Speaker 1:
0:08
Welcome back to a new chapter, as always ad-free, curated just for you. Those of us at the Leaping Cat Studio want to thank a new sponsor helping produce each episode of Countdown to Doomsday, keeping it ad-free. And now follow the journey. Countdown to Doomsday, chapter 7. The tunnel is blocked. What's plan B? Jl felt his chin drop to his chest. Have I been asleep For how long? I think it's dark enough now. David said those two, pointing at Lisa and Marcy, have had a good sleep. It will help because the next two hours are critical. Good sleep, it will help because the next two hours are critical. We need to be past the zone north of I-4 as quickly as we can.
Speaker 1:
1:15
The rain stopped, but there was no relief from the heat. Even a gentle breeze provided relief. Mosquitoes enjoyed a smorgasbord of human blood. Marcy waved her arms in her sleep, trying to brush them away. Jl dropped to a knee to wake them. Come on, my sleepy beauties, we must use the cover of darkness. If you and Marcy need to pee, do it now.
Speaker 1:
1:39
There was little to pack in the jeep. The container welded on the back of the vehicle contained dried food and precious containers of water was little to pack in the jeep. The container welded on the back of the vehicle contained dried food and precious containers of water. David advised the four refugees to use both commodities sparingly. As David locked the container he turned. We'll get refills from the station master when we get there. We should have enough to avoid starvation or dehydration. Marcy had turned pouty. She didn't want to be comforted but she didn't cry. She listened to the plan while JL explained. We'll be driving the Jeep through thick, overgrown bush. David can't use the lights on the jeep so I'll walk ahead with a covered flashlight to avoid detection. When we get to the culvert under I-4, we will drive through that tunnel to avoid the watchful eyes of any militia patrols.
Speaker 1:
2:43
The first hour went well. There was enough ambient light, jl could ride in the jeep and the trail they followed was wide enough until the trail narrowed in the thick jungle-like growth ahead. Keep the light pointed downward and look for remnants of a trail. Try to avoid the light distracting you. David turned to Lisa and Marcy in the back Hold on tight. I'm changing to four-wheel drive to get us through any obstacles.
Speaker 1:
3:15
J-hell tried to think of every swear word he'd ever learned. He muttered them all, swatting and silently cursing mosquitoes and the sand burrs attached to his jeans. He tried to avoid thinking about snakes and other dangerous critters. Guiding David through the brush proved harder than expected. The pain in his hip was quite painful tonight. He heard the grinding noise of the gear changes, but David seemed to have the driving under control. Jl looked up and to the left and he saw the outline of the interstate highway, outlined by the moonlight, and he walked back to the Jeep. We're close to the highway, david. You're right. I think it's less than a mile now.
Speaker 1:
4:09
Jl kissed Lisa and tried to comfort Marcy. Seeing her eyes glazed over, he wondered if she was in shock. He turned back and started walking ahead and led the Jeep through dense vegetation until coming upon a slope leading down to the expected dry creek bed. Except it wasn't dry Rains from the monster hurricane had created a flood of water laden with mud and debris. He ran back up the slope and signaled for David to stop. Muck and debris are blocking the way through the tunnel. There's no way. Lisa tried to comfort Marcy, who wouldn't stop crying. Now were blocked. Jl and David stood looking at the blocked tunnel and JL turned to David what's plan B? Fixated on the blocked tunnel, david finally realized J had asked a question. No plan B, I'm sorry. This was our go-to place to get us safely past I-4. Let me think. While I try to come up with something, go up and explain our problem to the others. He scratched his head deep in thought.
Speaker 1:
5:34
Next to the jeep at the top of the slope, jail dropped to one knee holding out his arms to Marcy, though she'd stopped crying. Jail saw she was suppressing her feelings. He looked up at Lisa. How was it David to know the underpass would be blocked? It's all because of the damned hurricane, jail said. Years with no rain. Now it doesn't seem to stop.
Speaker 1:
6:03
Finally, david bounded up the slope, opening the storage box. As he opened the lid, he passed out dried food and a bottle of water. Another guide mentioned a place where the highway collapsed. It's not much further. It shouldn't take me more than an hour. Each way the brush seemed to swallow him as he walked away.
Speaker 1:
6:31
Lisa and JL sat on either side of Marcy. Lisa began stroking the girl's hair as JL began a story he was told as a youngster. It was just goofy and interesting enough to gain Marcy's attention. Lisa loved to sing remembering words to her favorite hymn from church. She sang in the garden. It was in a soft, calming voice. They all did their best to ignore sounds that might come from a critter or a militiaman. Both equally frightened. Lisa pulled Marcy close.
Speaker 1:
7:11
I want to tell you about another special girl in our life. Her name is Vera. She looked at JL with tears clouding her vision. Vera was our daughter. She was one of the first to die in the early days of the pandemic. She had her life ahead of her. She was going to be a teacher, like me. You remind me so much of my dear Vera.
Speaker 1:
7:38
David interrupted when he reappeared, surprising them all. You didn't make a sound. Lisa said I'm glad I haven't lost my touch. David remarked, smiling. Does that smile mean good news? Jl wanted to know. We now have a plan B.
Speaker 1:
8:00
A quarter-mile section of I-4 collapsed, leaving an opening for us. I didn't see any patrols. Maybe it's not watched as much as it used to be. Lisa hugged Marcy and whispered. I will tell you more about Vera later With JL leading the way.
Speaker 1:
8:20
They arrived at the location where the highway had collapsed Concrete and mounds of dirt stretched in both directions. David turned off the motor and stood on top of the hood. I can't be sure, but I think that's a patrol car to the east. I don't see any other movement though. So what do we do, jl asked. I don't think this engine is loud enough to be heard from that distance, but to make sure, I suggest we push the Jeep until we're on the other side. Marcy's sense of adventure returned. I'm big enough to help. Lisa nodded Me too, I'm ready.
Speaker 1:
9:03
Jl was becoming increasingly concerned about the way his wife looked pale, her eyes bloodshot, and she was unsteady on her feet. So he kept a close eye on her as they started pushing the Jeep. It's getting close to first light and we still have a couple hundred yards to go. We can't stop to rest, david urged. They finally reached a field on the north side of the interstate lacking in vegetation to provide any cover, but they realized they were now in the open. David started the motor, yelling for the rest to jump in, and the Jeep jolted over potholes. But he maintained speed until they were several miles north of I-4. They were all exhausted when he stopped for a break. We're almost out of supplies, david said. It's a good thing, our safe house is only three hours away. Thank you for listening to another episode of Countdown to Doomsday. What's in store for JL, lisa and Kat in their next episode. We welcome your comments and you may contact us at chuck at chuckwaldroncom. Narrated by me, chuck Waldron. Produced by Edna Francis.
0:08
Welcome back to a new chapter, as always ad-free, curated just for you. Those of us at the Leaping Cat Studio want to thank a new sponsor helping produce each episode of Countdown to Doomsday, keeping it ad-free. And now follow the journey. Countdown to Doomsday, chapter 7. The tunnel is blocked. What's plan B? Jl felt his chin drop to his chest. Have I been asleep For how long? I think it's dark enough now. David said those two, pointing at Lisa and Marcy, have had a good sleep. It will help because the next two hours are critical. Good sleep, it will help because the next two hours are critical. We need to be past the zone north of I-4 as quickly as we can.
Speaker 1:
1:15
The rain stopped, but there was no relief from the heat. Even a gentle breeze provided relief. Mosquitoes enjoyed a smorgasbord of human blood. Marcy waved her arms in her sleep, trying to brush them away. Jl dropped to a knee to wake them. Come on, my sleepy beauties, we must use the cover of darkness. If you and Marcy need to pee, do it now.
Speaker 1:
1:39
There was little to pack in the jeep. The container welded on the back of the vehicle contained dried food and precious containers of water was little to pack in the jeep. The container welded on the back of the vehicle contained dried food and precious containers of water. David advised the four refugees to use both commodities sparingly. As David locked the container he turned. We'll get refills from the station master when we get there. We should have enough to avoid starvation or dehydration. Marcy had turned pouty. She didn't want to be comforted but she didn't cry. She listened to the plan while JL explained. We'll be driving the Jeep through thick, overgrown bush. David can't use the lights on the jeep so I'll walk ahead with a covered flashlight to avoid detection. When we get to the culvert under I-4, we will drive through that tunnel to avoid the watchful eyes of any militia patrols.
Speaker 1:
2:43
The first hour went well. There was enough ambient light, jl could ride in the jeep and the trail they followed was wide enough until the trail narrowed in the thick jungle-like growth ahead. Keep the light pointed downward and look for remnants of a trail. Try to avoid the light distracting you. David turned to Lisa and Marcy in the back Hold on tight. I'm changing to four-wheel drive to get us through any obstacles.
Speaker 1:
3:15
J-hell tried to think of every swear word he'd ever learned. He muttered them all, swatting and silently cursing mosquitoes and the sand burrs attached to his jeans. He tried to avoid thinking about snakes and other dangerous critters. Guiding David through the brush proved harder than expected. The pain in his hip was quite painful tonight. He heard the grinding noise of the gear changes, but David seemed to have the driving under control. Jl looked up and to the left and he saw the outline of the interstate highway, outlined by the moonlight, and he walked back to the Jeep. We're close to the highway, david. You're right. I think it's less than a mile now.
Speaker 1:
4:09
Jl kissed Lisa and tried to comfort Marcy. Seeing her eyes glazed over, he wondered if she was in shock. He turned back and started walking ahead and led the Jeep through dense vegetation until coming upon a slope leading down to the expected dry creek bed. Except it wasn't dry Rains from the monster hurricane had created a flood of water laden with mud and debris. He ran back up the slope and signaled for David to stop. Muck and debris are blocking the way through the tunnel. There's no way. Lisa tried to comfort Marcy, who wouldn't stop crying. Now were blocked. Jl and David stood looking at the blocked tunnel and JL turned to David what's plan B? Fixated on the blocked tunnel, david finally realized J had asked a question. No plan B, I'm sorry. This was our go-to place to get us safely past I-4. Let me think. While I try to come up with something, go up and explain our problem to the others. He scratched his head deep in thought.
Speaker 1:
5:34
Next to the jeep at the top of the slope, jail dropped to one knee holding out his arms to Marcy, though she'd stopped crying. Jail saw she was suppressing her feelings. He looked up at Lisa. How was it David to know the underpass would be blocked? It's all because of the damned hurricane, jail said. Years with no rain. Now it doesn't seem to stop.
Speaker 1:
6:03
Finally, david bounded up the slope, opening the storage box. As he opened the lid, he passed out dried food and a bottle of water. Another guide mentioned a place where the highway collapsed. It's not much further. It shouldn't take me more than an hour. Each way the brush seemed to swallow him as he walked away.
Speaker 1:
6:31
Lisa and JL sat on either side of Marcy. Lisa began stroking the girl's hair as JL began a story he was told as a youngster. It was just goofy and interesting enough to gain Marcy's attention. Lisa loved to sing remembering words to her favorite hymn from church. She sang in the garden. It was in a soft, calming voice. They all did their best to ignore sounds that might come from a critter or a militiaman. Both equally frightened. Lisa pulled Marcy close.
Speaker 1:
7:11
I want to tell you about another special girl in our life. Her name is Vera. She looked at JL with tears clouding her vision. Vera was our daughter. She was one of the first to die in the early days of the pandemic. She had her life ahead of her. She was going to be a teacher, like me. You remind me so much of my dear Vera.
Speaker 1:
7:38
David interrupted when he reappeared, surprising them all. You didn't make a sound. Lisa said I'm glad I haven't lost my touch. David remarked, smiling. Does that smile mean good news? Jl wanted to know. We now have a plan B.
Speaker 1:
8:00
A quarter-mile section of I-4 collapsed, leaving an opening for us. I didn't see any patrols. Maybe it's not watched as much as it used to be. Lisa hugged Marcy and whispered. I will tell you more about Vera later With JL leading the way.
Speaker 1:
8:20
They arrived at the location where the highway had collapsed Concrete and mounds of dirt stretched in both directions. David turned off the motor and stood on top of the hood. I can't be sure, but I think that's a patrol car to the east. I don't see any other movement though. So what do we do, jl asked. I don't think this engine is loud enough to be heard from that distance, but to make sure, I suggest we push the Jeep until we're on the other side. Marcy's sense of adventure returned. I'm big enough to help. Lisa nodded Me too, I'm ready.
Speaker 1:
9:03
Jl was becoming increasingly concerned about the way his wife looked pale, her eyes bloodshot, and she was unsteady on her feet. So he kept a close eye on her as they started pushing the Jeep. It's getting close to first light and we still have a couple hundred yards to go. We can't stop to rest, david urged. They finally reached a field on the north side of the interstate lacking in vegetation to provide any cover, but they realized they were now in the open. David started the motor, yelling for the rest to jump in, and the Jeep jolted over potholes. But he maintained speed until they were several miles north of I-4. They were all exhausted when he stopped for a break. We're almost out of supplies, david said. It's a good thing, our safe house is only three hours away. Thank you for listening to another episode of Countdown to Doomsday. What's in store for JL, lisa and Kat in their next episode. We welcome your comments and you may contact us at chuck at chuckwaldroncom. Narrated by me, chuck Waldron. Produced by Edna Francis.
