In the immediate aftermath of Zero Hour, a waiting game begins. Stunned survivors of the initial disasters find safety and gather family, friends, and supplies. Some looting takes place, but few murders. Most people are unaware of the true extent of the crisis and, even if sorely tried to this point, expect rescue and relief will arrive soon. Life, they think, will eventually go back to normal. The battered core of civilized life holds together. Surviving police and military forces struggle to maintain order, assisted by trusted civilians. Religious groups offer aid. Keeping busy is the best therapy. The only news is rumor.

Survivalists, preoccupied with being able to meet all challenges, will not necessarily have the edge here. Their houses burn down like everyone else's; their supplies are often ruined or lost thanks to the unexpected nature of the disaster. Still, they have training and knowledge that many others do not. Survivalists come in two general varieties: the mainstream crowd, which does not espouse extremist political or religious views, and the fringe, who do. The mainstream group is likely to offer charity and help when the situation allows. The fringe group is more likely to avoid "outsiders" or to prey on them. Still, at this early stage when the big picture is not clear to all, the usual curbs on antisocial behavior hold for most. (Habitual criminals are, of course, another story.)

Barter begins on an informal level, neighbors trading with neighbors for goods. Price gouging, however, is widespread, regardless of the disaster. The foolish sellers take paper money.

Because geomagnetic currents are still active in conductive materials, particularly thick rails and cables that haven't yet burned through, it is understandable if a large portion of the surviving population comes to believe that an angry divine hand is responsible for the trouble. How that thought is put to practical use will vary widely.

This breathing space after Zero Hour does not last long. The big change comes when food and water either runs out or becomes too expensive thanks to price gouging. At that point, all bets are off. Survivors of that later period will look back on this period as the calm before the Category 5 hurricane.