AFTERMATH: and Other Short Stories of a Dystopian Future

By T.W. Messer

What awaits mankind? AFTERMATH and Other Short Stories of a Dystopian Future paints seven different pictures of what the future could hold. In AFTERMATH, a doomsday prepper whose obsession cost him his marriage fights to survive with his son after World War III occurs. The Governor spins a tale of a California that has been split into six independent states. The Governor of Silicon Valley and his residents enjoy a life of luxury, while the state of Central California has devolved into a dry, barren dust bowl, where water and electricity are rationed. A progressive pastor's past comes back to haunt him in The End/Beginning. A Woman's World is the story of a man living in a world dominated by women, where males are second class citizens. An actor with an incurable disease, takes the bold step of being cryonically frozen, with hopes of being successfully reanimated in the future, in Defrosting Jeremy. In Infiltration, a despondent man goes off the grid after losing his wife and child but returns to a dramatically different America. After a worldwide pandemic kills over four million people, a vaccine is created and rushed to the masses. Immunization Nation is the story of two couples living in a rebuilding America, as citizens are forced to receive a largely untested vaccine while the government lies to them. AFTERMATH and Other Shorts Stories of a Dystopian Future, is a thought provoking compilation of how the world could one day be. 

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Oct 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781977267597

T.W. Messer

T.W. Messer is the author of The First Two Seasons and The Third Season. A former sports columnist for his college and hometown newspaper, he also has a blog and a twice-weekly podcast, Talking Points with Tim Messer. T.W. has a son and daughter, and lives in California with his wife. 

Book preview

Aftermath

and Other Short Stories of a Dystopian Future

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2024 T.W. Messer

v3.0

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Outskirts Press, Inc.

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Cover Photo © 2024 www.gettyimages.com. All rights reserved - used with permission.

Outskirts Press and the OP logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press, Inc.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

For Mr. C, who 40 years ago inspired

an insecure freshman to be creative and be myself.

Contents

Introduction

Aftermath

The Governor

The End/Beginning

Woman’s World

Defrosting Jeremy

Infiltration

Immunization Nation

Introduction

What would the future look like if a bill passed dividing California into six separate states? How would life in the state of Central California be if the rainfall stopped, the crops dried up, and the prisons closed? If the electrical grid was overburdened, necessitating daily rolling blackouts, while other states enjoyed all of life’s modern comforts?

The following stories offer a glimpse at what the world might be like in the aftermath of a nuclear attack, when a man’s doomsday preparations pay off; how the lives of a progressive pastor, his surprise visitor from a hidden past, and two people having an affair intertwine; how women manage to take over the world, establishing a true matriarchy; how technology may advance to the point where a man cryonically frozen for decades can be reanimated, and what kind of world he may wake up to; how this country’s enemies could infiltrate its borders right under the citizens’ noses; and a world where citizens are forced to take an untested and ineffective vaccine that renders severe side effects years after receiving the shot.

The following short stories required hours of research, but it was a labor of love. I learned new facts, refreshed my memory on some other topics, and even had my perspective changed on a few things. My research led me down some rabbit holes, but it forced me to think, and while the tales on the following pages are fictional, I hope they make you think too.

Aftermath

Dalton Gilbert had dropped off his two teenage children at their mother’s house at six P. M. on Friday, just as he had for the last six years, just as the court order stated. He had returned them twenty minutes late on one occasion and Connie was none too pleased. Dalton always made sure to get them back early after that. It had been a messy divorce, caused by his infidelity.

Dalton was a survivalist (he hated the term doomsday prepper) who had spent many years and hundreds of thousands of dollars becoming self-sufficient, stockpiling supplies and building an underground shelter in the Cascade Mountain region of Western Oregon. A construction foreman and Army veteran, Dalton was well-trained in self-defense and weapons training. He had acquired emergency medical training and possessed enough food and water to last three people for two years.

Convinced that an electromagnetic pulse, or EMP attack would wreak havoc on the nation, he had put his wife and children through hours of training, and evacuation drills. No one else in the family shared Dalton’s passion and this caused great strain on his marriage. He and Connie spent less and less time together and grew apart. Eventually, Dalton found comfort from a fellow prepper named Ashley, and they carried out a three-month affair, before he ended it, hoping to rekindle his marriage. His scorned lover contacted Connie and the marital union was over after unsuccessful marriage counseling.

When his children, Austin and Amy were with him, they continued to train for survival, and though they weren’t highly fond of being treated like they were in the military, they grew proficient in handling firearms, shooting a bow and arrow, learning to identify the difference between edible and poisonous plant life, and emergency medical treatment.

With no serious love interest, and a lesser amount of time spent with his kids, Dalton worked overtime and worked as a handyman to fund his doomsday preparations. He also had more time to invest in these activities and became obsessed, joining a community of other preppers. They would regularly meet and carry out training exercises in the woods. Though there were varying theories on what the biggest threat to America might be, including nuclear war, a solar flare, asteroid or meteor impact, Yellowstone Supervolcano eruption, dirty bombs, or a biological agent, they were all in agreement they must be prepared for what was to come. Security was of utmost importance in order to protect what they’d worked so hard for.

The Gilberts alternated weeks, and when Austin and Amy would return from their father's, Connie would spend the evening with her children, usually watching movies, sometimes playing games. Social life could wait until Saturday. Sometimes things came up, such as a school dance, or extra-curricular activities, but aside from that, Fridays were family time. As her children matured, it was getting more difficult to continue this ritual, and though they sometimes complained, Connie was still the boss.

Austin Gilbert was a senior who was involved with Future Farmers of America was a mediocre baseball player at Cascade High School, and worked part-time at a seed company. He was a popular kid who enjoyed partying more than doing homework. Because his father was very strict and his mother overprotective, he had to be creative about reasons to leave the house, sometimes sneaking out late at night.

Amy, a junior, covered for Austin, but it usually cost him a few dollars. She spent her entire life on academic honor rolls, and was especially proficient at biology and chemistry. Her goal was to attend Stanford University, which was a ten-hour drive from home. As brilliant as she was, she sometimes lacked common sense, which frustrated her father.

Connie had never remarried, though she had dated a few times. She was a middle school teacher who supplemented her income with the sizable alimony and child support payments she received.

On this evening they chose a comedy to watch, and seated themselves on the couch, bowls of popcorn in hand. So, how were things with your dad? Connie asked them both.

Same old, same old, Austin shrugged.

More prepping exercises, Amy grumbled. Bug out drills. We had to pack our stuff, evacuate the house and drive to the bug out spot in less than thirty minutes.

Uh huh. Well, did you make it?

Yeah, the second time, she sighed.

Oh no, you had to do it twice? Connie asked, placing the bowl on the coffee table.

Yeah, and it really sucked. I hate it.

Austin, you know to be off your phone during family time, Connie scolded. What did you think of it?

Think of what?

Having to do the drill twice.

There’s other stuff I’d rather do, I guess, but it’s alright. I don’t really mind it. Some of it is kind of fun.

Yeah, fun for a boy, Amy said.

I don’t know why your father is so obsessed with prepping. He’s crazy. You know you guys are old enough to tell him no.

That’s not worth the fight it would cause, Austin said. Besides, the stuff might come in handy someday.

Dalton was enjoying a frosty glass of Pale Ale at Mr. C’s Bar and Grill. This was his every other Friday evening routine after dropping off his children. He would sit at the bar and polish off two large mugs, while consuming a plate of nachos and watching whatever game played on the big screen television. He rarely ordered a third, unless it had been a trying week.

Would you like another, Dalton? the bartender asked, noticing his mug was nearly empty. Dalton nodded.

Hey, what's up, buddy, a scrawny bearded man said as he sat on the barstool next to Dalton.

Hi Jake. Jake Kamansky was a fellow prepper, and one of Dalton’s best friends.

We still training tomorrow night?

Yep, Dalton answered, lifting his freshly filled mug. We’re going to do some nighttime paintball, learn how to defend a perimeter from attack. It’ll be fun."

Every television screen in the room simultaneously displayed a message from the Emergency Broadcast System, heightening tensions in the previously carefree tavern. We interrupt our programming; this is a national emergency. Important instructions will follow. The bartender hurriedly picked up the remote and pointed it at one of the screens, raising the volume. Suddenly, the bar was immersed in darkness.

Cellphone flashlights soon allowed for some visibility. What the hell is going on?

Does anybody have a radio? someone asked.

I do, Dalton said, bolting from his stool and running to his pickup truck. He returned and slowly twisted the dial, attempting to find a voice.

At that time a shrill sound echoed concurrently from every cellphone, and everyone read the same message: PRESIDENTIAL ALERT. EMERGENCY ACTION NOTIFICATION.

Shhh. Shut up everybody! Dalton commanded as he increased the volume on his battery-operated radio.

"The United States has been attacked with nuclear weapons. Communications have been severely disrupted. The extent of the damage and number of casualties are not known at this time. We will bring you further information as soon as possible. Meanwhile, stay tuned to this frequency, stay calm and remain sheltered where you are. Do not leave your homes. This could expose you to greater danger. If you leave, you may find yourself without food, water, accommodation or protection. Radioactive fallout, a direct result of a nuclear explosion, is far more dangerous if you are directly exposed to it in the open. The safest place is indoors, as this provides the most substantial protection. Make sure all gas and fuel supplies are turned off.

If water is available, use it to extinguish fires if necessary. You should also refill all your containers for drinking water, because the water supply may not be available for very long. Refrain from flushing toilets in order to preserve water, until further notice. Use water only for essential drinking and cooking purposes. Do not waste it.

Make your food provisions last by rationing your supply, as it may have to last for fourteen days or more. If you have fresh food in the house, use this first to avoid wasting it. Canned food and food in tins will keep.

If you live in an area where a fallout warning has been issued, stay in your fallout room until you are notified that it is safe to come out. When the immediate danger has passed, an all clear message will be given on this frequency. If you must leave your fallout room for any reason, do not remain outside the room longer than necessary. Do not, in any circumstances, go outside. Radioactive fallout can kill you. You cannot see it or feel it, but it is present. If you go outside, you will bring danger to your family and it may result in your death. Remain in your fallout room until you are told it is safe to come out or you hear the all clear notification.

We will be on the air every hour, on the hour. Stay tuned to this frequency, but turn off your radios for now to save your batteries. That is the end of this broadcast."

Panic spread like wildfire throughout the bar. Nobody noticed the absence of Dalton and Jake, who absconded during the broadcast to flee to their respective bunkers. Before Dalton proceeded to the location, he needed to stop by the emergency meeting spot to pick up Austin and Amy. It was pre-determined that in the event of a catastrophe, they would meet up at the Aldersgate Camps & Retreats outside of town and continue to their fortress.

Dalton knew there would likely be no cell service when the time came, so he had issued his children walkie talkies with a range of sixteen miles. As he sped down Marion Road, he attempted to contact them, but got no reply. Looting had already started in the stores along the route. Dalton swerved to avoid a man running across the road with arms full of grocery items, nearly colliding with a car in the opposite lane. A pickup truck lost control and hit a telephone pole.

When Dalton reached the retreat, he didn’t see his son or daughter there. A man opened his passenger door armed with a knife, in an attempt to steal the truck, but Dalton pulled a 9 mm handgun from his waistband and shot the intruder center mass.

Dad! Dad! he heard a voice call out. It was Austin, running toward him, wearing a large backpack, carrying a .38 revolver. He stepped over the intruder’s lifeless body and entered the truck.

Where’s Amy? Dalton asked.

She wouldn’t leave mom.

Dammit! he yelled, pounding the steering wheel. He paused, then regained his composure. Well, we gotta go.

Normally, the drive to the bunker in Santiam State Forest, would have taken forty-five-minutes, via Highway 22, but traffic was hectic, as panicked drivers flooded the roads. Dalton's evacuation plan was to take the less traveled State Route 226, which on a typical day would take ten minutes longer. On this day, however, the traffic was light, and Dalton was able to drive his truck at breakneck speed, reaching the spot in just over forty minutes.

Along the way, they were able to tune in to an emergency radio station, but there were no new details, just the same instructions repeated on a loop. There were no military bases in Oregon. Dalton figured San Francisco was likely a target, but fallout may take some time to reach Oregon, depending on wind patterns. They reached the locked gate that read, Private Property Keep Out, and Austin got out and unlocked it, letting the truck pass through before closing and relocking it. Dalton had purchased the parcel of land nearly six years prior, and immediately went to work, digging a bunker, dropping two forty-foot shipping containers inside and covering it under a ten foot layer of earth.

He had stocked it with two years’ worth of food rations and water for three people, electricity, generators and fuel for when the power grid was inevitably disabled, medical supplies, medicines, a Ham Radio, television and DVDs for entertainment, books, and even a small gym area to work out in. The exercise bike could be utilized to generate power to a stack of car batteries. The ventilation system was filtered, and there were radiation detection devices to indicate the levels both inside and outside.

Razor wire surrounded the perimeter of the property, and video surveillance cameras covered the entire three hundred sixty degrees, transmitting to six monitors within the bunker. Dalton had stockpiled a healthy supply of artillery, including shotguns, automatic and semi-automatic rifles, various calibers of handguns, hand grenades, tear gas, and smoke bombs. Though he felt you could never have enough ammunition, there was an ample supply.

Once they were safely inside the fortress, Dalton flipped a switch and after flickering for a few seconds, the lights turned on. They took a moment to sit silently and catch their breaths.

I really tried to get Amy to come with me, dad. She refused to leave mom. I was so pissed at her…she just wouldn’t come.

Damn that girl. She is always pushing back, questioning everything. I wish for once, she would have just listened, Dalton lamented.

"Mom said they had