One Second After

What does the council in Black Mountain decide with regard to the neighboring community of Swannanoa?

To form an alliance with Swannanoa to pool available resources and provide mutual security

Prior to the EMP what were the people of Black Mountain's opinion about the people of Swannanoa?

They looked down of the people of Swannanoa, considered it a "white trash" town

Why do people see evacuees from surrounding larger cities as a threat?

Spread of disease, Excessive strain on their already very limited resources, Potential of violence

What does the meeting between Black Mountain and Swannanoa remind John of?

Negotiations between ancient kings

What happened to "the druggies" that were caught attempting to steal drugs in Swannanoa?

They were shot by police while attempting to escape

What does Doc Kellor say Americans have no natural immunity to?

Cholera

Who does Doc Kellor suggest should be recruited to assist with medical issues?

Veterinarians

What does John say would be worth its weight in gold?

A steam engine

Where does Doc Kellor say he has seen cholera?

In Africa while on a missionary trip

When John goes home from the meeting, what does he discover has happened at his house?

Tyler has died

After the funeral, John loses consciousness and is bed ridden for several days, why?

His hand is very badly infected

What was being used as a toothpaste substitute?

Wood charcoal

When the nursing home relocated, what was done to the surviving Alzheimer's patients?

The were strapped to their beds

What happened to Makala's husband?

They got divorced

Where did Makala meet her husband?

In college at Duke

What does Makala say are some of the few blessings that will come out of the EMP?

The entire country will go cold turkey on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs

Why won't Jennifer sleep in her bed?

Her grandfather died in that bed

What does Makala tell Jennifer about death?

That she'll be okay

What is the Black Mountain Militia?

An army of young volunteer soldiers being trained at Montreat College

What is the setting of the book?

Black Mountain, NC

What is John Matherson's current occupation?

College History Professor

Why did John Matherson leave the Army?

Resigned after his wife got cancer

Who is Elizabeth?

Matherson's oldest daughter

At the opening of the book what special day is being celebrated?

Matherson's youngest daughter's birthday

Who is Jennifer?

Matherson's youngest daughter

What happened to Matherson's wife?

Died of breast cancer four years ago

Where does John Matherson teach?

Montreat Christian College

What did Matherson's in-laws do for a living before retirement?

Owned Ford dealerships

John's mother in law owns a pair of old vehicles. Why do they still run after the EMP?

No electronic ignition, no computer

Why had John stopped at CVS?

To get insulin for Jennifer

What happens to John's mother-in law's Mustang?

John gave it to the head of security at the college (Washington)

What unique piece of equipment does Don Barber possess?

A WWII era airplane that has been fully restored

In Asheville, what was the "cop" doing outside the Veteran's hospital?

Guarding against the looting of necessary drugs (he was a veteran)

The Mayor properly identifies a reference to what classic novel?

Animal Farm

What happened to the President?

Killed when Air Force One goes down

Why does John insist that no government officials or police are directly involved in the execution?

Even the optics of state sponsored executions could cause a panic (appears too Stalinist)

Who ultimately carries out the execution?

John and Washington

Why does John say he cannot execute one of the two prisoners?

The prisoner is a former student

Where do they decide to bury the dead?

At the golf course in town

Who stitches up John's hand?

Makala

Why are people prohibited from camping or fishing in the reservoir?

To prevent possible contamination of drinking water

What does Doc Keller suggest be done with pain medications?

Impound them and use them for emergencies only

What happens to the leader of the Posse?

He was hanged out on the interstate

Why did Matherson and his family evacuate from their house?

Not safe- It was in the middle of what would become a combat zone when the Posse arrived

In the midst of the evacuation and preparations to fight the Posse, what news does Matherson receive?

His daughter Elizabeth is pregnant

What happened to Washington Parker?

Killed in the opening minutes of the battle with the Posse

After the battle what does John have done to the Posse wounded?

Summarily executed by Police and old men in town

What injuries does Matherson sustain in the battle?

A concussion and second degree burns

One of Makala's jobs is to triage the wounded. What does the number 3 on a soldier's forehead indicate?

The soldier has likely been fatally wounded and time and effort to treat them would not be expended

According to the Posse leader, who runs America?

Satan

What hideous atrocity was very common among members of the Posse?

Cannibalism

What happens to Ben (Elizabeth's BF)?

Killed in the battle with the Posse

Why does the doctor in Asheville refuse to give up any insulin for Jennifer?

Because she's too far gone and will likely die anyway.

Why does Matherson shoot his last surviving dog?

Elizabeth is pregnant and needs protein

What does Matherson give to Elizabeth after Ben's death?

Ben's class ring

A year after the battle, what finally happens?

An Army convoy arrives in Black Mountain with supplies and promises to help rebuild the town

According to Matherson, what percentage of Black Mountain's population survived the winter and was alive when the Army arrived?

About 20%

What happens to Miami and then to Tampa-St. Pete?

Both hit by big hurricanes

Who took over the west coast from California to Washington state?

China

Who took back Texas and most of the southwest?

Mexico