📖📖The Count Down- Editing

How It Began

When we woke up, we expected the day to be like every other. Although we knew something was coming, thanks to my Grandfather, we expected that to be far in the future. We sat at the breakfast table watching the news while we ate, when an emergency alert told us to stay tuned with a message from the President of the United States. We sat up straighter in our chairs, and my husband took my hand.

I said, "It can't be."

He swallowed and said, "I hope it isn't what we think it is."

When the President came on the screen, I said, "He looks like shit. I think it's time."

The President tapped the microphone and said, "My fellow Americans, the world as you knew it will change in the next seventy-two hours. The timer has started; however, do not fear, it is not the end of the world. Please take the next seventy-two hours to prepare yourselves and your homes. All foreign citizens should contact their embassy or head to the nearest airport to proceed to their country of origin. All airports are arranging flights to connecting countries, effective immediately. May god have mercy on all of us."

72 hours

The screen went black, and we watched as a seventy-two-hour timer started on the screen. We sat in silence for a moment, looking at the screen. We began to hear text message alerts start to come through our phones. Looking at my husband, I said, "I am so glad we are ready for what is coming our way. We should lock the gates to the estate and put the no trespassing signs up."

He looked at me and said, "Me too. I wish people had prepared when we told them to. Hell, even some of my own family thought we were crazy. Want to take a walk with me? We need to get everything secured."

"Sure," I said. Looking out the window, I said, "The governments could have waited till the spring to do this. You know it's getting cold outside, and people will start to panic instead of getting ready to settle in."

He handed me my jacket and said, "I know and am willing to bet that's what they want. We need to lock and secure the gate to the river. The dock and inlet are good, but I do not want people to be able to come onto the property."

We headed outside to secure our property, and I can hear you now, asking, "Gracie, you know something. What is going on?" 

You are not wrong. Let me tell you about my Grandfather. My Grandfather had told us of a few plans that the government was going to implement, and since their first one didn't work, they were moving on to the next. The first attempt at population control was the COVID pandemic.

You may ask, how do we know this? My Grandpa worked in the government. He was so far down the rabbit hole that he could have been the Mad Hatter himself. When he got sick, my fiancée Matt and I moved to his cabin in the woods to take care of him. When we moved in, he told me he was giving me the home as a wedding gift. Before we arrived at the cabin, Grandpa had already cleared all the rooms but his. He told us that he had two stipulations. The first was that we got married right away, and the second was that we started to prepare for the brave new world that the world's governments were going to force upon us.

On the first night we arrived, we sat around the fire as he explained to us what he knew about the government's plans to lower the world's population. First, the world should have been brought to a standstill when COVID-19 was released. The powers waited with bated breath to see if that would slow the population growth and help the world's climate, as well as strengthen their hold on their people. When their forced quarantine did not increase the people's dependency on the government as much as they liked, COVID magically started to go away. What people did not know was that some of the vaccines were laced with a timer so people who were terminal or had mental or medical issues would pass away. Many people thought that the COVID-19 vaccine appeared far too quickly; what they did not know was that it had already been waiting behind the scenes, ready to be released to the public. The government did not realize there were ways to stop the timer. Most people who received the timer actually stopped their own deaths by eating certain foods or smoking marijuana, drinking, and doing drugs. That, and the government did not think that so many people would decide not to get the vaccine. 

While we helped Grandpa, he had me preparing for the next phase. He had us become preppers, and every week, he had us spend a portion of our paycheck to add to our food stock and emergency supplies in our hidden basement. At the end of the timer, the world's powers were going to release EMPs worldwide. Since we moved in, we have been gardening, growing food trees and bushes, canning, freezing, and continuously adding to our food stores. Our basement was also EMP-proof. How is the basement EMP-proof? Grandpa had designed it that way, so we have solar power converters and ways to power all our freezers for when the time comes. When he had his cabin built into a mountain surrounded by lime rock, the walls, floor, ceiling, and doors were all lined with EMP-resistant material. Our hidden basement was even overlooked by the government officials when they came for Grandpa's funeral. They thought we only had a small stocked pantry in the kitchen.

When Grandpa passed away, we continued to stock the house every week and purchased staples like flour, sugar, butter, powdered milk, and assorted canned goods and meats. We also included candles, home supplies, and mini propane cannisters. Since the basement was as big as the cabin's bottom floor, we made sure to add shelving and organize all the supplies. Now it's full to the brim, and my greenhouse produces a lot of the food we need. We also started raising animals and have chickens, cows, horses, rabbits, and sheep. We also designed a dock that we fish from without having to open the gates to the river that goes past our home.

We walked around the property checking all the gates and placed signs that said, No Trespassing. As we shut the gate to the river, Mr. Newcomb, our neighbor, paddled past the gate in his boat. As he waved to us, he said, "You kids be safe now. My Geraldine and I are battening down the hatches as well. I am in the mood to have fish for dinner, so I am taking a fishing break."

Matt asked, "Do you need any help with anything?"

"No, son, I am good," He said. "I am guessing the kids will be running from the city in the next day or so. Thankfully, when we prepared, we took them into account. You kids prepared?"

Matt nodded and said, "We listened to Grandpa when he told us to."

"Good," He said. "So did we, and when they asked me if I wanted a pacemaker, I said no. Geraldine is happy as a clam with me eating more healthily. Also, in times like these, call me Paul. We have passed the point of Mr. and Mrs."

We all shared a laugh, and I said, "If you need us for anything, you have the key to the door between our properties. Please use it."

He called back, "The same goes to you."

We watched him continue fishing down the river when Matt's phone rang. He answered it as we went to the front of the property. I heard him say, "Scott, I have been telling you and Penny to start getting ready for something big that would be happening. We are securing the property now. You and Penny will not make it here in seventy-one hours. Everyone is trying to escape the city. Do not get in your car. Is that clear? If you do, you will not make it here."

Matt looked pained as he said, "We are locking down the property now, Scott. Everyone in our area is so we can stay safe. If you want, I can send you money for supplies."

I put my hand on his shoulder, and he took it as he said, "Scott, they will be grounding all planes as of noon tomorrow. They are only allowing people to fly back to their home state. I love you, brother, but there is no way to get you here. We told you that we are not letting people in who cannot make a contribution. We are not a free ride. I am sending you money now to get supplies."

He stopped walking and said, "Scott, you will not get to us in time. You need to stay there and get supplies. Can you please listen to me for once? We are not your plan B, and you will not be staying with us. Gracie and I told you something was coming, and we are not going to let you live off of us."

71 hours

Turning to me, he said, "He hung up on me. Scott kept saying they were on their way to us. We live in the mountains, and we would be safe. They live a week away, and he will not make it."

Pulling Matt into my arms, I said, "We tried to warn them, Matt. Four years' worth of trying to convince them. Scott is stubborn, that's for sure."

Matt's phone rang again, and he answered, "Scott, I am serious, do not head this way. No, Scott, we are not opening our home to your friends. We are not allowing anyone here. Get the supplies you will need. The house is secure, and we are going to shoot first and ask questions later."

Taking the phone, I said, "Scott, it's Gracie. Listen carefully, in less than twenty-four hours, a no-travel order will be issued. The authorities will make you stay wherever you are. Our home is not a hotel, and no one will stay here, is that clear? Wait, Maggie will be here in an hour? She listened? Well, at least she was smart. Get to the store, Scott, and bunker down. Good luck."

We walked to the gate and found Maggie pulling up. She hopped out of her RV and hugged us. She said, "Gracie, I listened to your Grandpa and have been stocking up the RV for years. Every storage bin and every space in the RV is full of supplies. Matt, Mike will help you with the farm. We want Chloe to be safe. We are winterized and will be living in the RV. We even added a wood stove to the RV for warmth. I want my family to be safe. The cities are falling into chaos. Please, can we stay here?"

Looking at Maggie, I said, "Did you get the panels and converter for the RV?"

"Yes," she said. "They are in an EMP safe box till the seventy-two hours are over. I can help with the gardening or farm chores; we are not asking for a handout."

Nodding at Matt, he said, "Alright, I will direct Mike to where he can park. What is with the trailer?"

She laughed and said, "As I said, I listened to Grandpa. I ran out of room in the RV, so I added a trailer. Once we get the sliders out, I will bring the supplies from the RV to the house and look for wood for the stove. I am sure you have branches down we can cut up."

As Matt directed Mike to where to park, she asked me, "So I take it they are putting us back to the olden days?"

"Yes, they are," I said. "We are guessing they are going to drop EMPs before the seventy-two hours are over. Our electronics are in the safe room inside EMP storage bags. We have one TV and our phones out for now. We will add them to a bag later this morning and will only use them sparingly."

Maggie nodded and said, "Same."

Once the guys parked the RV, Maggie said, "Well, she will make a good home. Probably won't run in seventy-two hours. But Chloe is safe, and that's all that matters."

"You should know, Scott was trying to convince Matt to let him, Penny, and a group of friends come stay here," I said. "It is not going to happen; we told him not to come."

She sighed and said, "Yeah, I figured he would try that. He called me after the timer started and asked if I could buy him plane tickets for a few people. I told him no. He got mad at me and started to scream and cuss. I told him Matt has been telling him for the last few years to prepare for something big. All he and Penny did was go vacationing all over the world. When I told him good luck, and I love him, he hung up on me."

                            70 hours left

Mike and Matt came out of the RV with Chloe. Maggie took Chloe from Mike and said, "What can we do to help?"

Matt said, "You ladies can start on the barn chores if you want. Mike and I are going to walk the walls and cut some of the bigger limbs that are coming down, so you have wood for the RV. We do not want little Miss getting cold at night."

Walking to the barn, Chloe started to clap when she saw our horse, Samson. Samson walked over to the gate, and Chloe reached out to pet him. Samson loved the attention. I scratched his ears and said, "Come on, big guy, Chloe isn't going anywhere, and you all need your breakfast."

Matt came in with a portable baby play yard and some toys, setting it up so Maggie could help me. She said, "I am glad Chloe is off formula now. Do you drink the milk that you get from the cows?"

Looking at her as I milked Betty White, our main milk cow, I said, "We sure do, and it is more gentle on our stomachs than processed milk. But if Chloe can't handle it, I am sure we have powdered milk as well. We have a machine that heats the milk and cools it so it is not raw but minimally processed."

"I do have powdered milk," Maggie said. "If you have some milk, we can give her a small cup and see what she likes."

"Do you have a cup?" I asked.

"I can get one, why?" She asked.

"After I get the cream off that milk, the other milk should be ready to go," I said. "I will pour a bit into a cup for Chloe to try. I will watch her if you want to get a cup and see if our girl can handle it."

Maggie ran and got a cup, and after I strained off the cream. Looking at the machine we have to process the milk, I poured a bit of milk and said, "Chloe, do you want some milk?"

She took the cup and drank some of the milk. She sat down and drank the cup down, saying, "Hmm, more."

Maggie said, "Well, you can have a little bit more than you have to rest your tummy."

I showed Maggie how to check the chickens and gather the eggs. I handed her half the eggs and said, "Put those on your counter for you. I will bring the rest into the house. I was going to get some dinner started on the wood stove just in case shit hits the fan early. You guys want to eat with us tonight?"

Matt and Mike walked in. Matt said, "What are we having?"

"I am going to make a pot of vegetable soup on the wood stove," I said. "I was going to make biscuits to go with it and serve some of the pickled eggs and vegetables."

Maggie looked towards the orchard and asked, "You have apples left on the trees?"

"Sure do," I said. "We have a lot."

"Let's swing by there," She said. "I will put together an apple cobbler for dessert."

Mike said, "You have Chloe, babe. I am going to help Matt with chopping wood. By the way, guys, don't be surprised if Scott tries calling you. He has called Matt four times. Matt said he will not allow Scott's friends here, and since Scott did not prepare, he is on his own."

The guys walked away, and Maggie lifted Chloe. Grabbing a basket, we went to the orchard, and I said, "We picked up a bunch of apples from the ground and sorted them yesterday. But if you find more, grab them. I think Matt and I will have to lay tarps down to start catching them. Last year, I made jars and jars of apple sauce and pie filling. Last week, I went shopping and brought out all the mason jars I could find. Chloe will have more than enough apple sauce."

When we got to the orchard, Maggie showed Chloe how to pick apples and put them in the basket. We picked a bunch of apples for the apple crumble. When we told Chloe it was time to go in, and she gave us a fuss until I said, "Chloe, do you want to help Aunt Gracie get vegetables to make soup?"

She walked over to me and lifted her arms to be picked up. Picking her up, I said, "Okay, love, let's get a new basket, and we can make soup."

69 hours left

We grabbed a new basket and went into the house. When I opened the door to the greenhouse, Chloe sat down, and I handed her a small pot of dirt and a spoon. I told her to help me plant and gave her an onion bulb. She looked happy and began to dig. We harvested herbs, carrots, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, peas, and green beans. We went into the house, and as I prepared the soup, Maggie put Chloe down for a nap before starting to prepare the apples for a large apple cobbler.

Maggie asked, "What happens if Scott shows up?"

"If he somehow gets here, he will not be allowed in," I said. "We have been telling him for years now to prepare, and he is not going to use us because he wants to play instead of prepare. His friends will not be allowed in at all."

We heard cars pull up to the gate. Maggie looked out the window and said, "Cops just pulled up."

"Let's wait and see what they tell Matt and Mike," I said.

We continued to cook dinner, and thirty minutes later, Matt came in visibly upset. He came over and hugged me. Then he hugged Maggie and said, "Thank you for preparing as we told you."

"Matt, what happened?" I asked. 

"Since we did not answer calls unless we knew the number, the airline sent officers to see if we had invited Scott, Penny, and their six friends to move here," He said. "The FAA is restricting air travel, and when I told the police, Scott was told to stay in Florida and not to come here. I made it clear that he and his friends were not welcome here."

The officers called it in, and while on the line, the agent asked again, "Are you sure?"

When I said, "I am positive I can show you the text messages. The Officer said, thank you, and before they left, Scott called me. Scott said Penny, and he will be coming with their friends. I told him the house is on lockdown and they will not be welcome here.  We will use force to keep them out. I had him on speaker, and he said there were eight of them and four of us; they will take over the property. The officer told him on speaker that people have the right to defend their property and can shoot to kill. Scott said we will see about that and ended the call. There is an APB out for Scott and Penny nationally due to him threatening us."

Matt's phone rang again, and he picked up, saying, "Hey Steve man, what's going on?"

We watched him speak to his business partner and good friend. He looked at me, and I nodded. We listened as he said, "Hey man, it's too dangerous where you are. Load up your RV with all your supplies and get Shannon and the boys here. Bring everything. This is what I have been warning you about for years. If Shannon is driving the truck, make sure she has a loaded gun on her. Call me when you get to the gate."

Turning to us, he said, "Steve watched as his neighbors across the street, who are loud and glorified preppers, were thrown out of their home by their kids. What their kids did not know was that all the supplies were in the RV, which the parents took and drove to their property, where they have the rest of their stockpile. Steve is afraid of what will happen if people find out they had their supplies. Kyle has Steve's SUV loaded down, and he will be here with Shannon, who has her SUV loaded with supplies. The RV is packed with the rest of the emergency supplies."

Looking at Maggie, I said, "I guess we need to make a few salads to go with the soup and bread."

Chloe woke up and said, "Dirt time?"

Maggie laughed and said, "Yes, dirt time."

I looked at Matt and said, "I know Steve's RV is huge, I would have him park it near the front wall. That way, we can also have a lookout point. We have the water hose there, and there is piping for the sewer and water drain off."

Matt nodded, and he asked, "Are you sure about letting people in?"

"Matt, we would only let people in who are prepared," I said. "Your brother has always been someone who takes more than he ever gave. Remember when he and Penny got married? He wanted us to host everyone here and pay for the wedding since we had gotten married here."

Maggie looked up and said, "He wanted me to give Penny my wedding dress. When I said no, that is for Chloe, he went off. It was Mom's dress, and one day I want to pass it down to her."

"Well, there is nothing we can do now," I said. Turning to Matt, I asked, "Were the boys bringing their partners?"

"Kyle is bringing Sam," He said. "Sam is a prepper who just started, but his car is loaded with supplies. Mark is bringing Tabby. She has been shopping for weeks now, as Steve said, her oh crap meter is going off. She had a pull-behind travel trailer and will be following Steve. From what Steve said, it is full up with supplies, and so is her truck."

Maggie sighed and said, "Well, if Scott shows up, at least it will be a fair fight."

68 hours left

Maggie and I returned to the garden to gather ingredients to make salads to go with dinner. By the time we were done, we had made loaded potato salad, Italian pasta salad, and an antipasto salad. Maggie looked at Chloe, who was having trouble keeping her eyes open, and said, "I am going to take her to the RV and get her a good nap in before dinner. That and it will give me a chance to organize the RV a bit for living."

I waved and walked out to the orchard, picking up more of the apples on the ground. Bringing the third basket to the porch, I heard honking at our gate and saw Steve and his family pull in. When I walked up, Shannon pulled me into a hug as she shook.  She said, "Gracie, it's horrible out there; people are going crazy."

I held her as she cried and saw Mark holding onto Tabby, comforting her. He looked up and said, "People are already trying to get other people's supplies. Before the main turn to your street, we saw a few cars with bodies. Police were everywhere, but it was chaos."

Looking at Matt, I said, "Get settled, and I will tell you all the truth about what is going on."

Shannon said, "It's bad, isn't it?"

"Yes," I said. "It is. If you all need me, I am going to the orchard. I am picking all the apples that dropped, and I am laying down tarps so we can lift and drop them into a basket. Matt, before you and Mike go to chop more wood. Can you please get the milk fridge into the protected box?"

Mike said, "Come on, man. I will help, Chloe is bragging, Aunt Gracie gave her good milk."

Steve asked, "What can we do to help?"

I sighed and said, "Get your camp set up. Being near the wall, we can climb up and keep a lookout. Once you're set up, we will meet on the porch, and I will explain what is going on."

66 hours to go

An hour later, Matt came to the orchard and said, "Everything is done for now and ready. Ready to tell them?"

Nodding, I said, "Yeah, they deserve to know."

Sitting on the rail of the porch, I looked at everyone and said, "You all remember my Grandpa. You can thank him silently for saving our lives when he was dying."

Matt held my hand as I continued, "Covid 19 was created worldwide to do population control. The world's population is over eight billion people. Internationally, we are running out of food, and pollution is slowly killing people off. When the government released Covid internationally, it was supposed to eliminate part of the world population. The governments did not realize that quarantining and the human spirit would counteract that. Then, when the vaccine was released, it was a death sentence with a timer."

Shannon asked, "What type of timer?"

"Again, the government did not do its research," I said. "Most people who were given the timer actually stopped their own deaths by eating certain foods or smoking marijuana, drinking, and doing drugs. That, and the government did not count on so many people not wanting to get the vaccine."

Tabby said, "Damn."

Now they are proceeding to the next phase of their plan, which is to put the world into a standstill by releasing EMPs to destroy the world's electrical grid. They are doing it now with winter approaching, and it is supposed to be a rough one, so more people will die off. Their goal is to bring the world under 3 billion, and there will be no government assistance. That is why we have been telling people to prepare for a long time."

Shannon looked up and said, "My Mom."

Matt looked at Steve and asked, "Where is she?"

"Thirty-minute drive from here," He said.

I looked at Matt and said, "Before it gets dark, go. Take my truck and bring guns."

Steve, Matt, Mike, and Shannon loaded up in my truck. Maggie and I shut the gate behind them. Sam and Kyle walked up, saying, "Grace, why don't we help you with the barn chores and orchard till they get back. Tabby is on top of the RV on lookout duty with binoculars. Up there, she can see a long way. Mark made himself useful by grabbing a wheelbarrow and going along the front wall, gathering twigs and broken branches for all our fires. While he is at it, he is also bagging up leaves to keep the ground clear. If someone wants to play dirty, they could launch fire into the ground cover, and we would all be in trouble. You have ten acres of firewood. We will help him as well after we get chores done in the barn and the orchard.""Well, let us start in the orchard," I said. "I was laying tarps under the apple trees to catch the apples so we can make applesauce and pie filling. Also, keep a bucket for food scraps as we feed that to the animals."

We made ourselves busy and waited for everyone to return.

63 hours to go

When I was going to call Matt to find out what was going on, we heard Tabby call out, "They are back."

We opened the gate, and the truck pulled in with a pull-behind camper attached. When they pulled around the driveway, Matt climbed out of the truck, hugged me, and said, "It was chaos."

Shannon got out of the truck with her Mom and an elderly man. I walked over to them and said, "You're safe now."

Shannon's Mom took my hands and said, "We may not be out of the woods yet."

Looking at her, I asked, "Why not?"

Shannon put her arms around her Mom and the old man. "Gracie, this is Henry, Mom's special friend. The problem is that they both have pacemakers, and when the EMPs go off, they could be affected. Henry had the travel camper full of emergency food, and they had supplies, but they would do no good for them if their pacemakers went kaput."

***************************************************************************

Henry held Shannon's mom's hands as he put his head to hers and said, "Well Cas we had a good run."

"Woah," I said. "Good run my ass we didn't recue you two to have you take a walk on the wild side. But I am sorry to say you two will be living like hermits in a cave for the next few days. Do not worry we will make sure you both have food and a bathroom come with me. Well grab some stuff to keep you occupied for the next few days."

Grabbing their bags we went into the house I opened the trap door to our hidden prep basement. Shannon looked at me and said, "I wondered where you stored everything."

Laughing I said, "This is their best option. All our EMP fragile items are in here until later. Its lined with EMP proof material and its built into the limestone hill. But also we have a spare room down there I am going to use as extra storage for all the items we harvest. The greenhouse is thriving and that covered counter that lines the entire wall in the TV is mason jars and buckets. This room has a bed in it with a table and a bathroom." 

We helped Henry and Cassandra down the stairs. I said, "We will bring you meal trays three times a day and there are plenty of snacks as well. I would suggest you both get comfortable and I have a bunch of books and games I can bring you."

Henry asked, "Do you have any puzzles?"

"I sure do," I said. "Give me about an hour and I can bring you all down a big basket of things to do."

Cassandra looked around and said, "Well I am thankful. Once we are safe to come out of our cave we can help with the little one while you all do things around the farm. Plus henry here loves animals and gardening so you will have to chase him from the barn and greenhouse."

"I saw you also have a river behind the house," He said. "I can catch all of us fish to eat as well. Do not worry Gracie we will be of use here and will pull our weight."

Shaking my head I said, "You can live your best life. Let us make sure first you survive the next few days. We have to shut the main door and the outer door to this area to keep you protected but in a few days you will be back in the fresh air and ready to party with the rest of us."

We went upstairs and I grabbed a laundry basket loading it with puzzles and games for Henry and Cas. Shannon went out to the RV and brought in some more puzzles and art items for her Mom. She said, "I went into Henrys camper and he was not kidding that him and Mom have supplies. The boys are out there cleaning up the property. Tabby has a book and has taken first shift on guard duty."

Taking a food tray out I placed a small pot of the soup and bowls of the salads we made on it. Then I placed some bread and the leftover pie I made the night before with butter and crackers. Shannon grabbed the basket and I grabbed the tray and we brought it down to them. Henry whistled when we came in and he said, "Look at this Cas, its better than the trip we took a few months ago and we can eat early like we like to. Gracie you are a blessing in disguise."

"When we go up we are securing both doors," I said. "When we get up in the morning I will bring you breakfast. Is there anything you do not like?"

Cas took my hand and said, "We are not picky eaters. I see you have a small fridge down here so we will be fine. We can place the leftovers in here and you have a microwave so we can eat what we have."

62 hours to go 7pm

We went upstairs and secured all the doors to keep Cas and Henry safe. I decided since there was so many of us we would do a buffet style meal. Tabby came in and said, "Do you have a bowl and plate safe for outside? Mark is on guard duty now and we were going to bring him his food to eat as he watched for anything out of sorts."

Going to the cabinet I took out a hot thermos for the soup and a larger container for everything else. Maggie dished up some apple crumble and placed it in a small Tupperware bowl. She said, "We may want to move a RV to the river so we can watch for people trying to get in from there as well."

Matt walked in and said, "No need for that. I got my old hunting stand out of the barn and we are going to set it up in the morning. Also while waking the property we saw a lot of the winter berries are starting to bloom. That and it was a good idea getting the tarps down because the apples are falling."

Handing the food to Tabby I said, "Can you let everyone know dinner is done and we will be eating in a few minutes."

She smiled and said, "Sure will this looks and smells so good."

Leaving we placed the bowls on the counter along with plates for the salads. When everyone came inside we said a prayer for all those who did not prepare and started to eat. Shannon took a bit of the soup and said, "This is so good. But now that we are sitting here how are we going to handle meals and such."

"Well," I said. "We can eat what we have first and everything harvested or fished can be split among each other. Also I love big meals like this so us ladies an plan to do pot lucks as well. Unless you all have other suggestions."

Steven laughed and said, "Team work. I was thinking once the EMP's go off people are going to be frantic. We have a limited about of perishables. If your okay with it I was thinking and have the room. Maybe we can store the supplies in your hidden room to make sure if anyone gets in they would not get a lot. Then we can use Maggie's trailer to store more wood."

Everyone agreed that would be a good idea and I said, "So then we can keep snacks in the houses and all the food in the main house then. All of us can work together to create big meals every day. Shannon do you want to run down and talk to Cas and Henry about it and see what they think?"

Shannon ran downstairs and came up a few minutes later and said, "Henry and Mom are on board as that gives them room in their camper to move around. He said, Take it all but leave him a few cookies and chips."

We laughed and ate. I put on the TV and we watched the news reports about the Chaos. Tabby said, "Do the world powers really think they will be able to smack everyone into submission?"

"Honestly I think they do," I said. "When Grandpa was passing away so many higher ups came in to talk with him and see what was going on here. They do not realize that people can hide just as much as the government."

61 hours to go 8pm

Kyle said, "When we were working doing the government jobs a few months ago we noticed the government has old school cars hidden in a back parking lot we were paving. Those cars would not be affected by EMPS and when we got a bit to close the security team threw a fit."

Matt said, "They have planning this for years. We have an old school motorcycle as well as a vintage 1940's truck under cover on the back of the property so we can get around if we need to. But that is why we have the wagon and all the horses."

Mike said, "Speaking of I think we should get the barn chores done. I will take next watch after Mark. That way we always have someone on the look out."

Tabby stood up and said well now that the RV's will be useless I have to ask, "How will we be doing laundry?"

Smiling I said, "We have that covered."

Taking the ladies and Kyle outside I showed them the hand crank washer i got from the 1920's along with the clothes lines set up. I said, "I have spare parts for it and it will take a full size comforter. We also have solar panels and converters in the basement for the camper washer and dryers we have."

Going back in I said, "I am putting my phone off in the EMP bag tonight and hopefully will wake up early enough. I will start making coffee and breakfast at around 6."

Maggie lifted up Cloe and said, "I will see you then. Gracie in the morning after the start of the chores I will help gather more apples and we can start on the apple sauce and pie filling."

Tabby said, "Mark and I are going to work on the front of the property gather branches and getting some of the bad limbs down so we can stock the fire wood. They said its going to be a bad winter and we need to be ready. I thank god I have a wood fireplace in my camper."

Kyle said, "Sam and I will gather the apples so you can start prepping them and pick what is on the trees. I also noticed you have berry bushes towards the river. We will get those as well if a freeze comes through they won't be any good for anyone. Also why I am at it first thing in the morning I am gonna set a few fish cages in the river to see if we can get some fish for tomorrows dinner."

Shannon said, "I will help you get everything cleaned up and will be back in the morning to help you cook breakfast. If you have flour handy I can make a bread dough to proof over night and I can make some biscuit dough as well.

The guys went to the barn as we cleaned up the kitchen. Looking at the soup and salads l said, "Well lunch will be left over tomorrow. We have a lot of soup and salad left. We can add that to the bread left from tonight and tomorrow and have Maggie make another crisp."

Taking out a couple jars of hash from the upstairs pantry. Running downstairs to the basement I pulled out a few packs of bacon. Making sure the doors were secured I went to the garden and grabbed some mushrooms, potatoes and onions to go with breakfast. Heading upstairs I took a quick shower and laid in bed. When Matt came in he jumped in the shower as well and when he got out he said, "I am so tired but its good to have help. But we are gonna be on a farmers schedule now."

"I agree," I said. "I was thinking we have a bunch of supplies but maybe you and the guys should spend an hour or two over in the forest at the other side of the river and see about hunting for pig, deer and such. I heard the wild turkeys again."

Leaning over and kissing me he said, "That sounds like a good idea. Do you have jars as we have very little freezer space."

"I have close to a 1000 empty jars," I said. "Our pigs are not ready for harvest nor are the sheep. Also after the emps are released we need to let the rooster in so we can start getting babies."

"Well we have time," He said. "Lets go to sleep we have a lot to do in the next few days."

60 hours to go 9pm Sleep

59 hours to go 10pm Sleep

58 hours to go 11pm Sleep

57 hours to go 12am Sleep

56 hours to go 1am Sleep

55 hours to go 2am Sleep

54 hours to go 3am Sleep

53 hours to go 4am Sleep

52 hours to go 5am 

Just around five am we heard knocking on our bedroom door. Matt set up and said, "Hello."

"Hey guys I am sorry to wake you but I am just coming off guard duty and you need to see what is happening," Steve said.

Matt and I got up and we went over to Steve and Shannon's RV and climbed up. Looking out to the west we say a orange glow and Shannon said, "That's the airport. There was a low rumble which woke me up. I thought it was thunder and Steve jumped down and ran to get you both. It has burning ever since."

I said, "Did you see any planes?"

Steve said, "No."

Tabby climbed up and asked, "What is going on?"

We pointed at the airport glow and she said, "Well I guess we will be watching things today for sure. I am next to watch."

Shannon took my arm and said, "Well I guess we should get to work."

Laughing I said, "Well that works for me last night I grabbed some bacon out of the freezer, hash from the cabinet and grabbed some mushrooms, potatoes and onions from the garden. Once we bake the biscuits and bread we can get stuff going. I told Scott him and the guys should take a few hours and cross the river and try to hunt. The freezers are pretty much full but we can smoke, can and store anything that is caught. Besides the wild pigs make some great bacon."

She said, "That is a great idea. We can also make sausages your room downstairs would be the perfect room for hams and sausages to cure. Do you all have a smoker?"

"We have a smoke house that Matt built when he wanted to experiment," I said. "We have Hams and sausage in the basement curing now. I also have a bit of wax dipped cheese aging as well." 

51- hours to go 6am

Going into the house we started making breakfast and thirty minutes later Maggie joined us with Cloe. Sitting her in the highchair she started a breakfast desert. When everything was ready Shannon made a tray and brought it down to her Mom and Henry. She came up and said, "They were already up and working on a puzzle. When I brought the food in Mom handed me the soup and said, They loved it and when I told her its for lunch she asked if we could heat it for her. They like the fact we are using leftovers."

Maggie looked up from feeding Cloe and said, "Food is going to become a hot commodity. Matt said him, Matt and Steven are going to go hunting this afternoon for a few hours. Saving everything will save us in the end. But if the guys hunt it I am sure us ladies can make something from all of it."

50-45 hours to go 7am-noon

We sent a container of food out to Tabby who was on watch and called everyone else in for breakfast. When breakfast was done Shannon and Maggie cleaned everything up while I started wrapping the refrigerator into the EMP cover. We were not sure if it would help save it but we would try. 

After the guys finished the barn chores they said they wanted to do a longer hunting trip during lunch so I filled them up thermoses of soup and Maggie made them all egg sandwiches from breakfast leftovers. When they left we sat down peeling the apples that Kyle was bringing in as Sam went up next to do guard duty. As we prepared lunch I made myself a thermos of soup and a container of salads and went to do the next watch. Switching with Sam I saw everyone go into the house for lunch and I sat and sipped my soup as I worked on a blanket I was making.

44-42 hours left to go 1pm- 3pm

Mr. Newcomb walked out of his gate and walked over to the wall and called up, "How are you all doing Gracie?"

"We are doing good Mr. Newcomb," I said. "Did you speak with your kids?"

"Yeah I spoke with them," He said. "One of my boys has a place out of town and he took it to heart when I told him to start preparing a few years ago. His basement is stocked. My daughter went to her in laws place a few hours from here. They have a huge estate and plenty of supplies as they listened. My older son said nothing is going to happen and he will be fine. I told him not to be a fool and he told me that if something happens him and his friends will hike out here. He got angry when I said no he is the only one welcome and no one else will be allowed. I may have to call on  your crew to help me defend the land."

"You know we will help you," I said. "We have a look out all the time up here on and on the river after everything happens."

"My gates are reinforced steel and they are locked," He said. "My niece Shannon asked if her and her boyfriend could bring their RV and stay here. She is on her way and her boyfriend is a ex marine. Ella is worried about them traveling. Also did you kids here the boom this morning?"

"We did Steve was up on watch saw the airport light up," I said. "We came out and saw the glow. It looks like someone shut it down."

Shaking his head we were about to say something when a RV pulled up and a head popped out. Mr. Newcomb said, "Shannon girl you had Aunt Kay worried when you both did not arrive this morning."

She got out with a younger man and she said, "It was rough getting here Uncle Paul. This is my boyfriend Chuck."

They shook hand and Chuck said, "We did not want to worry you sir but its bad out there. Shannon deserves an award for keeping the RV on the road and saving the trailer when people tried to stop us and take it. I was on leaning out windows taking pot shots trying to keep everyone away."

He nodded and said, "Kids this is my neighbor Gracie her Grandpa was the one who told us to prepare. You will meet her crew later. Lets get you inside and set up."

I waved and watched as they pulled in and started setting up. The rest of the time was calm and peaceful. I continued to work on my blanket and keep watch as everyone would stop by as they did their chores and chatted. Maggie came up around three thirty to relieve me and said, "Kyle and Sam have been in the back acres gathering apples and berries all day. They also found a bunch of wild garlic and brought in baskets of that as well. But Kyle is happy as a clam because his cages caught enough cat fish for all of us to eat and store. Sam already got them ready for us to cook. The guys are not back yet though. But Cloe is with Shannon and having fun I am here till dinner for look out duty. I have cloth and am sewing Cloe a few pants so I brought that up here to work on."

Pointing to my bag I said, "I did the same with my crochet. You will see an RV at the neighbors as his niece and her boyfriend are going to stay with them. I am happy about that as her boyfriend is ex military and will be a good show of force if needed."

Going into the house Shannon looked up from the pot she was stirring and said, "Well Cloe will be very happy this pot is apple sauce."

"Where is Cloe?" I asked.

"Kyle knew that we would be starting dinner so Sam and him took her to the orchard as she wanted to pick up the apples," She said.

We both laughed as I asked, "Fish for dinner?"

She opened the fridge and said, "Kyle was so happy with the baskets he is going to place them out again so we can freeze or dry the filets."

"Well what would you like to make with the fish?" I asked.

"Girl we are going easy tonight," She said. "I had four boxes of instant cheese grits in my RV I grabbed two of them and I figured we could use the rest of the salads up tonight. There is also a bunch of bread and biscuits we can heat up as well. Waste not want not."

41-39 hours to go 4-6pm

Sam ran Cloe in and said, "We will be busy tonight the guys just returned from hunting. Gracie Matt said he needs the baby pools."

"They are in the barn next to the milk fridge," I said.

Picking Cloe up I said, "Let's see what they got huh?"

When we went to the patio next to the barn the guys were carrying up two pigs, a large amount of turkeys and a buck. I said, "Oh my god you guys had a successful day."

Matt gave me a huge smile and said, "We were very lucky. After dinner we are going to start breaking them down. Tabby is getting wood together for the smoke house now. We can make sausages and smoke the ham and bacon along with any fish and stuff we cannot fit in the freezers."

Shannon walked up and said, "Leave a huge leg of the deer out for tomorrow we can slow cook it on the grill and make a special dinner for our last night as we knew it."

"That sounds like a great idea," I said. "Let us get some fish started for your Mom and Henry."

We went inside and started getting the fish prepared so we could bring dinner down to Cas and Henry. When I delivered them dinner I asked, "How are you guys handling things down here?"

Henry laughed and said, "We are handling things better than we could. I feel like a child being grounded to his room."

Smiling I said, "We are almost there and then a day or so after. I am worried they may drop multiple EMP's on us."

Cas said, "We will do whatever you think is best. To bad they do not have EMP cloth that I could sew us some shirts to wear under our clothing."

Looking at her I said, "That is not a bad idea. Let me see what I can find. Do you need anything else while I am down here?"

Henry said, "No you and Shannon have us set up real good."

"If you need anything call us via your phones or use the walkie," I said.

Going back upstairs I helped Shannon cook dinner and when dinner was ready Sam came in and said, "I am switching with Maggie and doing the next watch. Do you have a container I can put dinner in?"

Handing him a bigger container he plated everything and went outside. Maggie joined us a few minutes later with Cloe in her arms. She was saying, "You were driving Daddy crazy huh silly girl."

I pulled out the highchair and asked, "Anything interesting happen while you were up there?"

"No it was eerily quiet," She said. "Gave a creepy feeling."

Shannon nodded and said, "Yeah after the sun goes down it gets spooky even if we are up and looking over things. When I relieve Sam I am going to bring my knitting with me to work on and a big ole lantern."

The guys came in and Matt said grace. Thanking god for the food that we have and the game we were able to hunt and fish. We were almost finished eating when Sam called us and said, "Get out here."

We left Cloe with Tabby who offered to clean up and we ran and started climbing the RV. Matt asked, "What's wrong?"

He handed Matt the binoculars and said, "Look at the airport."

Mike looked and said, "That can't be right the airport was on fire this morning what are they doing?"

Taking the binoculars I said, "Those are camps. I need to go see Grandpa's journals. Maggie come with me."

We ran inside and up to the landing that held a trunk with Grandpa's journals. She asked, "What are we looking for?"

"See if there is any notes about camps," I said. "This is the one for before the EMPS. I have the ones for after."

38 hours to go 7pm

We read through the journals as Steven and Mike joined us. Steven said, "Wow Gracie your Grandfather did not work for the government. From what I am reading he was at the bottom of the rabbit hole."

Mike chuckled and said, "I know this is going to sound weird but do any of these journals say anything about aliens, monsters and cryptids?"

Maggie handed him a journal and he read and said, "Shit."

Laughing I said, "They want to be left alone more than we want to be."

Steven said, "We are not alone out here are we?"

"No," I said. "We are safe though. They will not harm us. Those creatures want the same most people want and that is to be left alone."

Maggie said, "I found something."

She handed me the journal and I read it to everyone. "Within forty eight hours of the EMP release the governments may create shelters for all scared people who are alone, homeless or have special needs. If people go to these shelters they may not make it out. The authorities will also have anyone traveling taken to these shelters as well as a way to control the population. Do not leave the compound unless necessary. If you have to leave for any reason make sure you always have a look out and a quick way out. If you are more than a mile from your home they will take you. Gracie share this news if you need to but be aware that people talk and there are many wolves in sheep's clothes. If you have to flee go over the river our special friends will know how to help."

Mike gave a nervous chuckle and said, "Does he mean who I think he does?"

"Yes Mike," I said. "He means bigfoot."

Standing up Steven said, "We need to tell everyone here to stay put but for now we need to keep the creatures of the world a bit hush hush."

"I agree," I said.

37 hours to go 8pm

We went back to everyone who was now around the fire pit as Matt cleaned the deer and got animals into the smoker or bagged for the freezers with Sam's help. When Matt saw me he said, "So the camps are supposed to happen?"

"Yeah," I said. "People who get put into them will not make it out. So if we go anywhere outside the compound we need to stay within a mile from home. If we have to start pillaging which with all our supplies we should not need to, but if that time comes we will have to be very careful."

He said, "My brother will be in one of these camps."

"Maybe you should try to contact them one more time Matt," I said. "He isn't coming here but knowing what we do now may save his life."

Steve took the knife and said, "Take a break man I got this."

Matt walked to the house while he pulled out his phone and dialed. Walking over I sat next to him and as he said, "No man you cannot come here with your friends. I told you before your not living off of us. But if you have a lot of people hold up somewhere and get supplies. Ok well listen to me if you are traveling anywhere more than an hour from your house the police will arrest you and put you into camps. If you go to these camps you are not going to make it out. I am trying to warn you but you are so stubborn you do not care."

I heard his brother yell and I took the phone. I said, "Scott shut up and listen to me. My Grandfather worked for the dark side of the government since he was eighteen years old. The world powers are going to be killing off the people, Not helping, KILLING. The world population is at 8.7 Billion people and the powers at be are going to bring it down to under three billion. You think your not the only one who is going to try to take what they need. The government is counting on it. You steal you will die. They are going to put marshal law into place in the next few hours. We have been warning you for years and only a few people listened. Stay out of those camps at all costs. My homestead is for people who contribute and you have nothing to give."

Scott said, "Your fucking with me Grace. The government would not do that."

"Yes they will," I said. "In thirty six hours EMP's are going to be released. Anyone in a plane will be killed when they fall from the sky. If you speeding down the highway your car will lock up and crash. The airport near me had explosions this morning at around five. Now we can see tent cities going up and they are tent cities meant for people to die unless your useful. There is so much about this world that you do not know and the government is going to be our enemy. Listen you have a group good get to one of your houses and get as much supplies as you can. The more resources you can gather the better. If you ever trusted me do it now, Why do you think my Grandfather moved Matt and I up here and gave us the property. Why do you think we became preppers once we moved up here and told you to do the same instead of traveling around the world. Hell even at my Grandfather's funeral the feds came to offer their condolences and check and see what we had."

"Swear on Matt," He said.

"I swear on Matt and all our lives," I said.

He said, "Alright. If we ever see you again I hope its under better circumstances."

As he disconnected the call I turned to Matt and said, "I hope he listens."

36 hours to go 9pm

We helped the guys get the animals butchered and as we were going into put the food in the freezers we heard planes go overhead. Looking up Maggie said, "Those are military escort planes."

Mike came out and said, "Cloe is asleep. Maggie you might want to get some sleep you signed up for the four am watch."

Maggie said, "Let me help Grave put everything away in the freezers and I will head to bed."

Mike went back to help the guys as Shannon came over with a leg of deer. She said, "Maggie I am going to place this is a cooler to marinate overnight in the kitchen. Then I am heading to bed."

When we finished filling the freezers full I went out to Matt and said, "Everything else has to go in the smoker or in a cooler so we can can in it in the morning. I am heading to bed as I am on breakfast duty then on the RV right after."

He kissed me and said, "When I am done with all this I will be up."

Going into the house I took a shower and headed to bed. Setting my alarm for three in the morning so I could take the watch then. Placing the phone in a bag to protect it from the EMP's I fell asleep.

35-30 hrs left 10pm-3am

Waking up that morning to take the next watch I saw Matt had not even come to bed. Getting dressed I grabbed my bag of yarn and headed to the look out point. Going outside I saw Matt on the look out point and joined him.

He smiled when he saw me. Standing up he said, "Good morning sweetheart. I would suggest you go back to the house for a moment and grab your EMP safe bag. We need to be careful today incase they decide to start early."

Running back into the house I grabbed my phone bag for the EMP bag and joined Matt in the look out point. When I settled into the chair I said, "Tabby will be here at five to relieve you."

He climbed down and said, "I love you."

"I love you too," I said. Settling into the chair I watched the lights from the airport and started to work on the blanket with light from the lantern. I was still working on the blanket when I heard Tabby come out of her camper and climb the stairs.

29-28 hrs left to go 4- 5am

Tabby smiled and said, "Good morning."

"Good morning Tabby," I said. "Nothing has changed since I got up here."

Nodding at the blanket she said, "Well at least we get to work on our crafts."

Laughing I said, "So true."

Standing up I said, "Well I am going to get breakfast started."

"Well I have my EMP bag ready," She said. "With the world changing it seems way to calm."

"I agree," I said. "If there is any change raise the alarm."

Going inside I stoked the fire to the wood stove and started the biscuits and bread I had in the oven. Walking out to the barn I gathered eggs to make a breakfast casserole. Going into the house I started to cut up ham, potatoes, onions and peppers. Making a small pan for Henry and Cass I got that in the stove first. When the biscuits and bread were done I prepared a breakfast tray with fruit. As I waited for the bake to be done I made some cheddar grits and dished them up as the casserole finished, topping it with cheese. Checking the bog pan of breakfast bake I knew I had a few more minutes and ran the tray down to them.

27-26 6am-7am

Knocking at the door Henry answered and said, "Good morning Grace. I will say we have been living it up here like we are in a five start hotel."

"Well today please keep the door sealed for your hotel," I said. "Since you have a microwave we will bring things down to heat up for the next forty eight hours. I am worried that they may punch the button early."

Cas said, "Whatever you think is best."

Smiling I said, "I want to keep you safe. If it means you have to stay in the five star hotel we have then so be it. Would you like anything to hold you through until we can get you out?"

Henry smiled and said, "I know you have the apple orchard. Could we have some fresh apples?"

Chuckling I said, "I think we can get that for you. Let me get upstairs and get everyone fed and I will go pick a small batch."

Cas said, "Thank you."

"Your welcome," I said as I secured the door. Going upstairs I found Shannon in the kitchen.

"You have everything ready," She said. 

"I wanted to get this done," I said. "We need to make some food for your Mom and Henry for the next few meals. I am worried that the government may pull the trigger early. I was thinking of a good salad and sandwiches and a small pot of soup. Henry asked for some apples as well from the orchard."

Shannon nodded and said, "Well we will bring them everything after breakfast. I agree I am worried that they might go early as well."

Sam came in with Kyle carrying armfuls of wood. Placing the wood in the wood bin Sam said, "It is getting a bit cool out and I think we need to keep a small fire going in each of the homes. Will Grandma and Henry be alright down there?"

"I was down there a few minutes ago," I said. "The temperature is quite comfortable.  We need  to make sure this morning that we load all the extra supplies in the hidden basement. People are going to be scared once the electricity is gone."

Kyle asked, "Are we sure the basement is EMP proof?"

Chuckling I said, "It has been tested. Right before we moved up to take care of Grandpa he let off a condensed EMP. We are safe."

Shannon said, "Well boys why don't you get everyone so we can eat breakfast."

Kyle said to Sam, "I will get everyone. Get your food in a container so you can switch out with Tabby."

I handed Sam a container and asked, "Coffee or tea?"

"Coffee please," He said. "I do not think any of us will be getting more than naps the next two days."

Maggie walked in with Cloe and said, "I hope we get naps today. The only well rested one among us is Miss Cloe."

Taking Cloe I placed her in her highchair and said, "Well when we are done with breakfast we are going to pick some apples for Henry and Cas would you like to help?"

"Yes!" She sang. "Now?"

"No maam," Maggie said. 'Its time for breakfast.

24 hours to go 9am

Everyone came in and we said the blessing over the meal. Matt said, "I can't believe we are at the twenty four hour mark."

"I know," I said. "When we first came here to take care of Grandpa I never thought what he said would come true. So many things are going to change today."

Shannon sighed as she said, "I hope one day I will be able to get to the old house. But to be honest we had all the important things in the RV already before the announcement."

Maggie said, "Same here. It killed me to leave our home but living right near the city we knew it would be chaos in town and couldn't put ourselves or Cloe at risk."

Sam ran in and said, "You guys get out here something big is happening."

Tabby sat next to Cloe and said, "Go I got her."

We all ran outside and climbed on top of the RV. Chuck yelled, "Something big is happening at the airport they brought in a bunch of military trucks."

Grabbing my binoculars I looked at the airport. I yelled back, "Those are no electric vehicles. They are stagging for when the EMP's go off."

23 10am

Turning to Shannon I said, "Go to the kitchen and make some sandwiches and a cheese board. Along with a few easy meals we need to get their door secure and the EMP blanket over it. We are not risking anyone. Everyone else get inside and eat. Once we are done all supplies and electronics to the basement. 

Everyone headed back to the house and I joined Shannon in the kitchen eating as we made Cas and Henry food to get them through. Maggie ran to the orchard with a big bowl and picked apples. 

22 hours to go 11am

Forty five minutes later we had a few trays of items and a cooler full of drinks ready for Cas and Henry. Going down the stairs with everything Henry said, "I have a feeling something is going on."

Nodding I said, "Henry we can see the airport and they are stagging for EMP launches. This is the food for the next few days to keep you inside and safe. We are securing everything now."

He nodded and said, "Well I am glad you all are getting everything done. Once we get out of our cave we will be out there pulling our weight."

Maggie said, "You are pulling your weight by staying down here and being safe. When your out and about you will do what you can but for now your doing the best to stay safe and letting us take care of you."

Handing him the two way communicator I said, "We will keep you posted."

Pulling me into a hug he whispered, "If anything happens to me bury me near the river next to the orchard."

Nodding I pulled back and said, "We will make sure your fishing chair is ready so you can fish and crab when this is over. I am gonna have Matt get the ice fishing hut ready so you can fish on the icefishing dock we have."

Henry nodded and said, "We can't wait. If they come onto the land get into my RV and lift the matress. Actually you should check there anyway."

Giving a look I said, "Got it."

21 hours to go - noon

Climbing up the stairs I said, "Hey Shannon did you look under the mattress in Henry's RV?"

She looked up from the vegetables she was prepping and said, "No. Why do you ask?"

Chuckling Maggie said, "Henry said that we should get what is under the matress secured."

She said that as the guys came in and Matt said, "Why?"

Shrugging I said, "I don't know but I am kinda intrigued."

We headed to Henry's RV and Steve and Matt walked in. Steve asked, "He said under his mattress?"

From outside I said, "Yeah. I mean what could he be hiding?"

We heard the guys luft the matress and Matt asked Steve, "That is not what I think it is is it?"

Steve said, "It is. We need to get this someplace safe now."

We heard the guys walk to the door and I asked, "What is it guys?"

Steve said, "Henry has a complete personal under his mattress. We are going to move his RV to behind the hill and we need every piece of faraway bags there are. Or the boards of material we had to cover this from the attack that is gonna happen. It should be fine as the box seems to be lined by EMP proof material but we are not taking any chances."

20 1pm

The guys spent the next hour moving Henry's armory to behind the hill the house was built in to. When they were done we all gathered near the barn as we hear planes overhead. I looked around and said, "It is starting soon. Why don't we go ahead and finish the chores. Shannon Maggie and I will go finish getting our meal done."

19 2pm

Maggie set the table while everyone did their outdoor chores. Shannon continued to finish cooking our bog meal as I went downstairs to make sure the doors were secure. When I came back up everyone had made their way to the living room and kitchen. Shannon and I set the food on the counter to make a buffet. We said Grace and sat as a new family as the time started the final countdown.

18 3pm

Sighing, I said, "Listen, everyone, we need to cheer up. We know what was coming and by an act of god we are prepared. We are armed and we are safe. I think we should start rotating sleep and we will keep the food in the cold and hot holders for us to snack on for the rest of  the day after we finish eating this meal. I brought out a pile of paper plates and plastic silverware. Save the silverware because we will use those again."

17 4pm-11pm

After we finished eating, I went upstairs with Matt and we laid in bed to take a short nap. Facing each other I said, "It is going to change after tomorrow."

Pushing my hair away from my face, he said, "As long as we have each other, we will be okay. Let us get some sleep because things will be getting real soon enough."

We fell asleep holding hands and we woke up later that evening to the sound of helicopters going over head. Matt jumped up and said, "I will see what is going on."

9 hours left, midnight

Matt ran downstairs and I got up and dressed. He came back in a few minutes later and said, "I think its going to happen soon the airport is lit up. Come and see what is going on."

We went back to Steve and Shannons RV and climbed up to the roof. I took a pair of binoculars from Shannon and looked twards the airport. I saw many helecopters and military vehicles on the tarmack. I looked at everyone and said, "It makes sense they would use helecopters they are easier to control if there is a loss of power."

We heard the gate between our home and Mr. Newcombs open. We saw chuck and Paul walk over to where we were. Chuck asked, "Permission to join you?"

Matt said, "Come on up. Paul do you need help?"

Paul chuckled and said, "No son. I am old but I can still handle a ladder."

When they got to the top Chuck said, "They are going to start sooner than we thought arnt they?"

I nodded and said, "I believe so. I hope people are hunkering down. We have Shannons Mom and her partner in the basement that is EMP proof. I hope people who have pace makers and monitors have medical assistance. I don't think they will. Or all the children in the hospitals who use medical equipment to survive."

Shannon shuttered and said, "My heart breaks with the thought of the children are going to suffer."

Paul patted her arm and said, "Hold fast dear. Children are stronger than they most realize and people will help each other I hope. I wish people had a man like your Grandfather Gracie who forsaw this happening."

We heard bells chiming and I saw a light at the river. Matt said, "Gracie it looks like you have a visitor."

Paul said, "Tell them I said hello and offer my best wishes."

8 hours left- 1am

Walking over to the river I headed to our dock and a older man was waiting for me. He held out his arms and I said, "Sass my friend I hope you are doing well."

Hugging me, He smiled and said, "Things are going to get crazy very soon arn't they?"

I nodded and said, "I believe it is going to happen sooner than we thought. We are watching the airport and it is busy with activity."

"My people are here to help with anything you need," He said. "We have been watching you and see you have new people here. What do they know?"

"A few know that 'bigfoot' exists." I said. "They saw everything in my Grandfather journals. But they do not know about the others."

He nodded and said, "Good we will have to talk to the others and see what they want to do. Do you know what is going to happen?"

Nodding I said, "We sat around the fire as he told us what the government planned. First the world put us at a standstill when they released covid. The powers waited with baited breath to see if that would slow the population growth and help the worlds climate as well as their hold on their people. When their forced quarantine did not increase the peoples dependency on the government as much as they liked covid magically started to go away. What people did not know what that some of the vaccine's were laced with a timer so people who were terminal or had mental or medical issues would start to fade away. The vaccine was pushed through and the government did not realize there was ways to stop the timer. Most people who were given the timer actually stopped their own deaths by eating certain foods or smoking marijuana, drinking and doing drugs. That and the government did not count on so many people not wanting to get the vaccine." I continued. "This whole time Grandpa had me preparing for the next phase. He had us become preppers and every week he had us spend three hundred dollars and add to our food stock and emergency supplies in our hidden basement. At the end of the timer the worlds powers were going to release EMP's world wide. Basically the government is going to knock out the power supply with the EMPS. No electricity and people who have pacemakers and medical devices will not survive. We were just discussing that children who need medical assistance will suffer when we heard the bells."

"Those monsters," He said. "Is your home secure?"

"Yes," I said. "We have people with us who have been prepparing. We will make it through."

We heard a howl and I said, "Tell Marcus their kind is safe. But his kind needs to know we will be hunting as well across the river. Matt will keep everyone from the line but please do not attack if some of our group cross it. Paul has a nephew as well who is like us and we will not say anything until we get word from you."

7 hours to go 2am

We stopped for a moment when we heard more helecopters go over. He said, "Go back and we will see each other soon. Be safe my friend. If you need anything ring the bell. I will come."

After another hug I stood back and Sass transformed into his bigfoot shape and jumped across the river. I headed back to the RV and climbed up. Paul asked, "Did you update Sass?"

"I did," I said. "He is going to the council now with the information I gave him. Did you hear the howl?"

He nodded and said, "I had. We will respect the line."

"What is new?" I asked.

Steve said, "More helecopters and I think they are loading them with something."

"Anything new on the television?" I asked.

Tabby looked up and said, "The timer disappeared and there is a message that says await further instructions."

"There is nothing we can do but wait," I said. "Shannon why don't we go inside and get some breakfast started. Once everything happens we will need to get into a new routine. Especially with the weather changing."

Shannon smiled and said, "Why don't we fire up the outdoor bread oven?"

Smiling I said, "Now your talking."

"Don't worry ladies we will make sure the outdoor oven never wants for wood," Kyle said. 

Sam said, "Well I guess we all should make sure that our electronics are secure."

Shannon and I walked to the house and she asked, "Gracie your house is going to be busy. I know you like your peace are you going to be alright?"

Chuckling I said, "Of course. I want us all to be safe instead of my peace. Besides I can go to my office or room and chill."

6 hours left to go: 3am-5am

We went into the house and checked the bread we left proofing. I went on the back porch and started the outdoor ovens fire in the side box. When I came back Shannon was mixing up biscuits and she said, "I am going to take some of the roast we put up last night and turn it into a hash and a meat gravy. Poor Henry is missing out but I do not want to risk them."

"We will have to be careful on what we cook after the power goes out," I said. "Bread will be fine. Soups stews and casseroled will have to be put in the waming drawer of the wood oven if something happens to the fridge. The freezers will be secure and if we have to we will dehydrate and can everything in them." 

"Thankfully the guys took down the solar panels last night and did not wait till last minute," She said.

Tabby came in and said, "What can I do to help?"

Shannon handed her onions and peppers. She said, "Please start to chop these up into small bits."

Tabby started cutting the onions and peppers as I started to make eggs bakes. We worked quietly and periodically we heard helecopters overhead. 

3 hrs left: 6am

When breakfast was almost finished we heard Matt call out, "Girls can you come out here it is starting."

We looked at each other and made sure nothing would burn. Running out of the house we climbed up the RV. We watched as crews of three loaded in the helecopters. We heard a prayer being said over the loud speaker and when the prayer was over we heard, "God Speed."

2 hours left: 7am

We watched as more than fifty helecopters lifted off one after another. They headed in all different directions. After the last helecopter took off and was out of our visual range, Matt said, "Why don't we go inside and eat some breakfast."

Shannon chuckled and said, "Well its almost done."

1 hour left: 8am

We headed in and put the TV on. It was my Grandfathers old TV we kept in the kitchen to listen to the weather report. Instead of await further instructions it now read, please await a message from the President. Everyone went to wash up as Paul and Chuck went to their side of the fence. Shannon and I put the finishing touches on breakfast. We placed the food on the buffet and Steven said a prayer over the food. Before we started to eat we all made sure our electronics including the walkies were secure.

As we began to make our plates the President came on the screen. He looked exhausted, "My fellow Americans. Today we start a new start in America. We pray you are prepared and have all the supplies you will need. We will have aid stations in all major cities soon. Towns will also have aid stations being set up as well. Be kind with each other and remember we are in this together. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

The screen went black and then a screen with 1 Corinthians 13:13 came across the screen. - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.  

Matt took my hand and squeezed it as I said, "Its time."

We sat picking at our plates for a few minutes when we heard the helecopter approach. We looked up and we heard Henry from the basement on the walkie. "We are ready guys. We love you all and when this is over we are going to be together living a life in this new world."

Shannon had tears in her eyes and said, "Please god let them get through this."

Matt stood up behind me and put his arms around me. Everyone hugged their significant others and then the TV went out. The lights went dark in the house except for the candles we had lit on the table. We moved to the porch and all the lights from the airport were out. Chuck was on the RV with Paul and he called out, "Are you all alright?"

Steve took a walkie out and asked, "Henry are you and Mom alright?"

Henry said, "Right as rain boy. Are we in the dark now?"

"We are," Steve said. 

"My ticker is still going," Henry said. "Now we wait."

Looking at each other I said, "I don't know what I was expecting. Kind of a---"

Before I could finish my sentance the helecopter heading back to the airport came down from the sky. We saw one of the crew jump from the helecopter but did not see anyone else jump. We heard the explosion when it hit the ground. We saw the crew member's parachute head towards the airport. I said, "They sent these helecopter crews on a suicide mission and didn't even warn them." 

Matt said, "If they crashed in any cities the fires could kill thousands of people."

Looking around I said, "This is worse than we thought."

Tabby said, "Excuse me."

She walked into the house and then came out and said, "Gracie your mantle above the fireplace is making weird noises."

We all looked at each other and went inside. At the bottom of the portrait my Grandmother had painted there was a flashing button. Looking at Matt I pressed the button and the painting lifted up and there was a computer screen. The screen said, "Welcome Gracie please enter your code."

I put in my birthday and it said, "Now enter Matts code."

Putting in Matts Birthday it said, "Now Grandpa's code."

After I put in Grandpas birthday in a video screen appeared. On the screen was Mr. Wentworth, Grandpas assistant and he said, "Hey Gracie I am glad you made it."

"Mr. Wentworth," I said. "They didn't give the helecopter crews any warning. We saw one chopper crash."

He sighed and said, "I can see the city from my home and I saw one come down as well. Thankfully they landed in the river."

"What now?" I asked.

"Keep this screen hidden it runs off a hidden and protected solar generator," He said. "When we end the call there will be a worlds population counter. Be ready for that number to drop significantly in the next few months. I will check in with you. If you ever need me press the button on the moose next to the screen it will alert me or my family. If I need you, you will hear the mantle alert you."

The screen went black and said, "8.7 billion people. Federal update in twelve hours."

We looked at each other and I said, "Welcome to The Brave New World."

The Brave New World 

Gracie/ Matt Mains

Samson, horse Betty White-cow

Scott/penny Matt's brother

Maggie Scott's baby sister Mike cloe

Steve/Shannon Mark(Tabby) Kyle(Sam) 

Henry and Cassandra (sahnnons mom)

Mr. Paul Newcomb- neighbor wife Kay Niece shannon boyfriend Chuck

Sass- Head of the big foot

Marcus- Head of the werewolf

Mr. Wentworth- Grandpas assistant