Read Online After the Republic by Frank L. Williams - Free Book Online Page A

there, we need to remain as off the grid as possible. That means discipline. And with that said, we need to be prepared to defend ourselves if necessary.”
    “I agree,” Joshua said. “Can you take the lead on organizing travel logistics for tomorrow?”
    “Affirmative,” Bob said. “Make sure everyone who shows up tomorrow has a full tank of gas and that their cell phones are fully charged.”
    “Will do. I’ll email or text everyone when I get into the house.”
    “Negative! No email or text! They are too easy to monitor. We don’t know who we can trust, therefore we must remain below radar as much as possible. Call them, from a landline if you have one. Additionally, instruct everyone to turn off their GPS devices and the GPS functions on their phones. They do need to bring their phones and have them fully charged, but should use them for emergency purposes only from this point forward. ”
    “Will do, but half of these people will be lost without their GPS.”
    “Well, it’s time they grow up and learn how to use a stinking map.” Bob blew a puff of cigar smoke in the air. “If they can’t get there without a GPS that may be a sign that we don’t need ‘em holding us back.”
    A lot of people are going to be in for a dose of culture shock when they meet Bob tomorrow, Joshua thought. “By the way, don’t forget that Thomas will be here at 5:00. I hope you can stick around and meet him.”
    “Affirmative.”
    “Also, what time will you be here tomorrow morning?”
    “With your permission, we will sleep here tonight. Martin and I have everything we need and will pitch our tents out here by the barn.”
    “Why am I not surprised?” Joshua chuckled. “That’s fine. I’m going in to check on Rebecca, run this list by her, see what else we need to pack and then start making calls. Do you need anything from me?”
    “Negative. Martin and I will handle packing your large items. We will let you know if we need additional information.”
    “Yes, sir!” Kane agreed.
    Inside, it was immediately evident that Rebecca had been hard at work. The living area floor was covered in boxes, several of which contained canned goods. Others were filled to the brim with clothes, dishes and utensils.
    “Wow, you’ve been busy!”
    Rebecca wiped her brow as she looked up from her seat among the sea of boxes. “I’ve gotten a lot done. If we have to make this move, I want it to feel like home when we get wherever we’re going. Trying to pack everything we’ll need. What have you guys been up to? They seem like interesting characters.”
    “They’re definitely interesting.” Joshua chuckled. “We’ll need them. Bob helped me make a list of things everyone should bring, and now I have to call everyone and share the list. Now he and his friend Kane are getting some of our large items ready to go.” Joshua looked over the boxes. “Let’s make sure we take some pictures and personal items with us. That will help it feel a little like home.”
    “Already working on it,” Rebecca said as Joshua picked up an empty box and started toward his office. “What are you going to put in that?”
    “A few books I don’t want to leave behind.”
    “Books?” she quizzed him. “Won’t those just take up space that could be used for things we need to take with us?”
    “I think we’ll need some of these,” Joshua responded without further explanation. Before he made it down the hall he stopped, closed his eyes and took a deep, heavy breath. “Umm, were you able to get up with Perry and Caroline?”
    “No.” Rebecca solemnly answered.
    Joshua shook his head. His stomach tightened into knots as he walked to his office. He began putting books he felt were worth taking into the box: The Bible. The Art of War . The Boy Scout Handbook . Pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution. Books on leadership. Biographies of George Washington, Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan. Robert’s Rules of Order . A survivalist