2051 Books 1 - 3

By Dan Peavler

What would your family do

if foreign powers used gangs

to paralyze American cities

and the heartland?

What would your family do

• Language: English
• Publisher: Living Springs Publishers LLP
• Release date: Apr 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781953686244

Book preview

What would your family do

if foreign powers used gangs

to paralyze American cities

and the heartland?

What would your family do

If EMPs knocked out power

and society was on the

brink of chaos?

September 2049: Colonel Deb Lisco warns the Pentagon brass about pending threats to the security of the country from foreign enemies. They do not act on her warnings, but she does. She, along with her nephew Bill, create a safe haven in eastern Colorado where family and friends can shelter during the turbulence of the war she knows is coming.

October 2051: American cities are invaded by foreign insurgents utilizing EMPs to knock out power, while homegrown rebels, on their payroll, fight the citizens to take control.

2051 is a novel about the Lisco family, who work together with friends, as the unthinkable happens, War on American Soil. It is a tale of the strength and resolve of the family as they struggle to endure the escalating threats. It becomes apparent that everyone will need to fight as the danger grows in ferocity and magnitude from enemy forces attacking from Mexico across the southern border.

The passion and fighting spirit of Colonel Deb is illustrated as she battles to save the country from the approaching enemies, as her brother, Colonel Ted Lisco, fights the insurgents. Brothers Jon and Hank, along with the rest of the family and friends work to protect the farm and people who live there. The encounters the family have with strangers show the best and worst of the human spirit.

2051 Books 1-3 contains the three books of the trilogy.

Praise for 2051

2051 is a fast-paced and engaging read. I was immediately pulled into the story and drawn to the characters. It's an inspiring story of how people can come together to support one another during the most trying times.

~Stephanie Panion

I read all three books in the series and couldn't wait for each to come out. Dan has an amazing ability to portray people, from the young Maddie to older people in the story, all are believable. His respect for women and for family shines through, as well as his sense of humor. The books are well researched and definitely worth reading.

~Debbie Stewart

Great easy reading book. I had a hard time putting it down. Love that the book talked about cars, trucks and guns from the past. Then what the future guns, cars and trucks may look like in 2051. Book presents women advancing in future and how the love of family helps keep everyone in the family safe. You see why we need a strong community to survive in disaster. Need for people to open up their hearts to create this community. Remembering that accepting all people and forgiveness is needed for a community to be formed and this community then is more powerful than its numbers suggest.

- Mary Pint -

An easy to read and interest grabbing book! While fiction, it is easy to see something like this happening. It makes you wonder if you shouldn't start preparing for such a catastrophic event... Highly recommend. The last book I tried to read I could only read for half an hour before needing a break. I read this in two nights. I found it to be one of those where you want to know how it ends and cannot wait to find out.

- Dan D. Goodreads -

2051 is a must read! It is definitely a page-turner with many twists. I would highly recommend it to anyone, and not just because the author is my father-in-law! 2051 takes a glimpse at what life in the USA would be like were it to be invaded by another country, and all the trials and tribulations that go along with that. Human nature shines through in many different ways, but you'll have to read it to see! Thanks, Dan, for an amazing story!

-Gina Peavler

I enjoyed the three books of 2051. I couldn't put them down.

The author’s research was extensive, and the story is imaginative.

-Steven Sievert

Wow. This book shook me up a little. As a currently serving citizen Soldier, this hits on some fears I didn't know I had. We are now in an interwar period without a clear threat to be preparing to face. The American public has not taken the Russian chaos machine's influence on our social media and election seriously. We do not see how China is using our economic reliance on them to further its expansion. If things go wrong, the setting for this book could become real.

- Goodreads review

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events, places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Books 1, 2 and 3 Copyright 2021 - 2022

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-953686-23-7

eBook ISBN: 978-1-953686-24-4

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023935918

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form without written permission from the publisher.

WWW.LivingSpringsPublishers.com

Cover photo

Copyright: solerf

2051

Books 1 - 3

War on American Soil

By Dan Peavler

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my father, Henry Elmer Peavler, and my father-in-law John Milet.

You can read about these amazing World War II veterans at the end of the book.

Main Character List

Lisco family

Colonel Deb Lisco. sister

Colonel Ted Lisco, brother

Nicole Lisco, wife of Ted

Bill Lisco, son of Nicole and Ted

Maddy Lisco, daughter of Bill

Lieutenant Colonel Jon Lisco, Retired, brother

Gina Lisco, wife of Jon

Hank Lisco, brother and high school coach

Jacqueline Lisco, wife of Hank

Bobby Lisco, son of Jacqueline and Hank

Jacoby family from Utah

Ed and Irene, farmers from Utah.

Aaron and Ashley, son and daughter-in-law

Adam and Megan, son and daughter-in-law

Seth, son of Adam and Megan

Breanna, daughter

O’Brian family

Jessica, mother of Emilee, Avery and Reagan

Christian, father of Emilee, former football player of Hank, leader of homegrown rebels

Emilee, daughter of Jessica and Christian and girlfriend of Bobby.

Avery and Reagan, daughters of Jessica

Others

Al Jones, dentist and his wife Linda, next door neighbors of Hank and Jacqueline

Jason and Kori Jensen, carpenter and friends of Hank and Jacqueline

Dave Jensen, son of Jason and Kori

Samantha, flight attendant on plane that was forced to land in Utah.

Travis, pilot on plane that was forced to land in Utah.

Terrance and Jerry fled Utah with Ted

George Saxton, assistant football coach.

Tim, ex-football player of Hank, homegrown rebel.

Sherry, rebel who originally came to farm with Christian.

Caroline Sanchez, attack victim

Julia, physician assistant and her husband Fred Hamilton.

Harold Hamilton, bricklayer and his wife Becky.

Captain Irving Huang, Retired, served under Jon.

\

Acknowledgements

A huge thanks to my sister Jacqueline Peavler and brother Hank Peavler for partnering with me to create Living Springs Publishers. Having their expertise and knowledge in publishing 2051 has been a blessing. Also, to my sister Debbie for her help as a sounding board for ideas.

I also wish to acknowledge the encouragement I received from my family while writing 2051. Having those you care about the most in life, being there for advice and honest critique, is priceless.

Book 1 Prologue

Pentagon, Arlington County Virginia

September 2049

Colonel Deb Lisco marched quickly down the long corridor at the Pentagon, with a slight limp, a full step ahead of her older brothers, Lt Col. Jon Lisco and Colonel Ted Lisco. The two warriors struggled to keep up with her. Neither of them agreed with the assessments about the threat to the country their sister had formulated. Nevertheless, family tradition warranted their support. For the previous six months she had messaged and called the office of the Chief of Staff of the army requesting a summit. The new generation of the army encouraged discussion from the ranks, something Colonel Lisco planned to use to the best of her abilities. To her great surprise a meeting with General McClinton was granted.

The room they entered was intimidatingly large. The table at the center was intended for use by larger audiences. Colonel Deb pulled out the chair directly across from the Chief of Staff, who was flanked by a general on each side, both brothers sat to her right.

Ted was a very handsome man with a bronze colored, tanned face. He served under General McClinton in 2037, during the conflict in East Africa. His presence alone gave Deb authentication. Jon was a smaller, more compact version of Ted, whose demeanor conveyed confidence, to the point many people considered him to be brash.

Colonel Lisco, there have always been threats to the homeland. Why have you been inundating my office with messages that the threat has escalated? Army Chief of Staff General Ron McClinton asked, quickly, after allowing the colonel to sit in her chair.

Sir, an accumulation of information. Deb held her prominent jaw straight out and focused her attention on the general. I believe we are nearing an invasion from foreign enemies.

Both brothers held their breath. They knew Deb was going to make extraordinary assertions. They thought, or at least hoped, she would make a case for her beliefs first.

There is no indication of an unusual escalation of foreign troops anywhere around the world, stated General McClinton. Please tell us what brings you to this conclusion.

Deb hesitated for a moment to gather her thoughts. She was in full dress uniform with a chest full of medals. She had been stabbed, shot and blown up during her military tenure. She was one tough soldier who understood the horrors of war, but her success, not only surviving, but flourishing in the military system came from her tactical and strategic abilities. She was also a brilliant student, who breezed through the educational aspects required to rise to the rank of colonel.

My father… Deb hesitated and motioned to her brothers. Our father, once told us that he could take America with five hundred American Special Operation Forces.

Are you suggesting that American Special Forces are planning an attack? interrupted General McClinton.

No sir. Absolutely not. Deb had the full attention of everyone at the table. These are foreign infiltrators who want to change our way of life.

Colonel, interjected General Hodge what intelligence do you have that we don’t? General Hodge was greatly respected by Deb, and almost every other soldier in the army. His droopy eyes, and white hair made him seem much more docile than he really was.

Nothing, sir. I’m just putting two and two together, said Deb, using a very calm tone, an attribute she had practiced with her brothers prior to the meeting.

I’ve examined much of what you have messaged over the past several months, General McClinton spoke with a firm tone. I’ve agreed to hear you out this morning, but we do need you to be very specific.

Thank you, sir. Deb stood and placed her notes on the table. In 2047 DTRA found no significant increase in biological, radiology, chemical or nuclear dangers to the homeland, from any time over the past twenty years. But in the past three years there has been a massive increase in EMP related threats. Deb made eye contact with General McClinton. There were five separate incidents where hand-held EMP weapons were located and seized. The weapons were found in Redding, California; Billings, Montana; Hays, Kansas; Jonesboro, Arkansas and Colorado Springs, Colorado. At the Colorado, Springs location, along with the EMP weapon, a manpad was appropriated, which according to DARPA, is smaller and more potent than any known portable air defense weapon in our arsenal. But most significant of all, found with the weapons was a dossier describing a new weapon using nanotechnology capable of destroying satellites.

We’ve spent billions of dollars to shield electromagnetic threats. It might be a trillion dollars since 2025, stated General Hodge in a much louder voice than required. Space Force has spent another trillion dollars on countering robotic weaponized satellites. For more than fifty years anti-satellite technology has stayed in lock step and countered all threats toward disabling our satellite assets.

Yes sir. But since the inception of satellite technology there has never been an actual attack on a satellite by an enemy. Many threats, but never an attack. Deb never flinched as she shuffled through her notes. According to the dossier found in Colorado, the weapon is capable of withstanding any counter measures by our satellites defense systems. The carrier of the weapons relies on having itself being destroyed, in order to release millions of nano robotics, used to terminate the satellite.

Colonel, we are all aware of the threats posed by advanced robotics, stated General Hodge. We have had many rigorous debates on this subject. Since its inception nanotechnology has been nothing but positive for this country. As well as the entire world.

This is what concerns me so greatly. There are people who want to take the technology we use to clean the oceans and make us healthier, to destroy our way of life.

General Hodge looked at General McClinton skeptically. He shook his head.

Continue Colonel Lisco, said General McClinton, taking in a full breath.

According to DARPA the EMP weapons found are different from any technology we have in our arsenal. They were not made by us.

A citizen can research the internet to find specific instructions on building an EMP gun, stated General Prost. Of the six soldiers in the room, General Prost was the only one without actual combat experience. She was very petite, but her judgement held a great amount of influence within the United States Army. Deb was warned by both Ted and Jon to be careful in her dialogue with this General.

Not like the weapons confiscated, stated Deb. Although she had never met face to face with General Prost, she knew her beliefs were in sharp contrast with her superiors concerning the future of the military, and the country. She realized it was important to mask these disagreements and focus on the issue at hand. These are highly technical built, military grade weapons.

Where were they made?

Germany.

Germany. The general looked surprised. If threat reduction and research would have found these weapons to be substantial, I’m sure they would have issued warnings.

The information is in a file cabinet somewhere. It is their decision to do with it as they deem appropriate, stated Deb sharply.

General McClinton remained silent. He was gentle and fair but was also a no-nonsense leader. He was the third African American to be the Chief of Staff of the Army. The fact that he was a soldier with actual combat experience was the main reason for the audience with Colonel Lisco. He respected her, but even more so he respected the more than a hundred years of service from the Lisco family. He believed she deserved to be heard.

I refer to these weapons as Radical Electromagnetic Pulse Weapons. Deb inadvertently looked at her brothers, knowing they advised her not to create terminology. Besides the five recovered weapons, there have been over seventy-five reported incidents of literature found, mostly in large cities They range from simply mentioning all the way to specific operation instructions of the REMP.

How in the world does any of this translate to a pending attack on America? General Prost asked skeptically.

It drove Deb crazy the way General Prost held her top teeth out, wrinkled her nose and squinted her eyes. It was a phony charade created by her to appear as though she was introspective and thoughtful. She knew coming into the meeting the lady was going to be problematic. Her contemptuous attitude was starting to rub Deb the wrong way.

If I may continue? Deb waited for a moment and forced a smile. Besides the growing EMP threat found last year, there has been a nearly nine hundred percent increase, from the previous year, in arrests, not reported incidents, but arrests concerning high explosives. These…

Ma’am, I want to indulge you, interrupted General Prost, using a superior tone, as noted, we have Space Force, Defense Threat Reduction, Advance Research, Logistic, Intelligence and many more agencies all working hard to protect our homeland. None of them have even mentioned, much less made any of this a high priority.

There are large holes in our security, yelled Deb, glancing at her brothers. Her eyes were olive colored with heavy, dark eyebrows some had described as cat like.

Both Jon and Ted remained stoic. All they could do was hope their sister did not contravene the authority of her superior.

How does having more high explosives translate into war on our soil? General McClinton asked, noticing the growing animosity between the general and the colonel.

Sir, they are going to do it the cowboy way.

Pardon.

They are going to blow up our infrastructure the old-fashioned way, with explosives. Deb felt her blood pressure rising. We are vulnerable. There are absolutely no viable federal rules to protect our utilities.

The discussion about the economics of protecting the infrastructure has been debated for years, said General Prost gruffly. Colonel Lisco was wasting her time with absurd information. There have been weather related issues and a few incidents of vandalism but never an attack.

Colonel, why are you alluding to these issues at this time? General McClinton asked, sensing General Prost’s frustration.

Our government, along with private industry, recently finished spending twenty-five years, and several trillion dollars on the infrastructure, changing much of it to sustainable energy. But we didn’t put in measures to protect it. The entire country could lose power for months from simply having 120 high voltage substations and 50 solar sites destroyed. The REMP weapons will destroy much of the civilian equipment, because for the past twenty years we have taken steps back in protecting these technologies. Most cars in America are electric and haven’t enough shielding for electromagnetic overload. This all could be a prerequisite and cover for an attack by a foreign enemy. Deb shuffled her feet. And if the dossier is true, technology exists to destroy GPS, communication and surveillance. Crippling some of our military.

The generals looked at her as though she had left reality and was now reciting a conspiracy theory.

Who? General McClinton asked emphatically. Who’s going to invade?

Colonel Deb swallowed hard. I don’t know sir.

That is a big I don’t know, stated General Prost.

It could originate from Russia, China, Middle East or possibly, with all the private space ventures, someone not part of a government, maybe all of them. The main point I want to make is of our vulnerability. Deb thought how insignificant her presentation must seem to her superiors. We are so divided as a country that our enemies are going to use Americans to destroy America. It’s a fact that foreign money is coming in to finance many criminal factions across the country.

Good Lord, cried General Prost. This country has always been divided.

We have no idea who is in our country. Our father suggested five hundred special forces taking out the country, we don’t know, but maybe there are five thousand enemy special forces scattered across America. Or ten thousand. Deb narrowed her eyes and looked directly at General Prost. Whoever is preparing to attack our country has finally realized our susceptibility of divisiveness. They are funneling in billions of dollars to fund gangs of disenfranchised people, many believing they are protesters of conformity and architects of revolution.

We’ve survived wars and conflicts for nearly three hundred years, exclaimed General Hodge, his face flushed a deep red. It’s the price of freedom.

Over the last thirty years robotics, automation and artificial intelligence has taken over our culture. In the late 20s, losing jobs was the biggest fear from robotics and artificial intelligence. After realizing jobs never disappeared, but simply changed, we embraced the technology. Now we are totally reliant on cybernetics, from paying a bill at a restaurant to checking out a book at the library. Even the old dogs on our farms lost their jobs wrangling cattle to drones. We don’t realize our vulnerability.

Jon and Ted both realized that their sister was struggling to make a rational argument to the generals. She was now preaching, and implied they were doing a poor job in protecting America.

Colonel, none of us here have our heads in the sand. What are you seeing that we are not? General Prost asked.

I’m seeing American citizens fighting for their lives as an invading force tries to conquer this great nation.

We all worry about that every day, shouted General Prost, rising slightly out of her seat. We have done a damn good job in protecting this country.

Ma’am, in no way do I question anyone’s duty or commitment. Deb decided she needed to change tactics from simply relating the threats she had observed, to unfolding the cause of the problems. General Prost was at the top of the list. When my two brothers enlisted in the army there were nearly a million four hundred thousand active troops in the military. Today we have less than eight hundred thousand.

The days of brigade versus brigade firefights are long gone. Today’s army is much different than it was thirty years ago, stated General Prost, knowing the colonel’s statement was directed at her belief in a smaller military.

Or fifty, or a hundred years ago. Deb was almost mocking the general. The new technology has increased so quickly that most of it is not protected adequately.

No other agency has come to the same conclusions as Colonel Lisco. General Prost addressed her statement to General McClinton.

Colonel, you are bringing actualities with political and economic considerations already known by our entire intelligence community. General McClinton stared at the purple heart on her chest. We understand threats are real, but we have had no significant foreign terrorist acts on our soil for nearly fifty-years.

Sir, that’s what worries me. As a nation we are too complacent. We believe there is a global economic and cultural cohesiveness that really doesn’t exist. Deb swallowed. Gangs in every city in America have become more cutting-edge in communication and technology. Now we have a national gang that is enmeshed in illicit drugs, rather than the local community gangs of the past, These gangs would never be able to take control of our largest cities police forces, but they could cause enough mayhem for citizens to fight each other. It would be much different in smaller communities like the towns where the EMPs were discovered, they could overwhelm the police.

The end of America because of a gang problem we have had for nearly a hundred years, General Prost statement rang to be condescending.

It is one aspect. Deb’s stare was chilling. They exchanged looks before she relaxed. Americans pitted against Americans is the fuse they are going to use. Whoever it is planning to destroy our country figured this out, not today or even yesterday. They started many years ago. They have been financing this destruction of our American fiber of life with the idea of fighting us on our own soil.

General Prost tossed her pen on the papers in front of her, leaned back in her chair, squeezed her thin lips, and shook her head. She was finished with validating her subordinate’s homily.

Ted reached his hand over and placed it flat in front of his sister, a warning for her to remain calm and not say something that would jeopardize her rank in the military. Deb leaned forward and placed both hands flat on the table. Ted leaned back in his seat.

This problem is so big we can’t even see it. Thirty years ago, half of the kids in high school were aware of a gang, now nearly all of them are approached by a gang recruiter. Legalizing drugs has turned the whole mess of frying people’s brains into a commodity. The industry of helping these people morphed into a massive industry that will never go away. All financed by a smaller military and fewer police forces throughout the nation, replaced with counselors and so-called mental health professionals. Deb hesitated, this was not the direction she wanted the meeting to go.

Colonel…, General McClinton attempted to interject.

Deb interrupted, America will always endure and eventually make the correct decisions. With a little foresight, at this moment, we can, with a little extra security, eliminate targets ripe for picking by those who want to harm our way of life. I don’t believe for a second that there is an enemy on this planet that can defeat us. Deb took in a deep breath, but with all my heart, I feel we are about to be tested.

Colonel Lisco, duly noted. I will personally ask threat reduction to reassess any information they have on the new EMP and portable air defense weapons. General McClinton stood up from his chair, and looked at Ted, indicating to Deb her presentation was over. We very much appreciate seeing your brothers here to support you today. The United States Army will certainly miss them, and we wish them the best in retirement.

In her mind they basically told her to get the hell out, they had much more pressing and legitimate business to take care of. In actuality, the Chief of Staff took everything she said to heart. Homeland Security was aware of the uptick of spies and sleeper cells, over the previous ten years, from both Eastern Europe and China. Most of the activity dealt with stealing weapons and technology from high profile targets such as nuclear facilities. The scenario the colonel laid out of having thousands of infiltrators hiding in plain sight, embedded in communities across the country was unnerving. The process or the system was the problem. It would take many years and billions upon billions of dollars to implement anything that could make a dent in countering the issues she raised.

PART ONE

LAX, California

October 2051

Ted Lisco made a promise to himself on the red-eye flight from Denver to Los Angeles. With his retirement now in full swing he was going to enjoy every moment he had with his granddaughter. He had spent countless hours with Maddy, prior to his son Bill’s divorce. Before she left for California to spend time with her mother Cindy, their time together was becoming routine. Although they were exceptional buddies, he never recognized how fleeting the time they had together was becoming.

His flight arriving at LAX was on schedule, giving him plenty of time to meet ex daughter-in-law Cindy, and help Maddy through security. Just before boarding he called his wife Nicole to tell her everything was going well with their granddaughter, and to remind his son Bill, after landing in Denver, they were planning to catch lunch, and meet everyone at the football game. He was already somewhat fatigued, having to get up in the middle of the night in order to check in at Denver International Airport to catch the flight to California.

As the plane prepared to take off for the journey home, he reached over and took hold of Maddy’s hand. She smiled and squeezed. Although she was eight years-old, she knew grandpa wanted her to be worried about flying, or at least act like she was. Much of the time they had spent together was pretending of scary situations. They both looked out the window as the engine roared and the plane sped down the runway.

We are taking off, said Ted, hoping this time would be one they remembered forever.

As the plane reached takeoff speed, Maddy leaned over from her middle seat to get a better view out the window. Her dark eyes sparkled as she watched the landscape rush by, until the accelerating airplane lifted off, causing her to sit back.

Oh my gosh, how fast are we going? She knew he would know, if not, he would make up some outlandish number. She was exceptional in math and would realize immediately he was kidding.

I would guess around 320 kilometers per hour, now, but we will be going much faster shortly. The plane engine continued to wail as they moved into a roll-out angle, causing her to look straight ahead with some dismay.

Ted stared at her blond hair, with two braids tied neatly at the back of her head. Her square jaw was very prominent, and her high cheekbones were red, probably from time spent at the beach. She looked so mature sitting with her back perfectly straight.

Don’t worry.

She turned to him, smiling, and said, my ears just popped.

Air pressure, said the older lady sitting in the aisle seat next to her.

Yawn, suggested Ted.

That’s why I chew gum at take-off, explained the lady. Would you like a piece?

Ted enjoyed assessing people. It wasn’t going out on a limb to assume the lady was a grandmother. The crow’s feet which crept from the corners of her eyes told him that she was a thinker who had a passion for reading. She recently decided to allow her hair to go grey, most likely to avoid the chemicals from hair dyes. She was a woman of nature.

Go ahead. Ted leaned forward in his seat. I’m Ted Lisco, Colonel US Army, retired. This is my granddaughter Maddy. We are going back to Colorado.

Maddy accepted the gum, Thank you.

I’m also going to Colorado with my grandson Scotty. She leaned back allowing Maddy a glimpse of the little boy, who looked to be nine or ten years old. He had a big round face with freckles and was looking around his grandma, smiling. Do you two have big plans for the weekend?

We are going to watch my cousin Bobby play football this afternoon, answered Maddy.

They are playing for the state championship, stated Ted, my brother is the head coach, so it’s a pretty big deal for our family.

That is exciting, said the old lady genially. It was obvious she was not a football fan.

I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name, said Ted.

I’m Carol, professor of history, retired. She smiled, turning slightly in her seat. Maddy are you a good athlete like your cousin?

Oh, not as good. But I do like to run and dance.

She is a very good dancer, interjected Ted.

That’s a good thing to be, said Carol, holding up her cell phone. Scotty is exceptionally good with technology. He thinks it’s funny how I would rather use an I-phone from thirty years ago, rather than all the newer gadgets.

I’m the same way, said Ted.

Look. Maddy pointed out the window at the dark clouds.

They are beautiful. He leaned back in his seat to allow her to look around him. Do you want to change seats so you can see better?

Before Maddy could answer Ted noticed a quick flash of light over the horizon in front of the plane. To the other passengers it was not perceptible, or if noticed, thought to be a reflection from the sun.

Maddy just shook her head no. She enjoyed the security of being in the middle seat, looking past her grandpa.

Ted remained uncharacteristically quiet, staring out the window.

A flight attendant handed each of them a bag of pretzels. What would you like to drink?

Ted was unsure if he should allow Maddy to drink a soda.

Soda, Maddy knew he wouldn’t deny her a sugar drink on their special day.

As he prepared to order the soft drinks, Ted became aware of Carol’s startled expression. Her mouth was wide open as she looked out the window past his head.

The sound of a jet flying over the top of the commercial airliner was deafening. The turbulence forced the plane to drop abruptly in altitude, causing the flight attendant to fall to her knees. She held onto the side of Carol’s seat until the plane leveled off.

What in the world was that? Ted asked, grabbing Maddy’s arm.

It looked like some sort of military plane, yelled Carol, looking toward her grandson.

Before Ted could speak two more aircraft flew over the top. The plane shook in the turbulence of the powerful jets. He got a good enough look out the window to know they were F-22 Raptors.

Maddy was nearly in tears.

Everyone put on your seatbelts. The pilot sounded shaken as he yelled the request.

It’s ok. Don’t worry it’s ok, said Ted to Maddy. "Make sure your seatbelt is tight.

Maddy touched her seatbelt. She had always felt completely safe around her grandfather, but now she was very frightened. She buried her face into his bicep as Ted squeezed her hand. Murmuring and screams from some of the other passengers filled the plane.

I want my mom. Maddy looked up with tears in her eyes.

We are going to be ok. I won’t let anything happen to us. He placed his hand on her face and pulled her close. In his entire life he never experienced anything so much out of his control. It was breaking his heart that his granddaughter was next to him in this life-threatening situation. In thirty years of service in the army he never felt so helpless.

The plane continued to slowly drop in altitude without any further word from the pilot, before he finally stated, I’m going to have to take the plane down.

Ted looked out the window at the barren landscape below. Where is he going to land the plane? he asked frantically.

Littleton, Colorado

Hank Lisco cradled a cup of coffee as he stared out the picture window in his living room. The leafless branches of the small trees in their front yard were swaying in the breeze. His wife Jacqueline shook her head and smiled. He had stayed up half the night talking football strategy with George Saxton, his good friend and assistant coach.

I’ve never seen you so nervous before a game, she stated.

It’s not just a game. It’s the state championship, and Bobby’s last high school game. He made sure to emphasis high school game.

You’ll do great.

I know it’s going to be cold. I hope the damn wind doesn’t blow any harder. We have a big advantage if we can pass the football.

I hate to break it to you, big guy, it’s not going to snow until the beginning of next week, but all the weather channels predict it’s going to blow like a son of a gun today. So, you might want to think about how you are going to run the ball.

Hank smirked at Jaqueline. She had just made a change to her hairstyle, making it much shorter. He thought her jet-black hair looked incredibly good with the streaks of grey.

What time do you want to eat pre-game? Jacqueline asked.

We need to get to the field by one, so I’d say eleven.

Hey Pop, Bobby stepped into the living room and threw his duffle bag onto the sofa, I say we throw the ball every down. Central thinks we will run because of the wind. Their defensive backs are really slow.

Oh, I guess the Lions have a new head coach now. Jacqueline placed her arm around her son’s waist. His powerful frame dwarfed her.

Bobby pulled his mother close, lifted her off the ground and gave her a tight squeeze.

Hank looked at the two of them acting like best of friends. He already had ten years of coaching under his belt when Bobby was born, football was a part of their DNA. He was more than fair in coaching his son. Bobby didn’t start on the varsity until he was a junior, and he did so on his merit and abilities. Hank was starting to realize that the game today was going to be more emotional than he would have ever thought.

Did Uncle Jon and Aunt Gina make it in last night from Texas? Bobby asked. He looked at a message on his phone from his girlfriend Emilee and quickly messaged her back.

Yep, they got in late and they insisted on staying in a hotel. I told them to stop by before the game, said Hank. They decided on driving instead of flying.

Bobby looked at another message from Emilee. This is odd.

What is it? Jacqueline asked.

Emilee is having some sort of problem at the apartment. He shrugged his shoulders. How about Uncle Ted?

His flight left California this morning, so he’s hoping to be at the game on time.

Boy does he love his little granddaughter. There was no way he was going to let Maddy fly from California by herself, exclaimed Jacqueline. Nicole and Bill are going to come by and ride to the game with me.

Terrible timing, Bill tried to get Cindy to let Maddy come back on Friday, but she wanted to be difficult. Hank rolled his eyes. At least Deb was able to shuffle her schedule. She should be at the game by kick-off.

Of his three siblings, Colonel Deb was the one most protective of her little brother. Since their parent’s deaths, she called at least weekly.

The phone rang.

Her ears must have been ringing, It’s Deb, Hank picked up the phone. Well hello Colonel Deb. I’m putting you on speaker.

Hank, I can’t tell you how important it is to listen to what I am about to say. The seriousness of her tone was alarming. You need to pack everything you can get into your truck and head to the farm, right now!

Hold up Deb. What are you talking about? Hank looked at Bobby with an incredulous look on his face. We have the state championship to play in less than six hours.

Listen, you are not playing football today. I don’t have much time. The communication towers are being destroyed. We are under attack, Deb sounded frustrated. For God sake, turn on your television.

Who’s under attack? The suddenness of Deb’s remarks caused Hank to look at his wife with disbelief.

America, Deb screamed into the phone.

Hank was speechless. He used the remote to turn on the television. His phone buzzed with more calls. Caller ID showed George Saxton, and other numbers he recognized as parents of his players. He ignored the calls.

Are they showing DIA? Jacqueline stared at the image of destruction on the television.

I think so, stated Bobby.

You need to get out of the city as quickly as possible, yelled Deb.

The blood drained from Hank’s face, and he looked as though he was in shock.

Listen Deb, I know you are concerned, but…

Has Ted got back from California? she interrupted.

No, he and Maddy should arrive later this morning.

Deb was silent.

What’s going on?

Is Jon with you?

Not yet, he and Gina drove all the way through last night and should be here any minute. Hank could hear commotion over the phone.

I couldn’t get ahold of him or Ted this morning. Deb’s tone softened, Please, please Hank, pack up and go to the farm. I will connect with you in a couple days.

Deb, are we in immediate danger here? Jacqueline spoke loudly so she could be heard over the speaker.

Yes Jacqueline, they are going after us in ways I didn’t even perceive, shouted Deb. You need to load up and go. Everything you need to survive is at the farm.

Hank stood with a confused look on his face. The lights began to flash, and the electricity turned off.

When you get to the farm you are going to….

The phone’s dead. Hank froze as he contemplated the moment.

My cell phone doesn’t have reception either, stated Jacqueline. Check your phone Bobby.

Nothing, Bobby looked at his phone in disbelief, what do we do?

I need to get ahold of George, replied Hank. I have no way of contacting the players and parents?

I’m going to run to Dave’s and see what they know, said Bobby.

I think we should sit tight and figure out what is happening.

He’s only a block away.

Ok, but there and back. Hank watched Bobby put on his coat. Invite the Jensen’s to come back with you.

I’m going to check and see if Al and Linda have any more information. Jacqueline put on her coat and stepped out the door toward the neighbor’s home.

Cedar City, Utah

The tires on the jumbo jet squealed as the pilot applied the brakes. The plane rolled to a stop with a jolt as the front wheels fell off the end of the runway into the soft ground. Pillars of smoke could be seen from several locations surrounding their landing location.

I’m sure everyone wants some answers as to what is going on, shouted the pilot over the intercom. All I can tell you at this time is that I was ordered, in no uncertain terms, to land the airplane. If everyone will hang tight for a moment I will see if I can sort things out.

Ted tried calling Nicole on his cell phone. There was no signal.

After a couple hours of sitting and waiting the passengers started complaining. The flight crew did their best to keep everyone hydrated but they also began to wonder why they had not left the plane.

What are we doing? Maddy asked.

I’m not sure, but we are going to have to find a different way home. This plane will never be able to take off from this runway. Ted tried to remain calm.

Where are we? Carol looked out the window.

I have no idea, said Ted dubiously, the bigger question is why did we land here.

Grandpa, I need to go to the bathroom.

They were only three aisles from the back of the airplane. Ted followed Maddy to the rear restroom and allowed her to go first. He despised airplane restrooms because they were so small. He very seldom used them but after Maddy finished he stepped into the small compartment. As he finished a loud explosion occurred that shook the airplane. Just as he exited, another loud explosion ignited.

Some of the passengers were screaming and demanding to be let off the plane. Everyone was standing and looking out the windows; dark smoke was billowing from the control tower, and flames blazed from another area that appeared to be the terminal. Looking past the control tower toward the town were several more columns of smoke, rising into the sky.

Please everyone, stay calm. the flight attendant at the back of the plane, nearest Ted, tried to make her way through the passengers filling the aisle. Not one person moved out of her way and it soon became a pointless endeavor. The passengers continued demanding to be let off the plane.

Maddy took hold of Ted’s arm and squeezed tightly.

It will be ok, was all he could think to say, holding her head close to his side.

Flight attendants prepare to deplane, the captain’s voice was rushed.

The door at the front of the plane was opened and the inflatable slide unfurled to the ground below. Ted took hold of Maddy by the waist and sank into a seat. He held her tight on his lap. His experience in the military had taught him to never rush into a situation he was unsure of.

Ted was surprised only one door at the front of the plane was opened for the evacuation. In a true emergency all exits would be used. Many people were pushing to get to the front. He stayed seated holding Maddy and noticed Carol and Scotty remained in their seats. After nearly twenty minutes fewer than half the passengers were on the ground.

Looking out the window he could see a column of passengers walking in the direction of a large hanger nearest the burning terminal. Two armed men, who looked like airport security, were waiting a couple hundred meters off the runway directing the passengers.

Ted tried his best to comprehend the circumstances. Maddy clenched his arm but stayed remarkably calm.

Sir. The flight attendant was standing over him. She was very petite with blond hair and bright red lips. You need to deplane.

Not yet, not until I have a little more time to think.

What are you thinking? Carol asked Ted. She was now standing and holding onto Scotty’s hand.

I want to talk with the captain. Ted could see that there were only a few passengers remaining at the door, along with the captain and the rest of the flight crew.

Please move to the front. The flight attendant nudged Carol.

Carol turned sharply toward her. What’s your name?

Samantha, she answered, completely surprised by the aggressive nature of the older lady.

Look Samantha, we are not moving until we know what is going on here.

Samantha showed her passive nature as she slowly moved around Carol.

Ted could see the captain speaking with his co-pilot and two flight attendants at the front of the plane. As the captain followed Samantha down the aisle to the back of the airplane, the co-pilot jumped onto the inflated ramp, followed by the two flight attendants.

This is Travis, stated Samantha before correcting her introduction, I mean Captain Marquardt.

The captain was a stocky man in his mid to late forties. He removed his hat and placed it into his left armpit, making eye contact with Ted, he asked, is there a reason you’re not deplaning with everyone else?

Ted pulled Maddy tighter into his grasp. I would like some information first.

Any questions you have can be answered off the plane, the pilot looked irritated, I need you to leave now.

Not going to happen. Ted kept his head steady and stared into the pilot’s eyes. Not until I know where we are going. You see the columns of smoke. What in the hell is going on?

I don’t know, stated Captain Marquardt, I was told to either land or be shot out of the sky. You saw, or at least felt the fighter jets making it clear that they meant business. Las Vegas was inundated so it ended up being Cedar City.

We are in Utah? Carol asked.

Yes ma’am, this is a new section of the airport not ready for an aircraft this size, but we had no alternative.

I saw a flash of light about ten minutes before we were buzzed by the jets. Do you know what it was? Ted asked.

Captain Marquardt hesitated before asking, Were you in the military? He knew the answer before asking.

Thirty plus years, retired for nearly a year now.

There were actually two events. The one you saw, and another about twenty minutes after take-off.

Electromagnetic pulse. Ted wasn’t asking a question.

That’s my best guess. Just last year we upgraded equipment to shield the planes from advanced technology electromagnetic weaponry threats.

I know they did. Ted’s mind wandered to Deb.

I don’t know any more about this situation than what I told you, stated the captain. Let’s exit the plane and see if we can find some answers.

Before Ted could respond all hell broke loose outside the plane.

Although the popping of the bullets was nearly a mile away, Ted knew a major battle was occurring. He figured that over a hundred rounds had been fired before the shooting stopped.

Maddy was frightened enough to be shaking in his arms. He moved her back next to Carol and joined Captain Marquardt to look out the window. Although the sun was beginning to set in the west, it was light enough to see the passengers, still outside the hanger, running toward the large structure. It was impossible to see who was fighting but it was quite apparent some of the passengers had been hit in the crossfire.

Have you had any radio contact with the terminal at this airport? Ted asked.

Initially, but we lost them as we were landing.

I was under the impression that with all the new satellites it would be impossible for the aircraft communication and navigation system to falter.

It’s not the technology. The control centers have been compromised. Even when we were communicating nobody seemed to know what was going on.

Do your superiors know you had to ditch the plane?

They do, Captain Marquardt looked profoundly serious. Having no urgent response to our landing here concerns me more than anything else.

Do you have any weapons? Ted asked. I can tell you what we are hearing is not a local police response taking place.

I have two pistols in the cockpit.

The gunfire outside is coming from assault weapons, not pistols, stated Ted.

The captain realized all protocol and normalcy was now gone. He wanted to get off the plane and join his co-pilot and the rest of the flight crew on the ground. Hopefully, he could get some questions answered.

All the passengers and crew from the plane were now out of sight. There was an eerie silence.

Ted grasped Maddy’s hands and pulled her to him. Are you ok sweety?

I want to go home, she had tears streaming down her cheeks.

So do I. He felt her little body shiver. A thought about the well-being of Bill and Nicole entered his head. He needed to clear his mind and focus on he and Maddy’s safety.

Ted continued to hold Maddy close as her arms went around his neck. She hugged him as tight as she could. He was in the most difficult position of his life. What was to be a bonding adventure with his granddaughter was now turning into a soldier’s role to protect her.

Littleton, Colorado

Jacqueline was talking on the sidewalk in front of their home, with her close neighbors, Al and Linda Jones. The streets in their modest, discreet neighborhood were wide, and unnervingly quiet.

Hank slipped on a jacket and wandered out into the cold breeze. He couldn’t see any fires or columns of smoke, but it smelled smokey.

Al just told me all airports across the country have been targeted, said Jacqueline, as Hank approached. He said they heard several muffled explosions earlier this morning.

Is it a terrorist attack?

Don’t know, Al shrugged his shoulders, we lost the news before they said who was doing it.

This doesn’t seem real, said Hank. We are supposed to be playing the state championship football game in four hours. Are things really as bad as we fear?

Come on Hank. The country might be under attack, and you are worrying about a football game. Al’s remark was disparaging, but obviously correct.

A car pulled into the driveway.

It’s Nicole and Bill, stated Jacqueline.

Nicole didn’t waste any words as she approached Hank. Have you heard from Ted? I’ve been trying to call him but can’t get any reception.

We haven’t heard from him either, Hank answered, knowing she would have been contacted by his brother before he would have.

He called from the airport in California. He and Maddy were getting ready to get on the plane. Nicole placed her fingertips to her forehead. They should have landed thirty minutes ago.

Uncle Hank, we have to go to DIA and see if we can find them, cried Bill earnestly.

Hank paused to think before responding to his nephew. Bill was fourteen years older than Bobby. Hank had coached and spent an extraordinary amount of time with him when he was a child, while Ted was deployed in different parts of the world. The bond was strong between the two of them.

Everything is shut down. Broadway is bumper to bumper, and all the traffic lights are out, Nicole said. It would take us all day to get there.

I have a feeling you couldn’t get within ten kilometers of DIA, attested Al.

We have to do something, screamed Bill. I know Dad will take care of Maddy, as well as anyone possibly could, but I can’t bear thinking about the possibility of the plane crashing.

I understand you being worried, declared Hank, we all are, but we need to get some facts before getting too carried away.

Gina told me she and Jon were going to get here early so they could see Bobby before the game. I wonder where they are, Jacqueline shielded her face from the breeze. I’m going inside and throw on another pot of coffee.

They were coming from the hotel south of 470 so they have to be stuck in traffic, said Nicole, before turning to Jacqueline. Do you have electricity?

Oh, Good Lord, I guess I will go in just to get out of this wind.

I’ll fire up the generator. Hank moved to join his wife.

Before Jacqueline could take another step, several large flashes, in rapid sequence, crossed the sky. Even in the early morning light, the burst was almost blinding.

What in the hell was that? Hank hunched over in a defensive posture.

A slight rumble filled the air.

It looked like lightening, said Al, but there isn’t a cloud in the sky.

Let’s get inside the house. Hank looked up hoping a bolt of lightning would race across the blue sky.

***

Aunt Deb was planning to be here for the game. Has anyone heard from her? Bill asked. Having run an extension cord from the generator to the television, he clicked from channel to channel. No reception on any channels.

She called Hank earlier this morning. Jacqueline looked at Nicole and wavered, before continuing. She said there has been an attack and for us to go to the farm immediately.

She won’t be coming, continued Hank, but will get in contact with us as soon as she can.

Did she leave you a survival packet? Bill knew full well that she had. The only ones in the family who knew he was a business partner with Aunt Deb in her holdings and investments, were his father and mother. He helped her prepare the packets for everyone else.

Hank set a binder full of notebook papers on the kitchen table and held up a large manilla envelope.

She did put her money where her mouth was, said Jacqueline. I’ll bet she spent a hundred thousand dollars at the farm.

Ten times that amount, professed Hank. She has always been a little paranoid, but for the past six months she has been more than adamant about being prepared for a disaster.

Bill smiled to himself, the amount of money Aunt Deb spent at the farm was well over two million dollars. She was not only an amazing soldier but a very enterprising investor.

The sound of the generator on the back porch was annoying but it allowed for a pot of coffee to be brewed.

Bobby walked through the front door followed by the Jensen family, Dave, Jason and Kori. Dave was Bobby’s best friend and one of the best football players on their team. His father Jason was a full two meters tall. But it was Dave’s mom who was the most imposing figure of the family, she was nearly as tall as her husband. Being huge was their niche in life.

Coach, this certainly isn’t the way we thought this day would go, stated Kori. Hank and Jacqueline were close friends with the Jensen’s since the time Dave and Bobby were in first grade. With the two families living only a block apart, their friendship blossomed to the point of having dinner together on a weekly basis.

Come in and sit down, Hank motioned toward the living room. All of this is mind-boggling.

Dad, Bobby interrupted, Uncle Jon and Aunt Gina are walking up the driveway.

Jon stormed through the front door held open by Bobby. Although he never reached the rank of full colonel in the army, like his sister Deb and brother Ted, he always acted like he was a five-star general. Our car went dead. We just walked four blocks, Jon announced precluding introductions.

Isn’t your car shielded? Hank stared at his older brother, wondering how he would allow his car to be immobilized by something Deb had warned him about over and over.

It was supposed to be. I don’t think half this shit they sold us protects anything, said Jon, looking at the room full of people. Has anyone heard from Ted?

He called this morning as he and Maddy were boarding the plane at LAX, stated Nicole.

Did he take off?

I don’t know Jon. Nicole put her elbow on the kitchen table and lowered her head into her hand.

Jon placed his hand on her shoulder. Ted Lisco is the best soldier I have ever known. He is a problem solver. He and Maddy are going to be fine.

Nicole looked at her brother-in-law and smiled. Jon and Ted were much the same, so his positive words did make her feel better.

Just think how we would feel, or how Dad would be feeling right now, had we let Maddy fly here by herself, said Bill. I don’t think I could live with myself.

You’re right, said Nicole. Cindy told Ted that Maddy was old enough to fly alone. But thank God he insisted she needed someone to fly with her.

What do we want to do? Hank addressed the entire group.

According to Deb she’s stocked enough food for a hundred people to survive for ninety days at the farm, stated Jacqueline. We should go there.

For those of you who don’t know, we have a family farm on the eastern plains that our sister Colonel Deb Lisco has turned into a fortress, mentioned Jon, somewhat mockingly.

She has a very meticulous outline on how to survive on the farm, said Hank, holding up the binder.

Do you mind if I read through it Hank? Jason asked. He and Kori had met Deb at the Fourth of July picnic that was held at the Lisco’s house two years ago. Deb was very entertaining with her war stories, and she had mentioned her work at the farm.

I’d like for everyone to check it out. Hank’s voice had a tone of authority.

Jason Jensen began reading the notebook, with Kori looking over his shoulder. Jason was a successful home builder. He became particularly interested in the notes when he read Deb’s vision of new buildings to be placed, for quartering up to seventy people.

Hank, have you tried starting your car and truck? Jon asked.

They better start, Hank shook his head as he looked at his brother. Last summer Deb had us install special shields for protection, they were a little pricey.

For radical electromagnetic pulses, Deb’s term, said Jon. An electromagnetic pulse more powerful than any other.

Bobby, could you see if the truck will start? Hank asked.

I think I will go home and fill the tub up with water, interjected Linda. We will be in a real mess if the water goes off.

Information would be helpful at this time, stated Hank. But I agree with Linda, we should prepare for the worst.

Jaqueline began filling containers from the sink. She was joined by Nicole until the entire counter was covered with cups and bowls of water.

The truck starts, but the car won’t, stated Bobby. "I can’t get anything on the GPS.

Our car won’t start now, said Bill.

Hank, have you read this? Jason held up the notebook. "If your