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Post by feralferret on Mar 4, 2023 20:21:06 GMT -6
Nice job of filling in some of the background. Thanks!
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Post by gipsy on Mar 4, 2023 20:37:16 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Mar 7, 2023 0:18:54 GMT -6
Chapter 198
Sandra called them in for lunch. The fish were delicious and the cornbread sticks Margaret had made pared with the meal just right.
“I want the recipe for this Margaret.” Perry said. “I always fried my trout but this is exceptional!”
Sandra and Naomi went over to Perry’s mid-morning the next day and walked through the house with him, taking notes and getting his likes and dislikes. Of course they talked colors and Perry waved them off, telling them to tell him what he needed to keep the place from looking like a Good Will dump. Perry asked them when the next day was when neither had clients and asked them if they would travel to Little Rock with him to pick out furniture. The next free day they’d have was Thursday so they made plans to meet at the Printing Press café in Calico Rock for coffee and leave from there.
Perry sat down that night and made a list of things he wanted to purchase for the storm shelter. He’d could probably stop by Bass Pro and get everything he needed.
They left the café the Thursday morning at 09:00. It was about a two and a half hour drive by the crooked roads through the mountains and valleys.
Sandra had done her research of the better furniture stores in Little Rock and had them mapped out on her tablet. They decided to start in North Little Rock and work their way down to Bass Pro as their last stop because it sat right next to Outlets of Little Rock. The women would browse through the outlet stores while Perry did his shopping in Bass Pro. They would stay in touch by phone.
At their first stop, the La-Z-Boy store, The women picked him out a stationary sofa, a chair and ottoman, and a recliner, all leather, for the family room. Perry liked their choices. By 01:00, they had picked out a couple of rooms of furniture before taking lunch.
None of the stores would deliver out beyond 50 miles, but one of the sales persons gave Perry a business card of s company that would pick up his purchases and deliver them to his home. Perry contacted the company and the stores they had purchased from and when everything was ready for delivery, the trucking company would pick them up and deliver the load to the Calico Rock vicinity. They should have everything delivered by Friday evening.
They finally got to the outlet mall and Bass Pro at 04:00 PM. They split up and Perry picked up a shopping cart and headed to the camping area. He picked up a folding cot, A gas lantern, a sleeping bag a Butane stove and a case of extra fuel canisters. A week’s worth of freeze dried food, a couple of folding camp tables and chairs and two 5 gallon water containers. He looked at water filters but he decided to order a Royal Berkey for the house and a travel Berkey for the storm shelter. He went over to the firearms section to see if there was anything interesting. He wanted to have a weapon in the shelter so he had purchased a gun safe and cans of silica gel to absorb moisture in the safe. On the way to checkout, he saw a hammock similar to a Nags Head hammock and threw it in the cart. He had to bring the truck up near the door for them to load the gun safe, Then he returned it to the parking lot. Perry checked his watch and went back into the store to the men’s clothing section and picked out a couple of pairs of high top boots. He asked a salesman and was directed to an area that had the Pelican cases. He selected one about the size of a steamer trunk and went back to the clothing section and began throwing outdoor clothing in it. After getting everything he wanted, he went back over and got another desiccant container to keep in the Pelican case to keep his clothes from mildewing. After paying for everything and getting it loaded in the truck, he called Sandra to find out where they were. She said they were on the way back to the truck and to wait for them there. Five minutes later, they showed up with bags in each hand. Perry stuffed as much as he could in the Pelican case and the rest in the back seat next to Sandra.
It was close to 09:00 PM before they made it back to Calico Rock. It took them a while to sort through the bags but finally the women thought they had everything.
“Do you have pots and pans and other stuff for your kitchen?” Sandra asked Perry.
“No. I’ll find the closest Walmart and stock up.” Perry replied.
“Closest one is in Mountain Home. Talk to Margaret. She can tell you what you need at a minimum.” Sandra said.
“Well, thank you ladies. You have been a big help.”
“Our pleasure.” Sandra said. “We got a free road trip out of it.”
Perry drove to his house and unloaded everything but the gun safe. He’d check with Eric tomorrow and see if he had a heavy duty dolly.
Perry decided he needed a boat as much as he was traveling over to Eric’s. He would stop by Rick’s the next day when he went over to Eric’s and ask about where to buy boats around this area.
Perry made a drink then sat down with a notepad and pen and continued reading “SHTF Prepping” written by Kevin Moore.
Perry stopped by Rick’s Gun and Pawn the next morning to ask Rick about boats for sale.
“Don Bridger may have one for sale. I know he bought a 2019 Lowe Roughneck 1860 Tunnel Jet for his son a year ago but it was never used. The boy came back from overseas all mess up. He had the worst PTSD you could imagine. Don bought the boat so his son could relax and fish. Jimmy couldn’t take it though and ate a pistol barrel.” War does bad things to you.”
“Bridger. Was he kin to Naomi Bridger?” Perry asked.
“She’s his sister.”
“Oh no!” Perry said, shaking his head.
“You know Naomi?”
“Yeah, in fact, she went with me to Little Rock yesterday to help me pick out furniture.”
Perry started to leave and in the corner of the showroom floor stood a heavy duty appliance dolly, Perry looked at the name and model number and searched for it on the internet with his phone. It was rated at 1200 pounds capacity. It was more than adequate for what he needed it for and he was sure that there would be other uses for it in the future. He bought it from Rick and headed on over to Eric’s.
Eric was up at the antenna tower with two guys who had come out to upgrade the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) monitors when Perry arrived. Eric came down off the bluff and met Perry At the back of the house.
“Did you get everything yesterday?” Eric asked.
“Well, the furniture anyway. I came over to talk to Margaret to go over my kitchen list to see if there was anything I’m leaving out. I’ll make a trip up to Mountain Home this weekend to pick all that stuff up.”
“Perry, why did you decide to settle down here?” Eric asked. “I thought you were sh*tting in high cotton up in Johnsville.”
Oh don’t get me wrong, It’s good up there. But all my energy had been worn away, drained, as though I was the battery and everyone else was sucking the life out of me. But at least I had accomplished my task.” Perry said.
“What task was that?” Eric asked.
“I started the company to give Vets good jobs. I saw the opportunity and it was nothing but a win-win. The company makes a lot of money, especially from the hypocrites around Washington. As long as they can keep their families safe with safe rooms and store enough caviar and champagne during ‘hard’ times. They don’t care if the people are effected by the laws they pass., They are ready to help themselves and sit back and let the peons eat cake.” Harold, my 2IC can keep the company running and just call me if he has a problem. I think I have given enough for this country and I need a break. That’s not saying I won’t step up and get back in the fight if needed.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Eric said, "Yes, helping our fellow man is the right thing to do, but helping someone who won't help themselves is not high on my list. There is no excuse for drug addiction and criminality to support a drug habit. Slovenliness and unwilling to live like a civilized human, living and defecating on our streets and not working to better themselves gets no sympathy from me. We'd be better off shooting them and using them for fertilizer. At least they would be of some use to humanity.”
“My sentiments exactly. I wouldn’t mind helping people around here. They seem to be hard working and ready to help others.”
“Well, there isn’t any industry around here. It’s mostly tourism. You have to stay on your toes to make a dollar around here. This isn’t a liberal area. There aren’t a bunch of liberal social programs enticing grifters to a free ride.” Eric said. “Most of the people aren’t going to sit around and expect social security to save them. Most think of it only as a little extra pocket change.”
“Social security was the biggest Democrat boondoggle ever.” Perry said. “The reality was that Social Security was a massive Ponzi scheme. It was never funded, and politicians routinely increased what was being paid out and routinely cut the taxes needed to fund it. There was never a requirement that you could only get out what you had paid in. It was a pyramid scheme that depended on ever increasing numbers of young workers to pay for older retirees.
And that was just the start. The Democrat Great Society initiatives of the 60s brought us medical insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which did the same thing. Sold to the public as insurance programs, they were anything but, funded entirely out of current revenues and taxes. By the Eighties the numbers were becoming large enough to worry about. By the Nineties they became scary, and by the turn of the 21st century they were totally out of control. By some calculations, the bulk of American taxes and borrowing are going to pay for mandated entitlement programs.”
“The average politician wanted to do two things - lower taxes and raise spending.” Eric said. These are the things that get them re-elected.”
“Well, for better or for worse, I’m making my place my last stand. I’ll store enough for a family and a little more to help others but I am out of Pennsylvania for good.” Perry said. Say, Is Naomi going to stop by today?”
“Well now, you mentioned ‘family’ and Naomi in the same breath. Something going on there?” Eric asked, grinning.
“No, but she is a good looking woman. I was talking to Rick about buying a boat and he said Naomi’s father may have one for sale.”
“Call her.” Eric said.
“I don’t have her number.” Perry replied.
Eric took out his phone and called Sandra.
“Sandra, Perry needs Naomi’s phone number.”
“Oh? They’d make a nice couple.” Sandra said.
“Nothing like that. He wants to talk to her about a boat.” Eric said.
“Not the best pick-up line but it’s a start.”
“Just give me her number.” Eric said.
“870- 297- 8649.”
“Okay, thanks.”
“You get that?” Eric asked.
“Yeah, thanks.”
Perry dialed her number.
“Hey, it’s Perry. What time are you finished today?”
“If you meet can me at Between the Buns I’ll buy you an ice cream sundae. I need to talk to you about something.” Eric said.
“Sure, I can meet you there at 3:30.”
“Okay good. I’ll see you then.” Perry said and ended the call.
“Kinkiest proposal for a date I’ve ever heard, ‘Between the Buns’?”
“Get off it!” I just want to ask her about the boat. Rick said her father bought it for her brother who suffered from PTSD. The brother ate a gun barrel before his father could give him the boat. So, I wanted to check with her to make sure I wasn’t overstepping.”
“Okay, good idea. What kind of boat is it?” Eric asked.
“A Lowe jet tunnel.”
“Perfect for the river here.” Eric said nodding.
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Post by feralferret on Mar 7, 2023 0:33:52 GMT -6
Another fine chapter. Thanks.
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Post by gipsy on Mar 7, 2023 9:26:10 GMT -6
Perry and Eric switched places during the phone call? Thanks for the update.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Mar 11, 2023 19:00:15 GMT -6
Chapter 199
Perry laid on the chaise on his porch, the sunlight the glass windows.
Some things seemed inevitable. Everything had to end eventually. Perhaps happiness was the same thing. He wasn't naïve enough to think he could recapture the relatively stable days of his youth, but there shouldn't be anything preventing him from making new memories either. He was only thirty-six. His life wasn't over yet. He was finally going to settle and look for a woman to spend the rest of his life with. He was lazily daydreaming when he heard the crunch of gravel on the driveway. He rose up and looked on the parking area and saw that it was Naomi. He got up and went out the door to greet her.
“Hey! I’ve got something for you.” Naomi said. “A man out here needs some companionship. One of my patients raises Cane Corsos and I thought he would be a great companion dig for you. You need a friend close to you.”
“Friend? IF I have 3 people who don’t look at their watches during my funeral, I figure I did pretty good. If I have 3 people there, I did really good. But the thought and gesture is nice. What’s his name?”
“You’re supposed to name him.” Naomi said.
“Come here Archie, let’s look you over.” Perry said.
The black dog had a broad and muscular chest, and had a regal look, like he was the baddest dog on the block. Well out here, he definitely was. Naomi handed Perry the leash and Perry walked with him around the yard, as the dog sniffed and checked everything out. He marked every tree in the yard before he made his way back to where Naomi watched him.”
“Well, he seems nice enough. I haven’t had a dog since I was a kid.” Perry said.
“Well, I picked up a bag of food the breeder recommended and have his food and water bowls and his favorite ball.” Naomi said. “I thought you needed the company.”
“Come in and sit a while.” Perry said. “I have a bottle of wine from Sassafras Springs Vineyard I want to try out. I need to talk to you about something anyway.”
“I’d like that!” Naomi said.
Perry opened the wine and poured Naomi a glass.
“What did you want to talk about?” Naomi asked, eyes bright.
“I heard about your brother and I’m sorry.” “Yeah well it was just more than he could handle. Some people are cut out for that kind of thing but he didn’t even like to kill wild animals.”
“I was told your dad bought him a boat.”
“Yeah, he did. I takes it out once in a blue moon but keeps it as clean the day he put it in the garage.”
“I don’t suppose he’d consider selling it.” Perry asked.
“Heavens no! I tried to get him to but he wouldn’t even listen.” Naomi replied.
“That’s too bad. That’s the kind of boat I need.” Perry said.
“You know, they build them up in Lebanon, Missouri. You could go online and build it the way you want to. It’s about 150 mile drive from here to go pick it up.” Naomi said.
Perry got out his laptop computer and went to the Lowe website and he and Naomi built a boat. It was a 6 meter long boat with a 75 horsepower jet Mercury outboard engine and all kinds of required (at least Perry thought so) accessories. The price ended up being a little steep but he got what he wanted.
Perry had a frozen pizza he’d bought at Harp’s so they cooked and ate it sitting at the kitchen table. Archie got fed a few pizza bones. Best of all, they talked about each other’s future plans.
Eric got up the next morning and tuned into Fox and Friends. Sometimes you get a little bit of news from the “feel good” program. He then got on his computer and went first to SpaceWeather.com and got the sunspot and solar activity reports from it. It gave him an idea of the HF communications possibility for the day. He had tracked sunspot activity for years because of communication and possibility of solar flares. Solar flares were big voodoo when it came to disruption in communications and the power grid. His team had at one time back in 2019 been out of contact with his Advanced Operations Base (AOB) because of sunspots and poor communications. He later had become more interested in the phenomenon and occasionally read up about it. Solar flares could be as bad as EMP and could wipe out a power grid and disable vehicles because of its effect on electrical components. It could be used as a weapon if utilizing a nuclear weapon, it caused EMP also and if detonated 40 – 400 miles above the earth could wipe out a power grid like had happened not long ago when a missile had been launched from the Gulf toward the Midwest. Eric had continued his research and had found vehicles and with a lot of electronics would be disabled if made after the advent of electronic ignitions, fuel pumps and computers. Basically, solid state electronics, including those in kitchen appliances, would be fried. Study findings suggested that 40 percent of the cars on the road would suffer no ill effects at all from an EMP, while 10 percent would either stall out or suffer some other ill effect that would require driver intervention. The other main issue to consider is that if the entire power grid is taken down, fuel production and supply will also be dead in the water until it came back up. That meant you'd be stuck with whatever fuel you had on hand. He was set because of the natural gas, but he still needed to store replacement parts for what electronics he had on his vehicles. He’d need to talk to Perry about this also.
Perry got up and took Archie on a walk/run. Archie seemed like a good dog and listened to Perry. He quickly learned simple commands and stayed by Perry’s side. MO-13 didn't have much traffic early in the morning so Perry let Archie off his leash and he ran beside Perry until he had to take a walking break. Archie had had the chance to run this far before. Finally, Perry turned around and Archie led them home. He took a shower and made breakfast and had just finished up cleaning the kitchen when He heard Eric’s boat pull up at the dock.
Walking out, he met Eric on the path.
“I should have called but I’m glad I caught you here. I was thinking, have you given any consideration to storing fuel?”
“Well, there’s already a 100 gallon diesel tank here. I’m thinking on getting a 100 gallon tank buried. I just ordered a boat built so I guess I need to think about storing gas too. I could have gotten a diesel outboard but it was just too much engine for the boat.” Perry said.
“Did you buy the Bridger boat?”
“No, I ordered one built from Lowe’s, basically the same boat.” Perry replied.
I’d check the engine specs. Most outboards these days have electronic ignitions. You need to make sure you have spare parts stored in a Faraday cage.” Eric said.
“Do you think someone will launch another missile at us?”
“That’s a possibility but I’m more concerned with a solar flare. I was reading an article the other day written by space physicist Pete Riley, senior scientist at Predictive Science in San Diego, published an estimate in Space Weather Journal saying, The Earth has a roughly 12 percent chance of experiencing an enormous mega flare erupting from the sun in the next few years. It could be as devastating as a nuclear EMP strike. I’ve read that within a year of an EMP event at least 2 thirds of the U.S. population will perish from starvation, disease and social collapse.” We dodged one event in 2012 by a hair. If it had hit earth 12 hours before, the U.S. would have been toast. I check SpaceWeather.com every day to see what the solar activity is. Once a flare develops, you have between 3 to 5 days before it impacts the planet. I’ve got plenty of copper screen and foam sheets if you want to build a cage.”
“Thanks, I’ll take you up on that. I’ve got a lot of ordering and work to do to get up to where I want to be.” I’m going to have to fly back to Massachusetts to arrange for some f my stuff to be shipped out here. Let me know when and I’ll get Adam to fly you to Branson. If there is anything you need me to take care of while you are gone, give me a heads up.
“I appreciate that Eric.” Perry said.
Perry walked back to the boat with Eric and watched as Eric maneuvered the boat back down Piney Creek.
“Did you feel the tremor this morning?” Jerry asked Mike. “Yeah, while I was shaving.” Mike said. What the hell is going to pop up next? If New Madrid blows, we can survive that. There aren’t any fault lines near here although we are in the zone for severe shaking. Let’s keep checking buildings and make any repairs needed, and when you see Charlie, tell him to I want him to check the bridge.“ Mike took a tour through the tunnels and to the shelter and saw no damage. Not that he had expected any. The tremor really wasn’t that severe.
When he got back to the house, Jo reminded him that a slip had been in the mail the day before saying he had packages at the post office from the U.S.Geological Survey. Mike knew they were topo maps he had ordered. He had began collecting them for Missouri and Arkansas and Was working on Oklahoma. He was also downloading them in digital form and stored on a separate hard drive. He’d go in this afternoon and pick them up. He had a dozen lensatic compasses stored also in case the satellites didn’t work for some reason.
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Post by gipsy on Mar 11, 2023 19:05:56 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by feralferret on Mar 11, 2023 21:20:54 GMT -6
Thanks for the chapter.
It reminded me that I needed to order a lensatic compass for my BOB. Got one ordered a few minutes ago. I have an old one but it is very basic. The one I ordered has several nice features that the old one lacks. Plus "two is one and one is none".
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Post by freebirde on Mar 12, 2023 10:19:24 GMT -6
Thanks for the chapter. It reminded me that I needed to order a lensatic compass for my BOB. Got one ordered a few minutes ago. I have an old one but it is very basic. The one I ordered has several nice features that the old one lacks. Plus "two is one and one is none". I keep a couple in my bug out vests. Vest can be worn around camp for "got to go NOW" cases and if you have to ditch your BOB, you still have some needed items.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Mar 14, 2023 20:05:27 GMT -6
Chapter 200
Adam flew Perry into Branson to catch his flight to Chicago. He had a one hour wait in Branson and a two hour layover in Chicago before flying on to PIA. He really hated to fly commercial. He had called ahead and had arranged for transportation to take him to his modest home from the airport in Philadelphia.
Most of the things he wanted to have shipped were stored in his warehouse already. The things in his house had to be packed though. At most, one 10x10 container. It was late when he arrived into Philadelphia International and didn’t start getting anything done until the next morning after 9 hours of good sleep. He ordered the container to be delivered to his house then went into the business. After checking the seals on the containers stored there, he went to his office and began making calls. Looking at the clock on his desk, he first made a call to Atlas Survival Shelters and ordered a Safe Cellar to be delivered to the Calico Rock area. After another hour, he called American Safe Room in Oregon and ordered two Safe Cell NBC Air Filtration systems. He had some in the warehouse but didn’t want to take from the company inventory. After talking to Bill and John, Perry went to grab some lunch with them and tell them of his plans.
Since they were going to be running the place, he would no longer receive a salary but would receive half of his share of the yearly profits. When he got back home that afternoon the 10x10 container was sitting in his driveway, doors up against the garage door. Perry puttered around for a while and got ready to go to Giuseppe’s before the evening crowd started arriving.
Perry took an Uber to the restaurant and was quickly given a small table before his drink arrived at the bar. He quickly ordered Italian herb and cheese breadsticks, Veal Parmesan, White beans and spinach, crisp Garden Salad and crusty garlic bread, washed down with a nice Chardonnay. As soon as the waiter had given his order to the kitchen, the chef came wheeling out of the kitchen and headed straight for Perry’s table, a huge grin on his face.
“Sr. Spencer, You like Giuseppe’s but you have the tastes of a paisano! Welcome back!
“I will always remember the delicious meals you have made for me here.”
“It is always a pleasure to serve you! Enjoy!” Giuseppe said.
When Perry ate the last bite, Giuseppe comped him with a dish of lemon gelato served with warm pizzelle.
Perry was sitting there sipping the last of the Chardonnay when a man sat down in front of him.
“A little bird told me you were going native and leaving the city.”
“Bostic, domestic spying is illegal for you people in this country.”
Bostic shrugged. “You do what you have to do to take care of friends.”
“Spying on me doesn’t fall with my parameters of taking care of me.”
“We’ll see. I have some things for you.” Bostic said.
“I hope it isn’t much, I’m filling a 10x10 container with the last of my things and don’t have a lot of room left.”
“It’s a 10x20 container that will be delivered to your warehouse in the morning We’ll handle the shipping of all the containers.”
“I feel strings tugging on me.”
“No strings. You’ve helped us a lot and I want to return the favor and I hope you don’t mind if you have an occasional visitor that needs to stay low for a while.”
“I appreciate it and although hurt at the idea you are using me, I’ll do what I can.”
“We’ll put you up a nice guest house for them that fits in with the neighborhood.” Bostic said.
“I hope you allow me to pick the location on where to place it.” Perry replied.
“Why of course!” Bostic said, grinning. “Also, we have some supplies for your bomb shelter.”
“It’s a storm shelter.” Perry replied.
“We’ll, there’re storms and then there are storms. “ Like you’ve always said, ‘Prepare for the worst and hope for the best’.”
“Well, I’ve got a lot to do getting packed up tomorrow. I hope you don’t mind me cutting out.” Perry said.
“Of course not. Take care and stay safe.” Bostic said, grinning.
Perry paid the bill and left a tip larger than the bill. The Uber arrived and he had a quiet ride home.
When Perry and Adam returned to Calico Bluff, Eric was waiting to take Perry home by boat. When they got back to Perry’s, as Eric pulled up to the dock, Perry saw smoke coming from the covered patio area. Alarmed, he looked at Eric.
“It’s Naomi. She wanted to cook you a dinner this evening.” Eric said.
Perry took his bags and walked toward the house as Eric pulled away and guided the jet boat back down the creek.
“I thought I’d grill you a meal this evening.” Naomi said as Perry walked up to the patio.
“Fine with me.”Perry said. “What are we having?”
“Grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans.” Naomi replied.
“Thank you”, Perry said, kissing her on the cheek.
“It’s been lonely with you gone. This place is beautiful, but isolated.” Naomi said.
“That’s one of the things that makes it beautiful, along with you.”Perry replied.
They ate al fresco and Perry was enjoying every bite.
“We haven’t talked that much, but what is your ancestry? At first I thought it was Italian, then maybe a little Polynesian, now I’m at a qualm.”
“Actually, I’m Athabascan. I am a native Alaskan from Tanacross, Alaska, about 75 miles southeast of Fairbanks.”
“So what brought you to the lower 48?”
“To train as a nurse. Also, to travel and meet other people. I could have taken nursing training with scholarships in Anchorage and worked with the Doyon Regional Corporation.
“Regional Corporation?” Perry asked.
“Corporations were created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which created Native-owned corporations to provide stewardship of ancestral lands and financial and other resources for Alaska's native people. Unlike the reservation system of the lower 48, there are 12 Alaska Native Regional Corporations that govern most of the 225 federally recognized Indian communities and villages in Alaska. The people are shareholders within the corporation. These are also subdivided into village corporations, and there are many tribally affiliated councils who also take leadership roles for the native communities and villages of Alaska.”
“They certainly got a better deal than native Americans in the lower states.”
“Because the government wanted the oil and gas. Someone was smart to negotiate the corporations into the ANCSA. Instead of depending on casinos for funds for the people, we all have a say-so in how the land is treated.”
“Sounds idyllic. So what made you come south?” Perry asked.
“Nursing is nursing, no matter the race. I get a lot of job satisfaction helping people, and I have met as many good people here as there are in Alaska, and the weather is milder. I’m learning a lot here, especially about keeping people wanting to live. We have a high suicide rate in Alaska in our younger people. The older people not so much. The younger people are bored and disillusioned. The older people just give up. Many of the people I visit every day here die because they tire of life due to ennui, there are no challenges left to make life interesting. I try to find things for them to do. Mrs. Haskins is making potholders for the fall bazaar. Mr. Daniels is carving toys too. Those people have something to offer the community and I don’t want them forgotten.” Naomi said, brushing a tear from her eye. I’m in constant contact with our regional people in Alaska and give them ideas of things they can do to help alleviate mental health problems. Some have been implemented and are making changes.”
“Are you planning to return to Alaska?” Perry asked.
“There was a time I was, but plans change.” Naomi said, looking down at her plate.
They cleaned up their dishes and opened another bottle of wine. Sitting in the glider on the porch, they enjoyed the evening.
“Do you have to work in the morning?” Perry asked.
“No, I have Thursdays off.” Naomi answered.
“What about Saturday?” Perry asked.
“I have a hour with Mrs. Haskins at 08:00 then I’m off the rest of the day.” Naomi replied.
“Would you like to go with me to Mountain Home to shop for things for the kitchen? I have a list from Margaret.” Perry asked.
“I’d love to!” Naomi said, smiling. “Now tell me something about you.”
“Well, I grew up in Maine, outside a town called Searsmont on Quantabahook Lake.
My ancestors were from big money made in the logging industry before World War II. I didn’t do much during my youth but hunting and fishing and running in the woods. I got away when I went to college and after college went into the Army. I spent time overseas in the wars and got dissatisfied with the leadership and went to work for a couple of government agencies. After realizing Government was rife with corruption and immoralities, I got out and started my own business, taking on a couple of partners. We are a distributor for safe rooms, storm shelters and bomb shelters. I’ve done well but now I want to settle down away from the cities.”
“So what do you plan to do here?” Naomi asked.
“Relax my ass off.” Perry said, grinning.
“Seems like you have become quite adept at it.” Naomi grinned.
“I relax when I can but I have a lot to do, and there’s a lot.” Perry quipped.
“Well, I hope you allow me to help you relax.” Naomi said softly.
“Well that may not be much, but if you help I can be done quicker. There’s a lot to prepare for.” Perry said.
“What are you preparing for?” Naomi asked.
“I, and a lot of friends of mine expect this country to fall apart, it’s only a matter of time. It could be economic collapse, war, natural disaster, or a combination.” Perry said. “We can’t go on with what the leadership of this country has brought us too. In a catastrophic event , whether man made or natural, evil men are loosed to do as they wish. "It is best to develop a mindset that you are at war, a war for survival, and the enemy is everything around you. This world isn't going to take care of you. The government isn't always going to help with any handouts. It is best to forget relief funds, there's just you and your wits. And you think other people care?" He shook his head vehemently. "They're going to be focused on their own survival. A lot of people will die, but it will be just the beginning. If you don't want to be one of them, then you have to get smart quick. "The cities are going to be teeming with desperate people, and they're all going to want what you have. Supplies are going to be limited. You might think all the stores have an abundance of food, but that will go quickly, and it won't get replenished. You'll have to learn how to forage and hunt for yourself. I’m going to set up so I don’t have to worry about starving and protecting what I have. I will have to work on growing my own food and hunting. We will always have plenty of fish and game, but I’m stocking up on long term storage foods also.”
“It sounds like a lot of work, and a lot of money.” Naomi said.
“It will be.” Perry agreed. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything to anyone about my plans.”
“I won’t.” Naomi said. “What about Sandra, Margaret and Eric?”
“They, you can talk to. Eric is doing the same thing.”
“Do you have to leave soon? I wouldn’t want you to drive home tipsy.” Perry asked.
“If I get tipsy, I’ll just crash here for the night. I have bag in my car.” Naomi said.
“Well, I have only one bed. I can sleep on the couch.”
“I don’t think so.” Naomi said.
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Post by gipsy on Mar 15, 2023 8:46:08 GMT -6
Opps. There goes that water again. Thanks for the update.
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Post by misterjimbo on Mar 15, 2023 19:19:22 GMT -6
Great story. Please check the continuity of your characters.
As in: " Perry took his bags and walked toward the house as Eric pulled away and guided the jet boat back down the creek.
“I thought I’d grill you a meal this evening.” Naomi said as Perry walked up to the patio.
“Fine with me.” Eric said. “What are we having?”
“Grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans.” Margaret replied.
“Thank you”, Perry said, kissing her on the cheek.
“It’s been lonely with you gone. This place is beautiful, but isolated.” Naomi said.
“That’s one of the things that makes it beautiful, along with you.” Eric replied.
They ate al fresco and Perry was enjoying every bite."
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Post by gipsy on Mar 15, 2023 19:33:19 GMT -6
Something felt off there.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Mar 19, 2023 9:16:36 GMT -6
Chapter 201
Two weeks after Perry got back, he received a call from the truck convoy delivering the containers. Instead of giving the coordinates, he drove into Calico Rock and led them back. He had already cleared a place out for the containers to be dropped and had 4x4 timbers ready to set them on. The only problem was the drivers would have to back down the drive about 150 feet to get to the drop area. Thankfully, the trailers were tilt bed so the containers could be unloaded easily. All he had to do was shove the timbers under them as they slid off.
He almost didn’t have enough room because he forgot about Bostic sending something, which was another 40 foot container. After he tipped the drivers and they had left, he just left the containers alone for now. He just had the installation of the gas tank finished that morning and he and Naomi were going up to pick up his boat in the morning. There was nothing in the containers he really needed before they got back. Most of it would stay in the containers until he got the Cellar put in anyway, and that wouldn’t start for another three weeks.
Perry and Naomi Left early Thursday morning after finishing breakfast they had cooked together and headed to Lebanon, Missouri. He finished with the paperwork, hooked the trailer up and checked the lights on the trailer and they were on the way back to Calico Bluff. Perry had intended to stop by the tax office and register the boat but he needed a pencil rubbing or a printed photo of the HIN plate. He decided to go in Friday and get it done. When they got back, Naomi helped put the boat cover on and then helped unloading the 10x10 container. As they were carrying the stuff into the house, he got a text from Bostic telling him to look into the envelope taped on the inside of the door in a container labeled 3285. Perry cut the seal and looked into the packet. There was an inventory of what the container contained:
(4 ea.) USAS-12 Assault Combat Shotguns
(12 ea.) 10-round detachable box magazines and (8 ea.) 20-round drum mags
(2000 rds.) Armor piercing 12 gauge
(2000 rds.) Fragmentation 12 gauge
(2000 rds.) High Explosive 12 gauge
(600 rds.) Fiocchi Chemical Tracer rounds.
(2000) rds. ,338 Lapua Magnum
(3 ea.) AN/PVS-26 Night Sights
(6 ea.) Nightforce NXS – 8-32x56mm scopes
(2 ea.) .338 Lapua Magnum M110A1 semi-automatic sniper system (SASS) w/ 7 magazines
“Holy Crap!” Perry said.
“What’s wrong?” Naomi asked.
“I need to lock this back up. Stay here until I go into the house and get a padlock.”
Perry came back with a padlock and a 25 foot tape measure. After locking the container up he asked Naomi to come with him.
The last owner, he guessed, of the property had two boat davits installed on the dock. Perry swung the arms in and they measured between the ends of the arms. The boat would easily fit between them. He wouldn’t have to go to a landing to launch the boat. They could swing the trailer around and attach webbing on the boat and swing it out over the water and set it in.
“When are you going to launch the boat?” Naomi asked.
“Not until I get a registration number on it. It wouldn’t make any sense to put it in the water just to take it out to put the number on.” Perry explained.
“Will you have it on by Saturday?” Naomi asked.
“Oh sure! I’m going to register it in the morning, which reminds me, I need a pencil rubbing or a photo of the Hull ID Number (HIN) plate on the boat.” Perry said.
“Take a picture with your phone and send it to yourself. You can print it off your laptop.” Naomi recommended it.
“That’s what I will do. Thanks.”
Perry left the next morning at 08:30 with paperwork in hand and got the boat registered then stopped by Knowle’s True Value Hardware and got the letters and numbers for his registration number. By noon, the boat was stenciled and ready to put in the water. He called Eric to help him and Eric was there within 15 minutes. Perry backed the boat trailer down and unhooked it. Between the two of them, they jockeyed the trailer until it was in place at the davits to swing over the water. After attaching straps, they lowered the boat and got it sitting in the water. Perry attached the gas tank and Eric jumped in and down the creek they went. They took the boat on a run to Graveyard Hollow down the White River and came back. After they tied up Perry said, “Let’s go get your goodies.” Perry brought the Gator and trailer over and unlocked Bostic’s container. Taking out the inventory list and checking it, he pulled out a case and verified it was a USAS-12 and got and identical case out with it. Eric loaded the cases in the trailer while Perry searched for the magazines and dug out three 10-round mags for each shotgun and two drum mags for each. Next, they sorted out the ammo and loaded 500 rounds of each type of 12 gauge round except for the chemical tracer. There was only 200 rounds for each gun. Perry found the sniper systems and opened the cases.
“These are beautiful!” Eric said.
“I could have used one of these things a time or two.” Perry said.
“They found the .338 ammo and split it up. Perry dug out three of the night scops and added them to the pile. One briefcase size case stood out in the container.
“What’s that?” Eric asked.
“I don’t know. It might be what’s listed on the sheet as ‘bonus’.” Perry said.
Perry sat the case on an ammo crate and started to open it up. “Must be ammo, it’s heavy.” Perry said.
Perry unlatched the case and laying inside were rows of gold coins.
“Nice. Your acquaintance is thoughtful.” Eric said, grinning.
“Yeah I wonder what kinds of strings are attached to this.” Perry said.
“Perry locked the container back up and they hauled the equipment down to Eric’s boat and loaded everything in.
“Do you need help unloading the stuff?” Perry asked.
“No, I’ll call Adam and have him meet me at the landing.” Eric said.
Perry stood on the dock and watched Eric go down the creek then drove back to the container. He loaded the guns, ammo and gold into the Gator and trailer and took it to the house His gun safe was still in the 10x10 trailer so he stacked everything in the home office out of the way then got a USAS-12 10-round magazine and loaded it with a mixture of buckshot and frag rounds, then sat the shotgun beside the porch door.
Perry went back to the containers and began unloading the 10x10 container and carrying the items into the house. When he got to the gun safe, he used the heavy duty hand trucks to move the safe into the home office. After locking the guns and gold in the safe, he relocked it and went out to move the rest of the things which mostly consisted of boxes of books and reference material.
Walt told Eric about an estate sale over near Melbourne and that he might find some good stuff there. So, Eric, Sandra. Walt and Margaret took a ride over Saturday morning to snoop around. They walked around the farm and Walt poked Eric and nodded to a group of equipment sitting under an open shed and said, “Now, if a fellar was dressing a passel of chickens or ducks, that would come in right handy.”
Eric looked over and asked, “What is it?”
“That’s a scalding tank and a wet chicken plucker.” Walt said.
They walked over and looked at the equipment there.
“You put the birds in the scalding tank for about a minute then put them in the plucker and it removes most of the feathers.” Walt said
“I’ve been thinking of getting some chickens.” Eric said.
“There’s an egg incubator over there.” Walt said.
Margaret bought the incubator and Eric ended up having the high bid for the chicken processing equipment. Eric ws particularlypleased they picked up a huge cast iron camp skillet for the outdoor kitchen.
When they returned back to Calico Bluff, Eric received a text message confirming reservations for four people for an Enhanced Conceal Carry class at the Jacksonville Shooting Complex on Saturday, the 26th for himself, Sandra, Perry and Naomi. They had talked about it and decided it would be a good thing to have. They could drive down the evening before and overnight in a hotel and come back Sunday.
Enhanced Conceal Carry means you can carry your CCW handgun in church, bars and government buildings. A lot less restrictions than a regular CCW permit.
Eric called Perry and told him the news and they made plans to go fishing the next day and smoke some trout. They would use Perry’s boat.
Perry walked out to his garden and checked the drip waterer. He had planted potatoes, Tomatoes and peppers, both hot and Bell and spring onions.. He walked over to the compost bin and checked it out. It was a three-bin setup, each about 60 inches in width, 4’ high and 60 ” deep. The second and third bins had ½” removable screens over the bins. Perry assumed they were for screening the material. You threw your green and brown materials in the first bin and when you thought it was ready, screen it into the second bin where it further decayed then on to the final bin where the last screening was done and the compost was ready for use. It looked like a lot of work but the bins were wide enough you could use a compact or garden tractor with a bucket and could do the sorting and sifting fairly quickly. He’d ask Rick where he could purchase a new or used garden tractor.
Perry looked at his watch and calculated he had time to run to Harp’s. He could stop by Rick’s on the way. Going inside, he checked the Roasts he had cooking in the Crock Pot. They were almost tender enough for the enchiladas. He needed to go to Harp’s to get onions and garlic and needed a couple more ingredients for the enchilada sauce. He might as well pick up another pound of lard to make the tortillas with. Naomi was coming by tonight after work and he was going to teach her how to make tortillas and enchiladas.
He placed the lid back on the pot and added another 3 hours to the timer and left to go to Calico Rock. Coming up to Rick’s pawn shop on MO-56, he pulled in. Walking in, Perry saw Rick’s head pop out from the office.
“Hey Perry! What’s up?”
“Rick, where can I find a garden or compact tractor?”
“New or used?” Rick asked.
“Doesn’t matter.” Perry replied.
“Then you can find it right here, my man!”
Rick came out from behind the counter and taking a key out of a drawer said, “follow me.”
They went to the rear of the building where an open storage shed was located.
“I bought this from a guy that lived down on Culp Road”, Rick said. “His wife got fed up after the big snow storm a year or so ago, a tornado that went close to their property and some other biddy complaints so they up and moved to Florida. This is a John Deere 2032R complete with Loader with detachable pallet forks, Rotary Cutter, Belly Mower, Rear Blade, Box Blade w/ Scarifiers, Post Hole Digger, Land Plane, Snowblower, Broadcast Spreader, Back Hoe and a Rotary Tiller.”
“She’d rather fight CAT four hurricanes? Perry asked, astonished.
“Now, I come out and crank it up once a month to charge the battery and keep the oil stirred.
What are you asking for the whole kit and kaboodle?” Perry asked.
“This whole setup would cost you round $45,000 brand new. I don’t think it’s been used but a couple of years before he sold it. I’ll take $25,000 for everything.”
Perry nodded. “How do you feel about taking gold for payment?”
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Post by gipsy on Mar 19, 2023 13:24:36 GMT -6
Thanks for the update.
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Post by biggkidd on Mar 19, 2023 15:51:33 GMT -6
Great story. Please check the continuity of your characters. As in: " Perry took his bags and walked toward the house as Eric pulled away and guided the jet boat back down the creek. “I thought I’d grill you a meal this evening.” Naomi said as Perry walked up to the patio. “Fine with me.” Eric said. “What are we having?” “Grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans.” Margaret replied. “Thank you”, Perry said, kissing her on the cheek. “It’s been lonely with you gone. This place is beautiful, but isolated.” Naomi said. “That’s one of the things that makes it beautiful, along with you.” Eric replied. They ate al fresco and Perry was enjoying every bite." He tends to jump around with the characters a bit and switch from places and people without warning, but if I remember correctly Margret is a live in cook & house keeper. I still wonder how he manages to write multiple stories at one time and keep everything straight.
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Post by feralferret on Mar 19, 2023 17:44:45 GMT -6
I have a hard time keeping them straight just reading the multiple stories, LOL. Thanks for the fine chapter. I wish someone would send me a container with the same items listed above.
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Post by gipsy on Mar 19, 2023 19:07:03 GMT -6
Add me to that distribution list please.
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Post by ncsfsgm on Mar 24, 2023 3:33:27 GMT -6
Chapter 202
Using an equipment trailer of Rick’s, Perry got the tractor and the accessory implements moved back to his place on Piney Creek It all fit in the equipment barn with room to spare.
Perry looked at the stained wooden shelves in the building and made a list of oils and lubricants needed for the equipment. He’d pick up oils and filters the next time he was in town. His phone rang and it was John, from the company.
“Perry, I called Allied ALCO and they have the materials. DO you want me to order and have it sent there?”
“Yes, Please. Call me and let me know what the bill is.”
“How much do you need?” John asked.
“I need 1,700 square feet, around 54 sheets.” Perry replied.
“Okay Perry, I’ll get it done.” John said, ending the call.
The cellar would provide a lot of protection, all except for gamma radiation. He couldn’t do the amount of concrete needed to protect the cellar so he had to fall back on other protective materials. A company in Pennsylvania produced sheets of carbon sandwiched between aluminum that would attenuate the gamma rays. When they installed the cellar, they could level the dirt to just below ground level, place the interlocking panels on top, then finish covering the lot with the stockpiled dirt. Anyone or anything within the cellar would be completely shielded. The risk of gamma radiation wasn’t very high here though the terrain was protective as it was. If they got hit with a nuke here, it would have been a miss of another target.
Eric, Perry, and sometimes Margaret went fishing every day, and usually caught their limit. They cleaned the fish and froze them until they had enough to smoke a big batch on the weekend. They would dry pack most of it in pint jars, and some packed in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) for a hardier snack. Eric would eat the dry packed fish like some people ate popcorn. Perry liked the dry packed smoked fish also so he ended up with most of it. There aren’t many things better than laying around in a hammock munching on smoked fish, sipping on a beer and listening to Blues tunes. Naomi stopped by to see and learn what they were doing. She tasted a piece and told Eric, “I think this would be better with a little lemon pepper.”
“I will add it to the rub for the next batch.” Eric said. “Margaret, do we have lemon pepper?”
“In the pantry, but the lemon won’t come out very much after smoking. There’s a box of True Lemon in the spice area. Add a packet or two of that to the rub also with the lemon pepper.”
“Yes ma’am!” Eric replied.
Walt walked in. “That fish sure smells good!”
“The racks on the counter are cooling. Grab you some from there.” Margaret said, filling a pint jar with dry smoked fish.”
Eric got him a beer and set it in front of Walt’s seat.
“State Patrol caught some guy seining the river up near Norfolk today.” Walt said. “I talked to Wilson and he asked us to keep a lookout down this way. Too bad he didn’t scoop up Whitey and got his comeuppance.”
“Who’s Whitey?” Perry asked.
“The White River Monster.” Naomi said. “It’s supposed to be a big fish that can capsize boats. Although, I’ve never heard of it being spotted this far north.”
“Maybe there’s more than one.” Perry said.
“Possibly, but the last sightings were down around Newport.” Eric said. “There’s a dam or two between here and there.”
“Why would anyone be seining fish out of the river?” Margaret asked.
“Possibly someone getting ahead of the game, suspecting food might be a problem in the future and is stocking up to sell or trade.” Eric opined.
All right, give me some help over here stuffing jars.” Margaret said.
Everyone but Eric and Walt started helping her. They went out to the smoker to check the fish.
Sandra began mixing up the last batch of rub and added the lemon pepper and two packs of True Lemon to the mix and coated the last of the fish. Walt came back in and got a couple of pans and cooling racks to put the next batch of fish on.
As it turned out, the lemon pepper they decided to do without. The black pepper already in the recipe was enough and the two packs of True Lemon powder were just enough. It really enhanced the flavor.
Perry went home with a case of the dry packed smoked fish. As he pulled up to the dock on Piney Creek, he entertained the thought of building a smoker to smoke his own fish.
The construction equipment arrived to do the excavation for the cellar. Perry showed them where to start and using the plans sent to them, they began laying out the perimeter of the hole. They picked an area to stockpile the soil and began digging the next day. Four days later they were prepared to sit the modules in. Trenches were dug for the septic system and water lines from the well in the basement. The aluminum and carbon sheeting arrived and was stacked to the side.
Perry knew that in the case of a collapse, lack of medicine, clean water, food and proper sanitation could kill a lot of people, not to mention the crime that would pop up. He made plans and lists covering those things. Some of the lists were “To Do” and the rest were supplies and equipment. Amazon was a great source of DIY and survival literature which he was sticking in his office book cases, for now. Later, he would move them to the cellar. He even had Naomi out on his improvised pistol range getting her used to firing a gun. They were working to get her an Enhanced Conceal Carry permit as soon as she got some experience. Naomi had sort of worked her way into his life and Perry wasn’t burdened with the thought of looking for another companion. Naomi was eager to help him set up his haven.
Up until recently predestination was a big part of Perry’s life. Whatever he had been faced with, he took it head on. Now he had a chance to shape how he would handle different scenarios ahead of time and was preparing for them. The survival and prepping books helped but another source of information was the post-apocalyptic stories written by some decent authors. Some were a little heavy on gun play but he filtered through and attempted to draw out the lessons learned. He kept notes in spiral notebooks that were transcribed into a computer database for future reference. Perry and Eric sat down and came up with the most likely disasters that could occur in the country that would cause it to collapse:
1. World War. Not likely but possible considering the Laissez-faire policies of the current administration.
2. Pandemic. They had already been through one and the untested vaccines, shutdowns and mandates had done as much or more damage than the virus had. The government instilled fear in the people rather than hope.
3. Economic collapse. Quite possible. The tax and spend of the government hurt everyone. When politicians print more money to get themselves out of a hole, soon the money isn’t worth anything.
4. Natural Disasters. The country was threatened each year with hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy snows and rainfall. They area around Calico Rock didn’t have flooding as some were faced with. People had lived around there long enough to know how to deal with the river. Tornadoes hadn’t hit the area in years but were a threat. This part of Arkansas sometimes receives heavy snows but it was nothing more than an inconvenience.
5. Meteor impacts. Not something that worried them about surviving. You either didn’t get a direct impact or the hills would protect you from the thermal and blast effects.
The last item Eric added because he had run across information while reading, as had Perry; EMP. This was a danger because of terrorism and rogue nations like North Korea and Iran. Eric added it could also be from a solar storm. If they were struck by EMP the electrical grid would go down, everything from vehicles with electronic ignitions and computers down to pace makers in people’s chests would stop working. A lot of people would die, mostly from food spoiling and not being delivered. They would be on their own.
“Perry, before I go much farther, I want to solidify my relationship with Sandra. I want her in my plans for the future. What about you and Naomi?” Eric asked.
“Well, I could, and have done worse with women. I’ve grown right fond of her and I think she feels the same way.” Perry said.
They talked for a while about what they wanted to do and decided to fly down to Little Rock that weekend to pick up some birthstone jewelry.
Jeremy paid Eric a visit on the Arava with a pallet of 5.56, .45 and 9mm ammo, which was much appreciated. Eric showed Jeremy the USAS-12 Assault shotgun and Jeremy made some notes.
“I’ll see about getting you more with ammo. I see no reason for the IRS to have these. Anything else?
“.338 Lapua Magnum. I can reload it but if you have any laying around, I’ll take it.” Eric said. “And maybe a couple of SOFMED kits.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Jeremy said.
That evening, Naomi stopped by after work and Perry discussed with her what he and Eric had been planning.
“I wish there was some way I could help.” Naomi said, wistfully.
“You want to help?” Perry asked and went over to the hall closet and brought out a Tasmanian Tiger Medic Pack, empty.
“Talk to the doctors you know and there is a book called the Exhaustive List of Medical Supplies on the bookshelf in the office. I want you to figure out what should go in here to treat medical emergencies to include gunshot wounds. We’ll figure out where to get the prescription medications later.” Perry said.
Naomi smiled. “I can do that.”
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Post by gipsy on Mar 24, 2023 8:56:32 GMT -6
Fine update.
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Post by feralferret on Mar 24, 2023 13:48:53 GMT -6
Good chapter. Thanks!
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Post by ncsfsgm on Mar 27, 2023 17:28:05 GMT -6
Chapter 203
The lone Pilatus landed and Eric went do to see who it was. The Pilot was the only person in the plane and he and Adam were unloading boxes out of the cargo well. There was what looked like two Special Operations Forces Medical kits, a case of 500 rounds of .338 brass.1000 338 Caliber .338 Diameter 210 Grain Triple Shock Boattail bullets and a case of .338 cartridges.
“Man, that was quick!” Eric said.
“When Jeremy gets something he doesn’t like it sitting around taking up space.” The pilot said. Eric loaded everything in the Gator and the pilot took off.
Saturday morning, Eric had Adam fly him and Perry down to Little Rock to visit some jewelry stores to pick up presents for Sandra and Naomi. They decided on necklaces and ear rings with the girl’s birthstones. Eric got Sandra a Amethyst necklace and Perry got Naomi a Peridot necklace, which actually matched her eyes. Perry and Naomi made dinner at his place Saturday night where he gave her the necklace. Eric waited until Sunday afternoon to give Sandra her necklace. There were two happy women Monday.
Naomi stopped by Perry’s every evening after work, sometimes spending the night. She had started putting together the medical pack and one doctor, when he heard what it was to be used for, gave her a lot of sample medicines pharmaceutical representatives had left at his office. He was also interested in survival prepping. The doctor had told her, "From what I’ve read in prepper and survival articles, they say that ninety percent of the world would die off the first year after a shutdown of civilization. “The doctor must be reading the same things I’ve been reading.” Perry thought.
“Good job. This will help a lot. Do you know how to use all of this stuff?” Perry asked.
“Of course!” I’ve even practiced suturing wounds.” Naomi said.
Perry hired a professional service to come in and clean the ducts in his HVAC system at the suggestion of the repairman that came out to do the scheduled Spring inspection. He was spending a lot of time transferring stored food and equipment to the shelter from the house. He had a lot more storage space than he realized. Perry ended up making a map and number/lettering the locations so they could easily find what he had stored. His days were busy moving supplies and three days a week working with Naomi on the pistol range. She was scheduled to take here Extended class in a couple of weeks.
“I don’t know what the big fuss is.” Naomi said. “I read the requirements and I’ve just got to put a few rounds downrange into the target for the shooting portion.”
“Yes, but I want you to accurately place your shots, not spray them all over the place. If you have to draw and shoot, you are shooting to end the threat, not to just warn them.” Perry said. “It’s necessary to stay detached during a gun battle. You don't want your brain distracted by fear or the need for revenge. A clear head and a steady hand are your goals for staying alive, and most people want to stay alive or keep their partner alive. You have to practice focusing on situational awareness, making it as second nature as breathing. That’s why I run you through the drills I do. You might take out the immediate threat, but does the attacker have friends that are going to come at you next? You are doing really good so far. I want you to continue to place you shots on the B-27 targets like I showed you. One thing I noticed last round was you relaxed your right leg and could easily be off balance on your next shot.”
Naomi nodded and reloaded her magazines.
A few days later Jeremy returned with a dozen USAS-12 Assault shotguns and the full range of rounds for them.
“Eric was astonished. “Where did you get these?”
“I had some people track down the warehouse where they were keeping a few things. On paper, ATF has possession of them.” Jeremy said, grinning.
“You ought to see these frags in action!” Eric said. “If you load the first ten rounds in the drum or the first mag with frags, initial contact will be devastating! Also, I load the third round with a chem tracer to let me know I’m running out of ammo.”
“I’ve seen them in action.” Jeremy said. “We’re diverting a few more out to other areas.” Jeremy said. “I just wonder what the IRS wanted with them.”
“There’s something I want to talk with you about.” Eric said.
“Sure, go ahead.” Jeremy replied.
“There is a non-profit that takes wounded warriors out for fly fishing. I’d like to put in a few RV pads near the river for them. They have those big RVs that carry the guys to the destination and they stay a few days to fish.”
“I’m familiar with them. In fact, we’ve donated a couple of Class A RVs to them.” Sure, go ahead. If you need anything, just yell.”
“Thanks Jer. The guys deserve it.” Eric said.
“That they do.” Jeremy replied.
There was a site near the river with three large sycamore trees that would be the perfect place. Eric planned to put in four pads with electricity, water and sewer connections and had decided to drill a well also, It was really too far away to pipe water there.
“I’ve got an idea. Another site we have has what’s called an OffGridBox. You can check it out on the internet. It can provide electric power and distill water.” Jeremy said.
“Thanks, I’ll look into it.” Eric said.
Perry was putting 35 gallon plastic drums of grain into the basement when he stopped and checked out the workbench that was sitting along the back wall. It looked as though there had been a grinding wheel bolted to the bench top at one time. Looking closer at the bench, it had heavy caster wheels. He tugged at the bench and it started to swing away from the wall. What he had thought was a wood backing to a part of the bench was actually a door behind the bench with an ancient rim lock. He checked the knob and found it locked. He would need a skeleton key to unlock it. Figuring it was somewhere around, Perry looked for places to hang a key and finally looked in a drawer on the bench and there lay a brass key. Picking up a can of WD-40 he soon found out the key would unlock the door after a couple of sprays of the lubricant. Easing the door open, he could see there were some stone steps but he would need a light to see farther. Going back upstairs, he got an LED headlamp and a flashlight and went back into the basement.
Perry stood at the head of the rock steps and turned on the head limp and flashlight. There was about a dozen steps going below and he slowly stepped down. The walls of the staircase were dry, Perry was happy to feel. At the bottom was a wooden door with a simple lift latch that opened outward that creaked slightly as he pushed it open into what looked like a tunnel. He left the door open and continued down the tunnel. After what he estimated to be 300 feet by his pace count, he came to an open area about 20 feet across. With another tunnel to the left. He looked around the area then headed for the tunnel. After going down the tunnel for what he estimated around 800 feet, he thought he saw light ahead. Turning off his lights, he could see what was a shimmer of daylight. Turning his lights back on, he continued on down the tunnel until he came to a wall that had sections of daylight showing through. On closer inspection, he saw the wall was built of irregular shaped rocks. Taking out a few of the rocks, he saw leaves and a glimpse of the river below him. The bushes had grown over the face of the original opening. He didn’t know what it was used for originally, but it definitely could be an escape route if needed.
The pilot taxied over to the hangar and shut down. Mike walked over as the door opened and Jeremy stepped out. Charlie drove the tractor over as the loadmaster opened the clamshell and Jerry pushed it all the way open and latched it in place.
“What’s all this?” Mike asked Jeremy.
“Some special weapons. We probably should take it all up to the range.” Jeremy said.
“I’ll go get a trailer.” Jerry said.
Charlie set the pallet on the trailer and they all headed to the range.
When they arrived, Mike asked, “So, what is it we have here?”
“USAS-12 Assault Combat Shotguns.” Jeremy answered.
“We’re a little open here for shotguns.” Jerry commented.
“Not necessarily.” Jeremy said, opening a case and loading a stick magazine.
“Ears!” Jeremy said and everyone put on their hearing protection. Jeremy took a stance and fired five rounds down range, aiming for a spot about 75 yards down. Then he emptied the magazine with automatic fire a little farther down.
“Jesus!” Jerry said, as the explosive rounds burst on impact.
“What’s the range on those rounds?” Mike asked.
“Around 175 yards.” Jeremy replied. “Bursting radius is 5 meters.”
“What other rounds do you have? Charlie asked.
I got you a mixture.” Jeremy replied. “Armor piercing, Fragmentation, High Explosive, buckshot and some Chemical Tracer rounds.”
“These would be a real attention getter.” Mike said.
“Hell of an ambush weapon.” Jerry agreed.
“Thanks Jeremy, these could make a difference.” Mike said.
Gary drove up and Mike had to show him how the shotgun shot.
“Holy cow! Just what every country boy needs, an automatic shotgun!” Gary said.
“Gary, Eric sends his best, as a matter of fact, he sent you something else too.” Jeremy said. “He sent you some smoked trout. It’s some of the best I’ve ever had.”
“Good! I haven’t had smoked trout since my last trip to Canada.”
Jerry took the guns and ammo to put away and Gary followed mike and Jeremy back to the hangar. Jeremy took the case of smoked trout out of the plane and Gary opened a jar.
Taking a bite of a piece he proclaimed it was delicious and handed the jar around for the others to taste.
Mike tasted the fish and said, “This is good! Maybe we could work out a cheese for trout trade deal. Want to take a trip down there Gary?”
“Yeah, sure,” Gary said.
“I’ll have Ellie get together a hoop of each cheese they make.” Charlie said.
“What’s that ‘They’?” Mike said. “I‘ve seen you operating the cheese press as much as the rest of us.”
Charlie grinned. “I’ll go talk to Ellie. When do you plan to go?”
Mike looked at Gary.
“I’ll give Eric a call.” Gary said. “Maybe we could fly down tomorrow?”
“Sounds good to me.” Mike said.
The next morning Mike and Gary left early because Eric wanted to take them fishing. They landed at Calico Bluff. The 96 mile trip took only 35 minutes and they were on the ground at 7:15 AM. Margaret had breakfast waiting for them and was quite pleased with the cheeses packed in the boxes. She even fixed herself an omelet with the cheddar.
Eric printed out fishing licenses from the website and they fished until 12:00. They cleaned the fish, Packed them in ice and had them ready to leave by 1:30 that afternoon. Margaret fried fresh trout for lunch. They agreed how much fish they would trade for a three pound hoop of cheese and Eric got the fish together for the cheese Eric and Gary had brought. Everyone was happy with the deal made.
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Post by danielsga01 on Mar 27, 2023 17:55:34 GMT -6
Thanks for the chapter. Enjoy all your stories.
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Post by gipsy on Mar 27, 2023 18:10:23 GMT -6
Nice barter there. Thanks for the update.
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Post by feralferret on Mar 28, 2023 1:11:05 GMT -6
I need one of those shotguns with the fancy ammo. Unfortunately I don't know Jeremy.
Great chapter. Thanks.
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