Survivors – A Novel of the Coming Collapse

Life at the Laines’ ranch was comfortable, at least by post-Crunch standards. Everyone had enough to eat, and the rotating security shifts were just four hours per day from Monday through Saturday, and six hours on Sundays. They soon instituted “L. amp;L.’s Standing Rules.” These rules were penned on a large piece of card stock by Lisbeth and posted inside the door of the bunkhouse:

1.If in doubt, sound the alarm.

2.Keep all doors locked 24/7.

3.Never leave the house unarmed.

4.Never leave the house without a walkie-talkie.

5.Always carry at least 40 rounds of ammunition with each bolt-action rifle, and at least three magazines for semi-autos.

6.Treat every approaching stranger as a potential enemy.

7.Keep your friends close and your enemies at 9x distance.

8.No guard quits their post unless properly relieved.

9.Severe punishment for anyone who falls asleep while on watch.

10.Horse grooming and hoof work daily, without fail.

11.No lights visible from outside after dark.

12.Good stewardship in all things. No wasteful behavior!

13.Keep proper sanitation and cleanliness.

14.Leave every gate the way you found it, unless told otherwise.

15.Maintain everything to last a lifetime-it may have to!

16.Rust is an enemy. Oil and grease are allies.

17.Maintain the “need to know” rule. No loose lips!

18.Courteous behavior and Christian attitudes, always.

19.No foul or blasphemous language.

20.Respect everyone’s privacy.

21.100% effort. No slacking on chores.

22.Health and safety are top priorities.

23.Watch for signs of dehydration and hypothermia-self and others.

24.Be honest and forthright in all business dealings.

25.Recognize the head of the house as final authority on all decisions.

26.Count your blessings.

27.Be charitable and tithe consistently.

28.Smile! God loves you. You are in His covenant.

Below that, Lisbeth added a quote from her favorite Psalm:

“The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.”

– PSALM 37:18-19

20 Tentacles

“The government turns every contingency into an excuse for enhancing power in itself.”

-John Adams

Fort Knox, Kentucky November, the First Year

Maynard Hutchings and his council that headed the Provisional Government soon consolidated their power in Kentucky and much of Tennessee, declaring themselves “The Sole and Legitimate Provisional Government of the United States of America and Possessions,” with Hutchings himself voted by his council as “president pro tempore.”