Survival Course

Some of the world’s scientists fear that a potentially dangerous and deadly natural disaster is coming to Earth. I am attending a survival school in a classroom with twenty or more other adult students hearing lectures about ‘how to survive’ in the advent of such a disaster. After taking an exam once the lectures series is over, we begin gathering up equipment, preparing ourselves for a week of practical survival training.

Already a competent outdoorsman, I am excited about the practicum, believing that I will do well. In fact, I think I will really enjoy the test. I first strap on a shoulder holster and insert my .40 caliber Beretta Border Marshall. Then I tuck a snub-nosed Smith & Wesson 9 mm revolver into the ankle holster on my right ankle. I select clothing and other gear then pause to decide whether or not I should take my bow and arrows. The bow is quiet, of course, and for some reason I think that I might not want to attract too much attention, which I could well do if I end up having a reason to shoot the pistols.

The other important question on my mind is if I should try to team up with another person or persons. There’s safety in numbers, I think. I decide to get my bow ready in case I decide to bring it. But I am chagrinned to see that all but one of the nocks on my arrows is broken or missing. I set about making repairs.

Just then, the city’s emergency sirens go off. Everyone jumps and runs to the window. To our astonishment the police had come to disband our group and take us to jail! Someone shouted, “They’re already there!”

I knew it was time to make my exit, and fast. Glancing around, I also realized that most of my fellow students hadn’t taken the warnings or our studies very seriously. They were not prepared for either the looming disaster or the law enforcement officials that were about to disrupt our gathering. My instincts screamed at me to ‘get the hell out of there!’