Less than Half: A Post Apoc Survival Journey by Randall Wood

Author:Randall Wood [Wood, Randall]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tension Bookworks
Published: 2024-05-02T00:00:00+00:00

28

Princess

The ship has looked better. Its once navy-gray hull is now streaked with rust and the paint is chipped and faded in spots. The number on its bow is still recognizable and the name is still intact on the stern. It’s a former nuclear powered Marine Amphibious Landing Ship (MAL), I forget which one. Doesn’t matter anymore really. We just call her “The Princess” after an old cruise line. She arrived on the horizon at dawn and is now anchored offshore. Nicki has the drones’ shuttling supplies from its deck to the parking lot outside the high school and other places around the island. Once that’s done, we can start taking people out to her.

Like everything else these days she’s been repurposed. Where there were once Navy crew quarters, Marine berthing, and a well deck full of vehicles, amphibious landing craft, and weapons, are now cargo holds and classrooms. Former ready rooms now hold hospital beds, and the flight deck is now loaded with crates of supplies. Still, considering the times we live in, it’s a great way to travel. It’s certainly better than Thanos, I’ll tell you that. Someone up the chain of command chose the Princess to move the displaced to their new homes and they made it as plush as they could. Deck chairs, movies, a buffet line, and even a bar can now be found onboard. Didn’t take long for me to see the wisdom of that.

It’s psychological. It gives them hope. Yes, we are using up valuable supplies and resources, but it’s worth it. We’re using it to reenergize and develop even more important resources—skilled people. For the length of their journey these people will get three meals a day, showers and clean clothes, haircuts, doctor and dentist visits, air conditioning, a comfortable bed to sleep in, classes to make them a better contributor to the new world, and hope for a better future, all before they hit Mobile, Alabama and find out where they are going next. They even have a bunch of entertainers on board. Comedies are the main feature on the TV. Singers and stand-up comedians help with the rest. Most people that have been aboard the Princess enjoyed their time there.

At least until they had to get off. From there things get a little more spartan, and not everyone likes the new job they are being forced into. But we can’t please everyone.

The drone’s shuttling supplies overhead are a welcome site. Tonight, we’ll throw another party for the town. Lots of food. Some live entertainment. Treats for the kids. Some rarely seen items will be offered. Ice. Fresh meat. New clothes and shoes. Shampoo.

Medical needs for the people staying in town will be addressed as well. A team of dentists will set up a clinic. Medications. Supplies for the hospital. Everyone will get a round of vaccinations. Even the dogs will benefit as there’s a veterinarian on board.

But it’s bittersweet. In two days, it’ll be eviction day. And Venice will lose a third of its people.

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