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Post by texican on Jun 27, 2020 17:34:15 GMT -6
Bret,
It is starting to heat up.
How many infiltrators are already in Washington State?
Only three or four moar chapters are needed to get the war started.
Thanks for the chapter.
Hopefully you and yours are staying safe with all of the violence and covid spreading.
Texican....
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Post by 9idrr on Jun 27, 2020 20:19:56 GMT -6
The last part of this chapter is typical of the thinking that a bunch of us old vets have if things really go south around here. there will be no retreat from the final stand. Amen, brother.
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Post by 9idrr on Jun 27, 2020 20:21:40 GMT -6
I'm neither old, nor a vet, but I share the line of thinking. I'd rather not live to see a win, than to suffer in the loss. Good men will always be welcome in the good fight, sir.
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Post by bluefox2 on Jun 27, 2020 20:57:03 GMT -6
I'm neither old, nor a vet, but I share the line of thinking. I'd rather not live to see a win, than to suffer in the loss. Us old guys appreciate the help. The more that stand and fight the better the chances of a win. "Behind every blade of grass"
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Post by papaof2 on Jun 27, 2020 21:58:06 GMT -6
But remember that the Dems/libs have never learned from history so they don't know the context of the "every blade of grass" quote or its significance.
The windows are subject to bullet penetration but the walls on the lowest level are cement filled concrete blocks and not easily penetrated by common weapons.
Care to guess which cameras are real and which are "decorative"? That's a "You bet your life" question.
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Post by cutter on Jun 28, 2020 9:35:13 GMT -6
Skousen construction. Structural steel stud framing preferably 2X8 in trade size. Laminate both sides with minimum 3/4 inch plywood with a strengthening option of quarter inch or 3/8 inch hardened steel plate and then 3/4 inch plywood fill the void with I think it is number 12 gravel 3/4 in down to dense grade. That will stop small caliber bullets all day long and should survive at least a few shots of 50 caliber AP ammo.
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Post by papaof2 on Jun 28, 2020 12:45:10 GMT -6
You can have a paper copy of the latest edition of Joel Skousen's book "The Secure Home for $44 plus shipping or $22 for the downloadable PDF. joelskousen.com/secure-homeIt's been a few months since I read it but I think he listed the wall as OK for up to .308. You can find his books on Amazon as well: www.amazon.com/s?k=skousen+the+secure+home
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Post by cutter on Jun 28, 2020 16:13:52 GMT -6
As I recall, he made no mention of the steel plate addition
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Post by bretf on Jul 7, 2020 5:49:41 GMT -6
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Bluefox2 and Cutter, I really appreciate your comments. While my inspiration has been floundering, it was great to see your words and viewpoints!
Chapter 12
Crocker looked at each of the men. “You sure you want to try this?”
The question was met with confirming nods and a “Damn sure!”
Crocker rubbed his chin while he considered the idea. After a full minute, he said, “Well, it’ll certainly send the message they aren’t welcome and might give them pause and slow them down a bit. It’ll also make them warier so any other surprises we leave will have to be well hidden.”
“The more we slow them and the more we take out helps us,” Mat said.
“I agree,” Crocker said. “It looks like it’s a go if you can get your equipment there.”
“Yeah, we can do that,” the spokesman for the group said. “But is there any chance I can catch a ride over with you folks? That way we can scout the location and figure out where to set up before they arrive,” he indicated his companions.
“We have room,” Crocker said. “We’re planning on spending the night here and taking off at O-dark-thirty.”
“I’ll be ready,” the man said and extended his hand. “By the way, I’m Jim Wilson.”
One of the men, who had to be a couple of decades older than Crocker said, “Colonel, you’re too young to have been there but have you studied what we faced in Vietnam?”
“Some.”
“Let’s sit down for a bit and I’ll regale you with some personal experiences. You see, we went in there, the most powerful military in the world. And the enemy, ill-equipped and undermanned laid enough traps half our guys were afraid to take a single step forward. It was like that Hunger Games movie when they went into the city with all those pods set to kill. Only the VC didn’t use technology. It seems to me like we’re in a role-reversal here. You mentioned they’d be wary after the napalm. What I’ve got in mind can’t be located by electronic sensors. Let’s fix it so those bastards don’t want to leave the Sound and give your army more time to get there.”
Crocker encouraged the man to regale them. When he finished, the colonel studied the grizzled man for a full minute. “How would you like to ride along with us? You’ve got a lot of knowledge that needs to be shared. Like I said, I studied your war some and even have supplies for one of the VC’s favorite traps. But since you lived through it, you’ll be invaluable in this fight.”
“I’d love to. Those commie bastards supplied enough of the shit the VC threw at us and I’ve wanted payback for decades.”
#
The Humvee rolled to a stop in Tacoma and everyone got out to look around.
“I don’t think the Chinese will hurt this area one bit,” Brooke said.
“Yeah, it looks like it’s already been through a war,” Alison said.
Former buildings were flattened masses of rubble. The few remaining looked as if they would topple at any moment. A former office building teetered at one side of the road, ready to collapse with the next strong wind. Other buildings were blackened from fire and not a single window remained intact. Though non-descript, it appeared to have been a prominent area in its day. Hundreds of men and women in business attire would’ve gone there each day to engage in business. Many roadways were impassable from debris. What remained was a shell reminiscent of bombed-out cities from war.
“Yes, you could say that,” Crocker said. “This was a target-rich area. Besides the ports and the state capitol in Olympia, there were several bases in the region. Even though a blast didn’t hit right here, I think the force of one or more took out most of the structures.”
Brooke gazed at the destruction and said, “Mat, thanks for building your house in the mountains.”
“Yeah,” Alison said. “This place is a real dump. We live in paradise.”
“It was a thriving area before,” Crocker said. “I’m sure the destruction here, along with the protection the Sound gives is why the Chinse picked this spot.”
Jim Wilson grimaced. “It was pretty nice, even though I’m more of a small-town guy. Now let’s make sure they know it was a big mistake to come here.”
Although much of the region was trashed, the group had encountered people on the way. At each encounter, they delivered their warning and requested everyone to rally together to help stop the invaders.
Everyone climbed back into the truck and made their way slowly to Dash Point.
#
The news spread of the army vehicle and the warning it’d brought. People answered the call and began to assemble at Dash Point. They came in solo, pairs, and groups. Crocker gave vague overviews of the situation until more than two hundred locals had gathered. Then he spelled out the threat in depth.
His message had been met with skepticism at other places, but nothing like the current assemblage.
“Why should we help you?”
“Your imperialistic government is what got us into this mess to start with.”
“Down with the authoritarians.”
“We’ve done fine without you.”
“We should welcome the Chinese.”
“They can’t be any worse than your Feds were.”
There was much more and Crocker shook his head in exasperation. He was in the area, after all, where those fools had set up their so-called autonomous zone before the dominoes destroying their old life had fallen. Many of the idiots still lived with their idealistic views, so many years later. He looked at the rags those people considered clothing, amazed they’d survived so long. He had zero patience for their type.
“If you don’t want to help protect America, get the hell out of here and back to whatever holes you’ve been in. This meeting is for free Americans who want to keep our country free.”
People continued to filter in. They were a mixed bag; some willing to stand against the invasion and others ready to form a welcoming committee. At Crocker’s declaration for them to leave, a fight broke out. Members of the group willing to fight for their country remembered too well the problems caused by the others, the anarchists. Throwing out the welcome mat for the invaders was the final straw.
Alison, Brooke, Brian, and Joe stood back and watched in awe.
“As Jimmy Franklin would say, ‘holy shit’,” Brooke said.
“You said a mouthful,” Joe said.
“These people are nuts,” Alison said. “Now I’m doubly glad Mat built his house in the mountains.”
“Brian winked at her. “Me too.”
It wasn’t that easy but order was restored as the anarchists exited like whipped dogs with their tails between their legs. Then the real planning began on how to deal with the threat.
“Radio communication will be impossible but we need to set up a system to alert everyone when the Chinese are coming. I don’t want smoke as they’ll see it. In the past, signal mirrors and flags were used. If anyone doesn’t have any better options, I’d like you to set up a chain of folks with mirrors and flags and use Morse Code.”
“And if it’s night or the sun is blocked by clouds, what then?” someone asked.
“Directional lanterns,” Crocker said. “I’m guessing we can craft some from leftovers of the old world. Mat, would you please?”
Mat held up a beer can. He’d cut a slit down one side and across the top and bottom, creating an inverted ‘H’. The flaps were folded out. “With a small candle or flame from resources you find, this can be directed and easily concealed.”
“We’re not saying these are the best methods, just the best we came up with. If you have other ideas, we’re all for it,” Crocker said.
“The next thing is to delay them. They’ll be well-equipped with the most modern equipment and weaponry. There’s no way we can match up with them head to head. Not yet. We have to use other means to let them know they aren’t welcome here.”
Jack, the grizzled Vietnam vet who’d accompanied the group from Kennewick held up a short stick. “I was once part of the most powerful army in the world. And the Vietcong had half our guys scared to take one step out of our camps. It all started with these nasty little things. Let me introduce you to Punji sticks.”
Punji sticks were simple; short sharpened sticks smeared with feces. They were hidden in shallow holes, sticking straight up, in places a man was likely to step. When the unsuspecting victim stepped into the hole, his weight ran the contaminated sticks through his foot. Besides the obvious pain caused, the feces would cause infection to set in in very short order.
The traps Crocker had managed to find materials to create were a bit more technologically advanced but operated on the same concept. For his traps, 12-gauge shotgun shells would be secured in boards with short nails positioned as firing pins. They’d be concealed in shallow holes where a victim’s foot would put pressure on the shell, discharging it. The results would be devastating.
Jack informed the gathering of other traps, many using trip lines and triggers much like snares. But instead of a wire or loop securing prey, Jack's traps would have spring-loaded spikes to drive into a man’s body. “Any buildings that still stand can house door traps.”
A man smiled and said, “When I was a kid, I messed with water balloon traps at doorways. I assume your traps are a bit more sophisticated.”
“Not necessarily more sophisticated, just more dangerous,” Jack replied with a grin. He looked across the assemblage. “Many of these traps won’t kill a man but they will incapacitate them. Those are actually the most important. If the enemy has a heart, it’ll also incapacitate as many men as it takes to care for them. And it’ll put the fear of God in those heathen bastards to take one step forward. We can’t face them, not yet, but with a helluva a lot of luck, we can delay them until we have forces here that can.”
A man said, “We’ve got an abundance of worthless cars around here. What if we pull a bunch of leaf springs and set them up like crossbows attached to your tripwire triggers. If we do it right, I think we could line up about a dozen darts on each one and maybe take out several guys at once.”
Jack’s eyes twinkled as he considered the idea. “You catch on fast. I like it.”
Crocker watched silently. He was certain a few of those damned anarchists had remained. He was afraid they’d be a problem but wasn’t sure how to handle them. If nothing else, they would have to be watched.
The group planned and brainstormed for much of the day. Two groups were formed; the communications team and the booby trap team. Traps would be laid at all perspective landing zones.
With evening shadows long, Crocker took Jack aside. “You have things under control here. I’d like to take Jim and figure out where we can set up your trebuchets that they’ll be camouflaged and then find a spot for our comms.” He nodded towards a man who had the grunge look. “And we don’t want those bastards knowing any more than they already do.”
Jack nodded and said, “Eyes everywhere, Colonel, eyes everywhere. And more often than not, ears, too.”
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Post by 9idrr on Jul 7, 2020 21:10:05 GMT -6
I'm awaitin' this confrontation with barely contained glee.
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remembergoliad
Member
if you send friend req on FB, message me too. I won't accept if I don't recognize you.
Posts: 158
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Post by remembergoliad on Jul 8, 2020 19:59:04 GMT -6
Found it! Sincere thanks, Bret, for continuing the family's story. I really do enjoy your storytelling!
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Post by texican on Jul 9, 2020 21:27:47 GMT -6
Thanks Brett for the chapter.
Seems like old style weaponry will devastate the invaders.
Texican....
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Post by bretf on Jul 17, 2020 8:06:42 GMT -6
The Venture Crew I’m associate advisor for decided they needed to do a “wilderness survival” weekend. For their requirements, they had to make an emergency shelter (no tents) and sleep in it two nights. Then one meal had to be what they could forage. We did it this past weekend.
When they made the decision, I went home and found my battered copy of Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Dean Olson. I’d guess I was 13 or 14 when I first read it and was captivated by the contents. I reviewed the section on edible and medicinal plants, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I remembered.
Once in the mountains, as the youth set up their shelters, I sat in my lawn chair and started mentally categorizing plants. When I’d pinpointed all I could there, I walked around in the close proximity to the camp. As the book says, the mountain west is no Garden of Eden, but a knowledgeable person should be able to find enough food to stay alive. I ended up with a list of 22 edibles and 6 medicinals.
When it came time for the youth to forage, I’d point out a plant and have them take turns with the book, reading out loud how the plant was used. After we’d exhausted my list, they decided to pick greens and make a salad to accompany the prepared supper.
Most of them decided to have their salad after the main course. Another advisor, having sampled several of the plants as I’d pointed them out to him, followed my lead, eating the salad first so the other food would get the bitter flavors out of my mouth.
My daughter was able to get signed off on two methods of fire-starting without matches or lighter. She used flint – steel and magnifying glass.
It was a fine weekend, and hopefully, some of the lessons stuck. Now, on with the story.
Chapter 13
At gestures from Crocker, he and his crew slipped away from the group. One of the men who’d been listening to Jack moved to follow.
“We’ve got a trailer,” Alison said.
Mat nodded. “Yep. At least there’s only one for now.”
They stepped around a pile of rubble and waited. The man came close to running into them in his haste to catch up.
“Why’re you following us?” Crocker growled.
Mat was coiled like a spring, ready to take the guy out if he made a wrong move. The twins, Brian, and Joe spread out. If the man had ill intentions, it wouldn’t go well for him.
The man looked around, taking them all in. Then he bent his head back and laughed.
“Sorry, but I think you got the wrong idea. I’m not one of those granola idiots. In fact, I don’t want any of them hearing what I’ve got to say.”
“Yeah, and why’s that?” Crocker asked.
The man snorted, “It should be obvious, but since you asked, I don’t trust those bastards any farther than I could throw them.” He grinned. “Now let’s get down to business. You see, I used to be a caver.”
“You mean you crawled around in holes in the ground?” Mat asked.
“Yep. I got started with my dad when I was pretty young. That was before we had those nice LED lights, you know.”
Mat and Crocker nodded.
Jim Wilson grinned and said, “Well duh! Why didn’t I ever think of that? Carbide lamps.”
Wilson and the stranger received blank, questioning looks.
“Exactly,” the man said. “Dad always used carbide when we were caving. I still had his lamps and a can of carbide when the nukes hit.”
Wilson said, “One can won’t go far.”
“Uh, carbide?” Crocker asked.
“Yep, although technically, it’s called calcium carbide. It was used extensively for underground lighting for decades. It also had industrial uses.”
“What uses,” Crocker growled.
The man shared a smile with Wilson and looked directly at Mat and then Crocker. “Carbide looks like a rock. It has characteristics of any old rock.,” He bent over and picked up a stone. He looked it over and then tossed it to Mat. “Yep, just a rock; until you mix it with water. Then it produces a highly combustible gas. Industrially, it was used to make acetylene.”
“Acetylene? And you still have some of this carbide? But as Wilson said, I can’t imagine one can going far,” Crocker said, liking the idea while doubting it would be very beneficial.
The man grinned. “I have a bunch. Unfortunately, it’s not industrial grade.”
“What do you mean?”
Brooke winked at Ali, then looked around in bewilderment.
Alison said, “Hey, hold on! What, on God’s green earth, is acetylene? How about you guys speaking in American so the non-geeks in the group know what the hell you’re talking about,” she said.
Crocker seized the moment. “Geeks? Pray tell, young lady, what is geeks?”
“Geeks? I don’t know what you mean. I said Greeks. You have to know about the Greeks. But in case you don’t, Greece is a country in Europe, and its inhabitants are called Greeks.”
Brooke took over. “Some of those words sounded like a foreign language. So, are you saying that word, acetylene is American?”
Despite what they were facing and years of being around his sisters, Mat couldn’t help himself and bent his head back and laughed.
Jim Wilson and the stranger looked at the group, neither understanding what was going on.
Crocker looked from Mat to the girls, and then Brian and Joe. He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Oh, God, they did it again.”
Alison and Brooke looked at each other and in perfect unison said, “I’m sorry but what are you talking about?”
“Okay, you had your fun,” Mat said. “Now we need to get down to business. Colonel, they might not have seen it in use, at least that they can remember, but they know very well what acetylene is. Our dad was a steelworker. He had an oxy-acetylene cutting torch at his house before the world went to crap. Shoot, they know more about acetylene than I do.”
“Figures,” Crocker grumbled. He turned to the man and said, “Now that these two have had their fun, can you explain?”
“Sure. I knew the can of carbide I had wouldn’t last long so I needed to know more about it. Before the library was totally destroyed, I pored through it to find all the information I could. It seems calcium carbide isn’t natural, it’s a combination of lime and coke.”
“Hold on,” Brian said. “That sounds like a drink.”
The man chuckled. “I suppose it does. Technically, the lime is from limestone, not the citrus fruit. And the coke isn’t the soft drink, it’s made from coal and used for industrial purposes, including smelting steel.”
“So do you have a source for those?” Mat asked.
“Yep. Although we weren’t known for coal production like the Appalachia country and Wyoming and Montana, there are a few mines in this region. Also, limestone operations. I made sure I found all the resource maps I could when I was in the library.”
“And you went out and got some?” Crocker asked.
The man smiled. “As much as I could carry. Then I messed around trying to create something that would work. Like I said, what I have isn’t industrial grade but it works well enough for my needs. After making something passable, I made several more trips to the mines.
“So, as I listened to your man Jack talk about booby traps, my mind went into overdrive. I think my carbide can work for our needs. The one drawback I haven’t worked out is how we ignite it at the perfect moment.”
Crocker, Mat, and Wilson all looked thoughtful at the idea.
The man looked at the group and smiled. “When I was young, I played around with it some. I’d put some carbide and water in a can and invert a bucket over it. I attached a long fuse and got the hell away. You should have seen that bucket fly when it ignited.
“Now, consider this. If we were to put a few rifle rounds into those bastards when they land, they’re sure to take cover.”
Crocker and Mat responded with confirming nods.
“Now, what if they were to get behind one of those boats lying on its side down there. A boat with a hull full of explosive gas. Or a car just waiting for them. Hell, we could fill a barrel with all kinds of shrapnel and set it off. Let your imagination be your guide. I’ve got enough of my carbide to keep them jumping for a while if we can time it right.”
Mat rubbed his chin, deep in thought. Speaking slowly, he said, “I may have the answer to the detonators, but I’ll need some supplies and time. I’m not sure. It’s been forever, another lifetime ago, but I took a class on improvised explosives.”
Crocker and the rest of the group stared at him, waiting.
Mat continued, “A few of us were picked out and given the training in case we just happened to end up in a hostile environment without support and needed to, well, be counter-insurgents. We learned how to make improvised ordinance. It was a long time ago and I’ve forgotten most of it. But,” he smiled and looked around, “I remember how to make an anfo bomb and a detonator.”
“Uh, Mat, anfo?” Alison asked.
Brooke looked at Crocker and added, “Real, no fooling around.”
Mat nodded at Wilson. “Anfo is the basic idea in Wilson’s exploding pills before he added the napalm factor. The right fertilizer and fuel makes a helluva bomb. In fact, some knuckleheads set one off in Oklahoma City years ago.”
The man with the carbide asked, “Okay, what do you need for your detonators?”
“Time with a cookstove for one. And then I’ll need some old car batteries to get the sulfuric acid and the lead. Then, if you have some old privy spots or slit trenches, I need a few buckets of the waste.”
“You want crap?” Alison asked.
“Yep, and wood ash. If I filter the two together, I can make saltpeter.”
“Mat, you taught us a lot, but you seem to have left saltpeter off the syllabus,” Brooke said.
“I’m sure I did,” Mat said. “I don’t know everything about it, but when I cook it down and, oh, damn.”
“What?” Crocker asked.
Mat said, “Oh, I just remembered. It works best if you have some aspirin but I’m sure we can’t come up with any of that.”
Heads were shaken around him.
“I haven’t seen an aspirin in years,” Wilson said.
“Yeah,” Mat said, “that’s what I thought. But maybe it’ll still work, just not as well. Although, to ignite acetylene, we shouldn’t need too much. Dad said he just used a striker to start his torch.”
The man who’d begun the conversation said, “So we strip some strikers off old barbeques and figure out how to trigger them from a distance.”
Mat nodded. “It might work if we can work out the mechanism. Or, what if we had a working battery and ran leads to the gas, spaced close enough to arc if we put the juice to them?”
His listeners who’d shaken their heads in the negative moments before slowly nodded in the affirmative.
“Or,” Mat continued, “We rig pressure plates, like the classic claymores. But for those, we need to have the power source built in.”
Crocker looked at the man with the carbide.
“You know, I think we can do some of both,” he said. “I have a solar charger and loads of rechargeable batteries. They’re not in great shape after all these years, but I’m sure they’d make one spark.”
Wilson added, “And I’d love to see your chemistry in producing those ignitors.”
Mat nodded thoughtfully. “Okay. Along with the explosion, another big part of the ordinance was to make them directional. Concealed but open-ended, with every bit of shrapnel available poised to rip flesh to shreds. Old rusty nails and screws, broken saw blades, shards of glass, whatever. Think of anything that can rip flesh.”
“You know, I think we can put together some surprises that’ll have those guys afraid to put one foot forward,” Carbide Man said.
Crocker looked at his squad and nodded at each in turn. When his gaze fell on Carbide Man, he said, “Welcome to the team. It seems we’ve got more planning to do.”
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Post by 9idrr on Jul 17, 2020 20:57:27 GMT -6
DIY for IEDs. Love it!
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Post by texican on Jul 17, 2020 22:32:13 GMT -6
Bret,
Make do with what you can scavenge works with the right smarts and lots of hard work.
Now the twins will be having fun.
Thanks for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by bretf on Jul 29, 2020 6:40:12 GMT -6
Chapter 14
As the truck approached Yakima, Washington, the sign designating the exit to US Highway 12 came into view. A small shelter had been erected at the base of the sign, incorporating the sign’s supports in its simple construction.
“Looks like a checkpoint,” Russ Camp said from his position in the shotgun seat.
Glen Camp slowed the truck and braked to a stop beside the shelter.
A man in faded and patched camo clothing walked over to the driver’s door. “Thanks for answerin’ the call. You guys from Idaho like your plates say?”
Russ leaned forward to see the man better. “Yeah, we are.”
Chen, sitting behind Glen said, “I’m Captain Chen of the United States Army. Who’s in charge here?”
The man twisted his head towards Chen and snorted. “You’re lookin’ at him Cap’n. Everybody that could manage already took off for Snoqualmie Pass a few hours ago. I was left with orders to direct anyone who showed up where to go.”
“Is that so? And who made those decisions?” Chen asked.
“A group came through here early yesterday in one of those army Humvee trucks. The guy in charge looked like real army. I don’t recall his name but I think it started with a ‘C’.”
“Colonel Crocker?”
“Yeah, that’s right, Crocker. He had some guys and two pretty girls with him.”
“That’d be our folks,” Russ said.
The man nodded and continued. “So, they met with a bunch of folks here and they made a plan. A lot of guys around here used to be military. One of em was a major in the marines. He and Crocker decided the locals would head to Snoqualmie. Then the next decent-sized group to show up could take Highway 410 towards Mount Rainer. And that, Cap’n, would be you guys.”
The man held up a board with a road map pinned to it and pointed at different parts. “So we’re right here. This here is the 410, the road the brass wants you to take.”
The Camps, Chen, Chad, and Cooper got out of the extended cab truck to get a better look. Behind them, the men and women in the other vehicles got out and stretched. A few headed for the bushes lining the highway.
Cooper stretched his back and said, “Damn, Chad, even with three of us stuffed in the back seat, that beats the hell out of walking here from Texas.”
Chad’s face twisted. “Yeah, I guess. But the company was better. Nothing against Glen and Russ, but you know.”
“That’s for damn sure. I know I’ve said it before but it bears repeating. You’re a very fortunate man.”
“I’m not feeling very fortunate.”
“No, I suppose not and you won’t until you wrap your arms around them again. Then you’ll agree with me. You have what some men spend their entire lives looking for and never find.”
“You speaking from personal experience?”
“Maybe. Being around you and your family, I can see I’ve missed a lot.”
“It’s not too late, you know. Nick has a great cousin who’s a widow we can introduce you to.”
“Nick, huh? Is she prettier than him?”
“I’m a poor one to judge. But what are you saying; Nick’s not very pretty or you’re one of those guys who goes by appearance instead of character?”
“I think we’re done with this conversation. I can see myself digging a deep hole here,” Cooper said. “We better go look over that map. We’ve got a job to do, not just enjoy the scenery. However, I still contend you’re a very fortunate man.”
“Then what am I doing here with you?”
“You know, you’re better off here with me than with your brother and sisters.”
“Yeah, and that scares the heck out of me too. There’s no telling how bad it’ll get there.”
They moved to a position to see the map.
The man ran his finger along the line marking the 410 highway. “This road climbs the mountains towards Mount Rainier. There’s some pretty steep cliffs and a couple of hair-pin switchbacks on this side.”
“What about the pass and the other side?” Russ asked.
“As you can see, the road is a lot straighter. The slopes are more forgiving as well. A camp area and small road are at the top. The road goes north.”
The group studied the map silently until Chen said, “I think we’ve seen all we can. We need eyes on the ground.”
“I agree,” Russ said. He pointed on the map to ‘Cliffdell’. “This appears to be the last spot that’s named on this side of the summit. I think we stage everyone else there while we go up and get the lay of the land. Coop, do you see anything else?”
Cooper shook his head. “Without more detailed maps, you’re spot-on. We’ve got to see it before we know what to do.”
Russ nodded. “Let’s tell the crew and get on with it.”
Chad walked to the group of people which included Nick and Howie. He explained the plan.
“I don’t know,” Nick said. “It sounds like you’re running off on an adventure without us to watch your backside.”
“No adventure, yet. This will just be a scouting trip.”
“If you say so. But I don’t want Carol after my hide if you get yourself in a pickle without us.”
“No chance of that yet. You’ll know when the time comes.”
Nick stared hard. “All right. But no running off without us. You got it?”
#
The truck moved slowly up the highway, its passengers noting everything. At one point, Cooper asked Glen to stop so they could look around. Cliffs towered above the highway on the right and dropped precariously away on the left.
“I see where Cliffdel got its name,” Russ said.
Nodding, Cooper said, “You know, I’d prefer to keep those bastards on the other side of the pass but if we can’t find anyplace suitable over there, this is perfect. A few charges up there will bring tons of rock and busted trees down that’d even be hard to cross on foot.” He pointed to another rise behind them. “Then forty or so guys up there who know how to shoot could hold off an army as long as they don’t have air support.”
“Then let’s pray they don’t,” Russ said dryly. “Captain Chen, what do you think?”
Chen turned slowly, studying. “I agree. So, do we blow it before they come or wait until they’re right there and take their advance out?”
“I say we wait,” Russ said. “Without knowing what’s happening over there, we could trap our people. We need to leave them a safe route if they have to run. I say we wait,” he repeated.
His statement received affirming nods.
Cooper cast a final dark thought. “ Not that we have a choice. We seem to be short on explosives at the moment.”
#
The light was long gone from the sky when the scout truck rolled into the camp. As the headlights illuminated a sign, Glen stopped the truck. “It looks like we’re home.”
“CENTRAL IDAHO IRREGULARS” had been painted onto a board and posted at the camp’s entrance.
Russ chuckled. “Irregulars, indeed. That fits us.”
A crowd formed around the truck, everyone except those tending the cook fires and the pots on them, all anxious to hear what the group had found. Chad joined Nick and Howie as Russ and Chen laid out the plan they’d devised on the drive.
#
“What the hell is that? It can’t be the munitions Crocker promised,” Cooper said, looking down the highway.
Chad, Nick, and Howie all turned their gazes in the direction Cooper was looking. The strangest convoy they’d had ever seen was rolling up the blacktop surface.
“Are those catapults?” Nick asked.
“Close but they’re actually trebuchets,” Howie said.
“Jeez-Us-Christ,” Cooper said slowly. “Please tell me this isn’t what the army sent. If it is, this might turn out to be worse than getting back from Afghanistan after the bottom fell out.”
The convoy stopped, the men in the lead explaining their intent.
One added, “And we’ve got more men coming. That army munitions caravan got to Kennewick just before we left. Everyone that’s able will be coming through here as soon as they’re equipped. We don’t plan on letting the Chinese land uncontested so the real fight is going to happen around Tacoma. Most everyone figures it’s better to die free than to concede one inch of land. This is our country and we’ll fight to the death to keep it.”
There was more, the man informing Russ and Chen they should expect munitions by evening.
Chad looked at Nick and Howie. “As soon as I’m kitted up, I’m going, too.”
Howie groaned.
Nick shook his head. “Somehow, I knew you’d say that. But you’re not going alone.” He looked at Howie who groaned again.
Coop nodded his head and said, “That right. You’re not going alone. Chen knows more about those explosives than I do and everyone won’t be needed here. We’ll do more good at the Sound. Let’s tell Camp.”
Howie groaned.
Russ looked at the earnest faces and Howie’s nervous face around him. “You’re sure about this?”
“Very sure,” Chad said. “You only need a handful of people here. And well, Mat and the girls are over there. This whole situation has morphed from Crocker’s plan. We aren’t waiting for the army to take the fight to the Chinese. They’re bringing the fight to us so we’ll stain those banks red with their blood.”
“And maybe ours, too,” Howie said resignedly.
Captain Chen had joined the group and said, “You can’t just go traipsing off with those fools. Your duty is here.”
“We can and we will. My first duty is with my family,” Chad said. “Besides, your position is perfect for a small group to defend. Too many people would only make your defense less effective. We’d get in each other’s way.”
“I could order you to stay,” Chen stated.
Chad nearly laughed. “You can do what you want but I’m going.”
Chen’s face darkened. “You’re being …” he trailed off, his face thoughtful. After several moments, he said, “Maybe you’re right. Camp, you’re in command. I’m going with them. I need to see what’s up first-hand and report.”
“Uh, Captain, with me gone, you need to be here to set the charges,” Cooper said. Waving a hand in the air towards the camp, he said, “These folks don’t know a thing about explosives.”
Chen looked torn. “There has to be someone with the munitions who knows what to do. Stay until they get here so we can be sure.”
Chad said, “We planned on it. But the moment we get supplied, we’re out of here.”
Russ said, “Sorry guys, but I can’t give you a truck. We might need them all if we have to evac fast.”
“That’s all right, we’ve walked long distances before. Well, all except Nick. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen a horse he can ride,” Chad said. “Let’s get our stuff ready to go, guys,” he said to his small group.
They walked away. When out of easy hearing, Cooper asked, “So what do you make of that?”
“What do you mean?” Nick asked.
“Chen,” Chad stated, sharing Cooper’s concerns. “He was dead-set against us leaving. Then he did an about-face. From the moment Crocker made the decision, he’s been mad about not going to Tacoma.”
“That’s right,” Cooper said. “So, he wants to take this opportunity to get over there and see what the Colonel has set up. And notice he didn’t say who he wanted to report to.”
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Post by arkansascob on Jul 29, 2020 10:13:11 GMT -6
Thanks Bret. Blood thicker than water is what they say.
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Post by texican on Jul 29, 2020 16:43:27 GMT -6
“And notice he (Captain Chen) didn’t say who he wanted to report to.”
Captain Chen nay not be who he is portraying.
Thanks Bret for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by bretf on Aug 6, 2020 6:27:57 GMT -6
Chapter 15
Brooke and Alison looked at each other, then at their companions. The question was obvious in their expressions.
Mat turned his head to hear better and said, “As unlikely as it seems, I’d say that’s a motorcycle.
“A motorcycle?” Alison asked.
“Like those guys had that destroyed our old house?” Brooke added.
“Not exactly like those. This one is smaller; what’s called a dirt bike.”
“Do you think it’s a Chinese scout?”
“We’ll see.”
They readied their weapons and watched as the bike approached. From the other direction, a man ran towards their makeshift command center. They tensed further. Two strangers coming from different directions at once could be a coincidence, but then again …
Crocker looked up at the sounds. The breathless, running man stopped in front of him and bent over, his hands on his knees. He gasped, “Colonel … we’ve got men … coming in … Hundreds of them… And women … too.”
“Men? Chinese?”
“No, they’re ours. Coming to fight.”
The motorcycle slid to a stop in front of them and the rider shouted, “Chinese ships sighted!”
Crocker looked from one to the other. “You first,” he snapped at the motorcycle rider. “What about the Chinese?”
“I was near Neah Bay. I had a spotting scope and my bike with enough fuel to get back here. Just as I picked up a fleet heading this way, I think our subs opened up. Every aircraft carrier in the fleet was on fire and sinking within a couple of minutes. The whole battle didn’t last more than five minutes. It was chaos out there. Anyway, after it was over, five troop transport ships were still afloat. They picked up the survivors, and maybe an hour later, started this way. I got the hell out of there then.”
“What could you see on the decks? Any attack choppers? Armor?” Crocker asked.
“I can’t be sure but I think some of each.”
“Anything else?”
“No, that’s it in a nutshell. Five heavily loaded ships coming in.”
“Son of a bitch,” Crocker stated. “Too bad they didn’t take all those bastards out but I suppose it could be worse.”
Brooke smiled at Mat and said, “You know, Mat, you’re usually pretty smart but why did you bring up those lame ideas for signaling when the Chinese were coming? You have to know his motorcycle would be better.”
“Yeah. Did he ask you to give those ideas?” Alison asked sweetly, pointing at Crocker.
“Oh, those other guys are in place to signal,” the rider said. “We just figured I could give a better report by riding my bike.”
Crocker glared at the girls. ‘If looks could kill’. “This is no time for your shit!” he snapped. “And we didn’t know about his bike!”
“Now you,” he snarled to the runner. “What about people coming in?”
Having caught his breath, the man spoke easier than before. “People are flocking in to fight. They aren’t just guarding the passes.”
“So much for following orders,” Crocker growled. He considered for a few moments, then said, “Mat, it appears your role has changed. You’re now infantry commander. Brian, Joe, Alison, Brooke, your roles have changed as well. It might be just as well. It’s unlikely we’ll be able to infiltrate them now. They know we know they’re coming.”
Mat grinned ruefully. “As we well know, Sir, plans are only good until the first shot is fired. We just didn’t hear the shot this time.”
“Okay, so what”
“Do you want us to do?” the twins asked in tag-team.
“Two of you are with Mat. You’ve got to get up an organized defense and make sure those people know about all the surprises we’ve put in place. We can’t have them taking out our people by mistake. We don’t have much time. Get those people organized.”
“Just two of us?” Alison asked.
“Yeah. The other two, more specifically one of you” he said to the girls, and pointing at Brian and Joe, “and one of you. Take the truck and find that munitions convoy. Tell the commander what’s happening here and what we’re facing. Convince him we need ordinance to take out those choppers and armor. We have to take them out or all these people will die in minutes. Make sure they understand. If you can’t convince them, steal what we need. Get rifles and ammo for those people coming to fight. Their lives depend on you.”
“Oh, so no pressure at all,” Alison stated.
The girls looked at each other and nodded. Both balled their right fist and bounced it twice on their open left palms. Alison’s paper covered Brooke’s rock. They stared into each other’s eyes and nodded again.
“Stay safe,” Alison said. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Come on Brian, let’s roll.”
“You stay safe too. And I know you won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. See you soon,” Brooke said.
Crocker looked at them and said, “So if Brian is going, do I assume you’re Alison, or are you messing with me?”
The girls smirked at him. “We’ll never tell.”
Crocker shook his head. “No, of course not.” To the sister who would stay, he said, “Whichever you are, you’ve got to help Mat get those people organized.”
Mat said, “Come on Sis. Joe, go spread the word to Jack and his crew, then find us.” To the man who’d brought the news he said, “Take me to those folks, would you. Apparently, we don’t have much time.”
Crocker shook his head at Mat. Even he wouldn’t reveal which of the girls was which; if he knew. Turning back to the laptop computer, his fingers worked swiftly on the keyboard. Once the satellite connection was established, he sent encrypted messages, informing the command of the situation and what he needed if they were to prevent a bloodbath.
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Post by texican on Aug 6, 2020 20:18:58 GMT -6
Bret,
It will be getting hot. Now how about Chen, will someone put a round in his head?
Thanks for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by 9idrr on Aug 6, 2020 21:23:40 GMT -6
Bret, I'm wonderin' if even you can tell those girls apart?
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Post by bretf on Aug 7, 2020 9:08:42 GMT -6
Bret, I'm wonderin' if even you can tell those girls apart?
Nope. Just when I think I can, they prove me wrong.
It will be getting hot. Now how about Chen, will someone put a round in his head?
That seems rather harsh, doesn't it? But it might happen. Or it might not.
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Post by texican on Aug 7, 2020 20:38:57 GMT -6
Bret, I'm wonderin' if even you can tell those girls apart?
Nope. Just when I think I can, they prove me wrong. It will be getting hot. Now how about Chen, will someone put a round in his head? That seems rather harsh, doesn't it? But it might happen. Or it might not. Bret, Have confidence in you that Chen gets what he deserves hopefully before he can cause problems and yet problems do seem to develop unexpectedly. Thanks for the continuing story of the Smokes. Texican.... Have noticed that the muse is definitely motivating the great writers here on the board which is fantastic. Now she needs to motivate PP2 & PPB, but not to forget all of the other writers.
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Post by bretf on Aug 12, 2020 19:06:12 GMT -6
I went with the Venture Crew this past weekend and got a new perspective on some of the area where Chad Smoke and family live. We rode fifty miles of the Weiser River Trail. It is the former rail line, converted into a biking, equestrian, walking path. weiserrivertrail.org/It was a great, grueling ride. I’m surprised I’m in the 67% who started the ride that also finished. But it was a big eye-opener in the area of preparedness. If the bottom fell out even more than it has with the rona-summer and we had to evac, that day whipped me. What would have happened the next day if I needed to do another fifty miles on a rough gravel ride if the Chinese were hot on our heels? I pray I don’t have to find out, but as soon as I can, I need to get back to building stamina. Man, it sucks to get old. Chapter 16
The sound of the Humvee’s tires went from a low-pitched hum to an ear-piercing screech as Alison rounded a bend in the road. “Uh-hum, Ali,” Brian got out. “I know you were inspired by that motorcycle and I’m far from an expert. But I’m pretty sure this truck is designed to stay on all four tires.” “Are you saying I’m driving too fast?” “Pretty much.” “You heard Crocker. We have to hurry.” “Yeah, but it’s not going to do us any good if we end up rolling this thing.” “Shit!” Alison exclaimed, hitting the brakes. It wasn’t because of Brian’s warning. The road ahead was filled with trucks and trailers heading towards them. The trailers carried the medieval weaponry from Kennewick. Every available space was also packed with armed men and women. “And what if they would’ve been where we came out of that curve?” Brian added. “There’s no way you could’ve stopped in time.” “It’d teach them to stay out of the middle of the road,” she grumbled as she slowed to a stop near the lead vehicle. Alison snapped. “We’ve got to find the munitions convoy.” As quickly as possible, she and Brian explained about the ships leaving the ocean and their mission. “Then we better quit delaying you and go get in position. The last we knew the trucks were headed for Cliffdel to outfit the group guarding the highway.” “Cliffdel, huh?” Alison said. The engine rumbled as she stomped on the accelerator and sped away. It wasn’t their only delay. Within a few miles, Alison was cursing at the top of her lungs as she slowed for another group of people in the road. Her knuckles turned white from the iron-tight grip she had on the wheel before she released it and slammed her hands down in frustration. The people on foot gave way grudgingly, two men stopping beside the truck. “Any chance of a ride to Tacoma?” one asked. “We need to get there before the Chinamen.” “No chance. We’ve got to get to Cliffdel.” “Are you running away or are you coming back?” “If we had more time, I’d get out and kick your ass for that comment. Damn right, we’re coming back!” The man studied her. “All right, but on your way back, if you have any room, pick some of us up. Every man we can get there to greet those bastards will be needed.” “We’ll see,” Alison said. The road was open for several miles and Alison pushed the Humvee for all it had. Brian’s face turned white and he looked like he was going to hurl. They rounded a curve in the highway and saw another group walking down the asphalt ribbon. “SHIT, ALI!” Brian shouted. “That guy aiming his rifle at us, I think he’s Chin—” The rest of his statement was lost in the screech of tires on the pavement.
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Post by sniper69 on Aug 13, 2020 6:46:03 GMT -6
Sounds like a good time with the Venture Crew. Also thank you for the latest chapter. It is hard to type with one finger while the rest of me is hanging by my finger tips from the cliff. But I'll manage to hang on and look forward to the next chapter of your excellent story.
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