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 12: Oh Canada
What if the path to safety was fraught with danger, despair, and the daunting forces of nature? Join us as we explore this gripping narrative of resilience set against the backdrop of a fractured America. Our journey takes us alongside JL, Cat, and Marcy, guided by the ever-steadfast Isaac and Brenda, as they navigate the tumultuous waters of the St. Lawrence River. This episode captures the harsh realities of their quest for refuge in Canada, where rising tensions between the Sacred Resistance and oppressive militia forces mirror the chaos of historical conflicts. As the group battles elements and emotions, they uncover the stark contrasts in climate and societal conditions between the two nations, painting a vivid picture of survival under extreme circumstances.
The poignant bond between our characters is tested as they face gunfire, the treacherous current, and the heart-wrenching loss of Lisa. Isaac and Brenda's quest to find a guide highlights the uncertainty that looms over their fragile existence on Canadian shores. Meanwhile, the covert mission of Isaac, Red, and a young woman to Grand Remus showcases the strategic ingenuity required to navigate a world riddled with checkpoints and challenges. As secrets simmer beneath the surface and alliances are formed, this episode of Countdown to Doomsday resonates with themes of unity, hope, and the relentless spirit that propels our characters forward in their quest for a new beginning amidst the chaos.
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 12. Crossing the St Lawrence River. Welcome to the Six Nations. A tall man wearing jeans and a plaid shirt said I'm Isaac, a young woman stepping into the light. And this, he said, pointing, is Brenda. Six Nations, marcy asked. I'll explain later. We must hurry, isaac said, handing them each a flashlight. Use them when you must, but try to avoid showing light. Brenda and I left canoes hidden on the riverbank. When it's safe, we'll cross to the Canadian side. What about the militia? Jl lifted his rucksack and followed. We rarely see them here, but they can show up when least expected.
Speaker 1:Jail, cat and Marcy both shouted. They were on either side of Lisa, trying to help her walk. Just as Jail got to her side, lisa's right leg buckled and she fell on her side. Removing his shirt, he rolled it, placing it under her head like a pillow. Cat sat on the other side stroking Lisa's face. Marcy was doing her very best not to cry. Take care of her, we'll be right back. Brenda said. She and Isaac headed off. It's dark now. She added Best to help her and try to get some rest. It wasn't long before they heard the sound of chopping wood. Jail watched Lisa's eyes close and when they opened it was as if she wasn't looking at anything, rather looking at someone or a thing. Only she could see feeling Kat's hand on his shoulder. He covered it with his and choked back his fear for his wife's health.
Speaker 1:Brenda carried a blanket, followed by Isaac hefting three poles over his shoulder. He then sat with his legs crossed and used a small hatchet to cut away the bark on two poles, and he cut the last pole apart in three-foot sections. The two then began strapping them together with leather laces, and Brenda fastened the blanket to the assembled frame. It looks like a stretcher. Jl said I didn't expect this. No, that would be too heavy for the little one.
Speaker 1:We made what's called a travois. The planes people tow them behind a horse when they travel. We use human power. Brenda motioned to Kat and Marcy when the travois was ready and they lifted Lisa onto the sled, making her as comfortable as possible. What can I do? Jl said Well, brenda, and I have done this before. I want the three of you to make sure you stay together. Jl told Cat and Marcy to stay close behind the trevois and he dropped back far enough to see them, but he wanted to be quiet in case he heard anything alarming. That's the river smell. Brenda said we're close to the St Lawrence River. She pointed there's a small stream ahead that flows to the river. We pulled the canoes there until they were out of sight from any river patrols.
Speaker 1:Isaac left and returned with branches and twigs. I've collected dry twigs to use as kindling. I'll use them sparingly to start a small fire. Brenda's going to her canoe and bring back some food. It won't be much but it will give us enough fuel while we rest. We were lucky the rain and storm stayed to the south. We can chat around the fire. I have a lot of questions. Marcy said, to nobody's surprise, canada was beckoning. Once we cross the river someone will be there to welcome us.
Speaker 1:Isaac said You're lucky to get out of your country. What have you heard? Jail asked. Well, the sacred resistance is mounting attacks in all the state capitals. They've surprised the militia commanders at the strength. The resistance is growing and the militiamen and women aren't as threatening when they face an actual enemy. Where do you get your information? From people I know on the inside? Hundreds of sacred resistance volunteers come from the indigenous people in the US. There are many from Canadian tribes as well. Over the past three years, the leaders have organized several successful raids, gathering weapons and ammunition. They've also recovered communications and technology for their digital warfare.
Speaker 1:The commanders used lessons from the Ukrainians during the 2022 war with Russia. Lisa raised her head and asked a question Was that part of what happened back in Cherokee and Asheville, north Carolina? Likely, isaac said that's when the latest war broke out. The officials didn't recognize how thoroughly organized the resistance could be. Well, how's the progress since? Jl sounded excited at the news. It went well at first, but the militia regrouped and they outnumber us.
Speaker 1:Are you part of the resistance? Well, if I tell you, I'll have to kill you laughing at the cliche. What's the story in Canada? Well, the eruptions of the Russian volcanoes turned the world's climate on end and we couldn't escape that, even if we were heading into a climate disaster of our own making. The volcanic crisis was much harder on you, from what I know of Florida.
Speaker 1:While we suffered from food shortages, we didn't approach famine conditions. We have a lot of winter clothes and snowmobiles in storage. Because of the increasing temperature, animals and birds are wondering where the snow went. Still, we had to reorganize our food distribution system. Backyard gardens are quite popular. What about the virus, marcy said. Well, we all know it's a worldwide crisis. Isaac responded we lost over one-third of our population. I hear it was the same in the US Now, without a cure or vaccine. We do the same as you. We wait and hope we don't get sick. Cat listened you. We wait and hope we don't get sick. Kat listened and asked about the Canadian views on abortion. We have people against it, kat, but it's legal and available. She thought back to the small-town doctor in Louisiana who saved her life.
Speaker 1:Meanwhile, pryor was on the warpath again. He was sitting at his desk looking at a stain on the wall when the phone rang. After a brief chat, he slammed the phone down and raced to the door. He didn't bother warning any of his team, including Annika. He simply ran to his car, started the engine and raced off. He simply ran to his car, started the engine and raced off.
Speaker 1:In his attempt to get out of Judy Gap, west Virginia. He pushed his Benz to its top speed, riding in a sharp curve, he nearly lost control, but they designed this car for high-speed maneuvering, keeping control. He still panicked when he saw the scene ahead. Due vehicles were blocking the highway. Several people in camouflage uniforms stood with weapons at the ready. The danger he recognized as he slammed on the brakes, putting the car into what was called a bootleg turn. He needed to reverse direction and this turn allowed him to make the 180-degree rotation and stay within the width of a two-lane road. He was about to speed up, thankful for the car's handling, when he realized other people now blocked that direction as well. Why the fuck not? He yelled. Speeding toward that roadblock, he plowed into a narrow space between the two cars. As the resistance fighters scrambled out of the way, pryor thought he was making his escape. Then, with a demonical laugh, he looked at the rearview mirror. No, he shouted. A man was aiming, a rocket-propelled grenade with a heat-seeking guidance system. Harold Pryor's body turned to mist when his beloved Benz exploded in flames. When his beloved Benz exploded in flames Over a thousand miles to the north, jl felt his tension suddenly ease and he didn't know why.
Speaker 1:Sitting around the fire, cat and Marcy stoked the small fire using twigs, as if preparing to roast marshmallows. But this wasn't a picnic. Isaac and Brenda were off preparing the canoes for the crossing. Except for the buzzing mosquitoes and the sound of crickets, there was almost total silence. Marcy sat cross-legged next to Jay out. He pulled her close, feeling her body trembling as Marcy tried to hold back her tears.
Speaker 1:He watched Cat helping Lisa find a comfortable place to lie down. It was heartbreaking to see his wife looking so frail. How will she be able? He couldn't finish that train of thought. We need to help, he told Marcy. They moved to Lisa's side and JL recoiled when he touched his wife's cheek. My dearest Lisa, he murmured as he kissed her. What can we do? He looked at Cat pleading for good news. Cat's expression was not encouraging. Marcy dipped a cloth in cool water and wiped Lisa's forehead, sobbing quietly. Mama, she said. Then slipped into her silence.
Speaker 1:Cat motioned for JL to join her at the edge of the light. He'd watched her, noting it was becoming difficult for her to get up. It was like her growing baby was changing her balance tipping point. Is this all worth it, jl? He considered her question. Did Lisa and I have a chance? Did we have a choice? No, if we stayed in Florida we'd be dead. Is merely staying alive worth it? Well, sometimes I admit to wondering. It wouldn't have ended well for me if I'd stayed back in Louisiana. I shudder to think what would have happened to Marcy if she didn't come with us. Her father must have been brave to urge her to leave. In all this time I don't think she's fully come to terms with that reality.
Speaker 1:I know Kat continued what about you? Jl watched Lisa. Her eyes closed and she was breathing slowly. You ask what about me? Well, before the pandemic, the civil war and the volcanoes erupted, lisa and I enjoyed our careers. We did everything together. We needed resilience when our daughter Vera died, but we made it through. His voice cracked and he was unashamed of his tears. We talked recently about this pilgrimage. The four of us are on. People keep telling us we're special, we have a destiny. Yeah, I wonder about that too, kat. Kat, I know you are a part of something special. Our family increased by one. When Marcy arrived at our door one morning, I know you were cautious at first, given all that's happened to you, and wondering why you should trust me. Us Marcy broke the ice. Cat replied Now we're a family of four. Jl said I have a loving wife and two.
Speaker 1:Brenda broke the silence, running into the light, the militia's close. Isaac thought he heard a drone. That must have been how they located us. What JL asked? Isaac's getting the canoes ready. If we're lucky, we still have two hours of darkness and our safety will be on the other side of the river Once we're in Canada.
Speaker 1:Brenda stopped when she saw Lisa. Oh my God, she's barely breathing. I can't take it. Jail screamed. They rushed to Lisa. She has a pulse, cat said but it's weak. Marcy laid next to Lisa, keening the tears flowing. Mama, no, no.
Speaker 1:Isaac walked into the light and saw the others gathered around Lisa. He took it all in with one glance she's dead or dying. He thought we must move. There's an armed convoy six miles from here. Can we move her? Gl wasn't listening. He was gazing into his wife's eyes, willing her to blink. When she didn't, he knew. He leaned over and placed his ear to her chest. Slowly he rose Ah, shallow breathing. I'll carry her to the canoes. Please, isaac, get us to the other side. I want my life to live or die on freedom. Outracing the militia.
Speaker 1:In the distance they heard sounds of vehicle engines approaching jail and Isaac lowered Lisa's body into one canoe. Push us off and take the front, isaac said. Cat wondered if the secret pack she carried was waterproof. What will be will be. Brenda told Cat to sit in the middle. We can use your new baby's weight for extra balance. It was a well-timed joke, marcy, take the front.
Speaker 1:Watching Marcy's attempt at paddling, she gave Marcy a quick lesson in how to use the J-stroke, the most efficient forward stroke you can use in a canoe. Isaac held back so the other canoe could keep up the current's stronger than usual. He told JL we keep going until we hit the other shore. We don't have a choice. When he said that beams of strong searchlights probed the surrounding darkness, nearly catching Brenda's canoe with one sweep, gunfire followed the lights. They don't know where we are. Isaac said they're firing blindly. Just keep paddling. I have my arms holed out, interrupted by screaming from the other canoe. We've capsized. Brenda shouted Can you swim, cat? I'm about to find out.
Speaker 1:With Ida's guidance, they swam to the other canoe. Marcy and Cat were holding onto the side of the overturned boat. Brenda kept a tight hold on Lisa to keep her body from drifting away in the current JL and I lashed the canoes together and helped Kat and Marcy into the one upright canoe. You and I will kick to help push the canoes, you too, he said to Kat and Marcy Row. They put everything they had into their strokes and Brenda assured JL she could hang on. To Lisa Gunfire to the rear. They saw another approaching storm in the morning light Soon.
Speaker 1:A strong wind drove, the hard rain sideways as the group put all of their power into staying alive. The group put all of their power into staying alive. This is it. All I must do is hold Lisa and let us slip away into the damn river. We can die together. What has all this been for? People keep telling us that we're special. What's special about Lisa?
Speaker 1:Now, jail's foot touched something. He realized it was mud and in the groin light he made out a riverbank. Welcome to the Algonquin tribal lands in Canada. Brenda said Do I want to go on? Jail thought he closed his eyes and leaned back, feeling the current grasping him, calling him to a place free of suffering and, if he only relaxed, giving him any imagine. Oh, I can't imagine a life without Lisa. Oh, I can't imagine a life without Lisa. Just as the current pulled JL underwater, a hand, grabbed him and Isaac said You're not dying on my watch, friend. They all dropped to the ground exhausted. Isaac and Brenda hauled Lisa's lifeless body from the cold water.
Speaker 1:Isaac Silverheels knew morale was ebbing and the effort spent reaching the bank and clambering onto the top took all of the energy they had. It also set their emotional reserves. To distract, he sent Marcy together fuel for a fire. How can we start a fire, she asked. We're all soaking wet, don't worry, kimo Sabe. What's Kimo? A bad joke at a bad time. Marcy, we need to dry our wet clothes.
Speaker 1:So Marcy set out to find firewood while Brenda and Cat squatted alongside JL, who was cradling Lisa's body. They gently removed his arms to place Lisa's body back on the ground. Cat looked back at JL sitting there, motionless, his face unreadable, back in jail. Sitting there, motionless, his face, unreadable, jail sat up with a lurch and shouted at Isaac, you should have left me drowned back in the river. What do I have to live for now? As quickly as he sat up, he lay back sobbing.
Speaker 1:Brenda and Isaac talked out of their shot. They returned and told Kat and Marcy they needed to locate a contact. You'll be safe, and it's even safe enough to make a fire. Isaac said even a large fire, we couldn't stop a virus at the border. We couldn't stop the damage to our climate. At least we don't have a militia and civil war like our neighbors to the south.
Speaker 1:When Brenda and Isaac left, cat motioned to Marcy. They sat with JL removing his clothes to dry by the fire. I think I know why you said that to Isaac about wanting to die. Kat said I know what it feels like to think you've lost everything. Marcy and Kat wept while they dried, jl cradling his arms and trying to rub the painful memory away. You still have two people in your family who need you, who love you. Marcy nodded in agreement. Please, jl, we need you. Kat saw something in the way JL looked and tried to shield it from Marcy. It was a look of a man with nothing more to lose. It shook her to the core, realizing how much she needed him. She watched Jail holding Lisa's body in his arms, rocking back and forth, telling her to wake up. We're almost there. He kept telling Lisa.
Speaker 1:Where did Brendan and Isaac go, kat? When are they coming back? Marcy wanted to know. Brenda told me they needed to locate our next guide. She said we landed more than a mile from our expected place.
Speaker 1:When did they leave? Just as it was getting light. They both assured me they know the area well. We're on the land of the Algonquin Reserve on the Canadian side. They saved our lives. They did, kat said, pulling Marcy to her for a hug.
Speaker 1:Is JL going to be okay? It's up to us to help him now. Do you know how this will end, kat? I wish. Do you know what Inuit means, kat? No, why do you ask? Well, brenda kept talking about it when we were on the canoe holding on after it tipped over. When I asked her what Inuit meant, she never answered it was a grief that wouldn't go away. You need to eat jail. Marcy couldn't hide the grieving in her voice. Please, papa. He turned when she called him papa, but didn't speak.
Speaker 1:Cat finished adding wood to the fire, then joined them and held Lisa's body and murmuring quietly words his wife would never hear. Cat sat with them to one side, marcy the other. They gently pried his fingers away, marcy, wiping tears from JL's eyes. It's time, cat said. It's time Cat said we will forever miss the mother of our new family. Now we need your strength. Jl finally looked at her, nodding his head but incapable of speaking. He let Marcy and Cat lift Lisa's body and place her on a bed of grass.
Speaker 1:Everyone along the way kept saying we're special, that we have a chosen destiny. Jail's words dripped with scorn. Why didn't that include Lisa? The sound of automatic weapons from the American side of the river broke the quiet and the three jumped to their feet. From the American side of the river broke the quiet and the three jumped to their feet. They're just letting us know how close they came to catching you.
Speaker 1:It was Isaac's booming voice. He was walking through tall grasses, followed by Brenda and several other men and women. These brothers and sisters are here to give Lisa an Algonquin burial. He walked to jail, stretched his hand, helping the grieving husband to his feet, jail's eyes filled with tears as he reached out to embrace Isaac. Isaac turned to the other members of his tribe, signaling him to prepare Lisa in the funerary tradition of the Algonquins. It won't be the same. They will have to skip certain parts because you need to be moving on and it may look cruel to you, even barbaric, but it's an honor to you even barbaric, but it's an honor to share her bones in our communal resting place. When you look back someday you'll know she will always be surrounded by friends.
Speaker 1:Jl could watch a procedure that involved cleaning and skinning Lisa's body In a tradition stretching back to the beginning of history. Voices interrupted his thought. Four young women sat teaching Marcy and Cat about the tradition of the three sisters. Oh, the three sisters are maize corn to you, squash and climbing beans. We will show you recipes. In the Algonquin tradition, they spread a blanket placing ingredients to be used beans, a bell pepper, corn, an eggplant, tomatoes and squash. One young woman said An eggplant, tomatoes and squash. One young woman said, pointed to each. As they talked, while the vegetables were prepared, two young boys, perhaps ten years old, were plucking wild ducks Plenty enough for everyone. Jl felt some of his sorrow lifting. It was a beginning of his sorrow lifting. It was a beginning and grudgingly, he was accepting Lisa's death. And he looked over at Kat and Marcy, amazed at the bond of protectiveness he felt towards them.
Speaker 1:A man appeared at the edge of the clearing holding his arms up in a sign of peace. He was a big man with a red hair and a beard and a broad smile. Isaac stood. We were told about you. He laughed. You live up to your nickname. Yes, j Mara, papel Orange, shanguin. The man roared, pounding his chest. Just call me Red. Now there's more ahead for us, jl told the girls. They stepped forward, each receiving air kisses and bear hugs. Where's next, jl asked Red, let's eat first, then we must pack Whenever belongings you have get plenty of sleep and ready to leave at first light in the morning. Jl smiled at Marcy's judge of character. It was no surprise. She immediately adopted the gentle giant and was sitting at his side while they ate. I can only imagine how surreal this must seem Red's English laced with a thick Quebecois influence accent.
Speaker 1:I will be your next guide, and there's only one more guide after me, but don't ask. He said I don't know your final destination. Red wiped the stray food away with his shirt sleeve. Our first destination is Chagoumama, in the north of Quebec. He leaned down to tell Marcy she would learn French soon enough, smiling at her enthusiastic.
Speaker 1:Yes, we'll pack supplies for the last part. We'll travel together using all-terrain vehicles for the first part of the journey and I know you had an awful experience with canoes, but we will need them. The last part will include a lot of walking. He poked Marcy on the shoulder. You guys need to fatten up. You look like scarecrows. He looked at Cat I can walk. She snorted. I can out-walk you. Red said to himself that he had to admire her pluck, but he knew crossing the vast, rugged expanse ahead would be a challenge for her Hell. It would be a challenge for her Hell. It would be a challenge for anyone. Reaching into his backpack, he retrieved a bottle of wine and four cups, asking for God's help. Their new guide handed the first cup to Marcy, much to her surprise, cups filled. Each raised them to ask for God's protection on the journey ahead.
Speaker 1:Jl had difficulty sleeping as he thought back over the day Just when I think I can't get it. It can't get any worse. And he closed his eyes, remembering Lisa's urging them to make the choice to escape their death. Notice he smiled through his tears, not bothering to drive them. We keep going, my love, this was your idea. I dedicate whatever lies ahead to you, my dearest Lisa, and I will take care of Marcy and Kat.
Speaker 1:Isaac asked JL earlier what he knew about the vast expanse showing on the map of their journey to the northernmost point of Quebec. Not much, jl admitted. Mostly lumberjack bears and moose. It will be the hardest part. You three won't have to worry about militia, but there will be the hardest part. You three won't have to worry about militia, but there will be ample food and water. Your journey ahead is longer than the one from your home in florida to here. People don't know the massive scope of the northern part of quebec, mostly uninhabited.
Speaker 1:Jail thought about that now as he closed his eyes, the next thing he knew he was hearing a wake-up call from Red, a man, jail decided, who was much too jolly for this word. Bonjour, time to go. Jail decided. This man was indeed way too jolly, especially when the son seemed reluctant to make its appearance, rubbing sleep away. He looked at the two girls and cat was awake, packing what few position possessions she still had sure had, making sure she held a string-wrapped package around her grandmother had given to her. Cat used her foot to nudge. Marcy awakened as JL was watching it reminded him of their daughter, vera, and her gentle sing-song voice. The memory brought back bittersweet tears of Lisa and Vera. Brenda was squatting next to a fire holding a pan over the flames. I prepared a breakfast to start your journey, she told JL, smiling. I also have some strong coffee ready. Everyone's so damned happy. Jl has decided, but he thanked Brenda for the coffee. Maybe this will help.
Speaker 1:Isaac and the others joined the breakfast party and he signaled JL and Red to join him on the edge of the group. It's an honor to meet you, red. You've earned a reputation among the Algonquin First Nation as an accomplished guide and friend. The enormous man with red hair and beard accepted the words with a humble nod. Isaac and Red talked at length in a language GL did not understand, assuming they were sharing information about what was ahead. Finally he turned. We must finish eating and packing, he told JL. We need to take advantage of sunlight. Isaac had given me details that will help.
Speaker 1:While Brenda and the rest set about clearing the area, jl, catt and Marcy followed Red and after scrambling up a small slope they saw a Jeep Grand Cherokee waiting. I couldn't resist buying a Cherokee. Isaac said and no, this won't be your ride for long. No such luck, eh, red. It was a 30-plus minute drive to a nearby small village.
Speaker 1:Approaching, isaac turned into a driveway and passed the house and drove to a large shed in the back. He pointed that's a Polaris four-seat ATV. C'est parfait, russia, said Red said that means perfect. Cat said. Red turned and looked at her. Well, I'm from Bayou country. I learned some French, francais, creole, growing up. Red grinned He'll be teaching you proper French. Isaac laughed, turning to Cat. Parisians think they have a monopoly on the proper French. Isaac laughed, turning to Cat. Parisians think they have a monopoly on the proper French. They claim le québécois parlant le français des infractions pour le French low class. Red pretended to be outraged. Everyone took a deep breath and appreciated a touch of humor. Jl and Marcy looked at each other, exchanging eye rolls.
Speaker 1:It didn't take long to pack the ATV and by the time they finished, isaac attached a trailer to the Jeep Cherokee and red-skillfully drove the ATV up onto the trailer. Isaac introduced a young woman. She will drive you to your starting point, avoiding checkpoints. It isn't like your country but in our government is still on the lookout for troublemakers with a US background. Underway Red filled the others in US background. Underway Red filled the others in.
Speaker 1:I think this, I think Grand Remus will make a good starting point. With the ATV. We'll take back roads and avoid populated areas where possible. Normally this would be a three-hour drive, but it will be dark before we get there and I advise to get as much rest as you can. Kat had a sudden urge to tell JL about the secret record of her SAFTA passed on. Maybe he has some idea, she thought. Then she set that idea aside, keeping it to herself. 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.