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 13: Unknown Territories
What happens when a journey across rugged landscapes becomes a symbolic voyage through both external and internal challenges? Find out as JL, Cat, and Marcy set off with their guide, Red, navigating not only the wild terrains but also the evolving dynamics within their group. Red, a respected Algonquin First Nation guide, provides his expertise to help the group circumvent obstacles, from logistical hurdles to the more existential ones. This episode sets the groundwork for an exploration of the characters' resilience and adaptability as they face the dual threats of polar bears and personal insecurities.
With a landscape transformed by climate change and volcanic activity, the group travels through villages that serve as both physical checkpoints and emotional touchstones. As they encounter warm welcomes and earnest prayers for safety in Waspa Nippy, the travelers are reminded of the interconnectedness of their journey with the lives and wisdom of those they meet. Witness Cat's unwavering determination as she carries a child prophesied by an elder, symbolizing hope amid the harsh realities of a warming world. Each stop on their route is another step into a gradually unfolding narrative that examines the impact of environmental change on human lives.
Finally, a narrative twist introduces Panook, a new guide to lead the group further into the unknown territories. As they rest in a welcoming village, anticipation builds for the adventures that lie ahead. The episode offers a compelling mix of excitement and introspection, leaving listeners eager to continue on this multifaceted journey with JL and his companions. Whether it’s in the stark beauty of the landscape or the complexity of their personal challenges, "Countdown to Doomsday" captures the essence of a journey that is as philosophical as it is geographical.
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 13. Bonjour, time to go. Bonjour, time to go, jl decided. This man was indeed way too jolly, especially when the sun itself seemed reluctant to make an appearance, rubbing sleep away. He looked at the two girls. Cat was awake, packing what few possessions she still had, holding tight to the string-wrapped package her grandmother had given her. Cat used her foot to nudge Marcy awake. It reminded him of watching Lisa wake up their daughter Vera, with a gentle, sing-song voice. That memory brought back bittersweet tears for both Lisa and his daughter. Brenda was squatting next to a fire, holding a pan over the flames. I've prepared a breakfast to start your journey, she told JL, smiling. I have some strong coffee ready. Everybody's so damned happy, jl decided. But he thanked Brenda for the coffee and maybe this will help me. Appreciating the coffee, isaac and the others joined the breakfast party and he signaled for Red to join them on the edge of the group. It's an honor to meet you, Red. You have 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.
Speaker 1:Isaac and Red talked at length in a language Jail had no comprehension of. He assumed they were sharing information about what lie ahead. We need to finish eating and packing. Red told JL. We need to take advantage of our sunlight. Kizz's the sun. Nagadan is an Algonquin word for leaving. Isaac had given me details that will help us.
Speaker 1:While Brenda and the rest set about clearing the area, jl, cat and Marcy followed Red. After scrambling up a small slope they saw a Jeep, grand Cherokee waiting. I couldn't resist buying a Cherokee. Isaac laughed and no, this won't be a ride for long. No such luck, eh Fred. No, this won't be your ride for long. No such luck, eh Fred.
Speaker 1:It was a 30-plus minute ride to a nearby small village and, approaching Isaac, turned into a driveway, drove past the house to a large shed in the back he pointed that's a Polaris four-seat ATV. C'est parfait, red told them. That means perfect, cat said Red turned to look at her. Well, I am from Bayou Country and I learned Francais Creole growing up. Red will teach you proper French. Isaac laughed. Turning to Cat, parisians think they have a monopoly on proper French. They claim la Quebecois Francais is factory floor, french low class. Red pretended to be outraged. Everyone took a deep breath, appreciating the humor. Jl and Marcy looked at each other, exchanging eye rolls. It didn't take long to pack the ATV and by the time they finished Isaac had attached a trailer to the Jeep Cherokee and Red skillfully drove the ATV onto the trailer.
Speaker 1:Isaac then introduced a young woman. She will drive you to your starting point. She'll know how to avoid any checkpoints, if there are any. It isn't like your country, but our government is still on the lookout for troublemakers, especially with a US militia background. Underway, red filled the others in. I think Grand Rameuse will make a good starting point. We'll take back roads and avoid populated areas where possible. Normally this would be a three-hour drive and it will be dark before we get there. I would advise you to get as much rest while we're driving as you can.
Speaker 1:Kat had a sudden urge to tell JL about the secret record her staff had passed on. Maybe she had some idea. Marcy said it looked like a party when they arrived at Grand Remus. Twenty or more people lined the road, ready to help Look at the river, she yelled On the drive to Grand Remus. Red patiently tooted Marcy in French. The young girl soaked it up like a sponge. We pronounce Remus like re-moose Funny, eh Well, what does Grand Remus mean, she asked? Grand Remus is French for a great eddy. A large whirlpool On the Gatineau River near the Grand Remus chute is French for a great eddy, a large whirlpool On the Gatineau River near the Grand Rameau Chute. Now, watching the water swirling as it passed under a covered bridge, he laughed. I see why it's called a great eddy when I look down.
Speaker 1:The villagers welcomed the arrivals and a man stepped forward wearing a sash. That's the mayor. Red told the rest. The mayor tried to welcome them in English and it was soon clear it was a task well out of his reach. He sighed and said it in French Welcome to Grand Rousseau, french, welcome to Grand Remus. They, jal and Marcy, turned to Cat, asking her what the mayor had said. Cat looked sheepish. They were speaking far too fast for me. Looking relieved, red took over. The mayor welcomed us. The townspeople have prepared food and wine. Everyone seems to know of your importance, although nobody knows really why. Merci, young Marcy told the mayor and the others. Then she turned to JL and laughed Funny, isn't it, merci and Marcy. The excitement was palpable. Red, j, jl and the people from Grand Remus all turned out the next morning when it was time to load the ATV.
Speaker 1:The challenge was making sure there was enough fuel for the next part of JL's pilgrimage. How far do we have to go? Diel wasn't surprised that that was Marcy asking. Red scratched his beard as he thought about it. Well, it's over 300 miles to La Belle Sequivion. Then it's on to Waswanapi. Marcy squinted as she thought what kind of mileage do you get? Around 18 miles per gallon if we hold the speed at 25 miles per hour. Why do you want to know? By my calculations we will not require too much fuel to go 400 miles. I guess around 26 gallons. Why are you trying to load more than we need? Red and the others from Grand Ramouse laughed. Marcy had no idea what was so funny. Well, for one thing, we'll only pass through La Belle Circabine on our way to Wasanapi. There won't be any fuel in either village. Waswanipi is a traditional Cree community living off the land in the Iwitschi territory.
Speaker 1:A man from Gran Reimus was listening. A man from Grand Rameau was listening. Red tells me your destination from there is going to be Kanwitsu-juku. Another man added that's over a thousand miles on a straight line. You'll be driving over some of the world's most inhospitable terrain. I don't know anyone who has even tried that on an ATV.
Speaker 1:Marcy considered the new calculation. Oh my, we will need at most 100 gallons. That's a lot. Jl had watched Marcy doing the calculations in her head and he had a new respect for the waif that joined him at least. Back in White City JL used his math during the working days and he knew at 8 pounds per gallon that represents an 800-pound challenge, almost half a ton. There's no way we can carry that.
Speaker 1:And AT arrived towing the trailer. There's no way we can carry that. And AT arrived towing the trailer. How much weight can our ATV tow? Twice what that trailer will hold jail? Red said cheer one up the trailer and the ATV ready.
Speaker 1:Cat and Marcy sitting in the back. Despite Marcy's calling shotgun, jl looked over as Red turned the ignition key. I wanted to stop, jl told Cat later when we left Grand Rameau's that day. I was sure we would never make it alive. All that would remain would be our bleached bones. I hate that noise. Marcy yelled from the back. It sounds like we're riding a lawnmower.
Speaker 1:It was taking all the power the ATV had to tow the trailer loaded with fuel. That meant they had all listened to the loud moaning engine for over eight hours. When Red turned off the ATV for a rest stop, the silence was almost too loud. Gradually, their hearing returning, they could hear the sounds of birds and wildlife. We'll stop here and pass through La Belle Sur Quivion in the morning. We won't stop. I'm not sure anybody even lives there anymore.
Speaker 1:Cat unrolled her sleepy bag Well, I never. Red roared and started laughing. What I know about where you come from. You've never needed something to keep you warm at night. He looked up at the darkening sky. It's going to be cold tonight. We're pretty far north. It's going to be cold tonight. We're pretty far north.
Speaker 1:Cat looked around wondering about wildlife, deciding she would never sleep. Marcy's eyes widened when she saw red unwrap a wicked-looking rifle. What's that for? From here on we need protection from the only predator we need to fear Bears. Now that we're in polar bear territory. They're unpredictable and with their food supply threatened as it is, he looked at the three. Don't go anywhere without me. He didn't have to say that twice, as Cat assured him they would not be roaming.
Speaker 1:Red opened a fold-up grill attached to a small propane tank and soon had coffee brewing. Come on my sleepyhead's banging a spatula on the side of the grill. With that he pulled a pan from the storage adding butter and scrambled eggs. It's still dark, marcy said, rubbing her eyes, but the aroma of the eggs was enough to get Cat out of her sleeping bag. I didn't sleep a wink, he said. I heard bears sniffing around. I'm sure Red bellowed in response. For somebody who didn't sleep, your snoring kept any wild animals away. Jail listened to them and covered his ears. Ten more minutes, please. His eyes were sore from crying. The memories of Lisa filled his mind. He thought about her, back with the bones of other Algonquins. They were soon awake, as red but not as cheery. The steaming hot coffee was strong. Even Marcy was now addicted and needed her caffeine fix. Even Marcy was now addicted and needed her caffeine fix.
Speaker 1:Less than an hour later they saw the Waspa Nippy village in the morning fog. Three men stood in the road ahead as if they were sentries. Despite their ferocious-looking glares, they smiled, offering a welcome. The four were talking in Cree with Red. The town seems deserted now, red said as he came back, I don't think there were over 500 people living here before the changes. There would be snow covering everything. Now the temperature rarely drops below 16 degrees Celsius. 60 degrees to you Yanks, red and the man talk some more. Finally, red turned to his charges. They say it will be even tougher going from now. Here. From here, the melting permafrost has left the ground surface mushy. You may not have noticed on our way into the Waswanapi Nipi, but there are now growing crops. That would have been unimaginable before the volcanoes.
Speaker 1:Several men and women drifted from the village and were offering what they learned were prayers for a safe passage. Cat was unprepared when an old woman walked up to her and started speaking a language Cat had no ear for. She's telling you that the child you carry is the one from her visions. She's praying for your safety on your travels ahead. Hearing that Baby. Cat felt the baby kick as the old woman embraced her. We need to keep moving.
Speaker 1:Red said Our destination is the tip of northern Quebec, nord du Québec. We're headed to a place I can't even pronounce it, but even I. Whatever you'll meet the last guy there. He'll take you across the Hudson Strait to the central region of the Inuit, nunangat lands. Cat remembers something and told Jail when we were in the river after the canoes capsized. Brenda mentioned the word Inuit. I asked her about it but she never did answer. Two young men carried trays of food wrapped in cloth. This will keep you comfortable on your journey, sitting in front with Red.
Speaker 1:Marcy was wide-eyed as the ATV passed between two mountains before crushing a hill, overlooking a panorama of grass Between the two mountains. Ahead is that town I can't pronounce. It's a bay called Ansa, and another word I can't pronounce. Anyway, it's a bay and it leads to the Labrador Sea. I've never been there before, but I have heard about it. How much further Farther? Marcy asked In the back?
Speaker 1:Cat looked over at JL. She was worried about the way he looked. Since Lisa's death he seemed to be getting worse Today. His eyes lack focus and he merely stared at the passing landscape as if to say what's the use? He talked a little and answered questions with answers clipped short. Cat knew his aloofness bothered Marcy, and then the engine of the 8th TV stuttered and stopped. After the constant drone of the engine over the past few days, the silence was almost painful. A bird call filled the quiet. Suddenly, marcy saw red tensing. He slowly eased out of the seat and retrieved the powerful long gun strapped to the roll bars. What are you doing? He held a finger to his lips Stay quiet and do not move.
Speaker 1:Cat and Jail were both on the alert. What's up, jail, whispered. Polar bear, don't move a muscle. Marcy couldn't stop herself from turning her head. An enormous bear standing on hind legs, nose sniffing the air, looked in their direction. They heard red chambering around ready to protect them. The bear dropped to all fours, turned and ambled away.
Speaker 1:I thought polar bears were white. Marcy was still looking at the bear lumbering away over the rocks in the distance. That polar bear looks slightly green. They used to be white. Red told her. They evolved with a white coat when they had to adapt to the ice and snow. But since the volcanoes erupted, the climate crisis has altered the globe. Without snow cover, bears are changing color to blend in with grass cover, bears are changing color to blend in with grass.
Speaker 1:30 minutes later, the motor stuttered to another stop. Why have we stopped now? Jail was fully alert. Well, we just used up the last drop of fuel. Well, what now we walk? How far? Cat felt movement, as if the child she was carrying also wanted to know. Red considered the question and unfolded a map Twelve miles, I'm guessing, between four and five hours. Will you be able to make it, cat? I'm pregnant, not disabled. She shot back, complete with her championship version, stink eye.
Speaker 1:Four hours later they crested a hill. A layer of mist covered the village like icing on a cake. This time Cat didn't protest when Red offered a hand to help her down the incline. Time, kat didn't protest when Red offered a hand to help her down the incline. A group of people was there to meet them. One another mayor, as usual, welcomed them to the village. We've been expecting you for a long time now. A woman stepped forward and helped Kat onto a bench. Thank you, kat, said short of breath.
Speaker 1:Jl noticed a young man perhaps 25, walking their way. He was ready to greet the woman who kept walking, but kept walking past, jl Approaching Kat, you are the special one. What are you called? Cat grasped her stomach when she felt a spasm. What's my name? My birth name is Klua Bowles, but my grandmother named me Cat. My name is Panook. I'm the one who will take you on the last leg of your pilgrimage. It didn't surprise JL. When Marcy wanted to know what the name Panuk meant, panuk dropped to one knee, engaging Marcy at her level. It means island in my language. I was born and lived on Baffin Island. I belong to the Baffin Island Inuit and the indigenous people who live on the island. Soon, red and JL joined in until a woman invited them to a dinner of traditional area food.
Speaker 1:Jl and Marcy and Kat slept soundly that first night, appreciating the comfort of a mattress. Marcy told them the following morning about her waking up. I went outside and the sun was still up. The others enjoyed her wonder about such things. They were sorry to say goodbye to Red later, but he said I have to go now that Cat is safely here. There will be other refugees needing a guide to their destination. That will be me. Marcy cried until Red comforted her. I will always hold you in my heart, mon Petit Cheri. He turned to Panouk Take good care of my friends. That's it. He mounted the retrieved and refueled ATV, driving fast until he was fading into low clouds as he climbed a mountain pass. Gather your belongings.
Speaker 1:Panook Led them to a wharf. My boat will get us to Iqaluit on the island. It's my home. That's a handsome-looking boat. Jail said what were you expecting? A niquiak, what's that? Marcy wanted to know. You would call that a kayak. We have a long journey ahead of us and he helped them aboard and handed JL a hockey stick. I promised my brother I'd bring a new one. Panook told them he named his boat after the Aurora, the Northern Lights.
Speaker 1:The three listened to tales of the Aurora Borealis, its spiritual traditions, most involving the late departed. Panuk said the Inuit name for the aurora represents the souls of the dead dancing. Don't worry, marcy, the spirits also carry torches to guide those of us still in the world. Jl was quiet. Was Lisa, was Vera somehow up there dancing? He couldn't continue the thought. There was no argument that it was a working boat.
Speaker 1:Jail scanned the aisle under the hall with an appreciative glance. He guessed it was 32 feet long, maybe a bit more. It had a wide beam for stability. There was a tall pilot house aft to keep the skipper sheltered from the elements. They built a lower cabin near the bow for sleeping quarters and galley. I told them he built that with pride, ready to cast off, he thanked the dockhands and started the diesel. Soon it was idling. He nodded and they tossed the lines from pier to the deck and turned the boat towards the open water. I know this passage like the back of my hand. He told Jael, who joined him in the pilot house, 320 nautical miles equal. I plan to preserve fuel and keep the speed at 6.5 knots. He watched Jael trying to do the calculations. It will be close to 50 hours, weather permitting, but I'll need your help at the wheel. Ha, living in Florida, I learned about boats and fishing.
Speaker 1:They watched Marcy exit the forecabin due to Flew wearing a PFD, her personal flotation device, never on deck without it. Panook had insisted she was carrying a tray and opened the door and handed JL and Panook coffee. I guessed neither cream nor sugar for you two. Jl was about to thank her when she gripped his leg with a hug. I miss Lisa. The two shared crying as Panook respected their grief with his silence. Panook stood feet apart, balanced at the helm, countering the ship's roll as a brisk wind from the northeast pushed gentle swells On the open deck below, cat lazed on an air mattress, massaging her belly. At her side, marcy was reading a book on Inuit culture.
Speaker 1:Panook turned to jail. That girl soaks up knowledge like a sponge. She's going to be a hit with her teachers. Yeah, she's a corker. Jail said what's up with you today? Jail didn't answer right away. Finally, he told Panuk the story about Lisa, and her bones will always be among the people that helped us. We had a good life until the Russian volcanoes erupted, creating that climate bomb. She was a teacher and loved children, jail Pause. But I don't think she ever got over the death of our only child, our precious daughter Vera. I know the four months she shared with Marcy gave her some reason to go on. No other words are necessary, my friend, as they sipped strong coffee and took in the silence until Panook pointed Look at that. Look off the port bow. That's Resolution Island. Once we pass by, you will see a jail island. It will lead us only 200 miles after that. You're sounding homesick.
Speaker 1:Jail left. How long has it been? I left over five weeks ago. I have a charter to deliver cargo and mail. I left home for early because I wanted to be on time to meet you back. It's been three days since we left there. After the turn we will have another 180 miles at our speed, roughly 24 hours. My brother will be waiting at the jetty to see his new hockey stick.
Speaker 1:As Panook predicted, they approached Kwa-Yu-It from the southeast. Marcy and Kat stood at the bow shielding their eyes from the sun's glare. That's the suburbs Panook thought this is a good joke. The village of Apex. To starboard, panook said you can see that small white structure with a fading sign. That was the original Hudson's Bay Company building. Jail scanned the building with his binoculars.
Speaker 1:I'm heading to that seawall ahead. The great port awaits. Once we round the wall, I will make a sharp turn to starboard and a van will be at the concrete wharf. You will sleep in a proper bed tonight. Jail could see people scurrying along the seawall. I still don't know why I'm here. I'm not supposed to tell you, but your job was to get Kat here safely. She carries the chosen one. Thunderstruck, jail had no response. He watched Cat, guessing she would give birth in less than a month. The daughter of a prostitute is carrying the chosen one. Do you happen to have a Bible, panook? 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.