The E.M.P. Chronicles (Book 2): A Life Without Power by McTatey Zayden (Oz)

Author:McTatey, Zayden (Oz) [McTatey, Zayden (Oz)]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Post-Apocalyptic | EMP
Published: 2020-02-16T22:00:00+00:00

14

UNANTICIPATED HELP

The drive to ZP was going well when Nicki slowed the Suburban down and stopped about 200 yards before a roadblock. Before them were two dump trucks blocking the road.

“Oz,” Naomi said in a panic. “I have one armed man in each of the dump trucks. It looks like they have weapons. We’re in range of their rifles.”

Oz quickly scanned the area and realized there were only two options: go forward or go backward. The “Black Diamond” river was on either side of the road with no viable exit.

“I’m going to try and approach and talk to them,” Oz said.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid idea,” Naomi responded.

“If we go backward, they’ll easily take us out,” Oz explained. “I’m not going to risk the lives of anyone in this vehicle. If I touch my right ear, start firing at them, and Nicki, you throw the Suburban in reverse and floor it. Not that I want to, but I’ll jump into the river. We’ll eventually find each other. Standby to cover me.”

Oz placed his rifle and Glock on the floor of the Suburban and exited the vehicle. He then placed his hands on top of his head and slowly walked toward the men in the beds of the dump trucks. Five minutes later, he approached the men and heard, “Lie face down on the pavement with your arms stretched out as far as they’ll go.”

Oz complied and one of the men approached him while the other provided cover. After a quick pat down, the man told Oz to standup.

“How can we help you?” the man asked.

Oz quickly noticed that the man had to be in his eighties and barely fit in the sagging camouflage uniform he was wearing. He walked slow with one shoulder lower than the other and he had a minor limp.

As Oz looked at his feet, he noticed the man was wearing loafers and was having a hard time holding up his rifle. Oz was confident he could easily disable the man, but not knowing how good of a shot the remaining man in the dump truck was prevented him from acting. Caution was warranted.

“We’re headed to our property about two hours northwest of here. Unfortunately, we have to pass this way. We won’t be stopping,” Oz explained.

“How many of you are there?” the man yelled which indicated to Oz he was deaf or going deaf.

“Nine of us,” Oz answered. “All my family. My father has been shot and he needs medical attention quickly,” Oz said as he found himself talking louder than normal.

“We have a doctor; well, sorta. Do you have anything to trade for her services?” the man asked.

Oz took a moment to think about the proposition. If they could pass, they could continue on to ZP where, hopefully, Brian and Elizabeth would arrive to provide medical care for Lloyd or they could take this man up on his offer. Not knowing when Brian and Elizabeth would arrive and missing the part about the old man saying, ”well sorta,” Oz said, “Yes, sir.

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