Loonz Morrow Project Pages

Turn 7

Armstrong keys the radio and softly speaks into the MIC," DJ, Chet. Hold up
where you are, change of plans. I was thinkin' that someone may be able to
get inside there nice and quiet and maybe end that little party without
their friends knowing. That would avoid a standoff with them holding the
girl as a
hostage. DJ, do you think you can inside that barn without them seeing ya?
I know it will take time. I just need to know. Chet, Can you see the action
in the barn? "

"Negative Rob half way there." Chet ignores the halt direction and
continues circling towards the barn.

DJ is 30-50m to Rob's west away from the barn. He figures it could take
several minutes for DJ to sneak to the back of the barn. Chet is closer,
almost halfway there, and is hiding his 6'5" frame as well as he can while
he moves towards the barn.

Robert hisses into the MIC, "Chet, you damned hard-headed...GRRR. Stop
where you are and hit the dirt! Sylvie, maybe he'll listen to you. Tell him
to stop."

"Chet? What are you doing Chet?" Sylvie asks.

"Just saving time Syl" Chet reply's in a whisper, sounding out of breath on
the 68.

Armstrong takes a breath and says, "Chet, I know this is some bad shit here.
I hate it as much as you do. Those bastards don't know we're here yet and if
they find out, things will get a lot worse really quick. Odds are about 4 to
1,
we got to pick our moment. So far as we know, nobody's been killed yet. Lets
keep it that way."

"DJ, Call your targets. Which one's first? I'll work from the other side."

DJ sounds off "Left two counting the pile."

Rob reply's "Roger, I'm trying for the two holding the horses but I don't
have a clean shot."

After several unbearable seconds of waiting for Chet to give a ready
indication he finally calls out, "Ready, I can't get to the barn without the
horse holders spotting me. I'm taking the one closest to me with the
"hush-puppy"."

Robert "Chet we need to rethink this but if your going through with this we'
re committed."

"That's affirmative Rob, lets do it." Chet returns.

With bad-guy 1 and 2 searching the pile of what appears to be loot, 3 and 4
holding the 10 or so horses. 5, 6 and 7 in the barn with the girl. 8, 9
and 10 guarding the towns folk the battle commences.

Chet fires a single round at #4 hitting the thug in the right thigh, letting
go of his horses he hit's the ground squirming in pain. DJ takes bead on
his target #1 a nasty looking woodsman going through what looks like brass
and silver household goods and some jewelry, he exhales quietly. "This is
for you John." The rest of the team hears DJ whisper as his bullet strikes
the target high in the shoulder, spraying his partner with blood and bone.
Robert, having a hard time keeping a bead on his target takes a less than
desirable shot at #3 nicking him in the side below the ribcage.

DJ adjusts his fire to #2 who now is looking at the remains of his partner
curiously. His wondering lasts but moments as he is struck just below the
knee and lands hard sprawled across the pile of loot. Robert focuses on his
still upright target #3, who is looking at the blood from his wound as
though he were just bitten by an insect. Roberts second shot separates the
young mans leg from his hip and he keels over like an oak as he screams
holding his stump. Chet not knowing Robert was also firing at #3 levels the
Mk22 and misses with his second shot.

With #3's scream the hamlet is now showing activity as everyone's attention
is drawn to the instantaneous carnage at the south end of the street.

DJ calls his third shot at #8 the left most guard to the north, "Your not
going to like this fella" he whispers as he fires, #8 struck mid chest and
spins to the ground from a full stride. Robert takes the gentleman to the
right of DJ's target #9, his shot obscured by horses, wagons, dust and
locals his ill-targeted shot misses. Chet seeing #4 crawling for the cover
of the house he's using for cover holsters the Mk22 and changes to his M-16,
#4's need for cover dissolve's as he is struck 3 rounds.

As #10 starts to follow his partners (#'s 8 and 9) he is halted by the
figure of a local standing in front of him. As #10 begins to level his
weapon it is drawn upward rapidly #10 fails to release it until it is well
over 12' off the ground as he lets go and hits the ground he's swarmed on by
the locals who begin pounding him with their fists.

Chet not having anymore targets begins to cross the few meters to the barn
just as the back door opens. DJ sees the incident with #10, the oddity not
registering as he is automatically searching for targets besides #9 which
Rob has called. DJ sees the front door of Chet's barn open and shifts his
focus to it. Rob having yet to bring down #9 again draws bead and fires
again missing. DJ fails to notice the near miss to his rear originating
from the other barn across from he and Rob.

#5 appears from the back door of the barn and is surprised to see Chet, #5
barely gets his weapon up as he is struck several times by rounds from Chet
's M-16. #5's shot goes high hitting Chet in the front of his Kevlar
helmet, the force of the impact taking the helmet off and taking Chet to one
knee to steady himself. #7 steps out of the barn seeing the mobbing of #10
and draws aim at the crowd, DJ doesn't allow the shot as #7 is struck in the
lower back and crumples to the ground. Robert, growing weary of #9's
bobbing and weaving as he seeks the cover of the north side of Chet's barn,
strikes #9 high in the thigh sending him flailing to the ground short of his
cover.

#6 seeing the fate of #'s 5 and 7 decides to make a run for the other barn
across the road. Chet ends his dash with several rounds. Robert not
knowing Chet's actions also takes his shot at #6 adding insult to the mans
misery. As DJ begins his scan for new targets he is struck in the left
wrist with incredible force. In the time it takes to look at it, the cause
of the pain and the realization impact simultaneously. He has a hole the
size of a bottle cap in his wrist and the front of his blouse is covered
with his blood, "HOLY SHIT!, OH MY.shitiitit! MEDIC!" Robert alerted to the
rear by DJ's scream see's the whiff of smoke from the other barn and adjust
his fire towards the barn shutters.

Sylvie hearing DJ's cry instinctively places the ambulance in gear and moves
forward several feet before realizing she should check with Robert who can
see the battle field. "ROB! Is it clear! Can I get to DJ?"

Rob ignores her transmission long enough to take bead on the shutters when
movement from the doorway draws his attention. Firing at the movement in
the doorway he doubts if he hit his target. Chet sees the girl, guessing
her age to be 13-15 checks her quickly, he breathes a sigh seeing that the
party was interrupted just in time. From the front door of the barn he
glimpses a mobbing across the road behind the other barn. Hearing DJ's cry
he listens intently and try's to size up the situation.

"Sylvie come around and stay near the tree line. I'll tell you when to
stop. Open the door on the south side and look for DJ, keep the V between
him and the barn across from him." Rob says.

"Roger Robert, DJ honey I'm coming hold on." Sylvie pleads. As a century's
worth of mud is thrown up by the V's tires as Sylvie races towards DJ.

Robert his attention drawn from the barn partially by the expectation of
seeing the V come around the corner any second has his attention drawn to
the west side of the other barn watching two figures climb out the window.
Robert aims and fires at the first and misses. As he watches them flee into
the woods to the west of the village he sees the ambulance round the corner
and come up the tree line.

"Robert the barn and the middle of the village is clear." Chet says
motioning for the survivors to stay down, with exaggerated hand signals.
The crying and moaning finally registering.

"Stay put Chet." Robert responds as he heads down the tree line towards DJ's
position. Calling the ambulance to a halt in front of them.

"Chet, be advised, 2 of them got away. Repeat 2 got away. They are heading
west through the trees. Other side of the barn. Watch out, they might double
back. If you think it's safe, you could see if these people want to send out
a
posse"

"Negative Robert, I'm going to let them cool down for a little while.
They're slaughtering the wounded here Rob." Chet sounding shaken.
He finishes "I'm in pursuit." Chet can be seen trotting across the
courtyard to the other barn disappearing behind it.

When Robert gets to D.J., he drops his pack, then grabs and squeezes D.J.'s
upper arm tightly at the pressure point to slow the bleeding. His other hand
supports the wounded wrist.

"Be careful, Chet! We're the only backup you have here. Do not fight
them on even terms. If they start firing, back off. Grab one of those
horses if you feel up to it. They got a good lead on ya, bud. Keep me
posted."

Sylvie fish tails the V-150 around the corner trying to spot DJ or Robert in
the brush.
"Easy Sylvie we're right here." she hears Rob say.
"Sing out Darlin' where are y'all"
"Ok" short pause "Now! Stop now." Sylvie stands on the breaks and locks the
V into a slight fishtail. Grabbing a Medkit and popping the door on the
right side she surveys the trees for sign of the guys, spotting them about
10 feet away. Sylvie darts around the brush snagging herself and the kit on
everything enroute.
Robert is holding direct pressure on DJ's wrist. Sylvie slides in beside DJ,
exchanging words with Robert.
"Have you check the rest Rob"
"No, not yet""
"I'm fine Syl" DJ inserts.
"Shut up and lay down Deej!" she says as her hand forces his head back to
the tree trunk he's propped on.
Sylvie starts feeling for other blood signs of injury, DJ having blood
splatter over a fair portion of his face and blouse it is hard to determine
visually. After Sylvies feeling around she starts checking vitals, (normal
breathing, no additional bleeding, vitals normal for a guy getting shot)
determining DJ is showing extremely light signs of shock. She breathes a
sigh that he isn't in immediate danger, remembering some of the peculiar
things bullets have done in her experience.
Grabbing a bandage and placing it near DJ's wrist she looks at Robert "OK
Rob on three." Robert nods acknowledge, "One, two annnnd three." swapping
Roberts blood caked hands for a fresh clean bandage, the bleeding appeared
to be nearly stopped a good sign.
Sylvie without looking up at Robert "Better go keep an eye on the V Rob."
Robert wipes some of the blood off his hands with some nearby brush . Then
heft's his rifle and heads around to the V-150.

As he reaches it the V-150 he surveys the scene. The villagers have mobbed
the wounded behind the barns as far as he can tell. They're attention split
between the crowd hovering over the girl brought from the barn and the
clubbing of the wounded bandits with they're own rifle butts.

Robert sees the three closest wounded to him start two stir and moan (1 and
2 at the loot pile, 4 who was holding horses)

Robert is torn from his observation by an explosion to his left, west of the
ville.
"Chet! What was that, come back over?"
"Just a little negotiation Rob, I'll be back in your way in about 5 once I
secure these guys."
"Roger that Chet, Rob out."

"Chet, are you bringing back prisoners? If not, get yer butt back here on
the
double, we got a chance to round up 2 or 3 right now, the horsemen and the
looters. They're all wounded, shouldn't put up much fight considering the
alternative to talking with us."
Robert loads a fresh magazine into his rifle, checks his pistol, and then
grabs
some rope or paracord from the V. He then moves down the tree line to a
spot directly across from the wagons.

"That's affirmative Rob I got 1.5 prisoners, I've decided to leave the spare
change here. I need you or Sylvie to have a bandaid ready though I got
nicked a little bit."

Robert notices the ville inhabitants become quite studious of the noise to
the west, actually interupting there violence to watch the dirt and smoke
waft from the tree tops to the west.

Shortly after the explosion, Chet stumbles out of the western tree line with
a
prisoner. He walks behind a badly limping man, his arms bound tightly behind
his
back. Chet occasionally gives him a shove of encouragement with his rifle
butt.
The man stumbles, but surprisingly, does not fall. Robert walks out to meet
Chet
and the prisoner. Rob notices that the prisoner has a knife buried deep in
his
leg and several missing teeth. Chet looks bloody and bruised and looks like
he
also took his share of lumps; a baseball sized knot on his forehead, a slash
across his right eye and his knuckles are badly cut. Chet shrugs his
shoulders
as Rob takes a long hard look at him.

"Hey Chet? Are you alright, man?"

"Yeah Rob I'm ok, You know I was a trooper for 8 years, being polite to his
kind. Now who's to tell me to be humane to the inhumane. Felt good to beat
the crap out of him. It's his bad luck to be the cork in my bottle."

"I know how you feel. I was a Texas Ranger for a couple of years. Mostly
workin'
with the company stock, but I was in the field too. Do you feel up to
grabbing
one more for questioning? We got 3 volunteers down by the wagons."

"Sure, but how's DJ?"

"He took a round through the wrist. Clean wound though, no broken bones.
Sylvie's fixin' him up. He should be OK."

"Ouch. OK, let's go round up the trash."

Robert takes charge of the prisoner and marches him towards the V. Once they
near the V, he puts the man on his knees, ties a rope around his arms at the
elbows and throws the rope over a handy tree limb. The prisoner gives a
painful
grunt as the tension the rope increases and pulls his arms up towards his
shoulders. Figuring that the rope is tight enough to keep him off balance
and
uncomfortable, but not enough to cause any real pain, Rob ties it off to the
tree trunk.

Armstrong picks up his rifle and prepares to go over to the wagons with
Chet. As
they start off, the radio squawks and Ray's voice is heard over the speaker.

"Team one this is base, we are back to original position, please report your
condition, over..."

Rob returns to the V and picks up the mic.

"Charlie papa seven one one, this is Doc Doolittle, over..."

"Team one this is base. We are back to original position. Go ahead Doc.
over..."

"Roger base, I have a SITREP for you. Looks like we stumbled across a band
of
thugs raiding a co-op farm of some kind. DJ has been wounded in the wrist,
not
bad. He is ambulatory and conscious, vitals are good. Don't worry too much.
Chet
is a little banged up. Sylvie and me are fine. We count 6 bad guys dead, 4
wounded. One of those is a prisoner. Over.."

"Roger team one. We were going to recover CTC, but no joy. Will have to wait
for
CTC. Do you copy? Over..."

"Ray, this is Chet. Tell Maura it's just some scratches and bruises. And she
ain't sticking that Chinese shit in me. Over..."

"Base, Doc again. We will try to capture one more prisoner for questioning.
Maybe talk to the locals here if it looks safe. They're pretty riled up.
I'll
try to talk them out of a horse or two. That trash won't need them any
more."

"Great, roger the horses. What is the status of three-eleven? Over..."

"Base, three-eleven is still unrecovered. We are about 2-4 hours out."

"Roger. evaluate recovery of three-eleven and caches when more info is
obtained."

"We copy base. Any other instructions?"

"Do not engage any others 'til we link up. Do I need to repeat? Over.."

"Negative, Ray. Quiet as a mouse from here on out. Sneakin' and peekin'."

"A-firmative, sneak and peek. Take care of you wounded commander, will talk
again at 2000 hours. Over..."

"Roger base, radio check at 2000 hours. Team Doolittle over and out."

Rob picks up his rifle and adjusts his web gear.

"Chet, let's get ready to go again in a couple minutes. Sylvie, DJ? Can you
watch that prisoner?" Robert Raises his voice a little so the prisoner can
over
hear, "If he tries to run off, don't screw around. Just shoot his ass. We
can
always find another one of them."

Robert and Chet approached the woodsman by the barn looking down at him just
as he expired, spitting up blood and portions of his innards. As they made
they're way over to the other two by the loot pile they notice the town has
finally taken note of they're presence. "easy Chet" Robert breathed as a
group of 12 or so males and boys some armed with the woodsman's rifles
others with knives, axes and farm equipment. All semi dressed in what
appears to be Native American buckskins and shirts, clearly all of Indian
decent.
"Take them Chet I'll watch these guys." Robert said.
Chet slings his rifle and grabs both men by the collar and drags them
towards the V, one severely wounded in the shoulder the other missing a
portion of his shin.

The crowd watches anxiously, eyes darting from the woodsman to Roberts as
they approach. At 50 meters the lead man yells "nata hiy, nata hiy!"
"Great" Rob thinks "Take it easy we only want to talk to them before you
do." The lead man holds out his arms to stop the approach of the others.
"English?" as he looks at Rob quizzically.
"Yes, English. American, Texan." He says with a grin.
"English, yes" the man responds with some difficulty.
Moving closer he takes note of Roberts patches on his uniform, "Merrow?
Teekany chee Merrow?"
"Holy shit" Rob almost blurts out.
"Yes Moorow" Rob repeats emphasizing the "O" sound.
The man looks at Rob surprised but not alarmedly. Looking back at the crowd
he says, "Huntok MooRow denateeta" a buzz goes through crowd.
"Hey guys, they know the Project here" Rob mumbles into his 68 mic.
Sylvie and DJ stare at each other in surprise "How the.." DJ starts to say
as Sylvie puts away her Medkit and DJ hefts up his rifle again. Sylvie
taking quick appraisal of all prisoners needs removing the knife from where
Chet had put it in his prisoner.
Chet moves back beside Rob again.

"Yoo arr ellcum ere" the lead man stutters as he points to the ground at his
feet. "Church?" he says gesturing up the street into town.
"Church?" Rob reply's "Church" the man says with acknowledgement.
"Alright" he says holding up his hand to pause, "Chet your with me, Sylvie
you and Deej stand-by to bug out if this goes bad. We're going to church."

Sylvie leaves the wounded prisoners and gathers DJ to man the V, Sylvie at
the wheel and DJ topside on the .50 cal after buttoning up. "We're set Rob"
Sylvie reports.

Rob, Chet, the leader and a few of the men he did not immediately scatter
with other directions proceeded up the street. Rob assesses the body count
of the woodsmen they must have been over a dozen of them. There are several
people crying over two of the fallen villagers on the left side of the
street and another huddled crowd to the right near where the woodsman had
been levitated. "Levitated!" a fire cracker popping in his mind, "the guy
levitated!" Rob thinks, so hard he actually pauses. "Something wrong Rob?"
asks Chet.
"the man he levitated, floated flew?" Rob says gesturing at the leader.
Nodding his head "yes, kitangee sykik?, gifted?"
"Psychic? What's he talking about Rob?"
Robert explains the scene when the woodsman levitated. "Shit" Chet remarks
looking about with a new urgency. Sylvie and DJ looking at each other
puzzled as they listen to Roberts's description.
They pick up the young man and start to carry him into a near by house. "Do
you need a doctor?" Robert asks. "Doctor?" he asks in return with a
surprised look.. "uh oh" Rob thinks for a moment before the man ask
"doctor?" pointing at Rob. "Yes" Rob reply's pointing at himself and back
towards the ambulance. "doctor?" the man asks, holding up a finger on each
hand. "Yes" Rob says nodding his head.
"heel kitangee wen to church." He comments while motioning with his hand
back up the street.
Robert explains using hand gestures and slow English that the other doctor
can look in on Kitangee while they go to church, the idea is greeted with a
enthusiastic affirmative. Rob calls Sylvie and tells her to grab a Medkit
and come on in, leaving her and Chet at the house with Kitangee, after quick
introductions. They are hustled to the bed side of Kit-tangee. After the
explanation of their being doctors the villagers look on in awe, almost
reverence.

After leaving Chet and Sylvie, Rob proceeds with the group to the church.
Here the leader asks Rob to wait outside while he goes inside to get someone
named Hano.

Several minutes later he immerges with an elderly man. His native dress
adorned slightly more elaborately with feathers and beads.
"You are Morrow?" he asks in very good but heavily accented English.
"Morrow Project yes, my name is Robert Armstrong" Rob says holding out his
hand which the elder takes and grips with a strong hand.
"My brother is almost gone. It is clearly the work of the Great Father that
you come now. He must see you, but know he is weak and needs your kindness
and comfort but do not allow him to grow to tired. Please."
"Alright I won't stay long" he reply's with a nod.
"Thank you. I must say that no weapons are allowed in church, my brothers
rule."
Rob obviously pondering the idea of leaving his weapons outside is assured
by the elder they will be safe Renok will watch them. Then barks out an
order that makes the man that lead them here acknowledge.
Rob uncomfortably leaves his weapons at the door after asking Chet to join
him and briefing the team. At DJ's suggestion the V is brought through town
to the outside of the church.
"Ok lets go meet your brother" Rob says. The elder leads Rob into the
church. The pews are scattered and some fixtures broken, clearly the church
was ransacked by woodsmen.
Near the front where the alter stood, it is moved aside, revealing a
trapdoor in the floor.

Rob is ushered down into the cellar. Well lit by candles the room is
furnished on the wall is a crude painting of several persons in coveralls in
front of what looks like a Ranger 4x4. A Stoner Rifle is propped in the
corner. On the bed is a man looking to be in his 50's. Around at his side
is a small child and two young women, who are asked to leave, in English, to
allow you to talk Meeho.
They leave as the elder provides a chair for Robert at Meeho's bed side. As
Robert sits the man stirs and turns his head towards Robert.
"Doctor Livingston I presume?"
Robert reply's shakily, "Robert Armstrong, Medical Veterinary team U97" he
says offering his hand. "Michael Gusser, Medical team U7. Glad to meet you
Robert."
The hand shake is only a touch, no strength is present.
"How long have you been here Mr. Gusser" Robert asks of his elder. "Mike
please, I haven't been Mr. Gusser in over a century" he says breaking into a
toothless grin. Rob nods an OK. "We awoke 20 or so years ago. South of
Charlottesville. 4 of us." Mike pauses to catch his breath. "Gary,
Mohammed, and Marsha. Fugees killed Mohammed and took Marsha. I haven't
seen Gary since the day we killed them staters near Ronoke.." Mike again
pauses. "I promised your brother I wouldn't keep you but there is so much I
want to know Mike. Are you well enough to wait till morning?" wincing as
soon as he says it, realizing the crassness of the question.
"Sorry Mike"
Smiling and reaching his hand out which Rob takes again. "That's OK Robert.
I must look a mess" they both smile together.
"Do you have a good church goer with you Rob, someone with a Bible?"
"Chet's usually reading the book, yeah I think so Mike."
"I won't last more than a few weeks Robert, I'm tired. You promise me a
church burial with words read and I'll try to stick round long nuff to
answer your questions. Deal?"
"Deal Mike."
"Good now you run along, or else Bruce won't let you in tomorrow."
Rob pauses while rising, "Bruce?"
Near laughing, "he gave up his tribal name to be my brother, said I should
pick him a name. It was the best I could come up with."
"Good choice Mike, he obviously loves you."
"He's a good man Robert, now go for his sake I'll see you in the morning."
"See you the Mike, rest well."

As Robert appears from the church and sees Chet, he is overcome with his
question and chokes back some unexpected tears. "You any good with that
Bible of yours Chet? Know some real pretty words?"
"It's full of pretty words Rob, why?"
"Your gonna have to do some real pretty reading here sooner than I'd like."

Robert gathers Sylvie after she has made her patient comfortable. Rob
gathers his team together and the are together when he reports into Ray.
Telling how they found team U-7, Mike, some people named Fugees and Staters
are about and they can't talk to Mike again till morning.
Ray rogers for the report and says they'll head out as soon as the contact
team gets back tomorrow. Rob and ray say their good-days.

~

Ray looks at Alec, "we will have to try to find them
and find them fast. Look around Alec, do we look like
the cavalry or a dead whale to the rescue? At least we
know the general location of Rich and Martin and pray
that its within a 10 mile radius."

Alec eyes grow large, taken off guard by the scathing exchange, "Hey man,
you wanna go find Martian and Rich fine, but if anything happens to
Sylvie..." backing away from Ray, Alec turns and heads for his spot at the
wheel of the 300. "Lets go find us a needle people!" he yells as he
settles in behind the controls.

V-300 and hummer head Northeast towards Franklin.

~

Martin looks toward Rich," Damn It's quiet out there. I wonder if
something has gone wrong."

Martin while walking about discovers a root cellar and pantry stocked with
canned goods
(Mason Jars).

While examining the area Martin is collecting all metal found and
making a pile. "Hey Rich.
If we find a smith any metal will be of value, so I started a pile by the
barn."

Martin applies himself for over an hour. Finding tools and tack in the barn.
Pots and pans in the house. A Iron pump head and manual farm tools about.
Some toys, 3 rifles, 2 still loaded, 2 pistols loaded, a shotgun loaded.
(ammo long since ruined but the tamped powder came out in a wad). Horse
shoes, buckles, barrel rings etc all right where it was left.

Rich's eyes continuously scan the area. His shotgun following his eyes, ever
moving. He inspects a the few bodies for wound types (slashing, bullet
wounds,
etc).
He finds they have no unusual marks on the skeletal remains. However the
parts are obviously scattered.

He inspects the make of the firearms, possibly determining a year model
for one or two.
One beat up old bolt action with three useless rounds in it, the breach had
to be
"tapped" a few times to get it open. A revolver with five useless rounds.
Three
muzzle loaders, two rifles and one shotgun. both rifles were loaded.

Gravitating back toward Martin:
"Hey Marty, how old do you think this place is? A few years at least for
this
level of decomposition and rust of the metal.
The decomposition and over growth of the bodies and structures does not
appear inconsistent.
But why are all the weapons still here? Wouldn't bandits or marauders take
at least the ammo? Keep your eyes open. We don't want any surprises. And
hey, have you gotten anything over the radio yet? I've only gotten static so
far. Hmmm, might be
atmospheric or something."

Rich goes back to checking the farm out. He tries to determine what was
actually farmed there (chicken coops, fields, animal pens, etc)
Basic subsistantance farm it appears, veggies, milking apparatus (buckets
and stool), chicken coops (destroyed), hog pens (destroyed) etc.

Martin looks around. " Two years or so. My Guess. Consistent with what he's
seen in his travels abroad.
As to the weapons there are a few possibilities.
One, they where left to make a point. They had these and still died. Two,
animals mutant or otherwise.
Three, humans that are so primitive or non thinking that they do not see
the weapons as having value. Or four, some group that has a grudge
against the use of technology. From there the possibilities are almost
endless. Just does not add up yet, If they where left as a sign I would
expect them to be placed more prominently. If animals I would expect mass
killing to be due to predators who should have drug off there kills.
There is also a chance of some fast killing chem. or bio hazard that
strikes. Like a bio rain instead of acid rain that only shows up
at random"" times catching people and animals off guard..... Now that I
have become the bearer of great cheer. How about we go look in that barn
over there."

" Hey Rich,so what is the plan? Stay here tonight then back
tomorrow? Or do we start to circle
tomorrow and plan to spend an three nights out? Tonight , tomorrow, then
back? What you think if we circle would you like east to west?"

Rich crouches by a window with his weapon in his lap. Not turning his
vision from outside, he replies to Martin in a hushed voice.
"I think we need to scout more of the area than just this far. We can't tell
much from the farm. This could have been a chem attack, or fighting after
the collapse. We need to get eyes out though. I'm starting to think this
wasn't best idea in teh first place either. We should be the lead element
for the others. At most a mile or two ahead. Right now if we get in
trouble, we're screwed. We have no support and no way of communicating with
the others. We should recon in force first and then move in with the PCK
gear and meet the locals.. We're just too vulnerable out here alone."

"Well PJ's are good at going to ground if needed and I think you are
too." Martin says with a smile. " What I can not figure out is that all the
dead are in the open no one hid.... Strange. So In the morning how about we
start a clockwise circle
back."

~

Ray after an hour on the road reconsiders his move out from base camp.
Running the pro's and cons in his head he orders Alec and Maura to a halt.
The Contact team has no radio's, if they take a different route than the
road they could miss each other returning to camp, the only one with him
that was on the recon (Alec) isn't in agreement with the move out. Pro's
one, IF he can find Martin and Rich he can respond westward. IF. "Alec take
us back to the Stop-n-Rob, Maura we're going back."

After returning back to the CP (ie the 7-11), Raymond goes
on the radio, "Team one this is base, we are back to
original position, please report your condition,
over..."

Maura gets out of the HUMVEE stretches and moves over to The V300
"Okay now what boss she asks? Do we wait or what?"

~
~

As night falls Rich and Martin retreat to the relative safety of the
farmhouse having buried those who fell here and roughly inventorying the
farm equipment and personal effects. Nothing either could think of was
missing. Food, fuel (wood), personal effects, tools and live stock were all
here.
A total 3 female (2 small) and 4 male (1 small 1 young teen) were
dismembered and roughly scattered about the house and yard. 7 other bodies
marginally better preserved were semi intact having either wounds to the
head (5) or missing their heads entirely (2).
Martin and Rich take turns on watch. Not entirely sleeping but resting
adequately they wake and prepare to move-out.
"You want to make a circle back or head on in Rich?" asks Martin as he
prepares his gear.
"Let's head back Martian we're to exposed out here and out of communication.
We'll head back and try again with better planning."
"Roger that Rich" both men hoist there bags on there back and head out for
the 7-11.

~
~

Ray didn't quite sleep. He rested his eyes several times but the thought of
Martin and Rich out there in the unknown, and the rest of his recon team in
a fire fight a hundred miles west was to much for his constitution. He
paced a path around the 7-11, stopping only long enough to convince Alec or
Maura he was turning in once they we're sleeping he would return to his
routine. Alec noticed him pull the same trick on Maura he used on him,
"Calm down Ray if they we're in trouble we probably would have heard a shot
by now. They're fine just hunkered down for the night." Said Alec from the
roof of the 7-11. Ray looked up "I hope your right Alec."
The next morning Rays pacing carried him up the road north a little farther,
barely visible from 7-11 roof as he stretched out towards the contact team.
Around 10 o'clock.
"Alec their here, their fine." Ray transmitted.

Alec calls down to Ron and Maura they better prepare to saddle up.

As Ray meet the two scouts, he radio back to the 7-11.
"Alec their here, their fine." Ray runs towards the two
men and said, "boy we missed you, dumb of me not making
sure you guys have a radio, hurry lets get back to the
7-11 so we can join with the other team. Oh, you know
they have had a firefight, I will tell you all about
them later, so you can tell me all about your
adventures." Ray rambles as he heads towards the 7-11.

Martin yells "Hey Mocha did Ya miss us?" smiling. While dropping his gear
"Has Su changed yet?"

Maura replies " I did oddly enough. We are like a family or becoming one any
way. As to Sue Lin no change I am afraid she is still connected up to all
the drips and she is
making steady progress would be my guess."

She continues "Okay lets see what this brave new world has to offer us shall
we." rummaging through her gear. "Wish I had some carpenters music though.
Feel like something soft and gentle today". Maura looked around as she and
everyone else prepared to leave.

Rich changes back into his BDUs and armor before climbing in. Once inside he
secures his weapons and ammo and plops down in the comm. seat. He taps Ray
on the leg and leans toward him to talk over the noise of the vehicle.

"Ray, we didn't see to much out there. Really didn't cover enough ground.
We found one farm house, with bodies all over the place. All either wounded
in the head or the head was missing. Thing is not a damn thing was missing
from the place. Every weapon, bullet, food item, etc was sitting right
where it was left. At first I thought it might have been a chem. hit from
the war, cause the remains are old and all living things are dead, but then
we saw that they were all killed from wounds. Really odd. I'm thinking it
might have been a ritual killing, or maybe they were all diseased with
something and that's why none of the belonging were missing. Otherwise I
don't know. If we do this again, we need the whole team as back up, only a
few minutes away at most. We were secluded out there. In fact, I suggest
an armed foot recon of a region before a contact team moves in. The whole
point of the team is to make contact not scout. Have an armed patrol recon
an area first and then slip out and send in the contact if need be. We
didn't even have the right equipment out there. And Ray, this is the last
thing I have. Why did the medical team leader go on the recon? You have
military experience. And why did they patrol out while we were gone? Our
only safety is in what little numbers we have. My recommendation as
security chief is to maintain the three vehicle column unless one vehicle is
out ahead a mile or two on recon. Otherwise lets not split the group like
this again. I don't see it gaining us anything. Well, that's it from me. I
didn't get much rest last night. I'm going to crash for a bit. Wake me if
y'all need anything."

Rich flashes Ray a quick smile with a thumbs up and leans back in his seat,
crosses his arms and dozes off for a bit.

"I realized my mistake Rich. From now on regardless of
situation, you contact guys will carry a radio. Well
get some rest you might need it when we reach Robert."
Ray turns to Martin, "you too Martin."

~
~

The next day Bruce comes to get Robert so he can talk to Mike. As he gets
ready Ray reports they are on their way having picked up Rich and Martin.

Robert heads off to talk to Mike.

"How is Mike doing this morning, Bruce?", Rob asks. "If there is anything he
needs, tell me or one of my people. We'll do all that we can for him."

"Your concern glads my heart Robert, Meeho is like child since you spoke
last." Bruce replies.

He picks up a canteen cup with some scalding hot coffee and they set off for
the
church. When they get to the church, Rob clears his sidearm and hands it to
Bruce. Then he enters the church and goes down to the cellar. He knocks on
the
door frame and peeks his head in..

"Good morning, Mike." Rob smiles. "I brought you a cup of coffee. It's
instant,
but it's all we have. I didn't know if you had any here in the village or
not."

"How are you feelin' buddy? Hope you slept good."

"I had thought of the same for you." says Mike.
Robert notices a metal pot of what smells like chickory, he offers tobacco
which Robert declines. The women and child seen the previous evening arrive
with food. Robert is brought a bowl of what looks like potato chowder which
is quite good.
"Your team is being taken a pot also, so eat up."
Robert and Mike pass what seems like an hour over soup, with hard biscuits,
tea (with ice), and fritters and jam. Mike asks about the world after '94
and surprised at how little changed. Robert can't remember who won what
games but he knows Alec has a sports almanac and can find out for him.
Mike asks where they've been since wake-up and seems disappointed when told
just a week has passed.

"Then you've seen no one save who you've seen here?" Mike asks Rhetorically.
"It is a true blessing that you have stumbled in here then."

"First the bad news, there is no Prime. We had an active radio watch for
about 8 years and never heard a peep. The fact we awoke so late was bad
enough to find no Prime was very disconcerting. Then over a decade passed
and we saw no sign of any other teams, I'm afraid it wore on our team unity
over time. That's how the Fugees's were able to get the drop on Mohammad
and Marsha. Marsha had ridden out to talk Mohammad into returning to our
camp. You see Marsha and I had grown intimate and she was pregnant with our
child about a month or so. Mohammad felt like a third wheel and Gary was
never around at that point anyways. So he up and built a cabin back toward
Emporia. The Fugees skinned him and nailed him to the cabin. They took
Marsha we supposed, we never found a body. Gary and his boys took after
them, sure enough. Caught them up around McKenny near Fort Pickett. Garry
had bitten off a bit to much and was about to get slaughtered had not the
Federates had a patrol out that way and since they didn't much like the
Fugees either the helped Gary cut them to pieces. They rarely come this far
south anymore except in the winter."
Mike rambles on about the members that died in cryo and how they had lost 2
caches to nature. Where the Rangers got stuck 10 years ago and he bets
there still there, "Gary took the reactors out of them and was using them
for his boys."
"Good thing Gary thought of that troop. I think it was an ego thing but
Gary never had a bad idea that I knew of." Mike said.
"I sure do miss Gary. It would be terrible not to be able to see Gary
before my time. I haven't seen him since we burned out the Staters up by
Roanoke. Damn cowardly snipes them Staters, but they where armed well.
Gary's boys pounded them all of 3 times before they went back towards
Sulpher Springs. They were certainly well versed in retreat when Gary got
done with them."
Mike snorts as he refills Robert and he with Blackberry tea.
"Shame is if they come back it'll have to be through here again. South is
the Creek Nation and North is the Fugees. I just don't think the Federates
care enough about this area to stay if it got contested, even if they could
muster enough to fight. Surely the Nation won't give any help to these poor
breed towns. Shame though they're almost all real fine people Robert."
"Ok Mike so that's the Bad news, what's the good?" Roberts says with a
smile.
"Good? Well, we haven't seen any dead in quite awhile 2 or 3 years I think?"
Mike looks off as he sips his tea.

"So Mike, I noticed that the people of this village are of Indian heritage.
Are
they part of the Creek Nation? How far does the Nation extend? "

"They're 'Natoyah' or half breeds, I'm not quite sure reason for so many of
them. There's 4 villages of near 50 or so. Braves just show up and drop
them off. Strange. Been like that the 9 years I beem hear but I'm to
crippled to go investigate."

"Does the nation take captives in battle? Women, children? Like back in the
early 1800's. I've read thing like that happening back then.

Rob takes a sip of tea and waits for Mike to answer.

"Also who were them no-goods that we tangled with yesterday? Are they Fugees
or
Staters or just plain wandering trash? We got 3 prisoners that we aim to
question. Maybe you could help with the right questions to ask. I promise
you,
they will talk to us or they can talk to your people. I don't think they'll
like
the way Bruce and the others will ask the questions."

"I don't think they'ed be Staters they would have had to get threw Gary's
boys. No this is a new bunch of trouble been around a year or so. Usually
after the weather's been particularly harsh they come raiding. Some of the
Natoyah say they have column of a hundred or so mounted whites, which means
anything but indians. It may have been bad what you did here today. If
that column finds out."

"As far as we can tell. I don't think any of them got away. Unless they had
a
spotter or a lookout, I think the chances of them knowing aren't too high.
If
we're lucky that column may down to about 90 men. The rest of our team is on
the way if it makes a difference. 2 vehicles, 4 men, 1 woman, 1
incapacitated
due to cryo problems."
"Are you on good terms with the Creek Nation? If things went to shit, could
we
get any help from them?"

"The Creeks are unpredictable, they have one focus "the Creeks" anything
not good for the Creeks is crushed. With that kind of system it would be
kind of hard to avoid trouble.
They don't dicker, they don't negotiate, no treaties or deals. They figure
the whites screwed them but good the last time and they are determined to be
on the upper end next time. Or atleast not let there be a next time. I can
't really say as I've heard of them looking for trouble where it wasn't
called for."

"What's the story with Gary and his folks? Why did he wander off anyway? I'm
not badmouthing Gary or nothing, just curious."

"I think Gary liked Marsha also. When it looked like she and I were
intimate was when he left. "To many Adams in the garden he said" I'm sure
thats also why Mohammed left."
Pausing to catch his breath.
"Gary went north and bought him a Roanoke bride, actually worked his ass
off for her. Him and some boys started a Civic league of sorts going around
building wells and cisterns, grain mills and saw mills, teaching and
delivering mails. His was the only organized group when the Staters came in
about two hundred riders and wagons. Started tearing up the place taking
slaves and taxes. Gary fought'em Summer to Summer few years back. Whittled
them down considerably till they had a last stand outside Roanoke. Gary
used to be a "Tanker", preached "Fire and Manuever" slaughtered those
bastards. Captured nearly their entire train. No more than a few dozen
stragglers may it past Sulfur Springs."

"I know that I'm wearing you out with all of these questions. If you need to
rest, we can talk this afternoon or something. Can I ask you something? I
realize that it may be kinda personal, but what's ailing you?"

"I'm just tired Robert" patting his hand. "I been away from my people so
long, and missing Marsha so. I've never been so happy in my life as when
you and yours showed up. Thank you for that."

~
~

After spending the better apart of the morning with Mike Robert comes out of
the church to find it snowing a light powder which is sticking, around noon
Robert heads back to the ambulance to check on the troops.
DJ is on security on top of the V, parked next to the church. Sylvie has
bee carrying for the four prisoners, one of which may not make it another
day. Chet found some shackles in one of the wagons and they have chained
them up in the first barn. They have blankets from their wagon and some
furs but the lack of heat in the barn is taking its toll.

The prisoners are part of the trapping company of Ton Parkins. Parkins
group travels about trapping furs for sale, and humans for auction. Mostly
up in Kentuck. Prisoner 1 named Karl has a nasty chunk of his upper left
arm removed but is resting comfortably after smoking two pipes of cannabis
that Bruce brought at Sylvies request.. Karl appears to be over 30 believes
he may well be and has been with Parkins 3 seasons. Prisoner 2 is a young
lad 19 or so named Bain, with a clean wound in the calf that will heal
nicely but may leave a limp. He just hooked up with Parkins this summer
with his friend Stanley (dead # 11) he had no idea they we're this awnry and
thought the stories were just camp talk for the most part. He appears to be
sorry and awful scared. He has been equally cooperative to Sylvies
mothering, he calls her Mam, or Chets looming, he calls him Sir.
Prisoner 3 is named Zed, or so Bain says, he may not make it. A nasty wound
in his thigh and several perforations in his torso. He has bled for the
most part continuously. Prisoner 4 has several facial contusions, possibly
a broken rib, and a hole in his leg where Chet left his knife. He has been
subdued since being in the barn. Looks threateningly at every encounter and
won't let Sylvie near him. He glares at Chet near constantly with a smirk
on his face. Bain isn't sure of his name and is reluctant to talk about
him.

The town folk have been gracious and shared their food with the team, which
though simple is quite good. They tell of how Mike arrived one day and
offered to help in return for shelter. He has been here doctoring, teaching
words and numbers and churching since then. He's delivered babies and
nursed fevers, even had his share of animal births and such. Mike has been
a true friend and all very sad he is sick. Mike had Bruce tell all the team
is family from far away like Mr. Gary who came by twice before. You are
most welcome.

Sylvie has made Kitangee comfortable. His head wound is not life
threatening but his head will take a day or two to settle. He slipped once
and called Sylvie "Ko-tosh" roughly equating to Angle, the women laughed at
her when she blushed.

Approximately 2200 that night the 300 and HUMVEE arrive at South Hill.
Being met by Chet and two other townsmen on horseback a half mile before
town. The horse fall in line behind the HUMVEE making use of it's
headlights. The men are wondrous of the machines.

Martin looks around, thinking, "Shit too big to guard well". Looking at
Maura " Hey
Mocha, pull over there so this gun can assist from a different angle." While
pointing to a location that the HUMMER's weapon will assist the V's.

Everyone dismounts and joins the staring contest with the locals that have
come out of their homes into the dark to see the newcomers.

Ray and Andy head for Robert and Chet to get a SITREP. Alec maintains a
watch in the 300 with Su so Doc can get out and about.

Maura dismounts and looks around. Looks like a Laura Engle Wilder book,
homes of clapboard and log. Shutters and out houses. Some glass.

"Begone, Mocha. Have fun and shine. Holler iffin you need an you
need another backup."

Maura playfully taps martin on the side of the face.
"The name is Maura .. I know you men have problem with women's names so
repeat it back to me! Maura."

"Ok Maura run along" Martin smiles.

"Okay ?" She smiles to show no offence is meant.

Maura uses the '68 to tell the group she is heading into the village
And grabs her load and heads down into the village.
She goes to find Silvia. Chet directs her to the barn. Maura notices Chets
I has been bandaged as have his knuckles and forehead. The reality of the
past days events hitting her, but Chets playful smile and manner is
comforting. A little.

Finding Sylvie in the barn guarding prisoners from a small stool. "Hi where
do you need me?"

"Oh, there's not a lot to do really. Just keeping dressings changed every
so often, and keeping an eye on them. I'd appreciate the company though."
<smiles>

"I understand you have a obstoperious patient.! Want to let me at him?"

"Obstreperous? Nah." Her eyes dart momentarily over the sulking man. "When
he feels bad enough he'll let up. It's not worth risking one of us getting
hurt trying
to treat him against his will. Had a North Vietnamese Colonel in recovery
once who wouldn't let me attend to his dressings post op, so I asked an
orderly to hold him down while I did, and the bastard bit him! So we just
let him stew and after a couple of days," <voice elevating just slightly>
"eventually the smell of the blood and pus festering in his wounds, got
so bad that he couldn't stand it anymore and let us treat him."

Having Maura there as a reason to talk. Sylvie ponders,
"This place reminds me a lot of the Nam in a way. Not much in the way of
amenities, but the people make due okay. Their biggest problem is the
human predators that plague them, trying to live off them like armed
parasites." She leans back against a support beam, still keeping an eye on
the prisoners, holding the M-16 comfortably. "That was the good part about
the Nam - why I went back. It really felt like I could help those people."
She half-grins, remembering. "I think this is the first time I've felt
that way since then."

Maura listens to what Silvia says and smiles.
"Fine by me you are the one in first so call the shots.
Ugg he bit the man when you tried to help him?"

Maura enters the casualty area, her eyes wandering around the patients.
he looks at the hard case and an amused smile cross's her face.
"Well keep hurting won't you?" she says to him.

He doesn't reply, just smirks at her.

She smiles at the others and checks them over speaking pleasantly to each
one
in turn.
She finishes off and heads for a corner where she can watch the room.
She gets out her flute and starts to play.

~

Robert waves to Ray and company as they pull into town.
"Good to see you Ray. Glad you made it safe. Here is the
rundown as of right now. We're in a small farming town, one of 4 in the
local
area. population is mostly mixed blood Indian. There is a man here in the
church
named Mike Gusser, some kind of doctor, I'm not sure what kind. Anyway he's
part
of a 4-man Morrow team that thawed out about 20 yrs ago. Due to age and
casualties they are pretty much no longer part of the Project. He's really
sick
now, terminal, and he doesn't have much time. I'm going to ask Ron to look
in on
him, but I don't know if it will help or not. He's answered some questions
and
helped explain the local situation a little. I'll arrange for you to talk
with
him tomorrow. Let's get inside out of the cold. I'll try to get these guys
some
hot food too."

"Good to see you too Robert, its been a long two days. You said hes part of
a four man team. Do you know if there are any other members left of that
team or is he the last one. Have they use all their cache? Do they have any
additional medical equipment?"

"There is one other member still alive, I think he's living out to the west.
Not sure exactly where. Mike could probably give us some details.
Caches? You got to be kidding. They've been out of cryo for 20 years. "

They walk toward the team billets and Rob continues with the brief, "We have
4
prisoners from the raiding party. One's just a kid, got in over his head.
He's
been cooperative and very polite. One is wounded so bad he probably won't
last
the night. One has a tore up shoulder, bad too, not fatal though, they been
keeping him stoned on pot for the pain. But this last sumbitch, he's really
salty, Chet beat the hell out of him and he still ain't said a word one.
Won't
let Sylvie near him to treat him. He's a real hardcase, the kid won't even
tell
us about him."

"Hmm, we might have to isolate them and interrograte them in earnest. I
think me and Chet will do the talking and see if we can get more out of
them. As for the hardcase, we might have to use creative methods. Oh, by the
way are they part of a larger group? Also what do you think of this village
as a staging area? Of corse we have to ask the locals first about that. We
still want to try to recover the 311, but lets wait a day and see where we
stand."

"The townsfolk believe that they are part of a larger group. Say that they
number around a hundred or so, minus their dead and the prisoners.
I would still keep the estimate at about a hundred. We haven't learned
anything about their location or gotten any more intel yet. That's got me
worried. "

"We might have to sent the scout team out on this. We might also consider
opening one of our caches with the AR7s to equip and train the locals, but
lets try to get more info from the prisoners and locals first."

That's where we stand, any questions?"

Ray spend sometime with Robert to exchange briefings
after telling Rich to set up watches and such. After
report time Ray tells everyone he has to think and
everyone not on watch to rest.
As he paces about the vehicles Martin calls him over to the HUMMER.

"Bossman, thirty sec of your time. " Martin moves over next to him.
"In your research tomorrow, check into the whole hospital thing.
I do not think it looks good for one still being around and not looted.If
not I would like us to Consider defrosting our last.... Before we get
distracted
elsewhere." Martin says softly then lets the leader go.

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