Essential Beginnings (11 page)

M
av stood back
away from the crowd, surveying the occupants as they crowded around the diner’s television. He wanted the chance to observe and see if there would be any trouble, but there was only one group that he was concerned with—Stanley Ratliff and his cluster of friends. It was standing room only and Ernie was currently near the front having a serious discussion with the Sheriff and Reggie Thomas, the mayor of Lost Summit. Rat and three of his cronies were sitting in a booth talking with one another while the others had their eyes glued to the screen in the corner. Henley was standing next to Mabel, trying to comfort the older woman who was worried about her son. She’d already placed a call in to him and tried unsuccessfully to get him to move the family to safety. It wasn’t until Mav had gotten on the phone and convinced Derek it was in the best interests of his family to start heading this way.

“Are you sure we can trust this woman that Berke has spoken to? I don’t like to cause the people in my town to panic based on a discussion that someone had with a third party I don’t even know. We can’t be telling everyone this is going to happen unless it’s a proven fact.”

Sheriff Ramsey had slipped away from Ernie and the mayor, making his way toward the back of the diner where Mav was now leaning against the wall. Felix was one of Ernie’s closest friends and a retired army colonel. All would be well within Lost Summit should martial law be declared over the course of the next few days. Felix was a born leader, one who could maintain balance and safety in this small town. But he was one man and Mav figured it was only a matter of time before he was deputized. It wasn’t necessarily Rat and his group that had Mav concerned, for they were really harmless in the grand scheme of things. It was the desperation of those outside that would kick in and cause them to seek out better shelter at any cost as they fled north.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Mav replied, his attention being pulled over to where Henley was standing next to the coffee pot. She was holding it up and silently asking if he’d like a cup. He nodded his acceptance, pushing away his thoughts about the two of them. Now wasn’t the time and he honestly didn’t know why he’d tested her outside the diner. His emotions were still running high and he needed to get them under control. Their safety took priority, but damn if she didn’t make him want to break that rule for the first time in his life. “Berke and the others are heading here now. Do you have a plan for when we are all left on our own once the governmental infrastructure breaks down?”

“You don’t know that will happen,” Sheriff Ramsey said with caution with a slow shake of his head. He was dressed in a khaki uniform with his utility belt around his waist. His right palm currently rested on the butt of his pistol, letting Mav know he didn’t believe his own words. “Officials have known about this threat for many, many years. I’m sure they have a contingency plan, which we will follow to the letter once it is issued.”

“The Army taught you well, but we both know what will happen when the fear sets in. Even good Samaritans get desperate unless they have someone to lead them, which is you.”

“That’s a grim outlook you have there, Mav.” Felix took his time looking around the room at the majority of the residents from Lost Summit. “I’ve known these townsfolk my entire life and I’m here to tell you that they are goodhearted people who would give you the shirt off of their back. They’ve all experienced bad times when the last of the mines went under and we all struggled to put food on the table. Each and every one of us knows what it takes to survive. Whatever is said in a few minutes or whatever happens, we will be just fine like we’ve always been.”

Mav wasn’t sure what to say to that so he kept quiet and thought over the sheriff’s outlook. The town had managed to make it through tough times, but there was a massive difference between an economic depression and all out survival during a state of emergency involving the entire country, if not the world. Mav had experienced both and fought for his life in the latter, but it wasn’t until now that he’d comprehended where his thoughts had gone. He would have laughed at the ironic turn of events. He’d just got done lecturing Henley about her view of people while he’d claimed to be holier than thou in that department. Listening to Felix shine a light on his own reservations made him realize that he wasn’t as trusting as he’d always thought he was. His assessment of these people was as cynical as Henley’s.

“There’s nothing wrong with having all your bases covered,” Mav cautiously suggested, ignoring the ominous feeling that what they were about to experience was something that no one here could fathom because it was somewhat overwhelming. Ernie had always told his platoon to rely on their gut in sticky situations and Mav had yet to be steered wrong by his instinct. “Just remember this, Chief, if you need my help or that of my brothers, we’re at your disposal.”

“I appreciate it, Mav.” Sheriff Ramsey followed Mav’s gaze to where Rat and his friends were now laughing at something someone said and acting like this situation was a common occurrence. “Rat is harmless. He’s also a coward and will likely fall into line when the going gets tough.”

In Mav’s opinion, a coward was the exact type of person that needed to be watched twenty-four seven in this type of situation. They were unpredictable and downright capable of anything, including taking what wasn’t theirs to begin with. This was the sheriff’s territory and Mav would respect that, but he would also do what was necessary to protect himself and those he cared about. Speaking of which, Henley was now walking their way with two cups of coffee in hand.

“Here,” Henley said softly as she handed over the mugs to Mav and Felix. “I thought you two could use some caffeine.”

“I’d better get back to Ernie and Reggie,” Sheriff Ramsey stated after having thanked Henley for her thoughtfulness. “We’ll need to coordinate our efforts should the governor agree with the assessment of Berke’s friend.”

“Does he doubt us?” Henley asked skeptically, watching as the sheriff maneuvered through the people and back to where Ernie and the mayor were still talking. “If he does, what does he think the press conference is about?”

“The press release might be just what Ernie said it would be—officials telling the citizens everything is fine. Trust me, Paige isn’t the only one willing to lose her job over telling family and friends what’s about to happen. There will be no jobs to worry about. The media would no doubt pick up on that, leaving the government and the USGS to make remarks to calm the masses.” Mav took a drink of his coffee, his mind immediately wondering if they should start conserving their resources this minute. He’d definitely entered into Ernie’s territory into thinking the worst and they were about to find out from the murmur that arose. “Listen.”

“Turn it up,” Elijah called out from his seat at the counter as everyone quieted down. He tapped his ear. “I left my hearing aids at home again.”

Mav couldn’t see who held the remote, but the sound of the television ramped higher until the broadcaster’s voice could be heard over everyone. Henley took a step closer and Mav figured it was a subconscious action, not that he objected. He found it comical that they’d finally cleared the air and knew where each other stood at a time when it might not matter anymore. The thing of it was…she would always matter to him.

“…listen as we take you live to the Oval Office of the White House.”

“Did you ever see that movie about the asteroid hitting Earth?” Henley whispered, a slight tremor to her voice now that reality was settling in. Mav could relate and his chest tightened in apprehension as he watched the President of the United States sitting behind his desk looking as if he’d rather be doing anything else than delivering this news to the American people. “I don’t think I’m ready for this.”

“None of us are.”

“My fellow Americans, as I’m sure you are aware there was an earthquake at Yellowstone National Park yesterday. Unfortunately, the caldera has been showing signs of eruption over the course of the last forty-eight hours, so it is with deep regret that I am confirming what you have seen across your televisions the past two days. Scientists at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory have been monitoring ground movements and earthquake activity at Yellowstone for years. The rapid pressure and temperature are unlike anything they’ve seen before and they alerted the proper officials immediately, but we needed time to make provisions for the people that will be affected should the unthinkable happen. Numerous swarms of seismic activity coupled with other indications the seismologists have been studying have suggested a rate at which this supervolcano has awakened is unprecedented. I wish we were able to tell you if the eruption will occur today, tomorrow, or a week from now. We honestly do not know.”

The voices in the diner started talking over one another and the people started exchanging scared looks and glances. There wasn’t anyone to ease their fears, not even the President of the United States. He didn’t have the power to prevent such a natural phenomenon. They were on their own unless the government had a plan to evacuate millions of people before the eruption and Mav already knew the likelihood of that.

“We urge the American public to prepare to be on their own for approximately thirty days, if not longer—this includes canned goods, bottled water, first aid kits, and any survival items you deem necessary. For those closer to the affected area we ask that you immediately vacate to the East Coast or as far as you can travel before visibility is impossible. Unfortunately, a large-scale evacuation within the time parameters allowed will be impossible. Emergency assistance will not be available until the ash cloud has settled and we are left to evaluate the damage. Know this—we will not abandon you. We will send help.”

“Oh my God,” Henley whispered, putting her fingers to her lips. One would have thought that time stood still as the President of the United States gave his speech. Mav swore he could feel the nails being hammered home as the weight of their situation actually settled over them. The words being broadcasted were a message that most people would see as hope, especially with the polished words and confidence the President conveyed while speaking to the American people. Mav understood it for what it was, as did Ernie who was now looking back at them. The concern in his eyes was heavy and although he’d predicted what would come, he hadn’t wanted this.

“…so what we are dealing with is apocalyptic in nature and unlike anything we have ever had to deal with in our lifetime. Under the provisions of the Federal Emergency Management Act, I hereby declare martial law. Anyone caught looting or acting contrary to the common good order and discipline of the community will be summarily arrested and imprisoned until such time as a trial can be arranged. However, your right to a speedy trial is suspended due to the nature of this catastrophe. Governors in the affected states are empowered to immediately use all federal and state assets, including the National Guard, to secure whatever shelter they need to maintain their local government. I leave you with this…love thy neighbor. Do not panic, do not prey on one another, and do not give up hope. We will come for you. We are American citizens. Our nation remains united. Godspeed and God bless.”

Ernie didn’t waste time in clearing his throat and walking around the counter to garner everyone’s attention. The danger they were about to face was a cold hard reality and the mayor appeared content to let Ernie take the lead on this. This wasn’t going to last a day, a week, or a month. When Yellowstone erupted, it would forever change their lives and they would all be plummeted back into the Stone Age.

Call it coincidence or just sheer bad luck, but when the live feed from the local television station had switched back to show Yellowstone National Park, something was happening onscreen before Ernie had a chance to speak. Multiple vents could be seen within the span of the next few minutes. They had opened up and steam was pounding into the air. Cries, gasps, and screams echoed throughout the diner as the aired footage demonstrated that Yellowstone National Park was being systematically dismantled by a massive ground swell.

The image was unlike any other Mav had ever seen and Henley reached for his hand for the first time since he’d known her. She held on tightly as they witnessed the camera on scene shake, the ground crack, and suddenly the feed went to static that remained until the picture transferred back to a stunned national news anchor. As if they’d been transported directly to Wyoming to experience the eruption themselves…the blast traveled at the speed of light. The citizens of Lost Summit heard a distant rumble, followed by a horrendous crack, as if lightning had struck just outside. The energy from the blast echoed off the surrounding mountains and everyone felt the reverberation of the detonation that would haunt their nightmares for many years to come.

Henley instinctively turned into Mav’s embrace, seeking safety from what they’d just witnessed and experienced. How was it that they could hear and feel something that happened over eight hundred miles away? The dishes rattled, the chairs moved, and the lights swung from the ceiling.