The New World: A Step Backward by Andy Skrzynski Read Free Book Online Page B

of strategically-located, large, atomic payloads within a second of each other.  Such a tactic gave no forewarning for leaders of the Western world to seek safety.
    "Underground structures might have been safe in the Cold War era between two super powers.  In that scenario, leaders could have tracked each other's missile trajectories, providing reasonable time for retreat.  But the more clandestine attack from multiple enemies in 2019 left no time for escape.  Those at the center of the strikes perished at the same moment.
    "Washington D.C., New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and a handful of other key municipalities across the Old United States and Old Canada were hit at the same instant."
    Rummaging around in his messy pantry, Intellulka finally grabbed a pointer and started tapping the map with it.  "All of these Old World countries: the United States, Canada, Mexico — all of Europe, the Middle East — every country and their government no longer existed after WAP.  The world was totally changed from that moment on."
    Stormulka's hand shot high again, but he set it back down immediately and covered it.  He mouthed "another dangling preposition."
    The scholar smiled, then continued.  "Left without the old governments and countries ... that's why you hear about Old North America, Old Europe and such ... we now live in different territories with lots of smaller settlements and villages."
    His pointer rested on the spot where Ukkiville was located.  "Ours is a medium-sized village in the territory known as Resourcelands.  This vast area spans sections of land, rich in natural resources that used to belong to the Old United States and Old Canada."
    The Intellulka waved his 'teaching wand' at the kids.  "Which one of you can remember when Ukkiville was established?"
    Thoruk lifted his arm halfway. "2052?"
    The wary instructor scrunched his face.  "Is that a question or a statement, young man?"
    The freckled boy with a pale complexion sat straight in his chair and blurted more forcefully.  "It was 2052, sir!"
    "Correct.  Now, this one ought to be easy, since each of your families originally came up with the idea.  Which three small villages merged to form Ukkiville?"
    Mercy chirped.  "Beliville, where I was born ... Ulkaville, where Storm's from ... and Ukeville, where Thoruk grew up."
    The gentleman smiled.  "That's right.  Your three families, who ruled the smaller villages, decided it would be beneficial to combine the skills, natural resources, and knowledge to help each other in one settlement.
    "Ukeville was preferred as the best location for the merger due to its proximity to the Lake of Dreams, the forests, and streams.  It was enlarged and renamed to Ukkiville, chosen in a naming contest among the people."
    Intellulka looked directly into Thoruk's eyes.  "At the time of the merger, they chose your father, Odinuk, as the ruler of Ukkiville.  And, if you do well studying with me, and later train with Master of Arms, Protuk, you will likely succeed your father if the villagers deem you worthy when the calling comes."
    The sage professor scratched his short-cropped beard.  "Many of your Viking ancestors believed in fending for themselves.  As their descendants, your families were keen on developing a set of standards by which to live in order to strengthen the family and community values they believed in."
    He peered at Stormulka before the young man raised his arm about the dangler.  "All three households believed self-sufficiency and living off the land was key — that wild game, fish, fresh or canned vegetables, and fruit should be part of the regular diet.
    "Minimizing the reliance on others would be more rewarding, prolong their existence, and help them avoid several of the issues that led to the collapse of the previous world order.  If you become too dependent on services or goods from others, you could suffer greatly if those with whom you trade become your enemy.
    "If you don't rely on