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Post by accountant on Jun 10, 2020 8:45:59 GMT -6
Chapter 52
Shelter
The group climbed solemnly through the woods, each lost in his or her own private thoughts. Even the children were unusually quiet during the seemingly endless climb up the mountain.
With the sun getting lower and lower in the horizon, Laura motioned for Rattler, Magnum, and a couple of the Canadians to pick up the smaller children and move at a faster pace. The next half hour was almost a quick march higher and higher into the trees before Clarice called for a halt. With a flick of her hand, she had everyone crouch where they were before removing a small mirror from the side pocket of her pack. Catching the last of the sunlight, she flashed the mirror six times up and towards the group’s left. Putting his AR up to his eye, Rattler began to scan the surroundings looking for danger.
After a few minutes of waiting, there was a return flash of two followed by four flashes.
Getting visual confirmation, Clarice had to then give an audio challenge. “Now, where’d that boar get to?”, she whispered.
A male voice in the distance responded with,” Where all boars go, DC.”
Clarice and Rattler visibly relaxed when they heard the correct response. At the same time, two young men came out from behind a growth of wild scrub. With their woodland camo’s, their dirty baseball caps, long hair, dirty beards, and rifles, the two looked like a couple of good-ol’ boys out for a day of hunting, except without the orange vests.
“Evening Ms. Clarice, Mr. Rick.”, said the slightly shorter of the two.
“Evening Clyde, Jeb”, said Rattler, “I guess you saw what happened.”
“Yep.”, said Jeb, with a sigh, “Might shame that, but is what it is. We’ve already told the folks that you’d be coming so they’ve proly got stuff ready. Those little ‘uns look plumb wore out. Let’s get ‘em inside.”
Jed walked back behind the scrub and Clyde held it aside so the group could walk around it When Darren got to the scrub, he saw that it was hiding the entrance to a large cave. The entrance lead to a large opening into the mountain where Aladdin lamps were hung in strategic places to light the path deeper into the dark.
“Not much farther, folks.”, said Jeb, “Just remember to stay to the left.”
As they walked further and further from the mouth, the natural debris on the floor became less and less. There were a few other openings along the way which veered off to the right, but Jeb continued to lead them to the left until they came to a large open cave room with passageways leading off from it. Within the room, Darren could make out a cooking area in one section of the room. It contained a wood stove, a small prep area with a table and utensils, and a clean up area with large rubbermaid containers filled with soapy water. Another section of the room had a chalkboard with tablets leaning against it. Still another had a host of chairs, chesterfields, and small cots set up with a small bookshelf next to them. All of this along with the passageways leading away were all lit with oil lamps. Busy in the kitchen area were two women and two teenagers. When the group arrived into the great room, they all turned from their work and headed towards the newcomers.
“Hello and welcome. You must be so tired. Please have a seat.”, said one of the women, smiling and gesturing towards the seating area with the cots, “Geraldine, Andrew, bring our guests some water please.”
The group lowered themselves onto the chairs with the exhausted children flattening themselves out completely on the cots.
“Oh, poor things.”, said the woman, “I’m sure it’s been quite a trying day for the youngsters and everyone else. Richard, can you please introduce me? There are a few friends here whom I haven’t had the privilege of meeting yet.”
“Yes, of course, Miss Ellie.”, replied Rattler as he introduced Laura, Darren, the Canadians, Chandler’s family, and the rescued children to Ellie Chambers, the former schoolteacher, while Geraldine and Andrew brought steel glasses of water to the new people.
“Well, it certainly is a pleasure to meet each of you. I’m glad you could come.”, said Ellie, “You’ve already met my husband Jeb, and his younger brother Clyde. This is Geraldine, my oldest, and Andrew, the younger. I believe great aunt Greta is resting and will be out shortly. We will be serving dinner as you soon as you are ready to eat, and if you’d like to freshen up, the bathroom is the third opening from the left.”
“A bathroom?”, thought Darren with a quizzical look to Rattler.
“Rick, can you please help the younger children use the facilities?”, asked Clarice.
Soon there was a parade of parents and children making their way to the third opening from the left.
“Thank you for making room for us here. I hope it hasn’t been too much of a bother”, said Laura, when she got a chance to speak to Ellie.
“Nonsense, it was all part of the deal we struck when you purchased the farm. And I’m grateful we made that deal. Our place in town was overrun and we’re lucky to have this place to fall back on. Thanks to you.”, said Ellie, taking Laura’s hand.
“Jeb told us what he saw happen today down at the farm.”, whispered Ellie, “I’m so sorry you had to go through that, but please know that you really are welcome here.”
“Thank you, Ellie.”, said Laura with a sad smile, “You mentioned a bathroom before. How can that be in a cave in a mountain?”
“Oh that. We actually got very lucky. These caves are scattered throughout the Smoky Mountain and many of them are interconnected. We’ve already done some exploring and this cave system spreads out at least 25 miles to the north, east, and south. There are also quite a few waterfalls where underground geysers get pushed up and down through the system. We found one of these waterfalls which flows from the ceiling of the cave to a hole in the floor. We just set up pipes that feed into a high water tank for the toilet that’s fed through gravity. Any excess flow is channeled by a pipe to a sink or shower. The runoff from the toilet and the sink/shower is piped back to the base of the waterfall. It’s also how we get water for cooking, cleaning, and laundry.”, explained Ellie.
“Fascinating.”, said Darren, “and you don’t go stir crazy being in the caves all the time?”
Ellie chuckled and said, “Thankfully no. There’s another exit that faces south and opens up to a fairly large field. We try to go outside for a little while every day so that we can get our vitamin D supplement from the sun and a little fresh air. It’s also where we let the cows and goats out to graze.”
“You have goats? Oh, how wonderful.”, said Martha, “Do you think there’s enough room for some of our animals?”
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Post by sniper69 on Jun 10, 2020 9:07:19 GMT -6
accountant, it's great to see a new chapter for this excellent story. Thank you for the latest chapter. It is appreciated. I hope all is going well with you.
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Post by gipsy on Jun 10, 2020 10:45:09 GMT -6
Thanks
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Post by NCWEBNUT on Jun 10, 2020 14:56:24 GMT -6
I had wondered what had become of this story glad to see more Thanks
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Post by texican on Jun 10, 2020 21:07:55 GMT -6
A,
Glad to see you posting again.
Looked for a place than had a cave, but not to be. We are sitting down in a valley with ridges to the north and south of us and a river to the south of us.
Thanks for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by frankie on Jun 11, 2020 7:58:56 GMT -6
I'm glad to see this story continue. It's great. Thx
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Post by accountant on Jun 16, 2020 14:57:21 GMT -6
Chapter 53
Sleeping Arrangements
Everyone was just sitting down to eat dinner in the area with the chairs and cots when an older woman with a cane came hobbling out of one of the back cave “hallways”.
“Well, hello. It’s nice to see you again.”, said Greta, smiling as she came over to Laura and Darren.
“Why, hello.”, said Laura, shaking hands with Greta, “It’s nice to see you again, as well.”
“If I had known you were involved with this group, I would have made you a better deal on the items you bought from my antique store.”, said Greta, blushing slightly.
“The deal was fine.”, replied Darren, “After all, it was only money, and I think we got the better part of the bargain.”
Clyde helped Greta to a chair and Geraldine produced a plate of food for her. Respectfully, the newcomers had waited to dig in until after the host family ate.
“If’n y’all don’t mind it, I’d like to say grace and give thanks to our Lord ‘fore we fill our faces.”, said Jeb, with a chuckle.
Everyone waited patiently and Jeb began, “Lord, we give our praises to you for bringing our friends and Your children to the safety of Your sanctuary. We thank You for the fellowship and the food You have made available to us. We all understand that everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen is in Your hands, Lord. We humbly ask that You continue to guide us on the righteous path. Yours is the glory and Your will be done. Amen.”
There was a chorus of amens and soon there was only the sound of the clanging of metal utensils on metal plates.
After the meal was over, the clean up began as well as preparations for sleeping arrangements for the large group.
“We’ve broken down the sleeping areas into large bedroom cubicles with large dividers between them”, explained Ellie, “I know it doesn’t allow for much privacy, but at least there’s some.”
“It’s fine.”, said Darren, as he led his family of Laura, Simon and Chelsea, “You’ve done a wonderful job here considering the circumstances.”
Ellie smiled and said, “So, this is your family’s pod. There’s the main bedroom with the double bed and the two smaller bedrooms with the single beds. As you can see, there was dividers up to make the bedrooms, but there are openings in the dividers from the smaller bedrooms to the main bedroom. There are additional linens in the dresser drawers and oil, and matches for the lamps in the side tables along with emergency candles and flashlights. We do have clothing in our stores, so we can get everyone outfitted tomorrow. Tonight, please just rest. I hope we are not being too forward, but Jeb insisted that we place a bible in each bedroom, for comfort.”
“Thank you. That was a very thoughtful addition.”, said Laura.
“Please, make yourselves comfortable and I’ll show the others around.”, said Ellie as she turned and walked out of the pod.
“Magnum, Rattler, Bill, meet back here in 10. We need to set up a security patrol schedule.”, yelled Laura as the group passed the opening of the family pod.
“Simon, Chelsea, it’s getting late. Why don’t you both start getting ready for bed. I know that your backpacks will have a bag of toiletries including dental items. Why don’t you fish them out and head to the bathroom? Also, I think there is also a t-shirt and a pair or shorts made of T-shirt material in your backpacks too for you to change into when you get back.”, said Laura.
Once the children had left the pod, Darren gathered his wife into his arms, stroked her hair, gave her a kiss and whispered, “We’re okay.”
Laura put her head on her husband’s chest and replied, “Yeah, but for how long.”
They stayed that way until there was a knock on their front divider. Looking up, Darren saw that Henry and Tara were standing at the threshold of the pod.
“Everything okay with Eugene, Henry?”, asked Laura.
“Yes, Eugene is fine. His mother is with him and Jeb gave him some pain medication from their medical stores. He’ll be resting soon enough.”, said Henry.
“What can we do for you?”, asked Darren.
“Well, we heard you say that there would be a security patrol schedule set up. We’d like to be a part of it.”, stated Tara.
“I see.”, said Laura, “The reason said that to Magnum, Rattler, and Bill is because they, along with the rest of the Canadians, have had military experience. We will be dealing with a military foe with better equipment than we have. I need people who can understand that and understand how they think. I thank you for the offer, but I really don’t want to put your lives in jeopardy, more than I already have.”
“Now you listen to me, young missy. I’m a farmer, and always was. I can’t be cooped up in a dark cave all day and all night. I need to be outdoors. It’s where I belong. It’s where I’m supposed to be. No sense in trying to stop me. I’m part of the schedule even if I have to be out on my own. And as for Tara here, well she’s no less than Eugene, and we sent our boy out to war. She’s going out on patrol and that’s final. We Wilsons earn our keep.”, said Henry, emphatically.
Darren and Laura looked at the older man and his daughter.
“Tara, is anyone pressuring you into going on patrol?”, asked Darren.
“No, Chad. I want to go out on patrol. I need to do it....for Eugene.”, said Tara, “Besides, I’ve already done overnights at the LP/OP lots of times.”
Laura thought for a while and finally said, “Fine, you can both be part of the patrols, but never with just each other and no long patrols for either of you. Let the experienced people handle those.”
“Umm, what about me?”, asked Darren, “I don’t have any military experience.”
“That’s right you don’t.” said Laura, touching her husband’s arm, “That’s why you’ll be holding down the fort, here.”
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Post by texican on Jun 16, 2020 21:16:50 GMT -6
A,
Thanks for the chapter. Now what could go wrong on patrol?
Texican....
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Post by accountant on Jun 22, 2020 11:28:53 GMT -6
Chapter 54
New Arrivals
Laura was out on patrol with Benji when they heard it. The steady thump-thump-thump was the sound that she’d been dreading. Before they could see it, they knew it was coming and the patrol ran as quickly as they could back to the safety of the cave entrance.
“I’m going to stay here and observe.”, said Laura, “I want you to head in and tell the others to get ready.”
She never looked away from the distance as Benji evaporated into the darkness. Magnum and Claude were out there somewhere to the east. Both had military backgrounds and knew to find cover as soon as they heard the sound of the helicopter blades.
As she expected, the sound of the helicopter blades was soon mixed with the throaty engine sounds of the diesel trucks heading up Dry Valley Road. She set her rifle sites on the roadway and waited for the eventual arrival of the Venezuelan troops. The distance was too far to be accurate for the AR-15 and she would have to switch it out for her M24 sniper rifle. There would be plenty of time for that as well as other things. But first, the “guests” had to arrive and get settled. Then the killing would start. Laura let out a sigh. More death on her hands. It didn’t matter that she had to do it to save her family, death was death.
Almost every eventuality had been discussed and planned for where possible. Small force, large force, gunship escorts, fighter jet missiles, biologicals, chemicals, even bomber sorties had been discussed and probabilities placed against them. Some were ruled out immediately based on military standard strategies, and others based on military efficient use of resource processes, leave a core group of expected possibilities.
Laura wished Boomer was there. This was smack dab in the middle of his wheelhouse. From the time Boomer had joined the service, he had always been a student of warcraft. He had studied and incorporated the works of Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, and Machiavelli into the assignments the team had executed in the past and always kept a dog-eared copy of The Art of War in his pack. “He would have loved this.”, thought Laura.
Her mind was brought back to the present when the Mi-35 Hind came rising over the mountains to the west. It didn’t appear to be in any hurry as it slowly make its way eastward following Dry Valley Road, obviously providing air support for the convoy which was on its way to Safehaven to understand what happened to the earlier team.
Laura kept her eyes on the road leading to Safehaven. Soon the first vehicle came into view, a Toyota technical, followed closely by deuce and a half troop carrier. A closed top Mercedes g-class was behind that. Then came two supply trucks, a tractor hauling a V-100 APC on a flatbed, another deuce and a half troop carrier, and ending the parade were three additional technical. Taking it all into account, Laura estimated that there would around fifty enemy troops descending on Safehaven. “Interesting”, thought Laura, “They only bring in a platoon to deal with us, but they have air support from an attack helicopter. And who’s in the g-wagon? A second lieutenant commanding a platoon wouldn’t merit such a nice ride.”
Even above the commotion of the helicopter and the convoy below, Laura could sense Benji coming up behind her and touching her boot to let her know he was there.
“Everyone’s ready.”, he whispered as he crawled in beside her, “The families have all been moved deeper into the cave system, and the weapons, ammunition, and packs has been distributed.”
“Good.”, replied Laura, “now we wait.”
They laid there and watched the procession slowly make its way up the road until it reached the bend before the bit of asphalt leading into Safehaven, then it stopped. The helicopter flew through the valley looking for threats and finally hovered with its nose pointed directly at the burn out remains of the first flying machine.
“Man, that thing gives me the creeps.”, whispered Benji.
Laura let the beginning of a smile curl the corners of her mouth and said, “The thing with choppers is that, sooner or later, they all gotta land. We just have to wait them out. It’s a lot easier to deal with them on the ground.”
The chopper gained altitude, hovered above Safehaven, and kept overwatch as the convoy ejected the contents of its vehicles. Some of the little green men with the yellow, blue, and red armbands ran off the roadway and into the cover of the trees, while others began the task of getting the APC off the flatbed. All the while, the luxury Mercedes SUV remained motionless without any doors or windows opening.
The APC was soon traveling towards Safehaven with two troops of soldiers walking behind it, using it as cover.
“What’s for lunch?”, asked Laura, scooting backwards away from Benji.
“Stew with cornbread. Why?”, asked Benji.
“’Cause I’m starved. Come on, let’s go.”, said Laura, “There’s nothing interesting happening down there just yet. I hope there’s dessert.”
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Post by 9idrr on Jun 22, 2020 20:00:02 GMT -6
"Nothing interesting." Dessert. Nice to know some folks have their priorities in order.
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Post by arkansascob on Jun 23, 2020 7:51:30 GMT -6
Glad to see you back A and picking up where you left off.
Every time I think about a BOS a cave always comes to me as a back up. Then I start thinking about earthquakes. LOL
Keep em coming.
COB
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Post by 9idrr on Jun 23, 2020 21:36:38 GMT -6
Glad to see you back A and picking up where you left off. Every time I think about a BOS a cave always comes to me as a back up. Then I start thinking about earthquakes. LOL Keep em coming. COB Hey, maybe our boy can use that quake idea in the story line. Wouldn't be the first time a comment on here ended up in a story.
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Post by accountant on Jun 24, 2020 15:03:19 GMT -6
Chapter 55
Assault on Safehaven
The sun was about to set as Laura and Bill watched the activity at Safehaven from the safety of the trees. All the vehicles had been brought into the complex and a command tent had been set up in the open area behind the main building. There were sentries at the main gates and the Venezuelans were utilizing the main building as a combination operations center, mess, and barracks for the soldiers.
Laura surveilled the premises through the eyepiece of her M24. It had been a hot day and, as the ground gave off its heat, it camouflaged Bill and her heat signatures.
As they watched, a group of men came out of the command tent. An older man sat down on a chair in front of the command tent with two soldiers standing on ether side of him. Another solder stood slightly further away from the older man and began speaking into a bullhorn out towards the hills.
“To the individuals of this place,”, began the younger man with a thick Spanish accent, “I am Major Roberto Diego Desilva of the National Bolivian Armed Forces of Venezuela. Our forces have taken command of this national and you are now rebels. Our forces are here to bring order and peace to this country and do not wish for the hostilities to continue. As such, we are giving you the opportunity to surrender yourselves to us. I give you assurances that you will be dealt with humanely and in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Present yourselves at the gates and surrender your weapons. No harm will come to you….”
“Do you really think that guy is a Major?”, asked Laura, while the soldier continued his speech.
“Not by a longshot.”, replied Bill, “Too young and too green. A Major wouldn’t expose himself in the open like that. My guess is that he’s a second lieutenant. They probably pulled him out of a university where he was an English major and slapped a uniform on him. The Major is the guy with the bodyguards sitting on the chair in front of the tent.”
“That’s what I was thinking too.”, said Laura as the Venezuelan continued his chatter.
She checked her watch before saying, “The other two teams should be in position now and waiting for our signal.”
“I haven’t seen any change in activity or alerts.”, said Bill.
“I’m going for the Major.”, stated Laura, “How’s my shot?”
Bill looked through his glass and whispered, “857 metres, 17 degrees downhill, windspeed negligible. You are weapons clear.”
Laura took in a breath and let out half before calmly pulling the trigger. In less that one second the .338 Lapua Magnum round had left the muzzle and travelled the distance from the sniper hide to its intended target, the right eye socket of the older man sitting on the chair in front of the command tent. This was quickly followed by the loud crack of the supersonic bullet.
“Hit”, whispered Bill.
There was a sudden flurry of screaming and men running all around Safehaven.
“Bullhorn guy.”, said Laura, calmly.
With practiced ease, Laura quickly worked the bolt of the sniper rifle and fired another shot. This time, she punched a hole in the chest of the surprised man holding the bullhorn.
“Hit.”, whispered Bill.
Below them, soldiers were firing their weapons indiscriminately into the trees while ducking for cover.
Through all barking of the rifles, they couldn’t hear the sounds of gears turning and latches being opened remotely. The soldiers didn’t notice the inward curving spikes rising from the cattle guards at the gates of Safehaven, nor did they notice the water level of the pond dropping and being filled with 6000 gallons of gasoline.
Laura continued to pick off soldier in the chaos as the fuel ignited and a large fireball rose in the air. The heat of the fire effectively cooking any of the soldier nearby.
Several soldiers ran to the technicals and headed towards the front gate. When the first tried to storm through, the spikes caught the front axle. The momentum of the end of the cattleguard up and under the undercarriage of the pickup, flipping it over. The driver and passenger were crushed under the weight of the overturned vehicle and the soldier manning the .50 calibre was thrown from the vehicle. The second vehicle crashed into the trench below the cattle guard which was filled with flaming water and gasoline and caused the pickup to come to a crashing halt. The soldiers inside were met with weapons fire from Magnum and Rattler’s teams.
Laura continued to fire until there were no further targets visible due to the heavy black smoke from the fire in the pond. There was still sporadic firing at the compound, and she hoped it was the other two teams rather than the enemy.
Laura looked through her eyepiece and counted the visible dead.
“I’ve got 27. How about you?”, she asked.
“27”, replied Bill.
“Go get the others. It’s time to sweep.”, commanded Laura, passing her sniper rifle to Bill.
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Post by 9idrr on Jun 24, 2020 21:24:59 GMT -6
I guess there is the imperative to sweep, just to be sure. Myself, a guess is that any survivors won't stop runnin' for days.
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Post by texican on Jun 25, 2020 17:12:42 GMT -6
A,
War comes again to Safehaven with the same results.
Thank you.
Texican....
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Post by accountant on Jul 7, 2020 9:32:44 GMT -6
Chapter 56
New Information
Slowly Bill led his squad of Claude, Benji, and Tara through the front gate of Safahaven, while Magnum led his team of Chandler, Phil, and Henry out from the forest behind the barn. Laura provided oversight for Bill’s team and Rattler provided oversight to Magnum’s team. Jeb and Clyde maintained security at the entrance to the cavern system and Darren and Clarice provided security inside the cave.
Taking cover behind the overturned technical, Bill sent Claude and Benji leapfrogging to the technical disabled by the trench. As Benji ran towards one of the troop carriers, there was automatic weapon fire coming from inside the door of the main building of the resort. While Claude laid down suppression fire, Benji ran past him and around the troop carrier. Using the large vehicle as cover, Benji joined Claude in firing towards the building, allowing Tara and Bill to join them. Watching all this, Laura saw some movement in the treeline to the left of the squad. She let out a controlled burst of tracers towards the movement signalling the team that there was an enemy combatant there. A Benji and Claude continued looking towards the main building, Bill and Tara began to sweep the treeline with their rifles. Bill then signalled a ceasefire and waited for any additional noises coming from either the treeline or the main building.
Agonizingly slowly, the team made its way further into the complex, running from vehicle to vehicle while covering the entrances to the main building, the command tent, and anywhere else the Venezuelan soldiers could be hiding.
Meanwhile, Magnum’s team was having challenges of their own. Creeping towards the barn, they could see that the doors were open, but didn’t know what the darkness inside held. Magnum and Phil ran silently around the back of the barn and appeared on the other side of the door while Chandler and Henry stayed on the original side. Magnum covered the lens of a small flashlight, turned it on, and threw it into the barn. The beam lit the interior wildly, and the team heard gunfire coming from the rafters towards the flashlight. Chandler threw a flashbang grenade into the barn and everyone closed their eyes and ears when it went off. With the sound of the magnesium laced grenade exploding, the Magnum and Phil turned on their headlights and rushed the barn while Henry and Chandler laid flat at the entrance to provide additional fire. Soon the count of enemy dead increased by four.
It took three long hours, but the resort was finally cleared and a total of fourteen additional enemy soldiers joined the ranks of the dead.
Bill and Henry were providing security at the gate and Rattler maintained oversight when Laura joined the two teams inside Rattler’s house for a debrief of the operation. The end result was that forty one Venezuelans were dead and two vehicles were disabled.
“Report”, commanded Laura.
“From the command tent, I found this.”, said Magnum, handing Laura a file folder, “It looks like they had a video of Chandler when he was leaving Chattanooga. There’s a screenshot which they ran through facial recognition. They knew he was with the company and wanted him bad enough to send a platoon after him.”
“Benji, would you mind running up to get Chandler?”, asked Laura, “I’d like to know exactly why the Venezuelans are so interest in that little man.”
“Okay, what else did we get?”, asked Laura, turning her attention back to Magnum.
“We still need to do a full inventory, but it’s the standard. You’ve seen the vehicles, some have keys, others we’ll have to dig through the pockets of the dead to find the rest. Standard weapons, RPGs, ten .50 cal BMGs including the one on the bird, NVGs, six large generators, lots of MRE’s, three stoves, plenty of coffee, a couple of mini-fridges, a couple of radio set ups and other communications gear, a few laptops. Oh, and now we have a chopper.”
“Any other intelligence information in the tent?”, asked Laura.
“Not a lot, just a general map of the area showing where some of our troops are. There may be more on the laptops. I saw one that was still on and the idiots didn’t have a screensaver password. We should be able to get all the data out of it.”, said Magnum.
“Okay, let’s get that done. Claude, I’d like you to switch out with Bill. I need him on the radio to track down the closest troops on our side. I think they’d find a great use for the whirlybird and the info on that laptop. Everyone else, let’s start stripping out those dead bodies for anything useful. Once that’s done, we can dump them in Henry’s back forty.”, said Laura.
Laura was checking the pockets of a Venezuelan soldier when Benji came back with Chandler.
“Okay, I’m here. What do you need?”, asked Chandler.
Laura stood up from what she was doing and stared at her ex-boss.
“They came here looking for you.”, said Laura, bluntly, “Do you know why?”
“What do you mean?”, asked Chandler.
“They had a picture of you. They knew you were CIA. We’re trying to protect innocent civilians including your wife and son, so stop the BS and tell my why they would send a whole platoon just for you!”, yelled Laura.
Chandler let out a sigh and said, “It all goes back to Nicaragua. That little issue you and your team were commissioned to deal with was supposed to be a favor to the Venezuelans. They needed him out of the way in order to stop others in their country from thinking they could do what he was doing in Nicaragua. We saw it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the US and Venezuela while keeping the Nicaraguans on our side. When he didn’t die, the Venezuelan government was pissed at us and began to be more heavy-handed towards the opposition in their country. Somehow they found out that I ran the operation and I’ve had a target on my back ever since.”
“So, you’re putting the blame for them coming after us on me?”, snapped Laura.
“No, I’m just saying that your decision to not do your job had far reaching geopolitical consequences. It affected the people in Nicaragua, it affected the people in Venezuela, and now it’s affecting us.”, snapped back Chandler.
“More blood on my hands.”, thought Laura to herself.
“You’re here, help the team clean this place up.”, said Laura, turning away.
All through the night, the teams worked on their grisly tasks and before the sun came up, the large hole in farmer’s field was filled and covered.
Laura walked towards the command tent just as Bill was coming out.
“I got a hold of the 278th. They’re just outside Murfreesboro at Stones River. Some of the remnants of the 230th went there. They’d love to get their hands on that chopper and the laptop. They expect the enemy to be headed their way within the next week and the chopper would sure help.”, said Bill, “And before you ask, they don’t know if Boomer is there or not.”
“Understood.”, said Laura, “Here’s what I’m thinking. We get the vehicles hidden in the barn, the Wilson’s barn and in the forests in the area. We get all the usable gear, including radios, food, heavy weapons, extra fuel, and generators air lifted to the cave. Then we send the laptops and the chopper to the 278th. They can send a team to pick up all the vehicle after.”
“That works for me. Benji and I can take the chopper when we’re ready to go.”, said Bill.
By early evening all the vehicles had been hidden and the supplies and equipment had been safely taken into the cave system.
Looking down at the remnants of Safehaven, Laura said to Bill, “It’s getting late. I don’t want you to be flying in the dark considering we haven’t gotten any sleep for the past two days. Let’s get some rest and you and Benji can take off at first light.”
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Post by arkansascob on Jul 7, 2020 10:21:31 GMT -6
Thanks A for another great chapter.
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Post by 9idrr on Jul 7, 2020 21:25:55 GMT -6
No end in sight.
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Post by texican on Jul 9, 2020 21:33:58 GMT -6
A,
Thanks for the chapter. Good read.
Texican....
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Post by accountant on Jul 13, 2020 11:58:29 GMT -6
Just a quick short one.
Chapter 57
The Burden
Later that night, Darren was lying in bed holding Laura when he felt her shudder. He held her tighter, thinking that she was having a bad dream, but the shudders didn’t stop.
“Hey”, he whispered, rolling her onto her back, “What’s wrong?”
Through tear-stained eyes, Laura looked at her husband and whispered, “Is it..is it all my fault? If we had done what we were supposed to do in Nicaragua, could all of this have been prevented? Did I cause all this? This war, all these people dead, was it because of me?”
Darren wiped the tears from her face and whispered, “You can’t think like that. Of course this wasn’t your fault.”
“But, if we had killed that man, the US could have made inroad with Venezuela and they wouldn’t have gotten into bed with the Russians. The Russians and Chinese wouldn’t have felt strong enough to attack. All those people dead. Simon and Chelsea’s parents dead. Oh Darren, it’s all my fault. It’s all my fault.”, whispered Laura through her quiet sobs.
“Listen to me. Listen!”, whispered Darren, taking Laura’s face in his hands, “None of this is your fault. None of it, you hear me! Everything that was supposed to happen, happened. This was not in your hands. You didn’t plan this or anything that happened. By not killing that man, you did the right thing. You did the right thing, okay? You don’t know if the US and Venezuela would have been closer or not. You can’t keep playing what-if, you just can’t. It’ll drive you crazy. You did the right thing at the time. You did the right thing!”
“I can’t do this”, whispered Laura, crying, “It’s too hard. More will come and they’ll keep coming. They won’t stop. The children, we can’t protect them. They’ll get us, one by one until there’s no one left to protect them.”
“Hun, when we agreed to this new life, we said that we would do anything to protect these children. If that’s what God has planned for us, then that’s what’ll happen. If I die, I’ll die fighting next to you with no remorse and no regrets. God has a plan for us, and He had a plan for these children. If anything, I’m thankful that God put you into my life and that I’ve had this time with you and the kids. It’s more of a blessing than I could have ever hoped for. You are the love of my life and I’m humbled and honored that you chose me. You’ve been a rock for these people for so long, let me be your strength for a little while. Hold onto me. We’ll get through this, together.”, whispered Darren.
Darren held Laura until she cried herself to sleep.
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Post by arkansascob on Jul 13, 2020 13:16:34 GMT -6
Guilt trip is not as good thing. It clouds the thought process. Chandler is a snake in the grass and he is playing with Laura's head.
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Post by accountant on Jul 27, 2020 14:46:07 GMT -6
Chapter 58
Nice Day for a Flight
“We’ve already informed the 278th that we’ll be there as soon as we can. Hopefully, we’ll be back in a couple of days with troopers to pick up all the vehicles.”, said Bill with a smile.
“Just be careful.”, replied Laura solemnly.
“I always am. Now worries. I’ll send updates along the way, keep your ears on.”, said Bill, chuckling as he climbed into the cockpit.
Laura moved away as the helicopter’s engine revved up and the blades began to turn. She, Darren, and Rattler watched as the flying machine rose from the grounds of Safehaven and began to sail away into the distance.
The trio turned and began the climb back to the cave.
During their climb, Rattler said, “You two are awfully quiet. You get into a fight or something?”
“No, nothing like that.”, said Darren, “She’s just a little on edge about what Chandler said to her yesterday.”
“What Chandler said?”, said Rattler, stupefied, “Spider, don’t you go taking anything he says seriously. That snake’s lower than low. He’d push his grandmother out of the way to get the last piece of cake and you know it.”
Laura heaved a sigh and said, “I know, but I can’t help feeling that somehow this is all karma for what I’ve done in the past coming back to bite us.”
“As far as I’m concerned, we paid that debt when we saved those kids. Your chit is clean, Spider.”, said Rattler.
“Yeah, maybe.”, came the response.
At the cave entrance, Rattler gave the necessary code signs and Jeb and Tara allowed them to go into the cave system.
“Tara’s getting really good at this.”, commented Rattler as they walked down the passageway.
“Too good.”, said Laura, “She wanted to be a vet, remember? This is not what I wanted for her or for any of the kids. They’re all losing their innocence way too quickly.”
“I’ll agree this isn’t perfect, but the kids are still kids. I still hear giggling every once in a while and I’ve watched them play tag, even Tara. These kids are incredibly resilient, Spider. Give them some credit.”, said Rattler.
“I hope so.”, said Laura.
“I know so.”, said Rattler, “Now, I’m going to spend some time with Clarice. Why don’t you and Flower, head over to the other entrance where the radio is so you can get reports from Bill and Benji. And for goodness sake, get out of that funk you’re in. Sheesh!”
Laura and Darren put on the headphones and Laura adjusted the radio to the frequency that the helicopter would be using.
“Hummingbird, this is Eagle’s nest, report over.”, she said into the microphone.
“Eagle’s nest, this is Hummingbird. It’s a beautiful day to be alive. Over”, came Bill’s voice over the radio.
“Hummingbird, how’s the backyard? Over.”, said Laura.
“Eagle’s nest. Nothing out of the ordinary…Hang on…Looks like someone kicked over an anthill. And there’s a lot of them close to a buck and a quarter. It looks like they’re coming on the backs of beetles. About twenty five beetles that I can see. The trail looks like it’s three feet long. Over.”, came Bill’s reply.
“Hummingbird, any wasps with them? Over.”, asked Laura
“Eagle’s nest, negative on the wasps. Let me see if I can shoo some away from the house. Over.”, said Bill.
“Negative Hummingbird, repeat negative. Head to the forest as planned. Head for the forest. Over.”, said Laura, sternly.
“Eagle’s nest, it’ll only take a second then we’ll be on our way. Over.”, said Bill.
“Hummingbird, negative. I repeat negative.”, said Laura, now a little annoyed.
“Eagle’s nest, sorry already done. Plugged up the trail a little bit. It might take them a little longer to get to the house. Over.”, said Bill with a chuckle.
“Hummingbird, head to the forest. I repeat head directly to the forest. Over”, said Laura, agitated.
“Eagle’s nest, there’s a hawk headed your way! Run! Ru…”, came Bill’s urgent message.
“Hummingbird, come back! Over! Hummingbird!”, screamed Laura.
Just as she finished yelling into the microphone, she heard the roar of the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-MK2 as it came into view and drop an incendiary cluster bomb in the hillside overlooking Safehaven.
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Post by sniper69 on Jul 27, 2020 19:23:28 GMT -6
Wow!! Thanks for the latest chapter. Now to see if my fingers will hold me on this cliff until the next chapter.
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Post by accountant on Aug 4, 2020 13:58:23 GMT -6
Chapter 59
Separate Paths
“Forest ranger, this is Eagle’s nest. Do you read? Over…..Forest ranger, this is Eagle’s nest. Come in Forest ranger. Over.”, said Laura into the microphone.
“It’s no use, hun. You’ve been trying for almost fifteen minutes. Leave it. We need to see to the others.”, said Darren, quietly.
“But we need help. We’ll never be able to hold them off and save Safehaven without them. The fire’ll burn our home.”, said Laura, as her eyes began to water.
“Yeah, it probably will, but we need to think of the families now. There’s no help coming and we still have a three hour headstart if we run now.”, replied Darren.
“Where will we go? These caves were our fallback position. We’ve got nowhere else to go.”, said Laura with a shudder and sob.
Darren took his wife into his arms and hugged her before saying, “We’ll go where God leads us. We have to make sure the children are safe and that’s what we’re going to do. You’re our leader and you’re going to lead us somewhere safe.”
Laura extracted herself from Darren’s arms and said, “You’re right. You’re always right. We have to keep those children safe. Let’s go.”
Together they walked back to the main living quarters where the rest of the families were assembled. Laura looked out at the anxious faces and said, “Everyone, I’m sure you felt the shake of the mountain. The Venezuelans dropped a large bomb on the hillside and it started a forest fire. Before being shot down, Bill and Benji were able to tell us that a large force of over 125 enemy soldiers were headed this way and are about three hours away. We need to all take our go bags and head out of here as quickly as possible. Let’s move as we don’t have much time. We meet back here in 5.”
All the families quickly went to their quarters to begin packing.
In Darren and Laura’s family’s section, Simon and Chelsea were packed before the adults and were standing waiting for Darren and Laura when Chelsea said, “Cassie, I’m..I’m scared.”
Darren and Laura stopped what they were doing and looked at the children.
Laura moved the where Chelsea was standing and enveloped the girl into her arms.
“I know, sweety. It’s okay to be scared. I’m scared too, but we have to do what’s best for everyone. And if what’s best is leaving here and finding a safer place, then that’s what we’ll do.”, said Laura.
Darren put his arm around Simon and added, “We promised that we would do whatever we had to to keep you both safe. You believe that don’t you son?”
“Yes sir.”, came the soft reply.
“Good, now help me tighten these straps.”, said Darren as he went back to his packing.
Going back to the main room, the family saw that everyone was already there, waiting. Everyone had their packs on, except the remaining three Canadians.
“Don, what’s going on? Why aren’t you guys ready?”, asked Laura.
“We talked it over and we’re not going. Jeb already told us what route you’ll be taking through the cave system. It should lead you out about 25 miles northeast of here into the heart of the Smokies. From there he’ll take you towards Asheville. Me and the guys’ll hold them off as long as we can to give you more time, then we’ll come running.”, explained Don.
“You don’t have to do that...”, said Laura.
“We do.”, said Claude, “For the children and…for Bill and Benji.”
Darren looked at the four determined warriors and said, “Jeb, start leading the families through the cave. Cassie, the Canadians, and I will join you when we can.”
“No!”, screamed Simon, “You can’t! You promised! You made me your son! You said you’d protect me! You promised!”
Darren pulled the screaming boy into his arms and whispered into his ear, “You are my son and I will always do what I have to do to protect you and Chelsea. As your dad, this is what I have to do. Cassie and I will catch up as soon as we can. Now, I want you to go with the group and I want you to watch over Chelsea and the little ones. Make sure your poncho is in the top of your pack, it looks like it might rain later today.”
Darren released Simon who went and stood by Chelsea.
“Before you head out, Steve would you mind leading us in prayer.”, asked Laura.
“Everyone, please bow your heads.”, began Magnum, “Lord, You are all mighty and all knowing. You bring the blazing sun and the morning dew. Just as You have made all, You have made us, Your children. We now humbly ask for Your benevolence and protection in this our time of need. A large force has been sent out against us, but who can stand before You. We beseech You, deliver us from this evil which is about to fall upon our home. Please watch over us, Your children, as we begin our journey to a new place to shelter, even as You are always our shelter from any storm. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, give us safe passage to our new destination and as always, may Your will be done. Amen.”
A chorus of amens broke out among the group before those who were about to leave put on their packs and firearms.
“You haven’t called me Steve in a long time.”, said Magnum as he gave Laura a hug.
“It was time.”, said Laura, returning the hug, “Watch over them, please.”
“With my life.”, came the response.
“Spider, you’re making me feel like a heel for not staying.”, said Rattler, coming in for his own hug.
“No, you have to go. You need to protect the little one. Besides, Clarice would never let me live it down if I asked you to stay.”, said Laura. Laura, Darren, Don, Claude, and Phil watched as the figures of the families receded into the cave system before turning away.
“Claude, I want you Don and Phil to head down so you have a good view of the turnoff before the entrance to Safehaven. With the number of troop carriers coming, I’m not sure of they will come all the way into the complex. Stay high and in the trees but keep the fire above and to the side of you. It will be harder to track you using your heat signature. Wait until the first fifteen carriers are past you before opening fire on the second half of the convoy. That should block the enemy off into manageable pieces. Chad and I will provide oversight and deal with the first half after they are past you. We only have a limited amount of ammo available so use your best judgement on how to expend. We don’t need to stop them all, we just need to give the families more time.”, said Laura.
“You’re great at sniping Laura but give us some credit too. We’ll do whatever we have to.”, replied Claude with a sad smile.
With silent hugs, the Canadians walked off to take their place in the trees.
When Laura and Darren had found their hidden position, they prepared the location for maximum effectiveness against the enemy. Once they were set, they both laid down in the prone position and waited. The only sound they heard was the crackling of the fire off to their side.
Darren looked at his wife as she stared intently at the road leading to Safehaven. Smiling, he brushed some ash out of her hair. Laura looked over and saw him smiling.
“What?”, she asked.
“Nothing.”, said Darren, still smiling.
“Come on. Tell me.”, said Laura, catching the contagious smile.
“I just realized that there is no place I would rather be right now than here with you.”, said Darren.
“What??? I thought you were a little loopy when you said that we weren’t going with the families, but now I know you really are.”, said Laura with a chuckle.
“Just hear me out.”, said Darren, “Before you came along, I was just a hamster on a treadmill, going to work, coming home, getting by and doing the same thing over again the next day. I had no one in my life. Hell, I didn’t really have a life at all. By bringing me here, you gave me a life. You saved me from dying when the bombs went off. You gave me purpose. You gave me great friends, and a home, a true home. With you, we have a family of our own. We have Simon and Chelsea and we have each other. In you, I found my heart. God put us together and I am so thankful for that. And that’s the reason why I am so grateful to Him for allowing me to spend this time with you. And that’s the reason why I don’t want to be anywhere else but here right now.”
“You’re a strange man, Mr. Smith. You always seem to see the positive in any situation.”, said Laura, as she wiped some ash from his face and kissed him, “And that’s why I love you so much.”
“Now, don’t distract me with your cute looks, soft touches, and sexy words.”, she said, looking back into the scope of the sniper rifle, “I need to stay focused.”
“As you wish, Mrs. Smith.”, said Darren.
Keeping her eyes on the road, Laura waited for the enemy to make its appearance.
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Post by accountant on Aug 5, 2020 13:46:24 GMT -6
Chapter 60
Arrival
One hour passed and the two teams stayed concealed in their hides. With no wind to speak of, the ash continued to fall and helped with their concealment. Soon they became part of the dark grey landscape.
Another hour passed and still no sight of the Venezuelan company. The only sound was the slight hiss as rain began to fall on the fire that was ravaging the hillside.
Another hour and still nothing. The rain was getting heavier and the drops mixed with the ash to create watery grey mud on everyone and everything surrounding the valley. The rain was gradually making inroads to stop the devastation of the fire.
“Dammit.”, said Darren, sharply.
“What? What is it?”, asked Laura, with concern.
“I have to pee.”, came the reply.
Laura chuckled and said, “Well, go take care of it now, but next time make sure you go before we get ready for a firefight.”
Darren giggled and said, “You said next time.”
Laura slapped him on the shoulder and said, “Get out of here, you lunkhead.”
After taking care of business, Darren came back and laid down next to Laura.
“You feel better now?”, asked Laura.
“Yes ma’am, much better.”, said Darren, taking a long pull from his canteen.
They laid silently next to each other for a few minutes before Laura said, “Great, now I have to go.”
Darren just chuckled.
For another two hours they just lay there and waited. The rain continued to fall and the mixture of the fire, ash, and rain created a mist all around Safehaven. Finally, they heard some faint sounds coming from the distance.
“Okay, it sounds like it’s time.”, said Laura as she snapped into soldier mode, “And just for the record, I found my heart in you too, Mr. Smith.”
“I’m ready.”, replied Darren, “I love you, Mrs. Smith.”
Slowly, the sound became louder and louder, but it wasn’t the sound of a convoy of trucks which the teams were expecting.
“Wait…is that what I think it is?”, asked Laura.
“I hear it too, but it can’t be…. It sounds like a bunch of guys singing Free Bird really badly.”, said Darren.
As they continued to watch, Darren and Laura saw a deuce and a half, with a large American flag fluttering in the breeze and its rear flaps open, come around the bend in the road. Sure enough, all the soldiers were signing offkey and at the top of their lungs.
The truck came to a stop a hundred yards from the entrance to Safehaven. The soldiers in the back of the truck continued to sing, but the driver hopped out of the cab and walked in front of the engine. He raised his hands and began to wave them back and forth while turning in a circle.
“Oh my God!”, exclaimed Laura, jumping to her feet and pulling Darren up to his, “Come on!”
Laura began to run, slip, and slide down the hillside and yelling as loud as she could with Darren not far behind her.
While they continued to make their way down the hill, a US National Guard helicopter came into view and dumped a large bucket of water on the remnants of the fire.
Reaching the path behind the barn, Laura took off at a run along Safehaven’s ash-slickened main road and towards the gate, still screaming. Darren continued to follow but couldn’t keep up with the sure-footed warrior and fell face first into the muck behind the barn.
Getting up, Darren ran as quick as he could down the path Laura had taken. When he got to the main gate of the resort, he came to a stop. In front of him was a sight he had never expected to see. There in the rain, in the middle of the road, his wife, his leader and love, was crying in the arms of the driver of the truck.
Boomer had come home.
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