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Jerry D. Young
www.jerrydyoung.com jerrydyoung@outlook.com

Church Of The Ark And Armageddon

Copyright 2012 by Jerry D Young All Rights Reserved
The following is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual names, persons, businesses, and incidents is strictly coincidental. Locations are used only in the general sense and do not represent the real place in actuality.

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Church of the Ark and Armageddon - Prolog It had started small, in the Deep South, among disillusioned Christians of several denominations, as well as a few people of little previous faith preferences. But it grew, slowly, changing slightly as more people, people with very definite ideas, became involved. Elements of the Old Testament; a few of the New Testament; passages from the Dead Sea Scrolls; some fraternal organization elements, especially Masonic, Elks, and Shriners; a little Mormon, as well as Mennonite and Amish influences; along with powerful emotions and beliefs of the Ante Bellum southern states of America; all mixed together, became the quiet, powerful, event focused religion. A religion with an agenda. The survival of the church and its members, come what may, biblically, naturally, or humanly. As Noah had survived once, the new church now planned to survive the coming Armageddon. And, of course, the members of the church wanted the survival of enough non-church members to serve those in the church. They didnt really want to convert everyone to the church, just the right people. Church properties were always built with defense in mind, usually with high walls or stout metal fences surrounding them. The dwellings of church members were also built with defense in mind, often within small walled and gated communities. Many of the church members were wealthy, with more wealth coming into the church almost daily. Owners of certain key, to the churchs interest, businesses and activities were welcomed into the church, even to the point of recruiting people, with already apparent leanings toward the churchs basic beliefs. While the congregations had many and diverse businesses owned by the members, a development of older, harsher days, came once again into being. The leaders of the church wanted more than stored food.

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They wanted a long term, perpetual in fact, supply of food. That meant farms. Farms under the control of the church. Farms that could and would produce food, no matter what the future brought. The church made land available, some by members of the church, and more owned by the church itself, to a new breed of share croppers. A few of the CAA members became sharecroppers, but the vast majority were non-members. All did have one thing in common, however. Only pre-tractor equipment would be used. The farms would use horses and oxen to pull the plows and other farm machinery, and the production would use only organic methods. No modern technological chemicals or devices could be used. The farms were only one of the efforts the church took for its long term preservation. The members were not dependent on retailers for things such as canned and packaged foods. Not even dehydrated and freeze-dried foods. Three wet pack canneries and two packaged food companies were owned in part or in full by the church or by members. A commercial dehydrating and freeze-drying company with its own cannery was owned and operated by the church as a nonprofit business supplying the members of the church. The church owned a commercial transportation company for profit. The profits subsidized the hauling the company did for the church and church members. Halo Trucking, with the golden halo slanted over the H and a mighty sword as a background was a common sight on the interstates and in remote areas, too. Every major church operation, including their main businesses and all the churches, were networked on the internet with a high security system of internal design done by members of the church with degrees in programming. It was a parallel system to the sophisticated business band radio system the church was licensed to operate, backed up by licensed Amateur Radio Operators using the latest Amateur Radio Equipment available.

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The tall, free standing spires prominent at each church were camouflaged omnidirectional antenna structures. Every major operation also had log periodic directional antennas for the various communications bands, the larger ones for HF frequencies more obvious and visible than the small farm of smaller antennas on the properties.

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Church of the Ark and Armageddon Ray Collins eased forward in a crouch, careful of each step he took. He had the breakaway tagging arrow nocked and ready. He tensioned the compound bow slightly. The deer he had been tracking was thirty yards away. Still a bit far for Rays modest bow skills to take a shot. He was helping out the forest service trying to get an idea of how many deer were in the area and had agreed to try and tag a few if he could. Suddenly the deer alerted, its white tail flipping as it bounded off. A shot rang out and Ray went to his belly on the ground, the bow slipping from his fingers as he brought the M1A around from its slung position on his back, to a ready position in his hands. It wasnt for deer, but there were some bears back in the area now, and Ray didnt trust his archery skills to divert one if it decided to come after him. Hed lost sight of the deer, but as he scanned the area for the source of the shot, he saw it stagger back into view several yards further away and then go down. Ray made no move to rise or announce his presence as two men came into view, approaching the dead deer. CAA, muttered Ray. This wasnt the first time hed encountered one of the churchs hunting parties. Clad head to foot in Realtree camouflage, there were usually three of them. Two to spot and hunt, with a third as back up and over watch security. Slowly and carefully, Ray scanned the area, turning his head slowly, and really concentrating on each and every object that could hide a person, or be a person. It wasnt until the man moved that Ray saw him. This one wasnt just in patterned camouflage. He wore a ghillie suit from head to toe. The three men greeted one another and exchanged a few words. The man in the ghillie suit stepped back into the edge of the trees and stopped. Ray looked away, and then back. It took him several seconds to

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see the man again. The man hadnt moved, but the effect of the well made ghillie suit was remarkable. Ray stayed where he was until the men had the deer field dressed and quartered. He started to get up when the two hunters turned around and disappeared into the forest. But he remembered the ghillie suited man in time and held position. He was glad he did. About ten minutes later the two hunters showed up again, this time with a game cart. Everything but the offal was loaded onto the game cart and the two headed toward where Ray was sure their vehicle was. The man in the ghillie suit had begun to move before the other two, parallel to the path the two men were taking. Ray continued to wait, watching carefully. He wasnt quite sure why he was being so cautious. It was his land the men were hunting on, and it was out of season by months. He should be out there protesting. But there were rumors about CCA, not so nice rumors, especially about a religion. Or as some were now calling it, a cult. A major cult with influence in high places. Even some of the people in high places were members, it was said. And some of CCAs activities were broaching on being highly illegal. Ray had not given the Church any permission to hunt on his land. It was different when hed run across them before, on state and federal land, hunting legally. But, again, rumors were saying they were really pushing the limits in a lot of places. In a lot of activities. Ray finally stood and carefully made his way back to his vehicle. His property wasnt vast, but it was broken up by a long ridge with a small mountain stream at the base of it on the side of the ridge where Rays homestead was. The area on this side of the ridge was simply wilderness from the ridge to the property line. Thinking about it on the drive down and around the far end of the ridge, Ray decided that the men would just have said they didnt know theyd passed from the State Forest onto his land. The out of season activity would have been harder

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to explain. He was a little disappointed in himself that he hadnt protested. It was just salt in an open sore to see one of the Halo trucks shoot by on the county road as Ray was about to turn onto it from the trail. He wondered for a bit if it contained the hunters and the game cart with his deer on it. Ray shook his head, pulled onto the road and drove the short distance down to his driveway. Going to have to fix this, one of these days, Ray said to himself as he crossed the deteriorating low water bridge that spanned the creek that ran along the county road. The concrete was broken up and tilted at all angles. Hed put it off for several reasons, not the least of which was the isolation it gave him. Not too many people were willing to risk their vehicle crossing it, even if they thought they could. But his truck was more than capable of handling it so hed not bothered. He wasnt sure he wanted to fix it now, with the way things were going in the US and rest of the world. Ray wasnt sure which was in the worst shape, us or them, as he thought of anyone and everyone not an American citizen. That actually even included a few people that were US citizens, many of them elected officials. After driving up the rough track that was the driveway, Ray took a sharp left and rode up and over the berm hed pushed up when clearing the top of the jutting bulge of the mountain that was his homestead. The berm went all the around the road side of the now flattened ledge with the only reasonable approach being up the driveway. The ground fell off quickly on each side of the road and was heavily forested. It was steep enough on the outer side to make climbing it and shooting over the top of it at the property extremely difficult except at the crossover. And Ray had a few surprises for anyone that might try that.

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But Ray put those thoughts out of his mind when he was greeted enthusiastically by his Airedale, Homer. Hey, Homer! How you doing, boy? Homer luxuriated in the rubs and scratches to his head and around his ears, leaning against Rays legs as he often did. Ray wondered how Homer had picked up that trait. He wasnt a lazy dog, but hed lean against Ray anytime he was close enough. Suzie came trotting out of the rather elaborate doghouse, with three of the four pups trailing her. The fourth pup came running out to join his siblings and managed to fall and trip up all three of them. Ray wooled Suzie around as Homer checked the pups. Both dogs were fine specimens of Airdales, registered and papered. Ray was thinking about selling the pups when the time came, but had a hard time facing the fact that it would be best, but he loved the animals and knew it would a hard task to part with them. A few minutes of bonding, and Ray checked the dogs automatic feed and watering system. Ray was often gone for two or three days at a time and the automatic system, kept filled and well maintained saw to it that Homer and Suzie and the pups would be okay when he was gone. After ensuring everything was fine with the animals, Ray went into the house, which backed right up, almost against, the bluff that climbed another fifty feet in elevation before sloping back down toward the crick and ridgeline. Ray changed out of his hunting clothes and put the bow and rifle away before fixing himself lunch. He checked the internet as he ate the bowl of Crockpot chili. Nothing of great import, except the overall situation. Then one article caught his eye. The Church of the Ark and Armageddon was being thanked for donating several truckloads of canned and packaged foods to flood victims of a flood back east.

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Dollars to donuts, Ray said to the computer screen, It is old stock they are rotating out to make room for fresh. Dont be so cynical, Ray. Ray turned around quickly. What are you doing up here? Thought wed spend the weekend together. Been a while since weve had any free time. I remember you said you were taking this weekend off to watch the Olympics. Thought we could watch them together. Ray got up and hurried over to his sometimes girlfriend. He kissed her politely, a mere buss on the cheek. Hi. It is good to see you, Antoinette. And you. Would you get my case out of the Jeep? I need to hit the head. Sure. Ray hurried outside to get the backpack out of the front seat of the Jeep. He stopped at the kennel run and told the dogs, Youre a fine pair. You didnt even make a noise. Normally the dogs would signal anything approaching, which was very seldom, but Antoinette had been up a few times and the dogs had been shushed and told she was okay to be in their territory. Besides, they liked her. She would play and work with them whenever she was up. Ray didnt have a doubt that Antoinette had stopped to say hello to the dogs and give them a treat before she came into the house, using her key. Placing the bag down near the hallway to the bedrooms, Ray hurriedly did a little clean up in the kitchen. When hed put on the chili that morning, hed left the saut pan and other utensils out used in preparing the ingredients for the Crockpot chili. Even the empty diced tomato and Ranch Style brand chili beans cans on the counter. The

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blender used to puree the beans and tomatoes was still on the counter, the remains of beans still clinging to the inside. Is it alright to come out now? Antoinette asked in an amused voice from the hallway. Yes. You can come out now. Rays voice was fatalistic. Antoinette had to be the most observant person hed ever known. Figured you want to tidy up a bit. So. Hows tricks? Good, Ray said. Getting quite a bit of work from the state putting in fire breaks and such. They are worried about a bad fire season. Already been two. You want something to drink? Sure. What do you have that is ready? Got a nice stout. Or some clover blossom wine. Better go with the stout. Save that scrumptious wine for after dinner. Ray got a pair of bottles of the stout hed brewed up a few days before. He was an avid brewer and winemaker. Hed do hard liquor if it wasnt illegal. He didnt actually drink much, but loved to try new recipes and test them out on his friends. Handing Antoinette the bottle after popping the Grolsch style clamping stopper he waited a bit anxiously for her opinion when she took a sip. Um. Good. Did yourself proud, Ray. Thanks. Ray sat down beside her on the sofa. Okay, Antoinette, out with it. What really brought you up here today?

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She turned a sad face toward him and managed to get the words out before she started crying. I lost Momma today. The nursing home called Oh, baby! Ray said and took her in his arms. He put his bottle on the coffee table and then hers. He just held her until she cried herself out. Hed lost both his parents in a car wreck a few years previously. He knew what Antoinette was going through. Thanks, Ray. I knew I could count on you, Antoinette said after straightening back up. She reached for the stout and took another sip. They arent going to let me go to the funeral. What? Thats not right! That all happened a long time ago, and your mother was in a bad way! I know. But Charles has never forgiven me for putting Momma in the hospital when she went off the deep end and tried to kill herself. The stigma of mental illness was just too much for him to take. Thats why he pulled her out and put her in a nursing home. She was cared for physically, but she never got over losing Sally and just went into withdrawal. I think No. I know she could have been helped and been able to cope with things if Charles had just left her in the mental health care hospital. Im so sorry that ever happened to you and your family. You can take as much time as you want to start dealing with this. Thanks, Ray. Considering our relationship, or lack thereof, you are a kind man. Mutual decision, Antoinette. I feel the same thing you do about marriage first. But that is all immaterial right now. You just need a friend to lean on and Im glad you chose me.

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Nobody but you could help me the way you can. I always leave you feeling better than when I arrived, even if I was feeling good to start with. Well, Im still glad. There are always choices. Yes, there are. Antoinette recapped the bottle of stout to Rays surprise and set it back on the coffee table. I need to work off some stress. You worked the vein anymore lately? Been a few days. Are you sure you want to work that hard and get that dirty? Ray asked. Im sure. We can have the rest of the stout when were done for the day. You still have my mining clothes, since it has been so long? Oh, yes. I just clean them up after you leave, wash them, and put them away for next time. I guess it is next time. Ray picked up the two bottles and recapped his before he took them back to the kitchen. Antoinette was already in the second bedroom, changing, when Ray headed to his bedroom to do the same thing. Both came out a few minutes later, dressed in coveralls and boots with hardhats. The hard hat had a bright light attached, with goggles looped to them. They met at the end of the hallway, which was closed off with a doorway. He opened the door to expose another doorway in the face of the rock just slightly taller than they were. The door was set in a concrete block wall. There was nothing on the sides of the gap between house and rock, but it was roofed and there were floor boards down to span the gap. Ray opened the mine door, leaned into the hole, and flipped a light switch, illuminating half a dozen LED bulbs on the wall of the short mine drift. Even from the door Antoinette could see the gleam from the thin line of quartz encased gold. Ray flipped another switch to start the fan that blew fresh air from outside through a large diameter flexible hose to the face of the drift where they would be working.

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Ray had cut the vein when hed been using the Cat D-11T dozer to build the flat shelf out of the sloping bulge on the side of the mountain. It was obvious from the start that the vein was rich. So Ray made the decision to continue to work, build the house he was already planning next to the bluff, and begin hand mining the vein out as time and energy permitted. He didnt figure hed lost much gold in the earth works, since the vein, though rich where hed cut into it, had been very small. It was gradually getting larger the deeper he went into the bluff. Before they entered the drift, both carefully checked the walls, and especially the ceiling, for any indications of collapse. Ray was adamant about safety, and shored the walls and ceiling every few feet with heavy timbers, just in case. The geological structure wasnt prone to collapse, but Ray simply didnt take any chances. The two picked up their tools and dust masks and walked slightly downward to the face of the drift. Antoinette could see where Ray had worked the face some since the last time shed seen it. Almost ready to harvest, Antoinette said. Yeah. I kind of like getting to a point where it will be easy to finish so the next time I come in it doesnt take long to get some satisfaction. Gold bug, Antoinette said, humorously. Look whos talking! Ray said with a laugh. Antoinette already was picking up the electric hammer drill that they would use to bore a series of holes into the face of the rock. When the holes were completed, an electric jackhammer would knock out the webbing between the holes to expose more of the gold laden quartz vein. Since Ray had decided to keep the drift a little over head high, it took more rock removal than would be necessary with a drift only high

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enough to crawl in to access the vein. But Ray wasnt a production miner, intent on getting as much gold as possible for the least money invested. People knew he had a source, but no one suspected it was right behind his house. He didnt want to let on just how rich the vein was, so he only harvested enough at a time to convert to a few Gold Eagle coins, while having a good time doing the work. As soon as Antoinette had a few holes done and Ray had room, he began using the electric jackhammer. He could knock out the rock faster than Antoinette could drill so he would spell her every so often to let her rest while he drilled a few holes. They both took a break after a couple of hours and evaluated their progress. They both sat down on a pair of stools that were handy. How you holding up? Ray asked Antoinette after theyd each downed a bottle of water from the case Ray kept in the drift so he wouldnt have to bring it with him every time. Im good for another go around, Antoinette said, standing up. She hoisted the drill and began the drill holes up near the roof, standing on one of the stools, her head bent at an angle to clear the roof. Antoinette finally gave up and let Ray do the rest of the face, exposing a long, thick slab of quartz. You know, she said, carefully shining her headlamp on the quartz, I think the vein is getting both larger, and more laden with gold than earlier. Ray studied it the way Antoinette had and final agreed with her. I think you are right. I thought it might, but I never wanted to get my hopes up. He began to chip away at the quartz with a rock hammer as Antoinette caught it and put it in a canvas bag there for the purpose. Thats enough, I think, Ray said. He hadnt gone all the way against the face of rock, much less digging deep into the vein itself to get more gold out. Just like hed said earlier, he left enough clear so it wouldnt take much work to get a reasonable amount out the next time.

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Antoinette carried the canvas bag back to the entrance of the mine and came back with a heavy cart. Ray was standing ready with a shovel to load up the spoils. The two alternated shoveling and running the cart to the entrance and dumping it to one side of the gap between the house and rock face. It would take several more sessions before Ray needed to move the pile and distribute it over the property so it wasnt obvious he was mining right there on the property. Finished with the cleanup, the two set everything in its assigned place in the mine and left, with Ray closing and locking both of the doors. Then they cleaned up, leaving the bag of quartz and gold at the end of the hall. They would separate the gold from the quartz after having a rest and some supper. Ray didnt mind eating his Crockpot chili several meals in a row, so with each having a bowl of chili, with some grated cheese and saltine crackers, the bottles of stout in their other hand, the two went into the living room to eat and watch some of the Olympics. The chili and the stout both gone, and an event starting neither cared much about, Ray, and then a smiling Antoinette, fell asleep sitting on the couch. Ray woke up first, looked at his watch and groaned slightly as he moved his arm. Getting too old for this, he muttered. He shook Antoinette. She woke quickly and asked, What time is it? Almost midnight, Ray said. I need to get to bed. These old bones and this old couch dont sleep well together. Im with you, even with my youthful bones. Ray rose and gave Antoinette a hand up. They walked hand in hand to the hallway, where Ray said, Well do the gold tomorrow.

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Okay, Antoinette said, letting her hand slip from Rays. But she raised it up to Rays face and brought his face close to hers. Thanks, Ray. You are a peach. She kissed him lightly on the lips and then turned into the bedroom she used when she was visiting Ray. Ray sighed and headed for his own bedroom, wondering when it would be a good time to ask Antoinette to marry him. She was still making it subtlety clear that she wasnt ready yet to commit. The next morning Ray found Antoinette in the kitchen, making smoothies for breakfast, tears streaming down her cheeks. Oh, sweetie! Ray said and took her into his arms. But she didnt stay long, gently disengaging after a few moments. She wiped her cheeks with the backs of her hands and went back to adding fruit to the blender. The tears slowed, but didnt stop, but Antoinette said, softly. Its okay Ray. This is just how I deal with some things. Here you go. An Antoinette special smoothie. She handed Ray the tall glass shed filled from the blender and then filled a second glass with the remainder. Um. Good. You do good work, Antoinette. Antoinette chuckled, the tears having slowed to a stop. Lets see what is going on at the Olympics. They went into the living room and took seats on the couch again to have their breakfast smoothies and watch some of the Olympics. When another sport came on they werent too interested in, the two got up and while Antoinette cleaned up a little in the kitchen, Ray got the canvas bag of gold laden quartz and went into the third bedroom that was now a workshop with outside access. When Antoinette came in a few minutes later, her face was scrubbed of the tear tracks. Ray couldnt tell if shed put on any makeup, but doubted it. She seldom used any, having nearly perfect skin.

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The two worked side by said, carefully cleaning the quartz away from the gold. The quartz was rather crumbly, but it still took a little effort to break it up and recover the strands of gold. The quartz would be added to the collection hed accumulated. Like the spoils that he only moved from time to time, the accumulated quartz would be pounded down to a powder and then panned to recover the small specks and flakes that couldnt be separated by hand. After the work was done and theyd cleaned up everything, Ray weighed the raw gold. How much? Antoinette asked. Almost four ounces. Good haul. And you get half. Give me a minute and Ill get you some coins. What denomination? Tenths. The ounce coins are impressive, but the tenths will be more usable, if ever needed. She didnt even try to dissuade Ray from giving her a share of the gold. Hed made it clear the first time that if she helped, she got a share, no arguments. This was the fifth time shed worked the drift with him and had accumulated several ounces of gold to add to her retirement stash, as she considered it. They lazed around the rest of the day, watching the Olympics when there was something on that they enjoyed. They worked and then played with the dogs for a while in the afternoon. Antoinette took a nap after that, while Ray got on the computer and checked the Daily Briefing on the Preparedness Center dot us website. It was one of his primary sources of information since it was so comprehensive. He didnt have to go to a bunch of different sites to get the information that interested him. It was all right there in one spot. He noted that gold was up nearly a dollar, and silver thirty-three cents. Theyd been trending downward for a couple of weeks, but that seemed to have stopped. Crude oil and fuel prices were still stable. The weather was a hodgepodge of record highs in the middle of the country, with rain in the northeast and northwest coastal cities. The drought monitor was an agonizing sight to see. If some of the areas didnt get

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significant rain soon, food costs that fall, winter, and next spring were going to skyrocket. Ray went to the other sites he visited, checking first for any new stories from Tired Old Man. Nothing today. But there were some interesting posts on a couple of the forums. Preppers were concerned about a possible new gun control effort after a spate of public venue shootings. He sighed. Ray felt for the victims, but just couldnt change his mind about the inherent right to keep and bear arms. After an hour on the various forums, Ray went to the kitchen, intending to prepare supper. No chili tonight, as much as he loved it. But Antoinette was already there, well into the process of making another of his favorite meals. Meatloaf, with boiled potatoes and corn on the cob. It was a meal that hed planned on making for himself that weekend, and had picked up the necessary components earlier that week. You know me well, Ray said. That I do. Youd live on meat and potatoes, chili, eggs and bacon, and ice cream if you could. Now get me a stout and Ill join you in the living room in a few minutes. Ray nodded, grabbed two of the bottles homemade stout and went to the living room. The TV was already on. Coverage was back and forth on several of the less popular sports. The pair sipped the stout and watched the games with interest. But the oven timer went off and Antoinette went to the kitchen to take the meat loaf out so it could rest, and put the corn in the water shed boiled the potatoes in after taking them out. You want another bottle? Antoinette asked Ray. I made some tea, if you want.

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The tea sounds good. And we didnt have that clover blossom wine last night. Want to have some of that this evening, so Ill pass on the stout. Same here, Antoinette said, joining Ray on the couch again. Be about another ten minutes. Okay. Good. Im getting hungry. The way you eat, I dont see how you stay so slim, Antoinette said. Youre talking to me about staying thin? You cant weigh more than one hundred pounds. Antoinette chuckled. Youd be surprised, my dear, not that Im going to tell you how much I weigh. Ray laughed in return. I know better. A few more minutes of the games and the two went to the kitchen and Antoinette began to bring the food to the table while Ray set out place settings for them. It was a pleasant meal, highlighted by the homemade ice cream that Ray made religiously with an in-freezer ice cream maker, followed by a cordial glass of Rays clover blossom wine. It had an exquisite taste but was a strong wine, so they limited themselves to a single cordial serving. With no plans for the next day, the two stayed up late again watching the Olympics, with the agreement to sleep in and not start Sunday until around ten in the morning. With another light kiss on his lips, Antoinette went to her bedroom and Ray to his. Antoinette took Ray at his word and didnt even stir until after nine. Ray was in the kitchen when Antoinette came in wearing her robe,

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yawning widely. The mining and late nights are catching up with me. Im glad I was able to sleep in. What is for breakfast? Omelet. One egg for you, two for me. And a fruit bowl with toast and juice. That sound okay? Sounds perfect, Antoinette said. Ill get my shower and be in shortly. Anything important going on this morning I need to know about? Havent checked, yet, Ray admitted. Ive only been up a few minutes myself. On the way back to the bedroom, Antoinette turned on the TV to see what Olympic events were scheduled for the day. But the Olympics werent on. Ray. Youd better come see this, Antoinette called to him. Whats up? Ray asked, joining Antoinette standing in front of the TV. China is poised to attack Taiwan, it looks like. Our government has not responded in any way. They couldnt have just moved enough manpower and matriel in a few hours to be ready to move on Taiwan. The talking heads are speculating, based on some kind of insider information, that at least one spy satellite went off line or was destroyed by the Chinese. Gave them enough time to get ready it looks like. The administration should have realized something was going on when those satellites quit working. Ray said. Apparently there have been a series of solar flares playing heck with some of the satellites. I guess they thought that they were the cause.

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I know about the flares. But I didnt think they were strong enough to take out some like a spy satellite. Its all just guess work now, in the media. The government and the military arent talking. Im going to get my shower. You can fill me in when I get back. Dont let anything burn. Ray went back to the kitchen, stepping to the doorway from time to time to watch the television for a few moments before getting back to the breakfast preparations. They ate their breakfast in front of the TV. There was nothing new that they hadnt seen the first few minutes. When things were repeated for the fifth or sixth time, Ray decided to go out to see to the dogs. They kept him occupied for an hour, for half of which Antoinette joined him. Antoinette was obviously reluctant when she told Ray after a light lunch that she had to get back home and get ready for work the next day. After Ray loaded her suitcase into the front passenger seat of the Jeep and went back into the house, Antoinette was coming out of the bedroom. Im ready to go. But she stopped at the hall, with Ray watching. Ray If youve ever entertained the idea of asking me to marry you, now would be a good time. Ray was totally shocked, but he quickly gathered his wits about him and said, Stay right where you are! He ran to his bedroom, opened the wall safe behind a large print of the Homer and Suzie, and took out a ring box. He hurried back to join Antoinette. She was waiting patiently, an expectant look in her eyes. She watched Ray go to one knee, bring up the ring box and open it.

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Will you marry me, Antoinette? He took the ring from the box and Antoinette held out her left hand and Ray slid the ring onto her ring finger. Yes, Ray, my love, I will marry you. Just as soon as I can plan it. That okay with you? Ray stood. My Lord, yes. You just name the day and the place and Ill be there. Set up whatever you want and Ill gladly pay for it. That wont be a problem, Ray. I dont plan on much. Just a few friends. I already have a plan. She stepped forward and put her arms around Ray. This kiss was unlike any shed ever given him. This was no platonic friend kiss. It was a passionate, romantic kiss if there ever was one. Thats going to have to do until after the wedding, Antoinette said, releasing Ray and stepping back. Ray could only nod, nearly paralyzed with desire. But his voice returned quickly and he said, Of course. What do you need me to do to help you get things ready? Not a thing. Just be careful, stay healthy, and figure out what you want to say for your vows. Ray really did freeze up then. Vows? he squeaked out. Just the regular ones, right? Antoinette smiled and raised her right hand to caress his cheek. If that is what you want. It is your wedding, too. Her hand slipped from his cheek and she turned and left the house. It was a moment before Ray hurried after her. He stopped at the dog kennel and stood with the dogs to watch Antoinette drive away.

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The two dogs looked at Ray, their heads cocked slightly in perplexity as Ray suddenly jumped up and down, did a little dance, and yelled out a loud, YES! Then he stopped and stood there, feeling more scared than he had in a long time. He was getting married. To Antoinette. A woman hed been in love with for several years. A dream was coming true and he didnt have a clue about what to do next. The Olympics no longer on his mind, the wedding became secondary as he went back inside and sat down in front of the TV to think. But the news caught his attention. China had just made a declaration that Mainland China was going to bring the island of Taiwan back into the fold. No interference in the operation would be tolerated on any level. It was a clear warning to the US and everyone else to just sit back and let it happen. The wedding always in the back of his mind, Ray fired up the computer and began to evaluate the status of his preps. Hed been planning for two, plus the dogs, for years. He now wanted to make sure that there wasnt anything hed forgotten that Antoinette might possibly need in the future, if worse came to worse. Late in the day, after checking the news again, Ray went to the mine and entered. Not very far in, between two of the shoring timbers, he lifted a canvas curtain that looked very much like part of the drift wall. There had been a branch vein, off the main vein, that Ray had followed until it played out, probably no more than ten feet from the face of the bluff. The gold recovered justified the work, but Ray found an invaluable use for the resulting room. It was the perfect storage place for his preps. There were several dozen feet of shelving, with almost every foot of it loaded down with supplies and equipment.

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Ray took a few minutes to verify a couple of things that the inventory numbers didnt match with his memory. Should have known, Ray muttered. The computer has much better memory than my brain. Satisfied that everything that he thought he had was present or accounted for, Ray went back inside, got a bowl of left over chili and sat down at the computer again. There were several things he wanted to get ordered, but he wanted to check his PayPal account first. He knew to the penny how much he had in his checking accounts and wallet, but he had a tendency to lose track of how much was in the online account. He would occasionally sell on e-bay a particularly nice piece of the gold quartz that would have more value as a collector item than the bullion value. Hed picked up that idea, and some of his gear, from a small mining operation website. Diggitprospecting, a dot com company. Those transactions helped finance his preps, allowing him to get paid by PayPal, and then use the money to buy things online without having to keep transferring money back and forth from bank accounts to PayPal for every sale or purchase. Ray put in the orders and then checked the news sites online for any further information. None was forthcoming, so he got a meatloaf sandwich for supper, a glass of iced tea, and sat down to try and watch some more of the Olympics. But when the sandwich and tea were finished, Ray just didnt feel like watching any more. He was more exhausted than he thought he should be. Stress, Ray murmured as he went to the bedroom to shower and go to bed. Up early the next morning, Ray had breakfast, prepared a lunch and Thermos of hot tea, and headed in for work. The first vehicle he saw on the road was another Halo semi rig, this one with double reefer trailers. He wondered what they would be carrying. He put it out of his mind as he passed the rig. He got on the interstate and drove to the point where the reconstruction of a section of highway was going on, along

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with the installation of a new diamond/cloverleaf intersection with another major regional highway going in. Ray checked with the foreman to find out what he would be doing that day. It didnt look like much had been done over the weekend, but that could be deceiving. With his orders on what to do, Ray climbed up into the Cat D-11T after verifying that it had been serviced as scheduled. The contractor was subcontracting a lot of the equipment work, paying a good rate per hour, and including servicing the equipment every night by another contractor. The D-11T wasnt new, but Ray had kept it in perfect shape since hed lucked into the deal to buy it. The machine made him a great deal more money that just hiring out as an equipment operator. It was too big for some things, so his older D-7E got as much local work as the big one did on contracts like the highway project. Ray concentrated on the work. While not brain surgery by any means, doing earthwork to a grade line wasnt as easy as Ray made it look. He checked the news when he broke for lunch. Amazingly, it was all Olympics. The China Taiwan situation seemed to have fallen off the news radar. He was climbing back up into the dozer when the traffic caught his eye. It was down to one lane each way on the Interstate, as it would be until the project was finished. That, of course, bunched up traffic. What Ray saw was six Halo semi-rigs, spread out among the other vehicles. Just how many rigs do they have? Ray asked himself. A shake of the head and he fired up the Cat. Three days later, Antoinette called shortly after he arrived home from work. Ray, my love, This Sunday. 10:00 AM at my church. Wear a suit. The dark grey one. And have whoever is standing up with you wear one, too. If you dont have rings yet, Ill pick them up tomorrow. I have my eye on a pair that I think you will like.

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I should Ray started saying. Oh, Ray! Antoinette laughed. I may be something of a Tomboy still, but I still like doing girl stuff. I dont mind handling all of this. Im getting a big kick out of the pharmacy staff. They just seem to find it hard to believe that I am getting married. Now, I just want you showing up shined up and glowing. Well Okay I guess. Ray didnt know what else to say. When Antoinette was on a mission, there was no stopping her. Ray took the suit and tie in with him to work the next day. Hed have them cleaned and pick them up Friday. He hadnt even thought about someone to stand up with him. He didnt have any family left, and very few friends. Probably his best friend, other than Antoinette, was Alfonse Jacquard. They hadnt been seeing much of each other lately. Alfonse was now doing most of the travelling for the company he worked for and was in town sporadically. It always seemed like any time one of them wanted to go shooting; the other was unavailable due to work. Ray called Alfonse, his fingers crossed that he was in town. He was. And would be Sunday. He was ecstatic to hear that Ray was finally going to marry Antoinette, and quickly agreed to stand up with him. Be a good chance for you to meet my fiance. It is amazing that you are getting married now. I just asked Melody to marry me last weekend. Wow. That is amazing. And congratulations. Ill see you Sunday, 10:00 AM at the Church on Fifth. Ill be there! Congratulations, Buddy. You, too, Alfonse.

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Ray was steady as a rock the rest of the week. Until Sunday morning when he remembered that Antoinette really wanted him to come up with his own vows. He was wracking his brain for something all the way into town and decided as he parked on the Church parking lot that it would just have to be the traditional words. He saw Alfonse, schmoozing with the few guests, a beautiful woman at his side. Ray went over and the two men shook hands. Then Alfonse introduced his fiance, Melody Strong. I have a feeling Alfonse doesnt deserve you, Ray said. Melody had a bright smile. Oh, I think he is quite deserving. Just as am I. Wait until you get to know me. Youll be surprised how much the two of us mesh. Well, Im glad he finally met someone his equal. Ray and Alfonse were suddenly being urged into the Church, and to their places for the ceremony. He looked over at the woman standing opposite Alfonse. He had no idea who she was. When Ray saw Antoinette come in, it took his breath away. Though the dress wasnt a flouncy wedding dress per se, it was a beautiful white flowing dress, off the shoulders. Her long auburn hair was loose and flowing. She seemed to be glowing. Ray just stared as the music started and Antoinette was escorted up the aisle by someone else Ray didnt know. He took her hand in his when she came up to him. They turned to face the minister. Much to Rays amazement, when it came time for them to exchange vows, he found himself responding to what Antoinette had said. Her beautiful smile and glistening eyes told him he had done just fine.

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Then came the kiss, and the ceremony was over. Ray walked out of the Church with Antoinette on his arm to the accompaniment of clapping hands. A limousine was waiting and Ray handed Antoinette inside when the chauffeur opened the rear passenger door. Ray leaned back against the seat and sighed. Glad thats over? Antoinette asked lightly. Oh, no! It was beautiful! You were beautiful. Antoinette leaned over and kissed him. Youre sweet. You are right, but you are sweet to say it. To be honest, Im glad it is over. I loved doing it, but Im ready to have some peace and quiet for a while. Yeah. I was only able to take off three days next week. I wasnt sure what you wanted to do for a honeymoon. We really havent discussed this much. Thats my fault. Im going to have to adjust to making joint decisions. Ive been making my own since I was thirteen. I sort of just took over the wedding thing, I know. Her hand in his, Ray said, I think you did a great job. Who were all those people? I only saw a couple I recognized. Who stood up with you and who walked you down the aisle? That was Denise. Shes my number two at the pharmacy. The closest friend I have when I let her be. And the man is my attorney. Hes been a friend of the family for years. Hes about the only person associated with my family that still has anything to do with me. Been a father figure since before Dad died. Who was that with Alfonse? I didnt get a chance to even talk to him. Hopefully at the reception? Her name is Melody Strong. I get the sense from her that she probably is a good match for him. He actually asked her to marry him

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the same day I asked you. Despite everything that day, I guess it was a very good day after all, Ray said. Yes. But lets discuss that after the reception. And some other things. I have a bad feeling about that day, but Im not going to let it interfere on our wedding day. Here we are. The chauffer was out of the car in a flash and had the door open for them immediately. The other cars in the short convoy found parking spaces and headed for the door as Ray and Antoinette took up their places for a reception line at the door of the bar and lounge where the reception was being held. After handshakes, hugs, back slaps, and kisses were over, Antoinette and Ray were called out onto the dance floor. Ray managed not to fall himself, or trip Antoinette so he decided he did okay. The same with the few women brave enough to drag him back out there, including Denise. Finally he got to dance with Antoinette again and did even better than the first time. Finally they were able to sit down to eat. The food was good and the champagne better. Alfonse and Melody joined them at their table at Antoinettes insistence. Ray and Alfonse were basically ignored as the two women swapped particulars. Ray did have a chance to talk to Frank Smith, Antoinettes attorney and friend. He found himself liking the man immediately. Then Frank and Alfonse got together to discuss business matters and Ray was left sitting there, basically alone. But that was okay. It was a nice break. For a while. Ray was more than ready to have Antoinettes attention back on him and his on her. That only lasted a few more minutes. There was another party scheduled and the wedding group had to vacate. But it was time. The small group had quickly run out of small talk and was ready to leave. Antoinette and Ray said their good-byes to Alfonse and Melody, after making arrangements for a longer, less hectic get together. After

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the limo ride back to the Church, Antoinette and Ray split up, taking their separate vehicles to Antoinettes apartment to change clothes and pick up the things she wanted to take with her back to Rays. The rest of the things they would get after a short honeymoon. Each of them only had three days off so they took full advantage of the time. There was no mining, and only enough work with the dogs to keep them happy. But Thursday rolled around, and the weary newlyweds got up early enough to get to work on time. Ray had to leave quite a bit earlier than Antoinette, as the dirt work on the highway project started shortly after daybreak. The pharmacy, on the other hand, opened at eight. But Antoinette was determined to get off on the right foot, and got up when Ray did. She prepared breakfast for them, and took her shower while Ray ate. A long kiss good-bye and Ray was gone. Antoinette spent a few minutes with the dogs, but then finished dressing and headed in for work herself. That was basically the way it went for the rest of the month. A trip each from Antoinettes apartment had it empty and clean by the first of the next month so Antoinette could get her deposits back. All her preps were in with Rays in the mine. Ray had to admit he had been rather lax on keeping up with the forums during that time when he sat down on Saturday morning to get caught up on things. Antoinette saw him frown and joined him at the computer desk, a cup of tea in hand. What is up? You dont look happy. She leaned against the side of the desk as Ray responded. I had no idea things had become so bad in the world. Did you know that the US still hasnt protested or sent a carrier or anything? When it was no longer in the news I sort of lost track of things, with everything that has been going on. The one time I did think of it, I just figured that the Chinese had reconsidered attacking Taiwan. They sure

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havent attacked yet, but the buildup is still in place. They cant keep those troops and equipment at the ready for much longer. It is attack or pullback. Check North Korea and South Korea, Antoinette said softly. Ray did and whistled. You already knew? Antoinette nodded. A customer I was counseling at the pharmacy yesterday said something. I was going to bring up our preps today. Id like to know what we have now that weve combined forces. I wasnt too concerned about China. I just have a hard time believing theyll actually attack Taiwan. But Im beginning to have doubts about my doubts. With North Korea gearing up, too, all it needs is a spark to set something off. True, Ray said. He pulled up his inventory spreadsheet and Antoinette got her laptop and pulled up a chair to share the desk. It took them a while to compare their numbers and get them combined. I didnt realize you had as much as you do, Ray said. There for a while I was in prep mode. It has mostly been natural disaster driven, with the drought in one part of the country and the flooding in other. Those things and the drug shortage that has us sometimes waiting a month to get some of the high demand drugs and longer for some of the less prescribed things. Ive been studying my Herbal Pharmacology texts when I have time. I need to go through all my herbal and mineral remedy kit and update some of the supplies and add a few. Also need to go out and scout the area for usable things. Do you think we could put in a small to medium greenhouse for producing herbals? Of course. That is a great idea. I knew you had taken medical herbal classes, but didnt know you had pursued it so far.

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Yes. For a long time Ive known that there could come a time when the regular drug supply line could be broken and the only things Id have left to dispense were some OTC and herbals. Dr. Scott worked with me for a while, but shes swamped and could no longer consult with me. That is a wonderful skill, Antoinette, Ray said. Something that could be invaluable in the PAW. About all I can do is work with my hands or my equipment. And dont know how long I will be able to keep them running. Or even if they will be needed. You thought about branching out a little bit? I know you are working steadily at the moment, but with the new Doomsday Prepper rage, you might be able to get some work digging the holes for shelters. If you could hook up with someone in the area to build them. Thats not a bad thought, Ray said musingly. Phillip Gardner was talking a couple of months ago about building a shelter. He was going to do the work himself. I dont know if he did anything about it or not. Id have to get a large loader backhoe or small excavator. And if I get the excavator Id need something to move the dirt with. The backhoe loader can do both. I think Ill ask Phillip about it on Monday. Using the home WiFi system connected to the satellite dish internet connection, both began to do some searches pertaining to the discussion theyd just had. They did make a point that weekend to spend plenty of time with the dogs. Theyd in no way been neglected, but they loved being with the humans and never slowed down until Antoinette and Ray had to break it off or fall over exhausted. They had taken to Antoinettes full time presence without a single problem. Despite the activities, the two kept an eye on the news. It wasnt getting any better. And now Iran was building up their military presence on the Iraq border. Anyone that knew anything about military operations knew that something had to give soon, just as Ray had said.

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Ray and Antoinette didnt waste any time carrying out their plans. By the next weekend, the greenhouse was delivered and ready to set up. Antoinette had spent each evening out with the dogs, running the mountainside, cataloging and collecting herbal specimens. There werent too many usable items, but Antoinette had some of all that were. And many more were on order from herbalist supply stores, along with the equipment and supplies she needed to use them. Ray had talked to Phillip and reached an agreement with him to start doing shelters just like the one Phillip had designed and installed. Phillip was one of the concrete design experts working on the road project, so had the engineering background to design and build the shelters safely. And he already had the contacts from building his shelter for all the specialty items. A suitable backhoe loader had been found the very first day Ray started looking. He noted that there was quite a bit of equipment up for sale. Much of it was a real bargain. The economy wasnt doing very well, and it showed. Before Ray arranged for payment upon delivery on the upcoming Saturday, Nature, as it is wont to do, interfered with Rays plans. Billions of other peoples plans, as well. And after just a small amount of deductive reasoning, Ray realized why the US Government had not responded to the threats of war in several parts of the world. Or why no one in a top position with the government had been available the last three days. The only announcement of the event was by Amateur Radio Operators, one whom was high up enough in government to wiggle the story out of a frightened aide to a Senator. A celestial object was headed for Earth, on a collision course. Not big enough to wipe out civilization, but big enough to be considered The End Of Civilization As We Know It.

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But the aide didnt know where the object was going to impact. He did know those above him were headed to the US Continuity Of Government Bunkers. That was enough to make those hearing the news decide that the object would not hit in the US. The story went viral on the internet, and then on the TV news networks. For about three hours. Rays foreman spread the word, having received it from the construction office. Ray, like all the others working on the project left their equipment or tools where they were and headed home. Ray took a roundabout way, going into town to get Antoinette headed for home with him. The low band business band radio in Rays truck broke squelch. It was Antoinette. One of the early things theyd accomplished after the marriage was to make sure they had reasonable, reliable communications. So they invested in three Motorola Low Band Business Band mobiles, and six handheld units. Two of the mobiles went into their respective vehicles and one went on a battery system in the house. A pair of the handhelds were in each vehicle with a pair in the house. Ray! I need help at the pharmacy! Can you get loose Get away from there! Ray pressed the accelerator a little harder. Antoinettes last words on the air had not been directed at him. But he relaxed slightly when the squelch broke again. Theres something major going on, Ray. I dont know what, but weve been ordered to close up shop and head for home as fast as we can shut down. I know, Baby. Im almost there. It is a celestial object on an impact course with Earth. Apparently the impact will be somewhere other than the US. Why arent you already home?

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Antoinette didnt have time to answer. Ray came sliding to a halt a few feet from her vehicle. She looked okay sitting in the Jeep. There were no other vehicles in the pharmacy parking lot. And when she jumped out and ran over to him when he got out, there were no apparent problems. But Ray asked anyway. Are you all right? Something wrong with the Jeep? No. Oh, Ray! I cant just leave everything here! If this is going to be as bad as people are saying, then people will need these medications in the future. Ive already run off a couple of guys that I think would have tried to break in if I hadnt been here. You just plan to take things? Ray asked, incredulous. Yes. Ill lose my job and my license if this turns out to be nothing, but if it is major, these things are going to be in dire need. Okay, Ray said. What do you want me to do? Back up to the loading dock. Ill pass things out to you. Youll have to be on watch in case someone else looking for narcotics tries anything. Okay, Ray said. Antoinette ran toward the back door of the shop to enter the Pharmacy. Ray backed the truck up to the loading dock as the lift door began to rise. There were already dozens of boxes stacked by it. You load these while I get some more, Antoinette said and disappeared. Ray made sure his Glock 21SF was ready in the holster and that the two spare magazines were, too. Then he began stacking boxes. Hed made a pretty good dent in the pile when Antoinette returned with a stock cart full of more boxes.

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It had never occurred to him that she would be able to bring things back faster than he could load them. But she was. After six trips she began transferring boxes to the Jeep after she moved it over closer. Hey! Hey! What are you doing? yelled one of the three men approaching. Antoinette crouched down behind the engine compartment of Rays truck. Ray was standing on the loading dock, tossing the last few boxes into the bed. Hed run out of room to stay in it and still get the boxes in. Nothing that concerns you! Ray yelled back. He pulled the Glock and held it ready. But just so you know, were saving these things from looters so the town can have them after things settle down. If you are looters, you are going to meet a sorry end. If you are just too dumb to head for shelter, youll still meet a sorry end. So back off, and let us get these products to a safe place. The three men conferred for a minute and then the same one spoke again. We can help. We came to get our wives, but they are gone. We just thought you were stealing the stuff. Abbs here says he recognizes the pharmacist. I know him, Ray. Abbs has a family. I believe they will help. Okay. But you stay ready, Ray told Antoinette. To the men he motioned over, holstering the Glock. Just need to tarp it down, Ray told the men. Antoinette kept a close eye on the men, but they pitched in and helped Ray secure the tarps hed taken from the front toolbox. Okay. Thats it, Ray finally said. Thanks guys. That was a big help. But I think you need to get home. That thing could be landing anytime. He shook hands with all three and then waited for Antoinette to lock up the pharmacy before getting back into her Jeep.

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The three men were in a slow jog down the alley, but turned onto the sidewalk when they got to the cross street. Ray still wasnt sure if they were in fact just trying to help, or had just been afraid of him and Antoinette because they got the drop on them. It didnt matter at the moment. Antoinette pulled down the alley headed for the other side street. Ray was right behind. He had the Glock tucked under his right thigh, and the two magazines stuck between his legs. The streets were crowded some places and totally open in others, until they got out of town. Antoinette picked up the speed a bit on the county road, all the way to the turnoff to the property. Ray saw her bounce over the rough low water bridge and followed even more slowly than Antoinette had, not wanting to shake loose anything in the back. After they parked, Ray and Antoinette ran inside the house and turned on the TV. Every network that was still up was buzzing with the news, all of them speculating where the object would impact. It didnt seem to occur to them that it was coming from deep space, toward the sun, on the same side of the solar system as Earth. That pretty much meant it was going to impact on the dark side of the earth. As it was coming from above the plane of the solar system, that meant the northern hemisphere. So Ray said China and Antoinette said Russia. Only one camera in that part of the world caught the streak of light that disappeared almost as fast as it had appeared. The downward track of the celestial object was obvious for a moment, and then came the bright flash of the object becoming overheated as it pushed through the atmosphere before the impact. Ray reached over to the All Hazards Alert Radio and made sure it was turned on. He jumped when the alarm sounded the warning tone. He

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took Antoinettes hand in his and waited the few seconds it took for the alarm tone to stop and the broadcast to begin. But there was silence for long moments and then then the radio went silent. Ray and Antoinette exchanged looks. What is that all about? Ray asked. I dont know, Ray. What I do know is we need to move everything into the mine, and get ready for whatever this impact does to the earth. Yeah, Ray agreed, and then added softly, And to civilization. They were working quickly, in and out of the hot July sun, so were nearly exhausted by the time the vehicles were empty and everything was stacked in the mine. Ray decided not to put it in the side room, since he and Antoinette might need the space themselves, depending on how things worked out. The television was still on and one kept track of what the news networks were saying, while the other showered and changed clothes, with Antoinette going first. When Ray returned and joined her on the couch, Antoinette was pale. What? Ray asked, automatically taking one of her hands into his. They keep losing feeds. In a circle around the impact point. Japan just went off the air, and Poland, and Pakistan. The blast wave is travelling fast, Ray said. Perhaps even supersonic. I dont think well feel anything. It should play out before it circles the globe. What do we do next, Ray? Antoinette asked. It seems like we should be doing something!

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I know. But it is too late to go try and get anything else prep wise. I have a feeling the grocery stores are already mobbed, or already empty. All the stores. People go crazy. Dollars to donuts, places are being looted of things that have no use at all in this situation. Ray, Antoinette asked, her voice low, Do you think I did the right thing with cleaning out the pharmacy? If the owners just lived here But being the senior employee You did the right thing, Antoinette, Ray said. He patted her hand. As time passes you will see just how smart it was to do it. And youve had the foresight to acquire those items you need to continue your work as those factory supplies dwindle. Your herbal knowledge may become invaluable soon. Antoinette leaned against Rays side, watching the networks feeds go down one after the other. Finally the only talking heads left were in the US. Then the networks on the west coast went off the air. A half an hour later the east coast did, too. Either the satellites had been affected, or the debris had made it to the coast, interrupting power and everything else. Ray was sure that was what it was when he took a look outside toward the town. It was dark. Usually Ray could see the lights of the town and area toward him. He made sure his outside lights were all off. He didnt want someone keying on them with everything else out of power. I think wed better get something to eat and get some sleep. Ray stood up. I think there is at least some chance of debris coming down all over the US, if not from the east or west, over the North Pole. Antoinette nodded and stood. They held each other for a minute and then went to the kitchen together to fix a quick meal. After they ate, the two set up cots in the side room in the mine, as a precaution, and put some water out for the dogs in the main drift. They

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went sniffing around excitedly, but came back to lay on the piece of rug that Ray had put down for them right outside the side room. Ray woke to the soft sound of Homer wanting outside. Suzie and Homer both almost looked embarrassed at the messes the pups had left during the night, but they were determined to hold it until they got outside. Corralling the pups, Ray let the two adult dogs out to do their thing. He stepped out into the open, by the corner of the house and watched them. They were often let out to run free around the property when Ray was working outside and the dogs made the rounds marking their territory again as it had been some time since theyd last had a chance. Ray studied the sky as the dogs ran. It was dark, despite the hour. The sun should be visible on the horizon, but the entire sky was overcast. And it wasnt the normal cloud cover. Occasionally some powdery substance would filter out of the sky. Debris, Ray muttered. Suzie was the first one to come back to Ray, to sit and then lie down at his feet, panting slightly. Homer took a bit more time before he came back and butted Ray in the thigh lightly, wanting a good dog at the least. Ray gave them both that and more, rubbing above their ears and scratching under their chins. He directed them to the kennel. Suzie hesitated, looking at the mine door, but Ray reassured her and she went into the kennel willingly. Ray gathered up the pups and took them outside, setting them just inside the kennel run gate. They immediately headed for Suzie for breakfast. Going back into the mine, Ray cleaned up the pups mess. They were not indoor dogs and would not be paper trained. But the dogs, as they aged, would become more fastidious like their Dam and Sire, and would hold things in as long as they possibly could if penned up indoors.

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Antoinette came out of the side room just as Ray finished. Thought I smelled something. The dogs okay? Yeah. Homer woke me up needing to go outside. The pups couldnt hold it, but Homer and Suzie both did. They are good dogs. You see anything out there? Yeah. Heavy overcast, part cloud and part debris and ash. Nothing much coming down yet, but if it builds up much more, it will rain. There was a front moving this way from the Gulf. It had lots of moisture. Antoinette nodded. You checked the TV or internet yet? Ray shook his head and the two headed for the living room. There was only white noise on the satellite TV and the same on the local channels picked up by a regular outside antenna. When Antoinette tried the internet she basically got the equivalent. The "404 - Not Found" messages came up on every time she tried to start the browser. Ray checked the Amateur and Shortwave bands. Static. Looks like were incommunicado for the moment, Antoinette said. Lets get breakfast and then see what we can find out, Ray said, headed for the kitchen. Both strapped on gun belts and went outside to get in Antoinettes Jeep. There was more fine debris and ash in the air now and Ray went in to get them dust masks.

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Antoinette had just reached the broken up low water bridge when the sound of an explosion came, loud enough to hurt their ears. What the hey! Ray exclaimed. I think that was local! The two looked at each other. Bulk plant, propane distributer, or HAZMAT train wreck. Ray named the possibilities. Then, seeing the smoke cloud rising up over the trees, he modified the statement. Or HAZMAT truck on the highway. Lets see what we can find out without getting too close to whatever it is. Antoinette crossed the low water bridge and turned toward town. When they got on the state road from the county road, the smoke was billowing in the distance, with occasional flames visible through it. Uh. Wed better hold up, Ray told Antoinette. There is no telling what that could be. We should have suited up in PPE. I think you are right. Antoinette turned the Jeep around and they went back to the house to get the personal protective equipment. Suited up in Tyvek coveralls with attached hood and booties, they added respirators, rubber gloves, and rubber boots before strapping the gun belts back on. Antoinette drove carefully, the PPE hampering her somewhat. The smoke was still rising, but they couldnt see any more flames, even as they approached the accident on the state road. They probably didnt need the PPE, as it was a gasoline tanker that had for some reason run off the road, turned over, and exploded. There were already a couple of fire trucks on scene, with a State Patrolman directing what little traffic there was. He gave the two a long look, but waved them on through.

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I want to check the pharmacy, Antoinette said. Im having second thoughts about having cleaned it out. Things dont seem too bad today. The debris and ash fall increased shortly after shed spoken. But with Rays encouragement, Antoinette kept going toward the town. There was pandemonium in the town. People were out and about, but stores were mostly closed due to the power outage. Ray pointed out a couple, the liquor store and one of the grocery stores, that had obviously been looted. There were armed people at a couple other stores that were open and trying to do business. When Antoinette stopped in front of the pharmacy, she sighed. Sure enough, the front doors had been busted in. There was no real need to go inside. The things shed left were of no real importance and she didnt care what people might have taken. She had what she wanted from the pharmacy. I guess I did do the right thing, Antoinette told Ray. Yep. I wonder where the law enforcement is. Seems like they should be out at least trying to maintain order. Lets go by the station and see if Grant is working. Antoinette nodded, started the Jeep again, and headed for the modest town City Services complex. The Town Hall, one of three fire stations, and the Police Headquarters were there, along with other town services and their work yards behind the front offices. This is not good Ray spoke softly. Both of the towns Police cars were burning in the parking lot, and flames were shooting from several windows of the building. The most disturbing thing was the sight of a Halo semi, with the trailers rear doors open. Two men came running out of the building, loaded down with firearms. There was a shout and another man stepped around the back of

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the trailer and looked at the Jeep. The man was lifting a rifle and Antoinette, not needing any prompting from Ray, gunned the Jeep and took off down the side street before he could fire. She barely managed to not run over two bodies in the street, both uniformed police officers. Ray tried to get a good look at them, to see if one was Grant. He didnt think so, but a shot from behind them that shattered the right outside mirror prompted him to pull his Glock and send a couple of rounds behind them to give pause to the Halo shooter. I cant believe what I just saw! Antoinette said. She was shaking, but her hands were firm on the steering wheel. That was a Halo truck! She cut a quick look over at Ray. He was watching behind them. Do you think it was just a couple of rouge drivers? I have a feeling that it wasnt. Look. Ray had turned back around. He pointed to where another Halo truck was parked in front of a gun store. Antoinette took the next turn available, not willing to go past the store being looted. They are systematically looting weapons supplies Yes. And no telling what else they will loot while they can. Ive had a bad feeling about that group for a long time. Ray told her about the poachers on his land. Its a risk, but lets drive by the Church and see what we can see. Ray almost wished he hadnt suggested it. Nothing happened, but just as they got a good look at the armed guards patrolling the perimeter inside the security fence, so the guards got a good look at them. The large parking lot was full of vehicles and two of the large vans that the Church used for events were being unloaded. Ray couldnt tell what, and decided that theyd seen enough. Lets get out of here and think about this some.

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Intending to stop at the site of the wreck, Ray thought about what he would say. But it was moot. The gasoline fire had burned itself out quickly, and the small grass fire it had caused was also out. There was no sign of the Highway Patrol or fire vehicles. They hadnt passed them going into town as they came out. They were glad they were wearing the PPE by the time they got back home. The debris and ash cloud was thicker and more was falling from the sky than earlier. They found the dogs huddled together in their luxurious dog house and were eager to get inside the mine again. Ray set about getting a spot ready for them to use if it became too bad for them to go outside. As smart as they were, it shouldnt take long for them to get the idea. A four by eight sheet of plywood he had in stock, with two by sixes screwed vertically to the edges, was built and then flipped over. A few cart loads of earth onto the plastic covered plywood to make a sandbox like facility, and Ray took the dogs over to it to get them familiar with it. After digging deep enough to hit the plywood, Homer went onto his side and then back to squirm around on the fresh dirt for a few moments. He stood, shook, and snorted as Suzie did the same thing. The pups wandered around on the dirt and one of them decided it was a good place to go and proceeded to do so, inaugurating the bathroom. Ray added some thickness to the carpet to create a more comfortable bed for the dogs so they would be less likely to use the litter box for sleeping instead of its intended use. Antoinette prepared a light lunch and the two sat down to try out all of their communications systems. There just wasnt anything working. Ray had never had any utilities installed, other than his off-grid systems, so couldnt check cablevision or land line telephone.

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But satellite service was unusable, as where the Low frequency, High frequency, and low VHF frequency bands. That meant no regular AM or FM broadcast radio, either. Ray could hear a two meter repeater fading in and out, but couldnt make out what was being said. So the high VHF and UHF bands might be working, but they were short range communications anyway. Same with the local public service bands, local police and fire VHF and UHF direct and repeater systems. In order to occupy some time, Antoinette had Ray help her sort and check the inventory of the medical supplies from the pharmacy. She had printed off the up to date inventory list at the pharmacy before Ray had arrived so knew what she had. Just not where it was in the stacks of boxes. So as she checked each box or package and Ray checked it off the list, Antoinette set things out in an orderly fashion. Homer came over to sniff a box or two he hadnt already sniffed before, but a word from Antoinette put him back on the carpet bed with Suzie to watch whatever it was their masters were doing. Sure need some shelving for these, Antoinette said. I can knock some together with what I have, but Can it wait to see if we can get some commercial shelving somewhere? I think so. The mine is dry as a bone, and the dogs seem to know the stuff is off limits, so I guess it can wait. Good. The process had killed the afternoon, so after supper, Ray decided to load up the ammunition hed expended on his last trip to the range. Antoinette got her herbal medicine books out and went out to the greenhouse. Since it was rather shielded from sight from town, she turned the lights on so she could check on the plants shed planted as soon as they had come in.

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The plants were all doing fine, and Antoinette began to go over each plants characteristics and uses yet another time. She wanted to be able to go directly to what she needed when she needed it without having to research it each time. She called it a night before she got too tired and joined Ray in the shop for a few minutes. He was just cleaning up after the reloading session and the two went into the house. Stuff still coming down. Worse than earlier, Ray said, keeping his head tipped forward so the wide brim hat would shield his eyes from the debris. Going to have to start taking goggles everywhere we go, he added. Yes, replied Antoinette. And dust masks. Not as bad as volcanic ash Though there could be some in it, I suppose so masks, too, for the duration. A few minutes with the dogs, and then showers and the two went to bed, again in the mine side room. Neither could explain why they were being so cautious, but they were. Properly protected, Ray went out the next morning and cleaned the solar panels. He didnt really know why he did, it was almost pitch black out now and there was a good six inches of the debris and ash on the ground. Given that they probably wouldnt work for a while anyway, Ray went ahead and tarped the panels to protect them. Between the GALE wind turbine and the generators they wouldnt be short of power and could continue to charge the batteries. It chafed on each of them to not know what was going on out in the world. They spent their days studying and working with the dogs. Ray had a few ideas about working in the PAW, which this event certainly qualified. He and Antoinette had supplies for a long time, but it

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would be imperative to have something to fall back on. As soon as possible. He couldnt count on his precious metals for a long time, he thought. Antoinette would certainly have work as a pharmacist, especially since she had medications now and would have herbals in the future. But Ray wasnt about to just depend on her for their future. He needed to be doing something himself. For two more days things stayed the same. But despite it being August, the temperatures had fallen dramatically and were continuing to fall. There was still debris and ash in the air. Even more of it began to come down with the snow that was now falling. Dirty grey snow, even seen in the head lamps they used in the constant darkness outside. The dogs often wanted to go out, but upon sticking their noses out of the door into the mess that was outside, they simply turned around and went back to their bed. Theyd picked up the idea of using the huge litter box readily. Mostly they wanted outside because they were outside dogs. Ray took to working them in the mine drift, as much as he could. Three weeks passed before there was a break in the overcast skies. A weak, watery, partially shrouded sun was finally visible. But there was still a thin layer of clouds way up high that seemed to drain it of power. It was thirty-three degrees that day in September. And there was four feet of snow, debris, and ash accumulated on the mountain shelf. Ray fired up the snow blower and cleared the mess from around the buildings. After that he used the D7E and cleared it all from the rest of the property, all the way down to the creek and over it to the county road. The road was drifted here and there with the mess, but Ray thought that with the snow blade he had for the truck he could cut enough of a track to get through. But before he did that he decided to try the radios one more time to see if he could find out anything.

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After cleaning up some, Ray sat down at the desk holding their communications gear. First he turned on the Public Service Band scanner to see if there was anything happening with any of the agencies. Then he fired up the Yaesu FT-897D and began to scan the Amateur bands. There was nothing but dead air. Finally, after dialing in a frequency he knew a local Amateur Radio Club used, he keyed the mike and said his call sign, asking for any contact. He tried twice. After the third time he got a response. But the man had barely acknowledged Ray when a powerful carrier wave blanked him out. Ray was nearly speechless. Someone is jamming the Amateur radio bands! What? Thats illegal! Antoinette protested. Yeah. But someone has the equipment to do it with and isnt afraid to use it. Dollars to donuts it is the Church of the Ark and Armageddon. Ive had a bad feeling about them for a long time. And after what we saw the other day, Im convinced that they have some plan to take over. Locally, at least. Perhaps on a wider scale. Antoinette was shaking her head. How? How could they do it? Control, Ray replied. Control. Eliminate law enforcement and local government first. Then you can control the guns, the money, the health care, the food supply, the booze It can be done. And we saw them gathering up the guns and they probably killed the two officers we saw. There is no telling what all they have done in the last few days. I have a feeling they may have been rounding up individuals known to have guns and food stored. What do we do, Ray? Antoinette asked. She looked frightened.

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I have to find out more. Find out for sure. I dont want to do anything to someone based on mere guesses and speculation. I need to go in and see what I can find out. Oh, Ray! That could be so dangerous! Thats why you are staying here. Ill take the ROKON in and scout around the edge of the town. See if anyone we know can tell us anything. I wish now I hadnt cleared the driveway. Antoinette didnt like it, but she didnt try to stop him. He was right about finding out for sure what was happening. So she packed him a lunch, made sure he had his gear shipshape for the journey, and gave him a kiss before he left. The ROKON, converted to a Hatz diesel engine was quiet, due to the custom mufflers. He settled his gear and put the machine into gear. But he didnt go down the driveway. Instead he headed to a more or less invisible track on the face of the bluff. Hed walked it before, and even used the ROKON on it. But with it half covered with ash and snow, Ray had to use all his riding skills to get to the fire road some distance away. On it, finally, he sped up slightly. There were some trees down from the weight of the wet ash and debris. But the ROKON rolled right up and over the small ones. A couple were too big for that and Ray went around, weaving through the trees until he was back on the fire road. When it cut the county road Ray turned to follow it. The ash and snow drifts he was actually able to ride up and over. Most of the time. Twice he got up on some and then sank, burying the ROKON up to the axles. He had to use the e-tool to dig the ROKON out. The mess was tricky. Some solid as a rock, some as dangerous as quicksand, and some just powdery that could be driven through, though it stirred up a cloud. Ray kept his eyes well up the road, but he saw not one vehicle or person on the road.

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He was surprised to see from the rise just before going into town that some of the streets were clear. And there was some vehicle traffic. But not much. Those that he could make out for sure were the Halo semi rigs, and three of the Church vans. Ray plotted a course to get to several places he wanted to check, if he could without being seen. He debated for a minute on whether to take the ROKON closer or go the rest of the way on foot. He decided that it might be better to have the ROKON close enough to manage a get-away on it if necessary. So he carefully made his way down to his first objective, Drew McClendons place on the edge of town. Drew was another heavy equipment operator that Ray often worked with on projects. He was a prepper from way back, though only a handful of people knew it. Stashing the ROKON behind Drews firewood ranks, Ray went up to the back door and knocked. It was a minute before there was any response. And then, when Drew opened the door Ray was looking down the barrel of a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun. Easy, Drew! Ray said, his hands going up and away from his body. Whats going on? Get in here! Drew said, urging Ray through the door. He took a quick look around the back yard and then closed and locked the door. What are you, nuts? No. Im just trying to figure out what is going on, Ray said. saw the Church of the Ark and Armageddon doing some things right after the impact Yeah, Drew said. Theyve taken over the town. Several towns, it seems like. Taken over?

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Yes. Everyone in a position of authority disappeared overnight. Church members just started telling people what to do. Some of them were killed outright, Drew. Antoinette and I saw them cleaning out the police station of firearms. There were two dead officers there. That doesnt surprise me. It was suspected by a couple of us, but we didnt see anything ourselves. And people arent willing to say much. Any criticizing of the church gets you a visit from a couple of them. You have anything left worth taking; food, firearms, medications, ammunition, fuel They take almost all of it at the point of a gun, leaving just enough to tide you over until the next food distribution. And thats after the first visit looking for donations of those same items. You refuse to give them anything, or not as much as they think you have, they just take almost everything. You are given bare minimums to keep you alive, until they have another food distribution. You resist with a gun, and they simply shoot you before you have a chance to do anything. And if they find out youve been holding out on them after theyve collected your donations, they take everything, take you up to the interstate and turn you loose with a couple bottles of water and two MREs. They are systematically mining the town of everything useful, and getting rid of trouble makers one way or another. Yes, they are keeping some people alive, those they think can be of use to them. If you have a skill they really want, you are treated a little bit better, as long as you toe their line. And they are turning people against one another. They give extra food for snitches that turn in other people for doing anything from hiding your food, to disagreeing with the Church policies. And if they manage to recover some of the items they are always trying to find, you get double rations for a week. People are turning in their best friends.

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Just to show you how bad it is, they have a reward of five US gold one-ounce Eagles for anyone with information on who cleaned out the pharmacy. They want those medicines, especially the narcotics. Ray felt his eyes widen. They dont know who took the stuff? Drew shook his head. No one was around when it happened. They got to it right after the announcement. Whoever has that stuff is sitting on a time bomb. Be better to give it up. Theyll kill them when they find them for simply beating them to the punch of taking it. I see, Ray said thoughtfully. Anyone trying to set up some kind of movement to control them? I havent been able to find out anything. Couple of us tried to feel out some others, but as long as they are getting a steady supply of food, they arent going to rock the boat. What did you have in mind? I dont know, Ray replied. Im going to talk to a couple more people. See what they have to say. You be careful, Ray. These people are ruthless. They intend to control the whole nation, unless I miss my guess. One town or neighborhood at a time. So it is happening in the cities, too? Im pretty sure, said Drew. There were a couple of people that came through that were trying to get some food at the distribution point and said theyd left the city because their neighborhood was being controlled, too. Someone apparently snitched and a couple of the Church uniformed They are enforcers, but call themselves Church Guardians, took them out of line. I never heard anything about them afterwards.

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Okay, Drew. Thanks. Ill get out of here so I dont put you in danger. Put me in danger? Yes. Im not going to kowtow to a cult of extremists. You dont want to be associating with me. You know, Ray, it just occurred to me. You married Antoinette Rodgers. The pharmacist. You have the pharmacy stuff, dont you? What you dont know wont get you into trouble, Drew, Ray said, seeing the sudden gleam in Drews eyes. Ray left it at that and Drew walked him to the door. Ray didnt waste any time getting to his next stop. It was only three streets away. Mary-Anne Winnerman, age eighty, was a feisty, inquisitive lady. If anyone was going to know if there was any resistance movement afoot, it would be her. Again Ray decided to use the alley entrance to Mary-Annes small bungalow. He knocked lightly, and the door swung partly open. Fearing the worst, Ray called out, Mary-Anne! Its Ray Collins! Are you in here? Hearing no response, Ray opened the door wider and went inside. The kitchen was ransacked, with the cabinet doors and refrigerator doors open, and nothing left that was edible. The living room was worse. There were dozens of expended cartridge cases on the floor, 5.56 caliber. The front window was shattered and there was a large pool of blood in and on the glass. The front door looked like it had been kicked in. The blood had drag marks in it, leading from the window to the door. It didnt take a rocket scientist to figure out that Mary-Anne had put up a battle. And lost.

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She was an old lady, for crying out loud! Ray said softly. He left things as hed found them, and headed for Brian Jacobys auto shop. He had to stop twice as Church Vans drove slowly down the street. There were rifle and shotgun barrels visible at each window. Ray eased around the building and hurried into the shop office. Brian looked up, startled. He was at the dilapidated desk, going over some paper work. I see you made it okay. Been wondering about you. Same here, Brian. Just came into town to scope out the situation. What can you tell me about Suddenly Ray was looking down the barrel of another gun. This one was a Colt 1911A1, held firmly in Brians right hand. You should have stayed home, Ray. I got no quarrel with you, but if you are going to buck the Church, Ill have to put a stop to it. Youre a member? Ray asked. For three years. Were taking care of things, Ray. It is the whole reason for the Church. To get the right people through Armageddon and start off society on the right foot this time. There are some people that are itching to talk to you. If I had an inkling of where you live, wed have been out there already. We want that medication your wife stole. What makes you think Dont press your luck, Ray. You and she can both come out of this alive if you cooperate. Life will be difficult for nonmembers for some time to come as undesirables are weeded out. But your wife has necessary skills we need. And you have some usefulness. Whoop-de-do, Ray said sarcastically. I dont intend to play the CAAs game, Brian. And it isnt a good thing to threaten my wife.

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Whatever, Brian replied. Taking his left hand off the gun, holding it one handed in his right, Brian lifted the telephone receiver and set it on the desk so he could dial with his left hand and still hold the gun. But Brian had to look down at the keypad to punch in the number. And his right hand drifted slightly. It was enough for Ray to take a chance. He lunged over the desk, his hands grabbing the Colt and twisting it away from Brian. Brian screamed when he, Ray, and gun all hit the floor at the same time. Brians wrist was twisted back by the pressure of Rays hands on it and when it hit the floor, Brians wrist snapped. Ray grabbed the gun and ran out of the shop. He bee-lined it back to the ROKON as fast as he could. He managed to make it without being spotted and headed back home as fast as the ROKON would go. When he went into the house, Antoinette took one look at him and asked, Are you all right? You look terrible! Its bad, Antoinette. The Church has taken over. Brian Jacoby is one of them. He held me at gunpoint and was going to call in their Church Guardians, their goon squad. I managed to get away. They are looking for us You, actually, Antoinette, Ray said. More so the pharmacy goods than us, but would keep you around for your skills. I figure Im on their hit list, now. If it was common knowledge where we lived, wed probably already have had a visit. My Lord! They are controlling people with food. Taking food, fuel, weapons, everything useful, from everyone and redistributing it as they see fit. You buck the Church and you wind up on the interstate out of town with the clothes on your back, or you wind up dead.

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There were tears in his eyes when he told her what hed seen at Mary-Annes. Antoinettes right hand went to her mouth. No! Not Mary-Anne! She put up quite a fight, Ray said, wiping his eyes. Ray, we cant let this go, Antoinette said. My first reaction was to pack up and run, but if it is like this in other places, we could just run into the same thing elsewhere. You realize that we are targets. The meds are more important than you. Theyll kill you if they have to. Then what do we do? Ive developed an idea Got the idea from the Pumpkin Chunkin TV show, about throwing things as far as possible with mechanical leverage of some type. With influence from a baseball throwing machine. But mine is a weapon. That might turn the tide. I think Id better get them ready. Them? There are two of them. Out in the shop. Come on and Ill show you how they work. Antoinette followed Ray out to the shop. Shed never really explored out there since Ray hadnt been doing anything in the shop lately, except for the reloading. There were two parts to the shop. The enclosed section with Rays reloading, metal working, and wood working tools, and the pole barn that housed some of the various rolling equipment he had. Ray walked over to a tarp covered trailer and began to un-tarp it. Antoinette began to help and in short order the device was exposed. It was a two wheeled trailer with an old diesel engine out of a truck

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mounted on it. But that wasnt such an unusual thing. Air compressors and generators often had one. But there was no air compressor head or generator mounted. Instead, there was an assembly connected through a clutch system. It was a pair of tires mounted so the treads just barely touched, horizontal to the ground. There was a piece of angle iron with the V down just clear of the juncture of the tires. Antoinette saw a rack with a large number of eighteen inch long pieces of number three rebar. Each one was ground to a point on one end and had a length of orange marking tape tied to the other. Ray checked the oil and fuel and then started the engine. When it was running smoothly, and quietly with the extra quiet mufflers, Ray engaged a clutch, put the tires in gear, and stood back. There was a slight hum from the tires movement. With his left hand on a hand wheel that moved the entire apparatus a fraction of an in per turn horizontally, Oliver used his right hand to lay one of the lengths of number three rebar in the angle iron that acted as a guide. A slight flick of the wrist and the spinning tires caught the rebar, sending it flying at high speed. Nearly ninety miles per hour. Oliver turned the hand wheel slightly, and smoothly fed another piece of rebar into the tires. Turning the hand wheel that changed the vertical alignment, Ray slipped another rebar into place and sent it flying. All three pieces arced out and went over the berm in line with the driveway. Thats a half pound of steel flying at high speed. Itll take out anything that isnt armored. Why the orange tail? Wont that just help track back to where they are coming from? There is that risk, but it acts like the tail of a kite, keeping it flying in line with the way I want it to go, and making sure it flies in point

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forward and angles downward as it arches down. It was what I had when I made up these darts. I see. That is amazing, Ray. I sure wouldnt want to be on the receiving end of one of those darts. It is more for use against vehicles. Cant aim it real precisely, so it is more a threat against grouped up people than lone attackers. But I think it will have a great deal of psychological impact. An iron rain of sharpened rebar should give people pause. It sure would me. You said you have two of them? Yeah. Same thing in the old blue Ford over there. With the topper. It has a hatch in top that the darts can be fired at high angles to get some distance and to shoot over obstructions. Okay. Is there another engine in the back to drive the darts? Antoinette asked. No. The old truck had a PTO. I hooked the gearing up to it. Just put the PTO in gear and set the engine speed and youre ready to go. I sure hope we never have to use the thing. You and me both, Ray said fervently. But Im not going to just give up and have you live the rest of your life as a pharmacy slave for the CAA. It is nothing but a cult where the leadership wants to control peoples lives. What else do we need to do? I want to make up some more darts. They are reusable, of course, but you can never have too much ammunition. Other than that, I guess there isnt much more we can do. Just decide whether to take the fight to them, or wait for them to make the first move on us.

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Mmm I dont like the idea of being the one to start the fight, Antoinette said, rather hesitatingly. Yeah. Im kind of leaning to the side of waiting. We might need to hole up at some point. If you could get some things ready, in case we have to head for the hills, it would be quicker to get away. And dont forget the dogs. More than just our regular bug-out bags. Okay. Ill see to it, Antoinette said and left Ray to make more of the darts for the thrower. It was a somber evening. Even the dogs could sense it when they got their afternoon workout. Since he was working out in the shop, he let the dogs stay out of the kennel while he worked on more darts. Suzie stayed close to the dog house, with the pups, but seemed to be on the alert. Homer stayed close to Ray, staying just out of range of the sparks from the grinder as Ray put points on the pieces of rebar he cut with a shear. He too seemed to be on alert, rather than just taking a position near Ray and laying down, he stretched out, but his head was up, his look going from Ray to the driveway from time to time. When Antoinette called to him that supper was ready, Ray put things away and walked over to the kennel. It was one of the few times that Ray had to be a little extra firm to get Homer to go inside. He really wanted to stay loose, it appeared. But a strong word and Homer joined Suzie and the pups in the kennel run. But rather than go to the dog house, Homer laid down right by the kennel gate, his chin on his front paws. Yeah. I know how you feel, Homer, Ray said softly. Ray and Antoinette had a quiet supper, after which they went to bed early, secure in the fact that the perimeter alarm system and the dogs would alert them to anything or anyone approaching up the driveway.

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More trusting in the dogs than an electronic system, Ray had installed a simple intercom in the kennel to the bedroom, so if the dogs set up a clatter he would hear them in the nearly sound proofed house. But things were quiet all night and Ray and Antoinette got up ready for the next day. It didnt take long for things to go downhill fast. As they were cleaning up after breakfast the driveway alarm sounded and the dogs set up a howl. You get on the dart thrower and start it up. Im going to meet whoever it is at the berm. If you see me dive off the berm, open up with the darts. Do a narrow back and forth pattern. You saw how it was aligned yesterday. I dont want to hit you! Antoinette protested. You wont. The darts will clear the top of the berm at about radiator to windshield height. Ill be out of the flight path, in a prepared fighting position. Worst comes to worst, get in the mine and lock up tight. Ill not going to leave you out there on your own! Antoinette protested again. Ill be fine. Lets go. Grabbing rifles and vests the two ran out of the house, Antoinette headed for the dart thrower and Ray to the berm. Ray had an M1A with a fifty round drum inserted. Antoinettes POF 5.56 carbine had a sixty round Magpul quad stack Pmag ready to go. He made it just in time. There were three vehicles coming up the drive, one behind the other. There were two pickups and a Church marked van. Ray estimated there were at least ten people. He waved his arms over his head and indicated for the vehicles to stop.

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When they kept coming Ray lifted the M1A and fired a round into the ground in front of the lead vehicle. He dove down behind the berm when gun barrels were shoved through the open windows of the vehicle and a return shot rang out. Ray scrambled over to a fighting position prepared long ago and kept equipped with water and ammunition on a rotating basis. In only moments Ray was ready. He heard thuds and screams as dart after dart sailed over the berm and arced downward to impact on the lead vehicle. Using the radio on the vest, Ray told Antoinette to raise the trajectory. The next dart sailed higher and there were more thuds and at least one more scream. Five men came running over the top of the berm and Ray took them out before they could find any cover from the rifle fire. Ray heard an engine rev and he radioed Antoinette to hold fire. He climbed out of the firing position to take up another on top of the berm, well to one side of the driveway. The Church van was backing rapidly down the drive way. Rapidly deploying the bipod on the M1A, Ray emptied the rest of the drum into the van. The van suddenly swerved, going sideways to the driveway and flipping over three times before coming to rest. Ray waited for a long time before calling Antoinette to let Homer out of the kennel and for her to come up and cover him from the berm while he checked the vehicles. Homer was with Ray long before Antoinette arrived. He was down on his haunches, ready to do anything Ray requested. When Antoinette was in the firing position, Ray cautioned her, Keep a good look out. I dont know exactly how many people there were. And mind Homer. If someone tries something hell probably react

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first. He should go on guard, unless they actually make an attack motion. Be careful Ray. I dont want to lose you. Same here. Ray had replaced the drum with one of the twenty round box magazines from his vest. He very slowly, stopping often to observe, checked the five men that had made it over the berm. Theyd each taken at least two rounds and were no longer with this world. Homer whined a bit at the bodies, but stayed right with Ray. Ray made his way down to the lead vehicle. It had eight darts in the grill, with another five holes in the windshield. The two occupants were pinned to their seats, dead. It looked like one had struggled to get loose before a second dart put him out of his misery. The second pickup had darts sticking out of the hood, with two more having holed the radiator. With the higher trajectory of the darts that took out the second vehicle, the darts going through the roof and windshield did terrible damage to the occupants. Ray nearly lost his breakfast at the sight. Checking on each side of the two vehicles he found three more people with dart wounds. With no type of back stop, as there was in the vehicles, the darts had gone all the way through the three. One took a direct chest hit and had died before he hit the ground. Both the others had caught darts coming downward. One in the left thigh and the other in the right thigh. Theyd bled out shortly after taking the hits. Ray was even more cautious approaching the overturned van. He had the M1A at the ready, but there was no need for it. The four people inside were dead. The driver had taken a dart, but the others were killed during the roll over. None of the three had been wearing seatbelts and had been tossed around savagely. Ray shook his head. Brian Jacoby had been the driver, even with his right hand in a cast.

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It was only when Homer alerted and went stiff legged with his tail upright and rigid, did Ray realize there had been another person in the van. He was off the driveway, and from the look of the body, had broken his neck when ejected from the van. And that is why you wear seatbelts, Ray muttered. He patted Homer on the head and gave him a good dog. Homers tail wagged a couple of times, but he was still obviously tense. Ray radioed Antoinette that there were no survivors and then began the grizzly task of retrieving the darts. Antoinette would continue keeping watch, but could leave the fighting position and move around a bit. After all the darts were gathered up and stacked, Ray then searched the bodies and the vehicles. There were several weapons that Ray added to the stack of darts. Each man had a combat vest or belt arrangement of some type and he worked those off the bodies. There wasnt anything else he wanted, except the fuel in the vehicles tanks. But from the looks of things, it wasnt going to be worth the effort. Ray went back up to the berm. When Antoinette got a good look at his face she was concerned. Are you all right, Ray? You look awful. I dont know, Antoinette. They were a mess. Those darts are deadly. I just need a bit of time to collect myself. I understand. You want to go up to the house and rest for a while? I can stay here and keep watch. No. I think Id better take care of things now, just once, and then take it easy. Im going up to get the Cat D7E. I want to get everything buried before anyone else shows up. You should probably take Homer back to the kennel. I dont want him running around while Im on the Cat. Still concerned, Antoinette nodded. But she whistled for Homer and he came trotting up. Lets go, boy, Antoinette said and headed up

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to the house from the berm. Homer looked at Ray once, but then trotted up to join Antoinette. When he got up to the equipment parking area he got into his truck and took it down to the berm. The truck had a bed hoist that he used to load the five bodies on the berm. He added their collected weapons to the bed and then went down to the van. It was a struggle to get the bodies into the van, but Ray finally had them all in the back. Gathering up the darts and liberated weapons, Ray took them up in the truck and returned with the D7E. He cut a trench well off the driveway and then pushed each of the vehicles over to it and in. It didnt take long to cover everything back up. Ray was back up to the house in time for the supper he didnt want. He had foregone lunch, and decided he needed to eat something, even if he didnt feel like eating. Antoinette had suspected he wouldnt want much, and kept it light. She was trying her hand at making yogurt and simply served him some of the vanilla yogurt with some sliced strawberries. He ate silently and then excused himself. Thanks, Honey. Im going to unload the truck. Ill be back in shortly. You want some help? Antoinette asked. Ray shook his head. Rather be alone and think about some things. Okay. You know Im here, if you want to talk it out. I know. And I love you for it. Ray gave her a kiss and a long hard hug before going outside. Ray let Homer and Suzie out to romp around while he worked. Both ran over when he began to unload the darts and restack them on the trailer. Both snorted and Suzie ran off.

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Homer joined her after a bit of growling and stiff leg movement. But Suzie wanted to play and soon had Homer running around in circles. Ray smiled and watched the dogs for a few minutes before moving the captured weapons from the truck to the mine side room. All were quality arms, with only one damaged by a dart impact. He cleaned them one by one after fetching the cleaning kit from his workroom. He didnt want the bloodstains corroding the metal. He was done finally and took the cleaning kit back to his workroom to clean the M1A and refill the XS Products X-14 50 round drum. He removed the twenty round box and inserted the drum, adding the box magazine to the vest. He put both of them back where he could grab them if anything else happened. With the alarms reset, and the doghouse monitor on, Ray and Antoinette went to bed early. Ray tossed and turned and wasnt getting much sleep. Antoinette finally just wrapped her arms around him and held him until he finally went to sleep. Despite the lack of rest, Ray and Antoinette were up early the next morning, with the expectation of additional trouble. The trouble, when it came, wasnt what they were expecting. The driveway alarm sounded and then came the sound of an automobile horn. The dogs began to bark and Ray and Antoinette grabbed their combat gear and ran to the same places theyd taken the day before, with Antoinette letting Homer out of the kennel on the way. Ray was up on the berm watching the bend in the driveway, with Homer setting on his haunches beside him. A pickup truck came around into view and Ray indicated he should stop, by firing another round into the ground in front of it. The vehicle stopped and a man got out, his hands in the air. Hey Ray! Its me! Drew McClendon!

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Homer growled. What do you want, Drew? The Church Michael Banks asked me to come talk to you. To negotiate a surrender. Okay. Come on up. If you brought people with you, youll die first, Drew. Drew started up the driveway. Dont be like that, Ray. Im by myself. Im on your side. Yeah. I thought Brian Jacoby was on my side and he tried to kill me right after I talked to you the other day. Thats close enough. Homer was growling low in his throat. Easy, Homer, Ray said. The dog sort of quit growling, but Ray could feel the vibration as Homer leaned against his leg. Uh You Uh Well Uh Did you by chance see Brian Jacoby yesterday? What do you want, Drew? This is uncomfortable, Ray, Drew said. He was standing on the driveway, at the base of the berm, and Ray was almost ten feet above him on the berm. Let me come on up and we can discuss the surrender. We dont need to be any closer to do that. Itll only take a moment. You go back and tell this Michael Banks that I will accept his and the Churchs unconditional surrender right down by the low water bridge tomorrow at noon.

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Even at the distance Ray could see Drew pale. Aw, man! You dont mean that! He was talking about you and Antoinette surrendering. If I go tell him what you said he might have me killed! Then why are you doing it Drew? Now Drews face was bright red. Um Uh No hemming and hawing, Drew. Are you being paid to bring me in? No, Ray! No! Its not like that, Ray! Really! The guys sent to get you never showed back up and we cant find them anywhere. Banks wants to know what happened and for the two of you come in. I thought maybe I could help you guys. Maybe keep you from getting killed. How much, Drew? Dont be like this, Ray! Come on, man! They dont take no for an answer! They made me do it! How much, Drew? Drew looked ready to turn and run. But he hung his head and said, Five one ounce Gold Eagles, Ray. Its not that much! Not really! I had to take it! Blood money, Drew. Money for my wifes blood. Ray had been holding the rifle at low guard, which put it pointing about chest high, but off to one side of Drew. A small movement made in a fraction of a second, and the gun was aimed at Drews chest. How much is your life, worth, Drew? Five ounces of gold? You think Id get that if I killed you and dropped your body off at the Church? Five ounces for your life? How about it, Drew?

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Drew dropped to his knees and began to cry, begging for his life. Ray let him grovel for a moment, but it was a sickening sight, so Ray told him to shut up, stand up, and go tell Banks what Ray had said about the surrender. And leave those five ounces of gold right there where you are standing. Scrambling to his feet, Drew fumbled in his right hand pants pocket. Ray couldnt tell for sure, but he was sure those were the five gold coins. When Drew began to run down the driveway, Ray put a couple of bullets in the ground beside him to hurry him on. Homer decided it would be all right to add his own, Keep going and dont look back bark to Rays rather deadlier version. Ray chuckled and Homer sat back down beside him. Come up and keep a watch, Antoinette, Ray said on the radio after Drew was back down around the bend in the driveway. Antoinette hurried down and dropped down into the fighting position. Okay, Ray. What am I watching for? Anything. I think he was alone, but there is a possibility someone is watching. Ill be right back. Keeping his M1A ready, with Homer close by him, Ray went down to where Drew had dropped the coins. Sure enough, there were five one ounce US Gold Eagles on the ground. Ray leaned down and picked them up. He looked down the driveway sightlessly. He almost drew back his arm to fling the coins away from him. But gold was gold, blood money or not. It wasnt something you threw away on a whim. So Ray slipped the coins in his shirt pocket, turned around and climbed back up to join Antoinette on the berm. What was that all about? Antoinette asked as they walked back up to the house, with Homer marching right beside them. The two dogs

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touched noses through the wire of the kennel before Ray put Homer back inside. Ray explained what had gone on, and then added, Much as I hate to, Im thinking we might be better bugging out for a while. Lay low and try to find someone that can help us. If it wasnt Never mind. It is and that isnt going to change. Antoinette put her hand on Rays arm. If what wasnt? It doesnt matter. It does to me, Ray. If it is something youd do if we werent together, then I want to know about it and make my own decision. But Antoinette For better or worse, Ray. Thats what we both said. Now out with it. Well I was going to say Id like to take it to them, instead of waiting for them to do something here. I think it is a good idea. What is the plan? No plan Come on, Ray. Okay, okay. Im thinking about putting some road plate on the D11T and seeing just how secure the Church property is. Maybe pour a few darts into the mess. But I cant do both of them I can do the darts. But how are you going to handle the road plate? That D11T is tall.

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There is a crane at the road construction site. I doubt if there is anyone out there now, if there was at all after the ash fall. I can position the plate with the crane and then tack it into place. Take the dozer in and just mow down everything in the way. Even with the plate, that is a lot of risk, Antoinette protested. I know. But it is a risk Im willing to take. If you stay back and let me do it on my own. Not going to happen. But what I can do is join you with the blue Ford dart thrower and maybe keep a few heads down while you work with the dozer. Youd do that? Ray asked. I would. Someone has to stop this before it gets out of hand and the CAA takes over the country. Okay then. Lets gear up and go work on the D11T. We might not have much time. And the timing was very close. There was a convoy of vehicles on the Church parking lot ready to head for Ray and Antoinettes place when the sound of the D11Ts tracks were first heard. People were looking all around. Ray radioed to Antoinette. I dont see any women and children. Looks like they were planning on taking most of their able bodied out to do us in. Fire at will. Walk the trajectory around some. Im coming up on the Church. Putting down the microphone, Ray slipped the hearing protection over his ears. Already bullets were impacting the dozer blade and the double thickness of road plate protecting the engine compartment and

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the cab. Without the hearing protection, the sound would have been extremely painful. It couldnt have worked out any better, Ray decided, ignoring the closed gate of the parking lot, and ramming right through the tough, tall, concrete anchored steel security fencing surrounding the property. A tweak on the controls and Ray was running right down the line of vehicles, one huge track smashing the vehicles and the other tearing up the asphalt for traction. The bullets stopped peppering the Cat and Ray took a look through one slit in the metal protecting the cab. The rebar darts were raining down, arching high and coming down point first. The first few darts simply impacted the ground. But Antoinette was working the controls of the dart thrower the way Ray had shown her, and the rain moved slowly over toward the group of shooters were trying to stop the dozer. Ray steered toward the building, trying to herd the group back into the line of fire from the darts or get run over. A few got out of the way and Ray drove the D11T right through the middle of the building. He triggered a release that dropped several gallons of gasoline onto the floor and flipped the switch that created a spark in an assembly under the dozer. The flames ignited in a small explosion and Ray decided to make a new exit. There were more pings on the metal, but they sounded more like pistol rounds than rifle. Pieces and parts of the building slid off the dozer when he exited the other side of the building. Curling around, Ray headed for the large spire on the front lawn of the property. It barely took a touch of the powerful dozer to bring the antenna encased in the spire down. Spinning around again, Ray headed for the rear of the building, demolishing one corner of it to get to the

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regular antenna towers located on the back side of the property. They came down more easily than the spire had. The darts had stopped falling and Ray headed the dozer away from the carnage. He didnt go far. Just down and over two streets before he stopped. He disabled the dozer engine. It would take an expert Cat mechanic to figure out what hed done. Ray certainly didnt want the dozer used against him or those in the city that were fighting against the CAA. And that was what caught Ray totally by surprise. When he climbed down from the dozer and ran over to where Antoinette had the Ford parked, he saw several people running toward the Church property. They were armed and exchanging fire with those of the Church that were coming after the dozer on foot. It caught the CAA members by just as much surprise. They were convinced that the Church had subdued the entire remaining population of the town. The CAA people began to retreat back to the Church property. Stay handy, Ray told Antoinette and jumped out of the Ford with his rifle. He slipped into the vest and headed for the Church with several others. Antoinette didnt like it, but there was nothing she could do except follow them, ready to pick Ray up and head the other way. There were at least fifty people in the attacking force Ray decided. They had the Church surrounded and continued to pour fire into it as people tried to get away from the fire that was now engulfing the building. Finally some of the members of the CAA started dropping weapons and raising their hands in surrender. Not having a clue who was in charge of the civilian attack, Ray began to call for a cease fire. The

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shooting did stop, but not before half a dozen more of the Church members went down. Ray saw someone run up to one the men holding his hands up. He was coughing and gagging from the smoke. Another man came up to the two and both men took the mans arms down and held on to them as they marched him over to where Ray was standing. Ray recognized the two bringing the third. One was Alfonse, and the other a fellow home brewer that Ray knew. Meet Michael Banks, Ray. The head of this church and creator of all the hardship around here, Alfonse said. We are the savior of this town, Banks managed to say. Youve ruined any chance of recovery. The Church was taking care of everyone that deserved it. Well, Im thinking that, deserving or not, a large number of people had rather take care of themselves, Ray said. Ronny, the brewer, asked, What do we do with him, Ray.? Id like to hang him right here, Ray said. But better to let justice prevail the way it should. With a trial. I dont suppose the jail is still usable? Alfonse nodded. Actually, we need to get down there and release the ones Banks here had thrown in for minor sleights to the Church. There was quite a parade from the Church site to City Hall and the jail. Every one of the Church members that survived the attack was escorted by two residents, walking with guns ready for any attempt to escape. The two Churchmen at the jail took off before the parade arrived. Fortunately they left the keys behind. It was a struggle to keep some of

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those that had been incarcerated from physically attacking the captive Church members. But after a couple of altercations the switch was made, with the non-CAA people outside and the CAA people crowded into the cells. What are you going to do with us? Banks finally asked as people began to leave. Going to get a court together and have a trial, Banks, Ray said. Depending on the outcome, individuals will be meted out judgments and punishments. You cant do that! People hate us here! A change of venue is the least you should do. We shouldnt even be in here. We were simply working for the good of everyone. Everyone, Banks? Or those you thought would benefit the CAA in maintaining control with their best interests at heart. Your group is a church in name only. You lead the local chapter of an elitist cult. I dont know about other places, but it stops now, in this place, at this time. People deserve to worship anyway they want, as long as it doesnt infringe on others right to do the same thing. By the way, what happened to Drew McClendon? He tell you my terms of your surrender? Banks didnt say anything at first, looking down at the floor. When he looked up again, with a defiant look on his face, he said. I dont know. One of my men took him out of my presence. Hes lying, said one of the men in another cell. He shot him right there in the Church when McClendon told him what you said. Shut up, Reuben! Banks nearly screamed. Ray felt a touch of sympathy for Drew. For a moment. The man had chosen the wrong side and paid the price for it.

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Ray swung around when Antoinette ran in, calling for him. Ray! Ray! Someone is saying they have the National Guard on the radio! Ray saw Banks blanch. Youve known the National Guard has been active, havent you? Banks began to curse. Ray shook his head and followed Antoinette outside. There was a group gathered around a man on a motorcycle. The man was wearing a back pack with a long antenna extending from it. Youre talking to the National Guard? Ray asked after the crowd parted and let Ray through. Yeah. They want to know who is in charge and what the situation is. Ray looked around. Whos been elected to represent the city? he asked. People looked around at each other. But no one spoke up. Then Alfonse said Youve kinda been in a leadership role since you brought the dozer in. I think you should talk to them. Quite a few people did speak then, echoing Alfonses words. Rather reluctantly Ray took the microphone and keyed it up. This is Ray Collins. Who am I talking to?

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Church of the Ark and Armageddon - Epilog It took a while for the Guard to get there. Ray and Antoinette wound up providing most of the food for those being kept in the jail, at least for the time they were there. Two weeks after the battle a National Guard MP convoy arrived and took them off the citys hands. The members of the other churches in the city finally began to come out of hiding. The CAA had used every excuse they could come up with to eliminate any that resisted the efforts to run them off or put them to work for the church for minimum subsistence levels of food. The activities of the CAA all across the country were finally checked, some by force, and some by the members of the church simply by keeping to themselves and relinquishing any semblance of attempted control before being forced to do so by the Guard. Many members of the CAA paid the ultimate price for their murderous activities. Most simply faded into the woodwork, often joining a real church and began to help with the recovery, for everyones sake. The scars the Church of the Ark and Armageddon had created began to fade, after many months. The preparations that individual Church members were never touched, despite a strong demand to do so was voiced. But things held by the Church itself were commandeered and used in the recovery. Nothing was ever said about the missing men, not even any of their families. The families knew full well that their men had been sent to murder Ray and Antoinette, and strip them of everything the Church had a use for. It didnt take long for Antoinette to return the pharmacy goods to the pharmacy and begin dispensing medications for the two doctors that had survived. Eventually the commercial items were used up or went

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well past their expiration dates. Antoinettes greenhouse of medicinal plants became a vital resource for the community. Life continued to be hard, but those that survived had been the tough ones, the ones that had prepared well, and those that simply had been lucky. But all shared the same hardships as communities began to recover, and the State and National infrastructures started to come back. In pieces and parts, here and there, over a very long time frame. The Church of the Ark and Armageddon was no longer a factor.

End ******** Copyright 2012 Jerry D Young