Atlantic Island aic-1 Read online

Michelle looked unsure. “You think we should go to this?”

  “Why not? Kylee asked. “It’s not like we’d be missing primetime TV. We should know what’s happening.”

  Theo, a little reluctant to weigh in so obviously on Kylee’s side, encouraged a discussion. The teens decided it was best to attend, if not for the information, at least to break up the monotony.

  As the week passed, Theo’s excitement for the meeting grew. He began to hope that maybe the mayor could tell them what happened, and maybe he even had a plan to get them home. Theo could tell the others were excited too. Even Bill, who had been a little sullen since the incident between the officers and the frail, angry man named Bob, looked optimistic.

  Thursday evening, the teens walked off the boardwalk and joined the masses moving toward the entrance to Boardwalk Hall. The population was a wide-ranging sample of races, ages, shapes and sizes. The only constant was loose articles of clothing hanging on frames slightly sunken from the lack of nutrition.

  They were ushered by what Theo assumed must be police officers out of uniform into the main hall. As the crowd filled the seats, the hum of excited conversation radiated around the arena. Clearly nobody knew exactly what to expect but all were here on the hopes that some information or plan would be revealed.

  A small stage was erected in the center of the arena floor. A single podium was positioned in the middle. On its face were small renderings of the American flag and the blue and white stripes of Atlantic City. As Theo continued to observe the growing crowd, the lights began to dim. The murmurs of chatter were reduced to excited whispers. A spotlight shone brightly on the stage.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen,” boomed a voice over the arena sound system, “please welcome to the stage the honorable Mayor Samuel Lucas and Deputy Mayor Paul Tiberius!”

  The crowd broke into applause as the mayor, a small African-American man, approached the podium and gave the crowd a warm smile. Paul Tiberius remained at the back corner of the stage. In contrast to the nationally recognized kind demeanor of the man affectionately called “Uncle Sam,” Tiberius was not known to appear at many public events and did not interact much with the locals. He was tall, pale and gaunt, with dark, sunken eyes. Theo, seeing Tiberius for the first time, felt a deep sensation of dislike toward the man that he could not explain.

  “My friends,” Mayor Lucas began, “I am so happy that you are here tonight. We have all been through much together and I believe it is long past time that those of us who claim to be running the show tell you what we know.” At this, applause erupted again. Lucas smiled and raised a hand to silence the crowd. “Many of you are referring to the incident of three weeks ago as “the Event.” I think that’s as good a name as any. We were not fortunate enough to have many of America’s finest scientific minds on our island when the Event took place, but those who have some expertise tell us that we experienced an unprecedented bombardment of electromagnetic energy. The seismic activity you all surely felt was likely a result of this pulse of energy. Where it came from, we don’t know.” Murmured conversation rose in the audience at this.

  “What the hell do you know?” Asked one angry male voice.

  “Please,” said Lucas. “Let me tell you what I can.” He paused and waited as the noise died out. “Thank you. As I said, we do not know the source of the Event. We do not know if it was an attack or a natural disaster. We do not know because we have no communication with the outside world.” Theo fully expected the crowd to roar at this but was stunned by the shocked silence that followed the mayor’s words.

  “As many of you undoubtedly know, there is no sign of anyone from the rest of the world. Nobody has been able to contact us, if we are to assume they have tried. We lost access to Bader Field in the Event, and we do not have any airplanes. We do, however have access to a few helicopters. We sent an exploratory mission a week ago. The helicopter went as far as it could before having to turn so it could make it back on the fuel we provided. The helicopter traveled over 100 miles west of our island. At no point did the pilot see anything but the ocean.”

  Now the audience was outraged. Screams and accusations came from every direction. A woman rushed out of the crowd screaming, “You lie!” She attempted to climb the stage. Paul Tiberius turned his dark gaze to the Security Forces and pointed at the woman. A team of five officers surrounded the woman and moved her forcibly through the crowd. The attendees became noticeably quieter after that, and Lucas took the opportunity to once more sooth the crowd to near-silence.

  “I apologize that my words are unsettling to you. How could they not be? I know we all look to those in authority at times like this. Well, though I cannot explain what happened to us, I would like, at your indulgence, to share with you what we do know and what we have been doing to preserve the well-being of those of us on this island.”

  “There were quite a large number of visitors to the shore when the Event took place. Unfortunately, I must report that many lost their lives in the calamity that transpired. We suspect that some survivors are still missing, whether or not by their own choice. If we make some conservative estimates of the missing and combine that with what we do know from those of you who have made regular rounds to obtain rations, we can safely assume that the surviving population on this island is about twelve thousand people. About three quarters of that number are here tonight.”

  “The first thing we have decided is to preserve the laws of the United States of America. We don’t know if the country has survived or what shape it is in, but it is the law we as citizens all pledged to obey and so we shall. Having said that, we believe that some organization is important. We have no access to the governments of Atlantic County, the state of New Jersey, or the United States. Therefore we, the elected officials of Atlantic City, and those of Ventnor and Margate, of which some land still remains, have chosen to join our governments together. Until which time the situation changes and we revoke these new orders, all the lands of this island shall be called… Atlantic Island.”

  At his words, banners unfurled from the arena ceiling displaying a new flag. Three thick, vertical stripes of red, white and blue comprised the background, while a variant of Atlantic City’s logo was emblazoned in the center with the name of the new territory.

  The crowd gasped and again Lucas silenced them with a calm raise of his hand. “Now there will be more information coming to you over time. Some of it will be in large forums like this; other info will be distributed by pamphlets at ration stations. I just have two more issues to discuss and you will be free to enjoy this lovely evening.”

  “First, we have carefully allocated food from stores, casinos and hotels to ensure that there will be something for all twelve thousand residents of Atlantic Island, at least for a while. Obviously our supplies are not unlimited. To that end, we will be demolishing all remaining structures in what remains of the region formerly called ‘Margate.’ We are going to turn that land into farmland, so that when our current supply runs out, we will be prepared with an abundance of food. We will need demolition crews and farmers.”

  “We will also require demolition crews to remove collapsed buildings and tear down any that have been damaged beyond repair. We need workers to repair almost all the remaining buildings, as the damage has been pervasive. We have other openings with our science crew, police force, and etcetera. We will have signups at ration stations. All are expected to participate and help in some way. Your rations, I’m afraid, will only be provided if you volunteer for some position.”

  “And now,” said Lucas, “for the final topic of the evening, allow me to introduce Deputy Mayor Tiberius.” The crowd, having exhausted itself applauding the mayor’s previous statements, still mustered some enthusiasm as Tiberius approached the podium looking grim.

  “Greetings,” said Tiberius. He sounded, Theo thought, as somber as he looked. “It is my duty to inform you that I have been chosen the head of the Atlantic Island Department of Law Enforcement. This new department o
versees the police force and intelligence groups. As such, I must say that I have been very displeased by the behavior on this island.” Lucas looked uncomfortable at this and made to approach the podium. Tiberius raised a hand in the same manner Lucas had used to calm the crowd. The mayor returned to the back of the stage.

  “There have been many incidents of violence against property and persons in our community. Indeed, there have been attacks against our officers. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I trust that I will not have to elaborate further on this matter.” The crowd was silent. Theo felt a disconnect between his brain, which knew that the words Tiberius spoke made sense, and his stomach, which churned uncomfortably with his deep dislike of the deputy mayor.

  “The final topic for this meeting is that of residency. Many of you have taken occupancy of homes that are not yours. We your governing officials have graciously decided to overlook this flagrant inappropriateness while the demolitions and repairs are taking place. At a time to be determined, we will assign official and legal residences to all of you. This is all.”

  Tiberius stepped backwards from the podium. Mayor Lucas walked around him still looking a bit embarrassed. “Thank you Deputy Mayor Tiberius,” said Lucas. “On that note, we thank you for all being here tonight and giving form to our wonderful new community. These times are scary for us all, but together we can live, flourish and triumph over this adversity. Please know that the government of Atlantic Island is doing all it can to make contact with the outside world and we will notify all of you as soon as we know anything more. Thank you, and goodnight.”

  The crowd dispersed back into the streets in torrents of excited conversation. Theo, despite his intense distrust of Tiberius, felt exhilarated at the prospect of things getting better on the island.

  “Did you all hear that Tiberius guy?” asked Bill. “He looks like a bat. I didn’t like the threatening kinda crap at all.”

  “Maybe it’s good to have somebody in charge who isn’t scared to keep violent people in line,” said Michelle. “I haven’t felt too comfortable with all the craziness we’ve seen, but Tiberius knows how to take control.”

  “I’m just excited to sign up for the science crew,” said Ryan. “Finally a chance to help get us off the island!”

  “You mean our new country,” said Kylee. “Don’t you think it’s a little fast to be giving up our US citizenship?”

  “I think they just want people to feel there is some sense of normalcy,” said Theo. “Mayor Lucas means well, at least.”

  They walked on through the masses of people finding their way back to what they now knew were temporary residences.

  “What about Mark?” asked Bill, “I didn’t see him or Jamie anywhere.”

  Theo considered this for a moment. “We’ll probably have a few days before we have to sign up for any of the committees. Let’s take some time starting tomorrow to really focus on tracking them down. Now that people have been around the island and are over the shock, they might be willing to help us or at least give us an idea if they’ve seen Mark and Jamie around somewhere.” He put a hand on Bill’s shoulder. “We aren’t giving up on them.” Bill nodded soberly.

  All in all, Theo thought, it had been an interesting night. He was glad they had attended the meeting. Just to see so many faces, to be part of a throng of thousands of people, made him feel normal again. Even if none of those people had been holding up a smartphone aimed at the podium, it was still a better feeling than he had experienced in weeks. For the first time in a long time, something other than Kylee had given him hope. Just the same, he moved alongside her and put his hand on hers.

  Book 2: The Leadership

  Chapter 6

  The day after the town hall meeting, the teens set out on a mission to find their missing friends. Theo observed that many more survivors were out in the streets, perhaps emboldened by the previous night’s gathering. He had become accustomed to seeing crowds in line for food but it was rare to see many people outside with no particular purpose.

  Unfortunately, nobody seemed to have information on Mark and Jamie. Many people they came across had also lost friends and relatives and were at as much of a dead end as Theo and his friends. Bill was slipping back into his moodiness and Ryan’s attempts to liven the atmosphere with humor were falling flat.

  At lunch, the teens sat on the beach overlooking the endless blue waves. Every time they sat like this and watched the ocean, Theo became more convinced the water was a brighter blue than it had been prior to the Event. Of course, he had no way to make a direct comparison.

  “Hey, kids!” a voice called from the boardwalk. They turned around and saw Officer Menendez waving from a distance. They walked over to him and took positions on the stairs. The officer, his uniform now boasting a small patch in the style of the new Atlantic Island flag (Theo wondered where these things were being printed), looked cheerier than when they had last seen him.

  “How are you guys holding up?” he asked.

  “We’re doing okay,” Theo said. “Glad to see that the mayor has things under control.”

  “You and me both, buddy,” said Menendez. “You all figure out what jobs you’re gonna sign up for? We need some good recruits at the precinct!”

  “I figured I might give that a shot,” said Kylee. Theo felt his jaw drop a little and closed it, embarrassed. Menendez’s eyes had widened.

  “You?” he asked. “Not what I would have expected, but that’s great! Welcome aboard, kid. So, what brings all of you out to this part of town?”

  “We’re looking for our friends who went missing during the Event,” said Bill.

  “And no luck?” asked Menendez.

  The teens shook their heads. “We’ve asked around town and nobody can help,” said Theo.

  “Well, I’ve got some news that might point you in the right direction,” said Menendez. “The hospital near the convention center is finally open to the public.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Kylee. “That place has been barricaded since the Event. We assumed it was too damaged and was scheduled to be knocked down.”

  “Nah,” said Menendez. “I mean, it had some problems but those have been fixed. A ton of wounded got brought in there after the Event. The deputy mayor thought there’d be too much chaos if people were told to look for the missing at the hospital.” He looked ashamed. “We were told to make it look closed. In the interest of security, you know? Now they’ve got it under control and visitors are allowed. Sorry to say that quite a few they brought in didn’t make it. I hope your friends made it through.”

  Theo swelled with hope. He couldn’t wait to get over to the hospital. He saw that his friends were just as eager. They quickly said goodbye to Menendez, who asked them all their names again, paying more attention to them than he had in the past.

  “I wish you guys the best,” he said. He turned to Kylee. “I look forward to seeing you around the department. The rest of you all feel free to look me up whenever you want. Just keep your distance from the casinos. I imagine some of them might be operational soon but others are government offices. Either way, Deputy Mayor Tiberius doesn’t want young people getting too close. Worried about troublemakers and all that.” Menendez’s face showed that he himself was not too worried about troublesome teens.

  Theo and his friends shook Menendez’s hand and hurried off in the direction of the hospital. When they arrived, a small line had formed in front of the desk. Clearly word had not yet spread that visitors could inquire about the patients. Theo approached the desk when his time came. A heavyset woman sat at the desk. Theo wondered just how large a woman she had been before the reduced rations had slimmed everybody down.

  “Who are you looking for?” she asked. Theo gave the names of his friends and she typed some things into her computer. Though he knew the computer was operating on an internal network and had no connection to the Internet, Theo felt a sense of calm at the appearance of a device so rooted in the world he had know
n before the Event.

  “Your friend Mark is in Room 403. Take the elevator at the end of the hall to the fourth floor and make a right.”

  Theo felt lightheaded as happiness washed over him. “And what about Jamie?” asked Kylee, looking nervous.

  “She was discharged a few days ago. According to this,” the woman pointed at her monitor,” she has been staying in the room with your other friend. They a couple, I take it?” Nobody responded. “Okay, I get it, none of my business. You all go on and see your friends.”

  They signed in quickly, thanked the woman at the desk and made their way to the elevator. Theo was concerned to see that the elevator denoted the fourth floor as “ICU.”

  The smells of sterility and various cleaning agents filled Theo’s nostrils as he stepped out of the elevator. It was a very short walk down the white tiled floor to room 403. Without knowing he intended to, Theo took a deep breath and held it as he stepped inside.

  The beeps of the machines and the ragged sound of artificially controlled breathing told him that his friend was in bad shape before his eyes even focused on the sad form in the hospital bed. Mark’s face was swollen on one side and covered in yellowing bruises. His head was wrapped in gauze. One leg was elevated in a large cast. The rest of Mark’s body was under the blankets but Theo could see the tubes keeping his friend alive. Jamie was sleeping in a chair in the corner. Her arm was in a sling and she also bore fading bruises on her face, but nothing compared to the extent of Mark’s injuries.

  Theo and the rest spread out around the hospital bed. Their faces, Theo observed, were all grim. Bill reached out and put his hand lightly on Mark’s arm. Bill’s jaw was tight and Theo knew he was trying very hard to keep his composure. For several minutes nobody said a word. The quiet seemed to stretch on forever, as if time had lost all meaning in that small room. All that mattered was the series of machine noises that collectively meant that Mark was still alive.