Well, The one thing that wasn't mentioned at all in the story but that would have a great use in such a disaster would be amateur radio. I am an extra class amateur operator and have privileges on the HF frequency bands that would allow for nationwide and worldwide communications.
Yes, it would work after an event such as an EMP, or even a nuclear event for that matter as long as I can charge batteries by car engine, generator, solar power, hand crank or squirrel wheel I can get a pre-solid state radio (tube radio)(or a solid state radio that was shielded) back into transmitting shape. If not, I'll build one. You can rig an HF radio capable of transmitting world wide out of the tubes in old tube TV's if you need to in a pinch.
And even under the president's war emergency powers some amateurs can communicate for emergency traffic by participating in a program called R.A.C.E.S. (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) which, although it may sound shady when compared to the last chapter of the story, is run by FEMA.
Amateur radio also would have provided local VHF communications even if the people involved only had the entry level "technician" class of license. This license involves a 35 question test and no morse code proficiency.
I don't mean this to sound like a pro-amateur radio rant, but with over 700,000 amateurs (A.K.A. Hams) nationwide, we're already present and ready to communicate when needed. We already respond to local and national emergencies, have provided communication on and after 9.11 and in situations such as tornados, hurricanes and winter storms (I'm in upstate NY not TX)
What would I do If I were Mark?
Pray that the army and law enforcement agencies realize what their doing is unconstitutional, wrong and just plain F#$KED UP. I'd prepare to head for the hills.
I would consider the disarming of the squads of soldiers that are sent in for curfew patrols and to move people into the "shelters". Notice I said disarming, not killing. It is not only possible but probable that the soldiers and LEO's don't want to die. When faced with a foe that knows the land, appears to outnumber them, and has a strategic advantage they may be persuaded to lay down their arms and bloodshed could be avoided. I would not hold them prisoner but simply send them packing with their weapons but without ammunition. (I would not use this tactic anywhere near Silver Hills, that would give you away) The soldiers and LEO's would still hold the "scare factor" if anyone else happened across them in ill will but their commanders would get the point that their simply not wanted when they got back with no ammo and perhaps a barrel full of LiquidWeld.
If they end up dying at the hands of a mob, they should not have tried to disarm the populace and herd them into "shelters" against their will.
Realistically the current flu vaccine would offer at least some protection to the populace even if it only was only partially effective and reduced the mortality rate a bit. The CDC maintains hardened research facilities that are for the most part self sufficient as does USAMRIID, for a reason, events like this. Although I'm not saying that you could depend on them.
Just my thoughts, YMMV
