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 14: A Transformation and Hope
What if we told you that a city in the Arctic could be transformed into a thriving community of over 40,000 people? Climate change may have rewritten Iqaluit’s destiny, turning it into a bustling hub that embraces warmth, agriculture, and diversity. Join us as we explore this remarkable transformation through the eyes of JL, Cat, and Marcy, guided by an inspiring mayor who shares the city's inclusive strategies for integrating newcomers. As Cat, a mother-to-be whose child holds a mysterious prophetic importance, weaves her way into the fabric of this vibrant community, she and her companions embrace the hope and renewal that Iqaluit promises.
Fear and hope collide as we recount JL's harrowing journey through societal collapse and recovery. Imagine the terror of witnessing attacks on major cities, only to wake up in a world transformed by civil war and international conflict. Yet amidst the chaos, there’s a flicker of hope; the continuity of life as Kat prepares to give birth symbolizes resilience. Through poignant moments of fear and connection, our protagonists bond with the community, finding solace in shared stories and spiritual agreements that pave the way for unity. As Marcy supports Kat through childbirth, the chapter closes with hope and anticipation, highlighting the human spirit's resilience.
Finally, a powerful moment of spiritual integration unfolds as leaders from various faiths come together to forge a new spiritual order. Imagine a gathering where differences are honored, and core values preserved, symbolizing a new path forward. This profound shift resonates deeply, creating echoes of historical significance akin to the story of Adam and Eve. As we introduce the enigmatic young boy, Elijah, we invite you to reflect on this transformative journey and share your thoughts on our storytelling adventure, as we continue to explore the possibilities of a future reimagined.
Welcome back to the final chapter, as always ad-free and curated just for you. Those of us at the Leaping Cat Studio want to thank our sponsor, helping produce each episode of Countdown to Doomsday ad-free. And now to the end of the journey. Join our weary pilgrims as they reach the end of their quest. Will they finally find out why they're so special? Is there a future in store for the world or has it been simply a long trek for blood? Countdown to Doomsday, chapter 14, the Gristmill of the Gods.
Speaker 1:Buttoning his coat, jl shivered, having escaped the brutal Florida heat. He'd never experienced tempestures like this in years. I didn't expect this, jl said. Jumping from the boat to the concrete pier, he turned to Panuk.
Speaker 1:You didn't mention Iqbaluit as such a large community. Panuk sounded proud If you were here before the climate disaster. It was a small village, slightly over 8,000 people. We had respect for the environment, committed to making Iqbaluit a responsible Arctic capital. True, there weren't many jobs and some people tried to cope with depression and serve to drugs and alcohol. But now I look around and I see a small city. The mayor now estimates our population is well over 40,000. They talked while Jail helped Panook offload the cargo. The people of the Arctic became beneficiaries of the climate changes Jail. We even have trees growing. Sure, they don't grow large. You probably would call them shrubs, but the landscape is changing and continues to change. Shouldn't it be colder though? Well, back in the day, yes. Now the mild climate allows crops to grow. It's influencing a change in our diet.
Speaker 1:Cat and Marcy sat on the tailgate of the truck watching the two men work the day I met JL. He could hardly walk. She was out of shape. When was that Marcy? Oh, it seems like ages ago. Tears welled in Marcy's eyes. I miss Lisa. Tears welled in Marcy's eyes. I miss Lisa Me too. How are you feeling, cat? You're getting huge. When do you think it will happen? Cat told Marcy her belly was big to give the baby more room to grow. I've tried to keep track. She showed Marcy her necklace Every week. I added a bead or something to mark the time passing. Marcy giggled I've seen you with those funny things that look like Cheerios. Cat flinched when she felt a sharp kick. Okay, baby, only a few weeks more and then you and I will meet face to face. Weeks more and then you and I will meet face to face.
Speaker 1:A crowd gathered and hearing car horns. Some said the mayor herself was on the way. Soon exiting her car, a handsome woman stepped toward the pier with a confident stride. Later, driving from the dock to the mayor's office, it amazed them to see crowded sidewalks. They passed stores featuring windows with colorful displays. They even experienced a slight traffic delay at one intersection. The mayor Crema pointed out features along the way. Cat tapped the mayor on the shoulder. I even see people of color. I didn't expect that.
Speaker 1:We welcomed people from all over the world. The mayor said Well, how have you integrated newcomers? It must be an impact on your culture and infrastructure. Jl said on your culture and infrastructure. Jl said we use a three-step process. First, we interview each newcomer to learn what they bring to our table. Far from an interrogation, we've created teams of people who conduct interviews without threat. Second, we have an extended period of orientation. We want our newcomers to learn the Inuit ways, including the ways of all Arctic tribes. It's a time to recognize the cultural background of new friends and what they bring to our table. Finally, we interview new people for talents that will benefit the future of our land. She thoughts the three of you are going to find out what I mean beginning this afternoon.
Speaker 1:Their first stop was at Northmark, a local grocery and supply store. The driver handed JL Cannon Marcy vouchers good for basic clothing and some footwear. As they entered the store, a young woman and two young men walked up and introduced themselves. We're here to help you. We speak English if you need a translation. They laughed. We know pronouncing our language is next to impossible for you at least at first. Jl wore a broad smile as he returned to the car carrying a six-pack of local beer. Oh, it's been a long time since I've tasted one. Kate. Kat and Marcy looked at each other enjoying, jl smiling. That's the first time since Lisa's death, kat said. The next stop was a boarding home. The woman in charge smiled a greeting and showed them to their individual rooms. You will soon have your first sample of my cooking, she told them I've prepared a lunch before you go to City Hall. You're lucky. The mayor said she's the best cook in Iqbalit.
Speaker 1:That afternoon they walked through the doors at City Hall and Panuk was walking with them. We're proud of this building, he said, considering that it was constructed only two years ago. It even won an architectural award. Marcy picked up on little details. I didn't expect to see buildings this modern.
Speaker 1:A man stood at a door motioning them to enter and several men and women sat around a large conference table. They stood when the three refugees walked in and with warm smiles they greeted JL, catt and Marcy, offering soft drinks and cookies. A man introduced himself as Premier of the Nunavut Territorial Lands. Welcome, my new friends. Our prophets have long shared their visions about a young woman who would come burying a child. He stepped over to shake hands with Kat. Then he turned to jail. You've had the honor of guiding her on your long, arduous journey. I know it wasn't easy and we know the bones of your wife now rest with the Algonquins. He leaned down to Marcy. You're special as well. We've heard stories of you. You've shown interest in the ways of indigenous cultures and you will learn much from our outstanding teachers. Everyone sat Then as the presentation began. It was a polished production highlighting the history of the Nunavut-Inuit history, culture and challenges. And when the presentation was over, other members around the table wanted to meet with each of the newcomers. They seemed to enjoy special attention to Marcy's attentiveness. Marcy was charming them all. When they looked at Cat, they bowed with respect. Jl watched with curiosity the way they were honoring Cat. That's most interesting, he thought. Two weeks later, jail opened a letter addressed to him. It also included the date and time for their upcoming screening interviews. Time for their upcoming screening interviews. Reading Colobals, jl smiled.
Speaker 1:Remembering the story behind her name, jl enjoyed exploring his new surroundings, walking the streets and window shopping. He found a favorite coffee shop near the docks. Appropriately it was called the Green Bean. At least he thought that was appropriate. It was ideal, however, for watching boating activity and eavesdropping on local gossip, at least pretending he understood what they were saying. His server, ankita, kept his cup refilled. He found most people to be friendly. A few glanced at him with a sort of a suspicious look, but nobody was inhospitable, now sitting at a table in their newly assigned apartment. Jail was putting the letter back into the envelope when the door opened.
Speaker 1:Oh, I was so nervous meeting the doctor. Kat said. But she's nice and her nurse gave me a lot of information. I was relieved when they showed me the ultrasound. The doctor said he has a strong heartbeat. He, jl, chuckled I'm going to have a little man in my life, she told JL. She told them about visiting the birthing center at the hospital. They have a funny way of spelling center as C-E-N-T-R-E. I was so worried about all the rough bumps while we were driving and our long periods of walking over the past months. But Doc assured me I'm not disabled, just pregnant. I had a good laugh and remembered when Lisa said that too.
Speaker 1:It interrupted any further discussion when Marcy's energy burst into the room. I met my teacher. I've always dreamed of going to school. Then I went to the library and I even have a card, she said, waving it proudly. I'm going to be able to learn how to use computers.
Speaker 1:The three moved to the kitchen. Cat found a comfortable chair and began spreading her legs and easing the tension as she wrapped her arms under her extended belly. She looked over, super obviously Marcy, who was busy cutting vegetables, and Marcy telling Cat she was learning to be a sous chef, and Marcy telling Kat she was learning to be a sous chef. Jl turned around. He was in awe of how Marcy's brain was soaking up new information. Huh, sous chef. Indeed. She was helping JL, though he was trying out a new recipe and Keita wrote it up for me.
Speaker 1:It's a simple stew, combining chunks of beef and sausage with carrots, bell peppers and a secret greeting I'm not going to share with you girls. I've heard about vegetables back home. Marcy said to see them Now. Oh, I miss so much of what it was like before I was born. Papa used to talk about food and water available like this. Everyone pushed back from their plates and agreed the stew was exceptional.
Speaker 1:Cat specialized in making coffee. It's a Louisiana specialty, it's my tradition. She said Marcy was learning to enjoy a cup of coffee, but for her it was more like sugar with some coffee added. Jl. Cat asked when they discussed the letter in the upcoming interviews what do you think it'll be like? Well, I talked to a woman on the interview team. She told me they would be in depth, with many questions about our past. That's expected. But she said we haven't designed the interviews to be a threat. We just want to welcome you into our community. It makes me nervous to think about it.
Speaker 1:Marcy said what if they don't approve of me? Cat pulled her chair close to Marcy, hugging her and stroking her hair. My little sister, who would not approve of you? Marcy broke into tears. You've never called me sister before. I'll bet a Florida cracker like you never thought you'd have a black sister. Kat said as she teased and laughed.
Speaker 1:Jl listened to the two girls, his mind looking back on Lisa and Vera, his own daughter, thinking things have a way of happening. I just never. Paternal feelings for Kat and Marcy suddenly enveloped JL completely Soon after. It wasn't as bad as I thought, marcy said. As she sat back on the sofa, her legs tucked under, instead of celebrating she wore a somber look.
Speaker 1:I told them how Papa taught me about learning things and reading books. Papa said I should always be curious and ask questions. Somehow Cat in Jail guessed she was sad thinking about her father. I told them all about Papa, how he taught me about cars and motors. Even when he ended up in a wheelchair he would direct me on how to fix things. I told him how much I learned when we stayed with the Seminoles and the Cherokees and how the Algonquins prepared the dead for burial. A man who said a little smiled when I said that. Marcy said finally she took a breath and sat back.
Speaker 1:It was JL's turn. Like you, marcy, they wanted to hear about my background. I was told that it's mostly younger refugees reaching Nunavut. Told that it's most of the younger refugees reaching Nunavut. A man who said he headed up finances told me they had a use for someone with my accounting background. I thought that was reassuring but I wondered if I might not be too old to fit in. They told me they want me to meet with an archivist and tell my story about life before all the events. You know, an elder laughed when he told me the old timers used to dream about a vacation in Florida.
Speaker 1:Kat seemed reluctant to talk about her interview at first. Kat seemed reluctant to talk about her interview at first. There were only women. They surrounded me and helped me to lie down on some pillows on the floor. Everyone knelt next to me and laid their hands on my stomach, anointing me with odd-smelling oil. They chanted and it went on for a long, long time. She rubbed her stomach.
Speaker 1:While she said that, a woman who I saw looked like she was 200 years old told a story in English. Tell us. Marcy said what was the story. The woman said a prophet back in the day predicted the destruction of the atmosphere, famine, disease and war. Four messengers on a pilgrimage told him about the coming end of the world. He looked toward the setting sun and when they asked him what he saw, the prophet said it was white and moving at a slow speed. The messenger said it is true, the thing which regulates the earth is a layer. Overall, there will be a great calamity if it moves too fast. Then that old woman became quiet and, sitting back, jill tried to absorb what he heard and make sense of it. Cat then started to cry. The woman told me my son held the promise for the world's future. That's nonsense, right For once. Marcy didn't have an answer. Nor do I Jail thought have an answer. Nor do I JL thought.
Speaker 1:The next day Marcy stood at the window watching for the mail carrier. Over the past 11 days they'd completed their interviews and orientation to Inuit history and culture, told they would receive letters for their assignment in a few days. Marcy's daily ritual was tracking arriving mail. I just know today is the day she announced Uh-huh. Jl mumbled, looking up from the book he was reading. Cat snoozed on the sofa, snoring gently. She's coming. Marcy said She'll be at our building next. She raced to the door of their fourplex and taking the steps, two at a time, meant the carrier. The carrier knew what Marcy was waiting for and held up an envelope. You waiting for this, she winked. Marcy hugged her and raced back to the apartment shrieking. It was enough to wake Kat, who sat up, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
Speaker 1:Marcy handed the letter to JL in deference to her adopted father, kat stood and they gathered at the dining table. Jl placed the letter unopened on the table. Who wants me to open it? Cat and Marcy gave him their world-class stink eye.
Speaker 1:Jail went to a drawer and retrieved a small notebook and he tore off a page and divided it into three parts, writing each name on a sheet. He folded it and placed. Tore off a page and divided it into three parts, writing each name on a sheet. He folded it and placed it in a bowl. We will have a drawing to see who reads the letter. He held the bowl high and he asked Marcy to reach up and pick the winner. My sister, marcy, was almost hysterical. You get to read it to us, cat.
Speaker 1:Cat knew they all wanted her to hurry, but she teased them by taking it slow with a sly grin to show them who was in charge. Using a knife, she carefully eased it under the corner of the flap and unsealed the envelope, withdrawing the letter and holding it so JL and Marcy could see the official seal. Then she read the letter aloud To John Lloyd Evans, marcy John Parker and Kalua Bowles. Kat took a dramatic pause while Marcy told her to hurry. Kat smirked and continued you have completed the required interviews. Blah blah blah, you have completed the orientation to Inuit ways. Blah blah blah, get to it, girl. Gail tried to sound angry, but he was enjoying the moment. Kat then read their individual assignments, without the blah blah blahs. Kalua Bowles, as a part of the orientation, we're going to establish sessions for you to include and welcome people of color. Marcy Dawn Parker, she continued. We assign you to the educational stream. Teachers have commented on your eagerness to learn our language. Marcy beamed at the compliment. John Lloyd Evans, the finance minister, has asked you to use your expertise and join their ministerial financial team.
Speaker 1:Jl got up and walked to the kitchen counter. He chose four glasses of wine and chose a bottle of red wine and returned to the table. He placed a glass for each of them the fourth glass in front of an empty chair in Lisa's honor. He decanted the wine and, with a solemn wave, poured the four glasses for Marcy and Cat with enough to sip and complete the ceremony, remembering to fill his glass before filling the fourth in honor of Lisa.
Speaker 1:The mood shifted from celebration to somber as JL proposed a toast. We look at that glass, gesturing toward the empty goblet, and I raise a toast to Lisa, who will always live in our memory. His voice croaked with emotion and both girls began sniffling. But best of all, I raise my glass to you, marcy, my second daughter. I've watched your grit and determination. I'm happy you are now part of my life and I know Lisa was too.
Speaker 1:He turned to Kat. The two of us were perhaps suspicious of each other at first. I've seen you forge ahead, rarely complaining To your bravery. I left my glass and my third daughter Tears streaming down his cheek. Jail stood we're a family of three. Let us look to the future and hope To Papa. Cat and Marcy replied in unison. Later they strolled around town as passersby smiled, smiled and nodded, affirming their status as new citizens. Word of their official status was obviously spreading. The sun was low on the horizon and as brilliant colors of blue, green, yellow, pink swooped the sky in a playful dance. Those are the Northern Lights, marcy said. The spirits are dancing. It's called. I can't pronounce the word, but it's the. Oh, it's just the Northern Lights.
Speaker 1:In bed that night Jail listened to the sisters talking in the other room. It amazed him watching Marcy's growth during their ordeal. He knew the trek was especially difficult for Cat and he remembered the times he saw her with her head down, looking dispirited. Then he would watch Cat do something remarkable she would straighten her shoulders, raise her eyes and toss off whatever demons she had. He closed his eyes but couldn't find a comfortable position. His upper left arm gave him fits of dull but telling pain radiating from his arm between his shoulder and his elbow. He reached over with his right to massage the pain and asked for it. It didn't help. Today it was exciting. Why can't I sleep? The pain finally subsided and when he woke up in the morning the pain was gone. Pain finally subsided and when he woke up in the morning the pain was gone. Sometime later Marcy pinned a calendar to the wall. She got up from the breakfast table and crossed out the previous day with a bold X mark. It's been eight weeks since we got our assignment. Cat and Jail looked at each other and smiled. All their troubles seemed to be in the past. What could go wrong, jail thought.
Speaker 1:One day at the office he heard shouts and screams coming from the reception area. He rushed to the lobby to see everyone screaming looking at the large TV. Rushed to the lobby to see everyone screaming looking at the large TV. It was a scene that took him back to September 11, 2001,. 9-11. He turned to a man. What's going on? The resistance is mounting. An attack on the US Capitol. War has broken out in all the major cities in the US. As the man spoke, a missile streaked from the left on the video screen. It struck the dome of the Capitol building and a smoke flared the dome. It looked like a balloon with a leak until the roof collapsed, exposing a pile of brick and iron remars.
Speaker 1:The television displayed similar attacks in other cities. They watched skyscrapers in New York belching clouds of dark, reminding them all of the Twin Towers on 9-11. The screen was full of videos from places like Atlanta, dallas, san Francisco and Seattle. Look, that's an RPG. Somebody said Huh, what's that? A rocket-propelled grenade. That soldier just used one to blow up a car. Jail felt like he was going to throw up. Kaluuya had given me false hope. How much longer will it take for this madness to infect our new home? How long can a television broadcast remain on air?
Speaker 1:The battle scene from the US faded, replaced by the devastation caused by four super tornadoes. Sydney, australia, took the worst hit. Another swept across the Middle East near Baghdad. A third struck Paris, with a video of the Eiffel Tower falling to the ground. To the ground, gl recognized the one in Jacksonville, florida, where the tornado created a freak tidal wave that crushed the entire waterfront along the river. The last view, before the satellite channel went off the air, showed nearly half the Antarctic ice cap breaking off, crashing into the sea, resulting in a sea-ish waves caused by the sliding ice. As the screen went black, they stood in awe, as they had watched tidal waves spreading from the South Pole, ready to overwhelm anything in their path.
Speaker 1:I have to get back to the apartment, jl, shouted. He scurried to the door and ran as fast as he could, and the apartment was only five blocks away, but it was beyond JL's capability. As he ran the last block, he saw Cat and Marcy standing outside their apartment building, terror written on their faces. Cat tried to look stoic, but Marcy was hysterical.
Speaker 1:Jail felt another sharp pain in his upper left arm. His first thought was I've been stung by a wasp, but he hadn't seen wasps or bees since reaching Ipqualeep. He reacted instinctively squeezing his left arm with his right hand. He couldn't breathe. Suddenly, cat and Marcy looked like misshapen images to him. His legs gave out and Jail crashed face down on the sidewalk. He closed his eyes to the sound of Cat and Marcy screaming and their footsteps racing to his side, papa.
Speaker 1:The next thing he saw as he opened his eyes was an overhead fluorescent light fixture. He could hear a machine hissing to his left and realized that once he was in a hospital bed he tried to call out, but his mouth felt like a nurse had filled it with cotton candy while he was asleep and all he could manage was an odd-sounding whistling noise. But it was enough. His daughters were sitting in the corner. When they heard him, they raced to the side of his bed and they were laughing and crying simultaneously. We thought you were going to die, Marcy sobbed.
Speaker 1:The doctors said it was myocardial infarction. Cat said Said it was myocardial infarction. Kat said that's a funny word. Marcy said, but it just means it's a heart attack. How long have I been here? Jl tried to sit up. Remain still a woman, instructed. You're lucky to be alive, take it easy. Jl closed his eyes and remembered images from before. How long has it been. He asked again Well, the new US Civil War started last Friday and today is Tuesday. Kat told him that's how many days you were out. Jl wanted to hear more news, but the nurse chased the girls away and said he's had enough excitement, come back this evening. After dinner. They grumbled but waved a faux cheery wave to Papa and left.
Speaker 1:When it was time, jl approached therapy with a passionate result. The doctors told him they couldn't repair his condition, but he could learn to manage it. We flew a specialist over from New York and Greenland. She's the only one capable of an open-heart surgery that you had needed, she said. The risk outweighed any hope for outcome. However, jail listened to the explanation about the exercise needed to keep his heart from faltering. Satellite television was back on the air and Jail watched the news while he exercised. He laughed and told a friend it was a mixed blessing. Exercise made him feel good, news made him feel like shit.
Speaker 1:The Civil War in the US was like the gristmill of the gods grinding slowly but grinding exceedingly fine. Between the fighting and lack of food, the impact on the US population was devastating. Armed mercenaries, pockets of small groups guarded their food and supplies. They used lethal force to keep starving people away. It was like a scene from a zombie movie. A haze of radioactive material hovered overhead. No one could predict the effect it would have on the world's health Mostly not good, jl told himself. Once believed to be too terrible to be used.
Speaker 1:Russia and China hurled rockets at each other in a headlong race of mutual destruction. Drones were used to monitor Moscow and Beijing. Bloated carcasses of humans and animals rotted in plain view. Victims of severe radiation in plain view victims of severe radiation Happening in all places south of the Arctic Circle. It was difficult to look at people clinging to the rooftops, knowing the water level would soon cover them. There were no good Samaritans floating around in boats attempting their rescue.
Speaker 1:Jl sat with Marcy and Kat and watched it all in silence. They saw a scene of steam, debris and smoke shooting from geysers in Yellowstone Park. It's similar to sites from Iceland. Marcy turned to Jail and asked him is this the end of the world? I don't have an answer, dear Marcy. Jail, however, kept that thought close to his chest. Later, in bed, jail turned. Unable to find a comfortable position, he tried to cleanse his mind of the images from the television. Marcy's question about the end of the world haunted him. The scientist had set the doomsday clock at a mere 100 seconds to midnight. Clock at a mere 100 seconds to midnight. Jl said he'd written a report about the clock for a high school assignment. Once He'd written that, the clock starting in 1949 as a reminder to the world of how close we Wednesday because of nuclear fission, that maybe now we are reaching the end of days, he couldn't sleep and in his mind's eye the clock was crawling closer to his eyes and he saw images of the clocks, big hand approaching 12, the second hand sweeping towards midnight and the apocalypse it wasn't.
Speaker 1:Gl wasn't much for going to church in his former life, but one day, on impulse, he walked by a large church in the center of Echolote. Standing inside the front entrance he glanced around a bank of candles, flickering light in the dim interior. He strolled to the front. He considered lighting a candle, but he didn't know the procedure. He didn't know what, for Maybe it was to remember Lisa and Vera, he thought. A soft-spoken man appeared at his side asking if he wanted anything. Jl asked him about the candle protocol. Simple, the man said you see that box of matches. Yeah Well, take a match and light a candle. That's all there is to it. Will it do any good? Does the smoke go up to God? Well, if nothing else, the world becomes warmer. Gl looked at the man, recognizing the man's sense of humor. I don't know what you believe or don't believe, and I'm not sure about myself anymore, but I can tell you that talking with someone may ease your burden, my friend.
Speaker 1:They sat as JL poured out his story, the saga from White City to Kawewe it surprised him to feel a heaviness lifting from his shoulder. Jl assumed the man was a priest, but he was dressed casually. It was hard to tell. He told someone later about their conversation. I never saw that man again, however. I went to that church every day since to light a candle.
Speaker 1:The man in the shadows that day told Jael there was hope. He admitted the world seemed on its last legs, but when it seems things can't get worse. The man assured him God has a way of taking control and he promised to the Israelites and to us today. How can I have hope? What hope is there for Marcy's future? What about a cat and a child she's about to bring into the world? The man standing by the bank of candlesusted a hand gently on JL's shoulder. The girl you call Marcy is part of the future. Cat is a mother of hope. Her son will be our future. God hasn't given up yet. Before walking away, he told JL one last thing You've played your part well in saving the future.
Speaker 1:By the time JL arrived back at the apartment his stress level had dropped back to manageable. He was whistling while he prepared a world-class JL stew. He set the ladle on the counter and prepared a salad and wondered when Marcy would get home. It's time to wake Cat up from her nap. He thought the doctor told her the baby would be here at any day. Now it was the last thought JL had before his world went black. He fell heavily, pulling a salobo from the counter. The loud clattering and the breaking glass waking cat.
Speaker 1:At the same time Marcy walked through the door to the sound of her sister screaming for her to call 911. Hearing the sirens, marcy propped the apartment door open, then raced down the stairs to hold the front door open for the emts up the stairs to the right. She said they carried the yellow gurney with a practice ease. Unfazed by the steps, once in the apartment the woman placed her kit at JL's side and talked into a microphone. On her shoulder, unresponsive older man, weak pulse, gray pallor were applying oxygen. She knew JL's medical history, transporting now.
Speaker 1:The EMTs lowered the gurney and placed JL on it and they were raising it. When Kat said in a quiet voice, my water just broke, the EMT woman in charge turned her head and activated the microphone again Alert LDR. We also have a patient ready to give birth. What's LDR? Marcy wanted to know. Labor delivery and recovery. I'm sorry you can't ride with us, but the hospital isn't far. Ask for directions when you get there.
Speaker 1:Rhonda, the woman in the next apartment, had been watching from her door as they carried JL down the stairs. Kat was gingerly walking behind them, keeping a tight hold on the railing. Don't worry, marcy, I'll drive you in. Stay by your side. The neighbor reassured the young girl. The receptionist at the hospital said they took JL to intensive care. I'm sorry, no visitors, but yes, you can go to Cat's room, marcy. Take the elevator to the third floor and a nurse will tell you about the rules for keeping the environment sterile. The charge nurse explained how Marcy could help. They had her sit next to Cat, squeezing her hand, and Marcy yelped whenever Cat felt a cramp and squeezed Marcy's hand in a forceful grip. I'm thirsty Hearing that Marcy eased a straw between Cat's lips. Marcy eased a straw between Cat's lips.
Speaker 1:Marcy read about what happens giving birth, but the pain Cat was enduring was a surprise. Just when Cat said she couldn't take anymore, the nurse called the midwife. The midwife finished putting on gloves as she entered the room and, with a quick nod to those assisting, the midwife, supervised a process that had been going on since the beginning of human life. Like all women before her, kat moaned legs apart, pushing with all her strength until a baby emerged. Elijah arrived on 25 August 2036 and with a cry, the newborn announced to the world I'm here.
Speaker 1:Kat didn't need a long stay in the hospital and when the doctors gave discharge instructions, kat asked about JL and if she could show him the baby. I'll check. Marcy and Kat waited while the doctor made a call. Ending the call, she said the patient's not doing well, but they told me that the two of you can take the child to the room, but you can't stay very long. Kat and Marcy were horrified when they saw JL. His eyes were open, but that was the only sign he was alive. He looked up at Cat holding her child and his face magically transformed. He somehow managed a broad smile and asked the nurse to help push him to a sitting position.
Speaker 1:Cat placed the child, elijah, gently in JL's arms. Say hello to your grandson, elijah. Papa, where'd you get a name like that? He said it doesn't sound like Louisiana. It came to her in her dream. Marcy said, holding Jail's hand, as if she would never let go. Oh, he's so handsome. Jail said, gazing down at the boy he was holding. Jail started to slump and the nurse picked Elijah up, handing him to Kat. Marcy and Kat watched the light dim in Jail's eyes. I can let go now, jail said, as his head tilted back and he spoke for the last time I've seen the future. Lisa. Cat, marcy and the nurse were all sobbing uncontrollably. It was Marcy who placed her hand over Cat's arms. Jail would expect us to be strong. He gave everything to get us here. Cat nodded in agreement and, leaving the room, they didn't look back. I want to remember him the way he was, cat said.
Speaker 1:A few days later, cat walked to the church, j jail, and talked about it. It brings me calm and peace. He had told her A man wearing a white robe was lighting a candle and he turned to Cat. Your father wondered if the smoke carried a message to God. We never talked about such things, cat said.
Speaker 1:She later told Marcy she didn't know why, but she removed her secret notebook. Maybe you can tell me who I need to ask about this handing it to the man. Cat didn't know the definition of enigmatic, but she saw it in the man's eyes, my softer. My grandmother told me to ask a rabbi about the story that's written in this book. The priest gave directions to the apartment of a rabbi living nearby. In the apartment she watched the rabbi turn each page. Such things are not measured by time. In the Judaic tradition of naming this links you back to a woman in Ethiopia, perhaps even the daughter of King Solomon and Queen Sheba. Ethiopian Jews were called Philoshes. That line started long ago and ends with the birth of your son, elijah Soon. Kat was on a plane to a synagogue in New Greenland to meet with a rabbi and show him the book.
Speaker 1:On January the 14th 2048,. The moderator called a conference to order. Welcome you all to New Greenland and it's proud to host this session of Tribes of the Arctic. The Arctic feeding the world. Talking faded away when the agenda flashed on the screen and that first presenter stepped to the podium and she made an impassioned delivery. Arctic tribes have created a historic coalition. The world is slowly adjusting to our massive climate change. The job of feeding the world has now fallen on our shoulders. What would have been impossible before this significant change is now possible. Much food production change lies ahead, but we can do it if we work together. Pausing until the applause is over.
Speaker 1:The next speaker, rose, strode to the podium placing his notes on the platform. He looked around the room. People later described tension in the auditorium, with side conversations whispering. Who is this guy? He's not from the Arctic. The speaker motioned to the wings as seven men and women joined him. With a voice that didn't need a microphone, he began speaking. My dear friends, the job of feeding the world now rests with you. Deep population was brutal and there are still many mouths to feed, but we stand before you offering the survivors spiritual food. My name is unimportant, he said with humility.
Speaker 1:The eight of us standing here represent a new blending of religions and spiritual beliefs. Perhaps that was God's plan all along to give us a second chance. I pray we don't screw it up again. A ripple of light. Applause circled the room and then began to grow. To my immediate left is an Inuit shaman that most of you know. He communes with spirits, to the rhythm of a drum, along with enthusiastic dancing.
Speaker 1:A man in ceremonial clothing raised his hand to the crowd. Next to him is a Buddhist shaman, a specialist in tantric blessings and battling malevolent spirits. Another man that man raised his hand. He pointed to a man further to the left, but it wasn't a man. It was a woman representing atheism. The rest compromised Hindu, islam, catholic Christians and Protestant Christians, theologians the world's major religions.
Speaker 1:Now I stand before you as an old Jew and a rabbi, and he waited for the audience to absorb his words. Over the past 18 months, we've argued, debated and yelled until we hammered out a new spiritual order. Not exactly like starting from scratch with Adam and Eve, but each discipline has agreed to honor the basics of the other's spiritual beliefs while still preserving the core values of their own. Can this not be the new way? The moderator returned to the podium to a standing ovation. The audience finally understood, appreciating what they had just heard. Murmuring grew as an elegant black woman appeared holding the hand of a young boy of 13. I present to you Elijah. An eerie silence fell over the room as the young man held up a hand for quiet. The young man spoke with a gentle but assured authority Hanani, here I am, lord. The old rabbi sat holding his head between his hands, rocking in prayer. After centuries of Jews inviting Elijah to their Passover Seder, was it finally happening? The end.
Speaker 1:Thank you for listening to the final episode of Countdown to Doomsday. Thank you for listening to the final episode of Countdown to Doomsday. I do welcome your comments, your thoughts on the journey and the ending. If you like this story, I'd love to hear from you, and if you didn't like it, let me know so I can keep improving my storytelling. My email address is chuck at chuckwaldroncom. Again, chuck at chuckwaldroncom, let me know what you thought and let me know where you're from. This was narrated by me, chuck Waldron, and I hope that the quality of my reading improved by the final chapter. The episodes were produced by Edna Francis and a final farewell from the Leaping Cat Studios.