THE REVELATION - Book 3 (THE EVENT) Read online

  THE REVELATION

  BY

  M.W. HUFFMAN

  PART III

  Of

  THE EVENT Series

  The Revelation - Book III of The Event

  The Revelation© 2012 - M.W. Huffman

  All Rights Reserved

  The Revelation-Book III of The Event

  WaJe Productions

  This is a work of fiction from the mind of the author. It is not intended to resemble any person living or dead. Locations and dates may have been changed to meet the story line

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  This book is dedicated to my wife, Susan, and my children, Dominique, Jennifer, Cynthia, and Thomas, and to my extended family.

  “When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.”

  ―

  Paulo Coelho -

  PROLOGUE

  Book I – THE END was about the days immediately following the mysterious EVENT that wiped out almost seven billion of the Earth’s inhabitants. While not a ‘man-made’ event, it hardly mattered to the remaining few. This book dealt with the basic survival of those that did not parish and their struggles to endure.

  They had to overcome the very basics needs of food, shelter, safety and isolationism. Many of the key characters were introduced and their strengths and weaknesses explored. THE END takes place from the first minutes of THE EVENT until the end of the first year.

  BOOK II – THE BEGINNING is a look at not only what is going on in the United States but other counties as well. It deals mostly with Russia, China and Central Europe. Due to satellite damage, little is known about what is transpiring in the southern hemisphere. Many of the characters introduced in Book One – THE END are further developed as well as new emerging leaders in other countries. The major impetus is how Russia, China and the US are coping with the changing world.

  “IT IS NOT THE STRONGEST OF THE SPECIES THAT SURVIVES, NOR THE MOST INTELLIGENT THAT SURVIVES. IT IS THE ONE THAT IS THE MOST ADAPTABLE TO CHANGE.”

  - CHARLES DARWIN -

  CHAPTER ONE

  USA

  The day started off with brilliant sunshine as Randy headed to the hospital to see Colonel Webber. He was hoping to get to see Rachel for a few minutes as well. She was having her checkup to see how the baby was developing.

  “Good morning Randy,” Doctor Ruskin said as he came through the door.

  “Doctor Ruskin. What a beautiful day. It doesn’t get much better than this.”

  “Be hard to disagree with that. You here to see Rachel or the Colonel?”

  “Both if I can swing it.”

  “Rachel was going in for her checkup a few minutes ago. It may be a little while. The Colonel was awake the last time I looked in on him.”

  “Then I will go see the Colonel. Get out and enjoy the day if you get a chance,” Randy said heading down the hall.

  “Fat chance,” the doctor replied.

  Randy looked in at the colonel as he lay in the bed. He was gray looking and had lost a lot of weight. Randy hated seeing him deteriorate like this. If it wasn’t for Colonel Webber much of what they had accomplished would never have taken place.

  “Colonel,” Randy said quietly.

  The colonel’s eye’s flickered and then slowly opened.

  “Hi Randy. Come on in. I won’t bite.”

  “How are you feeling?” Randy asked as he came in the room and stood by the colonel’s bed.

  “Not much longer now,” the colonel replied.

  “Oh hell, you’ll out live us all.”

  “Don’t want to. Honestly Randy, I’m ready to die. I have no fear. I’ve made my peace with the Lord and I hope he will look favorably on me.”

  “Colonel, I have never known a finer man. I don’t want you to go but I understand what you’re saying.”

  “Randy, there is something I want to tell you before this old soldier kicks the bucket. I have always believed this country was founded on the belief in God. I understand with everything that is going on, religion hasn’t exactly been on the front burner but it should be. I’m only going to ask one thing of you. Please keep America based on God.”

  “Colonel...I understand and will do my best but so many of our survivors have given up on God. They are angry and confused. How could he have let seven billion people perish? I know we have a few who have found strength in the Lord but the vast majority want nothing to do with religion.”

  “Then you are going to have to remind them of why it is necessary.”

  “I’m not sure I’m the right person for that. I’m struggling with my own faith as well. I keep trying to figure out why a just and compassionate God would simply eliminate most of the world’s population. This isn’t like the rapture. This was something else. If he knows everything, why didn’t he know about this and do something about it?”

  “Randy no one can understand what the Creator thinks. He simply is. He knows why, but we are just men. How could we ever know what he has planned for us?”

  “Well a little enlightenment wouldn’t hurt any,” Randy replied resolutely.

  “Don’t expect God to tell you what his plans are. They will be as he determines. You and I aren’t privy to his design for mankind.”

  “All I can say is that it is doggone hard to have fuzzy feelings for a God that basically destroyed civilization.”

  “Maybe in his eyes we weren’t civilized and needed to start over,” the Colonel said.

  “I’ll do what I can. Like I said, maybe the right person will come forward and help. I just don’t see me being the one.”

  “You might just be surprised.”

  “Maybe, but I doubt it.”

  “So, how is everything else going?” the Colonel asked changing directions.

  “Good, for the most part. Electric cars are now in the hands of about seventy percent of the population. Trucks have been converted to propane gas. The water treatment plant is operating efficiently. We have over twenty thousand homes available for others as we locate them. We now have eighteen airplanes operating. Almost got a jet going but with no real computer help it makes it harder. None of the pilots have ever flown an old fashioned jet but they’re working on it.

  “Everyone getting along on the committee?”

  “Pretty much. We are expanding it to nine members and I will only vote in case of a tie.”

  “Good plan. I was going to suggest that you expand to nine. Like usual, you’re ahead of me.”

  “Nah. Just great minds think alike.”

  The colonel grimaced and put his head back on the pillow.

  “Randy, would you mind getting a nurse? I don’t feel real good just this minute,” the Colonel said suddenly.

  “Of course,” Randy said sticking his head out the door and yelling for a nurse.

  “Nurse. Nurse. It’s the Colonel. Hurry,” Randy shouted.

  Two nurses and two doctors rushed down to the room. They quickly maneuvered Randy out of the way and started checking the General.

  They worked on him frantically for several minutes. The monitors had changed pitch and rhythm. Randy knew it wasn’t good.

  “Shit. Damn it were losing him,” one of the doctors said.

  “Paddles?”

  “No. He adamantly specified DNR.”

  “But..”

  “No. It’s what he wanted.”

  A buzzer on one of the monitors suddenly screamed and the line
s spiked then they went flat. One of the nurses reached over and silenced the alarm.

  “I’m calling it at 09:23 TOD.”

  “Damn,” one of the doctors muttered.

  Randy didn’t need confirmation. He knew the Colonel was gone. Now what? He had been the one that Randy had always gone to for advice. Now he had no one except Rachel. Rachel was always a help but she had her own hands full with Sophie and the new baby on the way. What the hell was he going to do now?

  He slowly walked down the hospital hall. Several nurses were headed down to the Colonel’s room. He stepped outside and somehow the day didn’t seem as bright and cheery.

  He walked to the courthouse where the committee was going to meet at 10:00 a.m. He had taken a small office in one of the empty rooms. He went in and sat down behind his desk and put his head in his hands. Colonel Webber. Damn it. Why? Maybe the Colonel had made peace with God but this seemed like another sharp jab in the back to Randy.

  Suddenly he couldn’t hold it in any longer. He sobbed, tears running down his face and dripping off his nose. ‘I need you Colonel Webber. Damn it, this isn’t right. How can this be the Almighty’s plan? What purpose did the death of the colonel serve’? He couldn’t remember the last time he felt so alone.

  * * * *

  “As most of you know already, Colonel Webber passed away this morning. I just happened to be at the hospital when it happened. I’m sure you know he refused to do chemo and he also had a DNR in place.”

  “DNR?”

  “Do not resuscitate. When his heart stopped he didn’t want them to try to bring him back to life,” Randy said.

  “What do you want us to do now?”

  “I’ve already informed the radio station to let the citizens know. I have assured them that we will carry on in his absence and use his spirit to guide us.”

  “I hope this doesn’t cause major unrest,” Sims said.

  “It won’t if we handle it right. What I want to do is declare a day of mourning for the day after tomorrow. It will be our first national holiday. I want as many people as possible to take the day off. A public memorial service will be held here at the courthouse at noon, the day after tomorrow. Everyone is invited but it is optional. I don’t want them to feel pressured. I think we will be surprised at the size of the turnout. Captain Rosen, if you would be in charge of getting the square set up with speakers and whatever else you think we need, I would appreciate it.”

  “No problem. I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Thank you. I really appreciate that. Who would like to address the assembly?”

  “Like a eulogy?”

  “Yes. Sorry, I couldn’t think of the word. I’m a little overwhelmed right now.”

  “I would like to say something,” Margaret said.

  “I would too,” Colonel Miller added.

  “Anyone else? Of course I’ll want to say a few words,” Randy said.

  “Has this gone out over the radio and been put up on the bulletin board?”

  “You mean the day of mourning?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Not yet. I wanted to make sure everyone here knew first.”

  “I’ll take care of that for you,” Margaret said.

  “Great. Thanks.”

  “What else can we do?” Miller asked.

  “I’m open to suggestions,” Randy said.

  “Should we try to find a clergyman for the service?” Margaret asked.

  “Yes...well I know the colonel would like that. He pretty much told me so.”

  “Be kind of hard to find one don’t you think?” Sims asked.

  “Try the radio and bulletin board. Does anyone here want to take that part on?”

  No one spoke up.

  “Okay. See what we can come up with using the radio,” Randy finally said.

  “I would like to go and get the word out as soon as possible. We need to let the people know so work can be stopped and just critical crews working,” Margaret said.

  “I agree, we should adjourn our meeting for today and then we will pick up the next day after the memorial service. One thing I would like for you to be thinking about. I want to have nine people on the committee. Give some thought to who you think might be a good candidate.

  CHAPTER TWO

  USA

  The crowd was massive. The square was overflowing with people crammed into every nook and cranny. The sun was shining but a cool breeze helped keep everything pleasant. Randy was more than a little nervous. While he had done some public speaking he had never faced a crowd of this magnitude.

  He walked over to the door for what was probably the tenth time to look out at the crowd. Rachel tried to calm him but it didn’t seem to help much. He looked at his watch once more. It was noon, time to step out and deliver.

  He went down the stairs and stepped to the microphone.

  A smattering of clapping started and suddenly it begin to build. He had no idea why they were clapping. He hadn’t done anything yet. Finally it died down.

  “I hardly know where to begin. As I look out over all the people here I can’t help but reflect back to the day The Event took place. Just like you, I was wondering not only what had happened but how would I ever find someone else alive. Were Rachel and I the only ones? As I look out, obviously I had that part wrong.”

  Laughter rippled through the crowd. It was going to be alright.

  “We are here today to honor a great man, mentor, and friend to many of us. Those that never met him were nevertheless affected by his vision and tenacity. He worked harder than any of us and always put the survivors’ welfare before himself. I honestly don’t have the words to adequately describe what he has done for each and every one of us in this place we now call home. I had a few minutes to talk to Colonel Webber just before he passed and I want to share one thing with you that he said. No...that he asked me to do. He wanted to remind you all that America was founded on the belief in God. He said it was the foundation that made this country worth fighting for. He knows many of you have given up but he is asking each of us to dig deeper in our hearts and keep America a Godly nation. I promised I would deliver that message.

  Colonel Webber, you will be missed by not only me, but everyone one of the survivors. Without your vision and guidance we would not be in the position we are in today. I hope you are looking down on us today and smiling because of our appreciation for your accomplishments in making our lives better. I will miss you my friend,” Randy said, fighting back tears.

  Margaret came forward and hugged Randy briefly. She stepped to the microphone.

  “Reverend Stillwater.”

  The Reverend stepped forward. He was wearing a black suit, black shirt and white tie. Short and slightly balding he looked frail in the bright sunlight.

  “If we could bow our heads,” he said.

  Randy was surprised at the crowd. Almost every heads bowed for the prayer.

  “Heavenly Father, we humbly ask you to accept Colonel Webber into your presence. We know we will never understand the path you have chosen for each of us, but in our hearts, we know you are in control. You alone determine our fate. While we question from time to time, even become angry, we know you have a plan for each of us. We celebrate the life of Colonel Webber today and ask that you give us the strength to follow your will. Amen,”

  A chorus of ‘Amen’ could clearly be heard.

  After everyone had spoken about the colonel the crowd slowly dissipated, solemn, but not downtrodden.

  “That was outstanding Randy, Colonel Miller said, shaking Randy’s hand. Margaret patted him on the back and even Captain Sims, who was normally reserved, shook his hand.

  Randy was glad it was over and that he didn’t make a fool of himself. Now if he could only half fill the shoes of Colonel Webber he would be happy.

  * * * *

  Randy was seated at a small table with a microphone in front of him. Next to him sat Stan Foster, one of the radio station's hosts. He was on the air
live to give the people an overview of what they could expect over the next few months.

  “I have with me tonight Randy Boling, personally chosen by Colonel Webber to replace him if the need should arise. So Randy, you are now heading up the committee in place of Colonel Webber. Pretty big shoes to fill.”

  “Huge. It’s funny. I said the exact same thing after the memorial service.”

  “Are you up to it?”

  “I guess time will tell. I’ve been heading the committee ever since the colonel became hospitalized. We have an excellent group of dedicated survivors that have a wealth of knowledge and are committed to moving us along.”

  “So what do you have in the works right now?”

  “Well, we have come a long way since The Event and have made pretty good progress. Shelter, food, water, and safety are no longer pressing issues. Creature comforts have improved and will continue to improve. We are getting rid of almost all of the gasoline engine cars and have started shifting over to propane on the trucks. Of course having the radio station has helped with mass communications. Most houses now have a way of contacting each other through the new type of phone system we have in place. Sorry, no cell phones for quite some time.”

  “I’m not sure that’s such a bad thing,” the host quipped.

  “Me either, honestly,” Randy replied.

  “What about other nations? What do we know about them and what are they up to?”

  “Most of you are aware that we have sent a team to try to resurrect the Navy cruiser the USS Salem. We are hoping that with it in service we will be able to go to Europe and meet with the leaders of the other surviving nations. We know Russia, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Austria will have representatives. We do not know the intentions of China at this time. We are continuing to try to contact them but so far have had little luck. We want to have a world meeting to try to come to agreement on some pressing items that concern the entire world.