Systemic Shock

arch, all but his forearms protected from direct rays of furious radiation, when it happened.

He hadn't even heard it, didn't feel the earth heave, did not stagger to his feet until seven hours after the great blast that turned San Angelo to a disaster area. Too small and laterally spread to support a genuine firestorm, the little city might not die. But neither would it be able to help a man who had rushed to put his family a hundred klicks away in a cavern.

'We got all we needed out of San Angelo,' Louise whispered, spreading the cool cloth on his brow. 'I thought sure you was gone, Daddy. It was just God's mercy.'

'That and hundred mile-a-hour overdrive. Liza, don't you let nobody take that Blazer. It's my regular state vehicle. You tell 'em I still need it to check on the animals on the range.'

'Poor things,' she said, thinking of the swine, the fowl, the cattle still penned near Sonora. 'How about them still penned up?'

'All I hope is that they bust out. They're bred to live on Edwards Plateau — better'n they did when my great-granddaddy first come. Specially the hogs. Peccary ain't in it with them big boogers. One of them Aggie boys told me once a ol' boar can put on enough fat to armor him against a bomb.'

'Pity you ain't a fat old boar.'

'I done enough rootin' in my time,' he said. 'And you gave me the only litter I ever wanted.'

'Hush, don't talk like that, Way land.' When she used his given name, she was worried. “You talk like an old man.'

A long silence before he whispered, 'Liza, I ain't gonna be a ol' man. I'm spewin' outa both ends and I got chorizo sausages for fingers, and I can't hardly whip a newborn foal, let alone lift one. We got to think on the notion that you and the sprat'll be on your own pretty soon.'

'Hush. The Lord will provide,' she said, louder than she had intended. 'We got food for two weeks here, and good water back in the cave.'

'And you stick here,' he insisted, still whispering. “If I don't make it, don't tell nobody. Make out that I'm nosin' around Sutton County like always, and get the Blazer serviced for me if you can. You done it before.'

'When you were bombed on that Mexican rotgut,' she sniffed.

'Don't start in, Liza. I prob'ly won't do it no more.' Quickly: 'Yes you will, and bad as it tastes I'll do it with you.'

'What would the sprat think,' he marveled, and laughed almost silently until another stomach cramp intervened.

'She'd think we're crazy together, and she wouldn't be far wrong. Now you get some sleep,' she said, nestling beside him, hoping that her presence would lead him to slumber.

Sandys jurnal Aug. 14 Wens.

I never knew my dady had this cave. All day and night the same temperture, its spooky but neat. I like it. Mom drove us in the truck. She drives like the d-v-l was right behind, maybe he is. I prayed he wont get us. I mean the U.S. ha ha. But mom says God came thru with my dady and watches over us. I believe it. t.v. says we and rushians are winning. I wish I had my doll.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Quantrill waited for Abby Drummond until long after his hope had evaporated with the last of a plutonium- enhanced sunset. He gave thanks for the Chevy's silent electrics and retraced his way to the bungalow, shoring up his spirits with a reminder that he had vital new information. Sentries moved in twos, and from their voices the same pair came past at roughly half-hourly intervals. He assumed they were armed and wondered if, given a gun, he had the guts to fire on them.

The next day he returned with an ornate brass spyglass from Jane Osborne's mantel, studying the delta dirigible that still surged listlessly on its mounts a half-kilometer from his cover. For a cargo vessel highly touted for its efficiency, the delta was certainly taking its time. Not once did he note the date: August 15, his birthday.

By Friday, Quantrill was half-crazed with waiting. The radio warned locals to stay indoors except for the most necessary outings and gave conflicting reports of a Chinese invasion that threatened a major RUS supply line in Siberia. Britain declared war on the SinoInd powers, as had Canada and, in accord with the ANZUS pact, Australia and New Zealand. Indonesia and Southeast Asian countries favored the SinoInd axis, in concert with other Islamic states. All Africa was neutral toward the major combatants, though its Mediterranean countries were poised to pounce on Israel. Most of southern Africa favored the US/RUS allies; so did some west equatorials. The young fragmented African republics trebled their border patrols in fear of neighbors while warning Axis and Allies away. Africa had reeled under foreign invaders too many times to trust either faction.

Quantrill gave up trying to visualize the alignments, feeling blind without televised graphics or even a tutor terminal. It was clear to him that Europe seemed solidly pro-Allies, and that the new Marxist countries of Latin America feared official ties with the SinoInds. Things would work out, he thought: the media were very specific on that point.

He rechecked his equipment again Friday evening before his rendezvous. He could eat from his pack for days though water might be a problem if Abby had to hide him. He had the fence-straddling blankets and the short ladder from the garage; first-aid supplies; and a frighteningly sharp little cleaver from the kitchen. He eased the Chevy into shadow before the sun touched the horizon.

He had already watched the sentries pass, wondering why the big yellow delta was still moored, when her faint whistle reached him. He had forgotten the whistle would be their signal; found it almost impossible to whistle back; scurried to the fence heedless of danger as he managed his whistled response, peering hard into the high grass.

'Ted?' Abby's voice, strained of its vitality. 'Ted?'

'Abby! I can't see you,' he called.

'Just as well. I didn't make it, lover. Listen—'

'Finally you did,' he said, between a sob and a laugh.

'Shut up and listen.' She coughed, spat, tried again. 'It's worse than I thought. Paramilitary types own this place.' Cough. 'They have radio and satellite uplinks, little rocket launchers, the works. Only problem is, they use us like we were property. Nobody gets in or out on pain of death. They give you ID, and you get shot if you can't produce it. You wouldn't last, Ted.'

'Abby, the sentries won't be back for ten minutes. I can have you over the wire right away. Promise; I promise, honey! When I say the word, you make a run for it.'

More coughs, and something else. Then a pause.'”Run for it, huh? I can't, I'm — tired, lover.' More quickly, still curiously lacklustre in spirit: 'I've decided to stay. Just came to tell you thanks, and don't bother. I'd — probably end up turning you in. You don't know me, Ted; I'm really a moral coward.'

In something near panic, he virtually shouted: 'I'm coming in!'

'If you do I'll — stand up and scream.' Cough. 'I mean it.' Pause. 'Thanks for the memory and all that crap, Ted. You come in here and I'm your enemy.' Cough, then a despairing laugh: 'We have too many men here already.' Then something like a clearing of her throat.

Quantrill's mind rebounded from her rejection. When you're tired, he thought, you lose heart. But Abby sounded both tired and determined. 'I love you, Abby.' It was not what he had intended to say.

'You're a snot-nosed kid,' she said. 'You've let yourself get tied to a piece of ass, captured like that delta over there. Pity you can't hitch a ride west on it.'

'Why couldn't we?'

'It's a hostage. Tied down with glass cable.' Cough. 'Look, I'm going back, kid. I don't need you and I took a chance getting out here. Do yourself a favor: screw off.'

'Abby, don't throw me away,' he pleaded. Tears gleamed on his cheeks.