Families First: A Post-Apocalyptic Next-World Series Volume 6 Battle Grounds Read online

  FAMILIES FIRST

  BATTLE GROUNDS

  FAMILIES FIRST

  BATTLE GROUNDS

  NEXT-WORLD

  BOOK SERIES

  VOLUME 6

  LANCE K EWING

  Families First ~ Battle Grounds

  A Post-Apocalyptic

  Next-World Book Series

  Volume 6

  Copyright © 2021 by Lance K. Ewing

  The characters and events in this book are fictitious.

  Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental

  and not intended by the author.

  All rights reserved. The scanning, uploading and distribution

  of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property.

  If you would like permission to use material from the book

  (other than for review purposes), please contact [email protected].

  www.lancekewingauthor.com

  Thank you for your support of authors’ rights.

  ISBNs: 978-1-7350305-4-8 (Kindle)

  978-1-7350305-5-5 (trade paperback)

  First Kindle edition: March 2021

  First paperback edition: March 2021

  Printed in the United States of America

  Dedication

  For Kyle, my biggest fan. Thank you for always supporting me.

  For David—you have departed this world but are missed.

  I finally made it back to my favorite spot

  on the entire planet, and one of yours, too.

  Until we meet again…

  To all my Beta readers,

  thank you for your contributions and support:

  Chris S., Judy R., Larry R., Pam W., David E.

  .

  Foreword

  Recap of Volumes One, Two, Three, Four & Five

  In Volumes One, Two and Three of Families First ~ Post-Apocalyptic Next-World Series, we were introduced to a cast of characters spanning multiple locations across the United States, all with diverse points of view and hardships to overcome.

  We learned that North Korea dropped an EMP in the center of the United States, knocking out power to all states except Hawaii, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. With no electricity, food or running water, and few working vehicles, the country is instantly reduced to the hardships of days long gone. It’s every family for themselves in this new and hostile world.

  Lance and Joy, along with their children, like-minded friends and neighbors, embark on their journey, headed to Saddle Ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains by way of Raton Pass, on the Colorado/New Mexico border.

  The first leg of the trek to Raton Pass would prove more difficult than they could ever imagine, plagued with injuries and losses along the way. Relying on faith, and loyal to the group, they soldier on and finally arrive at their destination.

  Vlad is transferred to a FEMA camp, and eventually to Trinidad, Colorado, for surgery following a life-threatening injury.

  The sons of Lance and Joy each face hardships and potentially catastrophic situations.

  Former McKinney police officer, Mike, proves to be a hindrance to the group as well as an invaluable help when safety is on the line.

  Lonnie and Jake keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

  Joy, Nancy and Tina earn MVPs on the first leg of the trip.

  Mac, on Saddle Ranch, falls in love with a beautiful medical doctor, but the relationship is complicated from the very start.

  Crossover has begun between the communities of Saddle Ranch, led by John, and The West, led by Samuel.

  David and the Jenkins family in Raton, New Mexico, suffer a devastating loss after an accident involving mistaken identity.

  James and Janice, in Weston, Colorado, start their new family, taking in a young orphaned boy named Billy. With both James and Jason in new town government posts, they try to remain neutral as the Sheriff and Judge passively battle for control of the town.

  It is clear to all that Ronna is working with the US Military, and always has been.

  Volume Three finds our main group held up at Raton Pass longer than they had planned, but their assistance will prove invaluable to David Jenkins and the Raton Pass Militia.

  The battle for control of the town of Weston, Colorado, heats up, with both the Sheriff and Judge vying for the allegiance of the town Mayor, James VanFleet.

  On Saddle Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, old foes unexpectedly turn into allies and the security detail is gutted and put back together, piece by piece, for the imminent battle for control of the pristine Valley.

  The Colonel takes a shine to Lance’s group and forges a friendship with the always-boisterous and joking Vlad that may prove life-saving for many others. As they learn new information about Ronna’s and Baker’s intentions, they become more concerned with getting to Saddle Ranch in a timely manner.

  Volume four continues with James VanFleet being shot and subsequently paralyzed from the waist down, but that won’t keep him from his family or his town’s responsibilities. The rivalry between Sheriff Johnson and Judge Lowry is heating up, and the only thing they agree on lately is that one of them has to go. With the death-defying show right around the corner, the Sheriff becomes distracted, and even his girlfriend Kate thinks he is becoming increasingly irrational.

  Mac and Cory, on Saddle Ranch, have their hands full with Ralph once again, but they aim to make this the last run-in. They have bigger fish to fry and need the entire Valley focused on the threat that is literally walking towards them.

  Lance and group are teaming up to help David and the Raton Pass Militia defend the mountain against only a small part of Baker’s group. They are counting on the Colonel’s help if things go badly, but there are no guarantees in this Next-World. Either way, they have outstayed their welcome and are back on the road to Saddle Ranch. Every town and pit stop they go through is an opportunity to help those most in need, even when it puts the group at risk.

  Volume 5 is the last leg of Lance’s journey home, where he and his group arrive on the outskirts of Saddle Ranch with only a few days’ rest before preparing for the battle of their lives.

  The last leg of his journey is plagued with hardships—an attack on the group’s security detail and loyal companion Ringo, and negotiating numerous hostiles on the way—all while making a few new friends.

  The town of Breckenridge, Colorado, brought an opportunity to negotiate the purchase of a massive piece of machinery, named Bert, that could be a game changer in the Great Battle.

  David and the Raton Pass Militia are taking a much-needed break from fighting Baker’s hostile forces, but that doesn’t mean bad things can’t happen. He and his son Mark fight for their very lives after an ambush, the likes of which they would never expect!

  The warrior games and motorcycle jump are under way, with a few surprises the town citizens didn’t see coming.

  Sheriff Johnson has upped the ante on his feud with Judge Lowry, chasing him down and placing him under arrest as the jail’s latest guest.

  Baker and his radical group continue to plan their attack on the Valley, all while hosting not one, but two, imposters who infiltrated his group.

  Ronna and his supporters keep their distance from Baker but are never far away.

  Meanwhile, the Colonel tells his friend and mentor, Samuel, the truth about what is to come, and Mike unknowingly starts an on-the-go job interview that could have massive implications down the road for the group and the country as a whole.

  * * * *

>   Reviews

  5.0 out of 5 stars Great continuing Story line

  Reviewed in Canada

  The author does a great job getting you interested in the characters and easy to follow the timeline from one book to the next.

  The story is so realistic we could actually see something like this happening.

  The characters are written in so well you feel like you are right there travelling with them.

  Great Author.

  5.0 out of 5 stars Homecoming

  Reviewed in the United States

  Love this series of books on kindle. Even thru the bad times there’s still a sense of family and people helping each other.

  5.0 out of 5 stars Anxiously Awaiting Next

  Reviewed in the United States

  I have really enjoyed this series and look forward to the next book in the series.

  5.0 out of 5 stars Great series! I love this series and can hardly wait for the next book.

  Reviewed in the United States

  The story is believable and the characters are so real. The only downside is having to wait for the next book in the series. To me a great series is one I want to keep going! I read a lot and this series is one of the best!!

  5.0 out of 5 stars Another book done!

  Reviewed in the United States

  Great read. Love this series and backgrounds depicted. So many interesting characters and plots. Can’t wait for the next installment.

  Reading #5, as it ended with the fire, was so alive for me, having just lived through it here in Colorado—and I believe it will touch all readers because this has been a year of the widest range of catastrophe for all of us. Having things happen, one after the other, is a reflection of our own lives, the lives of all we know, and the characters we have related to through 5 amazing books.

  I know all things end but I will miss our “friends” after the last in the series. I will miss how they “deal.”

  Blessings to you, Lance—and thank you for what you offer in your writing, and ironically how you have been preparing us for life on Planet Earth.

  * * * *

  Dear Reader,

  If this is your first look at my Families First series, please consider reading Volumes One, Two, Three, Four, and Five first. This is a planned series of seven volumes, depending of course on you, the reader. I am working hard on Volume Seven.

  Thank you for purchasing and, most of all, for reading the first five books in the series. In this day of Internet publishing, I realize you have many other choices in this genre, and I am honored you would spend your money and time with me. As writers we are now, more than ever, judged by our reviews online. If you enjoyed this book, please leave an honest review on Amazon.

  For those of you interested in this series, please consider keeping in touch by visiting my website at lancekewingauthor.com for upcoming books and projects, as well as updates on what I am up to. I will not distribute your e-mail anywhere.

  In return for your e-mail, I will forward you my Quick Guide e-book (free of charge and not available for sale) with more information on the characters of Families First, including their backstories, much of which you will not find in any of the volumes.

  Lance K Ewing

  Chapter One

  Saddle Ranch

  Loveland, Colorado

  I asked Lonnie to stop an eighth of a mile short of the turnoff to Saddle Ranch. I didn’t want the first thing they saw being a caravan, and for sure not Bert. Everyone was on edge at the Ranch, I was sure, but I didn’t know if they knew what was coming. It wasn’t my place to tell them, but a tank rolling in on a trailer with more than 20 new people was bound to cause confusion, at least, if not a host of problems.

  We had a hard road getting here, and I wasn’t interested in us being the next casualty of a lack of information, or anything else—not a warm welcome. After all, we were more mouths to feed when broken down to basic elements of survival.

  I spoke with the head guard, who I didn’t recognize, of course, and asked if he was working with John or Samuel and got what I thought was a good response.

  “I’m with Saddle Ranch,” he said. “Have you heard of it?”

  “My name is Lance. My dad is Bill, and Sharon is my mother. I lived here nearly my entire childhood.”

  “Let me see your convoy,” he said, and I walked fifty yards back, motioning for them to come close.

  “Hold on,” he commanded, ducking behind a few of his men, talking on a walkie-talkie.

  “Here,” was all he said a minute later, handing me the radio.

  “Lance, you’re here?!” I heard on the other end.

  “Yes, Mom! It’s the group I was telling you about and me. We made it!”

  “Oh, son, we knew you would get here eventually. I am so thankful. How are Joy and the boys?”

  “Damaged but healing and alive,” I responded, not knowing what else to say.

  “Dad and Karl?” I asked.

  “Good, honey. We are all great.”

  “Can we come up?” I asked.

  “Of course, but I am getting one question from the Council. Hold on just a minute.”

  The radio crackled, and muffled voices could be heard in the background.

  I waited, trying not to stare at the guards—instead scanning the Valley where I grew up and reliving short memories of days gone by.

  “Lance, are you there? Welcome home!” said Bill.

  “Sure, Dad! I think Mom had a question from the Council.”

  “They want to know why you have a tank!” he replied.

  “I figured that, and his name is Bert, just for the record. Bert is an equalizer—‘an attitude adjuster,’ they used to say. He cost us a pretty penny, and we only purchased him because of what we heard was coming here. Has that changed?”

  “No, it’s the same. We got confirmation just yesterday on it. We are so happy that you made it here safely.”

  “Well, maybe we should come up,” I said. “You have ten guards down here, giving me questioning looks.”

  “North Barricade! Let them through, the whole lot,” Bill authorized.

  * * * *

  I handed the radio back to the guard and motioned Lonnie to pull up and through the barricade.

  “Once everyone is through, wait for me before going up the road,” I told him.

  “Sure thing. I may just have you ride on the hood for protection!” he joked.

  “It’s no joke, but a great idea! Hold on,” I added, as I shimmied up the truck’s front and on to the hood. “Let’s take it slow, though,” I called out. “I already have one bad leg.”

  “I’ll trade you,” called out Vlad—“your bad one for my missing one!”

  I knew he was joking but he put it into perspective, and I vowed to pray in thanks for what I did have, moving forward.

  I asked Lonnie to stop, so I could bring Joy and our children up front. They hopped on the hood with ease—the kids, that is—and a few of the ladies helped push Joy up as I grabbed her arm for the last bit of the ride.

  * * * *

  Lately I had this recurring dream of arriving here with our whole family on the bow of a ship. It didn’t make sense since we were landlocked, but now it sorta did. We were sailing a hostile no-man’s-land of an ocean, including forests, deserts and plains, to arrive leading an impressive convoy of battle-hardened but God-fearing people who only wanted their children to grow up in peace and harmony and would fight until their last breath to ensure it.

  A large group awaited us, and the children were getting a closer look at their new playmates. I was always in awe of how quickly children could make a friend with someone near their own age. They were just kids, playing games. “You-be-nice-to-me, and I’ll-be-nice-to-you” style.

  Bill, Sharon and John stood at the side of the main entrance to Saddle Ranch. Our boys waved and smiled; we all did, for we were embarking on a new adventure with only one thing certain. We were home with family and not leaving anytime soon.<
br />
  I greeted my family, David and the Council, and was told that Samuel, who I had only met two times before, and briefly at that, would be up soon. My brother, Karl, was the man of the day, getting squeals out of our boys—each asking for an on-the-shoulder ride Uncle Karl was famous for. Mini joined in, dancing around like a puppy will, with a tired but very much alive Ringo looking on from atop the trailer. I looked around at many familiar faces, some who had been there my entire childhood, and I truly felt we had made it.

  After 800 grueling miles, I was at home with my family in tow, and it felt good—better than good—but I was keenly aware that my old friends and fellow travelers I now called friends were not sure of their next steps.