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Post by texican on May 4, 2020 18:31:26 GMT -6
Thanks 12 for the two chapters.
Darcy may be so far gone that she can not be helped.
Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on May 6, 2020 18:05:21 GMT -6
Kelly and Herbert had Darcy up and ready by the time the sheriff and a doctor arrived to take Darcy into custody. The doctor did a preliminary exam and told Herbert “She definitely is suffering from narcissistic personality disorder exasperated by the war”. He said “I would like to see her in a long term care unit because she is a danger to herself and others”. Herbert replied “That sounds like the best outcome for everyone, she thinks that my wife and daughters are demon possessed”. The doctor said “I talked with Pastor Bob before coming here and he says one cannot become possessed by playing Dungeons&Dragons”. Herbert replied “Even as a child she had mental problems but our parents refused to deal with them”. Herbert told the doctor “She is still my sister and I do feel some responsibility for her care”. The doctor said “We will give her the best care possible under the circumstances”.
The family got to work on their decontamination chores. Later that day they were able to get the garden plot decontaminated. Herbert used the Gravely model L tractor for this job. The tractor performed above Herbert’s expectations. The ground was broke up and the top soil was scrapped away. Mary and Carla were kept inside to reduce any exposure to the lingering radiation. Before he went in that evening Herbert decontaminated and put his “outdoor” clothing into a container to be washed.
Kelly had lunch on the table and he told her “Thank you dear, I got the garden plot ready today and tomorrow I will start on the fields for animal feed”. Kelly told him don’t overdue it, we don’t need you sick”. Herbert said “I am not overdoing it, I watch my radiation levels and will come in before I am in trouble”. Kelly replied “See that you do, I have no desire to be a widow”.
That evening the sheriff called him on the radio and asked “Herbert can you come into town tomorrow, we need to have a meeting with the federal agents about our community resources”. Herbert assured him “I will be there” and asked “What time”? The sheriff replied “Around ten in the morning”. He added “Be on the watch for raiders, they hit some small farms today”.
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Post by texican on May 6, 2020 20:53:18 GMT -6
Raiders hitting farms and government agents there to help, yes to take.
Thanks 12.
Texican....
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Post by cutter on May 7, 2020 5:47:11 GMT -6
Yup, definitely looking forward to moar
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Post by rep1270 on May 8, 2020 10:08:29 GMT -6
Thank you for your great story and writing. The Gravely is a great machine but be careful with it there is no safety on them. Ralph
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Post by 12gauge on May 9, 2020 12:15:40 GMT -6
Herbert left for the meeting giving himself enough time to scope out the situation. He noticed that his neighbors went armed just as he was doing. He took his time walking into the meeting hall. On entering he saw the two federal agents dressed in work clothes as opposed to the office clothing they wore previously. At ten o’clock the senior agent started the meeting “Ladies and Gentlemen, we need your help” he continued “We need to purchase your excess crops and livestock top help feed the population”. Mad Jack asked How are we going to get paid for our goods and services”? The agent replied “Gold and silver coins, seed, feed and or goods your choice”. This seemed to mollify Jack and some of the others. Herbert asked “Who authorized this”? The agent said “The President authorized this with help from the surviving members of Congress”. He added “We have strict orders under pain of death that there will be no confiscation of goods or forced labor by us or anyone”.
People began talking about getting their crops, livestock and goods to market as well as what would be needed to survive the winter and start over next spring. Mad Jack told Herbert “Bet you are glad you got those mules now”. Herbert replied “Yeah, looks like we will be farming like our ancestors for a while”. Carl Hanson asked “How are we going to get things to market”? Mrs. Wilson spoke up “When I was a girl we used wagons pulled by mules, oxen or horses why can’t we do that now”? The agent said “Good idea” he asked “Do we have enough wagons”? Harley Owens the local blacksmith and make it guy spoke up “Give me access to the auto scrap yard and enough welding rod I can make enough by harvest time”.
Herbert asked “Can we make the supermarket our trade center”? The owner said “Yes and if I can get some electricity somehow maybe we can have some refrigeration for meat and such”. Mr. Wilson spoke up “I can help with electricity if we can get a couple of strong young bucks to help”.
Something happened at that meeting, something good people began to hope again. The agents asked “Does anyone have the knowledge to make bio diesel”? The crowd murmured there was plenty of knowledge but little in the way of supplies. The agents were taking notes to pass along to their superiors.
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Post by 12gauge on May 10, 2020 14:08:28 GMT -6
That afternoon the family explored some of old outbuildings. As they were exploring Mary found some old fishing rods and reels and asked “Daddy, are these any good”? Herbert looked at them and almost stopped breathing. He said “Yes, these are very good rods and reels”. What she had found was a collection of old Johnson spincast reels and Penn spinning reels. The rods were all from Penn. Carla asked “Can use these when we go fishing”? Herbert replied “I don’t see why not, they appear to need cleaning and new line”. The next treasure found was a large aluminum Jon boat. Herbert looked it over and found a note attached to it. He began reading the note, “To whoever gets my boat, you will find the outboard and fuel tank for it under the work bench”. Kelly beat everyone to the bench and dragged out an old nineteen fifty six Evinrude Fleetwin seven and one half horse outboard motor. The motor like the boat had been well cared for. Herbert thumbed the maintenance record and said “It would seem the owner had done an overhaul on this just a few years ago and prepped it for long term storage:. He added “it should run fine”.
They covered everything up and continued their “treasure hunt” as the girls called it. The next thing they found was an old wooden box full of woodworking tools. Herbert smiled and said to himself” They find the fun stuff and I find work”. They continued to find useful and interesting ideas in the old building that afternoon.
That evening they heard gunshots coming from town. Herbert got on the radio and called for a report the dispatcher answered “We just got into it with the National Guard, seems the governor thinks she is now queen and we are all subjects meant to grovel before her immense personage”. Herbert chuckled and replied “Are yo taking mickey on our beloved ruler”? The dispatcher returned “What drugs are you on and where can I get some”. By this time both were laughing uncontrollably. The sheriff took over “Okay, kids we have a real situation on our hands the governor has gone nuts and is executing anyone who dares disagrees with her” he continued “The federal agents have been in contact with the President and he had the courts issue a warrant for her arrest”. Herbert asked “Does the National Guard know about this”? The sheriff replied “Yes and they sided with the governor so they are being dealt with by the regular Army”. The sheriff added “I have more news, the governor had the leadership of many patriot groups assassinated so watch your back and call in at the first sign of trouble”. He added “We will be receiving some aid but there is not a lot to get mostly medical supplies, looks like farming will be animal powered for while like you thought”. Herbert added “At least until they can get the refineries up and going again”.
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Post by texican on May 10, 2020 18:16:40 GMT -6
Evil is starting to rise up and will be put down.
Thanks 12 for the chapters.
Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on May 11, 2020 14:45:04 GMT -6
At home the family began going over their security procedures. Each person was assigned a fire position based on the needs at the times. Herbert told the girls “We don’t shoot at just anyone only hostiles no matter how they are dressed”. The girls took this very seriously saying “We don’t want to end up like some of our neighbors”.
Kelly told them “We need to address our canning supplies and see what we have and don’t have”. Herbert told her “I have several thousand Tattler brand reusable lids and new seals”. Kelly said “We have a building full of jars some are new and others have been used and cleaned”. Herbert said “Good we will need them as the garden comes in”. He hoped the jars were all usable.
Mary and Carla asked “When can we go fishing”? Herbert replied “I need to clean those old reels and try to find some new line for them then we can go fishing”. Herbert understood the girls wanting to go fishing and to honest be honest he wanted to take them. Herbert began thinking “The four of us are not people to protect and work the place, we need some others if we are to make it long term”. He wondered who he could get to stay on as helpers for a portion of the harvest. “Well” he thought “I will need to think on this some”. Finally he called the sheriff and asked “Pete, do you know of a couple that need a place to stay and are willing to work and help defend the place”? The sheriff replied “I have a young couple that needs a place to plug in at and they are in their early teens”. Herbert asked “What do they need as far as provisions”? Pete said “Just a place to put their single wide trailer and some wood for heating it”. Herbert said “Let me talk to the rest of the family and try to sell them om the idea” Pete said “We need to get them settled pretty quick it is getting crowded at the trailer park”. Pete asked why don’t I bring them out for a visit tomorrow”? Herbert conferred with his wife and said “Bring them out”. Pete asked “What time do you want to meet? Kelly spoke up “How about noon”? Pete said “See than”. And disconnected. Herbert wondered if he was doing the right thing but told himself “Every journey begins with the first step”. That night there was a dust up near the barn. Something or someone was spooking the animals. Herbert grabbed his shotgun and extra ammo. As he looked toward the barn he saw a pack of coyotes after the chickens, he thought “Simple enough problem to handle this time” and unleashed a few loads of number four Buckshot on the intruders. He made a promise to shoot any predators he found on the property since they ate the meat he was raising for his family.
Herbert went inside and Kelly asked “What happened”? Herbert said “Just some coyotes looking to eat our chickens”. Kelly began hoping that this new couple worked out.
The rest of the night passed quietly and morning broke with sunshine. The girls got up and tended to their chores while Herbert and Kelly cooked a breakfast of eggs, fried potatoes and gravy and bacon. Herbert wondered how many people were letting their dogs go fend for themselves. Herbert thought this could be real a real problem in a short time.
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Post by 12gauge on May 11, 2020 18:25:08 GMT -6
Herbert began taking inventory of the stuff found in the out buildings and realized “We are better off than I thought we were”. After entering the inventory to his laptop he thought “Good thing I had some Faraday cages”. He shutdown the computer and put it back in the protective case.
He decided to relax by cleaning some of the old reels. Two models caught his eye one was the model 130B Sabra and the other was the 110B Citation. Both models were considered classic spincast masterpieces. These were made in the United States and made to last unlike so many things made over seas. Once the old grease was soaked away Herbert would scrub out the gears and apply fresh grease to keep them running. All the time he was doing this he thought about catching a mess of catfish and bullheads.
It was noon when Pete showed up with a man and woman in tow that looked about half starved. Herbert wondered “Just how much work can they do”? Finally they introduced themselves as Rick and Jan Carter. Rick told them their story “We were up here on vacation when the missiles launched and took shelter in town”. He added “We were both raised on sheep farms and can garden as well as tend animals and work with mules and horses”.
Jan spoke up “I know how to can, preserve food and can even make jams and jellies”. Herbert thought that was a big plus. Herbert asked “Can you shoot and do you have firearms”? Rick said “Yes to both I have a Winchester in thirty-thirty and a twelve gauge Remington 870 combo with enough components to handload about 10,000 rounds of ammunition”. Jan said “I have a Remington 870 combo and a Mossberg four sixty four SPX thirty-thirty”. Herbert asked “How about sidearms”? Rick replied “We just turned twenty one but we would like for each of us to have a revolver at some point”. Herbert looked over at Pete and Pete said “I have some old turn in revolvers I can issue them”. Herbert and Kelly were beginning to warm up to the couple and Herbert asked Pete “Can we get their trailer out here”? Pete told Herbert “I can have a crew out here by morning to start digging a hole for a basement shelter, sink a well and set up a septic tank”. Herbert asked “How much will this cost”? Pete said “The feds are paying for this under some relocation act they cooked up. Once again Herbert and Kelly conferred and a deal was struck for the couple to move lock, stock and barrel to the farm.
The rest of the day was spent getting the new couple acquainted with the farm and how they did things. Both Rick and Jan proved to be good students. Herbert and Kelly were sure they would be good additions to the farm operation. Rick noticed that two nanny goats were nearing time to deliver and asked Herbert “Have you set up birthing stalls for them”. Herbert showed rick what he set up and Rick made a couple of suggestions that Herbert followed. Namely more hay and straw and a bigger water trough.
It was good that did because that night after long watch the goats birthed four kids to the farms animal population. Mary and Carla were overjoyed at the “new babies”. Herbert and Kelly were just glad it was over.
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Post by 9idrr on May 11, 2020 21:16:46 GMT -6
Thanks for more. I'm just a little concerned about another "government program" but maybe this one'll work out without bein' too intrusive.
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Post by texican on May 11, 2020 23:38:30 GMT -6
Kelly cooked a breakfast of eggs, fried potatoes and gravy and bacon.
Herbert has a winner....
Thanks 12 for the two chapters.
Texican....
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Post by texican on May 11, 2020 23:40:58 GMT -6
Thanks for more. I'm just a little concerned about another "government program" but maybe this one'll work out without bein' too intrusive. 9, Have much did you have to drink? Texican....
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Post by mnn2300 on May 21, 2020 15:15:09 GMT -6
Any more?
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Post by texican on May 21, 2020 18:35:07 GMT -6
MNN, Try begging like 9 and you may just get moar. Texican....
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Post by 9idrr on May 21, 2020 19:58:00 GMT -6
MNN, Try begging like 9 and you may just get moar. Texican.... Sir, do you honestly think he's even in the same league as I? We don't want no amateurs beggin' here, so unless he can beg as well as he writes he better just sit back and take notes on how a real whiner does it. Sheesh!
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Post by 12gauge on May 22, 2020 19:20:11 GMT -6
Sorry this took so long but my old computer stopped playing and I just got it replaced.
After morning chores Herbert put the old outboard into a fifty five gallon drum of water and gave the starter cord a pull. It started on the second try. He looked in the owners log and saw that the motor had new coil packs, plugs, points, plug wires and carburetor rebuild. The fuel tank had been restored with a POR-15 fuel tank renew kit and the pressure pump on the tank had been rebuilt. He decided “Tomorrow would be a good day to test it on the boat”. He asked the girls “How about tomorrow we go fishing”? All three said “Yes” at the same time. Later that afternoon the work crew showed up and began prepping the spot for the new family’s trailer. The crew boss was Mike Shanks after he introduced himself he told Herbert “I have been doing this kind of work for thirty five years” he and his two sons worked like lightning and by evening the ground was ready for concrete. Herbert asked Mike “How much do I owe”? Mike replied “This is on the Federal government to help get farm production going”.
Herbert was not exactly sure he liked this idea but said “Okay, I hope this doesn’t turn around and bite us”. Mike said “I agree with you on that it seems like these programs always have hidden strings attached”. Herbert asked Mike “How are you on food”? Mike said “We are good on most things but could use a source of fresh milk”. Herbert told him “Come with me”. The two men went into the barn and Herbert gave Mike a gallon of fresh goat milk telling him “Forget where you got that until you need more”. Mike knew exactly why he said that and went home smiling.
As night approached Mary ad Carla rounded up the chickens and put them in their coop. Herbert asked them “Did you see any animal tracks”? Carla replied “No, but there were some foot prints that I didn’t recognize”. Herbert asked her “Can you show me where you found them”? The two found the prints and followed them around the barn. Herbert thought “These are good size prints most likely belonging to a man”. He thought some more “Best be careful tonight”.
Once inside the house he loaded checked and made sure his shotgun was loaded and he had a bandoleer of ammo close by. He told Kelly to do the same. He made sure to set up some alarms and was glad he did. At three in the morning the simple alarm sounded and he grabbed his weapons and ammo to check on things. Once outside he saw the intruder it was very large man in a dirty leather jacket. The man pulled a large knife and threatened Herbert “This place is in Road Lord territory, you need to pay tribute”! This remark was met with a large bang as the shotgun took out the man’s left knee. The man still had some fight in him and tried to lunge at Herbert this cost him his right knee.
As the man whimpered in pain Herbert asked him “How many of you are there and where can I find them”? The man told him everything as Herbert tied him up to hold for the sheriff. He asked Kelly “Can you call the sheriff and have pick this guy up”? Kelly called and a deputy showed up ten minutes later. The Road Lords it seems were a bunch of wanna be bikers. The deputy said “I talked to the federal people and they picked up the rest of them earlier today”. This made Herbert sleep better that night.
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Post by texican on May 23, 2020 16:07:50 GMT -6
Cleaning out the trash is always good.
Thanks 12 for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on Aug 6, 2020 13:32:56 GMT -6
I am back after a long struggle with my Internet service provider. Here is the next chapter more to follow. Michigan is home to several rivers and inland lakes, this makes for ample fishing opportunities. Herbert promised the girls a fishing trip and with things stabilizing he wanted to keep his word. He loaded up the boat and outboard and they headed to the local lake. Launching the boat was easier than Herbert expected it to be and it handled well. The fishing was good with near limits of pan fish and a couple large mouth bass. As the day ended Herbert took the long way back around the lake to “run in” the old Evinrude outboard. As they approached the dock they saw a man and two children loading a strange canoe unto a modified Chevy station wagon. “Strange thought Herbert, that canoe looks wider than most” . He shrugged it off keeping his mind on running his boat safely. Once at the dock Carla asked “What are we going to do with all these fish”? Kelly replied “You girls will get an education on how to clean and cook fish”. Carla and Mary were not excited but they knew cleaning the catch was part of fishing. They spent most of the evening cleaning and preparing fish for the smoker. The girls tended to their chores Herbert was on the radio listening to a reports of the recovery efforts. Some areas would be abandon for the foreseeable future others would require massive decontamination and clean up. People were learning new trades and some were going to work for the first time in their lives. Some did not like this and were “protesting” violently. Herbert thought “Somethings never change”. The next morning the fish were loaded into smoker in a few hours they would be removed and canned. While that was happening Herbert went to check on the housing for his new neighbors. On exiting the front door he saw his employer Heathcliff Morris dressed in the uniform of an Army General. He wondered “What is going on and why is my old friend dressed in a military uniform”? He had thousand questions to ask his employer/editor but all he could say was “uh what”? The general replied “Yeah it seems the president recalled me to active duty” and “I have been put in charge of the region and need to establish a base of operations”. Herbert said “I know of a good realtor she may be of help in locating a suitable building for you”. The General told him “Let’s get moving”.
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Post by texican on Aug 6, 2020 20:22:42 GMT -6
12,
Good to see you back posting.
A wide canoe? Seems like Herbert got side tracked, but still needs to check out the new neighbors. A guy and two kids may just not be what they seem.
Another chapter will help to clear the smoke.
Texican....
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Post by 9idrr on Aug 6, 2020 21:19:16 GMT -6
Thanks for givin' us more, 12gauge. "some were going to work for the first time in their lives." You mean I might actually have to go to work some day? Perish the thought!
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Post by texican on Aug 7, 2020 20:29:54 GMT -6
Thanks for givin' us more, 12gauge. "some were going to work for the first time in their lives." You mean I might actually have to go to work some day? Perish the thought!9, It will do you good, but will also cut down on your reading and writing time. Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on Aug 11, 2020 11:35:39 GMT -6
“Sure, just let me check with my wife” Herbert said. The General’s jaw hit the ground as he tried to speak “You, wife how, when?’ Herbert replied “Just before the war fair warning We have two little girls as well.” The General replied “This I have to see because no one at the office will believe it.” About that time Kelly stepped out and took up a defensive position. Herbert gave her the sign to stand down. He introduced the General to Kelly “Kelly this guy is General Morris and when not in a uniform he is my employer.” The General replied “Nice to meet you” he added about time he settled into family life.” finishing with “I need to borrow him for a while today.” Kelly said “Sure, the girls have their school work and morning chores done so he can help you for the day”. The General managed to pick up his jaw. Everyone at the office thought this would never happen. The confirmed Bachelor was married and had two little girls. He thought “I must be careful with this because no one will believe it.” The two men arrived in Munising and made their way to the realtor office. They were greeted by the same person who sold Herbert his place. Herbert told her I have a customer for you Darla. Pleasantries were exchanged and general Morris got to business.”I need a place for my HQ and support staff.”He went on “Locally there will be two battalions, they will help secure the sale of Livestock and crops” Darla asked “You guys aren’t going to seize everything we produce are you”? General Morris told her “No ma’am we have strict orders under pain of death to pay value for value in gold or silver coin as well as trade goods.” Darla said “Since when did we go back to the gold standard?” The General smiled and said “In one month there will be an announcement of a new currency.” he added “I don’t know what the exchange rate will be but I am told it will be equitable and profitable.” With that Darla pulled out some listings that she thought the General might be interested in. They did find a nice building that was “just what the General ordered.” He asked Darla how much and she quoted him a reasonable price. The General arranged for immediate payment. Herbert smiled as Darla’s eyes turned to dollar signs like an old cartoon. general Morris hired a cleaning crew to get the building ready for occupancy within the week. His next step was call his lead Sergeant. Sergeant James had the unit ready just as promised and they rolled that afternoon. Herbert asked the General “Is the firearm instant check system working?” General Morris told smiling “That unconstitutional system has been done away with a citizen no longer has to beg for his or her right to own a firearm.” “This” Herbert said “will make a lot of people very happy.”
The area would soon need the soldiers help.
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Post by texican on Aug 11, 2020 22:53:02 GMT -6
12,
Thanks for the chapter.
Now: The area would soon need the soldiers help.
Appears that more chapters will follow, which is good.
Texican....
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Post by 12gauge on Aug 21, 2020 19:38:52 GMT -6
When Herbert returned home he went to check on Rick and Jan. Rick was exited for some reason and Herbert soon found out. Rick told him “The government paid for the relocation by seizing China’s state side assets and they are going to hold a big equipment auction in Mount Pleasant next month.” Herbert said “If you can get me the details we may want to attend this sale.” Rick said I will talk to my contact and learn more tonight.” After his conversation with Rick he talked to Kelly about attending the sale. She told him “It would be a good chance to get away for a few days.” Herbert agreed and pending more information they planned to attend. Herbert sat on the front porch and began planning the trip. He began hearing noises from the barn and went to investigate carrying his shotgun. He noticed the main door was open and two men carrying things out while two more were trying to load up the livestock. He thought “These guys are wearing some strange looking uniforms they were not United States Military. He took cover and lined up one the one in the rear and squeezed the trigger. The slug dropped the man in his tracks. He moved before the enemy could get a bead on him and shot another one. While they shot at where he used to be a large man arrived and took the opportunity to shot the last two.
The man was familiar and than it clicked it was the guy from the lake. The man introduced himself “My name is Jim Wildmon and I have been tracking this bunch for hours.” Herbert responded “My name is Herbert.” He asked “Are from around here?” Nope.” Jim replied “I am not really from much of anywhere.” He added “Before the war I made outdoor and camping videos for a living, when my dad died in prison I took custody of my two half sisters.”
Herbert and Jim were soon joined by Kelly and Herbert gave the all clear sign. He introduced Kelly saying “This man helped us keep our live stock and tools.” Kelly thanked him. All three had questions about the uniforms and called General Morris. He arrived with a detachment and they Secured the area. The General took one look at the uniforms and said “Well now, It seems you have happened upon some of the traitors that the ex governor had on her payroll. He smiled and said “What luck on of them is still breathing.” he called over the medic and told him “Save this guy, Intelligence would like to speak to him before they hang him.” The General asked Jim “Mister Wildmon can you come into town tomorrow and talk to me about your videos?”
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