The Things We Do

[gipsy]

Thanks for the update.

[kiwibutterfly]

Thank you.....I can't believe I ended up missing this chapter yesterday, ended up getting called into work unexpectedly then with visitors for dinner. Never rains but it pours eh!. Carry on for MOAR.....

[sniper69]

Oh another excellent chapter! Thanks for sharing.

[CountryGuy]

Another great chapter!

[ydderf2]

Thank you.

[223shootersc]

MOAR hounds probably another NEW chapter tonight. Sorry for the delay. Hope you enjoy when I do get around to posting the new chapter.

[223shootersc]

Better late than never. Hope you enjoy and comments are appreciated!

Chapter 14

The two Cudd teams were setup at way-point Alpha and had been watching the area for about fifteen minutes methodically. They all knew that fifteen minutes was not a proper amount of time for reconnaissance of an objective as important as crossing a bridge. They hoped it would be enough after infiltrating in from up the hill and around the bend. The terrain above and out of line of site from anyone on either side of the lake. They made their stalk through the woods with all agreeing that stealth was important. Weighing the time factor, they needed to get to the Godley’s well before dark.

During the fifteen minutes of watching both sides of the bridge and the areas near and far from the shoreline, Melvin was thinking that it was unnervingly quiet. His mind raced to figure out if it was due to the reduction in people or that they were walking into a trap and the quiet was due to man’s influence. Melvin finally decided to use an old trick from hunting. He started as far away as possible and started intently watching a small area across in front of him and did this till, he had worked his way all the way up to withing fifty yards of his position. Then when finished he worked his way back out to his starting point.

Seeing nothing he closed his eyes and just listened for about three minutes. With his eyes closed the sounds of the world returned to him. He heard a woodpecker pecking somewhere off to his left. He heard the gentle waves from the big lake hitting the shore line to his front and a squirrel barking off to his right. Away in the distance towards the city he was pretty sure he could hear the faint sound of gunfire or something that sounded like gunfire. He didn’t think it was the locals popping popcorn or shooting fireworks to celebrate Christmas. His mind stopped for a second and told him it was Christmas Day but he needed to get back on task. Instantly feeling the wind blowing against his right temple or coming from the west he thought he heard a faint sound of a boat motor. Not an uncommon sound for this part of the lake in times past. Listening intently focusing on this sound he finally decided whatever the sound it was going away from their present position.

Knowing their allotted time for observation was well past he grunted to get the others attention. Then using only hand signals, he started getting his team ready for moving. The Ops plan called for Team Mike to gather and cross the bridge with Team Echo staying in place on their present side of the bridge. Team Echo was in position to provide cover fire if the crossing went FUBAR. After Team Mike was in place on the other side of the lake to cover the bridge. Melvin would get Team Echo to load up and come across the bridge with his team as cover for the crossing. It was as sound a plan as the teams could conjure for their safety. Getting into the trucks and taking a quick check to make sure his team was in place and ready to cross, he started the Ford F-350. The big truck rumbled to life and Melvin was glad that he didn’t go with the straight pipes and left the stock mufflers in place on his truck. Rolling coal and being loud may have been cool a few short weeks ago. Today in the brisk autumn air of upstate South Carolina it was not beneficial in any way that he could think of for the situation Team Mike faced. Thinking it was now or never he put the big truck in gear and slowly moved out. Hoping that it there was an attacking force on the other side he didn’t want them to know they were coming till they rounded the bend heading down the hill to the bridge. There primary point if attacked before they reached the bridge was the boat landing on the right and the uphill tree line.

As they coasted around the bend Melvin floored the big 7.3-liter diesel and the twin turbos came to life. The big truck gaining momentum every second as it raced for the goal line the bridge and then the far side. Melvin said, “Hang on everybody we are going across the bridge at a good rate of speed. This truck will be a straight shot target as we are on the bridge so the quicker, we get across the less time on target. Be ready to return fire if we are attacked and may God bless us all. Like we talked about no seat belts and windows down, just in case we need to go for a swim after ditching in the lake.”

Concentrating on the road and the truck he keyed his throat mic and said, “Eddie we are toting the mail. Again, toting the mail, over and out.”

Eddie replied, “I hear ya coming big guy. Take her to the house just like against Chester our senior year my friend. Run Big run, I got that Safety if he decides to show his face and step in front of that freight train, we call Big.”

Gretchen said, “Men and their games. Oh, how we love them.”

Patrick caught up in the action, said “Melvin, you played football. I thought you just played baseball and basketball. I have never seen any football trophies.”

Melvin driving for all his might calmly replied, “Let’s just say Patrick that the coach and I didn’t see eye to eye. He wanted me to be an offensive tackle and block for other guys and I wanted to be a fullback. That was back when a fullback got to carry the ball as much as a halfback. I also wanted to play linebacker like I had my whole career and he wanted me to be an offensive tackle and not play defense. The results were my first two years in high school I played offensive tackle or set the bench on some not so good teams. End result no trophies in the Melvin trophy case for football.”

Patrick confused asked, “Then how did you get to carry the ball in the playoff game?”

Melvin driving and about to hit the bridge actually found that the questions about something else actually took some of the pressure off of possibly being a great big target. He finally said, “Everybody game time….”

Just as the truck hit the bump of the bridge meeting the road. The truck handling the transition in the pavement with a slight jump. Continuing his assault across the big bridge he answered, “New and better coach. Even with that he wanted me to play defensive linebacker not fullback. The new coach’s forte was defense and he wanted me to play linebacker. Finally, late in my senior season our first and second team running backs got hurt and couldn’t play. I finally got a chance to play running back the week before the play Eddie was talking about. I carried the ball about ten times the first week for maybe seventy yards and caught a couple of screen passes for a couple of long first downs. The next week in the game Eddie was talking about I got the start and ran for almost two hundred yards and that long touchdown Eddie was alluding too. The next week our top back was back and they moved him back to starting. The Offensive Coordinator told me it was the Head Coaches decision to play me on defense and not offense. The end of my very short running back career, two whole games my senior year. Also, folks we are across the bridge, take a breath. We are moving to the right-hand side objective the restaurant to set up to watch for Team Echo to cross the bridge. You know the drill when we get out Patrick you are with me and Laurens and Gretchen you have the back door. When we get the place cleared, Laurens you are on the long gun and Gretchen you have our rear and the building across the road. Patrick and I have the other side and the bridge.”

The trio all responded with their affirmatives of their assignments. Melvin keyed his mic and said, “Team Echo we are across and starting our clearing of the building. We are not out of the woods yet. They could be waiting on y’all to come across to spring the trap. Stay frosty and make sure you keep watch on your side of the lake and ours. I will be back with you when we are ready for you to make your run, over and out.”

Eddie replied, “We are like glaciers slow, steady and ready to knock down anything in our paths. Call me when you are ready to receive company, over and out.”

Eddie turned to Maureen and said, “You seen anything, you always had an eye for the obscure or abstruse?”

Maureen said, “Take a look at the large decorative shrubbery in the front of that building up the hill from point Beta where Melvin and Team Mike are clearing their building. There is just something that looks out of place at the base of the right and left sides of the naturalized area and shrubbery. See what you think?”

Handing him the Leupold Mark 4 20-60X80mm spotting scope, she had been using since they started visually doing recon on the area. Having the spotting scope, she had been watching the far side of the lake for most of her time. Her subconscious kept bringing her back to the same spot every time. She just couldn’t figure out what was out of place. Down deep in her heart she hoped she was just being super cautious and nothing was there. Being asked by Eddie if she saw anything, she had almost told him that she hadn’t seen anything. Conviction by her heart and justifying that she couldn’t bare it if there was something there and she didn’t say so she told Eddie to take a look. Hoping beyond hope that she was just being overly cautious and silly.

Not fifteen seconds after giving the scope to Eddie he said, “Good job Maureen, I think there are two machine gun nest or at least some type of heavy weapons in both of those places.”

Activating his throat mic, he said, “Big, don’t look back behind you and up the hill. I think you have company and you need to get your people into that building and under cover as soon as possible… like right now my friend.”

Melvin said, “Team Mike we are entering the building right now and we aren’t worrying about the back door, Team Echo will cover. No questions, I am stacking second and will flow to the right on entry. Gretchen you open the door and come through last. Patrick you are second and the left side. Laurens you have the middle high. Team on the double, move it people our lives depend on us making it into that building right now. Move like you are on a regular entry only faster no looking anywhere but at the building.”

Team Mike got to the door and stacked and Melvin said, “On my mark, Gretchen. Three, two, one, Mark…”

Gretchen stepped up and blew the hinges off the door with the Fostech and some number seven and half birdshot that worked well for that type action if you didn’t have special entry shells. Melvin went through the door and dove to the left his Daniel Defense SBR compliments of the DHS leading the way. Melvin received fire the moment he dove through the door from his left. The fire from a shotgun his mind registered, as his trigger finger decided to join the ruckus. Firing as he headed towards the floor and down. A stream of sixty-nine grain 5.56mm projectiles leaving the SBR and heading in the general direction of the would-be assailant. The assailant not ready for the return fire that came at them just a moment after pulling the trigger on their shotgun. The one-percenter who had joined forces just recently with the local Bloods chapter that still had enough members alive to be a force. The one-percenter absorbed two incoming rounds from Melvin’s rifle, before being stitched from his ankle to his pelvis by a burst from Patrick as he followed his uncle into the room.

Patrick was roughly pushed out of the killing field of the door and to the left by Laurens as he brought his presence to the firefight. Just as Patrick fell over a chair handgun fire erupted from all across the way. Three other one-percenters and two Bloods joined the melee and opened fire. They were all late to the party. Slowed reaction times due to the overabundance of Black Tar heroin in their systems and the fact that the door guard shot-gunner had almost always taken out anyone who dared to enter one of their party houses.

Melvin competed with his muscles to bring his weapon back on line with another gunner. His bouncing off the floor, having knocked his breath out of his lungs temporarily. The combined firepower of Laurens, Daniel Defense SBR and Gretchen’s newly acquired Fostech came to the party. The Fostech and the SBR finding the one-percenters and the Bloods and sending them to meet their makers. While the last Blood died in the front room, out of a door to the right and straight down the hall poured trouble. The trouble in the form of another half dozen gang members and their Old ladies and bitches.

All brandishing various weapons and in varying states of dress. The weapons ranged from pistols, sawed off shotguns, a MAC-10, knives and one what appeared to be a cavalry sabre. A total of fourteen extra members of the gang came to the sounds of war in their house. The ones coming down the halls were in a fatal funnel for both Gretchen and Laurens. None would have made it into the large outer room of the building if the weapons of Gretchen and Laurens had not of went dry simultaneously as they both shot the first two gang members.

The room got really busy at that point as Patrick still had not recovered from being pushed to the floor and hitting his shoulder on a chair as he fell. Melvin was busy trying to handle the three bikers and their old ladies coming out of the room to his right. Melvin was bringing indexing his rifle back to his shoulder and getting a quick site picture as the MAC-10 in the hand of the large biker came out of the door spitting forty-five caliber man killers. The biker was not aiming but the weapon with a rate of fire of a little over a thousand rounds per minute quickly filled the room with all thirty-two rounds of .45 ACP man-killers. The roaring sound of the small projector of death filled the room. Even with his headset noise reduction headphones on Melvin would later tell Eddie it rang his eardrums. Melvin sent a quick group of five projectiles towards the large biker all hitting close to center mass and the last rising up and taking out the bikers’ chin and Adam’s apple. The big one percenter was dead before he realized his fight was over forever. Melvin was late in killing him before two of his rounds hit Gretchen in the chest as she tried to get a new magazine into her Fostech. The magazine falling from her hand followed by her to the floor.

Melvin did not have time to see what happened to Gretchen his mind still had registered that she had hollered in pain, at almost the same time that Laurens SBR reappeared like manna from Heaven to the free-for-all. Melvin quickly said, “Thank you Lord.” Then went back to dealing with the problems at hand, namely two more bikers and three more of their ladies. The second biker raised his sword and charged Melvin after seeing Melvin kill his gang leader. The biker closed the distance of less than fifteen feet to Melvin absorbing two sixty-nine grain projectiles. He still managed to deliver a chopping blow with the sabre towards his assailant Melvin’s head. Melvin ducked and raised his SBR up to block the blade coming towards his head. The blade met the rifle at the apex of the magazine and the front hand-guard. The sabre sticking in the magazine of Melvin’s rifle as the biker died at his feet after being shoved away by Melvin. Melvin quickly hit the release on his two-point sling dropping the now fused rifle and sword to his feet. Reaching for his Glock 34 under his left armpit with his right hand and smoothly bringing his left hand to the weapon as it moved forwards toward the other people trying to do him and his team harm.

Patrick finally had come somewhat to his senses. Deciding it was time to re-enter the fight he pointed his rifle towards the enemy. Bringing his red dot sight on-line and sending 5.56mm harbingers of death towards the other side of the room and the hallway that seemed to him to have an unlimited number of cretins that kept coming. Jerking the trigger on his initial try to saw his projectiles hit the doorway on the left-hand side wall. Thinking sight picture and squeeze, don’t jerk the trigger, as he had been taught by his uncle, he repeated the process. The second group of four projectiles found one of the bitches. His mind thought much better the four rounds were in a group about the size of a paper plate. He chastised himself thinking it wasn’t his best work. Quickly realizing he didn’t have time to critique his work as the chair he was now hiding behind started absorbing rounds from someone in the fight.

Laurens hollered, “I’m out changing magazines.”

Melvin brought the Glock 34 on line and started sending 147-grain projectiles down range. The first two rounds out of his weapon found the old lady of the biker with the sword. The two rounds making nice red holes in the middle of her nude bosom. Dropping the biker lady like a sack of fertilizer to the floor. The lady died with an astonished look on her face that would have been very comical under ordinary circumstances Melvin thought. By the time he killed the biker chic the last gang member and the other two women were on top of him and he was fighting for his life. Dodging to his left he turned away from one of the pistol-packing women, gaining enough distance to pull his second Glock 34 from under his right arm. Firing the weapon while it was still under his arm into the face of his attacker. Now with a Glock 34 in either hand he was shooting and turning and kicking and moving like a leaf in a whirlwind. If Jessica had of been with him, she would have said he looked like he did when he was on a dance floor when they first met. This time though instead of winning her heart he was saving his own life and taking the lives of others.

As Melvin took a round in the back from a small caliber pistol probably a .380, he gasped in pain from the bullet hitting his vest. Still felt like he had been hit with a ball bat to him. It did not however like in the movies knock the big fellow off his feet or take him out of the fight. He continued the fight until both of the Glock 34 pistols had their slides locked back and he was starting to stick the first one under his arm to try and reload hoping he could get back in the fight and not die with two empty weapons. Laurens stepped over and shot the last person out of the right-hand side door with a three round burst thus ending the fighting in the front room of the house they had entered for cover.

Laurens said, “All clear main room, everyone re-load. Everyone give me status, Gretchen you okay?” Stepping to her as he hit his magazine release, caught the partially spent magazine and put it in his vest. He retrieved a full magazine from his war vest and slammed the full magazine into his SBR. He let his SBR drop and his rifle lay across his body on its sling. Then stooped to check on his downed teammate, who was groaning in pain. Laurens smiled knowing that his friend was still alive, if not well. There were worst things than sore or broken ribs, much worse, he thought.

Melvin finally realizing that for the moment the ruckus was over he went back to loading his two Glock 34 pistols. After getting them both reloaded, he put the left-hand pistol back into its holster under his right arm and went to join Laurens checking on the status of Gretchen. Walking back over towards the door that it seemed like he had entered about three days ago. In fact, it had been less than three minutes, from stacking at the door till now. Seeing Patrick putting a new magazine in his rifle, he breathed a sigh of relief knowing his nephew seemed to be functioning and in one piece. Waving to get Patrick’s attention and getting it, Melvin pointed towards the other side of the room and said, “Watch and be ready.” Getting a nod from his nephew he looked to Gretchen and then to Laurens and received a slight positive nod from the former Deputy.

Melvin said, “Watch our friend and y’all watch our backs. Patrick and I are going to see if we have anymore vermin in the building. Hand me her Fostech and a couple extra magazines. I seemed to have lost my long gun and do not have time to go to the truck….”

Taking the loaned shotgun and extra magazines from Laurens, he ejected the magazine from the shotgun and found that the one in the shotgun was full he re-inserted the magazine and charged the weapon. Looking to Patrick he said, “You are on my six, just like we talked about. Shoot first and we will ask questions later. You good.” Getting a nod and a grunted, “Yeah….” The blood bonded family pair headed down the hall gently stepping over the dead bikers and gang members, each trying not to slip and fall on any of the bodily fluids that were all over the hallway. Melvin kicked each body as he came to them in the head or the groin. Getting a look from his nephew, he replied, “You ever heard the expression playing possum?”

Smiling Patrick replied, “Now that you mention it, I read about that somewhere….” The youngster having a look of acknowledgment for the lifesaving lesson he just received.

Melvin kicked the next biker chic he saw squarely in the head and getting a grunt. Somewhat taken aback by the rapid change in events, Patrick was still processing the grunt from the biker chic, when his uncle drove a Cold Steel Tai Pan dagger, almost all seven and half inches into the chest of the woman. Stepping on her chest he pulled the sturdy knife from the would-be killer of Team Mike’s body. The sound of the knife being ripped out of her body caused Patrick to lose his lunch violently as Melvin retrieved his blade from the biker. Melvin wiped the blade on the pants leg of the now fully dead biker chic’s pants, re-sheathed the knife on his battle belt. Then retrieved his handkerchief from his right back pocket and handed the rag to his nephew saying, “It is okay, Patrick it is nothing to be ashamed of, almost all people do it the first time they are in battle and have to take a life. I did so myself the first time at the Godley’s. I promise I won’t tell Rosa.” Melvin broke out laughing at his own joke that busted his nephew.

Patrick replied, “That’s not funny Uncle Melvin. I think she is the one. The one I want to marry and spend my life.”

“Patrick, that is a fine choice and the two of you make a great looking couple. However, if you are finished throwing up your lunch, we have a building to clear.” Motioning his nephew forward, Melvin looked back over his shoulder at Laurens who now had Gretchen setting up and her bullet proof vest off checking her wounds. Melvin said, “Laurens call Team Echo specifically Eddie, explain our situation and that we will get back with him as soon as we get the building cleared.”

Laurens quickly replied, “I am on it Boss and I think Gretchen is going to be fine. I don’t think she has any fractured or broken ribs. Just have some sore ones for a few days. She is good to go, if we have to move. Even in a hurry, it may hurt but she says she is ready, to be back in the fight and she wants back the Fostech. I cleared your weapon, got the sabre out of your magazine even. The sabre seems alright the magazine not so much.”

Melvin replied, “She can have it back soon as we get the rest of the building cleared. Come on Patrick we have things to do and you can keep the handkerchief.” Grinning and refusing the offered handkerchief from his nephew.

Patrick stuck the now dirty piece of camo cloth in his pocket and replied, “Lead on, I got your six all the way to hell and back.” The reply said with a blank expression, that spoke volumes to Melvin. He hoped his young nephew was good but didn’t have time to check right now. Melvin stuck that in the back of his mind to check on the first chance they had a moment.

Melvin led down the hallway checking three separate rooms thoroughly. The pair opened the closets and even looked under the bed and into a cedar chest at the bottom of one bed that was large enough to hide a person. All they found was some clothes, a few boxes of ammunition and lots of liquor, drugs, beer, wine and jewelry. The place stank of stale smoke, body odor, opiates and sex. The smell was almost enough to make Melvin lose his lunch like Patrick had earlier. The pair turned and went back the way they had come. Turning to their left and heading for the door the man with the sword had came out of to investigate this passage. Melvin said, “Patrick, be ready only a couple of the bikers came out of here. Might be more in this area. We just don’t know. We need to make sure that we don’t take things for granted. This is for keeps son remember what is out in the main room a bunch of people that we just made dead. It could have just as easily been us, capeesh.”

Patrick guardedly nodded his understanding and checked the safety on his Daniel Defense SBR and replied, “I’m good. We going to do this or not?”

Smiling at Patrick, Melvin replied, “I hear ya, killer.”

Then Melvin kicked open the door and barreled through the door with his nephew right behind him. What greeted them was a sight that the two would never forget. The area they had forcibly entered was once the restaurants kitchen area and was now a scene from Dante’s Inferno or worse. The kitchen was now converted to some type of perverted sexual torture room. The room held three women and two young boys chained naked in various types of torture devices. One of the ladies and one of the young boys looked like they had been skinned alive and both looked like raw hamburger meat from where they had been savaged. The other three were held in various states of sexual deviation devices with various sadistic instruments invading their bodies. The only one who even made a noise when they entered had some type of plastic or leather devise over their face. After the immediate shock of the sight of this abhorrent and animalistic behavior. Melvin said, “Get out of here Patrick and see if Gretchen is able to come and help me.”

Patrick didn’t need to be told twice he turned on his heels and was gone before the last words out of Melvin’s mouth had finished reverberating in the room. Busting through the door to the outer area Patrick raced to Gretchen and exclaimed, “Man, it is awful in there and my uncle needs your help Gretchen if possible, with the women. At least I think that is why he needs a woman to help. I am going to tell you that if you go in there you will never be the same. I feel like the devil himself is in that room. I have never seen anything like that before and I hope I never see anything like it again if I live to be a hundred.” All said in one long blurb with Patrick not breathing until he finished.

Laurens asked, “Gretchen can you go?”

Gretchen grimaced and replied, “Sounds like I am needed and you still need to call Eddie. I bet he is about to pee his pants.” She got up letting out a little moan from the pain coming from her ribs and started walking towards the door of no return. Stilling herself for the horrific vision and mental trauma that awaited inside if Patrick’s warning were correct. Prepared for the worse she pushed through the swinging door and entered a scene that Patrick had not done justice to in his description. Thinking it was even more demented and evil than he had spoken. A true scene created by the most bizarre and sick minds on the earth. How anyone could even think of this scene and enter by choice was truly unfathomable. That there were people on this earth that did this for pleasure assured her that her belief that there really was a Hell was definitely true. Only someone of the devil would be here to partake in these sadistic acts by choice.
A mere thirty minutes from the moment Melvin and his team went rolling down the hill to start across the bridge Team Echo had made it across the bridge and joined Team Mike. The Cudd team had added almost three and a half dozen cases Mountain House freeze dried entrees to their possessions and a large amount of ordinance from the second building. The real treasure was two M-240B 7.62 X 51mm medium machine guns and a lone M-249SPW machine gun in 5.56mm. The two M-240B machine guns were the very ones that Eddie and Maureen had spied from across the lake. The good Lord had been looking down on Team Mike as the guns were ready and were positioned to dominate the crossing of the bridge and protection of the restaurant. The gang members and bikers being more interested in drugs and deviated sex had kept them from being manned at the time of Team Mike’s crossing and entrance into the building. The two teams were able to get the three machine guns and a few thousand rounds of already linked ammunition. They also got extra barrels for all three weapons and a linker for the M-240B rounds and another for the M-249. They found eight full ammunition cans of M80 147 grain FMJ rounds and one almost full can of tracers. They only found two, fifty cal ammo cans of loose 5.56mm for the M-249 and two fully loaded belts.

Melvin was standing right outside of the restaurant after finding a couple cans of lighter fluid for the outside grills he went inside and emptied the cans on the furniture and drapery and then threw a match and walked out the door. Walking out he said, “God please help us and remove the devil and his demons from this place and send them back to Hell…Amen.”

Eddie said, “We ready to head out of here to the Godley’s or should we take the two ladies that survived back to the Castle?” Looking for an answer from Melvin as he was the leader. Eddie was still trying to digest the horror that Patrick and Gretchen had hesitantly described. Melvin had only said that it was the devil’s playhouse and no more. Except that it needed too be burned to the ground as to not be around to corrupt anyone else, ever again. Gretchen and Patrick had added their agreement to the burning of the building without hesitation.

After setting the building on fire the two Teams loaded all the new food and ammunition along with the two M-240B and the M-249SPW machine guns into the Team Echo Truck. Melvin started, “Smoke, I want you and Henry to get these two women and Gretchen back to the Castle. We will call from up the road to alert Jessica and Jack so they will be ready to receive wounded. Eddie and Maureen will stay with Team Mike and continue the mission to the Godley’s farm.”

Smoke replied, “We got this, I think Eddie or you should take the M-249SPW. It would be a real force multiplier like the grenade launcher that Maureen is carrying.”

Melvin replied, “Sounds right. I will carry the SAW, as my long gun could possibly have some internal damage from the blow it took from the sabre.”

Smoke reached into the back of the truck and handed Melvin the SAW and both two-hundred round belts of ammunition contained in their cloth pouches. Melvin took the weapon and the ammunition, laid them in the back of his Ford pickup and said, “Eddie, I need you in the front with me. Laurens, and Maureen join Patrick in the back. Best we can do for right now. Maybe we can commandeer a ride back from the Godley’s to the Castle. We got to go, if we are going to be back by dark. We have already spent an extra forty-five minutes here at this point.”

Smoke, Gretchen, and Henry with the two badly mistreated ladies in the backseat headed back across the bridge for the short ride back to the Castle. Melvin keyed his throat mic and said, “This is Team Mike lead for Charlie Bravo, come back.”

Kevin manning the Castle radio with Rosa at his side in case he needed help replied, “Team Mike Lead this is Charlie Bravo and reading you five by five, send traffic.”

Melvin replied, “Team Echo minus two, with plus one from Team Mike along with plus two injuries to be at your present in less than ten mikes. I repeat two injuries at your local in ten mikes. Have the welcome mat out. Team Mike continuing to Check Point Bravo, over and out.”

Kevin replied, “Charlie Bravo received and understood. Team Echo minus two, plus one team Mike, with plus two injuries, ten mikes or less, over, and out.”

Kevin turned to Rosa and said, “Get everyone ready to receive incoming. Make sure Jessica knows that she has wounded inbound but not Castle Circle personnel. Don’t say anything about the two Team Echo that are not coming back with the team. We have no way of knowing if they are hurt, dead or just continuing with Melvin and Team Mike. We don’t need for people to be thinking the worse. We need everyone’s A game right now, go.”

Rosa said over her shoulder as she ran out, “On it but we need to raise the threat level to red. Do that over the all channel and everyone will be ready.” Rosa continued towards her mission of alerting everyone worrying about her Patrick and wondering what made her think her Patrick. Then a slow smile came over her face and she continued her run towards the kitchen area of the building knowing a lot of the Castle Circle would be in the universal hub of the Castle.

Smoke was making good time heading back towards the Castle, when Henry said, “We just lost another one to God’s will. She just took her last breath. I think she was just glad as she looked up at me smiled. Then she silently mouthed Thank You, closed her eyes with the smile still on her face and took her last breath. Heading towards heaven on the wings of Angels.”

Smoke replied, “Aw man, that sucks. I guess she was glad to have been removed from that hell hole she was in and could die with some respect. Say a quick prayer for her and the other one my friend. It can be silent, as I am getting to the area where the turn off to the Castle is and I don’t want to miss it.”

About thirty seconds later right before the turnoff into the property, Smoke heard a loud, “Amen….” from the back seat and he answered, “Amen….” Making the hard left-hand turn into the property entrance and slowed to about ten miles per hour after getting into the trees to run the maze of jersey barriers and low hanging limbs into the enter fence entrance. Getting close to the entrance he saw Jack out with the Lull moving the bollard and Elizabeth unchaining the lock and moving the gate to the side for them to pass into the Castle keep. Elizabeth waved to Smoke as he passed her and she then closed the gate and allowed Jack to put the bollard blocking entry back in place.

While Smoke was passing through the last gate into the Castle; Melvin was turning his Ford F-350 onto SC Highway 246 heading towards the Godley’s dairy farm. About five miles down the road just passed the old college campus. Melvin was slowing the big Ford Super Duty down and saying, “Eddie, you think we ought to try and contact our friends the Godley’s, since we are running a little late?”

Eddie relied, “I will give them a call. What should I say is our ETA?”

Melvin replied, “Five plus minutes, probably less than eight. We are in no hurry, to walk into a bad situation. We are slow and easy, ready for anything. We don’t have the backup now, remember.”

Keying his mic, Eddie said, “Golf Foxtrot, this is Charlie Two comeback.”

A moment later a reply came from the Godley Farm, “Charlie Two this is Golf Foxtrot Pauline, send your traffic, comeback.”

Eddie keyed his Mike and said, “Charlie Two One will be on-site in less than eight. Minus one for expected convoy, no tail to our knowledge. Over.”

Pauline thinking about the fact that the Cudd’s were coming in with only one of the two vehicles, she replied, “Do we need to be ready to supply aide? Over.”

Eddie replied, “Negative Golf Foxtrot, we are upright. Over.”

Pauline replied, “We have you five plus mikes out and please turn in first entrance and expect company at gate. Our bird eye in the sky has the road clean of any Tangos for the rest of the route to Gulf Foxtrot. Drop the hammer we are behind schedule. Over.”

Eddie looked to Melvin and asked, “What should I say are we speeding up or still taking it slow and easy?” Looking directly at Melvin sitting in the driver seat of the truck and intently studying the road as he drove. Feeling and hearing the big trucks turbos begin to spool up and the truck gaining momentum, he got his answer.

Eddie keyed his mic and said, “Golf Foxtrot Pauline, Charlie Two is increasing speed and will make first entrance and be looking for a welcome mat. Over and out.”

A couple of minutes later the big Ford turned off the main road as Melvin saw the devastation of the scenic Farm out in front of him. The farm looked much different than he knew from his last visit and before. Slowing he said, “Everybody be ready. I am stopping right here and Patrick you are driving. Maureen you are with me after I unlimber the M-249 as a dismount. You need to have that hi-tech thumper ready to go to work. Everybody else be ready to rock and roll. I don’t think this is a trap but it looks like bad times have found the Godley Farm.” Pulling the truck to a stop and stepping out of the driver’s door. He was handed the M-249 by Laurens as he got to the rear tire well of the truck. Putting the sling over his shoulder as Maureen exited the back of the truck.

Melvin said, “Stay up in the front Eddie and be ready to repel the enemy. Thanks for the help with the SAW. Everyone my rifle is there if she is needed for the extra reach.” Laurens bounded over the side rail of the pickups bed, just as Patrick asked, “What do you want me to do Uncle Melvin?”

Melvin said, “Give us a couple more seconds then drive up to the gate. I will be on your side and Maureen will be on your passenger side about fifteen to twenty yards on your right and left flanks. We are not putting all of our eggs in one basket. We will never be farther forward than the rear of the truck, so don’t any of you pass ninety degrees on your swings for your weapons. We definitely don’t want any blue on blue.”

Patrick replied, “Waiting on instructions. Truck is already in gear, just waiting to apply some fuel and take my foot of the brake.” Seeing that Maureen was ready and getting a slight nod of her head after he made eye contact, Melvin said, “Move up slow and easy Patrick. Slow and easy. Stop at least ten foot from the gate and we will see if any of the Godley’s welcome mat shows to lead us into the Farm.”

Team Mike did not have to wait long, as the truck began to move forward the fifty yards or so towards the gate, Bobby Godley and what must have been Bobby’s tall son and two of his three daughters ghosted onto the road. The four wraiths easing out of the small wooded area along the fence line by the gate. All four in camouflaged from their heads to their toes and before he said anything to Team Mike, Bobby keyed his throat mic and said, “It is Team Mike, no luggage again no luggage.” Walking towards the truck Bobby turned to his tall counterpart from the other side of the gate and nodded. The tall ex-special forces troop opened the gate and pulled it to the side.

Bobby said, in a voice that was loud enough to carry but only that loud, “Melvin, get your people inside the gate please. We need to get out of the open and behind the fence.” His business stated, Reggie nor his team waited for an answer they all disappeared just as they had had appeared as if by magic. All except Little Bobby better known as Junior. Junior was a full six foot five and two hundred and twenty pounds of wiry strength. The warrior carrying what looked to be a Mark 12 Mod 0/1 SPR of some manufacturer. Melvin would learn later that the rifle was one of Juniors on making from PSA parts. It mimicked the Mark 12 except that instead of the rifle being chambered in 5.56 it was chambered in 6.8mm SPC shooting a hundred and ten grain ballistic tip bullet out of the twenty-four-inch barrel at about 2970 feet per second.

Melvin keyed his mic and said, “Patrick you heard the man get our ride inside the gate. Get moving son. Maureen on me we got to get inside the gate and we got the flanks. I am sure someone for the Godley’s has our six. Move people.” The truck started moving and Melvin and Maureen started following at a brisk walk. When Melvin passed through the gate right after Maureen, Junior pulled the gate closed behind Team Mike and disappeared into the woods from the side of the road he had appeared.

Patrick looked to Eddie for direction and Eddie said, “Follow the road on down the hill. Don’t get in a big hurry as we don’t want to lose Melvin nor Maureen and we don’t want them to tired to fight if we need them. Like your Uncle said earlier slow and easy, just follow the driveway down the hill. The drive will belly out to the right then come back straight and take you right to the main house it is about three quarters of a mile if my memory is correct.”

About six minutes later they pulled up in front of the house that had seen a few gun battles since the last time Eddie and Melvin had been at the Godley Farm home house. Pulling up and stopping the truck Patrick asked, “What now?”

Melvin heard him and said, “Everybody out of the truck and stay toasty.”

Before he could say anything else, Pauline walked out of the house and right up to Eddie and said, “Man we are glad to see you guys. We have been in a bad way here at the farm almost since the day you left. All that is left here is Bobby, his three daughters and son along with Reggie’s wife. Mom and Dad got sick and we got them quarantined, actually the rest of us quarantined and they ran the farm till they couldn’t. We lost my husband and Reggie to the marauders and the two of our farm hands. We have been hit about a dozen times I guess since the last time you were here and we were fighting the feds. Are we still able to take you up on the move to your place, we are losing our herd one to three cows a week or so? We have our two good bulls and about thirty bred heifers and eight beef cows that we can breed with our bulls and rebuild that herd. What do you say?”

Melvin stepped forward and replied, “Of course Pauline, our place will hold those cows easily and have enough graze. At least I think it will, y’all are the farmers. My question is how will we get the cows and you back to our place. It isn’t that far but it is on the other side of the lake. It ain’t like we can cattle drive them.”

Pauline replied, “We have two big stock trailers and one small trailer. We can get them all in the three trailers. We will need someone to drive the small trailer as none of Bobby’s kids can drive a trailer with cows.”

Melvin said, “I guess the next question is when would you want to do this. We have a problem with the DHS and the Sheriff that we need to handle in the morning. We were actually coming to see if we could get some help. I guess that is out of the question, seeing the trouble you have been having.”

Pauline laughed, “I am sure Bobby and his boy Junior will go they killed his wife and Mother. They have been wanting to go for a while and I kept telling them to wait and not go off half-cocked. I won’t be able to hold them back on that offer. The truth is we are really already ready to move. We have been thinking we would load our stuff and move farther out in the country somewhere there has to be a few farms that no one is left to work. Take us about one and half, maybe two hours to load the cows and the stuff. Might be dark before we get to your place. I am sure we will have to come back for feed. Do you have anywhere to put them? I think you said something before about a softball field that was fenced.”

Melvin replied, “Yeah, we actually have two. A big one and a smaller one. Can we put the bull in with the beef cows and the bred cows in the other one or do we need three pastures or fenced areas? One for the bull by himself?”

Pauline answered, “For starters two pastures will be enough. Later probably want a third area and maybe even a fourth for breeding time. We need to get moving and worry about these things when there is more daylight.”

Back at Cudd Castle the family was hard at work, Jessica and Celeste were hard at work on the ravaged girl that Smoke and Henry had brought to the Castle. Henry, Kevin and Tony were out in the back of the old facility digging a grave with the backhoe. They had found and old tarp to wrap the unfortunate lady in for burial. The three trying to decide if they should say a few words over the body now or wait for everyone to have a brief ceremony. Kevin said, “I say we have a prayer for God’s mercy on her soul and for any love ones who may be still having hope of her safe return.”

Tony hadn’t spoken much to anyone since his wife had left him and his daughter looked down into the hole at the body and added, “Sometimes it is better not to know what has happened to your loved ones. That way you can believe what makes you happy. The truth may not be near as rosy. I feel that way about my wife. My daughter and I are better off without her Mother but, no one wants to think they have failed so miserably in life as I did with marrying my wife. I see that clearly now that she is gone, I still wish her the best because she gave me my Nancy and for that I am thankful. Even though I haven’t said so I am thankful that you all have taken me and my family into the Cudd Circle. I will try to carry my weight from now on and make up for the problems she caused everyone.”

Henry replied, “I can’t speak for Melvin or Eddie, you will always have the backing of the Gonzales family. I am sure that the rest of the Cudd Circle family will feel the same.”

Kevin looking at the man who looked like he had been beaten added, “We are all good and we will be there for you and Nancy, just ask Tony. We don’t always know what people need to help them get through tough and hard times. Just ask, Tony and we will help. I promise for the Mars family and that goes for my sister and she is married to Melvin. We need to get this done and see what we can be doing to get ready for Melvin and Team Mike’s return. We might need to deploy tonight to the Sheriff’s office.”

Inside the Castle Jessica, Celeste and now Elizabeth were getting the new arrival cleaned up. Jessica had finished doing what she could in the form of surgical procedures to repair the damage done to the lady by the one percenter and gang rubbish. The burns, and physical damage she could repair, her thoughts were that only God and a strong will would take care of the mental damage inflicted on the young lady. Elizabeth asked, “What do you think Jessica, is she going to make it?”

Jessica reached for the towel offered by Celeste and started wiping her arms and hands to remove the blood. She finally replied, “The physical damage she will recover from in a few weeks. The poor thing will only be able to have kids if it is God’s will. The mental trauma that they delivered to this young girl was horrible and only time will tell if she recovers. We can only pray and be the best friends to her we know how to be. I would say we need to keep her away form the men. Problem is Henry said that women were inflicting some of the damage also. I still think it will be better for the time being that when she awakens, we isolate her from the men for at least a while till we can see her reactions to this awful fate.”

Celeste said, “Maybe we can get Nancy and Rosa to set with her they are about the same age as our new patient, I think. Maybe even the new girl. I can’t think of her name right now.”

Jessica said, “Yeah that is a good idea and the new young girls name is Penelope Benton. She goes by Penny and her brother is Trenton.”

Elizabeth said, “I will go and get Rosa she will probably be in the cooking area where her Mother would normally be if she wasn’t watching the radio. Besides I need to go and help with supper. From the call Rosa received from Maureen we are probably having new arrivals for supper tonight. I think she said there would be like seven or eight more mouths arriving from the Godley’s farm that has been attacked numerous times over the last few weeks. I guess we don’t even realize how good we got it here at the Castle.”

Celeste said, “I had never thought about how good we have it here. We are truly blessed. If you all don’t need me anymore, I am going to help Jimmy with the OP. There should be two of us out there anyway and I just want to hug him and tell him I love him. Seeing these bad things makes me see my blessings that I have been taking for granted. I won’t do it anymore. Thank all of you for being my sisters and being there for me all the time. I hope I have been there for y’all when you needed me.”

Sandy walking into the hospital area and hearing the words spoken by Celeste replied, “Celeste you were there for the Cudd family and me before we were even at the Castle. Remember the party and my stupidity and how you helped us out with getting Melvin to be our Guardian and all. You are family forever, girl.” Finished she walked right up to Celeste and gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Elizabeth found both Nancy and Rosa around the large fire pit with Rosa giving Nancy lessons on making tortillas. They had a bunch cooking on the open top surface over the wood fire. The smell of the bread and the seasoned oak wood bringing back memories of a calmer and much better time. A reminiscent time of cookouts at the lake with her partners and friends. Times when they got together after the completions of good projects for the company. Times when they had the employees over for food, beverages, and good times at the lake. Times when they tried to repay their many valuable employees and each other for their hard work, sacrifices away from home and their loved ones. These times brought the group together to share, laugh and just unwind from the high pressure of work and enjoy each other. Then hear about Jimmy’s latest conquest and Melvin take the girls on the jet skis and see them laugh and giggle at her great Boss’s efforts to be funny and love her girls. Coming back to today and her new reality she said, “Hey lady’s I need you to go and sit with our newest member to the Clan. She has had a bad time and unimaginable things happen to her; Jessica thinks that someone her own age and female would be best for her to awaken too. Do you think the two of you can handle that? I want to warn you before you go even after her surgery, she looks bad she has been abused in the worst kind of ways you can imagine and some you can’t. So, how about it? Remember you don’t have to do this; it would be great if you can.”

Finally, Rosa replied, “I will do it and I think Nancy will do it also.” Looking to her new friend and sister in the Cudd Circle for her answer. Nancy replied, ‘You all have been there for me in so many ways since y’all rescued my family it is the least and I can do for the Circle and this young lady.” Both girls looked back and forth at each other and then to Elizabeth and both nodded their heads in the affirmative. Then the pair headed towards the Castle infirmary as named by Jessica.

With the girls heading towards the medical area of the building, along with Elizabeth simultaneously taking over the food preparation; Julia heard from Eddie and Team Mike. The message was that they were heading out and returning from Point Gulf and would keep them advised. Eddie followed up saying, Castle please get Hotel Gulf to call the Nest for the old Bossman and tell him it will be Alpha Mike before we can re-contact and setup a meet time. We will find out his response when we arrive back. Please have the door open when we return, Echo Two over and out.” Shutting down his mike he walked over to Melvin to make him aware of his connection with Rosa in the Castle and that one of the two ladies from the restaurant had not made it according to Rosa.

Melvin grunted his felt loss and then said, “We tried. We just must keep doing the best we can to fight evil. I am going to talk with Pauline it looks like they are about ready to head out and explain how we work. Walk with me and please remind me of anything I miss in my explanation to her on how we work our travel.”

Eddie patted his friend on the back and replied, “I am right there with you my friend, just like forever. We will get through this my friend. Remember what the coach always said. Losing isn’t an option, winning is the only option. We are a team.” The two almost life long friends headed over to talk to the youngest Godley sibling and veterinarian that seemed for all purposes to be the new defacto head of the Godley family with Paul and Reggie gone. She was looking straight at them as they walked towards her, still she continued giving orders like a short order cook at the same time to her family.

Pauline turned away from the two as they neared her holding up her right hand with her pointer finger in the air, silently telling them hold one for her attention. Yelling she told two of her nieces that she wanted them to tighten the ratchet straps on the back of the trailer carrying fourteen large round bales of Coastal Bermuda hay. They were taking this hay to feed the cows for the time being along with a forty-foot trailer of sileage a corn/milo/crushed cottonseed mix. The two daughters of Bobby nodded their acknowledgement of their orders and went directly to work on the binders. Pauline turned back to the two leaders of the Cudd Circle wiped her brow with the back of her hand and asked, “What can I do for you two big fellows? I am all ears and ready to follow. What we can do to make this work?”

Caught a little off guard by the fiery lady, Melvin finally replied, “We are about ready to take this dog and pony show live and, on the road, and wanted to explain our method or SOP for movement as a convoy. We also wanted to make sure we have at least a person or two of ours in your vehicles in case something happens to us on the trip. Especially in case we get separated or something. That way your part of the convoy would still be able to make it back to the Castle and safety.”

Pauline replied, “Shoot, Melvin from what we have heard you all walk on water. I was expecting to be air lifted back to your Castle.” All said with just the hint of mischief from the lady leader of the Godley’s.

Eddie replied, “Nah, we only use our super powers on non-holidays. Today we are going to have to make that ride and we kinda kicked a hornet’s nest on the way over here. Hopefully the pesticides we used killed all of the ones on the nest and none of their brothers have come back to the nest. If you know what I mean.”

Melvin picked back up the conversation and continued where his friend had left off saying, “We need to get back as quick as possible. The route we came in here was clean not that long ago. But like Eddie said we did make a little noise over at the lake. We still think running back across to Cornaca and picking up Highway 72 to get back home is the best and safest way. It is definitely the shortest. We are going to take the point with my Team the two extras will be in with your people. Eddie will be in one truck and Maureen will be riding in one of the others. That way we can communicate at all times. I want Eddie in with your best group as a reaction force if we get hit by an IED or and ambush. Though not likely that someone could have setup a good attack plan since we came through there. But they could have and we know those beasts have some heavy firepower.” Pointing to the M-249 that was laying at his feet as perfect reminder of firepower.

Pauline smiled and said, “Yeah, we have firsthand knowledge of that fire power and we weren’t able to persuade them it needed to have better owners like you were. We did pick up a few rifles and pistols in our exchanges but never anything better than we already had in our stores or were using. Wished we had; we do have a couple of rifles that have fun switches. Compliments of the DHS just like you. We are ready whenever you are ready, to head out. Just lead the way.”

Melvin looked to Eddie and said, “Get them mounted up and we will be out of here and on the way back to the Castle and our loved ones. I am going to let Patrick drive, that way I will be able to run the M-249 and have the force multiplier ready and not have to bring it to the party late. I will still be the Lead of the Team and Eddie is my 2IC with Pauline your second. We leave in three minutes or less. Mount up.”

Eddie started moving with Pauline and gathered up Maureen to get her situated as Melvin went to find his team and lay the law down with Patrick. The talk about his new responsibilities and with him driving the lead vehicle. Melvin had a quick but through conference with his nephew that ended with Patrick showing great situational awareness and knowledge above his age. Patrick replied, “I get it Uncle Melvin. Don’t try to do more than I can and don’t act like a teenager. I will do the family proud.” All said with an earnest smile of gratitude that his uncle and his hero was giving him the opportunity to be a real member of the team. Finished Patrick went straight to the truck and did a quick walk around of the truck checking the tires and even pulled the hood and checked the oil in the truck, wiping the dip stick on his pants leg, to the chagrin of his proud uncle who was watching and beaming at his nephew.

Moments later the small convoy of Cudd Castle Team Mike and the newly made Cudd team members from the Godley Farm eased out the front gate of the farm. Little Bobby Junior closed and locked the gate and got into the last cattle truck with Maureen driving. The convoy made the right-hand turn onto Highway 72 heading towards the lake and then the Castle. Melvin keyed his throat mic and said, “Everyone keep your spacing once we get headed east. We got a little to close in making the turn onto the highway. Give us fifty meter spread minimum and everyone have someone checking the rear and the vehicle in front and behind. Maureen make sure you are keeping a watch on the road behind us. You got our six, so let us know if we get a tail. We don’t want to bring home any visitors to the pad.”

Maureen smiling to herself said, “Ten-four Big Charley. Gulf Charlie Six out.” Finished she looked to Junior and said, “Tall drink of water watch our six and what was your name again?”

Junior replied, “Names Bobby after my Dad Ma’am, everyone calls me Junior and I love your choice in weapons. I shot one of those at Bragg in a class, lots of firepower in a relatively small package.” Thinking he was going to like his new riding partner, just having his sisters at the farm and no other ladies had been a sore spot for the young special forces’ operator. Looked like to him a change of scenery for him and the rest of the family might just be what the doctor ordered. Without even realizing he started humming a country song about love and life.

Eddie in the truck with Pauline keyed his mic and got Kevin on the radio back at home base the Cudd Castle. Kevin replied, “Bravo Indian Lima Kilo reads you five by five, send your traffic Echo Two, over.” Having forgotten the protocol for the mission and reverting to what they used normally. It was one of those little times in life when old man Murphy jumps into play and the good guys get a break. The DHS had been trying to keep up with roaming signals and radio transmissions of the group thought that the Cudd group was much bigger than they had originally calculated from the information given by the Sheriff.

The leader of the DHS was wondering if the Sheriff had been dishonest or the group had grown bigger than he could have known. The Sheriff had plainly told them he did not have any idea where they were located or the size of the group. Just that he knew a few of his Deputies and a couple of their friends were involved in the group. It could be just them or fifty people or more for all he knew. The DHS leader called to his trusted Lieutenant and said, “We need to expand our guard rotation. The group in question is either much bigger than we estimated or there are two groups that are working together. Either way, we have to assume that their numbers are equal to or greater than our numbers. We have training, discipline, and a firepower edge that we will have to use to crush this bunch when they come for the bait. Like we talked about we don’t want to kill them all as we need access to their resources and most of all their base of operations.”

The Lieutenant nervously replied, “Do you think we could really be outnumbered. We have lost a good many of our team since this thing started. The fact is we always have had a large numerical advantage not to mention the automatic weapons and machine guns, still lost lots of assets. Do you think we need to pull out and try to make it back to Columbia, since order has been somewhat restored by the TSA group from the airport, the IRS section from Atlanta and the research triangle in NC? Who knew that them and the IRS had such large numbers? They said we were welcome when we made contact with them on the radio.”

The DHS leader said, “We have a plan to deal with them later. We need to stay alive till we can be resupplied and more of our agents can be replaced. I do not think we are in any real danger from this bunch of good ole boy wantabees. But we would be amiss if we did not make the proper calls on the matter. Our SOPs have served us well so far and will continue, long as we follow them. Now get started we may be running out of time.” The lieutenant turned on his heels with a new found zeal after the pep talk. The Leader just smiled and thought, that is why you never made it past Lieutenant, no initiative and easily swayed with what you want to hear. What an idiot? I need to be planning an exit strategy from this place. I will go find Sergeant Adams and get him to put a small team together and a five-ton truck load of supplies, along with one of the up-armored HUMVEEs. The airport might be a good place to lie low for a while and consolidate my power.

About twenty minutes later, Patrick turned his uncle’s Ford truck onto the old manufacturing facility entrance road. The lack of leaves on the trees made the view look different and Patrick and Melvin almost at the same moment noticed that you could actually see the top and some of the manufacturing plants outline through the forest. Melvin thought they needed to get someone working on putting some paint on the basically off-white building. Actually, the original paint color for the facility was a neutral gray but time and weather had faded the original colors on the concrete walls. Melvin keyed his throat mic and said, “2IC wake up. Do you see the outline of the Castle? Come back.”

Eddie shook himself out of his trance like state, wondering how his big friend knew he had dozed off and replied, “Team Mike Lead, I do now that you mentioned it, over.” His stuttered reply brought a smile and a laugh from the leader of the Godley family matriarch. Quickly she said, “Got ya, didn’t he Mr. Eddie?” He could only nod his head in agreement with her assessment. Keying his mic again, Eddie said, “Looks like we are going to have to put some of that paint we found to use. Maybe our new found family members can do that as part of there initiation into the family.” Eddie gave Pauline a look that said got ya right back, didn’t I.

Melvin replied, “They will have to be building bins and pins I am guessing. Unless you are volunteering for that duty. I think painting might be easier. We are just going to breaking up the straight lines and angles. The color of the building isn’t the problem.”

Patrick spoke over the open channel saying, “All new arrivals to the airport be careful, we are about to come up on a crowded runway, over.” Thinking to himself that he hoped his explanation over the radio did not give away their position and told the Godley drivers of the jersey barrier maze they were about to enter on their way into the Castle.

Jack was operating the Lull beginning to move the concrete jersey barriers blocking the gate and Jerome was unlocking the gate. Celeste was in the OP with her rifle and Henry and Kevin were on the flanks about twenty to twenty-five yards right and left of the gates in covered fighting positions. This was a new measure of security that Jack had installed at the Castle for the comings and goings of people from inside of Cudd Castle. The flankers were now manning the two M-240 machine guns that they had acquired from the one percenter and the gang bangers at the lake. The men had quickly built a hide from the jersey barriers and some sand bags to cover the overhead and sides from direct fire. The work was crude but effective in providing cover and concealment for the gunners. Jack had told the men they had did a good job with the time provided. Adding that they would improve the fighting positions as time and resources permitted for the group. Melvin would later advise that the jersey barriers probably could use a little paint on them to break up their lines, also. Just like their new home the Castle.

Once the convoy was back inside the gates with the Godley family and their precious cargo. The group was able to collectively breath for the first time in the last few hours. Jack met with Melvin and asked, “What now? Where do we need to get these trailers and the cows moved to?”

Melvin motioned for Pauline to join him and Jack, while waiting for Pauline to arrive he continued onto another tangent conversation with Jack. “Jack, I need for you to get with Jerome and probably Owen or Smoke and see if we can get some paint or the carpet hanging from the roof like we talked about before. With winter here and the leaves being gone from the tress you can now plainly see the building outline from the road. You probably need to be looking in the right direction. You can surely see it if you are looking for it and not just a vague outline. I think a little paint will make a big difference. What do you think?”

Jack thought for a moment turning to look at the large building that was their home and Cudd Castle and replied, “I think paint and the carpets will be a great help. We have some gray, some brown and a lot of black and white. I do not know if it is in a large enough quantity to make a difference. We also have a few different colors that we maybe can use in small amounts or just blend a bunch of them together an see what we get for a color. Some pale blue, some green and some mustard yellow, even some of that awful burgundy color in the conference room. Might get something like green if we put them all together. We have plenty of black and white can make it darker or lighter, if need be, after the blending. That is what I think. Maybe even use some of the carpet on the flat roof and break up the outline of the building from above.”

Melvin replied, “We probably can start from the top of the building as you cannot really see the bottom eight or ten feet from the road. If the Castle was only sixteen or eighteen feet high like a house maybe would not be able to see enough to make it out. The building being at least twenty-four feet high and maybe a little more makes a big difference in how far over the horizon it can be seen from the road. I say we get it painted down to about eight feet from the ground first and then worry about the rest.”

Jack replied, “Makes sense. I will get with Jerome and probably Tony or Owen and see that we get on it pronto. Maybe get some of the young ones to repel off the roof to do the top. I am too old for doing that type work anymore. Maybe they have even done something like this before graffiti painting or something. That reminds me we do have a lot of spray cans back in the shop we can use. Was just thinking regular paint.” Laughing at himself as he said the sentence about being old.

Melvin replied, “I resemble that remark myself. I do think that Sandy and Patrick would be glad to help and our two new arrivals the Benton’s. We need fast not pretty we need to make sure this is not a Picasso and we are not grading on perfect just coverage and line breakup of the building. No straight lines with the paint.”

Pauline walking up asked, “Sorry, it took me a minute had to make sure the cows were doing alright and not getting crazy. Some of them have never been on a trailer before. They were born on the farm and have never left. At least not till today. Melvin what do you need?”

Melvin answered, “Pauline this is my future Father-in-law Jack and he is in charge of the operations here at our BOL that some call Castle Cudd….”

Pointing to Jack he continued, “Pauline we need to get your cows to their new home such as it is. What do we need to do to help that happen? After we get that done, we can move the trailers down the backside under the tree canopy. We still might need to put some tarps or something over them to make sure their silhouettes are broken from the air. We are just going to start doing some painting on the building as we noticed it can be seen from the road since the leaves have left the hardwoods. Luckily a lot of the forest is pines and still have their needles.”

Pauline replied, “Basically we just need to be pointed to where the fenced area or I think you said softball fields are located. We can take it from there. Probably best for us to deal with the cows right now as they can hurt someone and not even mean to. They are big and heavy and if they get you in the wrong way, it can really hurt, maybe even kill someone. We are going to need access to water and not just fenced grazing. Is water available at the ball field?”

Melvin honestly replied, “Probably on some level. There are two well systems here at the site and we are only using the small one. I do not have any idea which system the ball fields will be connected to for their water source. Just another problem that I do not have the answer. We will get someone on it as quickly as possible. Either way we can run a hose to a trough from the main building drinking water well for a temporary solution. I will lead your group down to the fields. They are two of them. One is a little smaller than the other. If I remember correctly the big field had three-hundred-ten-foot fences and the smaller two-hundred-ninety-five-foot fences. Not forty-acre pastures by any means but they have good fencing and should have pretty good grass for a little while at least. They set side by side with about eighty feet warm up area between them if I remember correctly. We might be able to connect the two fields and add in the extra eighty feet of grass in between them if we had some fencing material. It would add a good bit of extra grass for the cows. What is eighty by say three-twenty in square foot? Another half-acre, might not be enough to worry about. Could be used as a third lot if needed to separate the bulls or something. Your decision as I know nothing about cattle other than I like steak.”

Pauline grinning replied, “Like you said earlier we will worry about that later. We need to get the cows out of these trailers so they can settle down before they get too aggravated. Show me the way Bossman as Eddie called you.” Finished she started back towards her trailer that she was pulling that contained their two big bulls and eight cows in the second compartment.

Melvin hollered at the retreating Godley clan leader, “I will get the Kubota and lead you to the fields.” Turning back to Jack he said, “We will need to meet with everybody soon and get everybody introduced to the Godley’s and then I need to get a team and go do some recon on the Sheriff’s office. We all smell a rat on the Sheriff calling us out of the blue and we have not been able to make contact in weeks when Henry tried.”

Jack replied, “Yeah, that is what Henry told me. Oh, and by the way we need to get Tony and his daughter something to keep them busy. His wife left, some time last night after they came up here from the waste treatment plant. I think the daughter might be a good one for the paint detail that or carpet removal and placement detail. What do you think?”

Melvin mind already moving to other parts, replied “Yeah, works for me. It is your ball of wax. Do not try to wrangle Kevin into the operations as I am going to need him with me and his shooting eye, probably Jimmy and Jessica too. Now that I have a minute to think about it. Oh, and by the way can I take the Kubota?” Turning without waiting for an answer from Jack and headed to the sitting Kubota side-by-side. Jack thought his future son-in-law is a good man but maybe needs a little more help than he is getting. Deciding he was going to talk with Kevin and Jessica as soon as he saw them about that very fact.

As Melvin was leading the Godley caravan of cows and feed towards the two ball fields not six-hundred meters away; Nancy and Rosa were sitting in the infirmary talking. The two young ladies were trying to get over the shock of seeing the young girl sleeping in the bed between them. Someone had found a few metal folding chairs and put them in the new infirmary area. The two had found them and were sitting and talking about everything but the elephant in the room. Both in the recesses of their minds thinking but for the grace of the Lord, it could have been them. Nancy was thinking that she sure was glad that she had followed her dad and not her mom. Trying not to think about what may have become of her mom. Rosa said, “You know, I really freaked out when I first came to this place deep in the woods. I am from the city and never even liked going to the park. My moms was even worse. She almost caused the people following us to wreck by stopping the truck she was driving and getting out crying. You know she did not believe people should have guns either. I am glad we are all here together and Mr. Melvin allowed us to come. I think about being back in town and seeing this lady and think it could be me. You know?”

Nancy deep in her own thoughts, was just nodding her head in agreement when the loudest scream she had ever heard came out of the lady in the bed. A lady that was struggling to get out of the bed and the IV attached to her arm. Rosa hollered, “It is okay you are safe!” While she moved to the aide of the young lady in need of a helping hand physically and mentally.

Nancy froze at seeing the plight of the abused lady in the bed; about seventy-five steps away by the cooking fire. Elizabeth, Celeste, and Jessica heard the scream. Jessica was the first to react saying, “Celeste you come with me and Eli go find your girls they don’t need to be scared by these events.” Taking off a sprinters gait towards her patient and the infirmary. Kicking herself for sending the two young girls into the meat-grinder. Hoping she got there before her patient did harm to herself or the other young ladies.

Celeste took off after Jessica and Elizabeth replied, “I am going to our room. That is where the girls are supposed to be playing with their new dolls.” Realizing that neither Jessica or Celeste had heard her response she headed towards the offices where she had left the girls not thirty minutes before. Arriving at the door to her room she found the door open and heard voices inside the room. Walking in she found Gretchen standing with her daughters and them explaining to her about their new dolls. Gretchen made eye contact with Elizabeth and said, “With the commotion I knew your daughters were right next door from my room and thought I might check on your beautiful gals. Sorry, if I am out of line. I will gladly get on out of your way.”

Elizabeth reached for Gretchen and answered, “No, I am thankful to you for coming to mine and the girl’s aid. Stay, if you will I need to get back to the food that is cooking. That is if you do not mind their company and it is no inconvenience.” Hoping she had not offended the lady Sheriff officer that she really could not remember her name. Thinking her hardest trying to remember her name from the time Eddie had introduced her. Telling herself to ask Eddie the next time they talked. Then heading back out her and the girl’s room, that not long ago had been some execs office. Making her way back to the cooking food hoping it had not burned.

Jessica racing into the infirmary found Nancy and Rosa tussling with the patient and her trying to remove the IV line from her arm. Jessica went right to her work station and starting to try and prepare a syringe of sedative for her abused and hysterical patient. Finally finished and moving to the multiple requests for help from Nancy and Rosa, she applied the syringe to the thigh of her patient. Then she started trying to help contain the lady trying to get out of bed. Finally. she was able to get her hands on either side of the young lady and look her in the eyes as the sedative started to take effect. Jessica in her must soothing and trusting voice said, “Dear sweet lady please stop fighting we are here to help. Our group saved you and I have been doctoring on you since you arrived. Please help us help you.” Jessica did not know if her words, the sedative, the pure grace of God or a combination of the three had stopped the patient from thrashing in the bed and lying back into the bed. The patient laid back and smiled like she was seeing Angels and said, “Thank you God!” She went limp and her eyes closed and Nancy and Rosa both thought the woman had gone to meet her maker at the Pearly Gates.

Nancy tentatively asked, “Jessica is she dead?” Looking and sounding as if she was about to bust out crying. Rosa moved to her new friend to hug her as much for herself as Nancy.

Jessica replied, “No Honey, she is just sleeping. Restfully for the first time since she arrived. Rosa and you did a great job controlling her and not letting her hurt herself. I am sorry that I put you all in such a bad position. I guess this is why I am a veterinarian and not a doctor. Do not need any bedside manner or figure out what my usual patients are thinking or how they will react to other stimuli.”

Rosa still hugging Nancy replied, “Jessica, you did great. Our new world is different and we are glad to have a medical professional like yourself here at Castle Cudd. I know I have not said so before, so I will correct that error right now. Thanks to Melvin and you for letting my family come here and not throw us out when we acted crazy that first day.”

Jessica said, “Thank y’all for being here to help us and you are most welcome for the thank you. I will speak for Melvin and he would say the same thing. To you and your family and that goes for you and your father also Nancy. Now before I start crying can one of you go and help Elizabeth with the food preparation. I know our group is going to be coming in like a horde of locust looking for food any minute.” Nancy nodded her head and gave Rosa a thankful squeeze and headed back to the kitchen to help Elizabeth.

At the ball fields Pauline was making the comment that the dugouts could possibly used for storage since they were fenced on the inside wall facing the field. She told Melvin that it would be nice to get at least a tarp to cover the silage from the weather and the cows seeing the food. Stating that there was nothing they could do about the smell. Melvin had commented that one of the few Conex boxes on the site could be emptied and moved down near the ball fields for storage of the cow’s food. Much to everybody’s delight the water actually worked in all four dugouts at the fields. Pauline replied, “That being the case we may want to cut the chain-length fence in front of the dugouts and remove the benches. Doing that would give a few of the cows a place to get in out of the rain and wind.” Looking to Melvin for his approval as she spoke.

Melvin finally catching on that she was asking him if they could cut the fence. Melvin replied, “Pauline, if you are asking for permission, it is cool with me. Whatever is best for the cows. One more thing, did I hear chickens or ducks a while ago?” At that moment one of the three daughters of Bobby walked up and answered, ‘Yeah, we have a dozen layers and two roosters. Most leghorns and three Rhode Island Red chickens for diversity. We also have six duck layers and a drake. Maureen told me you all had a couple of chickens can you tell me where your coup is located. We brought our temporary coup but long term we will need to do something different. If you all already have something it would be great.”

Melvin at a loss as he new nothing about Castle Cudd having chickens replied, “You are going to have to get with either Jack or Elizabeth for that information because it is above my pay grade undoubtedly as I know nothing about chickens or at least us having any.”

Melvin having a lost in the wilderness look on his face and his body language saying the same thing. Finally getting his wits back about him, he said, “Ladies, all I can say right now is that I have some other important business to take care of here at the Castle. We are going to be having a meal in about thirty minutes and I would like all of you to be there. Just get Maureen or Patrick to lead the way to our and your new home up at the main building. We are going to eat and I want to introduce our newest Cudd family members to the rest of the family. It also will be a good time to get your personal effects moved into the building and us to find a place for you all to lay your heads at night. I hope you brought your beds and mattresses like I said because that is one thing, we have a real shortage of already. I will see ya in a few.” Jumping in the Kubota and heading to look for Jessica, Eddie and Jimmy and talks about doing some recon of the Sheriff’s office.

Arriving back at the main building he saw that Jack and his crew was already painting on the fighting positions and the jersey barriers in front of the gate. Seeing Jack pointing towards the top of the building and starting to yell. Following the direction of Jack’s arm, he saw Tony and Sandy come off the topside of the building. The pair were repelling from the roof, with each having a spray gun in their hands and a long tube attached to the guns. Standing a little in awe of how quickly Jack had organized the paint operations. Thinking that in times gone by, Jack and he could have made a lot of money with his labor organization skills. Back to the present he walked over to jack and asked, “Jack have you seen Jessica, Jimmy, or Eddie?”

Jack still watching his two painters attached to rope lines from the roof, replied, “Eddie said he was going to see Elizabeth and I think you will find Jimmy in the Observation Post out by the road with Celeste. As for Jessica probably in with the girl you all brought in from the lake. She was pretty messed up and Jessica was putting her back together as best she could, last I heard. Hope that helps. Anything else, I am kind of busy as you can see.”

Melvin said, “No. I will add though great job getting the painting moving so fast. I figured it would be tomorrow before we even got started. Thanks, Jack! I will get out of a working man’s way, now.”

Turning and heading towards the building and the infirmary and Jessica. Entering the building through a side door, three things happened simultaneously. The first was the intoxicating smell of food cooking assaulted his nose and his brain reminding him how long it had been since he had eaten. The second thing was Trenton Benton stopped him and thanked him for the rifle and letting him and his sister come to live at the Castle. The third thing was Eddie walked up and asked, “Bossman when are we going to check on the Sheriff and the station. Just wanting to know if we ought to have Henry maybe put the Sheriff off again at least till the afternoon tomorrow. We still need to eat and get a plan together and a team. Today is getting away from us in a hurry. As an old friend of ours would say ‘we are burning daylight.’ What ya think?” Looking to his lifelong friend a natural born leader for guidance and answers.

Melvin replied, “Why don’t we talk about that over our late lunch or early dinner? I think we will make a better decision after we eat. If I had to answer right now, it would be yeah, we need to bump the meet and greet with your Captain till later tomorrow. I think we probably need to have someone that the captain does not know contact him. Maybe Owen, I do not think he has been up on the radio much if any at all….” Then added, “I am going to find Jessica. Do either of you know where she is right now?”

Trenton immediately replied, “She is still in the infirmary. The lady that was brought in had some type of episode and I saw her headed to the infirmary to take care of her. She has been in there ever since, as far as I know.”

A few moments later Melvin gently knocked three times on the door frame of what was once a either a training room or a conference room for the wheel and rim maker. Almost immediately Rosa opened the door to the infirmary and seeking that it was Melvin she asked, “Melvin are you looking for Jessica? She is with the patient right now.”

Hearing Rosa’s words to her future husband, Jessica rose from her bedside seat and headed to the door. When she got to the door, she patted Rosa on the back and said, “I will be right outside. We can leave the door open. I need to see Melvin for a few minutes. Thanks for staying and helping. I will only be a moment.” Walking out the door and into the arms of her lover, who seeing her need as if it was written in large print on her forehead. Stepped to her and enveloped her in his arm and let her bury her head in his chest. If only for a moment, he hoped it helped his future bride feel safe and cope with her pain. A few minutes later that seemed much longer to the God matched pair of lovers. Jessica raised her head and said, “Thank you. How did you know that I needed your presence and strength so badly?”

Melvin almost replied flippantly but caught himself and said, ‘I did not but God did and sent me to be here for you in your time of need. Just like he has done you for me from the moment we first met back at the ‘Job Site’ in Picayune. I would say that he knows best, you know that was why I was here when you needed me….”

Catching his breath and starting again, “I know it is probably not a good time for this to happen with your patient and all. I need you to come to lunch and meet the Godley’s the newest members and additions to the Cudd Circle. We also need to do some planning and then maybe a recon to the Sheriff’s station. I think…. No, I know you need to be involved in both events. I am sure you will be on the team to meet the Sheriff as your pistol will be needed when we meet. Yours and your brother Kevin’s for sure. That was really the reason I was coming to see you that and selfishly I wanted a kiss from my lady.”

Jessica immediately reached up and took his face into her hands and kissed him deeply. Breaking the kiss, she looked into his eyes and he said, “Thanks, I was hoping and needed that. I also need to tell you that Pauline the leader of the Godley family is a large animal veterinarian like yourself. Maybe she can help you with the medical requirements of the Cudd family circle. I want the two of you to get together and discuss the possibility anyway. I guess my next question is when can you go and get something to eat?”

“Oh, that would be great, having someone to at least talk to about what I am doing when I am working with humans. I know animals and have the training. Some of it crosses over completely, some not really at all. A second opinion and another pair of eyes and hands could literally be a lifesaver. She might even have some opinions on how to help our present patient. I cannot leave Rosa alone with the patient. I have made that mistake already leaving Rosa and Nancy with her and when she woke, she freaked out. I am guessing having thoughts that she was still in danger of more abuse. Our girls did a great job but it was hard on their minds and nerves.”

Melvin replied, “Maybe we can get one of the other grownup ladies to sit with her for at least long enough for Pauline and you to eat, meet and talk for a moment. Then maybe she can be there for the young lady. What you think?” Waiting for an answer and thinking about the recon and the other million things that needed to happen like going back and getting all the grains from the Tractor Supply and making sure everyone was pulling their weight.

Jack seeing that when his painters started from the very top with their painting the camo job did not work as the top of the flat roof created the very thing, they were trying to avoid a straight line. He communicated to Tony and Sandy to not start at the very top to leave at least three or four inches still un-painted and not the same all the time. Reminding his painters about straight lines. He hoped that they could go back and maybe break the ridge line in the places that were already painted. As Smoke walked by, Jack stopped him and asked, “Smoke, I know you all use wraps and stuff now. Back in the day it was all done with paint. See the top of the building, where they have painted from the top down…. How do we break up that straight line at the top? A distinct shape is what we are trying to get rid of with the paint. No straight lines in nature.”

Looking at the building he proclaimed, “Just need to use some lighter paint the same color as where it is painted to the top and every once in a while, make a swoosh with black to look like a tree limb. They do not need to be straight and even complete like something is blocking the view of the limb. Just need the illusion of a limb or a shadow. That will fix the problem, no problem. Am I making sense in what I am telling you. Might be easier to do it than explain how to do it.” Smoke gesturing with his hands and pointing the whole time he had been talking.

Jack replied, “Nah, I think I know what you mean about painting the illusion of a limb or a shadow to break up the lines. Thanks for the help. We can probably handle it from here but if it does not look right. I might need to get your help again and maybe have you do the fixing of the painting.”

Smoke as he headed towards the kitchen and some chow, replied, “No problem, Jack. We will get it fixed one way or another. It is too important for us not to get it fixed. You probably need to call your painters down; they have been at it for a long time. I am sure they are getting tired and that is when people make mistakes and get hurt. Besides Elizabeth just hit me on the radio and said it was time to eat and to get people heading into the dining room.”

About fifty minutes later, Melvin was sitting with Eddie, Jimmy, Kevin, Henry, Laurens, Zaida, Gretchen, Maureen, Junior and one of his sisters Naomi. Just as Patrick and Trenton joined the group as requested by Melvin. Melvin had sent Rosa to get the pair and they had come on the double. Both young men thankful for the opportunity to be called to the big table. Patrick was the first to arrive and said, “Melvin, Rosa told me I needed to be here for a meeting. Do I need my Bob as it is still in the truck? I have my rifle and have replaced my full ammunition load-out.”

“Nah, you are good. We are just planning right now,” replied Melvin.

As they were waiting in the infirmary, Jessica was meeting with Pauline and Samantha Godley the second of Junior’s three sisters. Samantha had been a Special forces medic from the 101st Airborne division home on extended leave recovering from a high ankle sprain in her left leg before the attack on America by Russia. She had been scheduled to fly back to Fort Campbell, Kentucky in another week for medical clearance back into her unit. Samantha said, “Jessica, just call me Sam and to answer your question. I have a little training on this type trauma. It was only a short course in handling POW’s that had been sexually abused and tortured during their confinement by the enemy. It was a few years ago though and from what I can recall it seems you are doing everything that can be done in the field. We do not have access to a trauma unit and psychological counselors on staff. Keeping her sedated and hopefully having a friendly face of her sex present to comfort her when she wakes. I think that is about all we can do under the circumstances. All the repair work and physical doctoring looks spot on and no one would or could have done it any better.”

Jessica replied, “Thanks for the kind words. I do have one other piece of information that I forgot to tell the two of you about her condition. That piece is that she was sexually abused and tortured not only by men but women also. Does that make a difference in how we handle her treatment or who sits with her?”

Sam looked to Pauline and she nodded for her to go ahead. Sam then answered, “I do not think it does. There are only two sexes and she being a female, it is my opinion that having a female with her is the best medicine. I still think everything that has been done is textbook to this point. The truth is only God can heal her body and her mind at this point. You have done all we can do medically except keep her comfortable and at some point, in the next few days we will have to start letting her be awake and remove the pain meds.”

Melvin started, “Now that Patrick and Trenton are present, we can get started. We need to figure out what we are going to do about the Sheriff and the Homeland Security thugs. Our opinion for the Godley’s benefit is that the Sheriff is compromised and not working with the DHS storm troopers. However, that is not backed by any hard intelligence. We have several in our group that have worked with and for him for years. Their consensus is that he was an officer that based his career on being on the right side of the way the political winds blew. Given that he was also a patriot and hard on crime. I say all this just to give you what we are basing our thoughts that he under duress in contacting us. One other thing when we were setting up this BOL in the planning stages, he new about it but told Eddie he did not want to know the where or who as he did not want to be able to tell anyone if asked. Any thoughts or concerns from anyone before I continue….”

Waiting a moment and when no one commented. Melvin resumed, “The first order of business is we are scheduled to meet the Sheriff tomorrow morning early. It is my opinion that we need to change this meet till tomorrow afternoon late or the next day in the morning. Take in consideration we have already put the meeting off once. It was originally requested we meet him this afternoon.”

“I think we need to take a team and recon their setup at the station and see what we are up against. There is just not any way we go in blind in my opinion. That would be foolish on our part to even consider. The reason being is that is just poor planning usually that leads to poor performance. I say that because I am going to be upfront and personal when we meet whoever is at the station and I am a big ole target.” Laughing as he said the part about being a big target and the rest of the group joined in on the icebreaker.

Eddie started, “I think we need to put the meet off to tomorrow say seventeen hundred hours. I do not know but anymore and it may cause them to change their setup and just shoot first and ask questions later. My guess is they want our setup and do not want to just kill us all. The truth is they need two or even better three or four of us from the meet alive to make sure they get the location of our home and the defensive posture of our camp. Torture sometimes does not work and just having one person they might not get the correct information.”

Gretchen who had been the Captain Sims aid spoke up, “The Captain was a lot of things and not all of them were good. He is not the kind of person to sell people out. My guess is they have possibly threatened his wife. He loves that women dearly and he would do anything to save her. Sorry, maybe it was not my place. Please excuse my interruption.”

Melvin spoke up, “No problem, Gretchen. That was good information and from a source that knew Pete well. We thank you and just so everyone knows as we have new members to the Cudd Castle and Circle. Everyone’s opinions mater and are important. The old axiom ‘two heads are better than one’ always applies when we are planning and making decisions.”

Eddie asked, “Is this the whole team we are taking for the recon and the meet? I thought, Melvin, you had said you wanted Jessica for the meeting of the Sheriff.”

Melvin answered, “Originally that was my thought. But on the addition of the Godley’s and finding out that Samantha was a medic I am leaning on having her as part of the team. Jessica’s ability to shoot and her being a master class shooter in three-gun and pistol makes her a good choice to be with Eddie and I when we go to meet the Sheriff. Those are the kind of questions we need to be addressing.”

Taking a second, he continued, “Now, I am going to explain what I think is our first draft of the plan. We will take the team we have assembled and have two scout teams. Each team will be six members. That way two members can be watching and taking notes. Two members can be resting and two members can be watching the teams six and be ready to supply firepower if needed for the team. The two teams will be far enough a part to get two different views of the station defenses. The teams will be close enough to provide fire support if either team is discovered and attacked by the DHS thugs or any other group for that matter. It would probably be better to have a larger force ready to drive in and recover the teams and then drive away. Either that or have them setup as a pass-through ambush if our scout teams need to retreat or just leave under duress. Castle Circle just does not have the manpower to do this and still have a larger enough force at the Castle to defend it if it came under attack while we are out on the mission. Another note to take into consideration is that there are other hostile forces in the area. We must stay on the look out for them and not get target fixated on the Sheriff and the DHS teams.”

Eddie asked, “Are we planning on getting into our scout positions this afternoon or tonight? I am sure they probably have night vision. They probably have both low-light image intensification and thermal imaging infrared types of night vision would be my guess. If that is the case it would be better for us to sneak in during the daytime as they might not be paying as much attention as they do at night. That and a lot of people get lazy during the day. Those are my thoughts. Anyone else have an opinion?”

Junior replied, “I agree with doing it in the daytime, The fact is Naomi and I could probably make a sneak and peak and be inside the station even during the daytime. We were both 1st Special operational Detachment - Delta and worked on the same black op’s hunter team. We both answered the call from our Grand parents to help defend our family and the farm. Just wanted to speak my mind. My two other sisters would be good to go as Sam is a Special Forces medic and Brenda is also Delta team member.”

Melvin said, “No wonder the DHS thugs did not have a chance when they showed up at the Godley farm. Castle Cudd is thankful for you being here and for your help on this mission. Your input is most welcome. I am not sure that we are going into the station. It is an option with your family members now being part of our group. Back to Eddie’s question I think we plan on pulling out in the next forty-five minutes. With twelve team members we are going to need three vehicles and we need to decide on load-outs. I am going to be taking the M-249 and I think we need to take our two grenade launchers. Other than that, we are taking both Barrett’s the M-107 and the Barrett 95 with Henry and Jimmy as our shooters. We have limited experience on the grenade launchers. We have two of the M-320 single shot versions and I am not sure about the name of the six-shot revolver type of launcher. We however only have a total of ten of the HEDP rounds for the three launchers. I am thinking a full load in the six-cylinder and the other two rounds for the M320. We do have some tear gas and some smoke rounds for the three weapons. One of the weapons will be kept here at the Castle for its defense.”

Naomi spoke for the first time saying, “I have experience on both weapons and qualified expert on both. I usually carried a M-320 attached to my primary weapon when I worked and was my team’s designated grenadier. I would be honored to help the team by offering my services on either of the weapons if required, sir.”

Maureen spoke up saying, “I will gladly give her the M32 MGL. I am pretty sure is the designation for the weapon and take the M-320. I have shot them or ones like it in 37mm many times. The M32 is a little different and she has the real-life experience. I would feel much better with her using the weapon. I think the Circle would be better served with Naomi manning the weapon. I will get it for her as soon as we breakup from this session.”

Melvin replied, “Thanks Maureen for being a true member of the Cudd Circle. On that note, I guess I should ask, Junior do you have any experience on the M-249 machine gun. I have been carrying it since we obtained it from the one percenter trash at the lake, Truth is I know how to load it and shoot the weapon. I have not even fired one round from the weapon we have or any other for that matter.”

Junior replied, “I am not a heavy weapons expert by any means. I have fired the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon on numerous training exercises and have fired the M-60E extensively on deployment. I feel that it would be beneficial for the team for me to carry the weapon. I will however only do that if that is the wishes of the Cudd family. We need this operation to be successful for our new family and for my old family. I will serve the Cudd Castle with the best of my abilities from this point on. Whether that is as M-249 gunner or making a sneak entrance into the Sheriff’s station and obtaining all the intelligence that I may find or planting explosives and blowing the place to kingdom come which would be my plan of attack.”

Melvin said, “Bobby Junior, I think it would be best for you to have the machine gun as your primary weapon. I will go back to my Fostech SBV and my Daniel Defense SBR. I am sure they are much better weapons choices for me. Just as the M-249 machine gun is a better choice for you at this point….”

Stopping for a moment to realign his thoughts he continued, “Now we must decide on which vehicles to use for our transport. I am thinking Patrick’s Nissan with the full exoskeleton, my Ford F-350 with roll cage and partial exoskeleton now that Owen and Smoke have finished installing the cage. I am open on the third vehicle. Do we have any recommendations? Anyone…?”

Henry spoke up, “Owen has placed some material that is hopefully bulletproof in the door panels and behind the seats of your first two choices. He also has placed it in Ms. Jessica’s F-550. I am not sure what the material is but they use it in their race cars. It is some kind of graphene plastic material they use for their late model body panels. He said that Smoke has shot it with his hunting rifle and it did not do anything but barely dent the material. I think these three vehicles gives us the best chance to return to the Castle intact.”

Melvin replied, “Thanks for the input, Henry. I think that would be my choice too. Especially based on the new information you supplied. That my family is the reason we will be victorious in this ordeal. We value everyone’s knowledge and use it for our benefit. With all that has been said and decided as a group, I think we need to start our individual preps for our recon mission. We meet back at the ramps to start our first weapons and gear check in thirty minutes. Tell your loved ones that you love them and we will be in the face of the enemy for the next thirty-six hours or less.”

[sniper69]

Another excellent chapter! Hopefully they will clean house on the goons and not take names.

[gipsy]

Thanks for the update.

[feralferret]

223shootersc, another great chapter. Thank you!

[texican]

feralferret - yesterday at 1:44am

Does feralferret ever sleep?

Texican....

[feralferret]

Sept 15, 2023 18:12:00 GMT -6 texican said:

feralferret - yesterday at 1:44am

Does feralferret ever sleep?

Texican....

Yes, I do.  But not day shift hours.  You will very rarely see me post between 4 AM and 2 PM.

Evening shift was always my favorite shift.  Overnights were my second choice.  Day shift bottom of the list, so of course that is what I was stuck with for the last 19 years of my career before I retired.

[imahic]

An excellent story. Thanks for what you have posted so far.

[ydderf]

Thanks 223

[223shootersc]

MOAR hounds, I will probably be putting my last completed new Chapter out tomorrow. Hope you all enjoy! I have a few pages of Chapter 16 started and hopefully I am going to have a little more time to write in the next few days!

Thanks for reading,

223shootersc

[feralferret]

223shootersc, looking forward to it!

[kiwibutterfly]

Can't wait BUT I guess I have too......

[223shootersc]

A little afternoon MOAR hounds snack! I hope you enjoy and any and all comments are greatly appreciated by a novice writer!

Chapter 15

Around ten hundred hours the next morning the two scout teams had pulled back to a position a few miles away from the Sheriff’s office and station. They were meeting under the roof of what at one time been the Lander University Equestrian Center. At present it was just a good place to hide the trucks from prying eyes of satellites or flyovers by airplanes or helicopters. The Cudd Circle teams did not know if these surveillance options were still available to the DHS or anyone in America. They decided it was just better to be safe than sorry. The site besides having overhead cover, it was on high ground and had a good view of any approaches from three sides and the fourth was old growth forest and any attackers would have to walk in from at least four miles away. The group did not plan on being at their location long enough for anyone to walk in from the nearest road through the heavy forest.

After posting guards, Melvin started, “Eddie, I would like a situational report of all observed activities and your opinions on points of action for our team. My team will follow your report with our observations then we will compare notes and plans. I am sure there is some Army manual or SOP that has a list of things for Scouts to report, for us not so militarily trained we will follow this reporting plan. With the team breakups as they are Eddie your team will have the experience of the police force and our Delta operators the Godley’s. My team will have the untrained or novice civilian point of view. Hopefully the two teams will each benefit from the others perspective and we as a unit will benefit overall. We need enemy strength, equipment levels, terrain features, any electronic counter-measures, any LPs or OPs and any possible Sniper or heavy weapons emplacements. Threats and counter-measures we may use to minimize or neutralize these threats. Any questions or concerns before we start?”

Looking around and trying to make eye – contact with everyone present. He did not notice anyone looking as if they would like to speak, Melvin said, “Eddie your team can deliver your report now. Either you or your designated person.”

Eddie stood up from the picnic table where his group had migrated together to sit. He looked each of his team members in the eye, getting affirmation from the group. Eddie pulled his notebook from his shirt pocket gazed over his highlighted notes and started, “The enemy strength of the DHS at the police station is near as we can tell is a total of twenty-two. This is not counting the captain and his wife or any other non-combatants that may be in the station. Our counts are all combatants is our assessment as they were all always armed and carried their selves like soldiers. At least in all the times we viewed the station and their patrols. That count could very, it is based on the different bodies that we saw. We could have missed some that never left the station during our viewing times. Our count also assumes that we did not view the Commander and probably a communications specialist. The possibility exists that there are two communications people instead of one specialist, feasibly a medic, and a 2IC that are unaccounted for in our estimate. That would push the count to twenty-five combatants at the station. Again, this is not accounting for the captain and his wife. The DHS groups always have a roving guard rotation of three soldiers around the building and seem to rotate out on a four-hour schedule. They do not seem to have any mobile forces that are not accounted for in our estimates. They could however exist in the form of an RRT somewhere off-site. With what we know about their losses since thy have been here it seems like a low possibility. Staging a RRT team away from the station would put them in a larger danger matrix. One that most Commanders would not find worthwhile in a risk versus benefit plan analysis.”

These are the equipment levels of the twenty-two combatants that we viewed. The normal load-out for each combatant seems to be a sidearm of either a generic Glock 17 type or a Sig 365 type and two to four magazines depending on the individual. Their standard long gun is either a H&K MP5SD with the collapsing stock variant being the prevailing choice. We are assuming nine-millimeter for the caliber; they could be ten-millimeter as we know that the DHS purchased some MP5 units in ten-millimeter for their forces. The other long gun which is about one to one ratio across the board with the MP-5 variant is a M-4 flattop carbine. These weapons are affixed with some type of optic, either Trijicon or EOTech in all cases. We did observe one DHS individual soldier probably a Designated Marksmen that carried what looked to be a MK 12 Mod 0 SPR with a scope.”

“That is the personal weapons. As far as other types of weapons we did see two what appeared to be up-armored HMMWV M1114 UAH vehicles. One of the HUMVEEs has a Ma Deuce fifty-caliber mounted in the turret. The other seems to have a M-240B or a M-249 in its cupola which is not the crow’s nest or cupola type and is not armored. Our opinions varied on which machine gun. Does not matter both can bring a world of hurt on our teams in a hurry. From experience we know they have access to the same type of forty-millimeter grenade launchers that we have in our arsenal thanks to gifts from some of their brethren. We did not however view any in our scouting of the station. They could be held in reserve in the station or the HUMVEES. They also have either a M-240B or M-249 that is always manned on top of the station. This aera denial machine gun could cover the front of the station across a one-hundred and eighty degrees or more fire index. The weapon would probably be the M-240 machine gun chambered in 7.62 NATO and be effective out to a thousand meters or at least close to that range mounted on a tri-pod as the one on the roof is mounted. We did not view any mortars, LAWS type rockets, or any dug in fighting ditches around the building during our assigned observation time.”

“At this time, I would like to turn the floor over to Henry to tell us about the two sniper teams that we have located around the station. Henry the floor is yours, thanks.” Pointing to Henry and shaking his hand before taking his seat back at the table with his team.

Henry stood up ramrod straight and walked to the area that Eddie had spoken and started, “Melvin and teams, I would like to start by saying that each of our six people took a turn on the spotting scope and we all brought a little different perspective as we thought. I would add that Eddie, Maureen, Laurens, Junior, or Naomi, besides myself could have given this part of our report. The two DHS sniper teams that we located are in two of the five sites that were in the Sheriff’s departments plan for defense of the station. In the preparation and development of the defense plans natural barriers and terrain obstacles for protection of the Sniper teams was used. Neither of the two viewed teams are setup in one of the three primary sniper hides. The teams are setup in both alternate Sniper sites per the stations SOP. It is our opinion they picked the two alternate hides because they are the nearest hide sites to the station. After our location of the two teams we spent a lot of time viewing the three primary locations for snipers and did not locate anyone in those sites or notice any signs of prior usage either. We did not locate any signs of a third team out to our hides depths of approximately eight-hundred-meters surrounding the front of the station….”

Stopping for a moment and shuffling the three pages of his notes. Finding the one he was looking for he continued, “The primary weapons for the sniper are a suppressed bolt action rifle in a chassis system. The sniper rifles on our visual observations using our spotting scopes looks to be the M24E1 Enhanced Sniper Rifle most probably chambered in the 300 Winchester Magnum round. The rifles could however be chambered in 338 Lapua Magnum. This observation is based on history of the DHS and other police forces it is probably the 300 Winchester Magnum. That does not mean that the Snipers do not have access to fifty-caliber rifles like the Barrett M107 or the McMillan TAC 50C. Even in the 7.62X51mm configuration their weapons have the legs to be counter-sniper to our snipers at a range not much over eight-hundred meters. We will need to nullify the Snipers and the machine gun system on the roof with our initial rounds. With three sets of targets and only two Barrett rifles this could be problematic. As each rifle would have to take out three separate targets before counter fire became a problem, that could take out our shooters. We have put together a draft plan to eliminate these threats in our first wave. I will turn the floor back over to Eddie to go over this part of the plan. Thanks for your time and I will be glad to answer any questions or concerns at the end of our report.”

Eddie moved back to the head of the two tables and looked to Melvin and got a subtle nod to begin his plan. Eddie started, “We have three sets of targets to eliminate as close to simultaneously as possible. We only have two precision or counter-sniper teams which makes the task even more difficult. We also must consider the fact that both snipers have a spotter and they will have to be taken out under the circumstances. We will adopt the philosophy that the spotters can take over the sniper’s weapon and fill in for them as most spotters are trained to do this if needed. In that case we have four targets just among the two Sniper hides. If that was our only two obstacles it would be a daunting task. We are facing a machine gun team atop the Sheriff’s office. They are two of them, a gunner and a loader that need to be removed from the equation along with the Snipers….” Stopping for a moment to get a drink of water from his Camel-Bak he continued, “The two sniper teams and the machine gun team are not our only concern, the grounds are always occupied with three roving guards that are constantly moving. The real problem is they do not seem to have regular routes or tactics. Some times a pair will work together with a lone other rover and sometimes all three work independently or as a team. This adds three more hostiles that need to be eliminated at the same time as the Snipers and machine gun team or before. This gives us nine targets to be taken out simultaneously or close to the same moment.”

Eddie stopped for a moment to let the teams think about the situation they faced. The three sets of targets and three roving guards would be a problem if they had six precision shooters. Eddie continued, “Melvin we have a proposal for a plan of action. Would you like to go over the findings of your team before we give our thoughts on how to handle the situation or would you like for me to continue with our draft proposal?” He looked directly at his lifelong friend for his answer before he would continue or take his seat and listened to the report from Team Cudd. It only took a few moments foe Melvin to gather his thoughts and supply the answer to Eddie and both team’s million-dollar question.

Melvin replied, “That is an affirmative I think we need to hear our teams report and then go from that to a five-minute break and then directly to the planning stage of our operation to retrieve the Sheriff and his wife and any others that might be there against their will.” Eddie sighed in relief to be off the line of fire for the moment.

Melvin spoke saying, “By default I guess I am the defacto speaker for our scout team. As neither Gretchen, Kevin, nor my best friend Jimmy would give the report. I did not think it would be fair to ask either Patrick or Trenton as the grownups were declining the opportunity for fame, fortune, and glory by giving the ream report.”

Melvin laughing at his own description about the report and Laurens cracking up was just the right icebreaker for the group. It took a moment for everyone to stop laughing from the nervous trepidation that they faced in the endeavor they were planning. That and the new world in which they found their selves living and trying to survive. Melvin raised his arms trying to restore order to the meeting and said, “Okay, we need to get back on tract and get this completed so we can start planning our attack and depicted seizure of the DHS controlled Sheriff’s office and grounds. First, let me say we do not take prisoners we may keep a couple alive to interrogate. Their destinies have already been ordained by their actions of attacking our neighbors and friends. I guess they have killed some of what were not to long ago a few of our group’s fellow workers and peers if not friends….”

Melvin paused for a moment, then re-started after letting his last thoughts sink into the group’s minds, “Okay, I will start by saying our groups analysis is much the same that Team Crowe observed and reported. We saw two sniper teams consisting of a sniper and a spotter. I would add that the spotters did not seem to have even a Designated marksman type weapon, just standard M-4 type weapons. That seemed odd to me, as all I have ever read about Sniper teams is that you have a shooter and a spotter but the spotter usually has a weapon with a certain amount of accuracy and range to help with the shooting if necessary. After I finish, I would like to hear the thoughts on this observation from our Delta team members and maybe Henry’s opinion with him doing some tactical DM work earlier in his career with the Police department SWAT team.”

“Another deviation that we may have observed due to a better angle to view was the fact that someone seemed to be getting ready to vamoose for parts unknown. We saw a five-ton truck being loaded heavily. Also, the up armored HUMVEE with the Ma Deuce was being loaded for more than just regular operations in our opinion. I would say the amount of fifty-caliber loaded onto the HUMVEE would be five maybe six reloads for the weapon and probably a two-thousand plus rounds of what appeared to be 5.56mm ammunition was loaded also along with a few cases of MREs. It looked like both vehicles were being prepared to leave the compound. There was even a mechanic or maintenance type person checking the oil and tires at one time after they were loaded and fueled. He went so far as to add some water to the radiator on the five-ton. Our group concluded that maybe that was someone’s exit plan if things went south. Our first thoughts were that maybe the Commander had been called back to Columbia or somewhere. The other one was that maybe he was the kind of leader that would cut and run if things got too hot. Leaving the rest of his team to fend for themselves….” Melvin stopped for a moment to get a swallow of water from his hydration system.

Junior Godley spoke up as Melvin got a swallow of water, “Melvin, I would say that the latter would be more likely. A call back would probably involve more than two vehicles. Also, someone planning to run would want to keep the people who knew to a minimum. Say four possibly five in the HUMVEE and three tops in the five-ton. Eight is a pretty big number to keep quiet in a group that is probably no more than twenty-six and could be as low as twenty-two or three. I am guessing the Commander, his First or Top Sergeant’s squad of six for a total of seven. That would really cut their numbers especially if we could take out the two Sniper teams and the machine gun team of two DHS agents each. Maybe even one to three of the rotating guards. I think the good Commander might just decide he had elsewhere to be, if you get my drift. I think maybe we give him a reason to run and let him. We can kill him another day. Maybe we even take out a few of them with our M-249 or our forty-millimeters as they run. Just a thought. I will let our team leader go over how we plan to take out the Snipers and machine gun crews. Now maybe we add a little ambush setup for whichever way they most likely are going to run. I will sit back down now. My bad on speaking up that was the way we did it in Delta.” Sitting down he got a nod from Melvin that spoke volumes of good will from his Commander. A man that his first opinion was that he did not think would ever run and leave his team behind.

Melvin spoke, “All good, Junior. Your points are excellent, not to mention appreciated. I was just thinking about letting them run myself. The part about letting them run into an ambush somewhere down the road is a real winner of an idea and that is why they let you speak your mind in Delta and know this, so does the Cudd Circle.”

Melvin continued, “Now Eddie, I want to hear how you plan to get six to nine operators with two shooters. I like a good magic show. That is not a way to win a war. However, Sun Tzu would say make them think you are strong when you are weak and attack when you should be retreating so I guess that is like the slight of hand of a good magician. Even the best magician usually has a pretty lady as their biggest diversion that and smoke and mirrors. I am not sure we have any smoke and mirrors and we are not sacrificing our ladies as a diversion. Impress me my friend. We need you to pull that rabbit out of the hat right now.” Pointed at Eddie to come back to the head of the two tables and continue his plan.

Eddie got up and calmly walked back to the table and started, “No smoke and mirrors, just a little sneak and erase operation in conjunction with our shooters. Part of our plan involves part of our team infiltrating to the inner sniper’s hide, before our shooters do their thing. Junior and Naomi are going to use a terrain feature that you really cannot see from most of the front of the building. If you do not know what you are looking far even if you see it, you cannot know it is there without walking the line. There is a natural swell coming in from the back of the property caused by some runoff from the adjacent property. The contractor convinced the department that if he did away with it in the grading plan it would come back somewhere else on the property and then it might not be controllable. The natural swell he worked on and widened it to control the flows velocity and volume. He installed a few natural rock waddles to control the velocity so it would not erode anymore. Maureen mentioned this to Junior when they were doing their time scouting the complex. She ended up drawing a detailed map of the site. It seems Maureen has a good bit of artistic talent. On seeing her drawing, Junior decided he could get to the Sniper hide nearest the station undetected and take out the sniper team. We designated it as number one because of the location. He also thought he could probably take out the machine gun emplacement on top of the station with a grenade from the M-320, if needed. That would put Junior and Naomi in a bad situation if the DHS thugs decided to charge their position.”

“Our plan is to let our Delta operators take out Sniper team one then fade away from the scene. We will give them exactly ten minutes to egress and at the ten-minute mark, our grenadiers Maureen and Naomi if she is available to take out the machine-gun emplacement. Our two snipers Henry and Jimmy will take out the second Sniper team at the same moment. Then they and the rest of us will fire on any available targets of opportunity. We schedule this attack for exactly fifty minutes before show time for Melvin and his team to meet the Sheriff. We chose this time because that is the time of the change of the Sniper teams. Hopefully Junior and Naomi or another person can get a two for one sale and get all four shooters for hide number one. If we could get the four from Sniper hide one and the two from the machine gun nest and the second Sniper team and have their replacements caught in a crossfire. Maybe just maybe the Commander of the thugs will take that time to take his five or six and run. We setup an ambush with the M-249 and a IED for a surprise for the Commander and if we get lucky, we can take them out in one salvo. If we do this the numbers would be to our advantage at that time. After recalling our ambush team, we call the Sheriff and see if they still want to meet. We call them saying we were making our way to the station and we heard all the firing and explosions and pulled back away from the meet not wanting to be caught in a crossfire between the combatants at the station. It needs some fine tuning and deciding who, what when and where for all our team members. We think it is a workable plan of attack. Before I take my seat do we have any questions or clarifications?”

Melvin deep in thought for a couple of minutes finally replied, “The plan seems sound. I see a couple of questionable areas. If Junior and Naomi do the sneak and kill, which I agree they are the best fits from our personnel, that takes away our best M-249 operator and our best grenadier in Junior and Naomi. I really do not think we could setup a proper ambush for the cockroaches when they run without those two weapons to be the anvil and the hammer. Even with the two weapons they would not be put to optimum use without them to use them.”

“The second problem is the timing of trying to get the two for one on the exchange of the sniper teams. Do not both sniper teams change out personnel at the same time. I was thinking that was what I remembered about the rotation. Also, on my observation at least one of the roving guards was always in the vicinity of the exchange of the teams when it happened. This may be coincidental or by design do not know. People are creatures of habit and the roving guards might just be wanting to speak to one of their buddies during the changeover. Does not matter the reason, the occurrence throws a wrench in the plans. I think we would have to eliminate all three roving guards before the change of the sniper teams with suppressed fire to eliminate them arriving at the wrong moment to the party we are staring. Those are just a couple of problems on a mile high view, might find more on a closer look.”

Laurens speaks up saying, “Melvin, I have done a good deal of F-Class shooting and I have a tricked-out FN MK 20 SSR rifle that was originally chambered and barreled in 308 Winchester. I had it re-barreled and chambered in 6.5 SAUM for shooting F-Class. This increased the rifles performance to 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum levels for shooting out to one thousand yards in competition. I shot in the military class and have earned the Master level of competence in matches. I can handle the shots on the three roaming guards especially from a solid rest position and pretty much a known distance. When I was observing, I ranged the distances to the guards and it is pretty much seven-hundred ninety yards to a long of eight-hundred and ten yards. Those distances for shooting are nominally the same distance. Set the shot up for eight-hundred yards and you will be fine in the plus or minus ten yards. With a good spotter, I think I can make all three shots in less than fifteen seconds and no more than twenty easily. Especially shooting from a fixed rest. I have the rifle and my match ammo at the Castle in my trailer in the safe. I also think Eddie can make any of those shots with that new POF P 300 rifle he bought on the trip to Alabama. The 300 Win Mag bullet is possibly even a better round for that distance than my 6.5 SAUM at least on paper. The big fifty caliber bullets will defeat any body armor at that range and possibly neither of our bullets would. I will be taking head shots at that range as my rifle is a true four tenths MOA rifle. Even if he can not take a head shot, Eddie can take pelvic area shots as we saw no pelvic protection being worn by the DHS storm troopers. Just my thoughts, I think we can stand off and take care of the thugs and just fade away back to the Castle if need be. In that case our enemy would never even know what hit them. They might suspect but they would never know.”

Melvin was thinking about the ramifications of the proposal that had just been delivered with a heartfelt zeal by Laurens, when Eddie started, “My rifle is more than capable of the shots. The rifle shoots less than three quarters of a MIL out to a thousand meters with precision ammunition. I have not fired it enough to say that the rifle and the operator can make those shots at eight-hundred yards. Especially at moving targets, walking, or standing probably. Running is another matter altogether. I will gladly take the shots, just wanted to let everyone know that just because Laurens had faith in my abilities does not make it a hundred percent known value. I would not want anyone to be betting their lives on my abilities without all the information. I will add that I do like the part about taking out the trash from distance and not putting our people in danger at extreme close distances to the enemy.”

Melvin after listening to his friend Eddie’s description of his shooting abilities replied, “Eddie, I am sure you are more than capable of making those shots. Your description of your abilities made me to think about what both Laurens and you have said about our operation against the DHS team stationed at the Sheriff’s Office. It reminded me that we also have three other shooters that have training in long range shooting as part of the Cudd Circle. Jack, Kevin, and Jessica all are used to shooting at long range and making shots against moving targets., They are all shooters on the Three-gun shooting sport circuit and all shoot at the Master Class level with Kevin being the best at long distance….”

Stopping for a moment and looking to Kevin for an acknowledgement or if he wanted to speak on his own behalf. Melvin received an almost unperceived nod yes from his future Brother-in-law. Melvin continued with his speech, “My Brother-in-law seems to be in agreement with what I have just pronounced about his and his families’ abilities to deliver projectiles down range proficiently. I am guessing that we now have enough shooters to attack the DHS members from distance during a change of the two sniper teams personnel. If my math is correct that would be four snipers, four spotters, three roving guards and two machine gun shooter and loader. This if we could take out on the first salvo thirteen of the DHS personnel in one swoop. Both of our Scout teams think that total there are approximately twenty-five or less of the DHS members occupying the police station. Thirteen could be over half of their total assets on-site. Most people would say they would be combat ineffective at that point. I am not sure about the DHS protocols on that type of scenario. I do think however, if we are right about the Commander or his second wanting to run and take part of their team or buddies. I think logically we would have given them ample reasons to hasten their departure. I am thinking at that point it would be an ideal time for him to take their ball and go home, so to speak. Does anyone agree with my reasoning from a law officers or military perspective. You will not hurt my feeling as if you think I am totally wrong. I want your best work for the Cudd Circle, always. My ego be damned.”

Junior spoke up saying, “My Dad can probably be part of the long-range shooters too. His duties during some of his time with the 82nd Airborne was as a Squad Designated Marksman (SDM). He served in that capacity till he got his own team. I am sure he could make the shots at that range. I am not sure he brought his rifle with him, when we responded to the call to come home. We left Bragg in a big hurry. But it would surprise me if he did not bring his pride and joy with him….” Pausing for a moment he continued, “It seems to me that we could make the shots from distance and have me with the M-249 and Naomi with the M32A1 40mm multi-shot grenade launcher ready to respond to any who decide they need to charge us or attack in any way. The only question I have is how much CCTV does the Police station have monitoring the grounds. We might be able to pull this off with suppressed weapons before they even know they are under attack. If they are not able to monitor the grounds around the buildings. I think I remember Maureen saying something about the only places that were covered were the parking lots and the entrances to the station. I might have heard that wrong and we need that information.”

Maureen quickly replied, “The only CCTV cameras that were working when I left, all covered the parking lot, the roll-up door to the maintenance shop, the backdoor and the front door. The front door camera only covers about a twenty-by-twenty-foot area in front of the door. The cameras were all fixed type cameras and did not have pan and tilt options. The Sheriff had asked for the money to upgrade the old system in the last three proposed budgets and they were one of the first cuts in each budgets approval process.”

Back at Cudd Castle, Sandy and Tony had returned to their repelling harnesses and were again painting under the watchful eye of Jack and now Smoke. Smoke had donned the safety harness and repelled off the topside of the building to show the pair how it was done. Smoke decided to show the pair after explaining to them how to generate a 3-D effect when painting. After watching him for just a few minutes painting, Sandy said, “Now I understand what you were trying to explain. It was easier to understand watching you do it than listening to an explanation, just like you told us. I thought you were just being snippy, because we were not getting it from your lessons. If you want to come back up, I will take over for you and you can go do other important stuff. I can handle this now.”

That was how Smoke ended up watching and explaining from the roof, while Jack was watching it from the ground. Jack had taken Jerome and they went out in one of the trucks to see if their efforts were covering their home or just wasted time, effort and resources. Jack asked, “What do you think Jerome? We doing good or not?” As they made their second trip back and forth down the road past the Castle with both looking intently through the trees and at the top of the tree line trying to see the Castle from the road.

Jerome was about to answer when Jack said, “Well…?”

Jerome grinned and replied, “Well, yourself. Fact is where they have painted it is harder to recognize the shape of the building and the paint is doing a good job of covering up the white. The shadowing of the white is a big plus in of itself. Once, you find the anomaly you can still determine the shape of a building and the way it is now. The buildings white color makes it standout where they have not painted. I am sure when the front of the building is finished it will almost be impossible to distinguish any features. Especially if you are just riding down the road and not looking at the top of the trees. Most people that are riding by now are going to be looking into the trees not at the top of them. People will be watching for signs of an ambush not the skyline. I think we are doing good. I also think that if we have the paint, we need to paint the bottom eight feet. Because once you find the building if you look hard, you can see the bottom of the paint line in places. It does not stand out like the top but again we are getting into straight lines that do not exist in nature in places. At least on the bottom you have the natural contours of the land to change and breakup the straight lines in places.”

Jack replied, “I think we are on the right tract. We better get back inside the fenced area and quit advertising our presence in the area. I would hate to do all this painting and then give our location away trying to figure out if the painting we are doing is working.” Jack turned the Ford truck back into the hidden plant drive and headed back to the Castle. His plan was to talk with Smoke and tell him that it was really breaking up the outline at the top of the building and they needed to get the top four to six feet finished as soon as possible. Then they could complete the rest of the building.

As Jack and Jerome were existing the truck back inside the Castle fencing, Pauline and Brenda were meeting with Elizabeth, Celeste, Julia, and Jessica to discuss where the Cudd Circle kept their chickens. Pauline stated, “I was told that you had a chicken house and a few chickens but no Rooster. We would like to put our chickens in with yours. We could not bring our house as it was a cement block building that had been there for years. I think my grandpa built it like fifty years ago. I asked Melvin where it was located and he looked at me like I had three eyes or horns or something and told me as far as he knew there were not any chickens or a chicken coup anywhere on site. He also told me that if there was one that Elizabeth probably knew all about the location and its existence….” Then she busted out laughing with a hearty and boisterous laugh. A laugh that Pauline had been told many times was not ladylike. Her laugh a response to the look that she had received from Elizabeth that was much like the exact one she had gotten from Melvin earlier in the day.

Elzabeth was about to respond negatively about the chickens and the coup when Julia said, “I think our Chickens are kept out back under the buildings awning that covers the dock area. I have not seen it but my Rosa told me about it when she brought me three fresh eggs one day. I had been complaining about the powdered eggs and she brought me three eggs. Rosa could show you where the coup is located. I think we probably need to talk with Sandy first as I think the Chickens are hers.”

Elizabeth added, “Crap, with all that has been going on, I had completely forgotten about the chickens we bought from the hardware store on one our first runs for food and supplies. I think we bought about a dozen young chickens and a couple of roosters. I think the guy at the store called the hens, pullets as they were young but not babies and it would be a while before they could produce eggs. I sure have not seen any fresh eggs though. I would be interested in seeing this enterprise myself. The other thing is I think we bought two breeding pairs of rabbits at the same time we bought the chickens, pullets or whatever they are.”

Jessica said, “I know Sandy is painting the front of the building and that has the highest priority according to both Melvin and my dad. I am sure Rosa is in the infirmary with our guest and Nancy. Pauline and Brenda, I could get Rosa and she can take you all to see the chicken coup. I would like for at least one of you to come by and see me again to talk about our patient and our limited abilities to treat people here at the Castle. I will send her to you it will only be a minute.” Jessica turned towards the infirmary and walked away without waiting for a response from any of the group.

As she walked away, Celeste said, “We might as well follow that ball of fire. The door to the back dock area is in that general direction anyway. I want to see these chickens myself. Pauline how many chickens do you all have and are they layers or meat chickens?”

Pauline answered, “They are layers till they quit laying then they are meat chickens. But they are really layers. We are just country folks and I just told you how it worked on our farm. And we have about a dozen layers ourselves.”

Brenda added, “I am guessing that if you bought pullets eight or so weeks ago, some of them are probably starting to lay. Normally if you buy pullets, it will be about two-three months before they are ready to produce eggs on any regular bases. Our chickens are regular layers. I do not know what the results of moving them from one place to another will do. They should be back laying in a few days to a week worst case scenario. Might not be any interruption if we can get them into the coup before dark today.”

The group had almost made their way to the infirmary when Jessica came out with Rosa on her heels. Seeing the other ladies coming their way, Jessica said, “Here they are Rosa just take them and show them the chicken coup and the rabbits.”

When the ladies led by Rosa got to the back loading dock, they were amazed to see a nice chicken tractor setup with two chicken wire covered runs. They also saw a rabbit hutch with about a dozen bunnies in their run. Elizabeth asked, “Rosa, where did these houses come from?”

Rosa answered, “It was Patrick and Sandy’s idea to build these houses from the wood we found in one of the shops. Patrick said it was for making molds or something I did not understand. I told them we needed to ask and not just do it. I am sorry Ms. Elizabeth…, I knew we should have asked before we just did this. I told them I really did; really. I am sorry.”

Elizabeth reached for Rosa and hugged her saying, “Rosa, it is all good. This is great. How did you all know how to build these houses? They look like something done by a carpenter or builder. I guess except they need some paint.”

Rosa glad that she was not in trouble replied, “Sandy found the plans on the Internet and my Patrick he is a good builder. He really knows how to do it. Truth, is he did all the work. Sandy and I just handed him stuff and would hold things when he was cutting boards, nailing, or putting in screws. He told us that the nails were just to hold it long enough to get the screws into the wood. He said since we would be moving it from one place to another it needed to be strong and the screws were better for the torque or something like that. We really need to get Sandy and Patrick to tell you about the stuff. They know how it works. Not me.”

Pauline started, “It looks like this chicken tractor was made for like twenty chickens or more and I only count seven and the one rooster. I think it will be fine to just put ours straight into the pin. We will have to monitor them to make sure they are not fighting or ganging up on some of the other chickens because ours a little older. This is a godsend for us. Can we get our trucks all the way around here from down at the ball field?”

Celeste answered, “I will get the Kubota and take you back down there and lead you back. We will have to go all the way around the other side of the building to get here. It is blocked on the near side by the waste treatment facility and a big bunch of over ground piping system that runs to the plant for the process waste. We can go whenever you are ready. I guess one of you needs to go back to the infirmary and see what Jessica wanted to talk with you about.”

As Celeste was taking Pauline back to the ball fields that were now cattle pastures, Melvin and his group were leaving the Lander University Equestrian Center with some of the group heading back to the Station observation and the other group heading back to the Castle. Melvin, Patrick, Laurens, and Trenton were heading back to the Castle. The rest of the teams were heading back to keep the Sheriff’s office under observation. The consensus was they maybe should have left at least a couple of their team members there to make sure that nothing changed during their absence from the scouting of the station. Jimmy had raised this issue to Melvin. Junior, Naomi and Henry had agreed one hundred percent with the observation. Melvin told them if they had these ideas to please express them and not just follow blindly. Going on to expound that his leadership ability was only as good as the information he had to make the decisions. Explaining that if the group had information that could affect the lives of the Cudd Circle he needed please relay it to him. Saying they should not assume he knew these things that may have come form others experience or training. Ending with we will just have to do the best we can, that is water over the bridge now. We will be back with the others as soon as possible. It had been decided that they wanted to try and make their attack at the 1700 hours changeover of the sniper teams. That gave them a little over two and half hours to get the others back to their hides and ready to make their shots. It was either that or wait till 2100 hours and everyone thought it felt like rain was coming. The rain and darkness would affect their ability to make the shots and that was not an option.

Melvin called the Castle on the radio, Owen answered, “Comeback, Charlie Mike One, Charlie Oscar One reads you five by five, over.”

Melvin keyed his radio and replied, “Charlie Oscar One, please have bride to be and Charlie Juliet One along with Charlie Romeo Gulf One ready for technical flight control meeting in ten mikes back at check point Chalie Charlie Alpha, comeback.”

“Roger, Charlie Mike One, bride to be and Charlie Juliet One to meet the train at point Charlie Charlie Alpha in ten mikes or less, Charlie Mike One over and out.” Closing out the call with Melvin, Owen hollered for Jessica or Nancy who were next door in the infirmary. Nancy hearing the call from Owen told Jessica, “I got this. You all stay here with April; she needs all the help she can get.” Then she bailed out of the room like she was going to the mall. Quick, fast and in a hurry.

Jessica replied, “Nancy, how do you know her name is April?” Jessica had wasted her question, speaking to the air that Nancy had occupied just seconds before and had vacated on her way to see what Owen was so loudly wanting. Jessica turned her attention back to Brenda, the former special forces medic questioning, “Y’all didn’t even know this young girl’s name?”

Jessica replied, “No, not till just now. I did not know she had been lucid enough for anyone to have a conversation and have a chance to even ask her name. Every time she has awaken, we have had to re-sedate her as she wants away from the terror that she was facing before from the one-percenters and the gang members. The girl was abused horribly as I told you. Even worse than your worst nightmare.”

Arriving at the communications room, Nancy entered trough the closed door and started, “Owen what is the emergency? They might not could have heard you in Michigan.”

Owen replied, “Nancy, I need you to find Jessica, her father Jack and Robby for an emergency meeting with Melvin at the front door in less than nine minutes now. Robby is the elder man with the Godley’s. I think he is still down at the ball fields. Second thought you get Jessica and Jack. I will get on the back channel and get Robby.” Without an answer the whirling dervish that has just entered the comm shack was gone without even an acknowledgement. Owen shrugged his shoulders and reached and keyed his earpiece and said, “Charlie Oscar for Charlie Charlie, comeback.”

Celeste replied, “Oscar, this is Charlie comeback.”

Owen said, “Charlie Mike One needs Charlie Romeo Gulf One at the front desk immediately for invoice correction, over.”

Celeste looked to Pauling as they road towards the ball fields and asked, “Do you know where Robby Senior is working?”

Pauline replied, “He was going to start putting in some temporary fencing when I left. He would have started at the far end of the ball fields. The fence was going between the two fields, to connect them and give us a third field option. Just head for the fields and we will find him. What is up?”

Celeste answered, “Do not know got a call from Owen in comms wanting Robby Senior to be at the front door for an emergency meeting with Melvin. That is all I know, but Melvin usually is not the emergency type so it really must be some time dependent situation.” As she mashed the go pedal to the floor on the Kubota. The leisurely trek of getting to know Pauline better over for the moment. Pauline’s head snapping back against the Kubota head rest as she caught the jist of what Celeste had just said, “Hold on!”

Back in the truck with Melvin, Laurens said, “I will be able to get my rifle and gear and be ready to travel in less than ten minutes once we get back to the Castle. I am guessing I do not have to be part of the call up of Jack and Jessica. Is that right? Will I be able to go straight to my trailer?”

Melvin replied, “Yeah, no problem. Just get your stuff and get back to the truck….”
Catching his breath he re-started, “Patrick, I need you to get the other F-550 and make sure it is fueled up and ready to travel. Make sure it has a travel pack with water, meds and some MREs and some extra 5.56mm and nine-millimeter ammunition. You know the deal, check the oil, water, tires and everything. Preston, you will be staying back to help take care of the defense of the Castle. You are not being left out. Keeping the Castle and the other members safe is very important. We need a place to come back to and we may be coming back with our tails between our legs and bring a kicked hornet’s nest of DHS thugs back with us. Be ready to repel boarders as the ships captains use to say about pirates.”

Trenton grinning from ear-to-ear stood a little taller in his seat and got a thumbs up from his new best friend Patrick. Trenton replied, “Mr. Cudd you can count on me and my sister. We are sure proud we were at the Tractor Supply when your group showed up the other night. Thanks, for not killing us first, and secondly thanks for allowing us to come to the Castle and be part of the Circle. It is a great honor and we are appreciative, if we have not showed it. I hope you know that we are….”

Melvin answered, “I am glad that we didn’t shoot the two of you too….” Melvin was almost able to hold back the laughter until Laurens busted out laughing.

Laurens blurted out, “Melvin, you know, man. Eddie told me you were a very good natured and funny person. He told me you said some funny stuff sometimes and it would be when it was least expected. Like when everything was going to crap. I thought he had just been pulling my leg. I will admit you just came out of nowhere with that to Trenton and it broke me up. I was thinking you were going to be all stern and forceful but tell him he was welcome. Then you say you are glad you did not shoot him and his sister, too. Cold and funny at the same time…. I am going to have to admit for me it was just what the Doctor ordered. I do not know about Trenton but it made me feel better about the whole situation we find ourselves about to undertake. Thanks, man!”

Patrick said, “I hate to break up the party but we are about to turn onto the entrance road to the Castle. Trenton if they do not have someone on the gates and just have them open could you hop out at the first gate and pull it shut and lock the gate.”

Melvin said, “Good job, Patrick.”

Trenton just smiled and replied, ‘No problem. I will just follow you in through the second gate and close it or be there to help defend the Castle. I will be available to do whatever.”

Back at the Castle just outside the front walk-in entrance, Jack and Jessica were standing and waiting on the return of Melvin. Jack asked, “Babygirl, do you know what this meeting with Melvin is about?”

Jessica replied, “I talked with Owen. He took the original call from Melvin. All he could tell me was that it was urgent that we all be here when Melvin and part of his team returned. I do not think it has anything to do with casualties or someone getting hurt. I am sure they would have wanted to have the infirmary ready for emergency operations and would probably have wanted Brenda and Pauline, instead of Bobby Sr. and you. At least that is what I surmised. What do you think it is about, Dad?”

Jack rubbed his chin and replied, “I guess probably something about the Police station operations or maybe about the defense of the Castle. I think he would have raised the emergency status of the Castle if we were about to be attacked. I did go ahead and stop our painting operations. We have the whole front completed down to about six feet anyway. That is a very good start and if we cannot get back to it for a few days. I think it will be alright from what I saw from the road. I put Tony and Jerome on the M-240s, just in case though.”

Jessica replied, “Good idea! Looks like we will know something soon there comes the truck through the front gate.” They started walking towards the area where the truck would most likely be parked.

Arriving at the new cattle pastures Pauline pointed to Bobby Sr. and said, “There he is Celeste. Take us over to him at the truck. Looks like he is looking for something.” Celeste turned the Kubota to the right without responding and headed straight towards the man with his head in a tool box on the back of the truck that Pauline had directed her too.

Pauline jumped out of the Kubota and ran to the back of the truck and after a few seconds of intense talking with her brother. Bobby Sr. turned from the truck tool box and headed towards the Kubota. Pauline hollered, “I will find my way back to the Chicken coup. Go ahead without me. I will be right on.”

Celeste called over the comms saying, “Charlie Romeo Gulf One is on the way to the passenger gate for meeting of the incoming train. Arrival time sixty-seconds.” Looking over to her new passenger she calmly said, “I am Celeste. You might better hold on.” Finished talking she spun the wheel and hit the accelerator doing a quick one-eighty and heading back to the front of the Castle with her package for delivery. About forty-five seconds later she saw that Melvin, Jessica and Jack were standing by Melvin’s truck and changed her course to the party.

Looking to her rider she pointed towards the trio and said, “Just for information in case you have forgotten on the world wind introductions today. The big guy is Melvin the leader of our group. The lady standing beside him is his wife for all practical purposes, Jessica. The older gentleman is Jack and he is Jessica’s father and future father-in-law to Melvin. That will happen as soon as we find a Preacher.” Seeing that Robby Sr. was appreciative of the information she continued, “Melvin, is our leader and it is not up for debate today or any day for that matter. I say that makes him your leader now. Just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page.” All told to the elder Godley with a big no-nonsense smile, as she spun the wheel to skid the Kubota to a stop right beside the trio that were so busy talking, they had not even recognized the UTV was anywhere around.

As the Kubota came to a stop beside Melvin, he looked and saw that the third person he was looking for had arrived. When Robby Sr. got out, Melvin reached out his hand and said, “Thanks for joining us. I will start without any more adieu. Time is of the essence and we do not have time for any luxuries. Here is the deal to all three of you. I need straight one-word answers to a couple of questions. I will ask the three or so questions one time and point to each of you for your answers in turn.”

“First question: Can each of you make a cold barrel shot at eight-hundred yards on a man-sized target?”
Second question: Do you have with you a rifle and ammunition combination that will make that shot and you are willing to bet yours and the lives of others on?”
Third question: If you answered yes to the first two questions, can you get that rifle and your other gear and be ready to travel in ten minutes?”

Finished with his questions, he looked to Jack first and pointed saying, “Jack you are up!”

Jack stepped forward and replied, “The answer to all three questions is yes. I can make the shot. I have the weapon and ammunition to make the shot and last, I have my rifle and gear right inside the Castle. I am a little old for a running gun fight but I can make the shot from a prone or from a tri-pod for sure.” Jack finished, he pointed to his Jessica smiled a fatherly smile telling her she could do it and nodded.

Jessica answered, “Like my Dad, I can make the shot. I have the weapon and can and will be ready to travel in ten minutes….” Looking her future husband straight in the eye, she continued, “Whatever the Cudd Circle needs of me and my family we will deliver or die trying! My rifle is a Bergara Premier MgLite in 300 WinMag and I will be shooting my dad’s 185 grain precision Ballistic Tip hand-loads.”

Robby Senior looking like he was about to explode answered, “I too can make the shot from a cold barrel and have on game animals and human targets. I however, do not have a rifle to make the shot. When we left Fayetteville coming home. My rifle did not make it on the trailer. I was sure I loaded it myself. When we got home to the family farm, I could not find my rifle. I can probably make a shot at eight-hundred yards with any rifle that is capable of the shot. I, nor my family had that type of rifle in our possession at this time.” Finished he dropped his head in a defeated attitude.

Melvin offered, “I have a Ruger M-77 in 300 Win Mag that is less than one MOA rifle out to six-hundred yards. I am not able to really shot that far so I have never taken it any farther. I do not know if that is a good enough rifle or not. It is nothing fancy just a stock twenty-six-inch heavy barrel with a two and half pound factory trigger. It has a pretty good scope, but nothing fancy. It is a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5 x16-50mm with a sunshade and eyecup. You are welcome to try it. I think we would be better off with you trying and using it than not having an extra shooter. What do the three of you all think? We have about thirteen targets that need to be taken out at one time. Really at least ten must be taken out at the same time.”

Jack spoke, “Melvin, no disrespect to your rifle. I however have a custom Remington action with a twenty-six-inch Shilen Palma Taper / Match barrel in the medium configuration. The rifle shoots sub-half a MOA at eight-hundred meters with my handloads and Hornady Ballistic Tips in 115 grains being pushed at a tad over 3500 fps. The round has better knockdown power and less drop than the 6.5mm Creedmore that everyone loves out past a thousand meters. It is housed in a McMillan U-10 stock. The rifle is a true tack driver. The rifle has fired three rounds under three-quarters MOA and five round groups under a MOA in high wind and heat at a thousand yards in competition. The rifle is topped with a Kahles K624i 6 x24 – 56mm, 34 mm tube scope with a MRAD reticule and 0.1 MRAD adjustments.”

Finished Jack looked to Bobby Godley for his response. Bobby just nodded his head and then replied, “I am sure I could make the shot with either rifle. In fact, the 300 Win Mag is my favorite round for precision long-range shooting out to 1200 meters. I do think for our purposes the rifle of Jack’s gives me a better chance to make the shot. My only question is if that is not your weapon of choice for long range what is your first choice in a long-range precision rifle?”

Jack smiled and replied, “I retired that rifle about a year ago when the civilian version of the new Army, Marine and SOCOM Sniper rifle became available. The Barrett Mk22 ASR rifle in 300 Norma Magnum. It has a twenty-six-inch heavy fluted barrel with 1:8’ twist and a side folding stock. The optics for the rifle is a Nightforce ATACR 7-35x Mil-XT scope and NF mount. I opted for the Atlas bi-pod instead of the standard Harris and the AML338 direct thread Suppressor as add-on options. I only got the 300 Norma Magnum barrel not all three like the government gets with their package. I personally do not like the .308 round much for long range shooting and the 338 Norma Magnum precision rounds are almost five-dollars a round to reload.”

Bobby Sr. whistled and then replied, “Now we are talking. That is a sweet rifle and I think the 300 Norma Magnum will replace the 300 Win Mag in time with long distance shooters. The Hornady 225 gr ELD match bullets at approximately 3000 fps is a lazer with its high ballistic coefficient. That is the rifle I shot in some of the training I did for the 82nd Airborne troops up at Bragg. I had to get used to it to train the students. Man, that was my dream rifle just could not find the money to get one. Did not want to have to trade the first born for the rifle. Even if I had one, probably could not have shot the dang thang. I heard civilian ammo even reloaded was close to five dollars a pop.” Bobby let out a roaring laugh at the looks on Jack and Jessica’s face.

Melvin grinned and replied, “Good deal. Sounds like Jack’s rifle is a lot better precision than my store-bought hunting rifle and his primary rifle is the cat’s butt…. Now, friends we have wasted enough daylight. Get your gear we have some long-range DHS thug hunting planned for this afternoon. I will be getting the truck turned around while you retrieve your gear….” The trio left to get their gear and Melvin walked back over to the truck where he noticed that Patrick had already turned it around heading out of the gate while he had been talking to the others. Patrick and Benton were still standing by the truck talking when he got to the truck. Melvin turned and hollered, “Jack or Jessica, we need Kevin’s precision rifle and gear. He told me that you all knew where it was located. In my haste I almost forgot, can one of you get it and bring it to the truck or do I need to help?”

Jack without breaking stride hollered back over his shoulder, “Melvin, I got it. Kevin’s rifle and gear is with the other two rifles in my safe. I am taking Robby with me to retrieve my other rifle so he can help.”

Melvin turned his attention back to Patrick and Preston then said, “Guys, I need you to get with all out people and move the readiness up to one hundred percent readiness till we return. I also want teams manning the two-machine gun fighting positions at all times. Make sure we rotate people out of those positions every two hours and get everyone fed in shifts. I know I can count on the two of you to get it done. Make sure that Pauline and her people know they are part of the defense of the Castle. I know they have not been assigned fighting positions. Just make sure they are with someone as that bunch has skills that need to be used. You guys got it?”

Both young men had been listening to every word spoken by the Cudd Circle leader as if their lives depended on the information and indeed it might. Their astute attention might just save their lives and many others of the Cudd Circle before the day ended.

The team led by Eddie and Junior were getting settled back into their original hides. The two Barrett fifty caliber rifle shooters, Jimmy and Henry were preparing their spots away from each other and about forty yards from the original hides. Both shooters knowing that even suppressed their rifles were going to create a large percussion and sound signature. Jimmy was laying out a large swath of cloth that he painted brown, tan, and green with just a little taste of gray for Celeste. The cloth laying under the end of his barrel and extending about a foot and half to either side of the barrel and in back and front. The swath placed there in hopes of covering some of the dust, leaves and debris that would normally be kicked up when shooting the fifty-caliber rifle. Jimmy had already wrapped the barrel all the way back to the bi-pod with an old sniper’s veil and tied it in place with para-cord leaving both ends dangling to the ground. The ties were made every inch down the barrel and broke the lines between the barrel and the ground. In retrospect he wished he had taken the time to paint the big rifle with some camo at least a couple of colors to help break the lines. He told himself if the Cudd Circle and him made it through today's enemy action he would make sure if he needed the rifle again it would be painted and ready for use and blend in to the country side of the Upstate of South Carolina.

Henry was having many or the same thoughts, especially the part about painting his rifle as it had arrived at the station from the DHS in a desert tan color. A color that may have been great if he was still in the Middle East. The rifle’s Coyote Tan color did not blend or match with the deciduous forest of the Piedmont area of his adopted home. Henry’s thoughts were a hodgepodge of mixed emotions. He was glad on a myriad of fronts that his friend Eddie had picked him to be part of his team. More importantly he thought was that Eddie had been friends with Melvin and Jimmy. Being accepted into the Circle had been a gift from his Father in Heaven and even his dear Julia had agreed to it in their nightly prayers. The two had no idea what may have become of their family had they not been able to move to the Castle. Mentally smacking himself he cleared his mind and started checking and loading his two, five-round magazines and his three, ten-round magazines with the 750 grain Hornady A-Max match ammunition that had been provided so generously by the DHS thugs to his department. He was planning this day to return some of these very same projectiles to the DHS thugs that had taken over his former station. A ghastly grin came over his face with that thought. Almost happy he went back to his preparations for the coming activities.

Eddie was having some of the same thoughts as he prepared his POF P300 rifle and gear for the coming engagement. He mentally kicked himself and told himself to call it what it was that he and his friends were about to do. They were going to eradicate a part of the plague that was growing in his beloved America. That and hopefully free his long-time friend and his wife from the people holding them against their will. He hoped that his old Boss was just playing along to save his and his wife’s hide. The possibility he had to agree with Melvin and Gretchen analysis was that the Sheriff had picked the other team to play for in this game of life and death. Well, it would not be long before the Fat lady was going to sing and the opera would be over and the questions would get answered one way or the other.

Junior and Naomi were trying their best to dig them a couple of temporary fighting positions where they could put the M-249 and the M32 MGL 40mm grenade launcher to best use. About ten feet away Kevin was trying to visualized shooting angles looking through his Trijicon scope on his SBR. He had already won an argument with himself that it was not a useless exercise in stupidity. Just barely had he won the argument with himself and the more he tried to prepare the more he wished he had lost as it was really an exercise in futility. He could not wait till Melvin got back with the other members of his family and his rifle. Not more than ten feet from Kevin, Maureen and Gretchen were trying to figure out their roles while watching the teams six as they had been instructed by both Jimmy and Henry. Maureen in a very low normal voice said, “I am not sure about all of this. I know that we owe Melvin for taking us into the family. I do not know about shooting at other law enforcement officials. What do you think?’

Gretchen pursed her lips and replied, “First, you are right we are lucking to be part of the group put together by Melvin and Eddie. I thank the good Lord every day and night about that very subject. The second thing is I worked side by side with the captain for a long while and I could not exactly tell you why but I know in listening to the recording that Henry made of the conversation that he was under some kind of duress. It could just be the normal pressure of the world going to hell in a hand basket. None the less we also know that the DHS Thugs attacked the Godley family and others for sure. I am sure they need to be put down and hard just for that fact right there. They tried to come for us at Melvin’s house also remember and when we were not there, they burned down Melvin’s house.”

Maureen took a minute to process the answer from Gretchen with all the other information that she had before Gretchen’s data delivery. Round and round the data went like a hamster in the exercise wheel. Just like the hamster she got nowhere fast. The truth was deep in her heart and mind she knew that the DHS thugs needed to be dead. It just went against her protect and serve motto of her department. Finally, she exhaled a deep breath she had been holding and said, “That’s right!” As if those two words summed up all the analysis in the world and set all things straight on the planet.

Gretchen looked at her knew friend and long-time work acquaintance and asked, “Okay, I will play. What in the Sam Hill does that mean? Maureen, have you lost it, girl?”

Smiling now that her brain was wrapped around the fact that the DHS thugs were no different than the other terrorist that were attacking America and should be treated no differently. If anything, it was Americans like them they were responsible for the attacks in her mind. “The truth is I was having a hard time with the fact that the DHS people were fellow law officers. With your help it finally became apparent to even my hard head that they were like all vermin, they just need to be eradicated most haste and with prejudice.”

Gretchen seeing that her friend had come to grips with their plans to back shoot, front shoot or just plain out right assassinate the DHS people in their station, replied, “I like it. Glad you are back Maureen. You had me a little worried. I was afraid we were doing something that your morals would not let you take part.”

Maureen answered, “This group is no different than the guys at the Wal-Mart. Maybe even worse. They are attacking our friends and family. Time to man up and get some.”

As the Cudd team was settling into their hides and preparing for battle, Owen was getting a call from an unknown to him source. Charlie Charlie Bravo, this is Alpha Bravo One for Zebra Bravo One or Charlie Hotel One. Comeback.”

Owen replied, “Alpha Bravo One this is Charlie Charlie Oscar, please state reason for contact. You are considered Uniform Hotel to Charlie Chalie Oscar at this time and station. Charlie Hotel One is unavailable for call sign confirmation, over.”

Owen quickly changed to his local radio system and called for help on locating Zaida or just some general help with the new problem. Elizabeth came back immediately, “Owen she is on post at the front OP. Call her on the OP line. Tell her that I or someone will be there in just a moment to replace her. We need her on the call as it could be someone trying to locate the Castle with the DHS since she was part of the Sheriff office staff. The captain would surely know that she was with us if not where we are located. She hopefully can figure it out before we transmit a reply. I am going to say for right now Owen we are not replying until she talks to you about the caller and who it may be. We good on those instructions?”

Owen replied, “Crystal clear Ms. Elizabeth. No reply until we have confirmation from Zaida as to who is own the call. I think we should up our DEFCON till we can get the rest of the Circle back on-site. All hands-on deck. I know we have people working on the fence and the cows and other live stock. My thoughts are that it cannot wait.”

Patrick broke into the conversation saying, “I will take over the OP and take the Kubota as close as possible and she can bring it back to minimize the transit time.”

Elizabeth replied, “Good call on the upping the security level. Patick, do it now and let us know when she is on her way. Over.”

Patick jumped into the Kubota and told Trenton to make sure everyone got the message about the level of readiness increase and then get to his station. Heading towards the front OP as fast as the Kubota would take him. Patrick keyed his mic and said, “On my way Auntie. Will let you know on ETA for Z to the comms room. Over and out.” Patrick had a big grin on his face as he had always wanted a real reason to say that over the radio. As he drove, he reached down and checked his rifles safety with his right hand as he negotiated the UTV with his left hand and the seat of his pants. Glad for all the time he had spent through the years driving Melvin’s side by side at breakneck speeds through the fields and woods near his home on the lake.

A few tense moments later that Owen would say seemed like at least and hour and was less than nine minutes. Zaida was explaining to Owen, Elizabeth and Pauline who had walked into the Comms room wanting to know where her and the rest of her family needed to be for the defense of the Castle. Zaida explained to them that Alpha Bravo One was her brother Adan Bonds. She went on to remind them that she had talked about getting him and his wife to join their group at the Castle and Melvin had okayed the contact with her brother. Henry had contacted him and his wife the other day. Zaida continued telling them that she had forgotten that they were on their way from his home to the Cudd Castle and their Circle’s BOL location and was supposed to arrive there today. She looked at her watch and said, “They are way ahead of schedule if Adan is already contacting the Castle to request a pathfinder to lead them to the site. I hope that is the case with him calling early and not something bad happened or they cannot make it. That is the procedure that Melvin wanted to use and talked about to lead him and his wife to our location. It was for their and our safety.”

Elizabeth answered, “Thanks Zaida. on first thought that makes me feel a lot better than some random call from someone we have not vetted.”

“Owen, I think we need to talk with Alpha Bravo One and make sure it is Adan…. Pausing for a moment she continued, “and Zaida, I guess we need a question or two that only Adan could answer and he needs to answer quickly so someone in the background could be getting the answer.” Both Owen and Zaida were glad to work out the details as Elizabeth moved to her next set of questions from Pauline about the defense stations for her people and the Castle.

Pauline after only being a part of the Cudd Circle for just a short while wished her family had of decided to follow Melvin and Eddie back to the Castle the day of their first battle with the Department of Homeland Security land pirates and brigands. They had been offered a place by Melvin but she knew that the reasons for staying by her grandfather and mother were much stronger for staying put than leaving their fifth generational home and farm. Hind sight is always twenty-twenty she thought to herself in a means of justification and explanation to her self-imposed dilemma. The Catch-22 as to why her family had not left the farm for a better place to hide and live. Leaving the world, they now found themselves living and trying to survive for a batter chance to accomplish their survival.

[gipsy]

Thanks for a fine update

[sniper69]

Oh a very excellent chapter! I think the MOAR snack will keep me satiated for a few minutes.

I'm looking forward to reading more of your excellent story.

[kiwibutterfly]

so worth the wait, thank you

[ydderf]

Thanks 223

[texican]

Sept 20, 2023 14:44:17 GMT -6 223shootersc said:

A little afternoon MOAR hounds snack! I hope you enjoy and any and all comments are greatly appreciated by a novice writer!

223,

Your chapters are more of a smorgasbord than a snack which the MOAR Hounds devour and appreciate.

Now everyone is getting ready to free the Sheriff's building. Now where is Chapter 16 to do this???

Texican....

[iamnobody]

Sept 22, 2023 0:34:21 GMT -6 texican said:

223,

Your chapters are more of a smorgasbord than a snack which the MOAR Hounds devour and appreciate.

Now everyone is getting ready to free the Sheriff's building. Now where is Chapter 16 to do this???

Texican....

It is right before chapters 17 thru 500.  

[texican]

Sept 22, 2023 9:19:46 GMT -6 iamnobody said:

Sept 22, 2023 0:34:21 GMT -6 texican said:

223,

Your chapters are more of a smorgasbord than a snack which the MOAR Hounds devour and appreciate.

Now everyone is getting ready to free the Sheriff's building. Now where is Chapter 16 to do this???

Texican....

It is right before chapters 17 thru 500.  

iam,

There is one in every group.

Texican....