The Crash Box Set, page 112
part #1 of EMP Crash Series
“What do you think about him?” he asked.
“Seems genuine. I wasn't sure what to do at first, but there were only a handful of them left out of a crew of hundreds. I didn't have the heart to turn them away, but I've made sure that we keep the guns and the numerical advantage. I told the ones I left there to be careful. I'm not taking any chances, but they've been lost at sea for so long. I couldn't just leave them to fend for themselves. Besides, I figured they'd have some useful skills if we wanted to involve them in New Haven. I hate to think of what they went through out there, all alone with nowhere to go,” she said, glancing across at the sailors.
Flint returned to them and Mack smiled. Grace bid her farewell, leaving them to it. Mack led Flint up to his office in City Hall, and Flint was suitably impressed. While on the way there they spoke idly about certain matters. Flint expressed his admiration for everything Mack had built, but when they reached his office it was all down to business. Mack was well aware that Flint was an unpredictable man. He had been lost at sea for months, and that could do strange things to a person. So, he had to be on his guard.
“I've been wanting to know exactly what's been happening since this all first happened. Grace has told me bits here and there, but she said you'd fill me in,” Flint said. Mack took a seat and told the story that was becoming all too familiar to him.
“An EMP went off. The world went dark. We don't know who did it or why. At first, I thought it may have been an attack on America, but there hasn't been an invasion, at least not that I've seen. Figured it must be the whole world, but I haven't been able to get any confirmation. We've focused on trying to put society back together. This place already existed when I got here. We've been through a lot. There are other groups that want what we have, and we've fought them all off.”
“If you're trying to intimidate me, I can assure you it's not necessary. We're tired, and all we want to do is find a good place to settle down and relax. I don't want to start a war. Frankly, I don't have the energy for it.”
“I was just giving you the facts, telling you what the world is like now. I'm trying to make people see that we can work together to make a good future for us all, but some people only want to take what they can get for themselves.”
“But what happened to the city? Why is it so deserted? There were hundreds of thousands of people here. If the country wasn't attacked, then what happened to them all?”
Mack shrugged. “I wish I could answer your questions. I wasn't in the city when the EMP hit. From what I've heard, there were huge riots. Other people tried to leave the city and find safety somewhere else. When I got here, the place was like this. When I saw you, I was hoping you'd have some information for me. Have you sailed from England?”
“No,” Flint said, chuckling.
“We just did a short run, but were caught out at sea. We've barely seen another soul. The sea is a big place.”
“Barely? You mean you did meet other people?”
“Yeah, people who sound a lot like the ones you met. That's how we lost a lot of our crew. They attacked us in the night, tried to take over our ship. They were nothing but bones, really. They caught us by surprise and took a lot of us out, but we managed to fight them off. They didn't know what had happened. Seems as though nobody does. Maybe it's not important, maybe the only thing that matters is that it happened.”
“What matters is how we react to it and what we do next,” Mack said.
“I thought if anything happened the government would at least have a handle on it,” Flint said.
“I don't even know if there is a government anymore,” Mack replied.
“There are only citizens left. I'm hoping that, in the future, we'll be able to establish communication with other settlements like New Haven and start building a brighter future, but for now, I'm just focused on getting us through the winter.”
“Aye, it's gotta be a tough thing to face. We were almost on our last legs there. It was lucky we managed to get back to shore when we did. Much longer on that ship and we'd have been in serious trouble.”
“How did you survive for that long?”
“We're resourceful men. There were fish in the sea, and some of the cargo crates had food. When you must survive, you always find a way to do it,” Flint said, and there was a dark gleam in his eye that set Mack's senses tingling.
“Let me ask you, Flint, what is it you want?” Mack said, leaning back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.
“Beg your pardon?”
“What is your plan? Where would you like life to take you?”
Flint puffed out his cheeks. “I'm not sure, really. I think right now we'd just like a sanctuary, a safe place to regroup and get used to being around people again. I don't have to tell you that it was difficult to keep morale up when there were so few of us. Even though it was a big ship, we still kept running into each other and getting on each others' nerves. I think a break from each other would do us some good, and a change of clothes, and a shave,” he said, laughing heartily. Mack joined in the laughter, too, but then it subsided as Flint became more serious.
“But thinking long-term, I don't know. We all became sailors because there was something about the sea that called to us. I don't think we could give that up, and even now I don't know if we could stay on land, even though it is the safest place to be. We all are men of the sea.”
“I envy you. Perhaps when the time comes you will be the ones to go exploring the world again and find out what's happening in other countries.”
“Perhaps, but I'm envious of you as well. While I may well indeed explore the world again, you are rebuilding it, and will get to see it come to fruition. It seems as though the future for both of us is going to be filled with adventure.”
“It seems that way indeed. Well, I would be happy if you and your men would like to stay in New Haven while you settle back into life and decide what you want to do in the future. We do like everyone to contribute, though. So, I'd appreciate it if you would speak to Grace and find ways in which you can help us while you’re here. We always can use more ‘hands on deck,’ so to speak,” Mack said, flashing him a smile.
Flint took the joke with good humor and shook Mack's hand again, thanking him for the warm welcome. He said, indeed, he and his men would be more than willing to help out wherever they could.
The sailors threw themselves into the settlement of New Haven, meeting as many people as they could, injecting a lot of life and noise into the settlement. However, not everyone in New Haven was amenable to their presence. When Mack met with Maggie later that day, she had a lot to get off her mind.
“I've been trying to keep an eye on them, but it's hard when there are so many of them. I've had a lot of complaints about the noise. I've spoken to them a few times, but they don't seem to be getting the message,” she said.
“You have to give them a bit of leeway. They have been lost at sea for a long time.”
“I understand that, but I have to keep some kind of order. I think Grace should have checked with us before bringing them back here.”
“You're annoyed with her for leaving Tristan behind, aren't you?”
“He's just a kid! He doesn't know how to handle himself. What if these sailors aren't what they seem?”
“We can't go around assuming the worst of people all the time. What if they are exactly what they seem?”
“I just don't like it, that's all. I have a bad feeling about all of this. I don't think they fit into New Haven, and they seem only to be interested in causing mayhem.”
“Spoken like a true sheriff,” Mack said, his eyes twinkling, but Maggie didn't see the humor in it.
“I don't know why you're finding this so amusing. If they're dangerous, you've not only let them into New Haven, but you've left our people down at the docks with them as well. What better way for them to infiltrate this place than to act as our friends? I'm telling you, Mack, I've got a bad feeling about this. There's a fine line between sailors and pirates, and I don't think we should be as trusting as we are.”
“I appreciate your concern,” Mack said, in a more even tone, “and I know you're worried about Tristan. Grace is a good judge of character, and you know she wouldn't have left him there if she thought it was going to be dangerous. If they do try anything, we're more than capable of handling it. So, let's see how it goes. We may just have made some new friends, and they might be able to show us how to sail properly so we can move up and down the coast.” Mack's words seemed to placate Maggie, but he took her concerns to heart.
Back on the ship, which Tristan had been told was called the USS Southampton, the young man was having a great time. He was being shown so many things on the ship, and his face was almost permanently set in a wondrous expression. The sailors were friendly, despite their gruff appearance. They were happy to teach him and the rest of the patrol about the ship, giving them a tour of the bridge and the deck. Tristan was eager to learn as much as he could, engaged by a thirst for knowledge and something new. In fact, he felt so comfortable with the sailors that he let his grip on his weapon slacken, and soon almost forgot he had it with him at all. On a few occasions, he had to be reminded of his duty, and he sheepishly took hold of it again. However, soon enough, something else distracted him, and he let his rifle fall to his side. Before he was led away from the main party, he failed to notice a glance that passed between two of the sailors.
One of them offered to show him something down below. He was so distracted by the ship, and disarmed by the friendly nature of the sailors, that he didn't think anything untoward was happening. So, he chatted happily as he descended into the bowels of the ship with his rifle hung loosely from his waist. He didn't notice how silent the sailor behind him was, or how the sailor's face was plotting Tristan's downfall. Neither did the young man notice the man's clubbed fists come up. However, he did notice the striking blow that rained down on his head, and the dull thud that came from him falling to the floor.
His mind was dazed and the metal was hard against his body as he fell to the floor. Two heavy boots stepped around him, then another blow struck his head. His eyes closed and everything went black. The last thing he felt was the rifle being taken, and the last thing he thought was how he had failed to do his duty.
Find out what happens in part eight here: http://amzn.to/2gxkKkR
To find out when Kip Nelson has new books available and to get exclusive free ebooks sign up here: http://bit.ly/2f5vcyN
Chapter 1
The contingent of sailors who arrived in New Haven settled in right away and took great delight in experiencing all the settlement had to offer. They had been stranded at sea for months, and appeared to be very happy to be on land again, and to be with other people. They weren't shy, and didn't seem to have any compunction about manners or politeness. It was impossible not to be aware of the sailors’ presence in New Haven, although the people who welcomed them had mixed feelings. They were loud, and some would say obnoxious, not really caring about standard protocol. They had lost a sense of manners in the time they were at sea, and were now gruff and blunt, not afraid to take what they wanted when they wanted it. At first, Mack had urged the people of New Haven to be welcoming and inclusive, and indeed it was the way everyone wanted to be. However, it was difficult to control in the face of these brutish men who lacked social decorum.
They threw themselves into life, and made no secret of the fact they had missed the comforts of society while being lost at sea. Everyone in New Haven wanted to allow them the freedom to explore after their ordeal, although given the sailors’ behavior, there was a limit to what the people of New Haven could tolerate. The sailors took great pleasure in food and the company of women, leering at them and making lewd remarks. Both of these behaviors were unacceptable. The food situation already was untenable without the additional appetites of the sailors, who seemed to fill their bellies with little thought of the need to ration for the months to come, or reduce their ravenous appetites. They all gazed at women as well, and made approaches whether they were unwanted or not, even to women who already were attached.
Mack had received a number of complaints, and had talked directly to the sailors during meal time, stressing the importance of maintaining the food through winter. The season’s chill now was around them, and everyone had to wrap up to keep warm. It was a sad thought to look at the food supplies and think about the months to come, and if they would be able to survive. Mack was determined to overcome the odds, although he knew not everyone in the settlement had the same resolve as him, and he couldn't control their willpower. Their bodies needed fuel, and if there wasn't enough, he was powerless to prevent the inevitable.
The thought burdened him and weighed on his soul. He questioned his ability as a leader, for it was only his fault that they were not better prepared. They had trusted him with their lives, and it was his decisions that had led them to this point in their lives. Seeing the sailors gorge themselves on food was frustrating. On the one hand, he wanted to be hospitable and accommodating, but he had to think of the overall well-being of New Haven as well. The sailors said they understood, and that they would try to change their behavior. However, he knew he would have to talk to Flint directly to make his concerns clear.
As for the problem with the women, he was afraid there was little he could do about that. The sailors’ reputation was well-earned and, again, all he could do was talk to Flint about trying to keep his men in line, for Mack could not give them orders. They were guests, and Mack wanted to make them feel at home. He didn't like the way they were acting, but he didn't want to take such drastic measures as to turn them away from New Haven, and lose any chance of a potential alliance with Flint and his crew. Other members of New Haven weren't concerned with being so diplomatic, however, especially when they were being harassed.
It was during one of the meals when the incident happened. People were sitting around in their various groups, chatting while they ate, and Anna happened to be sitting with Grace and Luis. A few sailors came up and, ignoring Luis, sat down with the women. Luis immediately was incensed, but didn't say anything. The sailors were not so kind. They stared at the women as though they were pieces of meat, and made lewd comments about taking care of their needs after they had been lost at sea for so long. Their eyes were greedy, but food was the last thing on their minds, and the lascivious energy radiating from them was palpable. They made no secret of their desire, and one even went so far as to place a hand on Anna's thigh.
Grace was unsure how to handle this, for she never had been in this particular situation. She never had thought of herself as a particularly desirable woman, and since she had shut herself away in a virtual world, she never had learned how to rebuff unwanted advances. She also was acutely aware of Luis sitting beside her, and he bristled with tension. If she didn't do something soon, then he would cause a scene. While she loved him, she didn't want to see him try to defend her honor against a bunch of sailors, because it only would lead to a brawl, and New Haven didn't need that at all.
She glanced at him warily, trying to warn Luis not to react. However, she could see his mind had clouded over with a red mist, and he was about to surrender to his anger. Before he could, however, Anna spoke up. Unlike Grace, she had moved in various social circles over the years, and always had known she was attractive to the opposite sex. Her natural beauty was accentuated by her confidence, and a sparkle that drew many men into her aura, although she only had allowed a few into her heart.
To her, the whole thing was a game. She smiled slyly at them, and carefully plucked a finger from the hand that was weighing down on her thigh, then lifted it up. She narrowed her eyes, while still wearing the smile and looked at the men around them. Some of them had qualities that could have been considered handsome. However, even though they had tidied themselves up shortly after arriving at New Haven, they still were rough and brutish, and were not suave at all.
“Now, now, gentlemen, let's remember that even though this is the end of the world, it doesn't mean that anything goes. I've seen you move around here the past couple of nights, and you seem to be under the impression that this is one of those ports you would have sailed into. It's not. We're not here for your amusement, and while there may be some single women around, my friend and I are not two of them. I also would suggest you take a more reserved approach when trying to get to know a member of the opposite sex.”
“I'm sure you must be bored of the men around here,” one of the sailors said.
“Yeah, they don't seem to have as much energy as we do. I think we could show plenty of women here a damned good time,” another one added.
“I'm glad you have confidence in your own abilities, but the two of us are not interested at all. I'd prefer it if you leave us in peace now so we can dine with our friends. If you can respect our boundaries, then, of course, you would be welcome to join us, but until then it's best if you move away.”
The sailors were somewhat taken aback by the way Anna spoke so assuredly, and they reluctantly moved away, grumbling as they did so. Grace thanked Anna for the way she handled the situation, but Anna shrugged.
“You just have to know how to handle them. Those type of men, especially given what they've been through, would probably push the limits of anyone until somebody told them no. It'll take them a while to adjust to being back among people. Unfortunately, we have to put up with that until then.” For the rest of the meal they were left alone, but Luis let his frustrations fester. It wasn't until later that he was able to express his anger.
“Why aren't we doing more to control the sailors?” he said as he burst into the sheriff's office.
He hung his jacket on the back of the door, and went to pour himself a drink. Maggie was sitting at her desk reading a book. She barely looked up as Luis stomped through the office and huffed his way through his morning routine. The two of them had become used to working together, and used to each others' presence, and had formed a strong bond. Maggie was the wiser one who tried to teach Luis not only about the law, but also about the way to live. While Luis tried his best to remind Maggie that she could afford to have fun and balance the different aspects of her life. When the two of them had started working together neither of them were sure it was going to work out. But now they were glad for it, and each of them valued the time they spent together.
