Glenda smiled, feeling better. "After Bob left, Mark and I talked," she said, holding up two gold eagles. "We want to give these back."

"Keep em, you'll need them," Nathan said, ignoring her outstretched hand and walking past her to look at the horses.

His eye immediately fell on a ma.s.sive grey horse. "I like the Percheron," Nathan said rubbing the ma.s.sive neck. The horse regarded him with uncertainty, then enjoyed the stroking of its neck.

"Good eye," Mark said. "She's twelve years old and an excellent horse. The only problem will be buying a saddle and tack. They have some at the co-op but was expensive before this c.r.a.p happened."

Looking the horse over Nathan was happy with the horse. Each person in his group would have their own horse. They would also have one pack horse and two pack donkeys. "I can't thank you enough," Nathan said.

"With what you paid us for these, we will be able to feed the rest of them," Glenda said, handing over a stack of papers. "Here are their papers and bills of sale."

Nathan took the papers and Bob led the horses and Glenda and Mark to the back of the house. "Will you be ready to leave in ten minutes?" Rodger asked.

"Won't be a problem," Nathan said, heading to the back of the house.

He found Jasmine. "I'm going to town to get some stuff for the horses. No, you can't come," he said, seeing her take a breath to ask. "You and the kids have to start learning how to ride and care for horses. Bob is going to teach you, so start rounding up the posse. Remember your life and theirs will depend on how well you ride and take care of your horses."

"Oh, all right. Just be careful," Jasmine said, hugging him.

"I'll make a special point to do that," Nathan told her returning the hug. Letting her go, Nathan jogged over to the barn and grabbed his messenger bag. Walking around to the front, Nathan saw Rodger in a 74 Chevy quad cab at the front of the house. "Nice truck," Nathan said, climbing in the pa.s.senger seat. Looking back he saw Howard and his two boys in the back. Everyone had their weapons between their knees.

Revving the engine, Rodger put the truck in first gear and pulled away. "Yeah, I remember when dad bought it. We almost sold it but instead we kept it in the barn." He pointed to the brand new Chevy 3500 dually in the front of the house. "Bob just bought that three months ago and all it's good for now is a lawn ornament."

Nathan understood. "I have the truck my mom and dad bought me in the garage. It's still in pristine condition," he said smiling thinking of the truck. "How long did it take you to get this one running?"

"It just started up. Most of the older ones did. We had to replace the points in the '57 but that's it."

"Have you guys tried the other vehicles in the barn?" Nathan asked.

"Just this one and the two small tractors," Rodger said. "Why?"

"That big barn is metal, it could form a Faraday cage," Nathan said.

"A what?" Howard asked from the back.

"Faraday cage. It's basically a shield made out of conductive metal. Electricity travels around what's inside," Nathan said.

Rodger slowed down taking his foot off the gas, "You mean the combines, backhoe, and the other stuff inside might work?" Rodger asked hopefully.

"You mean you haven't tried it?" Nathan asked, shocked. He had tried his truck at least three dozen times.

"Not that I know of. I mean, the big John Deere wasn't working but it was parked outside," Rodger said stepping back on the gas.

"When we get back, let's see if they work," Nathan said as they pa.s.sed a family on bicycles. "Who knows, the barn may have stopped enough of the pulse to save what's inside."

"I'm going to start praying," Rodger said as they continued on. It didn't take long for them to reach town and Rodger pulled into a parking lot. Nathan saw it was a computer supply and repair shop. "Glen lives here, in the back with his family," Rodger said, getting out. Howard and his boys got out and positioned themselves around the truck.

Walking over to the door, Rodger banged on it a few times and they saw a man's face look out of the window beside the door. Then the front door opened to reveal a middle aged, lanky geek with black hair and thick gla.s.ses. "What can I do for you, Sheriff?" Glen asked.

"Glen, is your radio working?" Rodger asked.

"Sure, the solar panels are keeping the batteries charged," Glen answered, and motioned them inside. When they were inside, Nathan almost hit the floor laughing. There was a woman and a small boy, both built just like Glen, complete with black hair and thick gla.s.ses.

"What have you heard?" Rodger asked as Nathan fought not to laugh.

Glen shook his head. "Nothing good. They're putting the death toll in the New England states at six million. Florida is just as bad. California is a war zone; half of L.A. is burning."

"What about the government?" Nathan asked.

Turning, Glen looked at Nathan with suspicion. "Glen, this is Nathan, a good friend of the family," Rodger said as Nathan held out his hand.

Glen shook Nathan's hand. "The government is holding back before sending troops in. It seems like they want some of the people to die. Rodger, they have set up relocation camps. You don't even want to know what's going on inside them."

"I know, I've heard it from some travelers. The government calls them Crisis Centers,'" Rodger said, nodding. "Have you had any trouble here?"

"Yes, we had someone try to break in two days ago," Glen said, looking at his wife nervously.

"They couldn't get inside?" Rodger asked looking around.

"No, I shot at them," Glen answered nervously.

"Good for you," Rodger said, making Glen and his family jump back. "Did you hit them?"

"I found some blood but I didn't follow it," Glen said, relieved.

"That's smart, son," Rodger said. "I have a proposition for you-," Rodger stopped as Nathan put a hand on his chest.

"Sorry, I have to know," Nathan said. "What did you shoot them with?"

"Tactical 870," Glen answered, confused.

A grin spit Nathan's face, "You are the coolest computer geek I have ever met," Nathan said patting Glen on the shoulder.

Glen smiled at the compliment. "We may be nerds but we're not stupid'," Glen said making quotes in the air. "The strong will prey on the weak unless the weak get an equalizer. We bought two AR-15's, the 870, two Glocks, and some other stuff."

"Rodger, may I?" Nathan asked. Rodger nodded, wanting to know what Nathan was up to. "Glen, did any of your computers survive?" Nathan asked.

"Of course," Glen said, thinking Nathan was an idiot for asking a question like that. Apparently so did Glen's family, as his wife and son snickered.

"That's good," Nathan said. "What Rodger was going to ask you was if you would join them out on the farm. You and your family would have to contribute but it will be a thousand times safer there then here. You will need to bring your computers and set up an inventory system, monitor the radios, and help design alternate power systems."

"That's it?" Glen asked, not convinced.

"No," Rodger said, amazed at Nathan's quick thinking mind. "If the farm is attacked you will have to help defend it. You'll also have to help out around the farm."

Glen looked at his wife, who was nodding yes. "When would we have to leave here?" he asked.

"When you're ready," Rodger said.

"It will take me till tomorrow morning to have everything packed up. Do you realize the antenna weighs over a ton? It retracts down to twenty feet tall but it's heavy and I can't move it without a lot of help," Glen told them.

"I will have people over tomorrow to help," Rodger promised.

"We can bring our stuff?" Glenn's wife asked.

"Yes ma'am. We will give you one of the rooms in the house," Rodger said, which made her sigh with relief.

"Glen, can I ask you a favor?" Nathan asked.

"As long as it's within reason," Glen answered.

Nathan nodded. "I want to broadcast a message twice and tonight at eight p.m. I need you to write the response down for me."

Glen shrugged. "Sure since we're leaving." He headed for the back of the store and his family followed. Nathan shot Rodger a questioning glance, unsure if they should follow. Rodger just shrugged his shoulders and followed anyway.

Walking into the back, Nathan saw a living area with a working TV and small kitchen off to the side. In the back corner was a ma.s.sive radio set up. Along one wall was a built-in bookshelf taking up the entire wall. When Nathan got close he noticed many of the books dealt with computers, but two whole shelves were survival books. "Nice collection," Nathan said. Glen turned around and Nathan pointed at the survival books.

"We have ten times that in flash drives," Glen said, sitting down at the radio. "What frequency?" Nathan told him. "That frequency is supposed to be off limits," Glen said, dialing the frequency. Over the speakers they heard a steady hiss.

Glen handed Nathan the microphone. Nathan closed his eyes, praying the guys were listening. "Yaba-daba-do," Nathan said slowly. He waited five minutes and repeated it. Finished, he handed the microphone back to Glen.

"What the h.e.l.l was that?" Glen asked.

"A code to let them know I'm alive," Nathan said. It was a code telling his group he was alive and coming home, and he had guest.

Glen nodded, taking the microphone, "So you're in the prepper game?" he asked.

"Oh yes," Nathan said. "Thank you."

"No problem. We'll record what they send back," Glen said.

Rodger pulled Nathan back to the front of the store, followed by Glen and his family.

"We'll pick you up tomorrow," Rodger said as Glen opened the front door.

"We'll be waiting," Glen said with his wife and son agreeing.

Nathan and Rodger jumped in the truck along with Howard and his sons. Pulling out of the parking lot Rodger looked at Nathan, "You think they were listening?"

"They are supposed to monitor that frequency anytime someone is not in camp," Nathan answered as Rodger honked the horn for a group of people to move to the side of the road. Several people started to flag the vehicle until they spotted Rodger in his sheriff outfit.

"Much trouble in town?" Nathan asked, noticing everyone was carrying a weapon.

"No more than expected. But those that cause trouble know if they try to start with most people, they will get shot, not arrested. This seems to control the situation," Rodger said, turning onto the main strip.

"Yes, I've noticed the stealing element suddenly develops a sense of self-preservation when they know the victims will shoot. Suddenly that TV they wanted to steal isn't worth it," Nathan replied as they drove on.

In a few minutes they pulled into the co-op. There were only a few people around and a few vehicles that seemed to be running. Rodger pulled around to the back and once again, Howard and his sons stayed with the truck. Walking in Nathan was shocked how big the place was. "Come on. Let's see Keith, the manager," Rodger said leading, Nathan to the front of the store.

There were only a few people in the store but when Nathan spotted one, they were always escorted by an employee. Seeing this made Nathan realize the only reason they were walking around without an escort was because Rodger was the sheriff. Reaching the front of the store a tall black man in overalls came over and shook Rodger's hand.

"Rodger, I can't extend any more credit till you and Bob pay the current bill, sorry. I can't deliver the stuff Bob ordered last week."

"It's okay, Keith. I'm here so Nathan can pick up some stuff," Rodger said, motioning to Nathan.

"It's cash only sir, I'm sorry," Keith told him.

"That's okay, I have cash," Nathan said, handing Keith the list he had made.

Taking the list, Keith's eyes got bigger the more he read. Looking around to make sure no one was around, Keith said quietly to Nathan, "You realize this is going to be over three thousand dollars?" Nathan reached in his messenger bag and pulled out a five-thousand-dollar roll.

"Here's five grand," Nathan said. Keith took the money in shock. "I really need this stuff fast."

"We'll get started now," Keith said, and motioned several workers over.

Nathan grabbed a buggy. Walking around the store he put stuff in the buggy. Seeing kid's hiking boots, he grabbed several different sizes for all the kids. Rodger walked around with him. "What would you have done if you hadn't had that money?" he asked as Nathan put in a stack of riding dusters.

"Walked my a.s.s off," Nathan said.

"You can stay here with us," Rodger offered.

Nathan met Rodger's eyes. "I really appreciate the offer, but I've made a promise to go through this with my friends. I wish the kids would stay but I really doubt they will." Stopping at a rack of riding dusters, he started grabbing.

It was an hour later that Keith came over to get them and noticed the full cart. "We can get that rung up and you can get your change in my office. I don't like to let people know how much money is around here," he said leading them up front.

When they were in Keith's office, he said, "The total is five thousand two hundred and sixty-seven dollars."

"What's Rodger and Bob's bill?" Nathan asked, fishing some more bills out.

"I can't discuss another client's bill, sir," Keith said with a stern face.

"We owe just over nine thousand," Rodger told Nathan.

Nodding his head impressed with the figure, Nathan threw a bank stack of hundreds on Keith's desk. "That should cover their bill. You can deliver their stuff tomorrow." Nathan threw another stack on the desk. "That's for future purchases."

Pushing back from the desk, Keith looked at the twenty grand sitting in front of him like it was alive. "The stuff will be delivered tomorrow," he said in a quiet voice.

"Thank you, Nathan. Keith, is the stuff loaded?" Rodger asked.

"Yeah, it's in your truck," Keith said, picking up the bills.

"Thank you," Rodger said. He grabbed Nathan's arm and guided him out of the office and then the store. When they were loaded up in the truck Rodger spun up gravel leaving the parking lot. "Did you steal that money?" Rodger demanded.

"h.e.l.l, no!" Nathan snapped.

"You just threw down twenty-five thousand dollars like it was Monopoly money!" Rodger shouted.

"In a few more weeks I think Monopoly money will be worth more," Nathan said calmly, shrugging his shoulders. Rodger just stuttered at that. "What, Rodger? You think people are going to keep using worthless bills? Why not use them while I can, while other people will take them?"