|
Post by solo on Dec 14, 2018 10:28:00 GMT -6
Ethan was watching Samuel as they entered. He stopped in the kitchen doorway and stared. He then raised his arm and pointed at Anna. “You need to shoot this one, now!” He said emphatically. “She is a bad one!” Seems like Anna is a female snake in the grass.... Thanks Solo for the chapter.... Not like it has been 51 days since the last feeding, but no complaints.... Now a Christmas chapter would be nice.... Texican.... Sorry about that! Thank your for having a short memory... Just cleaned up that last paragraph. When I read it out of context I realized that there may be some confusion about which "He" wants Anna shot...
|
|
|
Post by texican on Dec 15, 2018 20:22:13 GMT -6
Sorry about that! Thank your for having a short memory... Just cleaned up that last paragraph. When I read it out of context I realized that there may be some confusion about which "He" wants Anna shot... Now a little personal interrogation would probably work on Anna.... Volunteers?.?.?.? Texican....
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Dec 16, 2018 0:43:17 GMT -6
Just cleaned up that last paragraph. When I read it out of context I realized that there may be some confusion about which "He" wants Anna shot... Now a little personal interrogation would probably work on Anna.... Volunteers? Texican.... From interrogation scenes in "Lights Out" and one of the "Die Hard" movies, I have sponges, salt water, long flexible jumper cables and enough 12 volt batteries to get the voltage up to at least 96 volts (24 volts is usually adequate). When do we start?
|
|
|
Post by supermag on Dec 16, 2018 11:14:49 GMT -6
Now a little personal interrogation would probably work on Anna.... Volunteers? Texican.... From interrogation scenes in "Lights Out" and one of the "Die Hard" movies, I have sponges, salt water, long flexible jumper cables and enough 12 volt batteries to get the voltage up to at least 96 volts (24 volts is usually adequate). When do we start? Not Die Hard, Lethal Weapon 1.
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Dec 16, 2018 12:45:16 GMT -6
From interrogation scenes in "Lights Out" and one of the "Die Hard" movies, I have sponges, salt water, long flexible jumper cables and enough 12 volt batteries to get the voltage up to at least 96 volts (24 volts is usually adequate). When do we start? Not Die Hard, Lethal Weapon 1. I've never been fully functional after 2AM and this is confirmation of that ;-)
|
|
|
Post by texican on Dec 16, 2018 23:41:33 GMT -6
I've never been fully functional after 2AM and this is confirmation of that ;-) PP2, After 2 pm is when you do some of your best writing.... Texican....
|
|
|
Post by solo on Dec 17, 2018 14:25:53 GMT -6
As I say, don't ever turn down a muse, no matter where it comes from... So Papa, and the rest of you... Here you go!
Chapter 13
9 May 2018
Logan’s Homestead of Purvis
Gina reached out and grabbed Anna and forcibly put her into the dining room chair that was nearby before anyone could react. Anna was totally off balanced and had not begun to struggle as the Duct tape began to wrap her right arm to the chair. By the time her left arm was secured, it dawned on her what was going on. She made a vicious kick connecting with something soft and yield that garnered a satisfying groan. Yet it was a short lived groan and the next moment she violently thrust her head forward and connected with someone else’s head cause an explosions of stars in her field of vision.
The head butt served its purpose, but in so doing, it stunned Anna enough that when she came to her senses there were several people bringing in several items. “Set that down there.” Thomas, in his aged voice directed. “Now pick her up.” Anna felt herself lifted. “Now put that plastic down under her chair. I’ve seen this twice before and it is a messy endeavor.”
Anna looked around at the four or five faces around here. Finally settling on Samuel’s smiling face. She watched as Ethan and Chad set the car batteries down and Gina uncoiled the jumper cables. Finally, Julie brought in the bucket of water and two packs of sponges.
Thomas cleared his throat and after surveying his collection of supplies, he spoke up. “All you menfolk need to clear the room. We need to strip this young lady down to her waist and quite frankly what is about to happen is tough for men to see.”
“Wait a minute! Samuel, you need to make this right!” Anna screeched.
Ethan held up his hand. “So you admit that you know this man?”
Samuel, his face full of mirth, “Know me? Absolutely!”
“Yes, I know him. He is a sorry piece of amphibious excrement!” Anna hissed.
Ethan paused and nodded at Thomas. The older man put on the welder’s gloves he held. He hooked up the two batteries in series and then picked up the jumper cables. After hooking them up he looked at Anna and caught her eyes in a stare. He popped the business ends together and was rewarded with a loud crackling of sparks.
Anna lost all composure at this point. She was still fully dressed and could not know that not one man standing in that room would be able to follow through with what they were posturing to do. She let out a plaintive wail, “Samuel, you know I haven’t done anything!”
“Tell us who those men were.” Thomas growled. He was having a hard time staying in character with this younger woman. But, if she indeed have a part in the secondary attack on their house, she was indeed culpable.
“Okay!” She shouted. “They were the cannibals that you guys ran into in Kosciusko.”
“Really?” Thomas was amazed that she admitted it.
“Please, they had me over a barrel!” She wailed again. “I didn’t know what else to do!”
Thomas had two directions to go in. He decided to come back later and find out what this barrel was. He needed to know more about the attack. “You rode the Helo down. How could they just follow you?”
She looked down and with her lip quivering, she let out a long sniffle. Julie stared long and hard trying to discern if this was just a very good act or if this was real. At the moment, she was having a difficult time believing it was real; how could this tough, put together woman completely fall apart like this?
Finally, the woman looked up, “They put a tracker on me. That got them to Purvis. They followed the tank ruts out from there. But I didn’t let them in. There is no way I could have let them in. I was in the helo or here in the house. I don’t know the lay of the land and there was one of you around at all times. You got cameras, which should prove it!”
“You know as well as we do that we lost power and the generator got knocked offline from that blasted tank. We were in the dark for about 30 minutes!”
It got quiet for a moment. “Please, Samuel, tell them the truth.” She implored.
“Quite frankly, I didn’t know the truth. Since those men got Cara; you became wildly unpredictable!”
“I know. But all this? You were going to let them?”
“You are a tough lady. You needed something tough to come clean. Both our lives depended on it.”
Ethan sighed and looked at Thomas. Thomas reached down and unhooked the batteries and then Brian and Rod came in and toted them out. In a couple of minutes the entire room was clean.
Ethan leaned over and cut the duct tape away. “Tell us about Cara.”
“Cara is my younger sister. She got tired of the airfield and went to town one day. The next day I got a note that she wasn’t coming back unless I helped them. That was the day you all showed up. “They were really upset that you got away. Cara was their leverage.”
“Now what?” Julie looked pointedly at Ethan.
Before he could answer. Samuel spoke up, “We will be going back to get Cara. By my guess, you have most of that gang here and they won’t be bothering anyone anymore. We can’t stay here, trust would always be an issue.
Marc walked in with Marsha on his heels. It was obvious that they had been talking. Marc stopped and with a hard glance to Marsha, spoke up. “We will go with you. We have the fire power and we could use the helo.”
Ethan spoke up. “Marc? A word please.” When Marc had closed the door on their room, he continued, “What are you doing?”
“We can’t really ask them to stay.”
“That part I know. What about the helping them part?” Ethan asked.
“It is true, trust is an issue. But her younger sister has been captured and we know this. I could not sleep if we didn’t help.” Marc said.
“Okay, Gina will fly us. I’ll ride, Kurt, Brian and Julie.” Ethan said.
“No we can only take five total. And I’m going. So Gina, Samuel, Anna, you and me.”
“I would rather have more firepower.” Ethan complained.
“Let’s go. The longer we wait…” Marc started.
“I know.”
Thirty minutes later, Gina had the group at an “HOGE” (Hover out of ground effect). They sat for a moment and looked in awe at the destruction around the house. Then with a wave, Gina executed a pedal turn and rose a bit more before gently pushing the cyclic forward, dipping the nose and lifting off.
Tim finally came out of the secret entrance to the compound below, glad that the complex was still not known. “Is the coast clear?”
“Yes it is. Come on up.” Thomas spoke up.
“No you guys need to come down first.” Tim urged. When he had everyone around, he pressed play on his consol. “After we got here we set out some more cameras, hoping to get more redundancy… Marc didn’t know about these additions.”
The crew sat or stood silently as they watched a figure slowly make their way through the ditches and pot holes toward the gate. The lights were out but the night vision on the camera was state of the art. The tank, already burned out, was sitting there ominously. The figure released the gate then began to sneak back up the driveway, using the available cover. Behind the figure, the insurgents slowly began to move toward the open gate. As the figure reached the top of the grade, the lights came back on. In that moment, the insurgents stormed through and everyone in the house began to fire back. The lone figure next to the house froze for a second and happened to be looking at the camera. In a collective gasp, Marsha and Julie exclaimed. The face looking at them was Anna’s. And it wasn’t a look of fear, but a look of determination!
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Dec 17, 2018 14:39:08 GMT -6
Anyone who has seen that interrogation technique applied will probably not willingly experience it. But it's sounding as though they should have carried through...
|
|
|
Post by texican on Dec 17, 2018 14:55:26 GMT -6
The figure released the gate then began to sneak back up the driveway, using the available cover. Behind the figure, the insurgents slowly began to move toward the open gate. As the figure reached the top of the grade, the lights came back on. In that moment, the insurgents stormed through and everyone in the house began to fire back. The lone figure next to the house froze for a second and happened to be looking at the camera. In a collective gasp, Marsha and Julie exclaimed. The face looking at them was Anna’s. And it wasn’t a look of fear, but a look of determination!Well, seems like Anna plays for the other team.... As PP2 stated: She should have been interrogated.... Now radio call to the helicopter and a quick return to the compound for Anna's interrogation or a quick push out of the helo and a sudden stop at ground level for Anna.... Either works.... Is Anna armed? Thanks Solo for the chapter.... Texican....
|
|
|
Post by htfiremedic on Dec 17, 2018 21:21:48 GMT -6
Wellllll didn’t see that coming.... thanks for the chapter!
|
|
|
Post by solo on Dec 18, 2018 8:54:01 GMT -6
The figure released the gate then began to sneak back up the driveway, using the available cover. Behind the figure, the insurgents slowly began to move toward the open gate. As the figure reached the top of the grade, the lights came back on. In that moment, the insurgents stormed through and everyone in the house began to fire back. The lone figure next to the house froze for a second and happened to be looking at the camera. In a collective gasp, Marsha and Julie exclaimed. The face looking at them was Anna’s. And it wasn’t a look of fear, but a look of determination!Well, seems like Anna plays for the other team.... As PP2 stated: She should have been interrogated.... Now radio call to the helicopter and a quick return to the compound for Anna's interrogation or a quick push out of the helo and a sudden stop at ground level for Anna.... Either works.... Is Anna armed? Thanks Solo for the chapter.... Texican.... Yeah, but, remember, they lost comms with the Helo when it was coming in... That may be an issue.... Or not. HA HA!
|
|
|
Post by solo on Dec 18, 2018 8:56:00 GMT -6
Wellllll didn’t see that coming.... thanks for the chapter! Yeah, I am sitting here wondering what in the He$$ both leaders of the compound were doing in that helo.... Like, seriously, what were they thinking? That muse thing can be a "You Know What" when it come to creating loose ends!!!
|
|
|
Post by texican on Dec 18, 2018 14:23:34 GMT -6
Wellllll didn’t see that coming.... thanks for the chapter! Yeah, I am sitting here wondering what in the He$$ both leaders of the compound were doing in that helo.... Like, seriously, what were they thinking? That muse thing can be a "You Know What" when it come to creating loose ends!!! Solo, Thanks for the two chapters.... Release the muse for another chapter or three before Christmas for there are way to many kliffs.... Now, Samuel is in the helo with Anna and watching her like a hawk or better be.... Is it ungentlemanly too use manly exertions on a woman when she does something so wrong as let the enemy in the gate?.?.?.? Only another chapter or three will tell.... (HINT) Texican.... PS: My real thoughts about Anna would probably have had me tossed n detention if not worse.... See how you impact us, Solo....
|
|
|
Post by solo on Dec 18, 2018 14:31:30 GMT -6
Chapter 14
9 May 2018 Airborne over Central Mississippi
Ethan was deeply conflicted about what he had witnessed at the house. He knew torture happened in the world, but couldn’t imagine American’s doing this. Maybe that is where the disconcerting feeling came into play; the actual threat of the torture, or the fact that this tough woman gave in so easily. He was riding in the front left seat with Gina flying from the right. Marc was behind Gina and Samuel was behind him. Anna was sitting in the middle.
There were only four headsets for the Intercom System (ICS), so Anna was the odd person out. Samuel had taken his off and was snoozing against the far left bulkhead. Marc took this opportunity to key his headset, “Both tangos have no access to this system so you can speak freely. Ethan? What’s on your mind?”
Gina spoke up first, “What’s on my mind, Chief is that I can’t raise the compound. I thought it had been fixed.”
Marc keyed back, “Kurt took care of it. Are you saying that it is still not working?”
“I am getting nothing from outside. Not that there is anything to get, but the compound should have had contact for a few miles.” Gina said.
“Maybe they just weren’t listening.” Ethan said.
“No, there are alerts. Everyone would have known we were calling.”
“How are we able to talk to each other is the radio doesn’t work?” Ethan asked.
“It wasn’t the radio but the antenna got shot off. It was a lucky shot, one in a million.” Gina answered.
“Okay. What’s on my mind? I didn’t like the torture scene back there.” Ethan confessed.
“Look, you are a civilian and are sheltered from things that the military have to do to keep you a civilian and alive and not a slave somewhere. I don’t like it either, trust me. But it got us where we needed to go.” Marc explained.
“Did it? She caved awfully quickly.”
“Yes I see you conflict. That is on my mind too.” Marc confessed.
“Then why did you both jump on this thing? I felt it too, but I thought is was just Gina being Gina.”
“Both of us?” Ethan stated.
“Oh my gosh, you still don’t get it do you?” Gina was sincere. Ethan just looked at her.
“You are one of the Leaders of our little group back there. Everyone looks to you and Marc for guidance, direction, like a compass.” Gina said.
“I really don’t feel like much of one.” Ethan said.
“Well, Cuz, you are. Even Chad follows you, without question. Back to our problem. I think Anna is up to no good and that we just need to be rid of these two.”
“I am not killing anyone in cold blood. What about her sister? What if that story is not true?” Gina asked.
“No, we will finish this mission, but we have to be smart about this.” Marc followed.
“Check that. How much longer?” Ethan asked.
“I have the controls pulled way back to conserve fuel. There was another airfield a few miles from the one in Kosciusko. I plan to put us in there right at dusk and take on fuel.”
“Okay, that will give us the night. I will take Anna with me. Gina, you and Samuel will provide security. I want you to watch Samuel like a hawk, Gina. Ethan, you will make an excuse about making rounds and follow us. You will be my back up. Hopefully, we thinned her troops already.” Marc paused. “Samuel, do you have anything to add to the plan?” Marc had seen Samuel stir and he waited for him to finish putting on his headset.
“Plans?” Samuel was still half asleep.
“Yes, we are going to land at an outfield and take on fuel. You, Ethan and Gina will guard the Helo while Anna and I go get her sister.” Marc explained.
“You probably need me to come too.” Samuel challenged.
“No, I am trained in this type of thing and am somewhat younger. We will have more success if you help protect our getaway conveyance.” Marc said.
They proceeded for another hour in silence. Gina landed the helo in low light at an airfield and crossed her fingers. Marc and Ethan rolled out and set up a perimeter. After letting the rotors wind down and completing her checklist, she climbed out and looked for the VHF antenna on the underside of the tale boom. It was gone, sheered smooth off. Samuel stepped out and asked, “What?”
“Our VHF antenna is gone. Our UHF antenna is okay, but no one is using that much these days.” Gina said. “Alright. Everyone out.”
Marc and Ethan came back in just then and after checking their gear, Marc and Anna started to head out. “Do I get one of those?” Anna asked pointing to Marc’s M1.
“No, I don’t think so.” And led the way away.
It was full dark about 20 minutes later. “I am going to set up a LP in that treeline over there.” Ethan said.
“I don’t think so friend.” Samuel said.
“What?”
“I don’t think so my friend. We want our helo back.”
“Is that why you cut the antenna?” Ethan asked.
“Enough with the questions. I need you down on the ground.” Samuel watched as Ethan and Gina settled into the prone position on the ground. “Come on in Anna.”
Samuel waited about a half a minute. “Anna, we are free and clear!” He shouted.
“Free and clear from what?” Gina asked.
“You dealt with those cannibal for us. And now you gave us the helo.” He pauses, then shouts, “Anna!!!”
“I bet you are wondering to yourself about now, I wonder where she could be?” Ethan taunted.
“That’s enough from you!” And Samuel reached to kick Ethan. That is when his world exploded with a burst of stars.
|
|
|
Post by papaof2 on Dec 18, 2018 14:31:30 GMT -6
Wellllll didn’t see that coming.... thanks for the chapter! Yeah, I am sitting here wondering what in the He$$ both leaders of the compound were doing in that helo.... Like, seriously, what were they thinking? That muse thing can be a "You Know What" when it come to creating loose ends!!! Sometimes you must carry through on unpleasant tasks - in this case the electrifying interrogation. Or is that in-terror-gation?
|
|
|
Post by texican on Dec 20, 2018 0:27:26 GMT -6
Yeah, I am sitting here wondering what in the He$$ both leaders of the compound were doing in that helo.... Like, seriously, what were they thinking? That muse thing can be a "You Know What" when it come to creating loose ends!!! Sometimes you must carry through on unpleasant tasks - in this case the electrifying interrogation. Or is that in-terror-gation? Appears that the in-terror-gation was well thought out by the two leaders.... Thanks Solo for the revealing chapter.... Now just what happened to Anna and is Samuel toast.... Only another chapter will reveal.... Texican....
|
|
|
Post by solo on Jan 23, 2019 13:08:43 GMT -6
Chapter 15
10 May 2018 Purvis Homesite
“Helo is inbound.” Julie let out a sigh when she picked up the rhythmic whomp whomp of the rotors in the near distance. The Bell Jet Ranger was quiet, but when everything else was quieter, its sound still carried.
Kurt stirred, “Come on, let’s set up a perimeter. Better safe than sorry; we don’t need a Trojan horse taking everything apart if that thing went bad.” He paused. “Brian, you’re with me. Chad you take the North tunnel and Tim, you take the south.”
“What about me?” Carl asked.
“You, Julie and Rod meet the helo. Marsha, You, Thomas, Dana, Sara, Carmen and Angela button up incase this all goes south. Don’t let them take what isn’t theirs!”
“Got it, rapid reaction force. Covered!” Thomas replied.
Kurt grunted, “I reckon’ so. I bet you still could, too, you old Codger!”
“I could take you around the woodshed a time or two…” They both chuckled.
Carl, Julie and Rod went down the tunnel to the pole barn and eased out. They went to the small clearing as the bird was setting down. As the rotors wound down, the back door opened and Ethan climbed out. He reached across the back seat and pulled Anna out, her hands bound in duct tape. She had tear streaks in the dirt on her face.
Marc stepped down from the left front seat while Gina went through the final shutdown checklist.
Marc walked to Carl and said, “get everyone together. We need to have a group meeting.”
Julie came over and hugged Ethan and with a quick kiss, nodded a questioning eye brow toward Anna.
“It is a story that needs to be repeated once.” Ethan was exhausted. Not just from being up all night, but from the constant stress of the current optempo. Everyone was feeling it.
About a half hour later and after everyone gathered in the dining room with Anna still sitting with her hands bound in a chair at the table, Marc began to relate the story:
“First off, Anna will be staying with us on probation. She will get a chance to prove herself like Sophie did. Any objections?”
“Well, yeah!” Julie exploded. “We have video that shows her going and opening the gate to her cannibal tribe. She betrayed us to those monsters!”
“Anyone else?” Marc asked. Marc went over and cut loose Anna's hands.
Everyone was quiet for the moment, then Thomas spoke up. “I don’t, Marc. Seems too risky to me.”
“Okay, let’s get everyone caught up on everything. Let’s start off with the trip to take Sara back to her folk’s place.”
Ethan recounted the story leading up to meeting Anna at the airfield, about the first contact with the Cannibal Gang in Kosciusko, and leading up to watching the Helo take off.
Gina picked up the story here, “We followed the Natchez Trace up to Tennessee; it was a big mess there. Here and there community had few houses standing, most burned to the ground. Tupelo, gone. There were some camps set up along Bay Springs Lake near Tishomingo, but we stayed clear. The corner of Alabama we cut through was vacant. Or so seemed that way. However….”
Sara picked it up. “It was gone. All gone. No sign of my family. The homesite burned to the ground and what was left standing, the fuel tanks and such were all empty and toppled.”
Marc spoke up, “We are very sorry to hear that. I know how close you were to your family. Not knowing is the hardest.”
“I know what happened, Marc. There is no sugar coating this. But I will deal with it in the next few days. You guys are my family and in some ways this is much more real than blood.”
“Well, over the last year, it has been forged IN blood, Doc.”
“Yes, and for that I am grateful. I would die for any of you.” Sara said sincerely. Dana got up and went and hugged her fellow Diving Medical Officer and now sister.
Gina picked back up the story. “We headed immediately back, flying at night without lights; we found a couple of airfields with gas and was able to refill uneventfully until we got back here.”
“Yes, that was awesome how you introduced us to your news. Quick thinking in case anyone was listening.” Marc stated.
Ethan picked up his and Julies part of the story and caught everyone up from the time the Helicopter left and they arrived back at the compound.
“Now, what happened to you guys?” Thomas asked.
Marc thought a moment then said, “I guess you noticed that both Ethan and Marc left. I thought it was best to show Samuel that we were vested. I thought there was something off about Samuel and about Samuel’s relationship to Anna. First off, Samuel was holding Anna’s sister hostage, not the cannibals. Anna’s quick acquiescence to our questioning was my first indicator. He held leverage over Anna and while the cannibals did jobs for him, they were a mere nuisance that we took care of for him. This opened his AOR to the north for him significantly.
“Anna was bound to do his bidding because of her sister. When we landed near the air field in Kosciusko, I took Anna to get her sister and Ethan and Gina stayed with Samuel to Guard the Helo. I stopped Anna about 2 tenths of a mile out and secured her and headed back. I got there in time because Samuel had gotten the drop on Ethan and apparently was expecting Anna to get the drop on me. I knocked him out. We bound him then we all went back to Anna and she told us the whole story.”
Gina spoke up, “Listen I was the most skeptical, but I believed her. So we all went to where He has Cara held. Only we were too late.”
With that Anna started to sob again.
“Cara had been dead for a couple days. Samuel had tied up his loose ends.”
Everyone got quiet for a moment. “What did you do with Samuel?” Marsha whispered.
“We took him by air up to Oxford. It was still early morning so we were able to see bon fires and campfires in and around Oxford. We left him with three days food and little else. He was unremorseful to the end, but I just couldn’t kill him in cold blood.”
“What if he shows up here one day with a larger force?” Kurt asked.
“Then we deal with it then. But there has been enough killing for now.” Marc said.
After a time, Thomas asked, “What now?”
Marc spoke up, “Well, we have been so busy defending ourselves since we came up from the radiation scare that we are way, way behind on securing our near future. We have to get in action. Here it is the first part of May and we have nothing planted, nothing really stored and no animals. The few live stock that survived the radiation were killed in the battles. No chickens or anything. Most of the fruit and nut trees in the back forty there survived but there is no guarantee that they will produce this year because of the shift in warm season. For that matter, how long will our growing season be?
“We have to maintain our defensive posture while also getting patrols out to see what is left around us.”
“Well, Julie, Tim, Brian, Angela and I know this area pretty well, why don’t we head up the scouting and collecting of potentially useful supplies” Ethan suggested.
“Carl and I could be the eyes in the sky per se. One of the first things we need to find to keep that going is some tanks and some gas to store here for that purpose.”
“That is outstanding. How about we start that tomorrow? Let’s put Carl, Gina and Julie in the air with Brian, Ethan, Kurt and Angela on the ground for support.”
Ethan said, “Thank God we are now doing something constructive. Gina, we will have to find a way to transport both the tank and the gas so look for flat bed and tanker18 wheelers out by Interstate 59.”
“Bet you could find a good selection up at Sulivan-Killrain, where Hwy 11 and I-59 junction.” Julie offered. “We’ll try there first.”
Tim spoke up. “Yes there is a Peterbilt shop near there. I bet they would have the parts that we would need to get the Diesels going.”
“Make sure you get plenty of replacement parts, Oil, filters, and Pri-D for the Diesel. Dang, we are going to need more diesel tanks too.” Ethan said.
“No we won’t. I have four, five hundred gallon tanks, both full and treated, two gas and two Diesel buried near the pole barn. That is how we’ve kept the truck filled. We have plenty of stabilizer but it never hurts to get more for both gas and diesel.” Marc stated.
“Of course you do.” Chad chuckled.
“We can also check out Hwy 49 North. That is where Tractor supply was and a motor freight line place. There may have been a place that sells or auctions Cat equipment too. We could use some heavy earth movers. Just be on the lookout.” Marc said.
“So you are our scavenging committee. Thomas, I want you to head our livestock and planting committee. With your wealth of knowledge, I bet you could get a tomato out of a corn stalk. Angela, I want to put you on this committee as well, I’ve tasted your cooking and it is top notch. Who else?
“I grew up in a Kibitz. I can help with either or.” Marsha stated.
“I grew me some mean gardens in my day, I will help too.” Rodrick stated.
“Good, we will all help, but you four lead this committee. Let us know what to get and we can send a smaller party out. In the meantime, make a full assessment of what needs to be done. We can meet back tonight and discuss.”
“Okay, Security. We will all work a set watch. Kurt, Ethan, Gina and I will lead the four teams. We will work this afternoon to set up a schedule. This will include range time and tactical training. Tim you could help with the hand to hand. We will also need to address repairs and updates to systems. This is a part of security. We need to make sure all systems, Electric, Water, surveillance are all operable. Okay, that is all. Let’s meet up at 6 this evening to discuss our plans.”
“What about her?”
“She will have a room in the house. For now, I do not want her to be too involve with preparations. And she is not to be left alone.” Marc stated.
“You guys haven’t thought about prepping for storage. You get me the canning gear, I can can whatever you grow, shoot, butcher or make. I am very, very sorry for what I did and if I could undo it I would. I am alone now, but know how to make my way.” Anna pleaded.
“You will have your chance. And I know you know there is more to this place. But for now, you are on a need to know basis. Okay everyone. Let’s go.”
As the groups broke up, Marsha caught up with Marc. “You need a bath.” She scrunched up her nose.
He grabbed her around the waist and said, “I have some hard places to reach, You’ll have to help.”
Feigning being put out, she said, “The things I do to make ends meet.”
“We can arrange that.” He smiled.
“What about her? Can we trust her?”
“I’ve got a feeling. She will be good for the compound.”
“What about Jacob and his wife over near Columbia?”
“I guess he is our closest neighbor.” Marc sighed.
“Don’t you think it’s about time to start acting neighborly?” Marsha pushed.
Marc looked at her, leaned in and kissed her, “See? You’re already taking off my rough edges.”
With that, She pulled a very warm bath in the largest wash tub they had. A tub for two.
|
|
|
Post by texican on Jan 23, 2019 20:39:08 GMT -6
Everyone got quiet for a moment. “What did you do with Samuel?” Marsha whispered.
“We took him by air up to Oxford. It was still early morning so we were able to see bon fires and campfires in and around Oxford. We left him with three days food and little else. He was unremorseful to the end, but I just couldn’t kill him in cold blood.”
“What if he shows up here one day with a larger force?” Kurt asked.
“Then we deal with it then. But there has been enough killing for now.” Marc said.So Marc is tired of killing and allows a known enemy to live and will address it when he comes back and Samuel and company will come back to reek vengeance.... Pretty damn narrow sighted and not to mention utterly stupidly insane.... So when Samuel and company returns and murders your loved ones, then what Marc? If it was one of my loved ones that was murdered by Samuel and company, Marc would help fill the hole in the ground.... Such stupidity brings retribution.... First three rules of surviving the SHTF:
1. Always eliminate the threat.... 2. Never leave an enemy alive.... 3. Always live to fight another day....
Once the SHTF, there will no longer be any Civilized fighting, but only survival....Solo, thanks for the chapter and your muse is getting soft.... Texican....
|
|
|
Post by solo on Jan 24, 2019 8:35:07 GMT -6
"Solo, thanks for the chapter and your muse is getting soft...."
Do you really think so? I've almost killed off all the antagonist... Someone has to put the pressure on, right? I mean, this little transition from utter defensive survival to sustenance survival had to occur, don't you think? They are so behind the eightball with the weather shift and not knowing exactly how long their growing season is. Even if they find livestock, there is no hay for them so that will be an issue too. Beside, the next chapter is almost finished and it may contain some reality for all of us.... Soft, well, maybe, but for how long?
Doc
|
|
|
Post by texican on Jan 24, 2019 15:29:11 GMT -6
"Solo, thanks for the chapter and your muse is getting soft...." Do you really think so? I've almost killed off all the antagonist... Someone has to put the pressure on, right? I mean, this little transition from utter defensive survival to sustenance survival had to occur, don't you think? They are so behind the eightball with the weather shift and not knowing exactly how long their growing season is. Even if they find livestock, there is no hay for them so that will be an issue too. Beside, the next chapter is almost finished and it may contain some reality for all of us.... Soft, well, maybe, but for how long? Doc Solo/Doc, Now, another chapter will provide the answers.... Texican....
|
|
|
Post by 9idrr on Jan 24, 2019 21:42:37 GMT -6
I think Solo likes draggin' this out, makin' us beg, hopin' to see us drool when he drops another chapter. All signs of a good writer, right?
|
|
|
Post by solo on Jan 25, 2019 9:33:16 GMT -6
I think Solo likes draggin' this out, makin' us beg, hopin' to see us drool when he drops another chapter. All signs of a good writer, right? Busted!
|
|
|
Post by solo on Jan 25, 2019 10:12:54 GMT -6
Chapter 16
10 May 2018 Purvis Home Site Later that evening
“Do you think they know?” Ethan approached Marc in the Pole Barn. He was the first to arrive for their meeting.
Grimly, Marc just nodded he head side to side.
“I don’t think I’ll get that sight out of my mind anytime soon. She didn’t hit him that hard.”
“I should have seen it coming, but Anna insisted on coming with us to deposit that trash in Oxford. Apparently, she had been the object of his unwanted desire for some time. She said she did it to protect her sister.” Marc spoke quietly.
“Is that why you decided to let her join us?” Ethan asked.
“No, I don’t really know. It is a risk but it is one that my gut tells me will work. We know she has a lot to offer and she was a victim there.”
“Stop. That victim almost got our little show here wiped out.” Ethan surmised. “Just what exactly happened? Remember I stay by the bird while Gina held the controls for a fast takeoff if needed.”
“Well, Remember, he came to in the bird and he was restrained. I led him to the little clearing about half a click away through that old Oak head. I set his bag down near him and stepped back. He asked about the duct tape around his hands, I told him they were easy to defeat but I would be watching. If he tried before he heard the chopper take off, I’d put a bullet into his head.” Marc paused. “Anna had something to ask him. She asked him if he raped Cara. He got this wicked smile on his face and said ‘yes’, and began to describe his first encounter. I didn’t realize that Anna had picked up a piece of wood about the size of squaw wood until she had planted it against the side of his head.” He stopped again.
“He dropped like a sack of potatoes, froth coming out of his mouth. It wasn’t that hard of a hit.”
“Wow. That is a heavy thing. But again, why bring Anna?”
“She changed watching him die. It was like a weight was lifted off her shoulders. I can’t really explain it but I told her right then that we needed to keep this just between us. I’ve only told you.”
“Why keep it quiet? I bet the group would want to know.”
“It is a gut feeling, but some people are entitled to their own story. This was hers. I don’t think it would help with her being accepted here. When she is ready to tell the story, then it will be time.” Marc said to close the conversation. Other people were heading in.
After everyone came in, Marc stood up to get everyone’s attention. “Hello, Everyone. I have Carl watching the cameras and Chad and Kurt providing security. Carmen, where is your rifle?” He watched as Carmen reached for where the sling was, then she remembered that it had been destroyed in the last battle and hadn’t replaced it yet. She pulled back her shirt showing her Glock 19 in her waistband. He nodded and made note.
“Okay, we need to take stock. If you have damaged equipment, we need to replace it. Everyone needs to have an AR and sidearm with them at all times. We need to be ready at all times. Now is the time to restock, repair and regroup.” Marc stopped and looked at his list of agenda items.
“Marc?” Ethan asked.
“Yes?” Marc looked up.
“You were the most prepared of all of us. Did it all happen as you saw it?”
Gina spoke up, “We trained for stuff like this. But reality has surpassed our training.”
“Agreed, but yet here we are. At the top of our list is making sure it is viable to stay here. We need to make sure we have a bug out plan.”
“But this was your bug out plan?” Julie stated more than asked.
“Yes, this was my plan, but still we have been the focus of constant attention since before we all went to ground and definitely since we came up. Our resources are finite, we have taken a hit in weapons and ammo; and our food supply hasn’t been refreshed. Water and power isn’t an issue, pending some key repairs.”
“What are you suggesting?” Tim asked.
“How about Jacob?” Brian asked.
Marc was quiet for a moment. Then he spoke, “Let’s see if we can get over there first thing. They could be plan A bug out site for us and we could be bug out plan A for them. Let’s start looking for plan B.”
“Okay, so we talk with Jacob tomorrow, maybe we should take a good will visit and make the proposal to them.” Ethan solidified that course.
“Should we use the Chopper?” Gina asked.
“Nah, let’s use the motorcycles. I’d like to keep the helo under wraps as much as possible. The noise will draw attention soon enough.”
“I think we need to thoroughly checkout Purvis and possibly Baxterville tomorrow as well. Take two teams.” Tim asked.
“I don’t really want to be in two places at once.” Marc said.
“Okay, but let’s do Purvis first. I want to check out my old store.” Tim said.
“So tomorrow, we talk to Jacob then swing by Purvis. That will be good anyway to come in from a different direction.” Ethan commented.
“In Purvis, find Stuart Farm supply and see if you can find garden supplies and seeds and stuff. I will get a crew started on prepping the soil here between us and the house.” Thomas stated.
“Very well.” Marc said. “How is our food and water?”
Julie spoke up here, “Anna may want to jump in here, but I have us at about six months at normal rations. Our water system seems to be okay, the springs are still supplying our needs.”
“Six months. Okay, tomorrow when we are in Purvis, we will need to see if there are any supplies to be scavenged.” Marc delineated.
“Hello, the barn?” A call rang out.
Marc and Ethan both dropped to the ground with rifles pointing out. Everyone else quickly found cover. Marc was incredulous that someone was inside the fence and none of his people caught them.
“Yes, Sirs, it is me.” The voice called again.
Ethan looked at Julie, who had an incredulous look on her face. She soon mouthed the words that she couldn’t even believe, “Mr. Landry?”
|
|
|
Post by texican on Jan 25, 2019 13:48:29 GMT -6
Solo,
Your muse worked overtime....
Samuel bit the dirt with a 2x4 from Anna....
Well done....
Thanks for the chapter....
Texican....
|
|
|
Post by solo on Feb 20, 2019 11:30:28 GMT -6
Chapter 17
10 May 2018 Purvis Home Site Later that evening
Julie pulled back from her hug of the older man and even in the duller light in the pole barn, Mr. Landry could not hide his blush. “Well, shucks, if that is all I needed to do to get a hug like that, I’d left a long time ago.”
Marc walked up and shook his hand, “Sir, it has been a while.”
Mr. Landry look him up and down and finally said, “I still see a lot of the boy in the Man before me. My, your mom would have been proud.”
“Been quite a few years since I used to borrow the plumbs off you trees.” Marc smiled.
“Indeed. Plumbs, Pecans, blueberries, blackberries… you name it. But you do know that is why I planted all those for. If you boys were satisfying you sneaky mischief urges on my property with fruit I planted for that reason, then you weren’t taking off where you could really get in trouble, or worse getting shot by some hot head land owner.”
“Not too many of those hot headed landowners left anymore.” Marc said.
“No, they are not. And I see that what I showed you growing up has taken hold. You have 18 Peach Trees, 3 Avocado trees, though I don’t know how you got them to grow fruit here. You also have 4 apple trees, Fuji’s if I ain’t mistaken. Two pear trees, thank got you got the firm kind, I had the sand pears. You have 2 naval orange trees as well as a lemon and lime tree. You have Hickory and Pecan trees. As well as 5 mature blueberry bushes, two rows of grapes, two patches of strawberries and blackberries. What am I forgetting?” Mr. Landry asked.
Several of the group were looking around not really seeing but a tree here or there. “That is all that is left?” Marc asked.
“’Fraid so. Your land has taken a pounding. I’ve maintain over the years, but a tree isn’t a match for a .223 round. Or a dozen.” Mr. Landry stated.
“So why are you telling me this?”
“Well, you and Ethan were about to take stock on what needs to be done. That’s why you here and all right?” Mr. Landry.
Ethan stepped in, “Hold on, Sir. I have some questions. Where have you been? How have you been? Where did you hole up for the radiation leak? How did you escape your home getting blown up? How did you get past Chad and Kurt and our other surveillance?”
Marc laughed a little. “Mr. Landry isn’t all he seems. He is a retire Navy Seal. I’d put frogmen up against anyone, any day of the week and twice on Tuesday. Chad is still new to the type of life and Kurt, he’s just getting old.”
“Dude, I can hear you. You know this, right?” Kurt said with a tired expression.
“He met me on my way in. I’ve always liked the Kraut.” Mr. Landry said.
“Really? In this PC world?” Kurt snorted. “I’m just an old Kraut. At 42?”
“And Ethan,” Marc continued. “Mr. Landry helped me plan the camera layout. And I am sure he knew about your additions as well. By the way, that was good thinking!”
“I was able to escape the house via my tunnel to the East past the pond. Remember My house was on a bit of a hill. I will say that it was touch and go there for a while. And sadly, they may have started the destruction, but I had a surprise for them. Hopefully, in true Old Kraut fashion, I took a few of them with the house.
“I decided to track into town to keep an eye on things. While there, I did a stupid thing and got shot by one of the Mayor’s goons. A nice lady took me in and patched me up; and as I have a personal Geiger tool, I saw what was happening and we were able to go down into the basement that was really a storm shelter. It wasn’t the best but it was okay. Unfortunately, And I didn’t know this, this lady, Mrs. Grantham, had cancer and she was at the end. She did what she could for me, but in the end, I took more care of her and about a week before we could emerge. She passed away.” Mr. Landry paused.
Tim spoke up. “I remember Mrs. Grantham. She was on a medication cocktail that would have killed a horse. I guess when the power went down and once the medicine ran out, the cancer came back with a vengeance. It is a shame. She was one of the good ones.”
Mr. Landry looked at Tim, “Doc, she was at that. It took me some time because of the bullet hole in my back and all, and the fact that the Mayor resumed rounds in the city.”
This piqued both Marc and Ethan’s interest. “We have been so busy, we didn’t have time to go into town. The Mayor Spenser is still around? Amazing that tub of lard made it this long.”
“Only the good die young, you know that. And Oh, he is a different man. All the weight is gone and he has become hard. And from what I overheard a couple of times, he has it bad for you.” Mr. Landry pointed at Ethan.
“I wonder why me?” Ethan asked.
“Sophie. He blames you for turning her against him. And for killing her.”
Ethan thought back to that day in the wrecked truck. How Sophie’s sacrificial driving had saved him and in a way Julie as well. He remembered their last conversation when he found her with a bullet wound to the chest that got both a lung and her liver. {“Thank you for believing me and giving me a chance. You gave me an extra few months and the chance to get close to and trusting people again.” She had told him.
“I am going to miss you.” Ethan said. “More than even you know.”
With that her breath became more ragged. With a handful more draws she took one more deep breath then her last full one. And then she was gone. She had died a hero that she never thought she would be.}
For Ethan, the since of loss was still raw. “That bag of crap made her who she was and who she chose to become. And that ambush was on the Sheriff. We gave her a chance, she blossomed then was taken away.”
“All the same, he don’t like you none.”
Marc stepped back in. “How many people are left in Purvis?”
“Not many. Those with some sizable lots are trying to make a go of it. With this late break into some sort of summer, it will take a while to figure what to plant and when.” Mr. Landry said.
“Yes, maybe you can help us with that. None of our fruit trees really did well during that extended cool spell. So we need to get some things growing fast.” Julie said.
“You also have no animals.” Mr. Landry surmised.
“Yes, we have folks going out tomorrow to recon and see if we can get some Chickens, Goats, a cow or so.” Marc said.
“Just get them from the Mayor. He has collected most of what Purvis had. It is just him and a couple of his cousins left as far as his posse.” Landry offered.
“Tell us your thoughts.” Julie offered a cup of tea and helped him to a chair. They lingered into the night planning their day the next day.
|
|