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Post by forthteller on Feb 1, 2019 14:11:34 GMT -6
Chapter 52
Returning to Normalcy.
April 11, 2023
Fumbling for his radio phone, Brad thumbs the send mike. “Hello, who’s this.”
“Jessica, I forgot my key, can you come let me in?”
“Be right down,” Brad says as he scrambles from his bed and quickly drags on some clothes. Looking at the clock on the counter, “5:30, why is she here so early, it is not even full daylight?”
Brad quickly clears some debris and tosses other stuff under the bed. Looking around, “Crap, I wish I knew she was coming.” He heads out the door and heads across the newly built deck to the steps. To the east the sun is rising, clear April skies, warming up so that he will be working in his shorts and t shirt today. Big plans for his little homestead. Now that big brother has stopped dictating how a person can use property they own, he was going to build a proper home here, proper for him at least. Connect the two trailers with a hallway, put a full pitched roof over it and renovate inside somewhat. Plus, he had plans for a windmill so he can get power when light conditions are poor. Right now, he was still supplementing with propane and propane is hard to get and expensive.
Driving down to the gate in his little Prius, he cannot help but smile as he gets to the gate and sees Jessica. She is looking off to the north and her strong yet feminine profile sparks a tint of sadness in him. Slight breeze blowing her hair ever so slightly, a content smile on her unmade-up lips and her fit athletic body clad in ordinary yet flattering clothes. To brad she is the epitome of beauty; strong, intelligent, independent and a hint of playfulness. Wishing their relationship could be more, he pushes the feelings back. Best friend he ever had, cannot screw that up.
Jessica hears the crunching of the gravel and turns to wave. Her two bodyguards, discreetly in the distance.
Brad jumps from the car and jogs to the gate, as he leans over to insert the keys, he says, “I have to get the keypad working soon. We still have no electricity up here so I will need to use batteries or a solar panel.”
“No problem, I love waking you up at 5:30 AM.”
“You could always go under the gate and walk up, its not even a mile you know.”
Following Brad to the passenger side of the car she slips past the opened door and plunks down into the seat, “and risk being shot by one of the yahoos who might be staying up here, no thanks.”
Closing the door and circling, he climbs into the car as she had already opened from her side, “those clowns are planting tomatoes in a prison farm.”
“In the winter?”
Putting the car into reverse he silently backs up, “there were hundreds of marijuana grow operations around the state. We converted them all to vegetable farms. They already had high security so we made some into prisons and the rest are either commercially farmed by groups who bid for the right to use them or are open so anyone can farm a portion.”
“Sounds like a good idea. What about the people who owned them?”
“They were fairly compensated based on what Max and his corporate geeks felt they were worth. Most owed far more than they actually owned. Your specially, you already know this.”
“The big picture, yes. Max is much more qualified to understand the smaller picture. I didn’t know you were as involved though. I still don’t even know what you do, are you ever going to tell me?”
“Doubt it, just know that I will always have your back.”
“Like the two body guards we left at the gate.”
“It’s their job.” Silence, until they get to the trailers.
“New deck. Looks great, where did you get the materials, everything down at the city is being use for reconstruction after the earthquakes?”
“When Jason was up a couple of years ago, we started building a small sawmill. I finished it and cut up all the lumber last summer.”
“Wow. I always thought you came up here to relax.”
“That is how I relax. I have thousands of board feet left, I am taking it into town this week to donate to the reconstruction crews.”
“You are going to have to take it on the way down today, I am here to ask you to come back down early for a meeting with the electoral leadership. Stan asked me to come up and get you.”
“He could have called.”
“He could but he felt that because he had possibly over used you it would be best if I was the one who asked you to cut your furlough short. At some point, you are going to tell me what you do, my imagination is going crazy at all the possibilities.”
“Let’s just say, I am a junior Stan. I hope that clears things up.”
“Clear as mud, I don’t even know what they do, I just know they show up at the weirdest times and always just when we need them. Magic.”
As she is saying this, Brad has opened the door for her and as she is about to step in, she sees the hurriedly straightened trailer living room pushout. A she enters, she cannot help but notice the faint smell of undone dishes. The temperature is about 65 degrees. “I wonder what the rest of the place looks like,” she thinks.
“Would you like some coffee?”
“Love some. Where did you get it?”
“My survival shelters. I have enough for about two years, give or take.”
“Its going to be take because I am going to be up here drinking it now that I know you have some. Way cheaper than buying it down in the city.”
“If that’s all it takes, I will make sure I have lots. When do you want to get going? I have a trailer load of lumber already packed up, we can leave in an hour.”
“I didn’t think it would be that easy to get you out of here so quick. I sent the security back down until tomorrow. They will be back around 8 AM.”
“We don’t need security. I am always armed and I am permitted to carry.”
“Rules, according to Stan. He says I have enough intel about our fledgling country that I am a target for the Easterners and an assassination target for some of the extreme USA loyalists.”
“Oh goody. So, you have a target on your back too? I don’t have the other trailer set up right now, I guess I can sleep on the couch, it folds out into a bed.”
“Works for me.”
“Why are you here so early?”
“I had to have a security detail and we have leaks everywhere. As soon as we decided to bring you in, Stan said to get here before word of my moving could get out.”
“That serious. What makes him so frightened?”
“I am not entirely sure but he has intel that the USA federal government is back in full operation and they are going to make a push to recover the dissident territories before we hold our elections. He thinks they will do anything to prevent the elections, even an air strike or ground offensive.”
“Air strike is totally out of the question. We have far superior air power than they do now that we have Boeing back up and running that will be the case for years. Plus, the Texans have their aircraft manufacturing up and running already. The only possibility would be nuclear but we have already taken control of most of the western sites, they have to know that.”
“They do but Stan thinks the threat is within our borders. It could be anyone, the person you are working with, the person who you think has your back, even you own family. Your family has a long history of military service and so does mine, it is not totally out of the question to assume that some who have served the United States their whole lives may not harbor some feelings of loyalty to the United States.”
“Geez, I thought holding the referendum, developing an interim constitution and now our first elections would end all that.”
“That is because you are an idealist, always expecting everyone to measure up to your standards of honesty and integrity, hard work and loyalty. That is what I love about you.”
Brad notices she blushes at the last remark but he foolishly lets it pass.
Later that day Brad is outside running his portable sawmill. The log in it has been canted and a 2-inch board is half way through when the blade slows, speeds up, slows and eventually stops. Brad hits the kill switch and goes over to the lock out box and pulls the lever, padlocks it and drops the key into his pocket. He heads over to the electrical panel to see what it wrong.
As he is looking at the gauge, Jessica comes out the front door of the trailer and walks up to him and says, “I was warming some lunch up in the microwave and everything went off and on. Is there anything wrong?”
“Not really. My solar panels cannot keep up with the demand and my tesla batteries are at 25 percent. I have to stop cutting for a while so they can recharge before tonight. I never though about that. Usually, when I am using the saw or doing outside work, I start after 10 with the batteries full but I have everything off in the trailer. That way I still have enough for the night without using the generator. Using electricity for heat last night discharged some and with you in the house we used more power than the system can deliver. I will start up the generator to charge the batteries but after I get this board through, that will be it for today.”
“Good timing then. We can eat lunch, you run that board through and then I want to go for a long walk in the afternoon sun. We have some things to talk about.”
“Sounds serious. Any hints.”
“Let’s eat, get our stuff done and then we talk.”
They sit on the deck and eat home made chili and fresh bread. Brad is confused about where the ingredients came from and comments.
“you didn’t think that heavy bag I had with me was all clothes, did you?”
“Never occurred to me what was in it. Thought you would tell me if I needed to know.”
“One more thing I love about you.” Jessica turns away as she blushes again.
They spend the rest of lunch talking about peripheral things, both seem a little uncomfortable.
After finishing the board, Brad checks the gauges at the panel. Satisfied he shuts the generator off and turns the propane tank off to prevent any leaks. He heads up to the trailer and opens the door. Wafts of fresh bread and a slight spring scent waft out. Inside, the place is spotless. “Wow, is this even the same place?”
“I don’t know how you live like that but I was getting bored so I cleaned up a bit.”
“A bit. It has never been this neat. Not even when I got it.”
“Enough chatter. Here is a bottle of water, lets go for a hike.”
Grabbing some light spring jackets, they both head out the door, Jessica first, Brad closing and locking the door behind them. Jessica knowing the way to the trails leads the way and as soon as it widens to allow two abreast Brad catches up and walks beside her. As they walk in silence brad hears a small sigh and when he is looking over the ravine he feels as Jessica takes hold of his hand.
Not saying anything, Brad looks over at her and gives her hand a slight squeeze. They continue to walk holding hands for several charged minutes until they come upon and excellent overlook. Gesturing, Jessica says, “Let’s sit there and rest a bit. This is as good a place to talk as anywhere.”
Brad lets go of her hand as he spreads is jacket on the edge of the cliff. She sits down.
Brad sits down and wonders if he should take her hand. Like an idiot, he doesn’t. “So, what do we need to talk about.”
“US.”
“Us?”
“You know what I mean. Us. Everyone we know thinks we are a couple, seems we may be the only ones who don’t.”
“You are the best friend I ever had, I never wanted to chance losing that.”
“Exactly the same way I have always felt. I have tried dating and nobody ever measures up to you. My relationships never last more than a week or two and when the guys try to get more intimate, I can’t. Boom relationship is over.”
“I tried dating too, years ago but was not into it. Never even liked anyone else. I always felt you thought of me like a brother.”
Brushing her hand across his face, with tears in her eyes she says, “you are so dense sometimes. I have been with you for almost 5 years, waiting for you to make the first move, I am done.” With that she leans over and kisses hem, full on the mouth.”
Brad returns the kiss and lays her back. Kissing feverishly with their calves dangling over the cliff they cling to one another for a few more minutes, tears streaming down their faces.
“Brad pulls back and looks down at her face, is this the discussion you wanted to have?”
Looking up, “I was expecting more words but I was hoping this was going to be the final result.”
Brad kisses her again, erotically, frantically.
Jessica pushes him away, “not here, not now, not yet.”
Brad pulls back, “I have always loved you. I always wanted you to be happy. I thought when we broke up in high school it was for some other guy.”
“It was because I was afraid my dedication to my studies and my career would drive you away. I thought I had to make a choice. It turns out that you were the one who continued to support me all these years. I have always loved you too. Let’s walk some more, see what else us idiots need to talk about.”
Holding hands, they continue up the trail, both excited yet fearful. Both in their mid 20s, both still having never been with another and both walking hand in hand with a sweetheart they have been friends with since elementary school.
Next morning Jessica opens the bedroom door and awakens Brad who is sleeping on the fold out bed. “We have to go, I just got word from stan. They need you at command ASAP.”
Brushing sleep from his eyes, Brad reaches up to pull Jessica’s head to him, Kissing her deeply. “What’s up. I was hoping to spend a quiet morning with you.”
“That’s going to have to wait. Duty calls.”
Flipping the covers back brad starts to get out of bed. Jessica blushes and turns away from the underwear clad Brad. “Put some clothes on she says as she heads into the bedroom and playfully slams the door.”
“Shorts, boxers. They look the same, Sheesh.” Brad says as he cheerfully he pulls on yesterdays clothes.
Moments later, in clean jeans and t shirt, a beautiful Jessica appears. Brad whistles, Jessica blushes and with a quick kiss bids him, “we have to go, my detail is already at the gate.”
Three hours later, Jessica and Brad descend the stairs to David’s lair. Max and Sarah are there, Alana and Cheryl are seated along the wall and as usual, David is at his consul punching keys.
David turns and is about to speak when Sarah, who has been curiously looking at Jessica then Brad blurts out, “it is about time.”
David, irritated at being interrupted, “about time for what?”
“Look at them.”
“What. They look fine to me.”
Max pipes in, “yeah, what? They don’t look different.”
Sarah says, everyone knew they were in love, look at their eyes, they know it too.
Jessica, blushing says, “she’s right. We are officially a couple.”
Brad takes Jessica’s hand and looks at all the other people in the room, “it seems we always loved one another but were too afraid of loosing what we had to move on.”
Everyone in the room but David rush to the couple and embrace, everyone commenting that they knew this was going to happen but they didn’t know when.
Stan, in the corner stays uninvolved and David makes some noises to get everyone’s attention.
“Enough romance, pair up on your own time. We have work to do, Stan just brought us some intel and all of the other cells are getting it as we speak. Let’s get to it shall we.”
Everyone circles around an impatient David, Jessica and Brad holding hands.
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Post by texican on Feb 1, 2019 15:02:55 GMT -6
FT,
Jessica finally turns loose and tells David that they are a pair which is good,
But hell is fixin to break loose....
Thanks for the chapter....
Texican....
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Post by forthteller on Feb 1, 2019 18:28:22 GMT -6
FT, Jessica finally turns loose and tells David that they are a pair which is good, But hell is fixin to break loose.... Thanks for the chapter.... Texican.... My wife told me the book was getting too dark so I wanted to show that there will be some pockets of what we westerners see as normal in the world. David is a classic ISTJ personality. On top of being a Genius, he has almost no ability to socially interact or understand the emotional needs of others. He is polite and courteous because he was taught that way but he is so focused on the task ahead, he is unable to care. Lucky for the resistance that he is on their side because he could easily have been turned to "the dark side". |
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Post by papaof2 on Feb 1, 2019 20:40:13 GMT -6
Ask my wife about "focus" ;-) When I'm involved in a project (software development, writing, even reading a good book) my wife has learned to call my name until I answer BEFORE starting her first sentence - unless she wants to repeat it more than once.
While I took that same test (more than once) I don't remember the xxxx code - probably have it somewhere as it looked like a good tidbit for a story. I have a short-short in mind. It might turn out to be a shaggy dog story in the end, but I like the premise ;-)
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Post by forthteller on Feb 1, 2019 22:24:50 GMT -6
Ask my wife about "focus" ;-) When I'm involved in a project (software development, writing, even reading a good book) my wife has learned to call my name until I answer BEFORE starting her first sentence - unless she wants to repeat it more than once. While I took that same test (more than once) I don't remember the xxxx code - probably have it somewhere as it looked like a good tidbit for a story. I have a short-short in mind. It might turn out to be a shaggy dog story in the end, but I like the premise ;-) I usually read my chapters to my wife before I post them. She gives me her impression and I frequently go back to make revisions. Also, if I cannot read it smoothly, the grammar is off. I got the personality of David from this site. www.personalitypage.com/html/high-level.html I also have a 14 year old son who is very similar. |
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Post by texican on Feb 1, 2019 22:27:54 GMT -6
Ask my wife about "focus" ;-)
Do we not know this one well....
When I managed a large group, the group finally learned that when they had something to say or needed something just do not talk toward me for I probably will not hear them unless I am looking directly at them.... Get my attention so you do not have to say it twice or more....
The wife ignores this knowing that I will catch the final few words and have to ask her what she was saying.... She probably does this intentional at times to get my undivided attention....
If someone is looking directly at you and you are looking directly at them (in the face on both accounts) then each of you are giving each other undivided attention which is important....
Now, if I could just remember what they said/wanted a few minutes later, all would be ok....
Texican....
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Post by texican on Feb 1, 2019 22:37:49 GMT -6
My wife told me the book was getting too dark so I wanted to show that there will be some pockets of what we westerners see as normal in the world.
FT,
Now, your stories are not to dark, but some are a little bent....
Western normal such as the "Shoot Out at the Ok Carrol" that kind of western normal... Good guys kill the bad buys, but the good guys need to learn that the only good bad guy is a dead bad guy.... Shoot first and ask questions later if the bad guy lives.... And as PP2 says: Blast a foot off with a shotgun to get truthful answers.... Now is this the western normal you were talking about?.?.?.?
Texican....
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Post by forthteller on Feb 5, 2019 12:49:35 GMT -6
Chapter 53
Battles for consolidation
April 13, 2023
“How many now?” Demands General Kostya Goralov.
With a frightened look, the army doctor replies, “all of the captives sir and about 25 of the guards and combat soldiers who were involved in the action.”
“And we are certain it is some form of the virus?”
“Absolutely, first cultures were tested within hours of the first signs of symptoms. It is the virus sir.”
“We have quarantined the internment camp and everyone who may have come in contact with them sir, as soon as we got the initial results.”
Pounding the desk, General Kostya screams at the frightened doctor. “Initial results. How many came in contact before you got these initial results? How f*&ing long was this thing infecting my soldiers before you got these initial results?”
“Sir, we did not even know any were sick until symptoms were obvious to the guards. In addition, we had no virologists in the area with our medical team. As soon as my team realized it was a virus, they immediately quarantined the camp. We had no idea it was a strain of the ice age flue until Vladimir Demoski arrived and did her initial tests.”
Reddened, furious. “That is the flue that killed millions everywhere but not in Russia because our climate is too cold. Did it warm up suddenly and I wasn’t aware? Do you take me for a fool?”
“No sir, my apologies, I can bring Dr. Demoski here so you can talk to her directly. She tells me that this is the same strain but it has evolved somehow and not only has a longer incubation period but can survive in much cooler environments.”
“I don’t need to talk to some woman, you can tell me yourself. Is this virus a weapon used on us?”
“I can’t know for sure, sir. I am a surgeon and don’t have a lot of training and experience in virology but it is possible. It is also possible it was dormant until the conditions were right for it to re emerge.”
Walking around, no stomping around, General Goralov storms over to the standing military doctor. He leans in to stare him directly in the face and with his face inches from the doctors, “grow a pair doctor, was this a biological weapon.”
Stepping back, the surgeon takes a breath. Terrified, he looks directly into the generals face, “yes sir, it was. I am no virologist but I can say with certainty, the virus, whatever it is, was planted in order to infect everyone who came in contact with the prisoners.”
“You are certain?”
“Yes sir. I was in the lab while the virology team was investigating the virus, I overheard them. After the initial tests I spent time with Dr. Demoski going over the results. While I do not know the actual scientific reasons she is so sure, she is certain the virus was genetically enhanced somehow. She says it was engineered to forestall its progression from initial infection until outset of symptoms and contagious point. She is postulating it is between 4 and 7 days.”
“Meaning?
“Sir, they could have infected these people somewhere remote and put them into combat within the initial 4 days with no risk of infecting any of their own people. Then once we see symptoms, it would be days before we were able to determine what it was. As it is, we were very lucky to get Dr. Demoski and her team here within hours after we first determined we were dealing with some sort of contagious virus.”
“So, I am to assume the virus is contained then?”
“We believe so.”
Softening his tone, the general steps back behind his desk and says, “you are to get all our medical personnel out and keep them in quarantine somewhere safe. Nobody comes into contact with them.”
“Sir. The men in that camp need medical assistance. The survival rate of flue victims is well over 75 percent with proper medical attention.”
“They were used as a weapon and will be treated as such. Get your people out of there immediately, do not question my orders, Ever! Dismissed”
Backing out, “Yes sir, right away sir.”
“Spineless nerd. Unfortunately, I need him,” Thinks the General. “Sergeant, get in here,” Shouts the General through the closed, cheap hollow door.”
Seconds later a rap on the door, it opens and a middle-aged Senior sergeant steps in. Confident and upright, he marches right to the front of the desk and smartly stomps to attention and salutes. “Sir, you called.”
“At ease Sergeant. I need you to get colonel Markov of our air division in here. Immediately.”
“Immediately sir. Would that be all?”
“For now. Dismissed.”
The Sergeant sharply comes to attention, salutes turns and exits the room, closing the door behind him.
11minutes later, Colonel Markov sharply raps on the outer door.
“Enter,” Barks the General.
Colonel Markov opens the door and marches in, stops and salutes the General and slouches somewhat as he says, “sir, you requested me.”
“Requested you, I ordered you, just because you are air command, does not make me any less your superior. This is my operation and your F#%ing air force are under my command. Is that understood?”
“Yes sir. Understood.”
“Good. You are aware of the internment camp where we are holding the prisoners, we captured two days ago?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good, I want you to make preparations to carpet bomb the entire facility to ashes. I want it done quickly, systematically and with no possibility of anything escaping without being burned to a crisp.”
“Sir, those are war prisoners and we have a legal obligation under the Geneva convention to provide them with a reasonable level of security and safety. In addition, there are dozens of our own people in there, tasked to guard those prisoners.”
“Did we not just have the chain of command discussion.”
“Yes sir, we did.”
“Good, you best remember that because you can guarantee I will. I expect a plan in place within the hour and preparations made so I can order the strike in two hours. Do I make myself clear?”
“Sir, many of my pilots and weapons specialists will not follow that order. I cannot in good conscience force them to follow an inhumane order.”
“Sergeant, get in here.”
The sergeant raps on the door, opens it and marches to the desk and stands at attention beside the colonel. He salutes the General, “sir.”
“Place this man under arrest. Charges, insubordination, refusal to follow orders and subversion.” As soon as MPs arrive and take him into custody, get me his XO.”
Drawing his sidearm, the sergeant points it at the Colonel. “You will reach for your sidearm with your left hand and place it on the desk, then you will turn put both your hands behind your back and stay put.”
The colonel does and as he places his hands behind his back, he feels a zip tie attaching his hands together. His career and possibly his life are over and he knows it.
12 minutes later, Lieutenant colonel Carpov is standing at attention before the General. He has been informed of what just happened to Colonel Markov and is well aware of the fact that he could well face the same fate should he be found to be in agreement with the colonel. “Sir, as ordered.”
The General gives the lieutenant colonel the same orders and the younger man wisely snaps to attention and says, “yes sir, it will be done.” His mind is already sorting through his men, isolating those who will refuse in good conscience and those who will follow this mad order. By the time he is back in the temporary airfield headquarters he knows exactly who to give the task to.
“Sergeant, get in here.”
Staff Sergeant Volodin once again raps on the door, opens it and smartly marches to the desk and with a whump, stands at attention. With a salute, “Yes sir.”
“At ease sergeant. Can you get me General Rasputin? I believe he is in the western front regiment inspecting troops as we speak.”
“Right away sir.” Sergeant Volodin salutes, turns and is about to exit the room.
“Sergeant.”
Turning, the sergeant comes back to attention, “sir, I am sorry, I thought that was all.”
“It was but I needed to let you know that I appreciate your unquestioned and excellent service. I know you are aware of what just transpired but we have absolutely no choice in the matter. Millions of lives are at stake and to sacrifice a few hundred to save millions is what we are here for. I have my orders, you have yours. It is when some in the chain of command refuse to follow orders that we fail. Let history judge us for what we do today. Thank you Demetris.”
As Sergeant Demetris Volodin exits, the General thinks, “in another life and another place, we would be friends,”. As he watches the door close, the General shudders at what he now has to do.” His previous home was a farm just 10 kms to the west in the former East German state. Many of his family still live there.
45 minutes later, a knock and the door opens. Lieutenant General Rasputin steps in. Quickly saluting, he steps up to General Goralovs desk and says, “good afternoon general.”
“General Rasputin. I have decided to carry out the invasion plan we devised should the Germans refuse to surrender. I no longer wish to offer them that choice. I am ordering you to attack at 06:00 hours. I will be ordering attacks by every unit we have currently in position at the exact same time. “
“Sir, if I may.”
“No, you may not. You have your orders. Dismissed.”
Saluting and sheepishly exiting the office, the Lieutenant General heads out to carry out his orders. He knows that the president wanted to give the Germans a chance of surrender but something must have happened. No matter, he had his orders and he was not about to end up in prison like the Air force colonel had. All the senior officer will follow orders. They will march through Germany in a matter of days. He just hoped Germany would surrender before it is too late.
In Berlin, 2 of the men who had escaped Letschin are sitting at the dinner table in the home of their large extended family. One of the men, Hans, says, “they had the whole town blockaded when we slipped out. The whole town was bustling while soldiers were there spending money, all of a sudden, they were recalled and within hours the blockades went up. I don’t know what happened, nobody does.”
“Did either of you see the troops massed?”
“I heard the Russians had entire divisions ready to attack from the other side of the river. Those who have seen it say they outnumber us 3 to 1 but I seriously doubt that. We could see choppers occasionally, not sure if they were ours or theirs. Haven’t heard any firing or explosions. I don’t know how they plan to get across the river with that many troops. Should give us a chance to keep them at bay.”
The grandfather who was a worker from East Germany prior to unification says, “Wow. I can’t believe it. If we lose to them, things will be even worse. The way things are now is only temporary, if the Russians retake Germany what we are gong through now will be permanent.”
Hans who at 45 has never seen poverty until the currant civil wars breaking out everywhere. The area of Germany they were in was relatively safe with private security supplementing the police forces, most of the factories and farms operating at almost full capacity and all of the transportation infrastructure still operating. Occasional disturbances and bombings shatter the peace but they have become the norm and society quickly returns to regular activity in very short order. Having served in the middle East with the army, Hans remembered the way a society can act as if everything is normal despite almost daily incidents. Now his own country operated the same. Shame.
As Hans was reflecting, his friend and fellow veteran Max starts a coughing fit. “Are you okay?” Hans says slapping him on the back.
Max, gathering his composure, “it’s nothing, something went down the wrong way,” I think. He says this as a fever is beginning to boil within him. The others at the table express concern before excusing themselves and heading off to work.
In Frankfurt, the other man and two women who escaped through the tunnel are checking into a hotel. Two adjoining rooms. The hotel is packed with many exiting the east and heading west hoping the war against the Russians will be short.
Andrea, the shorter blonde woman is standing at the counter. Covering her nose with her sleeve, she sneezes, more than once.
“Are you okay Andrea?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired from the trip. Probably allergies but it is a little early in the season for it.
Behind her, Lydia is also not feeling well and has a runny nose. “I cannot wait to get to bed, I am wiped too.”
Off to the side, Carl hands his intur card to the desk clerk, “not me, I am going for some beers. Any recommendations.”
April 14, 6 AM
On the east side of the Odor river, activity begins. Within minutes the activity has increased into a crescendo. Aircraft are flying overhead, Choppers are lifting off, Equipment is warming up. Several convoys of BTR 80 amphibious personal carriers are headed for the ramps previously built by the army engineers and personnel boats are being launched.
Hundreds of loaded Pts amphibious transport vehicles are warming up as well. As they are tracked, they do not even need to use ramps to enter the water.
Volleys of artillery shells are launched non-stop. Loaded personnel Choppers lift off.
As this is going on, every regiment, division and platoon arrayed along the German border also attack. The perfectly coordinated attack bombards the German defenses for the entire morning.
The German response. Fighters that were beaten back by anti aircraft fire, Russian Migs and sheer numbers. Germans lost over 100 jets before noon. The Russians, even more but they kept coming. Anti aircraft fire and artillery. All of which had deadly effect but was no match for the sheer numbers attacking from the Russian side.
By noon, the river is littered with destroyed landing craft. So much so that the later craft required more skill to maneuver through the debris than to counter incoming fire. The countryside was littered with crashed aircraft and choppers and bodies litter the entire area. Even so, Russians have established a substantial beachhead and pushed the Germans all the way back to Neulewin. After several trips, at least half the sorties delivered their cargo and now over a hundred thousand troops are setting up camp on the German side of the river.
The artillery bombardment subsides. Medics comb the countryside and river for injured and wounded. Bodies are still being picked up at midnight by both sides. The whole operation was replicated along the entire German border.
At an emergency meeting of the Bundestag in the Reichstag building a boisterous and very heated battle is going on.
The leader of the opposition party, SPD leader Eric Lundstum stands and waits for the house to quieten. “We are already defeated, they are in our country with far superior numbers, we cannot resist. I say we surrender and ask for terms.”
One of the more vocal members of the ruling CDU, Horst Mueller, “you have always been a leftist and I would expect you to want to join them. They are not socialist, they are communist. We cannot surrender. If we allow them easy conquest, they will march right through and also attack our allies.”
Still standing, the SPD member interrupts Horst, “you mean the allies who wont even help us?”
“They have helped, the Italians and French supplied half the fighters we lost today. By helping us they weaken their own defenses. You seem to think we are already defeated. You forget, when the Russians get closer to our cities, our citizens will fight as well. I say we arm all able-bodied citizens to defend the homeland. We have the hardware and equipment.”
“Arm citizens, how ridicules. How do we ever maintain order?”
Another member stands and angrily responds. The leader of the upstart AFD says. “Order, you mean government control, big brother telling everyone what to do. This leftist globalism has led us to what? I say it is time for Germany to stand and fight. I am prepared to support the motion put forward by the honorable member from the CDU. We fight for what is ours and kick these assholes out.”
The battle goes on all night and finally the speaker calls for a vote. In the morning, soldiers are knocking on the doors of German citizens, veterans first. This time, instead of taking away guns, they are handing them out. Germany will fight for what is theirs and they will stop the Russian invasion or die trying.
Every time the Russian forces attempt to advance, they encounter resistance by not only military air and ground forces but the civilians around them as well. Outnumbered and with less technology, they cannot advance beyond the beachheads they had already established.
In short order, nightly and even daily sabotage and incursions occur at every encampment. Moral declines as the Russian soldiers don’t know who to trust. Food and supplies run low as incoming shipments are diverted, stolen or destroyed.
In mere months, the Russians pull back to their previously conquered territory and set up defensive positions along the east side of the Oder river. They still control all of eastern Europe and dig in along the borders. War is not over, it is only suspended, for now.
Buy the end of May, millions of German and Russian soldiers and civilians had come down with the enhanced ice age flue. Fatalities were over 50 percent until truckloads of vaccine were received from a undisclosed source. Surprisingly, both sides received the vaccine and all the genetic information needed to replicate it. By the end of August, both sides had production of an effective vaccine ramped up and were able to stop the virus in its tracks. By September, the Vaccine was so widespread and readily available there was no advantage to anyone, at least in countries where there was no organization in place to control its availability.
In Germany, after an initial flurry of gun violence once conflict with Russia ended, the violence died down to pre-conflict times. Interestingly, other violence, criminal activity and other forms of organized crime also declined. Most chalked it up to galvanized sense of Nationality and an all for one attitude. Others chalked it up to guns in the hands of good people outnumbering the guns in the hands of criminals. Who knows?
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Post by forthteller on Feb 5, 2019 12:53:20 GMT -6
Chapter 53
Battles for consolidation
April 13, 2023
“How many now?” Demands General Kostya Goralov.
With a frightened look, the army doctor replies, “all of the captives sir and about 25 of the guards and combat soldiers who were involved in the action.”
“And we are certain it is some form of the virus?”
“Absolutely, first cultures were tested within hours of the first signs of symptoms. It is the virus sir.”
“We have quarantined the internment camp and everyone who may have come in contact with them sir, as soon as we got the initial results.”
Pounding the desk, General Kostya screams at the frightened doctor. “Initial results. How many came in contact before you got these initial results? How f*&ing long was this thing infecting my soldiers before you got these initial results?”
“Sir, we did not even know any were sick until symptoms were obvious to the guards. In addition, we had no virologists in the area with our medical team. As soon as my team realized it was a virus, they immediately quarantined the camp. We had no idea it was a strain of the ice age flue until Vladimir Demoski arrived and did her initial tests.”
Reddened, furious. “That is the flue that killed millions everywhere but not in Russia because our climate is too cold. Did it warm up suddenly and I wasn’t aware? Do you take me for a fool?”
“No sir, my apologies, I can bring Dr. Demoski here so you can talk to her directly. She tells me that this is the same strain but it has evolved somehow and not only has a longer incubation period but can survive in much cooler environments.”
“I don’t need to talk to some woman, you can tell me yourself. Is this virus a weapon used on us?”
“I can’t know for sure, sir. I am a surgeon and don’t have a lot of training and experience in virology but it is possible. It is also possible it was dormant until the conditions were right for it to re emerge.”
Walking around, no stomping around, General Goralov storms over to the standing military doctor. He leans in to stare him directly in the face and with his face inches from the doctors, “grow a pair doctor, was this a biological weapon.”
Stepping back, the surgeon takes a breath. Terrified, he looks directly into the generals face, “yes sir, it was. I am no virologist but I can say with certainty, the virus, whatever it is, was planted in order to infect everyone who came in contact with the prisoners.”
“You are certain?”
“Yes sir. I was in the lab while the virology team was investigating the virus, I overheard them. After the initial tests I spent time with Dr. Demoski going over the results. While I do not know the actual scientific reasons she is so sure, she is certain the virus was genetically enhanced somehow. She says it was engineered to forestall its progression from initial infection until outset of symptoms and contagious point. She is postulating it is between 4 and 7 days.”
“Meaning?
“Sir, they could have infected these people somewhere remote and put them into combat within the initial 4 days with no risk of infecting any of their own people. Then once we see symptoms, it would be days before we were able to determine what it was. As it is, we were very lucky to get Dr. Demoski and her team here within hours after we first determined we were dealing with some sort of contagious virus.”
“So, I am to assume the virus is contained then?”
“We believe so.”
Softening his tone, the general steps back behind his desk and says, “you are to get all our medical personnel out and keep them in quarantine somewhere safe. Nobody comes into contact with them.”
“Sir. The men in that camp need medical assistance. The survival rate of flue victims is well over 75 percent with proper medical attention.”
“They were used as a weapon and will be treated as such. Get your people out of there immediately, do not question my orders, Ever! Dismissed”
Backing out, “Yes sir, right away sir.”
“Spineless nerd. Unfortunately, I need him,” Thinks the General. “Sergeant, get in here,” Shouts the General through the closed, cheap hollow door.”
Seconds later a rap on the door, it opens and a middle-aged Senior sergeant steps in. Confident and upright, he marches right to the front of the desk and smartly stomps to attention and salutes. “Sir, you called.”
“At ease Sergeant. I need you to get colonel Markov of our air division in here. Immediately.”
“Immediately sir. Would that be all?”
“For now. Dismissed.”
The Sergeant sharply comes to attention, salutes turns and exits the room, closing the door behind him.
11minutes later, Colonel Markov sharply raps on the outer door.
“Enter,” Barks the General.
Colonel Markov opens the door and marches in, stops and salutes the General and slouches somewhat as he says, “sir, you requested me.”
“Requested you, I ordered you, just because you are air command, does not make me any less your superior. This is my operation and your F#%ing air force are under my command. Is that understood?”
“Yes sir. Understood.”
“Good. You are aware of the internment camp where we are holding the prisoners, we captured two days ago?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good, I want you to make preparations to carpet bomb the entire facility to ashes. I want it done quickly, systematically and with no possibility of anything escaping without being burned to a crisp.”
“Sir, those are war prisoners and we have a legal obligation under the Geneva convention to provide them with a reasonable level of security and safety. In addition, there are dozens of our own people in there, tasked to guard those prisoners.”
“Did we not just have the chain of command discussion.”
“Yes sir, we did.”
“Good, you best remember that because you can guarantee I will. I expect a plan in place within the hour and preparations made so I can order the strike in two hours. Do I make myself clear?”
“Sir, many of my pilots and weapons specialists will not follow that order. I cannot in good conscience force them to follow an inhumane order.”
“Sergeant, get in here.”
The sergeant raps on the door, opens it and marches to the desk and stands at attention beside the colonel. He salutes the General, “sir.”
“Place this man under arrest. Charges, insubordination, refusal to follow orders and subversion.” As soon as MPs arrive and take him into custody, get me his XO.”
Drawing his sidearm, the sergeant points it at the Colonel. “You will reach for your sidearm with your left hand and place it on the desk, then you will turn put both your hands behind your back and stay put.”
The colonel does and as he places his hands behind his back, he feels a zip tie attaching his hands together. His career and possibly his life are over and he knows it.
12 minutes later, Lieutenant colonel Carpov is standing at attention before the General. He has been informed of what just happened to Colonel Markov and is well aware of the fact that he could well face the same fate should he be found to be in agreement with the colonel. “Sir, as ordered.”
The General gives the lieutenant colonel the same orders and the younger man wisely snaps to attention and says, “yes sir, it will be done.” His mind is already sorting through his men, isolating those who will refuse in good conscience and those who will follow this mad order. By the time he is back in the temporary airfield headquarters he knows exactly who to give the task to.
“Sergeant, get in here.”
Staff Sergeant Volodin once again raps on the door, opens it and smartly marches to the desk and with a whump, stands at attention. With a salute, “Yes sir.”
“At ease sergeant. Can you get me General Rasputin? I believe he is in the western front regiment inspecting troops as we speak.”
“Right away sir.” Sergeant Volodin salutes, turns and is about to exit the room.
“Sergeant.”
Turning, the sergeant comes back to attention, “sir, I am sorry, I thought that was all.”
“It was but I needed to let you know that I appreciate your unquestioned and excellent service. I know you are aware of what just transpired but we have absolutely no choice in the matter. Millions of lives are at stake and to sacrifice a few hundred to save millions is what we are here for. I have my orders, you have yours. It is when some in the chain of command refuse to follow orders that we fail. Let history judge us for what we do today. Thank you Demetris.”
As Sergeant Demetris Volodin exits, the General thinks, “in another life and another place, we would be friends,”. As he watches the door close, the General shudders at what he now has to do.” His previous home was a farm just 10 kms to the west in the former East German state. Many of his family still live there.
45 minutes later, a knock and the door opens. Lieutenant General Rasputin steps in. Quickly saluting, he steps up to General Goralovs desk and says, “good afternoon general.”
“General Rasputin. I have decided to carry out the invasion plan we devised should the Germans refuse to surrender. I no longer wish to offer them that choice. I am ordering you to attack at 06:00 hours. I will be ordering attacks by every unit we have currently in position at the exact same time. “
“Sir, if I may.”
“No, you may not. You have your orders. Dismissed.”
Saluting and sheepishly exiting the office, the Lieutenant General heads out to carry out his orders. He knows that the president wanted to give the Germans a chance of surrender but something must have happened. No matter, he had his orders and he was not about to end up in prison like the Air force colonel had. All the senior officer will follow orders. They will march through Germany in a matter of days. He just hoped Germany would surrender before it is too late.
In Berlin, 2 of the men who had escaped Letschin are sitting at the dinner table in the home of their large extended family. One of the men, Hans, says, “they had the whole town blockaded when we slipped out. The whole town was bustling while soldiers were there spending money, all of a sudden, they were recalled and within hours the blockades went up. I don’t know what happened, nobody does.”
“Did either of you see the troops massed?”
“I heard the Russians had entire divisions ready to attack from the other side of the river. Those who have seen it say they outnumber us 3 to 1 but I seriously doubt that. We could see choppers occasionally, not sure if they were ours or theirs. Haven’t heard any firing or explosions. I don’t know how they plan to get across the river with that many troops. Should give us a chance to keep them at bay.”
The grandfather who was a worker from East Germany prior to unification says, “Wow. I can’t believe it. If we lose to them, things will be even worse. The way things are now is only temporary, if the Russians retake Germany what we are gong through now will be permanent.”
Hans who at 45 has never seen poverty until the currant civil wars breaking out everywhere. The area of Germany they were in was relatively safe with private security supplementing the police forces, most of the factories and farms operating at almost full capacity and all of the transportation infrastructure still operating. Occasional disturbances and bombings shatter the peace but they have become the norm and society quickly returns to regular activity in very short order. Having served in the middle East with the army, Hans remembered the way a society can act as if everything is normal despite almost daily incidents. Now his own country operated the same. Shame.
As Hans was reflecting, his friend and fellow veteran Max starts a coughing fit. “Are you okay?” Hans says slapping him on the back.
Max, gathering his composure, “it’s nothing, something went down the wrong way,” I think. He says this as a fever is beginning to boil within him. The others at the table express concern before excusing themselves and heading off to work.
In Frankfurt, the other man and two women who escaped through the tunnel are checking into a hotel. Two adjoining rooms. The hotel is packed with many exiting the east and heading west hoping the war against the Russians will be short.
Andrea, the shorter blonde woman is standing at the counter. Covering her nose with her sleeve, she sneezes, more than once.
“Are you okay Andrea?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired from the trip. Probably allergies but it is a little early in the season for it.
Behind her, Lydia is also not feeling well and has a runny nose. “I cannot wait to get to bed, I am wiped too.”
Off to the side, Carl hands his intur card to the desk clerk, “not me, I am going for some beers. Any recommendations.”
April 14, 6 AM
On the east side of the Odor river, activity begins. Within minutes the activity has increased into a crescendo. Aircraft are flying overhead, Choppers are lifting off, Equipment is warming up. Several convoys of BTR 80 amphibious personal carriers are headed for the ramps previously built by the army engineers and personnel boats are being launched.
Hundreds of loaded Pts amphibious transport vehicles are warming up as well. As they are tracked, they do not even need to use ramps to enter the water.
Volleys of artillery shells are launched non-stop. Loaded personnel Choppers lift off.
As this is going on, every regiment, division and platoon arrayed along the German border also attack. The perfectly coordinated attack bombards the German defenses for the entire morning.
The German response. Fighters that were beaten back by anti aircraft fire, Russian Migs and sheer numbers. Germans lost over 100 jets before noon. The Russians, even more but they kept coming. Anti aircraft fire and artillery. All of which had deadly effect but was no match for the sheer numbers attacking from the Russian side.
By noon, the river is littered with destroyed landing craft. So much so that the later craft required more skill to maneuver through the debris than to counter incoming fire. The countryside was littered with crashed aircraft and choppers and bodies litter the entire area. Even so, Russians have established a substantial beachhead and pushed the Germans all the way back to Neulewin. After several trips, at least half the sorties delivered their cargo and now over a hundred thousand troops are setting up camp on the German side of the river.
The artillery bombardment subsides. Medics comb the countryside and river for injured and wounded. Bodies are still being picked up at midnight by both sides. The whole operation was replicated along the entire German border.
At an emergency meeting of the Bundestag in the Reichstag building a boisterous and very heated battle is going on.
The leader of the opposition party, SPD leader Eric Lundstum stands and waits for the house to quieten. “We are already defeated, they are in our country with far superior numbers, we cannot resist. I say we surrender and ask for terms.”
One of the more vocal members of the ruling CDU, Horst Mueller, “you have always been a leftist and I would expect you to want to join them. They are not socialist, they are communist. We cannot surrender. If we allow them easy conquest, they will march right through and also attack our allies.”
Still standing, the SPD member interrupts Horst, “you mean the allies who wont even help us?”
“They have helped, the Italians and French supplied half the fighters we lost today. By helping us they weaken their own defenses. You seem to think we are already defeated. You forget, when the Russians get closer to our cities, our citizens will fight as well. I say we arm all able-bodied citizens to defend the homeland. We have the hardware and equipment.”
“Arm citizens, how ridicules. How do we ever maintain order?”
Another member stands and angrily responds. The leader of the upstart AFD says. “Order, you mean government control, big brother telling everyone what to do. This leftist globalism has led us to what? I say it is time for Germany to stand and fight. I am prepared to support the motion put forward by the honorable member from the CDU. We fight for what is ours and kick these assholes out.”
The battle goes on all night and finally the speaker calls for a vote. In the morning, soldiers are knocking on the doors of German citizens, veterans first. This time, instead of taking away guns, they are handing them out. Germany will fight for what is theirs and they will stop the Russian invasion or die trying.
Every time the Russian forces attempt to advance, they encounter resistance by not only military air and ground forces but the civilians around them as well. Outnumbered and with less technology, they cannot advance beyond the beachheads they had already established.
In short order, nightly and even daily sabotage and incursions occur at every encampment. Moral declines as the Russian soldiers don’t know who to trust. Food and supplies run low as incoming shipments are diverted, stolen or destroyed.
In mere months, the Russians pull back to their previously conquered territory and set up defensive positions along the east side of the Oder river. They still control all of eastern Europe and dig in along the borders. War is not over, it is only suspended, for now.
Buy the end of May, millions of German and Russian soldiers and civilians had come down with the enhanced ice age flue. Fatalities were over 50 percent until truckloads of vaccine were received from a undisclosed source. Surprisingly, both sides received the vaccine and all the genetic information needed to replicate it. By the end of August, both sides had production of an effective vaccine ramped up and were able to stop the virus in its tracks. By September, the Vaccine was so widespread and readily available there was no advantage to anyone, at least in countries where there was no organization in place to control its availability.
In Germany, after an initial flurry of gun violence once conflict with Russia ended, the violence died down to pre-conflict times. Interestingly, other violence, criminal activity and other forms of organized crime also declined. Most chalked it up to galvanized sense of Nationality and an all for one attitude. Others chalked it up to guns in the hands of good people outnumbering the guns in the hands of criminals. Who knows?
Almost time to wrap this up. One more chapter to check on Marisa and 1 to find out if the new nations of Cascadia and New Texas are successful in succeeding from their respective countries. I cannot wait until I start posting my next book. |
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Post by texican on Feb 5, 2019 20:46:18 GMT -6
In Germany, after an initial flurry of gun violence once conflict with Russia ended, the violence died down to pre-conflict times. Interestingly, other violence, criminal activity and other forms of organized crime also declined. Most chalked it up to galvanized sense of Nationality and an all for one attitude. Others chalked it up to guns in the hands of good people outnumbering the guns in the hands of criminals. Who knows?It has been proven that when concealed carry becomes law in a state, criminal activity drops.... An armed good person stops criminals and even armed criminal.... The only problem is that to many of the good people need more training so that the criminals reach room temperature when stopped.... Thanks FT for the chapter.... Now two chapters to follow....  Texican....
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Post by forthteller on Feb 7, 2019 17:39:07 GMT -6
In Germany, after an initial flurry of gun violence once conflict with Russia ended, the violence died down to pre-conflict times. Interestingly, other violence, criminal activity and other forms of organized crime also declined. Most chalked it up to galvanized sense of Nationality and an all for one attitude. Others chalked it up to guns in the hands of good people outnumbering the guns in the hands of criminals. Who knows?It has been proven that when concealed carry becomes law in a state, criminal activity drops.... An armed good person stops criminals and even armed criminal.... The only problem is that to many of the good people need more training so that the criminals reach room temperature when stopped.... Thanks FT for the chapter.... Now two chapters to follow.... Texican.... What I wasn't gong to cover in the book but you just gave me an idea. Germany just put guns into the hands of good people. How long do you think those good people are going kick the remnants of the real UN and the counterfeit UN the hell out of Germany and all of Europe for that matter. With David and his crew uncovering and exposing world wide conspiracies, wont be long. As far as firearms training. I agree. We have gun control in Canada but good guys are allowed firearms. We have to take a two day safe handling course every 5 years to retain our acquisition and possession license, plus the police do an in depth background check before it gets issued. Range training is not mandatory but highly recommended. Licensed persons can own and use almost every firearm you can in the states but the difference is the owning of a firearm here is not a right it is a privilege. Our firearms are not registered so the government has no idea how many and what I have. If the police come to my door for any reason, they know I have a license to own firearms but not if I have any. Contrary to what many believe, I can have a semi automatic in my truck and as long as the truck is locked it is considered secure. We are not allowed to transport handguns though. Unfortunately over here, people are idiots. They see a gun in my car and I get reported. Now I get a visit from police and have to explain why I have it, even though I am legally allowed to do so. My policy, if a person here wants to keep a legal firearm in their vehicle, keep it out of sight in a locked gun case bolted to the floor of the trunk or behind the seat of a truck. Forthteller |
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Post by texican on Feb 7, 2019 18:34:25 GMT -6
What I wasn't gong to cover in the book but you just gave me an idea. Germany just put guns into the hands of good people. How long do you think those good people are going kick the remnants of the real UN and the counterfeit UN the hell out of Germany and all of Europe for that matter. With David and his crew uncovering and exposing world wide conspiracies, wont be long.People have to reach the limits of being harmed by others and loss of freedom before they take action.... It appears that this is happening in England, France, Italy and the eastern European nations.... May God help these European Patriots throw out the evil including their government masters so they can be free again.... FT, chapters showing this would be great and just might spark life into the European Patriots AKA the Yellow Vests....
As far as firearms training. I agree. We have gun control in Canada but good guys are allowed firearms. We have to take a two day safe handling course every 5 years to retain our acquisition and possession license, plus the police do an in depth background check before it gets issued. Range training is not mandatory but highly recommended. Licensed persons can own and use almost every firearm you can in the states but the difference is the owning of a firearm here is not a right it is a privilege. Our firearms are not registered so the government has no idea how many and what I have. If the police come to my door for any reason, they know I have a license to own firearms but not if I have any. Contrary to what many believe, I can have a semi automatic in my truck and as long as the truck is locked it is considered secure. We are not allowed to transport handguns though. Unfortunately over here, people are idiots. They see a gun in my car and I get reported. Now I get a visit from police and have to explain why I have it, even though I am legally allowed to do so. My policy, if a person here wants to keep a legal firearm in their vehicle, keep it out of sight in a locked gun case bolted to the floor of the trunk or behind the seat of a truck.
Forthteller FT, so you are a Canadian, but you act and write like an American Patriot which is a complement, but some would say is not a complement but we know otherwise.... So we now can call you a Canadian Patriot which is just grand.... We need all of the Patriots that we have and can develop.... It is great that you can have firearms for these will become more important in the near future.... Glad that you can carry a rifle in your truck for carrying firearms in a commercial vehicle in America is up in the air as to legality.... Here in Okieland you can carry long guns in your vehicle, but they have to be unloaded which is ludicrous.... Stupid laws that can result in good people being made into criminals.... As you stated, keep them covered up so they are not visible.... Always go armed for your life and the lives of those around you depend on you whether they know it or not.... Texican....
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Post by forthteller on Feb 16, 2019 23:01:49 GMT -6
Chapter 54
Marisa land
Loud exhaust sounds echo from the valley. Chainsaws bellow. The crescendo of activity in a once protected forest is overwhelming. The amazon basin, off limits to logging, mining and petroleum for decades will soon have roads and access.
The workers, a mixture of paid Brazilians who make far less than they used to earn, and slaves, taken from the villages and reserves that dared to challenge Marisa and her industrial push. Everyone is worked to exhaustion, fed the minimum and housed in facilities not fit for an animal. Daily, the push into the jungle proceeds.
Nothing stops them. Protesters are shot or enslaved. Villages either provide shelter and necessities or are burnt to the ground. By now, word has gotten around and the villages they now encounter are vacant or wait with open arms, hoping to reduce any negative consequences with cooperation.
A helicopter is heard in the distance, then another and another. Three in all. They circle and hover. Locating the cleared plateau, they drop and safely land. The first to land disgorges several passengers and in their midst is Marisa de Silva. The other two choppers land but their passengers are slower to exit.
The main reception is headed by the new governor, Max Germain who meets Marisa before she gets to the small hurriedly assembled hangers and airport. “Very pleased to have you here to check on our progress.”
“You should be. I have given you a great honor.” Marisa watches his response, “I have letters of authorization here from the parliament for our work and we need to get our plans and goals together.”
“This way. I had my people put together an office for you. Complete with several phone lines, high speed internet service and a separate complete air gapped computer system.”
“People you trust?”
“With my life.”
“Good, because your life does depend on it.” To her security detail, “go check it out. Deepest level security check.” Turning again to Max, “I am famished, lets get something to eat first.”
“Right this way mam.”
“From here on out I am not mam, I am Ms. De Souza. Let’s go.”
“Ok, lets go Ms. De Souza.”
Out of earshot, they talk while walking to the mess hall. “I know we have been operating without parliament consent, are we now authorized.”
“Fully. You are now a fully authorized governor of the Amazon basin and it is a stand-alone district. No state has authority here. You answer only to me.” She hands him an official document and a certificate, signed by the president and the Brazilian cabinet.”
“This will make my job much easier. I may not have to use as much military force now.”
As they enter the doors, “Your use of force has been a necessity and totally appropriate. The military has been supporting us the whole time but it took me a while to get full presidential and house support.”
They seat themselves and aids rush over to get meals for them both. “Unfortunately, we don’t have much choice of different meals as of yet. We will need to eat the offerings available. My aids will bring you a good selection, eat what you like, leave what you don’t behind. We won’t waste what you leave behind.”
While waiting, Marisa goes into a brief explanation of the end goal of what is happening here. “The road and infrastructure building you are doing here has a long-term goal. I intend to have the entire basin surveyed, explored and recorded. There are natural resources here that we need to tap if we want to become an independent continent.”
“Continent?”
“Exactly. Brazil is the largest country in south America but it is not the only country. Our survival is only insured once we bring all the countries of the continent under one government. To do that we need raw materials to supply the manufacturing we are currently ramping up. If we trade with other nations, I want to trade from a position of strength. To that end, we need to be capable of providing a vast majority of our raw material needs. This basin will go a long way to insuring that supply.”
“I should be recruiting geologists, scientists, engineers and the like then. How do I pay them, nobody wants currency because inflation is skyrocketing?”
“Same as the black market pays. Requisition food, supplies, even vehicles and consumer goods. I don’t care. If you pay in goods, record it. I will justify the cost in parliament. Get the expertise you need; your part is essential, just get it done. You have the authority. Send recruiters and use force if necessary. In fact, send me a list of people you want and I will have my agents visit them personally. You will get what you need, I want this done.”
“We have many of the members of several environmental activist groups in custody as you ordered. What are we to do with them?”
“Find out who the engineers and geologists are. Recruit them or shoot them. Give them the choice. You may have to make an example or two but they will comply. Just remember, even if they work with us, you will never be able to trust them but most will have the skills you need.”
“What is the timeline?”
“I want enough geologic surveys complete by December so that we can have shovels in the ground by January. Raw materials being transported to processing by April. It is possible, no red tape. Surveys and exploration continuing on an ongoing basis.”
“We have stockpiles of logs everywhere where we did clearing. You asked us not to burn anything.”
“For good reason. It can be processed to provide lumber, tools, materials, furniture, whatever. What is left will be used to fuel power plants, heat sources and anything else we can use it in. We can even grind it up and make wood fiber from it to manufacture lumber, groundcover or mulch. In my world, nothing gets wasted, people will get off their asses and make it useable. In this world, you don’t work, you don’t eat, no exceptions.”
“What about the elderly, the disabled or the infirm?”
“They can work. At a consul, on a phone line, sitting in a wheel chair at a counter cutting up carrots. If a family wants to exempt someone from working, they find a way to do the work for that person. No work, no food. We will be going back to the Peso and everyone will be paid fairly for their work and prices will be stabilized. Don’t work, no money; no money, no eating. Simple.”
Thinking communism but not saying it out of fear, he says nothing.
“I know you don’t have the courage to say it, I will. Sounds like communism. It’s not. I own every large manufacturer, resource extraction company and distribution network but I am going to allow small companies and the black market to exist. People get to own their own properties and goods. If small communities wish to practice some form of charitable dispensation, they do it with their own money, not the governments.”
Lunch over, Marisa asks for a tour of the facilities and Max’ plans. She is pleased with what she has seen so far and to herself is thinking, “I definitely picked the right person.”
Max escorts her to her new office suite. Three rooms; an office, a faraday cage protected computer room, a bedroom and a private bathroom. Kitchenette with a stocked fridge, pantry and bar. She looks at her senior security man, “Captain, are you certain my office is clean?”
“Marisa, you can be guaranteed that whatever is said in that office will be private. We checked the air gapped computer and room. My best people cannot access it.”
“Excellent captain. I will see you at supper.”
Max cannot help noticing the familiarity expressed when the younger captain addressed Marisa by her given name and she in turned treated him with less rigidity than he had ever seen before. He said nothing and made no obvious notice of it either.
2 hours later, Marisa is still waiting to be connected with the new interim president of Venezuela. Sitting there she reflects on what a disaster this country has been, especially since it is sitting on some of the largest deposits of oil and several other wealth creating minerals.
Stumbling from corrupt right regimes to more corrupt socialist and eventually communist regimes. The United States and the UN attempted to interfere when Nicolas Maduro fixed the 2018 election. They unilaterally recognized Juan Guido as president and it worked to a degree for a few years but lack of economic and material progress has led to cyclical elections bringing hard left politics back as a major threat. The new president won with a very slim minority and fears are that without massive improvements the government will collapse binging the socialists back into power.
Marisa wanted to wait until she had production in Brazil up to full before attempting to bring other South American countries into the fold but the opportunity to offer assistance to Venezuela may be even better. An ally in south America may make it even easier to take over when the time is right.
A head pops in the doorway, “Mrs. De Souza, I have president DaCosta on the line, would you like to take it now?”
“Certainly, sergeant, put him through.”
She picks up the landline receiver. “Good afternoon President DaCosta. I would like to congratulate you on your win.”
“Ms. De Souza, I don’t think this is actually a courtesy call, I have already been talking to your president who has informed me of your position in Brazil and your intentions. What is it you really want?”
“Directly to the point, I like that. Not much sense beating around the bush. Interrupt me if I am missing something here.”
Marisa pushes the intercom button and puts the receiver back on the holder. “For starters, you have a slim minority and if it wasn’t for support from the hard-right Venezuela Now party, your Popular Will party would only be opposition. The Army and the air force support the United Socialist party so your position is tenable at best. Every industry in Venezuela is in drastic need of modernization and revamping. Poverty and starvation is rampant in the entire country and the ice age virus has wiped out entire states. Stop me when you have heard enough.”
“So, you know what I am up against, that does not tell me what you want.”
“It is not about what I want, it is about what I can do for you.”
“Whatever you do for me will have a cost, what do you want.”
“Wow, you are a shrewd negotiator! You are negotiating from a position of weakness, yet you still talk like you have the hammer. Let me tell you what I can offer. Influence. I have several of your generals, field marshals and numerous political figures in your government and the opposition in my debt. Let me show you, do you have any military brass that you can put on the phone immediately?”
“I have General Aguado in the office next to me and general Alverez just down the hall.”
“Great, could you get General Alverez into your office and put him on the phone with me. I want you to see something. Please have the door closed when you have him there.”
“Fine, I will get him here but I don’t see how this does anything for my position.” President DaCosta puts the handset down and heads into the outer office and says to his assistant, could you please have General Alverez sent to my office, I need to see him privately.”
“Immediately, Mr. President.”
President DaCosta goes back into his office and leaves the door open. Picking up the handset, “are you still there.”
“Of course. I trust general DaCosta is on the way.”
“He is but I do not see how this has anything to do with what we were talking about earlier.”
“You will, just put him on. I will wait.” Marisa leans back in her chair and with a smug smile, takes a sip of her freshly brewed espresso.
A sharp knock on the door and a male voice sounds, “you requested my presence, Mr. President.”
“I did, do you know a Marisa De Souza.”
“I know who she is, the interim Secretary General of what is left of the United Nations.”
“I have her on the line, she wants to talk with you.” President DaCosta hands him the phone.
The general takes the phone and listens for a few minutes. President DaCosta cannot hear what is being said from Marisa’s end but from the nodding of his head and familiarity from his end of the conversation, it confirmed that he did in fact know her personally.
Taking the handset from his ear, the General says, “if you make an agreement with her the second infantry under my command will support your presidency. I can also tell you that several other generals will also support you as will many elected and unelected individuals, including several in the United Socialist Party.’
“How does she have so much influence in our country.”
“I don’t know if you know this but it has been her company who has provided provisions for my army and what you haven’t been informed of, all my troops have been vaccinated against the latest strain of the virus. The socialists have been lax on giving us what we need to exist so we have gotten what we need elsewhere. My number one loyalty is to my troops, not to any government. I have 6,000 troops under my command, they are yours if she tells me they are.”
“So, you are telling me there are others?”
“Everyone has to eat, most of us have families, our governments expect loyalty from us but offer us nothing in return. We do what we have to. You may find that other regiments and wings have loyalties elsewhere, I don’t know.”
“You are dismissed General.” President DaCosta takes the proffered handset and as he closes the door and quietly says, “so what do you want?”
“Oil.”
“Oil? Just oil?”
“For now. I expect you to make my company, Sousa industries the sole exploration, drilling, transportation and marketing company of your oil reserves. You get 25 percent of what we extract as a royalty and we get the rest. In exchange, I will insure that your military will support you and enough opposition members will cross the floor to give you a solid majority.”
“And if I refuse?”
“I really don’t think you want to do that. You see, I have some members of your own party who are willing to abandon it in favor of the socialists. You see, it really is in the best interest for you and your citizens to accede to my simple request.”
“And what is to stop you from making more demands in the future?”
“Nothing, and know this, I will. If you look at my country, we have almost full employment, full bellies and production is at an all time high. Yours can be the same.”
“But no freedom.”
“Freedom is an illusion, every man and woman is indebted to their own personal needs. They have to have a job, listen to bosses they don’t like, buy goods at prices they don’t want to pay, give taxes so governments can spend the money on things they don’t agree with and watch what they say and do because others have created laws and regulations they must follow even when they may disagree with those laws. That is not freedom, there is no such thing.”
“Certainly, there is. A person must have the right to determine his or her own destiny.”
“Really, at the expense of others, who gets to make those decisions.”
“Elected governments. Trusted public servants.”
“As much as I am enjoying this debate, we will need to take it up at a later date. For now, I make the decisions and you need to make yours, do your citizens live or do they die?”
“I can agree with the oil, most of our fields are shut down due to the global climate change regulations. But you will find I am more resistant when it comes to giving up my countries freedom.”
“Done. I will make a few calls, you will have your majority by the end of the week. I expect my engineers and technicians to be welcomed when the arrive at the end of the month.”
At the meeting of the Venezuelan National Assembly, the chairman calls the house to order. Immediately, 19 United Socialist party members and 2 from the Venezuela Now party stand and cross the floor, taking seats alongside the members from the Popular Will party. The entire house erupts in applause, nobody realizes they will never be free again.
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Post by texican on Feb 17, 2019 2:04:38 GMT -6
FT:
Communision live and at work in South America ....
A drone could end this very quickly....
Thanks for the late night chapter....
Texican....
Born Free, Live Free and Die Free....
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Post by solo on Feb 20, 2019 10:37:21 GMT -6
FT: Communision live and at work in South America .... A drone could end this very quickly.... Thanks for the late night chapter.... Texican.... Born Free, Live Free and Die Free.... Your tag line is very apropos here. But opposite. Makes me think about all the freedoms we give up individually daily... especially in the economic world... |
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Post by forthteller on Mar 6, 2019 3:17:36 GMT -6
Chapter 55
The New normal
June, 2024
Information compiled by David in his little bunker beneath Seattle.
World population now 3,500,000,000
All of Eastern Europe, Russia and the Balkans are now hardline Communist, renamed the Soviet Union. People who celebrated the communists return only months ago have watched in horror as dissenters and conscientious objectors were executed before their very eyes. They have watched as the store shelves emptied and lineups are already the norm for even the most basic of necessities. With increases in work hours, worsening work conditions and fuel rationing already taking place, many wonder, how much worse can it actually get.
Europe is still separate democratic nations, banded together for protection against the USSR. Production and stability is returning to normal.
India, Africa and the far east were devastated by the viruses and plagues that ripped through those nations. In their wake, extremist leaders, military dictatorships and idealistic rulers battle for control. Death and destruction decimates the population further.
Pakistan and the middle east are awash with religious wars between the Sunni and Shia Muslims and elsewhere smaller tribal groups battle over territory and control. Israel, being the main nuclear power only launched 1 attack before most nations around it ceased hostilities, at least to a large extent.
Australia was decimated by the second strain of the virus and assistance from the Canadians was too late before more than half the population either perished from the virus or died from the mobs because they were too weak to defend themselves. Communities in the thousands have set up fortresses in hospitable areas, cut themselves off from all outsiders and defend their territories to the death. The largest cities; Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra have fallen into anarchy with mobs roaming the cities, raping and pillaging whatever they find. Citizens escape to the countryside only to be pillaged or enslaved by bandits there.
South America has gone silent. David has not been able to find any sources there.
Word from New Texas is that Mexico also suffered massive casualties as a result of the virus. Hardest hit by the virus were drug users who had weakened immune systems. A majority of the drug cartel rank and file and most of the leadership perished. Interestingly, the Mexican people have pulled together in a survival posture and they have begun to re establish long lost family and community values that long ago sustained them in the harsh environment they exist in.
In Washington DC
“What is it now!” Barks Stephen Cabot.
The intimidated secretary, says, “its your son, sir. He would like to see you with his situation report. He seemed pretty insistent.”
“When?”
“Sir, he is on his way up the elevator as we speak.”
“Fine, show him in when he gets here.”
6 minutes later:
Knock, knock. “Johnathon Cabot to see you sir.”
Johnathon walks in. He nonchalantly walks up to the desk and drops into the seat across from his annoyed father. “Got some good news for you and I need a few favors.”
“What kind of a greeting is that, I taught you better than that.”
“What you taught me was to take what I wanted and not cower before anyone. That includes you. What do you want, the good news or the favors?”
“Ok, what is the good news?”
“100 percent. We have every plant, factory and distribution up and operating at full capacity. Every computer, piece of robotic equipment, technical device and control center is up and running. We are fully staffed and operating at peak efficiency.”
“What about your competition?”
“They are working it out but we are way ahead. I am working on several takeovers as we speak. With the military help you provided, I was able to get first crack at everything that came in from Canada, Australia and Great Britton. Early bird gets the worm, and all the customers.”
“So, what do you need help with?”
“I need some security for the two GM plants we are reopening. Workers want to unionize and I am not going to let that happen. I need enough in uniform people on site to insure an organized and efficient start up.”
“Are those the plants closed in 2020. I thought they were repurposed.”
“They were, we repurposed them back.”
“Where did all the small manufacturing firms in them go?”
“Don’t know, don’t care. We own the building so we cancelled their leases and kicked them out. Had to use force to get some to leave but the law is on our side. You should know, you wrote it and implemented it.”
“What else, you said favors.
“We also need more workers. Surplus of workers keeps job satisfaction up, shortage gives them too much leverage. Can you do anything to get them for us. If we supply power to a couple of vacant subdivisions it would provide incentive.”
“We can divert from a couple of less productive communities. A few brownouts will serve to remind them exactly who controls the power. I don’t really understand the problem though. We should have a surplus of workers since we scrapped the guaranteed minimum income and now able-bodied adults get nothing from the government.”
“I don’t either. Its like they pulled together and pooled their resources. We have unions and good pay at all our facilities but we still have difficulty recruiting. If it wasn’t for the competition having difficulties, we would not have full staff.”
“Difficulties?”
“Hijacked parts or raw materials, plant sabotage, bank rejections, computer hacks. Seems they have all the bad luck.”
“Luck?”
“Luck! I have offered several companies a generous buyout, lots accept, the unfortunate ones continue to have bad luck.”
“Anything else.”
“When is the war with the west going to be over? A lot of the troops you have involved are reservists and we have expansion plans but no available labor pools.”
“I have a meeting with the president and several generals this afternoon. It is not a war, we are only trying to put down a rebellion. Seems the great American army cannot even get past a bunch of hayseeds in the Midwest.”
“Why not?”
“I have been told they have superior air power than us but we have far superior ground forces. I will be getting an update this afternoon. I will know why they are failing at what should have been an easy mission.”
In the oval office that evening
President Richards turns to the new commander of the Armed forces. “Could you explain to Mr. Cabot what you told me earlier?”
“Well Mr. Cabot, it is like this. We have battalions west of Kansas City and Minneapolis but they ran into blockades along both routes west.”
“So, blast your way through, I know we have 3 times the number of ground troops and equipment. I have also heard our ground anti aircraft fire should be adequate to prevent them from using their air superiority to support their defense.”
“Glad to see you have military strategy down pat, fact is Mr. Cabot, you don’t know shit.”
“Mr. President, are you going to let him talk to me like that?”
“General Adams, you have just been promoted, I can bust you back down just as quickly. You will give this concerned citizen respect and you will answer his questions.”
A red-faced general Adams replies, “yes Mr. President.” Turning back to Stephen Cabot he continues on. “Our problem is twofold. Our troops are reluctant to engage with fellow Americans as they do not see them as the enemy. Secondly, we are not just battling military troops, we are also battling well armed and equally trained civilians.”
“You are telling me that a smaller contingent of military, mostly reservists and a ragtag bunch of rednecks are a match for our ground forces?”
“More than a match Mr. Cabot. With the civilian contingent they grossly outnumber us.”
“How, with shotguns and 22s?”
“No sir, they are as well armed as we are and almost a third of the men are veterans so they are trained as well.”
“Veterans, how so, last I heard, only 7 percent of the population were veterans.”
“Correct sir but from the big cities, less than 2 percent of the population served and less than 2 percent of all females. When you add the 3 largest population centers in the east together, they don’t come close to the numbers from Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakota’s. Last gun recall we had, we recovered less than half the known firearms in those two states and estimates were that double that were actually possessed. I am afraid sir, that if you include the armed and trained veterans in those four states and the personal weapons they have, we will be greatly outnumbered. It is quite conceivable they could actually meet us with 300,000 armed men. Add to that, the assistance they most surly will get from further west and we would be grossly outnumbered. If we continue to push, our losses will leave us vulnerable should we be attacked by outsiders.”
The new President looks at the calculating Stephen Cabot. Cabot gives a nod. “You are excused general Adams.”
As the general closes the door behind him, the President starts up. “Mr. Cabot, I would like to pull our troops back and galvanize our resources here. The Canadians have a similar problem having lost the 4 western provinces and everything east of Quebec. They have all of their equipment and aircraft already serviceable and wish to join with us. I think that would be expedient.”
“Canada. They have crap and almost zero personnel. Their capital is gone and even the UN abandoned them. Let them freeze.”
“Actually, their equipment may be old and their forces small but they had closed almost all their western bases and moved everything east so their rebel states got limited resources. They also got zero damage from the EMP attack and the nuclear strikes were both away from any military targets. All of their old aircraft are still flying and their equipment is still operating. Plus, they are well trained so they are a definite asset.”
“So, we join the Canadians and give up, just like that?”
“It is not giving up. I don’t think it is a good strategy to fight a war we cannot win. It is called retrenchment.”
“Who has control of all the nukes? Can we hit them with another emp strike?”
“We could hit them with another EMP strike but I am pretty sure they have defenses set up to combat that and with their superior airpower they may retaliate. Your factories and large facilities would be easy targets and they know it. As for nukes, we could re target our devices but they would know within a minute and retaliation would guarantee mutually assured destruction. In addition, Russia would take any opportunity to strike the US if we depleted our defenses to a point where they think they have a chance. Europe is back in the hands of the UN and is in a standoff with Russia so I don’t think we have any risk there but England may possibly have imperialistic thoughts and they suffered zero impact during the war with China.”
“So, we are at a standoff?”
“For now. We could play nice for a while, get our resources in order and make our move in a year or two. In my opinion, that would be the best plan.”
“Ok, make the order then. Get your troops back into their units. I want all the reservists to be reassigned to my factories either as workers or security.” Cabot doesn’t say goodbye or anything, he turns on his heal, opens the door and strides out, not even closing it behind him.
“The President stands there a moment and then strides out to ask his secretary to have the general come see him. Sadly, he thinks about the position he is in, trapped. His family is in a secure compound, ostensibly for their protection but in reality, as hostages.”
June 12 2024
Looking demure, Jessica stands as Cheryl and Alana fuss with her gown. She can hear the organ music in the background, butterflies knot her stomach and she fervently tries to remember her vows. This was never going to happen but here she was, standing on a stool being groomed by the two women she respected most in the whole world. Organ music reaches a crescendo, less than 30 minutes now.
In another room down the hall from the sanctuary, Brad stands with max who is giving him his last-minute instructions and doing his best not to get Brad any more nervous than he already is. Thinking to himself how he felt when he was about to marry Sarah. How he flubbed his lines and how nobody seemed to even notice. Too bad Brads father wasn’t here, he would have been so proud. One of the earliest casualties of the ice age flu, it was Brads father who had ingrained in Brad, the values that enabled him to be the man standing before him.
In the church’s gym, Sarah was orchestrating a miraculous set up for the estimated 300 people who will be celebrating one of the first officially sanctioned Cascadia marriages. One week ago, the new elected government took their oaths and official government offices had only opened the previous Monday. With a constitution similar to the old USA one but with some geographical distinctiveness, the new union was bound to hit some serious road bumps but they were free and the positive feelings were evident most everywhere in the northwest.
Sarah’s setup crew were all workers in the second-hand center she operated, some paid and some volunteers. Nobody complained, nobody cared. The unpaid workers were compensated with barter, the paid ones were paid in Cascade dollars, backed by gold.
Sarah knew that a 1 week honeymoon was the most they could give Jessica and Brad because they were both so important in the development of the new government. Jessica as the senior economic advisor to the new Secretary of the Treasury, Brad? Sarah had no idea what he did was but he was always out on some job or other. Not much chance of these two having any children Sarah thinks as she rubs her extended abdomen. With a smile, she wonders if it is a boy or a girl. Sighing happily, “no mater, whatever I have will live in freedom.”
In his bunker, David is on the radio with an unknown person half way across the world. From across the room, Jack says, “we got to go.”
“In a minute. I just got word, the Russians are making another attempt to gain a foothold in Germany. I have to let Stan know.”
“Are you serious, he already knows. One of our best friends is getting married, we have to be there.”
“Go on ahead, I will meet you there.”
Jack takes a step into the room, three steps later, Jack grabs David and snaps a handcuff on him, with a quick spin he snaps the second one on the other wrist. You are coming now, we are not going to be late. Stan will understand.”
Struggling and raising his voice, David attempts to get some assistance from his security detail. They stand still, stone-faced. One, with a stifled smile quickly wipes it away when David looks in his direction.
As David and Jack arrive in Jacks lifted pickup truck, the music is sounding. Jack parks and quickly hauls the still handcuffed David from the passenger seat. “Can I take the cuffs off now and we go in the church like friends or do I drag you in like this.”
“This isn’t funny. You didn’t need to cuff me like a criminal, I was coming.”
After taking the second cuff off, jack looks at David with a knowing smile. “We both know you weren’t coming. You would have found other things that needed your immediate attention.”
Jack turns to walk towards the church, David deftly slips his foot in front of Jack and pushes him from behind. Jack sprawls to the ground, palms down, getting his knees dirty from the freshly cut grass. Rolling over laughing, “Are we even now?”
“Not by a long shot, I have 10 years worth before we are close to being even.”
They sprint to the church, arriving 1 song before the wedding party, David beating Jack by a few strides, like always.
Watching from a Distance, Stan smiles. Beside him, Jason also looks on, watchful for anything out of place. The receding sun slowly drops to the west, a light breeze alights the air, birds flap in the distance, life goes on.
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Post by texican on Mar 6, 2019 23:28:19 GMT -6
FT,
Nice long chapter....
Thank you....
Texican....
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Post by forthteller on Mar 7, 2019 16:22:05 GMT -6
FT, Nice long chapter.... Thank you.... Texican.... Thanks tex. This was a fictitious account of what I think could happen if we don't double down on insuring our freedom, halting the creep of globalism and help our young to understand that nothing worth having is free. The money lent to the US government through bonds or international investment is not free and will have to be paid back some day. At the rate we are going, I don't see that repayment being monetary. Our children will be left holding the debt and I a very frightened that the free lunch crowd will just sell our freedom out in exchange for economic relief. That freedom was Paid for with the blood of our forefathers and those still in uniform and with our own efforts, sweat and blood on a daily basis. The new generation has been quite thoroughly indoctrinated. I was called a redneck by a young woman who thought she was insulting me on line the other day. I told her it was actually a compliment because I got that red neck working in the sun building a home for a fellow Canadian who went to work in order to earn the money to pay me to get that red neck. It is a sorry day indeed when going to work to earn a living is something to be ashamed of! Thanks for reading. I hope you like my next series. It is called Not Me Too. Forthteller |
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Post by texican on Mar 7, 2019 21:02:27 GMT -6
FT, Nice long chapter.... Thank you.... Texican.... Thanks tex. This was a fictitious account of what I think could happen if we don't double down on insuring our freedom, halting the creep of globalism and help our young to understand that nothing worth having is free. The money lent to the US government through bonds or international investment is not free and will have to be paid back some day. At the rate we are going, I don't see that repayment being monetary. Our children will be left holding the debt and I a very frightened that the free lunch crowd will just sell our freedom out in exchange for economic relief. That freedom was Paid for with the blood of our forefathers and those still in uniform and with our own efforts, sweat and blood on a daily basis. The new generation has been quite thoroughly indoctrinated. I was called a redneck by a young woman who thought she was insulting me on line the other day. I told her it was actually a compliment because I got that red neck working in the sun building a home for a fellow Canadian who went to work in order to earn the money to pay me to get that red neck. It is a sorry day indeed when going to work to earn a living is something to be ashamed of!Thanks for reading. I hope you like my next series. It is called Not Me Too. Forthteller FT, You are so true about the changes in American youth.... To many have been babied and do not have any real life experiences to learn from.... And parents and grandparents have to shoulder part of the blame for not forcing our kids and grandkids to get out and work.... And FT when is "NOT ME TOO" posting.... Not being noisy, but moar is always appreciated.... Texican.... |
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Post by griz375 on May 2, 2019 21:35:28 GMT -6
Pretty well told and sadly quite plausible.
Thanks for the rather considerable effort of putting this into a rational tale.
G
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Post by texican on May 3, 2019 0:38:30 GMT -6
Hey FT....
It is nearly 2 months that is 2 months since the last chapter....
Hopefully you are doing ok....
Texican....
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Post by forthteller on May 16, 2019 22:34:45 GMT -6
Hey FT.... It is nearly 2 months that is 2 months since the last chapter.... Hopefully you are doing ok.... Texican.... Doing good. I am going to leave the Cascadians for now. I may come back and revisit them some day. Right now I am busy writing my next book called, Not me too. I have about 10 chapters complete but haven't figured out how to configure it. Same style I think, following the lives of characters as they build to new wold but not sure how I want to organize it. Forthteller |
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Post by texican on May 17, 2019 16:43:28 GMT -6
Hey FT.... It is nearly 2 months that is 2 months since the last chapter.... Hopefully you are doing ok.... Texican.... Doing good. I am going to leave the Cascadians for now. I may come back and revisit them some day. Right now I am busy writing my next book called, Not me too. I have about 10 chapters complete but haven't figured out how to configure it. Same style I think, following the lives of characters as they build to new wold but not sure how I want to organize it. Forthteller FT, Anyway that you organize your story will be devoured with gusto.... Texican.... |
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Post by paulk on Aug 1, 2021 11:14:44 GMT -6
Just found you and have greatly enjoyed this story. Please write more.
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Post by littleoldlady on Jun 25, 2023 14:21:28 GMT -6
I write because I suffer from what I call crazy brain syndrome and everyone around me is tired of hearing my ranting.FT, Knew that you had a unique talent....  Do not worry the Moar Hounds will spill the beans....  And.... The Moar Hounds are more than willing to wait for your next sequel to have additional servings of the crazy brain syndrome....  Thanks for your efforts in keeping the Moar Hounds feed even if it is days and weeks and months between the feedings....  Texican.... |
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