Vapour (Prepared Book 1), page 7
If I add the three Indonesian merchant ships or the two bulk carriers currently in port, then our military will need to retreat and consolidate before attacking successfully. Brisbane will be in enemy hands by morning.
“The only thing that could stop that would be a pre-emptive strike against the ships before the personnel disembark. I don’t believe there is time available to do that. The first place they will try and secure is the airport. Using the airport, they can ferry more personnel into the country. The Australian airforce and some of the allies still have time to be proactive and close the airports, but the attackers have closed travel to and from the airport. Thousands of civilians are stranded there or are already dead. With the civilians involved, I doubt very much that those in charge will attack the airport.
“We are fifteen kilometres from the city centre and almost thirty from the Port. I don’t think we will see soldiers in this area for at least a week, although it could be less. Over half the population of these suburbs was in the city or the other centres when the attacks happened. Many of them are dead, and the rest will have trouble moving freely. Those left behind will begin running out of food in several days. We can expect to see looting of homes and shopping centres tomorrow or the day after.
“The power is still on, and I expect it to stay on, unless our army or someone else shuts it down. Energex knows which areas and even which homes are drawing power and how much the power fluctuates day-to-day. The attacking force will use this information to identify where people are still alive. Movement during the day will be noticed by drones, which I suspect have already been deployed. If the drones have enhanced cameras, they will also note movement at night. I have sufficient solar panels in storage to power the house, and I’ll cut us from the system when I go up to my room.
“The water is still on, and I also expect that to stay on although if I were running the operation, I would poison it. So far, I’ve allowed for normal usage, and we are still only using what was already in the system before the attacks. Before the morning I will either add a filtration system to make sure we have good clean water, or I’ll cut our supply line until I do. I would like help in finding sufficient bedding for everyone and consolidating it in the family playroom. Also, we need to prepare food for tonight and arrange a roster, so someone is always awake and keeping watch. Before it gets dark, we need to cover each window with blackout material.
“After dark, I have some things to do away from the house, so we need to decide who will be in charge. I have a plan to cover that situation, but it will only work if people agree to it. Olly and Isabelle need to be entertained and worn out so they will sleep. Nathan needs a designated carer to help him bond. Lily and Kelly need one of the older girls to listen to them and provide support because this will be overwhelming for them. There is more, but those are the main points until I refine my flowchart.”
Feeling a little overwhelmed herself, Jacquie said, “Thank you, Justin. Why don’t you go do what you need to and let Alice, Taylor and I get things organised here? If it is OK with you, I’ll come up soon and get the box with the blackout material and the box with new underwear.”
Feeling pleased he was being allowed to leave, Justin almost smiled. Instead, he said, “Good. Thank you. Come up when you are ready.”
As he headed upstairs, Taylor turned and stared at Jacquie. She said, “Your boyfriend is the smartest, weirdest, scariest person I have ever met. You’re either the luckiest girl alive or the dumbest. I don’t know yet.”
Jacquie looked thoughtfully after Justin and said, “Neither do I, Taylor, neither do I.”
— End of Prepared Episode 1 —
Ethan Stand, Vapour (Prepared Book 1)
