The Pulse: An EMP Prepper Survival Tale by Roger Hayden

Author:Roger Hayden
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: dystopia, dystopian fiction, dystopian literature, dystopia series, dystopia science fiction, dystopian apocalyptic, dystopian political thriller, dystopian action thriller

Chapter Eight

Good Morning, Janice

Monday September 21, 2025 8:30 A.M. Savannah, GA

Janice faced rush-hour traffic every morning. She always found herself battling against the clock, as it took no less than an hour on the highway to get to work. Miraculously, she would make it to work by 9:00 a.m. every time. All of this, she supposed, could have been avoided by getting up and leaving earlier, but her body didn't seem to allow it. Janice was stubborn in her routines, and rushing to work was one she wasn't going to change, despite any benefit to her sanity. Halfway to work she sat back and listened to a talk radio show, "Earl & Company in the Morning," in which they discussed nothing of great significance. It was all about jokes and laughs. Sometimes she didn't want to be inundated with the news and seriousness.

In World News, the Middle East was raging with violence, as terrorist networks and so-called "sectarian groups" had effectively seized control of several countries in the region. Russia was moving on previously held territories in Europe, China was quickly advancing into the top spot as the world's top superpower, and they had already overtook America as the world's biggest economy. Iran and North Korea were unstoppable in their pursuit of a large nuclear arsenal. And this was in addition to all the problems occurring within the United States. It was too much to listen to at times. Too much to take in. To avoid depression, Janice listened to the humorous and trivial banter of "Earl & Company" instead.

Janice worked for an employment agency and recruitment company, Terry Services, Inc., a "temp agency" sourcing skilled workers for outside businesses. Her job involved processing applicants, scheduling interviews, and assisting walk-ins with appointments and general information. Each day was busy from open to close, but she also noticed a troubling lack of temporary jobs available overall. Sometimes her agency couldn't find applicants any work.

"Well, how did you get this job?" a frustrated man who couldn't find employment asked her.

"I applied for it like anyone else," she answered.

"Lucky you," the man said, storming out of the office. As a result, applicants were upset and short-tempered.

Janice pulled into the vast parking lot, just before nine, and saw that people were already lined up outside the building, looking for work. She thought it was ridiculous how people expected to find work the moment they walked in. Janice approached the front entrance, and pushed past the line of people at the door. She wanted to help them, she liked to help them—it was her job—but it seemed simply overwhelming for a Monday morning. She walked inside the building, past a cramped and full waiting lobby. She went down a hall, and entered her office.

A knock came at her door. Janice looked up and saw her co-worker, Laura standing outside her office. "It's a madhouse out there," she said to Janice.

"I expected it to be busy, but this is just, I don't know. Mondays, what can you do?" Janice said.

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