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Post by texican on Oct 14, 2018 14:34:52 GMT -6
Thanks for the update BS....
Waiting of Stormbringer / Justicebringer....
Texican....
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Post by udwe on Oct 19, 2018 21:08:30 GMT -6
Thank you again for bringing Dan & Co. back!
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Post by bitsmith on Oct 21, 2018 9:23:13 GMT -6
Justice Storm - Chapter One
“This is The Great Inland Sea Radio bringing you the news as we can gather it.” The faceless, smiling, female voice came from the radio. “Today is a great victory for the Inland Sea Nation and her citizens. Today our heroic Marines attacked St. Louis, routing the would be President Luis Rios from his hotel tower he had stolen from the rightful owner to be his new castle to command the land from. In reality, a tyrant put in place by the infamous ‘Captain Dan’, Terror of the Plains. Soldier gone Rogue.”
“Jonesey, we’ve seen him like this, before,” Wilson stated. “He always comes back from it. He just need time to heal and to process.” Jones shook his head. As did Woods. “There is more to it, this time, Willie,” Jill spoke up from the back seat beside Jones and behind Pemberton who was driving. “There is A LOT more to it than before. He is so intently focused on his goal. If he was this way back when he worked for Gardner, it is no wonder he was so successful on the impossible.”
“I know I’m not the only one to see it. But it’s like he is a walking thunderstorm.” Jones said. “I swear at dinner last night, I smelled rain was coming.”
“That was just the dewfall,” Wilson said though he admitted to himself that Dan was not his usual self. In Thayer, he met with Nada’s parents and the parents of her live-in boyfriend. He had so few words that he was on the edge of rude. He asked short questions and gave only short one word answers, despite the question needing a fuller answer.
“LT? Do you remember that trip we made into Honduras, before the collapse?” Pemberton asked. “We had those two CIA officers with us?”
“Yeah. I remember them.” Wilson answered. “What does that have to do with our current situation?”
“Remember the quiet one? How he barely spoke? And the chatterbox? He once said his partner was in ‘operator mode’. Personally devoid of anything but the purpose of the mission. We had to watch our asses on that mission, sir. And I think we are in the same situation, now. Dan was a different kind of ‘operator’. And with respect, we’ve seen him at his worst, but never like this.”
“Maybe at lunch, I can swap with Tony?” Jill asked.
“Hang on,” Pemberton called as he hit the breaks hard. As soon as the truck was stopped, all four rolled out, rifles, ready. Jones and Pemberton taking the rear of the truck and trailer combination. Wilson and Jill proceeding forward to Dan’s truck and trailer.
Dan was out of his truck. Standing before a group of men manning a roadblock. Dan’s feet were planted in the road. His arms crossed.
Jill could not hear what was being said by the leader of the blockade, but she did see Dan shake his head as if to say ‘no’.
Someone from the blockade fired at Dan, but the bullet fell short and wide. Dan held up a fist to deter Tony or anyone from his side from firing. Dan slow marched up to the man who fired at him. Though they were separated by the width of a car, the man cowered in obvious fear.
From his stance, it was obvious Dan was speaking to another behind the blockade while staring intently at the man who had fired at him. Everyone behind the blockade was nervous. Even from a distance of nearly 100 yards, Dan’s presence was visible. The tension of a storm cloud hung over the blockade. For a long moment, nobody spoke or moved. Even nervous twitching was absent.
“NOW!” Dan bellowed, shocking those on the other side of the vehicles into action. Stumbling about, tripping over each other and looking for someplace to be or something to do, they finally organized enough to move the vehicles blocking the bridge.
Dan waived the vehicles forward, everyone mounted back up as Dan waited for Tony to bring the truck forward. As Dan climbed in, he noticed the other end of the bridge was being blocked.
A kill box.
“Wait,” Dan said to Tony. “If we commit to crossing this bridge, they will have us in a kill box.”
Tony checked his mirrors. “The others have not committed yet. So I have room to back up and we can find a different route.”
“No. We don’t have time for such games. I have a different plan.” Dan said, getting out of the vehicle.
Approaching the leader of the blockade on this side of the bridge, Dan pulled his sidearm. The large man nodded and simply sank to his knees.
Jill sat in the front seat, terrified with what she was about to witness. Pemberton was just murmuring ‘No’ over and over again.
The rest of the men in the roadblock were looking for someplace else to be. They knew they were protecting their town by blocking this bridge. But they never expected to be challenged by Captain Dan gone rogue. Every one of them there had listened to the stories coming out of Camp Freedom. Learned they needed to stand up for themselves. To protect themselves from those who would take from them. And now they were to be taken apart by their hero. The radio was reporting Dan had gone rogue, killing and pillaging across the plains he had helped make safe and secure.
“On your feet, mister,” Dan said. “I am not here to kill you as you and yours obviously intend to kill us.” Dan handed the man his sidearm as he stood. “If you wish to kill me, then do so, to my face. Have the spine to tell me why then pull the god damned trigger your self.”
“I don’t want to kill you, Captain. I, uhm, uh, mean General.” The man stammered. “We listened to the radio stories about you and how you helped others. How you secured other towns. We are only doing as you taught the country, sir.”
“And on that statement, alone, I’m supposed to take your word and assume that bridge is not a kill box? That those on the other end of the bridge will not shoot us as you also shoot us in the back?” Dan asked, a quiet rage in his eyes.
The large man handed Dan back his pistol. “I have a radio on my pocket. I will radio the all clear. I just had not done that, yet. I was waiting to get my men settled before, I swear it, sir!”
“Come on. Let’s you and I take a walk.” Dan said, motioning the man towards the bridge. “Have them all proceed across the bridge, first. Spread out, single line, across the bridge.” The big man just nodded to his men.
Dan kept the big man at his side, his pistole back in its holster. Stopping by the truck, Tony looked at him, questioningly.
“Tony, hand me my walkie, please.” Dan requested. “Get Jones on top, in overwatch. Keep me covered. Stay here, until I call for you. Tell Jones if anyone, ANYONE over there opens fire on us, this one dies first by his trigger.” Dan moved on, without waiting for confirmation, the leader at his side.
Dan and his large companion followed behind the line of guards progressing across the bridge. A slow, tension building pace that Dan intentionally kept steady. At roughly three quarters across the bridge, Dan called a stop. All those with him slowly, carefully and intentionally laid down their arms.
“Now, you may use your radio to call out the leader of this this road block.” Dan said, firmly. “Him and him alone is to approach.”
“Uhm, sir … The leader of this roadblock is a girl. I mean a woman.”
“Fine. Just get the leader out here where I can speak with her.” Dan replied, temper at a constant boil but contained.
“Sir? She is refusing to come out. She wants you between my men and her.”
“Very well. I don’t have time for this shit.” Dan stated. Taking the walkie talkie out of his pocket, he keyed up. “Jonesy? What do you see? Have you identified the leader, yet?”
“Yes, sir.” Jones replied.
“Put a laser on who ever she might be speaking with.” Dan stated. “I want her to know she is not out of range.”
“Done” Wilson answered as Jones’ spotter.
“Now, call her, again. This time let her know that HotShot has placed a laser on a target she can see. And that she is NOT out of range of us.” Dan said, plainly. Simply. With his mike still hot so the others could hear him.
As soon as she acknowledged the laser, Dan told Jones to turn it off and to get down.
Seeing the motion, she changed her speech from one of standing hard against any man looking to take over he town. Dan then took the radio from the big guy at his side.
“Listen to me, because I’m only going to share this, once.” Dan started, “If I wanted you dead, you would be dead. If I wanted you wounded you would be wounded. Jones’ is a damned good shot. Few have I ever met who were better. He is a natural at it. Now think on this, very carefully. You secured your town against the lawless around you. You followed the examples I set and helped others achieve, as shared by Camp Freedom. Now you are listening to another voice on the radio. A voice that has claimed I have gone rogue. What have you heard from Camp Freedom about that?”
“Camp Freedom is gone. They are off the air.”
“No, they are not,” Dan replied. “They are there, still. Their stories and news reports are still happening. If you listen to others farther west, you will find they are getting the news from Camp Freedom. There is an interference signal coming from the ‘inland sea’. Camp Freedom is looking for ways to resolve this, but has not been able to get the truth to you. I have not gone rogue. We are under attack, again. This ‘Major’ who has set himself up as a king of the inland sea is creating this situation. He has a good friend of mine. Perhaps you recall hearing about Nada and Ellie? He has them both. He and his people killed her boyfriend. She was finally getting her life straight and was happy. Finally, she was happy and well. And now she is a prisoner.”
“They came through here, about a month ago.” She said. “They threatened to shoot up our blockade, if we did not let them pass. And they had the guns to do it. At least 100 men and 15 vehicles. We let them pass to avoid bloodshed. 12 of the vehicles stopped in town. They took our women and boys. Only boys of 9 to 14 and attractive women. Since then, I have not let anyone we did not know come through.”
Dan nodded, turning to his escort, “Take your men back to your post.” Surprised by what was happening, he accepted the radio Dan was handing him. “Go. Talk with my team. They will share a radio with you, so you can hear what she and I have to say to each other.”
The big man looked down at Dan, realizing that Dan was short. Still within normal range, but Dan was shorter than him. Not some looming giant as he had been when he pulled up to the barricade on far end of the bridge. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to go have a chat with your boss.” Dan said, simply, as he turned to those in front of him, calling them together.
“Gentlemen, please, return to your posts.” Dan said. “Thank you for helping ensure the safety of my team and myself. Take care of yourselves and be safe.”
Dan stood his ground, facing his team. Waiting until the men were back at their posts. Dan saw the big guy giving the order to keep the blockade open to allow the vehicles to pass.
With a waive and a thumbs up to his team, Dan turned to the closed end of the bridge. Taking a deep breath, he started walking. And a light rain started to fall.
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Post by texican on Oct 21, 2018 13:25:17 GMT -6
BS,
Thanks for the chapters....
Propaganda works until the truth is revealed....
Texican....
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Post by bitsmith on Dec 2, 2018 13:30:59 GMT -6
Justice Storm – Chapter Two
“This is the Great Inland Sea Radio, bringing you the news as we gather it. Last week we reported how a specially trained detachment of Inland Sea Nation Marines had taken the castle fortress of illegitimate President Luis Rios, routing the tyrannical coward and the puppet government controlled by the renegade, ‘Captain Dan’.” The female voice described with a gleeful voice. “GISR has learned of friends of Captain Daniel Curtis who want to live in freedom, rather than the tyranny of the failed Constitutional Republic that was the social experiment known as the United States of America. Those who have the desire to live truly free and wish to be free of the likes of Captain Dan and the corruption he represents are welcome to apply for asylum in the Inland Sea Nation.”
“Nice kill box you have setup with the bridge.” Dan said, as he approached the actual leader of the guards. She was physically fit woman of mid years. Her eyes showed more than just a spark of fire and an intelligence that liked to be challenged. Her face was worn, had seen far too many rough days and longed for times when Oil of Olay commercials were on the television.
“It works for us.” She said. “How did you know?”
“This car was premature in rolling up onto the road.” Dan stated. “I caught a glint of reflected sun from the windshield.”
“That makes sense.” She agreed, nodding. “So, what do we do, now?”
“You and I discuss the situations we find ourselves in. “ Dan said. “Hopefully, mine and I are allowed to pass in peace and yours are left alive and uninjured.”
“And what is to stop me from just shooting you, here and now?” She said, smiling, leveling a Glock at him, across the hood of the old land yacht. “After all, there is quite a bounty for your head. And I’ve not heard of the Major welching on a deal.”
“Yet, it was him and his men who took your youth?” Dan asked, “You would believe and support such a person?”
“Why should I support or believe you?”
“Why would you support one whose actions you have personally witnessed as evil over one whom you have heard about for years helping people?”
“What do you really want?” she asked, getting tired of the banter.
“My team and I just want to pass. Maybe do a little business in town.” Dan said. “We intend to harm to those who will leave us be, in peace.”
“Also, tell that small one hiding behind the upright to your 10 o’clock, that he will be much more comfortable, if he can get a little higher and rest the rifle on that cross bar. Especially, if he needs to hold a bead on someone for a long time.”
“How did you see him?” she asked, surprised.
“He moved. I think he almost fell. The motion caught my attention as it was reflected in this mirror,” Dan explained. “Plus the angle he has would put you at risk, as well. But if he went up another 10 feet, he would be above where most people would be looking for a flanker, could lay more of his body weight on the girders and have multiple cross bars to rest the rifle on for different targeting solutions.”
She looked up to where Dan was suggesting and immediately saw the value of such positioning. With that on each side of the bridge, each end could be held 4 or 5 people, instead of the 8 she was using now.
“You have not gone rogue, have you?” She asked.
“No, I’ve much worse than just rogue.” Dan answered. “Much, much worse.”
----
“Thanks for letting us pass. If you don’t mind my asking, what did Dan say that convinced you to let us pass?” Woods asked Marnie, the woman Dan negotiated with at the second barricade.
“He knew about Leslie being in the girders of the bridge and shared how she could be more effective, even though it would put his life at greater risk.” She explained. “Either he is so arrogantly confident that he believes he can not die, will not die, or he truly believes in sparing the lives of those who will work within the boundaries of society’s rules. That is not the attitude of a conqueror.”
“I see.” Jill nodded. “So, he was just being himself, as you know him from the radio stories?”
“Pretty much. But I will admit, he also scares the hell out of me.”
“How so?”
“He is so … I don’t know. Intense, maybe?” Marnie tried to describe. “He is focused on a goal. We were just an obstacle in the path of getting to that goal. I have no doubt he could have taken out either or both ends of the bridge. Instead, he brought his focus onto us and the situation. And made it past without threat or bloodshed. Which is a good thing, don’t get me wrong. But the way he did it, how he stood, the way he spoke. All of it puts me on high alert.”
“Welcome to my world.” Jill Woods joked.
“So, does he know?” Marnie asked.
“Know what?” Jill rebutted.
“That you are in love with him, despite how he scares you?”
“I am NOT in love with him!” Jill answered hotly and a bit too harshly. “I RESPECT him for who he is and what all he has done and been through. All he has lost and even given up so he can defend and rebuild our nation.”
“OK, sweetie. Just keep telling yourself that.” Marnie said with a grin. “Maybe you can make it true, if you say it often enough.”
“But, I’m not.” Jill said, feeling a bit deflated.
-----
“It’s getting late.” Dan said to Jill as he was driving the mountain road in what was left of Missouri. “I think we should look to setting up camp.”
“It has been a long day”, she agreed.
Dan took the next turn that lead farther uphill. He followed the dirt road farther up and away from the road. Finally, he came to a flat area. It looked like it had once been cleared and prepped to build a house on. As he parked his truck, Pemberton pulled up close behind and across creating a more defensible parking arrangement.
Jones and Wilson immediately started scouting the area as Pemberton and Woods worked to set up camp. The weather was warm, though the night would be chilly, especially with the clear skies.
Dan sat in his truck, looking out across the tree tops, towards Oklahoma. Towards Camp Freedom. Backwards in time he looked. Dreaming of a different life. His life now was based upon one decision made in haste. And fear.
“What’s on your mind, Dan?” Jill asked from the open door of her side of the vehicle.
“Ever read Robert Frost?” Dan answered.
“Of course.” She responded. “The road less traveled type of thoughts?”
“Yeah. Something like that. Though I’m thinking more about the one more traveled.” He said softly. “I can’t help but think that if I had taken the other road, the girls, MY girls would still be alive.”
“Well, Dan, if you want to play that head game, consider this … if you had not stolen that car so long ago … Would you have ever met those women?”
“Probably not. But would they still be alive?”
“There is no way of knowing.” Jill answered. “Come on. Camp is set up. Let’s eat and get some rest.”
“Not yet. There is light enough, still. I want to string up an antenna and try to get through to Camp Freedom.” Dan said.
“With the Major blocking the signal how do you think to get through?”
“It’s a challenge, and I have an idea.” Dan said with a smile. A sincere smile. The first in over a week that was genuine. “Have the guys break out the antenna gear, please? I will need Tony and Jones for this.”
“OK.” She said. “I will have them get it out of the trailer. Anything else?”
“Yeah, actually.” Dan said. “Have Pemberton look at Willie’s feet. He’s walking with an irregular gait.”
Jill just looked at him oddly, then scanned the area for Wilson and Jones. Spotting them, she could not see anything irregular about how Wilson moved. Shaking her head she closed the door to the truck.
A short time later, Dan, Tony and Jones all stood together on the top of his trailer.
“Guys, I have an idea to try to get a signal out to Camp Freedom. But it will be experimental, at best. I think we are between 250 and 300 miles from them. Which means most of our signal on 40 meters is bouncing over them.” Dan started. “So, I want to put up two antennas, tonight. As quickly as we can. Jones, take the electric fence wire and run me out 8 pieces of wire, 33 feet long, each.
“Tony, pace off 33 feet from this side of the trailer, in that direction.” Dan said, pointing. “Put up a mast, there. Then another 40 feet to the left and right of that mast. In a straight line.”
“OK. I’ll bite.” Tony said, smiling. “What are we really doing?”
“We are putting up one antenna that is designed for long distance bounces. But we are going to try to shorten that bounce to get us where we want to be heard. These other lengths of wire will be used more like reflectors to take signal from the antenna and bounce it back up, closer to vertical. And the second mast set will help bounce more of the signal out, that way. The antenna will be at 33 feet up. Two lines on the ground at 16 feet and 33 feet and the other masts will hold one set of lines about 16 feet off the ground. Those will make a mirror to bounce more off the upper atmosphere to give a bank shot at Camp Freedom.”
“Oh, I get it!” Jones said, smiling.
Thirty minutes later, the antenna was up and the reflectors were laid out and straight. Dan stood on the trailer top looking at what his guys ha done with a minimal of instruction. He was proud of them. Climbing down, Dan entered the trailer pulling out a small gas generator and large pelican case.
Tony started the generator, as Dan connected the antenna to the radio and amplifier in the case. Once everything was tuned up on low power, he flipped the switch and listened. Everyone was gathered around him. They were able to hear ISR, but it was muffled. Dan tweaked a few nobs and under ISR, Carrie Smith at Camp Freedom could be heard.
Dan smiled as he flipped another switch and the generator pitch changed. Dan listened until Smith stopped.
“CQ Camp Freedom. CQ CQ. Flash traffic for Camp Freedom.”
Carrie came back, almost immediately, “Go with flash traffic for Camp Freedom. Please Identify yourself.”
Everyone behind Dan cheered.
“Freedom, This is Blacksmith. Acknowledge signal strength.”
“Blacksmith, this is Freedom. I have you 5 by 6. Good to hear from you, sir. Can I expect radio mail?”
“Freedom, negative. I’m using a standard dipole with spaced reflectors to get a concentrated signal to you. I have you 3 by 4. Short message to go up the ladder. My team and I are off the reservation. Executing plan as given to the bread maker. Should have been moon relayed to moon walker and supporters. Over.”
“Blacksmith. Message received, though I do not understand. Please rephrase. Over.”
“Freedom, Blacksmith. Blacksmith is rogue. Executing plan given to the break maker who in turn was to forward to moon walker. Transcribe and give to Townsend. Over.”
“Blacksmith, Freedom. Message received and understood. Townsend asking when can speak in the clear or via radio mail. Over.”
“Freedom. I will attempt to send radio mail, after zenith and again at just before dawn for best radio signals. Blacksmith, out.”
Everyone was on the edge of giddy with the conversation, that was, until Jones spoke up.
“Sir, I get who bread maker is. That is General Baker, right?”
Dan nodded.
“Who is ‘moon walker’, then?” he asked.
Tony answered, “General Armstrong.”
Jones turned bright red as it struck him.
“Do you need the computer, sir?” Tony asked.
“Yeah, Tony, I do. Along with the interface cables to the radio.” Dan said. “And kill the generator, please? I will need to concentrate on what I’m about to write.”
“We have your 6, sir.” Tony agreed.
“Got your back, General.” Wilson stated as everyone else nodded.
“Great, Thank you all.” Dan said. “By the way, Wilson, blister or in grown toe nail?”
“Neither, sir.” He replied. “I had a small stone in my boot.”
Dan nodded. “Pemberton? Jones? Can you two set up the field shower and privacy screens? It’s been a couple of days and I think we all need to wash off.”
“Sir, we have better than that” Jones stated. “The LT and I found a warm spring and two pools down stream of it. Better than a cold field shower, sir.”
Dan nodded. “In pairs, people.” Everyone broke up, leaving Dan sitting on the ground next to the
radio case. He turned off the amplifier but left the radio receiving on the battery.
Dan turned on the tiny computer and started composing an e-mail to be sent to Carrie and others past her. As promised, he sent everything he had done, reported on people and traffic patterns on roads they had traveled. Even added a section detailing his mental and emotional situation. The hardest thing to write was that he could no longer see himself and what he would be doing in a month or a year. He was getting tired. ‘Too tired for this shit’, as he described it. When he finished, he left it up for Woods to read. He saw her and Jones coming back from the spring pools Jones had mentioned. Dan had a flash of jealousy seeing them walking and laughing together. Logically, he knew they were colleagues. And he just as logically knew that Woods would not be interesting Jones in any romantic way. “And emotionally?” he asked himself. “She is your subordinate. You can not go there. You already crossed the line. Are you going to do it, again? Maybe get her killed, too?”
As they got close, Dan called out to her, by her rank. When she looked, he pointed to the laptop. When she nodded, he turned away to gather his shower kit, towel and clean clothes.
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Post by texican on Dec 4, 2018 0:16:10 GMT -6
BS,
Good chapter....
Dan is off to the races....
Thanks....
Texican....
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Post by udwe on Dec 8, 2018 7:37:24 GMT -6
Thanks! More please!
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Post by texican on Dec 13, 2018 19:05:35 GMT -6
Ok BS, It has been days since Moar.... Now how can you not respond to the begging of a baby?.?.?.? Remember the Moar Hounds are starving out here waiting for Moar.... Texican....
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Post by bitsmith on Jun 30, 2019 12:11:44 GMT -6
And here we are, months later, and my mind is right back where it was, when I wrote the previous chapter.
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Post by texican on Jun 30, 2019 14:43:12 GMT -6
And here we are, months later, and my mind is right back where it was, when I wrote the previous chapter. BS, Saw that you posted and had to see what you posted.... It may take sometime to get the muse back.... The Moar Hounds will wait, but maybe not patiently.... Later, Texican....
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Post by lonehawk on Oct 28, 2019 18:43:03 GMT -6
I really hope you get your muse back!!
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Post by papaof2 on Oct 28, 2019 19:28:20 GMT -6
And here we are, months later, and my mind is right back where it was, when I wrote the previous chapter. Been there; done that. Have it going on AGAIN with a story that I fortunately never started posting. Not happy with my muse but at least I'm not hearing the "M" word...
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Post by texican on Oct 28, 2019 21:30:06 GMT -6
And here we are, months later, and my mind is right back where it was, when I wrote the previous chapter. Been there; done that. Have it going on AGAIN with a story that I fortunately never started posting. Not happy with my muse but at least I'm not hearing the "M" word... Here you go PP2.... -------------------MOAR----------------- Texican....
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Post by bitsmith on Nov 28, 2019 14:31:37 GMT -6
Justice Storm – Chapter 3
“So, I read your report to Freedom.” Captain Woods asked from the bank, after watching Dan float for a few moments in the pool they were using for bathing.
Without moving, Dan managed to call back, “So?”
“You admitted in your report that I was on your mind? You made it sound like you were having adolescent fantasies about me or something.” She called back, surprising no anger in her voice. “Do you know what that could do to my career? Having a fling with a superior officer? Or a patient?”
“Yes, I know. But surely you read the rest of it, too.” Dan chided back, “Not just the juicy parts, right?”
“There are NO juicy parts! And yes, I saw how you were doubting your emotional stability to the opposite sex because of all you have been through.”
“Exactly,” Dan said, finally standing in the hip-deep water. “They will see it for what it is. An old man who has lost a lot, going through the various stages of grief, fixating on a younger, attractive, female subordinate. I also recognize the challenges of battle and the stresses we are going through. And how those stresses often present solutions in intimacy that may or may not be smartly thought out. Like you crawling into my bed, just a few nights ago. Still fully clothed and keeping the sheets and blankets between us.”
“You did not mention that in your report.”
“Of course not!” Dan spit back, as he pulled himself up the bank, using roots and a low hanging limb. He smiled as she slyly evaluated what she saw, as she turned away. “Nothing did happen. Nothing could have happened. And we both need to ensure that noting DOES happen. Is that clear, CAPTAIN?”
Snapping to, Woods answered, without turning, “Yes, Sir!”
“Good. Now we both know I’m about a key lock from being tossed into a rubber padded room for the rest of what is left of my life.” Dan stated, quietly and gently as he dried and dressed. “There is no need to complicate things. When we rescue Nada, I’m done. I will quit. I will disappear and be away from everyone. Far too many people have been hurt simply because they know me or are physically too near to me. That includes you, Jill. You have been hurt for simply being on the road with me and my Bastards.”
“I’ve had no injuries. I’m in the best physical condition of my life! And for the first time in at least 10 years … I REALLY know who I am!” she replied. “Do you know how difficult it can be for a therapist to know that? All the baggage we carry from those we help and listen to? The agony of those we lose? The pain of having lost someone we were helping?”
“I do not know, but I can imagine,” Dan said, quietly. He continued, barely above a whisper, “I have lost people, simply because I loved them. You know that I understand your frustration and pain and doubt. Professionalism is the only shield you have to protect yourself from those you work with whom you lose.”
“So what do I do about you?” she asked. “And what I feel for you?”
“You lock the personal, away,” Dan said. “Lock it away until you are no longer in danger every minute of every day. Every so often, you open it up, review it, evaluate it, appreciate it, then you lock it away, again, before it can hurt you. Before even a memory of me can hurt you.”
“I thought I was the therapist, here.” She said, wiping her eyes, and still not turning to look at him.
“You are. And I am your patient, Doctor. Captain.” Dan stated flatly. “But I’ve read many of the same books you studied. I know how it is supposed to work. I know how it fails, too.”
“I’m sure you have analyzed all of this.” She paused, “And where does it go, after this mission?”
“There will be nothing after this mission.” Dan swallows, “After this mission, there will be no more life and death at every turn of the road. You will be assigned someplace where you can see and help many people who need you and what you are learning here, on the road, with an impossible patient, who refuses to do what you know to be best for him. Sucks to be you, right now. But this … ‘residency’ is like none other. And it is very much like the training the Bastard’s got in their jobs. For it, you will be better. More focused, understanding for having ‘been there’. “
“What does that mean? ‘Been there’?”
“Ever watch M*A*S*H? There was an episode where Father Mulcahy was trying to help a young soldier who had been injured. They had a person of influence in common. A ‘Father Boom-boom Gallagher’, as I recall. Anyway, the soldier was in the hospital after being injured at the front. As they were talking, he discovered that Mulcahy had never been to the front. Had never seen the horrors of the front line. The story moved on where Mulcahy ends up going to an aide station in a jeep. Sees the blood and horror of front line life and even on the drive back manages to perform emergency surgery with help over the radio. When he gets back to the MASH, he sits down with the young soldier. They agree that Mulcahy had ‘been there’. Had seen what it was like and was able to have a common point of reference to share and comprehend.” Dan explained. “When you get back to a practice mode, you will have ‘been there’ and will be able to more thoroughly help others, because of these experiences.”
“I could already help them, because of my training.”
“Now you will know where your training will help and where it will fail because you have ‘been there’. You will have your own emotional experience to fall upon and to relate to what your patient has been through.” Dan finished.
“And what do I need to help you?” She asked as she fell into stride beside him.
“You already have all you need to help me. Except for one thing.” Dan said, as his face lost that last piece of peace he had gained from his short soak in the pool. “Time. You are dismissed, Captain.”
She looked into his eyes for a brief moment as he turned away towards this truck and the radio. And she packed it all away, into a little box, deep in the back of her mind. She knew it would not stay there. And that it would explode on her, flooding her with her own emotions, and his hyper intense emotions as well.
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Post by bitsmith on Nov 28, 2019 14:41:19 GMT -6
Justice Storm – Chapter Four
“This is Karen Walters of Greater Inland Sea Radio network with the news. And intercepted communication between terrorist Daniel Curtis and his base of operations known as Camp Freedom has caught the Major’s attention. In this communication, Curtis admits that he and his team are ‘off the reservation’. In military terms, that means they have gone rogue and are no longer following orders. Curtis continued to state in poorly encrypted statements that General Baker, the ‘bread maker’ knew of his plans. Evidently Baker was to relay those plans to ‘moonwalker’. We are, at this time, uncertain who this person may be. In other news … “
“Sir, can we speak a moment, before you send that e-mail?” Captain Woods asked, discreetly.
“You can speak, Captain. Even ask questions, if you wish. But I will give you no guarantee I will answer or reply.” Dan answered.
“I’m concerned about your mental and emotional state.” She stated, warmly.
“So am I,” Dan replied, a little hotter. “Do you have any recommendations?”
“And you wrote it up in a way that means … what?”
“Plausible Deniability”, Dan answered, flatly and very coldly.
“For who?”
“Rios, Armstrong, Baker, YOU.”
“What do I need plausible deniability for?”
“The Courts-Martial that will occur when this mission is done.”
Dan glanced out the corner of his eye to see Jones, Pemberton, and Wilson watching the conversation.
Dan stood, facing them all but Woods who was behind him. “Yes. You heard me. You can expect to face a court-martial after this mission. You may believe you left the service. You may want to believe that you are free of their rules and orders. But you are not. *I* have gone rogue. *YOU* are along to try to keep me on the road that meets the common need of myself and the nation. I am attempting to protect you as I exact my final pound of flesh for going after someone important to me.”
Jones stood, “Sir? Are you coming back from this? Are any of us?”
Dan looked softly at Jones. “You are, son. You all are if we can stay on plan. But you will need to do as I ask when I ask. Not a moment before. Not a moment later. Understand?”
“Yes, sir!” they all sounded off, with a hint of worry in their response.
“Just do your best and you will be fine,” Dan promised. “Now, if you will excuse me, I’m going to try to send this e-mail to Freedom.”
All sat in silence until Dan was out of earshot.
“Ma’am?” Pemberton asked to get Woods attention. “What is going on with him?”
“He is depressed. Suicidal, I believe. And when he goes, we do not want to be anywhere near him. He will be taking out a great many with him. 3 years ago, I would have him sedated and confined. He is stressed about all he has lost. How he can not rest. How others target those he cares for to get to him. How he gives up everything to go hunting because he can not imagine NOT helping them. His bullshit code of honor has him all sorts of twisted up.” She said. “We can expect him to become more volatile and impatient with us. Even if you think he is saying nice things just to say them, it will probably be because he is pissed off about something else.”
“So … what do we do?” Jones asked.
“There are only two things TO do, HotShot. We can run away or we can run beside.” Wilson stated, barely above a whisper, yet they all heard it.
“Exactly. We all are staying because we feel we owe him. *OUR* sense of honor will not allow us to abandon him. Not yet, anyway.”
“But what will it cost us to help him?” Jones asked.
“How long will you be able to live with NOT following through on this?” Wilson asked.
------------
Dan sent his message, with difficulty on the radio. The file transfer connection just was not working correctly, given the interference from ISR. Once it was sent, he grabbed up his dinner and sat near a campfire, listening to the music the ISR was playing.
“Mind if I join you?” Tony asked.
“Sure, though I’m not going to be very good company, Tony,” Dan answered as he continued his dinner.
“That’s good, cause I’m not really in a frame of mind to talk. Or to listen to someone whine and cry. The music was what I am interested in.”
“They do seem to have that much right. They play a wide range of music, at all hours, it seems.” Dan commented.
Tony just grunted. Both men started to relax and enjoy the quiet company of the other until the radio changed programming.
“This Inland Sea Radio bringing you our exclusive interview with Cynthia and her mother Debbie, witnesses of the Cape Girardeau Massacre by rogue operative Captain Dan and his radical followers, the Bastards. This interview was recorded earlier and being replayed now for your information.” Came a comforting male announcer’s voice after the song ended.
“What the fu…?” Tony asked as he sat up.
“Call everyone over, Tony,” Dan said. “They all will want or need to hear this.”
-----
“OK, you all heard it. Each of you and many of the others have been named and called out as war criminals for the murder of multiple civilians.” Dan said to those gathers around him. “Here is what I want you do to about it. I want each of you to report to Freedom. I want each of you to work with Smith, get in interviews and to tell the truth of what happened there and then. I want you to give the unvarnished truth. I killed those people, not any of you. I want this lie put to an end, now. Tak all of the fuel in the trailer and go, at first light. I will send an e-mail to Armstrong ensuring that I and I alone take full responsibility for Cape Girardeau. That is a last-ditch effort to keep you all from spending the rest of your lives in maximum security prisons.”
“No.” came the soft, almost whisper from Tony.
“Yes,” Dan answered, emphatically.
“I can not, sir,” Tony said. “And neither can any of the others. We were there. We did not stop you. Even if HALF of what that woman, Debbie said was true, then we would all still be equally culpable. ‘Just following orders’ has not been a useful defense since the Nuremberg trials, and you know it. ”
“Sir?” Woods started while motioning Tony and the others to be quiet for a moment longer. “I was not there. You had not really ‘gone off the rails’ until that day. That day if part of what brought me to your unit. I am not a part of that. Yet, I was mentioned in that fake news report. That alone proves there is more going on. Additionally, I’ve read the after-action reports. I have discussed with you and your men the events of that day. The details may vary, slightly, but the heart of the story is always the same. IT has been years since that day. If the Army, or anyone else in the legitimate government, wanted to see you punished for that, it would have happened already. So stop it. Just stop trying to get rid of us. We are in this WITH YOU, until the end, you hard-headed, self-destructive, son of a bitch!”
“Captain!” Dan said forcefully, but with normal volume, “If you are unable to control your emotions any better than that, then you are not a danger to this mission. The rest of you, you have your orders. Prepare to roll out, in the morning. First light, you are going to Camp Freedom. That is the last of any discussion on this matter.”
“And what are you going to do, sir?” Wilson asked.
“I’m going to put an end to this,” Dan said. “From my estimations and understanding of the inland sea, We are a three-hour drive from where ht Major is. I will go there and put a permanent end to him and his rule.”
“And after that, sir?” Jones asked.
“After that, Jones, I will turn myself in for whatever actions our government deems necessary.” Dan stated, flatly, before continuing, “All of you, get some rest. You have long drives ahead of you, in the morning.”
Dan stood at this point, ushering them all to go about their business.
Dan took the radio into the cab of his truck with him, tuned up Camp Freedom.
“Camp Freedom. Calling Camp Freedom. DeForest Kelly calling Camp Freedom.”
“DeForest Kelly, this is Freedom. Over” Came back the response.
“Is Smith available? I have a private message for her. Over”
“She is not, she is on personal time. I can take message. Over.”
“Roger, Freedom. The message is as follows. I have fired all staff, here at the farm. It is an untenable situation, given the news heard today. I can not take good people down with me. Do not worry about me. I will find a way. I always do. And as usual, I intend to misbehave. End message. Please confirm verbatim record. Over”
“Kelly, this is Smith, actual. Message recorded and received. Thank you for letting me know about the farm. The staff is loyal to you. They will be hard-pressed to find such satisfaction working for another. Over”
“Smith at Freedom, this is Kelly. I know. They are all young and much more flexible, each with skills they did not have before working here. They will be fine. The sooner they leave here, the better for them. I am sending them to you. I hope you can find them honorable work with those you know. Over”
“Kelly, this is Smith. I will do the best I can. We all will. Please come with them. Your presence will go a long way with helping them. Over.”
“Smith, Kelly. I can not. Not yet. I still have work to do, here. I need to close out the farm and get rid of the feral animals nearby, so there is nothing for them to gain from the farm. If necessary, I will burn it all down, to the ground. I suspect mid-afternoon, tomorrow, I will have set final plans into action. Confirm. Over.”
“Kelly, this is Smith.” Carrie Smith answered back, fully understanding Dan’s coded message. “I confirm, sir. I hated that farm, sir. Too many bad things came out of it, for me to learn to appreciate it. Please come back to us, here, Grandpa. I need you. Many of us do, sir. And Alexandre says he is ready for another good game of chess with you. Over.”
“Smith, Kelly. Tell Alexandre, one way or another, one day we will have much to share with each other. I must go. It is late and I have much to do and send off at dawn. And save the candle for another. I know my way. DeForest Kelly, near the farm, clear.”
“Smith as Camp Freedom, calling DeForest Kelly. Come back, sir. Please, come back, sir!”
-----
“Ma’am?” the night radio watchman asked. “Is everything alright, ma’am?”
“No. Everything is NOT alright.” She said.
“I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather giving up on the farm.”
“That was not my grandfather, soldier. That was General Curtis. A coded message to let command know that tomorrow he attacks the Inland Sea C&C, tomorrow, midafternoon. Alone.”
“Ma’am?” the radio operator asked. “All of that from that simple message?”
“Yes. All of that, from that simple message. Because he and I know each other. We know what to say, and how to say it. We know things about one another’s past. Such as Kelly DeForest, the doctor on the original Star Trek is my father’s uncle. I never met the man, but because of that connection, General Curtis knows he can reach out to me on open airwaves and get a valued content message to me and I will give it high priority. So will my commanders.”
“Understood, ma’am.” He answered, “Anything else I can do for you, tonight, ma’am?”
“No, soldier. Just keep monitoring the frequencies and operating the late-night nets as you have been trained to do. I need to take this to Townsend.”
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Post by texican on Nov 28, 2019 15:29:34 GMT -6
ooohhhh bs,
How kind of you to feed the Moar Hounds with 2 Moar Chapters on Thanksgiving....
Happy Thanksgiving to all...
Texican....
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Post by bitsmith on Nov 28, 2019 17:26:34 GMT -6
Justice Storm -- Chapter Five
“This is Karen Walters with ISR News ‘Sun-up Report’. First the weather report for the Inland Sea’s Western region. Today we can expect much the same as yesterday as the high is slowly making it’s way south, powered by the warmth of the plains. Warm, humid, and clear with breezes from the west. The Eastern shore is currently fogged in from Kentucky/Tennesee state line up to the St. Louis area. Expect dramatic changes, today as the low depression between the Ohio and Tennesse River Valleys will keep the weather active, pulling cooler, damper air from the sea into those valleys. As the weather builds activity in your area, be sure to send in your weather reports, using frequencies 3.5 to 3.6MHz for CW and 3.6 to 3.7 for rity. These are automated frequencies and will not reply or confirm receipt.
“In other news, rogue Army General Daniel Curtis, formerly known as Captain Dan, has been reported to be in the Heber Springs area of Arkansas. If you see the Murders of Cape Girardeau and their convoy, do not interfere. Allow them to pass without challenge for they are definitely dangerous, and possibly armed with military-grade weapons of war. Report your sightings, with as much detail as possible to your local Public Information Officials. It is their duty to help protect the peace-loving public by moving that information to Inland Sea Military Command.”
---------
“What do you all think you are doing?” Dan asked as those with him approached his still warm fire from the night before.
“Retiring, sir,” Wilson responded.
“They can’t court-martial a civilian, sir,” Tony added.
“No, but they CAN still find you guilty in absentia and lock your ass up with a release date of 2 weeks after the turn of the third millennium,” Dan argued, back.
“Dan, it’s just not going to work,” Woods interjected.
“How so, CAPTAIN?” Dan challenged.
“We all have resigned. I’ve got the letters of resignation, right here.” She says, waving them about for him to see.
“You cannot do this,” Dan said. “Please, do not do this. Go to Freedom, get clear of this trouble and live your lives, you damned fools!”
“Sir,” Jones stepped forward, “If I may … How could I ever look Miller in the eye, again, knowing that I allowed the man he considers a father to go into danger, alone?”
“And there there is Padre,” Pemberton chipped in.
“Imagine what Baker will do to each of us if we were to leave you, as you ask.” Wilson contributed.
“Damn you all,” Dan shouted. “Fine. I can’t get rid of you. Fine. Captain, burn those letters. They do not exist. You all want to play death eating soldiers, then you can take the repercussions for your actions. Go load up all of the vehicles. Consolidate everything needed into my truck and the trailer. We travel light, move fast. Now go to it. I need a few minutes to make new plans to keep you all alive. Damned shit headed grunts. Woods, stay here.”
“Jill, you can be a real bitch, you know that, right?” Dan asked in private.
“Don’t go there, General,” she said, “that constitutes sexual harassment.”
“Fine. Thank you,” he said. “I know what I need you to do. Pemberton, too.”
Dan stopped, shouted for and waived Pemberton over.
“Alright, you two. Battle plans never survive first contact with the enemy. I need you two to be back up and diversion. You will leave out of here, in the two Humvees. Heading west. I want you on the radios in both of those vehicles on different bands, trying to get Freedom to arrange for air extraction of a seriously injured member of the team. DO NOT GIVE ANY NAMES, just state priority medical extraction required, immediately. And you are on the road. Keep reporting where you are as you travel and go through a town. You each are on different paths. Generally headed west. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir, I understand, but I will not follow,” Woods stated. “I'm in this with you, to the end.”
“Then, damn it, Captain, be in this with me, to the end,” Dan stated, noting Pemberton nodding. “I need the diversion the two of you will be creating. They, meaning that asshat trying to rule the inland sea, will not know which of you to go after. He will see that both of you are running west, hard and fast. He will then be thinking that one of you is carrying me. DO NOT GIVE ANY DETAILS on who you are carrying, what injuries there are, etc. You are to be asking for air evac to meet you at the next town. I will send Smith a message that she is to keep delaying you to try to get air for you when you get the next town. Lots of red tape. The rest of us will beat up the truck and trailer, maybe paint them, some and hopefully, we can roll in and maintain an element of surprise.”
“If that sumbitch has any air support, I want it diverted to your two. If you start to get attacked from the air, then you ditch the vehicle and run. Do you both understand that? The empty vehicle will not be enough reason for heroics. And anyone of higher rank starts asking for details, you simply state you are under orders NOT to discuss the person, injuries or the nature of how they occurred until you have the ‘patient’ in air evac.”
“That is what I need you two to do, so the rest of us have a chance.”
“Jill, it’s a good plan. We need to do this. You are not the warrior the rest of us are. That’s just the simple truth of it. And this is mostly a suicide mission, so my medical skills will not be as necessary as Jone’s ability with the long rifle.” Pemberton explained, taking some of the wind out of her arguments. “I understand what needs to be done, sir. I won’t let you down, and neither will the Captain.”
“Thank you, Jason. I appreciate your seeing it. Please help others. Make sure both Tony and Wilson have medic bags.” Pemberton nodded, glanced at Jill and left.
“You just want me safely out of danger,” Jill said. “How can I ‘be there’ when you send me away?”
“Jill, believe me when I tell you that I want you with me, to help keep me from doing what I will regret if given an opportunity. But there is no room or time once the bullets start flying for me to get your input. And Jason is right. You are not the warrior we need on this mission. You are the conscience we will need when we come back from it.” Dan explained as he looked her in the eye.
“Are you coming back?” she asked.
As an answer, Dan kissed her, fully.
After he let her go, she nodded, smiled and went to the hummer she would be driving. Shortly after, she and Pemberton both pulled out to waves and shouts of ‘good luck’.
-----
“OK, Willie. What do you think? Triangulation of signals says their main transmitters are just east of Little Rock. The Mississippi flood plains are gone, now. But I’m guessing this area, right here, is shallow, but still deep enough for boats. Also, it makes sense, as the Major will want to control traffic on both sides. Memphis and Little Rock still have major interstates to them that are mostly usable.”
“Looking at this map, sir,” Lt Wilson started, “If I were trying to control that area, and was reliant upon water … I think I would try to use the Arkansas River as my point of control on this side. That river would allow some boats and ferries into Little Rock. More docking options that way, sir.”
“OK. Then we roll for Searcy. From there, we take 167 southwest to 440, just past Jacksonville,” Dan explained. “Now, let’s go see what Tony and Jones have done to my new looking truck and trailer.”
“Sir, I’m sorry,” is all Jones could say when Dan and Wilson turned around to view the damage done to the truck.
“It’s fine, Jones. This just might save our lives. Have you gotten everything not necessary for this into the trailer?”
“Yes, sir,” Tony replied. “And I believe, sir, if we can saw that tree down, letting it fall this way, it will create a nice place to put the trailer for recovery, later.”
“OK, Tony,” Dan said. “Get the saw ready. I will back the trailer into that spot. Be sure you cut a few pieces off the trunk like you were taking the tree for firewood.”
An hour later, the four were loaded into the truck, armed and ready. They each had eaten and were anxious to get through the next few hours of travel, hopefully uneventfully and without being recognized in their civilian clothes.
-----
“Dammit, Groendyke! I do NOT care what you are in command of and responsible for. I am in command of YOU. And I’m telling you what I want you to do! Now get your birds ready to fly missions over Little Rock. I want to know exactly where that transmitter is. I also want to know where that damned barge assembly is! I want recon details and I want them NOW! You have your orders, Colonel! MOVE ON THEM! Armstrong, OUT!” Armstrong was shouting into his microphone of the encrypted radio set in the comms center of Fort Hood.
“Alright, son,” Armstrong changed his tone as he turned to the radio operator. “Get me secure comms to our team in Camp Robinson, just outside of Little Rock. Those boys have been quiet for long enough. Time to wake them up.”
“I’ll try, sir, we are outside their normal check-in window,” the operator answered. “Also, sir, I have flash traffic from Camp Freedom, the Kentucky Hub, and Leonardwood. All for you, sir.”
“OK. Give me Camp Freedom, first.”
“This is Armstrong.”
“Sir. This is Townsend in Camp Freedom. We have a situation, here, that I need guidance with,” Pete stated, quickly. “It seems that two vehicles are leaving the inland sea area, rushing to get here, and calling for medical air evac. Both vehicles are on different, parallel routes. Both claim to have ‘precious cargo’ and are under orders not to reveal the passenger. How do I handle this, sir?”
“Stall them. Keep leapfrogging them to the next town on their trajectory. Ask for condition of the precious cargo, press for injuries, etc. But under no circumstances push for the identities.”
“Sir, have you checked your e-mail, today? We saw a message come through that was for you, sir. Perhaps it has some information to help with this?”
“Townsend … I’m going to tell you this, once. That encrypted message is none of your business.” Armstrong growled.
“Yes, sir!” Townsend answered, sharply.
“Pete, just have Smith keep delaying them to the next town as I try to arrange medivac for them. You got that, son?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” Pete answered. “Camp Freedom Out.”
“OK, son, now Baker in Leonardwood.”
“OK, Michael, I’m here. And no, I do not know who needs the medivac or which vehicle might have him in it,” Armstrong stated. “But you know him, far better than I do. Hell, he trained you. If you figure out what he is doing, send me a secure message and keep it to yourself. It might mean saving his life.”
“Roger that, General. I will send you a secure message, shortly.”
“Oh, and General ‘breadmaker’? Don’t bother sending any requests for information to Smith. She has enough on her hands, fighting with Groendyke to get air support.” Baker paused a moment, before responding, “Understood, sir. Godspeed to them. Leonardwood, out.”
“Sir, I’ve Sergeant Canon from Camp Robinson for you.”
“Good work, son, good work, indeed,” Armstrong said, happily. “Now, give me the room would you? Thank you. Good man.”
Armstrong watched the young radio operator leave the room, closing the door after himself.
“OK, Canon, this is Armstrong. Are you and your boys ready to do more than just watch and report?”
“You know we are, sir,” came the reply. “What do you need from us?”
“I need for you to take the transmission relay site. Once you have it, put an end to the interference they have been running. Then connect with LT Smith at Camp Freedom for her to remotely transmit through that site. The keyword to get her support is ‘Kelly DeForest’.”
“Take and hold the transmission site. Disable the interference transmission and relay for Camp Freedom, using ‘Kelly DeForest’ as the keyword to be recognized as following your orders?”
“Yes, you are a friend of Kelly DeForest’s neighbor, Armstrong with a secure message. From that, you and she should then be able to set up a secure comms link.” Armstrong shared.
“Roger that, ‘moonwalker’, sir.” Canon jabbed, “We can be onsite within … 1 hour.”
“Make it two and half, Canon.” Armstrong said. “There are multiple moving parts to this operation. And not all of them are punctual.”
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Post by bitsmith on Nov 28, 2019 17:28:52 GMT -6
ooohhhh bs, How kind of you to feed the Moar Hounds with 2 Moar Chapters on Thanksgiving.... Happy Thanksgiving to all... Texican.... I ain't done, yet, Texican. One of the joys of being alone on such a holiday. So far, approximately 5400 words in 3 hours. I'm thinking I will it through Chapter 6, before the night is over. BS
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Post by bitsmith on Nov 28, 2019 17:31:10 GMT -6
And here we are, months later, and my mind is right back where it was, when I wrote the previous chapter. Been there; done that. Have it going on AGAIN with a story that I fortunately never started posting. Not happy with my muse but at least I'm not hearing the "M" word... Lucky bugger for not hearing the 'M' word ... At least until the SOMEONE had to chime in.
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Post by texican on Nov 28, 2019 18:19:13 GMT -6
Been there; done that. Have it going on AGAIN with a story that I fortunately never started posting. Not happy with my muse but at least I'm not hearing the "M" word... Lucky bugger for not hearing the 'M' word ... At least until the SOMEONE had to chime in. Your welcome.... Texican aka Someone.... Happy Thanksgiving to all....
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Post by bitsmith on Nov 28, 2019 19:53:25 GMT -6
Lucky bugger for not hearing the 'M' word ... At least until the SOMEONE had to chime in. Your welcome.... Texican aka Someone.... Happy Thanksgiving to all.... Texican ... Go read the three new chapters.
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Post by texican on Nov 28, 2019 21:32:19 GMT -6
Your welcome.... Texican aka Someone.... Happy Thanksgiving to all.... Texican ... Go read the three new chapters. BS, Read Chapters 3 and 4, but missed Chapter 5 which has been read.... Making three chapters today which is outstanding.... Dan is pulling in the Major into a trap.... Well done BS.... Not perfect but working on it.... Texican....
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Post by lonehawk on Dec 9, 2019 21:14:46 GMT -6
More of a great story, I hope to be reading MOAR soon!
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Post by bitsmith on Dec 24, 2020 18:11:40 GMT -6
Justice Storm -- Chapter Six
“This is Karen Walters with ISR News, bringing you the Mid-day report, right after this message from our sponsors.
“Good morning. This is Constable Harrison of Memphis. I wanted to take this opportunity to let the fine people of the Inland Sea region know that I’m running for the office of Chief Justice. I promise fair and reasonable application of the law to everyone, regardless of their wealth, their status or even their skin color or sex. We are still recovering from the fallout of the former government and the criminals like Captain Dan. Such will no longer be tolerated by good people and I’m here to ensure it does not. Thank you and elect Harrison for Chief Justice.”
“Thank you, Chief Harrison. May you get the minimum 35% of all eligible voters to win your uncontested position as Chief Justice.
“And now, for today’s special mid-day program. Today, we have Nada and Ellie. ‘Friends’ of Daniel Curtis. Nada, how long have you known Daniel Curtis, the Murder of Cape Girardeau?”
----
Dan reached over and turned the car stereo off.
“Sir?” Jones asked from the back seat. “Don’t you think there might be intel in that conversation?”
“There may be, Jones.” Dan replied, slowly, “or there may only be lies and pain as she is being forced to say what they want her to say. Either way, I would rather remember her as someone who is my friend.”
“This is the turn off for 440.” Wilson pointed as navigator. Then he reached over and turned the radio back on.
“… young lady, you need to learn that you do not interrupt adults when they are speaking! And what would you, a mere child know of who is a good man and who is not?”
“Well? Answer me!” the announcer pushed Ellie
“I’m sorry. You just told me to not interrupt when adults are speaking. Are you done, now?” Ellie answered.
“Ellie? What did I tell you about how to act in here, today?” Nada asked.
“I know, momma. But you also taught me to not allow bad people to talk bad about good people. And she is bad. Just like that Major guy is bad. Both of them are bad. And you know it.”
“My, but she is a spirited child, isn’t she?” the announcer bubbled, trying to regain control of her show.
“She is my daughter. And Dan is our friend. He has been a great influence on her.”
“Well, if Daniel Curtis, the rogue Army office is such a great friend, why are you here, in our studios airing y our dirty laundry about him, as it were?”
“Because it is the truth. The Major threatened me to be here. And I promised him I would tell the truth about Dan. Nothing more. Nothing less. I also told him that he did not want to know the truth about Dan. He only wants to know the worst about Dan to use it …
“Now that can’t be …” the announcer interrupted.
“You asked me a question. Do you want the answer or not?” Nada asked, harshly. “If you do not want the truth, then either let us go or shoot us as the Major promised, this morning. I’m tired of being a piece used in his power games. If Dan is still alive, and I believe him to be, he will come for me. And if he finds I’m dead …? Well, I think that will be a storm you are not prepared for, on your little boats out in the water.”
“WOW, Karen. It sounds like you’ve got yourself a lively one, today. But I need to interrupt your segment.” A male announcer interrupted. “This is Marshal Alteirs of ISR with this important news bulletin. Through radio intercepts, ISR has learned that two vehicles have left the Heber Springs area, earlier this morning, making a mad dash across the state of Arkansas, trying to get to Camp Freedom, the rogue Army General’s stronghold. We are uncertain of the situation, but both vehicles, on different paths to the illegitimate militia stronghold founded by General Curtis just four years ago, claim to be carrying what they are calling precious cargo. Both vehicles are calling for medical helicopters to meet them on the road and to take their injured for medical care. If you see military vehicles passing through your town or on your roads, do not interfere with them. They are to be considered armed and VERY dangerous. At this time, Tinker Air force base has not sent any aircraft for these renegades. It is too early to have the answer, but everyone is asking ‘Could this be the end of the folk hero turned bad, Captain Dan?’ Could he be that precious cargo in one of those vehicles? Is he wounded? How severe is it? Could he be dead, already? We will share with you more information on this high-speed situation as we get it. The Major has dispatched a hospital aircraft to render humanitarian aid to our potential enemy. We should be getting word back from them, soon. This is Marshal Alteirs with this special report.”
“… Thank you Marshal for that informative report. Unfortunately, Ms Nada and her daughter Ellie are inconsolable about this turn of events and are unable to continue the interview.”
Wilson looked around the truck to see everyone grinning at the news. The ruse appears to be working. Everyone but Dan, that is.
-----
“I hope this is working, your self-righteous prick,” Captain Jill Woods muttered to herself as she got onto I-40 in Morrilton. “Wonderful! I finally get onto the interstate and I’m 280 miles from OKC. I will run out of gas, long before then. DAMN him and his schemes! I better check-in.”
Taking up the microphone, Woods called out, “Camp Freedom. Calling Camp Freedom, this is Captain Jill Woods with emergency traffic for Camp Freedom.”
“Captain Woods, this is Camp Freedom. Where are you, Captain?”
“I just got on the I-40 at Morrilton. A recent road sign said I’m 280 miles from OKC. I do not have that much fuel to get this precious cargo to OKC. What is the status of those medi-vac choppers?”
“We finally got through all of the red tape. They should be launching in the next 20 minutes. They will be bringing fuel to both vehicles, as well. Be sure you call in with your location, about 10 minutes before you are out of fuel, completely. We are expecting a 1.5 hour flight time for these slow helicopters. Do everything you can to keep your precious cargo safe, comfortable and most importantly, alive! We will be relaying the same information to Pemberton on his next check-in.”
“Roger that, Camp Freedom. We will hang on for as long as we have fuel.”
-----
“Alright, men. Listen up. Final mission tasking. This is as much as a mission brief as we are likely to get. We will be hitting an armed, prepared, altered, and expecting floatila. Unknown armaments. Unknown numbers. All we really know is that there are two people on that floatila that do not belong there. In the even you come across either, tell them you are my friend. Tell them I am there, too. And we are trying to take them home. Ellie you can use the pass phrase of ‘lil one’. Her mother will understand ‘lil bit’,” Dan instructs as he drives.
“Jones, I want you to find the high ground and provide cover for the rest of us. That may not be easy. And it may not have cover. Be careful what you take you and what may be behind it.”
“Wilson, fuel dump is your primary target. Find it, eliminate it. I want it going up loud, fast, bright as the sun. I want it completely destroyed. If possible, set the explosives and leave with either radio detonators or targets for Jones.”
“Tony, you and I to get the females. If possible, I want to avoid destroying the radio system. They have a strong signal and are influencing possibly millions of people with multiple transmitters around the inland sea. Probably on relays. Jones, also, take a couple of LAWS with you. There may be an opportunity for you to use them on whatever they have cobbled together.”
“Also, everyone is to take one of the HT’s. Willie, set the primary and secondary frequencies for us, as we drive. Set an extra for Jones to constantly scan all bands. We may need to know of any other boat traffic that could interfere or be bringing reinforcements.”
”Any questions?” Dan finishes.
“I have one,” Tony states from the back seat.
After a moment, Dan asks, impatiently, “Yeah? What is it, Tony?”
“Well, sir … I found your last six pack of sodas in the trailer. Would you like a Mountain Dew?” Tony asked with a serious dead pan.
The three of them looked at each other as Dan just focused on the road, not saying anything.
“Tony … Yes, I would. Please pass them around,” Dan said, with difficulty. “I thought they were all gone, already.” He laughed as he relaxed into the knowing what was coming was coming and there was nothing to do about it, until he got there.
----
“OK, Willie. Time to write Smith. Set it up,” Dan said.
“Sir? How are we to get to her, this close to their transmitter?”
“Set it up. I will work on the antenna, now.
“Tony? Get me a bearing for Camp Freedom.
“Jones, wire and ropes. I want a 105 degree spread with Camp Freedom being dead center.”
Wilson types up the message for Smith and the others.
-Flash Traffic for Camp Freedom
-Decrypted message to follow
- Have party location in sight. Appears to be a full party. Excited to join them. Confirmed visual of secondary guest of honor. Primary is never far away.
- Have not seen host, yet.
- Hope this has not been a waste of fuel to get here. It’s going to be a blast!
Wilson stopped typing as he heard the radio come to life, with Smith’s voice clearly. Wilson checked, again and realized she was NOT coming through the HAM radio. She was on the AM band of the radio in the dash!
“Sir! Sir! I’ve got Smith on the radio!”
“What?” Dan asked. “How the hell can that be? We don’t even have the antenna finished, yet!”
“Not that radio, the DASH radio!” Wilson called back.
“… This is Carrie Smith calling for all civilians in the immediate area of the Inland Sea Command’s floatila. Please evacuate the area, immediately. We are expecting a serious battle in that immediate area. We intend to put an end to the ‘Major’s’ governance over free American citizens and patriots. Again, please leave the area, get to shore, at least 10 miles north of I-40 before 1500 hrs. This message will repeat ever 5 minutes.”
“Sir? She is telling them when and where we will attack from!” Wilson barked. “And that’s less than 30 minutes from now!”
“Yes, she is,” Dan laughed. Maniacally he laughed.
“Willie, as soon as we get the antenna up, I want you to check for messages from Camp Freedom! Boys … we may not be alone in this!” Dan shouts as pieces fall into place. “I’m willing to bet that we will have some kind of air support! Willie, I want you to reprogram all of the radios for the Air Traffic Control frequencies! We may need to have comms with the flyboys. Let them hear us as we coordinate our efforts. Give them an earful of ground combat,” Dan says, happily. He was actually smiling for the first time in months.
“OK, Wilson! See if you can hit the mail server!” Dan calls from the back of the truck.
“I’m in! Two messages for you, sir!” Wilson calls back. “Downloading, now!”
Dan jogs to the hood of the truck to read the messages.
Oldest message:
Understand casualties are a rouse. Good idea.
Have men in general area. They will take control of the transmitter closest at 1430.
Share plan, soonest possible. Air should be clear after 1430.
/End msg
Newest message:
Have not heard from you.
Moonwalker has arranged for Big Brother to watch.
Your brother has arranged for visual display from Big Brother at multiple Safe Stops.
Expect CAS commencing at 1500.
Local support will have lights on military targets only. 146.52 Simple
Current visual recon shows the floatilla to be mostly civilian.
Report soonest opportunity.
God Speed.
/End msg
“OK, men. Change up of plans,” Dan says. “Willie, retune, again. Primary to 146.52, simplex. Secondary civilian air traffic control. Jones coordinate with local support for the targets. Then sit overwatch. Tony, Willie, and I are going Full Monty. And I intend to f*** the bastards! Hard, raw and dry!”
They all smiled at that, as Dan was suddenly … high. Like that Mountain Dew has given him a mix of sugar and caffeine energy. He was seen typing, frantically as the others went about preparing for the new scenario.
To: Grenade area of affect
Ground mission to commence at 1500 – full frontal
Request CAS monitor civilian ATC freq for target assignment
Jones will coordinate flanking with local ground / provide oversight
See you on the other side
/end msg
Dan was checking his load and gear when he saw a reply message.
To: Ground Command
Primary target is the elimination of ‘Major’
All other targets are choice of ground commander
ATC will monitor 146.52 and accept mission targets on ATC. Good idea.
Local resources are at your command
Good hunting
/end msg
“Woohoo!” Dan shouted. “OK, men, CAS will be on the ATC frequencies and they will be monitoring our ground freq, as well. Jones, check in with them. I want flanking from the north and south shore of that bridge. Verified enemy human targets, only. Sharp shooting, got it? Good. EVERYONE is to hold fir, until I fire, first! Make that clear to them Jones.
“Also, Jones, I want smoke BEHIND our forces. Heavy smoke. I want it to appear that we have many more forces than they may think. Ground forces at the front edge of the smoke so they can still see. But maybe take cover in the smoke, if needed. Got it?”
“Got it, sir!” Jones stated as he stepped aside to handle the check in and battle plan.
“Tony? Willie? And input, before we do this?” Dan asked.
“No, sir,” Wilson answered. “I like the plan. The smoke is a good move. Certainly leads to a larger visible presence.”
“Then let’s do it!”
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ahsga
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by ahsga on Dec 24, 2020 22:42:19 GMT -6
Transposed simplex frequency. 146.25 to 146.52. Intended?
Thank you
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