too. Jail said. The downdraft and increasing wind speed were tossing the plane around as if it was an empty styrofoam cup. Jail had a death grip on the door handle as the plane imitated a theme park ride.
Speaker 1:Lisa, awake, now tried to comfort Marcy, reassuring her they would be okay. As Marcy vomited, triggering Cat to do the same. Aren't we landing too hot? Jail said, as if he knew what that meant. The wheels touched the ground and the wheels absorbed the landing so quickly. Hardly anybody noticed. Jail didn't know how tired he was. He could not go on much longer. What if he had to fight with an enemy on the ground? Well, I planted it. Sam shouted her victory yell we're on the ground. She examined the damage. I was told once that any landing you walk away from is a good one. Too bad, this baby isn't about to fly anymore. Hearing shouts. She told Jail and the others to run towards those people holding lamps. That's your new guide waiting Godspeed. 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.