Announcement

**Spero** · 12-06-2012, 10:52 PM

I like this so far. It has potential.

**wtr100** · 12-07-2012, 10:06 AM

thanks - if some once could please fix my mis-spelling in the title - so embarassing

**RVN11B** · 12-08-2012, 10:13 PM

Oh not to worry. My deranged mind automatically corrects spelling and punctuation and continues to enjoy the story. In particular this one. Standing by for further submissions!

**Grand58742** · 12-10-2012, 06:45 AM

As a reminder to posters...

https://www.survivalandpreparednessforum.com/showthread.php?2737-READ-THIS-FIRST-ROE-for-Fiction-Forum

#5 specifically.

OP, not directed at you or any others that still have posts in this thread.

And looking interesting so far.

**wtr100** · 12-10-2012, 10:33 AM

Chapter 2

A little different from my usual drivel - grammar, punctuation and spelling warning in full effect

Gets a little PG-13 in places toward the end

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

They met over massive stuffed meat lovers pizza and Shafly Holiday Ale, being 'turkeyed out'.

"That is some ugly stuff." Rusty was cracking another beer and speaking of the Mall shootings. All across the country shopping malls had been hit. It was almost always the same, explosives dropped into trash cans. Over a dozen people were killed and hundreds were injured. Almost every mall in the country had closed.

"You know we're better off at the Bluff than most people." Tim opined from his stool around a mouth pull of pizza. He took a pull on the beer before continuing. "But we'd freeze our asses out there if we had to bug out this winter."

"Nah, we got buddy heater heaters and a bunch of gas bottles. Maybe we each should buy another 20 lb propane bottle." He began clicking away at his lap top. "Check this, at Northern Tool, there are 40 lb bottles too, we could ..." John had gone into too much information, TMI, mode again.

Tim cut him off, "Yehbut think of the steel sides to those containers, the heat will radiate right out. And the condensation, all that breathing and farting..."

"Could we floor one of them?" Ed had joined in. "Frame and insulate the walls and ceiling, add vents ..."

Tim took a pull on his beer, "Sure that wouldn't be that hard to ..."

This time John cut Tim off, "Check this out!" He had surfed over to Craigslist. The add was for a 'toy hauler' trailer. A 30' long travel trailer, the rear 15' was a 'garage' in this case just large enough to hold and "out law' sprint car. In the front or 'bunk house' was a galley, bunks plus a table and chairs, it had s stool but no shower. The ad mentioned, some frame damage, willing to deal. "If we can get a deal think of it as a 'hunting shack'. We can haul it up the Bluff and put it next to the shipping containers."

Rusty scowled, "Wonder how much damage 'some' is and what kinda deal we can do?"

John contacted the seller. He would be available after Sunday service and before the Bears game. Fortunately they played at 3. Sunday Tim and John drove in Tim's Dodge truck to meet the owner. Ed and Rusty were each in their own vehicles a short distance away ready for massive adrenaline dump and to blade at 45 if it was time to FO. Actually they each has several thousands of dollars, should a deal be struck but they hung back just in case.

Tim and John were impressed with the interior of the trailer. The story the owner gave, of being rear ended on an interstate off-ramp was backed up by a police report. The frame was another matter, slightly bent and definitely cracked. John did some mental calculations and gesturing to the tools he offered $100 to use the welder and some scrap leaf springs. The owner said the $100 wasn't needed, 45 minutes and 4 strategically placed leaf springs later they called Ed and Rusty, for the grand sum of $2,000 they now owned a bunk house.

The next weekend was traditionally Illinois second deer season. Traditionally there was little work to do in November for concrete guys so Tim was off. He used the time to get the trailer up to the bluff but not into the foundation. Tim and Ed hunted the Bluffs the Thursday of Second Season. It was a cold day, in the 40's with misty rain. By 11 both had retreated to the trailer. Ed pulled a can of generic Beef Stew and a couple pouches of instant coffee from the 'Preps Container'. Tim cut up some Deer Slims, snack sticks made of venison, and added them to the brown glop.

Fifteen minutes later it was boiling hot and spooned into bowls over half a sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers in each bowl. The heater in the trailer was set to it's lowest setting but the trailer was plenty warm. "All we need now is a Big Screen!", Tim said around a mouth full of stew.

"Well we do have an AM radio! It's even a wind up job." Ed spun the crank to tension the clockwork spring. A few moments of tuning later the voice of Mr Rush Hudson Limbaugh III. "Think we can get this thing set down in the foundation tomorrow? I think John's going to be out."

"Ya, tween the three of us should get 'er in without too many dents. Unless his shyte outside turns to sleet and ice. I'm thinking of bringing some supplies and just crashing the weekend."

"I like it, hey I got some DVD's from the Saurez guy I'm taking training with next summer. Hey are you still thinking of going to Gunsite?"

Tim took a pull on instant coffee and made a face, "I was but Mas Ayoob is doing a class up at the Illinois Rifle Association range in Bonefield. I signed on for that. Less money."

-------

The next day Tim, Ed and John saw a total of no deer by lunch time. It took them an hour to maneuver the trailer down the ramp and into the old foundation. Once inside it too a lot of jocyking and heaving but they got it into place. Breaking for a lunch of hot links and beans inside the trailer Ed about jumped as the phone in his pocket buzzed. It was Rusty.

'Yo Rustaaaayyyy, ewe hunting today or what?'

'Yeh, heading that way now. What are you doing tomorrow evening?"

"Hey we're thinking of crashing in the Bug out Lair. Watch some shooting DVDs, swap lies, drink some beer. Kind of an initial cruise. You in?"

"No, you know this girl I've been kinda seeing, well she has this friend ..."

"Oh come one man, you want me to jump on the grenade?"

"It's not like that. Trust me."

"Well what about Tim or John?"

"They don't even own a tie."

"A TIE?"

"Yeah, down at the Civic Center, Manheim Steamroller Christmas Concert, floor seats , 5th row center. Dinner at River Station, I'm buying, walk to concert. I've met her she's not got the crazy, used to be a cop but now she works in a gun store."

"What's she look like?"

"OY! Trust me she's not bad. Tall, black hair. Bigger gal ..."

"Bigger? How much bigger? Like linebacker for Chicago Bears bigger?"

"No, just the Indianapolis Colts. She's just big not fat. Come one man ya want a hang out with the sausage fest? Help a guy out."

"Ok fine, but if she's got the crazy I'm gone." Ed closed the phone. "Rusty will be here in a bit. Looks like Rusty and I are going on a date."

John pounced, "Hope that lady cop he's been seeing doesn't bust a cap in you!"

Tim joined the attack, "Or set her police dog on ya!"

'Ewe too clowns are soooo funny, ought to be in the circus."

They howled in laughter. Tim choked out, "Really man nice work, jumping on that grenade."

"She might not be a grenade." Ed shot back.

"Grenade!" the both called out.

Ed flipped them the bird wondering what he got into.

Rusty was along shortly. The weather was still wet and cold but looked to be clearing. None of the four had seen a deer before dark. Skies cleared, wind died down and temps actually rose a little. They were in the woods before 6 am.

Ed was just able to see the sights on his shotgun from inside a ground blind. Directly in front of him two small bucks were milling around. He considered shooting one then held off when he saw motion to his left. A big mature doe was moving into the field. Ed raised the Mossberg 930 SPX and peered thought the large ghost ring rear aperture putting the front post on the doe's shoulder.

BOOM!

The front end of the doe immediately crashed to the ground. An involuntary spasm of the back legs caused the deer to flip doing more or less a graceless summersault landing DRD, dead right there. Ed had used a possibly illegal round for deer hunting in Illinois, the Winchester load consisted of a standard 1 oz Foster slug under three 00 buck shot. It was sold as a home defense load and Ed was a believer. As he moved to gut the deer he heard two shots on the other side of the hill were Rusty was in a tree stand. Half way through the gutting more shots in the distance, he wondered if it was John or Tim.

On the walk out to get the truck his phone buzzed, it was an incoming picture, title was 'maui granda'. The deer looked like it had a sumac tree sprouting from it's head. Ed counted at least 15 points. Yet another shot echoed, this one was definitely where John was hunting. Ninety minutes later up at the BOL all were present and accounted for along with five recently departed deer. Rusty had shot both of the small bucks Ed pushed his way, John had a nice doe and did Ed. Tim's buck was a monster, 17 points and well over 200 lbs.

Before they split up to take deer to the locker plant Rusty warned Ed, "Shower, nice clothes, and make sure you stand close enough to your razor when you shave!' Ed flipped Rusty the bird as they headed off.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

At his house Ed took a shower and scrubbed up good being sure to get all the deer blood off his forearm and from under his nails. He picked out a pair of khaki pants, he always wore khaki pants to work, and ironed them with a bit of spray starch for good measure. He gave one of his nicer blue button down shirts the same treatment. He wore more or less this same combination daily to work, co-workers called it his uniform. He took a moment to rub a little kiwi wax onto a pair of dress shoes. He looked at his small collection of ties and decided on his 'regimental' tie from VMI. The New Market Battlefield tartan was a subdued red and grey but rather handsome.

Before dressing he saved close and deciding what the heck it's a date splashed on a little bay rum. The alcohol scorching his skin. Smoothhhhhhhhhh he thought. Last thing he did was drop his class ring into a jar of jewelry cleaner and brush it sparkling clean.

He rode with Rusty to Cindy's house. "Her name is Ann, she used to be a Sherriff's deputy but had a car wreck on duty. Hurt her back, so you already have something in common. She works at a cop / gun shop now so you can talk guns. Do. Not. Embarrass. Me"

Arriving at Cindy's house the weather was beginning to change again and a little light snow was falling. Inside the ladies were waiting. Cindy looked quite different from any other time they had met. She was in a deep green dress of some shiny stuff, cut to show off a surprising amount of cleavage. She even has freckles across her cleavage Ed noticed. Cindy's hair was not in it's usual tight braid but loose. Wow she cleans up nice Ed thought.

Ann was really tall, right at six feet a broadly built but not fat at all. She wore a tight fitting bright red dress with a simple string of pearls and pearl ear rings. Her hair was long and black with dark eyes and a brilliant smile. This will do Ed thought to himself.

After wonderful sugar cookies right from the oven they were off to the restaurant. First stop at the restaurant for the ladies was of course the ladies room leaving Ed and Rusty free to talk. "Well?" Ed asked with a smile.

"It's still early, but she's awfully nice"

The ladies returned and the found a small table in the bar. Cindy ordered gin and tonic, Ann a Sam Adams draft, Rusty a scotch, neat. Ed asked if they had Shafly Christmas Ale on tap yet.

"Just put a barrel on tap today. Best beer in the house, but don't tell too many folks. I get to take home what we don't sell!", the barman said.

"I'll have one please", Ed said.

"What's that like?" asked Ann.

"I can give you the beer lingo if you like" , the server said. "But it's an extra strong ale with a little citrus and spice."

"Can I have that instead."

Somberly the barman said, "No, you already ordered. You'll have to steal his." After Ann's shocked looked the barman laughed. "Christmas Ale coming right up!"

Dinner and more beer followed. Along with conversation and laughing. There was snow as they walked to the Concert, the seats were great and the show amazing. After the show the walked to the bar at the Mark Twain hotel for a drink. Rusty passed the keys to Ed. Three drinks later, club soda with lemon for Ed. They were heading home when Ann leaned over and whispered. "I was planning to crash at Cindy's but I think I might be a third wheel and I'm in no shape to drive."

Ed glanced into the rear view mirror at the tangled mess in the back seat. "No worries, I'll run you home."

"Thanks, I'm sorry I live out in the sticks."

"No problem."

Ed got a kiss on the cheek.

At Cindy's place the back seat crew was disentangled long enough to get them safely inside. The snow was begin to really fall and the wind was picking up.

They headed out on the highway and even in four wheel Ed's truck immediately tried to slide into the ditch. He managed to get it back on the hard road.

"Wow that was exciting. I'm sorry I got you into this. Do you think it's safe to keep going?"

"Tell you what, you can stay at my place this evening. I'm in the mood for another drink, now I won't be alone. I shall be a perfect gentleman."

"That's so sweet, and another drink sounds good."

Ed's place was an only brick house in the classic 4 room style, built in the late 20's. Ann sat in the kitchen / dining room. As Ed searched for something to wear other than the swanky red dress, Ann had left her overnight bag in her car. He also frantically through his mess into drawers and under his bed.

"Ok my stock of ladies clothes is a bit limited but I put some of the cleaner choices on the bed for you."

Ann emerged 15 minutes later in grey wool socks, grey sweat pants and a long sleeve VMI t-shirt. She's taken a minute to wash the makeup off her face. The effect was quite stunning.

"What are we drinking?" Ann asked.

"Do you like Tanner's Cider and Rum?"

"I love Tanner's Cider and can drink rum."

"Ok then, a hot cider toddy then. Two mugs with cider in the microwave. Here's the Rum, ****ers Navy Rum, This the real stuff the Royal Navy used to issue to sailors every day." He pulled the cork and offered it to Ann to sniff.

"Mmmmmmmmm"

"Two shots of rum in each mug and dash of lemon juice."

An sniffed deeply and then took a sip breaking into a smile. "This is awesome, and so easy."

They drank and chatted. At around 2 am the battle over the couch began. Ed naturally believed he should sleep on the couch. Ann of course didn't want to throw Ed out of his own bed. In the end they ended up cuddled together.

In the morning Ed woke to the smell of coffee, pancakes and frying corned beef. It took a moment for his mind to process it all. He padded into the kitchen / dining room.

"Morning, you know for a bachelor you have a really well stocked pantry, you could get snowed in here for a month and not starve. Hope you don't mind, I kinda just helped myself. Can't find any syrup though."

In the back of Ed's mind a little voice said, you have no idea how long it would take me to starve. "You can fix me pancakes and fried corn beef any time. No syrup, I have molasses or honey."

She passed Ed a mug of coffee. Odd he thought, same grounds, same machine but the coffee tasted better.

They ate and talked. Ann had been an Air Force Security Police officer and met Cindy at the Police Academy. Ann had used her cruiser to block a paroled sex offender fleeing with an 11 year old girl in his car. He gunned the engine and rammed her car then bailed out. He had gotten maybe 50 yards when Cindy released Chesty. The 75 lb Malinois dog knocked the man flat in no time. Ann received a severe whip lash injury and a slight concussion. The back pain caused her to be put on disability. She was still technically a reserve police officer and could thus still carry a concealed firearm in IL. She worked at a large firearms store, but in the back getting firearms contracts for small police forces and related equipment. She was thinking of buying out that part of the business and striking out on her own.

That lead to an inspection of Ed's firearms. Ann was impressed with Ed's pride and joy a White oak Armaments AR15 National Match Service Rifle built by John Hollinger of Carlock Il. She also like the Mossberg 930 SPX noting the short mag tube Ed used for hunting and the longer 'social' tube. She picked up a black 12 ga shell with a blackened base.

"Is this what you used to get a deer yesterday."

Ed stammered a little, "Well, ah, see, I ah"

Ann laughed, "I'll keep it top secret. But some of my clients would like to know how it worked?"

"Big doe, 30 yards, dead right there."

By now it was nearly 11. "Hey listen I'm having a great time, maybe you want to run out to my place, plows ought to be out by now. Beer, nachos, pizza and bears game?"
Ed grinned and thought to himself, I'll jump on this grenade all day long.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

It was 3 am and all 50 work cubes were around him were manned. They were tiny work stations, like small stalls three feet wide and three feet deep. Each had a powerful pc workstation and dual monitors a keyboard and a mouse. The only other thing allowed in was a mug of tea or a bottle of water. The lights were low, room cool almost cold. The men all wore shirt and tie, the women dresses. Thought they never saw outsiders they always dressed like that. Two supervisors were prowling the room or occasionally pulling one or two into their larger cells. Paper notes were not allowed it was all logged into the system. They probed away, three shifts. He wondered what happened on the weekend. They wouldn't have three separate weekend shifts would they?

Actually it was two shifts 12 hours long each.

Round the clock they probed and monitored and fed data about weakness into 'the system'

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
It was the middle of the week. Ed woke up and did his exercises, 30 pushups , 30 sit-ups and 10 pull-ups - repeated 10 times. The routine was a bit dull but kept him in more or less good shape and did not need a whole gym. He hit the shower and started to change. He pulled a fresh set of boxer briefs from the dresser drawer but there was something under it. At first he thought it was a red handkerchief and then it dawned on him. It was a tiny pair of blazing red satin thong panties. Ann's red panties, she'd hid them there.

He got out his phone and texted- '4get something - red?'
.
Ten minutes later the reply came, back. "U found them! Like?"

"Loud Whistle, weren't you cold"

"U kept me plenty warm. Bring them when you come over for hockey game."

"Maybe I leave them at front counter at your work. Evile Chuckle"

"Dare you to try it!"

"You're crazy!"

"I resemble that!"

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ed had a new project a work. One of those things that could be something or more likely could be nothing. Very slight irregualtity to access logs to part of the power grid. Real needle in the haystack stuff. Could be new search engine, could be some kid trying to hack his electric bill. Could be an attempt by a major world power to muck up the power grid Ed thought with a laugh, but it filled the day until Friday. His first offical date with Ann.

At home he had a dilemma, a silly one. How to carry her now washed panties back to her? Just put in coat pocket? Pants pocket? He finally settled on a white paper bag.
Arriving at her house he got a hug and a peck on the lips. She was wearing a starched white cotton button up shirt, probabbly why she specified sushi for dinner, blue jeans and socks.

"I think these are your's, they don't fit me!" Ed passed over the bag.
"Maybe they're from one of the other women staying at your house!", Ann joked opening the package . She pulled the tiny bit of bright red satin out and unfolded them and held them up with two hands. Causing Ed to start to blush. "You're in luck, they are mine. Hold these please." She handed them to Ed who took them automatically. Then before he could react she unzipped her jeans and stepped out of them. Took the panties from Ed she slipped them on twirled once with an impish grin, stepped back into her jeans and pulled them back on.

Ed was in shock. Ann pulled him out the door, "Come one we have sushi to eat and a hockey game to watch."

**goinpostal** · 12-10-2012, 10:37 AM

Originally posted by Grand58742 View Post

As a reminder to posters...

https://www.survivalandpreparednessforum.com/showthread.php?2737-READ-THIS-FIRST-ROE-for-Fiction-Forum

#5 specifically.

OP, not directed at you or any others that still have posts in this thread.

And looking interesting so far.

My bad Grand58742.
I was not meaning to badger,or be pushy.
Just was showing my appreciation for a good story.
Matt

**blacklab** · 12-11-2012, 03:37 PM

Great story so far.
I am familiar with the area described in the story, makes it more interesting.
Thanks
Blacklab

**kihnspiracy** · 12-11-2012, 04:34 PM

Very nice.

**wtr100** · 12-14-2012, 09:53 AM

Chapter III

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

John was elated to find the Bluff had great 4G and satellite signal. He could feed his internet and Fox news addictions while at the Bluff. He also met the family that farmed the tillable acres. He re-negotiated the agreement, instead of paying rent to farm the ground they received a fee to do the farming.

John had gone into full overload on alternative power. There were power lines installed by the original owner. The group even got a meter installed for 'outbuildings'. John found a cheap generator that ran off bottled propane, on of all places Craigslist, and convinced the group to buy it. The engine was balky at first but between Tim, John and swearing in several languages it finally ran reliably. It gave the ability to run the well pump without line power.

John's next obsession became solar and wind power. He researched the subject on the internet endlessly. He bought several books and subscribed to magazines on the subject.
There was a store in town that was part alternative every store and part head shop. John began to hang around the shop a little bit picking the minds the employees and customers. One employee got most of John's attention. Kelly was her first name, her last name being unpronounceable Montagnard Vietnamese. She was a tiny woman, perhaps 100 lbs in a pair of boots. She was about as subtle as a kick in the shins.

"You take me to lunch." she told John one day. "Maybe you woo me into giving you good deal on solar panels!"

Somehow over lunch John got side tracked into 'maritime stoves', Kelley had a new line of these in the shop. These were compact versions of pot belly stoves and could be used for heating and cooking. Kelly was intensely curious about a model that could use wood, coal and liquid petro fuels like diesel or kerosene. John told Kelly about the Bluff, actually either getting a word in edgewise on the other was an accomplishment.

"Ohhhhhhh, you survivalists or crazy survivalists?" Kelly asked.

"Uh what's the difference?"

"Lots on guns, no food - crazy survivalist. You starve. Lots on food, no guns - crazy survivalist. Other crazy survivalist kill you and steal your food."

"Well we're kinda in the middle then."

"Ok in that case I give you good deal on stuff them, you take me to shelter if the world starts to end. Besides you kinda cute."

John blushed crimson, he almost turned plaid!

"You teach me to shoot guns?" from Kelly's tone it was hard to tell if she was asking or demanding.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ed walked into the shop, "Hey beautiful!" Leaning across the desk for a quick kiss.

"You're going to die when you see this new rifle!" She walked over to a case on the bench. Inside a simple plastic case was a most interesting rifle. It started life as a Mossberg MVP - a fairly ordinary bolt gun in 5.56 NATO except it fed through standard AR15 magazines, a rather brilliant idea Ed had thought at the time. The one glaring oversight was no iron sights.

This rifle had the oversight corrected. To do this the 18" fluted barrel was replaced with an 18" not quite heavy weight barrel with a 1 in 8" twist so it could shoot anything from 62 to 75 grain bullets. A bit of Picatinny rail was added at the muzzle. To this was added a fold down back up iron sight or BUIS. The metal was all dark black parkerized. A top the rifle was a classic 6x Weaver scope in a quick release mount.

Ed got some action proving rounds from Ann. These were reasonable and inert imitations of 5.56 rounds. In Ed's experience the reasonable part could be a stretch, but if a gun would feed the action proving rounds they'd feed in anything. They fed flawlessly. The action was a little tight but butter smooth. The trigger was crisp as could be.

"ME LIKE!", Ed exclaimed.

"I'm having few built up on spec. I think they might make good Sharpshooter rifle for police or maybe a tower rifle for corrections."

"Seems reasonable, now if you forward mounted the scope like a scout rifle."

Ann scribbled a few notes. "I like it, a 5.56 alternative to Ruger's Scout rifle."

"How much for one?"

"Seriously?"

"Ya. I got room in the safe."

"I'll get a quote for ya. Now are we going to shoot or talk? Boss man wants some rounds though this." From her belt holster, as an employee she could openly carry in the shop, what looked like an old Colt Pony. She dropped the magazine and ejected the round from the chamber before passing it over.

"I didn't think you liked .380 ..." Looking at the slide Ed immediately saw it was not a .380 . "Oh it's a 9 mm Sig 238, when did Sig come out with this?"

"It's a 938, big brother to the 238. Lets shoot."

They went to the retail section of the store. Ann grabbed some 'range ammo' one box of 115 gr FMJ and another box of 147 cast, both boxes generic remanufactured ammo. The employee behind the counter logged the boxes as 'company expended' and handed Ann her usual FBI 'Q' target.

On the range the found the little 6 round 9 mm to be a handful. The recoil especially with the 147 grain cast.

-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;--;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-

It was 2 AM and the four men simply walked into St Joseph's Hospital front entrance. The 20 year old in the cheap blue blazer and bad stripped tie tried to say something but was shot in the head. One of the men leaned across the desk and set the elevator from lockout to on. They rode to the third floor. They stepped out of the elevator at a central nursing station. Two sleepy nurses and one even sleepier resident were clustered there. Three bursts of AK47 fire killed them all. They moved down the hall like a military unit. One man in front shooting anyone in sight. One man to either side tossing grenades into rooms. Last man covering the back and not happy about it. There was little shooting to be done back here.

They were through the hall and to the back stairs in less than a minute. Here they hit their one and only problem. The second floor was less empty than expected and the back stairway was filling with people. A few bursts of AK fire and it was clear. Down the stairs and out a back door. They were gone before the first police arrived at the scene.

;';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';';' ;';';';';';';';';';'

Ann was up in the middle of the night watching Fox News, her back was acting in so she was infront of the TV in her expensive leather recliner. She had pills for it but she tried to not take them so on the nights it acted up she watched Fox. She checked to see if Ed was up online. Sometimes they had back pain together and would pass the time texting. She was enjoying "Red Eye" at just past 3 AM when the Breaking News banner appeared. The story was a mass shooting at St Mary's hospital in Nashville. They story horrified her and she pulled the wool blanket tighter. Reports of shooting at another and then another hospital rolled in.

She knew it was irrational but she got up padded through the house in in the sweat pants and VMI sweatshirt she'd pilfered from Ed and wore when she wasn't feeling well. In her closet hung a chest holster similar to the one she's used in the Air Force. She slipped it on and withdrew the Beretta 92 FS, press checking to ensure there was a round chambered. She dropped the magazine and ensured it was loaded with Horaday Critical Duty ammo. She holstered the pistol and went to the kitchen, stopping to look at the Les Baer Thunder Ranch m4gery. It was in a 'ready rack' of sorts in the closet. She'd dropped well over $2,000 on the rifle and didn't regret it a bit.

Since she wasn't going back to sleep she intended to make some coffee but at the last moment decided on hot cocoa. Her other addiction was caffeine, and she had discovered a caffeinated cocoa with almost double the caffeine of coffee. She fixed herself a mug and went back to the recliner. One the screen the scene looked familiar, she was shocked to realize it was St Joe's just across the river. That meant Cindy and Chesty were probably headed there. A quick check of Cindy's messenger status was 10-8, on duty.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()() ()()

Cindy and Chesty rolled up in her K-9, Jeep Cherokee. Chesty had on his body armor and was keyed up and ready to rock. They headed to the incident command post in front of St Joseph's when Chesty alerted to explosives. It took Cindy half a second to realize what had happened. She called it in and cleared back officers from the area when the car blew with a tremendous crash.

A lieutenant had been making his way toward Cindy to see what was going down when it happened. He was behind her Jeep when a large unidentified piece crashed next to him. He looked from Cindy to Chesty, "When this is over I'm buying you a drink and your dog the biggest steak in town."

/./././././././././././././././././././././././././././

It turned out that 20 hospitals had been attacked at same time. At first it appeared that it was all Catholic Hospitals. Later it was found the attacks were on Christian and Jewish named hospitals. In each case the car that brought the attackers to the hospital was left outside rigged with explosives. These killed and injured scores of first responders.

In but a few cases all the attackers got away cleanly. At St John the Baptist Hospital an Afghan war vet was recovering from his 13th surgery since returning home. Quite in violation of hospital rules, he had a Taurus PT92 (Brazilian copy of Beretta 92) in his bag. Once the shooting started he rolled out of bed, badly banging the stump of his amputated leg. He double tapped the joker who tried to throw a grenade into his room. Said joker dropped the live grenade and in the confusion blew himself and his confederates to bits.

They question was why. No credible group claimed responsibility or made demands.

(-)(-)(-){-}{-}[-][-][-][-][-][-][-]

It was late summer and everyone was at the Bluff. John had brought Kelly to try some shooting. Rusty, Cindy and Chesty were fishing down on the Spoon. Actually Cindy was fishing, Rusty and Chesty were in a man / dog snoring competition. Ann and Ed had found a small grove of fruit trees on the Bluffs. There wasn't much fruit this year but they thought with the brush cleared and a little tlc they might have their own little orchard.

Kelly's guns turned out to be an old Savage .22 mag / 20 gauge over and under double barrel. She was quite good with it. The other was a genuine M1911A1, her father had rather illegally brought it with him when he was resettled after Vietnam. It was in good shape despite being covered in some sort of gummed up light machine oil. A little kerosene cleaned most of the glop from it. John was a little hesitant to have her shoot it but she was insistent. She let fly with the first round. They tiny Vietnamese lady was rocked with the recoil but the Coke can flew into the air. She lowered the pistol, shook a bit. John was about to step in when she raised the pistol and leaned into it firing another shot. This time the can was knocked sideways by dirt spray from a near miss. She recovered more easily from recoil and sent the can flying with a third shot.

Twenty minutes later they were out of .45 ACP ammo. John was amazed how well the tiny woman handled the big government model 45. He broke out his him M4gery. Kelly had a hoot shooting this. "Oh, I like this one much better!"

They went down to check on the fishing. Rusty and Chesty were up now. Chesty was busy flinging Rusty around on the end of a Kong toy. Cindy was hauling in another fish.

"Grrrrr, another damn asian carp!" She tossed the foot long fish up into the weeds.

Kelly spoke up, "Don't waste those. That is good fish to eat. Silly white people." In the weeds Kelly found 5 similar size fish. "I cook these you will like!'

They had a cookout and a bonfire that night. Tim had arrived with his lady friend Kay and cooler stocked with good beers and hard apple ciders. Kay was tall and blond with hair to he waist done in a simple thick braid. She was an engineer and co-worker with John. She had a masters of sciences in mechanical engineering and 5 patents to her name, all sold to 'big yellow' for the princely or princessly sum of $1 each.

Kelly cleaned the asian carp cutting deep scores in the bodies before rolling in cornmeal salt and pepper and deep frying in the cauldron like turkey fryer. As Kelly had predicted everyone thought it was quite good.

!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!!@!@!@!@!@

They were in a small windowless room and started the test. A vulnerability had been found. Or maybe not, that's why they would test. It was the middle of the night at the target. They would take control, confirm it then back out covering their tracks. She wondered how they would confirm it. Maybe overhead satellites? A nod from her supervisor and she and her partner began. First they used a 'hole' to access the system, as administrative super users no less. The disabled the external audible alarms next. She imagined they were some sort of air raid siren, they weren't just a simple bell. A lot like a school bell only quite a bit louder. Next the internal audible and visual alarms were disabled.

-----

Chuck was making his rounds, all was good. Two of five turbines were spinning as the plan of the day said they would. Pumping out megawatts of nice, clean hydroelectric power. Next stop was the control booth, make sure those clowns were awake, they ought to be putting the second pot of coffee on by now.

-----

What happened next was a mistake caused by a misunderstanding. An understandable misununderstading considering they'd hacked into the controls of a hydroelectric dam. The intent of the test was to raise the emergency spillway 10% then close it and back out of the system. How ever the control took input in 10% increments, so when is input 10 it opened the massive spillway door 100%. They frantically tried to close it again but did not know the sequence to emergency close the door. It took a full minute for the door to open and then another minute to fully close.

-----

The spotter half a world away was comfortably seated in a rather expensive bed and breakfast room with a view below the dam. Just at the time expected a terrifying gush of water almost exploded from the dam but quickly stopped. He simply sent a text message on the disposable cell phone given to him for the purpose. Then he went to bed. The next day he checked out, on his trip home the throw the phone in one rest area trash can and the sim card in a gas station trash can 100 miles down the road.

-----

Half a mile below the dam Civil Air Patrol Squadron 11 was asleep on an encampment. The male cadet tents were up stream, female tents down stream, adult cadre forming a line of death in the middle. Two cadets were on fire watch when they heard a dull rumble. Before they knew it they were knee deep in water one stumbled and fell but was able to gain his feet again. The tents were for uprooted and swept 30 to 50 feet, leaving everyone sputtering and confused.

-----

Ed was at his desk about to dive head first into a Texas Tater from River BBQ. He'd done the I buy, you fly with his intern. In the foam box was a baked potatoe slightly smaller than Ed's size 13 shoe, cooked in the smoker. In top was a quarter pound of sliced beef brisket and spicy bbq sauce. "Alex what you get for yourself brother?"

"Chicken fingers and fries?"

Horror registered in Ed's mind and stomach, "You godless, communist, egg sucking pig/dog! You got chicken fingers from the best BBQ joint in town?" Ed was about to launch in when the phone rang.

"John Westfall here Ed have you got a few minutes?"

The voice on the line was familiar, it was his roommate from his days as a Rat at VMI. He was a general now, a big wig in Cyber Command. "John how the hell are you err I mean how are you General Westfall sir!"

"No time for that. You see the thing about the dam?"

"Uh yes sir, news says..."

"News is full of carp. So is the report from the dam authority. My niece was almost swept out to sea, ok maybe not out to sea but you get the picture. I had my people look at it and they're pinging off the walls. Some of the work you've done is very interesting to us. "

That rocked Ed back a bit. "Uh John how did you see that stuff?"

"Well I DO work for USAF Cyber Command, actually I AM USAF Cyber Command, says so right on the door in fact. Listen get out to Colorado, fast as you can."

"Uh sure but my boss?"

"Congratulations your company just won a huge contract with Cyber Command, alternatively Sec Nav signs some paper and your back in the Fleet Commander Ed. We might do that anyways but for now just get out here. Don't bother packing we'll pillage the BX once you get here."

"Aye sir!"

Ed's intern started to ask when the door burst open.

"Ed I know all about it, sign this paper quick."

"Wha.."

"Congratulations, your new day rate is $75 per hour. Now go."

@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@##@#@##@#@#@#@#@##@ #@#@#@##@##@#@

The office was on the top floor, with windows from ceiling to floor, overlooking the City of Mumbai. He was seated in a hugely expensive leather chair reading the executive summary. "So while the penetration was successful it did not go unnoticed?"

"They assuredly know there was a release of water. From all we can tell they believe it was a malfunction in there control systems. They do not seem to feel it was a security breach."

"So do you feel you can exploit it further?"

"I do. It might be prudent to allow things to cool for a week before we press on."

"Yes that makes sense. Ok starting immediately two weeks vacation for all shifts with a weeks pay bonus. While they are out upgrade their stations a bit, better chairs, perhaps better tea. Well done to all"

"As you say sir."

**RVN11B** · 12-15-2012, 06:06 PM

Oh hell! I think I know Kelly!!! lol

**rockriver** · 12-16-2012, 07:00 AM

wow.. 2 chapters.. thanks.
rr

**wtr100** · 12-17-2012, 01:53 PM

Chapter 4

Fall went to winter. This time instead of Manheim Steamroller it was Trans Siberia Orchestra and instead of four for dinner it was eight. Before they headed off to the concert Rusty and Ed got up and announced engagements. Cindy and Ann had slipped their rings on under the table and held them up to show off. There was much back slapping and girl squealing and hugging. Somewhat to the annoyance of the other guests.

The head waiter solved this with a few bottles of 'on the house' campaign and a toast.

xxcxcxcxcxcxcxcxcxcxcxcx

Sunday a week later the guys got together to talk things out a bit, meeting at the bunk house. John got there first as he and Kelly went to Saturday evening church services, John had the maritime stove going. He was flipping between Fox News and two channels of football pregame when the others arrived.

In greeting John said, "Guys check it, the TV and Sat box are running off solar! How cool is that?"

Every agreed, with a bit less gusto that it was pretty cool.

Tim started, "Are we all still a survival group?"

"I think so, " John said, "Kelly is more or less in the prepping business. In fact she's buying out the energy part of the business from the pot heads that run the head shop side."

General positive comments all around. Everyone liked the 'stuff' at the shop but was uncomfortable with the drug culture side of it.

"Anyway," John continued, "Tim and I have been thinking. Maybe he and I buy you and Rusty out of the 'Bunk House' and you can bring your own trailers down here."

This plan met with general approval. It was decided would be would be as much vacation retreat as Bug Out Lair, but survival would be a factor in everything. Rusty and Ed would double their food supply and bring in their own trailers. Ed would also get a years supply of dog chow for Chesty and a dog run.

They talked about guns for a while and decided the cached long guns they already had, Ishapore Enfield rifles and IAC Hawk Remington 870 clones would be sufficient. John suggested loading a few hundred rounds of .308 reduced recoil loads using cast bullets and 13 grains of red dot powder as proposed by Mr C.E. (Ed) Harris. Everyone but Kelly had at least one personally owned AR15 style rifle.

Ed spoke, "Uh actually Kelly ordered a Les Baer Thunder Ranch CAR15 , just like the one Ann has , from her."

"Really?" John asked.

"Yup, be here in maybe two or three weeks."

That brought up handguns. They talked about buying more Armscor .38 to keep it all standard. When Ed brought up, "You know Ann is seeing some pretty nice old S&W automatics for not much more money retail and I bet if we got Ann to work a deal."

That settled it was almost time for the Bears game.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo xoxox

Cindy was armed, well as a police officer she was always armed, with a list of things to do. She and Rusty were going whole hog Christmas today. First up was a trip to the mall. As a Marine herself Cindy went slightly crazy buying toys for the Marine Reserve Toys for Tots. With Rusty along she could haul in twice as much. Next was to go by the Salvation Army Band. They would be playing behind a kettle at the Court House. She had one of her quarter ounce gold American Eagle coins to drop in the kettle. Cindy's father had started the tradition when she was a small girl he left her a small stash of gold coins she used one per year. She wondered a little what Rusty would think about such extravagant giving.

It would be out to her place to pick up Chesty on the way to a place Rusty knew they could cut a fresh tree. Back home they'd put up the tree and decorate it. Rusty was going to make a dinner, pancakes his family tradition, while she and Chesty worked out.

Dinner followed by egg nog with brandy and watching Christmas Carole.

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||

Christmas Eve Ed and Ann watched Charlie Browns Christmas before going to Ann's church for Midnight Service. Very early in the morning she woke up and went out into the bitter cold and removed a long box from her truck. She hustled inside and slipped it behind the tree when she noticed a rectangular package that hadn't been there when they went to bed.
The little girl in her made her pick up the package, surprisingly dense and heavy. She had no idea what it was.

She padded to the kitchen and put coffee in the machine. Set the oven to preheat. Ed's favorite Christmas morning treat was cinnamon rolls from the can. Ann stole a cup of coffee from the machine and listened to some Christmas music.

The smell of rolls brought Ed padding out. A hug and kiss and into the living room with coffee and rolls they went. They opened some small presents. A small coffee machine and several kinds of coffee for Ann's new office, a mini Ka Bar knife for Ed.

Ann brought out the long box. Ed opened and grinned from ear to ear. Inside was a Mossberg MVP, a bolt action rifle made to accept standard 20 and 30 round capacity magazines. Ann had sent the rifle for modification. The fluted barrel was replaced with a medium contour smooth one. The rifle was fitted with backup iron sights and a forward mounted 2.5 power Weaver K Series scout scope.

"This is exactly as I had described it."

"I took notes once you left."

"Well I have something more for you."

Ann took the heavy, and poorly wrapped, present.

Inside was a Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 - the baddest, toughest fully rugged laptop to be had. Ann was almost speechless.

"With your new business, seemed like something you could use. John helped me and he went whole hog. It's the fastest and toughest there is.

They spent the rest of the day lounging and snacking. Ann fired up the lap top and they spent several hours surfing though the web looking for a trailer to take to the Bluff. Ed found an AirStream that had been modified to 'toy hauler' configuration. They sent an e-mail to the owner inquiring after it, figuring they would receive a reply in a day or so. Ann was surprised when an almost immediate reply was received and then a phone call. The next day they'd take a drive and check it out.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

February

The women retreated to 'The Bluff' on super bowl weekend.

They went through the supplies the 'men folk' had set aside taking notes and making snide comments. Kelly laughed, "The men think the only spices in the world are salt, pepper and Tabasco. Worse there is no tea. Barbarians!"

"Wow - how much generic canned luncheon meat did they plan to eat?", joked Cindy.

"And chicken-a-la-king!" laughed Kay.

"Could be worse," Ann Said, "they could have case upon case of MRE's! Hated those things back in the Air Force. Oh wait what have we here?" Ann worked a case free, showed it to
Cindy.

The Marine rolled her eyes. "First strike rations? Really?"

Kelly came over and inspected the box. The small Vietnamese woman said, "Apple turnover, I like these! Wonder if they have any of the pepperoni stick ones?"

Howls of laughter.

All things considered the men hadn't done badly, for men. Nobody would starve on the chow they set aside but might be willing to. They made a list. First more spices, ginger, nut meg, cinnamon, cumin, curry were at the top of the list. Then came coco powder, silly men had no chocolate. To go with chocolate sugar and molasses and honey.

The women retreated into the 'bunk house'. In no time it was toasty warm inside and water was on for tea. They chatted about weddings, all had managed to get there man to propose. They talked about new business - Kelly had bought out the head shop and was now selling mostly alternative energy things but was moving into prepping supplies as well. Ann had gone out on her own selling firearms and police supplies. She specialized in supplying smaller departments.

They chatted about spending summers enjoying the bluffs. Bringing in more trailers.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

March

The women went to the inaugural indoor National Defense / Police Practical Combat match. It was Cindy's idea. The rifles would be modern defensive rifles with .22 lr adaptors installed lest they shoot holes in the range backstop. Handguns would be full power duty guns. Both guns would be on the shooters person at all times during the match as well as all magazines and ammo.

In this blended match a shooter would first engage the five color NDM 'Tombstones', let the rifle 'hang' and move to another lane to engage NRA Police Silhouettes with handguns.

Cindy went first. She fired 5 rounds standing , one into each NDM tombstone, standing on the strong side of the barricade then switched to the other side and put 5 rounds. She dropped kneeling, changed magazines and repeated the process. Finally she dropped prone and repeated the process. Getting up and letting the carbine hang she moved to the pistol lane. The round count was similar 5 on either side of the barricade but there were 4 NRA Silhouettes the outer two were to receive two shots to the body on each position, the second target on each side of the barricade got two shots to the body and one to the head. In all it was total of 60 rounds fired in less than 5 minutes.

Kelly, Ann and Kay went next. Cindy noted all three women had Les Baer Thunder Ranch AR15's. Ann had a Beretta 92 like she'd carried in the Air Force, Ann and Kay were going to run the course with the .38 revolvers from the Bluff with speed loaders. While the revolver and speed loaders added to their times. They had a great time and respectable number of hits.

They generally enjoyed the match. Unlike the HighPower matches the guys favored this was inside where they could socialize with other shooters when their squad wasn't 'online' shooting. Ann and Kay liked Cindy's Sig M11 pistol. They liked it so much when Ann mentioned she could order them Sig P228 pistols , civilian equivalent to the M11, they both jumped at it. A few minutes tapping on her smart phone and Ann had an order in with one of her distributers.

They debated dinner a bit and decided on Sushi, since the guys weren't with them they wouldn't have to listen to, "That's not food it's bait!" and "Pssst! They forgot to cook this." jokes.

,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,. ,.,.,.,.,.,.,.

March

The 'mission room' was comfortable and new. It had two work stations in each corner. With quad screen monitors and extremely high end work stations. The chairs were expensive high back leather. The monitors and keyboards were mounted on poles so the operators could work standing up if they wished.

Along one wall was tea service with several varieties of top of the line tea , along with sweetened condensed milk and fresh cream. The operators were the best of the mass of programmers who toiled away in the first phase of the operation and still toiled in the huge open 'programmers pit' looking for new weaknesses.

They began the experiment at mid-morning on a Sunday so it would be very early Sunday morning at the target. They penetrated swiftly. The commands were like a script. They quickly took control as administrators, disabling the log functions. Power was rerouted in ways to actually cause physical damage at the sub stations. It began to happen in minutes.

There were observers in place to monitor. Mostly they were students on educational Visa's. They drove beat up, nondescript cars in the areas to be attacked. They actually didn't know it was an attack. They knew they were to observe the power in given location at a given time. Shortly after the specified times the lights blinked out. The observers simply called numbers pre-coded into more prepaid cell phones, they spoke not a word.

At several power company operations centers people began to jump. Alarms indicated power drops. Automated systems would normally reroute power but it didn't. Line crews were dispatched. Public relations folks called. The outages weren't wide spread, from 500 to 3,000 homes impacted in each.

//////

March

Ed handn't even sat down at his desk when the phone rang, he recognised Gen Westfall's number. He picked up the phone, "How can I serve your Generalness Sir?"

"Get your butt on the first plane moving in this direction. We think there was another probe this weekend. NSA thinks we're full of beans. You still got the secure laptop?"

"Yah sure I ..."

"Good, get on the secure VPN, there is some preliminary stuff to review on the plane. Oh and bring that Alex kid with you. My people like his work."

"Well, he's just an intern. He's got mid-terms this week and then his capstone project they next few weeks."

"I know. Tell him congradulations, he just graduated *** Laude. My Chief of Staff is on the phone with the College President at this very time. He's been added to the project, and don't let your boss low ball him. He should be getting $35 per hour minimum. Out here soon as ya can, fly first class if you have to."

Ed no more than set down the phone when the Boss and Alex nearly collieded on the way in.

"Ed! Is this a joke - my faculty adviser just called and told me I graduated."

"Never mind that, Alex sign these forms. Congradualtions you're hired!"

Before Alex could take the forms Ed snatched them, read quickly and frowned. "Uh I think you mistyped a number here, hourly rate should not be $25."

Alex started to protest and Ed shot him a hush boy look.

"Well his compentsation isn't strictly your business and I thought I could stretch and be generous."

"It should be at least $47"

"Forty Seven?" the Boss's arms shot up. "Oy, you think I'm made of gold? Thirty"

"Forty"

"Thirty Five"

Alex looked like he was about to pass out.

"Thirty Eight"

Boss conceded, "Deal." Then looking at Alex and pointing a finger, "At those rates you better bill 55 hours per week!" He lined out 25 add 38 and initialed passing the paper to Alex to sigh. Then to Ed he gave a wicked smile and passed some papers."

"Whats this?"

"It's your temporary Leave of Abscence papers." Boss cleared this throat and intonned officiously, "By order of the The President of the United States you are promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and ordered to active duty for the next 90 days!"

Ed was stunned.

**Grand58742** · 12-17-2012, 03:04 PM

FYI, you posted chapter 3 twice.

**wtr100** · 12-18-2012, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Grand58742 View Post

FYI, you posted chapter 3 twice.

D'oH!

Chapter 4 added ...

Announcement

The Bluff

The Bluff

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment