Edge of Fear: An EMP Post-Apocalyptic Survival Prepper Series (American Fallout Book 3) Alex Gunwick (free reads .txt) 📖

ordinarily levelheaded woman, she surprised him by going off on that tangent. Maybe she was secretly a UFO junkie. Or perhaps she loved those ancient alien shows.

Derek moved closer to inspect a different set of machines. He recognized one.

“That isn’t a computer. That’s a long-distance radio transmitter/receiver. I saw something similar when I was in the service.”

“A radio?” Sandy stood next to him, squinting over the rim of her glasses. “Do you think we can use it to find out any news? Maybe things have calmed down and we can go back down the mountain. Maybe someone’s coming to our rescue.”

Derek could tell by the timbre in her voice that Sandy didn’t seriously believe in such an optimistic scenario, but he didn’t want to dash her hopes. He silently sat down at the console desk and started testing the dials. To his surprise, it turned on easily, a dim amber light displaying the frequency.

“I wish we’d learned from the past,” Sandy said.

“What do you mean?” he asked as he fiddled with more dials.

“During the Cuban Missile Crisis, we came so close to all-out nuclear war. Between the US and Russia, we have enough nukes to blow up the planet. It’s mutually assured destruction, and it’s stupid. We should have decommissioned all the warheads years ago. We wouldn’t be in this mess if we’d learned from the past.” Sandy sighed. She took off her glasses and rubbed her nose. Suddenly she seemed even more elderly.

“You know, I’ve lived for a long time. I’ve seen the world change in so many ways. But in others, we’re still the same. This might sound naïve coming from someone my age, but sometimes I wonder why people can’t just be nice to each other,” she said.

“I know what you mean. The world’s gone to shit. Hell, it might be over and we just don’t know it yet. We have no idea how bad things are out there.”

Derek dialed in a few frequencies, finding nothing but static. That didn’t surprise him. Maybe there wasn’t anyone left to contact.

Unwilling to give up, he kept spinning the dial. He was so convinced he wouldn’t hear any broadcasts that he turned past a man’s voice before it registered in his mind.

“Wait, go back.” Sandy stood behind him. Her hand rested on the back of his chair.

Derek slowly dialed back to the frequency until he found the voice again. Derek and Sandy went silent as an official but tired-sounding man announced the news.

“… an estimated fifty million are still without power on the Eastern seaboard. Efforts to restore electricity to much of the country continue, but FEMA’s acting director has declined to provide any estimates.”

“Is it a news broadcast?” Sandy leaned in closer, turning her good ear toward the radio.

“I think so. Probably an official state frequency.” Derek adjusted the dial to cut down on static as the voice droned on.

“Survival shelters and D-con units can be found at the following locations: Tybee Island, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Richmond, Virginia.”

“Three decontamination centers for the entire East Coast?” Sandy’s voice was incredulous.

“I suppose it took a lot of effort just to get those up and running.” Derek tilted his head as a succession of beeps heralded an emergency announcement. “Shh, I think we were listening to a recording, but this is some kind of EBS announcement.”

“The Pentagon has issued the following statement: The aggressor in the nuclear attacks upon the United States of America is believed to be Russia. No evidence has been made public, but sources close to the matter claim have claimed Russian involvement from the start. At this time, it is unknown if the United States will retaliate. This message will repeat.”

They waited but only heard more static.

“We don’t know when they will broadcast the message again. We have to tell the others,” Sandy said.

“I want to stay and listen, but you’re right. This is the most information we’ve gotten since the bombs dropped.” Derek was already moving toward the door. “They will want to know what’s going on.”

As they made their way out of the server room, the radio cracked with continuous static. Derek considered hanging back, but he wanted to be with the group when they heard the news. He needed to gauge their reactions to see who would stay calm and who wouldn’t. Sandy was taking it well. She’d remained calm, aside from the alien crap, so hopefully, the others would respond the same way. They needed to keep their heads on straight if they were going to get through this situation.

17

Kyle slipped along the outer edge of the main room. His mom, Derek, Sandy, and Edwin were gathered in the center of the room, arguing animatedly about something. His dad was still out getting supplies from the cabin. He should have been back by now, but maybe he’d gone off to do some more recon. Kyle wasn’t worried. His dad could take care of himself.

As he passed the group, Derek spoke loudly, directing his words at Edwin. “Of course it’s a good idea. We have to strike back at the Russians before they send more nukes to finish the job.”

“Don’t you think the focus should be on de-escalation? Hasn’t there been enough destruction already?” Edwin responded calmly, but his eyes were intense, darting between Derek, Liz, and Sandy.

“We are well past that.” Derek spread his arms wide in exasperation. “We need a show of force.” He slammed his fist into his open palm. “The time for peace talks is over. We have to strike back. Hard! The world needs to know we aren’t weak.”

“Other countries know we’re not weak. We’re the most powerful country in the world,” Edwin said.

“If we do nothing, we look vulnerable. Sometimes you’re only as strong as other people think you are,” Derek said.

“And sometimes, there is strength in restraint.” Edwin looked to his wife to back him up. “What do you think, honey?”

Sandy looked uncertainly from Edwin to Derek. “I don’t know. I think Derek might be