After the Final Exodus by A.G. Kimbrough

Author:A.G. Kimbrough
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Coastal Event Memories Sequel, Extermination Event, Post-Apocalyptic, Survival, expanding Earth, 1000 year flood, TEOTWAWKI
Publisher: A.G. Kimbrough
Published: 2020-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14 Return to Saint Louis

Alice watched Grant's figure grow smaller and disappear as their westbound vessel rounded a bend. Benny continued an animated conversation with one crewman and seemed unaffected by their parting. They had been inseparable for most of their lives.

Alice understood everything would change. They would soon make new lives, with others. Their relationships would be changing. She felt a little sad, but also excited about her future prospects. The cold wind chilled her, and she made her way to the galley for a hot cup of tea.

The Captain's wife was in the galley, and Alice had a nice conversation with her. She said they were based in Saint Louis, and would winter there as soon as they arrived. The other two tugs were based in Mystic and in Saint Paul, at the West end of the navigable river. By the time they reached Saint Louis, Alice had a new female friend, who gave her many tips about living there.

Alice and Benny spent their first day in Saint Louis searching for a place to rent. They needed space to store and bottle their cargo, besides living space. Late that day, they rented a container, used by two partners and their families to transport them and some mining equipment from Earth. Their landlords found a large copper deposi,t which they sold a year ago. The partners built homes for their families in Saint Louis. With the new homes completed, they moved out of the container. It provided Alice and Benny with a modest living space and a twenty foot long secure storeroom.

After unloading all their cargo, Benny took the wagon and the horses to a livery, while Alice cleaned up their quarters. After a quiet meal at a nearby cafe, the two young people crashed for a much deserved rest.

They devoted the second day to purchase what they needed to set up housekeeping. Their purchases included food, cooking pans, utensils, and charcoal for the rocket stove.

The third day, a snowstorm trapped them inside, and they reviewed the list of things that needed action.

Grant came aboard the Fulton II the next morning after loading the barge with his horse and gear. Walt welcomed him to the bridge, and they spent the two-day trip discussing plans for the joint venture.

When the tug rounded the last bend in the river and Mystic was in sight, Grant asked Walt if he could point out an inn where he could rent a room for the winter.

Walt replied. “Nonsense, you're staying with us at the big house. There’s lots of room and I insist. We will be working together, and I don't want to be too far from Sharon and the baby. While you're there, you will have an opportunity to meet the rest of our family. Before you say anything but yes, you won't be an imposition. I also want you to meet my little sister Regina.”

The invitation pleased Grant, but he wondered about the “little sister.”

He smiled and said. “Thanks, it will simplify a lot of things.

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