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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:22:22 GMT -6
Cal walked down to the blacksmith shop where he found Joshua Working on a project. "Hey Cal." "Whatcha working on?" "I'm just finishing up with the continuous composter for Dawn." "Continuous composter?" "Yeah, come on, I'll show you." The walked down to the greenhouse area where Hurley dumped the manure from his dairy farm. There stood a large drum 20 feet long that was set up on a stand. Dawn came out of a greenhouse and walked over to them. "How do you like our new composter?" "I'm intrigued. How does it work?" "Well, to begin with, I saw a model of this in one of these in a brochure. They wanted $12,000 for it. I talked to Joshua and he thought he could make one for a lot less." Joshua broke in. "I went to see Mr. Harriman and he had this propane tank that wouldn't pass inspection. He sold it to us for scrap price and I modified it to make compost. I got the electric motor when they were tearing down the grain silo near town and got the gears from the junkyard. I was going to ask you about getting some batteries and solar panels to run it. Won't take much. It will only have to run about 10 minutes 3 times a day." Cal looked at everything in a walk-around. "I've got the batteries and solar panels. But I think we can improve on it. We can put it into the compost building and bag it when it's finished and stack it there." Dawn grinned. "That will work. Hurley delivers manure every other week. Between loads, the compost will be complete. We can immediately load the hopper when he delivers. Only problem is, we could be making compost faster than we can use it." "Talk to Kengo. He could probably find use for a lot of the excess, if not we can dump it in the gardens. Good job guys. " Cal walked back to the house and found Siobhan sitting on the porch with James and Helen. He sat down with them and relayed to them what Dawn and Joshua were doing. Cal shook his head. "I'm amazed sometimes how these people around here jump right out of the box to make something work!" James smiled. "I don't know why you'd be amazed. People with A type personalities naturally gravitate to you. You've got a great group here." Siobhan rubbed Cal's arm. "The main thing is your leadership style. You give them free rein to accomplish the job. If they aren't quite sure on how to proceed then you guide them until they are on track. Unlike some who will micromanage you to death. Cal worked with the gold broker and was able set up a deal to exchange raw gold for purified gold bars. He didn't want to mess with the chemical purification process. They could then turn the bars into gold sheets for stamping. Once the stamping machine was set up, Akira installed the dies for the 1 oz gold coins. They ran enough for 250 coins, but about 5% had some imperfections. No problem, they could be re-melted on the next batch. Ten coins were shrink-wrapped into each sleeve. They weighed the remaining gold sheet and re-melted to make as many of the smaller coins as they could.
Cal hoped they would never have to use them in their present form, but this was insurance in a post-apocalyptic world. Cal called a meeting of all the heads of the major families at the Gathering House. It was something he had considered for a while, but little things kept coming up. "Ladies and Gentlemen, what I had in mind for the Ranch has grown exponentially. I wanted a quiet place where my family could live a peaceful and fulfilling life. Needless to say, my family has grown exponentially…and I indeed think of all of you as family. But I need some help. I want everyone to be comfortable and happy. If there is anything we can add here that will improve our quality of life, please speak up. Sonia wiggled in her seat and then spoke. "Cal, speaking for myself, you've gone beyond the pale to ensure the happiness of the members of the Ranch, and we all appreciate it. The only thing I could think of is a swimming pool." Aggie stood up and spoke. "Cal, we all owe you a great deal of gratitude. The things you have done here is overwhelming.. One thing I would like to see is a play area for the children. Maybe we could combine a pool and play area into a recreation area." Cal nodded. "Anyone else?" "Okay, so we'll build a recreation area. I'm not going into this half-baked. Kengo, I'd like to ask for your help in the design, so it doesn't look industrial." "It would be my pleasure." Cal smiled. "I also want to thank all of your support and work here. If it weren't for all of you, this place would still be a little cabin with a cave." The group broke up and headed back to their homes. Siobhan brought Kengo over to Cal. "Cal, I want to play a part in this with Kengo. We need to sit down and lay out a basic design to start with. Kengo, are you free to meet after lunch tomorrow?" "That will be no problem." So the next day Siobhan, Kengo and Cal sat down with a sketch pad to decide what they wanted. "First, what size pool do we want?" Cal looked at her and shrugged. "I'd say at least a 30'x60' with a deep end for diving. That would also give us the length for lap swimming." "That's a little big for just a few months use in the year." "So we'll enclose it. As a matter of fact…give me the sketch pad. We can connect the enclosures to have the pool, play area and an outdoor cooking area under one roof. Kengo and Siobhan nodded. "This is going to cost a lot, isn't?" Siobhan said. Cal looked at her. "So? It isn't like we can't afford it. Kengo, you keep up with the design and add plants to make it…I don't know…nice. Siobhan, you start looking for a designer to firm this up and get their recommendations for a construction firm to complete the project." Two weeks later Cal flew Siobhan and Kengo to Denver to meet with a designer. In a couple of weeks they reviewed the blueprints and approved them. In the end they had added male and female changing rooms, storage area for pool chemicals and a large spa capable of seating 12 people. Of course, electrical was provided by a battery bank, solar panels, a wind turbine, and backup diesel generator. The construction firm said it would take 4 months to complete. That put the completion date around the first of November.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:24:51 GMT -6
All the ladies were excited about the upcoming wedding of Adam and Camryn. Cal stayed out of the way of their preparations. He was sitting on the porch after dinner with Siobhan when Dale and Cynthia came out.
"When do you two want your house built?"
Cyn looked at Dale then back at Siobhan and Cal.
"Do you mind if we just stay in the suite? We're not planning to start a family yet and the suite is perfect for what we need right now."
"Of course not. We just want you to be comfortable."
"Dale, do you know any immigration lawyers?"
Cal looked at Siobhan. "Why the interest in immigration lawyers?"
"Well, with Cam moving out I'm losing my au pair. I've got a 3rd cousin in Clonakilty that is wanting to immigrate here. She would be perfect to replace Cam."
"Yeah. I know a couple. As a matter of fact, I have a friend in D.C. that specializes in immigration cases. I'll call him in the morning. Does she have any kind of record?"
"No. She just finished an accounting degree at University College in Cork, Ireland. She wants to get a green card and her American citizenship."
"Shouldn't be a problem then. We'll get this done."
"That's serendipitous. We need another accountant to handle the HTR Farms accounting. It wouldn't take much time. She should be able to handle it during school and nap time."
It took a month, but lawyers managed to get Siobhan's cousin, Sinead O'Shea, a green card. Siobhan booked a first class ticket from Shannon Airport to Chicago on Aer Lingus and a connecting flight to Denver on United Airlines. Cal flew Siobhan up to Denver to pick her up in the DHC-6. When they landed, Siobhan waited for Cal to get the plane refueled and they went together to the baggage claim area. They were about 30 minutes early so they sat in a café and got coffee.
"Oh my! I forgot she has to go through customs! We'll have a while to wait."
"No, they go through customs in Chicago. When we see the flight number, we can go over to baggage claim. I'll take her claim tickets and grab her luggage."
Ten minutes later Siobhan spotted Sinead, waved, and shouted her name. Sinead ran over and the girls hugged.
"Sinead, this is my husband, Cal."
"Ooooh! Fásann siad mór agus dathúil anseo!!" (They grow big and handsome here!)
" De réir mar a fhásann siad mná áille I gCloich na Coillte." (As they grow beautiful women in Clonakilty.)
"Oh! He speaks Irish!" Said Sinead, blushing.
Siobhan giggled. "How was the flight?"
"I'm wrecked! The flight was long but exciting. I couldn't wait to get here!"
"Give Cal your baggage claim tickets, and he'll retrieve your bags."
She handed the ticket to Cal and he went to wait by the conveyor belt.
"Only one ticket?"
"Just a carry-on and the big bag. All my clothes were European styles and I wanted to rebuild my wardrobe here."
"Oh! Shopping trip! We are going to have great fun!"
Cal retrieved her bag and the headed out the door to catch a shuttle to the General Aviation area."
Sinead looked wide-eyed at the plane as they walked up to it. Cal loaded the bags and assisted the ladies into the plane. The ladies were seated in the passenger area and Cal started his pre-flight. He came back into the plane, secured the door, and went up front and took his seat. Soon, the engines started and in a few moments begin to taxi to the threshold. Once Cal received permission to move onto the runway to take off, he revved his engines and began speeding down the runway. He lifted of and in a wide sweeping pattern headed for the Ranch.
"How long is the flight?"
"About an hour and twenty minutes."
"So, tell me about your prince and kingdom."
"Oh, it's amazing! I don't think I have enough time to tell all before we get there. Let's just say I would never have dreamed where we are at right now. It is almost a fairytale. We have a wonderful ranch and the best people in the world to enjoy it with. So tell me, how is Ireland these days?"
"It's getting bad. Everything gets worse every day. The immigrants, the Church, I was ready to leave a while ago. Since Máthair and Athair passed, nothing seems the same."
"Well, you're starting a new life, and if I must say, in the best place in the world."
Cal's landing at the Ranch was so soft you barely knew he had touched down. He taxied to the front of the hangar and shut down. They deplaned and got into the Suburban and drove to the house. Sinead was gob smacked when they gave her a brief tour.
"We'll give you the complete tour later. Let's get you settled in your suite. The kids will be home soon."
They went to the cabin kitchen where Siobhan pulled out the brisket Cal had smoked overnight. She had Sinead put together a salad while she prepared potatoes to make mashed potatoes.
"All of our vegetables are grown here on the Ranch. You're going to be amazed at the greenhouses. We sell to most of the restaurants and grocery stores in the area. The greenhouses allow us to grow year-round."
Sinead just shook her head. "You don't have a kingdom…you have a paradise!"
That night, after the children had gone to bed, Siobhan, Sinead, and Cal sat on the porch drinking wine.
Siobhan turned to Sinead. "Sinead, you don't officially start your job as au pair for a couple of weeks. Then the final preparations begin for Cam's wedding. Tomorrow, we'll go into Grand Junction to get you outfitted with clothes and accessories. Thursday, you'll get a chance to meet everyone. Thursdays, we have what we call "Pizza Night." We make our own pizzas and bake them in a wood-fired oven and just socialize."
"Oh! I love pizza!"
"Good! We usually find some reason to have cook-outs at least once or twice a month and the occasional music fest. I don't think you'll find it boring here."
"Oh, this is definitely more than I expected…for the good. I'm so happy and grateful to be here!"
"Sinead," Cal said, "There's another thing I want to talk to you about. You just finished getting an accounting degree, would you like to put it to use? I don't want you to make a decision right now…especially under gratitude, but after you've had the full-blown tour of the Ranch, I'd like your decision."
"I'd say yes right now, but I'll abide by your wishes."
"Siobhan stood up. "Well, we're leaving at 9:30 in the morning, so we should get some sleep."
Sinead covered a yawn. "Yes, I'm peaked. I will see you at breakfast."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:26:19 GMT -6
After Siobhan and Sinead left the next morning, Cal rode up to the recreation area to check progress. As he drove up, he saw Kengo watching the crew lining the pool.
"The construction crew members are very good. They may finish this early."
"Hello Kengo. How are they doing?"
"They are working very efficiently. They should be able to finish with the structure this afternoon and apply the panels tomorrow."
"How's the cooking area?"
"Come."
They walked over to the cooking area. Kengo picked up a sheet of the construction plans at began explaining what needed to be finished.
"We will have four picnic tables over there. I have plants to place here, here and here to give a tropical atmosphere."
They walked to the play area and Cal looked at what had been accomplished.
"The play structures will be here on Monday. By that time, all that will be needed to do is fill the pool."
"Well, I guess I'll have to pay the performance bonus. They came in two weeks early."
Kengo nodded. "It was fortunate the weather held, and the materials arrived on time."
"So, do you have everything you need, Kengo?"
"Yes, I'm waiting until just before we have the grand opening to plant orchids for Madam Siobhan. It is a surprise for her."
"Then I'll make sure to keep my lips zipped. You've done a wonderful job here and I want to give you a bonus also."
Cal pulled out a small leather bag out of his pocket. Inside were 5 one-ounce gold coins.
"This is too much. I enjoy what I have been doing."
"Well then, you are very fortunate. You have a job you love and you're getting paid for it."
"When do you plan to have the opening?" Kengo asked.
"How does a week from Sunday sound?"
"Yes, that would be good. Everything will be finished by then."
Cal returned to the house and during dinner told Siobhan to make sure the kids have bathing suits and told her the opening date for the recreation area.
Siobhan spread the word about the opening, and everyone was excited. Cal wouldn't let anyone in. The ladies made up a menu for the opening and on the opening day Cal and the men transported the food to the food preparation area. At 1:00, Cal let everyone in and led a tour of the facility.
Siobhan immediately noticed the orchids a went over to them.
"Cal, these are so beautiful!"
"They are a surprise gift from Kengo to you." Cal smiled.
Siobhan made a beeline to Kengo and started thanking him for the beautiful flowers and the other work he had done.
Everyone had a great time and they all ended up sitting around enjoying their drinks and talking while the children played in their play area.
"How are you handling pool maintenance?" Mary asked.
"Mitch Carr's son, Jimmy is going to do it. I'm paying him for a couple of hours a day to check on things and test the water. Anyone who uses the area, please clean up when you're done so he's not overwhelmed. He's 16 and taking courses at the junior college to get ahead on his education."
Andy's phone rang and he walked off to answer it. A few minutes later he walked back and sat back down. Soon everyone was packing up their items they had brought with them and did a general clean-up. Sinead took the children over and showed them how to rake the sand area smooth. Soon, everybody left and headed home. Andy went over to Cal.
"Wicker wants a meeting in the morning."
"The Denver SAIC?"
"Yeah. He's flying in at 0900."
"Let Mike know. This must be important. Let's use the SCIF."
"I'll have everything ready and have one of the guys pick him up."
"I can pick him up."
"No, you're the boss. I'd bet he's coming with his hat in his hands."
Cal headed to the facility as soon as he heard the aircraft coming in on final. He went into the building and grabbed a cup of coffee. Twenty minutes later Agent Wicker came through the door. Andy led them into the SCIF.
"Agent Wicker, what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Did you know Karl Janatová has been looking for you?"
"Janatová …that name is familiar."
Wicker glanced at Andy then back to Cal.
"Think Egypt, girl, rescue."
"Oh. So what does he want?"
"He asked the Ambassador to Italy for help in finding you. He knew your general location and some of your success. He has a 'reward' for you. I guess he's had some P.I. checking up on your activities."
"I don't know why. I'm an open book with nothing to hide."
"Well, he has it in his craw to pay you back for what you did."
"So, what is this reward?"
"An aircraft. A DASSAULT Falcon 50EX to be specific."
"Crap. That's at least a $5,000,000 plane. The operating costs for that thing would run $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 a year!"
"Well, I don't know. Here's his contact information. I've got to get back to Denver so from here on it's in your hands."
Andy had one of the guys drive SAIC Wicker back to the airfield.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 13:30:08 GMT -6
Cal called Ken in when Andy got back. He explained what was going on.
"Ken, Andy, do we really need a mid-range jet?"
"If you got really wild, you might use 400 hours a year on it. You'd need to budget a couple of mil for operating costs. Frankly, if you needed a jet, you could charter.
Cal nodded. "That's my thinking also."
"What brought this on?" Andy asked.
"Well, his daughter, Jana, was kidnapped by white slavers and I and an acquaintance happened to be in the area and got her back. I think she is an actress now."
"Well, if you don't want an expensive white elephant, you'd better call him before he sends it."
Cal looked at the phone number Wicker had given him.
"Slovenia. There's a 6 hour time difference."
He picked up his cell and dialed the number.
"Mr. Janatová please. Cal Coleman."
"Mr. Coleman, you are a difficult man to keep track of."
"I'm not hiding or anything. Just like to live peacefully. The reason I'm calling, I really don't have any use for a jet."
Janatová laughed. "I know. I used that to pull you out of cover. I wanted to ask for a favor."
"What can I do for you?"
"My granddaughter, Lana's daughter Tinkara, wants to advance her nursing education get a graduate certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Colorado Mesa University has such a program. I request your help on keeping an eye on her."
"That will not be a problem. We even have a doctor living on the ranch."
"I have set up accounts for her and have arranged for her transportation needs."
"We have plenty of room her if she doesn't want to live in the dormitory."
"That would be up to her, but she wants to arrive a month before her course starts so she will be accustomed to her surroundings."
"That will be fine. If you could arrange for her to fly into Denver we can meet and transport her to our home."
"I will email you her travel arrangements. Thank you my friend. It will give me and her mother great relief."
"My pleasure. Maybe you could see to travel here and visit sometime?"
"I will look forward to it. Goodbye."
"Well, that was easy."
Cal paused for a moment. "Karl has a granddaughter who will be going to Colorado Mesa for a graduate degree. He requested my help in keeping an eye on her. That means there's possible trouble in Solvenia. When his daughter was kidnapped, it was the Albanian Mafia. I think he suspects they might be coming after him again and wants her in a safe space."
"What preps do you want us to do?
"I don't think we need to do too much. I want you to put a shadow on her when she gets here. See about getting an inconspicuous GPS and transmitter she can carry at all times."
"I've put together a refresher security and firearms training program. It's been 6 months."
"How is the camera system coming along?"
"The gates are covered. It'll be another couple of weeks until the perimeter is finished. I'm hiring some disabled vets for the monitoring system."
"Tell me about them."
"I've got 10 guys lined up that passed security clearances. They'll set up as two-man teams with each team doing a 6-hour shift. They are all disabled vets."
"Good job on the vets. Will there be a problem getting them armed and certified?"
"None that I see so far. I'll monitor them though. They won't be armed unless there is a security alert, and that would only be to secure the facility building."
"Okay, sounds good."
The perimeter security camera installation was completed, and Cal watched as Andy put it through the tests.
"Cal, this is the latest thing. Each camera has a motion detector. Wind blowing the grasses won't trip an alarm, but any human or animal larger than a housecat will. It's all tied in with the other motion detectors that are randomly placed but we have the location mapped on this screen. The operator can call up a grid or azimuth and distance. We have the operator's training starting in the morning. Dave and I will be with each of the shifts, initially, until they are comfortable."
"Everything looks good. Keep me informed if you have any problems. I don't know if we're going to have any fallout from this Albanian Mafia thing, but it'll be good to have the security. By the way, Tinkara will be arriving Saturday. Siobhan and I will pick her up at Denver International."
Cal saw Barry coming out of the powerhouse.
"Glad I ran in to you Cal. I've been monitoring the power usage and I think we should add about 6 more of the industrial forklift batteries to bring our reserve up. We've added a few things that are draining more power."
"Talk to James and he can get them ordered. Do we have the room for them?"
"Sure. We have room for three times that number."
"Well, let's buy 18 of them instead of 6. James can negotiate for a discount."
"Cal, those batteries are $5,000 each!"
"I know. I've got the money and we don't have to hook all of them up. Just connect them as needed."
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Post by papaof2 on Aug 6, 2021 17:41:12 GMT -6
If the batteries are ANY version of lead-acid (flooded, AGM, gel), they need to be configured for a regular topping charge. Typically 3 months or less for AGM or gel, often sooner for flooded, but you need the manufacturer's datasheet for that specific battery because it's also affected by the storage temperature.
Leaving a good battery discharged for months WILL destroy it. I found an ad on Craig's List for what looked to be a good deal on some used 12 volt AGM batteries a year or so ago but someone had simply taken them out of service and stored them, About half were OK but the other half had been stored partially charged - and never checked. They were down to 8 volts (I have a voltmeter and a battery impedance meter for checking used batteries). The group that had not been charged before storage or checked during storage were 12-15 months old and unrecoverably dead :-( The manufacturer lists these specific AGM batteries as 3-5 year service life (to 80% of original capacity) but I got almost 9 years out of the previous set of AGM batteries on the solar backup power system. Proper care can make a huge difference in battery lifetime.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:42:56 GMT -6
I saw a setup where a battery cut-off switch was put in line to a dozen extra batteries. Every two weeks or so, they'd flip the power on the batteries and let them trickle charge.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:44:31 GMT -6
Cal and Siobhan arrived at general aviation and caught a shuttle over the baggage area.
"We'll take a taxi back to General Aviation when we retrieve her bags."
They stood and the entrance to the baggage area from the gates, Cal holding a sign that read "Tinkara." Soon, a young lady walked up to them.
"You must be Mr. Coleman…wait…aren't you the guy..?"
"Call me Cal, and this is my wife Siobhan. We'll talk later."
"I'm pleased to meet you Cal and Siobhan. My friends call me 'Tinka'."
"If you give Cal your claim tickets, he can retrieve your bags."
Tinka gave Cal three tickets and Cal took a baggage cart to the baggage conveyor.
"I didn't bring much. I want to update my wardrobe,"
Siobhan smiled. "I'd do the very same thing."
Cal wheeled the baggage to the loading zone and hailed a taxi that delivered them to the General Aviation area. Tipping a couple of cargo handlers to load the baggage, Cal did his preflight.
"This is your plane?" Asked Tinka.
"Yes," Siobhan replied. "The flight isn't long, and we'll land on the Ranch."
After getting instructions from the tower, Cal taxied to the threshold and began his takeoff. After clearing the restricted area he cruised up to 5000 feet.
"You're going to find our home a little unconventional. We have a cabin, but most of our home is underground. I think you'll find it interesting."
"I'm looking forward to it. I hope it isn't an inconvenience my being here. My grandfather is very protective and with the problems with the criminals he wants me safe."
It isn't an inconvenience at all. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay here and I guarantee you'll be safe."
Cal landed the plane and Andy met them on the hardstand with the Suburban. They loaded the baggage and drove Tinka to the cabin. Siobhan showed Tinka to her bedroom suite.
"This is unique and beautiful!" Except for the absence of windows, I wouldn't believe we are underground. Siobhan, this is wonderful!"
"We are happy you like it. If you want to freshen up, we'll have the dinner ready soon."
Cal and Siobhan went to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner.
"Siobhan, when you give her a tour, don't bother showing her the excavation area or gold processing area, yet."
"Okay. Would you get a bag of green beans out of the freezer?"
Tinka came into the kitchen. "This place is amazing!"
Siobhan chuckled. "I'm not sure it's even finished yet. The minute I think Cal has finished, he comes up with another idea."
Cal came back with the beans and dumped them into a cast iron pot and added ham and water and set the pot on a burner.
"Cal, what made you want to build underground?"
"Well, When I built this cabin, I found a cave. I thought it would be neat to use it as a storage area. I kept adding to it and came up with the concept of using it as a shelter in case of natural or man-made disasters. We actually spent some time here when the partial eruption of Yellowstone happened. Every family on the Ranch has quarters here if needed during emergencies. We have food here for long-term contingencies also."
"It really is amazing."
After Siobhan and Sinead put the kids to bed, the grownups settled in the family room with a glass of wine. . "So ladies, what are your plans for tomorrow?"
"I'm taking the kids to the pool." Sinead said.
"Well, since Tinka doesn't have any 'ranch wear,' we'll do some shopping in the morning, have lunch, and finish up in the afternoon. Can we take the Suburban in the morning?"
"Sure. Why don't you take her to lunch at Frank's and introduce her to the local cuisine?"
"We'll do that."
"Also, you'll have a driver/security guy going with you. Also, Tinka, we'll be giving you a device that you'll wear on your person so we can track you if anything happens. It will have a panic button that you can activate if you are in trouble."
Siobhan frowned. "Is that necessary?"
"Yes Dear. In fact, you'll be wearing one also. Don't worry, it will be disguised as jewelry."
"Well, I'll go armed also."
"Let me call Andy and see who he has available for tomorrow."
Andy answered the phone and said he would send the person up with the devices. Twenty minutes later there was a knock at the door and Cal got up to answer it.
"Hello Sergeant."
"Anja!"
"Well, that was my cover name at the time. My real name is Astrid Helmand."
"Well, come in. It's good to see you again."
"Siobhan, Tinka, this is Anj…Astrid Helmand. This is going to be much better than a man. You'll blend right in."
"What type of homing device do you have Astrid?"
"Watches. They both have a GPS transponders. We tested them and were able to detect them out to 200 miles. Also, they both keep time."
Astrid handed Tinka and Siobhan their watches.
Cal got up. "I'll let you ladies get acquainted. I've got things to do."
Cal headed to the Facility to talk to Andy.
"When did you hire Astrid?"
"Last week. We have some projects coming up and I interviewed her for a position that would do well to have a woman."
"Let me see her file."
"Well, I see why she isn't working for the Agency anymore. She's lucky just to have been picked up by the FSS and being declared persona non grata. But, from what I see, she left out some things. Probably due to NDAs."
"Cal, did you see she's an expert in Krav Maga?"
"Yeah, I've worked with her before. She's the best I've ever seen."
"I want to get her to teach some classes."
"If she does, pay her extra for the classes. I wouldn't mind if everyone on the two ranches took the classes."
"I'll get with her and set up a schedule."
"Remember Andy, her main project is Tinka."
"Yeah, I know."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:45:46 GMT -6
Siobhan, Tinka and Astrid left for their shopping trip the next morning. Cal went by the recreation center to check on the children. Sinead was in the sand area playing with them. "Hello Cal." "Hi Sinead. You want to get some laps in? I can watch the kids." "I was up here earlier this morning, so I'm fine." "Okay. Well, I guess I'll go put together some chili for tonight." "Why don't you wait until I put the kids down for their nap and I'll help you. It won't take long if we work together." "Okay. I'm going down to the greenhouses." Cal's radio broke squelch. "Cal, this is Diana. Can you meet me in Level II, Section 4?" "I'll be right there." Cal switched directions and went to the second level of the excavation to meet Diana. "Cal, you're not going to believe this." They walked to Section 4 and as they entered Cal noticed the excavators were turned off and pulled away from one wall…a wall of solid gold! "My God!" "Yeah, I know. I came down this morning after the second hour and saw this. I'm going to have to put in concrete support columns because where I need to put them is nothing but gold." "How deep is the seam?" "We won't know until we've dug through them." "Get with James and get whatever size I-beams and mine jacks to shore this up you need until the support columns are built. I guess I need to get over and run the sluice." "How much do you think is there?" "A scientific wild ass guess would be around $40,000,000; and that's just the solid area." "Jeez!" "Okay. Continue on and I'll start running the sluice with Adams help. It took 3 days for the large seam to run out. Three days, 8 mine jacks and four 10-inch I-beams later with a total of 21656.24 troy ounces or $?40,822,012.4?0 worth of gold. "Cal, I need to get down to Houston. My younger brother Ben is having some marital problems and he sounds bad. One lesson I learned early in life is that family is everything. Guarding your heart and the hearts of those you love is a duty, an honor, and a way of life." "Andy, go get packed up. I'll call Ken and have him fly you down in the Otter. You just take care of business. If you need to bring him back here, then do it." Ken and Andy took off three hours later. With a stop in Lubbock for fuel, they landed in Houston 5 hours later. Andy rented an SUV and drove to his brother Ben's house. When he got there, the house was dark, but the door was unlocked. He found his brother sitting in the den with the lights off. Andy turned on a lamp. "Ben, you okay?" "I was just sitting here taking a break before I loaded my bags and left." "Where are you going?" "I don't know, I'm just leaving." "You want to talk about it? "Not yet." "Grab what you want to take that will fit into a SUV and lets go." "Where are we going?" "Away from bad memories." They loaded his baggage into the rental and went back to the airport. Ken had the tanks topped of and they took off when they had clearance. After they had reach cruise altitude Andy went back, grabbed a couple of bottles of water, and sat with Ben. Thirty minutes later, Ben started talking. "I discovered my Vanessa was cheating this past July. I have been in the ninth circle of hell since then. I never suspected it. At first I could not believe that my wife would do something like that. We had been married for a little over eight years and up until then I was the happiest man in the world. Vanessa was working as the personal assistant to Dan Lawrence, vice-president of finance for Great Plains Capital. I didn't know at the time, but Great Plains Capital was the venture capital firm the ultimately owned the company I was already working for. Things began changing with Vanessa's attitude. Our love life diminished to a point I started suspecting something was going on. I wrote an app that captured Vanessa's emails and conversations on her phone and computer. She's not that technically smart. I found her Day Planner and found all her passwords, login information for work and email accounts and a banking account I didn't know she had. I started monitoring her communications and found out about the affair with her boss. Using the information from Vanessa's day planner, I set up separate accounts in Vanessa's and Lawrence's name at a bank downtown. Then I went across the street into another bank and did the same. With the new account information in hand, I just needed a crack at Vanessa's computer to complete the transfer.
The next day while Vanessa was at the gym, I struck. I logged into her work network using Lawrence's password and went directly to the accounting system. I found an invoice that had been approved and opened it up. The invoice had a place for a rebate to the manufacturer. I entered four percent as the rebate and Lawrence's bank information into the bank routing field. I did the same on other invoices sending the rebates to the other bank accounts.
I waited a couple of days and nothing happened, no police raids, no newspaper headlines, no nothing. I thought the plan was good, but not the scale. So at my first chance, I got Vanessa's computer, logged in, and altered a couple more invoices. I got in and out in a flash. Still nothing. I figured if I bumped the rebate to five percent, someone would take notice. The next day, I jumped in the system, added a five percent rebate to two invoices, and jumped out. Then my boss started sending me out of town on jobs I don't normally do. I quickly realized what this was. My wife's lover wanted me gone for a couple of days. I guess that they were not getting enough quality time together. While on a trip to Miami, I flew over to the Grand Caymans and set up accounts for Vanessa and Lawrence. Once I got back I set up automatic transfers from their accounts to the Grand Cayman accounts. The balances were running up into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. No one has noticed the money transfers yet, but It would come up during the end of the year audit in the next two or three weeks." Andy shook his head. "Remind me not to piss you off."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:49:19 GMT -6
"Well, I was hurting and wanted to get revenge. They may or may not go to jail; the money is there to be recovered. I am through with Vanessa. Thank goodness we never had children."
"Well, your new job and relocation will make things a little better."
"Where are we going?"
"Heaven on Earth."
Using the pilot-controlled lighting system, Ken turned on the runway and taxi lights and landed at the airfield. Andy and Ben loaded the baggage in Andy's truck and Andy took him to his house for the night. Andy called Cal and told him they were back.
The next morning, Cal went down to the Facility and met with Andy. Andy filled in Cal on what was going on.
"Damn, what a rough break. What's his plan?"
"Well, he needs to file for divorce, and I want him here. He would be great for our Computer Forensics position. I could have used him last month instead of hiring the group out of Denver."
"Sounds good. Get his phone and smash it. Give him a burner to use for now. Have him get with Dale to find a no-holds-barred, cutthroat divorce lawyer in Houston. We'll pay for it."
"Thanks Cal. I'll start setting things up this morning."
Andy went and got Ben.
"Have you received any calls this morning?
"Yeah. I let everything go to voice mail. It was Vanessa asking where I was."
"Here, give me your phone and start using this one."
Andy took Ben's phone outside and smashed it with a rock."
"Why did you do that?"
"You can't be traced. Come on. We're going to get you set up with a lawyer."
"What are you doing?" Siobhan asked.
"Just going through what additional hires will need in the future. I'm going to get with Sam and try to work a deal on adding more cabins. With the way things are expanding, Kengo needs about five people to help with maintenance and Dawn needs workers. At a minimum, we're going to need five cabins."
"Why don't you demolish the old ranch manager's house and build a ten or fifteen unit efficiency rooms building? There's already power and water there."
"Now I know why I married you. Sam and Gary are going to be pleased."
After talking with Gary and Sam, they ended up with three more cabins for the employee's housing area and two more cabins for the family housing area. The ranch manager's house was being demolished and soon the foundation for the housing unit would be in.
Tinka kept a low profile but Astrid managed to get her familiar with the area and the route to the college. The only reason they stood out was because they were both beautiful. But they were an unusual pair. Tinka, with her pixie-like demeanor, and Astrid with her no-nonsense attitude. After the first employee cabin was completed, both women moved in.
It was Thursday and everyone was gathering for Pizza Night. Cal fired the oven up and got a good bed of coals. Once everyone had their drinks and seats organized, Cal began his usual "Welcome Speech."
"It's been a while since we've had a new members to the Ranch, so I'd like to welcome Tinkara Janatová. Tinka is the daughter of an old friend and I and offered to let her live here while she is attending Mesa to complete her training to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Also, we have a new employee at the Facility, Astrid Helmand. I want to add a little something to this gathering also. I'd like for the head people of each facet of the Ranch operations stand up and give us a brief rundown of what successes or failures we are having. This is to keep everyone in the loop and maintain a clear picture of what we are about.
In turn, each section head got up and gave a brief speech of what was going on in their areas. Cal got up again and explained about the additional cabins and the employee housing unit that replaced the Ranch Manager's house. When all the questions were answered, the call for making pizza came up and everyone got busy with preparing their food.
Andy walked up to Cal. "Ben heard from his lawyer. Lawrence got sentenced to five years plus two years' probation. Vanessa got three years plus two years of probation. Ben's attorney has the power of attorney to sell the house and all the remaining contents. Ben gave him directions to pack up all of Vanessa's stuff and put it in storage. All the money from the house was to be put in an escrow account for Vanessa along with half the savings. His divorce will be final in 2 ½ months."
"Well, that takes care of that, I guess. How's he doing?"
"Better every day. I keep him busy enough to not have too much time to think. Oh! By the way, Dawn needs to talk to you about potential employees."
"Okay. I'll head on down there now."
Cal found Dawn in the office they had built between the production building and the greenhouses.
"What's up?"
"Oh, hey Cal. I've been interviewing a few people and I wanted to ask you about one."
"Okay, what seems to be the problem?"
"Oh, no problem. One of the potential employees is a female Vet. She lost her left foot in Iraq. Overall, she looks good so far; has a supply background and seems to really want the job. I want to hire her and let her do all the work she wants in the houses, but I want her to focus on our division's supply needs."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:50:40 GMT -6
"That sounds reasonable. That she's a Vet is a plus. I was going to talk to you about putting in some people in management -type positions. If you run into anyone else with a good bit of supply knowledge, I need someone to slide into James' slot as Acquisition Manager. He's getting on in years and wants to slow down."
"Let me call in DeeDee and see if she knows anyone."
Dawn called DeeDee and she came to the office.
"DeeDee, this is Cal Coleman, owner and Master of everything as far as you can see."
"Dawn, report to the whipping post at 1800 hours!"
DeeDee stood there, about to bolt.
"Oh, hush! Cal, meet DeeDee Lemann; DeeDee, Cal Coleman."
"Hi DeeDee. Please, have a seat. Dawn tells me you have a supply background."
"Yes Sir."
"Please, dispense with the formalities. Everyone calls me Cal. Dawn and I have discussed your experience in supply and were wondering if you would consider being our supply person for the farm division. I know you said you'd like to work in the greenhouses, and you'd be more than welcome to work there. I believe with our IT people and your experience, most of your supply functions would be basically automated. That would leave you plenty of time to get your hands dirty."
DeeDee thought a moment. "Sure. I wouldn't mind doing that if it helps the Ranch."
"The next thing I wanted to talk to you about is, I'm looking for an Acquisitions Manager for the Ranch and maybe a supply clerk for them. The man currently holding the position is my ex-father-in-law and he wants to retire."
"I know just the people you need. Both are mustering out within the next three months, both single and both Marines, like myself. I do want to mention they are both females."
"Makes no difference to me what their gender is as long as they can do the job. Can you give me their names?"
"Gunnery Sergeant Emily Guerrero and Lance Corporal Maxine Campbell. They are both at Yuma."
"Okay, thanks. We'll try to get them here for an interview. Well, I'll leave you with Dawn to get your employment paperwork done."
Cal called Andy and gave him the names and get contact information on them. Two hours later Andy was back with the cellphone numbers of each of the women.
Gunnery Sergeant Guerrero, this line is not secure."
"Gunny, my name is Cal Coleman. I've talked to Lance Corporal Lemann and she told me you were mustering out. I have a job position for you under her recommendation."
"Lance Corporal Lemann…she mustered out on a medical a couple of months ago."
"Yes, and she is now working for me using the valuable skill she was trained to do by the Corps. Also she recommended a Lance Corporal Maxine Campbell. Do you know of her?"
"Yes, she's in the same unit with me."
"Well, if you could find the time, I'd like to fly you and Campbell up here for an interview. We will provide meals and lodging. If you could do a long weekend, we could arrange your travel on a Friday, and you'd be back Sunday evening."
"Well, let me talk to Corporal Campbell and see if we can work out a schedule."
"I'll text you mine and LeMann's numbers. It was nice talking to you Gunny."
Emily sat there for a minute just thinking. Her phone buzzed with the incoming text. She immediately dialed called LeMann's phone. She picked up after a couple rings.
"LeMann, this is Gunny Guerrero. What's this about a job position?"
"Oh Gunny! You wouldn't believe this place! The pay is great and the whole place oozes teamwork and I think Cal is richer than Midas. You and Max really should come for the interview. You won't regret it."
"Okay, let me get hold of Campbell and work on a schedule. I'll talk to you later."
Gunny got in touch with Campbell and explained about the interview.
"Sure, why not. I'm always up for a free trip as long it isn't to the sandbox."
Gunny talked to their commander and got permission for Campbell and herself to have the three days off. At 1600 she called Cal back.
"Mr. Coleman, we'll come for the interview."
"Great! Can you make it this Friday?"
"Yes sir."
"Okay, great. I want you two to be at the General Aviation area at Yuma International at 0900 Friday morning with your weekend bags. You can pack a swimsuit if you want. We're having a pool party Saturday afternoon."
"I'll inform Campbell, Sir."
"If I don't hear from you, I'll see you Friday then."
Cal and Ken did their pre-flight and were off the ground at 0600. They had a little tailwind and landed at 0822. They were early enough to get the tanks topped off. The women arrived at 0850 as the fuel truck drove away.
"Gunny Guerrero, I presume?"
"Yes Sir."
"Gunny, let's do away with the formality. Everyone on the Ranch calls me Cal, with the exception of my children."
"And you can call me Emily," shaking his hand.
"And you can call me Max, Cal"
"Okay, Ladies. We have about a 2 ½ hour flight so let's load your baggage and burn some fuel."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:52:08 GMT -6
Once the plane had leveled off at altitude, Cal went to the rear to talk to the women. He sat down and gave them the Cliff Notes version of the history of the Ranch.
"Just what would our job positions be?" Emily asked.
"Well, I wanted to place you as the Acquisitions Manager for the Ranch, with Max as your number two. Everything is already computerized, and inventory is up to date, so you should have few problems. Before I tell you anymore, I want you to see the layout of the Ranch. Basically, if someone needs something, you find out where to get it, what it costs, run it by me, then if I give the nod, procure it.."
"I don't know, this seems a little too good to be true."
"Just wait, no decisions need to be made until you've seen everything." Cal returned to the cockpit and got some rest.
When they landed, Siobhan was waiting with the Suburban. They off-loaded the baggage and Siobhan and Cal drove them to their cabin. When Siobhan showed them to their rooms, the gasps were heard.
"This is amazing! Are we really underground?"
"Yes, most of the complex is underground and expanding. Let's go back to the kitchen and I'll fix some lunch."
Cal met them when they came to the dining area Siobhan introduced them to the kids and Sinead. Siobhan had fixed a Shepherd's Pie, and everyone enjoyed it.
Cal finished his meal and pushed his plate forward.
"Ladies, I've set up a meeting at 1300 to go over your employment. If you will, please follow me to the conference room."
Emily and Max followed him to a room in the underground complex. When they entered, James and Cheryl, who basically was their HR person, were waiting.
"James, Cheryl, allow me to introduce you to Emily Guerrero and Maxine Campbell."
They sat down and went over their job definitions, salaries, benefits, and the divisions of the Ranch.
"James is going to shadow you Emily for a couple of weeks to answer any questions you have. Any improvements you see needed to the software; we'll get you with our IT guy to upgrade. Do you have any questions?
"No, but I would like to get a tour of the operations to get a picture of exactly what goes on here."
"Very good. If there are no more questions, let's get started on that tour."
Cal first took them to the Farm Operation and introduced them to Dawn. She escorted them around the operation and explained the usual expenses and income. Next, He introduced them to Jonah and his cattle operation. Jonah explained what went on at the HTR and the Circle B. Lastly, he took them underground and showed the excavation.
"Exactly what are you excavating the areas for?
"Habitations and storage. Once prepared, these areas can house a couple hundred people, or more, during a crisis."
We also have a security company that is handled separately but you will be handling logistics requests from them also."
Emily looked over at Max. Max gave her a slight nod.
"Cal, we'll take the job."
"You two are welcomed here as family. Anything we can do to make your transition easier, please let us know. We're just a phone call away. Now, let's get topside. Siobhan is making a killer lasagna with garlic bread.
After dinner, and everyone rinsing and loading their dishes into the dishwasher, Cal guided Emily and Max onto the porch. Siobhan soon came with a bottle of wine and glasses. Cal poured everyone a glass.
"You have such beautiful children! I can't remember when I've seen such adorable and well behaved kids." Max exclaimed.
"They are our darlings. I hope they can keep it up through their teenage years." Siobhan grinned.
"So, what else do you two need to do to muster out?"
"Just the normal clearing."
"Well, use the Ranch address as your home-of-record to ship your things."
"Thanks Cal. Max and I were talking, and if you don't mind, we'd like our quarters in the complex. It really doesn't seem like we're underground."
"Whatever suits you. We'll have Aggie spruce it up and you can arrange and decorate to your likes when you get here…which will be when?"
"It will take three to four weeks, maybe sooner. We don't have to go through the job-hunt transition portion, if you give us a letter stating we'll be gainfully employed."
"No problem. I'll have a letter for each of you before you depart."
"Well, we have market day tomorrow so we're going to turn in. You two stay as long as you wish."
"Yeah, we've had a long day also. I'm turning in also.
Cal helped everyone set up at the farmers market and watched them for a while when his phone rang.
"Cal, this is Carl Sims."
"Carl! How are you. It's been a while! Where are you these days?"
"I settle down on a little farm outside of LaGrange, Georgia. Finally got my little slice of heaven."
"That's great! How's Sally?
"She's fine. Keeps me busy with 'Honey Do's.' The reason I called is, we've got another wounded goose. He used to be in your company, so I thought you'd want in on this."
"Who is it?"
"Sammy Taylor."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Sammy is a good solder."
"Well, he lost an inch of his right leg and ran into spouse problems when he finally got out of Walter Reed."
"Is he able to travel?"
"Yeah, but we need to get him out of here ASAP."
"Okay. Make him disappear via the usual methods. Pack him up and send him up here. You need anything, let me know."
"Will do, Cal. This guy is too good to lose."
"Have him give me a call when he's on final."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:53:12 GMT -6
On Sunday Cal and Ken flew Emily and Max back to Yuma and immediately returned to the Ranch. They touched down and taxied up to the hanger. The mechanic took charge to check the plane out and refueled it.
Tuesday Cal got a call from Sammy. He was in Delta, Colorado. Cal gave him directions to Frank's restaurant and told him he would meet him there. Two hours later, Cal saw Sammy pull up in the parking lot. Cal came out of the restaurant and greeted Sammy.
"Have you eaten yet?"
"Not since breakfast."
"Well, come on in. You're going to get some of the best BBQ west of the Mississippi!"
The went in and Frank guided them to the "Special" table.
"Sergeant Major .…"
"None of that. Out here I'm Cal. We'll get to talking later. Let's just enjoy this great food for now."
Frank delivered his specialties and they started eating. They finally finished their meal.
"My God!" I won't have to eat for a week! Frank came over the table.
"How was everything?"
Sammy groaned. "That was the best meal I've had in ages."
Frank grinned. "Well, you are welcomed here anytime!"
They finally got up and headed for the Ranch. When they arrived, Cal had Sammy park next to the bunk house. Cal helped Sammy unload his truck then motioned him to follow him over to the Gathering House. Cal pulled a couple of Smithwick's out of the refrigerator and they sat down at a table.
"Tell me about it."
Sammy swirled his bottle around the wet ring on the table and sighed. "I guess I should start at the beginning.
"My wife cheated on me. I witnessed it. I had come home to our apartment to find her lying next to a guy that graduated a year ahead of us in school. She looked like she had just had sex. I screamed, "WHAT THE F**K?!!" He turned his head and smirked at me. I looked at her, "YOU BITCH, how could you? I loved you, I thought you loved me. What a F**KING WHORE!!" I picked up a snow globe she had on the top of the dresser and threw it at the wall by the headboard. It shattered, leaving a wet dent in the drywall. I ran out of the apartment hopped in my truck, and drove. My phone rang, it was her. I was so pissed I threw my phone out the window.
I started driving to my parent's house, natural reaction I guess, when we feel threatened or experience the unknown, we retreat to our safe place. I thought to myself, 'I can't go there, it will be the first place she checks'. I drove, I was half-way to Atlanta when I found a small motel and checked in. I had to think. I wanted to kill them both. I had to figure out a way that I could do that and not go to prison.
Shooting them, even if there were no witnesses it would surely lead back to me. Cutting the brake lines on their cars would still lead back to me. Poison…take too long and would probably lead back to me.
I was screwed. I couldn't think of how I could get away with killing them.
I'm not a drinker but I went out and bought a quart of Jack Daniels and a 2 liter of Canada Dry Ginger Ale. I was going to get 'F**ked Up'! I started pouring Jack and Ginger in a glass with ice from the motel ice maker. I hate to admit it, but it didn't take too many of those plastic 8 ounce cups to have me passed out on the bed.
I woke in the morning, late morning, with a splitting headache. My mouth was dry, and I needed to brush my teeth. I didn't have a toothbrush, so I called the front desk. They were happy to provide a toothbrush and a little tube of toothpaste and they would only add $10 to my bill. They assumed I was staying another night since I missed the 10:00 checkout. I said, 'Yeah, 2 more nights.'
I would go to Atlanta on Monday. I didn't want to use a lawyer in Newnan, Shannon's family was connected, and I didn't want her to know what I was doing until she was served.
There was a knock on my door, I opened it and the maid gave me my toothbrush and paste. She stood there expecting a tip. They are charging me $10 for a freaking toothbrush and paste and she wants a tip?
I told her thank you and shut the door. I hoped I wouldn't need anything else from the front desk. After I brushed my teeth I laid back down and fell back to sleep.
At 3:00 I woke up with my stomach growling. I hadn't had anything to eat since lunchtime yesterday. I got up, put my clothes back on and headed out to find someplace to eat. I found a greasy spoon and had a cheeseburger and fries. At least it was food.
I knew I needed to call my parents and let them know I was alive. I had to find a payphone somewhere. I asked the waitress, she said, 'The only one I know of is at the Barracuda.' She gave me directions, I tipped her and left.
I found the bar, went in, ordered a White Russian, (I had never had one before, thought I'd give it a try) and went to the payphone to call my folks.
'Sammy! Where are you?!!' My mom said when I said 'Hi.'
'Somewhere no one will find me.' I said.
'Shannon's worried sick, she'd been calling all night and all day. She's called all your friends, nobody's seen you. Where did you go?'
I repeated myself, 'Somewhere where no one will find me.'
'Sammy, you can't do that to her. You can't just run away when you have an argument. That doesn't solve anything.'
'Is that what she told you?! We had an argument??!'
'Yes honey.'
'We didn't have an argument Mom. I came home and found her in bed with another man!!'
'Oh dear.'
'Yeah Mom..... I'll be back on Monday. Don't tell her I called. I do NOT want to talk to her.'
I hung up. Now I was madder than I had been. I can't believe she lied to my mother. What was she going to say though, she couldn't tell the truth.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:54:56 GMT -6
I drank my White Russian, not bad actually, and then I went back to my motel room. I would stay there until Monday morning. Monday I would go to Atlanta, find a lawyer, file for divorce, go back to the apartment while Shannon was at work and clear out all of my stuff. I would find another apartment to live in. I would work as the assistant manager at the grocery store and be the laughingstock of the town, the man whose wife was screwing around on him. Small town living at its best, yeehaw. I started drinking my Jack and Ginger again. Again it wasn't long before I was passed out on the bed. At 9:30 Sunday morning I awoke to the sound of church bells ringing. 'God, why did you do this to me?' I said aloud. I got up, grabbed the Jack and Ginger, and started drinking again. I was going to have to change clothes before going to the lawyer on Monday. I'll have to go to Walmart and pick out something presentable. I got out of bed, man I smelled and looked like death warmed over. A long hot shower helped do the trick. I brushed my teeth with my $10 toothbrush and toothpaste and climbed in the shower. It felt soooooo good. I must have been in there for 25 minutes before I got out and toweled off. I'd have to pick up a razor and shaving cream as well as deodorant when I went to Walmart. I thought I should probably pick up a Tracphone too so I could make calls. 'I better make a list of everything I'm going to need for a few weeks.' I thought to myself. After picking up everything I felt I needed from Walmart I spent the rest of the day thinking about my life and how it was going to change. I would have to get my name taken off of the lease with Shannon. I'd need to open a new checking and savings account and have my checks deposited in the new account. What a bunch of bullshit. I had had my whole life planned, now all those plans have gone to shit. Everyone in town would know I was a failure. All my plans, I couldn't make them happen. What could I do? Would I fail as the assistant manager too? My confidence was shaken, my pride was hurt, how could I walk around town knowing people would be talking about my failed relationship, my failed life. "God, what did I do to deserve this?" I said to myself. At that thought I started drinking. I woke Monday at 8:30. I shaved, showered, dressed and was out the door by 9:30. I settled my bill and headed off to Atlanta. On the way I was driving, thinking, and looking around, strange how things hit you at different times. I probably had passed this billboard or one just like it hundreds of times, but this time it caught my eye. "The Quiet Professionals" It was a sign both literally and figuratively. I felt God was telling me this was my new life. Now I had a plan, a way to take my life back, be a part of something bigger than myself. In my mind life was looking up. I called a lawyer when I got to Atlanta. I made an appointment for 1:30. That would give me some time to talk to a recruiter. It was the answer to all my problems, I could leave Shannon behind. No one would be able to laugh or feel sorry for me. I would be a Green Beret. I never filed for divorce. If she wanted one she'd have to do it. Anyway, the Soldier's and Sailor's Relief act kept the legal stuff away while I was overseas. That is how I came to be here I am today, an ex-Green Beret, one leg longer than the other, PTSD and night terrors. I have been back to the States for almost a year. I also had my psychiatric appointments at the VA in Atlanta. I think that was a waste of time. I still have the dreams, the night terrors, the anxiety and depression. I was not making any progress to get better. It was required though since I've been diagnosed with PTSD, so I went. What a waste of time, money and effort. I still have the constant memory of that night on the border, the night I lost all my brothers, the night my life changed. Why couldn't I have died too? It's hard living knowing all my brothers are dead. They call it survivor's guilt. I call it Hell. Why did I live, and all my brothers die. Why couldn't I have done something to save them. My parents told me that God had a reason for saving my life. I didn't know what that could be. I had turned my back on God when I left for SF. God is about forgiveness and I wasn't ready to forgive. I had told Shannon I had forgiven her, but had I really? I still couldn't get passed what she had done, even now. I would never trust her again. How do you forgive and forget, is it even possible? Even though I had turned my back on God, when the going got tough I asked Him to save me. Did he forgive me? Could I do the same for her? Every time I thought about that I remembered the look on her face. The look of satisfaction of just having sex, then the look of shock, horror, and guilt as she saw me come through the door. Then I remembered Brandon's look. What a smug asshole. How could I ever forget or forgive her for that, I don't know if I had it in me to truly forgive her. She keeps trying to contact me, but I've dodged her ever since. I call my Mom once a month, but I don't even tell her where I am. I sat there lost in thought for what must have been close to an hour. It depressed me and pissed me off. All my childhood plans and dreams gone. Now even my new plans that involved Special Forces were gone. I wish I would have died on the battlefield. I had planned to be in SF until I retired or died. Shit!!!" "Sammy, all I can tell you is time and distance will help the pain go away. She doesn't know where you are, and you are in a new environment." "Yeah, that helps, but I'm still a cripple." "Bullshit! You were the best medic we had in the company. Would you like to continue in the medical field?" "I guess. What other choices does a cripple have?" "We could put you on a horse and ride fence. The stirrups adjust to any length." Sammy looked up at Cal and smirked.
"Look Sammy. The University of Colorado has a PA program at the Anschutz Medical Campus. You could get your degree and I'll pay you to handle our medical needs here at the Ranch. We have a doctor and a nurse here, but he and she work full time in Grand Junction. They would only be available here if we had to hunker down. I'll pay for your education. You could probably test out for most of it."
"I could do that."
"Sammy, I don't want to hear the word 'cripple' again. You are just as much a man, even more, as you ever were. Now, you unpack your things and get settled. Dinner is at 1800 and Siobhan won't stand for you not eating."
Cal went back to the house.
"How is he?" Siobhan asked.
"Ragged. With his wife cheating on him and PTSD, I hope we caught him in time. Getting him out here should work well for him. I'm going to get him set up for PA school. Can you check around and find him a small apartment or house withing walking distance of the school?" "Sure, I'll start on it in the morning. I'll check with Sally Thornton. She can tap into the MLS and find something."
"Rent if you have to, but buy if you can. One or two bedrooms, laundry, etc."
"Okay." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You are such a good and caring man."
"I gotta take care of the troops. They taught me how to put on the uniform, but I just can't get it off."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 18:59:18 GMT -6
Cal and Ken flew back to Yuma to pick up Emily and Max. Each had 4 large suitcases.
"Are you having anything shipped?" Cal asked with a frown.
Emily and Max giggled. "Yes, but we had to get appropriate clothing for the Ranch!"
Cal grinned. "Okay, let's get this loaded and get out of here.
Siobhan and Aggie had "girlied up" their rooms, so when they saw the "Improvements" Emily and Max loved what they had done.
"You two will eat your meals with us. Since we're maxing out the table in the dining area, we'll start eating our meals in the complex dining room." Siobhan instructed them.
The next day, Cal asked Helen, Mary, Martha and Aileen to meet with him in the Gathering House while Siobhan was in town.
"Ladies, Thursday is Pizza Night as usual. But more importantly, it is Siobhan's and my anniversary. I plan on taking her out Saturday night, but I want to take the time to share the event with everyone. We'll have the usual pizza, but I'd like a nice cake and Aileen, can you get the band together. There is a special song I want to do for her…"
The ladies, in secret, worked to complete the plans for Pizza Night. Siobhan and the girls worked to make the pizza dough and Mary and Martha hid the cake in the Gathering House. Once everyone had assembled, the band moved onto the stage.
Cal stepped up to the stage and motioned Siobhan to join him. "I've got a surprise for you." He whispered. "Ladies and Gentlemen today is the anniversary of the day Siobhan became my wife. She brought sunlight and love to a dreary time, which is the glue for a wonderful, loving family." Siobhan was watching their family begin playing, assuming that was the surprise. Then, Cal started singing the song that fit their lives perfectly-Rascal Flatts' "God Bless the Broken Road." " I set out on a narrow way many years ago"Siobhan's attention snapped toward Cal with wide eyes, a beautiful, emotionally crooked smile, and tears flowing. She had no idea this was coming. "Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing throughI couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you"The music took on a fullness as the family choir joined Cal in harmony. "Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is trueThat God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you"
The music softened a bit and just girls sang "Ooo's" in the background in perfect three-part harmony. "I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understandIt's all part of a grander plan that is coming true"They went back to a big sound and full vocal harmony. Siobhan's emotions and everyone else's were being attacked by the beautiful sound and heartfelt sentiment. "Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is trueThat God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true"The instruments softened. Vocals went back to "Ooo's. "That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Now just the guitar, bass, and Cal. That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight..."Then Cal lost it. The music had a pause here waiting for him to sing the last two words. He softly held her by her waist and struggled as his eyes welled up. It took all he had to just look in her eyes and say... "to you."
Cal couldn't believe how strong his voice was and how he held it together to that point. Siobhan's surprise was better than he imagined it would be. He held it together all the way through until the last line. He didn't plan it this way, but somehow, his losing control for the last two words was perfect. It wrapped the whole surprise in a bow and made it clear to Siobhan just how much he loved her. He kissed her and held her as they couldn't hold back the emotions. The music stopped. Everyone rose up in applause and whistling, no one with a dry eye. Thankfully, it went on for a while until Cal and Siobhan could compose themselves. Siobhan turned to Cal. "I don't know how I deserve to be so happy, so loved, and so in love ... but it is a dream come true. I love you, Cal!" "I love you too!"
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 19:00:47 GMT -6
Cal was working on equipment in the equipment hangar when Kengo came in. "Cal, you mentioned I could get four workers to assist in my work here." "Absolutely Kengo. You may hire whomever you want." "I have distant relatives who have immigrated here in the last few months." "How many are we talking about?" "Actually, there are two families. My cousin Chung has a wife and two boys and Ling has a wife and a boy and a girl." "I think we can accommodate them all. When can they be here?" "They can be here in two weeks' time." What type of housing would they want? If you'd like, there is plenty of room to put two more cabins next to yours," "That would be excellent! Thank you, Cal." "I'll call Sam now." Cal took out his phone and dialed Sam's number. "Sam? This is Cal Coleman. I need a rush job on two three-bedroom cabins." "Great Cal. The boys can get started in the morning. Do you have the solar equipment and air systems? If you do, we can put it all in while we're there."
"Yes, we have the spares. Again, you can use any of our equipment you need. I've got a couple of worker families coming in from California." "No problem. The boys will be out early in the morning." Cal's radio broke squelch. "Cal, can you come down to the Facility?" "Be there in twenty minutes." Cal pulled up to the facility in a UV34 and entered the building. Andy motioned for Cal to follow him and entered the SCIF. Ben was close behind. "Cal, Ben saw some unusual activity on the government interweb and has stumbled upon some interesting emails. It seems there is a swarm of meteoroids headed this way with an ETA of seven months. The average size is 75 meters across. The government is getting together a plan to destroy or deflect as many as they can with nuclear weapons, and they may be successful. " Cal looked at Andy. "Chances are they won't get them all." "Yeah, the problem is, the meteorite that hit Arizona 50,000 years ago was only 50 meters wide." "Crap! Okay, we need to be prepared. We're toast if we were to get a direct impact, but chances of that are infinitesimal. Let's set up a meeting for Thursday here in the SCIF. I'm going to have the major players to see where we stand in preparation. Andy, keep up the current contracts but don't accept any more right now. Needless to say, keep this close to your chests." Thursday at 0900 Cal called the meeting. In attendance were: Cal and Siobhan Coleman James Hatley Emily Guerrero Glen Smith Andy Murray Ken Nelson Jonah Daley Dawn Bannon Joanna Cannon Jimmy Carlson Cheryl Graybeal Ben Cannon Kengo Kawabata Diana Whitman Adam Benning Dale and Cynthia Anderson Mike McDaniels Barry Martin "What you are about to hear this morning is an open secret that stays on the Ranch. Around 7 months from now, a swarm of meteoroids will approach Earth. The average size is around 75 meters across. The meteoroid that caused the crater in Arizona was 50 meters across. The government is making plans to destroy or deflect the meteoroids but there is a chance they won't get all of them. This meeting is to form a planning group to make sure we are well prepared in case we end up with a disaster. I will give you your initial guidelines and boundaries of what I want you to do. On Monday, I want to reconvene here at 0900 and I want an initial plan from each of you on your course of action. Now, James, I want you to work with Emily on the supply side; Diana, I want you, Adam and Ben Cannon to work on the underground installation as far as storage and housing; Dale and Cyn you have legal; Jonah, Jimmy and Joanna you have the ranches; Kengo, you give me ideas on whatever you think will help us for the future; Mike, you and Ken team up and come up with ideas to continue flight operations after the impact; Dawn, we'll need to package more food for long-term storage and have enough supplies you use to continue operations after the impact; Glen, you and Ben see about getting IT together in the server room. See about getting the monitoring systems, i.e., the cameras and drone monitors in the consolidated area; Barry, you handle anything on power generation. Do we need more fuel tanks, more batteries, etc. That's all of got for right now. Just do the things that will take us through the next three years. I will be informing the rest of the Ranch people tonight at Pizza Night. Remember, there are no stupid suggestions. We will look at ALL ideas." Cal released everyone and they left for their respective jobs. Siobhan looked at Cal. "Do we need to worry?" "Worry? No, just vigilant with concern. I want you to get with the rest of the ladies and think of things that we might need that you might not be able to purchase for three years…in case supply was disrupted." Siobhan kissed him on the cheek. Okay, see you later." Monday, everyone seemed to be moving with a purpose. Cal called the meeting to order and asked for input from Barry. "Cal, we're looking good on the power systems. As a matter of fact, we can generate more power than is used. However, I recommend we increase our battery storage capacity. I've got a line on two dozen industrial forklift batteries. Each is a newer type that has a thirty-five-year shelf life. Also, we need to store backup solar panels in case of damage by the storm. As long as we keep the tanks topped of, we would have enough fuel for three years for the generators." "Okay, good. Mike and Ken." "Not a whole lot for us to do. We may want to increase aviation fuel storage and before the storm hits, disperse the planes. Both are STOL so we can land them anywhere on the two ranches. That's about it." "Okay, I'm in concurrence. James and Emily." "We're standing by to process any supply request submitted. We're getting hand-held scanners to speed up and simplify inventory." "Good. Diana." "We're continuing with the excavation, but we already have enough storage to begin relocating the supply rooms. We're going to need help when we renovate the old supply rooms to sleeping quarters." "Do we have enough quarters to furnish everyone on the two ranches?" "We'll need four more suites. If we convert all the suites that will give is four more than we need." "Okay, convert them all. When you need help on the conversions, let me know." "Glen." "It might be a good idea to increase server storage space. We're adding switches to turn off outside access when we occupy the shelter." "Okay, make sure order plenty of spare parts." "I've got 540 pounds of gold, around $14,000,000 to exchange, so money isn't going to be a problem. If you see anything we need to purchase, get a supply requisition to Emily. If there's nothing else, we'll meet here next Monday. Same time." It took five months to get the conversions accomplished and re-sited, but it was to everyone's satisfaction. Cal called Ken. "Ken, I've got a feeling we're going to need a helicopter. What are you checked out on?" "I've got time on the UH-1H and the UH-1N." "Okay, see what you can find." Two days later Ken got back with him. "Cal, I've got a line on a UH-1N in Arizona that has been completely overhauled, and Mike's mechanic is certified for maintenance. It was set up for search and rescue." "What's the price?" They want $875,000. With two sets of blades and other spare parts the price goes up to just under $1,000,000." "Do it. Get with the mechanic and scrounge up other spare parts that will be needed."
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Post by papaof2 on Aug 6, 2021 21:05:56 GMT -6
I saw a setup where a battery cut-off switch was put in line to a dozen extra batteries. Every two weeks or so, they'd flip the power on the batteries and let them trickle charge. Almost anything that will let you charge the batteries regularly will work.
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Post by texican on Aug 6, 2021 21:07:40 GMT -6
Veritas Filii Libertatis
Best translation that I have found:
Truth is the daughter of liberty (freedom).
ncsfsgm?
Texican....
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Post by texican on Aug 6, 2021 21:23:23 GMT -6
Cal got the take measure
Must be one of those laser type measurers.
Texican....
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Post by papaof2 on Aug 6, 2021 21:46:47 GMT -6
"Except for the absence of windows, I wouldn't believe we are underground." That can easily be resolved, especially with DEEP pockets ;-) There are window-sized graphics which can be illuminated from the back to have a "window" anywhere. They came in city, country (farm, ranch), mountains, river, etc & etc. You can be creative with window shades or blinds or even shutters over the inside of your "window" You just need a frame for the graphic which is deep enough to allow for lighting (LED strips are excellent - low power, low heat, even light) and the LED strips could be dimmed to have "morning, noon, evening, night" illumination from the window. That can be as simple or a complex as you want. amazon.com has some of these graphics, as do some other sellers. Example of a direct-to-wall "window": www.ebay.com/itm/173231137247If I remember where I found the illuminatable graphic I have, I'll add to this post. --- Link: www.houseoftatouage.com/window___door__scenesMy pick was the "Horse Farm" window.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 22:38:17 GMT -6
"Siobhan, I want to have a BBQ Sunday and invite everyone from the two ranches so they can get a look at their shelter quarters."
"Okay, I'll get with the women for the other dishes."
They held the BBQ and Siobhan , Martha and Helen showed the other women where their families would stay. Immediately, the women started making notes of what they wanted to bring over to make the suites more "Homey." Little by little the families moved clothing and personal things they didn't want to lose to their suites. Dawn had been storing as much food as they could and still keep up their contracts to their customers. It wasn't until a month before the projected impact of the meteoroids that the government even warned the population of the danger. Things started going a little crazy in the big cities. With a three-day warning from the government, all the families moved into the shelter. When the meteoroids impacted, they felt a heavy tremor in the shelter. An hour later Andy reported the one impacted on the side of Mt. Jefferson, Oregon. The TV news reports were covering the five impacts. One hit the Pacific Ocean near Vanuatu, one hit Mount Jefferson, Oregon, one hit in central Siberia, one hit in Nebraska and the closest one hit right next to the Gunnison River southeast of Grand Junction, Colorado.
Andy reported to Cal.
"Looks like the strike on Mt. Jefferson caused an eruption somewhere between Krakatoa and Mt. St. Helens. Mostly lava flows because it was a stratovolcano. There seems to be some damage to the Orchard Mesa area of Grand Junction.
After the danger was passed, Cal called Ken and Sammy in. He told everyone else to conduct damage assessment on the two ranches and begin returning to their homes.
"Ken, get the Huey ready. Sammy, get your SOF Medical Pack together. We're going to Grand Junction."
As the flew over the last ridgeline Cal saw the terrain had changed southeast of the junction of the Upper Colorado and Gunnison rivers. There was now a lake 2 miles southeast of Orchard Mesa with the Gunnison River flowing through it.. Cal directed Ken to the Sheriff's Department where they landed on the helipad. Cal went in and met with Sheriff Earl Gilmore, who replaced Dan Masters when he retired.
"Cal? How did you folks fair out there?"
"We're good Earl. I saw the damage south of here. How many did we lose?"
"We figure up to 200, but we won't get a final count until later."
"I just came in to see if we could help in any way."
"I can't think of anything right now. FEMA was in here real quick . Of course, not a hell of a lot for them to do. Only a couple a hundred families were affected outside of Orchard Mesa."
"You want to take a chopper ride and see where it hit?"
"Yeah. Would you mind if the County Disaster Preparedness Coordinator rode with us? He's down in the EOC."
"Not a problem. We'll wait at the pad."
When they flew over the impact zone, Cal pointed out the Gunnison river was flowing into the mile-wide crater, but had no outlet. They’d need to break through the rim on the southeast side of the crater to allow the river to continue to flow in its original riverbed. The pilot patched the D.C. into the EOC and he started having heavy equipment moving to the crater to start work. They had been lucky. If the impact had occurred two miles further north, there would have been catastrophic loss of life.
They flew back to the Sheriff’s Department and shut down.
“Dan shook Cal’s hand. “Thanks Cal, If we hadn’t had a heads up on the river blockage, we could have had some flooding.”
No for a while the lips of the crater would have contained the water for a while, but it really needs to be dug out now before a sudden water release does cost flooding by a sudden release. “Is there anything else we can do for you Dan?”
"I can't think of anything right now. Looks like we were lucky. But you keep coming to the farmers market. You've got some things some people consider comfort foods. God only knows they need the comfort right now with this scare."
"We'll do that Earl. Tell your Deputies that can get away to stop by the market Saturday. We'll have a couple of pigs cooked."
"I'll do that Cal, and thanks."
Cal called Jonah and sent him Bonner's to get the biggest pig smoker he could buy.
"You'll have to take Redlands Parkway in. The 5th Street Bridge is going to be overloaded with traffic. However many pigs the cooker will hold, we need to get those too."
"Will do Cal. I'll take one of the boys with me."
When they landed, Cal got Siobhan and they went to the greenhouse to see Dawn.
"Dawn, we need to gear up for the market Saturday. We're going to cook a couple of hogs to take in. What have you got freeze-dried to using in foods to go with it?
"Potato Salad. Freeze-dried potato dices and sweet pickles. We can reconstitute the pickles there, reconstitute egg whites and make the mayonnaise, add dried herbs. We can make Cole Slaw the night before."
"Can you turn it into an inpromptu cooking class?"
"Good idea. We can take in a bunch of the freeze-dried food to sell too!"
"It also gives you an opportunity to introduce people to free-dried food, plus, gives you a chance to rotate stocks."
"Great idea!"
"Siobhan, can you get a crew together for the slaw?"
"Sure. We'll make a big steamer pot of it."
Jonah called Cal about the pig cooker.
"Cal, I found something you might be interested in. It's got four 250-gallon steel tanks. You could cook hogs in two of them and chickens in the other two."
"Get it."
"Cal, this thing costs a little under $8,000."
"So, we'll have more cookouts. You can get the pigs tomorrow. I'll go in to COSTCO's and Sam's to get the chickens tomorrow as soon as I can figure out how many will fit."
"Okay, Bossman."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 22:39:11 GMT -6
Cal was pushing the cart and Siobhan was loading it up when they got to the spice area, Cal directed her what spices he needed for the rubs. They went on down the aisle and picked up twenty pounds of brown sugar. They got four boxes of ten chickens each.
Friday, they butchered the hogs and had them ready by 1700. They would slow-cook for sixteen hours, with occasional basting. The chickens were prepared, and the rub applied, but they wouldn't start cooking until 0500 in the morning.
A lot more people were going in Saturday to help set up. Even Siobhan and Cal's kids set up to play music. Once the produce area was set up, A cooking/demonstration area for Siobhan and Dawn's cooking class. Mary and Helen put together a display area of all their freeze-dried foods.
Once the burners were turned back on and the foods were warming, people started drifting over. Of course, the music didn't hurt. Cal had also contacted the main soft drink distributor and they had set up a trailer with taps for free drinks. As the law enforcement drifted in, they were given plates of food. Everyone was amazed when they found the food and drinks were free.
Siobhan's and Dawn's class was a hit and they sold out of all the freeze-dried food. They passed around brochures of what foods they had available and a note card that the customer could check off what foods, both fresh and freeze dried, they wanted to see at the market in the future. As it stood right then, Dawn would freeze dry up to 1/3 of what they harvested.
Everyone was tired when they returned to the Ranch that afternoon. After the equipment was cleaned up, they all assembled at the gathering house.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, today went very well for an off-the-cuff event. The credit goes entirely to all of you. I am thankful that we did a little something to bring a little bit of normality back to the people in Grand Junction. I know all of us felt a little something today. I want to thank all of you for your participation.
On another note, a few of you have come to me about a church here. I'm for it, as long as you understand it will be a non-denominational church. If any of you want to start a committee to select a pastor and put together a design for the church, feel free to do so."
Two weeks later Helen, Mary, Martha and Aggie came to Cal.
"Cal, we've pick a pastor."
"Tell me about him."
Helen spoke first.
"He's a former Catholic priest named James Lambry. He quit the order because of the decadence. He just got married to Edna and is looking for somewhere to settle down and administer to the people."
Aggie cleared her throat. "Cal, he's black."
"Aggie, when has race changed my mind about anything? Have you decided on a design for the church?"
"Mary smiled. "Yes, we want seating for one hundred and fifty people, female and male bathrooms, a church office and a full finished basement with nine-foot ceilings."
"What about a parsonage?"
"No, that sets them apart from the rest. Can we give them free housing in our area?
"Sure, that isn't a problem. So, what about his salary?"
"Mary said, "Salaries in Colorado run from seventeen to thirty-five thousand a year. We'd like to pay him thirty-five."
"Let's do twenty-five for the first six months, then if everyone is satisfied, we'll up it to thirty-five. I'll get the ball rolling on with the architect in get a draft of the plans for everyone's acceptance."
They all agreed, and Cal called Sam and had him on speaker with Gary. He told him what they ladies wanted and asked them to come up with plans. Gary was excited and said he'd have preliminary plans drawn up in a week.
A week later, Sam and Gary met with the church committee and they went over the plans. It was a timber frame design with log slab siding. There were two large windows
On the each side and an arched stained-glass window over the portico. Representative drawings showed them what the finished basement would look like. The women were overwhelmed. Cal nodded to Sam.
"Well Sam, I guess it is a go. What do you think the build time will be?"
"I'd say about sixty days. It's a good time of the year, so weather shouldn't be a problem. Are you going to take care of the solar?"
Yeah, we can handle the electrical. If you can leave a copy of the plans, Barry can go over them and put where lights and receptacles will go."
"We can do that. We'll need that back to us ASAP, though."
"No problem. We'll get them back to you in a couple of days."
"Fine. Then we'll have the excavation crew out here to dig on Monday to get started."
After Sam and Gary left, the Church Committee continued their meeting.
"Ladies, I see no reason to having Reverend Lambry and his wife wait to move here. We have a cabin open and it would give them time to get to know the community. The timetable is with you.
Two and a half months later, the church was almost completed. Joshua and Cal had built a cupola with a solid oak cross. Barry had it wired for solar-powered lights to shine on the steeple cross. Six of the forklift batteries supplied power to the building. Solar panels adorned the roof with a wind turbine as backup. Sam's crew used the boom truck to lift it up and attach it to the roof. Mike used some contacts in Mexico and purchased a six-foot-tall wooden statue of Jesus. Dan and Stephanie Masters purchased a nice piano for the church. Joshua and his sons built two beautiful tables to be placed by the front door and a podium for the Reverend. Kengo and his crew landscaped the area beautifully. All the women worked inside to get things ready for their first service on Sunday.
On Sunday, everyone gathered for the church dedication. When everyone was seated, Reverend Lambry led them in prayer. "God, who sanctify the places dedicated to Your name, pour out Your grace on this house of prayer, that all who here call on Your name may experience Your kind assistance, through Christ our Lord.
Amen."
Reverend Lambry gave a wonderful service. Afterward, everyone congregated at the Gathering House for their celebratory meal.
Andy and Cal were talking when Reverend Lambry approached.
"Cal, I'd like my wife Edna and I to go through your weapons training."
"Isn't that unusual? What about turning the other cheek?"
"There is a time to pray for the lambs and a time to slay the wolves. Angels pray when needed, fight when needed."
"Well then, Andy is the man to set it up. I'll leave you two to arrange things."
For the next few weeks, Cal watched the Reverend. Where he had the ability or aptitude, he pitched in to help wherever could. He could be seen helping in the greenhouses, working with Joshua at the forge or helping move hay. He was interacting with the community.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 22:40:20 GMT -6
Jonah and Dennis were taking pallets of firewood off two 18-wheeler flatbed trailers when Cal walked up.
"Getting an early start on the wood?"
"Cal, after last winter I doubled up on the wood. There's two more trucks coming in tomorrow. We'll start maintenance on the snow equipment day after tomorrow."
"Yeah, last winter was bad. I'll help with the maintenance. By the way, we need to be prepared to deal with wolves this winter. They're migrating down from the northwestern part of the state. I'll have the drone team keep on the lookout."
Jonah's premonition became reality when an unusual weather pattern developed. The jet stream dipped, and a polar vortex followed it. What followed that was twenty-four inches of snow. The snow fell for three days. They had developed an S.O.P. on how snow removal would be conducted, and everyone assigned moved smoothly into action. After the primary roads had been cleared, they moved to the airfield and helped Mike clear the runway. Then they went back and cleared driveways and parking areas. The Reverend took one of the snowblowers and cleared the church parking lot and Ben and Able Cross cleared the walkway.
Siobhan, Aggie and several of the ladies had made a fire and heated up the Gathering House and had hot soup and sandwiches and warm peach cobbler for the men when they were finished with the clearing.
"Mike, can you clear the main road down to the Circle B? They'll clear their drive."
"Sure. It'll just take going down and coming back."
"Cal, Terry and I are going to clear a path to drag hay racks to the cattle."
"Good enough. Make sure everyone takes their radios."
That evening, Diana Whitman met with Cal.
"Cal, the second level we agreed on is finished. Do you still want us to extend the garage?"
"Yes. I don't know if we'll run into any more chambers or not, but go ahead and start excavating. Try and set the support columns to be able to park a full-sized vehicle between the columns. Oh, and make a second garage doorway."
"How high do you want the ceilings?"
"Let's do fourteen feet. That should accept anything we have or might get."
We'll have to build a four-foot platform to start the excavation. If you want, we can just run the distance until we are 10 feet from the outside wall. I'd better order several more sets of cutter wheels for the excavators."
"Your call, Diane. Do you need any more equipment?"
"We could us a couple more vacuum trailers."
"No problem. I'm going to see Emily now and I'll put in the order."
Cal called everyone to the Gathering House on Wednesday evening to talk about the improvements to their operations, or anything people thought would benefit the community. A lot of good ideas had come out after they had a similar meeting after the meteoroid strike. Cal intended to continue this after they had a substantive event. He considered the snow event one.
Cal called for input but no one had anything. They must be doing something right..
Since no one had anything else to add he adjourned the meeting.
"Cal, this is Agent Wicker. I've got some bad news. Karl Janatová was killed this morning by a car bomb."
"Damn. What can we expect?"
It looks like they weren't after him, but the guy he was going to a meet. Janatová was collateral damage."
"Tinka is attending classes and won't be back until around 1600."
"Well, I'd rather you notify her. His brother claimed the remains and is having him cremated. I don't know if she wants to go back or not."
Cal sent Astrid a text telling her and Tinka to see him when they got back. When they arrived Cal and Siobhan escorted Tinka and Astrid into the Family room.
"Tinka, I'm afraid I have some bad news. Your grandfather was killed this morning by a car bomb. It's been determined he wasn't the primary target. He was just caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your great uncle is having his remains cremated."
Tinka, with growing moisture in her eyes, nodded.
"I will have to call my mother. May I continue to stay here and finish my schooling?"
Siobhan put her arm around Tinka. "Of course, you may!"
Tinka stood up and headed to her room.
Astrid stood up. "What are my instructions?"
"Cal and Siobhan stood also. "Same routine until we can clarify her family isn't a target."
Two days later Cal received a call from Mike informing him a Gulfstream G5 would be landing in twenty minutes.
"Do you know who it is?"
"They didn't say. You can be assured it's government."
"Okay, I'm coming.
Cal arrived as the plane was touching down. Two men deplaned and Cal walked out to meet them.
"Mr. Coleman, do you have some place secure we can talk?"
"Sure. Get into the Suburban."
Cal drove them down to the Facility and took them into the SCIF.
"Mr. Coleman, I'm David Burnham and this is Harry Deacon." They showed him their credentials.
"We're here to give you the run-down on Karl Janatová. Mr. Janatová was an asset of ours, as well as his daughter for several years. We know he was not the target of the assassination, but we want to be safe and bring his daughter, Jana, back here to the States. We'll take care of immigration and all that. She wants to come here, to this area, so she'd be near her daughter. All this is also a previous request of Mr. Janatová."
Cal looked at them a moment.
"Is there anything that could follow her here?"
"No. We are sure she was never exposed. Her realistic, and real cover is she wants to be near her daughter. They will both obtain U.S. citizenship through our help. We will fly her directly here when she arrives in Washington."
"I have no problem with that. We have plenty of accommodations if she wishes to stay here or help her find a place if she doesn't."
"Very good. Is there anything we can do for you?"
"I'm sure you know more about me than I do, so you probably know we are pretty self-sufficient. One thing we are short of is night vision devices."
"I'll see to it."
They all stood up and Cal drove them back to the airfield. Cal sat and watched as the plane taxied out to the runway and took off. He drove back to the Facility and went into Andy's office.
"Don't order any more night vision. I want to wait and see what the Agency sends us."
"Back scratching?"
"Yeah. Tinka's mother is coming here."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 22:41:23 GMT -6
At dinner that night, Siobhan had invited The Reverend and his wife and Sammy was in, so he had dinner with them also. When Tinka and Astrid walked in Sammy jumped up.
Siobhan smirked. "Oh, I guess you haven't met everyone, Sammy. This is Tinkana, who likes to be called 'Tinka.' And this is Astrid." Girls, this is Sammy Taylor."
They all shook hands and sat down for dinner. The casual talk began with Tinka telling everyone her mother would be arriving in two weeks.
"Does she work?" Siobhan asked."
"She did a lot of charity work."
"Oh, maybe she'd be willing to work with us on the foundation. I'll talk with her later."
Everyone finished their meal, and the dishes were cleaned up. Sammy slipped out the door without anyone seeing him leave.
"Where did Sammy go?" Tinka asked.
No one knew and she walked rapidly to the door. There, she saw him sitting in a chair on the porch. The Reverend and his wife were leaving. Before leaving the Reverend walked over to Sammy and place his hand on Sammy's shoulder.
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... It's about learning how to dance in the rain. You need to start dancing."
"Hard to do that when you are built to dance on the side of a hill, Reverend."
"Well, I have a fix for that. Come see me sometime."
Tinka watched the Reverend and his wife leave, then walked out on the porch and sat in the swing.
They both sat quietly for a few minutes.
"Do you work here?" Tinka asked.
"I guess I will in the future. I'm studying for my Physician's Assistant degree right now."
"Oh! I'm finishing up my studies to be a Family Nurse Practitioner at Mesa. I, someday, want to get a Mobile Medical Unit to drive around and serve the homeless and the poor."
"That sounds like something I'd like to do."
Cal was about to go out on the porch when he heard what Tinka said. He eased the screen door closed and went to his office.
"Dr. Wiseman."
"Ben, Cal. I need a POC for a medical subject."
"Cal, you can come to me anytime if you have a medical problem."
"It's not a problem, per se. You know Tinka? Well, her dream is to finish her degree and set up a mobile med unit and go around and provide medical services in the area to the homeless and the poor. Now, I've also got a guy here who is finishing up his PA training. I think the two would be a great asset for the community. What I need is someone I can talk to and make this happen. I am prepared to provide the vehicle, if you can give me a manufacturer, I'll fund the service, but put it under the control of the hospital."
"I know just who to talk to. I'll give you a call tomorrow."
The next morning, Cal sat with Siobhan and explained what he was planning to do.
"You really are getting to be a real softy."
"No, it fulfills a dream, gives two good people satisfying work to do, and gives people who can't afford it, health care and screening. It's a win-win for everyone."
Cal's phone rang.
"Cal, can you meet with the hospital president in room 104 at 1:00 pm tomorrow?"
"I'll be there."
Cal met with President Bob Wilson. Cal explained his proposition and that Tinka and Sammy would work under contract to the Charity .
"Well Cal, we accept your offer. We'll supply the medical supplies they'll need if you'll take care of the maintenance costs."
"I'm going to have this MMU built to the highest standards by Matthews Specialty Vehicles out of Greensboro, North Carolina. They'll have satellite internet, so they have immediate input to hospital records. That will benefit both them and the hospital records. All I ask is you provide a medical data input clerk to assist them. I'll fly them out to North Carolina to meet with the designers to make sure what they will have suits their skill set. Would you like someone from the hospital to go along?"
"Yes. Because we will occasionally have a doctor going out with them, we'll probably want to have some more advanced equipment on board."
"May I suggest Dr. Ben Wiseman? He lives on my ranch and I'll have a Gulfstream meet us there to fly us to North Carolina. We shouldn't take more than two days.
"That sounds acceptable. When will you need Dr. Wiseman?"
"Let me get back with you on that. I have to get in contact with Matthews and set up an appointment."
"That's fine. I'll look forward to hearing from you."
Cal made the appropriate calls and had an appointment set for Monday at 10:00 am. That afternoon he called Sammy and invited him to dinner. After dinner that night he called Tinka and Sammy out on the porch to talk.
"I've decided to give a donation to the hospital. It falls under our charity and felt it was time to move ahead. I'm having a Mobile Medical Unit built to service the community."
Tinka's eyes grew large. "How did you know?"
"I accidentally heard you the other night and it put a spark in my mind. Now, the deal is the St. Mary's will keep the unit stocked with medical supplies and you'll be under the control of the hospital. I'll pay expenses and maintenance and your salary. What I need from you is two or three days of your time to fly out to North Carolina to meet with the designers to set up the layout of the unit to your needs. Dr. Wiseman will be going with us."
Tinka looked at Sammy, then back at Cal. "When do you want to go?"
"We'll leave Sunday and come back Tuesday, or sooner." Tinka look at Sammy again. "Will you be able to get out of classes?"
"I'm sure I can. I've got the highest GPA in the class."
"Well, we're flying Sunday then."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 22:42:10 GMT -6
They landed at Piedmont Triad at 1:00 pm. After collecting the rental vehicle, they drove directly to the Hyatt Place and checked in. After storing their baggage in their rooms, they met back in the lobby and went to Flemings Steakhouse for a late lunch.
After the waiter took their orders Cal started the conversation.
"Okay. What we're doing tomorrow is to give the designer ideas on how to build the MMU for you to do your job. Ben, the Director says occasionally they will have a doctor with them so your job is to make sure it is equipped to do the things the doctor would handle."
"I'm sure I'll have little to add. Sammy's trained to do everything up to, but not include brain surgery."
"Cal grinned. "Well, just make sure they build it to support whatever might come up."
After they finished their meal, the returned to the hotel.
They met the next morning with Gary Henderson, Chief of Sales and Harry Binder, head of the design department. Cal told them what they were looking for and as he finished, Henderson and Binder looked at each other.
"Gentlemen, and Lady, would you follow us please?"
They followed the two men through several doors and came to a large bay with a huge bus sitting in the middle.
"This is an MMU we built for a Canadian non-profit. Because of some financial shenanigans, they folded and left us with this. Take a look at it and see if it is close to what you are looking for."
They opened the doors and went inside. Tinka, pulled out her iPad and begin checking off things. When they finished their tour, they assembled outside.
"I was surprised to see medical equipment already installed, even a portable x-ray machine."
"It's almost as if they built this for us."
"Ben, what do you think?" Cal asked.
"I wish my office was this nice and well equipped."
"Doesn't have SAT internet."
"We can add that for you at no cost. You just have to take care of the computer and subscription."
Cal turned to the two Matthews employees. "So, can you build one like this for us?"
"You can have this one. The costs as it stands at end of construction is $586,000. You can have it for $465,000 with delivery."
Cal looked at his group. They all nodded excitedly.
"Well, I guess we have some paperwork to do."
"They did the paperwork and Cal called his bank and had the money transferred."
They stood up and shook hands.
"Mr. Coleman, it has been a pleasure. Thank you for contacting us. Your MMU will we delivered by Monday of next week."
"Our pleasure. You saved us a good bit of time."
As they drove back to the hotel Cal contacted the pilots and asked when they would be able to take off. He was told two hours, so they continued on to the hotel and checked out. On the way to the airport, they stopped and had lunch.
"Man, talk about lucky!" Ben grinned.
"You two should be ready to hit the road when you finish school; five weeks, right?"
"I'll be done at the end of the month. I can start getting the MMU stocked while Tinka is in school." Sammy said.
"I can help on the weekends, if you like." Tinka added.
"Just make sure you have the equipment you need. If you're short of anything, let me know. I'm going to have a vehicle wrap done for the MMU so, Ben, I'm going to need approved graphics from St. Mary's.
Jana Janatová arrived a week later. The Agency plane landed and Tinka, Siobhan and Cal waited on the hardstand for her to deplane. Tinka ran over to her and gave her a big hug when she came off the steps. Cal and Siobhan walked over.
"You must be Siobhan. Tinkara has told me so much about you."
Jana turned to Cal. "It's been a long time Cal." Then kissed his cheek. They took her back and showed her to her suite. After they got her settled, Siobhan and Cal left to allow her and Tinka to spend some time alone.
They weeks went by. Cal and Siobhan attended Sammy's graduation ceremony and the three, along with Jana, attended Tinka's graduation. Cal took them all out to lunch.
"Jana, is your suite alright? Would you like to move into a cabin?"
"No, Cal. I enjoy it. It's almost like a castle, an underground castle. I don't spend a lot of time there, but I would like to find something to do."
"How would you like to work for our charity with Diana Conrad?"
"Yes. I have some experience with charities. I've always gotten a lot of satisfaction doing the work."
"Great! I'll get you with Diana in the morning."
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Post by ncsfsgm on Aug 6, 2021 22:43:00 GMT -6
"Cal, Ben called to remind you the MMU dedication is tomorrow at 10:00 am."
"I remembered. Tell Jana we'll leave here at 8:30. Have you got the scrubs and hats?
"All done and gift wrapped."
They got there forty-five minutes before the ceremony. After tracking down Tinka and Sammy, Jana and Siobhan presented the two with their gifts. Inside were a dozen set of royal blue scrubs and ball caps embroidered with "St. Mary's MMU " and their names and shoes designed for people who had to be on their feet for long periods.
As the people gathered for the dedication President Wilson walked up to Cal.
"Cal, you're part of this dedication also. I want you standing with us."
"I really would like to stay out of this."
"Nonsense. It will be good for St. Mary's. Maybe it will induce others to be more charitable, and the press will eat it up."
Cal acquiesced and joined the group of Hospital Administrators.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are delighted and proud to have you here to extend the threshold of medical coverage to our area. This has been in our planning for some time but wasn't obtainable until recently by the donation from one of our county's premier citizens. This Mobile Medical Unit will allow us to extend medical coverage to those that find getting to the source of care difficult. I want to thank Mr. Cal Coleman for his generous donation and hard work to make this happen."
One of the men in the audience shouted out "Aren't you that guy that killed those young men here at the bank while back?"
"Oh Shit!" Sammy murmured.
Cal looked out at the man and stepped up to the microphone.
"Could you take off your sunglasses sir?"
The man took off his glasses.
"Who are you?"
"Dick Gleason, Denver Post. What are you going to do, hit me?"
"Mr. Gleason, I don't know how you 'people' do it around the Denver Post, but we like to protect our neighbors around here from anything that disrupts their lives; whether it's bank robbers or mediocre press representatives."
The crowd laughed and applauded.
Flustered, President Wilson stepped back up to the microphone.
"Ah Yes, well the unit is open for small tours if you like. Sammy, could you began that?"
Siobhan took Cal's arm and whispered "Cal, stay calm."
The reporter walked over to Cal and Siobhan.
"Mr. Coleman, I'd like to apologize for the way that question came out."
"Apology accepted Mr. Gleason. I understand that reporters report things showing any bad side they can to gain spectacular headlines and by-lines to sell more advertising. I've seen it time and time again. Rest assured, I forgive, but I don't forget. Now if you excuse us…" and he and Siobhan walked over to Jana.
Jana looked perturbed. "That arrogant ass!"
"It's all right Jana. It's not the first time that's happened and I doubt it will be the last. Come on, let's get some coffee and we'll wait for Tinka and Sammy to finish up and we'll go to lunch."
When the tours died down Tinka took Jana and Siobhan on their private tour. Cal had been there as they furnished the unit and added a few things that would help them. They all went over to Frank's for lunch. Frank greeted them as they walked through the door.
"My friends! Welcome!"
Frank guided them to their table.
"I will bring you our best!"
The waitress to their drink order and left.
"So," Siobhan asked, "where do you two go first?"
Tinka looked at Sammy and said "we're going up to Collbran tomorrow. The Mesa County Health Department and St. Mary's have coordinated a schedule for us."
"How long will you be in each place?"
"Well, for this run, we will be in each location three days, with three days down. That gives us flexibility to stay longer if needed."
Their meal was delivered, and they savored it. Frank came back over to offer dessert, but they only had coffee. As they finished their coffee Cal's phone buzzed with a message.
"Well, that was a pleasant meal! I can think of only one thing that would top it. Let's everyone go outside."
Everyone went to the parking lot with Frank following. Cal walked over to a Winnebago motorhome.
Jana took Tinka's arm.
"I hope you don't mind a mother's and friends' interference, but we took it upon ourselves to make sure you were comfortable after a busy day."
Frank opened the motorhome door and escorted Tinka and Sammy in.
"This has a nice little kitchen, bathroom with shower and a comfortable queen-size bed."
Tinka blushed and snapped a look at Jana.
Frank stammered. "An..an..and there is another bed over the cab."
Siobhan and Cal grinned.
"Everyone, this is too much!"
"Cal hugged Tinka. Nonsense. We didn't want you two worrying about accommodations after a busy, and tiring day. This way, you stay close to the MMU and can get cleaned up and rest without worries. A fuel card also comes with it."
"I…we, really appreciate this. It will really make things better." Sammy said.
"Okay. Let's get on the road. Sammy, you and Tinka can drive the motorhome and we'll go on back to the Ranch. Take your time, switch drivers, and get used to driving it. Remember, you have to pack your personal items in here tonight."
Cal and Siobhan were up early the next morning to see Tinka and Sammy off.
"Sammy, here are the fuel cards for Winnie and MMU. Did you top off at the fuel station?"
"Yeah, I did that last night when we came in."
"How does it drive?"
"Great! Tinka had no problem with it. She's good on the MMU too so we shouldn't have any problems."
"I went ahead and put in two GMRS radios with headsets so you two can maintain comms while in route. The SATPHONE and internet are activated on the Winnie and MMU so stay in touch."
"Will do, and thanks Cal. It feels good helping others again."
"Hey, that's what make us human, at least for a while."
Cal and Siobhan waved and watched as the Winnie went down the road."
"There's some interest there."
"Yeah, I know. We've put them together, now let nature do what nature does."
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