Chapter I
Meet the associate
A nightmare consisting of blurry images of blood colored muzzle flashes, gender-less screaming and gunfire caused me to wake in cold sweat. My chest felt heavy as if I had been running. Eyes felt dry but that is typical from sleeping the day away. Stiff, sore and quietly cranky I pulled my self from this beat up bed.Staggering to my feet, I popped my back, neck with the rest of my body cracking with the slightest movement, “Need a new bed.” murmured from my dry mouth as I grabbed my work clothes before staggering off into the bathroom.
Showered, skipped the shave for tonight, then got dressed; Then finally, kitchen and/or living room. A simple breakfast accompanying a game session on the PS3 before it was time to finish getting ready to go. Once boots were on, lunch bag set, pack on, I checked for any lights left on, then out the door I went.
"Another buck, Another day in the suck." I thought aloud as I locked the house behind me. Trudging through the light rain, I unlock my trusty steel steed, the Jimmy's locks chunked twice before I threw my back pack and lunch bag into the back seat before climbing into the driver seat; my shuffle plugged into the tape adapter.
Unlike most Jimmy's, this particular GMC was rather, unique. There were wires that supposed to connect to the ignition switch to the starter, the pump and the computers in general. So, with them worn and/or shorted out, the car it self will not start. Thankfully, my father and I Jerry rigged a switch that would by pass the dead wires to force the car to function.
Clicking the switch the dash board came to life and the interior light went out. Since Most 90s era cars and trucks had an issue with the winter weather, or at least this one did; It took awhile for the engine to turn over. A few spins later, the car rattled to life. backing up, I jockeyed this tank of an SUV in this cramped parking lot before I could finally roll down to the gravel driveway entrance. Letting some speeding traffic pass, I turned right on my road then a quick left down Grandview, Seconds later, left on Fruitdale. The drive should be at least a six minuet cruise to make it to work but with it being after hours however, the traffic would be still thick. Right turn and up Parkdale drive only to stop at the first red light.
Waiting for the change, I flipped through tracks on the shuffle till I found 'Two Elixirs'; rolling through the intersection I let my ears get lost in the words while I drove up the road. Up ahead, was another intersection, Green light; Made right and cruised on up redwood highway and followed it with the rest of the traffic.
Another bridge and another right at another intersection later, I was on the back road leading pass the parkway village, further down, remnants of buildings stand derelict due to a failing economy, the mill still stood tall but never for months had anyone see the familiar white plume of steam billow from the only stack; The neighboring wood working warehouse now a smoked out husk of what it used to be. My real destination was marked with a tall, bullet riddled sign that still had functioning lights. despite it's disfigurements, the plastic sign still bore the two words that once meant a casual, enjoyable walk through the store, now a sign of dread of the place I now worked for.
WalMart
This superstore stood the test of time for sure, but diffidently was the sight of several news worthy events. Such as the December Riot that sent six of my fellow overnight associates to three rivers and established the unofficial policy allowing the remaining workers of the overnight team to conceal carry and/or open carry. Pulling into associate parking, I turned the shuffle off, got out, got my gear, hooked up a pair of ear buds to the shuffle, closed up, locked the car, then walked into the store with out pausing in step.
Checked my watch, 8:38, enough time to swing through grocery side, grab a dollar pasta cup and a monster. Cashed out at self check, then hoofed all the way to the back. Stuffed my feeble lunch into the blue econ bag then crammed it onto a shelf in one of the refrigerators. Next, was taking my corner, AKA the Maintenance table. My pack found the portable table top's surface with a audible 'thunk!' Zipping it open, I pulled the essentials out of the pack; the new standard issue associate vest, a thin piece of blue cloth with "proud associate" on the right shoulder with a distinctive golden spark printed on the back; an epic bulls-eye to ware when working by the way.
next was my water bottle pouch, a memento from years ago when I was a humble member of a trail maintenance crew working for the BLM. Now, it carries any random water bottle that I get or find unopened through out the store. Upon dumping the contents, box cutter, radio ear piece, pen, sharpie and my baton.
The baton was an ASP collapsible baton that would extend with a hard flick of the wrist and would require a hard surface to collapse it back into the hilt. It took it's home in the right side pocket on my khaki color carpenter jeans, at least for tonight anyway. Clipped the box cutter to the belt and tucked the rest of my work related items into my vest. fished out my name badge, the life line to any associate in this company, with out it, you can't clock in, go to meal and so on.
While this new “policy” had allowed associates to carry the means to protect themselves , I too took up on this gig and opened carried my Norinco Handgun; However, after failing to find a comfortable location on my person to carry it as well the holster kept getting snagged on everything in the store, I decided to keep it in my pack just encase trouble came storming through those front doors.
Normally, there would be the one other maintaince associate seated here waiting for time to pass slowly while we waited for the clock to strike closer to the punch in time. Yet, tonight would be different, either he called out or is BSing with one of the closing shift crew.
After hurrying around I had to wait for time to catch up, yet at the same time it felt like it would be hours before anything can happen. Wait, time check:
8:55, Good, time to step out of the break room.
Standing out here in the hall way, I can hear the unloaders in the GM backroom behind me doing their part of the work, but I think it is getting close to their break time or lunch; hell I don't remember, it was a long time since I was one of them.
8:59, close enough, swipe!
after a short tone, the screen lagged on.
Alexander, select punch type
or select MENU for more options
With out thinking I reached up and pressed the top left button.
Punch accepted, Alexander
Smirked at the clock, for several months this clock and it's cousin just a few feet away had both been polite to take my punches. Though, I wouldn't mind punching this clock regardless if it wanted to take my punch or not; wouldn't of done any good but it would make one feel better knowing at least some contraption of this company would feel my pain.
Clipping the badge to the slit on the left shoulder of my vest, I hurry down the hallways. A lot of people have seen the main floor or sales floor, but the real Walmart is what is behind those “associate only” doors you walk by every day. bins, racks and concrete floors filled with merchandise and other supplies to make the store function, Each item seen on the floor is organized based on where they are through out the store.
I passed the maintenance closet, checked for any new 99 supplies, nothing yet, another week of slow orders I concluded. passed the beat up machines parked next to the closet, both had their lids propped open with their charging cords strung out and plugged in.
I quietly cheered that maintenance will have (sort of) working machines tonight. Most of the time-well, all the time; we are at the mercy of the shifts before us to keep the machines working for we all share these aging cleaning machines. The only thing newish here would be the tiny buffer with it's bright green plasticy body sat ready for work as it too was charging.
Aside from this, my real job was just a short walk down the next corridor. The storage shelves carried infant supplies further down, gave way to the massive collection of shoes that would make any east coast brat squee with glee, opposite side of the material things was a wall of shelves that carried snacks destined to eventually fill the shelves out on the floor. Within a minuet the corridor gave way to the grocery back room.
THE most cluttered room in the building, pallets of candies and floor bins of unstocked items littered the floor while shelves and upper bins filled with merchandise that couldn't go to the floor. I fixed my eyes on the seven unwrapped pallets of food items that just came off the grocery truck, they towered over me but I wasn't intimidated.
I drew my box cutter, gave a few quick squeezes on the yellow grip, making the tiny razor blade click with each rappid squeeze; all the while eyeing a pallet loaded with mostly coffee items, pasta items and snacks. Clicking the cutter one more time, "lets do this." I reached up and sliced the industrial saran wrap cocoon open.
Grabbed a rocket cart and started my first part of my shift:
Down stacking
Even with the help of a fellow maintenance associate and the support manager assigned to this side of the store, this little 'bout with the pallets took nearly one an half hours of the shift to complete. As usual, the beverages took the longest, cases of water, soda and various juices had to be separated from the pallet then organized into separate carts or pallets to be sent to their corresponding locations on the sales floor.
The last cart I pulled was full of random items meant for the pharmacy department, which of course was on the other side of the massive store, I think about roughly a mile walk to just drop these stupid things off. oh well, start pulling! I lugged the cart through grocery side, down an action alley then across the apparel departments, made a right before housewares then a left at seasonal.
Dropped the cart off next to some of the new fright that filled any space possible. over here, turned around and headed back to see what is left of the new freight in the backroom. "This is all of it." I was told while the last pallet was being pulled by my fellow member of maintince.
"Awesome, now to do my real job." I half joked with the other maintenance associate as I passed him, "I know right?”
Normally, I would do my usual walk through the back room then loop around through site-to-store to the front to hopefully find a decent radio to carry for the night. Walking up to the front I meandered to the computer podium, scanned my badge to read what my tasks weere for tonight. While the slow computer worked on the overburdened network, I mentally calculated my work week so far.
Lets see, today would be my Thursday, normally, I would get outside duties while the rest of the poor saps gets the inside crap. Sure enough, my guesses were right when my guide finally loaded up to only display three tasks;
OUTSIDE TRASH
OUTSIDE CLEAN UP, CANS AND BOTTLES
SWEEP FLOORS
Of course, the last task was typically given to all maintenance due to the fact that some unreal expectation dictates that I would get my job done in time to push a broom through out the store to make way for one of the scrubbers.
HA!
Right and I would wake up one day knowing that this job would be Deemed pointless because of some unexpected event. God damn it I sure wish it being a nuke or something; Logging off, I turned to walk into customer service when the self proclaimed manager of maintenance caught up with me to toss me the keys to the cans and bottle machines. "You got outside tonight."
"Yep, Saw the tasks already."
"Think you're going to need help out there?"
"Not really, I saw Timmy was out there tonight, so I think I got a handle on things."
That's how it normally goes when he passes the keys to me. During my Thursdays and Fridays an awesome stock man team would be working the parking lot, keeping the area clear of shopping carts. After they leave, it would be up to overnight maintenance to pick up where they leave off. With a shrug I go into the back of customer service, sign out a radio, clip it to my belt and sure enough not a second after I turned the nob I hear someone over the line.
"Maintenance."
grumbling before I gripped the mic piece, "Go ahead." I released the talk button, "Can we get a scrubber over to isle fifteen? We got a spill over there." Before I could reply a quick, "I'll be on it." came over the line. "Thank you Doug." I mumbled aloud keeping my thumb off the talk button.
I walked into the back once again to collect my coat as well whatever trash bags I can scavenge in the closet to do the outside trash as well a bundle of latex gloves that would prove some help for dealing with the horrors of those trashcans. While scrounging the closet, "Hey Josh," I turned to see one of the eleven'o'clock maintenance had clocked in on time.
"Oh, sup man," I gestured a quick wave as I dug into the bag boxes. "Got outside?" He asked noting my jacket, "Yep, Nothing like being thrown out into the cold." I stating with a frown. "pff, Can't really say I would want to be out there tonight."
"Nor do I inside."
The Associate that stood there chatting with me was a tall stout boy, Stood easily six-something, wore yellow tinted glasses (mostly to combat the glare of the interior lighting); He wore his vest open for it also was a mismatch in size, Hanging from the same slit like mine, was a badge reading 'Jonathon'. He eyed the busted up scrubber still parked there, there was now an empty space where one of them did stood. "Got a spill out there already, Doug took the Cadillac out to clean it up." Jon made an exaggerated frown at the empty space, fallowed by a matching glare, "What kind?"
"Isle fifteen I think."
"Oh shit." He face palmed, "At least he should of taken a du-" he saw that the small broom and dustpan where still hanging from their screws. "-Never mind!" he threw his hands up before turning to the other scrubber. "Pray he doesn't screw up the new squeegee on the glass." I commented as I dug out a half roll of smoky gray collection bags and a full roll of green extra large bags.
"So do I, it wasn't easy getting these two ordered as is." He noted taking the squeegee tray off from the scrubber and proceeded to take it apart to clean it. It was his opening ritual to clean the machine he would be using most of the night. "No kiddn', I don't even think he expects to clean anything other than that mess, whatever it is."
"Nnnope."
I pocketed the rolls into my jacket before proceeding to, "Who's sweeping?" Jon asked as he grabbed a spray bottle filled with a mixture of cleaning liquids of my design. "Lets see, Seven should be sweeping, Leon is stuck stocking in grocery again."
Jon shook his head in disapproval, "Agreed," I replied in agreement; "I think Jim is here tonight so bathrooms are covered." Paused to think, "They probably got Doug waxing tonight, then they got me outside tonight." Jon sprayed the crap out of the reddish squeegee blades as he listened, used paper towels to clean the gunk that had built up from being used all day.
"Just hope Doug brings the Caddy back before setting up the wax zone," I noted finally, "I know, He knows better than to take the Cadillac anywhere near waxing." John grumbled, "Fff Its not going to be a long night."
"Oh not at all." I laughed as I walked through the swing door into the sit-to-store, "Good luck tonight!"
"This is Walmart, Luck has nothing to do with it." That added to our morbid humor as he gestured at the parts before him, "Lets do dis!" I hear as the door closed behind me. I only smiled at our black humor we cook up at the expense of the company we work for. I cross the store yet again, using apparel as a short cut to get to the front.
Noted that the cart walls were already up and Steven was making passes around the front registers pushing a dust mop along the floor supporting it with a scrapper. I headed for grocery entrance. Took a step outside and the cold air hit me like a sheet wall of cold.
Steam exhaled from my mouth as I scanned the parking lot that was put into my care for tonight. Sure enough the carts were removed from the lot but plenty more were being generated from the late night shoppers. Looking up, I noticed the sky is clouded up again, figures, cloudy skies would result in another foggy night.
Taking another look at the lot I take a deep cold breath before letting it in a quiet huff, "Another night in paradise." I nodded before walking right to check on the recycling machines.
5:47 AM
Three trips with the trash, four cans-n-bottle calls, Lunch at some point, two hand counts and lastly watch a shoplifter get walked out in cuffs by one of the few remaining PD that worked in this town. All was left was the shopping carts at this point. Outside maintenance is provided with a cart pushing machine but I refuse to use for I spend more time fighting with it in the cart corrals than actually making any use of it.
So, I do it the old fashion way by pushing and shoving short strings of carts to the cart bay door or the stockpile of carts that stacked against the wall on this side of the store. I checked the time after I added my current string to the stock pile.
Time to check the radio in and proceed to get out of this eye sore. I removed my soggy gloves, tossed the latex I wore under neath them, then walked towards the smoke registers to hand over my radio to one of the Customer service Associates before turning to walk to the back one last time.
I looked at the time clock.
6:02
Oh whoops, running late to clock out, oh dear me. Riight, any over time is good time to me. I swiped my badge, pressed the bottom left button then walked into the break room. I took everything off before stuffing it into my back pack. Threw my pack on, grabbed my lunch bag.
With in minuets I was walking on out of here before anyone can stop me for anything, well, only stopping enough to playfully mock the guys for leaving early. John was, on time, scrubbing the floors around grocery. He gave me a glare as I walked by, "I so envy you right now."
"See ya!" I waved the victory gesture at him as I walked by the slow moving scrubber. "Have a good one."
"You too." And I was out of the building with out incident.
6:19
I pile myself and everything else into the Jimmy before carefully climbing into the driver seat. Constantly walking on one's feet, you wouldn't really notice the toll it takes on the body till, you get into your car.
I gritted my teeth from the uncomfortable stiffness and soreness as I sat down. pulled the door closed before going limp briefly. I couldn't-wait, wouldn't move for a few moments as my body tried to quit on me. I forced the willpower out of me to set, turn the key, flip the switch then start the car.
My shuffle's music carried me home while I did sing along with one or two of the tracks.
-
HOME, home at last.
I pulled into my parking space, half under a car port awning. I turned everything off and just sat there. "I don't want to moove." I groaned aloud. My body protested the very thought of getting out of the car to get inside. I fought the internal struggle of fatigue for a few minuets before the awesome power of will compelled me to open the door, take off that seat belt of course.
Half-way falling out of the car, dig the lunch bag from the back seat, close the car, lock it then stagger to the front door. The faint salmon colored duplex wasn't really much of a place, but it was home. Well, a bad choice of a home. I fiddled with the keys before finding the house get, wait not mom-n-dad's house key, but mine.
Fitting the key, I turned the first lock, the dead bolt chunked open, then the main nob. Staggering inside, I removed the keys then closed the door behind me. "Honey, I'm home." I spoke to my self as I worked the dead bolt behind me. The click of the bolt seemed to of echoed in the room.
My apartment wasn't the prettiest of furnished homes but still carried the signs of a recent bachelor pad. The living room had a mismatch of a couch, two chairs and a futon. My desktop occupied the computer desk closest to one corner of the room.
The TV didn't have an entertainment center but an antique coffee table to use as a stand for gaming or movies (mostly gaming of course). To its sides where two book cases, one for movies, the other for games. The floor to the living room was divided by a metal band across the floor, beyond that, was the kitchen/dinning room.
The table, which my laptop sat on one end, had old kitchen chairs lining the sides. The kitchen it self was small, several feet of counter top spaces, a 90s era stove/oven set up, a probably late 80s era dishwasher complete with a matching fridge from probably the same time period.
Tossed the bag on the cluttered counter top, I took a glass from the cupboard to take a shot of water before taking a seat at the futon to remove my boots. It was late, and even though there was a pull to smash face on payday, I did not want it. My bed had the bigger pull at this point in the morning.
Wobbling to the bedroom, I took my antique Samsung to check my alarm. I had it set for way later this afternoon and hopefully I can pull myself out of bed with the sheer motive that it's my Friday. Closing the door to the tiny bed room, I dressed down, took my watch off, wound it before pocket it; adjusted the black out curtains.
Stumbled over one of the laundry bags with the bed breaking my fall. not really caring of the complaining the muscles made from the fall, I pulled blankets over me. I partially crawled out of the floor bound bed to close the door to my bedroom before laying back.
As if on que, my brain decided to say it isn't done yet, random scenes from unwritten stories and monologues of unmade characters echoed in my head as I laid there in the dark. Tossing and turning, I eventually found a sweet spot on the bed that made me finally relax enough to drift away from my thoughts.
No dream came to me this morning, just drifted away into the black of my mind.
Chapter II
The Rouge Valley Meteor
I awoke to not my phone going off, but to nature's call. I didn't want to move, just laid there trying to go back to sleep, I can hold it a little longer, I thought with my eyes shut. Then, like a steam engine, my brain came to life with thoughts and the same unwritten crap swam around in my head. "Damn iiit." I whined as I finally crawled out of bed. Threw on my bath robe while I staggered into the bathroom.
Coming back out, I went back into the bedroom, picked up my watch; 4:24 it read. Not wanting to complain anymore, I put the watch on then wondered into the living room for I remembered that I had some things to do before work today. Thankfully, nowhere to go just what was around the house. Ate some toast while I checked the net at the desktop computer, the news in summary talked about pussy-footing politics, reminders of the nations crumbling economy, thanks to stupidly high gas prices as well high prices on house hold necessities, over taxing conflicts across the glob, people disappearing- blah, blah blah.
Then, I found steam; Hello steam, care for a few rounds payday? or maybe a few hours of mount and blade? either way, I absently clicked away and opened payday. Alright, robbing banks it is! BUT FIRST; I got up while it loaded the company logos and intro videos, currently it was the cursed Diamond Video. I noted that the video was animated by the same folks who made the drawn animation cut scenes from company of heroes or that's what I thought while I wondered into the kitchen.
First thing to do was cycle the dishwasher, emptied the dishes, utensils and plates into their proper places in the cupboards and drawers. I turned to face the sink; I rinsed, scrubbed then sorted the new batch into the tiny dishwasher. stuffed a dishwasher pod, closed, locked turned the nob to start it up. It hummed while it went to work saving it's contents from the horrors of rot, decay and bacteria.
Dug out my sixteen ounce glass mug from a cupboard, filled it with water then returned to my desk were my game character stood on screen in the main menu; I didn't change out the load out since the last time I played, mostly (re)played the "Firestarter" Mission to death. In one hand, my character held the games version of the MG42 while the C96 filled the other. I was a monster rocking the historical weapons found in this game and the new Historic weapons DLC only made me stronger in the field. My exploits with these world war guns was recorded once, played a mission on overkill difficulty and I took on two bull dozers.
I leveled the 42 and buzzed away; Since I had practice on the PS3 version, I knew how to take these walking tanks down. With the rate of fire being close to the real deal, I chewed through the dozer's face plates then watched them drop. My team cheered me on while I stood my ground against the odds. After the second dozer dropped, I swung to one side during the same long burst, chewed a cloaker up when he was in mid leap.
"Hope You boys saw that, because I won't be doing that again!" I recalled saying to them. shortly later, I had friend requests from each of them before we went our separate ways. Today however, I feel like going Gorge Nelson on someone today and loaded out with the Thompson, kept my Mauser, switched back to a 'lighter' armor (just one over from the combined tactical armor) set then started a warm up mission; bank heist (cash).
Of course I didn't wait for anyone else to join in while in the lobby, so I just jumped right into the action. The job was simple enough, sneak around as much as possible, get the thermal drill to the vault, lock the place down, tie up a few civis, mow down the guards, then sit tight and wait for city's "finest" come rolling up on the bank while the drill went to work. I wasn't one for stealth so I just grabbed the drill, stormed in from the back door; Popped the first guard with the broom handle, weaved through the back corridor, threw the bag at the vault then proceeded to set up the drill.
Heard another guard shout at me as the drill started up, turned, Ate'em up with the Tommy gun. Turned back to the drill, '210' seconds remaining. Heard first responders pull up with sirens blaring; shouted at the remaining patrons and clerks to get down, Tied up two before I started taking fire through a window. Let a burst off in response. I turned off my hit indicator in this game so I could just see my hits more vividly from afar instead of that white little blink around my cross hair.
Short time later, I hear Bain notify me that SWAT was finally responding to the scene that wasn't until four more uniforms ate forty-five trying to get inside my new hold out. Reloading, I hear the loud mouthed coppers make their way inside somewhere. Fuckers move in packs so when i turned a corner from the banker booth, I found five SWAT turning their attention to me. "OH SHIT!" then moved back not before taking a wimpy shot from one or two of them. Since I forgot to reload I switched to the Mauser.
Popped back out to let them have it; A quick thirty Mauser auto beat down later, I was picking up the dropped ammo boxes. Switched to the Thompson, reloaded as I was hearing Bain yelling at me that they were liberating the hostages, oh well, I mainly tie'em up to distract the coppers and/or bait them to a choke point in the building.
As I raised my Thompson's sights on another squad of SWAT, the game paused, someone was joining the fun. While waiting I checked the time, got maybe enough time to play this round, break off from the computer, get a load in the dryer, change out the dishes (maybe), then proceed to either play another mission or go back to bed for work.
Either way, when the player finally loaded in, he spawned next to me. He took off mowing through cops while collecting board to barricade the windows. The vault was about a quarter of the way when another notification popped on saying another player was joining in. While waiting I heard a faint sound, A rumble. I moved my headphones briefly to hear it.
Didn't hear anything strange after a minuet. With a shrug I turned back to the game right as the new player joined, I eyed his display on my HUD, "Oh snap, He brought a Ove-nine," I spoke over the mic, "Cover his ass!" releasing the mic button, "Now I wish I did buy the ammo bag asset." I thought to my self as I put my self close to the vault. A third player finally joined and now it was a party!
However, when the vault did finally open, "Alright guys lets get the-" the computer went dead in an eye blink. "-The fuck?!" I pressed the power button, nothing. "No way!" I took off my head phones. When I did, I was startled to what sounded like cannon fire outside. Thunderous roar filled the world around my ears. I tied my robe and went outside.
Once outside, I looked around trying to pin point the source. Another boom drew my eyes to the sky. My god, the sky was alight! The sky was filled with what looked like the aurora borealis but, it divided by three colors, blues, reds and greens would separate then meld together randomly as the sky gave way to another crackle of thunder.
"Oh man..." escaped my lips.
"You seeing this?!" I hear behind me.
I looked over to see one of my neighbors, I looked passed him, everyone had done the same by emerging from their homes. "Yeah, What the hell is that?" I asked him, I had to shout over the racket as the noise grew more intense with more frequent booms. The lights danced across the sky like a Tesla coil light show. The colors colliding then separating as if fighting for control of the skies, the only thing that crossed my mind was that this could only be described by the GM during a rifts game or watching some cheesy 80's era Si-fi movie. Either way, this would of been terrifying if it hadn't awestruck me first.
"Beats me man, but holy shit this is awesome!" Was his only reply as I turned to back to the sky. This noisy light show stretched as far as I could see, it was a surreal sight seeing the colorful entrails stretch in every direction, even disappearing over beacon hill and the other surrounding mountain ranges. I was getting lost in the light show when, it happened.
The loudest thunder I ever heard forced me to cover my ears as a Flash of light took over the world for a moment. I would've sworn that it could of been a nuke going off right over head but thank god that wasn't such the case. When I reopened my eyes, I looked up at the sky again. To my awe, the tentacles of color had been replaced by A single ball of light.
It was a solid dark blue light as it fell towards earth. If one wasn't looking carefully, they would loose it to the night sky around it. It fell far north of Grants pass, "Oh shit, its going to hit!" Yet, when I shouted, I watched helplessly as the ball of light vanished into the horizon, blocked out by mountain ranges and forest.
Neither me or my neighbor could see or hear any resemblance of an impact. Our words fled out minds as we simply looked at each other before I gazed at the night sky before cloud cover melded back to their proper places over the little city. After standing their like a dweeb I snapped back to reality. "That, is going to make news for sure." was all that could fall from my mouth.
"I know right?!" He replied excitedly before turning to go back inside his side of the duplex. I blink at the sky again, I looked into the direction of where the object had fallen. From this angle, it could of fallen anywhere from here to Roseburg. I dismissed the light show for the time being as I looked at my watch. I didn't realize that I was shaking, both of my hands were trembling from not the cold but probably from what I just watched.
reading the watch, I could tell I had to get back inside and get ready for work; but first, check the mail. I carefully crossed the street to check my busted up mail box. It bore the markings of something powerful had gone off inside it. Indeed there was, I had a noise maker that was simple but effective; It was a brace that held a twelve gauge shell set to go off when something tripped the wire.
This case, it was a custom magnesium round rigged in the back of the mail box, aimed at the lid. Someone did try to take my mail once, but was chased off by the surprise burst of harmless sparks that shot out of the mail box. I just watched as the poor sap ran for the canal just beyond the short wall along the side walk. There was water down there so watching a thief's sweater burst into flame didn't really concern me, just laughed as he vaulted overboard and Splash! I only checked on him when he crawled out of the canal.
Tonight however, there hasn't been one for a while so I had my bills and other junk mail come in. well, aside from this month's first issue of shotgun news. Always enjoyed reading the articles When I crossed back over, I looked at the houses, there were still dark. That light show must of really killed the power grid.
As I went inside, I fumbled around in the dark till I found my hallway light. The Minecraft torch lit the way when I took it off the wall. This little toy suddenly was worth it's fourty dollars in gold. With the torch in hand, I got ready for work. When making my lunch bag, I realized that with the power out there wouldn't be any hope for all the items in the freezer, so I grabbed some frozen chimichangas to compliment my lunch.
I felt my phone go off on my belt, Checking it,
You got power? It came from my friend who lives on the other side of town.
Nope, total black out over here... was my reply
I Continued getting ready when the phone vibrated again, didn't check it till I had my gear on me.
Drats its dead here!!
Eyep, I think the whole valley is out. I think that means no work tonight too! I texted not really excitedly. I dropped the phone into a breast pocket on my coat before I left outside. Aside from my usual get up, I had my laptop's case wrapped over a shoulder while I left the house. I dumped everything into the car while the phone went off again.
I wasn't really surprised that, some how, the cell towers are still operating.
When everything was in the car, I fished out the phone.
so that means you will be coming over early???!
I stared at the phone for a moment, His friend must of forgotten about my weekend scheduled; not tonight, heading out to the parents, but i will tomorrow. I sent to him before dropping the phone back into the pocket.
I started up the car then jockeyed the Jimmy out of the drive way.
Traffic, oh my god the traffic. It was really thick tonight, of course the black out didn't help matters. Thankfully, Volunteers from the sheriffs department had responded to the chaos along with the police. Both intersections I stopped at had an officer directing traffic the old fashion way with hand signals. Years before, traffic would be quiet and cooperative when traffic lights were out, now an days, It would make one think your in the middle of New York traffic.
Honking, revving engines, screaming drivers, it was a messy sight, but I didn't really give a care since no one had the balls to-oh wait never mind. An impatient driver shot out across the intersection with out being directed, the Deputy waved at the driver to stop but only dove out of the way as the pick-up charged across the Parkdale-redwood highway intersection.
The crazy swerved into another vehicle, smashing the driver side front fender and door before vanishing around the turn towards sixth and seventh street. A quick honk emoted from that direction. on lookers and two other volunteers ran over to check on the accident.
Not deterred by the action of almost getting hit, the deputy stood back up before slowly getting back into directing traffic. I mental praised the people rushing to help someone, at least there was some humanity left in this age of greed. Finally after ten minuets of cross traffic, Me and twenty other cars got the signal to go, "Right turn James."
The rest of the trip was slow but made it to work, however, the scenery was eerie non the less. Fire mountain gems, the home depot and the other surrounding shopping centers were dark, only lights from cars, flares, and a few hand held spot lights were the only ways to see anything at this hour.
Pulling into the back entrance of Walmart, the parking lot matched the rest of the town, chaotic. The flashing lights of police beacons marked their presence here. Pulling into my usual spot, I left my gear in the car while I worked my way towards the front of the store, almost getting hit once by an impatient driver. Outside the grocery entrance fellow coworkers were either guarding the entrance with the help of police or helping people out of the store.
One of the associates guarding outside was hard to miss, he was one of the co-managers for the overnight shift. He had a flashlight in one hand while he puffed on a cigarette watching the store being evacuated thanks to the black out. I talked to him when I got the chance, he was busy coordinating with police in an effort to prevent looting.
When I asked about work, "Sorry man, I don't think we'll be seeing the power back on anytime soon." He shrugged, "Really? Funny how this happens on my Friday." He only chuckled, "Oh yeah, Go figure."
"So, that means till the power is back on, no work right?"
"Yep, we all will just have to double duty when we get power back."
"That is just awesome to hear."
"I know right, hey, before you go-" He takes a clip board from under an arm and hands it to me. "Fill your name and put your number down so we can notify you when the power returns and you can come back to work."
"Got it," Took the pen and filled it before handing it back to him.
"Thanks Josh, have a good weekend." I waved in reply before vanishing into the crowd of people back to the car.
Driving half way across town, I hear the old time phone ring tone sound off as the cell phone vibrated. Answering it, "Yeah?"
"Hey buddy, you at work?" My dad's voice was on the other side, it confused me hearing that he was still up at this hour. "Nope, Power is out for good so I got the night off."
"Oh cool, Power is out at the air port so they have me on call tonight encase they need help guiding a plane in tonight." never mind, he explained why with out me even asking; Dad worked for the county air ports. He is very well versed in taking care of practically everything on the grounds: the lights, lawns, the beacon, even the lights on the strip not to mention whatever else his help is needed. Kinda like my job in maintenance.
"Don't they have back up power?" I asked as I halted at a dead light, An officer was signaling the cross traffic before giving my lane the go to move. "They do, but they will still need me out there if there is a problem." That also reminded me of something.
"Nice, but hey, do you an mom have power out there?" A quick pause, "Nope, Trying to fix that so I was hoping you are coming out tonight."
"Oh you know I am, Town is backed up all over, total black out." I didn't want to describe about what caused this black out yet though. "Oh awesome, so I'll see you soon then?"
"As soon as I can get the hell out of here, yeah." I joked as I finally made a slow cross on seventh then a slower left on sixth. "Alright, well I better let you go encase they-oh that might be them, see you at the house."
"Alright, see ya." And we hung up, thinking about the airport, I realized that this black out might-no will affect the air travel. If the black out reaches as far as Medford, they might have to make emergency detours to functional airports or make guided landings for the big planes. Where as the little privet planes, like the common Cessna, would probably got no where else to go but make difficult landings in smaller airports like the one not far from my parents house.
As I changed my decision to turn onto 'G' instead of 'M' blocks away as this traffic was clogged like no other. I ventured forth, taking the crappy street layout to only get stuck behind more traffic, sure much less compared to the streets behind me, but still clogged.
"Come on people!" I shouted out, the closed windows in the car contained my frustration, "Pick it up or get off the road!" I picked up the shuffle and flipped a few tracks. My modified copy of Five Nights at Freddy's by the living tombstone filled the car with, I could only recall the Source film maker version feature the mane six as the automatons-I mean, the animatronic. My brain went on a tangent as I recalled the video.
If the four animatronic from the real game were hard to out wit, imagine six animatronic versions of the bearers of the elements?! It would only take tripping the in game triggers to set pinkie pie loose and It all be over-
My Brain was getting lost in a cluttered fog of thoughts when I heard a loud screech from somewhere, A bright glare of light shined through my passenger side windows. Looking I barely saw the modern car screeching on its break it was about to- "OH SHIT!" I slammed the gas, it lugged hard but I moved forward enough for the stupid plastic-mobile to clip the passenger side.
The 90s SUV stood its ground while the 2013 econ car bounced off, the Steel cover to the rear light dealt the most harm to the car as it came to a stop. Thankfully, the car had slowed down enough to only sustained only hood damage. I clicked the hazards on, set to park and got out to assess the damage. I walked around the Jimmy to the other car, The silver hood had a black, dented smudge where it connected with the Jimmy; blue flakes sprinkled the impact sight.
The Jimmy didn't really sustain any real damage, just some dented fiberglass and the light guard was bent but didn't pierce the light. The bumped had yet another noticeable dent to talk about later; As long the wheel wasn't damage, I wasn't going to press charges. "Oh god..." The driver had staggered out of the car, "You okay?" I approached her.
"Y-yeah, are you?"
"Of course, barely did anything, Your car still works?" I asked looking at the now tarnished compact. "Y-yeah, it does, Your not going to call the cops are you?" The young woman looked at me with wide eyes, obviously fear struck from the "accident".
I smiled and shook my head, "Normally there should be an accident to report, but with whats going on, there is going to be allot of accidents." I explained, "As long our cars still work there shouldn't be any problem."
"you sure?" she asked worriedly, "Yeah, you sure your fine though?"
"Mhmm, yeah, I just, I was just trying to get my phone work. oh I'm so sorry, I-" I put my hand up, "Don't worry about it, The Jimmy can take a beating if anything. Just as long you're okay, there shouldn't be a problem."
"Y-yeah." she nodded with a weak smile, "Thank you."
Hearing the stopped cars behind mine blasting their horns, I waved to the woman, "Have a good night and stay safe!" She simply gave a shaky wave before going back into her car.
I got back into mine, clicked the lights off, set to drive before moving on up the road Eventually I ended up on Upper river road, drove past the remaining blacked out areas with the remaining traffic thinning out. As part of the outer urban housing blocks melded away to countryside I brought the car up to speed.
This little part of town was home to some classical oddities. two cemeteries about across the street from each other. The modern one, with its even shaven grass lands with flat headstones neatly organized in rows based on last name. Then, there was the old one, The landscape gave way to hills and uneven knolls of dirt. The acreage on this place stretch for miles into some forest with headstones from almost every era decorating the land.
Turning right at the corner, I ascended up Pinecrest, the road up this way was wounded around natural corners. Having driven this road for so long I know the layout of this road so taking this road at between forty to fifty-five was comfortable for me.
A few hard shifts and the car was picking up speed down the road, stress from the city traffic fell away with music leading pace as I drove on towards my Parents home.
