EMP: The End of The Grid As We Know It

Blog Post For Inside Apocalypse
August 16, 2016
By Cal Wilson


I just wrote and published a book about the phenomenon of the high-altitude electromagnetic pulse, known as EMP, and the disastrous effects it would have on the United States and Canada if an EMP was ever unleashed.  My book is now available on Kindle, at the American Amazon website here, and on the Canadian Amazon website here.

EMP is caused by a nuclear explosion at a high altitude.  While the early days of the nuclear age focused on the damage that could be done to targets on the ground by a near-ground-level nuclear explosion, a much more crippling method of damaging a target would be to detonate a nuclear bomb high in the atmosphere above the target.  Such a high-level nuclear detonation would cause a cascade of electrons downward that would instantly and irreparably destroy all of the electronics on the ground below.

EMP has not been very well-studied and has many mysteries surrounding it.  It is almost as if the EMP feature of nuclear bombs was discovered by accident, and by the time the EMP potential was realized by the defense community in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, an atmospheric test ban treaty was signed, which caused all EMP tests to stop abruptly.  All of our current knowledge of EMPs is based upon the few high-altitude nuclear tests that were conducted in the 1950’s and 1960’s by the United States and the Soviet Union, and some mathematical models.

What we do know about EMPs should alarm everyone.  Whereas a typical lightning strike would produce an isolated, instantaneous electrical burst on a tiny area, of several hundred thousand volts per meter, an EMP attack above the United States or Canada would produce a country-wide electrical wave of 35 – 60,000 volts per meter.  This is enough to destroy the country’s entire electrical system and infrastructure.  All communications, the power grid, engines that use electronic circuitry, electrically-based medical devices; almost everything electrical would be permanently destroyed by a precise EMP attack.

A prominent government scientist who has studied EMPs has estimated that because of the resulting starvation, disease, and societal breakdown, at least 90% of the American population would die within one year of an EMP attack.  At one time, a congressional commission, set up to study the effects of EMPs, estimated a two-thirds mortality rate, but whatever the true mortality rate of an EMP attack, it would be such a catastrophic figure that the United States would probably not remain intact.

I started the book with an educational Introduction that goes into a lot of the science involved in an EMP, and some info on small nuclear bombs, including the now-lost Soviet suitcase bombs.  Then I wrote a story of a man stuck in a far-away town when the EMP happens.  He spends the rest of the book trying to get home alive.  Along the way, he must battle prison breaks, food riots, criminal gangs, looters, cannibals, terrorist sleeper cells, nuclear fallout, and otherwise total anarchy in his quest to get home.

There is an Afterword at the end of the book, in which I advise the reader on how to survive an EMP.  I include a lot of tips I had in a book I wrote last year, entitled Dirt Cheap Valuable Prepping.  But in the Afterword of the EMP book, I go into detail on the idea of a Faraday Cage.

A Faraday Cage is important, and let me explain why: it is possible to have a ham radio, or any electrical device, survive an EMP attack if the electrical item is inside a Faraday cage.  A Faraday cage is an ammo can or metal trash can that is sealed up, so that electrical waves go around and not through the items inside.  When the EMP is over, the person with a Faraday cage can get the items out and still use them.  In chapter 16 of my book, there is a high-school aged kid who charges food and water to use his still-working ham radio to report news that he has heard across the globe, and he even offers to try and locate family across the country with his ham radio.

The book is doing well, and I hope it educates people on EMP.  Check it out.

Thanks,

--Cal Wilson
Author

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Nuclear Apocalypse and its Benefit.

 

Do you dissapprove of plunging the world into a radioactive hell? Do you know that there is actually a benefit to get from a nuclear apocalypse? Even though Jeremy Corbyn refuses to use the nuclear weapons of the United Kingdom, still, it is good to focus on the positive side to it. In fact, this has raised a lot of controversies and debates these days. 

 

The blinkered and naïve stance does not consider the many proven benefits of the nuclear apocalypse. There are surely a lot of advantages to get from it concerning the civilization and life. The utmost benefit to get from the nuclear apocalypse is the relative peace.

Based on the Keynesian economics, military spending is quite good for the economy of a nation. Even more modernized arguments state that economic troubles that afflict the human society are ended up with the nuclear apocalypse. These troubles are only the result of the long pursuit to relative peace. 

And logically speaking, the most effective way to end this up and resolve this is a war. The nuclear war should end up all wars. Even the investors are not likely to think the negative way concerning the stability of the manufacturing in China. They have been too busy in digging the dirt and finding the gnarled roots for them to eat. 

Even the surviving members of the society are becoming valued and highly skilled workers because of the notion of “everyone else is dead”. There are lots of things and activities to do. There are lots of projects that must be carried out such as the rebuild of roads, houses, farms, sewers and the rest of the infrastructure.

Apart from it, nuclear apocalypse will simply mean ending certain things such as the current debacle of the junior doctor’s contracts. Doctors will be more than occupied in handling the limitless number of victims of radiation and burns. 

And considering that immigration is quite a big issue in the United Kingdom, even the cynical types believe that immigrants are after taking their jobs. Immigrants are after exploiting the advantages and vast sources of a wealthy country.

With the nuclear apocalypse, this puts all things at an end by means of reducing each country all around the world. Each country will be turned into a godforsaken and irradiated wasteland. If you are living in this wasteland without any useful resources or food, people will never relocate to another irradiate and godforsaken wasteland. This is also especially because of the long-distance travel that is quite difficult to deal now. 

Apart from it, it is also extremely hard to argue that the “Britain is full”. This is due to the fact that the vast population has already been vaporized. 

And when the world is covered by radiation and firestorms, it will surely affect all forms of life and even humans. Almost all domesticated beasts rely on humans for survival. Thus, all of the survivors of the humanity will learn sharing the world with even more difficult creatures!

What do you think? Comment on the comment section below!

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Inside Apocalypse

Hey guys, we have an announcement to make. I am planning on making our story as a novel and publish it, oh either that or making a game based on our story. I think it'd be pretty cool. Comment on the comment section below, which one you would think would be a cool project for us to do. We're definitely excited if we are given the opportunity to do both, if times allow. Thank you so much for those of you who have been following this blog, and "Creepy art" Wednesday will come back next week. See you guys then ! :D

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Day 137 The end of Jack's Survival and Ours - Mike's Diary

That's it. Everyone was gathering around me listening to what Jack had to say. It was all bye, bye, and bye. He wished us luck, and I could hear the fire and wood burning in the background covered with the static from the walkie-talkie. His last word was "It's been a pleasure meeting you all." That's it, the walkie-talkie died, and all we could see was the thick black smoke miles away from where we are at. We just stayed there, mourning over his death, and the worse part is, we couldn't stop him from doing it since he was already a dead man the first time we saw him (We just didn't know that yet). Now all there is left, memories. Everyone suggested that we should go to where the fire was, to gather ashes (that resembles Jack's remain) and put them in a vase/container. Yes, we walked all the way there, craze were everywhere, rotten burning flesh, metal, woods, it's hot and we were all having a hard time to breathe. After we got what we wanted, we started making our way back to our destination (Which is the cave) since we have no where else to go. Another day in  hell, right? Right I forgot to mention that what Jack left me was his diary. It is very intriguing to see Jack's point of view of day to day lives of ours. Now I know what has been going on with him more clearly, where he was when he wasn't around, and why he did what he did. It all makes sense now. As for now, how can we survive this any longer? Is there still civilization outside this country? We can't be certain. Stories don't always have a happy ending, but hey, this is reality, not story. I just want to start fresh, in the cave (how ironic since we were all once cavemen), far away from craze populated area, and jerkwads who keep trying to kill and steal. Before anything though, I want to make 1 last journey, back to Lexi's grave, where I can put "Jack's" ashes right beside Lexi's grave. I'm not going to leave anywhere, not trying to go to another city, another country, it's time for me to rest. My diary will end here, for it is the last page that I'm writing on. Thank you for following my journey, and if you have the chance to, try to save this and Jack's diary too, for the future awaits, to tell the new generations that the plague existed (IF there's still cure to be found).



137 DAYS of tears, joy, happiness, laughs, mourns, and survival.

This is us, living along with the infected.
This is us, living Inside Apocalypse.

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Mike's Diary 137 - 1 Last Request

Since we separated from Jack, everyone stayed silent. No one talked, they just couldn't believe that Jack decided to leave us, that is until Julie told me what she heard. Man, it really is fucked up, humanity is destroyed, and we are left with nothing. Victor, Moses, and Jess are cooking something in the bonfire right now, it's been too long that I haven't heard from Jack. Is he still alive? I was sitting there just playing around with the walkie-talkie hoping that a static from Jack would come up. We are not yet at the cave that I have been talking about. Still a long way from that, and when we were all eating, chatting, and drinking, a noise shut us up. It was a static from the walkie-talkie that I've rested right beside the log that Julie and I were sitting on. Everyone looked at me, then the walkie. There were a lot of static but I still did make out a word or two "Mike, if you're still there say something, copy."



I quickly grabbed the walkie and mashed the side button to talk back
"Jack?"
"Hey Mike, it's been a while bud. Sorry that I didn't tell you about what Julie has probably told you."
"It's alright, at least now I know why you want to do your shit so bad, heh.."
"Yeah, it's fine. It's all good, and hey! Good news is I got another person who might be willing to do this with me. Name's Kathy"

"Yeah? That's great Jack, that really is. Glad you checked back on us."
"About that, I just want to tell you guys to go back to the river where we stayed and lost Mike last time. Remember?"

"Yeah, crystal clear. Why?"

"Just go there, you'll see my sign. Oh and I left something for you under a tree trunk, dig it out, about 2 feet deep. The only evergreen tree with white paint on it."

"Oh okay, so where are you?"

"Nice Mike, you're not coming over. Well, I wish you all the best. Good-bye for now, tell me when you're there!"
"10-4" I said.

I couldn't sleep that night, and we all decided to do what Jack has requested. We packed up, and travel as fast as we can the next morning.

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Last Destination - Mike's Diary Day 95

Morning

It's been a while, since grant's accident. Jack's recovery shows signs of improvements, and for all you know, you are already seeing him walking around again. It's as the usual morning, some people are preparing breakfast, some keeping watch of the premises, and some doing whatever they need to do. We have to leave today. Everyone, including Jack, my next plan is to establish the cave that we found before we got where we are right now. Make a base, stay there, explore, and probably die there. The more people staying in there not the better because jealousy and conflicts will arise. I have been plotting what we will be doing to the cave for a while now, but I have not yet talked to anyone just yet. Just not the time I guess, until this afternoon. I will tell them what I was thinking during lunch.

Afternoon

Julie, Victor, and Moses were there, busy preparing our lunches, Jack and I were talking in the corner about the plan. I told him everything, that after we left the mine, we should go back and establish our long live out of conflicts place to live (the cave). He disagreed. He has a plan of his own, and that is "Operation Inferno". He rambles about not being able to go on  and live to survive like this. He feels like he has to do something. To make an attempt to get rid of as my craze as possible. As crazy as this sounds, I will have to pass on this one. I still have someone to take care of, to love, to protect, unlike Jack (no offense), but he has nothing to lose, and moreover, he's a genetically improved fighter. Though he's now like a brother to me, it is still hard hearing this from him. I tried to convince me to stay with us, and he tried to convince me to make a difference in the world. After the talk, I told him to tell everyone what you're going to do after we leave this place. He agreed and we sat down right across on  the same table. We didn't talk at all, until we all have finished lunch, he stood up and called out for our group's (Julie, Victor, Jess, Moses, and I) attention. He told us a little speech about how great full he is to be meeting with survivors, who would die for someone else, to protect, he did a speech about me, Julie, and most importantly, he mention about HOPE and COURAGE. It's his goodbye message.

Evening

We are leaving tomorrow, I have begin repacking everything, to go and build a new future. I gave Jack a walkie-talkie in case he changed his mind or need help. I told him to always keep the frequency at 98.9 just in case. Jack has his sword, weapons, supplies, everything that he will need to do his mission. I looked at him, and think, this might be the last time I'll see him. I walked up to him, and thanked him for everything that he has done for the group, we shook hands, no we bro-hugged and I gave him my dog-tag (AGAIN TRYING TO CONVINCE HIM TO STAY).  He said thanks, then Julie came, the chatted (whatever they were chatting about).

Night

I couldn't sleep, I drank some beer, smoked some cigarettes, but still nothing. Of course, we are losing another valuable asset from our group. How can I not worry about it?

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Is This it? - Day 92 Mike's Diary

We've arrived, another abandoned town where we could re-supply all of the things that we are missing. There's not much really in this town I'd say, some thugs, or survivors like us were already been here way before us probably. Still though, no one gave up, and we still try to look for any signs of food, supplies, or anything really that we can use to hold us up a little bit longer. When we got here, Jack was eager to unpack his stuff, to finally get back to his work-bench to create more greatness, more weapons, and more equipments for all of us to use. Right now, it feels like everything has come to an end, we can reach nothing, and we all have no more goals. We got all we wanted, but now what? That's the question that has been pondering in my head for a while now. We have everyone, well almost everyone that we love with us right now. No troubles except for craze and more thugs, but other than that, what's the point of living? What is there to chase? Dreams have burnt down to pieces, money is worthless, and the stuff that you wanted when everything was normal is gone. The lust of relaxation, money, vacation, love, everything is gone and now it's all up to us what we want to do with the rest of this.

Moses and Julie are currently setting up the tents for us to stay for the night, I'm here watching the surroundings from on top of a tree, Victor is on the other side of the road, in an abandoned pharmacy looking for any signs of medicine, or a first aid kit, while Jack is hammering away, making more weapons and all. I was still thinking about Jack's conversation with himself during his sleep. I've never mentioned it before, but he said something along the line of leaving the group. "Operation Inferno", those are his two favourite words. He still insists in saving the world, killing all the craze in the world, though I'm sure that there will be no ending to that since more and more and more and most people are getting infected each day. Jack could kill himself if he actually decides in doing this idea of his. I don't even know whether we should all go with him, and help him "SAVE THE WORLD", or should we stay, and travel, looking for a great hidden place to start fresh from zero. I've lost too many people who I consider close to me, hope I won't lose Jack too, but if it is his decision, then I'd try my best to let it go.

Night is approaching, we started a fire, no one really watch the premises, since again we don't care what will happen next anymore. Maybe for once we can be happy without worrying our surroundings. I hope Jack will actually talk to us if he meant to be leaving the group to do his whole operation thing, though at the same time, I don't want him to bring it up, so we can just stick together and avoid arguments within the group.

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Day 89 Back to normal it is - Mike's Diary

*yesterday*
While I was lost, I was actually managed to find some good spots for us to camp from time to time. Yesterday afternoon, when the fog was going away, I decided to start making my way back to the river where Julie, Moses, and Jack were camping. I had to struggle finding the right directions. In the evening, I saw an abandoned gas station, so I'm guessing that there will be a suburbs/town nearby. I was right. I decided to mark the way by breaking each tree branches that leads to that abandoned gas station, and I made my way back, and somehow found a little ravine which led me to the river.

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The walk was far between the town to the river so it might take us a day or two, so we packed up in the morning, and made our way across the river. We didn't swim of course. I swam across to attach a rope on a tree, then the rest follows across while holding that rope, just to be safe. Once we're all set, I just realized that Victor and Jess were back. I was too dizzy to concentrate to how many people in our current group, so I was just kind of ignoring them. Well, as long as they're safe, I'm happy. Along the way, we all talk about what happened, well, me I told them what happened to me, and Victor and Jess? It's a whole lot different story. "Do you even know where we're going?" Jack asked. "Yeah, these branches." I replied. "Man, you better be right, because I'm so excited for getting my hands on supplies to make more weapons and all." He responded. We walked for another hour, where we were stopped by a conversation. We heard it clear, but we couldn't see anything, so Moses and Victor decided to check the paths while we were resting.

*Evening*

Victor and Moses came back, they said there is a group of people, just like us, but Victor wasn't sure whether they are dangerous or not. In the end we all agreed to go around to avoid any contact with other groups whether if they were a threat or not. This case we would have to walk about 3-4 extra miles to reach the abandoned gas station I was talking about. I don't know how long it will take us with our limited supplies, but we'll try our best. After walking for another hour, the sky is getting dark, and we can kind of see a large building miles away from on top of a tree, with my sniper rifle that is. Barely visible, but reaching it in two days is not impossible. I think everyone wants to rest here for the night, I don't know what their problem is, but I'd just go for it for another hour, then we'll rest in a safer spot further from the group that we encountered before. I don't want any more dead bodies after what happened.

*Night*

Yup, I already told ya, they're staying here. Julie and Jess are trying to make a fire, Victor and Jack are on top of a tree of the opposite side keeping watch, and me and Moses are trying to fence the perimeter using an early alert system (That is ropes tied onto trees with cans filled with rocks hanging on the ropes). Just to give us some alert if anyone, or anything come near us. Hopefully we can get to that town ASAP, start everything again, from the ground up. Though I know it will get raided as usual. I'm tired of this, all we've been doing is trying to survive, and kill. We even forget how to enjoy our lives.

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Singled Out - Mike's Diary Day 87

*Morning*

I lost all sorts of hope. I don't know whether we will find Jess and Victor again. If God allows (not sure if he really does exist), we will meet again in no time. No doubt about that. This is our second day at the Grand Oak river, and hopefully Victor and Jess can reach us tomorrow right before we leave. The morning was really gloomy, quiet, and very foggy. I've never seen a fog this thick since that thunderstorm that hit 3 years before this happen. The river was calm, nothing was really going on, so I just sat there on a rock staring straight down the river, keeping watch of the camp. I have plan for today, that is to see if there is any suburbs or town around. Probably gonna take Moses, or Jack, or Julie with me. Julie most likely. I'm pretty sure this is one of the best sleeps that those three have had since forever. In fact, they're still on their own spot, snoring. I got lost in thought, and wasn't paying attention of what behind me, and there they were. There were 2 craze and 1 cutter. I didn't wanna wake the others up, and alerting the craze that they were there, so I decided to lure them away. Away from those three. I thought they weren't able to go across the river, but they did with ease. I knew I was screwed at that moment.

*Afternoon*

I have successfully lured those craze away, killed two of them, but spared the cutter since I don't have any good weapons to kill it. I lured it even further, but now the fog is really thickened out. I don't know where I came from; therefore I don't know how to get back to them. I'm starting to think that what if they decided to wait for me for another day, then something bad happen to them. That would suck and just kinda defeat the whole purpose of trying to survive. As if for now though, I have no where to go, and it's all just a waiting game. I bumped to several craze, but the good thing about this fog is that you can't really see 2 metres beyond your position, so when I sat down, all I can see were craze legs that are wandering about. Again, they can see me due to the thickness of the fog. That fog saves my life.

*Evening*

I'm hungry, thirsty, and exhausted. I didn't even think about Jack, Moses, and Julie. I just try to find some water, but I came out short. No food, no water, so I guess I have to go through the night without those things. It's getting dark, and I wouldn't risk my life trying to find a way back. It's just going to complicate the situation, and I would've gotten lost even more than  I already am. I just hope that one of those three try the flares. It's very risky, but it's a chance that they might have to take if I can't find my way back to the shore of Grand Oak River. God help me.


*Night*

I walked about half a mile away from where I was from. Stupid idea I know,  but hey taking chances right? I don't know where to sleep since there is no one keeping watch for me. I didn't bring any ropes whatsoever, so sleeping in a tree is a choice that I have to pass. Digging a ditch? well I could do that, but I'd probably pass out of dehydration before I even finish digging the whole thing. One way to do it I guess. I don't sleep. I am right now proping my back on a tree trunk. Watching the stars, listening to all kind of creatures' noises. Getting creeped out, scared, no food, water, or weapons. I'm really tired and can passed out anytime, and hopefully I can wake up healthy the next day.

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Day 85 - Separation | Mike's Diary

*Morning*

I woke up doing the usual thing, and planning the stuff that we will be doing for the day. Yesterday, I couldn't find Victor, Jess, and Moses. Good and bad. Good because there is still a chance that they are still alive, bad because we don't know where they are, or what they are doing at this point on time considering most of our crew members are dead. Jack has gotten much better, so the three of us decided to with respect burnt the dead. Not risking it if they were to turn into one of those craze. The smell of mud and blood is all around us, but it didn't bother us no longer. We've gotten use to it. The world is violent, but at least there is no more Ann. No more witches, or some super power, magic, shit. The world is now full of craze and humans, and nothing else.

*Afternoon*

We have gathered most of the fallen, and made a big pile. It was pretty terrifying looking at these dead people who were once our friends, still are in our hearts. Julie couldn't hold back, so she decided to leave the pile and waited for Jack and I.While Jack and I were watching the flames, we head a scream, not a panicky one, but an excited kind of scream. It was Julie's, and Jack and I rushed through the thickets and we managed to reached Julie in time. It was Moses, but where are Jess and Victor? He said that he couldn't find anyone when he woke up yesterday morning, and thought that they went with us. His suspicion starts the next day when he found out that everyone was still gone. Then, he heard screams and gun fires, so he decided to go on his own. I told Moses everything that happened, and he barely could make sense of all of the stuff that I told him. Yes, makes sense to me if Moses is angry with Jack for not telling any of us this beforehand. He confronted Jack, they fought, threw punches at each other. I just let it all happened until finally they both got tired, and sat right beside each other. Talk, I don't know what they were talking about, but hopefully they understood the situation.

*Evening*

We didn't do much except for looking for some supplies and avoiding craze here and there. We went back to base just in case if Victor and Jess were back, but we had no luck. At this point we were convinced that it's better for us to give up and move on. Flares will most likely attract more unwanted visitors. All we could do was left a note to both Victor and Jess in case they came back. The note says "We will be 40 miles out near the Grand Oak River in 2 days and we will stay there for another 2. Please reach us as soon as possible". I don't even think this is going to work. With our tears held back, we left the place, ditching 2 of our members. NO, 2 family members. We have been through together. We wouldn't be able to make it without them.

*Night*

We are only 16 miles out from our base (approximately). We are all too tired for any conflicts with both craze or another group of survivors. We really tried our best to avoid them all, but again we can't avoid death or danger anymore. There were craze here and there. Jack got his foot stuck in a vine, and a horde is approaching. Moses and Julie quickly grabbed their hatchets while I fended off the horde with all my strength. Jack was almost out, 3... 2... 1... He's free, and we quickly made a run into the road. "I didn't want to make you guys panick back there because I saw 2 cutters about 10 feet away from me." Everyone looked at me a with a blank face. "We're staying here for the night. No tent 2 guards each shift. It's safer that way" Moses said. We all agreed upon it, and it's time for Moses and I to sleep. Jack and Julie woke up, well we woke them up to be fair. Hopefully we can meet up again with Victor and Jess as soon as possible.

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Mike's Diary - Day 83 | I REALLY HOPE MY BROTHER, JESS, AND VICTOR WERE NOT ONE OF THEM.

*Morning*

Yesterday was the worse of the worst. I couldn't stand it. My body is all busted up, making every move is a struggle. I don't know what to do today, I don't feel like doing anything until tomorrow that is. I can barely sit myself up, so I have to prop my body against the tree. Jack is still passed out from last night, I'm pretty sure he's not in a better condition than me either. My eyes were still blurry when I woke up, when I saw a figure walking toward us. I didn't make a move, neither did I care, even if I die. The figure got closer to us, where I heard a familiar voice. It's Julie, she brought water, and the fire on my right side is cooking up some nice rabbit meat. "Oh you've woken up!" Julie said rushing to hug me. "Are you okay?" I asked, and she said yes, though I could see some bruises on her body. "I'm the one who's in the best shape between us three." She added. That's true, I couldn't even get up even if I tried. Julie went towards Jack and put a cloth that she has dipped in a cold water on Jack's forehead. "Fever", she said. I the looked over to the right, and that hideous  face is still on the ground. (Ann's head). "Yeah I got creeped out by that bitch too, but if I throw it out, Jack might get so mad. You know he's obsessed." Julie said jokingly. I crawled my way to the fire to warm myself up and to get some taste of the rabbit. I'm starving, I could eat a skunk if I had to.

*Afternoon*

We still stay in the same place. No craze surprisingly, and very VERY quite around the perimeter. Jack woke up, still he couldn't get up considering that the is the one who got beat up more than all of us. I told him that Julie took care of him, so he better say something to her when they see each other. Jack asked me where the head was, and I just pointed at him. All he gave me was a huge sigh, disappointment? or relieve? I wasn't so sure. Seemed like both, but why? This guy is very hard to be cracked open. We ate lunch and did our own regular routine when suddenly Jack's fever got worse. He had a seizure, so I had to force myself up and get every objects away from Jack. I put a stick in his mouth, which he bite on. I didn't want him to bite his own tongue. That'd be pretty fucked up.


*Evening*

I asked Jack about his condition. "Never better" he said. Now he's just writing in his diary. Writing what though? Probably the same thing as me? That's funny. Everything that I see, but in somebody else's point of view. I would love to make a story by combining both of our stories together. That'd be a great idea don't you think? Julie is there, looking at her only hand and comparing them both. She looked sad and grateful at the same time. She even said "Fuck, I wish I had both of these still. Thanks though, I would've died". "Don't mention it." I said.

*Night*

Julie said that we need some rest, so she's going to be the first one up guarding the three of us. She insists to do it, so yeah I'll go second. Jack still can't do anything, so him guarding us is not an option. Julie and I will be guarding a 6 hours shift, so we can all have enough sleep. Which is pretty good, because hey we haven't had a good sleep since forever. Deep down inside though, I'm still wondering who we have killed. I need to make sure that Victor, Moses, and Jess weren't one of them who we killed. During the battle, I noticed the twins from our group, but the rest were pretty hard to see considering they were covered in mud. I saw several more recognizable faces which drowned me into a deeper depression, but nothing we could've done. We would've died, and Ann would still be alive. I will rest now, and begin half of the search tomorrow. God help us. I don't know what I would do if Moses was one of them.

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Day 81 Mike's Diary - Good Karma

*Morning 10:20 AM*

I still couldn't processed what is going on with those people who attacked us yesterday. It's driving me nuts, and it's driving my curiousity even more toward Ann and her puppets. Everyone is still asleep, but soon I will wake Jack and Julie all at once. About 2 hours ago during my shift, I'm pretty sure Jack had a nightmare. He almost yelled, so I had to cover his mouth with a piece of a clothing, just in case if one of those people hear it. It's either Ann is just his imagination, and that Jack is crazy about her, or she really is a psychopath. No way though, those people are like Ann's own red-eyed army. Which is very insane if you think about it. I don't even know where to go today, so I will for sure let Jack to lead the way for the whole day. Whole mission even.

*Afternoon 2:30 PM*

We're on top of a tree right now taking a break. Eating snacks, Jack still anxiously scouting using my binoculars, Julie nervously holding my rifle just in case if there is another attack. Surprisingly enough, on our way here, we didn't see a thing that indicates an attack. It was very odd if you ask me. The weather is also weird, no wind, no rain, no sound, no nothing. It is also very humid, I'm very lazy to even do anything in this weather. Now Jack is packing up ready to hit the road once more. I don't know what we will even encounter along the way. Hopefully something good. Something that can possibly end this search because I'm really tired of this thing.

*Evening 4:55 PM*

Several more attacks. We were attacked for about 4 times during that 3 hours period of traveling. This time, it's more severe, why? They actually aim and shoot. I got hit on my arm, though the bullets only barely hitting us rather than penetrating our skins. It sucks really, though every single time we were attacked, we managed to take 4-6 people out. I yelled at Jack once, "until when will we keep trying to find this bitch? You don't even know where to go Jack." He only said "I know where I'm going." We ended the conversation there. Now, we're not doing anything, taking another major break, Jack is sharpening his knives while Julie is keeping a look out.

*Night 7:35 PM*

We decided to look for another shelter for us to stay for the night, nothing. It's late and it's very dangerous to even blink our eyes. Those fuckers are everywhere, and we can't see at night. The only thing that we have is just my thermal scope. I don't even know how we're going to survive in this situation. Jack is getting stressed out, walking back and forth for about 5 minutes now. Looks like he's trying to figure something out. Right at this point, I have no idea what we're even looking for anymore. All I know is that Jack needs to do his business with Ann. That's all. I'm just returning the favour by helping Jack to find Ann because Jack has helped us a lot. I believe in good karma.

*11:56 PM*

We were ambushed, again, I don't know how those fuckers keep finding our hideouts. It seems like they have cameras on every trees in the forest. It's freaky. Very freaky. Being watched on your every moves. You can't even take a very short nap. In the last ambushed, Julie is wounded, 1 shot barely misses her hip. I patched her up with a piece of clothing that I have, and poured some alcohol onto it. She screamed, though I put my hand over her mouth, so her scream can't be heard from a mile over. Then again, no matter how hard we try to hide, those fuckers always find their ways to us. Now, everybody is just resting, nothing to do, we've almost given up. Jack, please find Ann ASAP.

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Mike's Diary Day 79 - Off we go

*Last Midnight*

It was crazy.  I didn't know what to say to Jack, and how to respond to what he had told me.
Blood? My carved back? Ann? What the hell is he talking about? He sounded really crazy, and didn't think it through. Well, we argued, he yelled at me, and walked away. All I said was ""Let me sleep on it", but I doubt he heard it. I tried my best to rethink everything right before I went asleep. He did sound crazy, INSANE, weird, like a fool. Honestly. If he stayed? We might be able to help him, if he left, where to? Crazy bastard. Though, he has helped us a lot. I mean A LOT. Maybe it's time to return the favour huh? Yes. I'm going with him, but only me, I'm not putting everyone else's lives in danger. I was thinking too loud apparently that Julie heard me and wanted to go. Of course. OF COURSE SHE WANTS TO GO WITH US. WHY??

*Very early in the morning*

I woke Julie up, and told her to pack up her stuff, without making any noises, and without waking everyone else up. This is the second time that I have to leave my brother, Victor, my family. Though, I left a note. In Moses's back-pack. He'll know what to do. I packed up everything I needed, map, compass, weapons, blunt weapons, traps, molotovs, and all the other good stuff. Jack walked in my tent, "Thanks." he said. I walked up to him, I whispered/yelled "You better be right about Ann man. I'm not sacrificing my life and Julie's without any reward. That is, killing this son of a bitch Ann." He nodded. We packed up, and we proceeded our way through the thickets, avoiding craze, and saw actually some of them are trapped in the hole that we dug for the past 2 days.

*Afternoon*

We walked pretty far, no action still, no danger, so far so good, and there was no psychopaths trying to kill us. Good sign right? Jack asked "Did they know we're living? How's your brother then?". I said "We've planned this out. Long time ago, before this apocalyptic bullshit happened. Creepy huh?". We continued walking, may be stop here and there for a break. Jack was leading the way, Julie in the middle, and I was at the very back. Julie particularly very interested in Jack's story for some reason. She asked so many questions while Jack was having a hard time answering them. "Why did you bring this girl with you?" Jack said "None of your business", Julie responded. "She's just gonna get us killed." Jack said, again Julie and her sassyness responded "Fuck you old man." I just chuckled and repeated it "Yeah, fuck you old man."

*Evening*

We encountered some villages, but we decided to went back 2-3 kilometers away from the village to scout everything around it. I had my binoculars, and Jack has his sniper rifle, while Julie keeping a close watch with her glock. We decided to climbed up at tree to see what activities are going on in that village. No, it wasn't even a  village, more like a camp, temporary camp. I zoomed in with my binocular to see what the guys look like, and yes. As Jack described before, red eyes and all that bullshit. Hmpfff... This is gonna be tough. Jack wanted to end it right away, but I wasn't sure if "Ann" was even there, so I talked some sense to him, and told him that we better be camping on top of this tree to see who they really are, and whether "Ann" is there with them or not. He indeed agreed. I climbed up the tree first, then hooked a rope around the branches, then Julie right under me, then Jack right under she. We felt pretty safe up here, plus we have some height advantages. This was when I decided to just sleep it off and continue the journey tomorrow, or even confront the group (if they're still there tomorrow morning). Jack was obviously disappointed, but hey, the safer trip we have the better for everyone, so deal with it Jack. We're gonna get that psychopath eventually.

*Late night*
I just woke up, and now I'm writing (you don't say). I heard something, but when I looked down, those two were sleeping. Maybe just a paranoia that kicked in? I just checked the camp with my binoculars and they were are still there. Good for now.

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Sign me Up as a Sniper Force - Mike's Diary Day 78

Well, the hunting group was a success, proud to have them around. The holes-digger group also did  a great job. Dug up hole, almost half our perimeter, and I am sure that it'll be done in a couple of days or so.

*morning*

I woke up as usual, the early bird. I drank some water and brushed my teeth (hygiene is gold). Washed my face, and as usual, went to the area so-called my "office". Looking at the map, and deciding what we should do today. We have some food that's enough for our group for a couple of days, and there's no way we'll keep feeding the village. Hell, we already offered defense and all. Today, I thought was best if we use to finish the 3m deep ditches. Therefore, I grouped the hunters and the diggers to work with the defensive line (digging hole that is). I woke everybody up after I noted what I was going to tell them, and once again I gathered the leaders. Victor, Moses, and Jack. I told Victor and Jack exactly what's on the note, this time we might be able to double the pace, and I told Moses and the other men to again patrol. I left Julie with Moses for I wanted to do something myself. Jack protested, why and where am I going alone, but I didn't really say much. I told Moses to be in charge of everything, and told the leaders that I will still have my walkie-talkie with me.

*Afternoon*

I packed up what I needed, and off I went. I needed sometimes for myself.
What's in my bag you asked?

1. Sniper rifle with a thermal scope + amunitions
2. A hammer
4. Map
5. Compass
6. Water
7. Diary
8. Binoculars

Nothing much really. The reason I'm doing this is because I just need sometimes to myself (Like what I used to do, just wondering around and all). Yeah useless, I should've been helping the others, but I'm just too stressed out thinking about what happened to our lives.

I climbed a tree, and it is about 40 yards away from the suburbs. I was well hid, and was able to see my surroundings (height advantage). Nothing but craze around, and a cutter. I was trying to make sure that the little blob behind its neck is what triggers its nerves. I started sketching the the cutter (Yes, I'm an artist), 2 sides, front and side, so I know what it looks like, so I can teach the do's and don'ts while fighting monsters. I aimed my sniper rifle, held my breath and pulled the trigger. At that second, it blew up the blob behind the cutter's neck and it can no longer move. I got it now, quickly I drew an arrow towards the blob on my diary and wrote "weak-spot".

*Evening*

I spent the rest of the afternoon sitting, tried to relax, but I couldn't. I'm still picturing Lexi in my head, she's sitting beside me, she's swearing at me, and all of the things that we used to do together. Almost brought tears to my eyes again. After another 10 minutes, my walkie-talkie started going off with static, and I can only made out a few words (more like whisper) "They have Jack as a hostage." Sounded like Julie. I quickly packed everything and rushed back to the village. About 2 miles away from the base, I could see 4 people (i climbed a tree and was using my binoculars), and 2 holding Jack by his hands with a knife on his throat. 1 let Jack go, and the other one used him as a shield with his knife still on Jack's throat. It was intense, guns were pointed at each other. This is almost impossible I thought. I used the walkie-talkie to communicate with Victor and Moses (who were hiding behind a wall at that time). I told them to get ready with a gun, and each of them had to pick a target to save Jack's life. 5 minutes already, the sun is dawning, and I switched to my thermal scope for my sniper rifle. My last words on the walkie-talkie were "Take your targets once you heard my rifle". I aimed at the guy who had Jack, right in the head, but no. I changed my mind. I aimed at his neck, and pulled the trigger.

*Night*

Blood everywhere. Everyone died, except for the guy who had Jack. Jack tried to stop his bleeding (smart move), just what I wanted. I want him for further questioning, and let Jack to do it himself for he is a better negotiator than me. I came back, and the holes were almost done. Everybody was tired, and Julie came up to me. She asked me where I was, blablabla, and just sat down beside me. I told her, I'm gonna ask Jack what happened tomorrow. Honestly, I wouldn't worry so much about Jack. He could've taken 3 of the 5 guys out himself, but he was probably thinking clearly that he would've injured not only himself, but also the others. Good call Jack.

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Deals and Strategies - Day 77 Mike's Diary

Yesterday evening, I requested two people to go and find Jack. He had been wondering around all day, and haven't seen his face in a while. The reason is that one of the representatives from the tree house village want to see us, and who is responsible for who. I told him, Moses is the leader, also is my brother. Me myself is in charge of battle plans mostly, and other stuff regarding safety and strategies, and Jack, he is responsible for creating new weapons and different strategies how to survive (farming, etc). Jack is a reader. I said. The representative, Hannah, welcomed us, though it was intense at first, later she realized that we're good people.
We were given the permission that we can stay here (not in their tree houses), but in their premises, and agree to help each other, as long as we protect their people too from bandits, and craze.

*morning*

I have never had any sleep this good before, since this is all happened. I woke up and I saw Julie was using her axe on a tree, probably practicing, or just bored or some sort. Jack is still asleep, and Victor is sitting on a bench. I got up, and unpacked my backpack:
1. 1 axe
2. 1 crowbar
3. a handgun and a hunting rifle
4. amunitions
5. liquor
6. rope
7. sunglasses
8. a compass
9. map
10. snack.

I quickly grabbed the snack and ate it. Man, I was so hungry, I might have even forgotten to eat on the way here after the battle. I finished my snack in seconds, then I drank some of the water that has been given to us last night. I then started making plans as of what we should do to help this place better (Moses is pretty much useless at this point, and let me in charge).

*afternoon*

I then proceed to find a useless table, round table, and this is going to be my new work desk.
I laid my map on it, pin it down with rocks, so it doesn't go anywhere. I took out a piece of paper and started jotting down the stuff that I want to get done for today. After I was done with all of my preparation, I started a fire, boiled some water, and prepare them for everybody. I woke them up one by one (literally, but more like ditch by ditch). I gathered everyone around. From about 160 people, we're down to 125 people because of Valors. As much as I would love to go back, and retrieve the body of our fallen, it was way too dangerous. I grouped the group into several, and divided the jobs.

I called the leaders candidates of each group to the front table, so I can tell them what the plan was.
first up, Victor.

Victor's to do list:

Once I drew a 2 miles radius circle on the map, covering our parameters, I told him to bring 15 men with him. I told him to dig a hole circling the tree house village (ours too). 5 meters deep, and 3 meters wide, and after you guys are done cover it with branches, so craze or bandits don't know that it's there. Now, you have to do this carefully, and divide the physical resources management. I suggest you to have 5 men working, 5 rest, and 5 guarding, and the cycle continues. Bring guns, and make sure they are equipped with silencers. Safety is number 1, and leave no man behind unless they asked you to leave them.

Jack's to do list:

Jack, I know I can trust you with hunting. Make sure with have enough food either meat or vegetables for the next 2/3 days. Bring 20 men with you, divide them into groups 2 each, but keep them close in case of troubles. I want you guys to be safe, don't fool around, and if the group mess up, we're all not eating. No pressure. Safety is number 1, if you guys have little food and there is trouble, signal everybody, and go back. You will be 1 mile away from Victor, so warn them if you guys see anything. One more thing, don't make too much noise.

Moses' to do list:

Moses, you and I will bring 5 men with us each and we go about another mile away from Jack. To patrol in the front line. I'll bring walkie talkie, one for each leader, and each leader must have a whistle. We patrol, if we see anything, get to safety. Bring sniper rifles, melee weapons, and shotguns.

I then said one more thing to them :

I'll contact you guys through each walkie-talkie, frequency 67.9FM. You heard warning from us, blow the whistle twice, and wait for your crew. Tell your crew if you guys can't find each other and heard the whistle, head back to the base. When these whistles are blown, every men is on his own, and head back to base IMMEDIATELY. Pick your men wisely.
Be safe all

They were all then spread out and pick their own men, and after their done, I yelled everyone who is not going, please you're our only defense. Arm yourself, and get ready for anything. Split yourselves into two groups. 1 for farming and planting, and 1 for defense. After things were finally sorted out, we all spread out, and proceed onto our quests. (p.s Julie is with me)


*Evening*

I was watching with a sniper rifle, and Julie had her binoculars. Nothing, then we circle around the perimeters, and still nothing. This is how it went. 3 people, Julie, Craig, and I were patrolling the North to West, Moses and his group were patrolling  the South to West, and two other groups were patrolling South to East, and East to North. Sometimes we see each other, but not for long because we had to keep patrolling. The sun is going down now, and our shifts should be over sooner or later. I was sitting duck with my sniper when Julie said to look 20 degrees to the left. I saw a cutter, walking towards us, but it's very far away. I took this chance to see it's weakness with my silenced sniper rifle. I shot it's face, and blown of half of it, but still nothing. It was confused as if where that (my bullet) came from. Then, I took another shot on its knee cap, and it fell, but later got back up. When it got back up, I notice something behind it's neck. It's a huge blob, yellow-ish color attached to it. I took my chance to shoot it, and it popped. The cutter didn't die, though it just stays there. Not making any moves, as if I had taken of it's nerves. I looked at it curiously through my scope, for about  15 minutes or so, but still nothing. I took this into consideration, and took notes from this. After that was done, I contacted all of the leaders of the team to head back. There was no problem so no whistles were blown.

*Night*

It was a success. The tree house village was impressed on how our group handle things. We even had dinner with them. Now, everyone is drunk, having fun (not loud fun), telling stories, and bond with each other. I have not yet told them about the weakness of the cutter, so I will make sure I will tell them tomorrow morning. I'm writting this, while Julie is right beside me, humming.
"Good shot" she said. I'm just smiling and I told her, good eye for spotting that cutter.


 
This is where we sleep at night, make sure we're not visible to anything (we still have patrols)

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