Crate of Aqua — Peter Fisher

Crate of AquaWith the run-up to the apocalypse in full swing, it’s time to check in on some of the key players, see what’s going on. Enjoy five short tales of life before the end-times action packaged in a Crate of Aqua.The NovitiatesYoung data cruncher and smartass successfully tests for an elite position at reinsurance agency then goes undercover to bust up a Midwest crop-fencing operation. Meanwhile, a polite young engineer learns the ins and outs of rural semi driving from the ageing master. The Novitiates cross paths on IN135 south of Bean Blossom.Pair of Dice LostRussian Army POV as off-again on-again fighting along the Ukrainian border heats up. An American student on a see-for-myself fact-finding mission suffers wounds during capture and awaits disposition from an overworked Colonel in the Intelligence Division. The Red Army operatives examine the young man’s phone for evidence, gaining what they need with the aid of Pedro (himself in need of ride to the front lines to make a fentanyl delivery to Death).Dueling RealitiesMaterial Supply, the hedge fund operation run by Karl Meltzer, is busy selecting jump-off sites for the upcoming apocalypse. The selection committee must approve major moves with unanimity. During a conference call, Colonel Herrera and Airre become exasperated yet again as Karl and Pedro verbally joust over credit for crashing the aluminum shipping container industry while solving the plastics recycling dilemma.Carrot or Stick?Upon promotion to Captain, Air Force Pilot Deborah Harry receives orders out of ground attack fighters into the Space Force and her dream career. Career hacks and slackers in Human Resources kick the once-elated now totally-deflated officer to the Cobra Program. Captain Debbie meets with General Peterson in a desperate attempt to alter her fate. Peterson smacks her with a stick, figuratively, before offering a carrot.Good Old Mr. WilsonLooking to replace Pedro on the regular fentanyl delivery run to Death, Karl Meltzer introduces himself to Mrs. Wilson during funeral services for Detective good old Mr. Wilson showing her a 50/50 ticket with her name on it. Karl shades the odds slightly with an out-of-character comment. Mrs. Wilson doubts if this strange person telling oddball stories has any friends. After the 50/50 plays out during an active school shooter episode, Karl and Death negotiate terms.