Page #65
Q: I stopped talking for a few moments and stared into the fire with my thoughts. It was too much to assimilate on one afternoon, now early evening. But this was my last night in Carson and my last night interviewing the remarkably complex lady who long ago signed on to a web site as "Mother Abigail". I looked up and she was serene and quiet in her big black chair.
If this is all true, are you saying only isolated groups will survive - like in past bottlenecks?
MA: No, unfortunately groups will not be so lucky. All those well prepared groups who believe that when the stuff hits the fan they will survive because of where they live or where they will retreat to - will make one tragic error. They will welcome carriers into their retreats before the scope and speed of the outbreak are well known. It will be their undoing.
This outbreak is of a different scale. The penetration of the virus into human culture and population, the speed of the spread of the airborne variant, and the closeness of human contact in our modern age are all factors that, except for a few isolated pockets, mark the end of the rise of Homo Sapien Sapien.
It is very close to an extinction event.
Q: You say isolated pockets?
MA: Yes, there will be those few who, at first report of the strange deaths, will depart immediately to a place they have chosen and stocked with provisions. This will not be groups but the next step down - families.
This place will have ample water and be so removed from human contact that the virus will burn through our species without finding them in their place of refuge.
It will be these families that must carry on with our hopes and dreams of better days.
This is not an easy concept to understand but in all this trauma and tragedy - there is transformation. A sort of genetic winnowing and even, in the macro sense, a choosing.
For those who are awaiting this event, and child do not be deceived, they are many in many lands. These coming events are not unknown. They have a feeling, a premonition, a precognition of what lies ahead. It is growing in their hearts and they will not hesitate to flee at that crucial moment when flight and isolation are still possible.
Q: Precognition?
MA: Yes. We have spent a very long time discussing how in our species there is a range of abilities in the area of perception. Perception will be the only determinant in this bottleneck.
The time is so close that most of the staging for the refuge will have started long ago. They have chosen their spot, they are stocking the larder and they only wait. For they also know.
It is our time and as difficult as it may be, this is what we will do.
Q: Will you go to the lake?
MA: No, I am a doctor and I will serve in that capacity as best I can. This is my home and I am happy with my life's work and I am at peace with my Lord. In this small town we will do what we can against a foe that carries only darkness and finality.
Page #66
Q: But the towns will fail?
MA: All groups, towns, villages and cites will fail. There is no refuge in these places. Only death.
Q: Do you mean that there are other people who believe this is coming and are ready to flee to some place out in the boonies and just wait for it all to pass?
MA: Yes, exactly that.
Q: We just looked at each other for a bit. I saw in her both relief and contentment. She seemed very much at peace on the cold November night.
You are glad to have told me, aren't you?
MA: Very glad. It has come full circle now and what you write will give comfort and hope to so many folks who often wonder if their thoughts are dark because of an emptiness in their heart or because the future is dark.
To them your words will be a soothing balm.
Q: Well MA that is a lot to ask from a guy like me, I will certainly do my best to represent your thoughts accurately, but I just don't know about all that other stuff.
MA: I am certain that you will do your best. This is your calling. You have come a long way from my garden at the lake and I am very proud of you. Do not worry, just write it as you remember.
Q: I have one last question before I go, how will these folks know. Are you going to write, or will it be on the news or what?
MA: That is to be easy. All the systems are now in place. The Internet is here, the pandemic blogs are all up and watching and we only wait. It will be out of Egypt, because of the powerful infrastructure watching for H5N1 outbreaks, where most people will hear the first news. When you hear of the sudden outbreak in Egypt, leave immediately. Use only self service gas pumps, do not stop and do not have any human contact from that point on.
If you are alone, or with your family run to a refuge. Wait for it to burn out. Be patient and then patient some more. Let the darkness pass over the earth. It will be quicker than any Hollywood disaster movie could ever portray. But it will pass.
Q: Well that is pretty clear. Egypt huh?
MA: That is where you will first know.
Q: I looked at my drink and the ice had all melted. I was not sure what time it was or how long we had been talking, but I was mentally and physically exhausted. I let out a big sigh.
MA: Would you like a drink?
Q: No thank you. I am about done. It has been such a long day and there is so much to consider that I best get back to the hotel and rest. I leave for the coast tomorrow and right now the bed sounds very appealing.
MA: Are you satisfied that we have covered your questions?
Q: Absolutely, it was important to have this day. All the hard things needed to be said and understood. You have laid it out for me in the most basic way possible. Now I can write the ending knowing I am being true to what you believe. I think that is what I really wanted.
MA: I do as well.
Q: I can never thank you enough for spending all the time with me and giving my readers an opportunity to share in your vision and thoughts. You have been very kind to me.
MA: It was my great pleasure.
Q: I rose and gathered my coat walking to the door. As we stood at that door, I felt I might never see her again and it pained me in a very deep place. She took my hand in her badly shaped right hand and held it for a moment smiling. We only said good night, and I was gone.
Out on the street I walked. without thoughts, to my car in the dark. It was bitterly cold.