Ninety Degrees Out

“Speak.” Erik reverted to his Officer in charge voice. He served one contract with the Coast Guard as a rescue swimmer and injured his hamstring. Although he was fully recovered there was enough weakness left behind to stop him from requalifying after his recovery was deemed complete. He was medically discharged.

The man saluted, and he returned the sign of respect. Military retirees and even current members on leave were common in Alaska.

“Sir, I have to confess to a few things. But I did them to protect my family and those I have gathered along the way.”

“Name?” Erik barked the question.

“Captain Edward Narson, sir.”

“Army?”

“Yes, sir. Up here on an adventure holiday when things went loopy. We were awake when the sky spun. I had sick people everywhere, and then when the earthquake hit the next morning, we lost almost everyone on the Homer Peninsula.” Edward continued answering Erik’s unasked question. “We were winter camping. The cliff buckled and the ice cracked and before we could do anything, the tents slid down and people were gone. Swallowed under twelve foot thick sheets of sea ice. Nothing we could do. My girls, my wife and three other children are back in the woods.” His voice faltered into silence.

Erik reached for the mike boom, pulling it into place in front of him. Flipping the big Mark V HF radio on, he waited for it to warm up. Flipping through the frequencies he made a short call stating his emergency. He waved Edward into the empty chair facing the smaller bank of UHF and VHF radios as he spoke. When he finished explaining the situation, to Sarge in Anchorage, he ran his hand over his silvery blonde crew cut.

“We’re starving. I had to take food to them. Clothes too. We’ve got nothing left.”

“We’ve heard nothing from Homer since the flip.” Erik’s mind was still on the earthquake and its aftermath.

“You won’t. I don’t know if the epicenter was right there, but the whole damn town went down, there’s a few roofs showing from a couple of the hotels, but everything’s under water.”

“Give me a minute. I’ll let Sarge know. He’s the only trooper left in Anchorage. He’s the law there. Him and the Coast Guard.” Edward’s haunted eyes never left his face as he made the information call. He couldn’t blame him for looking like a ghost.

“Where are you camped?” Erik’s voice was softer now, no bite to it now that he knew what was up.

“Up along the ridge line behind the horse barn.” Edward’s shoulders sagged as he leaned back into the chair.

“We’re not going to come down on you for taking a few things to help your wife and the children you have with you. How many?”

“Six. Three girls, mine and three boys, survivors, orphans now. They’re mine too now.”

“Of course, they are. How old are the kids?”

“The youngest is seven. The oldest? He’s fourteen. And he’s angry. A handful, but with care he’s going to be okay.” Edward said.

“I’ll come with you. How long is the hike?” Erik stood, shutting down the power to the radio banks. He grabbed a small handheld, tucking it into a pouch on his vest. “Let’s go find the rest of your family.”

“About an hour or so. It’s that simple? You’re not going to give shit about this?” Edward’s disbelief was palpable.

“Not a chance man. I’ll get you in touch with the Coast Guard later. They’re the military authority up here right now. Don’t worry about being AWOL. You’re not the first one to turn up out nowhere.” Erik stood up and turned for the door. “Come on, we’ll grab some water bottles at the lodge and head up to bring your wife and kids into the lodge. I’ll bet they’re ready for something more than beans, rice and biscuits.”

“I wasn’t sure about coming in until I asked the question in that meeting you guys had. It seemed like you’re a fair bunch.” Edward followed Erik into the lodge.

“We’re trying to build a community here. One where everyone can feel safe. Justice is swift. More old west style than wait for a court now. You offend you could pay with your life.”

“Yeah, I gathered that, sir. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“I need to talk to my second in command and the guys staying in the bunk house before we go. We’ll put you in the lodge when we get you all back. Akira is cooking for the skeleton crew we’ve got here right now. Kel is working on the education side of things. We’ve got a few other children here, they’re younger than yours but we need to get them back to a normal routine.”

“I knew I could trust you.”

“By the way, I’m Erik Amudson. Security and safety officer here.”

“I’m a medic. You a vet?”

“I am. Coast Guard rescue swimmer.”

“Damn, one of the tough guys. That’s one hell of a position.”

“Medic’s not bad either. We could use you. Speaking of which here come the Docs.” Erik pointed across the meadow toward the runway and the two immense camo green tents.

“You have a hospital here?” Edward’s eyes were incredulous.

“Like I said, we’re working toward a real community out here.”

“Man, I think I’ve stepped into a little bit of heaven.”

Erik stopped on the wide veranda of the lodge. “I’ll introduce you. I think we’ll take Dr. Mike with us. He’s the human doc, Doc Anya is the animal specialist.”

Edward looked from Erik toward the slender white blonde woman striding toward them.

“Yeah, she’s my mother. Dr. Mike has two kids here too. We value anyone who can contribute. We’ve got all sorts of handy people around here.” Erik said as his mother climbed the three steps up onto the porch.

“Grant?”

“Nope, Captain Edward Narson, medic and survivor. We’re going up the hill to bring his family down in a few minutes. I’m wondering, Mike, do you want to come with us. There’s six kids up there.”

“Get water together, I’ll be right back with my bag.” The doctor took off at a run.

“I’ll let Akira know. We’ll get a few rooms together.” Anya said as she pulled the door to the lodge open.

“I’m grateful. We’ve got to get going. My wife’s strong, but she’s hanging on a by a thread.” Edward looked impatient and hesitant at the same time.

“Come through here. The kitchen’s back here, and we’ll load you up with a few bottles of water. I’m putting some apples and oranges in the pack as well,” Anya said. She turned to pull a pack off a hook beside the back door to the lodge.

Dr. Mike burst through the door as she spoke. Panting a bit, he turned on the tap by the massive farmer’s sink and stuck his head under, guzzling water for a minute before he wet his head down.

“It’s frigging hot out there. We usually get inside for a while at this time of the day. I’m ready. Let’s get out of here.”

“Mom, let Jett know what’s up? He was heading up to Chay’s place. Then find Chuck and Jerry and let them know what’s going down, okay?” Erik requested.

“Go. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, Mom.”