As promised, here’s the next installment of my free novelette that shows the beginnings of NewAm. the setting of my new Christian series, Messengers that will re-release on July 5th. I hope you enjoy this free novelette- NewAm—The Beginning.

You can learn more about the series if you click on the
link below. Thanks.

AMAZON LINK TO MESSENGERS SERIES

CHAPTER 10

Mary stuck a dirty dish in the dirty water, scrubbed it, then pulled it out.

It looked clean enough even though she knew it wasn’t really clean. She was so tired of not being clean. The dishes—her clothes—even her. They were doing the best they could without running water, but it was hard.

But even as hard as it was, Mary knew there were people who had it much worse than she did. People dying from lack of food or just from getting sick and no medical care available. The hospitals were doing the best they could but without electricity, that didn’t mean much.

If someone got shot or hurt, they might be able to stop the bleeding and stitch them up, but that was about it. They’d run out of most medicines and they couldn’t operate on people or give people the treatments they needed.

It had been months since the electricity went off and they still had no idea why. If they were in a war, it hadn’t shown up here. Yet, it felt like a war. People were scared. People were angry. People were suffering. People were hungry.

Put that all together, and bad things happened.

She was alone—a luxury these days–Mama Rose and Pops were out looking for food. They had money. Other people had food, like Cindy’s parents. They’d mentioned they were going there first. It was a win-win situation for everyone.

Pops had always kept money in the house. He said he didn’t trust banks or those ATM machines. He’d been right. When the electricity went off, the banks closed. But then again everything closed so you didn’t need money.

They both had to go. Dad carried the gun. Mom carried the groceries—if they found any. Things had gotten crazy out there. People stealing from each other, even in broad daylight.

They didn’t have a lot of food, but they had enough. They ate every day. A lot of people couldn’t say that right now. Life had gone back to the basics—food and family.

She smiled. And her family was now a family of Christians. Every day, they read out of her New Testament Bible. Mama Rose and Pops would ask questions. Sometimes she had an answer but not every time. They would read the passage again and again, hoping to understand.

Never in her life had she been able to do this. Talk with other people about God. It was so amazing. So special. Sometimes she would be overcome with gratitude that she couldn’t stop the tears of joy.

But even with the joy, life was hard. She stared down at the cloth and wrinkled her nose. She swooshed the dirty water around on the plate.

A light flickered.

Mary dropped the plate. Had that been real or just her imagination? She waited. Nothing happened. Must be wishful thinking.

She went back to swooshing the dirty water on the dirty plate.

And then the lights flickered again.

This time for a few seconds. Not her imagination. Excitement coursed through her. Was the electricity coming back on? She stood in the dark, not breathing but praying. Please, God, let the electricity come back on.

And then there was light.

Not flickering. But real light. She ran to their porch. Tears filled her eyes as she stared at the streetlights and lights in the houses in her neighborhood.

She couldn’t believe it.

The nightmare was over.

She ran back into the house and turned on the water. Water dribbled out. Not much but real water. She quickly let the dirty water out of the sink and then filled it with clean water.

Then she grabbed the biggest pot she could find and filled it with water as well. Just in case the electricity or the water went back off.

A shower? She ran to the bathroom. She didn’t care that the water was cold. She let the water drip over her. Oh my gosh, it had been months since she felt clean. Finally, she made herself get out of the shower.

She shivered as she put clothes back on. Who would have thought that a cold shower could feel so good?

Mama Rose called from downstairs, “Mary. Mary. Are you home?”

She ran out to greet them.

“I took a shower.” She twirled around with hair dripping wet.

“I see that.”

“I was afraid it would go back off so…” She flipped her wet hair. “The water was cold, but I didn’t care.”

Her mom hugged her. “I think I’ll do the same. Because you’re right. Who knows how long it will stay on for? I don’t want to miss out.” And off she went.

Pops chuckled. “Like daughter, like mother.”

“Were you able to get any food?”

“Yep. Got some eggs and potatoes from a farmer. And some canned food from Cindy’s parents. But they’re almost out. They said, they wouldn’t be selling any more.”

“But if the electricity stays on, things will get better, right? Back to normal?”

He hugged her. “Right. I don’t know what we would have done during this dark time without God.”

“Me either.”

“And to think we told you that you were completely wrong about him. I’m sure glad you didn’t listen to us.”

She grinned. “Just goes to show you parents aren’t always right.”

“I don’t know about that, young lady.”

“I do. I’m going to go find my phone and plug it in. See if it still works. Check out the TV. Maybe it’s working again.”

“Good idea.”

When she came back in with phone in hand, he was sitting on the couch staring at the screen. “Is it working?”

“I guess, but none of the channels are coming in. This is the only thing and it’s on every channel.” He pointed.

The screen was black with white writing. In white letters, it said. PLEASE STAY TUNED. THE PRESIDENT WILL BE ADDRESSING THE NATION SHORTLY.

She looked at Pops. “What are you doing?”

“Waiting.”

CHAPTER 12

“My phone’s still not working.” She walked into the kitchen holding it up so Mama Rose could see. It was the next morning and the electricity was still on. Her phone was fully charged but not working. “No texting. No internet. No phone calls. Nothing.”

Mama dried another dish and put it in the cupboard. She’d been washing and drying every dish in the house—just in case the electricity went off again. Water-filled pots and bowls filled all available counter space. “Be patient, Mary. The electricity’s been off for months. You can’t expect everything to return to normal overnight.”

“I suppose that’s true, but I wish it would. I’m so tired of all of this. I just want to have some fun. I want to see my friends. I want to be normal again.”

Her mom turned toward her with a big bowl in her hands. “I don’t know what normal means. When the electricity went off, I wasn’t a Christian. Now, I am, but I don’t know what that means for me. For our family?”

“You and God will figure it out. We’ll just keep reading the Bible and praying for guidance. Then, we need to listen to Him.”

“I guess.”

“I wonder if I’ll have to repeat my senior year or go straight to college.” She set the phone down. “What’s Pops doing?”

“Still waiting and staring at that TV screen.” Mom shook her head. “He’s a silly man.”

“Not to mention patient.”

“He doesn’t want to miss it.”

“Neither do I. Hopefully, they’ll tell us what’s going on?”

“I’m sure they will. Sooner or later. What would you like for breakfast?”

“How about eggs?”

Mama Rose turned on the electric burner. It turned red. “Who knew something as simple as turning on a burner could be so exciting?”

“We took so much for granted before the electricity went off. We really had so much to be thankful for, but we didn’t even think about it.”

“Well, I think about it now.”

When the eggs were cooked Mama Rose scooped some on a plate for her and for Pops. Mary took a plate into Pops who was still sitting on the sofa staring at the announcement on the screen. She sat down beside him. “What are you going to do today?”

“I’m going to sit here and wait for the president. At least for a while. If he doesn’t come on by noon, I thought I might borrow your bike. And check out what’s happening at work. They might know something.”

“Do you think now that’s the electricity’s on, the cars will start to work again?”

He shook his head. “I already checked mine and yours and Rose’s. No such luck. I don’t think it’s going to be all that simple getting everything back up and running. Whatever caused the electrical problems must have affected the cars in some way.”

She sighed. “Maybe they’ll tell us how to fix them.”

“I hope so.”

The TV screen flashed. THE PRESIDENT WILL BE ON IN FIVE MINUTES.

She looked at Pops then yelled. “Mom, the president’s going to be on TV in five minutes.”

“Coming dear. Just washing up the dishes.”

Mary looked at Pops. “She’s washed every dish in the house.”

He laughed. “I’m not surprised. She hates germs.”

Mama Rose came in and scooted in between Mary and Pops. He asked, “Is the water getting warm yet?” Unlike her and Mama Rose, he’d decided to wait for hot water.

“Yep. You can take that hot shower when you want..”

“Sounds awesome. Maybe you’d like to take another shower?” He winked at her.

“That’s disgusting.” Mary said.

He kissed Mama Rose firmly on the lips then grinned at Mary. “Why? We’re married. It’s allowed.”

She giggled. “I guess. But that doesn’t mean I want to know about it.”

Just then, the picture changed. The president sat at his desk in the Oval Office. “Greetings, my fellow Americans. I’m so happy to be able to talk to you. Finally after all these long months.

First, I want to tell you not to panic. Many of the things I’m going to tell you are going to be shocking. And upsetting. But please be calm and do not be afraid. We truly have your best interests at heart.

You are my top priority.

You may have suspected, but now I will confirm that we have been in war these long months. It’s the reason we haven’t been able to communicate with you. Our enemies attacked us where we were most vulnerable. Through our communication and technology. They attacked the infrastructure of our country, which includes electricity, computers or anything that has computer chips in it, television and radio, the Internet as well as other utilities. They even managed to destroy the microchips in our cars which is why they stopped working.

But America has prevailed as we always will.

We have overcome the enemy.

We have won the Techno War.

America is safe.

America has endured once again in spite of enemies that would destroy our beloved country. It will take time for everything to return to normal but with all of us working together, it will happen.

America will not only endure but thrive.

As you know the time for our national election has come and gone during this difficult time. Much to my sorrow, Congress chose to suspend elections because of the war and our lack of ability to have a fair election. Using their wartime powers, they voted to suspend the elections, which means I’m still  your president.

We must put politics aside for now. Instead we must focus on making our country great once again. Together as a team.”

“That’s not good.” Mom mumbled.

“Hush.” Dad told her but put a hand on her arm.

The president held up a hand. “I know how upsetting this news must be. I’m not happy about it either. I believe in the constitution. I was looking forward to retiring and writing my book. But it’s crucial that the country stays stable during this difficult transition time.

I have agreed to continue to serve until the next election can be held.

We all know that life changes during war time. And this is one of those necessary changes, even though none of us want it.  But know that we truly have your best interests at heart.

Old America is gone, but NewAmerica will be even greater.

With your help, we will be stronger and more responsive to the needs of our citizens. In NewAmerica, all citizens will be treated equally. No more discrimination. No more poverty. No more business as usual.

I promise, NewAmerica will be even greater than before. To help with our transition to a NewAmerica, a stronger America, a more fair America, I’ve created the Guardians of Freedom.

These Guardians of Freedom will bridge the gap between Old America to NewAmerica. The Guardians of Freedom will now tell you more about what will be expected of you as loyal citizens during this transition time. NewAmerica, meet The Guardians of your freedom.”

The camera panned from the President to three men sitting in chairs in the Oval Office. The camera focused on the man in the middle. “Good morning, NewAm. In case you don’t recognize me, my name is Cameron Weathers.”

“Isn’t he an actor?” Dad asked.

“Yes, he’s so handsome.” Mom answered. “I love him. His movies are wonderful.”

“What’s he know about running a country? Pops asked the same question Mary was thinking.

Cameron Weathers continued, “First, let me assure you as the president has that we truly have your best interests at heart.” Cameron Weathers gave his famous smile. “We know that life’s been extremely difficult these long months. Not just for you but for all of us. We’re working to change that immediately. Even as I speak, there are trucks moving fresh food to every part of NewAm. And the good news is that you won’t have to pay for any of it. Every NewAmerican is entitled to food, medical care, and a safe place to live.

As your Guardians, we promise every one of you will have all that you need to thrive once again. In return, we expect you to be loyal citizens and to do your part in making NewAm a great place to live once again.

We’re well aware of the looting and robbing that has been going on in your communities. It must stop immediately. It will stop immediately. Violence of any sort will not be tolerated.

To that end, we’re asking all loyal citizens to give up their firearms. You have the next 36 hours to turn your guns into the nearest police station. After that the police have been mandated to enter every home in their jurisdiction to ensure that this edict is followed.

Any guns found at that time will be confiscated and anyone in that household will be arrested. Adults and children alike.”

He held up a hand. “Obviously, we don’t want that to happen. So please turn in your guns voluntarily so you and your family won’t be arrested.”

 Dramatic pause and winning smile.

“I know this is difficult for some people to accept but in the end, it will make all of us safer. And isn’t that what we all want?” Cameron stopped talking.

The camera moved back to the president. “I know some of you are saying that it’s against the constitution, but I have more news. The Congress has suspended the Constitution for the time being. They have decided they need to be able to do whatever it takes to make NewAm great.

Do I agree? Not really, but it will be reinstated as soon as NewAm is stable. I know this is extremely difficult thing to hear but know that we truly do have your best interests at heart.”

“This is awful.” Mama Rose muttered.

The camera moved to another man. Much younger than Cameron Weathers but just as handsome. “My name is Walter Matthias. I want to talk about life in NewAm and what that means to loyal citizens.

Schools will remain closed at this time, but we will soon have a plan in place to resume education for our younger citizens. Adults, we expect you to return to your previous places of employment within the next twenty-four hours. At that time, you will be given instructions on the next phase of our recovery. If your job is located too far from your house to get to without a car, then you should report to the closest police station for further instructions.

Your former employers or the police will issue you an Identification Card that will authorize you to be given the free food as well as any medical care you might need.”

The camera went back to the president.

He looked grim as he said, “We will take care of you, but all citizens need to know that in NewAm, if you don’t work, you don’t eat. It’s that simple. Your identification card will be good for this month. A new card will be issued next month at your place of employment. If you have chosen not to work, then you will not get a card nor the food that the card entitles you to..”

The camera went back to Walter Matthias who nodded. “All able-bodied citizens are expected to contribute to the rebuilding of our great nation. If you didn’t work before the Technology War, go to the nearest police station for further instructions.

If you have children who are sixteen or older, you need to listen closely. During these unusual and difficult times, we must look at them not as children but as young adults. Young citizens who will be expected to contribute to the well-being of NewAm.

All young people between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five are hereby conscripted into the National Army and should report to the National Army headquarters in your state. Stay tuned to this station for more information on the specific locations in your area.

And please, parents, do not be overly concerned. The Techno War we’ve just fought and won was not a shooting war. It will not become one now. Your children, your young adults will be safe, but we need them to make NewAm safe and strong for all citizens. Most of the young people will be trained for essential jobs that are needed to bring our nation back up to full-strength.”

The camera went back to the president. “Young people have four days from today to proceed to a National Army Headquarters. Most large cities will have a headquarters, but if you live in a rural area you should report to the police station. Transportation will be provided by them. If any choose to ignore this law, they will be arrested.”

The camera moved to the third man. “My name is George Sampson. I know that many of you are probably upset with these changes we’ve outlined here today.  Do not be afraid. We are not trying to take away your rights. We truly do have your best interests at heart.

The government will take care of you. We will provide everything you need as we move forward as NewAmericans. In return, loyal citizens are expected to follow these Guardian Rules. Those who choose not to follow them, have chosen the consequences. Thank you for your cooperation.”

The screen went blank.

I hope you’re enjoying this short story that tells the beginnings of NewAm. My MESSENGER series releases in a few days but you can preorder it now!

MESSENGERS ON AMAZON