Richard Tighe leans back against the headboard of his bed. There’s a laptop propped up against his arched legs. He’s scanning various news sites and blogs.
He’s trying to keep his mind off of his sore muscles and blisters. He’s been doing a lot of running and walking the last two weeks. A lot of building and moving too. He’s not sure news on the End-of-the-World is the best diversion, but it’s the bulk of the news right now.
Today was still a partial work day even though it’s Thanksgiving, 2011. Not too much time to watch live football on TV. It’s tough for these refugee survivors to remember what they should be thankful for, but they try. They are alive, but so many of their friends and family are not.
A dinner of some traditional foods with some new friends helped some. They had to raid several markets to find enough frozen turkeys and pies to feed the current population of ninety-four. Yesterday a helicopter retrieved six of their oldest and sickest. The strong stay behind for now until better rescue efforts are better managed.
For now this high school serves as their fortress. Luckily the kitchen is industrial sized so it was able to cook enough turkeys for ninety-four.
Richard only scans the articles and opinion pieces. No time to read it all.
“The death toll from Tuesday’s Detroit Federal Building
Various anti-government and anarchist websites talk of sentiment that the ‘zombie virus’ was a deliberate attack against American citizens, or a Government science experiment gone wrong. Because the ‘zombie virus’ seems to spread so fast, many speculate it was cultivated as a weapon…”
“… Already above 9%, the US
Many predict the expected unemployment rate doesn’t bode well going into a Presidential election year. What is unknown is how the voters will see the Administration’s role in the recent tragedies. Is the administration doing enough in the wake of events? Are things now truly beyond control? Is a 10% plus unemployment rate inexcusable regardless of circumstances…”
“… the award-winning actor still remains missing after 16 days. He was last seen in Nashville
Friends, family, and management remain positive the actor is hiding out with other refugees, and will be found shortly.”
“Yesterday the NFL voted to resume the current football season, making up all missed games in January, pushing the Super Bowl back to a date still to be determined.
The Tennessee Titans will play the rest of the season in San Antonio , while the Cincinatti Bengals are still in negotiations with stadiums in Los Angeles , Toronto , and Milwaukee
The NHL held their vote earlier in the week and came to similar decisions. For both Leagues, teams outside, but near the infected zones, will not relocate as of yet, but reserve the possibility for later.
While critics feel the seasons should be cancelled out of respect for the deceased, the Leagues both site an already high unemployment rate and a commitment to those who directly, and indirectly, make a living from the live sporting events.”
“… It is still unknown whether ZEPA, the ‘Zombie Emancipation and Protection Alliance’, is real or a hoax. With extensive websites, and an already vast social media presence, someone is putting in a great amount of time to make some sort of statement.
The Onion immediately denied that ZEPA is a parody of there’s while others have yet to comment.
Whether a real organization, or a joke, thousands of individuals who’ve lost loved ones in these last two weeks have expressed outrage …”
“The Vice President, half of the Cabinet, select members of Congress, and seven of the nine Supreme Court Judges remain in seclusion, location unknown. None of them have been seen since Day 2 of the outbreak. To inspire confidence, the U.S. President, and the rest of the Cabinet and the Supreme Court remain visible at Camp David though heavily guarded by the military.
Speculation of their location, or locations, includes…”
“Gas prices increased to a nation-wide average of $6.32 per gallon. That’s an increase of $1.27 over last week. The disruption of oil supplies from the Middle East and Russia
While demand is expected to drop with the decrease in business activity and tourism, the supply is expected to decrease even more by far.”
“At today’s holiday morning press conference, President Obama reiterated the necessity and soundness of declaring Martial Law in the ‘afflicted counties’ of the current six states. He assured critics if would be immediately lifted once…”
“The Nation of Israel has confirmed that it has launched 3 short range ballistic (non-nuclear) missiles into infected areas within neighboring countries after initially denying reports. While critics condemn the actions in light of the use of nuclear missiles within China , Israel
According to a former Israeli Military Officer who wishes to remain anonymous, ‘Briefly, Israel’s strategy is to destroy bridges, collapse tunnels, or close mountain passes to keep migrating masses of zombies from reaching Israel’s borders with the rest of the Middle East.
‘It’s unwise to eliminate zombies only once they reach our border fences and check points. Israel Israel Israel
Most speculate it seems certain that Israel
“When the market closed yesterday gold was up for the 11th straight day for a high of $2948.00 an ounce. The level of uncertainty involving the zombie outbreaks and weakness in major world-wide currencies has continued to cause fears…”
“For the fourth day in a row, the UN Security Council failed to bring up for a vote a motion condemning China China , Russia
It’s obvious why China won’t condemn itself, and in my opinion, Russia
When my Grandparents immigrated here from Russia
“… The series of eight world wide charity concerts starring various top global musicians over one weekend will benefit the Red Cross’ refugee relief efforts in the United States, Europe, Israel, Russia, and India. The cities include New York , Los Angeles , Chicago , Miami , London , Tokyo , Melbourne , and Rio de Janeiro
The bulk of the proceeds are expected to come from Pay-Per-View telecasts and merchandising, but with the weakening economy, projections vary…”
“... It is still unknown why anyone would want to smuggle zombies out of the infected areas and deep into other “disease-free” states. The truck was pulled over outside Kansas City
She immediately re-locked the truck and called in authorities upon discovering the undead inside. The news quickly spread world-wide through social media before the Federal Government could contain the situation.
There was temporary disruption and panic in the Kansas City
The driver is refusing to talk and remains in custody. The police officer and other responders remain in quarantine.
The zombies were muzzled and manacled to keep them under control, and from biting and clawing. Various reports say there were between 10 to 25 found in the back of the rental truck.”
“…suicide rates are expected to quadruple according to authorities…”
“The cost of building supplies has skyrocketed as millions around the world scramble to build bomb shelters, safe rooms, and ‘home-made fortresses’ out of fear the virus may spread, or suddenly appear in brand new locations. This gouging has got to stop.
I call upon Congress to set price controls and to enact new laws for the prosecution of those who put profit before humanity...”
“The flow of Mexican, Central American, and South American immigrants south has continued, even from western states not remotely infected by the ‘zombie virus’.
Despite protests from the United States Government, Mexico remains closed to all American and Canadian citizens for a 13th day. All official border crossings are closed to those who cannot prove appropriate citizenship, or do not appear to be Hispanic. The cries of ‘racial profiling’ is falling upon deaf ears.
Those who cannot prove Latin American Citizenship are taking to crossing the US Mexico border illegally in violation of the unofficial quarantine.
Additionally, it’s estimated that several hundred thousand US
“… Egypt
Rumors of wide spread abuses and violence include stories of murder, rape, enslavement, illegal human trafficking, race & religious conflict, starvation & rationing, robbery, and fraud. Authorities are doing their best to clamp down on social media reporting with little success. Videos of the violence are getting out to the rest of the world.
Superstitions, conspiracy theory, and unfounded suspicions seem to rule events here in Egypt
“… Anderson
“Many churches bodies around the world are reporting record attendance in the wake of the new virus. The increases are often in the triple digits. Many community churches have added a second, third, or even fourth new service to their weekly schedules, while some have also added services on days they’ve never held services before.
Quoting Pastor Timothy Schmidt of Fifth Street Community Church in Chicago , Illinois
“For a 10th day, the ‘Chunnel’, the tunnel between France and England going underneath the English Channel , remains closed. As the German outbreak spread across the border into France , engulfing all of Luxembourg , and parts of Belgium
“… Meanwhile, food riots continue for a fourth day in the capital city…”
“… The man was shot by his neighbor in a moment of terror when he came next door to report his dog had jumped their shared fence. Adler heard the noise of the dog going through his trash cans, panicked, …”
“…Experts speculate the end of the Euro and the European Community is inevitable now that Germany has reversed decisions to financial assist Greece France
“Tomorrow, The National Republican Party is expected to take a vote and expected to support the continuation of the presidential nomination process and primary elections. Despite martial law being enacted in six states, politics may continue unaffected in the remaining forty-four states.
Still, more and more political commentators, analysts, and pundits fear and speculate that President Obama will eventually call off next year’s election in the name of stability and national security.
The Administration denies the possibility, though admits the Electoral College system needs to be examined. There might be the possibility of a new census to adjust for changes in population.
‘The President is committed to protecting the voting rights of refugees fleeing to other states or counties while displaced during these tragic times,’ says Senator…”
“… Pakistani Forces and volunteer civilians continue to fortify their borders naming public safety a ‘paramount concern.’ No zombie activity has occurred within Pakistan
Experts on the region have greater concerns. When asked about the ‘Nuclear Option’, Pakistani Officials completely deny the possibility. …”
“… Texas Governor Perry is expected to sign the controversial landmark bill into law now that the bill has been passed in an emergency session of the state legislature. The bill not only ensures the 100% unrestricted right to carry any weapon in public, but requires every household to own at least one firearm for its own protection.
In an era when states are suing the Federal Government over the constitutionality of forcing citizen to buy health insurance under threat of penalty, the validity of forcing citizens to buy guns will too undoubtedly be challenged.
The law is expected to be challenged in the courts all the way to the Supreme Court in a gun control law like we’ve never seen before.
Texas is also expected to pass a low income tax credit to allow disadvantaged families the ability to afford this investment in firearm protection to remain legally compliant should the zombie ‘plague’ spread south to Texas.
Quoting the Governor at a recent Presidential fundraising dinner, ‘The most effective way to halt the spread of this rampant virus is to halt the carriers before they bite someone else and create even more carriers. If people are readily armed, they can contain outbreaks even before law enforcement arrives. As we’ve seen, the authorities just can’t be everywhere when disaster strikes.’ ”
Richard considers changing over to some adult site, but not much in the mood recently. Too tired, and now that he’s living in a cold math classroom, it’s not home.
Instead he opens his e-mail and deletes all the new obvious junk mail. Despite ‘Armageddon,’ some things never change. Next he starts a letter to his parents. Luckily his parents moved south to Florida
“Mom,
Hope your Thanksgiving went well. Say HI if anyone’s still around.
I’m still safe and sound. We managed an extra special dinner tonight. Not as good as yours of course. Turkey
John Kidney even deep fried a couple out in the quad without burning the place down. Another guy snuck out to checked some rabbit snares he set. I passed on the rabbit.
I read your last message yesterday and I wish you wouldn’t worry so much, but that’s a lot to ask of you. We’re safe in our compound. I’m getting a better shot everyday. Glad to hear you caught my last TV interview on Fox. I’ll try to stutter less. : )
The helicopters have limited space and only show up when the army can spare them. The women, children and sick go first. I can’t argue priority over them and I’m needed here.
This morning some of the other guys found a family hiding in their garage. Hadn’t eaten in days. Too scared and confused to go out and scavenge. They brought them in and their first meal in days was our Thanksgiving. Feels good we’re still finding survivors. I think we will for awhile. They’ll go out on the next helicopter.
I’ll write again tomorrow so you know I’m safe. I’ll call too. The phones are hit and miss.
Tell Dad I love him,
Love you too,
Richard”
Richard turns his laptop computer off to conserve energy, put it under his bed, and rolls over to go to sleep. Scavenging that mattress wholesaler near the highway was dangerous, but one of the best things they’ve done since setting up shop here at the high school. Army cots only go so far.
