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Post by 9idrr on Aug 20, 2019 19:52:13 GMT -6
You've presented what I think is the best way to deal with this. You're showing some real wisdom here, sir.
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Post by arkansascob on Aug 21, 2019 9:28:33 GMT -6
That was a powerful chapter A. Well thought out and presented.
I was touched by the whole thing. I think the pixels in my monitor got out of whack for a moment. was looking a bit blurry.
Thanks again
COB
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Post by accountant on Aug 27, 2019 10:35:13 GMT -6
Chapter 46
Important News
Over the next week, things turned back to normal at Safehaven. Chelsea began having her menstrual bleeding and Darren spent more time with Simon. Then one afternoon, Rattler, who was monitoring the radio in the communications center sent an urgent call out to everyone to come down.
“What is it?”, asked Darren, entering the communication center.
“I want to wait until everyone is here, Flower. This is important.”, said Rattler, with a smile on his face.
When everyone was assembled, he said, “You all have to listen to this. We beat the Mexicans!”
Rattler turned and played back the recording he had made of the broadcast.
“This is going out as a broadcast to all those listening to this frequency. The Mexicans invaders have surrendered. I repeat, the Mexican invaders have surrendered. Late last night, the USS Louisiana was able to slip through the Pacific Chinese blockade. The crew on board was able to re-configure the guidance systems and launch nuclear ballistic missiles at Mexico City and military bases in Mexicali, Baja California, Monterrey, Manzanillo, and Tuxpan, Veracruz. This action wiped out the senior leadership of Mexico’s political, army, navy, and air forces. After taking such heavy losses, the Mexican forces in the American theatre effectively laid down their weapons and surrendered to the defenders. After expending their ballistic weapon arsenal, the USS Louisiana was attacked by Chinese forces and fought desperately against a host of aggressors. In the end, the submarine was sunk with all 154 crew members, led by commanding officer Chimi Zacot, lost at sea. This nation owes a huge debt to the heroes onboard the USS Louisiana who gave their lives for our freedom. It is not known at this time if the crew was able to transmit the re-configuration instructions to other US ships in the region before being scuttled. Again, for those just tuning in, the Mexican invaders have surrendered. Mexico has surrendered!”
Rattler turned off the recording and smiled.
Everyone was lost in thought as they took in the news.
“Any word from Boomer and Eugene?”, asked Laura, finally.
“I’ve been trying to reach the 278th out of Knoxville since I heard the news, but they must be jammed right now.”, said Rattler.
“Yeah, your probably right. I’m sure there are a lot of people trying to get in touch with their friends and relatives in the Guard, now that the fighting here has ended.”, said Laura.
“What’s going to happen to all the Mexicans who surrendered?”, asked Martha.
“For the time being, the Guard will probably be busy setting up shelters for them, so they have a place to rest before shipping them back to what’s left of Mexico.”, said Magnum.
“Speaking of Mexico, what happens there now?”, asked Darren, “I mean, they did surrender to the US, after all.”
“Not sure.”, said Laura, “Until the fight with the Russians and Chinese isn’t over, it’s hard to say. But, in the meantime, we now have access to the Mexican aircrafts, and vehicles which weren’t affected by the EMP, not to mention the fuel, so that should help in the fight in the west against the Russians. Have you heard anything about how that’s going, Rattler?”
“Just a little. The National Guard in the Northwestern states have joined up with militias in the area and are fighting the Russians using guerilla tactics. Hit and run and then back into the mountains. The winding mountain roads are perfect for that kind of thing. They’ve been making progress and taking out high value targets but more importantly keeping the Russians bogged down so that can’t get further inland. It’s Russia’s Afghanistan all over again.”, said Rattler.
“Will Eugene come home soon?”, asked Martha, worriedly.
Laura saw the fear in the older woman’s eyes but couldn’t hide the truth from her.
“Honestly, Martha, I’m not sure. The Guard will need to keep some people in this area to watch over the Mexican prisoners of war, but more than likely, the majority will be sent to help out in the fight against the Russians, now that we have working planes, and vehicles. I’m sorry, but I don’t think Eugene or Boomer will be back just yet.”, said Laura, dropping her eyes.
Henry let that sink in for a few moments before loudly declaring, “That’s fine. Those boys are patriots and will do what they have to do to protect all of us, no matter if it’s here or out west. Frankly, I’m damn proud of them both, damn proud! Now if you’ll excuse us, Martha and I have work to do ourselves.”
Taking Martha’s hand, Henry slowly led his wife out of the room and out of the building.
Watching the Wilsons leave, everyone else began to head for the door.
After almost everyone, except Laura, Darren, and Rattler had left, Jamie asked, softly, “I know I may be out of line for asking this, but…when you find out about Boomer and Eugene, could you ask about Jason too? I know you don’t think much of him, but he’s been a good husband to me and a good father to Colton. I just..I just want to know that he’s safe, is all.”
Laura put her arm around the woman, and said, “Jamie, we promised to take care of you and Colton. You don’t’ have to be afraid to ask for that. It’s natural, and of course we will ask about Jason.”
Jamie gave a sheepish smile and said, “Thank you.”, before turning to leave.
Darren watched her leave before saying, “It’s not her fault. She’s caught in a tough situation, stuck here with a bunch of people she doesn’t know, who detest her husband. It’s got to be hard on her.”
“Yeah, you’re right, it’s not her fault. I think I’ll invite her and Colton over for dinner at out place tonight. We can have a nice chat with Jamie, while the kids hang out with Colton.”, said Laura.
Rattler let out a loud chuckle.
“What? What’s so funny?”, asked Laura.
“Oh nuthin. I just never thought I’d see the day that Spider, the killing machine, would be so domesticated. Having the neighbors over for dinner and setting up play dates for the kids.”, said Rattler with a smirk.
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Post by 9idrr on Aug 27, 2019 20:34:58 GMT -6
It's nice to think that there's a reason for all to relax and celebrate a bit.
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Post by texican on Aug 28, 2019 23:55:46 GMT -6
A,
The war is not over with the Mexicans, until they are back across the border....
March them back and let it be Bataan if necessary....
The Russians and Chinese need to be dealt with utter devastation....
Texican....
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Post by arkansascob on Sept 9, 2019 8:21:23 GMT -6
HEY A YOU OUT THERE Yes I am yelling. Will be 2 weeks tomorrow. Started twitching last week. It's getting worse. I try sitting on the porch with my feet propped up on the rail and wait patiently but with he constant twitching my feet keep falling down. Sincerely COB
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Post by texican on Sept 9, 2019 17:38:36 GMT -6
HEY A YOU OUT THERE Yes I am yelling. Will be 2 weeks tomorrow. Started twitching last week. It's getting worse. I try sitting on the porch with my feet propped up on the rail and wait patiently but with he constant twitching my feet keep falling down. Sincerely COB COB, What a new way to beg.... But A moves to a different drummer.... Texican....
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Post by accountant on Sept 19, 2019 13:58:03 GMT -6
Sorry about the long wait folks. I just couldn't figure out a way to get to where I needed to be.
Here's a short one to push us along the way.
A.
Chapter 47
The Second Wave
“Emergency alert. Emergency alert. This is going out to all those able to listen o this frequency. It has been less than 48 hours since the Mexicans have surrendered to the defenders of this great land. As of 0400 this morning, the lower continental states have been carpet bombed by what appear to be Russian bombers. There have been reports of Venezuelan paratroopers parachuting out of planes after the bombers have completed their bombing runs. These paratroopers took up positions close to the previous US/Mexican border and are protecting the main thoroughfares between the two countries. We have also received reports that a vast number of Venezuelan transport planes have been landing at locations at the border and unloading troops, supplies, and heavy military equipment, including attack helicopters, tanks, troop carriers, and technicals. These troops have been crossing the border and making their way north using the same routes originally taken by the Mexican forces. As these planes continue to land and take off, it is not yet possible to determine the size of the attack force as the force continues to grow. We estimate that within a day the initial assault teams will be with reach of the areas of final battle between the courageous American forces and the Mexican army. We anticipate that war will commence again shortly in the South. We will provide further updates as developments occur. Stay alert, stay safe, and may God protect our brave patriots once more.”
Magnum switched off the recording at that point. Everyone in the communication center was quiet after hearing the latest news.
“Dammit.”, said Rattler, holding his head in his hands.
“The Mexicans were just cannon fodder to make us burn through our ammo.”, said Laura, quietly.
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Post by texican on Sept 19, 2019 21:07:31 GMT -6
I just couldn't figure out a way to get to where I needed to be.
A,
Have you looked for a road map?
Thanks for the chapter....
Texican....
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Post by accountant on Sept 26, 2019 14:01:07 GMT -6
Chapter 48
Saving the Children
It had been a week since the broadcast of the Venezuelan invasion. In that time the defenders had taken heavy losses against the assault from bombing runs, fresh invading troops, gunships, and tanks. Even with the help of the Mexican detainees who were now supporting the Americans, the Venezuelans had made inroads deep into the American south and were moving north. At the same time, the US navy was still being stymied by the blockade of North America by the Chinese fleet in the Pacific and the Russian fleet in the Atlantic.
It was the middle of the afternoon and Laura and Darren were manning the communication center when they heard these words coming through the radio, “Safehaven! Safehave! Are you there?! Urgent! Urgent!”
Laura keyed the mike and said, “This is Safehaven, over.”
“This is Chandler. I’ve got the boy with me. We’re coming in fast but need your help! We’ve got three technicals on our tail and a chopper chasing us! We’re taking fire! Open the gate! Open the gate!”, said Chandler.
As he spoke, Laura and Darren could here the ricochet of bullets against the vehicle.
“How far out are you?”, asked Laura.
“About five miles. Get those gates open! I’m not stopping!”, screamed Chandler.
“They’ll be open, and we’ll be waiting. Go right to the back by the barn and don’t stop for anything.”, said Laura into the mike.
After finishing the conversation, Laura got on her walkie and said, “Everyone, we have incoming! Risk level Alpha, I repeat, risk level Alpha!”
Giving his wife a look of determination, Darren said, “What do you want me to do?”
“Go and open the gate then help Clarice and Missy bring the kids here. Make sure Jaimie and Colton are with them. Clarice knows what to do. Just follow her lead.”, commanded Laura, before getting back on the walkie and saying, “Magnum, we’ve got a wasp coming in. take care of it.”
“On it.”, came the response.
Before leaving the room, Darren said, “Be careful and I love you.”
Laura keyed the walkie again and said “Henry, Martha, can you hear me?”
“Yes, we hear you.”, came Martha’s reply.
“Martha, you, Henry, and Tara go into the barn near the back where the workbench is. Someone will come and get you.”, said Laura.
“Wilson Farm, do you copy?”, came the next query into the walkie from Laura.
“Wilson Farm here.”, said Don.
“Don, we’ve got incoming, maybe two minutes out. You guys need to bug out back to the Safehaven barn and get behind it, asap. Don’t use the road, go through the forest instead. And you need to leave right-freakin-now!”, said Laura.
“On our way.”, came the reply.
Darren quickly left the room without waiting for the response and hurriedly went to open the gate. After doing that, he saw Clarice, Missy, and Jaimie running to the main building with all the children including Simon and Chelsea. He ran up and quickly opened the door for them. As Clarice passed, Darren said, “I’m with you.”
Clarice just nodded and said, “Close and lock every door behind us as we go.”
Clarice led everyone through the building, into the basement, and into the storeroom with Darren closing and locking all the doors as they went.
Clarice walked swiftly through the large room and directly to the steel door that led to the armory. Unlocking it, she ushered everyone inside before switching on the light and closing and locking the door behind them.
Walking to the rear of the room, Clarice reached behind the last rack of AR 15’s and flicked a latch which released the rack and allowed it to be freely swung to the side. Behind it was another steel door with a deadbolt.
Clarice opened the deadbolt and opened the door revealing a large concrete tunnel and a mound of backpacks, more rifles and ammunition, and a box of flashlights sat on a large low bench. She flipped on a battery powered lantern to help illuminate the dusty tunnel and said, “Okay everyone inside.”
After they had all gotten into the tunnel, Clarice slid the rack of AR15’s back into place and closed the steel door. Using a deadbolt on the other side of the door, Clarice firmly locked it. The crowd was now essentially locked into the tunnel.
“Okay guys. Don’t worry, we’re safe in here.”, said Clarice, calmly, “I want everyone to pick up a backpack. The light ones are on the right and the heavier ones are on the left. Let’s try them on and make sure that they aren’t too heavy.”
Once everyone was fitted with backpacks and flashlights, Clarice smiled and said, “Okay everyone, let’s turn on our flashlights and make sure they work.”
After that was done, she continued, “Okay, now I want everyone to follow me down the tunnel and around the bend there.”
When they were all around the bend of the tunnel, Clarice said, “Now, I want everyone to huddle down by that back walk, block their ears, and close their eyes really, really tight. Missy, Chad, Jamie cover them as much as you can.”
With everyone in position, Clarice pushed a red button on the wall of the tunnel and yelled, “Fire in the hole!”
Within a second, a series of rumbles boomed through the building and into the tunnel, shaking it.
Instantly, Caitlyn and Dakota started screaming which led to Jessica screaming which led to Colton wailing.
“Shh, shhh. It’s okay. We’re all okay here. You all did just fine.”, said Clarice, hurrying to console the children, “You are all being so brave. You all did so good. We’re really proud of you. Now, there’s going to be one more big bang, okay? Can you be brave for me one more time?”
She got up from the huddled mass and went back to the wall where she pressed a second red button after saying, “Fire in the hole!”
As before there was a large rumble, but this time it was much closer.
The children were crying, but this time not as loudly.
“What did you do?”, asked Darren.
“First, I destroyed the walkway to the storeroom. The second one was to seal up the entrance to the armory. We’re perfectly safe here for the time being, if we were to stay. Nobody can get in here and it would take a bunkerbuster to blow a hole in this tunnel.”, said Clarice, calmly.
“But, wouldn’t those explosions damage the integrity of the building?”, asked Darren.
“That’s the plan.”, said Clarice, smiling.
“Okay everyone. You did very well. Now it’s time to get up and get moving. Come on, children, let’s go on down the tunnel. We’ll be outside soon enough.”, said Clarice, as everyone stood up.
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Post by texican on Sept 26, 2019 21:54:15 GMT -6
A,
Been wondering where you have been....
Thank you for the chapter....
Kliff rises his head again.... Now the Kliff wouldn't be intentional, now would it....
Texican....
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Post by arkansascob on Sept 27, 2019 11:55:33 GMT -6
Thanks A for another fix.
Have often thought about escape tunnels in the shelter just in case but have never thought about destroying them as I left.
COB
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Post by texican on Oct 2, 2019 21:39:27 GMT -6
Hey A,
It is now October, isn't that worthy of another chapter....
Just asking....
Texican....
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Post by arkansascob on Oct 16, 2019 9:15:21 GMT -6
HELLOOOOOOOOOOooooooooo Is A-nyone out there. Hope all is good in your life A.
At least check in to say you are OK. Just sayin.
COB
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Post by texican on Oct 16, 2019 12:36:32 GMT -6
HELLOOOOOOOOOOooooooooo Is A-nyone out there. Hope all is good in your life A. At least check in to say you are OK. Just sayin. COB
Cob,
Remember even subtle begging does not have an impact on A....
A, it is mid-October....
Just sayin....
Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Oct 16, 2019 13:38:38 GMT -6
But did you know that Kaijafon has a site on the Dark Web and she sells functional voodoo dolls, the proper long pins and deadly potions? She takes payment in Bitcoin, pre-65 silver coins or paper money to the PO Box on the web site.
And you do remember that she has an in for getting details about people here?
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Post by texican on Oct 17, 2019 0:02:01 GMT -6
But did you know that Kaijafon has a site on the Dark Web and she sells functional voodoo dolls, the proper long pins and deadly potions? She takes payment in Bitcoin, pre-65 silver coins or paper money to the PO Box on the web site. And you do remember that she has an in for getting details about people here? And just what would it take for Kaijafon to gin up A for another chapter?.?.?.?
Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Oct 17, 2019 0:07:29 GMT -6
But did you know that Kaijafon has a site on the Dark Web and she sells functional voodoo dolls, the proper long pins and deadly potions? She takes payment in Bitcoin, pre-65 silver coins or paper money to the PO Box on the web site. And you do remember that she has an in for getting details about people here? And just what would it take for Kaijafon to gin up A for another chapter?.?.?.? Texican....
That's something you'll have to discuss with her - and maybe your lawyer...
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Post by texican on Oct 17, 2019 11:18:26 GMT -6
And just what would it take for Kaijafon to gin up A for another chapter?.?.?.? Texican....
That's something you'll have to discuss with her - and maybe your lawyer...
PP2,
With what attorneys cost, it would be less costly to just pay A....
Texican...
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Post by accountant on Oct 22, 2019 13:44:51 GMT -6
Chapter 49
Getting Ready
Laura quickly ran up to the roof of the main building and towards a large structure wrapped in a grey tarp the same color as the roof.
She systematically removed the bungee cords holding the device and a couple of side boxes in place. Opening one of the boxes, she threaded the belt of .50 Cal ammunition into the left side of the weapon and charged it. The belt held 100 rounds and there was another identical box next to it. Turning on the M145 machine gun optic, Laura looked through the sight and swiveled the gun around to free up its mechanism. The XM806 lightweight .50 Cal machine gun had been a surprise birthday present from Magnum. It seems that when the army had cancelled the contract for these weapons from General Dynamics, at least one of them had “accidently” been lost when they were scheduled to be destroyed. The loss was simply attributed to a clerical error and quickly accounted for.
Laura laid down on the roof behind the gun and covered herself and it with the grey tarp. She reminded herself to be frugal with her shots since the gun had a rate of fire of 40 rounds per minute sustained. With that rate of fire, she’d go through her two boxes of munitions in a heartbeat. Licking her finger and sticking it into the air, Laura expertly judged the wind to be 5 mph coming in from the west. Not that it mattered. With a muzzle velocity of over 3,000 ft/s, the drift from a crosswind was negligible at the distance she would be shooting.
As she waited, Laura could hear the thump-thump-thump of the helo blades in the distance getting closer. She hoped Magnum was in position to take out the chopper while she dealt the technicals. She knew she could probably disable the wasp with her gun, but it would take up too much of her ammo and keep her eyes off the technicals bearing down on Safehaven.
Lying there, Laura’s thoughts began to wander with too many questions. Why was Chandler coming back to Safehaven? And why was he bringing Eugene back? Was Eugene hurt? Where was Boomer? Why hadn't he come back with them? How did Chandler merit three technicals and an airship?
A Monarch butterfly fluttered in front of her as she lay there. Then the roof suddenly shook as a wave rumbled up from below. This was followed by a second deeper rumble.
“At least the children are safe for now”, thought Laura to herself.
“In position, Spider.”, squawked Magnum over the radio.
“Wait until the wolves have rounded the curve before taking out the wasp. I need line of sight.”, she replied.
“Roger that.”, said Magnum.
“Wilson farm, status report.”, asked Laura.
“Barn in sight, ETA one minute.”, replied Don, huffing and puffing.
“Martha, where are you guys?”, asked Laura into the radio.
“We’re in the barn by the workbench.”, said Martha.
“Clarice will be coming up with the children. She knows what to do and where to go. Just follow her lead.”, said Laura.
“What about you?”, asked Martha.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Just watch for the Chevelle. It should be there soon.”, said Laura.
“Rattler, how long?”, asked Laura.
“I give it thirty seconds before they come into view.”, came the low voice over the radio of the man at the LP/OP.
“Magnum’s got the wasp. I’ve got the wolves. You watch for any fleas that might try to jump off the back of the wolves.”, commanded Laura.
“Copy that, Spider. I’m on flea detail.”, came the reply.
The sound of the helicopter was getting louder now, and Laura could hear the barking of a M2 as the technicals weaved their way through the mountain roads.
“It’s too soon”, thought Laura, “We're not ready.”
Her mind raced with thoughts. Safehaven was set up as a place where the team could hide out and live the rest of their lives in peace. It had been the perfect place for them all to rest, out in the boondocks in a sleepy little town with the mountains all around them. They were supposed to live out their lives like normal, simple folks and die naturally, far away from the death and destruction that they had known. They were supposed to live as simple farmers and sometime resort owners. It had been the perfect cover. No one would have suspected who they were or what they had done. When she had decided that Darren was the one, she had daydreamed of walking with him among the wildflowers and sipping drinks on the front porch with him in the evening while listening to the crickets chirp in the grass. She had imagined her taking care of him and him taking care of her until the end. She had dreamed of watching their children laugh and grow in their special little bit of paradise with their only problems being keeping the wild animals out of their gardens. This was supposed to be their forever home away from the dangers of the cities, and their stresses. She had been done with fighting and killing. When the Mexicans invaded, she had wanted no part of it. She just wanted to be left alone in her sanctuary nestled into the mountains. Now Chandler had brought that world of death and killing to her doorstep. It would be easy enough to stop the chopper and the technicals today, but the loss of an airship would raise questions and lead to an investigation. They would come again, bringing more men and more machines to do battle. Someone would have to pay for the Venezuelan dead. They would continue to come until Safehaven was eradicated and her family wiped out. How many times would she have to look through her sights and take another life? How many soldiers would he have to kill to protect her loved ones? How much blood would she spill before a bullet found her? How long would Darren survive without her? This is not what she had wanted. This is not what she had wanted at all.
As the attack helicopter crested the trees, Laura lowered her eyes to the sight, slowed her breathing, and waited for her prey to come into view.
“Ready or not, here it comes.”
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Post by 9idrr on Oct 22, 2019 19:30:14 GMT -6
That's how life is, ready or not.
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Post by texican on Oct 22, 2019 21:56:23 GMT -6
How many soldiers would she have to kill to protect her loved ones?
As many as it takes....
Thanks A for the chapter....
Texican....
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Post by arkansascob on Oct 24, 2019 6:57:53 GMT -6
Oh that's how it is huh A ? Such a long wait and then you leave us right on the edge of the cliff.
Well thank you my friend for another chapter.
Will wait semi patiently for some more of your writings. You've done a great job so far.
COB
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Post by texican on Oct 24, 2019 12:48:00 GMT -6
Oh that's how it is huh A ? Such a long wait and then you leave us right on the edge of the cliff. Well thank you my friend for another chapter. Will wait semi patiently for some more of your writings. You've done a great job so far. COB
COB,
Now if A holds to his postings, his last chapter was 4 days shy of a month from his previous chapter....
We could get a Thanksgiving chapter, but if A is really feeling the need maybe way sooner.....
Oh A, remember your avid readers that post for everyone's benefit.... Another chapter would be greatly appreciated....
Texican....
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Post by accountant on Oct 25, 2019 13:51:35 GMT -6
Happy Thanksgiving Tex.
Chapter 50
First Engagement with Venezuelans
Laura could see the Chevelle fishtail slightly as Chandler made the curve leading up to the main gate of the resort. It was followed closely by the first of the three technicals.
Seeing the first and knowing that the others would be close behind, Laura said into the radio, “Magnum, it’s a go.”
Just as the third Toyota was rounding the bend, Magnum unleashed the FIM-92 Stinger SAM from beside his workshop. Once released, the heat-seeking missile homed in on the attack helicopter and slammed into it at a speed of Mach 2.54. The 6.6-pound high explosive warhead ripped through the engine and cockpit of the aircraft, exploding fragments along the way, essentially decimating the costly flying machine. Knowing what was happening above her, Laura kept her eyes focused on the attacking vehicles in front of her. Concentrating of the lead pickup, she pulled the trigger of her LMG and stitched a trail of destruction from the engine block to the driver’s seat and onward to the soldier manning the mounted M2 in the bed of the truck. Instantly, the pickup jerked to the side and flipped over before catching on fire.
While Laura was firing at the pickup, the flaming pieces of the gunship crashed into the side of the mountain spewing superheated jet fuel as it fell.
Without losing an instance, Laura performed the same action on the second vehicle as it was slamming on its brakes to avoid hitting the debris in front of it. It too was soon out of commission.
Realizing what had happened t the first two trucks, the driver of the third made a screeching turn and the gunner on the back began to randomly shoot his machine gun trying to find the phantom who had disabled his brethren. Those actions only provided Laura with a bigger target and she quickly made hamburger of the four soldiers and the vehicle.
Taking her hand off the trigger, Laura listened to the approach of any other vehicles, but couldn’t hear any. Reaching for her radio, she said, “Wilson Farm, do you copy?”
“Wilson Farm here.”, came Don’s reply.
“Don, tell your team to grab some shovels and buckets from the barn. We need to get that fire out ASAP. I need you to stay there as we might have injured coming in.”, commanded Laura.
“We’re on it.”, said Don.
“Rattler, do you see any fleas?”, asked Laura.
“That’s a negative Spider. The fire and the flames from the trashed pickups are getting in the way of the FLIR device.”, came the response.
“Okay. Magnum, we’ll go down ourselves and use the dogs. Rattler, forget the LP/OP, come closer and cover us.”, ordered Laura.
“Me and the lads’ll meet you out front, Spider.”, said Magnum.
Laura got up, picked up her AR15, and made her way down to the front of the main building where Magnum was waiting for her with the dogs.
“That Stinger sure did a number on that wasp.”, said Magnum, with a chuckle.
“Yeah, too bad we don’t have any more of them.”, said Laura, grimly.
“You expecting more company?”, asked Magnum.
“Yeah, a lot more.”, said Laura before keying her mike, “Rattler, you in position?”
“Ready when you are, boss-lady.”, said Rattler.
Laura and Magnum made their way through the trees to the dead vehicles before Magnum released Zeus and Apollo. The two German shepherds took off at a run, while the two humans followed quickly behind. The dogs sniffed around the dead and the pickups but didn’t let out any barks before turning back to Magnum.
“Looks like the party’s over.”, said Magnum.
“Rattler, it doesn’t look like there are any survivors. You can go back to the LP/OP.”, said Laura on the radio.
“Copy that, Spider.”, said Rattler.
“Well, it looks like this one’s done.”, said Laura, “Let’s go help put out the fire.”
“We’re just gonna leave all this here?”, asked Magnum.
“After we put out the fire, together all of us can come back and strip these vehicles of anything usable, firearms, ammo, intel, whatever. It’ll keep.”, said Laura.
“I guess we’re on shovel duty for a while.”, said Magnum.
Going back to the retreat, Laura and Magnum grabbed shovels and made their way to where the Canadians were busy putting out the last of the flames from the remnants of the helicopter.
“Looks like we missed all the fun.”, stated Magnum, with a smile.
“I could say the same thing.”, said Bill, throwing a shovel of dirt on a small patch of fire.
Together they all smashed down the last of the embers and made sure it wouldn’t flare up again before heading down to the road and the disabled vehicles. They were able to salvage one M2, a few boxes of ammunition, a few AK47s, and not much else. The XM806 had done a number on all of the vehicles and they were all unusable.
Exhausted, the group went back to the retreat, where Laura had Bill and Phil go up to the roof of the main building and bring down the XM and the remaining ammo.
They walked up the hill where they could see quite a bit of activity happening in the barn.
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