Loss of Power...Loss of Humanity

By EL Smith

"Doc" is a retired military Physician Associate. He and his coworkers are just beginning their day at the clinic when the world, as they know it, changes them forever. Anything electric ceases to work. Initially, "Doc" thinks it's just a typical power outage. Then, without warning, airplanes fall from the sky, cars stop dead in the middle of the ro

• Language: English
• Publisher: EL Smith
• Release date: Jun 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798218019686

Book preview

1

Lights out

Well, today just keeps getting frickin’ better and better, Conner huffs sarcastically, leaning forward while slapping his palms on the counter.

Conner is already frustrated so early in the morning. He and Dr. Carson were on call last night, and the hospital was busy. The two of them spent the last few hours in the operating room washing out and fixing an open tibia, thanks to a drunk idiot on a motorcycle. Neither man has been home since early evening yesterday with barely an hour of sleep. And now the power goes out in the clinic with dozens of patients scheduled for the day.

This unusual emotional outburst from Conner startles the staff as several heads turn in his direction. He quickly sees the concern among them. Before he can apologize for startling them, they hear a loud boom outside of the clinic and the entire building shakes.

Several of the staff let out a scream of surprise. Joe, the clinic manager, runs in from the inner office to see what is going on. Conner leaves his spot to walk around the clinic, everyone OK?

Everyone appears to be fine so Conner bolts down the hall. He heads directly to the waiting room where the nearest windows are.

The waiting room is in chaos. Mothers are clinching and checking on their children. Three or four patients stand at the window, peering out. Profanities are being screamed at the window in response to the commotion outside.

Conner takes a second to look around the waiting room, making sure the patients are all OK. He pushes past the patients standing at the window to see what all the unrest is.

From that waiting room window he has a great view. They are on the second floor with a major four lane highway right outside, cutting through the city. What he sees surprises him and gives him some flashbacks.

Through the window, Conner looks across the parking lot that his clinic shares with other offices. Just past the parking lot is a large grassy area with a row of trees. Past those trees is a sidewalk and then the highway with a large median dividing the four lanes into north- and southbound travelers.

Conner now sees what the loud noise from earlier is. Out across the parking lot, he beholds two major anomalies. The first is multiple car crashes along the road. The second is the one that alarms him the most, a crashed helicopter. It is spread across the sidewalk and into the field. Only a portion of the crashed helicopter is actually in the road blocking one lane, but all traffic has completely stopped; although there is plenty of room for vehicles to continue past the crash. Even vehicles not involved in a crash or blocked by the helicopter are at a stand still. Several people are outside the cars yelling at each other. Some people are moving between the vehicles checking on injuries. But most people remain inside their vehicles.

Only a few people approach the downed chopper. It’s almost as if the others are oblivious to the crashed helicopter that’s blocking a portion of the road.

Conner turns away from the window, running toward the front desk. He snatches up a box of latex gloves. Hastily he makes his way back past the patients to the clinic entrance, all the while stuffing a handful of gloves in the back pocket of his scrubs.

Just as Conner reaches for the front door, one of the patients grabs Conner’s arm asking, Got a pair for an old friend?

Conner pauses long enough to follow the hand grabbing his arm, recognizing his old buddy Bob. Conner grins as if relieved, handing Bob a handful of gloves.

The two hurry down the stairs and out the front door. The moment they are in the parking lot they break into a run, simultaneously putting on the latex gloves.

Just like old times, Bob says as he slaps Conner on the shoulder with the back of his hand.

Except we’re not getting shot at this time, Conner replies with a devious smirk on his face.

Bob chuckles, It’s still early.

The men survey the scene of the downed helicopter, and everything else around them, on their approach. The fuselage looks intact but is laying on its side. The tail boom is on fire and broken off from the main body. The tail rotor is still spinning, but the main rotors are torn off. The windshield is gone, shattered to pieces. Conner can now make out the logo on the side. He recognizes it as the life flight chopper from the trauma center he just spent most of the night at. This observation doesn’t stall him at all though. He and Bob have some experience rescuing people from downed aircraft, making their reactions almost instinctive.

Check on the pilot, I got the crew, Conner shouts to Bob over the uproar.

There are several people surrounding the chopper, yet no one has ventured inside yet. Bob clears a few from the front of the chopper to see the easiest way for him to get in. Although those people are standing around, no one offers assistance to Bob or Conner.

With the windshield mangled, Bob easily climbs through the opening to gain access into the cockpit. He sees the co-pilot first. A metal rod from the cabin has penetrated through the seat and into his upper chest and throat area. Blood is oozing from the wound, forming bubbles around the rod. Bob acts swiftly, trying to save him. The bubbles quickly stop though as the co-pilot stops breathing.

Bob climbs down, past the now dead co-pilot, to check on the pilot. He can’t see the pilot at first, the seat is missing. A closer look reveals the pilot’s seat is completely dislodged, pushed through the back and into the cabin. The seat is twisted onto its side, the pilot still buckled in. Working through the wreckage, he follows the legs of the pilot up the torso. Blood flows from the neck of his decapitated body. Bob doesn’t bother checking further. He looks up to see Conner in the back of the cabin now helping a crew member.

As Bob enters through the front window, Conner finds his own way in. He heads to the underbelly of the chopper. He jumps up to grab the edge of the chopper, climbing up the underbelly like he is scaling a wall. The side door has buckled, leaving a small opening for him to drop into the cabin. His first observation is an empty gurney; hopefully this is because they didn’t have a patient inside.

Conner sees a crew member trapped under some heavy equipment along the back wall. The man is barely conscious, confused, and trying desperately to free himself while gasping for air.

Conner carefully moves debris to the side as he makes his way over to him. He notices the crew member is groggy, eyes glossy. He’s having significant breathing trouble and is unable to move the equipment trapping him.

Conner is now straddling over the crew member, assessing him and the best way to move the equipment trapping him. Hey, calm down. It’s gonna be OK. Where are you hurt?

Chest is killing me, and I can barely breathe, the crew member replies with his eyes closed and tilting his head back pushing as hard as he can on the equipment like he’s trying to bench press it off him. His voice is very shallow and he gasps for breath. What’s going on? What happened. I woke up with this thing on my chest.

Let me help you. Relax for a second. I’ll free you. Conner is trying to talk softly, but it still comes out like a drill sergeant. Conner grabs the equipment like he’s deadlifting it. He grunts when he lifts it high enough telling the crew member, Shimmy out. I can’t hold this for long.

The crew member almost passes out again, but revives enough to wiggle himself free and away from the equipment.

Seeing the crew member free, Conner drops the equipment. A loud thud echoes through the cabin. Conner freezes for a second to be sure he didn’t accidentally shift any other debris or the chopper itself.

Knowing there must be another crew member, Conner eyes the cabin. He sees Bob, crouched over the decapitated body of the pilot. Bob shakes his head to Conner, signifying the pilot is gone.

I found one crew member, but there should be another one, Conner calls out to Bob to start searching through the wreckage.

Almost immediately, Bob finds a foot under the wreckage of the pilot’s seat. Up here Conner, I think I found something.

Conner leaves the first crew member where he lays, now free and breathing better. Conner pushes through more wreckage to get to Bob, who points out the foot. They already know the answer as to the survival of the second crew member but need to verify. Conner squats down low next to the pilots seat. He jams his shoulder against it. He lets out a grunt as he stands up, pushing the entire weight of the seat and the pilot to the side. Bob grabs the foot and drags it out. Unfortunately, he only drags the lower half of the body out. The person is crushed just below the waistline. Blood and guts drop out of the remains. Conner sees this and stops pushing on the seat, now confirming the other crew member’s demise.

The injured crew member is awake again, groaning. He uses his elbows to try and sit up, but the pain stops him. He clutches his side and drops onto his back again. Stay put, sir. We’ll get you out in a sec, Conner says to him calmly. Conner looks up at the door where he entered the cabin. He takes a second look at the injured member, realizing he won’t be able to make that climb in his condition.

Give me a hand moving this shit, Bob, Conner calls out.

Bob didn’t need to wait to be told. He’s already moving debris.

Using brute strength, the two men clear a path to the cockpit. Bob grabs a jacket he sees, to cover up the pilot, I got this, get him so we can get the hell outta here.

Conner returns to the wounded crewman. Let’s get you up and outta here. Lean on me, I’ll support you.

Bob is the first outside the wreckage. People start to crowd around him. He waves his hands and yells for everyone to stay back. The crewman is grunting and moaning in pain as Conner helps to push him out the window to an impatiently awaiting Bob. Bob catches the crewman on the outside, assisting him away from the crash. Conner quickly follows through the window. He immediately picks up where Bob leaves off yelling at the bystanders to get back.

They promptly get a safe distance from the aircraft. Neither man is sure what all is on board, but need to put some space between them and the chopper just in case it explodes. As they are moving away, the flames suddenly rise into the sky engulfing the chopper. The heat is intense, but thankfully no explosions.

Conner begins an initial trauma survey of the crewman while Bob fiddles with his phone trying to call 911 and keeping people at a safe distance.

Can you tell me your name sir? questions Conner.

The injured crewman tries again to take a deep breath but can’t. He is able muster the strength to sit up on his elbows. He clearly grimaces in pain and keeps his eyes tightly shut trying to control the pain as much as possible. He eventually responds, Peter.

Conner continues to ask questions evaluating for head trauma while checking for other injuries. He starts at the head, looking at both ears for any leakage of spinal fluid. Do you know what day it is?

Peter remains sitting up on his elbows and continues to struggle to breathe but replies, Tuesday, I think. Maybe Wednesday.

Conner is listening to the responses, all the while continuing his survey for other injuries. He pushes on both orbit floors with his thumbs. Peter grimaces at the pressure, but Conner doesn’t feel any fractures.

Reaching his hand behind Peter’s neck now, Conner palpates the cervical spine. Any pain? Peter cringes, but says no. Conner looks up at Bob who remains standing over both of them with phone out and pointed in the air trying to get a signal. No step offs and he is moving his head. I don’t think there is a spinal injury, but he does have at least a concussion. Any word on rescue crews?

Bob kneels down next to Conner and Peter, more looking at what else is going on than what Conner is doing. He isn’t concerned with what Conner is doing—Conner knows what to do. It’s the other people that worry him and the fact that his phone isn’t working to call 911. He reaches his hand out to Conner. Give me your phone. Mine is dead.

Conner hands Bob his phone, and then continues his survey palpating down each arm. Moving down from the arms, he palpates the torso, then the pelvis, and lastly legs.

Bob pushes the buttons on Conner’s phone, trying to get it to work; it too is dead.

An anxious gentleman approaches the wreckage, fussing with his phone. It isn’t clear if he is struggling to record the wreckage or to call 911.

Either way, something isn’t right with this guy, making the hairs on the back of Bob’s neck stand up. That’s probably far enough sir. You should keep your distance. Are you able to call 911?

You’ve got a phone. You call, the gentleman says as he continues walking closer to the wreckage.

Bob stands up now, addressing the gentleman again. Sir, it’s not safe to approach the wreckage. My phone isn’t working, is yours?

The gentleman continues to fuss with his phone, flipping Bob off.

Conner remains kneeling on one knee next to Peter. Bob taps Conner on the shoulder to get his attention, never taking his eyes off the gentleman. Conner stands up, taking a step toward the gentleman. Conner is a little bigger than Bob and is not the kind of guy that many people challenge when he is serious. Despite being in his late forties, he stays in good shape, a habit carried over from his military days. Standing 6’1, he easily carries every bit of his 240 pounds well. He has curly salt and pepper hair that he’s let grow out to a few inches in length. He has a matching salt and pepper Van Dyke that covers a nasty scar on his chin. He may have lost a step, but not his strength or his wits. His voice is deep and loud, like that of any military drill instructor.

Conner, deepening his voice more than normal, Sir, that’s far enough. It’s too dangerous to approach.

The asshole gives Conner the middle finger, this time while walking closer to the wreckage.

Conner is usually calm but can have a temper at times. He’s tired and the shit just hit the fan, so his fuse is a little shorter than usual. He takes a firm step in the direction of the asshole. Bob sees this, reaching his arm out in front of Conner to stop him.

Conner eyeballs Bob, almost ready to break Bob’s arm to get to the asshole. I got this Conner, look after our wounded.

The asshole takes notice of Conner’s body language, stopping his advancement. He looks at both Bob and Conner, stepping back away from them now. Fuck you, assholes! You think you can stop me?

Before Conner can answer, Bob speaks up. Do you really want to know the answer to that?

By this time the asshole is flailing his arms and kicking at the ground, acting like a five-year-old having a temper tantrum. He puffs up his chest trying to be intimidating but never takes his eyes fully off Conner. You guys are fucking nuts. I should kick your asses.

Still keeping a very calm and even toned voice, Bob laughs. You’re welcome to try sir, but I think you’ll find yourself coming up short.

The asshole continues to shout profanities, as he walks away.

Bob lowers his arm, looking at Conner with his peripheral vision. You could cook an egg on Conner’s head, he is so steamed. The entire time Conner's eyes never come off the asshole. Bob is surprised Conner doesn’t lose it right there, going after the guy and knocking him on his ass.

Ever the instigator though, Bob nudges Conner saying, You know, 10 years ago my arm probably couldn’t have stopped you.

Conner, now ready to bitch slap Bob for being a smart ass, smiles and says, Ten more seconds and you still couldn’t. Guess I’m getting soft in my old age.

Bob turns back to their casualty, tapping Conner on the belly. You ARE looking a little flabby, old man. Maybe this civilian life is too easy on you.

Bob talked Conner down, who laughs it off saying, Last I checked you were older than me, OLD MAN. This softens the mood some and allows them to get back on track.

Peter is finally able to fully sit up on his own, though he is still in tremendous pain. Conner once again kneels next to Peter. Peter is clearly struggling just to remain in an upright position. He squints in pain as he looks past Conner at the wreckage asking, What about the rest of the crew?

None of them made it, Conner responds unemotionally. Peter lowers his head weeping a little. He now takes notice of his own flight suit. Blood, oil, and dirt stains cover it.

Bob is back on lookout, still trying to get the cell phone to turn on.

Any idea what happened? Conner asks Peter.

I don’t know. We were heading out to a scene to pick a patient up when everything went dead on the chopper. All communications and electronics just went out, and we started falling. Next thing I know is I’m waking up with something heavy on me and you climbing in.

Looking around the scene, Bob realizes all the vehicles are dead. Not one of them is running or honking. No one is trying to drive around the crash site. He lowers his phone, taking two steps toward the closest vehicle. He can peer inside to see the guy trying to start it, but nothing is happening. No turnover of the engine, no lights. It’s as if the battery is dead.

Bob taps Conner on the shoulder again, Check it out.

Conner looks up, following Bob’s gaze. Both men are now scrutinizing everything they see very closely. Or in this case, NOT seeing. Traffic lights are out. Digital signs are out. It seems as if everything electronic is out. Still on one knee, Conner leans over Peter, Can you walk?

Peter questioningly looks at Conner, Probably, but I think I should stay down here until EMS arrives?

I don’t think they are coming. No one can get a signal to call 911, and I don’t hear any sirens approaching. Something isn’t right about all this or the way the chopper crashed. Conner keeps his gaze on Peter, allowing him time to process everything.

Bob’s expression mirrors Conner’s. He has also been processing everything and has already come to the same conclusion. This couldn’t be a mere accident. Something has knocked out all power, preventing emergency response teams from responding and likely crashing the chopper too.

You have no reason to trust us, but there’s more going on here. Let’s get you into my clinic over there and we’ll tend to your wounds and wait for EMS, says Conner pointing with his right hand at the clinic. Conner stands up, reaching his left hand down to help Peter to his feet.

Peter painfully reaches up allowing Conner to help him to his feet. When he gets to his feet, he can’t stand up fully. He leans forward and puts his arm around Conner, as he struggles to walk. Bob is in front of them, leading the way and clearing any people out of their path.

Walking through the parking lot, more people are inside their cars trying to start them. Not one thing with electricity is working.

When the three return to the clinic, Dr. Carson is the first to greet them. He stands at the entrance holding the door open, Everything OK?

Sternly, Conner says, No. We’re in trouble. He hands Peter over to Bob to assist him into the clinic.

What do you mean? asks Dr. Carson curiously.

Conner replies in as soft a voice as possible for him to avoid alarming anyone. Look around, something isn’t right.

Dr Carson is now intrigued, but sarcastic. What isn’t right? Do you think someone shot the chopper down or something?

Looking very uncompromising, Conner states, It is more than that. All the power is out EVERYWHERE. Lights, phones, computers. EVERYTHING electronic! No cars are moving or running. Vehicles just shut down and crashed into each other. Power on the chopper went out, and it fell out of the sky. We saw more smoke plumes off in the distance while we were outside. Do you see or hear any sirens? There’s no way this crash wouldn’t generate multiple news media and rescue teams. There’s only one thing that could cause this!

Dr. Carson looks at Conner skeptically. He’s not sure if Conner is kidding or not. You can’t be serious; are you thinking an EMP?

Conner powerfully states, Yes!

Dr. Carson now shows some anxiousness of his own. Don’t you think you’re just being paranoid?

NO! refutes Conner. Not sure who or what it is, but this is an attack. It’s either an actual EMP or a result of a nuclear attack. Regardless, we need to act. NOW!

Dr. Carson is still quite doubtful, but he sees something in Conner’s eyes he has never seen in him before. He knows this isn’t a joke, and Conner is reverting back into his days in uniform.

2

Assuming Command

Retired from the military for a few years now, Conner still knows how to take control of a bad situation. That’s exactly what he does. He instinctively uses his size and voice to his advantage to control the situation.

He turns to the room full of patients. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. We aren’t exactly sure what is going on right now. Please remain calm and allow us to get everyone organized and safe. I’m going to have our office manager escort you away from the windows for the moment. We’ll keep you all informed as we learn more about the crash and everything else going on.

Not moving from his spot, Conner begins bellowing orders. Joe, move the patients out of the waiting room. Get everyone inside to the inner core of the clinic.

Joe is frozen at the inner door. Struggling to process everything going on, he looks around the room full of patients. The patients are still yelling and confused. He looks back to Conner and then Dr. Carson.

Joe!!!, Conner yells. Hearing his name like that startles Joe back to reality. Conner continues, Madison, Kody help Joe.

The apprehension in Joe’s voice is apparent as he gives directives. Kody, hold the door open and show them where to go. Maddy, help me move them inside.

After giving instructions to Joe, Conner calls to Dan, Lock up the front door.

A number of patients have gathered their belongings and decided it best to leave, instead of staying at the clinic. Conner tries to dissuade them gently, but they are adamant they want to leave.

No further attempt is made to stop anyone wishing to leave. Conner thinks about being sterner to get them to stay but opts to back down. He has other worries within the clinic now that will take up enough of his time and energy.

Dan watches Conner closely, trying to read his face for a decision to lock the door or not.

Dr. Carson is the one to speak up though, Let them go and lock up behind them Dan.

Having helped Peter to a chair, Bob rejoins Conner near the entrance. Dr. Carson is standing next to Conner when Bob comes up from behind them.

What the hell, man? Are you thinking the same thing as me? Bob says half joking as he shakes his head and puts his hand on Conners right shoulder.

I’m not really sure. It sounds crazy, but I think an EMP was set off, says Conner while shaking his head. He looks back and forth between Bob and Dr. Carson not sure what response to expect from either man.

Without any deliberation or cynicism, Bob responds soundly with, So we ARE on the same page. We’re under some sort of attack.

Conner states, now more serious than ever, Yeah, just not sure who or why.

Dr. Carson is now the one watching the other two closely, processing the power outage and the crash. He looks back outside, then to the two men standing in front of him telling him they are being attacked.

It isn’t long before Bob breaks the silence. So, what’s the game plan big dog?

There is now some concern apparent in Conner’s eyes and voice. I don’t really know, but we need to be prepared for anything. Any thoughts?

Bob, always the comedian, snorts a little and quietly replies, Yeah, keep your head and ass down, but that’s gonna be tough for an ass your size. You still packing stuff in your truck like old times?

The wise cracks from Bob have always had a way of relaxing Conner. This time is no different. Conner replies, You know it. You?

Bob, again the jokester, Does a bear shit in the woods?

Conner merely shakes his head with a deep sigh. Should’ve known I wouldn’t get a straight answer from you. Let me get everyone here situated and under control, and I’ll get back with you.

Calling to Joe and Dan, Conner motions for them to join him.

We shouldn’t keep everyone bunched up together in the open area until we have some good information. Divide everyone up and place them in the exam rooms. Let them know we just want to keep them safe.

Joe and Dan listen to Conner intently. When finished, they proceed to separate the patients as directed.

3

The Get Home Bag

Looking through the front window, Conner points out to the parking lot. That you parked out there, Bob?

Bob walks to the window, seeing where Conner is pointing. Yep, still driving the same ole girl.

Conner laughs, Some things don’t change. I’m still driving my same ole truck too. I’m just outside the back door. We’ll get to my truck first, then head over to get your gear.

Years of being on standby ready to jump in a plane and go anywhere in the world have prompted both Conner and Bob to always keep two fully packed backpacks on hand. One they keep at home, but the second bag they keep in their vehicles. The one at home Conner affectionately calls his Oh shit bag. Most people refer to it as a bug-out bag, or BOB, for the worst-case scenarios. It contains everything needed to survive for at least a week; longer depending on weather and other circumstances.

The second bag in the truck is to get home if a disaster strikes while away. In it are minimal supplies to survive for about a day or so, but mainly just to make it back home. Conner knows Bob will have the same thing, since they have similar backgrounds. Along with the bags, each man keeps a pistol in their truck. They usually have the pistols on them, but they leave them in their trucks when they go places that discourage concealed weapons. They usually have the pistol on them but leave it in the truck when they go places that discourage concealed weapons.

While the clinic staff and patients are preoccupied organizing into exam rooms, Conner grabs two N95 masks from the cabinet. He hands one to Bob and puts the other one on, followed by a pair of gloves.

Are these necessary? Bob asks, looking at the masks suspiciously.

With a muffled voice from the mask, Conner tells Bob, Debris is flying around out there. If this is an attack there could be a biological component.

Bob warily puts the mask on.

The front door has been secured, so Conner leads the two of them to the back entrance. They walk down the stairs and open the door that leads outside. They stand in the doorway taking a good look around before rushing outside like they did to get to the helicopter.

Conner looks out of the corner of his eye to Bob then back to the truck. He puts his hand on Bobs shoulder as he nods his head toward the truck. Looks clear. There’s my truck. Keep an eye out for me while I grab my gear.

Bob acknowledges Conner with only a single head nod, and the two rush over to Conner’s truck.

The truck is about twenty yards from the door, backed into his parking spot with the driver’s side closest to them. A few feet from the truck, Conner attempts to unlock it with the key fob. Nothing happens. After only two or three attempts, he gives up and pulls out the key.

Before opening or touching the truck, Conner looks it over closely for any fallout or anything to suggest a chemical or airborne attack. Nothing seems amiss so he inserts the key and opens the door. He reaches under the front seat first, grabbing his .40 caliber pistol and two magazines. Normally he would check and verify the weapon, but he knows he keeps his fully loaded with a round in the chamber. He immediately secures the holster to his waistband, not even taking time to adjust it for comfort. He folds the seat forward, grabbing his get home bag. He pushes the back of the seat into its upright position to jump in the driver’s seat.

Jumping into the driver’s seat, Conner tosses the bag on the passenger seat and puts the key in the ignition. He gives Bob a questioning look as he gives the key a turn. Nothing happens. He pushes the clutch in further, checking that it is in neutral. One more try. Nothing again.

The driver’s door remains open with Bob standing between it and Conner. His back is to Conner with his left hand on the door and right hand on the front window side frame. He continually scans out over the parking lot for any threats. Bob never takes his eyes off the parking lot saying, Guess you had to give her a try.

Conner pulls out the key, pushes in the emergency brake and grabs the bag from the passenger seat. He gives Bob two quick taps with the back of his left hand to signal he is ready to roll. Bob takes two steps away from the truck giving Conner room to step out. Conner throws the bag on his back and takes lead heading to Bob’s truck.

Now armed, Conner relaxes a little although he is frustrated the truck didn’t fire up. This doesn’t slow either of them down though.

This time, Conner is the lookout. He keeps his hand on his pistol while he scans the parking lot. Bob repeats what Conner did when they get to his truck, quickly looking over it for signs of chemical attack. All is clear, so he makes only one attempt to unlock using his keyless entry. He’s already seen Conner try and fail so he doesn’t waste any time. When nothing happens, he pulls his key out and unlocks the door.

Under his seat is a 9mm pistol, very similar to Conner’s. It’s the same name brand and size, just a different caliber. Just like watching a replay of a movie, Bob secures it to his waist.

Conner remains a step or two away from the truck, keeping his back to Bob. He turns his head enough to see Bob when he hears the door close. Conner asks, Are you gonna give’er a try?

Nope. Not even worth the time right now, Bob says walking to the back of the truck. He opens the tailgate and bed cover. He reaches in and pulls out his old school rucksack, sliding it to the end of the tailgate. The metal frame is facing up with the top of the pack toward him. He grabs the sides of the metal frame, tossing it over his head. His arms slide into the shoulder straps, almost like sliding on a sweater. He makes a few quick adjustments to the straps. When the bag is adjusted appropriately, he closes the bed cover and puts tailgate back up.

Conner has followed him to the back of the truck, standing next to him. He looks around very closely at everything. The fire on the chopper crash has died down a little. The streets are still piled up with vehicles, some crashed, but all dead and not moving. The parking lot is now full of people. Mostly patients that have left the clinic, but some from the gym next door and the other two offices on the property.

To their surprise, no one is climbing around the helicopter. Maybe it’s because they have enough to worry about with their own stuff.

We’re outside and armed. Want to explore a little more? Conner was asking as much as he was telling, looking for some reassurance from Bob.

Might as well. If this is chemical or biological, we’re already exposed so let’s make the best of it, Bob says with encouragement.

They lock up Bob’s truck and walk to the back of the building first. They look around the backside, not having any clue what they are actually looking for. Nothing appears suspicious or out of the ordinary behind the building.

Next, they walk along the side of the building to get around to the front again. At the corner, they look very closely at everything they can see: the parking lot, the main road, and several businesses within sight. It’s a chaotic mess. Dozens and dozens of cars are still scattered throughout the road and parking lot. Bob reaches with his left hand to gently grab Conner’s pack, pulling him back behind the corner of the building a little. With his right hand, he points to the road.

Conner follows Bob’s arm, seeing a fight break out on the road beyond the parking lot. Four people are fighting outside one of the vehicle crashes. Fists are flying. People are crashing onto the hood and falling to the ground. It isn’t long before someone comes up from the trunk of one of the cars they are fighting on, brandishing a pistol. Conner and Bob quickly perk up, hands on pistols. They continue to watch, staying out of sight. The guys fighting notice the person with the gun. They quickly stop fighting, stepping away from the armed guy. Luckily no one is shot, but the situation outside is getting out of hand fast.

Conner continues to scan the parking lot and recognizes a patient of his. The patient has the hood of his car open. Conner startles him when he calls his name. The patient looks back to see Conner and Bob approaching him, packs on and pistols on hips. He takes a step back, but then recognizes Conner. What gives with the getup?

The patient has been in to see Conner six or seven times for his hip. He’s a mechanic, so seeing him under the hood is a good sign.

Conner gets closer, taking a look under the hood as well. Bob and I are just gathering some stuff up. I’m sure you are seeing the fights breaking out. We just want to be safe. What can you tell me about the car?

Not much. Seems like it just isn’t getting any power. I’ve checked the battery, and it’s dead. I even pulled out my jumper cables from the trunk, but nothing is happening. Everything is dead. It doesn’t make any sense. You guys know anything?

Bob and Conner shake their heads, simultaneously responding with, No sir.

The three of them spend several minutes looking under the hood, always with either Conner or Bob having their head up watching for any threats. Bob and Conner gather as much intel as possible before leaving the patient. They walk through the rest of the parking lot, remaining on high alert. They log everything they see in their memories, registering the data for later.

4

The Gym

Conner and Bob have walked the perimeter of the building and are now working through the parking lot, trying to find some form of clue as to what is happening. When they don’t find anything, Conner removes his mask. Bob does the same. They stand on the sidewalk halfway between the clinic entrance and the gym entrance trying to piece things together. Conner points to the gym entrance next to the clinic. May as well see if they know anything.

Opening the front door, they see the gym is just like the clinic: all power is out. Al is at the front desk. He looks at the two walking in with packs and pistols, timid to ask them why. Coming closer, he recognizes Conner, Hey man, sorry. I didn’t recognize you. Doing a Halloween party or something?

Callously, Conner says, No.

Knowing Conner, Al gathers his courage. What happened out there? I saw that thing crash. It just fell from the sky. Was that the two of you out there pulling that guy out?

Neither Conner nor Bob acknowledges him at first, choosing to get a good look around instead. Eventually, Conner responds. Yeah, it was the two of us. Have you cleared the gym out?

No, why? Is this power failure gonna last a while? Al’s voice is very soft-spoken now.

Conner motions towards Bob to walk around the counter to gain entrance to the main part of the gym. I’ll fill you in. Bob, go clear everyone out.

Al makes a motion to stop him, but Bob walks around the counter and into the main floor of the gym without acknowledging him.

Only four people remain inside. Though there is very little light, there appears to be enough to allow them to finish up their workouts.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have to ask you to leave the building until we can get the power back, Bob says with only a slight elevation to his voice. They barely acknowledge Bob at first. This doesn’t deter him. He raises his voice more repeating himself. Now they at least stop what they are doing to look up at him. There is some hesitation as the four people look at each other. When one of them grabs their gear and walks toward Bob to leave, the others quickly join.

After convincing the last of the people to leave, he goes through the trainer’s offices and then the men’s locker room. Each place is empty.

The last place to go through is the women’s locker room. Bob stands at the door, rapping on it. He waits a few seconds, Anyone in there? He waits a little longer. I’m coming in. He finally gets the courage to walk into the women’s locker room to discover it too is empty.

At the front desk, Conner quickly briefs Al. This isn’t a typical power outage. Bob and I think it’s an EMP. You should lock up and come next door with us. Safety in numbers and all.

Al stares at Conner in both disbelief and confusion for a few seconds. Conner doesn’t say anything, allowing the information to sink in. Al looks down at the pistol on Conner’s waist. He has known Conner for several months now since starting at the gym and has no reason not to believe him.

EMP? Al's says with some significant inflection to his voice.

Electromagnetic Pulse. It’s like a power surge that shuts down anything electric. Conner goes on to explain more.

Bob returns from clearing out the gym to find Al and Conner standing at the front door, looking out. He gives a report of clear.

Conner takes another look through the front door out to the parking lot, watching the mayhem. Slowly opening the door, Conner steps outside. He holds the door open for Al and Bob to follow. Al stands just inside the door with Bob right behind him. He very slowly takes a step forward. Bob gets impatient and pushes Al through the door, Come on, kid. We ain’t got all day.

Al and Bob are barely outside the door when Conner closes it behind them, Lock it up, Al. I’ll lead us back to the clinic. Conner points at Al, Stay between me and Bob.

Conner leads them down the sidewalk, all the while on high alert. He goes past the front entrance heading to the back door where they exited earlier. He unlocks the door to allow the other two to get inside. He takes one more look around at his surroundings, finally closing the door behind them.

The three gentlemen walk up the stairs and enter the back door of the clinic. The clinic has a large open central area for techs and computers. Exam rooms line the perimeter of the clinic, nine in total. Joe has managed to get the remaining patients into the exam rooms. Doors have been left open to each of the rooms, allowing light and easy access for transfer of information.

Conner calls them all to his attention, asking the patients to step into the doorways to hear better. We just came in from the parking lot. Power is out everywhere, and we don’t know exactly why. But we do know this isn’t a natural occurrence. For now, we believe it is safest for us to all stay right here until we can get more information and guidance.

He allows the information to sink in before walking away. There is a bit of grumbling coming from the patients, but everyone seems to understand.

5

Establishing Command

While in the military, Conner had been one of the first boots on the ground when the largest hurricane at that time hit a major US city. He took control there, manipulating the staging entrances to narrow down the triage points and providing oversight for the landing and unloading of dozens of helicopters. Moreover, he had to lead a team to a local hospital that was underwater and in the most dangerous area of the city following the hurricane to retrieve essential medical supplies when theirs had been exhausted.

Just a few years ago, another hurricane threatened to wipe out the city. Conner was one of the few that remained behind and prepared for the worst. He secured himself at home against his wife’s wishes and was the first person outside when the storm had passed to provide aide to others. While all of his friends were stuck in traffic trying to get back home, he moved around the neighborhood, checking on their places, and reported conditions back to them. Truth be told, he liked looking out for people; the adrenaline rush of a stressful situation was just a bonus. Conner has survived real world disasters several times before, so this is not his first survival rodeo. His past experiences have led him to make numerous contingency plans. He has planned, accounted for, and researched nearly every disaster, or so he thinks.

Conner walks up to Bob and Dr. Carson. Let’s go to the office. We need to discuss what is going on privately.

Conner leads the three of them into the physician’s private office. Along the back wall is a large picture window looking south. In front of the window sits a wooden desk, facing the door. Matching bookshelves sit on either side of the window, full of mostly manuals and textbooks. The only personal items in the office sit atop the two bookshelves. On the left shelf is a helmet in a glass case. It was given to Dr. Carson by a professional football player following a major shoulder surgery to get him back to playing. On top of the right bookshelf sits a baseball, from another professional athlete after surgery.

Conner walks up to the desk, his get home bag still on his back. He turns around, leaning his butt against the front of the desk and crosses his arms. He lets out a deep sigh allowing Bob and Dr. Carson to settle in and close the door. I know this is crazy, but there’s more to this thing than what we are seeing. Only an EMP can do this and I think it’s deliberate. Terrorist attack or invasion, I’m not sure, but this is real.

Bob removes his pack and pulls up one of the chairs in front of the desk. He sits down, placing his bag next to him and propping his feet up on the desk beside Conner. I can’t disagree. Looking at the crash and everything outside, it all adds up.

Hold up. What other evidence do you have this is an attack? Dr. Carson asks, trying to be the voice of reason in the room.