Repacious creditor

[accountant]

Hey fellow Canuck. I just wanted to let you know that I am enjoying your story even if it is uncomfortably close to reality. (Dammit, I come here to get away from that nonsense!)

I may not be a prepper or a suvivalist, but I do read the papers (MSM and otherwise), and the winds. I understand the razor's edge that the elephants are dancing on while they are juggling all their balls. One misstep and the world will feel it.

Keep writing, keep prepping, and keep praying.

Cheers.

[forthteller]

Jan 30, 2018 16:11:28 GMT -6 accountant said:

Hey fellow Canuck. I just wanted to let you know that I am enjoying your story even if it is uncomfortably close to reality. (Dammit, I come here to get away from that nonsense!)

I may not be a prepper or a suvivalist, but I do read the papers (MSM and otherwise), and the winds. I understand the razor's edge that the elephants are dancing on while they are juggling all their balls. One misstep and the world will feel it.

Keep writing, keep prepping, and keep praying.

Cheers.

Thanks for the comment fellow canuck. I have been sounding the warning bell for years and nobody listens. Make it fiction and suddenly I am not an alarmist anymore. Go figure.

If this one goes over well, my next series is going to be on the catastrophic consequences of climate change. I also have an idea percolating about one on overpopulation. All fiction of course. 

[papaof2]

"Climate change" falls on many ears who view it as the media views 'fake news' because they see reasons not to be concerned:

Ice ages came and went before there were enough humans to make a difference in the climate.

One of the early "global warming" warnings was from someone who later admitted to less-than-truthful emails about their findings.

In the 1970's, scientists said that California's drought was caused by 'global cooling'.

The Gulf Stream has stopped and started numerous times without there being enough humans to affect it.

1816 was "The Year Without a Summer" but the climate change was caused by the eruption of Mt. Tambora in 1815 - nothing people caused and nothing they could do to mitigate the famines that followed in many countries - no one grew extra potatoes and converted them to instant potatoes that could be sent to Ireland. A similar event today would lead to even greater die offs because there are more people and fewer food producers near those people.

Overpopulation could be resolved it they'd just pay a bounty for the elimination of 'stupid' ;-) That season would run all year and you could get your tag for $5 from any LEO - just as long as you had either two instances of stupid on video or two people who can verify incidents of stupid. An easier path might be eliminating all the warning tags that make a short extension cord impossible to bend and just let the Darwin Events purge the problems...

[forthteller]

Jan 30, 2018 21:59:56 GMT -6 papaof2 said:

"Climate change" falls on many ears who view it as the media views 'fake news' because they see reasons not to be concerned:

Ice ages came and went before there were enough humans to make a difference in the climate.

One of the early "global warming" warnings was from someone who later admitted to less-than-truthful emails about their findings.

In the 1970's, scientists said that California's drought was caused by 'global cooling'.

The Gulf Stream has stopped and started numerous times without there being enough humans to affect it.

1816 was "The Year Without a Summer" but the climate change was caused by the eruption of Mt. Tambora in 1815 - nothing people caused and nothing they could do to mitigate the famines that followed in many countries - no one grew extra potatoes and converted them to instant potatoes that could be sent to Ireland. A similar event today would lead to even greater die offs because there are more people and fewer food producers near those people.

Overpopulation could be resolved it they'd just pay a bounty for the elimination of 'stupid' ;-) That season would run all year and you could get your tag for $5 from any LEO - just as long as you had either two instances of stupid on video or two people who can verify incidents of stupid. An easier path might be eliminating all the warning tags that make a short extension cord impossible to bend and just let the Darwin Events purge the problems...

You are right but in fiction one needs to play off the imagination of the intended audience. I was just wondering what might happen if some 200,000 year old viruses were released from melting icecaps and possibly floated to inhabited continents as icebergs. 
As for Darwin and his survival of the fittest, he didn't count on a world where we bubble wrapped our children and protected the stupid from themselves. Once again, I have to wonder what might happen when these overprotected children grow up. Wait, that has already been done, I think it  was a movie called Wall-E.

[papaof2]

Those over-protected children are in colleges that provide "safe" places and comfort animals when their political candidate loses. They even have a name as special as they are - snowflakes. You can't put your hand on them to help because, just as their namesakes, they'll melt.

I have teenage grandkids so I've been here a while. My mother would have wrapped me in bubble wrap if had been invented when I was a kid ;-) but I did have a beer-drinking, cigar-smoking, chicken-fighting, blue collar grandfather who exposed me to the real world. Still don't care for beer and don't want to be around a loud or a sad drunk but I'm somewhat tolerant of others. However, repeated exposure to stupid has worn that tolerance thin in places.

[forthteller]

Chapter 17



Brad



December 15, 2019 Wednesday night.



“I cannot believe I left the force and just two years later, here I am doing surveillance, again.” Laments Cheryl as she nibbled on her cauliflower and broccoli salad.”

“you love it and you get to train a greenie to boot.” Chided Brad as he mowed down on his burger and fries. “If we are lucky there won’t be any action. Pedro will be here at midnight to relieve you but I need you tomorrow night as well.”

“How long are we doing this?”

“Until the trustee gives us the seizure order or the company manages to go chapter 11.”

“How many employees did they have?”

“They still have over 150 but if they restructure, that number will probably drop.”

“What do you think of their chances?”

“Every time Wilson assigns me one of these it is always a chapter 7 so I don’t know. Reason I brought you in on this one is the assets are worth millions. They have lasers and 3D printers and hundreds of computers. They have research stuff I don’t even know about.”

“Wouldn’t it be cheaper for them to hire security.”

Looking around and seeing a white sedan parked in the next lot, Brad points to the car. “Right there, both probably sleeping but even if they are awake if anyone comes they are to report, not interfere. I don’t know the full particulars but Wilson has something invested here, probably some sort of a surety bond.”

Brad takes a bite out of his burger and chews it thoroughly before swallowing. “Anyways, we are here to prevent and stop anyone from entering the premises. I want my fee for the repo and I want the people who have a right to the disposition of the assets to get a fair share of their disposal. Wilson thinks the people we need to watch for are the executives who think they can use their authority to get into the building. They could download software or customer lists and get away without anyone being the wiser.”

“Why can’t they just access using the internet? “

“The companies’ system is supposed to be Air-gapped. I just know we all stand to make some good money if all the assets are kept intact and sold at fair prices. After all the rich secured creditors get paid, there should be enough left so the employees will get severance and hopefully some of their pension contributions back. Kind of a crappy deal though because most of the senior executives who caused the failure are stock and bond holders and they knew the company was in trouble. Most sold off their assets months ago.
"Do the assets ever get stolen?"
"Not under my watch but Pedro and I were at a bakery last summer putting some commercial ovens on the truck when a bunch of employees attacked us and pushed them all off the truck reducing them to salvage. They only hurt themselves because that reduced the amount available for settlement.”

“Didn’t you protect the stuff?”

“How, 10 people show up with bats and crowbars and only two of us. We pull on them only to find out at least two are also strapped. Can’t collect much of a commission when you are dead. We got video but in the end, we destroyed the evidence and told the police we couldn’t identify anyone.”

“Why, they attacked you?”

“Just a bunch of people who had lost their jobs and not much chance of getting another one. They had already lost a lot, I was not going to take even more away from them.”

Brad continued, “I try to remember that the rich are going to get theirs. The better we do our jobs, the more the rest will get. We just have to help them understand that, before they get violent or destructive. As for the managers and executives, I just want to make sure the clowns who caused the mess don’t get more than their fair share.”

“So, all a sudden you’re a saint. What happens if they go chapter 11?””

“A bunch of suits show up and they attempt to reorganize the company, restructure its debt, cut expenses. If it is union firm they may vote to take a wage cut. They usually end up chapter 7 anyways.”

Shitty deal all around though. I have supervised 7's since last summer. This is the biggest one so far.”

As they are talking a red pickup pulls up and Pedro jumps out. As he gets to the truck, brad cranks down the window, Pedro asks the occupants, “Anybody here want to take a break?”

“You know it friend,” replies Cheryl as she opens the door and prepares to get out, pausing as a Prius slips into a corner of the parking lot. She closes the door and the light goes off. “I wonder if he saw us.”

“Crap, I thought the light was off.” Brad watched the Prius but nobody exited.

10 minutes pass, no motion, no lights, nothing.

Pedro is now getting cold so he tells Brad he is getting in his truck to warm up but the interior light is going to go on,

“Go ahead man, I want to see what the driver of that thing is going to do anyways.”

Pedro Opens the door to his truck and gets in. He closes the door and starts the engine watching carefully the response of the driver of the Prius. It is now 12:10 and he should be relieving Cheryl but Brad probably wants to see what this guy is dong first. The drivers’ door opens and someone starts getting out, before the foot hits the ground the passenger door opens and a woman steps out. The driver, also a woman walks directly over to Brads truck and angles to approach the drivers side.

The woman who got out the passenger side goes towards the front gate at the same time. Cheryl jumps to the ground and sprints to the gate blocking the path of the woman and stands with her arms crossed.

The driver had now reached brads door and begins yelling obscenities at him. Brad can not see the front gate as he was parked so the passenger side was facing the gate and the drivers side was facing the parking lot entrance. He opens the door and as he puts his foot out to step on the step, the woman pushes it shut as hard as she can. Pedro is out of his truck by now and pulls the woman by the shoulder backwards to prevent her from slamming the door again. Brad takes advantage of the opportunity to open the door and clambers down to the parking surface. Slamming the door shut he yells, “hold it right there.”

The woman freezes momentarily. She spins around and looks at Brad, starts yelling and screaming obscenities again.” It’s a decoy, help Cheryl,” he yells. Pedro quickly gets the message and runs around the front of the truck and sprints to the gate where Cheryl now has her Glock out and leveled at a man who is holding a shotgun. The woman who got out of the passenger side is punching in a code in the gate pad as Pedro gets to her so he punches in a number of his own Click, unrecognized code, please try again.

Pedro pulls his own Mauser and with intent, loudly chambers a round. Pointing it in a safe direction he says, “you can all leave right now before this gets any worse. White car in the next lot is security and they will have already called the police.”

“What difference does it make, they are too busy with all the demonstrations and trying to make everyone stay off the streets to respond to some crappy warehouse out in the sticks.”

“Ok, Pedro says, last chance, leave while you can.”

“f*** you,” she says as she turns to punch a code into the keypad again, Pedro whips out his zip ties and with a quick practiced flip wraps her wrist, gives it a twist and zips it shut as he expertly grasps her right wrist and spins it under her arm. he snaps the zip tie around it to. Within seconds he has her face into the chain link fence, as he is doing this he hears hold it, a quick shuffle and a single gunshot. Drop it shouts Cheryl as the man with the shotgun is raising it towards Pedro. Another shot and a sickening thud sound followed by the clatter of a shotgun. Pedro, is now fully facing the man who is on his knee holding his right side just below the shoulder.

Cheryl kicks the shotgun away and pulls out her cell to dial 911. “Brad you okay over there?”

“Kind of”, he says as he limps towards the others with the loud woman, also with her hands zip tied. The woman is screaming,”you can’t do this, it is false arrest, we have our rights. “Cheryl, can you search her, I think she is armed, she went for her belt, I bet she has a gun there.” With that he went to the injured man and places his hand over the mans hand, putting pressure on the wound. “Cheryl, when you are done with that lady can you also search the other one please.”

Cheryl takes a handgun from the belt of the driver and pats her for more. A long knife and a can of mace are also in her possession, Cheryl drops the mag, clears the chamber and pockets the handgun and hands the knife and mace to Pedro. She quickly searches the other woman but only finds a small plastic container with a bunch of computer devices. Putting that in her pocket as well, she asks the two women to sit down.

After an amazingly long wait, at least 30 minute,s the police arrive, sirens wailing. They screech to a halt and jump from their car, guns drawn and immediately take cover behind the doors. “Green cops” thinks Cheryl, I could shoot them right through the door. Gotta have the window rolled down to have any chance of stopping a bullet and even then, a high powered rifle could shoot right through the door, the glass and the inside door panel.

“Hands up, Drop the weapons”

Cheryl and Pedro both put their hands up with their guns pointed to the sky. Brad, who is still putting pressure on the wound yells we are licensed agents, we are going to put our guns down. With that he says, “Cheryl, you first, slowly.”

Cheryl slowly lower the gun, careful she does not point it in the direction of the officers.

Pedro follows suit.

“Face down. Hands behind your backs.”

“Brad speaks up. We are employed by the trustee. We are here to insure the assets are not stolen by others. I can give you my ID, Check it out.”

The older officer says, “okay, get it and bring it to me.”

Brad is desperate now, “I have to keep pressure on the wound or he could bleed out. They both have IDs as well.”

“Fine”’ pointing at Cheryl he say you show me your ID.”

Slowly, Cheryl slips her hand into her jacket pocket, and slowly she extracts it holding her wallet in her finger tips. She opens the wallet to her license and retired detective ID. She walks over to the office and holds it open so he can read it.

“It’s Ok Steve, these guys are legit and this lady is also a retired police officer.”

Both officers holster their weapons. The senior officer asks Cheryl, “what happened here?’

Cheryl begins to recount the entire event but is interrupted by the wails of the siren of an incoming ambulance. 40 minutes for a gunshot victim.

One of the officers directs the ambulance crew to the injured man and they quickly access him and package him for transport. As they are getting in to leave the officer hands them his card and tells them to let him know when they get there and where he is in the hospital. The paramedic looks solemn as he says it does not look good but he will call with an update. The driver starts the engine and flips on the audible siren, puts it in gear and drives out of the parking lot.

As the Ambulance leaves the other officer is just protecting the head of the second female suspect as she gets into the rear of the cruiser. Once she is in he closes the door and comes over to Brad and hands him his card. “I need you three to come in in the morning and make statements. Can I see your carry permits for your firearms?”

All three produce their cards and the officer examines them all and compares the picture with the person. He hands them back and with nod towards the parked white security vehicle, says, “nice work. You showed rent a cop over there how its done. “













2 days later, Friday 8:00 AM.



Brad is visualizing a lumberjack breakfast when Wilson calls. “They filed chapter 11, expect to reopen Monday. You can leave now. The company security will take over today. How did things with the police finish?”

“The guy with the shotgun is going to make it but he is going to be sore for some time. They are all being charged with armed robbery so I guess I will be spending even more time in court. They should start paying me. Turns out they were a Vice president, the VP of software engineering and a programmer. They were after the software of some project they had all been working on.”

Wilson whistled and says into the phone, “the trustee has authorized payment for enough to cover your expenses and a small fee but you won’t be getting the big payday you were hoping for.”

Brad replies, “on the bright side, most of these folks will get to keep their jobs. I count that as a win.”

“Got another 7 for you, go get some shuteye and meet me after roll call Monday. Sawmill, I doubt it will be the trouble this one was. They have their own security, we don’t have to protect the assets as there is really nothing easily stolen.”

Looking over at Cheryl, “this ones a wash, they got the principles to agree to give them a chance to make a go of it. Want some breakfast?”

“Sure, how about we go to the Waffle house. Its on the way to my motel and not too far from your place.”



On the way over to the Waffle house, Brad calls Jessica on his new Bluetooth and she answers on the second ring. “Good morning Brad, no more problems, I hope.”

“No, actually they went chapter 11 so I wanted to get your opinion on how I should bill for this. Wilson told me they are will to reimburse us and give us a small fee. We are on the way to the Waffle House, can I buy you some breakfast?”

“Sure, I will join you there. Do you have your invoice pad and time books with you?”

Looking at the center console he answers, “Right here.”

“Up to date?”

Long pause, no answer.

“Thought so, we can update it when I get there. See there in 20.”



Brad meets Cheryl at the reception area and the Hostess leads them to a table for two.

“We have another joining us, can we get a booth please.”

“Certainly, right this way sir. Handing them each a menu, she asks if they would like something to drink while they are deciding.

“How about a jug of coffee and a pitcher of orange juice with three cups and glasses.”

“Coming right up.”

“Thank you.”

She leaves to get the drinks so Brad takes out his time book and starts filling it out. “What time did we get finished at the police Thursday?”

“I left at 2:00, Perro left before me but I don’t know when because I was in giving my statement when he left. Probably 1:30. You hadn’t even given your statement when I left”

Brad writes down 3:00. As he fills out the time book he offhandedly asks, “did you find a place?”

“No, I was thinking of buying but with prices falling at the currant rate I think renting is a better idea. Problem is, everything I have found so far is too expensive or a dump. No happy medium.”

“you’ll find something. You should let Jessica know you are looking to rent, she may have some friends or know someone who has a place available. Never know.

They talk about the next job and brad tells her that if he needs her he will let her know but in the meantime, she should go to the office Monday and get some regular work in. “Wilson knows we are done with this one so you should call him if you want some work.”

As he says this he sees Jessica at the entrance so he waves to get her attention. She navigates the obstacle course to the booth and slips in beside Cheryl. “Books ready.”

Brad slides over the time book and pours her a coffee while she reads it.

“Was gonna be a big payday, still might be,” she comments as she quickly fills out the form. “I charged them extra because all three of you will be going to court several times to testify. You saved the insurance company a lot of money, I think they should be paying you a good recovery fee too.”

“nothing was stolen so there was nothing to recover.”

“Semantics, it would have been stolen and when I find out how much the software they were after is worth I will be filing a claim. Can I get a copy of the police report?”

“Sliding it over, Brad says, “Ms. all business, time to stop for a moment and eat some breakfast.” As he sees the waitress heading over with the platter of food.

The waitress places the platter of waffles, pancakes, sausages and bacon in the middle and a clean plate in front of each of them. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

“Not that I can think of, thank you.”

They chat a bit about the nice weather, the traffic and how poor the sales are at Jessica store and enjoy their breakfast.

“Before you go can you put the word out that Cheryl is looking for a place to rent.”

Looking at Cheryl Jessica said, “I thought you were going to buy.”

Cheryl replied. “I was but the prices are dropping so I am going to rent until they stop, then I will jump in.”

“Not going to happen soon. I think they are going to bottom out at 2008 levels by the end of 2020 but they wont ever skyrocket like this again. I don’t think buying a house will be a good investment for a very long time if ever.”

“Really, how do you know.”

“Trust me, she knows.” Interjected Brad.

Sounding excited, Jessica blurts out “my aunt Alana. She has a house in mount Vernon and is a long-haul trucker. I bet she wouldn’t mind renting a couple of rooms to a trustworthy person. You were a detective there weren’t you.”

Reluctantly Cheryl says, “its kind of a long commute but it is defiantly worth looking into.”

Brad interrupts, “we get lots of work that far north, you could get the jobs by email and phone. You would only need to come in for Monday roll call. It is actually the only time everyone is supposed to be in the office.”

Getting up to leave, Jessica says, “I will talk to her today and get her to call you.”

Thanks. I would like that.

[forthteller]

Chapter 18



May 28, 2020



Jason and kids.



“Mr. Smit, I simply cannot accept work like this. It is preposterous to claim that Canada could go bankrupt. Your son writing alarmist fiction in my class is simply not acceptable. This is an interdisciplinary class combining politics and economics but conspiracies are discussed here as the fabricated stories they are, not scientific facts.”

David sits uncomfortably in his chair and cannot contain himself anymore. “Iceland, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy and now France. Illinois, Detroit, Jefferson county, Orange County. In our own Country, Newfoundland is technically Bankrupt. They all went bankrupt after they hit the 100 percent and the 10 percent point in servicing.”

“But David. Your model is not predictive, it is alarmist and attacks our government policy. They have highly educated professionals, expansive research teams and an extraordinary amount of data at their disposal. Do you really believe a research paper published by a disgraced alarmist professor is even remotely sufficient to call Government policy into question?”

Jason interjects. “my son used several sources and he cited them all. I may not understand the numbers but I have read his paper. He does not attack any specific countries or any other political entities. He only points out the pattern and if unchecked what will happen and when. I do know that Dr. Rodgers wrote his paper before most of those countries and cities went bankrupt and he named those countries in it as the next to go. His co author was my niece so go carefully before you start labelling anyone.”

Rebecca DeGroot-Mason, the principle wades in.” David is in this years graduating class, Mr. Smit. If MS Jacobson gives him a grade on this paper, she is concerned the intellectual community will have the opinion that she supports his conclusions. Because he is 3 years ahead, his work will be scrutinized by the post secondary school he will be going to and every other institution that is actively recruiting him. I also think you don’t want his reputation tainted as an alarmist at the beginning of a very promising career. He is already getting an A in this course so I don’t see any upside in him branding himself this early in his career,”

David pipes up, “you don’t have to agree with my conclusions, that is the whole point. Ms. Jacobson is a Socialist, she is entitled to her opinion, I am a fiscal conservative Libertarian, I am entitled to mine. This whole course she has pushed her socialist ideology and most of the kids have lapped it up, not me.”

“David, there is no cause to be like that. We can suspend you and you would not graduate this year.”

“Really! I have already met every requirement for graduation and have passed every course. I seriously doubt that to be a credible threat. Plus, once I publish transcripts of all the recordings I took in class this year, you would only look petty anyways. Our outline says the course is a balanced examination of parliamentary politics and economic policies. None of that happened in the class this year. I wonder how many parents know their children are being taught socialism as the ideal political system?”

“Mr. Smit. Your son cannot blackmail us or this school. I demand that he turn over all those recordings. He has no right to record them.”

“Of course, he does, all the students record lessons and take pictures of the notes, with permission, from you. If there is anything on them you don’t want the public to hear, you should be worried. David is not blackmailing anyone, he, let me change that, we, are going to make what you teach public.”

“So, we are at a deadlock, says the Principle. Ms. Jacobson will mark your paper but she will include a short note that she disagrees with your conclusions. I do expect her to mark the paper on the quality of the work, not the opinion. Is that acceptable to you David? I suppose you recorded this meeting as well.”

“Looking at David Jason winkes and says to the Principle. “I guess you could suspend him and see if we did or not.”

“You know it is illegal to record a private conversation?”

“Under Section 184 of the criminal code it is, in fact illegal in Canada to possess or use hidden recording devices. The reason we can record our own conversations is the "one party consent" exception. We, being one of the parties to a conversation, consent to being recorded.”

“Sounds about right.” Says David. “Can we go now.”

“Yes, you are dismissed.” Turning to the teacher she says, “ MS Jacobson, could you please stay behind, I would like a word with you.”



Outside in the truck David looks over at his Dad. “Do you think Ms. Jacobson is in trouble?”

“No, Mrs. DeGroot knows what she teaches. They are just trying to figure out how to answer to the community when the one-sided teaching they have been doing gets out.”

Starting the engine, Jason lets the motor idle for about 30 seconds. He carefully backs out of the spot as he turns the wheels to the right. Once out of the spot he put it in gear and drive to the exit. At the exit he turns left but it takes every bit of self control for him to not leave a smoking black strip of rubber as he drives away. He is so mad.





July 2020



“look to your right, that’s MT Chem. We have not seen it from this angle. Looks different doesn’t it?”

David puts the binoculars to his face. “I can see some people up there; do you think they can see us?”

“Not likely, unless they knew where to look and you were moving. You could be wearing camo and it would be impossible to see you.”

They hiked south until they could see the Southwest end of Jones lake. They had been hiking for about 4 hours at this point. Jason points to a spot near the lake where someone has cut a table top into a very large fallen tree. Half a dozen stumps are stacked and could be easily used as stools. “Convenient,” thinks Alicia as she looks around the secluded but inviting campsite. “I bet you built this, didn’t you dad.?”

“You bet and I have a secret here I want to show you.” Jason takes several steps to the root formation that is three quarters exposed. At ten ft above ground, this tree was massive. He goes around what was once the bottom and pulls some roots and branches away and digs in the dirt with a small folding shovel he had in his pack. Within 10 minutes he exposes a piece of pressure treated plywood He puts the shovel under the edge and pries until one corner is loose. . Getting his fingers under the edge he pries until the plywood starts to come clear. Once the whole piece of plywood is loose he lifts it away, some debris and dirt falling into a man sized hole. Inside is a small cavern with about 3 inches of water on the ground, large enough for one person to enter. He crawls in and one by one he opens water tight plastic containers and exposes the contents for his kids to see.

First one contains camouflage clothes, neatly folded. The scent of mothballs permeating the air. He extracts hiking boots and examines them for signs of deuteriation. He also takes out several camouflaged backpacks, canteens, mess kits and holstered knives. Satisfied he folds everything up and neatly stacks it all back in and reseals the lid.

Cool, David says. “Hike up here in our street clothes and changeo we are now hunters. Come back and change into our clothes and now we are just regular hikers.”

“Exactly, there is a set for all of us, I will upgrade the sizes for you all this summer.” As he says this he opens the second airtight canister. Inside the smaller canister is an assortment of canned food and plastic containers filled with bags of dried beans, rice, coffee, spices and other things. Jason takes several plastic containers with dried food in them out and tosses them to the kids who catch almost all of them. They are all home prepackaged soups and stews,

“We are going to eat these for the next few days. I am going to replace them with new supplies next time I come up here.”

Looking at the date written on one of the containers, David asks. “How long has this been up here.?”

“Your mother and I built this hideaway in 2009. Last time we came up here was the summer of 2012 but I haven’t been here since. I will be updating all the supplies over the next few weeks. If you ever need to come here it will be ready. With that he swallowed and brushed away the tears forming on his face. Turning his face from his kids, opened the third and tallest water tight container. Inside were several long guns, AR15, a 12-gauge shotgun and several small caliber handguns. Boxes of ammunition a box of thunder flashes and some flares. After showing the items to the kids he stashes everything back away and reseals the lid.

After he climbs out of the hole he replaces the plywood and shovels the dirt back over it. Packing it down he then grabbs leaves and sticks and spreads them over the fresh dirt and stirs it with a stick. Next, he piles dead wood and replaces some of the roots. Stepping back, he whistles, “Never leave a trace when you leave. Bury, burn or carry out everything. I have bugout hideaways in several places. If things get bad enough I will make sure you all know where they are.”

With that he takes some white foam and puts it in a ring of rocks. This is for cooking and there is no visible smoke seen. There is plenty stored in the gun case if you ever need it. With that he hands Alicia and David a coffee pot and a large sauce pan and asks them to get some water.

As they are at the lake getting water, jack asks his dad, “Are you sure something bad is going to happen?”

“Without a doubt. We live in rural Canada, we only get to see the bad stuff happening on the news because it is where the large concentrations of people are. Daily demonstrations and frequent riots in Vancouver, almost every day I hear about street closures and transit delays because some group or other feels they need to get heard.

“Surrey and the larger suburbs are overrun with crime and violence. The government thought legalizing marijuana and then other soft drugs would be the answer but it only legitimized a way to placate the general public. The overdose epidemic claims 1000 lives a month now but people still use hard drugs. We now have UN troops patrolling our streets as peace keepers and enforcing curfews for everyone without a permit to be out after 11. Eventually that will spill out to us and when that happens, my fear is the rural population will not take the oppressive hand laying down.”

David and Alicia get within earshot with the water and Jason abruptly stops talking.

“What you guys talking about?” Asks David.

“Football,” says Jack.

“Not very likely,” says a frowning Alicia. “My school friends all think you are crazy dad. I am glad I am out of there. I walk down the hall and hear them whispering or everyone stops talking when I enter the rom. I never know if it is about you or David.

“Me I understand and I’m sorry but David, why?”

“Do you know how embarrassing it was to go to Grad ceremony with my boyfriend and my 15-year-old brother. They were taking bets on weather David or Aram were going to get the first dance.”

“I wasn’t 15 yet and I never went to the silly dance. I only went to the invocation and the commencement ceremony.”

“Right, my popular little brother giving the commencement speech, how embarrassing. Couldn’t even see him over the mike.”

“That is enough you two.” Jason interjected as he finished stirring the stew he had made. “You are going to different schools next year so lets just have a good weekend.”

“I am going to miss the little turd, he helped me get through both math and humanities. It kind of sucks being in the same class sometimes but it really helped my grades when we did our homework together.”

“you do realize, he never actually had homework, don’t you?”

Letting it drop, Alicia holds out her aluminum bowl for a helping of stew and rips off a piece of the French bread she had taken from her pack. Ripping off another piece she puts it on David’s plate and says, goanna miss you when you go to Cal Tech.”

2 Years tops. If I get to go over the summer as well 18 months. Might do like Bill Gates and drop out to start my own business.”

“They don’t have summer programs for Statistics.” Reminds Jason.

“Jessica’s school does. I can take summer school there.”

“They withdrew your scholarship offer and won’t allow you to even attend.”

“that’s crap, I got a 1560 sat score and perfect grades. Why would they do that?”

“Remember your extra credit paper. Their dean of admissions read it and deemed you an undesirable addition to the open minded, free thinking community. You’re lucky you got into Cal Tech. Your cousin Jessica has been kicked out and they wont even evaluate her masters Thesis. Apparently, she brought a firearm onto the campus. “

Finishing up they cleaned up their dishes and put everything back in the packs. Jason quickly does some calculations and determines he has only 2 days food for the three of them. He takes out the .22 he has, checks the magazine, chambers a round and puts the handgun in his holster with the safety on. “There will be wild turkeys along the way,” he thinks..

They chat amicably and cross over a still snow-covered pass to the north of Williams peak and travel east of Goat peak. As they come into a valley they can see an emerald green jewel knows as Greendrop lake. They trekk down the valley to the lake. “Its getting late, lets set up camp here.”

Quickly the kids set up one large and one small tent, all facing the firepit that is rapidly set up by Jason. He collects some deadwood and stacks it in a tepee pattern. Tossing some white cubes in, he lights them and laughs. “Nothing wrong with a little cheating when you have the right stuff.”

As the fire picks up he makes a spit and then skins the turkey he had slung across his back. He runs a metal rod from his pack through the bird and nestles it on the Y’s he had cut in the side supports. The fire crackles as the drips of fat start falling into it.

Later that night as the sun drops over the western mountains the 4 of them sit silently watching the fire. Conversation has been sparse as they are all painfully aware that this may be their last trip together. Soon all three would be in University and as they graduate they will all go on their way. Jason knows that something else is going to interrupt their annual trip but he doesn’t mention it.

He had received his notice in the mail this week. His acquisition and possession permit had been cancelled, just like every other Canadian who did not hold a United Nations permit. He was to Bring all his firearms to the local disposal facility to be destroyed and if he did it before the end of 2020 he would be issued a permit to own one hunting weapon, either a shotgun or a single action rifle. He was lucky though as he had purchased and secreted away more than 200 weapons over the last 15 years and not one of his secret caches had ever been found. He would turn in 20 or so and all his registered restricted weapons and that should make them happy.

“Time to get some shuteye guys.” With that they thoroughly doused the fire and buried the bones they had tossed in the fire a good 200 ft away. The boys all stripped to their t-shirts and shorts and slid into their bags.

“Ewww,” moaned Jessica as she slid into her tent and kneeling zipped it shut. Within minutes the entire crew was fast asleep.

“in what felt like mere minutes Jason was clanging his coffee cup against an aluminum pan, lets go guys.” Jessica got dressed with the zipper shut and the boys tumbled out and got dressed standing in front of the tent. They all went down to the lake with a towel and got cleaned up as Jason cooked some breakfast over the fire.

They all grabbed their mess tins and took some food, a chunk of bread and a cup of black coffee. “Where to today Dad? I would like to drop a line in here but if we are headed over to Flora the fishing is better there.” Asked Jack.

“I want to go to the south end of Chilliwack lake; the question is do we want to take the west side and go over MT Webb or do we want to take the East side where there will be less people if anyone. There are no actual trails south of Depot creek.

“I vote we go to the end using the Depot creek side and come back along the east trails.”

“I second that says Jessica. We can stop at the campground for a shower and a swim on the way back.”

“That’s 2 so far, what about you David?”

“Don’t care, both are brutal and in case nobody noticed I am half your size. You guys all take one step for every five I take.”

“Quit exaggerating David. You are the fittest one here, you ran a 17 minute 5 k last Sunday.”

” Not with 100 pounds on my back.”

“How about I take your sleeping bag bro?” asks Jack.”

“That would help, especially when we are climbing. You don’t mind?’

“Actually, I have to develop my quads some more, if I want to start next year I need to have a better 40, I am hoping you can help me there.”

“I can get some computer models and compare them with your muscular structure. We can set you up in a workout regimen to help with that. Your stride may need some tweaking as well. I know you can take a 1/10 off your currant time. To bad Alicia is not in her Physio therapy course yet, she would be able to get me some better programs.”

“I wouldn’t be getting you any programs, I would be getting them for me and setting up his training regimen myself. You aren’t the only one who can do smart things you know David. Jus because I didn’t get some big-time scholarship doesn’t mean I am stupid you know.”

“Hello there, dumb jock here. I just said I needed some help, I didn’t want to start world war three.”

They wrap up camp and clean their site. Once completed it would take an expert to even know a single person, let alone 4 people had camped here last night. With that, they head for an uneventful but very scenic trip up the east side of Chilliwack lake. Travelling down the gravel road that runs parallel to the lake they carry on a pleasant conversation as they all walk abreast on the rarely travelled road. For some unexplained reason Jason stops at a few covered areas where a person could hide or took a route where they could travel unobserved but nobody mentioned it. David quietly stored these locations in his mind.

Once the Chilliwack Lake Forrest begins to veer away from the lake, Jason guides them along a single file pathway to the mouth of Depot Creek where they stop for a break. David and Jack whip out their fishing rods and both head straight for the mouth of the river to try their luck. Jason puts some white cubes into a rock ring and puts a pot of water on to boil. Before it hits boiling David is running up the incline with a 3 or 4 lb cutthroat. Jason puts the pot aside and gets a small grill.

Excitedly, David thrusts his conquest into Jason’s face as he asks his dad to cook it for him. We have to clean it first son. Take this knife down to the water and do it like I showed you.

David looks at the fish and back at his dad. “Can you do it, its kind of gross.”

“I’ll do it,” chimes in Alicia. But I get to help eat it too.”

” Deal,” shouts David as he runs down to the lake, hook swinging.

As Alicia is cleaning the fish and the two more brought by the boys, Jason cannot help think that even though David was so mature in some areas, he was still a boy and actually a couple years behind his peers in some areas of maturity. “I sure hope he is okay at Cal Tech.” He says to an unseen person in front of him.

Jason decides that as today was such a long day they would stop here for the night so they set up camp and sit around a small campfire as they enjoy the wilderness and each others company. In the morning Jason lets them sleep a little longer and wakes them up at about 8.

As they all come back from the river he points to the fish and oatmeal on the now dying fire. They dig in and eat ravenously and each takes a cup of black coffee. At nine they break camp and once again leave no trace of ever being there.

In single file they continue south along the shore of Chilliwack lake until they reach the mouth of the southern leg of the Chilliwack river. By now it is about noon and Jason turns them south to walk along the Chilliwack river. About 3 Kms. later they are now in the USA. Jason knows this but the kids don’t.

As they approach Little Chilliwack campground they hear, “Halt, hands up.” They all stop instantly and slowly raise their hands.

Saying nothing Jason waits as two men quietly converse. Having decided, one man says. “You there, the old guy, turn around, slowly.”

Jason slowly turns around, hands in the air. He sees two men, late 20’s, dressed in military combat fatigues with no visible military markings but a prominent US flag over the left breast. Both carrying assault rifles.

“What are you doing here?”

“Hiking. We came around Chilliwack lake. Looking for a way to cross the river. Jason hands him the map he was holding”

“Bridge is near the lake, why are you down here?”

“Must have missed it because we were about a km from the lake when we were heading east.”

“drop the packs and keep you hands up” says the older one. Nate, you cover them, I am going to check out their bags.”

With that he quickly rifles through them and gives each of them a quick pat down. “nothing here,” he says. “Nate, you can rest easy, just a bunch of campers who don’t know they are in the USA.”

“OK, here is what you do, turn your asses around and head back north. You will get to the bridge right at the mouth. Handing back the map, he points to the parallel line, “this is Canada, this is the USA. Stay the f*** on that side of the line, I am not nearly so friendly the second time. Got it?”

An hour later Jason stops them at the point they had turned south. He fishes around a small pile of rocks and retrieves his gun and holster. Tucking them away in his bag he tells the kids they are going to stop here and grab a small break.

Alicia speaks up, “not really tired, why are we stopping?”

“Those men we just encountered are volunteer Minuteman. They are only supposed to report and direct the authorities to potential threats but what you just saw was what they actually do. We were in the US a long time before they arrived and we were probably on their heat signature sensors before we even crossed the border. What that means is that if you were to take off at a run as soon as you got to the US boarder you could most likely make it to the Mt Baker junction in about 4 hours. With a heat reflecting blanket over your shoulders you could probably walk there undetected. I have some in the stash at Jones lake. Once you are a few kms inside the US you could ditch the blanket and carry on. They are looking for drug mules and illegals, not white people who speak English so you should be okay. Carry your US passports if you need to come this way.

“Why are you telling us this Dad?” Says a confused looking Alicia.

“There may come a time when we need to escape and if I am not with you, each of you needs to know what to do. As US/Canadian citizens you only have to get into the US to get US protection but if there is a reason to escape, they will stop you at the border.”

“You are just being paranoid dad.”

“I sincerely hope so but if it does happen this is plan green drop. Depending on where you are, one of you may be able drive across the border and get the other two at the Baker Junction. Use your US passport to cross and wait at the Shuksan Picnic area. Cell phone reception is good there and also most of the way from the Chilliwack river to there. I hope it does not come to that.”

Jason clenches his fist and raises his hand, “forward.” He grabs his pack and slings it over his shoulder. They should make MT Web by supper so he is in pretty good spirits.

One by one, the kids all sling their packs up and start out towards MT Webb. They stop once for a quick bite and a drink at a clear cool stream. After they have filled their canteens they push on and make camp at Mt Webb.

“Only a 4 hour hike to Chilliwack lake campground in the morning, 3 for this crew, “thinks Jason. As they walk he says ”I have someone meeting us at Chilliwack lake tomorrow. We are going to spend a few days there and drive out with them.”

Next morning, they get up and have a quick breakfast but this time there is no lake or river nearby so they wash up the best they can, once again leaving no trace of their passing.

“Can’t wait to hit those showers,” Alicia says as they cross the bridge at the trail head. Jason leads them into the campground and to a double site with two motorhomes and several tents set up.

Jessica is the first to see them trudging down the road. “They're here,” she shouts as she runs to give Jason a hug, Uncle Jason, “I am so happy to see you”. Letting go she turns to David, you’ve grown and look at your hair. If you want it cut, I can do it this weekend.

"I am growing it long again. Wait until you hear what happened at school." 

Alicia says, “Hi cous. Great to see you, Got a million questions for you.”

Jack walks right by and into the campsite and says “howdy.” He heads between the two motorhomes and drops his pack in a safe looking location. Around the site a few of the family are either fussing with setup, making a fire or getting food ready. Alana, who is like a second mother to him,  greets Jack and points to some coffee brewing.

“Rather have a beer if we have any.”

“Cooler at back of my camper.”

Jacks takes a beer and asks, “who else is here?’

"My new roomie, Cheryl. Jessica’s friend, Brad. Pedro and Melisa and their twin boys, Diego and Luis. Nick is joining us tomorrow." 

“How long is everyone staying?”

“We have the sites booked until next Friday.”


     End of Part 2

[forthteller]

Part 3



Chapter 19



The end is near



Nov 3, 2020



“I can’t thank you all enough, this is not just a win for Jonathon Connolly, this is a win for you and for the American people. As a Democrat and as an American I can promise you that we will make America civil again. We will build bridges, we will mend fences and we will bring America back together again. We will banish hate and prejudice from the continent of North America.”

“With the mandate you the American people have given us we will bring about equality. Equality for women, for the LGBT community, for every minority, for all immigrants. For those who have overcome hurdles to make it to America we will make this a safe country. From now on, all of America will be a safe zone. No longer will cities and states be penalized for doing what is right and what is fair. We will take their cue and follow their example.”

“With a majority house and now a majority in the senate we can not only promise better things we can deliver. (Long pause) Without partisan politics, policies that are fair and equal will be instituted in the United States of America. We can undo the mistakes the previous administration made and we will have peace.”



Jonathon paces across the stage as his acceptance speech lasts for almost an hour. He was born to do this and the best part, he had a blank check. All 3 houses, nothing to stop a bold new agenda and best of all, no consequences. For the first time in history a politician would be able to keep all his campaign promises and there will be no opposition to stop him. Not only would the Democrats not suffer the consequences of four years of fiscal mismanagement, they would help usher in the new unified world government. As he ponders the opportunity, he flips a poker chip in his left hand, one of seven. A new beginning, one of order, one of prosperity, one of control.







United States 2020 Election Results



The republican party has been dealt a grievous blow by the American people. Loosing more than 100 electoral votes they have now been reduced to little more that onlookers as the Democrats won 322 electoral votes with less than 42 percent of the popular vote. The republican decision to not back a sitting president backfired as he not only ran as an independent but took almost 20 percent of the popular vote and 41 college votes.



In the senate, the democrats won 19 of the available class 2 seats giving them a majority in the senate with 53 seats to the republicans 45 and 2 independents.



With a Democrat house, A Democrat Senate and a Democrat President there is nothing the Republicans can do but regroup and wait for the midterms and attempt to regain control of the house of representatives. It will take years to heal the division within the party and they must start immediately.





March 3rd 2021



In a privately-owned hotel in Lausanne, Marisa de Souza tosses her black marked chip into the ornately decorated 15th century porcelain bowl. One by one the other members toss theirs in as well. Six men sit around a table with one woman at the head.

All the regular security protocols had been taken, the room swept by two different agents, the glass covered, all the cameras off, security on high alert.

This meeting was supposed to be in December but was almost two months late because it had to happen after the presidential Inauguration. This time, one of the members, a very important man, was soon to learn that not everyone in the group was happy with his decisions. Because of his station he had to be on vacation in France and sneak out under the noses of the finest security in the world. Fortunately, the hotel he was staying in had a myriad of secret passageways known only to a very select few people still alive and soon to even fewer. A feigned sickness and a wife who was on a humanitarian tour in Africa were the cover necessary for his absence.

“What were you thinking. You were to be in a senior advisor role, not as the head of the whole fucking country. How do you think we keep a lid on this when the security around you is so tight?”

“It happened too fast. The Me-too movement evolved from sexual harassment by men against women to include men against men and finally against women who had used sex to attain advancement and favor. Our candidate had not one, not two but 5 men and 2 women who come forward. They alleged that they had given her promotions, assistance, loans and even a disappearing police file in exchange for sex or other favors. The American public now kills careers with only a single allegation, we simply could not silence enough people to put a lid on this one.” He looked worried as he shuffled in his plush wingback chair.

“We vetted the other nominees as well and every one had something the other side could exploit. I was the only person who had been so thoroughly vetted and protected and there was absolutely no chance the right could find a crack. We needed a sweep if we want to move our agenda, anything less would have delayed everything four more years.”

Standing, he looked directly at the oldest member in the room. “Some of us do not have that long.”

That member slams his fist on the table, “do not presume to be my physician you arrogant little puissant.” He takes a gulp of air, “you had several dalliances we had to cover up in the last 10 years. How would your wife like it if she knew you preferred boys? The bombing in that Boston hotel last spring cost how many lives? Don’t presume to lecture us on morality.”

“I move to remove him from the council and replace him with one of the people on this list. We have retained enough information about his actions in the last ten years to insure cooperation with whoever we place in his position. With that he passes a note with five names on it to the head of the table.”

A tall thin 50sh man across the table says, “I disagree, he did what was necessary to ensure that our plan go ahead. With enough caution we can continue as we have. He may not be able to meet with us in person but there are secure electronic methods to enable him to attend our meetings.”

A portly man, late 40s interjects. “more intricate details equal more opportunities of a leak. We all voted ten years ago that we would never meet separately, in out private lives or with any members absent. If he were to be ejected I would say we vote as five, whoever is chair does not vote. No new people, not now, we are too close.”

The man next to the speaker adds, “I agree, we have the resources to insure silence but keeping our friend here on the council is too risky. There are three of us here who could easily put our names forward for a senior post and information could be passed that way. With 25 years in the CIA, I personally could stand for the Security advisor post and even the Republicans would have a difficult time rejecting my nomination.”

Without reading it, Marisa de Sousa burns the list of names she has and asks, “do we have anything else to add, we have three more members who have not expressed any opinions on this issue.”

“I think he has violated one of the most sacred tenants of our order and should be expelled. Were he not in the position he currently occupies I would be in favor of extreme expulsion but he has not left us that option.”

“I agree, I could be president by now in my own country but because my loyalty is to this council I am only a general. This suggests that the 2 times a year we meet is not sufficient to strategize. Lots of our other goals are also off the rails because each of us has our own agenda. It is time to recommit to our common goal and our common loyalty. We need to remember what we are in this room for. To save the world from itself.”

“I think we have all had enough to say, I say we vote on the issue? Do we remove 5 from the council and replace him with another, remove him and don’t replace him or leave him on council and find other ways to include him?”

“Remove.”

“Remove and replace.”

“I get to stay.”

“Remove.”

“Remove and replace.”

“Remove and replace.”

“We have three to remove and two to remove and replace, I vote we remove and replace as well. The motion is carried. President Connelly, you are no longer a member of this council. You will however preform your duties as the president of the United States, with our guidance. You will nominate our friend for your security advisor and you will get him that position. We will communicate to you through him. I believe our member to my right has some parting words.”

“As you leave, remember that every indiscretion I have covered up for you has been carefully documented. Not only that, your heroism in the Marines will be exposed, for the cowardice it was., I hope you remember the faces of the families you presented the flag to. Imagine if they knew it was you who sent their loved ones to certain death so a military contractor who guaranteed to finance your Governors campaign could replace that squad. We also have evidence and documentation for every crime your family has committed over the last 50 years. You need to remember that not only you but your family and your family’s legacy would be destroyed if we allowed this information into the medias hands. You fail us and we will continue, you on the other hand will not.”

“You may leave.”

With that, the President of the United States gets up and leaves. Feeling like a 12-year-old who has just been whipped for looking at girly magazines he proudly closes the door behind him, as seeds of hatred grow. Under his breath he swears, “they will regret this humiliation.”

After he leaves and the door is closed, Marisa de Sousa gets up and locks the door. “Do you believe you can keep him on a leash,” she asks the Director of the CIA.

“A year, maybe a year and a half. He is already thinking about how he can survive this. My hope is that he is expecting us to let him finish his term but if we give him 4 years he will crack.”

The tall man comments, “Can we rely on the Vice President?”

The CIA Director leans back and clasps his hands together. “That is the beauty here my friends, he is the man who should have been nominated. Squeaky clean, popular, ambitious, and a big fan of the United Nations.”

“do we have anything to control him?”

“Like I said, he is perfect. We don’t have to control him, he is a socialist, which is why he hasn’t been nominated. But he is so popular the party decided to capitalize on his popularity and really thump the Republicans. They never expected he might be the president and by the end of 8 years he will be way too old to ever run for President.”

The portly man interjects. “So, we leave the President in place unless he starts deviating?”

“I don’t think that is necessarily the case, it is a little too suspicious if the President meets an untimely accident too early in his tenure. I can stay close and look for an opportunity after his first year. There well be plenty by then as he will have grown complacent. We will need to watch him closely because we cannot afford to have him slip and get exposed. I will take care of that.”

“Anyone opposed to this course of action?” Says Marisa de Sousa.

Seeing none she looks at the oldest man and asks “how we are doing in meeting our meet population goals.”

“Still births are up drastically throughout most of Africa, the WHO is aware of the numbers but cannot identify the cause. We have yet been unable to duplicate the method in India and other developing countries. They have multiple sources of water in most communities so unless every water source was treated they would quickly identify the cause.”

“We retrieved a strain of anthrax that is over 75 years old from the Russian incident in 2016. With minor modifications we could infect the three fox species in Nepal with a longer incubating strain. I have been told that if we do, the anthrax could spread into India and other neighboring countries.It would take months before the World Health Organization identified the strain and created a vaccine for it.”

“We are working on other viruses and have teams at every ice field and mountain where the ice is receding. I am confident we will find something or can plant something that will have the desired effect.”

“you have 2 years, if you have not achieved significant reductions I will use my methods,” Says Marisa de Sousa.

“Your methods cost valuable land and resources. Sometimes for hundreds of years.”

“right now, there is an all out civil war in Venezuela, where the bankrupt nation is refusing UN aid. Columbia is embroiled in a cartel war. A civil war is taking shape as resistance groups, who are tied of government inactivity, are organizing and are already starting to get the attention of corrupt government officials. We are, of course, arming the resistance groups.”

“Brazil is requesting a UN presence. It is perilously close to not being able to service its debt. The widening gap between the extreme poverty stricken and the rich is the cause of daily protests and riots. It will be easy to have this one explode.”

A balding man with a German accent speaks up. “How do we know which countries are close to bankruptcy?”

The portly man next to him clears his throat. “An economist in the USA developed an economic model and published it in 2017. He has been right with every prediction so far. We started using his model to know which countries are next and which ones are needing a little push.”

“Can we get him on board? “

“We don’t need to. The real brain behind the models is a student. Jessica Richardson. We had an asset at the college but she botched a simple frame up so we had to clean up the mess. This girl has been expelled from the school for a serious violation but I have not found out what the violation was. We are going to have to take a risk and pick her up, but I don’t know if we can convince her to freely her help us.”

The balding man asked another question. “when we have all the western nations ready to come in, how do we deal with all the monetary issues of all the indebted nations? We can’t just wipe the slate clean, can we?”

“Why not. We get populations under control, put structures in place so they can’t mismanage their economies again and enforce peace.”

“Even with a population of 3 billion we still need some good economic minds to manage the economy and I doubt the currant group who got themselves into this mess have the ability to guide the new order. I think we need to look at the small group of economists who have been trying to alert governments to the debt crisis.”

The balding man drops a massive report onto the table. “I have a report here from a 15-year-old Canadian kid. I have seen less thorough doctoral thesis and he just started at Cal Tech this year. He not only uses a model similar to Rodgers he expanded on it to account for larger economies and even predicted when the entire world economic system could collapse. So far, he has been right in the short time since he wrote this report and I am certain he is right on the world economic collapse as well. Interesting, he is not going to Cal Tech for economics, he is taking Software engineering and statistics.”

“So, when does he think it will happen?”

The balding man flips the pages of the report. “You could read it for yourself but in a nutshell, they all expect Germany to fall before the end of 2021, under the weight of supporting all the other insolvent regimes it was inevitable. Canada will follow before the end of the year. Rodger’s and Richardson predict US to fall early in 2222 but the kid thinks otherwise.”

“How so.”

“Kind of the too big to fail in my opinion. The kid thinks that the US owes as much as 50% of its external debt to China and they will just renege and attempt to strongarm the Chinese into reducing their debt unilaterally.”

“So, the kids knows politics too. Where would he get a hairbrained idea like that?”

The old man interjects, “Stop and think about it. They outnumber the weapons the Chinese have, the aircraft, the tanks and of course the nuclear arsenal. Not to mention the discontinued but not actually discontinued Star Wars defense net. China really has no cards to play. No country will support their pleas for fairness, they stand alone. Russia can’t help. Since the Gorbachev assassination, Russia has had a bloody power struggle and it is looking like our man is backing the right candidate, Leonov. If that happens, we will be able to bring Russia in within 5 years.”

The balding man, engrossed in his explanation continues on “Anyways, back to the kid. He thinks the world could just push a reset and he references the bible in his conclusion.” Looking at the tall thin man he asks, “have you ever heard of the year of jubilee?”

With a smile he chuckles.” The kid has guts, I have to give him that. Comes from the Old Testament. Every 50 years all debts were cancelled, all land was returned to the original owners, all slave contracts were cancelled and all business contracts were cancelled. They wiped the slate clean, every fifty years! The Israelites were commanded to do this every 50 years and for a few centuries they did. Unfortunately, greed, selfishness, laziness and outside forces all conspired to do away with the year of Jubilee. Good on paper, not in practice.”

“Continuing on,” the balding man who is one of the richest capitalists in the world, “These are the kinds of minds we need, few if any will work with us. We will need to encourage them, with other means if necessary. It will take 10 years at least before everyone understands that what we are doing is in the best interests of us all.”

The portly man who owns the largest Pharmaceutical company in the world, says, “Do we let the kid finish school before we pick him up. We need an economic plan in place when we institute common currency and I think a fresh mind like his would be a great addition.”

“He is not even studying economics. We will watch him for another year, see what he does.”

Marisa de Sousa loudly clears her throat. “Okay, we are up to date with the west, what is happening with the east. The Chinese will not get on board and if we destabilize the west too much, they may decide it is an golden opportunity. Especially if the US insults them by reneging on their debt. They also stand to lose the most when we cancel all world debt.”

“North Korea suspended its nuclear program when that little accident happened in 2019 so we had to get some technology in there to speed up their program once they started up again. They are now capable of launching a warhead that can hit the US. We can redirect those missiles with our own equipment without the North Koreans even knowing it. And we can launch them remotely as well.”

Marisa de Sousa says, “I think our best chance is to get the east looking inward while we take over. A protracted nuclear war between China and North Korea would easily do it and also contribute to our population goal. Korea needs to do the first strike or we need to instigate something that will make it look like they did. The one thing I cannot count on is what the Russians will do, will they support china or north Korea or will they stay out of it. Unless our man gains control we may have to intervene there.”

The balding man pipes in, “Russia is not a problem, we have been supplying hundreds of tons of drugs and a large percentage of the population is now addicted. We could spike the product if we need to and we would have at least a week before they were able to react.”



They break for lunch in an adjoining room where they all avoided any interaction. After they all had something to eat they returned to the meeting room where they once again discussed goals, plans and expenses.

“I motion to adjourn” says the old man.

Marisa de Sousa holds up her hand. “We have to deal with the empty seat first. I think we need to each bring a list of candidates, have them researched thoroughly and watch them all. It should take a couple of years to find a replacement.”

The CIA man speaks up, “We have already been grooming several candidates, what is wrong with them?

“Put them on your list. I think none of them have developed or is as highly placed as they need to be.”

Sighing, “my preference is to only take groomed candidates but I will take a look at any others. No more than 2 per member though. Every investigation invites potential for questions.”

“All in favor?” 6 yes and 1 abstain. Motion passed.

"Next meeting to be planned and organized by the black dot chip holder. To my right you may draw first.”

They all draw chips and without letting anyone see, they pocket it or place it in their purse. There is still one in the bowl so Marisa de Sousa takes it out and shows it to all, no dot. The portly man has the dot but he does not yet know it. He will as soon as he has an opportunity to examine it in private and so will the person who has secretly activated the security camera in the elevator. 

[freebirde]

Plans within plans. Schemes within schemes. Keep telling forth, Forthteller!

[poppa]

I LIKE HOW YOUR MIND WORKS!

[forthteller]

Feb 7, 2018 15:52:37 GMT -6 freebirde said:

Plans within plans. Schemes within schemes. Keep telling forth, Forthteller!

Luckily for us the dishonest and the power mongers devour one another during and after their nefarious deeds. Contrary to myth, there is no honor among thieves.

[forthteller]

Chapter 20



The end is here



World debt March 16, 2021 63,453,655,346,794

US unemployment more than 11.2 percent

Inflation rate, 1.9 percent

US fed rate. 5.5%

USA credit rating, Standard and Poor’s. BB+





Here are a few of the most striking American debt statistics according to a March 2021 Nerdwallet Report.

• The total pool of consumer debt has surpassed $1.79 trillion.

• The median student loan debt for a person who has attended some college or graduated from college is more than $56,000.

• The average household credit card debt is about $6,000 with the median debt at more than $21,000.

• The average mortgage debt is nearly $184,000.

• The average auto loan exceeds $32,000.

• Personal loans and other miscellaneous debt are more than $10,650 per household.

• The total average of debt combined (including those who have no debt at all) is $148.5 thousand per household.

•

The Finance report. April 2, 2021



The Dow closed today at 12,786, a level it hasn’t seen since 2012. With unemployment at a 12 year high and struggling sales in every sector, investor confidence is dropping dramatically. Several of the largest companies on the market are in, or close to bankruptcy. Lack or investor confidence only compounds the problems. Many corporations are at a standstill, failing to secure investment to fund growth or to buy out struggling competition. As a result, even healthy companies are unable to take advantage of reduced competition.



With the fed rate now at 5.5 percent, investors are putting their money into cash as returns are perceived as being safer and returns are frequently better than even more risky stocks. With deposit insurance of 250,000 per depositor, per bank many investors have deposits in several banks and under several companies. In this this decade, cash is king. Several banks are on shaky ground due do losses related to bad debts, should more than 1 fail the federal Government will be on the hook for billions.



Personal bankruptcies are up for the third year in a row.

Foreclosures are up across the board. Courts are backlogged and the frequent government shutdowns delay them further. In some cases, people have been able to live in their homes for up to 3 years without paying anything and banks have inventories hundreds of pages long in most communities.

In Canada, home prices have dropped so fast that banks are no longer repossess homes and opt instead to sue, in hopes of recovering a larger amount of the money owed. In both countries, record high prices and easy mortgages look to swamp the major banks and with no liquidity, the governments of both countries will not be able to bail them out this time.



Chrysler corporation has attempted to restructure under chapter 11 but it has too much debt and none of its creditors are willing to support them. They will be forced into chapter 7 bankruptcy by the end of April. With over 100,000 cars in inventory, the hit to the rest of the industry will be extreme as the discounted cars will bite heavily into the already shrinking market. Auto makers will be forced to either reduce production or discount their already small margins in order to maintain sales. General Motors is also in serious trouble, if they fail as well, the USA will have only 1 automaker.





World News Today



The world Health organization, already weakened by massive reductions in government funding has be overwhelmed by 2 different health catastrophes.

What is thought to be a Zoonotic virus is rapidly spreading through Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is a severe and highly fatal disease caused by a virus from the same family as the one that causes the Ebola virus. These viruses are among the most virulent pathogens known to infect humans and are thought to have been initially spread by foxes in the mountains of Nepal but have become airborne and are now spread from person to person. The virus has mutated so rapidly, treatments for early infections are no longer effective only 60 days after the first cases were identified. The fatality rate is near 60 percent but the survivors are resistant to new strains so it is not thought the virus will backtrack through a weakened population. At latest count, hundreds of millions are infected, over 50 million dead already and the real catastrophe will be coming as almost all water supplies and food is contaminated by the virus and new diseases carried by dead and rotting remains. Humanitarian aid can only be dropped by air as workers cannot even enter the country for fear of contracting the original virus or one caused by the already dead. Cases of the disease have been found throughout the world but quarantine measures have so far contained outbreaks elsewhere.



In Africa, another spate of Ebola is rearing its ugly head. This strain is once again blamed on bats who infect monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas. In turn humans are contracting the disease by handling them or eating their meat. But that does not account for the high infection rate in urban areas where few people eat the meat or hand the animals thought to spread the infection. This particular strain has high intrinsic evolvability. It mutates very quickly and it replicates itself as it recombines its own genetic material. So far, the disease has been localized to only Nigeria, Benin and Ghana. Isolated cases have been found in a few other places but they have been quarantined and treated with good success.





Legislation passed in the first 12 months of President Jonathon Connolly

These are only brief summary of pertinent bills.



HR 2845

The US will grant leave to the United Nations to establish an embassy in New York, NY. The embassy will have diplomatic status and will have a maximum-security compliment of 2000 armed soldiers. The UN campaigned for 5000 with 2000 peacekeepers coming from the USA, 500 from Canada and 1000 from Mexico but the President vowed to veto the bill because in his words “US soldiers on US soil will wear US uniforms and be commanded by US leaders.” Marisa de Sousa was quoted as saying she was “very sorry but the United States president will come to regret his stance.”





HR 2973

Mandatory screen checks and a currant valid firearms acquisition permit are now required to purchase any firearm. Dealers are required to check the permit number against the currant database and all serial numbers are to be recorded and entered along with the permit holders number. Data entry is required daily.



HR 2974

All automatic weapons are now illegal to purchase or possess. An amnesty will exist until December 31, 2020 after which, use and possession is a felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in a federal institution.



S5400

Marijuana, hashish and oils will become legal in the United States of America on Jan 1st 2021. Each state will determine the rules about production, distribution and interstate trade with regard to these products.

Each state is to determine its own tax regime but Standard federal tax applies as with all controlled substances.

Effective January 1st, 2021 All soft drugs are now legal to possess in personal quantities. A complete list and quantities are listed in addendum 2:13



S54065

The United States revenue service will institute a guaranteed minimum income payable to all US citizens, landed immigrants and legal refugees. These payments will be added to the income of every recipient and will be taxed at regular rates. Failing to file a tax return will result in no further payments until the tax return is filed.

The money to fund this program will come from state transfers that were previously designated for the purpose of Distribution to citizens on welfare, Social Security and Old age security will also be rolled into the program. Food stamps and other aid will also be rolled into the program.







SS 4093

The United states will expropriate buildings where banks own more than 50 percent of the units. These units will be converted into social housing. A partnership between the federal, state and municipal governments will pay the banks and any residents who still own the units the fair currant market value. All currant residents, be they owners or previous owners awaiting eviction, will be given first right of refusal to the social housing units. Unit size and family composition will be matched. Rents will be geared to income and will be deducted directly from the guaranteed minimum income.

[forthteller]

Chapter 21



Jessica and Brad



June 1, 2021

Jessica pulls into a parking spot near the elevator. “Unusual,” she thinks. This parking area is reserved for the office staff and management of the fashion retailor she works at and it is usually full. The store opens 2 hours after the office so she usually has to park at the far end of the parkade. “Where is everyone?”

She has been on holidays with her family for the last two weeks and wasn’t aware of any corporate outings. As she is an hour early, she decides to head up to the office and check on sales figures. Six stores have closed this year and 4 the year before. With only 14 outlets the company no longer has the buying power to bring in some of the big lines so they have attempted to reposition themselves to a younger more professional cliental. To little too late, thinks Jesica.

Getting off the elevator she approaches the reception desk but doesn’t recognise the man sitting there. “Hello there. I am Jessica Richardson, I am sorry, I don’t recognize you.”

“I’m with the receiver, I am supposed to get the keys and pass cards of all the staff. Can I get yours please?”

“I’m not with head office, I work in the store at the mall level. I have been on holiday, I didn’t even know there was a problem with finances. Is there anyone from the company here?”

“Your VP finance, and the comptroller are meeting with our people but I doubt they want to be interrupted.”

“I guess the stores are locked as well?”

“We closed them all this morning.”

“Will we be getting final checks and severance?”

“I don’t know. I am only watching the desk. Until they are done with their meeting and a full auditing of the books, nothing gets paid or removed.”

“Can I go in the store and collect my personal belongings then?”

“Locks have been changed, nobody goes in or out until audit is done.”

“I guess that’s it then.” Jessica says as she is pretty certain she has nothing of value in her locker. She had already gotten her vacation pay so all they owed her was severance and knowing what she has learned from Brad, she will get nothing.

On the way down the elevator she calls Brad to let him know what has happened. “you will never guess who is out of work today?”

“Let me guess, you quit?”

“Nope. Company went chapter 7, I didn’t know their financial problems were that bad. I wonder what happened? They never let me in on their actual accounting department numbers so I was only involved in the marketing side. May have been the cost of shutting down the non productive stores and severance packages, possibly repositioning themselves was too much. Most likely, over leveraged their capital and nervous suppliers cut off credit.”

Brad starts up his usual mantra, “Debt, its always debt. When the debt gets too high a company or individual must rely on their steady revenue sources. If any hiccup happens and revenue shrinks the debtor cannot service the debt.

“Most couples need two incomes to pay bills. When one gets laid off or even gets their hours cut they cannot service their debt and frequently use credit to service their debt, causing even bigger problem. Only inflation can diminish debt if minimum or less payments are made and inflation is almost non existent now, I don’t know anybody who has had a raise in years. Same with companies. They were leveraged to the max and could afford the debt but with shrinking revenues many cannot afford to pay even the interest.”

“Thanks for the lecture, you know you are talking to an economist.”

“Economics major dropout, you mean.”

“Actually, I finished my Masters thesis and the university must accept it after I got the court injunction. I will get my degree. A year late but the paper is in the mail. I am not allowed on campus and I don’t get to go to any grad ceremonies but I will get the paper.”

“Too bad, I was looking forward to the dinner and dance.”

“How do you know I was taking you?”

“Me or Jack, you have kind of limited your options.”

“I will have you know, I do have a social life that does not include you two clowns.”

“Deceive yourself if you want, your first love is your numbers and without us you would have no human contact at all. You coming up to my retreat this weekend?”

“planning on it, who else is coming?”

“Usual gang. I Have a second trailer there now so us guys don’t have to sleep in the sea can anymore.”

“Is it going to be permanent.”

“Jack and I are going to connect it up to the other trailer and make it one but for now it has no amenities, just a bunch of beds. David is going to be there too”

“Did you get your gun registration notice from the government yet? They put something on my record from the set up at college two years ago. Because of that my permit is cancelled. They won’t return my gun and now I cannot buy another one. Such bullshit.”

“Everyone I know has had theirs cancelled. That deal I had when we were in high school is on mine but because of my work I am allowed to carry as long as I am on duty, which is always. I Have to bring in all my assault weapons though. They sent me a list of the ones they say I have. I have to wonder how long records have been kept and how they even knew. One gun they say I have, I sold 5 years ago and now I have to swear an affidavit and give the name of the person I sold it to.”

Jessica sighed. “Just like in Canada, only the criminals and the government get to have guns. Gotta run, going over to see my human friend, Sarah.”

Before she hangs up two men in dark suits approach her. She says quietly into the phone, “don’t hang up Brad, something is happening, record this.” She slips the still connected phone into her pocket.

Without even thinking, Brad sets the phone to record. “Ms. Richardson’ we have a warrant for your arrest.”

“Who are you?”

“Agents Hale and Walls. National security,” the agent says showing her his ID an passing her the warrant.”

Jessica reads the agents number, the warrant and the warrant number aloud before one of the agents says, “stop her, she is recording this.” At that, they attempt to grab her, she squirms away and runs towards the parkade exit.”

As she runs she describes one of the pursuers. “Black, mid thirties, clean shaven. military haircut.” As she exits the parkade, another black SUV screeches to a halt, men jump out and grab her. Last thing Brad hears is, “she is recording, grab it.”



Two days later, Brad, Max and Michael Wise are in the police station with the precinct captain and his lead detective. “I don’t know what else to tell you. Every video feed and every camera were wiped clean and the only witnesses who saw anyone also gave the same description as the one you recorded. The warrant number was not even in a format any federal or state authority uses. The badge numbers do not correspond with any forces we can find. We have nothing. If I were to guess, she was kidnapped by foreign agents posing as US agents but from our voice analysts the voices were all American and local. We have called in the FBI but they have what we have, Nothing. If we are lucky, someone got it on dashcam so we are airing that on todays news. The FBI have some other ideas but they aren’t sharing.”

“What about Dr. Rodgers?”

“He is missing too. We sent officers to his house the day she disappeared but it looks like he has been missing for several days at the least. His cats hadn’t been fed and he had at least a week’s mail in his box. His phone has not been used for over as well. His computer is missing and sever journals from his personal library.”

The captain looks at three of them, “I don’t get it, we have received no ransom or demands for them. Do any of you know why someone would want to kidnap them?”

Steve raps his knuckle on the table, “I told you on day one, this is connected to the attempted set up with the guns in her trunk two years ago but you dismissed that. Is it worth a look now?”

The lead detective responds, “We did look into it and we are certain it is connected. Everyone involved who we think may know something is missing or we cannot identify them.” Placing video captures in front of them, “do you recognize any of these people?”

“Brad looks at the pictures. That looks like the lady who organized the protest, Jessica took a picture and showed it too me.”

“do you have a copy?”

Brad takes out his phone and flips through his pictures. He stops at the picture of the protest leader and then to the man who stopped Jessica from entering the building and then a couple more of the whole group. “She sent these to me before she even knew her car was vandalised. She thought they were a bunch of idealists at the time.”

The Captain passes a card to Brad, “can you transfer those files to thise email account on here.”

Brad transfers the files to the account. The captain stands up and opens the door. “Sargent, some photos were just sent to the lab, I want those images printed and searched immediately. I want to know who every one of those people are.”

As they are talking, the Sargent comes back with several enlarged photos and hands them to the Captain. “The captain looks at them, do we know who everyone here is yet?”

“Most are students at the college, we have files on all of them but there are three we are still searching right now.” The Sargent closes the door and heads back to the lab. By the time he gets there the three pictures have been identified. They were all open murder investigations in three different cities. All without any leads.”

“He races back and without knocking opens the door and tosses the report on the table in front of the captain. This is way bigger than this department, all out of state. This is something the FBI needs to be in on.”

Before he finishes, a commotion is going on in the front area of the police precinct. The Captain gets up and opens the door to see what is going on. Several official looking men women are in the the front reception area. Thrusting a National Security document into the hand of the precinct captain the leader says, we are taking over this case, my men are going to review and take every pertinent piece of information you have.” Looking directly at the Captain, “you are not to investigate, interfere or even discuss this case with anyone. You three, sit back down.”

Michael Wise, Jessica’s lawyer, pipes in. “You cannot hold us, we have our rights and you have no cause. We are leaving guys.”

“Marshal, stop these men from leaving! “He looks straight at the lawyer, “You have no rights here, this a matter of national security, I do not need probable cause, I don’t need a warrant and I can detain you for as long as I deem necessary. Phones out and any other electronic devices. Take their notes and search them all.”

By now, Brad and Max have resigned themselves to wait out the feds but Michael is not and he pushes his legal argument. The senior federal agent shouts to one of the agents, “put this man under arrest for resisting.” Michael does not stop demanding his civil rights as he is dragged out the front and into a waiting black SUV. Max has already dialed his office and is talking to one of the partners before his phone is snatched away and he too is arrested and taken to a second black SUV.

Brad sits, anchored to his seat, not knowing what to do. Fortunately, he is not armed but he does have a holster on so they will know he was armed when he came and his firearm is locked in the front safe. He sits patiently trying to think up an answer for the inevitable questions. To his amazement they search him with a metal detection wand and a quick pat down and if the man noticed the holster he didn’t say.

Brad takes out his phone and slides it over to the senior Fed agent, hoping his co-operation will help him get out of here without being arrested as well.

The senior man talks quietly with the precinct captain who has just gotten off the phone with someone at headquarters. Frowning, he puts the phone down. Telling all the station personnel to “stand down, these people have jurisdiction and they have the authority. The deputy chief has just informed me that we are to give them all the assistance they require and let them have everything they need.”

The senior man comes into the room and asks the Captain, “leave us and close the door behind you.” He sits down and faces Brad.

“You are a smart one. Over 100k a year for the last 5 years, no savings, no visible assets, no property, 1 ten year old flat deck and one 30 year old truck. O debt, 1 platinum credit card paid in full every month and a good reputation with all of the local police forces. My records show at least 10 firearms, 2 now restricted weapons and a permit to carry. Do you realize how many red flags your lack of participation in our great system, raise? Actually none, you fly so far under the radar, you barely exist.”

The unnamed agent continues on, “just so you know, we did not pick up your little girlfriend, we are on the same side here. Your friends were intent on making a lot of waves and that will just get the attention of the wrong people. We have been investigating the disappearance of the three protesters for over a year now and it wasn’t until your picture showed up on the system that we were able to identify them. I can tell you this much, if you continue to dig into this or your friends do, we will put you on ice. I have the authority to do that far as long as it takes, do not challenge me.”

“Are you going to let them go.”

“In the morning, they need to see what it will be like if they do not stay out of this. I already know everything you shared this afternoon; do you have anything to add?”

“Nothing I can think of.”

The man hands him a card and says, “call me if you think of anything or if you see anything.” He stops and considers his next statement and then says, “by the way, we are always looking for good people with your skillset, invisible but effective. Give it some thought, let me know if you are interested.”

“And what do I call you?”

“You don’t, I don’t exist.” Standing, he looks at Brad, “you can collect your piece at the front desk, your friends should join you in the morning as long as they aren’t too much of a pain in the ass, I hate lawyers. Keep them in check.” With that he opens the door and motions Brad out, making it obvious to all in the station that he is free to go.

Brad gets up and exits the door and goes to the front desk, he hands the duty Sargent a ticket which the man takes.

The Sargent looks at the ticket, opens a safe under the desk and hands Brad his Glock and his magazine. Brad checks the chamber, double checks to see if the weapon has the lock on and holsters his weapon. Putting the magazine in a separate holster, he straightens his jacket and walks out the front of the precinct. Down the street he can see his truck parked in front of Brads Tesla. He walks over to the car and writes up a note and puts it under the wiper blade, careful not to set off the alarm. I hope this helps him so he doesn’t get towed.

On to more serious matters. He decides to go to Jessica’s house and talk to Pedro. He might know what to do. As soon as he gets in his truck he opens his glovebox to take another blackberry. He quickly looks around and decides to leave the phone just in case he is being watched. He starts his truck and carefully pulls out into traffic, sure enough, a sedan 4 spots back pulls in behind him. At the first light he just makes the yellow, looking back the other car, it stops at the red. “Maybe, I am just being paranoid.” Brad says to an empty seat beside him. A listening ear says to herself, “no you’re not.”

Brad drives over to Pedro’s house and parks on the street in front. He reaches into the glove box and takes a backup phone out and slips it into his pocket as the car from downtown pulls into a spot at the corner. “I bet they have a tracker on my truck,” he says to himself. Walking up to the house he loudly climbs the steps to alert anyone listening and knocks on the door. Pedro answers it immediately and ushers him in, looking around to see if anyone is following. Brad points his thumb towards the sedan at the corner. “They don’t even care that I know they are following.”

Once inside, brad recounts everything that has happened. Pedro and Jessica’s mother, Jillian, listen without interruption. When he is finished, they offer a prayer. After asking a few questions they both stop, realizing Brad has no answers to give.

“Brad asks, “has anyone been in Jessica’s apartment?”

“Not that we know of but I haven’t even checked, have you honey?”

Jillian, looking dejected said, “I have not even gone down the stairs.”

“do you mind if I take a quick look.”

“go ahead Brad, I know Jessica would want you too.”

Brad goes downstairs. As he looks around, he feels a little guilty poking around Jessica’s stuff. As he is looking at her bookcase he notice’s that a couple of volumes are not in alphabetical order. “That is not the Jessica I know, nothing is ever out of order.”

He looks around the room some more, notices a few other things that are not as Jessica would put them. He re arranges the books into alphabetical order and sets everything back to where he knows they belong. Once he has done that he looks around again and now can see that several things are missing. 2 Volumes from her texts, several notebooks, and her diary. Heading back upstairs he says goodbye and heads over to the front entry where he stoops to pick up his shoes. After he puts them on, he hugs Pedro and Jillian. “I will bring her back, I know she is okay right now but I don’t know what they want with her. Sam is missing too.”

Brad drives to his place a few blocks over and his dad is in the living room watching baseball. He pauses it as brad puts his jacket in the closet and slings himself into a tattered lazy boy.

His dad looks at him and asks, “What did you find out?”

Brad jumps to his feet having made a decision. “I will fill you in in a moment but I gotta make a call first,” he says as he grabs the house phone and goes into the kitchen for privacy. He takes the National Security mans card from his pocket and calls the number on it.

“Hello Brad, I knew you would call but this is sooner than I hoped. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I hope I can trust you but I don’t have any other choice. I looked through Jessica’s apartment today and several things had been moved. Somebody was in there and tried hard to cover up, was it your guys?”

“I had one of my people in there but I can assure you they never moved anything. We take pictures before and after and we lift prints. We never take anything or leave any trace we were there.”

“Is it possible anyone was in there before you were?”

“Possible, but it had to happen before she was taken. we were surveiling the kidnappers but lost them when they exited the parkade with her. My people were watching her house from that point on.”

“So, you know who took her and watched it happen?”

“Rodgers was already gone by then, we were expecting them to lead us to where he was being held. We screwed up.”

“Can I see your before and after pictures.”

“you can. I just sent them to your email, encrypted of course, the code I sent to your phone. Was anything missing?”

“At least two volumes of her collection of research papers, her diary and several full note books.”

“Do you know which ones are missing?”

“Volumes yes, she assigns letters to certain research papers and puts them in that volume. I don’t understand her method because the names and dates don’t match the letters she assigns. Could be something to do with the kind of reserch they do or who they do it for. Makes no sense to me. Notebooks make no sense at all, I just know she had 1 for every volume and at least 5 are missing. The D, G and S are the missing volumes.”

“Thank you Brad, you can use the blackberry you had in your glovebox if you want, we have the number. And by the way you can call me Stan.”

Brad hangs up and is stunned, he doesn’t know what to think and who to trust.

His dad is standing in the kitchen door. “How much did you hear dad?”

“Enough. You don’t have the resources and you have to trust someone, trust your gut.”

“Okay. I get your point, I can’t do it alone. They know everything about me already. The guy in charge today offered me a spot in the National Security team, do you think I should.”

“Look into it at the very least. You have seen what is going on, bad times are coming, I personally would want to see some good guys in the government. Sometimes we need to be that person.”

“I know you always wanted me to serve, I didn’t want to disappoint you but once I got involved with Asset recovery, I just never looked at it seriously. Maybe its not too late to serve.”

Dec 15, 2021



“dismissed,” shouts the drill sergeant as the entire contingent of men and women congratulate one another on completing this concentrated training program for previously trained law enforcement and military.

Brad had reluctantly joined the secret national security organization and was astounded with the apparent clandestine intent. He was effectively now part of the US National Security service but in a special unit with only one other classmate. The rest were joining the regular service but not one knew he was different, come to think of it, how would he even know if they also were in different secret units. As confused as he was, Brad was certain of 1 thing. The first mission they were going to mount was to go in and rescue Jessica and Dr. Rodgers.

In the meantime, he was to go home and continue with his regular job until Stan contacts him with the plan. Stan also says he may be able to use him on other operations as well but he was at liberty to decline should he want to. Only his father knew he was now a member of the National Security service and he was not to let anyone else know.

[crice118]

I like it!

[pbbrown0]

You are doing an awesome job with this story, Forthteller. I'm waiting impatiently for the next installment.

[poppa]

OUTSTANDING!

[forthteller]

Feb 11, 2018 10:36:09 GMT -6 pbbrown0 said:

You are doing an awesome job with this story, Forthteller. I'm waiting impatiently for the next installment.

Thanks for reading. Just a small question. How many different power groups do you see in the story?

[freebirde]

Feb 11, 2018 13:52:09 GMT -6 forthteller said:

Feb 11, 2018 10:36:09 GMT -6 pbbrown0 said:

You are doing an awesome job with this story, Forthteller. I'm waiting impatiently for the next installment.

Thanks for reading. Just a small question. How many different power groups do you see in the story?

A lot!

Power groups within power groups. And many levels, international, continental, national, and local. Just like real life.

[forthteller]

Feb 11, 2018 18:38:13 GMT -6 freebirde said:

Feb 11, 2018 13:52:09 GMT -6 forthteller said:

Thanks for reading. Just a small question. How many different power groups do you see in the story?

A lot!

Power groups within power groups. And many levels, international, continental, national, and local. Just like real life.

NAH. Just fiction, pure fiction. Wink, wink. 

[pbbrown0]

That little tidbit of comments about groups within groups reminded me of the multi-lens glasses in the movie "National Treasure" where the deeper you look the more hidden layers you discover.

[papaof2]

Feb 11, 2018 20:47:37 GMT -6 pbbrown0 said:

That little tidbit of comments about groups within groups reminded me of the multi-lens glasses in the movie "National Treasure" where the deeper you look the more hidden layers you discover.

As in the line from "Shrek"?

"Ogres are like onions - layer on layer."

Most assuredly some ogres in the "I'm from the government. I'm here to help you." people...

[texican]

And the big gears turn causing the little gears to spin....

[forthteller]

Right, left, centrist. Capitalist, environmentalist, libertarian. It is my belief that the vast majority of big political players are actually idealistic individuals and groups who truly believe that whatever views they hold are the best for society. The problem comes when the methods used to achieve political goals become deceitful, dishonest, destructive and violent. In addition the blinders most extreme groups wear, cause idealists to ignore any and all evidence that does not support their narrative and opens the door so that those with less altruistic goals can slip in, undetected. The level of deceit and dishonesty that is sometimes used creates and opportunity where those with less idealistic goals can manipulate the group and use the efforts and resources to further their own selfish goals. Hence, most conspiracy theories. These people and groups only crave control and will do and say anything necessary to achieve it. It is entirely possible that the extreme right could piggyback on the left because the methods used to achieve control are virtually identical. The political spectrum is not a line it is a circle with the centrists meeting at the top and the extremes meet at the bottom.

Now look at the difference between the extreme left; governance by individuals elected by political elites and controlling all means of supply and demand vs the extreme right where a few corporate heads, elected by financial elites, controls the means of supply and demand. In both cases a massive oppressive force is required to restrain the masses and that means excessive military presence, economic and social control, mind control, orchestrated supply and price manipulations, media manipulation and outright murder and genocide. Forgot to mention, most elitist groups are racist and exclusionary.

For me, the apocalypse is not when aliens attack or an asteroid drops on the earth, it is when we self implode. Because of our own sinfulness and selfishness, we invite catastrophic events like a nuclear war, EMP war or even a massive conventional war. Add to that the explosion in world population, climate change and the growth of racism in the world. Other thoughts for a book could be world seismic events happening because we fracked so much we opened underground fissures and allowed long extinct volcanoes to rise to the surface, add to that massive earthquakes and of course the 60 ft. tidal waves. How about global warming exposing million year old viruses and they wipe out a large percentage of the population or we polluted every water source and killed every fish in the ocean. The possible storylines are endless, I am so stoked.

[papaof2]

There's a major event waiting to happen in the US that will eliminate "global warming" with a different "climate change", stop the use of internal combustion engines (read "Deep Winter") and overpopulation. The Tambora eruption of 1815 directly killed some 80,000 people and probably led to many more deaths from starvation during "the year without a summer".
www.history.com/this-day-in-history/volcanic-eruption-kills-80000

Yellowstone has historically erupted every 600,000 years and we're 640,000 years into the current countdown. By comparison, Tambora was a 500lb bomb in a 1 megaton nuclear blast. One of the cable channels (History? National Geographic? Smithsonian?) has a documentary on what a typical Yellowstone eruption would be like, including the fine ash and smoke in all levels of the atmosphere and the feet of ash on the ground (within xxx miles, tapering to inches as you get to the US east coast). Depending on your location, survival would require an underground bunker with VERY good air filtration, years of food and either an underground spring or a huge water storage plus reclamation system. If you have unlimited funds, you could probably get the type of nuclear power that's used on the long distance space probes - just have redundancy and bury it deep ;-)

Long ago, in the days when all laptops had 3.5" 1.44MB drives as "removable media", I researched the effects of a Yellowstone eruption and put together a story that had underground bunkers in every major country (my choices of "major" ;-) The plan was to save enough people with all types of knowledge/skills, seeds, animal embryos, etc. to restart some level of civilization up to 20 years after the event. If there was power (buried nuke plants), water (millions of gallons stored plus tap to aquifer plus reclamation) and people (all ages and both sexes were part of the mix). Lots of "How Things Work" books and videos in the libraries. Tools and spare parts available on every level (40-50 levels deep for hospital facilities, indoor parks, military fuel and equipment storage plus lots of food, clothing and other consumable storage and population increase over 20 years). With nearly unlimited electricity, the construction and farming equipment was electric. I got the characters established and (eventually) into the bunkers but then the real world got in the way and while I can probably resurrect a PC with a floppy drive (5.25" or 3.5") I doubt that any diskettes have survived that much time :-(

In an effectively closed society such as living in a bunker for a decade or two, would survival of the species have people reverting back to the practices of several hundred years ago, where a girl of breeding age was expected to be taken to wife by an available man and start producing children to maintain or expand the population?

There are numbers below which a society can't replace lost members quickly enough and they simply die off. What are those numbers when you still have power and food and water in a bunker? How do those numbers change when the air has cleared enough for the bunker people to come out and start preparing the land for farming?

Would there be strong, good leaders who would ensure that the children were taught the three R's as well as how to handle a pistol and rifle and the basics of farming and animal husbandry? Don't think there's a need for weapons? How wild would the animals have become without a human presence for 10 or more years? People get attacked by their own animals (pit bulls, for example). What about feral cats and dogs? Feral children?

That should be good for at least a ten book series. Price the books so I can get $1 in royalties per book ;-) And my story concept was long before the "Silo" series came about.

[solo]

I am finally caught up.... I hate being finally caught up!