A Future History

[bitsmith]

I got a little distracted, tonight.  Let's see where this goes. 



Future History – Chapter One



“Hey, Dad? What’s going on?” Sam asked as soon as he got to the house.


“Throw the fish into the compost. We have to go. Now.” Senior stated as he lifted the battery pack into the bed of the pickup. At 74, he was still a solid man, worn, rough edged, but workable.

“The National Guard has been called out. All of us in this area are to ‘taken in’. That bitch in the Oval Office. She never should have been allowed in the white house.”


“Dammit! Who else is bugging out?” Sam asked.


“All of us. 12 families. 12 independent farms. This entire area is to be vacated by force.” Senior expounded.


“So, we lost the court battle?”


“No. SCOTUS has not heard it, yet. She’s done another executive order. She’s sending in the military to have us re-incorporated with the urban centers because we don’t have enough racial diversity in our homesteads.”


“But that goes completely against Constitution! Even the Declaration!” Sam countered. “When will the military arrive?”


“Before morning. We can discuss this all, later.” Senior stated. “We have about three hours of light and four hours of back roads to get to the Miller’s other camp. Be sure you bring the chainsaw mills and everything to use them.”


“And the extra panels. That heavy canopy will cut the efficiency of what is already there.” Sam agreed as he turned towards is own cabin. Minutes later his trailer was backed up to the extra wide door of the hand built log cabin. The 3/4 ton cargo trailer was heavy, but it would carry everything he needed to take with him. The high axel made this old army trailer a great investment at the time. And now it was about to be earn it’s value. In 3 minutes, Sam had loaded all of his stable food items, HAM radio gear, clothes and a few other personal items, including the highly valuable electronics.


“Uncle Sammie?” came a young voice near the door, as Sam was making a last walk through of his living space.


“Yeah, Brandon? What’s up?”


“You think I can ride with you? Gramps is all grumpy and I just don’t want to get into any more trouble, you know?” 12 year old Brandon asked, uncertain of what was happening.


“If it’s OK with them. You can have part of the back seat.” Sam agreed. “But you will have to be quiet AND it’s going to be tight back there. “



“Why can’t I sit up front with you?”


“Because I will have the radios running. You know that’s part of what I bring to the retreat.” Sam answered. “If you don’t have anything to do for Senior, then get to the barn. Fill 4 of the small barrels with gasoline.”


“OK, Uncle Sammie.”



10 minutes later, Sam was backing the trailer up to the barn doors. He waived at Brandon to continue with filling the barrels as he had been told. Sam gathered up the 4 chainsaws, adding them to the bed of his pickup. Next were the mill attachments, along with the tool box and spare parts. Next came the duffle bag of tents, blankets and sleeping bags, and the tote labeled ‘Camping Gear’. Finally, Sam attached a plywood roof to the trailer.


“Uncle Sammie? This barrel is full. What’s the plywood for?” Brandon asked.


“I’ll show you in a few minutes. Now get another barrel started.” Sam ordered as he came for the full barrel. Tipping over and rim rolling a 35 gallon barrel of gasoline was still heavy, especially in the confines of the barn with the trailer taking up so much room.


Sam was very happy he had added the platforms in front of and behind the wheel wells for these smaller barrels. They would need this fuel for the chain saws and small generators. As he was struggling with getting the full barrel in place, another pair of hands came into view, helping leverage the barrel into place.


“Thanks, Tom.” Sam said as he got the clamp strap into place. “What can I do for you?”


“Are you bringing the mill?” Tom asked.


“I wasn’t planning on it. It’s a lot of work to take apart, transport, and then setup.”


“I was really hoping you were bringing it. It would make building new cabins A LOT easier.”


“Do you have a crew to take it apart and a way to haul it? As you can see, I’m just about full up.” Sam asked.


“I can. Especially if you will make it communal.” Tom added.


“No. I won’t. If it’s still on our land, then when all of this is over with, we can demand compensation for it and any loss of it. But I do wish we were going to have it with us.”


“So … ? How can we make this happen? The chainsaw mills we all have are great, but your bandsaw mill is so much faster. We ALL would benefit from it.” Tom suggested.


“Look, you get a team over here with a truck and a trailer. I will help with disassembly and loading. But it’s my personal property. We can put it in a centralized location. Everyone who wants it’s use will need to bring their own logs and supply their own fuel and lube. I will be keeping the bands in my place, when it’s not in use.”


“Do you really think you really need to be stiff about it?’ Tom asked.


“Do you know how to maintain it?” Sam asked. “Would you let just anyone use your tractor?”


“I would not have an issue if it were you. Or your Dad.” Tom said, “But I get your point. There are some in the families I would not trust to use it well. I will have a truck here in an hour.”


“Senior plans on pulling out in about … 30 minutes. I will roll with you guys, so we can have it with us.” Sam agreed. “Radio your people. We will need four to move the head and a trailer about this size to haul it all in.”


“I’ll have my brother’s here with a truck and trailer in a half hour. Think you can delay your Dad?”


“No. And it’s best he get’s there as soon as he can. It’s a long difficult drive. Let him roll ahead of us. He will radio back route and road issues.” Sam stated with a tone that would not offer room for questions. “Can you give me a hand putting these panels on the trailer?”


20 minutes later, the 8 large spare panels were mounted on the trailer, faces against the painted plywood.


“Oh, now I get it”, Brandon exclaimed excited.


“Good. You get it. Do you know what else you get, now?” Sam asked, knowing the coming disappointment for the kid.


“Yeah. You want me with Gramps.” Brandon whined at reality.


“Look, kid, Tom is the sane one of those three. They are rough and can be dangerous.” Sam said, as Tom nodded understanding. “I don’t want you around them. And that is that. No discussion. Now go to Senior and help him with his last minute stuff. I’ll finish off the gas while Tom and I wait for his brothers.”

Head down, Brandon walked away, slowly.



“Go on, kid! Don’t make him come looking for you and not be doing anything to help.” Sam warned, as he put the cap on the barrel. With both Tom and Sam turning the pumps, the underground storage for the fuel soon had the other two barrels filled. Together they were putting the last on the trailer when Senior came to the barn, limping heavily and using his cane.


“How many barrels of gas did you get?” Senior asked.


“4 of the 35 gallon barrels. More than enough for the chainsaws.” Sam answered.


“I hear you boys are brining the mill?” Senior asked, looking at Tom.


“Yes, sir. It’s too valuable to leave behind and it will help us all build new cabins, much more quickly.” Tom stated simply.


“I know you Tom. And I know your brothers. Those twins are bad news. You keep them in line. And you know my rules. This is STILL my property. Make sure they comply. I would rather see it lost then anything befall my son.” Senior answered causing Sam to blush.


“Senior, that’s enough. Tom and I can handle the situation. And I agree. It WILL help. I still wish we had a trailer to mount it to. That would make it much more useable.” Sam rebuked his father’s concerns.


“Then strap up, son.” Senior admonished. “We are leaving shortly. Here is our frequency and alternatives. Be sure you let me know when you get on the road. Be careful. We need you. We will need you, a lot, before this is all over.”


Sam stepped into his father’s open arm, gave him a quick hug and followed him to the front of his own truck. “Dad, on your way down the drive, pull up to the trees and let the kid get the camera system. I think we may need them, before this is settled. We are pissing off the President by not complying with her orders.”


Senior nodded and gave Sam a grim nod, as he wrapped his pistol belt around his waist. “That’s better. I want you armed at all times, from now on. And good idea. We will grab them. I assume you are bringing the other equipment to make them useful? There’s a small cooler on the back stoop for you. Snacks and water bottles for the drive.”


“Thanks. Tell Mom I appreciate her thinking of me.” Sam said, adding, “And be careful with the double trailers. Also, go easy on the kid. He’s scared enough as it is. You really don’t make it easy at all for him to gain a little self-confidence. Like when I was a kid, he just wants your respect and acceptance.”


“We aren’t pulling doubles. Pat from Lodge is coming with us. Keep that in mind. We will need to add another cabin to the layout. He’s pulling the animal trailer.”


“Good. As soon as we get the mill loaded, I’m grabbing the forge trailer and will follow Tom and his family.” Sam promised.


“Alright. See in a few hours.” Senior said, laying a hand on Sam’s shoulder, “Please be careful. You are the only one pulling doubles.”


Sam watched a moment, making sure the pistol was loaded, before putting it back into the holster. Next he put on his vest with the extra magazines and the other two pistols it carried. All said, he just added about 20 pounds in protective gear.


Tom was smiling when Sam came to the back of the trailer, checking the gas barrels. “Always doing as ‘Daddy says’?” he ribbed.


“I would have done this before your brothers arrived, anyway.” Sam admitted.


“Yeah, they should be here, any minute,” Tom nodded, sadly. It was partly his fault for the bad blood between his twin brothers and Sam. Well, his and his sister-in-law, Debra.


“It’s old history, Tom. Jerry and Terry just need to get past it. She chose Terry, not me. I’m not sorry for stopping Jerry for beating on her, while Terry watched. At times, I wish my aim had been better.”


“Me, too. At times.” Tom agreed, then smiled, trying to delay the inevitable. “You know, if they see your Dad has left, already, they won’t leave their guns in their truck.”


“Then we won’t be taking the mill with us. It’s that simple. Neither of them can saw a straight line. Even with a mill attachment. And the mill is clearly labeled for ownership. If it shows up … “


“I know. I’m just warning you.” Tom said. “We shared some sand in Iraq, but … they are my brothers, Sam.”


“Then it’s best you are unarmed, too.” Sam needed with an understanding smile.


“I couldn’t help but over hear, you have a camera system set up?”


“Yeap. 63 cameras around the property, over all. Just getting a hand full on the way out. Most of those staying will be watching the buildings and such. I use a cellular internet connection, so I can still monitor this place from anywhere I can get internet.” Sam added.


“Amazing. You are communications expert, computer guru, fair wood worker, gardener, blacksmith.” Tom said, jokingly, “Is there anything you can’t do?”


“Yeah. Stay married. As I’ve told you the Army taught me comms, I’ve always been interested in electronics. Remember? Senior was the head engineer at a TV station, when I was growing up. Computers were my career because that is where most communications went to. I picked up blacksmithing, because I needed physical exercise and I don’t like exercising for the sake of health. I think time should be spent more usefully than running on a treadmill. Gardening and wood working I’ve learned out of necessity.” Sam explained, again. “I’m no better than anyone else around here. Well, except, maybe for your brothers.”


“Are you sleeping any better?” Tom asked, sincerely.


Sam took a moment and started to answer, when he heard the horn of a truck blare. Both looked up and watched as it rolled past the barn to the poll shed with the mill under it. “Time to get to work. And ‘No’.”


Tom nodded as he went strolling around the barn to meet his brothers.


Sam pulled forward, closed and locked the barn. Picking up the tool bag from the back seat of the truck, he walked around to the mill shed, as well.

[bitsmith]

Future History – Chapter Two

“Hey, Sammie!” Terry shouted in faux happiness to see him.

“Terry, don’t start anything.” Tom said just loud enough for Sam to hear.

“Terry, Jerry. Thank you for coming to help with the mill. As Tom stated, it will be very handy and help us all.” Sam said. Looking around he noticed Debra was still in the truck. And both young men were armed. “Come on, guys, just because my Dad is not here does not mean you can break his rules. So, put them away and let Debra out of the truck. Or leave. It’s that simple, guys.”

Tom stepped away, out of the line of fire, but also so show support of Sam. “His land, their rules, guys. Pa took up the same policy, for the same reasons. And every time they come over they abide by those rules.”

Sam had not seen him but their father came out from behind the truck, as well. “Stop the bullshit, you two. Put ‘em away. Now!” Turning to Sam, he smiled and approached.
“Hello, Sam! How are you?”

“I’m fine, Mr. Anders.” Sam answered sincerely smiling in welcome. Mr. Anders was the only reason Sam was still alive after what both families called the ‘Incident’. “I’m sorry for my boys. I have not caught on they were still strapped up. How is your Pa? I was hoping to catch him before he drove off.”

“He’s fine, sir. Though the years do seem to be catching up with him, faster and faster, every day.” Sam replied. “I’m not sure how this is going to affect his health. Honestly, I’m a bit worried about him and the stress of this situation.”

“Sam, you’re what? 50? 55?” Sam nodded he was close, before the elderly man continued. “You and I aren’t that much apart. Hell, you could be father of those two worthless whelps of mine. Maybe they would be better men than they are. They can’t even follow their own father’s instructions, can they?”

Sam left his expression blank as he laid his hand on his pistol in the thigh holster.

Mr. Anders stepped cleanly in front of Sam, neither of his boys had a clean shot at him. With a gentle smile the elder turned around to face his own kin. “I told you two to put them away.”

“Pa! He SHOT me!” Jerry cried.

“And you let him get away with it!” Terry shouted.

“Yes, I did. Because he was doing what was RIGHT.” Mr. Anders shouted back. “We’ve already had this discussion, many times. Now, I’m telling you, put them away.”

“Get out from in front of him, Pa! We can take him and then this and anything else he has will be ours!” Terry shouted angrily.

“You idiots. I’m not protecting him from you. I’m protecting YOU from him. At this distance, he can take you both and you both will be dead.” Mr. Anders argued back. “And we need you at the new site.”

Terry started to move to the side as Jerry was fumbling with the safety strap of his holster. Sam pulled the smaller pistol from his vest, putting it in the old man’s hand, as he stepped around, turning to face him. Mr. Anders looked up in time to see Sam’s eyes were already committed to the following actions.

Sam continued turning back to face the other two, as he continued to side step the old man and get closer to the truck. In a smooth motion he pulled and fired a shot at Terry’s feet, kneeled behind the truck and fired again, this time at Jerry’s feet.

Tom was on the ground, face down.

Terry had his pistol pulled but only part way up, when Sam was putting the laser sight center of his chest. The old man was on one knee with the .380 Sam had slipped him aimed at Jerry who had not gotten his pistol free.

Mr. Anders was the first to speak. “Terry, put it on the ground. Then your belt. Jerry, you too. He will kill you both. And I won’t stop him. He is within his rights. And I agree with him. You may be blood, that does not change what is right or wrong.”

Terry looked at Jerry, then nodded. Jerry fumbled with his belt as Terry acted like he was holstering his pistol. Sam’s laser dot moved to Terry’s head as the weapon was not yet holstered. “Think it over, Terry. And think it over, real fast.”

Terry slammed the pistol home in the holster, then dropped the belt. Jerry did the same. Tom looked to Sam and only got up after Sam nodded at him. Tom collected the guns and put them in the truck as Sam helped Mr. Anders to his feet.

“Damn, son!” the elder said. “You are smooth on that move. And thanks for the piece. You know, if you had had to kill them, I would have had to kill you.”

“Mr. Anders, I’m just glad it did not get any worse than it has. Thank you for your support.” Sam said, gravely. He did not want to have to decide to kill the old man. He was a good man, who had two bad apples for sons. Holding out his hand, “May I?”

“Of course. Oh, and if you ever give me a little pea shooter like that, again, I’ll whoop you a knot on your head!” Mr. Anders stated with both relief and fake humor.

“It was what I could give, and I was hoping you were as honorable as I believed.” Sam said. “And I never would have put you in a position to have to shoot your own children.”
Mr. Anders nodded as he grabbed Sam’s hand, turning the weapon so he could see inside the grip. “Huh! I thought it felt light. Damned this was unloaded! That was a big risk, son.”

Sam smiled, took the correct grip on the pistol, and shot the wind vane on top of the barn, causing it to spin.

“HA! One shot! You are sneaky, I’ll give you that.”

Tom stood aside, smiling, “OK, now the bullshit is over and everyone knows that Sam has the bigger balls, can we get to work on packing up the mill? It’s going to be dark very soon.”

Sam and Tom were working on separating the head from the slide carriage, while Terry and Jerry were disassembling the farthest track extension. “Tom, you want to tell those two, that we can stand the track up on end? That way they don’t have to take it completely apart.”

Tom nodded and left Sam to work on the head of the mill. Debra took that opportunity to approach Sam. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, Deb. It all came out second best. And sometimes, that is just the way it has to be.” Sam said as Mr. Anders was carefully watching them all from the tailgate of the truck.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked.

“Actually, if you don’t mind … Take this blade and this part and put them in my truck. Preferably, drivers side back floorboard.” Sam smiled as he pointed at the band saw blade and the ignition unit for the mill engine. She smiled back when she saw the key was still in place.

“Debra! Get away from him!” Terry shouted angrily.

“Boy! Shut up!” Mr. Anders shouted back. “She is offering to help and he has said nothing inappropriate. I can hear them just fine. Now get done with that track segment!”

After a few heart beats, Debra deemed it was safe and she picked up the components. “Oh, Sam? Does that spigot near the back door of the house still work?”

“Yeah. Help yourself,” he told her.

He watched as he saw her slow enough to show the old man the ignition control. He smiled and gave Sam a wink.

Soon the whole mill was loaded. Terry and Jerry were less than happy they had to pull up the circular concrete pads, too. Sam left them to pull up the pads as he went to ensure the cabins were fully secured. He waived as he watched them pull out. Mr. Anders at shotgun, Tom driving, the other three in the back seat. Sam could just imagine the conversation they would be having before they arrived at the new location. And their disappointment when the old man told them stealing the mill would do no good because Sam had the blades and the ignition control.

After picking up the forge trailer, Sam made one more stop before leaving the property. He set and locked the draw bridge style gate The large boulders to either side of drive and the encouraged 4 foot side and 3 feet deep ditch helped secure the property from most people in cars. The large signs threatening use of lethal force for trespassing also helped. Even the Sheriff did not visit without an appointment, first.

The truck was more responsive than Sam expected, pulling two trailers. Sam stopped in front of the Ander place. He was happy to see Mr. Anders driving the truck that pulled the trailer with the mill. He was leading and Sam fell in at the end. Once they were a mile away from home, Sam tried to radio his father. He listened in on the communal frequency.

Terry and Jerry, were in separate vehicles, arguing about how it was unfair that Sam’s family and the other families had nice things like mills and forges and good radios and so many other things. Tom broke in pointing out that the things Sam’s family had was because they had earned and bought those things. They had gone without and saved and were careful with their spending. Sam left it on, but stopped listening to them as he followed them.

[bitsmith]

Future History – Chapter Three

The drive was long and uneventful, even in the dark. The group pulled into a convenience store for fuel, twice on the four plus hour drive. Pulling two trailers, Sam was burning through gas, quickly, but it was to be expected. Mr. Anders was setting a reasonable pace. He approached Sam after returning from inside the first convenience store they stopped at. About an hour after leaving home.

“Here, son. I thought you might like a soda and a sandwich. Debra said you liked this Mountain Dew. And she told me that you had a thing against olives, so no olive loaf. I love the stuff, personally. I mean, who does not like olives?”

“I’ve not liked them ever since the Army, sir. I have an allergic reaction to them.” Sam admitted.

“Oh, well that would do it. I hope Ham and Swiss is good enough for you, then.” Mr. Anders smiled as he tossed a sarcastic jib at Sam.

“That will be fine with me, sir. Thank you very much for the thoughtfulness. I’ve got some venison jerky to share at the next stop, if anyone is interested.” Sam offered. “And thank you for keep the pace a little lower than usual. Pulling two trailers is a bit different than I am used to.”

“I’ll have Tom or Debra come by at the next stop to check on you, then. I assume you heard the radio chatter?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Thank you for not killing my boys. I failed them. And it’s too late to fix ‘em.” He said, sadly. “I spent far too much time on the road, when they were growing up. Tom and you were off, on the other side of the world. And they were just too much for her to handle, alone. I think that is part of what ran her off.”

“I don’t know, sir. I just remember how upset Tom was when we got home and he found you at home with them and his mother gone. It really hit him hard. But I’m glad you and he were able to connect, though. It has been a big deal to Tom to have family. Especially with what we had to do, over there.”

“You know she’s pregnant, right?” Mr. Anders said as he watched Debra climb out of the truck. “Not sure she knows which of them are the father.”

“I did not know. And that, truly, is a shame. It will tear them apart or it will bind them so closely together there will be on containing them.” Sam shared as he watched her pulling hair down across her face, covering an eye. “And either scenario is scary. Especially for her.” Mr. Anders just nodded.

As she got close, Sam greeted her, warmly. “Thank you for remembering about the soda and olives. It’s very kind you would recall such little details.”

“Sam, we dated for 4 months. They were some of the best months of my life. Unfortunately, I made a mistake and … well, here we are, now.” She said, while unconsciously placing a hand over her womb.

“It happened. Let’s just move on, shall we?” Sam cleared the air between them. “Besides, it’s not very safe for you to be over here, talking with me.”

“I’m not. I’m talking with Pa. And ignoring you.” She smiled, keeping her head turned towards the old man.

Sam nodded to them both. “Sir, if you would not mind giving me a few moments, inside, when I finish topping off? Best to use the rest room, while we are here.”

“Sure, son. Sure.” He said. “We will line up and wait. Just radio when you are with us.”

Sam nodded and paid a lot of attention to the fuel pump and the climbing numbers. About 10 minutes later, Sam was in line, behind the others, hearing Terry and Jerry complaining about waiting for him. He sat and listened for a minute, before getting on the radio. “Sorry to hold everyone up, I’ve been ready to go. Was just being polite and waiting for a chance to break in and tell every one.” The radio was dead silent. For at least 15 minutes. Sam tried again, to call his father on the other radio. He heard something but was unable to make it out. He reported such and promised to continue monitoring and to try calling again, at the top of each hour.

Thankful he was calling on a different frequency and Terry and Jerry could not hear his failed attempt to reach his father. Sam was getting tired of them and did not want to allow them to goad him into saying something to set them off even more. It was always like this and had been ever since he shot Jerry. That memory was running through his mind, when Terry skidded to a stop, in front of him. Sam was far enough back that he was able to stop, safely. Though it did take him by surprise.

Sam listened to the radio for a minute, before getting out of his truck. As he walked forward, he saw the issue. A deer had tried to cross the road and had crashed through the large window of the old RV Jerry was driving. It literally was inside the RV and tearing stuff up. Terry and Jerry were both panicked, screaming about killing it. But neither was going inside with it. Mr. Anders was trying to get everyone to settle down.

“Tom?” Sam called out. “Remember clearing vehicles on Highway 80?”

Tom nodded and went to the side door of the RV as Sam approached the front drivers door. Opening it, he entered, shining a light into the back and shouting, startling the doe. A moment later, Tom opened the side door and the deer took the easy exit, jumping across the ditch and into the small corn field. No one could see where it went from there, in the dark.

Mr. Anders approached Sam to thank him, but was stopped when Sam pointed out that Tom had the more dangerous job, he had no cover where he had the seat to hide behind.

Terry and Jerry immediately took up to calling Sam a coward and was wrong for putting Tom in danger. Sam rolled his eyes at Mr. Anders and Tom as he walked back to his own vehicle to wait. It took about 20 minutes for the family to stop arguing and get in their vehicles. Tom was now driving the old RV, Jerry was driving the truck Tom had been driving, and Terry was now in the truck in front of Sam. Sam made sure to keep a long distance between him and Terry.

Sam tried again to reach his father on the radio at the top of the hour. Still a response, but he was unable to understand it, through the background noise.

At the next stop, Terry marched over to Sam’s truck, demanding to know what the problem was and why Sam was not going faster and was slowing everyone down. Sam just pointed at the two trailers, then held up two fingers, without saying a word. Then he turned his back on Terry and started pumping gas. Tom was over in just a moment asking if Terry was going to get any gas, or not. Terry turned away in a huff, “Tell your friend, here, to keep up or be left behind.”

“Dad is setting the pace, not Sam. If you don’t like it, talk with him.” Tom stated flatly, before pushing his younger brother towards his own vehicle.

“Sam, I’m sorry for him. Don’t get too close. I think he wants you close, just so he can mess with you. Break checks and so on.”

“Yeah, that is kind of what I was thinking. Here, share these with your family, please.” Sam said, as he took a small piece of venison jerky and handed the rest to Tom.

“You know, they don’t deserve this.” Tom said. “Your mom makes great jerky. This is too good for the likes of them.”

“Tom, they are your family. We have had enough issues with them, for today. I just want to get there, where I will have plenty of room to avoid them. If you don’t mind, when we get there, let them pull off and your dad fall in behind me, as I pass your road. That way we can disconnect the trailer the mill is on and he can head back. In the morning, we will find a good place for the mill. Maybe you and I can work in the morning to set it up. I really don’t want either of them messing with it. They are just spiteful enough to intentionally break it, in my opinion.”

“Sounds like a solid plan. I will let Pa know,” Tom said. “It felt good though, didn’t it? Kind of like old times?”

Smiling, Sam replied, “Yes, it did, my friend. And this time we wanted them to run free. Felt real good.”

“It’s going to be a pain in the ass to find another window for it, though.”

“We can take a look at it, in the light, tomorrow or the next day. When we know what we need, I will do some checking. Can probably find one, somewhere on the Internet.” Sam offered. “By the way, here’s $20, get a drink for everyone? I really don’t want to be inside while they are in there. Best to avoid any opportunity for trouble. You know?”

“Sure, and thanks. What do you want?” Tom asked. “Another Dew?”

“Yeah, that would be great.”

“Hey, least I can do. You buy, I fly.” Tom agreed, smiling, bringing up that old lingo from their Army days.

Sam smiled as he finished pumping gas. As he waited for Terry and Jerry with Tom to return to their vehicles, he tried, again, to reach his father via radio.

This time, his father’s voice came through, loud and clear.

“Yeah, Dad. I’ve got you, 5 by 5.” Sam answered.

“You are a few minutes early. Where are you?”

“We are stopped at the bait and convenience store where you and I bought bait, when I first returned from the war. We should be with you in about 90 minutes, I think.” Sam answered. “Mr. Anders is setting a reasonable pace that is not difficult to keep up with.”

“Well, expect that 90 minutes to be more like 2 and half hours. There is a military check point on that last bridge. It looked like they were stopping every vehicle. We saw it, when we crested that big hill, just before it and managed to turn around. About half way up that hill, there is a turn off, to the south. Take it. That will take you into Tennessee. From there, you can re-route easily enough to get here, from the south, rather than the east.”

“Roger that, sir. I will advise the updated course change. See you in about 2.5 hours. Out.”

Flipping the switch, Dan jumped into the GPRS band the other were on. “Mr. Anders? We have a routing issue. Can we meet to discuss it?”

“Sure, I will come to you.”

In a minute, Sam had a large map refolded to show the immediate area and their destination. “The problem my father just told me about is, here, sir. He says that he saw it from up here, on this hill top. It looked like the military had set up a check point at the bridge. From this hill top, there are no other roads for three miles, until you get to the bridge. He advises that we turn off, here, about half way up the hill. That will take us down here into Tennessee. We can then cut over and to here and then head north. That will take us right to the front door.”

“Hmmm … that adds what? Another hour to the trip?” he asked.

“About that, yes sir. That is the route he took, after seeing those trucks and lights blocking the bridge.”

“Why would they block the bridge?”

“it’s a choke point, sir. They can stop all traffic there, search all vehicles, and so on.” Sam stated. “Personally, I don’t want anything to do with them. I just want to get home, rebuild and be left alone.”

“Same with me, son. Same with me.” Mr. Anders agreed. “OK. We take that turn and head south, into Tennessee. Thanks for letting me know.”

He was just turning to leave when Tom and the other two stepped up. “What’s going on, Pa?” Terry asked, while Jerry was trying to stare down Sam.

“There is a check point, on that last big bridge. We are going to avoid it. That is all, boys. Let’s mount up and get going. This will add about another hour to the drive. So, let’s not dally. We all want to get to where we are going.”

“Why is there a check point at the bridge?” Terry asked.

“We don’t know. There just is. And we are taking a route around it.” Mr. Anders stated, plainly and simply. Tom stepped forward to hand Sam a soda.

“Tom! What ARE you doing? Don’t give this asshole anything. Pa bought last round of drinks. He should have bought this time!” Jerry argued, pushing Tom away from Sam.

Sam just turned, picked up his map and turned to enter his truck. He hated turning his back on these cowards, but it was more about the message, than the reality of the situation.

“Dammit, Jerry, he DID buy this round. Tom did the leg work while Sam was checking on the route. That drink in your hand, if Tom paid for it at the register, then Sam is the one who gave him the money for it. I’m fed up with this shit. Yes, he shot you. You were beating on Debra. A woman. I brought you up better than that. This feud is over. You hear me? Done. Now get in your vehicles and let’s go. Jerry, I want you driving the RV. Tom, the Ford with Debra and the mill. Terry, the Dodge. Sam, you need the rest room, before we pull out?”

“Yes, sir, if you don’t mind. It won’t take me but a minute.” Sam said. “If I may, sir, I suggest that everyone checks their tires. We all had to pull to the side, with the deer. We may have picked up a nail or something. Standard procedure on such a long trip.”

“He’s right, Pa. It is standard procedure.” Tom added, looking to help distract from the re-route.

“Good. I’ve already checked mine. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Sam stated flatly as he turned and walked away.

As he returned to his truck, Sam noticed both Terry and Jerry huddled together. Shortly, they were all on the road, again. This time, there was no radio chatter.

[bitsmith]

Future History – Chapter Four

Sam was growing more and more uncomfortable with the radio silence. He set his to start scanning the other frequencies of the GPRS band. He was not surprised when he found Jerry and Terry discussing how to steal the mill and use it as barter to get into a militia group. As they continued talking their garbage, Sam grabbed up his HAM radio and changed the frequency on it, to transmit on the GPRS frequency Mr. Anders was monitoring for the convoy. And he was in the same truck as Tom and Debra.

Terry: Yeah, but Tom has the trailer with the mill. And that asshole has all the blades and starter. It’s damn near useless with out them. Beside, there’s Debra.

Jerry: What the hell, man? She’s just a slut. A whore. A pregnant one at that. Leave her. Or we could include her in the trade to get us in with them. Besides, when he is dead … he can’t stop us from taking them out of his truck. He does have the better truck with all the radio gear. You drive it, after I kill him, and will put the mill on this.

Terry: That would fix a few problems. If we leave her, we kill her. But Pa ain’t gonna let us take the RV and just go. It is, Pa, after all.

Jerry: Screw that old man! He’s just about useless, anyway. All his ‘old ways are the best ways’ bullshit! Ain’t no one got time or energy for honor, in today’s world. Ain’t no one givin’ out anything, either. If we want to do this, then we have to do it, right now. We may never get another chance.

Terry: Yeah. We need to do this.

Jerry: The asshole is mine. You take care of Pa. Tom will fold like the little bitch he is. And Debra get’s one chance. Either with us or dead.

Sam let off the button to transmit. He saw a thumbs up, out of the rear drivers side window on the Dodge.

Sam changed frequencies on the HAM radio.

“Blacksmith calling Leader of 12. Blacksmith calling Leader of 12.”

“I hear you, son. Everything alright?”

“No sir. The two idiots changed channels and have planned a deadly coup of this convoy, stealing the RV, the mill, and my rig with panels and all. Is there anyone behind us?”

“Yes. Neighbor 11’s family is about 10 minutes behind you. I will reach out to them and let them know what is going on. Where are you?”

“We are about 5 minutes from the first left turn, after crossing into Tennessee.”

“Blacksmith? This is Joe and Jo of family 11. I heard you. We are … about 6 minutes behind you. I know those boys. They are ugly and dangerous. You be careful and just slow down a little. We will speed up a little and be there, before you know it. I doubt they will do much with witnesses.”

“Thanks Joe and Jo.” Sam replied back. “I’m going to notify the patriarch of Family 4. He is aware of the threat.”

“That will make things easier to deal with, then.” Joe and Jo replied. “Like I said, just slow down 1 or 2 miles an hour. We will pick it up by that much and be there before you know it.”

“Roger that. Thanks for support. I’m bouncing back to the convoy radio.” Sam announced.

Two clicks were the first response followed by two more. Senior also acknowledged the situation.

Sam waited another minute or two, then picked up the GPRS radio for the convoy.

“Mr.? Are you listening?” Sam called.

“Yeah, I’m here. Everything alright?”

“I think so. I just learned one of the other families will be joining us in just a few minutes. They are traveling lighter, and therefore a little faster.” Sam announced.

“Hey, Pa? I need to stop, anyway. I think that jerky he gave us was bad or something. I don’t feel so well.” Jerry announced.

“OK, boy. Next pull out you see, take it.” Mr. Anders replied.

And again, another thumbs up from the rear drivers door on the Dodge Sam was following.

About 90 seconds later, the RV made a sudden and drastic exit of the highway they were on into what looked like an abandoned service station. The exit and stop was so sudden, Terry nearly rear ended the RV, Tom swerved to the left to avoid a pile up as Sam intentionally went right and stopped just a little ahead of the Ford Terry was driving. Sam had a good view of the RV’s side door, and both a view and cover from Terry. Tom had not given Terry much room. The Ford’s driver’s side door would not open far enough to let him out. As he looked around, Terry only saw Sam at his passenger side door, pointing a gun straight at his face. All he could do was put up his hands.

“Terry. You have one chance to exit that vehicle, alive.” Sam warned.

Panicked, Terry looked around.

“No, Terry. You look at me. ONLY at me. Now, using just two fingers, show me your pistol.” Sam ordered. “Good. Now drop it down behind the seatback. And crawl your way to this door. Open it slowly and step out. With your hands holding your hat down on your head.”

Sam grabbed a wrist, wrenching it around behind Terry’s back. “Now, walk. Too fast I break it. Try anything, I break it or I shoot off your head. My choice.”

Terry whimpered as he tried to look around for a way out. There was none on this dark stretch of road.

As Sam lead them around the back end of both the old Ford and the Dodge Tom had been driving, he saw a stand-off with Mr. Anders and Tom both drawn on Jerry who was holding them back with his own pistol.

“Let him go, or I shoot the old man!” Jerry shouted.

“Not going to happen, Jerry.” Sam called out.

“See, Pa? He don’t care about you! He ain’t your friend! He’d rather I shoot you dead than to let us go!” Jerry shouted.

“Boy, you are being mighty stupid, right now. You know that. Put it down and we can work this out.”

Jerry’s panic level visibly tripled when he saw the first of the headlights coming down the road from behind them.

“Let him go, asshole! We are leaving. RIGHT NOW! Let’s go, Terry.” Jerry called out.

“I can’t, Jer. I move wrong he shoots me. I don’t wanna die, today.” Terry cried back.

Sam watched as Jerry carefully took aim, trying to get a headshot on Sam, over Terry’s shoulder.

“Jerry, don’t try it. You are not that good of a shot. You always drop your barrel, just before the trigger breaks. That is why you miss low, so often.” Sam told him. “If you try to shoot me, you will …”

BANG! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Sam let Terry fall to the ground with a bad belly wound. He slowly put his pistol back in the holster. As did Tom and Mr. Anders.

Deb jumped out of the Dodge and ran over to Jerry. In just a moment, she fired three quick shots into Jerry’s groin. Then she marched over to Terry who was rolling around on the ground, crying about being shot by his own brother. As he flinched from Debra’s shots he started apologizing. Without a word, she fired three into his groin. Then put one in his head.

When done, she climbed back into the truck. “I can drive this, Pa. Just go a little slow for me with the trailer.”

The next family group rolled up, just then, taking the other entrance into the empty station.

Joe and his wife Jo were the first to exit their vehicle and approach. “Damn! I was hoping to avoid this,” he said. “We are going to miss these two and what they contributed. Albert, I’m sorry for your loss.”

Mr. Anders stood with tears on his cheeks. “Them two have been lost a long time, Joe. It still hurts to have had to shoot one of ‘em. Where did I go so wrong?”

“You had hard choices to make. Feed ‘em or raise ‘em.” Joe answered. “And you chose to feed ‘em. While she tried to raise ‘em. I don’t think you failed, my friend. They made their own choices. I know one thing you taught ‘em was that there was and always will be consequences for choices.”

“Yeah. And this is my consequence for choosing to feed ‘em instead of whoopin’ on ‘em.” Mr. Anders stated, before continuing. “Tom? You OK, son?”

“Yeah, Pa. I’m good. I think. What do you want us to do with them?”

“We got this.” Joe offered. “I’ve got a couple of unruly teenagers that need a lesson. They can dig graves for these two. Do you have a blanket or sleeping bag to wrap them up in?”

“Don’t, Pa.” Debra called out. “They don’t deserve it. Bury ‘em shallow and face down so they can see where they are headed.”

Mr. Anders just looked up at Joe. “Can you spare a couple of drivers? I’m not sure Tom and I should be driving.”

“Sure, my friend. Sure.” Joe said.

“Sam? You OK? Still good to drive? How is Tom?” Mr. Anders asked.

“Tom’s OK, sir. Just pretty shaken. He has not shot a gun for a while. I think we need to get him to a place where he can work. This will bring back the night terrors for both of us. But I have him. As best as I can, I have him.” Sam replied, kneeling at his crying friend’s side.

“Thank you, son.” Mr. Anders stated. “I’m sorry it came down to this. Just know I hold no malice towards ya. The feud ‘tween you and ‘em is over. Just do me two things. Take care of Tom, help him through this. And take care of you. You did not wrong here, tonight. In fact, I think you might have saved three lives.”

“Yes, sir. I will do what I can. For both of us.” Sam said before putting an hand under Tom’s arm and starting to lift. “Come with me, Tom. Let’s get you into my truck. You can rest there.” Tom numbly followed along, letting Tom guide him. Debra jumped out and ran around to help with Sam’s truck.

She slipped Sam a small pill wrapped in cellophane. “Xanax. Both of them took that crap to get high. Maybe it will help Tom rest?”

Sam looked at it and put the packet in his shirt pocket. “Thanks. Let’s try to avoid that, if we can. Tom had a distaste for taking those meds in the VA. He did not like them.

And that was all the VA wanted to do was keep us high and dependent. They did not want to help us. I have him. We both have been through this, before. He will be OK. What about you? Are you OK?”

“I’m free, again.” She said. “I don’t know how to feel, beyond that, at this point. Giddy from being free again. The fear of the future is just starting to set in. And, I’ve got this memory of them both to deal with,” she finished, pointing to her own belly.

“I think I understand.” Sam said. “Let’s get ready to roll out. If you want to talk, as we drive, let me know, on the radio and we can then find a channel to use.”

“I do, but not on the radio.” She said. “Maybe in a day or two.”

Sam just nodded.

[iamnobody]

It reads just like a near future newspaper front page headline.

I'm just so glad that it is a fictional story and nothing like that would ever really happen...........

[bitsmith]

Future History – Chapter Five

Soon, the Anders family and Sam got back on the road. But with a little shuffling of Tom and Mr. Anders. Tom was laying down in the RV with Jo from the other family driving it.

Mr. Anders decided to ride with Sam. He wanted to talk with Sam’s father about what had happened.

“… Yes, Senior. Your boy did nothing wrong. Though, I probably should not be calling him ‘boy’. He and I are too close in age.” Mr. Anders stated.

“Call him what ever you and he agrees to, Al. That is between you and him. He’s man enough to let you know if he don’t like it. And I’m still sorry about your loss and how this shook out. I agree with Joe, we are definitely going to miss them here. They did work hard, when they chose to.”

“I doubt they would have done a thing to help your family, because of this feud. But I know them well enough to know, they would have used everything you allowed them to and taken anything from you that they could.”

“That may be, Al, but let’s not talk poorly of the dead. They have no option to hear it and learn from it.” Senior concluded.

“I just wanted to let you know your boy did good. And I have no malice towards him or your kin. The feud is over.”

“That’s good to know. Unfortunately, Al, I need to go. I promised Family 7 to help them get settled for the night and they just pulled in.”

“I understand, Senior. I will see you, tomorrow.”

Two clicks from Senior was the answer.

-----


“He had to kill them or be killed by them, soon.” Senior said to his wife.

“I know. I just hate that it happened. He and Tom both are going to be beside themselves, like when they first came home.” She answered.

“Well, we will just have to give them the room they will need.” He sadly stated. “And patience, too. A lot of patience.”

“Where is Brandon? We should tell him to avoid Sam for a few days. Tom, too.”

“Actually, I think Brandon might be exactly what they both need. Responsibility. A reason to move forward, more quickly. They both dote on the kid. But neither of them lets’ the kid skate by, either.”

“So … what? Have Brandon help them build their own places?”

“I think Sam is going to be all sorts of guilty and will probably put helping Al and his get set up, before he looks to his own. Brandon can help with that. Probably a two room place for Al and the girl. A separate place for Tom. Then Tom will probably go all in, on helping Sam build his own place.”

“And Brandon will learn and do all they need him to do. He will think he’s escaping you, but they will probably work him harder.” She pointed out. “Sam was right. You are kind of rough on the boy.”

“I know. And I need to back off a little. But I’m not his friend. I’m his grandfather.”

“Then be a grandfather. Softer hands, softer words. He won’t grow up to be like all those in the cities. He’s not going to be a leach on anyone. He has a good streak of independence in him, already. Time to let some of that out. He needs to be able to make mistakes and learn from them.” She said. “Maybe you can take him away, in a few days to go fishing with you? He will love it and will probably need the break from Sam and Tom, by then.”

-----

“So …it’s been about 5 miles since your pa signed off. And you aint’said a word.” Mr. Anders stated. “I’m thinking it’s about time you started calling my Al, like all the other adults.”

“Yes, sir.” Sam answered.

“Relax, son. I’m mad at them, not you.”

“I’m fine, sir.” Sam stated.

“No you ain’t. Don’t lie to me. I know your ma and pa taught you better than that.”

“Not a lie, sir. To be honest, I have to force myself to be fine, right here. Right now. I need to concentrate on my driving. I need to keep my mind focused. I’m not sure how to explain it, so you will understand. It’s like a strobe light in a club. People move between the flashes, but all you see are how they were, during the flash. I have that going on, right now, in the back of my head. I’ve seen all of this, before. And it’s back. I’m fighting for self control, sir.”

“Do you need me to go to another vehicle?”

“No, sir. Actually, you being here will help. A lot. But let’s focus on a different subject, OK?”

“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”

“Let’s start making plans for your cabins. We can start on them, tomorrow or the next day.”

“OK. We can do that.” Mr. Anders started. “You got a pen and some paper? I can start making a list.”

“Yeah. There’s a steno notebook with a pen in the spiral. It’s in the seatback pocket. Not my side, sir, yours.”

“Ahh, sorry. You sure it’s on my side?”

“Yes, sir. Here. Maybe it will be easier for me to get it. I have a better angle.” Sam reached into the pocket of the front passenger seat back, coming out with a notebook just a moment later. “It had fallen over onto it’s side.”

“Ah. Makes sense. Wait. What is this? Little kittens on the cover? You aren’t going soft are you, son?”

“No, sir. It was on sale. Closeout. I bought all they had at like 50 cents each.” Sam said, smiling. “It’s just a pad and a pen. I don’t care how it looks. I just wanted it to work. Secondly, if, for some reason, I filled it up with plans and secrets, but left it sitting out … most anyone would ignore it, thinking it was some little girls notebook.”

“You are a sneaky one, that is for sure.”

“I learned it from one of the best. Then had a refresher course, a few years ago.”

“I figured your pa would teach you to be sneaky. Who was the refresher from?”

“Tom. Over there. He found a calling, sneaking about. Hiding in plain sight.” Sam said. “We will need to keep an eye on him. Not let him have too much time alone inside his own head. We might lose him, if we do.”

“How do we help him?”

“We get there. In the morning, he and I set up the mill, in the morning. I’m thinking the large communal area, the south end of it. Put the mill and set up saw horses and such to make it easier to use the chainsaw mills, too. And would be a good place to create the wood pile for firewood for the kitchen on the northside. We will still have the road through the middle of it. It’s open, and still have some decent fruit trees around the clearing for shade.”

“OK. I like how you are thinking.” Mr. Anders said, before sketching on the pad. “Something like this?”
Sam glanced over to see a neatly drawn diagram of clear, intentional lines describing the main clearing for the 12 families. And largely just as Sam had suggested. He nodded in agreement.

“I did not know you were an artist, sir.”

“I’m not. A long time ago, I wanted to be a draftsman. I even had a job for a couple of years. But I wanted to draw smaller, simpler buildings. Not huge, ugly sky scrapers. But there was no money in cabin drawings.” He shared of himself. “Then the war and Tom and you … And I needed to pay bills, so I got a longhaul license and hit the road to put food on the table.“

“I think, about the 2:30 point on that drawing is where Mr. Baker was going to drill for a well.”

“OK. Sounds good. Let me add that in here. And the kitchen … just a pole barn, right? Brick and mud, wood fired kitchenettes? Long dining tables between them?”

“Sure. I like it. One long table for everyone to sit at. Big Thanksgiving like dinners.”

“What’s your pa gonna say about us making these decisions?”

“Nothing. Because we aren’t making the decisions. We are sharing and documenting ideas. You are using your skills to make a visual representation to help get the conversations started for others.”

“How many solar panels have you got for yourself and your kin?”

“I’ve got the 8 with me on the trailer. They are for my blacksmith shop. And I have that many more in our garage on my dad’s site. Those are for my cabin.”

“You know many in the families are a bit jealous of you all. My boys were not the only ones that want what you have. I know you bought a lot of what your pa has, too.” Mr. Anders opened a new conversation branch. “Honestly, I would not mind having a few panels for my place. But I never seemed to have the money to get them.”

“One thing I’m wanting to bring up at the next family head meeting is to put my smithy near the mill. A couple of reasons for that are to be centrally located so I can make and repair things for everyone in the group. With 8 panels and the batteries I have for it them … probably overkill for what I will need. But I will also need a lot amperage when I’m using some of the sanders, etc. Anyway, I was thinking the smithy will be a large building, 2 sections. One section for the steel works. The other for a woodshop. Cabinetry, etc. I have my grandfather’s old cabinet shop tools. Power and hand. So, a lot of the power will be available there, as well. But I was also thinking … that maybe we can find a way to run power to the kitchens. When we have a harvest and everyone is preserving their food … having power for processors, etc. See what I’m thinking?”

“That is a lot of giving, son,” was his unexpected response. “You can’t buy respect. You may see it as helping. Others will see it as flaunting.”

“Dammit.” Sam replied, slamming his palm into the steering wheel. “I’m not trying to flaunt ANYTHING. I was gone, for a long time. I did well for myself. Started a couple of businesses. They are still making me money and employ over 30 people between the two of them. Most of my ‘money’ comes from selling a third business. That is what allowed me to buy our part of this and set my father up with the tools he needed to build what he has, here.”

“I understand, son. I know your heart is in a good place. And you want to do good for others, because of the bad you had to do in the war. But people who don’t know you as well as I know you won’t see it that way. So … wait. I think putting the smithy and wood working shop in the center will be a good idea. I know I will support it not because I know you, but because I agree with it being central and easy to access for everyone. But as for putting power to the kitchens … wait until it’s asked for. Or when you hear someone complaining about using manual tools and such. I don’t know about you, but most all of my food processing tools are manual, anyway. I think most others are, too.”

“Oh.” Sam replied.

“I’m just saying …either wait for someone to ask or is complaining and offer up a option. Like it just dawned on you, you know?”

“Yeah, I see it, now.” Sam was quiet a moment, as Mr. Anders added details to his sketch. “So, what about your place?”

“Oh, Im not sure, now. I guess I need two cabins. One for myself and Debra and one for Tom? Or maybe just a larger one with three bedrooms? Which would need less material?”

“Probably the larger one. But won’t Tom want to live on his own? And what does Deb want? Do they even know what they want, now that things have changed?” Sam asked.

“I don’t know. That is a good question. Let me ask Deb.”

“Maybe give her some time to figure it out, for herself. She may want to just go her own way.”

[arkansascob]

Im liking this story. The realness and the flow. Looking forward to MOAR already.

Thanks for your time.

[bitsmith]

Future History – Chapter Six

Sam continued the drive in silence. Mr. Anders checked on Deb and the other drivers. Joe and Jo checked in, as well, when they caught up. And it was not long after that the 8 vehicles, 2 families, plus Sam pulled into the hidden drive. Sam had fallen to the rear. Once through the gated drive, he pulled over and lifted the draw bridge style gate. A 6 feet deep and 4 feet wide ditch had been worked in recent years to prepare for security. The sides had been cut steeply on the premise of assisting with drainage. Loads of nearby river rock had been deposited in the bottom of the ditch to satisfy the local bureaucrats.

Two other ditches, approximately a quartermile long, each, joined this one across the front of the property. They ran along the sides of the property. The back of the property was demarked by a creek.

Mr. Anders liked how the gate was fashioned. Scrap structural I-Beams had been assembled, bolted, and welded together to create a very heavy gate, lifted by a cable and pully system. Because of it’s weight, it was slow and heavy to lift. But once up, it was locked into the concrete and steel pillars with heavy bushes grown up around them.
Physically, the property was about as secure as it could be made by Sam. He had caught some flack from local businesses for hiring out of state labor to work the property. His only comment in reply had been that the out of state contractors gave him a better price and had a proven track record to deliver exactly what he wanted.

Once the gate was secured, he continued to the common area of the property. From here the other families each had their own spaces, like a large cul-de-sac. Senior’s place was about 100 meters beyond and Sam’s place was a little over 200 meters beyond that, beside a small knoll and near a fall in the river. Roughly 60 acres, there was plenty of room for everyone. And each family brought at least one primary and two secondary skillsets to the group. For years, Sam had been working on the property as a fall back to run to for the other families as a bunch of scattered farms.

“Where can I drop you, Mr. Anders?” Sam asked.

“Oh, near the RV, where ever they decide to park it would be fine.”

“OK. Let’s see where it is sent by my mom.”

“I’ve been thinking about those building plans you mentioned. Especially for this common area.” Mr. Anders stated. “Don’t do it.”

“Don’t put up the kitchens and the shop buildings?”

“If you want to, sure. But do it, because YOU want them. I don’t think you should ASK for permission to put them up. This is YOUR land. You have been very generous with all you have done for us. Inviting us to move in here. Or in some cases, allowing us. Making sure that everyone has common tools sets so things are interchangeable. You’ve put in a lot of thought on this place and the planning. And you have been coming out here, without assistance to make the place ready for us. All while hoping it was never needed. And on top of that, I doubt you will turn into some kind of despot.”

“If I do start to become a despot, please pull me aside and let me know. As far as I’m concerned, Senior has done a good job riding herd on the families. I intend to leave it to him. When I’m not working on something for the property or making money, I intend to be in my cabin and leaving the rest of the world to do as it will.” Sam replied.

“Alone?”

“Yes, alone.”

“Man was not meant to go through life alone, son. You know she is going to try to re-connect with you.” Mr. Anders stated.

“She will try. It will not work. She made a choice. A choice that lead to other circumstances that caused a father and a brother to kill not just one, but two sons and brothers.”

“Why did she do move on to Terry as she did?” Mr. Anders asked. “I never got a straight answer out of her.”

“Me either.” Sam answered as he parked his truck and trailers in beside the RV.

-----

Sam approached Tom in the dark of night, lit only by the headlights of multiple vehicles. “How are you feeling, my friend?”

“Like shit.” Tom answered. More responsive than when he was put into the RV.

“Did you get any rest?”

“Yeah. I did. Strange. I usually see the faces from the sandbox, you know? But not them.” Tom continued, “That is weird and makes me wonder why. Any ideas on that, Sam?”

“Well, the people we dealt with, ‘over there’, tried to kill us, usually on sight. They did not know us. We did not know them. Your brothers were killed, by us, in self defense. WE did not go hunting them, like we did over there. That is one thought. Another is that you (and I) had already passed judgement on them and they died then, it just caught up with them, tonight. And lastly, as well as most likely, you are in a state of shock, still. You may be hit with it, tomorrow, or next week. And that is probably when you will start processing your emotions.” Sam suggested.

“You are smart. And all three of those make sense.”

“Yes, they do. So listen to me, Tom.” Mr. Anders interjected, “Tomorrow, I want you to put it all out of your mind and work your ass off. I want you to be so exhausted, tomorrow night, that you will be asleep, before your head hits the pillow. I mean it, Tom. Pure exhaustion. We will do that for a few days, then set you a lighter work load. You got that?”

“Yeah, Pa. I got it. Solve mode it will be.” Tom acknowledged. “What do you want me to do, tomorrow?”

Sam and Mr. Anders shared a look before each smiled, turning to look at Tom.

“Damn! OK. What is it?”

Sam answered “The kitchens” and the polebarn style covering. Given what your Pa wants you to do … I suggest by hand.”

“In the morning you and I will work draw it out, then line it out and source the materials and tools you will need to start with.” Mr. Anders stated.

Laughing, Tom looked Sam in the eye, “You know … you are a bit of an ass, right?”

Sam merely nodded with a forced smile. “Mr. Anders? If I may make a suggestion? You saw how the gate mechanism works? Park your RV near the gate, so any late commers can be let in?”

Mr. Anders nodded, “I like the way you think, son.”

The agreement was punctuated by a high feminine voice screeching “SAAAAAMMMMMMMMIE! I need you, Saaammmmmieeee!”
Mr. Anders straightened his back from the shivers that ran up and down everyone’s. “Son, we can cover for you, if you want to make a run for it.”

With a chuckle, Sam declined. “It’s my mother. Senior raised me better than that. I better go. Good night and see you in the morning.”

Sam turned to his truck, reached in and shut it off, killing the lights, at the same time, before walking away to find his mother and try to prevent her next screech.

Seeing her in the headlights of Mr. Ander’s Ford, being driven by Debra, Sam waived for recognition and started walking towards her.

“When I call for you, answer me, dammit, Sammie.” She rebuked him when he was close enough to be heard. “It’s called respect.”

“To earn respect, one must give it. I have asked you MANY times to not call me Sammie.” He retorted to his mother, repeating the same annoying disagreement, yet again. And with Debra at his side.

“I’m your mother. I will call you want I want. To me, you are still a scrawny little 12 year old.”

“Then do not expect the respect you demand. PERIOD. I’m not on your farm, anymore, mom. This is MY place. Which means *I* set the rules. Let THAT sink in a bit. And also run it past Senior if you don’t like it.”

She stood staring up into his face, her jaw moving as she was deciding what to say in response.

“Mom, you called for me. It’s been a difficult evening. I’m tired. And there is a lot to be done still, tonight and tomorrow. What did you need?” Sam interrupted her thinking.

“Debra needs to know where to park.” She answered.

Turning to Debra, he said, “Just follow me. We can disconnect it near my cabin and you can drive back up here to stay in the RV with Mr. Anders and Tom. That was the original plan, for tonight, I believe? All 5 of you in the RV for the evening?”

“It was. And thank you.” She answered with multiple meanings.

“I’ll be right back, just follow me when I pass you.” Sam answered, ignoring her unstated intent.

Sam’s mother walked along with him to his truck. “She’s available, now, you know?”

“I do know. I killed the men she was with.”

“Things might go back to the way they were, before, if you play your cards right.”

“I don’t want things to go back to how they were, before.” Sam stated. “She made a choice. I already paid for my part in it. Now she has to pay her share of the piper. Get in, and I will drop you off at your place.”

She climbed into the truck in silence. “It smells like Al was in here.”

“He was. He rode with me the last hour or so. Wanted to talk and make sure I was ‘alright’.” Sam stated. “Actually, I think he wanted to be told I was not angry with him about the situation. Did you know he wanted to be a draftsman?”

“Oh. I did not. That is interesting. Yes, it is. Your father will like hearing that. He wants some drawing made of the place. I think he wants the plots put on the plat of the whole property. “

“That makes sense. Have Joe and Jo’s oldest boy do a survey of the whole place and then the plots. Then they can work together to get the drawings made. Then I will send it to a good friend of mine and have him make several copies. And at least one for each plot. Have you gotten any word on when the others will be here?” Sam asked as he turned the truck and two trailers.

“Your sister never wanted such a place as this. So, I don’t know if she is coming, or not. But should probably build a cabin for her. Jason is on his way. Probably be here late tomorrow, depending upon when he left and how much he sleeps, tonight. He will have a girlfriend with him. You know he wants your plot and is disappointed he did not have the resources to do this, himself. Dennis … He said he was coming, but I don’t know when. He’s not so worried about this government stuff. I don’t know who he is bringing with him. If anyone. I know he’s been on the outs with his girlfriend. She had three kids, as I recall. “

“It would have been nice if he could have gotten us some of those connexes.” Sam shared.

“He might be arranging that, now. I don’t know.”

Sam picked up the convoy radio, keying it. “Mr. A? Are you still listening?”

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“Sorry to bother you, but I just had a thought. If anyone comes in, just have them go to the main area, unless they know where their plot is and can get to it in the dark. We’ve already got some tired folks setting up camping, etc.”

“I like how you think, son. I’ll be sure to tell ‘em. Do you know where Debra is?” he asked.

“Yes, sir. She is going to follow me back to my plot, offload the mill trailer and return to you.” Sam replied.

“Thank you. I will be sure to leave a light on for her, then.”
Sam double clicked the mike as he stopped in front of the large Quonset hut his parents used as both a cabin and a warehouse / garage.

“Here you go, mom. See you in the morning. I will come out, when I’m ready to face people. Do not come looking for me for anything less the law, the military, or a legitimate emergency. I need some privacy to deal with my actions, this evening.”

“OK. I’ll let your dad know you want to be left alone.” She assured him.

“Also, have him chat with Mr. Anders. He and I discussed a couple of ideas I had for the common area.” Sam added as she got out.

“Alright. Sleep well. Luv ya, hun. Glad it was them, and not you.”

Sam just waived then continued down the trail, until he go to the river, then turned left, upriver and between a screen of cedar trees. He looped around the property to have the trailers near where he wanted them and parked. Debra had followed and pulled up next to him.

As she started to get out, he told her to wait. “I can get it. Just give me a minute and I will have you unhitched.” Just as he was lifting the trailer tongue off the ball hitch, the truck shut off. He finished, feeling her presence behind him as he disconnected the trailer lights in the dark.

“I’m not going to the RV, Sam.” She said.

“OK. Go where you want. You are not staying here, with me.”

“Why not?”

“Because, Debra, you made a choice. You chose an action. There are consequences to choices and actions.” Sam continued, “And this is one of them. I’m not available. Nor interested. Besides, you are carrying the child one of those two. I care not which. I just hope you are able to raise that child to be a better human being than they were. You need to leave, now.”

“I don’t want to be alone.”

“Then don’t be. Mr. Anders will still welcome you into his RV. In the morning, you can figure out where to go or what you want to do.”

“You are kicking me out?”

“No. You are still his family. It will be up to him to kick you out. Or it will require a consensus of all adults on the property to eject you.” Sam said. “But, now, that you are single and soon to be a single mother … you better figure out what you bring to the group. I don’t think anyone will tolerate your presence as a single woman and no contributing skills.”

“Fine! I will go back to pa. You really are an asshole. You do know that, don’t you?” she snarled back at him.

“Yeah. I do. You are not the first to tell me that, today.” Sam sighed. “Now, would you please, just GO. His RV is parked near the gate.”

[NCWEBNUT]

The modern women, some of them anyway, will never learn that actions have consequences.

[solo]

Am really liking this! Please keep it going.

V/R,
Solo

[texican]

BS,

Great story line and thanks for all of the chapters.

Texican...

[iamnobody]

I hope Sam sticks to his decision not to get back with Deb.
She left him for 1 of the "bad boy" twins and ended up having sex with both of the twins.
Now they are dead, she's pregnant by 1 of them and she thinks Sam is supposed to take her back and raise the "bad boys" child.
Then as soon as another "bad boy" comes along, she would leave with him.
Typical actions of what I see in real life.

[bitsmith]

Jul 8, 2021 17:13:57 GMT -6 iamnobody said:

I'm just so glad that it is a fictional story and nothing like that would ever really happen...........

Are you CERTAIN it is fictional?

[cashless1]

more story please

[iamnobody]

Jul 10, 2021 18:04:25 GMT -6 bitsmith said:

Jul 8, 2021 17:13:57 GMT -6 iamnobody said:

I'm just so glad that it is a fictional story and nothing like that would ever really happen...........

Are you CERTAIN it is fictional?

I'm not certain at all. 

That is the scary part.

Things I see, things I read, things I hear lead me to believe that nasty things are already in play for my country and the world.

That many of us will soon be in a real life PAW situation.

[bitsmith]

I too, am concerned about similar.

[arkansascob]

Dont ya just love a woman who thinks she can just have any man she wants when she see's fit even though she burned him in the past. To many woman are like that. I have never had one that those honey holes were so good that she could burn me and I would take her back. Very few have I even remained friends with.

Still enjoying the story BS. Keep em coming.


OH and add another one to the similar concerned.

[smitty60]

Good story. Thanks

[bitsmith]

Future History – Chapter Seven

“Good morning, Mrs. Kattz,” Sam called gently from the outhouse he had on his plot.

“OH, Good Lord, Sam!” she shouted when startled. “Give a woman a chance, would you?”

”I’m sorry, ma’am. Is there something I can help you with?” Sam asked, politely, yet annoyed.

“Oh, uhm, your mother sent me, because you are not picking up on the radio. There is a sheriff’s deputy at the front gate.”

She explained. “And when are you ever going to learn to call me by my first name?”

“I’m just being polite, Mrs. Kattz. You and your husband are good people and I want to ensure you are respected by everyone. And that means by being respectful, myself.”

“Alright, Sam, The respect is appreciated.” She agreed, “Anyway, get to the gate, your mother and father are really upset with that deputy. He wants on the property and they won’t let him. He’s getting hostile.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll get me radio and be right up there.” Sam says. “Oh, if you would not mind, please get the Johanssens there, as well?”

“They already are.” She smiled.

Sam jogged back to his cabin, splashed water on his face, smelly parts, a touch of deodorant, and fresh clothes. He hated going about unwashed, but he doubted things would improve if he made the deputy wait for him to shower and such. When he was ready, he turned on his radio, found the frequency of the day and clearly heard the conversation at the gate.

“I have a right to enter this property!” came an unknown voice.

“No, you do not, Deputy.” Senior was heard stating. He was doing his best to keep calm, but the anger in his voice was reaching a dangerous level.

“If you do not let me on this property, right now, I will have no choice but to use force!”

Sam turned around and went back into his cabin, retrieving his cell phone, dialing 911.

“911, please state the nature of your emergency.”

“Hello. I need county sheriff to my property, please. I have someone at my front gate, impersonating a law enforcement agent, demanding access to my property without a warrant nor probable cause.” Sam stated. “I have several guests here, including women and children. We have reason to be in fear for our lives. We are 2 miles southwest of Greenwood on the old logging road. Please send Sheriff MacMillian. He is familiar with me and my location. Please tell him it is the Carrington property. If the Sheriff is unavailable, please send the federal park rangers. Anyone on their staff for the last 6 months knows who I am and where I am. Thank you. I must go now, to prevent this imposter from getting shot full of holes.”

“I have dispatched the sheriff’s department.”

“Ma’am. I have a man in a patrol vehicle, wearing a deputy’s uniform demanding access to my property and our cabins. He has no reason nor right to enter. Notifying the Sheriff’s department will only have him radio back to them that he is here, already. This is either a shakedown or an idiot trying to case our place and what we have here. As I said … he is not welcome here and we need a SENIOR member of law enforcement here. Right now.” Sam explained. “Neither I, nor my guests, will be responsible, if this man steps onto my property. We have reason to fear for our lives and out property. I am declaring Castle Doctrine. Anyone step onto my property without my consent will be removed, and deadly force may be applied. You have 15 minutes to get someone here.”

“Understood, sir. I will find someone senior to assist you as quickly as possible.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Sam answered as he hung up the phone.

Sam then climbed into his truck and drove to the front gate. The deputy had his pistol at low ready and was surrounded by 6 men and women all pointing a firearm at him.

He stepped out of the truck and looked around at the situation. “All of you watching this garbage need to step back. Put some distance between you and this scene. IF this moron starts shooting, I don’t want any of you hurt. And someone get the Thompson’s ready, just incase we need medical support.” Sam shouted and all those watching. Then he made a show of disarming himself of the pistol kept in a thigh rig, leaving it in his truck. He still had his compact .380 in a back belt holster.
Walking around those surrounding the deputy, Sam suggested the two women take cover behind the doors of his truck. The men he asked to take a few steps back and go to low ready. Sam hen moved to a side, ensuring the ladies at his truck had a clear view of the deputy.

“Calm down, deputy. These people are my guests. They were merely doing as I had asked. Keeping all riff-raff from entering my property. How can I, as the property owner, help you?” Sam asked, gently and politely.

“I have orders to inventory this property.” He claimed. “And these people are to be arrested for hindering a law enforcement officer from performing his duties.”

Sam turned to look at Joe Johanssen who shook his head slightly, side to side.

“I see. I think. Let me get this straight, okay? Please tell me where I go afield, alright? Oh, and everyone, please, put the weapons way? You all are making me nervous. You, too, deputy.” Sam stated.

“Not until they lower theirs,” the deputy stated, beads of sweat on his brow.

Sam continued as he stepped close and in front of the deputy, “First, these men will lower their weapons, holstering them. Then you will holster yours. If you so much as point your pistol at anyone, those ladies at my truck will drop you with the rifles. And we will be within our rights to use deadly force against someone threatening us with harm. See? These men have already holstered their pistols. Now you can do the same … Good. Now, all of you lock them in, please … great.” And Sam stepped aside, waiving at the ladies to relax, as well.

“OK. See? Now you and I can talk, like normal people. No high emotions. No threats. Everyone take a deep breath and just relax.” Sam continued speaking softly and gently, disarming the situation. “Now, what were you saying about our 4th Amendment rights?”

Looking about, the Deputy visibly calmed down, but kept his hand on his pistol grip. “You have no 4th Amendment rights. This is federal land. As the local county law enforcement, we have the responsibility to know who is here, and what they have that might be a danger to others and to the land.”

“Ahh, I see.” Sam nodded. “Let me share with you a few facts you do not have, deputy. This IS federal land. And I am a lease holder on this land. I have several acres here with a homestead lease. I and my guests are allowed to live here, enjoying the seclusion, the natural resources, and creating a simpler life for ourselves as we pursue what makes us happy. With this land being in a homestead lease, we are able to retain all of our Constitutionally guaranteed rights.”

“Huh?” the deputy mumbled. “Look. I don’t care about any of that. All I care about is following my orders. My orders were to come out here, find who was living here, collect any and all firearms, and inventory resources that may be needed for the good of the region.”

“So, Martial Law has been declared, allowing law enforcement to shred the Constitution?” Sam asked.

“Well, no. Not yet. But it’s coming.”

“Ahh. A pre-emptive search and seizure in anticipation of the President declaring it?” Sam asked.

“Yeah. Something like that.”

Sam held up a finger, calling for attention. Everyone started listening. The rest of the men relaxed and took another step back.

“What? What is that?”

“That, young deputy, is either the sheriff or the forest rangers coming in response to my 911 call.” Sam smiled. “Now, before they get here and things get interesting, again … WHO sent you? You said you were here on orders. Who gave you those orders? You have about 15 … 14 … “

“That is none of your business. That is internal to the department.”

“Well, I strongly suggest you come up with an answer to my question. Because I have been broadcasting this entire conversation, on multiple bands. Additionally, this man? Mr. Joseph Johannsen? Former Federal Prosecutor Joseph Johannsen of the U.S. Attorney General’s office, is my legal representative. He is, like all of us here, a private citizen. All we want is to be left alone. We will come into town to trade, sell, and buy goods. We have no interest in being on anyone’s targets. Just citizens who are tired of the bug city rat race, crime, corruption. That is all we wanted.” Sam finished as both the Sheriff and forest rangers stopped their vehicles behind the deputy’s cruiser.

[texican]

A deputy sheriff over stepping his authority and not knowing the laws of the land.

The Sheriff and forest rangers will set him straight. Or will they?

Where are the snipers and reinforced shooting bunkers? Are the bunkers manned?

Thanks BS for the chapter.

Texican....

[bitsmith]

Jul 17, 2021 16:32:17 GMT -6 texican said:

A deputy sheriff over stepping his authority and not knowing the laws of the land.

The Sheriff and forest rangers will set him straight. Or will they?

Where are the snipers and reinforced shooting bunkers? Are the bunkers manned?

Thanks BS for the chapter.

Texican....

The majority of REAL defenses have yet to be established as the move to the location was unexpected.   

[bluefox2]

Mongo smell rat in pantry. Deputy acting on orders from someone outside his dept. looking to create own kingdom

[iamnobody]

Bitsmith   MOAR   please 

[texican]

Aug 2, 2021 13:36:33 GMT -6 iamnobody said:

Bitsmith   MOAR   please 

BS,

Seems like two weeks have passed and your moar hounds are hungry.

Hopefully you haven't been taking lessons from bret...

Thanks for the story.

Texican....