Final Solstice by Sakmyster David

Author:Sakmyster, David [Sakmyster, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal & Urban
Amazon: B00XT7EJKS
Publisher: WordFire Press
Published: 2015-05-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

The broadcast started as he’d expected. Everything by the numbers. He was professional, enthusiastic and confident, yet somber as he discussed the plight of the farmers and the rationing of water for the residents. Four elderly people had died from dehydration, and the local economy had lost tens of millions. The situation was past dire, and there was no relief in sight.

He spoke with his back to the west, the mountains on his left. Halfway through, the mayor came to his side and spoke about the town’s resilience and the conservation efforts so far, and expressed his thanks for the support of church groups and the power of prayer.

On that note, Mason was left to offer the sobering scientific alternative: that short of divine interference, Lawton City residents were in for another week at least of misery. He discussed the air flows, the prevailing winds taking clouds and precipitation systems in a strong dip north and then arcing around Iowa and Indiana, blessing them with an abundance of rain in their time of need but ignoring Oklahoma like a spurned lover.

It was about this time, with only a few minutes left in the broadcast that Mason’s confidence faltered. He noticed a change in the direction of the cameras that had been securely fixed on him until now, and a general muttering among the crowd. A few people pointed in a direction over his shoulder.

Trying to stay professional, Mason kept talking, resisting the urge to glance that way, but then he sensed it too. First in his sinuses, always able to tell a change in the pressure. Then his skin tingled and his hair moved in rising breeze, cooling his scalp. Finally, he saw the landscape darken and people in the crowd took off their sunglasses, no longer squinting against a sun that had fled against a dark, imposing force.

Mason stopped for a breath and turned his head just slightly, then all the way. His shoulders tensed and he had to stop himself, remembering the open microphone before he swore. But maybe that was what they were hoping for—a reaction to go with the unbelievable sight, as if another mountain range, black as onyx and roiling in flux, vaulted over the Wichita range, tumbled and picked up steam. It fired off jagged lightning in wild directions, rolling, twisting and churning toward him, consuming the blue skies and devouring the light.

O O O

Later, photos and video images plastered over the web would call to mind comparisons between Mason and the lone resistance member standing up to the tank in Tiananmen Square; but if asked to answer truthfully, Mason would have had to admit his apparent bravery was more a product of profound disbelief and incredulity than any shred of courage. And when the advanced scouts of pealing thunder scattered the crowd, and the mayor rushed to safety inside a nearby bank while others raced to their cars and fled in the opposite direction, Mason stood his ground.

He stayed motionless even as

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