Read Apocalypse Atlanta (Book 4): Apocalypse Asylum for Free Online

ready.”
    “That’s why we’ve built up the perimeter so much.” Sawyer said calmly.  “And are still focused on stockpiling everything we can get our hands on.  No one is taking the situation lightly.”
    “I agree the odds of the camp falling from without are low, but a sufficiently large horde could overrun us.” Peter said.  He left unsaid what could happen if the outbreaks resumed again; if people started turning once more, the odds of the camp not being hollowed out from within were pretty good.  Even though people would know what to watch for this time, and a lot of them were going armed.
    “Let’s stop forecasting doom and gloom.” Sawyer said firmly.
    Peter resisted the urge to shrug.  “My advice is to set up a schedule of satellite passes so we can maximize our chances to talk to Ellsworth; at least for the next day.  At three or four minutes at a pop, it might take a while to conduct any meaningful communications.”
    Ted nodded.  “Take me five minutes to write one out; it’s all in the computer already.”
    “Make some copies of those programs and spread them around so we’ve got backups.” Sawyer ordered.
    The operators nodded, one opening a small tote box and pulling some USB thumb drives out.  Peter met Sawyer’s eyes and jerked his head slightly.  She nodded just as subtly.  He went out into the corridor and walked away from the communications room.  Half a minute later Sawyer emerged and joined him after looking around.
    “Trying to drive a stake through morale?” she asked.  “That’s not like you.”
    “It sort of got a little out of hand, but I meant what I said.  Trust me; it might not get really cold in Georgia, but consistent temps in the thirties and forties are not fun when all you’ve got are tents.  Cold can kill.”
    “I’ve got procedures on my books for dealing with cold weather.”
    “I’ve no doubt.” Peter agreed.  He had a lot of respect for the little FEMA coordinator; she’d proven herself to be more than competent.  “But what I’m saying is surviving it is different from enjoying it.”
    “I’m sure everyone here has experienced cold weather before.”
    “I’m sure.  But this won’t be a few hours, then they duck inside to a nice warm house.  You’re talking four months of tents and bonfires.  With this many people, that’s a lot of fires; and that means a lot of wood needs to be brought back.  Or are you hoping to find the mother of all firewood stores somewhere nearby with what’s needed already cut and stacked and seasoned, ready to be hauled in?
    “And by the way, the term ‘watches’ used to be ‘fire watches’, and it means exactly that.  If you don’t set some up when fire starts being necessary for survival, you could easily see a blaze take out a good portion of the camp before it can be brought under control.”
    Sawyer sighed at him, then gave him a sharp look with her head cocked.  “What’s this ‘you’ thing you’re stuck on all of a sudden.  What happened to ‘us’ being in this together?”
    Peter gave her a steady look in return.  “I want to talk to Ellsworth some more, but I’m leaning toward heading north.”
    “What?”
    “I’ve said all along I’m interested in making a difference.”
    “You are making a difference.” Sawyer said immediately.  “Here.  You’ve made an enormous difference, right here.”
    “I’ve done alright.”
    “This camp wouldn’t even be operating if it wasn’t for you.”
    “Sooner or later you would’ve sorted something out.”
    The woman’s face took on a dark cast as he referenced the late ‘Acting Governor’ Carlson, who had closed the then fledgling camp to all but a handful of picked people loyal to him.  The state senator had claimed it was a temporary measure, designed to ensure the outbreaks didn’t continue and take out the gathered refuges, but in reality he’d only been interested in making sure he and his fellows were