Cattle Guard

By Eric McAllister

It is the year 2068. Amid the chaos caused by a global pandemic, Russia begins to take advantage of its window of opportunity as it begins to invade the US.

In a show of strength and with unanimous consent of the senate, the US authorizes an unprecedented maneuver and unleashes a secret weapon still in its infancy. The weapon is called Dark Scope. Upon receiving authorization codes to activate the new global assault program and weapons system, nine satellites are dispatched to wreak nuclear havoc on the northern hemisphere of the globe, plummeting the world into utter darkness and rendering all energy sources disabled.

World domination is no longer the key objective. With a still-new and unknown virus lurking in the shadows, survival is now the only ideology.

Scientists and world leaders attempt to repair all the damage, but as the human race begins to split into factions across the globe, they begin to realize a much darker and more sinister foe is just about to introduce itself and is patiently waiting in the dark recesses of space.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662465246

Book preview

Chapter 1

Fallout

(fawl-out) noun. the settling to the ground of airborne particles ejected into the atmosphere from the earth by explosions, eruptions, forest fires, etc., especially such settling from nuclear explosions

2068 (Sixteen years later)

It had been over a decade and a half since the world went dark. Governments around the globe had tried to keep the peace as they attempted to bring civilization back to the forefront. Amid a fraction of the population, people had split into factions in order to protect themselves from human trafficking by cartels and the Russian insurgence. Outnumbered by bad actors, the UN had temporarily suspended the Geneva Code. Enemies of the state were to be swiftly executed on sight.

The US government had been spread out thin across the entire northern and southern Americas in an attempt to eliminate all foreign threats. The Russians had completely infiltrated the continent and were seeking control of the entire population. All power grids worldwide had been crippled and remained in unstable conditions, wreaking havoc on Mother Nature.

With the unfortunate but unavoidable practice of herd immunity, more than half the globe’s population had been wiped from the face of the earth, leaving the virus somewhat neutralized. Humans were now left to their own devices. They were forced to keep migrating from one place to the next in order to acquire supplies. They did so while doing their best to avoid radioactive regions. They called these regions red zones.

A small faction of men, women, and children had been embarking on a journey toward South America under the notion that there had been a safe harbor declared there. Our story began here in the once-flourishing and now-dilapidated city of Cartago, Costa Rica.

Cartago, Costa Rica (Fourteen miles south of San Jose)

Trevor looked through his binoculars and through the double-paned glass at the building across the street. He appeared to be nearing his midtwenties but was more like your old Southern gentlemen, who spoke with a little bit of a Texas twang. He was thin, was well-built, and had a military-like physique. Kent, Ash, and Samel were looking through the window as well. As they took turns with the binoculars, they studied the property across the street, which appeared to be a gas station.

It looks like all the pumps are hung up, whispered Ash, a tall, thin, tan, and gangly kid who talked like your average Californian surfer dude.

Kent, tan as a brown leather wallet in his black cargo pants and ribbed white tank top, painted a portrait of a picturesque military vet dating a sexy mistress named Midlife Crisis. As if that weren’t enough, he finished off his appearance with a gray handlebar mustache. What’s our next move?

Samel—a very young tall, thin exotic creature—spoke up in his thick Middle Eastern accent, Let’s move on it before someone else does.

Hold on. Hold on, Trevor said in a lazy rolling delivery while putting his hand up to the three of them, urging patience, while he peered through the lenses of his binoculars. You guys see number 4?

They all confirmed they did in unison.

Look just beyond that at the dumpster. The lid was down last night. Someone’s been here.

Probably just someone passing through, replied Ash. We’ve been watching the entire street for over an hour and not a sign of anyone.

Trevor softly sighed. You’re right. It’s getting dark soon. Get the generator.

Ash and Samel grabbed the generator on either side. It was very large, so they each had to use both hands. Trevor looked at Kent, and they both nodded at each other and pulled out their pistols and checked their ammo.

Trevor took the door handle that led to the street first. He reached down and grabbed a small toolbox, and he looked back at his team and slowly opened the door. Kent rushed out and hid behind a parked car on their side of the street and waved the three out. Trevor ran across the street to another parked car and hid as well. He waved the two across. Ash and Samel ran across the street, both a little sideways and sort of facing each other while staring at their target: pump number 2. Once the two cleared the car Trevor was crouched next to, Kent ran after them. Trevor gave one final sweep of the area, stood most of the way up, and ran to join his team. Ash and Samel dropped the generator next to the pump. Trevor then placed his toolbox next to the generator and opened it. There were various wires and screwdrivers inside it.

Trevor grabbed a few wires and started fastening them to metal piles protruding from the side of the generator that was obviously once covered. Ash and Samel hurriedly grabbed the screwdrivers and began undoing the large panel to the pump’s electrical unit. As they unscrewed one screw after another, they just let the screws fall on the ground. Kent had his gun and now Trevor’s as well and had them drawn toward opposite directions while shifting his body, creating a lethal human turret.

The last screws were being undone as Trevor had just finished the wiring and waited with the anticipation of setting his eyes on his next job. They removed the panel, and the three of them got to work, wiring the inside of the pump. The generator was now fully hooked up, and Trevor primed the bulb and grabbed the throttle. He looked up at the two. Ash had his hands around the handle of the pump, and Samel was ready to push 87. Ready?

The two looked at each other, then back at Trevor and nodded.

Remember, the generator is on fumes, and it gets filled first, he said as he unscrewed the cap to the reservoir.

They nodded once again.

He then reached into his toolbox and grabbed a small broken mirror. While crouched down next to the generator, he used the mirror to catch the sunlight. He was bouncing it toward a sign that read, ALTO. The sign was absorbing the reflection. As he did it for a little longer, they heard engines around the corner start up. Within moments, three cars, one by one, raced around the corner. Trevor pulled the throttle. Nothing happened. They all shared worried glances. He pulled it again and still nothing. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He knew too many pulls would fill the intakes and render the generator useless. He sat there with his eyes closed and silently mouthed words to his maker and once again pulled. Finally, it started.

Immediately the gas pump lights lit, and a built-in television screen came on. Ash pulled the handle from within its cradle as Samel slammed his fist on the button that read 87. The first car pulled up as they were topping the generator off. It was a beat-up old station wagon, and there was a woman driving. She seemed about Trevor’s age or a little older. The woman in the car was slim and toned. She held a presence about her that made people happy, with her flowing blond hair, big bright eyes, and beautiful inviting smile. She threw Trevor an uneasy grin and turned off the engine.

A much older gentleman sat in the back, sleeping. He had a rugged darkness about him and maintained a chiseled structure all the while sporting a pair of dirty eyeglasses currently slipping off his nose. He sat next to two younger average-looking children who looked as if they were growing weary of their car seats’ confines. The two were very close in age, both with blondish-brown hair and blue eyes. They looked to be at most five years old as they rubbed their tired little faces and let out a yawn here and there.

Trevor put out his hand toward Kent, who returned his firearm to him and went back to keeping a sharp lookout. Trevor tucked the gun into his belt by the middle of his back as he leaned into the car and gave a big smile to the kids in the back. Then he looked at the woman. Hey, Beck.

Beck changed her loving glance from the kids to Trevor.

Hey, Trev. She reserved a concerned look to give him as she continued to speak. Listen, I know we got to keep moving, but the kids are starving. Can you get them something from the truck?

Trevor smiled. Sure. Then he looked back at the older man who was sleeping. How’s Jack holding up?

Beck sighed. He’s just exhausted. He really needed a break.

Trevor nodded in total agreement. You’re full. Move forward. I’ll be there in a sec, he said as he gave the side of her door a couple of taps.

Beck started up the engine and drove around opposite to them on the other side of the pump. A large military-grade Hummer with a bed at the back pulled up after that and turned off its engine. Trevor looked at the man driving it and waved. Hey, Seth.

His best friend waved back. Seth also appeared to be the same age as Trevor. Other than the fact that he was bigger than Trevor, the pair could pass as twins. Seth, unlike his friend’s clean-shaven jaw, wore a well-groomed beard and mustache.

Ash began filling the rig as Trevor hefted himself up on the side step and straddled the edge of the bedliner. He opened one of the several coolers and pulled one of many brown packages out of it and jumped back down. He peeked around the truck to the car behind it—a tiny, little hybrid with a man and a woman sat inside, awaiting their turn for fuel. He gave a nod and a friendly, casual-like salute to them and turned around to deliver dinner to the kids.

As he began to briskly walk over to the old station wagon, he caught Beck’s expression as she stared wide-eyed into the distance behind him. His heart sank, and he felt the blood drain from his extremities as he slowly turned around. Move! Let’s move now!

They all turned to see a cloud of brown dust swirling into the air coming from the ground. The origin of the dust was unknown as buildings blocked their view. This was good because although they could not see the approaching visitors, the visitors could not see them either. It would not be long before their unwanted visitors were in sight, so the group began to scramble.

Ash yanked the pump out of the rig as Samel was already uncapping the hybrid’s tank. They filled it up as fast as they could and moved immediately to assist Trevor in rounding up the precious supplies. Ash looked at the two in the hybrid, which was just a small two-seater. Anne, Eugene, you guys holding up okay?

They were an older couple, rough around the edges but seemingly content. Each of them was pleasantly aged around their midforties. They both portrayed a look that said they had their fair share of life but were still very capable of handling their own.

Anne, who was in the passenger seat, gave a smile and a nod back to Ash. Yep, kiddo, we’re doing great. Now let’s get the fuck outta here!

Eugene chimed in. Next time we stop, I call the Hummer. This lunch box wasn’t exactly what I had in mind! he stated, referring to the tiny, little two-seater he was operating.

Ash smiled. Then immediately he and Samel jumped into the bed of the truck, and each pulled a rifle out and held onto the roll bars near the cab. They had to sit in the bed of the truck as the Hummer’s cab was packed full of supplies as well. They didn’t seem to mind though, on the contrary. They seemed to really enjoy it. They were both young and in shape and enjoyed a little bit of unease. Kent climbed into the front passenger seat of the truck as he gave Ash and Samel a stern look.

As Trevor slipped into the front passenger seat of the station wagon, all three cars sped off. Beck and Trevor were staring into the rearview mirrors, monitoring the situation. Trevor noticed the worried looks from the two kids. Oh yeah! he thought to himself, then quickly grabbed the brown package from the ground and handed it to them, which made their eyes light up.

Put on your headphones, guys. Beck thought to suggest, trying to normalize the unfolding drama. They had a little old-fashioned Discman with a headphone splitter, and each had their own headphones.

Completely oblivious to the threat behind them, Caleb and Delilah gathered up their listening devices, put them on, and began opening up their dinner. Bananas, canned Spam, carrots, and a couple of meat sticks were on the menu today. It was pretty much the same thing every day with little switch-ups here or there. The pair was easily pleased. They grew up in this world, and each had their twin sibling for continuous comradery. At the vulnerable ages of seven, they’d already seen more in their short lives than most people five times their ages.

There, turn there. Trevor signaled.

They were the lead car as the other two vehicles closely followed. They kept looking into their rearview mirrors, unsure of which direction the visitor or visitors were headed. They kept looking but lost sight of any evidence of moving vehicles.

Take it south, Trevor quipped, speaking of the highway they were approaching.

Beck made a right turn onto the on-ramp for the IA2 South as the two vehicles followed. Ash and Samel peered past the little hybrid behind them and searched the horizon for any signs of following vehicles.

Meanwhile, the sun said its final goodbyes to the west, giving a beautiful light show across the sky as its final argument before retiring for the evening. As twilight turned the last page of its chapter, Trevor felt as if he were being watched. With the intuition one would have while being stared at, Trevor’s instincts kicked in, which in turn drew his attention to a dim field just off the highway. There in the middle of the field stood a tall large darkly clothed figure. He couldn’t make out any evidence it was a person, but he knew it was staring back at him. He looked over at Beck. You see that guy?

Beck looked over. What guy?

Trevor pointed in the direction of the figure, gave a little chuckle, and retorted, That—’’ But before he could get the words out, the figure was gone. That’s weird," he said in a quiet voice, almost as if he was no longer talking to anyone other than himself.

They both dismissed the issue and let the sound of the highway through the poorly insulated station wagon direct the conversation for the next few moments.

This is the starting point, Trevor stated.

Beck looked down at Trevor’s hand to see a gas mask, then looked back up at him. Next forty-five miles? she replied.

Trevor answered by distributing gas masks to everyone in the vehicle and announced, Come on, everyone, next forty-five miles, red zone.

They all put their masks on as they slowed down to traverse the once-occupied military barricade with radiation warning signs set up across the highway, now dressed up in graffiti and bullet holes, compliments of the local amateur gangs.

A long, dark, and desolate highway lay ahead of them. Trevor was toying with a large radio device, trying to pick up a signal. As he changed it from channel to channel, it was just static.

How far do we have left to go? Beck asked as she looked over at Trevor.

About three or so hours. Once we reach Dominical, Seth’s friend will meet us at the boat. Seth was the one driving the rig behind them. You tired? Would you like me to drive for a bit?

No, she said with a smile, I’m the older sibling. I get to drive!

They both laughed. Just then, something began to come over the radio. Trevor swiped it off the dashboard and turned it up.

This is it, he said. It’s that recording again! Caleb! Delilah! Hand me a pen! he shouted to the kids as he rifled through the glove box to pull out a notebook. He got ready to write down the information coming across the radio. The voice was slightly robotic-sounding with a bit of an English accent. The reception was not perfectly clear but discernible, nonetheless.

Repeating transmission. This is Zule. All networks back online. Properties are secure. Safe Harbor has been acquired. Access code 719-AKQ-641-GSY. All local grids have been restored. Rendezvous: -0.5481405, -75.5128858. Temporary access expiring 08-10-2068. The radio went back to static as Trevor went over the numbers that were already written down from prior dictations.

All the numbers are right, Trevor noted to Beck. Can you imagine? Electricity? Running water?

Beck smiled as she responded, I’m gonna take the world’s longest hot shower! But how do we know this isn’t some sort of trap?

Trevor took a moment to think. We don’t. We’ll have to check it out as we get closer. He paused for a brief moment and looked back at the older man sleeping in the back. Maybe send Jack in to spy on the place. He should be able to get some good intel before—ouch! he exclaimed as Beck threw a stern older-sister punch.

Leave gramps alone! She giggled, then a slight change in her facial expression as she struck a bit more serious and quiet tone. What about this ‘Paco’ guy? You think we can trust him?

Trevor turned around in his seat and looked at the dark silhouette following them. Seth’s friend? I trust Seth. This Paco guy has a boat, and Seth seems to trust him. I’m willing to roll the dice. You got a feeling?

Beck just shrugged. No, I don’t think so. She turned and glanced at the kids, then to Trevor. We just need to be careful.

Dominical Beach was beautiful at night. Although vacant of venues, a boardwalk, or even crowds of people, it seemed to emanate a sense of nightlife. The Costa Rican forest met the sand with a seamless density appearing almost out of place. The waves were calm as they washed up on the shores as the headlights of their vehicles lit up the sandy ground. They all parked close together in a semicircle with the headlights facing the ocean. They all stepped out of their vehicles and took in their surroundings while shaking off the long drive.

There she is, Seth said as he pointed to the approaching three-level yacht. Sunset right on time.

There was a long wooden dock about twenty yards in front of them that stretched out into the sea. The ten of them began to walk toward the dock. The yacht was making its final approach as they could hear the water being disturbed from underneath the engines, reversing their force to decrease the vessel’s speed. They climbed the staircase to the docks and watched as the ship made port. Just then, they were met with halting voices from behind them.

Stop there. No more walk! a man said in a thick Hispanic accent.

They all put their hands up and turned around. They were met at gunpoint by two men.

What are you doing here? a third man asked as he appeared from behind the first two and walked between them right up to Seth and Trevor. With their hands still up, Seth attempted to diffuse the situation.

We’re meeting some friends, he stated as he signaled with a hitchhiker-like thumb to the now-docked boat behind them. The group noticed a few more men with flashlights going through their cars. Trevor rolled his eyes. In the excitement, he forgot—always guard the supplies and, for Christ’s sake, never leave your