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Post by papaof2 on Aug 5, 2021 19:59:42 GMT -6
Fortunately, we're far enough away that none are likely to be on our doorstep in the future. No one asked exactly where we lived or for any contact information so the "problem children" (of all ages) don't know where to find us.
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Post by gipsy on Aug 5, 2021 20:06:40 GMT -6
Good plan
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 21:01:46 GMT -6
Adam Benning drove up a couple of days later. He buzzed the gate and Curt let him in. Cal met him at the drive when Adam drove up.
"I'm looking for Cal Coleman."
Cal held out his hand. "Hi, I'm Cal. Welcome to the High-Top Ranch."
Adam shook Cal's hand. "Where can I stow my gear?"
"Pull your truck down next to that building and I'll show you your quarters."
Cal helped Adam carry his gear into the bunkhouse and show him his room.
"How about something to drink?" Cal asked.
"That would be good." Adam said.
They walked over to the Gathering House and both Adam and Cal selected a Smithwick's out of the cooler.
They both sat down, and Cal started giving Adam a sanitized version of how he came to the ranch and got him up to date on the improvements they had made and the people who lived there.
"I hope some of your luck rubs off on me." Adam said wistfully.
"Well, it either does rub off on people or we've got the luckiest group of people ever gathered. I like to think we make our own luck."
"What do you want me to be doing around here? I don't like just sitting around."
"Well, first since you held an Engineer MOS, I presume you know how to use a cutting torch."
"Heck yeah. What do you need?"
"I recently bought some 3/8" steel and need to cut it up into target silhouettes. I'll turn you over to Andy, he'll show you where everything is. But that can wait until tomorrow morning. It's about dinner time and Siobhan frowns on us being late."
Cal introduced Siobhan, Cam and the kids and they all sat down. Siobhan said the blessing and started passing Schnitzel von Schwein, German potato salad and green salad around.
"I don't know when I've had a better meal." Adam smiled and complemented Siobhan.
"Well, you are in for a treat tomorrow night. Every Thursday night is Pizza Night, and we have our own wood-fired pizza oven in the Gathering House. You'll also get a chance to meet most, if not all of the people who live here."
"Sounds great!" Adam said. "I think I'll turn in early tonight. It has been a long day."
When Adam left, Siobhan and Cam came in and gave Cal a Smithwick's and each of the women had a glass of wine. Cam had set the kids up with a Disney movie in the playroom, so they were quietly watching that.
"What's the problem with Adam?" Siobhan asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Yeah." Cam said. "They say the eyes are the windows of the soul, and I think his are hiding a lot of pain."
"Let's just say he's experienced a lot of what I've gone through and he's going to have a hard time trusting woman again, if ever."
"That's awful! I can't believe there are women like that! It makes me so mad sometimes." Cam snarled.
Siobhan raised an eyebrow, then looked at Cal, her eyes twinkling.
The next morning Cal took a UV34 down to the HTR Facility. He found Andy and Adam there setting up metal sawhorses up and tracing out silhouettes with pieces of soapstone.
"There's enough scrap to cut out some six- and eight-inch round targets from each sheet also for the pistol range." Adam said.
As Adam cut the silhouettes, Andy used an angle grinder to smooth the edges of the targets.
"When you've gotten what you can out of the steel, take what's left up to the forge and see if Joshua can use it."
Cal left them to their work and went to the greenhouses. He found Dawn and asked her where she wanted to put the next two high-tunnels. She took him out to the end of the last tunnel and showed him.
"I'd like them aligned with the others with a fifty-foot end-to-end spacing. This is really going to increase our production."
"Okay, we'll get started on the foundations. We've got a new guy in. He's down working with Andy at the Facility. He's a Special Forces Engineer. That means he not only blows stuff up; he can build things also. The materials for the tunnels will be in week after next, so we'll have plenty of time."
Cal next went to the forge. Joshua and Ben we busy working on some hinges. Joshua was using the power hammer.
"Hey Cal! Look what Ben has been doing." Cal watch Ben heating up the strap hinge and using a ball-peen hammer applying dimples to the hinge.
"These are really looking nice. Maybe you could make some for the double-door I've built to replace the one the Gathering House."
"Sure thing. I'll go down to the woodshop and take a look at them and size the hinges."
Cal's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Cal, this is Betsy Davis. We've finished the estate sale and there are some items that didn't sale, specifically a bunch of iron pieces. If you want them you can have them, free of charge."
"Why thank you, Ma'am. We'll be over in about an hour to pick it up."
Cal pushed the end-call button.
"You guys finish up as soon as you can. We've got to pick up some bar stock over at the Davis' farm."
Cal went and got the Unimog and parked it out front. He went into the cabin for a drink and let Siobhan know where he was going.
"I've got another project for you." Siobhan said. "We need a schoolhouse. We're running out of room in the Activity room."
"Okay. Pick out a site and get with Kathy to help with the design. I'll make a drawing and take it to Sam and get it started."
"Speaking of Kathy, I believe she would be happier teaching and mentoring the home-schoolers than making the trip into town every day."
"Find out what she makes. I'll pay her up to $65,000 a year. I've got to go. Joshua and Ben are waiting for me.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 21:03:09 GMT -6
When they got to the Davis farm, Mrs. Davis told them where to look. When they found it, Joshua's eyes got large.
"Cal, this is some prime stuff. I'm surprised no one recognized what was here. I bet the estate company didn't even inventory it."
"Well, let's get it loaded. Ben, go bring the Mog over here."
"What?"
"You drive, don't you? Then show us what you can do."
Ben trotted over to the Unimog and drove it over next to the shed.
They were about finished loading when Mrs. Davis walk over.
"Cal, there's some more stuff over in that building, if you want it."
Cal and Joshua walked over while Ben repositioned the truck.
"Oh, my goodness! It's all bar stock! There must be seventy-five pieces here!" Joshua exclaimed.
They loaded the rest of the stock up and Cal walked to the house.
"Mrs. Davis, you've got to let me pay for this metal!"
"No, Cal. Take it. With the insurance policies and the money from the estate sale, I've got more than I'll ever spend."
"Well, at least let me provide you dinner tonight. Nothing fancy. Every Thursday, we have a 'Pizza Night.' Pizza cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven. All the families on the ranch will be there."
"Oh, the kids would like that. What time should we be there?"
"Make it 6:00. We'll look forward having you there."
Cal got in the truck and pulled out his phone and called Siobhan to tell her to make some extra crusts for the extra five people.
Everyone was trickling in by 5:45 and at 5:55 the Davis family arrived. Once everyone arrived, Cal introduced Adam and the Davis family, and the ladies started making the pizzas.
Cal walked over to the Davis family.
"Well, Mrs. Davis, you get everything packed?"
"Everything we could. We still have about a truckload we'll have to come back to get."
"That won't be necessary. I can provide you with drivers and a truck, so you only have to make one trip."
"Oh, Cal, I can't let you do that!"
"I insist. That's what neighbors do."
"Well, at least let me rent a truck. Bill knows what size we need. Your men can drive it up, then bring it back and turn it in."
"That will work. You just tell me when you want them there."
"Okay. And thank you, again Cal."
Cal walked over to where Joshua and his family were seated.
"Joshua, you and Ben up for a little trip?"
"Joshua look up at him. "Sure, I guess. Where to?"
"Somewhere near Casper, Wyoming. Mrs. Davis needs a truckload of her stuff driven up and you would return the truck here for turn-in. I thought it might be a good chance for Ben to get more driving experience. You could probably do it in a day, but let's plan for two, so pack a bag. Mrs. Davis is going to call when she needs you."
Cal caught up with Siobhan and the kids. Cam and Siobhan were cutting the kid's pizza into smaller pieces, except for Amy. She insisted she have hers in wedge slices.
Everyone started eating. As usual, the pizza was delicious.
Cam was eating and looking around. She noticed Adam sitting over at a corner table just sipping a beer. She put down her pizza, got up, and went over to him. Siobhan watched her.
"What kind of pizza do you like?"
"Uh, sausage and mushroom, I guess."
"Come on." Cam said, grabbing his arm.
They walked over to the counter and Cam started shaping the dough. Once she had the dough shaped, she looked at Adam.
"Grab the sauce and spread it on it to your liking."
Adam took the sauce and began spreading it on the pizza.
"Okay, toppings. Put what you want on it."
Adam picked up the bowl of Italian sausage crumbles and spread them out. Then did the same with the mushrooms.
"Okay, pizza seasoning" And she sprinkled that on.
"Mozzarella, spread it on. No! you've got to put more than that on!"
"Okay, a little more pizza seasoning and we're done. You want black olives?"
"Sure." And he sprinkled a few on the pizza.
Cam grabbed the peel and set the pizza in the oven.
"Now we wait seven minutes and turn it."
Adam looked around, nervously.
"You're going to love this pizza. The wood-fired brick oven gives it a flavor I've never tasted anywhere else before."
Adam looked at her.
"Please, talk to me. There's no one else close to my age here except a couple of Siobhan's daughters."
"What do you do here.?" Adam asked.
"Well, I guess you'd call me an Au Pair. I look after Siobhan and Cal's children. Also, I'm finishing up my last semester of college."
"Oops! Time to turn the pizza!"
Cam took the peel and rotated the pizza to let it cook evenly.
"Okay, another seven minutes and it should be done."
"So, what is your Major?" Adam asked.
"Business Management. We're looking into expanding our marketing for our produce. We're a relatively small producer, compared to farms in California, but lucrative."
Cam took a look at the pizza. "Okay, pizza's done!?"
She scooped the pizza out with the peel and set it on a pizza stone. Taking the cutter, she sliced the pie into eight slices.
"Would you like to join me?" Adam sheepishly asked.
"Thank you, I would." Cam smiled.
"He's a goner." Cal said to Siobhan.
Siobhan looked over at the couple. "I don't know. He's going to need a lot of softening up; but you rough, tough Special Forces studs fold pretty easy."
"Watch it! Don't go getting sassy with me!" Cal grinned.
"Oh! Beat me, bite me, burn me, make me feel unwanted!" Siobhan giggled.
Mrs. Davis called the next day and said they would be leaving at 9:00 on Saturday. Cal said he would have Joshua and Ben there at 8:30. He called Joshua and told him the schedule and he would drive them there. Joshua said they would be ready.
Cal picked them up the next morning. During the drive to the Davis farm, Cal handed Joshua an envelope.
"This is $1000. It's up to you, but if you feel you are too tired, stop and get a motel room. It's about a six-and-a-half-hour drive there. Just be safe. This money is for expenses. I'll pay you for the driving when you get back. Call me if you have any problems."
Cal waited until the convoy left and drove over to the Farmers Market to see how the ladies were doing. They had a steady line of customers. Cal walked behind Siobhan and goosed her. She squealed and without turning around told him to stop before her husband caught them. She then turned around, giggling, and gave him a kiss.
"How did you know it was me?" Cal asked.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 21:04:44 GMT -6
"No man, in his right mind, would goose a woman open-carrying a pistol!"
"Yeah, that's true. How's everything going?"
"Great! The strawberries are selling like hotcakes. We won't be bringing any home."
Cal looked over and saw her selling Joshua's products. Gazing around he didn't see any potential trouble.
"Did you get with Kathy about the schoolhouse?" Cal asked.
"Yes. She and Bill are coming over for dinner tonight. We can talk about it then."
"Okay. I'm headed back to the Ranch."
"Okay, I'll see you later, Honey."
Cal finished running a patch through the barrel of his pistol and put the cleaning equipment away. He loaded a full magazine into the weapon and racked the slide, chambering a round. Dropping the magazine from the weapon, Cal loaded another bullet into the magazine and slid it back into the pistol. Closing the armory, Cal walked to the present excavation area. He found Barry cleaning up pay dirt.
"How's it going?" Cal asked.
"This is going to be big! The dirt is almost yellow with gold. I wanted to get this cleaned up and pull some maintenance on the machines."
Cal reached over and shut the near machine down and backed it away from the face of the cut.
"It looks like the vein is getting a little smaller on this cut."
Cal shut the other machine down and backed it away.
"This cut has a couple of promising veins. This should be a good haul."
They greased a couple of points and checked the grinders. Resetting the machines, they restarted the excavators and started hauling away the pay dirt. After the had finished the final pass with the vacuum, they headed to the sluice and emptied the vacuum bucket into the sluice. Barry began shoveling dirt into the hopper. Cal kept checking the mats because they were filling up fast.
"Okay, let's wash these mats or we're going to start losing gold."
Barry wheeled the tub on the flatbed cart over to the sluice and they began washing the mats. The cart was so heavy, it took both of them to move the cart to the Gemini Table. Cal began scooping the sludge onto the table and the gold was slowly washed out of the slurry. It was going to be a big haul.
"Well, that's it. Let's dry this and see what we have." Once the gold was dried, Cal started weighing the gold.
"1092.75 troy ounces."
"How much is that? Barry asked.
"Around 75 pounds or a smidge over $2,000,000."
"Whew! And we've still got a good bit of pay dirt to run."
"I'm going to put Adam to work with you. He's got an engineering background so you two should match up fine."
"Sounds good. These veins are going to make a lot of work. I'm going back to sluicing."
"Okay, just keep a check on the mats. They're filling up quickly."
"WILCO."
As Cal left the cabin, the ladies arrived from the Farmers Market. He helped them clean and put things away.
Cal helped Siobhan finish frying the chicken. As he was whipping the potatoes, Kathy and Bill walked in.
"Hidee ho!
"Hey guys! Grab yourself something to drink. We're just waiting a few more minutes for the biscuits to get done." Siobhan said.
Kathy went over to the counter and poured herself and Bill a glass of iced tea.
"Where are the kids.?"
"We fed them a little early and they are hunkered down in their playroom."
Siobhan pulled the biscuits out of the oven and Cal finished setting the food on the table. Everyone sat down and Cal gave the blessing.
"Oh Lord! I ate too much!" Bill groaned. Siobhan don't give Kathy any of your recipes. I'd get fat as a hog."
Kathy giggled. "I can work it off you, big boy."
Bill blushed and Siobhan and Cal laughed. Horrified, Bill looked at Kathy. She laughed and said "Gotcha!"
They all got up and cleared the table. Siobhan refreshed everyone's glasses. Kathy pulled out a sketchbook and opened it to a scaled drawing of the floorplan of the school.
Kathy began. "Basically, what I envisioned is five rooms. A central common, where my desk would be, and four surrounding rooms. Each room would have workstations that I can monitor from my computer. I can easily spot when someone is having a problem and go to them and give individual attention. We only need computers in three rooms right now but gives us room to expand if needed."
Cal looked at the drawing. "Good, you've entered the dimensions. I won't have to do a plan on AutoCAD. Sam's guy can go from this. I'm putting you on a separate power system using a wind turbine and solar cells for primary charging of the battery bank and a small generator that would automatically start if the solar panels and wind turbine weren't producing enough power."
"When are you quitting your current job?" Siobhan asked Kathy.
"The end of the month…two more weeks."
"Well, the day you quit is when we start paying you as our new Schoolmarm." Cal grinned.
"You don't have to do that! We won't even have the school ready yet, will we?"
"Probably not, but I think you'll have more than enough to do. We have some school supplies in the storeroom, but I'm sure we didn't cover everything. Oh! And make sure you have a large supply room for school items. I want you to make sure you have all the tools to make sure these kids get a quality education. When you get ready to shop for materials, see Cheryl and she'll give you a Ranch credit card for all school related purchases."
Cal went into The Junction the next morning to meet with Sam and Gary. Gary said it would be no problem producing the plans from Kathy's sketch.
"You want a basement also?"
"Yeah, I'm putting in a Safe Cell and can use the rest of the space for storage." Kathy had included electrical requirements so there wasn't much else they needed to discuss. Cal drove back to the Ranch.
When the kids had been put to bed that night, Cam came walking through the Family Room.
"Siobhan, I'm going down to talk to Adam."
"Okay." Siobhan looked at Cal. "It's on."
Cam walked up to the bunkhouse door. She could see Adam sitting in the Common Area watching TV. She knocked. Adam came to the door and opened it. Cam took his arm and said "Come on. I want to show you something."
She led him to Siobhan's little garden, and they sat down on a love seat there.
Adam sat there a minute, then looked at Cam.
"Cam, what are we doing here?"
"I just wanted to spend a little time with you and talk. To get to know you better. We never seem to be close enough during the day to do that.
"Cam, this isn't a good idea. I'm too messed up in the head for you to take an interest in."
"Why? Won't you at least tell me why?"
Adam sat there in silence for a couple of minutes, then he began.
"My wife, ex-wife, Holly and I were high school sweethearts. We got married right out of high school and she was soon pregnant. Realizing that the hospital bills would be huge, I joined the Army. Uncle Sam would cover the costs. In no time I was on orders to Germany to an Infantry unit. I got to Germany and was horrified at the conditions there. It was nowhere to bring a wife and a young child. I changed my tour status to an "All Others" tour, which meant I only had to spend two, instead of three years there. Holly got it in her mind I was whoring around and having a good time. In reality, I was busier than I ever was. Defense Intelligence Agency picked me up pretty quickly, and because I was one of few who could even get a high security clearance, I spent more time away from my unit than with it. In a few months, I received a letter from Holly stating she wanted a divorce. It tore my heart out. I couldn't go home. I couldn't afford the plane ticket. I sent almost all my money to Holly every payday. I just had to wait it out.
A recruiting team from Special Forces came to the Kaserne where I was stationed, and I signed up. If I couldn't have my family, I might as well be dead. From what I had heard, Special Forces was a good way to get yourself killed.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 21:05:59 GMT -6
When I out-processed from Germany, through a government error, I had two sets of orders in my hand. One was for Drill Sergeant duty at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, the other was for Special Forces training at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. I first went by my house to see Holly and my little girl, Janie. She was adamant about getting a divorce, so I went to Special Forces training.
I tried to see my daughter, but Holly didn't want me coming around. She said it confused Janie. I found out later she had been seeing some guy.
So, I went through training and got assigned to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. I went to the combat zones a few times, got wounded a couple of times and just lived day by day. After my last trip to Afghanistan, I met Glenda. We hit it off and started dating. We dated for 18 months up to the time we had a field exercise in Texas. Since I was going to be gone for a couple of weeks, Glenda was going to visit her mother in Richmond, or so she said. When I got back from the field exercise, I was ready to ask Glenda to marry me, but I found out Glenda was killed in a car accident in Charleston, South Carolina, along with my ex-friend. It seems her friends knew she was seeing this guy, but no one told me.
I have to admit I've been thinking about you, but I also have to admit I am a little gun shy. I don't think I could live through another mess like I faced with Holly and Glenda. In almost every way possible I'm better off because Glenda died. Don't get me wrong here, I could never have killed her, and I am sorry she is dead, but financially, and perhaps emotionally, I am better off this way. I could have and would have done some serious bodily harm to my ex-friend David if I had caught them. There you have it. I'm better off he died in the accident because I might be in jail, right now, for beating his ass. I don't know if I can even heal from the crap that's been thrown at me."
They sat in silence for a few minutes. Finally, Cam spoke. She told Adam about what had happened to Cal, and the reasons he ended up there on the Ranch. She told him everything. When she finished, they sat in silence once again.
"My God! I thought I'd been handed the dirty end of the stick, but Cal has had his heart ripped out time and time again!"
"Yes Adam, he did. But with the love of the people around him, he healed and learned to love again."
"Ad Astra Per Aspera"
"What does that mean?" Cam asked.
"It means 'Through hardships to the stars.' Cal has waded through a minefield of hardships and has made this place what it is."
They sat there and looked at the stars.
"Adam, I want to help you heal."
Slowly, he moved his hand over and took her hand in his. They sat there, just enjoying the evening.
"I'll probably have problems with trust for a while, but any woman I'm with better understand I won't put up with cheating."
Cam smiled in the dark. "I can guarantee you I would never cheat on you. I've seen what that does to couples that were friends of mine and I don't want any part of that, and Adam, don't paint all women with the same brush. "
"I guess I'd better go back to the house." Cam sighed.
They both rose and hand-in-hand walked back to the cabin. Adam stopped and turned to Cam when they reached the steps.
"Thank you. It was nice out here with you tonight."
Cam stretched up and kissed Adam on the cheek.
"I enjoyed it also. Maybe we can do this again soon?"
"For sure. Good night. I'll see you tomorrow.
"Good night."
Cam went inside and locked up. As she went through the den Siobhan looked up.
"Well?"
Cam just smiled and headed to her bedroom.
Cal saw Aggie in the shelter bedroom area the next morning checking the cleanliness of the area.
"Aggie, I've got a job for Ben, Able and Ruth. It'll only take about an hour so. I'll give them $20 each.:
"What do you want them to do?"
"Come with me."
Cal led her to the large storage room and laid out a Millennium MSA gas mask and four surgical masks, four sets of goggles, some mylar bags and an impulse sealer.
"I want them to put together kits for all the UV34s. If you can get them here this afternoon, say around 2:00, I'll have everything laid out. All they'll have to do is place the articles in the bag, seal it up and put it in a bin I'll have here."
"I'm sure they'll have no problem with that." I'll have them here."
Cal set up two large folding tables, screwed a filter into each mask, laid out 4 surgical masks and 4 sets of goggles for each bag. He wanted a total of 16 sets, one for each UV34. This was in case if anyone was caught out when the equipment was immediately needed, they would have it.
That afternoon the kids showed up. Cal showed them how to pack a bag, add an oxygen absorber, seal it and affix a label listing the contents. He left them alone to finish the process. When they were finished, he had them carry the bin out to a UV34 and gave them a list of the UV34s and who had them. They were to deliver them and come back to be paid. The kids took off and were back within 30 minutes.
"Cal, we got them delivered, but we don't know where this one goes." Ben said, worriedly.
"What about the 34 you were riding in?"
Ben rolled his eyes and stored the bag in the UV34. Cal handed each a twenty-dollar bill and they left. Aggie had been standing inside the screen door when the kids had arrived.
"That will make them think. Thank you, Cal."
"Baby steps, Aggie. Baby steps."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 5, 2021 21:08:47 GMT -6
Cal, have you seen Adam?" Cam asked.
"Well, 30 minutes ago, he was working at the sluice."
Siobhan looked at Cal and smirked as Cam headed to the entrance tunnel.
"What?"
"Another rough, tough Green Beret is going to bite the dust in the not too far future."
Cam turned the corner and entered the sluicing room. She stood there watching Adam adding pay dirt to the sluice. Adam caught movement in the corner of his eye and turned toward her.
"Hi."
"Hi. I haven't seen you in a couple of days and figured you were hiding from me."
"Oh no! I've just been busy down here learning the equipment and procedures. Is there something you wanted?"
"I was hoping we could maybe get together and talk some more."
"Yeah. I'd like that. Would you like to go into town for dinner and maybe a movie?"
"Yes. That would be nice. What time?"
"I'll pick you up about 7:00. That okay?"
"That's fine. I'll be ready."
Cam found Siobhan in the family room.
"Siobhan, is it all right if I go out to dinner with Adam tonight?"
"Sure, Cal and I can handle the kids. You have fun."
Adam picked Cam up at 7:00. Cal opened the door and invited Adam into the den. Almost immediately Cam appeared, and Adam stood up. He was looking at a vision of loveliness, a Goddess. His mouth dropped open and he stammered,
"My God, you're beautiful. I..."
Cam smiled and her dimples were very prominent. She said, "Why thank you good sir. I hope I'm not overdressed. You didn't say where we were going and, well, I wanted to look okay."
"Cam I'm sorry I didn't tell you where we were going. I really didn't know myself. I had to go on the internet and find the best restaurant I could find. Cam stepped back when she looked up into his eyes and smiled.
"Shall we go?"
Adam escorted her to his truck and helped her in.
When they pulled into the restaurant parking lot Adam heard her murmur "Oh my god. We're not really going here are we?"
He turned to look at her and saw her shocked expression.
"Well, yes if that's okay with you. I have reservations but if you want to go somewhere else? This has very good reviews and I thought you would like it."
"NO, I mean Yes, it's fine it's just so expensive I've heard and I ... well I don't want you to spend too much. I mean..."
Adam laughed and said, "Relax Cam. I can easily afford it here and unless you don't want to eat here it's fine. Now do you want to go in or somewhere else?"
Cam smiled at him. "Oh, this may be the only time in my life I can afford to eat here so if you insist..."Adam got out and went around the vehicle to open her door.
"Thank you. You don't see men doing that much anymore. I guess feminism has just about killed that."
"A gentleman will open doors, pull out chairs, and carry things for a woman. Not because she's helpless or unable, but because he wants to show her that she is valuable and worthy of respect."
Cam turned and looked at Adam in wonder. He held out his arm and she took it. Adam guided her into the restaurant where they were met by a smiling Maître d' who guided them to their table. They both ordered the smoked salmon and Adam ordered a nice Rosé Wine to pair with it. They engaged in friendly small talk during the dinner and dessert. Both enjoyed the dinner and as they were leaving, Cam asked if they could skip the movie and go back to the Ranch and take a walk.
"It's not that I don't want to go to the movies with you, Adam, but the Lyrids meteor shower is supposed to be especially active tonight."
"No problem. Does that mean I can ask you for another date?"
"You better."
When they arrived back at the Ranch, Adam parked, and they went to the Gathering House and picked up a couple of folding chairs.
"I think the hill above the airstrip would be a good place to watch." Adam remarked.
Cam took his hand in hers and they began walking up the road. When they reached the spot where the road went down the hill to the HTR Facility, Adam stopped.
"Let's sit here. We're not likely to run into any snakes, but we can't be too careful."
They unfolded their chairs and Cam set hers up right next to Adam's.
"Cam, I think I enjoyed this evening more than any I have spent the last several years. No better than we know each other, I enjoyed being with you more than I any other woman the last few years."
"I had a lovely time, too." She leaned over and gave him a very gentle kiss on the lips. "I'm looking forward to our next date."
Over the next several weeks they frequently dated and took walks across the Ranch.
Ben sat there looking at his discharge papers and felt a mixture of emotions. He had been in Special Forces for ten years. The last three were constant rotations to combat zones. He'd seen more things in those few years than most people would see in their lifetime. On the other, hand he was looking forward to going home, and yet there was that sense of loss. He was leaving behind a life that he had been made for. He excelled at everything he put his hand to since he joined the Green Berets. The teams had become his family. He had planned on making it a career until that IED that destroyed his Humvee put an end to those plans. His wound wasn't life changing, like some of his buddies had experienced, but it was bad enough to knock him out of the game. He hardly remembered anything until he woke up in Germany then sent him to Walter Reed for more operations and rehabilitation. His biggest worry was his wife. He tried to call her while in Germany, but all he got was voicemail. The same thing happened when he was at Walter Reed. Maybe she had changed phone numbers. He'd written her a letter giving her the date and time his plane would be arriving in Cody so she could pick her up. Ben arrived in Cody, Wyoming and as he went through the arrival gate, he looked around for Jane. He finally spied a man holding a sign with his name on it. Ben walked over to the man.
"Are you Benjamin Cannon?"
"Yes I am."
The man handed him a packet. "You have been served. In your hand are a summons for divorce, and a restraining order. You are to stay at least one block away from Ms. Jane Cannon and any property in which she may have an interest. Do you understand these items?"
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 3:07:03 GMT -6
Stunned, all Ben could do was nod. He dropped down in a seat and just stared at the packet, tears flowing down his face.
Ben felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at the man.
"Staff Sergeant, I'm Gary Wilson, President of Special Forces Chapter LXXI here in Cody. I saw what happened. Come with me and I'll buy a drink.'
Gary escorted Ben to a lounge and ordered a couple of Irish Whiskeys.
"Tell me your story, if you feel like talking."
"I'm Ben Cannon. I've been medically retired and was headed home. WAS headed home."
"Where's home?"
"Ralston. Well. I guess it used to be, anyway." I don't know what I'm going to do now."
"Well, that was the most despicable thing I've ever seen done. Do you have any other family in the area?"
"No, my parents died several years ago. I guess I'd better find somewhere to stay while I figure things out."
"Don't worry about that. We've got a guest house at the Chapter that Group guys use when they're passing through. Let's grab your gear and I'll take you there."
Gary took Ben to the Chapter guest house and showed him the facilities. There was a mall within walking distance and plenty of restaurants.
"Anything you need?" Gary asked.
"I guess I need to find a phone store."
"Come on. I'll take you to the mall. They'll have what you need."
Gary took him to the mall and Ben picked up a phone with a pre-paid plan then they went and picked out Ben some civilian clothes. Hungry, they stopped in the food court and got burgers. As they were leaving the food court, Ben almost bumped into a pregnant lady. Startled, the lady looked up at Ben, turned around and ran. Ben just stood there, a look of anguish on his face.
"Ben, what's wrong?"
A tear rolled down Ben's cheek.
"That was my wife. I've been gone 10 months."
"Jesus! Let's get out of here."
Andy drove up as Cal was headed to the equipment hangar. He got out of the UV34 and strode quickly up to Cal.
"Something wrong, Andy?"
"I just got a call from SGM Childress."
"Didn't he retire up to Montana?"
"No, Wyoming, Cody, Wyoming."
"So, what's new with him?"
"He's latched on to a wounded warrior. Guy just got home after getting wounded and months of rehabilitation in Walter Reed. The soldier was met at the airport by a process server. The guy's wife is pregnant, and he's been out of the net for 10 months."
"Damn! So, what's he need?"
"The SMAG wants to get him the hell out of there ASAP."
Cal pulled out his phone and called Ken.
"Ken, can you come up to the equipment hanger?"
Ken showed up a few minutes later.
"Ken, I need you to fly up to Cody, Wyoming and pick up a passenger and bring him back here. Andy, give Ken the SMAG's number. Ken, the Sergeant Major is your POC. He'll get the guy and his gear to the airport."
"How quick do you need him here? It's going to be several hours to fly there and back."
"Can you rent a faster plane in Grand Junction, then fly to Cody?"
"Be a lot quicker."
"Then do that. Use the company card. Get him back here as soon as you can."
Ken took off to pre-flight the Porter.
Cal looked at Andy.
"Keep tabs on this. The SMAG wouldn't have called if this guy wasn't in a world of hurt."
"Will do."
"Put him in the bunkhouse I'll have Aggie make sure there's plenty of beverages and snacks down there. I'll talk to the guy tomorrow."
Cal was going to the hangar when Jonah drove up and got out of his truck.
"Hey Hoss. You in the market for a dozer?"
"I have thought about it. It would be nice to be able to do our own tanks. I'd like to do a few more over on the Circle B. What do you have in mind?"
"My cousin has a 2014 CAT D6R XL over in Garden City, Kansas he's wanting to get rid of. He's selling out and retiring. His son doesn't want to pick up the business but, would consider a job as the driver/mechanic. The machine only has 3800 hours on it."
"What's it going to cost me?"
"$156,000; but that comes with several drums of lubricant and a load of spare parts. For an extra $30,000 he'll throw in a low-boy trailer."
"That's not a bad deal. Why don't you go over and check it out? Better yet, I'll have Ken fly you out when he gets back, and you can come back with the rig."
"I can do that. If he has a tractor to go with the low boy, you want to pick it up too?"
"I'll let you make that call. Once you get everything inspected, I'll wire the money."
Cal contacted Ken and told him when he got back to get ready to fly to Garden City. He then called Sam.
"Sam, I need a pole barn shelter built, like yesterday. I want it in a "T" configuration. It needs to be 50 feet deep by 80 feet by 25 feet tall with the top of the "T" long enough to fit a tractor/trailer under with 6 feet clearance on each side of the rig."
"Know just what you want. I can have the boy's out first thing in the morning. I've got some deep green siding and roofing. That okay?"
"That's fine. If you can do it, I'd like the support poles 20 feet apart. I'm going with a gravel floor."
"That'll work. See you tomorrow."
Cal took a Toolcat and leveled the area where he wanted to barn to be. As he was finishing up, he saw the plane coming into the facility. Jim came up as he was putting the equipment up.
"What you up to? Jim asked.
A crew is arriving tomorrow to put up a pole barn. I've got a CAT D6 I bought and need somewhere to keep it."
"Well, I need something to do. Why don't you let me ramrod this and you can start dealing with the new guy."
"I appreciate it. My plate is getting a little full."
"Say no more. I'll handle this. Just give me the specs you want."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 3:13:01 GMT -6
The next morning Cal had breakfast with Siobhan and the kids. Pouring his last cup of coffee, he took it out to the porch and called Joanna Cannon.
"Hi Cal. What's up"
"Joanna, I want you to pick out some more places we can dig cattle tanks. I'll have a dozer in here in a few days. If you can have your people get the GPS coordinates of where you want them, they can get started as soon as the dozer gets here."
"Can do Cal. This is going to be a big help. I've been meaning to talk to you about that. The tanks we dug last year have really greened up the range."
"I know the tanks have helped a great deal around here, too. The range is looking much better."
"Okay. I'll have the crew get started immediately. I myself can think of several places to put them."
"Good. I'll talk to you later.
Cal walked down to the bunk house and found Ben sitting at the table drinking coffee.
"Ben, I'm Cal Coleman."
"It's good to meet you Mr. Coleman."
"No, it's Cal. We aren't formal around here.
"Okay, Cal. What am I doing here?"
"You're here because brothers take care of brothers. The SMAG called us and told us you were against the wall, so we've got a place here for you to get your head together."
"I appreciate it. I'm still numb. I don't know what I'm going to do next."
"First, you've got a job here. We need help in a lot of different areas and one of them is construction. I want you to help supervise the erection of a pole barn I'm going to need for some equipment. Think you could do that?"
"I'll give it my best shot."
Cal took Ben down to the building site. He introduced him to Jim, and they discussed the building specs. The construction crew arrived, and Ben jumped in to help them. Cal pulled Jim to the side and explained Ben's situation to him. Jim just shook his head.
"You know, you've basically established a home for wounded warriors here."
"I know, but I couldn't do less."
Siobhan met Cal as he was coming back from the pole barn site.
"Come on. Kathy wants us up at the schoolhouse. She wants you to do an inspection."
They walked arm-in-arm to the schoolhouse and were met by Kathy as they entered.
"Well, with the exception of a few supplies I need, it's just about complete." Kathy smiled.
Cal walked around and looked in each learning area. Everything looked like it was conducive to good learning environment. Initially, they had to change the design a little because they had left out the bathrooms. Cal checked the basement and inspected the Safe Room air filter and the heating/cooling system. He walked back upstairs and met the women at Kathy's desk.
"Well?"
"What about water fountains?"
"Oh my gosh! I forgot all about that!"
"I'll have one of the guys pick up a couple and install them. When are you starting classes?"
"This coming Monday."
"Okay. No problem." Cal walked down to the pole barn site. The construction crew had just about completed the support poles.
"Jim, can I borrow Ben?"
"Yeah. They'll be starting on the roof and siding right after lunch."
"Ben, how are you with plumbing?
"Pretty good. What do you need?"
The schoolhouse needs a couple of water fountains. I need you to go up and check with Kathy on where she needs them and get some measurements on pipe and what you'll need for the installation. You'll find what tools you need in the hangar in the tool room. Get the credit card from Kathy to pay for everything. There's a plumbing supply outfit on Gunnison Ave. If they don't have what you need, they'll tell you where to get it."
"Sure thing."
"Oh, and take one of the Ranch pick-ups."
"Okay."
It was a perfect day at the Mount Vernon Country Club, partly cloudy with a slight breeze from the west. The laughter from the golfing party ceased abruptly when they heard a loud "SPLAT" and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee fell to the ground dead. A man hundreds of yards away sent a text on a phone "Delta-1."
The woman at the wedding reception held at the Guglielmo Winery received another tall-boy of bourbon when the side of her head was destroyed by a 150-grain bullet. Fifteen minutes later a man texted on his cell, "Delta-2.
The head of the House Intelligence committee turned on the gas on his grill. His body was blown into three different parts. Hearing the explosion, a man 3 blocks away texted on his phone, "Delta-3".>
The Senate Minority Leader was having a nice seafood lunch at The Wharf in Alexandria, Virginia when he suddenly collapsed. A man, after leaving the restaurant, texted "Delta-4."
An anonymous communique was sent to the Washington Examiner that evening:
"Our form of government requires the input from our citizens through their representatives. This would occasionally refresh the ideas and personalities in Washington. When our representatives decided to become career politicians and elevated themselves above the people they were to serve, this tainted the idea pool and integrity in politics, to where corruption became commonplace. To ask the politicians to adhere to term limits would be futile. Asking Washington to fix Washington would be as senseless as asking cancer to cure cancer.
Our group of concerned citizens has decided to help the politicians see the error of their ways. They will, within 90 days, pass Term Limits legislation limiting each politician to no more than two terms in office. They will also withdraw from receiving life-time retirement benefits and utilize the same healthcare as the normal citizen. They will cease immediately, what to the common citizen considers 'insider trading,' that has enriched too many politicians.
If our demands are not met within 90 days, we will begin selective elimination of career politicians. A 'career politician' is considered anyone who has more than two terms in office.
Veritas Filii Libertatis"
Cal was listening to the news the next morning.
"Son of a Bi****!"
Siobhan turned around.
"What's wrong?"
"Someone's killing off politicians. It's got everyone in Washington a little excited."
Cal sat his coffee cup down and went into the family room and turned on the TV to Fox and Friends. The murders of the politicians were all they were reporting. D.C. was in an uproar. This was going to get interesting.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 3:18:57 GMT -6
Everyone gathered for the inauguration and dedication of the High-Top Education Center that afternoon. Cal noticed the placement of the water fountains. Kathy began her presentation.
"The Ranch Educational Program is very different from the state-run schools. The current educational system seemed to me to be a costly babysitting program. Yes, the children enrolled in the state-run schools learn many of the things they needed to learn, but at the pace of the slowest learner, and that pace is imposed on all of the students. Therefore, the better students didn't learn as much as they could have learned. Our Flexible Level Program presents our children with the basic information that the old school system presented during the Elementary, Middle School, and High School levels. Several of the state's required courses, such as physical education, were included in the syllabus, but there were no actual classes. I also expanded and upgraded the content of other classes, and made our system a guided, self-paced learning system that is conducted in the classroom. The teacher's purpose is to answer questions and ensure all of the kids were progressing at a pace that was appropriate for the individual. The majority of the children who start Grade 1 should be able to complete the normal twelve-year Flexible Level Program within nine years. As required, the computer programs can be expanded to include or broaden subjects."
Kathy had done an amazing job of setting everything up. As he looked around the room, Siobhan walked up.
"Kathy and I were thinking…"
"Great!" Cal said, rolling his eyes.
"Quit! Anyway, she is probably going to need another teacher soon."
"Okay. And I presume you have a solution."
"Dan Master's daughter just completed her Masters' in Education."
"Well, I guess you could approach her and see if she is interested."
"Already have and she is."
"Why is it you are even talking to me if you women have already got it figured out?"
"Just want to keep you in the loop, Sweetheart. Oh, and you are also a member of the education board."
"Why not?"
Cal walked out of the school and called Sam.
"Sam, I need another 3-bedroom cabin with basement, when you can get around to it."
"No problem Cal. I've been keeping a couple of kits on site for you. The crew will be out tomorrow afternoon to start on the basement and foundation."
"Sounds good, Sam. I'll talk to you later."
Cal heard a large truck pulling in, so he walked out and saw Jonah getting out of the cab.
An early 20's guy came around the truck.
"Cal, this is my cousin, Dennis."
Cal offered his hand and Dennis shook it."
"Where would you like me to put the CAT, Mr. Coleman?"
"Dennis, call me Cal. Let's park the rig down next to where they are building the heavy equipment shed. You can leave the dozer on the low-boy for now."
Dennis got back into the cab and began moving the rig to the shed area.
"Jonah, how was the trip?"
"It was good. No problems. He had a sweet John Deere 350D excavator and he's going to give someone a sweet deal on."
"Well, it just so happens an excavator was next on my bucket list. Why don't you get your cousin on the phone and see what he wants for it?"
In truth, an excavator was on Cal's mind. He'd done some research on used and new prices.
Jonah talked to his cousin and handed the phone to Cal. Cal talked for a few minutes and they made a deal. Dennis walked back up.
"Dennis, will that John Deere 350D fit on that low-boy?"
"Sure. You gonna buy it?"
"Just did. You feel like going back to Garden City tomorrow and hauling it back?"
"No problem. Where do you want to off-load the dozer and stuff?"
"We'll unload it in the general area. I'll bring the forklift and tarps and unload the drums and parts."
Dennis left the next day and made a rapid turn-around, arriving back to the Ranch on Sunday.
Cal and Siobhan drove Amy to school in the UV34 on Monday. Siobhan was almost as excited as Amy. They watched the kids get seated then left.
"Siobhan touched Cal's arm.
"What are you going to do with the Activity Room now?"
"Well, I have an even bigger room set aside for schooling and will move the equipment in there. I had Glen add the schoolhouse network as a subnet to the Ranch network. That way, if we did have to go underground, the school would go on. Plus, we can use it also for adult education."
Cal had a couple of things on his "To-Do" list today. First, have Glenn get the equipment and set up the Learning Center and tie it to the network. The second thing was having Joshua make corridor signs. After he talked to them and given them his requests, he pretty much had nothing to do. Cal got in his UV34 and headed to the HTR Facility.
Cal went inside and Andy was there talking to a couple of the instructors.
"Cal, I see you got an excavator."
"Yeah. It was a good deal, so I snatched it up."
"Well. I have a request. Between the Facility and the main road, there are a few points of possible access. I'd like to put in some anti-vehicular ditches there."
"Sounds good. I'll send Dennis and Ben down to talk to you."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 3:24:34 GMT -6
They went over the contracts that were pending and Cal headed back to the house for lunch. He ran by the heavy equipment shed and Dennis and Ben were pulling maintenance on the excavator and the D6. "Hey, you guys take a break and come up and have some lunch with me. I've got something to talk over with you." "Okay, Cal, we'll be up in 20 minutes." Cal headed back to the house. "What's for lunch? Cal asked Siobhan. "Chicken and Dumplings and Coleslaw." "We got enough to feed Ben and Dennis?" "Absolutely. Let me set out a couple of more plates." Ben and Dennis arrived and were given seats. Cam and Siobhan served the iced tea and passed the food around. "Andy needs some help down at the HTR Facility. He wants to dig an anti-vehicle ditch in a few places. Think you guys can handle it?" Dennis looked at Ben, who nodded. "Sure Cal. With the heavy equipment, we should have no problem." "After lunch, check in with Andy and he can show you where he wants it. Also, we've got a few cattle tanks that need to be pushed out. Once you finish the ditches, we'll get you started on that." "Sounds like we'll be busy. Do you have a maintenance truck?" "No, not really. Do we need one?" "It would help. You can do repairs and refuel the equipment with it." "Well, find us one. Let me know what you come up with." They finished their meal and Ben and Dennis headed out in a UV34 to see Andy. Cal helped Siobhan and Cam clear the table. Siobhan put her arm around Cal. "We're going into town. We need to restock the pizza fixings for tomorrow night. Do you need anything?" "I'm good. Be safe."
Cal sat on the porch drinking his coffee as the sun was coming up. "Cal, there's a Mitch Carr out at the front gate." Cal sighed. "Let him in." A few minutes later, a late model black Dodge pulled up. A tall slender man got out with a young boy, about 12, got out. "How's it going, Cal?" "Pretty good Mitch. What brings you around these parts?" "Starting a new life if I can. "You probably need to, considering the dust-up back east." "It was time. We have lost too much over the years to those scum. It seems the push we gave them has got that bunch re-thinking things a bit. They seem to be ready to change." "Until a fresh crop shows up. Any way they can tie you to things?" "Not a chance. I'm looking to settle down with my son and get my life back together. Cal, this is my son Jimmy." Cal shook Jimmy's hand. "We've got a place for you with our security company if you're interested." "I'd like that." "How did you find me?" "Harry Corgan works for the Colorado State Police." "Oh yeah. Well, take your gear down there to the bunkhouse and find yourselves rooms until we can arrange more permanent housing. We're having Pizza Night at the Gathering House this evening and I can introduce you to everyone. Some you already know." Cal walked into the kitchen and took the pitcher of iced tea out of the refrigerator. Taking a glass out of the cabinet, he filled it with ice and poured it full of tea. Siobhan walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love your smell." She sighed. Cal turned and hugged her close. "Are you happy?" Cal asked. "I am deliriously happy. A day does not go by that I thank God for letting us be together. Oh God, Cal. I didn't think I could ever love anyone as much as I love you. You and our children are my universe." They stood there just holding each other. "Get a room!" Cam said as she and Amy walked in. "Aunty Cammie, they already have a room!" Siobhan grinned. "You want to help me make pizza dough, Pumpkin?" "Oh yes!" And ran over to get her apron. I'm going down to the Facility to talk to Andy. I'll be back in time to help haul everything to the Gathering House." Cal pulled into the parking area of HTR Security Facility and walked to the entrance. The door didn't open. He heard a click and the door unlocked. Cal walked in and went to Andy's office. "I see you've added security." Andy grinned. "Yeah, we're getting ready to add an arms room, so we're going by federal regulations on security. Here, this is your access card for the facility." Cal took the card and its lanyard. "What's this about an arms room?" "We're using our own people to build it. Ben is the head honcho on construction. We've acquired enough rails to weld them back-to-back and space them 6 inches apart for the walls and ceiling. That will be encased in 18 inches of concrete. The door is a bank vault door we got that was canceled for a bank being built." "When are you putting this in?" "We start on Tuesday." "The reason I wanted to see you is Mitch Carr showed up." Andy rubbed his chin. "Is he dragging baggage?" "Nothing I see anyone can prove." "I could use him in a couple of areas of security, with his background." "Well, you got him if he wants it. You'll see him this evening. Set up a meet with him tomorrow and check him out. Another thing, I want to move UAV ops here. You got room for them?" "Sure. We overbuilt the facility. As a matter of fact, I had them build a roof access, so UAVs could be launched without the operators being seen from the ground. We'll set up operations and storage upstairs for them. It's open so all we have to do is put up walls." "Sounds good. Well, I'll see you guys this evening."
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Post by kiwibutterfly on Aug 6, 2021 4:05:41 GMT -6
Great story, great writing.
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Post by biggkidd on Aug 6, 2021 6:42:28 GMT -6
Thank You your talent is appreciated!
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 8:07:22 GMT -6
Cal went back to his office and pulled up his drafting program on the computer. Taking the plans for the excavator, he made changes to allow it to bore vertically and added a hood that would allow a 4-inch hose to vacuum the debris away. Once he was satisfied, he searched the internet and ordered the strongest portable vacuum he could find. He then called his fabricator he used to build the excavators and explained to him what he needed. The plans were emailed to the fabricator.
Cal found Siobhan in the playroom with the kids and Cam.
"I need to run into town to get some things to finish out the room. Did you two get the paint colors she wants?"
"Yes. Let me go with you and I want to pick up some things and I can get the paint mixed while you are getting the other stuff."
"Okay. Let's get going…daylight's burning."
Diana called a week later and talked to Siobhan. She said she'd be ready to move the following week, so they set up Saturday to be moving day. Cal took 3 guys with him with their two box trucks and were loaded within a couple of hours. They were back at the Ranch by 4:00 that afternoon. An hour later, they were finished unloading.
"I can't believe it! There's no paint smell."
"Cal put an ozone generator in here for 24 hours and it got rid of the smell." Siobhan said. Come on. I'll help you make your bed."
They made the bed and Siobhan helped her hang her clothes in the walk-in closet. While they were busy, Cal had been finishing dinner. When Siobhan and Diana returned to the cabin, Cal had the meatloaf dinner ready. Instead of the usual chaos, the children were well behaved and talked politely at the table.
The next morning, Cal was drinking coffee on the porch when he spotted Kengo and Akira taking a walk. He stepped off the porch to meet them.
"Akira, I have some more gold for your jewelry."
"Thank you. I have some new designs I want to try."
"Oh, and Siobhan wants to talk to you about some pieces she wants you to make to give as gifts and a special project she wants made for an auction for charity."
"I will stop by to talk with her."
"She's in the kitchen now. Why don't you go in?"
"Thank you. I will do so."
Kengo looked up at Cal.
"This man, Ken Nelson, he is good man?"
"Ai, he is a very good man."
Kengo look off in the distance. "He seems fond of Akira."
"You can trust him. He is an honorable man."
"Ai, I think so."
"Kengo, you are doing an excellent job here. I appreciate what you have been doing."
"I get much pleasure from the gardening. It is very relaxing."
"Well, if you think of things that will bring harmony to the people of the Ranch, feel free to do it."
"Thank you, I will do that, and I will speak to the ladies of the house and ensure that they will be pleased."
"Thank you, Kengo, for your consideration."
Cal went in and gave Akira the gold scraps he had. She soon left and she and Kengo continued their walk.
The components for the two new excavators finally arrived. Cal, Diana and Adam sat down with a map of the complex and discussed where to begin the stairway excavation.
"This area here is about halfway down the excavated area. We can start there and, later on, when we do ramps at the west and east ends, we'll already have the kinks worked out in our procedures. We'll only cut steps in when everything is complete. This will allow us to use electric carts for debris removal."
"Sounds good." Cal agreed. "Let's get the tools and equipment to the site. While Adam and I are putting this thing together, Diana can start marking where we start."
It took them 4 hours to assemble everything.
"Okay, Diana, what angle should we set up?"
"I think we should use 20 degrees. If we cut on that angle for 48 feet, that will give us a 9-foot ceiling with enough room to set up both vertical excavators to begin the first cutting."
They placed the excavator in place and Adam went down the tunnel to turn on to turned on the 30kw generator. The excavator was turned on and it began to bite into the rock and the vacuum cart began to suck up the debris.
"Let's make sure we monitor the dump cart. It's going to fill slowly until the excavator engages the full face of the cut. Once we start full-face cutting, we can establish the rate of cutting and debris cart switching more accurately."
The excavator reached full-face cutting in 2 hours and Cal had them shut everything down. In the morning, they could get an estimate of the rate of cut and the time between vacuum cart switches.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 8:09:35 GMT -6
Sonia called Cal on the radio. "Cal, we've got a visitor at the gate, a woman."
"Let her through." Cal replied.
Cal and Siobhan walked out on the porch and a lady drove up in a Nissan.
The car stopped and a lady got out.
"I'm looking for Cal Coleman."
"I'm Cal, what can I do for you?"
"Cal, I'm Diana Whitman, Scott Whitman's sister. I have something that Scott wanted you to have."
Puzzled, Cal asked, "Where's Scott?"
"Scott died. He went back for his checkup and his cancer, previously thought cured, had rapidly metastasized to most of his major organs, his prognosis was bleak, and no treatment save for palliative care would be possible. Scott had six months to live, at best. During the time of his previous treatment, his wife Holly fell in love with Scott's best friend, Blake, who had been helping them out. Scott didn't have a chance to tell her about the re-occurrence before she presented him with divorce papers. He signed them and when she had gone out, packed his bags and left her his wedding band and signed divorce papers on the coffee table and came out to California to see me. I finally had to put him in hospice where he died two weeks ago."
Cal sat down on the porch steps and bowed his head. Siobhan sat down and put her arm around him.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Diana, Scott was a good friend."
"During his last days he talked about you a lot. He said you were a man who would never betray him, unlike his ex-wife. He wanted me to give you this."
Diana handed Cal an envelope. Cal opened it and looked at the Certified Check for $250,000.
"Diana, you should keep this."
"No, Scott left me enough so that I'll never have to work again, which is good because I'm still looking for a job."
"I'm sorry, where are my manners. Let's go in and have something to drink."
Siobhan guided Diana in and sat her in the kitchen.
"Coffee, tea, juice…?"
"Tea, if you don't mind."
Cal pulled out his radio. "Cheryl, could you come to the kitchen please?"
Cheryl walked in a few minutes later. "Yes, Cal?"
Cheryl came in and Cal handed her the check.
"Take this and get with our lawyers. I want to set up a scholarship program in the name of Scott J. Whitman for the Nursing Program at the college. Add another $750,000 from the Ranch.
A tear started flowing down Diana's cheek. She bowed her head.
"Diana, Scott was one of the best medics I've ever worked with. He was so caring to his patients."
Siobhan spoke up. "Diana, would like a cup of hot tea, or iced tea?"
"Iced tea, please."
"Diana, please have a seat. What are your plans?"
"Well, I just got my degree from the Colorado school of mines. I'm putting in my résumé together to find a job."
"What can you expect to make, starting out?"
"Around $60,000, if I can get on with one of the larger companies."
"I'll offer $75,000 to work for us."
Diana's eyes flared.
"Just what would I be doing?
"Let's finish our tea and I'll show you around."
After they had finished their tea, Cal showed her a map of the mesa and took her on a tour of the underground complex. As they went along, Cal explained the history of the excavations. They ended up at the sluice and stopped.
"Cal the composition of the rock here wasn't what I was expecting. Normally, a butte or mesa is composed of sedimentary rock, formed by the accumulation and compression of sediment. This formation is like a super-sized butte. It has more solid rock with veins and seams of other deposits, including the gold deposits. You have a perfect setup here. Those excavation machines are brilliant. Have you given any thought into going any deeper?"
"Those machines were designed for horizontal excavation. If we tried to go down, they'd bury themselves."
"Yes, but it wouldn't be a stretch to design one to vertically excavate. The debris could be removed by a vacuum system."
"Yeah, that's a possibly. We could use something like one of those lawn leaf vacuums to hold the debris and pull it with a utility vehicles to the sluice. We could start with stairs and an elevator shaft. I think you just earned your first paycheck. Come on, let's go get some more tea."
They went back to the kitchen and Siobhan poured them more tea. They talked about her benefits and giving her a room until more suitable housing could be built.
"A room would be fine. I'd only use it for sleeping anyway. I like to be out and about. I thought the rooms were great."
"When can you move in and start work?"
I'll have to sell the house. Scott's will has been probated so all I have to do is get the house ready to sell."
"When you get ready to move, give me a call and I'll send some guys up to help you move."
"Can I take some measurements of the room to see what furniture I can use in there? What won't fit I'll sell, or give to the Salvation Army. It's no use to just keep in storage."
"Sure. Let me go get a tape measure. Siobhan, will you take her to the suite on C2 and I'll meet you there."
Cal got the take measure and met them at the suite.
"Cal, this is too much!"
"I don't think so. You have a bedroom, sitting room and a full bath. There may come a time you need some alone time. You just need to tell us your paint scheme and it will be ready to move in when you get back. Siobhan, where are those designer paint swatches?"
"Right here. I figured we could kill two birds with one stone."
"Good. Well, I'll let you two ladies do your thing and I'll get out of your hair."
Cal left and went looking for Ben Cannon, finding him in the wood shop working on a bookcase.
"Ben, I need your assistance."
"What's up?
"We've got a new employee that I need to finish a suite for. We need to plaster the walls, paint, hang some hardware and frame out closet doors."
"No problem. When do you want to start?"
"We can start in the morning. I need to go in for supplies. The doors are over there. I just need to pick up the plaster and hardware."
"Okay. I'll see you at 0900 then."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 8:12:02 GMT -6
As Cal and Adam made their way to and entered the cabin, Siobhan called out and invited Adam to dinner.
"I'd like to get a chance to clean up." Adam said.
Cam stuck her head from around the kitchen door.
"Dinner will be ready in about 30 minutes. I'll come and get you.."
"You can just call me on the radio."
"I SAID, I will come get you."
Siobhan grinned. "Well, that sounds like marching orders. You two go and get showers."
With 15 minutes left to pull the lasagna out of the oven, Cam finished the salad and put the garlic bread in the oven to toast.
"I'm going to get Adam."
Siobhan grinned and winked at her.
Cal leaned back and patted his stomach.
"That was absolutely the best lasagna I've ever eaten."
Siobhan glanced over at Adam.
"Cam made that."
Adam glance at Cam.
"That was delicious, Thank You"
They all got up from the table. Cam herded the kids to the playroom while Siobhan began picking up dishes. Cal and Adam started helping her.
"No, you two go sit on the porch. Do you want an ale or something?"
Cal looked at Adam. "No. I think I'll just have some ice water. Adam?"
"No water is fine."
Cal got them both a glass of water and added ice and the men retired to the porch. In a few minutes, Siobhan and Cam came out and sat with them.
"It's a beautiful evening." Said Siobhan.
Cam grinned. "Tomorrow evening is going to be even better. Adam is going to take me to a movie, aren't you Adam?"
Adam snapped a look at Cam and studied her. "If you say so."
"And I'll buy you a milkshake, after." Cam grinned.
They sat there for a few minutes more, just enjoying the evening. Adam slowly got up.
"Well, I guess I'll turn in. We've got a busy day tomorrow, and I want to finish those calculations ASAP."
"May I walk with you?" Cam asked.
Adam looked down at her, then offered his hand to help
"What if I had said no?"
"I would have followed you, chunking rocks at you the whole way."
They heard Siobhan make a squeak and then burst out laughing.
Adam turned and shouted to Siobhan.
"Please don't encourage her. She's already learning what screws to turn."
Adam had entered the complex through the garage entrance and had started up the excavators and started the timer. By the time Diana and Cal got there, the excavators had already dug in 6 inches.
"Looking good, Adam." Said Cal when he checked the timer. "Looks like it's digging at about 1 foot an hour. When it starts doing less, we'll need to see if we need to change out the cutters. I ordered several spare sets, so we'll be good."
Diana and Andy kept the operation under observation and Cal handled the vacuum carts. The carts were dumped on a conveyor belt that moved the pay dirt into the sluice. He checked the sluice after a couple of hours and spotted a few pieces of gold.
They ran the excavators for 8 hours and had dug almost nine feet. Adam and Cal pulled the mats out of the sluice while Diana watched. When they ran the sludge through the Gemini Table, they weighed out 6 oz of gold.
"How much is that worth?" Diana asked.
"Around $11,000. A few more days like this and the new excavators will pay for themselves."
"Have you been getting that much gold every time you run the excavators?"
"Sometimes more, sometimes less. Every so often, we'll hit a real good seam and hit the jackpot. We've set up a couple of charities, so the taxman doesn't eat us alive. We need to finish cleaning up. Adam, are you still taking Cam to the movies tonight?"
"Yeah, I guess I need to go get ready."
"Adam, Cam has a big heart. If things don't work out, let her down easy."
Adam nodded and headed for the garage.
Adam pulled up in front of Cal and Siobhan's cabin and knocked on the door. Cam answered the door and shouted to Siobhan they were leaving. Adam opened his truck door and assisted her in.
"Do you have a movie picked out?" Adam asked Cam.
She told him what theater to go to and that they could chose a movie then.
When the movie was over with, Adam took Cam to Chrissy's Ice Cream. She ordered a strawberry shake and Adam had peach.
"Well, did you enjoy the movie?" Cam asked.
"Yeah, it was pretty good."
"I hope it doesn't bother you that I kind of shanghaied you tonight." Cam said.
"I guess I need a little prodding. I wasn't too interested in going out…"
Cam frowned.
"…but after tonight, I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel."
Cam smiled.
"Well mister, you just remember who's holding that light for you."
They returned to the Ranch and Adam held her hand and walked her to the door. Cam turned to him and put her arms around his neck.
"Adam, if you let me, I want to take all the pain away."
She stood on her tiptoes and softly kissed his lips. Adam's hands moved to her waist and gently pulled her to him.
"I could get used to like this." Adam smiled.
"You better!" Cam grinned, then turned and went through the door.
Adam sighed, then drove his truck to the bunkhouse.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 8:14:04 GMT -6
Cal rode down to the HTR Facility in a UV34 and watched a group of State Police run through training at the range. Andy came out of the building, saw Cal, and walked over to him.
"Do you have time to talk?
"Sure."
"Let's go to the office where it's a little quieter."
Both grabbed cups of coffee and had a seat in Andy's office."
Andy cleared his throat. "First, Dan Masters is retiring in a couple of weeks. I want to offer him the job of Chief Procurement Officer."
"Okay, I don't see anything negative about that."
"Second, I need to hire another PI. I've got one in Denver under consideration."
"Hey, you are the COO, so you know what you need."
"Third, I'd like to build a barracks and dining facility for 50 people. The hotels and restaurants are a good distance away and would be better if the students we close to here. We can add the cost of room and board with the tuition, but also give them the option."
"I can see that. Okay, get with Sam and Gary and tell them what you need."
"I also talked to Aggie, and she said she and her daughter could do the cooking."
"That's fine. Make sure she is in on the planning. Give her the kitchen she wants."
"Will do."
"Where are you planning to put the barracks and dining facility?"
"Over by the lake. I thought of building two separate buildings connected by an enclosed walkway."
"Could get a little hot in the summer."
"I'd use drop-down windows with screens."
"Okay. Just get with Sam and Gary, with Sam working as General Contractor."
Cal went to the greenhouses and looked around. Dawn had two beds of her square melons that looked about ready to harvest. He heard his name called and turned around to see Dawn.
"We're going to have a lot of produce ready for market Saturday. The restaurants and groceries have increased their purchasing also."
"Dawn, I don't want you and the rest to overwork yourselves."
"Oh, we don't. We have a lot of volunteers come in to help. It's relaxing."
"Okay. Just yell if you need me to hire someone. What products are selling the best?"
"Everything. We're continually growing different things to see if there is any interest, and we talk to the customers to find out what they want.
Cal had called Dan and June Masters and invited them out for their Thursday Pizza Night. He wanted to talk to them about Dan's retirement.
Dan and June arrived as people started gathering. Cal and Siobhan met them, and Cal retrieved their drinks.
"Well, how do you feel about retiring, Dan?"
"Well, I'll miss the police work, for sure."
"And I'll have him under foot all the time if he doesn't take the HTR offer."
"Oh, I'm taking the job. I'm looking forward to it!"
Cal and Siobhan smiled.
"Well, the $64,000 question is, will you consider moving out here? The job comes with a cabin, floorplan of your choice."
June's eyes sparkled. "I was hoping you would ask."
"Mushrooms." Dawn said. "The nearest supplier is in Oregon. We could steal the market around here."
"Okay. So where are you planning to grow them?" Cal asked her.
"Come with me." Dawn grinned.
They rode a UV34 out to a site that Dawn had selected.
"We could make an underground growing area here, 80 x 100. I've read up and have some plans that would be perfect. Of course, the plans have to be redrawn by an architect."
"Well, I'd want a construction firm to handle it. That's a lot of concrete to pour. Okay, you're the head for this project. You make the contacts, schedules, etc. Let me know when you need the checks."
"You won't be sorry. This is going to make the ranch or charity a lot of money."
Over the next few weeks, the construction of the mushroom "bunker" slowly took shape. Dawn had done an excellent job in the design of what she wanted and needed. She ordered the first of the growth medium to get started but worked out the formula for making their own after that. Oyster, White button, Portabella and Chanterelle Mushrooms were the first to be grown to test the market. More growing space could be added as needed. It took 6 weeks to bring in the first harvest, and they were a hit. Once Dawn visited all her customers and potential customers, she had an idea of what was needed to maintain their market. Looking at the output from the greenhouses and the added mushroom portion, it was decided a new production facility was needed. They had outgrown their family-sized facility. So, a new production building was designed and built, plus an additional mushroom bunker.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 8:15:14 GMT -6
"Cal, in need to talk to you." Cheryl said.
"Sure. What's up?"
"The way business is booming with the produce; you need to split the produce portion off to a separate company for tax purposes."
"Okay, see what needs to be done."
"That's another thing. You need to get yourself your own law firm to handle the ranch's business."
"I thought we already had someone…Harrison wasn't it?"
"Yes, but he's getting ready to retire and move to Arizona. We need someone fresh and new."
"Okay, see who you can find."
Siobhan came out on the porch and handed Cal a glass of iced tea.
"What are you doing this afternoon?" Siobhan asked.
"Nothing special."
"Want to go shopping with me and the kids?"
"Hmmmm…what kind of shopping?"
"They need clothes. They are all growing like weeds."
"Okay. Maybe we could have an early dinner at Franks"
"Deal! I'll have the kids ready to leave right after lunch."
Although Cal wasn't a big fan of just shopping, he had a good time just being with the kids. However, he did become the chief bag carrier. He slyly mentioned ice cream and the kids went wild. Siobhan gave him a frown.
"I need a break to go put these bags in the Suburban. I know you're not finished."
Siobhan giggled and started asking the kids for their orders. Cal quickly put the bags in the truck and was back in time to have a small cup of frozen yogurt. Finally, around 4:30, Siobhan said they were finished. They all loaded up and went to Frank's BBQ.
They were greeted warmly when they entered and were led to their special table by the waitress.
"Cal…Siobhan and paidiá! Welcome!" Frank said, smiling. "Eva! Come take their order!"
"I see you are still staying busy, Frank."
"Yes! I'm even going to expand!"
"Oh? Where are you going to build?"
"No, not build. Food trucks. I'm having a food truck for BBQ and a trailer custom built by Colorado Trailers to serve Greek delicacies. If people like, I may open a Greek Restaurant. You'll be seeing us at the farmers market."
"That's great! I'm sure you'll end up opening the restaurant. Your food is great."
The bell over the entrance door rang and Frank turned around to see who was entering.
"Oh, Cal, I want you to meet this couple!"
Frank brought to couple over to the table.
"Cal, Siobhan, this is Dale and Cynthia Anderson. They are new in town. Both Lawyers."
They all introduced themselves and shook hands.
Cynthia smiled at Cal. "Where's your cape?
Siobhan giggled and Cal looked around.
"The way Frank talked about you; I was sure you were Superman."
Siobhan started laughing and Cal blushed.
"Frank can embellish a story sometimes."
"Why don't you join us at this table, if you can stand the children?"
"Oh! Thank you. I love children, and they seemed so well behaved." Cynthia said.
"Well, we haven't just yet. We're still settling in and hope to find a permanent home here, then we can get down to business.
"Where are you from?"
"Originally, I'm from Iowa and Cyn is from Ohio. We're both lawyers and have been working in Chicago for the last 5 years and got tired of the rat-race. Also, we want to start a family. We thought a practice in a smaller city would be more conducive."
"What do you specialize in?"
"I'm a Corporate Lawyer and Cyn is General Practice."
Cal glanced at Siobhan.
Where are you hanging up your shingles?" Cal inquired.
"Nowhere yet. We're just getting used to the community, checking the housing out. So, what line of work are you in, Cal?"
"Well, I raise some beef, have a few greenhouses and have part ownership in a security company, and a couple of other things."
"Well, if you ever need lawyerly advice, we will add you to our empty client list."
"I'll keep you in mind."
Siobhan cleared her throat. "Say, every Thursday night, we have a get-together on the ranch and have wood oven fired pizza. If you could make it, we'd love to have you join us. Better yet, why don't you come and make a long a long weekend of it. We have more than enough room. We can show you ranch life."
Cyn looked at Dale. "Can we?"
"Sure, can we bring anything Cal?"
"Heavens no! Everything is taken care of."
"You might have some difficulty finding the place the first time, so I'll meet you here at Franks about 5:00 Thursday afternoon and guide you there." Cal offered.
"That would be great! Thanks for the invite."
Siobhan and Cyn started gabbing about what to wear and Cal excused himself to go to the restroom. Once inside, he dialed Andy's number.
"Andy, I need you to do your magic and check some people out. I'll need a report back by 1500 Thursday."
He gave Andy the information he knew about Dale and Cynthia and hung up. When he got back to the table the food had just arrived. They ate their meal and groaned.
"Frank has outdone himself this time! Siobhan said."
"That has to be the best meal I've had since we arrived." Dale moaned.
They chatted a while longer and said their good-byes.
"They seemed to be a nice couple." Siobhan said.
"Yeah, I've got a good feeling about them. We'll see."
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Post by cavsgt on Aug 6, 2021 11:09:16 GMT -6
From someone who can't string enough words together to make a sentence, Great job. Thank You for all of your work keeping us entertained.
Phill
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:13:53 GMT -6
Thursday morning, Andy delivered the P.I. Report to Cal.
"Everything looks good. Nothing bad showed up and they wouldn't have to work another day in their lives. They're worth around 7 million between them."
That afternoon Cal pulled into the parking lot of Frank's BBQ and immediately spotted Dale's wave. He pulled up beside their Tahoe and rolled down the window.
"Follow me. It's only about 20 miles."
When they arrived at the Ranch, Dale parked next to Cal. Dale and Cyn got out of their vehicle, Dale carrying a suitcase.
"Bring your things in and we'll get something to drink."
Siobhan was waiting in the kitchen.
"What would you like to drink? We have wine, beer, iced tea, or whatever. If I didn't mention it, we probably have it."
"Iced tea is fine."
"This is a beautiful place." Cyn said.
"Would you like the $2 tour?"
"Yes, please."
"Wait." Cal said. Standing, he took out his wallet and pulled out two $1 bills and handed one each to Dale and Cyn.
"I'm putting you both on retainer. What you're about to see and learn, we really don't want you speaking about what you see and learn to anyone but Ranch personnel."
Stunned, Cyn and Dale both answered "Of course."
As Siobhan guided Cyn and Dale through the shelter entrance, both Dale and Cyn's eyes grew larger.
"This is amazing! This must have taken years to accomplish this!"
Cal smiled. "It was slow going at first, but as I mechanized the excavation, I got more done."
Siobhan showed them the bedroom area and Cal did a narrative of what, why and how everything was done. He didn't mention the gold…. Yet. As the pièce de résistance, Siobhan finally led them to the sluicing area.
Cal explained. "Since the beginning of the excavation of the complex, I found some amounts of gold. I think, up to now, we've pulled out around $30,000,000 in gold. A lot goes to charity, a portion is given out as dividends to Ranch members, and a good bit is used for improvements to the Ranch and its concerns. It has been brought to my attention I need reliable legal representation to help me keep our operations clean. I'd like you two to join us as our legal team."
Astounded, Dale and Cynthia looked at each other.
"I think we need to sit down and discuss this." Dale said.
They all returned to the family room and Siobhan refilled everyone's glasses.
"So, tell me what you have in mind." Dale said.
"Basically, I started out simple. I inherited the Ranch and things have just snowballed since."
"…and you can lay the blame on Cal. He's always out to help someone. Everyone this Ranch had a need at some time that Cal fulfilled." Siobhan interjected.
"Be that as it may, I've got a conglomerate that needs fine tuning and that is above my pay grade. I'm willing to pay you well, plus provide you with other amenities."
Dale cleared his throat. "Cal, money isn't even an option. We left Chicago because we'd already made more than enough. We aren't greedy. We got tired of the rat-race and underhandedness that was part of big-city business. We just wanted to semi-retire and take things easy."
"Well, you're in the right spot. After we get through the Ranch business, it would be an occasional legal duty and maybe it put you to sluicing gold occasionally. We can even build you a house here where it's a lot safer than any subdivision. You would have a nice area to raise your family and access to some great food."
Cyn smiled. "Let us talk it over." Dale said.
"Of course. Well, I guess it's time to get things together for the pizzas. The ladies began pulling out the pre-prepared pizza dough and Cal and Dale went to the Gathering House to start the fire and check on the drink supply.
After everyone had eaten their fill, people gathered in random groups and chatted. Cal and Siobhan were just finishing up feeding the kids when Dale and Cynthia walked over.
"Cal, we'd like to accept the offer."
Siobhan squealed and hugged Cyn.
"You won't regret this! Cyn, tomorrow you and I can pick out the floorplan and building site for your house!"
"I hope they are log homes like I see around here. I've always wanted a log home."
"No problem. Look, you've seen the suites in the complex. Why don't you two move in until your home is built?"
Cyn looked at Dale and he nodded. "We can do that. We can go back and check out of the hotel tomorrow afternoon and return here."
The next day, as Siobhan and Cyn were going over floor plans, Cal showed Dale one of the larger empty storerooms.
"Dale, this is one of the extra storerooms we haven't used yet. It is 30 feet by 40 feet. Will this be big enough for you and Cyn to work out of?"
"More than enough. What about internet access?"
"Already accessible through the network. I'll have our network Admin get with you for any other needs or equipment. I was thinking of putting in two sound-proof offices. That should give you plenty of room for all those law books lawyers like to keep around catching dust."
Dale chuckled. "Yeah, we do accumulate a few. Say, how did you get the walls so smooth?"
"After the excavator is through, we run a grinder over it, then plaster it. So, if you want to hang anything, you're going to need a masonry bit and a little elbow grease. Also, order whatever furniture and equipment you need, and the Ranch pays for it."
"This is amazing Cal."
"Well, let's go see what floorplan Cyn has picked out."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:15:05 GMT -6
Dale and Cyn got moved in and their office was set up. Here they were, 75 feet below ground with a complete law office. Dale, working with Cheryl, immediately started ironing out the corporate structure. The HTR Farms, L.L.C., was formed and added to the corporate structure.
All hands were on deck for the farmers market on Saturday. Even Cyn went in with the crew. Cal and Dale stayed back so Cal could give Dale a complete tour of the HTR complex. "Cal, how in the world did you get so successful in so short of a time?"
"Well Dale, things just seem to fall into place. A lot of the people here came to get away from a bad situation…like me. I just used their talents to where they best fit and we became just one big family. I give them the run of the leash and they excel. I just want everyone to be happy and feel their worth."
"Well, it looks like you have succeeded."
"Let's go see the progress on Diana's excavation."
They walked to where the ramp began. Diana was just swapping out vacuum carts.
Cal looked at the current cut area. It extended about ten feet from the edge of the ramp.
How's it going?"
"It's going surprisingly good. This section I'm going to extend out to give us a turn-around area for carts. I think we're going to start seeing some gold in this area. The rock strata has some possibilities."
"Diana, this is Dale Anderson. He and his wife are going to be our lawyers."
"Pleased to meet you, Dale."
"You need anything Diana?"
"Nah. Adam is working with me today. He's dumping the other cart now. BTW, you probably should think about getting more of the electrical carts and small trailers. When we finish this level, you're going to have around 80,000 square feet to navigate around on.. I think you could put a charging station on the upper level. I can drill down from the top of the mesa and run a 4-inch PVC pipe down for cables and put an array of solar panels to provide power."
"Tell James what you need and do it when you have time. I've already been researching electric carts and pretty much settled for Cushman Hauler Pros. I'm going to tell James to order 6 of them."
Cal and Dale watched the excavators for a couple of minutes then went to the sluicing area. Cal checked the mats and decided they didn't need to wash them yet.
"If you don't mind me asking, how much gold have you pulled out of here?"
"Well, we're getting close to $30,000,000 so far."
"Thirty million!"
"Yeah, it surprises me too. I would never guess there would be gold in this type of rock. All I wanted to do was make a secure underground facility. The gold is icing on the cake and is paying for all the improvements and establishment of a few charities."
After dinner they all sat on the porch having their after-dinner drinks, enjoying the night air.
Cyn yawned and announced, "I'm beat. I'm going to turn in. Are you coming Dale?"
Dale look up at her and said, "Yeah, I've got a lot to do tomorrow."
The next night Cal and Siobhan went out on the porch after dinner. They sat a while and heard footsteps crunching on gravel. The shadow of Adam Benning broke into the light.
"Cal, Siobhan, can I speak with you a minute?"
"Sure Adam. Can I get you a drink?"
"No, no thanks."
Andy sat there a moment before he began speaking.
"I've become very fond of Cam…. But I'm scared to death. I've struck out twice with women I could have stayed with the rest of my life with and I am tired of hurting and wonder if I'm missing something to keep us together."
The screen door opened, and Cam walked out on the porch.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but Adam, there is no reason for you to be scared, unless we are scared together. I'm scared too. I'm scared that I'm not enough woman for you. I'm afraid you won't feel about me the way I feel about you. If we can squash our fears, I promise you, I will promise you never to consciously do anything that would hurt you or cause you to lose trust in me. Now, you and I need to do some talking. Excuse us Siobhan."
Cal and Siobhan watched the as they walked into the garden.
"Well, that girl is not shy about going after what she wants."
"I tried to train her well" grinned Siobhan.
They were interrupted when Dale and Cynthia came out to enjoy the night air. Siobhan and Cyn were talking about their cabin and furniture they'd like to get. Dale and Cal just sat there and listened. Talk drifted to their relationships.
"How did you and Cal meet?"
Siobhan turned her head to Cal and lifted one eyebrow. She began with her abduction in Baghdad. When she finished the story Cyn looked at her with a shocked expression.
"Oh my God, Cal. I didn't mean to tear open old wounds!"
"Don't worry. Life happens and you have to move on. Just remember, if you ask Siobhan a question, you're going to get the full load and both barrels."
"I don't know how you made it, Cal. It would be horrible if I lost Cyn, but to lose two women, I don't know if I could go on."
"Adam, talk to me. We've been dating but you seem to hold yourself back." Cam said as they sat on the bench
"Cam, love is joyous and fulfilling and wonderful. It can be complex and confusing and sometimes painful. But, when a professed love is found to be false and deceitful, it can suck the soul right out of a person. I had always been a very positive person - the glass is always half-full type. And I didn't turn into the glass is half-empty after one woman left and the other cheated on me. That glass had been shattered. I swore to myself I would forego relationships to keep from being devastated again."
"Adam, look at me. We are both in totally different worlds than what we were in the past. Both our lives have changed for the better. I want to share my life, totally with you. Will you give us a chance?"
Adam looked at her. He suddenly realized she had indeed opened his heart back up and he was feeling the need to have her near more and more.
"Would you like to spend the weekend together in Denver?"
Cam smiled and lunged, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I don't care if you think it's too soon to say, but I Love You!"
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:16:37 GMT -6
The radio broke squelch. "Cal, can you come down to the Facility?"
"Give me 10 minutes."
"Roger"
Cal pulled up to the door of the Facility 9 minutes later and walked into Andy's office. A man stood up as Cal entered.
"Cal, meet Larry Augustine"
Cal and Larry shook hands.
"Cal, Larry has a proposition for us."
Larry pulled out an I.D. wallet and showed his official I.D., Central Intelligence Agency.
"Cal, I work in logistics for the Agency. We need a transfer point that is secluded, secure, and kind of off the grid. In other words, we want to build an airfield on your ranch, and we foot the bill for all the improvements."
"How big does this thing have to be?"
"Well, we need a 10,000-foot runway, parking ramp, and a 150,000-gallon fuel depot. We'll fund the required FAA inspections and keep the tanks filled. A control tower will be provided with a retired AT Controller. There will relatively little traffic, so he won't be busy."
"What's going to be your cover story?"
"It'll with be an airframe testing facility on the books."
Cal sat there for a few moments.
"Okay. First, we will sign an agreement. Anything illegal your pilots do is on whoever pays them. If anything illegal happens, any Non-Disclosure statements become null and void. At the signing of the agreement, all property legally becomes the property of HTR Airframe Test Facility, and the cost of the lease is whatever fuel we'll use. That gives you a legal cutout."
"I'll talk to our legal people and get back with you" Larry said.
Cal gave him Dale Anderson's information so their lawyers could talk.
They all shook hands and Larry left.
Andy looked at Cal, who was grinning.
"What have you just done?"
"Well, if we can legally cover our ass, we'll have paid for a plane through the fuel costs. I'm going to sic Dale and Cynthia on the contract when it's ready."
Cal went to the hanger and found Ken.
"Ken, I want you to see about purchasing a DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter, getting you and I checked out on it, and finding us an on-site mechanic."
"Well, I'm already checked out on the Twin Otter, a CFI-I, multi-engine, high altitude and a couple other ratings, but where are you going to keep it?"
"I'll let you know later if everything works out. Just get the other information. Oh, and I want the latest avionics and instruments that DeHaviland offers. I want it painted in the same color scheme as the Porter."
Seven months later the airfield was finished. They requested and received the IATA Location Code of HTR2. The Twin Otter received the tail number of N251GD. Ken was able to find a mechanic rated for the Porter and the Twin Otter. The Twin was going to be based at the larger field with the mechanic and the Porter was based at the Facility. Larry even had a hanger built at no cost to store the Twin Otter and a 2500 gallon fuel truck. Cal got his rating in the DHC-6 as well as the PC-6 Porter. Dale was also a private pilot, so he was working with Ken to get his rating for both planes also.
"Ken, we need to make another shipment to CASP. I've got too much on hand. It's a bit faster than the Porter, so let's take the Otter. Plus, I want to get a little flight time."
"What time do you want to leave?"
"I'll be at the airfield at 0830."
"Okay, I'll wait for you and we can do the pre-flight together."
The next morning they loaded the gold and did the pre-flight. Before they took off, Cal called the broker, and said they would be there in an hour and 15 minutes. When they landed the armed guards helped them unload the gold and conveyed to the brokerage.
The final tally was $15,338,245 of which 1/3 was converted to coins of different denominations. They were given a lift back to the airfield, did their pre-flight checks and took off.
"How are things going with Akira?"
"Great! After her uncle gave me the 'What are your intentions?' talk, he and I get along great. I'm going to buy her a ring this week."
"Well, take her out to some place nice. Hell, take the Otter and fly her up to Denver this weekend, take her somewhere nice for dinner and ask her. You don't need to be back until Sunday afternoon."
"Really?"
"Sure. Got to keep the employees happy."
"I don't know if Kengo will go for that."
"I'll clear it. Just make your plans and pack a bag. Oh, and be sure to ask Kengo for her hand."
When they got back, Cal found Kengo working in his garden.
"Kengo! How are you today my friend?"
"I am well…and you?"
"I am well also. I wanted to talk to you about Akira and Ken."
"Ah, yes. They are very much in love. I was wondering when they would announce their betrothal."
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Ken has a ring. He is ready to ask for her hand. He wants to take her to Denver for dinner and ask her to marry him. I told him he could use the big plane and didn't have to be back until Sunday afternoon. He's unsure about how you'd feel."
"Ah, young love. I was in love with her Aunt for 48 years. I would do the same. I would have no problem with that."
"He's going to come around in a while and ask you for her hand in marriage."
"Ah, what a considerate young man. I will not toy with him and give both my blessing."
"I think that will make Akira very happy."
Cal went back to their cabin and told Siobhan what had transpired.
"You better get them a cabin built!"
"Ken already has a 3-bedroom cabin at the HTR employee area. All Akira has to do is add her touches to it."
"Then I'll have to take her shopping."
"You're just looking for an excuse to go shopping in Denver."
"Not just me. All of the ladies will be going to pick out wedding gifts…and you'll fly us up there."
"Yes Dear…"
"…and Uncle said he was fine with it?"
"He said we were adults and he trusted you and I to make adult decisions."
" Oh Ken! I love you so much!"
Word had spread through the "Tell-A-Woman" network and there was a lot of peeking out of windows when Ken picked up Akira late Friday afternoon. Akira was surprised when they drove to the airfield. The mechanic had pulled the plane out of the hanger and topped the fuel tanks. All Ken had to do was the pre-flight and seat Akira in the co-pilot's seat.
Siobhan and Cal watched as the plane flew out of sight.
"This is so romantic! Cal Coleman. I'm sure you helped him make plans. "
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:18:26 GMT -6
"Cal, we've got another load of ammo coming in this afternoon around 1500. They said they'd deliver it to the HTR airfield."
"Well, that's convenient. I'll bring down a Toolcat with forks and I'll have Ben drive a truck with a heavy duty trailer."
"Good, I'll meet you there."
At 1500 Mike McDaniel, the ATC, notified that a C-27 Spartan was on final. The plane landed and taxied over to the hardstand. Cal started unloading the pallets and sat them on the truck and trailer. They were almost maxed out when the plane was empty.
"No load manifest" the loadmaster called out. They watched as the aircraft started up and taxied out to the runway and took off.
"Well, I'll guess we'll do an inventory when we unload it." Andy said.
"Let's take this to the garage and we'll put it in the new ammo room."
Cal had designed and excavated a large ammo room that had two recessed 6x12 cuts in the outer wall would allow, in case of an explosion, the recess to blow out of the side of the mesa instead of blowing into the tunnels.
They unloaded the ammo onto the carts and Andy made a running list of everything. The final count contained the following:
50,000 - 9mm 35,000 - .45 cal. 60,000 - 5.56mm 34,000 - 7.62x51 Lake City Match 500 - ET-MP grenades 450 - MK-13 Flashbang Grenade 283 - M18 Smoke Grenades (75 Red, 66 Violet, 60 Yellow, 82 Green) 116 - M18 Claymore mines 250 - 40mm VOG-25 HE Frag 250 - 40mm VOG-25P HE Bounding 200 - 40mm Smoke 275 - 40mm star parachute (white) 200 - 40-mm, tactical CS, XM661E1
"What are we going to do with 40mm grenades?"
"Cal, they included 6 M79 launchers that don't have serial numbers."
"Well, I guess we'll put them in the armory. We'll figure out a basic load later."
"I'm going to consolidate everything but individual combat loads that are in the armory to this room. It's a lot safer than the other room" Cal said.
"Good idea. This has a lot better blast protection."
The Colemans had the Hatleys, the Shaners, the Masters, the Daleys, the Crosses and the Andersons to dinner. Siobhan, Cam and Aggie had gone all out getting the banquet hall in the shelter complex ready.
"Oh! I haven't seen this since you fixed this up. Where did you find this table and a tablecloth to fit it?"
"Cal made it. There are extensions that we can add to serve 20 people. I bought bolts of fabric of different colors and made the tablecloths."
The ladies helped get the food on the table and the meal was interspersed with casual chat. When the meal was over, all helped carry the dishes to the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher. Everyone adjourned to the Gathering Room and drinks were served.
Cal stood up. "One of the reasons why I wanted to get this particular group together was to berate you for not taking some time for yourselves. We've got a big old plane that can take you to anywhere within the continental United States. We've got a great group of people here that can handle anything you are vested in, except for being parents and grandparents. So, I want everyone to take advantage of the opportunity. Everyone here has someone who can take over in their absence. I don't care if you go as a group or as individualS. We're in a great situation so have a good time."
"Oh, I've wanted to go to the Adams Mystery theater in Denver!" Mary said.
That got the conversation going until everyone agreed they'd like to go also. Mary said she would make the reservations. They'd fly up Saturday afternoon and come back mid-day Sunday. Cal said he'd have steaks ready Sunday afternoon when they came back.
As Cal and Siobhan were getting ready for bed that evening, Siobhan turned to Cal.
"Cal, you know James really doesn't have anyone to take his place. I have an idea.
"What do you have in mind?"
"My cousin, Shannon Derry is looking to slow down a little. She has been working at Wiggins Air out of Manchester, New Hampshire. She's flown passengers and cargo all over the northeast. She has also worked as the purchasing agent while she was getting qualified in the different airframes. She could work with James, plus gives you an extra pilot when two are needed. I think she would fit in just fine here."
"Well, call her and see if she's interested. See what kind of salary she'd need."
At breakfast, the next morning Cal helped Siobhan feed the kids and clean up.
"Do you have anything planned this morning, Siobhan?"
"Nothing much, why?"
I want to take a ride over to the airfield and kill two birds with one stone."
"What?"
"First, I want to invite Mike and Harriet McDaniels over for steaks Sunday afternoon. The second thing, the powers-that-be have placed them in a mobile home next to the tower. As you know, it gets colder than a well digger's lunch here in the wintertime. I want to offer them the empty cabin in the HTF Employee's Village."
"That's great! I'm ready when you are."
They arrived at the tower in a few minutes. Harriet welcomed them and poured coffee for everyone.
"Mike, Harriet, we are having a cookout Sunday and want to invite you two."
Harriet smile and accepted for them both.
"There's another thing. I can't believe those idiots put you here in a mobile home. We've got a spare 3-bedroom cabin down in the village we'd like you to take. It gets really cold here in winter and our power doesn't go down. We'd just need to add duplicate comms equipment to your cabin and get it set up."
"I appreciate that Cal. I wondered if this trailer was going to be good enough to make it through a blizzard."
"Harriet let's leave these two goats to tell lies and we'll go look at the cabin. I know we're going to have to do some shopping." Siobhan said. The two ladies took off and the guys sipped their coffee.
"I've got a couple of planes coming in after dark."
"Legal?"
"Yeah, it's just a personnel swap. Cal, I know there has been some shady stuff that has gone one in the past, but if I even suspected anything illegal was going on, I'd be pulling out as quick as I could."
"I appreciate that Mike. I'll work with them, but I won't be part of anything illegal."
"So, what are these cabins like?"
"They are nice. Of course, you have to let the ladies bring them to their standard of 'nice'."
"Heh, I know what you mean."
"Also, there's a year's supply of freeze-dried food in the basement and a back-up generator. In case of a SHTF scenario developing, we have room in the mesa for everyone."
"Mesa?"
"I'll give you a tour Sunday."
The ladies came back, and Harriet and Siobhan made plans to go shopping the next day.
"What do you need to do to get it habitable?" Mike asked.
"Not much. It's already furnished. I just need more linens and curtains and some accent things. You're going to love it!"
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:19:53 GMT -6
Mike and Harriet got moved in. Mike was usually contacted by phone on any incoming Agency flights. The next flight that came in, he was told Cal needed to meet the plane.
Cal made it to the airfield as the plane was touching down. Cal waited on the hardstand as the Gulfstream VI taxied up. Larry Augustine deplaned and shook Cal's hand. They both went into the hanger office.
"Cal, I appreciate you taking care of Mike and Harriet. They are long-time employees that were given this job as a reward for their service. The trailer was supposedly temporary, but they are late getting the housing built."
"I hope I didn't step over the line. I was concerned with winter coming on anything you built wouldn't be ready before the snow flies. I had the cabin already and decided to get them settled. The weather can be erratic at times."
"I figured that. Here's a check for $85,000 to pay for the cabin. The deed stays in HTR's hands, so don't worry about that. It's what we had budgeted for a house. I think Mike is getting a better deal."
"It's no problem Larry. They are being treated as members of the Ranch and welcomed."
"How are you fixed for snow removal equipment?"
"We've got a couple of Toolcats with snow blowers we can use."
"I know where we can get you a Wausau TC Tomcat. It'll clear the runway quickly. We'll get an equipment barn put in for it. You wouldn't be able to store it and the plane in the hanger together."
"I appreciate it Larry."
"Well, I've got one more stop before I'm through for the day. Take care Cal."
"You too, Larry."
Cal was cooking omelets for breakfast when Siobhan's phone rang. She talked for a minute and turned to Cal.
"It's Shannon. She wants to know where she should fly in to."
"Denver. Get her flight information and we'll meet her at the baggage area. You and I can fly up and park at General Aviation."
Siobhan got the flight information and gave her the instructions.
"She'll be in Wednesday afternoon. Why shouldn't she fly into Grand Junction?"
"Because there's only two feeder flights a day. She could be sitting for hours waiting for the next flight."
"I'm going to put her in the Shamrock Suite. Are you going to make any more guest suites?"
"Yeah. We've got a few more things to do and it will be ready for you ladies to put your design ideas to the finished product."
"Oh the girls are going to be chomping at the bit. They love to pretty things up. I'll call for a coffee klatch."
Cal was meeting with Diana and Adam, going over the excavation when Joshua and Able came in.
"Are we interrupting anything?"
"No, we were just adding to the excavation plan. What can I do for you.?"
"Well, young Able here has got it in his head he wants to be a mining engineer and he was hoping you have some hands-on work he could do for ya'll."
Cal looked at Diana and she nodded.
"Well Able, you know everyone starts at the bottom and works their way to the top. I tell you what, Adam is going to show you how to check the vacuum carts and how to dump them and when you have questions about mining, Miss Diana can answer them. She and Adam will have you do different things, but it will pertain to different aspects of mining. For now, you'll be getting paid minimum wage, so I need you to go talk with Miss Cheryl so she can get your paperwork done."
"Diana, what time do you want him to report tomorrow morning?"
"Nine would be fine."
"Well Able, you report here at 09:00 in the morning."
"Yes sir."
Joshua and Able walked away.
"So, what do we do with him?" Diana asked.
"Just what I said. Get him a hardhat and put him to work. This level is pretty cut and dry. All storage. I'll be moving all major storage items here except for the ammo. Also, I like the idea of no excavation under the ammo room. I see where it would maintain the integrity in case of explosions."
"How many storage rooms do you want on this level?"
"Let's do six for now, with a ramp coming up near the garage. I want deliveries to go through there."
"Not a problem. This is going to be relatively easy. It will take no more than a month. What do you want to do next after this part of Level II is done?"
"I want to finish out Level I with nothing but suites. Not that I anticipate having to use them, but since it is the billeting level, might as well finish it out."
Cal let them get back to work and went to find Siobhan. She was talking to Akira on the porch and watching the kids play.
"Cal, look at Akira's ring!"
"It's beautiful. Have you set a date yet?"
"We're still looking at options, but I want to get married before full-blown winter gets here."
"Yeah, it's nice to have a warm body to snuggle up to."
"Cal! You're making Akira blush!"
"Oh, Akira, I've got a little project for you. I want you to design some coins for me. I intend to get the stamping equipment to make them with. I want 1/10 oz, ¼ oz, ½ oz and 1 oz for gold and silver coins. I'll give you real coins as patterns, but the design is on you. Make them symbolize the ranch."
"Okay, but I'm going to run the designs by the women before I show them to you."
"Fair enough."
Akira left and Siobhan turned to Cal.
"I thought it was against the law to print your own money."
"Yeah, under 18 U.S. § 486, it's a criminal offense to make or pass any metal coins "intended for use as current money, whether in the resemblance of coins of the United States or of foreign countries, or of original design. But they would not be used unless the SHTF and the economy collapsed. There probably wouldn't be an operating government. Once a barter economy develops, gold and silver would come back as a medium of exchange. We've got more than enough money so I'm going to put most of the recovered gold into coinage. If need be, we can always melt it back down and sell the bars."
"But even the smallest gold coin would be too much for that type of society to handle."
"I know, that's why I'll be buying $2,000,000 in silver bullion to make coins with."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:20:55 GMT -6
Cal's radio broke squelch, "Cal, there is a construction crew at the gate. Say they're here to build an equipment barn."
"Roger, they'll be going to the airfield."
Cal jumped into his truck and led them to the airfield and called Mike and told him to meet him at the tower.
"Mike, I want you to run herd on these guys. You can use any of our equipment they need. Have them use the Facility gate for deliveries and entrance and exit.
"Roger."
With the grading and concrete curing, it took them a week to finish the building. They even included an outside wood furnace.
Mike walked over to Cal as the crew left.
"Well, I guess you'll be receiving a shipment pretty soon. Larry don't mess around."
Two nights later Mike called Cal.
"I got a C-17 coming in at 2100."
"I'd guess that's the equipment from Larry."
"Yep. I'd figure so."
"I'll see you there."
The plane flared and landed, then taxied to the hardstand. Mike and Cal watched as they unloaded the cargo.
"You know how to drive that thing, Cal?"
"Probably enough to get it into the barn."
Cal got into the Tomcat and started it moving to the equipment barn. The door was already raised so he pulled in and parked.
"I guess we need to get a couple of people out here to get familiarized on this thing."
Mike smiled. "Don't leave me out. I'll do it."
"Okay. I've got a couple of others we can have as drivers also."
Cal and Siobhan were sitting on the porch watching the sun set in the west when Akira walked up.
"Cal, I've got the designs done for the coins."
"Great! Let's see."
Akira opened up an expandable file and gave him a bundle of sheets.
"Oh my!" Siobhan said.
"Akira, these are wonderful. But I'm not sure of the 1 oz gold pieces."
"Cal, you are the founder of all that's good here. I think your likeness fits."
"I agree, Akira. I think these should stand." Siobhan said.
"Okay. I've got the production equipment coming and they will make me dies for all the coins. We just need to do the fine-tuning to get each coin the exact weight. Can you handle that Akira?"
"Yes, I will do it. These will be coins of beauty,"
Cal thanked her and she headed down to see Ken.
Siobhan looked at Cal. "How are you going to handle this?"
"Well, I'm going to sell about half as much gold each time from this time on. The Department of Treasury is sure to be monitoring how much gold we produce. A drop in production could be written off as nothing more than less gold is being found. We can turn the other half into coins."
"So, you going to turn into a miser, sit in your cave and count your coins?"
"Oh, I'll count my coins, but my main goal is to keep this ranch and the people associated with it physically and financially safe. The gold and silver coins are for the future."
"Do you mind if we have one more child before I'm put out to pasture?"
"You'll never be put out to pasture. I'd love another child. When do we start?"
"Wipe that smile off your face and take me to bed."
Jonah drove up the next afternoon.
"It's about time to slaughter more steers. How do you want to have it processed?"
Cal looked at him and thought a minute.
"Seems like the bundles we had last time worked pretty good. Any suggestions?"
"No, seemed everyone was happy the way things worked out. I should add another steer if you want to add the McDaniel family in."
"Yeah, go ahead. If we have too much left over meat we can freeze-dry and make jerky and pemmican."
"Oh yeah Cal, we've got 200 cords of firewood coming in tomorrow. I'll have the Toolcats ready and divvy it out."
"Take a couple of pallets down to the fire pit at the facility."
"Sure thing. Have you eaten at the mess hall down there since Aggie's sister started cooking there?"
"No, is she good?"
"Some of the best I've ever eaten…but don't tell Martha."
"I'll give it a try."
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